Running Happy and Increasing Mileage

February 6, 2014 By Laura

A runner, I am not.

Unless it involves chocolate ~~or wine~~.

I’m sort of kidding. I used to consider myself a runner (hence the name of this blog), but my ACL had other plans.

Regardless, I was struck when Kat sent me her guest post for today. A lot of what she touches on is applicable to any area – whether it be other physical activities, work, or just life.

Who couldn’t use more stretching and rest? As much as we all hate to admit it, we aren’t invincible. Here’s Kat…

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**I Still Love the Shit Out of You (and running)**

by: Kat

…

Taking Care of Your Health, For Real….

December 19, 2013 By Laura

My office had a tornado.

This should help explain fewer posts and the lack of replies:

My company’s formal launch is Jan 1. Add to that all the holiday obligations and preparation… we are the poster children for the expression “running around like a chicken with it’s head cutoff.”

Who else is feeling overextended? Kat’s post below is one we all probably need to hear right now. It hit home for me!

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Taking Care of Your Health, For Real….

by: Kat

I had no idea what to write about, so you’re getting a random health lecture from me regarding your very important Adrenal Glands, a very short concert review, and wishes for very happy holidays!

I’m sure I’m lecturing my doll here on something very important

So I know I may appear to be all kinds of balanced and stuff on this blog, but maybe my body doesn’t see it that way. I found out about 6 weeks ago that I have adrenal fatigue. Stress is no joke, and my body is paying for it. I hate to admit this here, but I think it will help many of you who go-go-go… and go… (Editor’s Note: I wouldn’t know anything a bout that… *ducking head*)

Have some awareness around what stress can do to your body.

Your adrenals are an extremely important part of your system. They regulate your stress hormones, sex hormones, and a number of other bodily functions. If they are not healthy, your whole body gets out of whack. (Editor’s Note: In the words of the late, great Whitney, “Crack is whack.”)

Oh, and you should also know that your body doesn’t know the difference between physical and emotional stress. Little did I know about this when I was attempting to run 100 miles shortly after studying for and taking the bar exam. NOT SMART.

The symptoms are crazy… sleeplessness even when you’re exhausted, moodiness out of nowhere that’s purely physical and not necessarily caused by anything else, random pains in your body, not being able to focus, not being able to generally cope with day-to-day stressors in a reasonable manner.

Now I’m trying to get my health back in order. That means LOTS of vitamins and minerals, eating as close to the end of a run/workout as possible (Editor’s Note: A good rule of thumb is to eat within 30 mins), and getting essential fats in my diet.

Oh, and most importantly, you have to rest. Again, something I’m really not good at. (Editor’s Note: Preach on! Rest is so boring…)

However, with the help of an excellent partner-in-crime, we slept until 12:30pm on Saturday (I know, right?!!?), then had food, went back to bed, woke up and walked to a P!NK concert, which was amazing!

It was really hard to get good pics!

P!NK is the epitome of an athlete and a performer. It was a spectacular show, with tons of dancing, acrobatics, and aerial skills. If you have not seen her live, I highly recommend it. It was an early Christmas present, and part of my new resting regimen. (Editor’s Note: So jealous! She’s my hero.)

I hope you all have fantastic holidays! We will be staying here, resting and relaxing with the animals. Yes, no shuffling from house-to-house, no stress. Just warmth, love, maybe some friends, and definitely some good cocktails (if I’m feel better by then). (Editor’s Note: Come to my house!!!)

Happiness from the inside out… on the way!

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The winner of the Sizzlefish giveaway has been selected! Click here to check back at the post for the lucky winner!

Have you ever had a health issue you didn’t see coming? How did you deal?

What are you doing for the holidays?

Blogging Business 101: Protect Yourself

December 5, 2013 By Laura

Do you use protection?

That’s not quiiiite the topic today…

Kat and I went to dinner a couple of weeks ago and she started asking me questions about blogging, and if I had taken steps to protect my name and my content. I stared at her blankly. I had NO idea I should be doing a few simple things to make sure there’s not a zombie attack on my blog!

I know a lot of you are bloggers, so I asked Kat to focus a guest post on the topic. I hope this is as enlightening for you as it was for me!

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Blogging Business 101:

Protecting Your Name and Your Content – Why would a blogger need to talk to a lawyer?

By: Kat

You invest so much time and energy into your blog that it’s practically a business or a second job (Editor’s note: and third… and fourth…). Perhaps it is your business or related to your business. If you don’t protect your name and content, you can lose your investment and be forced to change or abandon your creative works. Why not invest a little more to ensure you and your blog are protected?

Today I’m sharing a couple of things you need to know.

If you love your creative expression, it’s up to you to protect it.

