Two Quickies

I've been getting out of the habit of trying new recipes lately. So....I'm vowing to make at least one newbie a week. I have a stack full of recipes that just are waitin' to be made!

You will never believe this, but I have never made anything using a crock pot/slow cooker. Yes, 'tis true! I actually had to borrow one to make this.

I found this recipe for Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbeque. Sounded easy to me.

As P-Dub would say, the cast of characters (+ the chicken):

I really wanted to HFCS-free stuff, but this was either all my store had or it was SO much more to buy the "good" stuff! Next time, next time....

In the cooker....
All shredded up.

Oh my frickin' goodness! This was so good, and ridiculously easy! I will definitely be making this again. Right after I buy a slow cooker.

82 years ago, I also found this recipe for Campbell's Chicken & Rice Casserole. It, too, sounded quick and easy. And who doesn't like a quickie?

The cast (+ the chicken - so camera shy!):

All baked and ready to go...

This was wonderful, too! I love having veggies with my meal - so this was great, because it was built in for me.

What's your favorite quick and easy recipe?

Check out:

- Run to the Finish's Good Gear Giveaway!

Today I am thankful for:

- Playing at the park with my nieces and nephew

- Oat bran

- TJ's almond butter which I just bought and have yet to try! Still thankful for it, though.

Almond Breeze...Makes Me Feel Fine

I tried it!

In the mix --> the normal nanner + kale + ice + flax, plus some strawberries....

The verdict?

Very tasty! I have had a recent obsessioncraving for almonds lately, so of course I fell in love. Don't know if I would drink it alone, but it was perfect in my green monster!

Have you tried any alternative milks? Soy? Almond? Rice Dream?

On a side note, thank you so much to all of you for your comments on my last post. Nobody likes to feel alone in the things they think, so it was comforting that many of you feel the same. I have more to say on this topic, for sure. I think for now, I need to focus on what is right for me - not compare myself to others, because my needs are not the same as theirs.

Today I am thankful for:

- Vacation in 5 days!
- The Bachelorette (what will I DO when it's over?!)
- Being close to the restroom at work ;-)

Food Blogging...and Two Cute Photos

First of all, I have to show you two photos because they are too cute.

My niece, Reese, lost her first tooth (she's 5...seems early?!). How cute is she? My other sister (Reese's aunt) took this pic. I'm trying to convince her to start her own photography businessso I can quit my job and become her personal assistant. She's good, right?

So as I was mowing today I noticed a baby bunny run out of my yard. Seriously, it could fit in the palm of your hand!! When I was done mowing I was pulling out weeds around my house and found this nestled against my house:

Do you see it?! It was adorable! I screamed at first, because, well, I wasn't expecting to see something furry right in front of me. It was so sweet, it didn't move. I checked later and it was gone...hopefully Peter C. found his mommy.

Anywho, sometimes I get nervous about posts in which I come clean about something. This is very funny to me because I don't (personally) "know" any of you! If I can't be truthful here, there is a real problem, eh?

Let me preface this by saying I firmly believe that whatever works best for your body, have at it. I know some can't handle dairy, some can't handle tons of protein, some can't handle fruit, and that is okay! I am no way judging others for what/how they eat. Lord knows how many people have judged me for my weird eats. ;-)

I will be honest. I’ve heard other bloggers say the same, but sometimes I don’t know whether or not food blogs are helpful or hurtful to me. I mean, I guess at times they are both. How are they helpful? I love reading about the bloggers who can take in a piece of cake or a cookie and get over it. Life's too short not to eat some cake, right? And also I've gotten some amazing recipes and learned about new foods (hello, almond butter and quinoa!) from these ladies. Not to mention, I've "met" some v. awesome people!

However, I'm sad to say that in the recent months I have struggled with binging/restricting and binging/purging. Not to the point where it is excessive, as it used to be, but still to the point where it concerns me. Especially the purging.

With so many food bloggers leaning towards a more drastic type of clean eating than I am used to seeing, it has left me a bit unsettled. Sometimes I feel bad because I don't eat as "clean" as others. Sure, I don't eat very many processed foods like I used to. But some people don't eat any at all. I know we should never compare ourselves to how others eat (see above), but I would be lying if I said seeing and reading about these people's food choices didn't affect me in a negative way at times.


Do you feel as though food blogs in general are helpful or harmful to you? What is the greatest benefit you get out of reading them - or having your own?

I got this Meme from Kim and I just love doing these things. No one bothered me at work because I must have had the "concentrating" look on my face! lol


1. I’ve come to realize that my chest-size. . .is not to be taken for granted. I say this because of my numerous friends who've nursed one or several babies. We gotta appreciate the goods now, ladies!

