1.29.2014

Pin It Party

I saw this link up for a Pin It Party via Runwiki and thought it would be a fun way to take a look back at my archives, as well as lurk around other's posts for great recipes and pins!  So, I'm linking up with Lindsay from the Lean Green Bean today.  

( You can follow me on Pinterest HERE.)

Here are her rules:

"All bloggers are welcome to participate! Here’s what you do:
-Round up 5 blog posts you’ve written that you would like to see on Pinterest.
-Make sure there is a nice, pinable image or photo included in each post.
-Write a short post featuring the posts you chose- ie, put 5 nice images & links to the posts all in one place, along with a short description of each post.
-On Thursday, publish your post, then visit The Bean and add your post to the linkup! (If you’re just reading this today and still want to participate, just publish in the next few days…I’ll leave the linkup open for about a week!)”

So, here are my favorite 'pinable' posts:

I refer back to this Choosing A Marathon (or Half) Training Plan post quite a bit.




This could be a fun travel pin for folks thinking of visiting Orcas Island with the kiddos.  Hey! I think I'll go pin it right now...


Okay, I have to pin a recipe or two... I love how yummy and pretty this Thai Meatball Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing turned out, Pinterest worthy, IMHO.


I also think the Lean Green Bean audience would appreciate a enlightened version/My Take on Runner's World Hummingbird Muffins.  I know my family does!


And, as I'm in the midst of PT and returning from some really slow and low mileage months, this is a good post to remember: Finding Your Running Motivation.


Happy pinning!

The Stuff Kids Say...

I delved into this topic a little while ago when my son talked about who he was going to marry.  The kids crack me up on a daily, if not hourly, basis.  So, I really wanted indulge in a bit of mommy blogging and write some of this stuff down so I can remember...




On his way to his first Sounders game (really first professional sports outing ever), he asked if he was going to get a turn to play.  Um.

Last week as we were reading a book about sharks before bed (yep, always a great idea!), it touched upon the story of Bethany Hamilton.  He asked why she just didn't get a new arm.  Well, I suppose they make prosthetic arms, but I told him that we can't just get new parts to our bodies - or bodies in general.  Then his mind took a bit of a leap and he asked "Who was the first person?"  Er, like, EVER?  I told him that different people believe different things and that it's hard to know, because it would have been a looooong time ago.  "Some people believe that it was a man named Adam, other people believe that we evolved, changed little by little over a really, really long time, to become what we are today.  We're probably related to monkeys!"  "Oh my gosh, mom!  That is so cool!  WOW!"   

As we were driving to swim lessons, he was taking note of how dark it was outside compared to when we go to lessons in the summer.  "It's SO dark out!  I love when it's dark and all the glowing lights are on outside. I think this is where I belong - in the night."  Oooookay.  And of course, I started hearing Pat Benatar in my head.




Last week I got a call from the school nurse's office telling me that he was laid up with a fever and that I should come and get him if I could.  (Hoo boy, that's never a fun call: "Hi this is the nurse at your son's school...")  Anyway, when I went into the office to get him, the nurse said he was so cute when she asked if his mom worked.  "Oh yeah, she works."  She said something along the lines that it would be a bit harder to track me down if I wasn't at home.  "Oh no, she's at home, working on lots of laundry."  Thankfully it was not working on her iPad, phone, or sitting around drinking coffee.

At age three, my baby girl is mostly funny with her phrasing and still has the tiniest traces of baby talk.  When we went on our getaway to Orcas Island, she kept calling our hotel: the 'ho-intel.'  Which made my husband and I visualize undercover prostitutes. Hm.

Eye flash = eyelash.  This kills me.

Whenever we're getting her ready for a transition (yeah, you parents know of what I speak) we give the ol' five minute warning: in five minutes we're going to leave the park, etc.  She's become so immune to this that instead of asking for 5 more minutes, she holds up both of her tiny hands and says, "Can I have lots of minutes?" I could say, sure have 1,000 more minutes or 1 more minute and it would still be followed up with her yelling and screaming "PLEAAAAASE!"  Because, ya know, when you try to teach your kids the importance of please and thank you, they think it's being polite no matter how they convey the sentiment.

