New Years Resolutions - 2013 Edition

Well it is that time of year again. 

Time to start fresh, and think about all the things we would like to accomplish in this New Year we have been given.  I find that I don't like to have one big New Years Resolution.  I like to have several - Some New Years resolutions that will stretch me, and others that will just hold me accountable. 

So without further blabbing from me, lets get on to my list of New Years Resolutions! 

1 - In 2013 I want to run a Half Marathon

and another 10 miler! I guess you could say I want to be fit in 2013!

Guess I better start training! 

2 - Read More - And well relax more too!   

Three Cups of Tea has been on my "Reading List" for a very long time! 

3- Drink a Green Smoothie 2-3 times a week! 

(Source) 

Here is to good health in 2013 - Still on this path to living a healthy life!

4- Pray More - I want to become stronger in my faith, faith needs to be at the for front of my life.  Not just an after thought. 

5- Blog More - I have been really slacking here!  I still love blogging - I just need to make time for it, and need to remember why I started this little blog!  

5- And last but certainly not least - Respect and Love others.  

I want to always think and consider the people that I love and care about the most, I never want to hurt them! 

What are your New Years Resolutions?

Hello 2013!

Hello Lovelies, and Happy New Year!  

Can you believe it is already 2013? I can't!

As a New Year begins, i always find myself looking back on the past year and my accomplishments. 2012 was a year of up's and downs, and many changes.   I moved home to Minnesota, got a job at a major corporation, and moved to the City to name a few!  

I ran a 5K, 10K, and a 10 Miler (bring on the Half Marathon), 

 (After my 10K) 

(My 10 Miler Time) 

Spent quality time with family and friends, 

and learned that I hold the key to my own happiness. 

I know there is a lot to look forward to as I move on into a New Year!  Here is to making 2013 just as good if not better then 2012!  

Stay tuned for my New Years Resolutions! Happy New Year Everyone! 

Popping in to Say Hello!

Hello Lovelies and Happy Wednesday! 

I just wanted to let you all know that no, I have not forgotten about my little blog or all of you!  Life has simply been moving way to fast! 

I feel like I blinked and it was already the middle of December!  How is Christmas a few short weeks away?   Do you have all your Christmas shopping done?  I just have a few gifts left to buy, otherwise I am done!  I have to say, I cannot wait to celebrate Christmas this year!  

This past Sunday I woke up to the most glorious thing!  A thick fresh white blanket of snow!  

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Minnesota! 

Minnesota was hit pretty hard this weekend by what they are calling Winter Storm Caesar (I guess we are naming blizzards now too)! 

More to move this week on what I have been up to, just popping in to say a quick 'Hello!'

Chilly - The Things I Heart

Yesterday morning I woke up to the swirling of snow flakes! 

Minnesota's first snow fall of the year! 

(Source) Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis 

It instantly made me wish I could sit curled up in my PJ's all day.  You know with a cup of hot chocolate (loaded with marshmallows) a good book and a cozy blanket.  Now that would have been the perfect day! 

So in honor of the first snow and the fact that the weather is getting much much colder I thought I would share a few of my favorite winter inspired things (the stuff I love as the weather gets colder)!  

1- Starbucks Christmas Cups

2- Warm pots of chili on the stove. 

I made a big batch of vegetarian chili on Sunday in my new Le Creuset Pot. 

Here are some of my favorite recipes:

Tempeh Chili - Peas and Thank You  - I got the recipe from her Cook Book 

Pumpkin Turkey Chili - All Recipes 

3 Bean Chili - Cooking Light 

3 - Hot chocolate in holiday mugs - extra marshmallows!  

(Source) 

Try these recipes: 

White Hot Chocolate - Martha Stewart

Red Velvet Hot Chocolate 

Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa - Martha Stewart 

4- Warm Fuzzy Mittens and Scarves 

5 - And last but not least warm cozy blankets to curl up in and watch the snow fall!

What are the warm winter things you love the most?

Get out There and Vote - And My 10 Miler Recap!

Happy Tuesday Lovelies!

And Happy Election Day! 

I have to say that I am excited Election Day is finally here.  I am getting pretty sick of hearing political campaign ads every other commercial! Does anyone else feel the same way?

Now all I am going to say about election day is that I do hope you all get out there and vote! 

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and their own vote - I am not going to sit here and try to talk anyone into anything! 

Just get out there and make your voice heard! 

I know I am! 

Anyways , thats enough on politics. 

The next thing I want to share with you all is something I am personally excited about. 