2. I’ve come to realize that my job. . .is sucky. Wait, be positive! Okay - is only a temporary situation that will provide me with financial security when it comes time to pursue my "dream job." (Better?)

3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving. . .I zone out. Kind of a lot. Bet you're glad you don't live in Indy!

4. I’ve come to realize that I need. . .something that I can't post here because it's inappropriate. lol - half kidding! I need water. Like, I drink over 100 ounces a day. I literally get cranky when I don't have it! (although I pee much less)

5. I’ve come that realize that I have lost. . .my mind? No, I've lost my patience with people who are constantly complaining about something, but yet refuse to do anything to change the situation.

6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when. . .people tailgate me. Although not so bad if number 3 (above) is happening.

7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk. . .I have diarrhea of the mouth. If you want to know my secrets, bring me some Jose!

8. I’ve come to realize that money…if in excess, often makes people unhappy, because they are always wanting the next best thing...and they are never satisfied.

9. I’ve come to realize that certain people. . .aren't in my life anymore because they made me feel bad, even though it was hard to cut ties with them. If they make you feel bad, why be friends with them?

10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always. . .be ultra-sensitive.

11. I’ve come to realize that my sibling(s). . .are my best friends, just like mom said they'd be (darnit, she's right again).

12. I’ve come to realize that my mom…loves to nag only because she loves me.

13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone. . .needs to be with me at all times.

14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning. . .I was SO GLAD it was Friday. 2 days free from work!

15. I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep. . .I was only thinking about sleeping in on Saturday.

16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking. . .gosh I love these memes. People think I'm working!

17. I’ve come to realize that my dad. . .is probably the best guy I've ever come across in my life. Ever. And I'm still in awe that I deserve for a man that pure and good to be my father.

18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook. . .I giggle when I see the updates of all my SAHM (stay at home mom) friends - whom I respect so much - like, "Jonny pooed in the potty!" and "I'm going to send the girls to juevy if they don't shut up!" Tooootally different than the updates from my single friends.

19. I’ve come to realize that today. . .is awesome because it's Friday.

20. I’ve come to realize that tonight. . .will be chillaxin' time with my sistahs.

21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow. . .I will get to see my dear grandma, and many members of my family!

22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to. . .find a rewarding, fulfilling job.

23. I’ve come to realize that the person mostly likely to repost this is. . .not sure about this one!

24. I’ve come to realize that life. . .is about how you look at things. The same sucky thing can happen to two different people, yet they can react in complete opposite ways.

25. I’ve come to realize that this weekend. . .is a time for me to re-group and eats LOTS of fruits and veggies.

26. I’ve realized the best music to listen to when I am upset. . .is currently "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" by Iron & Wine (from the "Twilight" soundtrack). Or Britney Spears in general.

27. I’ve come to realize that my friends. . . might be at different points in their lives than me, but that doesn't mean we can't still be good friends.

28. I’ve come to realize that this year. . .is going to bring about a lot of change!

29. I’ve come to realize that my exes. . .were kind of jerks, but I don't hate 'em. They were fun!

30. I’ve come to realize that maybe I should. . .get back to work?

31. I’ve come to realize that I love. . .my family.

32. I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand. . .why bad things happen to good people. I know everything happens for a reason, but it's just upsetting when something tragic happens to someone very loving and kind.

33. I’ve come to realize my past. . .involved LOTS of mistakes, from which I am still learning everyday.

34. I’ve come to realize that parties. . .are a time to indulge, but not to the point of being sick (that goes for sweets AND, um, beer).

35. I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified. . .of flying. But this won't stop me from doing it...that would mean giving up travel!

36. I’ve come to realize that my life. . .is unpredictable. And I kinda like that. :-)

Today I am thankful for:

- Ice packs
- Fresh strawberries
- Friendly faces at the gym who know my name

Irony or Coincidence?

I had a smart-asspretty intelligent boyfriend in college who would get PISSED when people interchanged the words "irony" and "coincidence." Like, "Oh, that's ironic - we were just talking about you!" Well, technically that's a "coincidence." Anyway, it makes me super paranoid about using the word "irony" now.

So when we last left off I was telling you about my new inserts that my PT recommended ($40 from Amazon).

This morning I went in to see my ortho doctor. Upon telling him that my knee, in fact, is not 100% (I would say it's 70% better?), he mentioned the "s" word - surgery. "Is it bad enough to warrant surgery?" he asked. Um, NO! I would say the pain (on the pain scale: 1 being nothing and 10 being near death) is only a 1.5 - 2. I know that seems like nothing, it's just that it aches all day long sometimes. That is more my concern - not the pain itself.

