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Friday, December 30, 2011

Epic Christmas

Is finally over.

We've been here, there, and everywhere! Full recap coming soon.

Only 366 more days till we can say this again!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Getting my bake on

We are celebrating Christmas tonight with my mom and family. I knew I wanted to make dessert and had been wanting to try the peppermint chocolate roll I found on pinterest but seeing as though I was starting after 6 last night and the recipe seemed a bit out there,can threw that out the window and went for snicker doodles and dark chocolate temptations courtesy of asouthernfairytale.

My loot from the store... I had everything except only bought one bag of dark chips when I needed 2. Mr Buckeye went out for the second for me.


He had requested snicker doodles and I had never made them before. Luckily having a smart phone in the grocery store proved once again useful and I found an awesome recipe. Search for Mrs. Siggs Snickerdoodles on google and you'll see it. They were delightfully easy to make and I enjoyed swirling the dough with the bowl of cinnamon sugar. (I did have the double the cin/sugar mix to have enough.)

And of the 4 dozen that I made there is probably a dozen gone. They turned out great and it turns out I really like snicker doodles too!


Now for the pretty ones.


These were so much fun! They did take a little time, but I started them first and then did the doodles while the dough for these was chilling. My best advice is to follow what she says. It really is step by step. I didn't have vanilla bean paste and subbed pure extract. Worked fine I think. And mine baked for 10 min before they were done in the middle. And while you are waiting for the kisses to melt, be patient and give them the full 5 min. They swirl much better!

And look so pretty!


I ran out of kisses so a handful are plain, but I'll be! They are some of the most delicious chocolate cookies ever!

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Friday, December 16, 2011

Ever wonder...

What pure hell looks like???

I found it.


In the form of the stair master at the Y.
You look like a complete ass slowly walking up those revolving steps while at the same time sweating your butt off and feeling like it's only a matter of milliseconds before you tumble right off. 5 minutes. I almost died.

However! This was also after my run. I have moved on to Week 2 of Couch to 5K. It's going surprisingly well so far. The 3 session for week one were tough but not ridiculous. I'm sweating like a madwoman by the end and I'm loving it! I'm running all sets at a 10min pace and pushing a little bit more on the last set or 2. I can feel myself getting a bit stronger endurance wise. I'd love to be able to hit a sub-30 5k at the end of all this. I'll need to be on the lookout for a local 5k to test myself.

To think that a year and a half ago, the same running session I was running at a full minute slower pace and walking slower as well.

2.15 miles has turned to 2.31 miles.

Progress, I like to see it!

 

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Back to Basics

I ate a slice of humble pie yesterday and went back to the basics. After spending some time on Pinterest pinning various running and inspirational things, I got off the couch and went to the gym.

About a year and a half ago I started the Couch to 5k Program that jump started me and allowed me to complete the Columbus Half Marathon in October. Because I'm a lazy oaf and haven't done much physical activity recently, I decided to revert back to the trusty program and build up again.

I decided that my goal for this go-around is 10 minute miles. In order to do that, I will not run at less than a 6 on the dreadmill. This first day felt really good. So good that I pushed it to 7 for the last 2 rotations and then after completing my 20 minutes I did 1 extra min at a whopping 8 (7:34 min mile!) I can't believe that Skinny Runner runs that for 26 miles! Wow! All in all, I started out thinking oh crap, this is not going to work- this is pretty easy. But by about 10 minutes into the intervals I was sweating it out. My right knee was a tiny bit sore for about an hour afterwards but all in all I was a-ok!