This past Sunday I ran my first ever 10 mile race! 

The Kowalski's Strive 10 Miler.  I mentioned the run back in this post - check it out. 

This particular race supported the Strive Foundation which helps local seniors in high school raise their GPA's, graduate from college and get scholarships to further their education.  100% of the races entry fees went to the Strive Foundation!  That is amazing! 

I was a bit nervous scared and excited going into this race.  I was excited for the challenge of running such a long distance.  But also nervous in the fact that this would be the longest race I had ever run... and I was running completely alone!  I had a fear that I wouldn't be able to make it the whole way. 

But you know what... I DID IT! 

(Mile 4.5 or 5, half way there) 

I ran the entire 10 miles! I didn't go into this race with any expectations, I think that is why I was so happy with how I did. My one goal was to simply run the whole thing - I didn't care about what my time was.  But I am pretty happy with my stats!  Check them out! 

I ran the entire 10 miles in 1 Hour and 20 Minutes. 

Here were my rankings: 

52nd out of 135

18th out of 68 Females 

and 

4th out of 14 in my age group! 

Pretty excited about those stats! 

The best part was I had Derek and my Dad there cheering me on the whole time!  It was amazing.  It was a great pick me up when I saw my Dad and Derek around mile 4.5 snapping pictures and cheering me on! 

(Post Race!)

Thanks guys! 

All and all I am still in love with running... bring on the half marathon training! 

Happy Tuesday All! 

What I Have Been Up To

Happy Tuesday Lovelies! 

I am sorry for my lack of blogging, it has been a crazy few weeks!

What exactly have I been up to since I haven't been blogging?

Take a look!

1 - Hiking at the beautiful Taylers Falls!

Beautiful weather, 

Beautiful scenery 

and hiking!  

2- Trying out new wine bars!

Domacin in Stillwater

Where I found a new Charles Smith Wine I had never seen before (Charles Smith is my favorite wine maker, the same Charles Smith who makes Kung Fu Girl)

Vino is Charles Smiths Pinot Grigio 

We also tried out a new wine bar in Minneapolis,  Toast!

Great atmosphere, fabulous wine selection and great small plates. 

3- Last minute training for my 10 mile race this upcoming Sunday! 

Check out my new running shoes! 

I switched from Asics to Mizuno, and I love them! 

4- I have been working a ton! 

5- And last but not least trying out new recipes! 

Like this delicious Spicy Corn and Chicken Chili - Delicious

Source: wholefoodsmarket.com via Hilliary @ Brunch and Cupcakes on Pinterest

What have you all been up to?

Friday Fancies - Chocolate Revel Bars

Happy Friday! 

I thought I would share a sweet treat with you this fine Friday, I am posting it just in time for possibly a little weekend baking!  This recipe doesn't take that much time, smells divine in the oven and has loads of gooey chocolate!  I made these sweet treats for my team at work, and my personal taste tester loved them too! 

The one thing I loved about this recipe was the ingredients list.  The ingredients are pretty basic, and I had all the ingredients on hand in my cupboard - which is always an added bonus for me!

Enjoy!

Chocolate Revel Bars 

From Better Homes and Gardens (love that site!)

Ingredients:

1 C. Butter

2 C. Packed Brown Sugar

2 1/2 C. Flour 

2 Eggs 

2 t. Vanilla

1 t. Baking Soda

3 C. Quick Cooking Oats

14 Oz. Can Sweetened Condesned Milk

12 Oz Bag Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips 

1 C. Chopped Walnuts ( I left them out) 

2 t. Vanilla 

Directions: 

1- Reserve 2 T. of the butter for later. 

In a large bowl cream together the remaining butter and brown sugar.

  

2- Beat in your eggs and 2 t. vanilla into the brown sugar and butter. 

3- In a seperate bowl combine your oats, flour and baking soda.  Mix till combined and slowly add the oat mixture into your butter/sugar/egg.  Stir well till combined and set aside. 

4- In a medium sauce pan combine the 2 T. butter you set aside along with your sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips.  

5- Cook until chocolate melts.  Remove from heat and add your 2 t. vanilla and chopped walnuts if using. 

6- In a 15 x 10 x 1 inch pan press about two thirds of your oat mixture into the bottom.  Now top your pressed oat mixture with your melted chocolate, carefully smooth the chocolate evenly over the oats. 

7- Using your fingers dot the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate. 

8- Bake for 25 minutes in a 350 degree oven or until the oat top is lightly browned.  Cut into bars and enjoy! 

Happy Friday everyone!