10.31.2013

Friday Things and Running Playlist (with Halloween Fun)

We made it through another year of Halloween!  I know I said that I'm not a big fan of Halloween, but I do love seeing the kids all dressed up and excited.  This was also the first year that my baby girl could coherently form the words "Trick or Treat" and had no fear going up to strangers to ask for candy.  That was super fun to watch.



Now that it's all over, time to celebrate and hop on my plane to Chicago!  Before I do, I must share my favorite annual Halloween video: Lewis Black on candy corn.



And some other Halloween tidbits from around the internet:




Last week I divulged my love for Paramore, and decided that, yeah, I could run to some Paramore - so I'm adding their latest and greatest to the playlist.

Still Into You by Paramore


Happy weekend!

2013 Playlist
Stay the Night by Zedd, featuring Hayley Williams
This is What it Feels Like by Armin vanBuuren
Pompeii by Bastille
Out of the Blue by System F
The Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi (Remixed by Steve Aoki)
Lose My Mind by Sebastian Ingrosso & Alesso
Better Off Alone by Alice Deejay
Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heroes
Mirrors  by Justin Timberlake
Wake Me Up by Avicii and Aloe Blacc
Hey Now by Martin Solveig
We Come Running by Youngblood Hawke
Take You Higher by Goodwill and Hook N Sling
Justice and Independence by John Mellencamp
Glowing by Nikki Williams
Easy  by Porter Robinson (and Matt Zo).
I Could be the One by Avicii featuring Nicky Romero
Pair of Dice by Tiesto
Ain't No Stoppin' by Ferry Corsten (featuring Ben Hague)
Come and Get It by Selena Gomez
Apollo by Hardwell featuring Amba Shepherd
This Head I Hold by Electric Guest
Castles in the Sky by Ian Van Dahl
Feel this Moment by Pitbull, featuring Christina Aguilera
Into Your Arms by the Lemonheads
Just Give me a Reason by Pink
I Love It by Icona Pop
Little Secrets Passion Pit
Sovereign Light Cafe by Keane, remixed by Afrojack
Clarity by Zedd
Years by Alesso
Something Good Can Work by Two Door Cinema Club
She Wolf by David Guetta, featuring Sia
Alive by Krewella
Illmerica by Wolfgang Garnter
Drowning by Armin van Buren
Give Me Your Hand by The Ready Set
Language by Porter Robinson
Cry for You by September
You Are My Diamond by Tiesto - featuring Kianna
Arguru - Deadmau5
We Are by Jus Jack & Oza, featuring Aeone

10.29.2013

My Latest Parenting Discovery (and Transformer Wedding Rings)

It's been awhile since I waxed poetic or went on a diatribe about the kids.  As they mature, many things have become easier.  Sure, some things are more difficult: the sass/talking back, from both kids, has grown exponentially over the last year or so.  But, mostly, I'd say the former holds true.  Watching my boy just beginning the 'big kid' years has been pretty darn cool.  Yes, watching him turn into a sponge at school, learning to read and write is fantastic.  But seeing the wheels of logic and reasoning turn in his head, seeing his pride in his schoolwork and sports, and seeing him grow into a person with independent thoughts and opinions is mind blowing.  

Sure, we still have a throwdown about something at least once a day.  This is usually the predictable result of a certain three year old charmer pushing his buttons.  Ohhh, little girls = master manipulators, plus little sisters will do anything to get big brother attention.  My kids are usually their best selves when they're on their own with me (or my husband) and not sniping at each other (shocker).  I've talked before about making an effort to spend one on one time with each kid.  For my daughter, this is the bulk of her days, obviously, only being away from me for six hours a week at preschool.  

