366 Days...

Happy leap day people! Hope you have something marvelous planned with your "extra" day. Better yet, PLAN, DO, EXPERIENCE, and CREATE something amazing with ALL of your 366 days this year! Sometimes I need just a little reminder to re-focus and remember that we're all here to make a difference.  The way in which we make that difference just happens to change from time to time. Wherever you are, whatever you do...make today AMAZING! Cheers and HAPPY LEAP DAY!  

Rachel Cooks Thai--Crab Fried Rice

via Rachel Cooks Thai

By the time you read this, my stomach may still be full (of thai crab fried rice that is)...cue the yummm! As per request, I'm sharing the link to the recipe with you.  Your stomach will be grateful, I promise. It's not often that I make fried rice at home (or fried anything for that matter), but I came across this recipe over the weekend and was intrigued enough to make a Sunday evening Wegmans run just to get a container of lump crab meat.  Inspired.  Realistically though, heading to the grocery store in search of ingredients is about the most difficult part of making fried rice, no joke.  You could probably just get away with throwing a bunch of random ingredients in a pan and it would no doubt turn out a mouthwatering, delicious masterpiece.  If you don't believe me, try it yourself.

I ran across the blog Rachel Cooks Thai some time ago, but had yet to try any of her recipes...until now, of course.  Mike was pleased.  I'm pretty sure he could have downed the entire pan himself--with a little Sriracha squeezed over the top.  Thinking about it, I'm not sure many words were uttered at the dinner table. We were both too focused on the rice.  I'm convinced that anything with crab in it or on it is just meant to be.

There's more than just rice. The blog is full of recipes that look equally delicious...I'm sure I'll be trying out a few more in the near future.  If you happen to try any other recipes from the site, let me know what you think!!  For now, click the link and let your journey toward Crab Fried Rice begin!

We're Gonna Win Twins

If you're a true Twins fan, that should cue the rest of the song in your head right now.  In fact, you'll probably be humming along while you read through the rest of this post...and that's quite alright, cause it'll get you in the mood for baseball season.

We ate baseball food yesterday...and by baseball food I mean peanuts.  Peanuts that got me thinking about spring.  Spring.  Sun.  The smell of freshly cut green grass...and baseball.  Baseball.  Beer.  Stadium food.  Oh yeah!  Oh so soon the bats will be swinging...I can't wait!  There's just nothing better. Especially since there's plenty of Leinenkugel's to be had at Target Field, whoop whoop!

I assume most men are more than happy when their wives love baseball, right? Hope so...

Mike and I are still trying to finalize a set of dates for our first trip HOME to the heartland. Don't worry parents, we haven't forgotten.  Believe me, if we could we'd definitely be home lots!  Anyway, I'm thinking our trip home really has to coincide with at least one (or two) ballgames at Target Field.  No question. **huge smile**

All this talk about baseball has me dreaming about the gorgeous beauty that is Target Field, so...in light of the spring-that-is-soon-to-come, happy almost baseball season & take a peek!

My favorite bus!  Metro Transit TargetField bus--covered in bright green grass :-)
If you look closely enough you can see my dirty windshield...ignore it! 

Minneapple skyline at dusk...could do without the view of the Target Center though.

Harmon Killebrew tribute and statue.  #3

Look at that grass...lovely!

LOVE the Minnie and Paul sign...one of my favorite parts of the park!
Did you know?? The creator of the logo, Ray Barton, was paid $15 to create the design back in 1961.

After today, I have definitely realized that I have nowhere close to enough photos of Target Field! These don't even do a justice to the place, which means I have all the more reason and excuse to take a ton more this summer! Here's hoping the rest of your winter flies by so the summer festivities can begin :-)

Photo-A-Day

I'm annoyed with trying to figure out how to create and import a nice little collage into Blogger--a.k.a. how to make everything look pretty on the page. Never mind the fact that my blog is in need of a radical makeover.  Reset...after searching apps and blogs for a bit, I've been experimenting with the app PicFrame on iPhone and Mac--it'll hopefully give me a little bit of leeway in sharing gobs of photos with you, the reader (read: now you won't have to scroll so much through my posts).  This is WAY new to me as I have about zero experience in design, layout, or marketing...so any of you folks out there with information on tips, tricks, programs, or apps...I'd absolutely love to hear your advice!