My splits:
Minutes/Activity/Speed
1-5/ Warm Up /4
6-7/ Run /6
7-8.5/ Walk /4
8.5-9.5/ Run /6
9.5-11/ Walk /4
11-12/ Run /6
12-13.5/ Walk /4
13.5-14.5/ Run /6
14.5-16/ Walk /4
16-17/ Run /6
17-18.5/ Walk /4
18.5-19.5/ Run /6
19.5-21/ Walk /4
21-22/ Run /7
22-23.5/ Walk /4
23.5-24.5/ Run /7
24.5-26/ Walk /4
26-27/ Run /8
28-30/ Cool Down /4

3 days a week. I think I can handle that! Hoping to stay ahead of the hefty holidays and not pack on a few extra pounds to bring in the new year. Wish me luck!

Monday, December 5, 2011

Trans Siberian Orchestra 2011

For Mr. Buckeye's Birthday we went to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He has always wanted to go but the timing was never right. This year the stars aligned because they were at US Bank Arena on Dec. 1. How perfect to start of the Christmas season!





 Long hair might be another requirement to be a rock guitarist. A stance is the other requirement. Stance and long hair to swing around. If you've got both, you too may rock.

 We may have watched this guy in the front row more than anyone else in the entire show. He was jumping around, air guitar solos, air drum solos, and at one point I thought he was going to jump on stage. He was up the entire show... notice everyone else in their seats.

 Lots of lasers, smoke, fire, fireworks, and rock Christmas music makes for Happy Buckeyes!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

My First Thanksgiving

It started out so well. I got up early and everything was going my way. .

But I suppose it wouldn't be a holiday without a freakout and some tears. The roaster I used is apparently on loan from Satan in the center of the earth and cooks with molten lava because my turkey was completely done by 9:00am. (less than 2 hours to cook a 16 lb turkey??? ::cue tears::) Terribly sorry to the Mr. Buckeye for having to deal with me- and on his birthday no less! But I was able to salvage it and keep it moist until lunch at 1.*

All in all it wasn't too bad, a tad dry but not nearly what I envisioned.


And we had way too much food but it was delicious!
For the record, I actually did eat my Aunt's Sweet Potatoes without gagging AND asked to keep a small bit for leftovers that I DID eat too! This is a huge deal.

 Mama had every number candle except the 2 we needed... so we settled for the ?

And Sky wanted in on the pyrotechnics as well.

Then Saturday up to Columbus to see our favorite little people. They are getting too big, make it stop!
and see the 2 newest members of the family!
We are in full holiday swing down here now so bring on Christmas!

*Wrap the whole thing in foil, wrap the whole thing in bath towels, keep in cooler till ready to serve

Ribbit- The end of a sweater

Yikes, long delay... again

Lots has happened since Thanksgiving.

Including something quite sad.

I'm not sure if you remember way back in 2009 when I fell victim to spur of the moment insanity and bought a ton of lucious Cocoon yarn to make a sweater. And I started knitting. and kept on knitting. Until I stopped. What I was left with was a vest. No sleeves and no hood, shoot- not even swen together.


Well, all of that is now this:
Yes. I ripped it all out on Monday. It was a sad day yet totally satisfying. I'm ready to move on to bigger and better things. The wine color is destined to be used soon for Mindy's newest shawl which I am completely looking forward to testing. It's a bulky crescent shape that is different from any that I have. I've seen the model and I think it will make an excellent hood/wrap for wintertime and the Cocoon yarn will be a delight to work with... again.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thanksgiving Morning

My first Thanksgiving here at home. I know that people cook turkeys everyday and there are far more people out there that are hosting families larger than mine and having to prepare and cook every.single.thing.

I'm thankful that my family is chipping in and bringing the sides. We've got the turkey, mashed potatoes, and noodles. I think I can handle that.

I got up at 6 this morning- probably way later than most out there! And set to tackle the beast.

 My helper was ready and waiting... and begging.
After it was all said and done, I'd declare a tie. The turkey somehow, after 5 days in the fridge, and a short soak last night in cold water, was still icy! I was able to finish thawing it (or so I currently think, we will see) in the sink with cold water. THEN, The people at Honeysuckle must have not trust the turkeys to keep their legs together because I couldn't even cut the wrap off. I managed to get the legs out so I could get the neck ::gag:: and the bits out. Then I gave up and put the legs back in the stirrups. Will deal with it later.