I thought that this year, with my son being in school full day, that it would be harder to get that time with him.  But, we've still managed to have time for swimming and lots of fantastic quality time with soccer.  My husband and I take turns bringing him to practice, and sometimes games that are too early to drag the whole family out of bed.  Just the other day, when I was on early soccer game duty, he plopped himself down in my lap as I was reclining in my folding chair.  Something he probably wouldn't have been able to do if my daughter was at the game.  He rested his head on my shoulder, and I had a clear view of his profile as I wrapped my arms around him.  My eyes started to prickle and I could feel my throat closing up.  Just looking at the ever increasing spray of freckles across his nose, the roundness still in his cheek, his long eyelashes got me all verklempt

having a coffee date

Yes, he obviously benefits from this individual bonding time with me and my husband.  As I'm sure you can guess, my aha! moment (as Oprah would say) is that I really benefit, too.  It's like having weekly date night with my husband where we can just talk and enjoy each other and, essentially, reinforce how much we love each other.  After a week of back-talk, sniping with his sister, homework procrastinating, it's hard to remember the all-encompassing love I have for my big kid.  Being alone with him reminds me of how wonderful he is and it's like I regain my reserves of patience and tolerance with all the not-so-fun parenting stuff.  Which is a LOT of stuff.  

a picture he drew after a weekend where we spent lots of quality time together - I'm the one on the right, with eight fingers on each hand.  Apparently, he got the normal five...

When we're alone, I can just enjoy a quiet hug and love on him, plus I adore our conversations.  Lots of times he'll tell me stories of stuff going on at school that he doesn't get a chance to at the (chaotic, sniping) dinner table.  And most of the time he makes me laugh and want to squeeze him to death because he's so cute.  A favorite example:


Mom, you're ring is so SHINY.  Is it a crystal?
No honey, that's called a diamond.
Can I get one for Christmas?
Well, they can be rather expensive, I don't know if Santa would have enough money left for your other presents if he got you one.
Where'd you get your ring?
Daddy gave it to me when he asked me to marry him.
So, I'll get one when I get married?
I don't see why not - usually, though, you'd probably give someone a shiny ring - whoever you decide to marry.
Do you know who I'm going to marry?
Noooo, I have no idea.  But I can't wait to meet that person.
ME TOO! I can't wait!  Maybe I'll give them a Transformer Ring - you know, with an Allspark.  That'll be super shiny.


This conversation went on for quite awhile, but I can't remember the rest of it.  I wanted to write this down is so that I don't ever forget about Transformer Wedding Rings.  I can't wait to share it with his betrothed, whoever that may be.  I'm thinking this might not be the last of my kid-versations that I save here for posterity.





10.27.2013

This Weeks Eats 10.27.13 (and Pomegranate Raspberry Fizz Cocktail Recipe)

Saturday is my absolute favorite day of the week.  It's my 'sleep in' day - as much as I can, anyway, with the kids running in circles downstairs.  It's big brother's soccer game day, which actually ended this week.  I really came to enjoy those games and I'm already looking forward to next year (and at the same time I'm glad to have our Saturday mornings back).  And most importantly, Saturday is (as I've mentioned before) our at home date night of a nice dinner, a movie and drinks.  I really enjoy futzing with different flavors and making a yummy cocktail.  How I love all the fun flavors of vodka that are available now.  Watermelon! Pear! Whipped cream! Marshmallow! Espresso!  The list goes on.  I'm partial to raspberry and usually have it with lemonade, or make a raspberry lemon drop.  As the temperatures get cooler, I like to make pomegranate drinks - they seem more festive.  Is it Christmas yet??  This weekend, I paired my raspberry vodka with pomegranate juice, 7Up, a squeeze of fresh lemon and a splash of Chambord.  I thought I'd share my (very simple) recipe for what I shall call...





Pomegranate Raspberry Fizz!

1 part raspberry vodka
1 part pomegranate juice
7Up (or clear carbonated beverage of your choice) to taste
Splash of fresh lemon juice
(For an extra raspberry kick - add a splash of Chambord.)
(If you're feeling sassy, throw in some frozen raspberries.)

