Some of my favorite recipes lately

Some of my go-to favorite dishes. All of these recipes or ideas were given to me by friends. It’s so nice to be inspired by other people so I thought I’d share what I like because you might enjoy the same. :)

This idea came from Smitten Kitchen: Mediterranean baked feta with tomatoes

A friend introduced this dish (and this website) to me, and that same weekend I made it two times. This recipe is so me! I love how all the ingredients are fresh and healthy. Here's a tip: this can be an expensive dish to make just once, but if you make it more than once in a week you won’t waste the leftover ingredients. I have eaten it alone for dinner or with some crackers. It’s also something my husband enjoys which makes me happy! In fact, he loved it on top of pasta. 

100 Days of Real Food website

Broccoli & cheese soup

My friend inspired me to make this soup and I used the 100 Days of Real Food recipe. 

Here are the ways I modified the recipe:

- I did not put any bacon in the soup. However, my husband probably would have enjoyed the bacon.

- I also cut up carrots really small to add more veggies to the soup.

- I did not blend the soup because I like the texture of the small pieces of broccoli and carrots. I guess everyone has a different preference on how they like their soup.

Apple carrot muffins I don’t know about you, but I love muffins. They're even better when they are made with natural ingredients. I went through a phase this past January where I made these muffins quite regularly.

Ways I modified this recipe:

- I have made this recipe with and without carrots and both ways are delicious.

- I have used agave instead of honey a few times because I was all out of honey and both ways turned out great.

Double chocolate banana bread

Another Smitten Kitchen recipe. I don't have a picture of this because it was eaten very quickly! I thought this was a fantastic sweet, chocolate treat. 

Mediterranea quinoa salad

This turned out really great and even Patrick enjoyed it. I love how it's colorful, fresh, and healthy!

What about you? Do you have any great recipes you'd love to share?

Sophia's big girl room

          Sophia moved into her big girl a week ago. She's transitioned into her room pretty well because we've been talking about her new room for a few months and she helped "build" her new room.
          Patrick has been working on the trimwork for about two months and just finished last weekend! It would not normally take that long to complete trimwork but he only got a few hours on the weekends to work on it. I'm pretty sure the power tools would have woke her up from her nap and then we'd have a very grouchy toddler on our hands which is not fun for anyone!  
          We had great people paint the room and they finished in one day. Please let me know if you need some painters. Patrick's worked with them for years and we were very pleased with their work.

          Sophia loved helping her daddy put her room together. Here are some pictures of the progress of the room and the two of them working together. 

"I got just the tool you need, Dad."

"Mom showed me how to use the glue, dad. So, I got this."

G-Bob even helped with the room

"You're funny, G-Bob!"

She had to test out the paint before the painters came.

Tada! The empty, finished room!

Pat is going to build drawers for these openings on the right

Thinking of the future-Races!

So, since I only have 27 days until my due date I have started to think about races again. I know-it’s crazy! But, even though I’m a mom I need to still be me, right?

In fact, I was just looking at some old photos on my computer of past races. I can’t believe I’m due with baby #2  May 1^st because last May I was running the Frederick Half Marathon. It's amazing what can happen in a year. 

Last year Sophia raced with me for the first time. Here we are at Francie's Family 5K. I hope to run with both girls in the stroller for this race next year. 

Running with friends

So, now is the time for me to start making some goals. This past weekend was the Mission Ten Miler  in Frederick, MD. It’s a local race that starts late in the afternoon every year. When I first heard about how late in the day the race started it did not sound appealing to me because every race I’ve ever done has been early in the morning. However, I recently thought a later race might be better for me next year because I’ll have two little ones and maybe I’ll get some sleep the night before. Lol I can dream, right? So, anyone else planning on doing the Frederick Mission 10 miler with me next year?

Another goal: I’d love to do another triathlon next August or September 2015. 

Here are some old photos from racing that were inspiring me:

Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon 2009

Here I am about to start the swim

At the finish for the Iron Girl 2009 

After the race Iron Girl 2010

Beautiful sunrise before the Iron Girl Triathlon 2010

About to start the bike leg portion of the race

Rumpus in Bumpass International Olympic Distance Triathlon. 

Here I am just getting out of the water after the swim waving to my mom and cousin. The weather was miserable that day and the swim was so cold. My arms were freezing and the water took my breath away. I almost quit after the swim because it was so rainy and I was a little afraid to bike in the rain but by the time I got out of the water the rain had stopped. As I was running towards the transition area after the swim my uncle encouraged me to finish the race and said, "You can do it. Keep going!". So, thanks for encouraging me because I was able to finish the race!

Running to the finish line at Rumpuss in Bumpass

Poor Scotty was soaked from the race

Who doesn't dance with their dog before their swim wave starts?

Biking into the dismount area

Crossing the finish line

Good friends!

Columbia Triathlon Olympic Distance 2011

 I competed in triathlons from  2007-2011. The Columbia Triathlon was the last race I competed in because the following year I had Sophia and I have not participated in a triathlon since. I know I will do a triathlon again soon.