Lastly, when people ask how old she is, this is her response:


our dog is the ultimate photo bomber

No, she doesn't give a verbal response - even though she knows perfectly well that she's three.  She just prefers to flash her little gang symbol!

Until next time, because I'm sure I will soon have a few more gems to add for posterity...

1.26.2014

Nutella Yogurt Parfait and This Week's Eats 1.25.14

The holidays got us all into such a routine of eating dessert after every meal, as it should!  Baking and exchanging treats is one of our most beloved traditions.  However, I gained a bit more weight than usual this season.  Womp. Womp.  Probably due to the fact that I didn't have the Seattle Half training going into the holiday eating frenzy like I have the last two years, and I'm taking things easy while I get some PT for my leg.  Of course, I'm not going to cut out dessert.  Please.  I'm a firm believer that life is too short and that I can still enjoy things in moderation.  Usually, I'll have a Ghiradelli square after dinner.  But if that's not cutting it, I've started making this Nutella dessert.  I don't know about you, but I could sit and eat that whole jar with a spoon.  Probably not the best idea, so I figured out how to extend just one meager tablespoon of the stuff into a really yummy dessert (or snack, or breakfast, etc.).

Nutella Yogurt Parfait

1/2 cup of nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt (I'm partial to the tubs from Trader Joe's.)
1 tablespoon of Nutella (Or, less; I've found that even a heaping teaspoon goes a long way.)
2 tablespoons of granola (I recommend Bear Naked Fit varieties.)
Fruit to taste (Sometimes I save the fruit versions for breakfast and just eat the chocolate-y crunchy version pictured below for dessert.)

Just swirl the Nutella into the yogurt and add toppings!



It's really quite impressive how the yogurt takes on the taste of the Nutella.  I used to put some in my morning oatmeal and could hardly taste chocolate at all.  But this version = tasty bowl of chocolate.

As always, I'm linking up with Org Junkie, Mommy Run Fast and Jill Conyers - be sure to check out all the great weekly menus!

1.23.2014

A Few of My Favorite Things and January Ipsy Bag Review

I felt like the folks at Ipsy must've read my last Favorite Things post, because the January Glam Bag had less makeup and more self-care type stuff.  I was pretty excited when I opened up the bag.




  • Benefit Pore-fessional
  • Malin and Goetz Mojito Lip Balm
  • Balanced Guru Organic Balm Me up Sweet Cocoa and Tangy Body Balm
  • Absolute! Makeup Cleansing Tissue
  • Yaby Liquid Foundation
I really love the lip balm.  In addition to slathering my hands with lotion at night, I also slather on lip balm and this one is really great - it has the consistency of a gel, but feels moisture rich.  When I opened the body balm, I was confused, as I thought it was going to be a body lotion of some sort.  Alas, it's a solid, almost beeswax like substance and I'm really not sure what to do with it - I suppose I could use it as a cuticle treatment, or yet another lip balm...  Hrm.  Large pores are not a problem for me, but sensitive skin is - so I skipped the pore refining cream, in addition to the foundation.  I'm not a foundation gal; I put spf on everyday and occasionally I'll put on a tinted BB cream.  I do like the makeup wipes and they smell delicious.  So, yeah, I don't know if the Ipsy will be for me going forward.  I'm rather picky (shocker!) about what I put on my face and would rather spend the $10 a month on stuff I know I want.  However...

I did cave to a Julep Maven box, because I've heard good things about them from several sources.  Your first box with them is FREE (use code FREEBOX) with no strings attached - you can cancel after receiving the box.  But, ooooh, I reaaaaally like getting nail polishes plus one little makeup thing THAT YOU CHOOSE every month.  After taking a style quiz, Julep suggests one of four style boxes for you.  But, you can choose whichever you like best.  I don't consider myself 'boho glam' but that's what my style quiz came up with, and that's the box I liked the most!