I've got another short week of recipes, as I'm heading out to Chicago on Friday (woooooooo hooooooo!) and will hopefully eat lots of hot dogs, margaritas from my favorite corner Mexican joint with my besties, yummy brunch with Oiselle teammates (yay!) and maaaaybe some pizza for the remainder of the week.

  • Monday - Slow Cooker Steak Chili (Trying this new recipe via Everyday Reading at Spoonful.  And yes, we're still having pizza - just on Thursday, as it's become a Halloween tradition/it's easier to answer the door when we're not actively cooking up dinner.)
  • Tuesday - BBQ Chicken Salad (a new Shutterbean Recipe)
  • Wednesay - Easy Angel Hair with Pomodoro Sauce (While the pasta cooks, saute garlic and onion with olive oil in a large pan, once they're softened add a 28oz can of whole San Marzano tomatoes and mash with a potato masher, season w/kosher salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper, cook about 15 minutes/until it thickens.)
  • Thursday - Happy Halloween Pizza 
  • Friday thru Monday - SWEET HOME, CHICAGO!
I'm linking up with Org Junkie, Mommy Run Fast and Jill Conyersbe sure to check out all the great weekly menus!

10.25.2013

Friday Things and Running Playlist

I revisited the site of my bobcat encounter, on a surprisingly awesome run today.  I kept my cool (and my pace) and nothing crossed my path.  Although, my heart rate might have told a different story.

Ahhh, it's that time of year for pumpkin patch visiting.  The baton has been passed from big brother (now that he's in grade school) and I'm now going with baby girl's preschool class.  



Three year olds are the CUTEST.  And also, the most INFURIATING.  But mostly the former.  I must admit, I'm not a big fan of Halloween.  Well, now that I have kids, I'm not.  There's just a lot of party, costume, crafting, decorating, carving, pumpkin-patch-visiting stress.  All of these things happen at Christmas, but I enjoy them.  Maybe because there's two weeks off of school around that time.  Or maybe I've just always been a Thanksgiving and Christmas person.  Like I said last year, Christmas invigorates me - Halloween tires me.  I don't agree with retail being all holiday themed before mid-November, but I just might have listened to a little holiday choir music while having my afternoon coffee the other day...

Anyway! Here's some really great internet finds from the week:



This will be the second song by Zedd on the playlist, but I think he's just so talented.  I heard him being interviewed on the radio the other day and he was talking about being brought up a classically trained musician, raised by two musicians and that he got into remixing by entering (and winning) a contest. this song features Hayley Williams who is bad ass.  I love her and I love Paramore.  Hmm, I think I already know what I'm going to add to the playlist next week.

Stay the Night by Zedd, featuring Hayley Williams 


Happy weekend!

2013 Playlist
This is What it Feels Like by Armin vanBuuren
Pompeii by Bastille
Out of the Blue by System F
The Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi (Remixed by Steve Aoki)
Lose My Mind by Sebastian Ingrosso & Alesso
Better Off Alone by Alice Deejay
Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heroes
Mirrors  by Justin Timberlake
Wake Me Up by Avicii and Aloe Blacc
Hey Now by Martin Solveig
We Come Running by Youngblood Hawke
Take You Higher by Goodwill and Hook N Sling
Justice and Independence by John Mellencamp
Glowing by Nikki Williams
Easy  by Porter Robinson (and Matt Zo).
I Could be the One by Avicii featuring Nicky Romero
Pair of Dice by Tiesto
Ain't No Stoppin' by Ferry Corsten (featuring Ben Hague)
Come and Get It by Selena Gomez
Apollo by Hardwell featuring Amba Shepherd
This Head I Hold by Electric Guest
Castles in the Sky by Ian Van Dahl
Feel this Moment by Pitbull, featuring Christina Aguilera
Into Your Arms by the Lemonheads
Just Give me a Reason by Pink
I Love It by Icona Pop
Little Secrets Passion Pit
Sovereign Light Cafe by Keane, remixed by Afrojack
Clarity by Zedd
Years by Alesso
Something Good Can Work by Two Door Cinema Club
She Wolf by David Guetta, featuring Sia
Alive by Krewella
Illmerica by Wolfgang Garnter
Drowning by Armin van Buren
Give Me Your Hand by The Ready Set
Language by Porter Robinson
Cry for You by September
You Are My Diamond by Tiesto - featuring Kianna
Arguru - Deadmau5
We Are by Jus Jack & Oza, featuring Aeone