Trademarks – 101

Surprise! You can trademark your blog’s name and logo! Why would you want to do this? There are several reasons. You are providing an educational service to others through your blog, and you have invested a TON of time in marketing, advertising, connecting with other bloggers that will support you, and creating content to share on your blog.

Now imagine that someone else out there decides they really like the name of your blog or your logo, and they decide to federally register the name and/or logo as trademark. (Perhaps they came up with it on their own, or perhaps they copied it from you.) They would then own all the rights to that name and/or logo, and could potentially serve you a cease and desist letter telling you that you can no longer use the name in your blog, and you need to take down all the content using the name or logo, rebrand, perhaps even costing you more time and money.

This situation happens frequently, and it is disheartening for those who have invested time, perhaps even years, in creating content for their blog using their name and logo. Your blog is your brand.

Federally registering your blog name and logo as a trademark will give you a legal remedy if someone tries to copy or misuse your blog name. Not all blog names can be trademarked; they have to be distinct and non-generic. In order to determine whether your blog name may be trademarked, it is a good idea to consult an attorney and invest in legal research. Contact me if you would like more information about whether your blog name is protectable.

You may also go to Counsel to Creativity for a free trademark crash course, available on the homepage. If you would like a free 30 minute consultation with me for more information about whether your blog name and/or logo are protectable, contact me (kat at counseltocreativity dot com), or use the coupon code “KAT30” in the contact form on the website.

Copyright – 101

While many bloggers may not realize it, every time you post original content to your blog, whether it’s a post with a story, a method, or a recipe, you are creating legally protectable content. For many of you, this will primarily come up with respect to your recipes and photos. How many times have you posted a recipe or a picture that was reposted by someone else, (Editor’s note: Wayyyyy to often, no?) hardly modified at all, and they took credit for it? This could be copyright infringement.

If you are the author of your picture, recipe, or other content, you have the right to protect it against someone else’s infringing use, if their use is substantially similar. Becoming angry, or commenting on their blog demanding they take down your content is frustrating and often fruitless.

So, what do you do? In many cases, an infringer will take down their infringing content upon a demand letter from an attorney, but there are other ways to handle the situation as well. If you want legal advice about what you can protect, why it is protectable, or why you should protect it, email me (kat at counseltocreativity dot com).

You don’t want to have to P.U.S.H. – pray you are protected until something happens that unhinges your investment.

If you get legal advice and protection before a dispute pops up, you can maintain significantly more control over your protectable content.

***

I’m still shocked this happens – I’d only thought about the risk of letting your domain name lapse!

What was your biggest take-away about protecting your creative content?

What intellectual property from your blog is most important to you? Your name? Logo? Recipes? Photos?

A Relaxing Weekend

November 25, 2013 By Laura

This weekend was relaxing.

My version of relaxing… which is active relaxed.

This was the first weekend in a long time where I didn’t HAVE to do anything productive. I still did lots of things, but it was nice to not have a set agenda.

Friday night I had an impromptu dinner with my mom at local Italian restaurant Double Zero. We had a great time catching up and eating. I hadn’t seen her since my competition!

My favorite dish was the grilled octopus with pancetta hash, asparagus puree, and citrus vinaigrette, but the lamb farro was a close second. It was a smoke and braise lamb shoulder with apricots, figs, fresh ricotta, and a poached egg. Next to all that the beet salad was underwhelming.

This next morning I woke up ravenous, so I threw together some quick pancakes. I am not the Pancake Queen, so I was surprised when they turned out to be quite good!

I posted this Almond-Chocolate Pancake recipe here. The topping was the icing on the (pan)cake. I used Lorann Oils Irish Cream flavor in it!

Then it was off to the gym for a glute workout with some of my teammates. I normally workout solo and forgot how much fun it is to have a gym morning with friends!

After the workout we stood around talking about food (of course), and my friend Rachael revealed she hadn’t been to Whole Foods before! I suggested a post-workout trip and off we went. 2 hours later, we were full of samples and hot bar boxes and Rachael learned why we lovingly call it “Whole Paycheck.” She Instagrammed her finds – have you ever tried any of these items? Black bean pasta and no-salt mustard are awesome!

Saturday night I had a friend date with Kat. I’ve been looking forward to catching up with her for weeks! We talked and laughed for hours. You know those friends who just “get” you? That’s Kat.

We ate at the bar at Kimball House. Their cocktail program is incredible! Their take on a Manhattan used cola bitters – coolest thing ever! The food was ok… I’d go back for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap.

Their take on a Manhattan with cola bitters, sautéed mushroom salad, and beef tartar

I took an “artsy” shot! Sort of:

Sunday was a beautiful day in Atlanta. It was sunny and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky! I decided to go for a run and enjoy the weather… as soon as I stepped outside I realized that – despite the sun – it was in the 30s. About a mile into it I thawed out and enjoyed myself.