I did the whole separate the skin thing and put roughly 1/2 stick of butter on the breasts under the skin along with 3 springs of thyme. Then sprinkled with salt and pepper, (salt, pepper, and a couple sprigs in the cavity too) And rubbed the butter on the outside to try to get it off my hands. Finally, I sprinkled Lawry's seasoning salt on top and then brushed with olive oil.

I preheated the roaster to the highest it would go and got in in there for 30 minutes to, hopefully, brown the skin and then turned it down to 350* for I don't know how long, at least 4 hours I think. I could hear it sizzling so I'm hoping the high heat effort worked. Bird needed a tan, bad.
 Managed to not make too big of a mess.
 and now it's 7:30, all cleaned up, and I'm resting quickly with a Peppermint Mocha and the Today Show.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

I promise...

This blog wont continue to showcase that I take way too many stupid cat pics.






Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I am hosting for the first time ever. I have a 16+ pound bird thawing in my fridge (since Saturday) and I'll be up at the crack of dawn watching YouTube videos on what the heck I'm supposed to do with it. I may or may not get sick when it comes to the 'innards' ::gag::

Mr. Buckeye will also be assisting in our famous mashed potatoes. They are only famous in our family and they are adored because we use way too much butter but it makes them tasty and super good for you.

Tomorrow is also Mr. Buckeye's birthday. I may attempt a cake, or I may not. It is still up in the air. Either way, I thought about his gift and am super excited to give to him although I don't know if he will be as ecstatic as me. I tried to be a little creative with it so I hope that counts for something.

And one more for good measure...



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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

While I appreciate the effort...

Chloe is not a good secretary...


Guess opposable thumbs are a necessity.

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Monday, November 14, 2011

Gotta start somewhere... Again

I woke up this morning and my body hurt. Hurt in a way that made me want to just hop back in bed. Legs, thighs, back, ick. But i got off my butt and went for a spin around the block. I walked up the 2 ginormous hills and ran (slowly) the rest. It was windy, yet perfect. I wish I had been at the Happy Place running one of my long training runs where I was able to run for 5 miles like it was nothing. All would be right in the world.

It wasn't breaking records but it was something. If only just 15 minutes.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Hairdo

I got my hairs done last week.
Since i am refusing to chop my locks even though i have been SERIOUSLY tempted to hack it. It was time for a color update. It is fall after all.

From mousy faded brown... (sitting at the salon, desperately in need of a wash)


To cherry cola.


There actually isn't a name for it. She mixed it special and could only show me the chemical formula which was like trying to read Hebrew. But cherry cola seems about right!

I change my color roughly 3-4 times per year based on seasons. Lighter in summer and darker and more red in fall and winter. Since I started going to my cousin, Hi Joanna!, I have been great about upkeep and cuts every 6-8 weeks. Before that I was lucky to go every 6 months. It has worked quite well over the last few years and she keeps a color book for me so she always knows what she did so when I say I want what I had last fall in October, she knows. It's very handy!

How about you? Do you have a schedule and a go to hairdresser? or just cut and color when the feeling strikes?

Side note: totally random that I am wearing the same cardi a week apart. Totally not planned and yes, I washed it.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Spilled Chai

Nothing like starting your morning off with spilling hot chai latte on yourself.


Here's hoping this isn't a sign for how the rest of the day will go.
I'm having a good hair day man!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Pumpkin head

I got to meet my nephew for the first time yesterday. I am in love!

(And the pumpkin hat I knit him fits perfectly and is oh so adorable!)
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Thursday, October 27, 2011

Big girl pants

I am not the greatest when it comes to things like medicine, surgery, needles, blood, etc. Unless it is on TV or has nothing to do with the above mentioned things coming near me. I have given blood once and cried... Tried again and pretty much passed out so that I wasn't able to donate. That sucked too because they had already poked me and the blood was a-flowin.