Anyhow, without further hesitation, here are the first half of my pics from the February Photo-A-Day Challenge. So far, I've pretty much failed at this task...for me, it should be called the "Photo-Whenever-Lyndsey-Gets-Her-Butt-In-Gear-and-Remembers-to-Take-Photos-Challenge".  Needless to say, some of the photos weren't actually taken on the day they were supposed to be and a few may have already been on my computer and/or found online.  Oops!  It's still been fun though :-)

1.  

Route 322 Eastbound to Hershey, PA.  My drive to work in the AM.  There's a really pretty spot at the top of the hill where you can look out and see all sorts of stuff...the picture just doesn't do a justice.

2.  

Best words ever.  A few of my favorite things...found on the bottom of a Lululemon tote bag!  There will be plenty of yoga, running, and sushi when we hit up Vancouver in August!

3.  

Porcelain glove molds.  Want.Want.Want.  Mike says they're creepy.  Why haven't I ordered them yet?

4.  

A blast from the past, but a stranger in the fact that I've never actually met him.  My FAVORITE Twin growing up, TOM BRUNANSKY!!! AJ sent me this fabulous photo for x-mas this year--LOVE IT!

5.  

My little man...Tank.  Always so studly.  Can usually be found tucked under a blanket napping at 10 AM.  

6.  

A go-to favorite.  I could live on sushi.  EVERYDAY.  Sushi in my belly makes me one happy girl :-)

7.
Probably my most-favorite button of all time.  I <3 the push-button start in my Prius...best button ever!

8.
Doesn't get much better.  These guys can't wait for summer...they could lie in the sun ALL DAY LONG!

9.
Our new front door.  We're still organizing, decorating, and putting artwork on the walls.  I owe you guys a photo tour of our new home...hopefully coming to the blog soon so keep your eye out!!

10.
Me.  At home on a day off.  Had to get our gorgeous brick wall in the background.  A little blurry.

11.
My love, Mikey...always, always, always makes me HAPPY!  Taking in a WILD game in Philly :-)

12.
The clothes in my closet.  Usually forgotten.  Hardly ever worn.  I pretty much live in royal blue scrubs, long-sleeve tees, and cardigans at work...and sweats or Lulu stretch pants on my days off (cleaning and blogging, yay!).  Still love the hangers I inherited way back when I was working at Victoria's Secret!

13.  

Blue.  Such a happy MN.  I saw this print when I first joined Pinterest (pretty sure I re-pinned it from Kels' board) and loved it so much that I bought one.  Now I'm searching for the perfect place to hang it!

14.  

Heart.  So, this obviously was supposed to be a photo of a heart (for Valentine's Day, duh!).  But, while I was out on Valentine's Day I drove by Harbour House Crabs on the Carlisle Pike and about lost it when I saw their sign!  Totally had to stop and document their unique marketing.  Give your Valentine Crabs <3

15.  

I <3 my iPhone.  So lovely.  If you have one, you know what I mean; if you don't, you should own one.

Stay tuned for the second half of the photos from this month.  Feel free to join in on the fun if you'd like! Here is my original post about the challenge, and as always this month's subjects (and next) can be found over at FatMumSlim...happy hunting! 

A Bread in the Oven (Yes...Bread, not a Bun)

It's baking day...and I must say, the house smells fabulous! By the time you read this it really won't be baking day at all, but you can pretend...and I'll be eating a slice of my newest creation for breakfast :-)

I had a few neglected bananas sitting on the kitchen counter getting themselves all soft and brown. They were just screaming for me to turn them into some sort of yummtastic banana bread.  Gourmet tummy yummy banana bread.  I'm always up for a new recipe or two, so I took a little time and found a lovely little recipe from Angela over at OSG; a new twist on an old-time favorite.  Drumroll, please...and enter Cherry, Banana, Coconut Butter Bread in all it's glory.