I'm liking the cuticle serum and love the berry 'Michelle' color and the blue 'Aisha' is fun, but a bit on the goth side.  I got a fun speckled polish and a top coat as add-ons to obtain free shipping.  I thought, okay cool, I'll get a bunch of cute stuff for about $13 ($10 for the two add-ons plus tax) and then cancel.  Twenty bucks a month is pretty steep and I learned after I signed up that they've changed the policy of being able to skip a month whenever you want.  Currently, you can only skip once every 6 months.  But then I saw February's polish/makeup selections and I looooved them!  Plus, they give all sorts of incentives in the form of 'Jules' points with every month you get a box (extra points if you get 3 boxes in a row, etc.) towards buying more items from the site, and nice little 50% off coupon in the first one.  Aaargh.  So, I'm going to try and get the most bang for my buck over the next couple of months with this subscription and see how it goes.

A few more of my favorite things...

Russell WilsonThis guy is the real deal.  Yes, I will always be a Bears fan first, but Russell Wilson is threatening to pull ahead with the Seahawks.  I have Wisconsin family cheering for him, too. I just wish I knew 'Blue Tuesdays' when we had our epic children's visit!



Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, White Walls - in keeping with my current state as a Seattle fangirl, I must admit that I can't stop listening to this song and it's fun to see the bits of the video that they shot here at Dick's in Seattle.  



My Stella and Dot wallet - I go through wallets like crazy since I usually buy cute, but cheap, ones from Target that fall apart in a matter of months.  I got a bunch of awesome stuff from Stella and Dot recently, but I lurve my new 'big girl' wallet. Plus, it's uplifting to look at this bright happy color every time I must part with my cold hard cash.  



SHERLOCK OMG - So, please don't give anything away regarding the current season!  I'm still in catch up mode (we're into season two) of this fabulous show.  Since Downton is really just spiraling out of control into the abyss, this is fulfilling my inner Anglophile and my love for Martin Freeman.

Favorite internet find - We never took engagement photos.  I don't know if that was even a 'thing' back in 2001...  Anyway, these guys?  Nailed. It.

Happy weekend!



1.19.2014

This Week's Eats 1.19.14 (and Seahawks Shenanigans)

I'm writing this as we watch the Seahawks play the 49ers in the NFC championship game.  And, I must say, I'm rather impressed with the level of fan support 'round these parts.  I sometimes feel like I'm truly the only person not wearing Seahawks gear when I leave the house, and pretty much every local business is having specials - including Starbucks, which had a promotion for 12 cent coffee the other day.  My kids have done their share of 12th man projects:

baby girl's art from the Y

Big brother's 12th man flag (12 is on the other side) project from school

If you're not sure who the 12th man is, as I'm gathering there are people who are not, here's more info than you ever needed to know.  After returning home on Friday with his big ol' flag, my son was asking if we could go to the Seahawks game.  HA!  Kids, man.  I tried (IN VAIN) to explain how tickets were hard to get, and rather expensive.  Once he gets older, I'll also explain to him how we're really Bears fans at heart.  Sure, we're excited and always cheer for Seattle, but we're not bleeding green and blue over here.  He liked my explanation that most people stay home and have a party while they watch on TV, and immediately asked if we could have a party with cake.  Sure kid!

Thanks for making my job easy, Safeway

Also, last week's Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes were tasty - two thumbs up!

As always, I'm linking up with Org Junkie, Mommy Run Fast and Jill Conyers - be sure to check out all the great weekly menus!

1.16.2014

December 2013 in Pictures


Co-Pilots
HAIR
Love this additional benefit of his learning to read
Santa drive by!
Foggy day hike

First Christmas program
Admiring his snow angel handiwork
Bear-Pug
Botanical Garden lights
My favorite part of the holidays: tree, carols, red cups, Uggs, a good book and (not pictured) a fire going

Cookie decoratin'
Little swimmer
Favorite new sweatshirt!
Santa Tracking
Feliz Navidad margaritas

Annual trip to Molbaks
Annual photo op with Santa 
Snow day
Sleepy pups
Present opening

Faith, trust and a little pixie dust..
First tooth gone!
Annual family photo
Favorite Christmas present doubles as neck pillow
We go crazaaay up in here on New Year's Eve! 