10.23.2013

Latest Top Ten Trader Joe's Picks





As I was scarfing down this butternut squash and creamed spinach gratin, I realized that the last time I went on about my love for Trader Joe's was almost a YEAR ago!  Time to remedy that situation.  Of course, I'm still over the moon about my go-to products, I have every single one of those items in my house right now, but here are some current seasonal favorites and new staples I've added in the last year.




First off, I've got to address our pumpkin favorites:
  • Pecan pumpkin instant oatmeal is awesome, especially with some dried cranberries.
  • I've been putting this pumpkin butter into our pancake batter, on toast, waffles, and in yogurt.
  • 'This Pumpkin Walks Into a Bar' is a perfect seasonal take on one of the kids' favorite Trader Joe's treats.
Speaking of the kids:
  • These chocolate chip brownie and oat bars are practically a daily after school occurrence.
  • The task of having to make lunches every day has been made SO much easier by having these sliced organic apples at the ready.
  • Trader Joe's version of baked snap pea crisps are also a lunch staple, which I steal from time to time..
My new favorites:
  • I have been kicking myself for not buying the rice from freezer section of Trader Joe's.  Perfectly cooked, quick and no cleanup.  It makes having rice dishes, like a Yumm Bowl, so easy for lunch, too.  
  • the spicy peanut vinaigrette is also a nice shortcut for some of our favorite salads and, wait for it.. rice bowls!
  • I admit it, I like kale.  (But I don't talk about it: this post is hilarious.) I put it in soup, make salads with it and bake it into chips.  Having it chopped and bagged like this makes using kale so easy.  

Any new favorites that I'm missing or should add to my cart next week?  I love hearing Trader Joe's talk!

10.21.2013

Mustache Dache Coupon Code

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I'm running the Mustache Dache this year - yay!  I'm super pumped to run this race again, as they really put on a great event: it's on a Saturday (my favorite race day), it starts at 10am (extra sleep!), there's food trucks n' beer at the finish, and this year they're doing MEDALS.  



photo_m
pretty sweet

It's also for a great cause - to learn more about Movember, check out the website

Another reason I'm chomping at the bit to run this race?  I haven't run a 5K since the Valentine's Day Dash in February, and I haven't run one healthy/injury free since my PR well over a year ago, last June in Fall City.  Hopefully, I can get in a good spot at the start line that isn't too crowded and snag the sub 25 minute PR I know I totally have in me.  We shall see...

In the meantime - you, too, should run the Mustache Dache!  And I have a code for $5 off your entry to sweeten the deal.  Use code: BARIC13 or just click on this link and it will auto populate the code for ya.  Hope to see you there!


10.20.2013

This Week's Eats 10.20.13

This has been quite the year for being struck down with illness.  It's one of the reasons I hesitate to ever do a fall marathon, like Chicago.  I've had at least one knock-you-down cold every October for as far back as I can remember.  This year, I've been lucky enough to have at least two and they turned into lovely things like sinus infections.  Anyhow, it really messed up our meal plan last week because I either didn't want to eat at all, or couldn't because my throat hurt too much.  I ate a lot of soup last week.  A lot.  But, 'tis the season for soups and I was glad I froze individual leftovers of Minestrone when we made it for dinner a few weeks ago.


After I portion them out, I lay them flat in the freezer to take up less space.