Cherry, Banana, Coconut Butter Bread from Oh She Glows
OSG always has GREAT photos to make your mouth water...even before you start prepping the ingredients!

I made a quick Wegmans stop this morning to pick up a few ingredients.  I might have spent just a little more perusing the aisles than I needed to because I <3 grocery shopping (especially if it's one of my favorite stores...yes, I'm a little strange...I can spend a good hour walking the aisles looking for new and exciting products to try)!  After that I had my recipe in hand and the photo above for inspiration...I was set to whip up some yum.  Just before the bread hit the oven I tweaked the original recipe a tad by throwing a handful both sliced almonds and ghirardelli dark chocolate chips into the batter.  What doesn't taste better with a little added chocolate and almonds?  Bananas, cherries, chocolate, and almonds...topped with coconut...YES PLEASE! You don't have to ask me twice!

  

I love, love, love the fact that breads like this are quick & easy to make, freeze well, and are a great option for breakfast on-the-go.  Just slice, wrap, and freeze!  I usually throw a piece or two in my bag on work days.  Oh yeah, forgot to mention the fact that Mike definitely approves, too!  He's a big fan of my experiments in the kitchen and is always willing to be a taste tester :-)

I was ready to sneak a crumb or two the moment this baby came out of the oven...let me tell you, it was difficult to let it sit on the counter and cool.  This was my first attempt at baking with spelt flour and I definitely noticed just a slightly different taste--not sure I can put my finger on exactly what it tastes like, but it was good.  Overall, the bread itself turned out nice and moist, a little crumbly, slightly sweet, mostly hearty, and nicely crispy on the outside.  If you're up for it I'd definitely recommend giving this recipe a try--you won't be disappointed.  Someday soon I'll have to share my favorite go-to bread...Clean Eating's Nutmeg Infused Pumpkin Bread.  That too is amazing...for now, Happy Eating!!

Somebody Say Fauschnaut?

Fauschnaut.  Fasnact.  Faschnacht. Fosnot. Fosnaught.  Fauschnaut = fatty donut.  Made with potato flour.  No hole in the middle.  Traditionally fried in lard.  Sprinkled with sugar.   Sounds enjoyable and totally healthy.  Up until a couple of weeks ago I'd never heard of a fauschnaut, and as I write this I still haven't seen one...yet.  That might just change as we celebrate our first Fauschnaut Day since moving to Central PA.  It's the way the locals celebrate the Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday tradition.  Generally, I don't have much knowledge or experience with either.  So anyway...happy whatever it is you celebrate day! My goal is to find, photograph, and devour a fauschnaut :-)

Aloha & Mahalo!

I have a love affair with the islands...the Hawaiian Islands that is.  Of all the places I've been (realistically, the list probably isn't that long, LOL), Hawaii is one of those places I just can't get enough of.  I'd go back again and again, and again, and again...well, you get the idea.  I just can't turn down the sun, the sand, and the entire vibe the island embodies.  I say this cause the 'rents are headed to Kona for a little island adventure of their own!!  I'm beyond excited that they're taking a little time to themselves to relax and recharge; it's been a number of years since they've taken a true vacation and they totally deserve it!

In honor of this trip (and me wishing that I was heading there for a getaway myself) I thought I'd share a few photos of my past Hawaii trips with you all.  I actually had to trek up the stairs, into the closet, and page through a couple of photo albums to find these babies...yup, pre-digital era!  Actually had to take 'em to get developed, how times have changed!!  Major Disclaimer: I will warn you ahead of time so you don't burn your retinas looking through these...apparently clothing and hairstyles really do look pretty outdated after ten years.  We were totally cool, though.  Trust me.


Spring Break 2002.  
KONA.  
Fabulous trip with Sarah, my mom, and Cindy.  Had to add the dorky photos for a few laughs!  I was a little lazy and didn't want to scan them all, taking pictures of pictures with the iPhone was definitely more convenient.  Enjoy!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Island, HI (also known as the Big Island)

Snorkel Bobs. 

Pretty grainy, but cute.  Wish I was there now!

