The Essentials

Entertain yourself with a Mad subscription.

It is around this time of year in Minnesota that the weather becomes one of the hottest topics of conversation!  And it seems like right now the big topic is how cold Minneapolis has gotten and how early the bitter cold has come!  It has been said that this could be one of the coldest winters to hit the state in years... Looks like I need to invest in some more sweaters and long underwear!  So how am I going to combat the cold weather that has creeped up on us so early (Yup, there has already been snow flurries)... check out my 5 cold weather must haves for 2013! 

1- A cozy sweater that looks great with leggings or skinny jeans! 

(Source and where to purchase) 

I have my eye on this one!  I thought it would be a great addition to my sweater collection and would be perfect for our trip up North in January!  I am also loving the red color that it comes in!  Christmas list? 

2- Clinique Dramatically Different Plus 

(Source and where to purchase)

As the weather gets colder I find my skin getting dryer and dryer!  The new Clinique Dramatically Different + lotion gives my skin just the right amount of moisture without being oily! 

3- EOS Lip Balm in Lemon Drop (fun happy color for winter)

Because nobody wants chapped lips!  And who can resist these cute little chap sticks! 

4- A cute scarf, hat and gloves combo. 

 Love the complete waffle cashmere set from Gap! 

(Hat, Scarf, Gloves)

Because I want to walk to work in style!  The coral color they have is so bright and cheery! 

5- And finally a good vest!  

(Shop JCrew)

In the winter I live in my vests and love layering up for extra warmth!  Thick cute cozy button down under a sweater and topped off with a vest!  Some inspiration here, and here, and here!  Easy, chic, warm and oh so comfortable!  

What are your cold weather essentials?

One Great Surprise

After a very long and dreary Monday morning (the weather here is just dreadful) I was extremely excited to find a little surprise had been delivered to my apartment... 

My copy of the new Cooking Light Cookbook

Lighten Up, America! 

Favorite American Foods Made Guilt Free 

This cookbook doesn't hit shelves until October 22nd so I was super pumped when I found out Cooking Light was sending all their bloggers a copy!!! 

The Cookbook follows Allison Fishman Task's (host of Yahoos! Blue Ribbon Hunter) as she travels across the United States on one mission... Learning about the most beloved foods in the United States, the history behind those foods and revamping our beloved recipes into nutritional powerhouses! 

This book is chalked full of fabulous recipes and pictures.  Think your mom's homemade apple pie, the fluffiest pancakes and many other beloved American favorites! 

I have already read the cookbook cover to cover (yes with a cup of tea and a warm quilt) and squealed with excitement at all the wonderful recipes and drooled over the amazing pictures!  

I have already made one recipe from the cookbook - check out this post for more about it (featured in the October Cooking Light Magazine)! 

I highly recommend checking out the new cookbook once it hits shelves!  You wont be sorry. I plan on sharing some new recipes from the Cooking Light Cookbook ASAP! 

Happy Wednesday! 

TC 10 Miler - A Race Recap and a New Personal Record

This past weekend was jam packed but I loved every minute of it!  There was cheering, family time and new accomplishments that were made  I had the honor/privilege of watching my sister and friend run their first ever 10K on Saturday and to say they did amazing is an understatement!

They knocked their goal time out of the water and came in 4 minutes faster than anticipated!  Talk about AWESOME!  So proud of them!  

For me race day was an emotional swirl.  Due to some hip issues I was unsure of myself and if I would be able to compete up to my standards. I didn't feel as though I had trained properly and  I was nervous that 10 miles would be to much!  To say I was anxious for race day and my results is a big understatement!

  I spent my entire Saturday night in visioning myself running victorious across the finish line and you know what I think that really helped!  I honestly cannot tell you much about the race because it is such a blur!  I can tell you it was the best race I have ever run, the weather was beautiful (sunny and the perfect running temp) the course amazing and my cheering section the best I could ask for (they even got to the race start an hour early with me, nerves got the best of me)!   It is hard for me to think that I signed up for the TC 10-miler lottery over 3 months ago,  not even sure if I would be selected to run! 

There are so many emotions that I felt as I neared the finish line and looked at my watch time.  I was relieved that I completed all 10 miles without walking and with no hip pain.  I was overjoyed and ecstatic because the run felt so amazing.  I was energized by the crowd and seeing my mom, sister and Derek right there at the finish line cheering me on and felt blessed that they braved the early and very chilly morning to cheer me on.  I felt accomplish and almost cried when a guy told me “Great finish, thanks for getting me to the finish line”  seriously those are the best words a runner could hear from a fellow runner.  And most of all I felt a since of pride that I could push my body that much to reach a goal I wanted with every fiber in my body!

Seeing my unofficial and official time just about brought tears to my eyes as I set a new PR for myself – coming in 2 minutes faster than my previous 10 mile time!  My new time and PR far surpassed my goal time that I was hoping for this race!

I still cannot believe that my stats are real and that I ran that well.  I don’t think I could have done it without the support and love from my family and friends!   

Official TC 10 Mile Stats: New PR -
 ** Side note I actually found my 10 mile training program that I had printed out and I wrote that my goal for this race was to shave a minute off my overall time!  I shaved off two! 

Chip Time: 1:17:59
Gun Time: 1:22:22
5 Mile - 39 min
Average Pace - 7:48
Age Group Place - 61 out of 1018 females (ages 22-29)

So with that my new years resolution has been completed.  But don't think that will be the end of my race running!  Check out a few more races I would like to do! 