I love the trees with the red leaves. They look like they’re on fire!

When I returned I had a lot to do in the kitchen. All fun creations! It was kombucha-brewing day. I have been brewing my own for over a year now. It’s really easy, especially if you have a starter kit (you need a “mother” called a scoby). Mine was from Brooklyn Kombucha, but you could also beg a friend who brews for a scoby.

This week’s flavors are cranberry-ginger-lemon and blackberry-lemon-mint.

I also did some baking for the Sunday evening end of season party at my training gym, House of Payne. I’ll share my #strangebugood brownie recipe next week. 😉

This is what happens when a bunch of competitors get together for a post-season party. It’s ok… we’re bulking…

There were plenty of green veggies, clean sweet potato casseroles, and protein. That pic just wasn’t as much fun.

I am so thankful to have found Steve and his gym. This group of competitors is top-notch. Everyone is kind and always willing to lend a hand. They are funny, genuine people who I am proud to be associated with.

Linking up to Katie’s MIMM again – I’d say this “relaxing” weekend was pretty marvelous!

***

I’m 100% enjoying food freedom again. Bulking season is my favorite.

When was the last time you had an agenda-free weekend?

Have you been to Whole Foods? Do you remember your first time?

Cauliflower “Meat” Balls

November 21, 2013 By Laura

I can be strange.

If this you news to you… welcome to the party.

As such, my friends are pretty unique too. Today Kat is bringing her A game with some #strangebutgood balls. Today I am grateful for friend like her. Friends that just get it, friends that are there even though you’ve barely spoken for a few weeks.

By that same token, I also appreciate you guys coming back and reading even thought I’m behind on replies and blog reading. I swear I’ll catch up one day! Perhaps with an explanation of my job and WHY things are so insane right now.

Without further adieu… here’s Kat. With balls. 😉

Cauliflower “Meat” Balls

By: Kat

I’ve been a lawyer now for 3 weeks! And now I have to start really generating business. At first this seemed really scary, but now I’m ready to just jump in head-first. I want to help entrepreneurs and small businesses get off to the right start in protecting their intellectual property and getting a good, solid business set-up.

This is the life I have dreamed of. (Editor’s note: this makes me so very happy for you – livin’ the dream!)

I would ideally like to work with people in the creative, holistic, food, and fitness industries, protecting their trademarks and copyrights, and helping with creative and strategic business plans. Let me know if you ever need a lawyer, you creatives! (Editor’s note: Shamless plug. I like it.)

In the meantime, since I’m still not quite full-time, I’ve been experimenting like crazy. I thought this would be a squash-y blog post, but I have a new favorite recipe I would like to share instead (squashing my own squash idea… hehe so nerdy!). Cauliflower meatballs. Random brainchild, since I’d never made any kind of meatball before.

These meatballs are incredible! They are hearty, flavorful and as “meaty” as cauliflower can get. They would go with any kind of sauce, from a Tomato and Pesto Mayo (which I used), to a rich marinara. They are also gluten-free.

Cauliflower Meatballs Over Squashes

½ head of cauliflower, diced finely
½ medium white onion, diced finely
6-7 cloves of garlic, diced
1 egg
1 T olive oil
1 T coconut oil
¼ C Parmesan cheese
¾ C breadcrumbs (I used Glutino’s GF)
Herbs of your choice
1 tsp cumin
Salt & Pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 375. Sauteè the onions and garlic over medium/medium high heat with salt first for a bit (about 3-4 minutes) to get them soft, then add the cauliflower. Sauteè for another 10 minutes, until they are almost cooked.

Pour mixture into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle in the herbs and cumin (I used about 3T parsley, but you can also use fresh basil/oregano/any herb), stirring to combine. Then mix in the bread crumbs, egg, and oils. It should resemble a meatball-like mixture now.

Mold into 1 ½ in balls. Place on parchment paper. Bake ~40 minutes, or until brown on top. You can then submerge in sauce or serve as-is with dipping sauce.

You can also elect to blend the cauliflower/onion/garlic in a food processor if you want them to have a smoother, more chicken-nugget-type texture.

Personally, I really liked the “meatiness” of having little bits of cauliflower comprising my delish balls. (Editor’s note: That’s what she said.)

At least if I’m nervous about starting my own business/law firm, I know there are others out there equally scared to go against the mold, do something different, be an entrepreneur. I also know that I can come home and be as creative as I want without judgment. (Editor’s note: This is why I love you and I cannot wait until we have our reunion date Saturday!!!)

***

Quick note about #StrangeButGood: It’s ON tomorrow, but next week I’m taking a Thurs-Fri Turkey Day break. Save your Strangess for Friday, December 6th!