1.12.2014

This Week's Eats 1.12.13

I'm having a hard time containing my excitement over this very recent discovery...


I've already mentioned how awesome the Trader Joe's brown rice from the freezer section is, and now! Now we can have easy peasy quinoa!  Not that it's a difficult grain to cook, but these freezer packages come out perfectly without dirtying a single pot or spoon in a tenth of the time.  So, of course, I have to incorporate this stuff into the menu for this week...

As always, I'm linking up with Org Junkie, Mommy Run Fast and Jill Conyers - be sure to check out all the great weekly menus!

1.09.2014

Hot Chocolate 15K/5K GIVEAWAY! (winner announced)





I've been so lucky to work with the folks at RAM Racing as a Hot Chocolate Ambassador, and I'm super excited to share some of the chocolate love.  In addition to a code you can use for a free travel mug (SEAMUG1), I have a race entry to give away!  My local Seattle race is coming up in March - March 2nd, to be exact, local peeps (here's my race report).  But this race entry is for a Hot Chocolate race anywhere in the country, 5K or 15K!  Go here to get the deets on the following locations:



  • Atlanta
  • Chicago
  • Columbus
  • Dallas
  • Denver
  • Minneapolis
  • Philadelphia
  • Phoenix
  • San Diego
  • Seattle
  • St. Louis
  • Nashville


  • The hot cocoa and chocolate fondue are truly SO, SO very good, and this year's swag is pretty awesome:


    To enter, just leave a comment here and tell me which city you'd love to run for chocolate in and what distance you'd choose: 5K or 15K?  I'll close the comments and choose a winner next Friday, January 17th.  Good luck!

    Squeee! Congrats Nicole, you're lucky commenter number 13!!!!



    1.08.2014

    Favorite Books of 2013 and Books I Read in December

    Picking my top three books of the year was a no-brainer.  Anytime someone's looking for a good read, my default is always to recommend Me Before You by Jojo Moyes.

    Me Before You


    Yeah, I suppose I'm letting that take the top spot, as it's more universally appealing.  But, Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell won my heart and really spoke to me (read in August).  It's really a tie for my favorite of the year.  I loved reading all of Rowell's books this year - she is pure awesome.


    Eleanor & Park


    And I have to add Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple as my third favorite: hilarious wit, fast paced with crazy fun plot twists (read in May).


    Where'd You Go, Bernadette

    In December, it would seem that I focused on books recognized by National Book Awards; with the exception of the last one, which is understandable...



    The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

    The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

    Frankie Landau-Banks is one of the MOST awesome characters I've ever read. I'm not sure if I think she's crazy or a genius, maybe both - therein lies her greatness. A story of a feminist teen could come off as trite, but this story explodes with fun hijinks, wit, and real food for thought.




    The Round House


    The Round House by Louise Erdrich

    This story of a young boy looking to avenge his mother's attacker started with great promise as a suspenseful read. Erdrich's writing is peppered with an eye to detail and also comes across as mythical. Although, by inserting some compelling Native American myths into the narrative, the story meanders and I felt as if it lost focus/dragged on a bit too long.


    17465457


    Picture Me Gone by Meg Rosoff

    Enjoyed this YA story of a young girl from London who accompanies her father on a trip to find his missing friend in upstate New York. The writing is so subtle and nuanced; I felt like I went on this journey with Mila, given just the right amount of perfect detail. It was interesting to read a story about the complicated nature of adult relationships told from a rather innocent child's point of view. Definitely thought provoking material.



     Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

    Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

    This Romeo and Juliet style love story between a Chinese boy and a Japanese girl during WWII was a quick read. I enjoy historical fiction and it was additionally engaging to me, as it takes place where I live (in Seattle). It was definitely bittersweet, but maybe overly sentimental and rather predictable.



    Linking up with The Modern Mrs. Darcy's awesome book posts roundup!



    1.05.2014

    Favorite Recipes of 2013 and This Week's Eats 1.5.13

    If you've been reading along this year, it should come as absolutely no shock that our favorite new recipe from 2013 is Seven Flavor Beef.  



    It's a recipe from a Seattle favorite, Wild Ginger, and tastes just like getting it in the restaurant.  We seriously feel like we're out to dinner when we make it at home.  LOVE.

    Second runner up is this super simple recipe, Pesto Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Roasted Asparagus from Damn Delicious that I found via Pinterest.


    And in third place, is my interpretation of the Pioneer Woman Chicken Chili, but in the Crockpot.




    Our favorite new baked goods for the year were mostly ones that I adapted: first place goes to Whole Wheat Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Muffins.


    These are still going strong as my boy's favorite snack for school.

    Second place goes to my adaptation of the Runner's World Hummingbird Muffins.




    And lastly, I just tried this recipe from Justin's Nut Butter for Honey Almond Butter Apple Bread - deeeelish.

    So, this week's eats is driven by all of my favorites!  After thinking over the best ones, I was rather hungry to make them all...
    As always, I'm linking up with Org Junkie, Mommy Run Fast and Jill Conyers - be sure to check out all the great weekly menus.  Happy holidays and I'll see you next year!

    1.03.2014

    A Few of My Favorite Things and December Ipsy Bag Review

    I hope everyone had a spectacular holiday!  We had a great week filled with fun, family time, relaxation and indulgence - so much food, wine, coffee, reading, movie watching, sleeping...  It's always so enjoyable, but gets to be a bit much after awhile and I'm glad to get back into the routine next week.  I'm guessing a lot of other folks are as well, and I'm sure there will be the annual surge in membership at the gym.  But let's all remember (whether we started as a seasoned gym rat or not) we were new members at one point, too.

    I'm changing up Friday Things for the new year and talking a 'few of my favorite things' (and a review of my latest Ipsy Bag) monthly, or more often if the mood strikes, (yes, it's a 'loving lately' kind of post). 

    First up, the Ipsy bag!  In December I took the plunge on this monthly subscription service, which is similar to Birchbox.  I decided on Ipsy because it seems to have mostly full size products, it comes in a cute makeup bag every month and it's very likely to contain a nail polish, of which I am very fond.  It's also more makeup based than Birchbox, which I gather leans more towards skin care and the like.  So here's what I got in my first bag:


    For the life of me, I can't figure out why it's uploading sideways...

    • POP Beauty: Bright Up Your Life Trio in Naturally Bare
    • Nicka K New York Nail Color in Classic Taupe
    • Nyx: Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in Mute 
    • Be a Bombshell: The One Stick in Girl Crush

    It's so fun to get a little goodie bag in the mail and I love the quilted black case.  But, the makeup was all a little 'meh' for me.  I liked the eye shadow colors, they're similar to what I use (when I use eyeshadow, which is about once a month) and the nail polish color as well.  But both seemed to lack staying power.  I had the opposite problem with the lipstick and blush stick: I liked the feel and staying power but not the colors I received.  It's only the first bag, and I certainly don't expect to love everything, so I'll give it a few more months and see.  I may switch to Birchbox, despite the sample sizes/no guarantees on nail polish.  Because, as much as I want to be less clueless about makeup, I'm more of a lotions and potions kind of girl...
    A few more of my favorite things:

    An iPhoneMy husband got me one for Christmas!  I finally joined the club!  And, yes, this is already a favorite thing for MANY people.   However, (I apologize to my friends who've heard my phone plan gospel already) not many people are aware of the greatness that is Virgin Mobile, which is my phone provider and truly one of my favorite things.  I've had their phone plan since my FIRST CELL PHONE purchase nearly 13 years ago and I've got zero complaints.  Thirteen years and I've never strayed from my no-contract plan should speak volumes.  Since I forayed into the world of smartphones about 3 years ago, I started paying just $35 a month for unlimited data and more minutes than I'll ever need on the phone (that's with all the taxes/fees, btw).  Yes, the up front cost of the phone is somewhat steep, but you more than make up for it within a few months.  