Hands down, the best photo of the trip.
 Driving around the island--side of the road--all sorts of handmade pottery.
Biggest Pot Dealer...obviously.

Honeymoon 2007.  
MAUI and KONA.  
Somewhere around 10-13 days of sun and bliss (I don't remember exactly how long we stayed...pretty sure it was closer to two weeks).  Introduced Mike to the Islands and showed him a few of my favorites places, while exploring all sorts of new stuff at the same time!

Hotel balcony in Maui.  Little dude tagged along. 

Couldn't be better.

Pineapple sunsets.

Gorgeous sky and palm trees.  Ahhhh...

Tradition--gotta get a tattoo while on the islands.  I've done it twice.  

Second trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Totally made Mike pose with the 'volcanic fumes' sign too :-)

It's been almost five years since we last visited...I think I'm about due (or overdue for that matter).  For now, I'll have to live vicariously through all of the pictures my parents take and all of the stories they accumulate!  This post probably should have been written on an Aloha Friday...instead, hope you all have a great start to a new week...Happy Monday!  Aloha & Mahalo!

Superfood

It's lean.  It's green.  It's mean.  It also happens to be downright delicious and equally as versatile in the kitchen.  Give up yet?  I'm talking about KALE.  A while back, Mike and I decided to experiment in the kitchen with homemade kale chips.  Let me tell you, from that moment on we were hooked.  Needless to say, I was way excited when I came across a post last week from friend and blogger, Ella Modern.

Image vía Ella Modern...head on over to check out the blog and grab the recipe!!

I grabbed a few ingredients at the store and with just a little slicing and dicing, viola! I ended up with a delicious little lunch salad full of some of my favorite things!  The carrots add just a little sweetness, the avocado is nice and buttery, and the sunflower seeds add just enough crunch.  Mike and I both enjoyed it so much, I figured I should let the rest of you know, too!  Believe me, there's already another batch in the fridge to get me through my weekend at work.

I'd be more than happy to hear about other KALE recipes you've tried and loved or for that matter, any other recipes worth trying!  I'm always in the mood to try something new! Enjoy the weekend :-)

Vancouver, BC Bound

Lululemon SeaWheeze says:  Come see why the West Coast is the best coast…mountains, beaches and sunsets that could make Hawaii blush.

Lyndsey replies:  O.K.  Sure.  Why not.  I like Hawaii.  Sounds fun!


My last post was a bit deceptive.  I was doing my usual Lyndsey-is-type-A-always-plans-everything-in-her-life-so-things-work-out-perfectly-and-fit-nicely-together stuff.  Well, right before I actually posted that blog for you to read, I basically said BLEEEEEEEEP! Expletive edited out of my blog post :)  Long story short, take a look at the fantastic confirmation emails Mike and I just received into our inboxes...

Best of all, an exciting little present from Lululemon coming to my door and a (presumably fantastic) piece of technical running gear as part of our race packets in August.  YAY! YAY! YAY! YAY! YAY! Now we've got until early August to plan the details and make sure I don't have to work.  Did I mention that Vancouver is also a big SUSHI city?  Of course it is...just another reason I should probably live there someday.

175 Days to Go!
No chickening out now...
Happy Friday everyone!!
  

So...you're thinking about running a race

Mike and I have been throwing out the idea of running a half marathon together lately.  We've been loosely thinking about it for a while, but we've really started to get serious about it as the winter pounds have been piling on.  It's time to get back into running and get back into shape!

The last (and only) half-marathons I ran were back in October 2010 when I ran the Mankato Half and the Monster Dash on two subsequent Saturdays...what the crap was I thinking!?!  Mike's always wanted to tackle a race together, so we figured there's no better time but the present (and/or the near future)!

The Mankato crew!  Notice a couple of us are missing #'s.
We totally missed the registration deadline...oops!

Missing from the picture above--my mom and Mike, a.k.a our cheering squad.  They totally cheered us on along the course in Mankato.  Loosely speaking, by "cheering us on" I also mean that they took some time to indulge in a few Bloody Mary's near the finish line...wow was I jealous when I heard that!