I also hit up Panera for their very tasty vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup, along with a small cup of the mac and cheese (one of my favorite guilty pleasures). 

If you haven't tried Panera's mac, you haven't LIVED.

   Therefore, we have a couple repeats from last week, including the Thai Quinoa bowls that garnered a lot of interest - did anyone make them?  Plus, my husband has a crazy work week, so I'm planning a few meals on my own of stuff he doesn't like! So, yeah, pretty much the same stuff I always do when he's MIA.  I've got seven meals and we'll be making them at our convenience - which means lots of salads, which is fine by me.  In no particular order (gasp!):

  • Pizza (if it ain't on Monday, we're still eating it ONE day this week)
  • Thai Quinoa Bowls (How Sweet It Is recipe pushed back from last week)
  • BLT Chopped Salads with Corn and Feta (waah, also pushed back)
  • 24 Hour Salad (old school pot luck salad with chopped iceberg lettuce, red onion, and peas topped with a layer of mayo, a dash of sugar, shredded sharp cheddar and bacon - it can be kept in the fridge for, you guessed it, 24 hours before you combine and season with salt and pepper)
  • Kale Chicken Ceasar Salads (I try to replicate my favorite Veggie Grill dish)
  • Penne with Vodka Sauce, Turkey Sausage and Peas (kicking up our favorite Rachael Ray vodka pasta)
  • Trader Joe's Butternut Squash and Creamed Spinach Gratin (I saw this in the Fearless Flyer and I'm dying to try it; will be a good go-to meal if I'm eating on my own.)
I'm linking up with Org Junkie, Mommy Run Fast and Jill Conyersbe sure to check out all the great weekly menus!

10.18.2013

Friday Things and Running Playlist (and a Bobcat Tale)

Hey, guess what?  I'm sick AGAIN.  My doctor actually seemed taken aback by my sore throat today.  Awesome!  I pretty much have a standing order for Z-packs at my pharmacy now.  Anyway, since talk of illness is no fun...

Did I ever tell you guys my bobcat stories?  Let me back up a bit: my mom got a bit concerned by the Bridle Trails post, wondering why the trail was marked with a paw print - perhaps bears might be lurking?  (That's right moms, nearly 40 years later and you don't stop worrying!)  Anyway, I clarified that this was just the symbol for the particular trail.  BUT, earlier this week a freaking BOBCAT darted into the woods off the paved trail I was running, as I rounded the bend and scared him.  This was right by the Bothell business parks area - people could have looked out their office windows and seen this guy.  I completely freaked, even though I obviously freaked him out first.  He was gone in seconds, but I didn't know what to do.  The shortest way to the road was less than 20 feet ahead, but that's where I'd seen him and, ostensibly, I'd be going toward a bobcat.  If I turned back, I'd be running away and looking over my shoulder every second.  I decided to keep on the path and go the way I had intended, toward the road.  Even though I probably clocked a pace in the 6 minute mile range, those were the longest seconds of any run, ever.  What's funny is that we've had two incidents of seeing these suckers in our backyard over the years.  Yeah, our own backyard.  


This was back in 2010.  FREAKY OMG.

This was in 2012 - a slightly smaller one just, ya know, killing a squirrel in our yard.

We live along a greenbelt and there's all sorts of wildlife that I probably don't want to know about out there.  Although the sightings were in early spring, so I dunno what the one I encountered this week was up to...  Seattle!  Full of heart pounding adventure!

Internet interesting this week:

Speaking of putting your music on shuffle and skipping to hear the song you want anyway (Buzzfeed #33), I've been skipping to this one a lot: This is What it Feels Like by Armin vanBuuren.




Happy weekend, here's hoping that the Z-pack does it's job this time!