Today I had to put my big girl pants on though and go get some blood drawn for work. My colleagues had sufficiently freaked me out, not knowing that I am a bit squeamish and already was panicky. One person... "Oh it was awful! They took like 2 pints! " Another relayed to me that she saw 2 people pass out...

It did not bode well for me. I scheduled my appt. for early this morning so I could get it over with. I brought my shuffle and listed to some relaxing tunes to help distract me. And luckily the lady there was okay with my craziness... I couldn't even look that woman in the eye when I knew we were about to begin! And you know what?

It was over before I knew it. I might have been distracted by the fact that a hardcore running not relaxing song came on my shuffle and I was more focused on changing the song.

I know it may seem like I am a big baby. But I am uber proud of me and me big girl pants today. I don't want to do it again, but I definitely made it out to be worse than it was.

I am bummed I didn't get a fun band-aid...


Even Chloe thinks that is ridiculous.

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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

More Cuteness coming!

UPDATE: HE IS HERE!!!

Carson
7lbs
19.5 inches

Mom is doing great and I can't wait to meet him and kiss his little face!


---------------------------------------------------------------------

I become an Aunt for the third time today. I am so excited!!

I'll have another tiny human sidekick to add to my favorites!


Cade and Emme, will be the BEST big brother and sister ever!!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Water painting

First and foremost, it is important to note that I ran yesterday. Well, I walked and ran. For 40 minutes on the treadmill. And went 3 miles :) it wasntfun and it wasn't easy and I almost threw up at the end, but I did it. Slowly but surely.

And then I dabbled in nail polish.

I am sure everyone has seen the water swirly manicures all over interest. I painted my nails with Ulta "love my blackberry" and finished with Hard Candy Matte-ly in Love. (Barry M base coat as well) and all was fine till I made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and chipped my right pointer finger. I know, right? Who does that!

Enter water swirls. I figured now was as good a time as ever to try it out.

Used the same Ulta polish, OPI Teal the Cows Come Home, and Barry M Peach Melba and gave it a swirl.


It was pretty easy, definitely messy but not bad when I taped up my finger and then peeled away.

Just the pointer fingers and the rest blackberry.


I kind of like it :)


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Knitterly things

So I have done a tiny bit of knitting. Now if only I could get off my honey and do a lot of running, things would really be looking good.

Finished my socks finally!


I turned this lovely skein of Malabrigo Lettuce


Into this adorable vintagey pleated cloche called Ripley while watching Saturday football.


And then turned around Sunday and started another new shawl. Again in Malabrigo Abril (similar in color to my Cala Shawl) and this time the pattern Aestlight Shawl.



Now that the weather is a bit cooler, the knitting bug is back. Over the weekend was the Columbus Marathon and I was nostalgic for my Saturday runs at the trail and wishing I was a fit as I was last year. I need to stop complaining and just get up and go. The only thing standing in my way is me.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Friday, October 14, 2011

Fill in the Blank Friday!


1. The most selfless thing I've ever done was ... Well, As bad as this sounds, I don't know that anything is jumping out at me. I try to do nice things for people and be very helpful and considerate of others. I'm usually pretty good about it I think.
2. When it comes to working out I ride the roller coaster. I hop on the bandwagon and get super into it and then the motivation slowly slips away. I need to be better but being lazy is so much easier!

3. A woman should always hope to be the best version of herself and not let anyone or anything make her think she can't be whatever she wants to be.

4. I wish I could magically know how to cook amazing, and healthy! meals from scratch.

5. A best friend is someone who you can talk to anytime, anywhere. Even if you haven't talked in a while but can pick up the phone and be in conversation like you spoke every day.

6. I can't get enough OREOS AND MILK these days. Seriously... we have polished off a bag this week!

7. This weekend I am doing lots of random things. Hanging curtains, cleaning, knitting, football, etc. Not incredibly exciting but it must be done.
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