    Little Day Dresses: I've been asked a few times about this dress that I posted on Instagram awhile back and love, love, love it.  
    It's Ponte fabric, so it's got some heft for the colder months.  But with the sporty feel and short sleeves, I should be able to rock it with sandals in the summer.

    Alex and Ani Charity by Design Champion Charm Bangle I got this as a birthday present to myself this year and, obviously, I love the runner charm.  It also benefits a cause close to my heart, the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.  



    Charity Miles App: I started using this app in November when the Oiselle team was invited to see how many miles we could rack up for Every Mother Counts.  Now it's a habit when I start any run that I choose a charity to donate funds towards.  Usually Stand Up 2 Cancer these days.


    Neutrogena Hand Cream: this stuff is essential for winter.  Slather this stuff on every night and you're hands will thank you.


    Uneeda Burger: I met up with running buddies at this burger joint a few weeks ago and I can't stop thinking about my Philly Smash burger...



    And this was one of my favorite internet finds over the holidays: I mean, I suppose my girlfriends and I all dressed alike in college - but to this degree??  Although, I have no problem with rockin' the Han Solo look...

    Also, I need to file this away as a favorite idea for when my daughter first says "I hate you."  Hopefully it'll be a long ways off, but I can't WAIT for my Bitch Mitzvah!  Well, not really, but this is a hilarious idea.

    I've put the running playlists as tab along the header, and will add to it there. Oh, and, my favorite playlist song from 2013 is hands down I Could be the One by Avicii featuring Nicky Romero.  So it's fitting that my first playlist song for 2014 is an oldie from my club kid days that Avicii gave a nice little update: Rapture by Nadia Ali remixed by Avicii.



    Happy weekend!

    1.01.2014

    2014 To Do List and January Goals

    Hey! How was everyone's holiday!?  Before I get into ours, I thought today would be a good day to kick off posts for the year with the annual to do list.  Given the year long time frame I had to work on my to-do list, I think there was a bit too much room to procrastinate on some of the individual items.  However, the monthly things that I held myself accountable for went pretty well, except for Pinterest goals.  And, well, that's easily explained by my lack of craftiness/crafting motivation.  Clearly food and photography are more motivating, so I'm taking that into account for 2014.  But first I've got to grade myself on this past year...


     1. Get caught up on pictures taken at the end of the year and upload them to share with family  (Because of the #2 on my to do list, I've been really good about keeping my pictures from all sources uploaded and organized.)

    2. Take one picture a day for an monthly online album and then a hard copy book at the end of the year
    (JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOV, DEC) (I didn't stick to a picture a day, but came close.  I'm almost done with December and have a Shutterfly coupon all ready to go, so I'd say I crossed this one off the list, too!)

    3. Frame and hang more pictures of the kids  (I'm really glad I put this on the list, because it definitely kept me accountable and we have some lovely 8x10s that we put in big frames in our living room that I just love - will probably do more in 2014)

    4. Read 50 books (Sooooo close! 43!  I'm giving myself an 85% score on this one - that's like a B+, right?  Here's my 2013 list on Goodreads, and you can read all of my reviews, so far, on the blog here.)

    5. Run a marathon (Aaaaand, no.  As I've said, never say never, but not anytime soon.)

    6. Do a trail race  (Soaring Eagle!)




    7. Run 1000 miles total for the year (Well, if I had trained for and run a marathon this year, I'm thinking I would have easily met this goal.  Getting to 717 is pretty good (a 70%), and I'm definitely over 1000 kilometers!)