Anyway, he looked at my feet after I mentioned that I supinate more on the left foot. What did he suggest?

Custom orthotics.

So would this be ironic or a coincidence since I was just talking about new inserts? Hmmm. C'mon, you English majors!

Anyway, I'm off to get fitted for one on Monday. Anyone want some inserts for their shoes? Size 9.5 -10.5?

At first I panicked because of the price ($216!), but then I told myself I am willing to try anything to fix this. Plus, it costs me that much just to see my doctor! (My deductible is $2500. For those of you on your parents' insurance plans - STAY there as long as you can! lol). So we'll see if this helps to fix things. In the mean time, I'll continue to do my PT exercises and "ralk," since it doesn't seem to have an effect on the pain.

In the mean time, I have a post coming this weekend that I'm a bit nervous about putting out there. But it's something I'm anxious to get your opinion on, so I promise I won't chicken out. :-)

Today I am thankful for:

- The smell when it first starts to rain (before it smells wormy!)

- Spending time with my nieces, Grace and Clare

- Classical Music (maybe it's dorky, but it kinda relaxes me) ;-)

Good for the Sole

My physical therapist (also a runner) suggested I try Sole Softec Inserts to help with my knee problem.

Interestingly, I checked my running shoes and found something weird. I supinate (my foot rolls out) noticeably more on my left foot than my right. And it's my left knee that is giving me trouble. Surely there is a connection?

Left Foot

Right Foot

It's hard to tell from the pics, but I only ran in these shoes for about 5 weeks before my half-marathon (and during). I'm going to the doctor tomorrow, and I'm anxious to see what he says about this.

Anyway, back to the inserts. Kind of weird, but first you pop 'em in the oven....

...then you put them in your shoes and stand for about 2 minutes (it's supposed to "mold" around your foot).

We'll see if they help! I've been "ralking" (run/walking) 3 times a week, and my knee doesn't bother me hardly at all when I run. I just wish it wouldn't ache during the day! I'll let you know what the doc says tomorrow. :-)

Do you pronate or supinate if you run? Have you ever tried inserts or orthotics?


I am thankful for:

- Hydrangeas

- Space heaters

- My close friendship with my sister, Kristy

Check out:

Missy's E-Cloth Giveaway!

Special K's MacroLife Bar Giveaway!

When Hard Work Pays Off

I will be the first to admit that strength training does not come easily to me. Maybe it's not that it doesn't come easy, but that I have never really enjoyed it. I have to actually give myself pep talks when I go to the gym to lift, something I've never had to do with running.

With my recent knee injury, I've gotten into the routine of doing 3 days a week of strength training. This is probably the first time in my life I've ever been consistent with strength training. Sure, I used to try and lift once or twice a week, but if I skipped it? No biggie.

WELL, let me just tell you - and please sit down - I'm actually starting to enjoy it. I don't know if it's the whole act of it that I enjoy, but I can't tell you how great it feels when I'm finished. Kind of like a long run. Except for the FIRST time in my life, I feel strong.

I've always been the girl with string bean arms who gets teased (lovingly?) for being weak. I've also always envied women who have real strength. In fact, as I watched Serena and Venus Williams battle it out on the court this weekend, I thought - they could seriously kick most guys' asses. That's awesome!

I've slowly increased my weights and the pounds I'm lifting over the past couple of months, and can definitely tell a difference physically. But this weekend, I also had solid proof of my hard work!

Long story short, I bought a TV stand off of Craig's list. I went to get it and the guy wasn't there. Um....wtf?! It was at a storage place, and I tried the door and it actually opened. I only had my parent's van for an hour, so I knew I had to buck it up and do the damn thang.

Well, it took about 15 minutes, but I managed to lift the stand into the back of the van. All by myself! (Look, mom - no hands!) The guy pulled up just as I was leaving (of course) and said, "hmmm, you lifted that in there yourself?" I told him yes, and he said, "well, I'm impressed!" It made me feel so good to know that I'm not that weak girl with string bean arms anymore!

(Yes, I am a wee tad bit obsessed with "Twilight".)

I hope that doesn't come off braggy, but it just goes to show you that you can really surprise yourself in terms of what you can accomplish. I hear runners ALL the time say, "I couldn't even run a mile __ years ago!" Or I hear people say things like, "I was forced to swim when I was injured, now I love it!" (Sadly, I wish that was me.) Me? I was the girl who thought she'd never be strong.

What about you? How have you surprised yourself with your achievements?


Today I am thankful for:

- red, seedless grapes

- flats being in style

- driving with the car windows rolled down