Taste Test Tuesday 3/16

Vinegar Chicken

(sorry no pics)

5 chicken legs
1/8 tsp. salt
¼ c. white or cider vinegar
1/8 tsp. black pepper
¼ c. soy sauce
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
2 tbs. Worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp. onion powder

1.Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Lightly grease a 13x9-inch pan. Place the chicken in the pan.

2. In a small bowl combine the vinegar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.

3.Baste chicken with 1/3 vinegar mixture. Season with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

4.Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven, and baste with another one-third of the vinegar mixture.

5.Bake 15 minutes longer, basting again with the remaining vinegar mixture. Return to the oven and continue baking for 15 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

The Verdict: Really easy to make and this is a dish that everyone will eat

Pasta Bean Toss
(found in a very trusted source RW magazine)

Ingredients

* 1 lb Wholegrain Penne Pasta
* 2 medium onion Onion, Medium - Cooked
* 2 cloves Garlic Clove
* 1 tsp Vegetable Oil
* 5 serving Carrots
* 2 cup Broccoli
* 12 serving Plum Tomatoes
* 3 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
* 4 tbsp Basil, Fresh
* 15 oz Red Kidney Beans
* 15 oz White Kidney Beans
* 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese

Directions

Cook pasta according to package. While pasta cooks, in a large frying pan saute onions and garlic in oil until tender (two minutes). Add remaining vegetables, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and basil. Simmer for four minutes. Add beans and simmer for two minutes or until veggies are tender. Add pasta and cheese, and toss

The Verdict: It was good I didn't have the tomatoes or carrots on hand and I am sure the addition would have made it even better, I even thought of adding some grilled chicken to make it a full meal a great lunch, next time next time.


Foodie Giveways:

Love Veggies and Yoga: Raw Cookbook 3/18
Healing with Juices: Raw Organic Honey 3/31
Leslie Loves Veggies: Home Free Cookies 3/30
Leslie Loves Veggies: Al Dente Pasta Package 3/27

Tasty Tip #2

To easily remove burnt-on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stovetop-skillet will be much easier to clean.

A Tasty Review: popchips

I am not a big fan of chips, except tortilla chips of those I am a big fan. Growing up I loved Doritos but for some reason now I can't bring myself to buy any kind of chips except tortilla chips I will not allow my kids to eat them at home (they do however get their junk food fix at grandpas house) but a couple weeks ago I was sent this package from Popchips to review (with samples and coupons) and my heart grew 10 sizes that day. There is a few things I really like about them; they are all natural, a 1 oz serving is 120 calories with 4 g. of fat and most importantly they taste really good and go great with a flatbread veggie delight from subway. My family and I had a chance to try out 6 of their flavors the original and sour cream & onion are my favorite. My husband who has completely different taste than me became a quick fan of the sea salt and vinegar and the kids were so excited I was allowing chips in the house would have probably eaten my hand if it was connected to a chip. (okay that was a little much but they liked them) and as luck would have it I found a mixed box of popchips, with original and bbq at Costco and decided to go ahead and pick one up. Just like with any snack my family and I won't be eating chips everyday but it is nice to have an option I can feel okay about eating and letting my kids eat and that the whole family really enjoys.

For more information or to find out where you can get popchips visit them online at www.popchips.com

WeekEnd Round-Up 3/14

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."

~Robert Brault

This weeks workouts
Monday: Cardio Kickboxing (60 mins)
Tuesday: 2.0 miles
Thursday: 3.84 miles
Saturday: 3.2 miles
Sunday: 4.5 miles, 1.5 mile walk

Total Miles:
week: 15.04
month:31.64 miles
year: 111.54 miles

How'd I do this week

~Run 15 miles: yes, I almost didn't do make it but when I saw that I was just 1.5 miles from 15 I loaded kay in the jogging stroller and got the kids set up on their bikes and set off with my pedometer around the neighborhood to get r done

~Plant my vegetables outdoors: no, but is so wasn't my fault I promise it was the windiest week ever and I just couldn't do that to my seedlings maybe next week.