2013 Playlist
Pompeii by Bastille
Out of the Blue by System F
The Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi (Remixed by Steve Aoki)
Lose My Mind by Sebastian Ingrosso & Alesso
Better Off Alone by Alice Deejay
Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heroes
Mirrors  by Justin Timberlake
Wake Me Up by Avicii and Aloe Blacc
Hey Now by Martin Solveig
We Come Running by Youngblood Hawke
Take You Higher by Goodwill and Hook N Sling
Justice and Independence by John Mellencamp
Glowing by Nikki Williams
Easy  by Porter Robinson (and Matt Zo).
I Could be the One by Avicii featuring Nicky Romero
Pair of Dice by Tiesto
Ain't No Stoppin' by Ferry Corsten (featuring Ben Hague)
Come and Get It by Selena Gomez
Apollo by Hardwell featuring Amba Shepherd
This Head I Hold by Electric Guest
Castles in the Sky by Ian Van Dahl
Feel this Moment by Pitbull, featuring Christina Aguilera
Into Your Arms by the Lemonheads
Just Give me a Reason by Pink
I Love It by Icona Pop
Little Secrets Passion Pit
Sovereign Light Cafe by Keane, remixed by Afrojack
Clarity by Zedd
Years by Alesso
Something Good Can Work by Two Door Cinema Club
She Wolf by David Guetta, featuring Sia
Alive by Krewella
Illmerica by Wolfgang Garnter
Drowning by Armin van Buren
Give Me Your Hand by The Ready Set
Language by Porter Robinson
Cry for You by September
You Are My Diamond by Tiesto - featuring Kianna
Arguru - Deadmau5
We Are by Jus Jack & Oza, featuring Aeone





10.16.2013

Running Bridle Trails State Park

For any Seattle area locals, I thought I'd do a quick overview of running the trails at Bridle Trails State Park.  It's such a great hidden gem.  You don't have to take a long drive to the mountains or foothills to feel like you're immersed in the great outdoors.  At the same time, it backs up against a number of horse stables and beautiful homes, so there are always people around taking a stroll, walking their dogs, and riding their horses.  Speaking of horses, they have the right of way.  If one comes up behind you, move over to let them pass.  I also move over and stand to the side if one is coming towards me, so as not to spook them - which the owners genuinely appreciate.  Everyone I encounter on the trail says hello and 'enjoy the rest of your run.'  I love it there.  



Logistics: It's right off of 405 and the main entrance is off 116th Avenue NE, near NE 53rd Street.  I believe you need a Discover Pass to park here, but who doesn't have one, right? (get yours here)  Getting to the trail head can be a little tricky, at least for directionally challenged individuals like myself.  On my first visit, I naturally gravitated towards the restrooms and where the outbuildings are located to find the trail head.  This would be a mistake.  The main guided trails start from one very subtle entrance by the parking lot.  


view of trail choices from the parking lot - one narrow one off to the right there with the sign obstructed by the trees, and one very inviting one off to the left...

Looks like the right way to go, right? Self-guided trails, bathrooms await - but NO! Don't go that way.  Take that narrow path up the hill that will lead to this:

A map! With lots of details!

From here you can pick your route and they are SO nicely mapped out, with signs that you can follow throughout the park.  I usually do the Coyote Trail, which is the longest at 3.5 miles and either run it once or twice around.  

super easy to navigate signs are placed along the route
You could easily play with distance and add on the Trillium Trail at 1.6 miles or the Raven Trail which is one mile, and also an easy loop for a nature walk with young kids.

The track is nice and wide, you could easily run two astride and it's not terribly strenuous.  Elevation gain is less than 250 feet.  If you're a trail newbie (which I still very much am) it's a great place to just enjoy being outside and get a feel for it.  


Trail running is a great way to change up your route and find your running mojo if your in a slump.  Concentrating on my (beautiful) surroundings drowns out any negative thoughts and it's rather meditative.  I feel pretty darn lucky to have a few of these kinds of parks so close to home.  So, if they're close to you, get out there and enjoy!