Upcoming Races I would like to Run: 

Strive 10 miler (read about it here – the first 10 miler I ever did) - Taking places Nov 3rd - less then a month away!!

Minnitonka Half – May 2014

Grandma’s half – June 2014

TC Marathon – October 2014

Ever Changing

I have noticed as I have gotten older how my taste buds seem to be ever changing.  Foods I used to find absolutely revolting I know actually enjoy.  Such as brussel sprouts (this is one of my favorite brussel sprout recipes)

(source)
and blue cheese (I never understood as a child why someone would want to eat cheese with blue mold)! 

So this past Sunday when I decided to try a dish that featured eggs and a tomato sauce I thought two things... Why not, maybe I will actually enjoy the dish and two have I absolutely lost my mind? How could I think my taste buds would enjoy this eggy combination? You see eggs with any kind of red sauce whether it be salsa, marinara sauce, ketchup or hot sauce kinda gave me the creeps!  And now I was going to make a dinner that featured the two... together?  Yup...I may have lost my mind!  

Double Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

These bars were a total oops!  I set out Sunday night to make my favorite Chunky Peanut Butter Bars from Sally’s baking addiction and these bars were the outcome!  Let’s just say that with a shortage of a few ingredients and the fact that I was totally scatter brained… I was shocked when these bars actually turned out and even more shocked when they turned out amazing!!! 

They are thick, chocked full of peanut butter and chocolaty goodness and are just the right amount of sweet!  Perfect for breakfast, a snack or even dessert! 

Thick Double Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

Slightly Adapted from Sally’s Baking Addiction.

Makes 16 Bars

Ingredients:

1 Cup Peanut Butter

½ Cup Honey

2/3 Cup Flour

2 Cups Oats

1 Cup Milk of Choice

1 tsp Vanilla

1 tsp Baking Soda

1 Cup Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chips (Nestle has a variety of these) Butterscotch chips would be delicious too!

Directions:

1- Pre-Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine the honey and peanut butter in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. 

2- Add in your flour, oats, and baking soda.  Beat again with the electric mixer until combined. 

3- Add milk and vanilla and once again beat dough until combined. 

4- Stir in Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chips until just slightly combined. 

5- Press dough into a greased 9x9 square baking dish for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown! 

Cut into squares and enjoy! 

Check out these other delicious bar recipes! 

Cooking Light Oatmeal Cranberry Bars 

Peanut Butter Granola Bars - Savoring the Thyme 

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Granola Bars - Averie Cooks 

I hope you enjoy my baking mistake as much as I did!

Happy Friday! 

My 27th Year

This past Thursday I celebrated my 27th birthday... holy cow 27!  Hard to believe I am another year older!  My 27th birthday was celebrated to the extreme -I am talking a full week of celebrating!  A birthday dinner with my parents the week prior, a birthday brunch, a relaxing day of pampering, a romantic dinner with Derek and an extra long weekend spent in the Wisconsin Dells with Derek's Family! 

27 has started off with a bang and I am sure it will only get better!

On my birthday I like to look back at the things I have accomplished, the lessons I have learned and the things I am most proud of from the past year.  Funny how getting a year older always makes you reflect on where you have been, what you have been doing and where you are about to head!  I love that turning a year older always seems like a new adventure is about to begin and that you have no idea what the year has in store for you!  

So with that here are a 10 things that stuck out to me from my 26^th year!  Lots of great things from accomplishments, to lessons and  so many things to be thankful for!

1-      I am proud to say that moving home to Minnesota and living on my own was one of the best decisions I have ever made.  I can say that in full confidence now. 

2-      I am proud that  I am going after my dreams and not letting anything hold me back.  It is amazing how a little hard work will get you a long way.

3-      I am proud to say that I have finally run 13.1 miles.  Running my first marathon with Derek by my side was both a huge accomplishment and a goal of mine and in my 26^th year I did it! Am I crazy enough to train for another?  Maybe!  Just wait and see!

4-      I am so thankful to have a wonderful supporting family, great friends and a loving boyfriend!  All of these people have made my 26^th year amazing and I couldn’t have gotten through it without you all!

5-      I am grateful for wonderful health and the ability to go out and do the things I love. 

6-      A big lesson I have learned is that I cannot control everything.  I am slowly learning to go with the flow.  Let what happens happen!   They always say that everything happens for a reason!

7-      I have learned that a little “you” time is not a bad thing. 

8- Still learning that comparing yourself to anyone will not get you anywhere!  I am hoping this will be a big lesson learned during 27! 
9- I have learned over the past year to not take time for granted - time moves to quickly!  I mean look how quick this past year went! 
10- And finally I am so thankful that I can look back on 26 and know that I lived it well!  I am looking forward to making 27 a year just as good as 26 if not better!  

Happy Monday! 

Fall is in the Air

Fall is in the air and I have to say that I am thrilled!  

The days are getting a bit cooler, I am once again energized by the crisp air on my morning walk, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back!  To celebrate the coming of Autumn I thought I would share some of my favorite fall inspired recipes!

Pumpkin Cinnamon Coffee Cake:

I adapted this recipe from a Cooking Light Coffee Cake Muffin!  It is by far one of my favorite brunch additions in the fall!

Fall means it is once again Chili weather!  And this is one of my favorite chili recipes!
Pumpkin Chili!  Use ground turkey if you don't like ground beef!

And because apple picking is one of my favorite things to do in the fall I had to share a few lovely apple recipes! 

My favorite fall dessert... apple crisp, these cinnamon apples, and these! 

Enjoy!