Goals for Next Week:

~Run 17 miles

~Make sure the girls where green to school on St. Patrick's Day otherwise I will hear about it when they get home

~Take multivitamin everyday this week ( I have em just got to remember to take em)

What I'm reading this Month

(Great book, fun and easy read)

Information from Amazon.com

Every sport has rules. Running is no exception. If you’re curious, just visit the Web site of USA Track & Field, the sport’s governing body, where you’ll find detailed dictates on everything from disqualification to bib-number placement to the caliber of the starter’s pistol.

But what about the everyday rules of running? The unspoken ones that pertain to the lingo, behavior, and etiquette that every seasoned runner seems to know and every newbie needs to learn? Veteran runner Mark Remy and the editors of Runner’s World magazine provide answers to these very questions and many more in The Runner’s Rule Book.

Inside you’ll find:

Rule 2.32

DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO FINISH AHEAD OF A COSTUMED RUNNER

Because being outkicked by Elmo is too much to bear.

…and many, many more. With 100+ rules that cover the basics of running, racing, track etiquette, and apparel and gear, including hilarious running commentary on running culture, The Runner’s Rule Book will be the reference guide you’ll turn to again and again for answers to your burning running questions.

Great things going on in the blogworld

*Race Reports (I love 'em how about you?? If you posted a race report and would like it linked let me know I would love to stop by and leave a comment)

Melissa's Adventure in Running
Will Run for Wine
Beginning Running
Running Sane
Running, life, learning and growing
The Blue Eyed Runner
Runner's Rambles
Running on Purpose
Twelve Fit Feet
See Mom Run.Bike.Swim
Long Legs on the Loose

It's For A Good Cause:

Katye at Long Legs on the Loose is having a great raffle to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Great stuff up for grabs for a great cause. Ends 4/1

Mel from Tall Mom on The Run is hosting a Virtual Race on March 27th to raise money for Susan G. Kormen for a Cure. So stop by and check it out.

Laura who you can find over at My Reason to Run has put together an amazing raffle/giveaway for Joubert Syndrome

Giveaways!!!

Endurance Isn't Only Physical: One More Mile 3/16
Lucky Taste Buds: Chia Seeds 3/19
Happy Runner Reviews & Giveaways: Word to Sweat By 3/15
Twirlit: Travelite Tote Bag 3/17
Goals for the Week: Athleta Gear 3/17
Racing With Babes: Training Tag-Alongs 3/20
Misszippy1: Rockin Refuel 3/22
Confessions of a Rambunctious Runner: My Life on the Run Book 3/18

...and if you haven't already be sure and check out my Oiselle Giveaway!!!

Have a Wonderful Week!!!

Nutty Runners 5k

So yesterday I finally got to do a race after weeks of seeing tons of other amazing race reports, and bugging the crap out of my husband to make sure he was off to watch the kids and I was excited. I woke up and the first thing that came to mind was "Be careful what you ask for because you might just get it". Sure I was able to run a race that wasn't 2+ hours away, my husband was home to get the kids up and ready in the morning and I had a great outfit picked out to run in ( in case you were wondering and because I don't have a picture, sorry my great outfit included my, headsweats race hat, One More Mile shirt, black knickers, black long sleeve shirt, thorlo socks & new balances) where was I, oh yes so I was getting the run I had asked for but forgot to put in my request for nice weather. Watching the trees sway outside my living room window made my warm bed seem a lot more appealing and if my husband didn't make the necessary arrangements for me to run this race there is a good chance I would have accepted the invitation. However I got my butt in gear and told myself it's still 3 hours to start maybe it will let up. :)

Well it didn't :( but once I got to the race venue and saw all the other runners I knew I could do it and told myself the faster I run the sooner I can get inside. Turns out it wasn't that bad the out and back course that was great going out with the wind at my back pushing me along it did however suck a bit coming back when the wind didn't get the memo that we were changing directions but I ran through the whole thing ( just kept telling myself "if you stop and walk the longer you have to stay in the wind" ) and made a new running friend, Laura who finished her first 5k yesterday, as preparation for a marathon relay she is doing with some coworkers in May. She did great way better than I did my 1st race ( and as much as I wish I had some cute pictures of us to post I don't between the wind and the best pancake breakfast ever I didn't even think about my camera and I call myself a blogger, shameful I know).