Last few miles of the Monster Dash in Minneapolis...
couldn't wait for that race to be over!

My dad surprised me and ran the last few miles of the Monster Dash with me...I definitely needed a pick-me-up, cause my body was not happy that morning.  Oh yeah, it looks gorgeously sunny in the photo, but my feet were definitely frozen for the first couple of miles--it was a chilly fall morning in MN...great course around the lakes in Minneapolis though :-)

That brings me to the real reason I wanted to write this post.  We're trying to decide on a race and of course Mike and I couldn't make it simple or easy cause that just wouldn't be fun.  So we're debating making a sort of mini-race-vacation type of thing.  We were throwing out a number of ideas (including the Niagara Falls International Marathon--starts in Buffalo, ends at Niagara Falls in Ontario--way cool!) until we came across the SeaWheeze Lululemon Half Marathon...'nuff said.  August 11, 2012.  From what I can tell, the course looks amazing and I'm pretty sure I don't really need any more convincing than I've already had.

Pretty city.  Big smile :-)

All sorts of running on the water in Vancouver, BC!

I have always, always wanted to take some time to explore Vancouver as I've heard the area and it's surroundings are absolutely G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S beyond belief and because, well, I'm pretty much in love with anything CANADA.  Did I mention that I also have an affliction for Lululemon?  Perfect.  Not to mention that if we plan it correctly, we could make the trip a Seattle slash Vancouver trip...why not!?! Seattle is another place I tend to drool over (especially the Pike Place Fish Market, totally want to go there...eeeekkk!).  The planning begins.  Now I just have to determine whether or not I can get the time off work (unfortunately I've already missed the long-term vacation request deadline at work...BOO) and hope that registration will still be open.  Fingers crossed.  

HVD!!

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Hey peeps! Just wanted to drop by and say HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to you and yours on this Tuesday morning.  I'm really bad at sending cards and I'm so not a romantic (I know, shocking to all of you who know me!) so consider this your celebratory shout-out....and yes, hubby...that means you too!  And now, for the Valentine's Day inspiration...

Awesome little valentine card, courtesy of DeuceCities Henhouse...another blog to put on your list, too!

 HVD!!! I saw this and was instantly in love with the abbreviation.  This is the one and only way that I'll be referring to the holiday from here on out, hence the title of this post...I <3 abbreviations :-)

I <3 you...anatomy style.  Found via Pinterest.

 Who doesn't love a little anatomy!?! I thought this was great, great, great! Someday I would love to have a collection of vintage anatomy posters (obviously not quite like this reproduction) and vintage medical photos displayed in a room of my home...it might take me some time to get Mike on board though (or he might just steer clear of that room all together), not sure he feels the same way as I do.

Graffiti love on bright red brick. 

DesignSponge

Clever and pretty Valentine boxes for the DIY crowd...I'd rather just show you the picture and/or have one sent to my house.  I just don't know how these people think of such creative ideas and make them turn out so fabulously fantastic and polished looking, JEALOUS!

And now for the most important project and adventure of the day, these little yummies I saw while watching the Rachael Ray show yesterday...Red Velvet Waffskies!  The recipe name doesn't mention the fact that they're are also topped with boozy soaked berries.  Nom. Nom. Nom.  I'm not even a huge fan of red velvet cake (I've maybe tried it once or twice in my life), but the idea of cake batter made into waffles in FIVE MINUTES + RED & WHITE for V-Day = PERFECT!!  Can't wait to share how they turn out! If you're in or around HBG, feel free to stop on by for a waffskie or two...if they haven't already been eaten :-)

Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Icing Drizzle

Kels...this is purrfect for you!
Click here for a t-rex of your own :-)

Last but not least, the most fantastic animation Mike sent to me this morning with my V-Day email.  Eeeekkkkk! There's a t-rex running around rampant on my blog...FANTASTIC!  I couldn't help but laugh out loud and keep the image up on my screen all morning (and perhaps all day)!

Once again, HVD to all of our family, friends, and neighbors near and far...you're all AMAZING!!! Keep your loved ones close and give 'em a great big hug for us!  XOXOXOXO

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3