    8. Run an overnight relay - (Ragnar Northwest Passage was so great, can't wait to do it again!)

    9. Volunteer for at least one race (Handing out Nuun at the Seattle Rock n' Roll Marathon was awesome, and I really want to add this in a more official capacity for 2014!)




    10. PR in something  (Barely squeaked one in with a 54:01 10K!)

    11. Do more yoga (I definitely have done more than I ever have in past years, given so many great opportunities to work with Jasyoga, hoping to do even more this year.)

    12. Go on another family overnight trip (Orcas Island was a great family getaway.  Now if we could only get my night owl daughter to sleep...)




    13. Potty train a soon to be three year old and transition her out of a crib (Yay baby girl!  She made this pretty easy, 'nuff said.)

    14. Find a new eye docget new glasses (Exciting stuff, eh? But: accountability! Done!)

    15. Finally roll over that one lingering 401K into my existing IRA (Zzzzzz, but again, done!)

    16. Make a will - even a free online one for the time being (Yeah, didn't get around to it - it's a tough thing to figure out, especially when you live very far from any and all family.  Will try again this year.)

    17. Make at least one new meal every two weeks/twice a month (Easy goal, loved doing this and will just continue to do in 2014.)
    (JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC)
    January favs - Seven Flavor Beef and crockpot cream cheese chicken chili
    February favs - Thai green curry meatballs and million dollar spaghetti
    March favs - Buffalo Chicken Salad and Barefoot Contessa's Minestrone
    April favs - Baked Ziti (tried others, but this is the only one added to favs!)
    May favs - Buffalo Chicken Casserole and Nancy's Chopped Italian Salad
    June favs - Fire Roasted Mac and Cheese with Feta and Grilled Ginger Sesame Chicken Salad
    July favs - Pesto Orecchiette with Chicken Sausage and Blue Cheese and Smashed Avocado and Roasted Tomato Grilled Cheese
    August favs - Buffalo Chicken Burgers and Thai Chicken Rice Bowls
    September favs - we did try at least 3 or more new meals, but they were all a bust! Biggest hit was making Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Muffins
    October favs Slow Cooker Steak Chili and Thai Quinoa Bowls
    November favs - Chicken Hoisin Rice Bowls and Pesto Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Roasted Asparagus  
    December favs - Crockpot Jalapeno Popper Chili and Turkey and Black Bean Enchiladas

    18. Try something from Pinterest, other than food, once a month
    (Didn't happen really - SO not my thing.  I wish it was, alas...)

    19. Make a loaf of bread (I suppose I should specify sandwich bread or a yeast based bread loaf.  I was so lucky to get some friendship bread starter and I made a BUNCH of bread in the spring.)

    20. Do a no shopping month (I thought this would be an easy one, but then I'd buy the littlest things that were on sale that I couldn't pass up.  Plus, Oiselle releases new stuff pretty consistently throughout the year and, well, it was just TOO HARD.)

    About 15 and a half out of 20 ain't bad!  I think for this year I'm going to cut the to do list in half and add in monthly goals, since I seem to fare better with a shorter time frame.  

    The to do list for 2014:
    1. PR in a race - hopefully a 5K.
    2. Volunteer at a race.
    3. Do another trail run, or two, or three...
    4. Run a 5K with my son.
    5. Clean out the junk areas in the house - a couple of closets and drawers are getting scary.
    6. Learn how to use the DSLR in manual mode.
    7. Plan another family trip.
    8. Make that damn will.
    9. Read more books than I did in 2013.
    10. Redecorate/refurnish the kids rooms.
    Goals for January!
    • Make a batch of soup just for my lunches/eat less frozen meals for lunch.
    • Plank/do core work at least 6 days a week - giving myself one day a week to space out.
    • Get some PT for my wonky leg.
    • Refill contacts prescription. (exciting!)
    • Make scheduled maintenance appointment for my car. (more excitement!)
    Happy New Year all!  If you have a 2014 goal, to-do list, etc., please feel free to link it in the comments.  I'd love to read them!