So in closing I came, I saw and I conquered my first 5k of 2010. Time 31.12 (9.75 avg)
and the cherry on top is that I won a couple prizes at the raffle they did after the run. My winnings included a $10 Subway & $25 Target gift card, so all around a pretty good morning

Feature Friday Oiselle Review & Giveaway

(rockin' the lesley knickers and long run top)

This week's feature company is Oiselle.This wonderful company produces women's running apparel, I was sent their lesley knicker, roga shorts and long run top to review.

My favorite type of pant to run in cold or warm weather would have to be a capri pant (assuming I have shaved my legs that week) so Oiselle's lesley knicker was right up my alley, they have have an elastic waist band which makes for a great snug fit in the midsection the knickers are very light and soft, a looser fit than what I am used to in a compression pant, however they still did a great job making my butt look good (and let's just be honest that is what's important). I've had a chance to use them a few times and am quite satisfied by how they look and feel before, during and after a good workout.

Since Spring is on its way and were I live it gets quite warm I am excited to try out their roga short (which is one of their most popular styles) unfortunately that warm weather I was talking about hasn't kicked in yet so I don't really have much to say about the shorts, so there will be more on them later, I will say they look really cute.

Last be certainly not least the long run tee, to sum it up in two words "love it" the fabric is soft, it is fitted with out being tight, the design and shaping of the shirt is figure flattering. I've worn it at least 3 times in the last two weeks and if I didn't have to wash it I would have probably worn it more. It doesn't matter if I am at the gym on the treadmill or running outdoors it just feels good, and right now you can get the long run top on sale for $32.

From the Website:
"High in quality: High performance deserves high quality. The best materials. The best production. And an obsessive attention to detail. We are committed to these principles — and more. We also believe quality means consistent and reliable fit, from season to season, and from year to year — so you can always feel confident about your purchase.
Beautiful in design: Simple. Clean. Enduring. Every aspect of our apparel was created to look as good as it feels. In fact, there is no thread, no seam, no fabric that has not been examined and re-examined, so as to deliver the ideal garment: one that is refreshingly unique, fashion forward, and precisely designed for women runners.
Singular in focus: As a company, our sole focus is the woman athlete who loves to run and race. she could be 15. She could be 50. The important part is that she is an “ambition athlete,” a person who trains, who races, and who is committed to the sport."

Buy it: To learn more about Oiselle or to order online visit them at www.oisellerunning.com

Win It!!!

Thanks to the generous people over at Oiselle one lucky reader will be able to win a Long Run Top, color of their choice (come in dark green, midnight or jade).

Mandatory Entry
~ Visit the Oiselle site and let me know another item you would like to own.

Extra Entries: (Please Leave a separate comment for each)

~Subscribe to the Oiselle on twitter
~Become a follower of this blog, or let me know you already are
~Link back to this contest

Contest open to U.S and Canada only. Ends 03/19/10. Winner will be chosen using random.org and will be announced in my Sunday Weekend Report post and emailed.

I received items for Oiselle to review, opinions expressed are my own.

3 Things & 2 Questions Thursday

This weeks Three Things are going to be things I am thankful for this week.

• The first is you all; everyone who takes the time to read and frequently or occasional leave me a comment I am very thankful for every reader and comment get, I find a lot of motivation in your encouraging words.
• Progress, next I am glad for how much progress I am noticing in myself. The other day I only did 2 miles and was quite disappointed with myself and upset that I had wasted a perfectly good workout outfit for just 2 miles;I had a "short" run of 4 miles on the schedule. Than I had to remind myself that a few months ago I would have been ecstatic to finish 2 miles at one time. So that's something.
  
• Saving the best for last I have to put my husband on the list, for all my complaining last week, my husband did manage to get this Saturday morning off so I can get up and go run a 5k, so I am a quite excited about that it will be my first official run since last year fingers crossed for a really good time ( in case you were wondering a good time for me would be under 30 minutes)
  

Question Time:

How/Why did you start running? How long have you been running?

I used to run track in high school nothing further than a 400m though, last year after me and my husband (mainly me) decided that four kids was going to be it for us (I was totally down for 1 more as long as my husband was going to carry him or her) I came to the conclusion I know longer had any excuse not to get in better shape and lose some of the weight that I had been slowly but very steadily gaining and running seemed to the obvious choice I didn't know how hard it was going to be but I am glad I started and now find myself excited to run (most days that is). How about you???