Who has been scared to start their own business? Me!!!

Have you ever made cauliflower meatballs, or something equally odd? Does my cauliflower pizza crust count? How about the pancakes?

Creating a Life & Creating Fun Recipes

October 31, 2013 By Laura

Who doesn’t love a holiday?

Especially one that lends itself to so many inappropriate jokes…

Step 1…

I know Halloween isn’t technically a holiday (i.e. we still have to work), but it one of my favorite festive events. I won’t be party-ing it up this year, so I’d like to ask all of you benevolent ghouls to have an extra drink/Reese’s pumpkin/costume fun for me.

Not to worry, I plan to taking a nice walk through a neighborhood to scope out the trick-or-treater costumes ~~while trying not to look like a creeper~~. Watching all the kids having so much fun in pursuit of a sugar-high is the best part anyway. Well, second only to knowing I don’t have to come home and try to put an over-stimulated child to bed. 😉

Kat is in the spirit too! She has some new to share… I think you’ll agree that she deserves to celebrate a little extra tonight…

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Creating a Life & Creating Fun Recipes

by: Kat

Even when you think you have it all figured out, you still have a chance to change and create.

It just occurred to me recently how much change has happened in my life this year that I don’t even really recognize my life (Editor’s note: that happened to me a couple of years ago… crazy, isn’t it?! Life is so good.). With all the changes happening, it is a chance to really think about how I want to create my life, and how I want to see thing unfold.

This year, I graduated, leaving the perceived safety of an academic environment, spent a summer barely working while studying for the bar, started a new relationship, our families of animals (3 dogs and 3 cats) have come together in one home (yes, I now have pet hair-I only had two hairless cats for the longest time)…

…and I’ve OFFICIALLY PASSED the bar, so I can try to stop working just part-time and really practice law. (Editor’s note: SO insanely proud of you. I can’t wait to celebrate your success!)

I got SWORN IN yesterday! This is me signing my attorney’s oath.

Now – how do I create my life so that it feels good – so I’m doing work that inspires me, motivates me, and fills me up? How do I navigate a home-space so different from where I was comfortable for so many years to have an even more comfortable, more happy environment? I have options, and I’m excited (and nervous!).

All of this change has sent me right back to therapy. (Editor’s note: you’re a smart girl – I should have done that when change was busting my balls.) I have an awesome new creative, holistic therapist helping me use my personality strengths so they can be guiding my new life (instead of letting those not so pretty reactive parts shine through)!

Also, Happy Halloween! To those of us not handing out candy…

And you can also get creative by being wickedly inappropriate. (Editor’s note: I think it’s a boy…)

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Or you can be boring like me and go about your daily life making recipes inspired by your cravings.

Lately, I have been craving EGGS. You can only eat so many over-easy eggs with toast in one week before you really want something different (Editor’s note: blasphemy!). I saved some sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms from a pizza night and used them to make this Pesto Omelette.

What I love about this recipe is that it really creates a great meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it’s loaded with healthy fats, protein, minerals and vitamins. It’s also super fast, and the pesto/drunken goat cheese combo make it super special!

I have a ton of fall recipes I’m getting ready to hone in on and share. First is my Butternut Squash with Brown Butter Sage Sauce (Editor’s note: you needed a taste-tester for that, right???). This will be happening soon, along with a new surprise squash I’ll be getting with my next veggie delivery! So stay tuned!

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Pesto Omelette

2 large organic eggs
2 ½ T coconut milk
2-3 T sautéed veggies
Garlic salt, to taste
2 T pesto
2-3 T drunken goat cheese, sliced
2 T coconut oil
Sliced tomatoes (optional)

Preheat a nonstick pan over med-high heat and add coconut oil.

Whisk the eggs in a bowl until they fluff up a bit, add the coconut milk and whip a little more (this is important for any fluff).

Pour the mixture into preheated pan, add garlic salt evenly over the entire mixture. Stir vigorously with a rubber spatula for 5 seconds, then add the sautéed veggies, cheese, and pesto to one half of the egg mixture.

Let it cook until you start to see that most of the eggs on the side without the veggies is forming a solid mass. Lift the pan so that the excess liquid/egg mixture distributes, and then use your spatula to loosen the edges from the pan.

Shake the pan to loosen the eggs, and slide the spatula under and around the side without the veggies. Let it cook for another 45 sec – 1:15 on each side.

Plate and serve with sliced tomatoes.

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The thinkThin bar giveaway winner has been selected! Check out the original post to see if YOU won this treat.

What are you doing to create your life so that it feels good to you?

What exciting fall recipes or ingredients are you playing with?

Yogurt Cocktails + 70/100 Miles

October 17, 2013 By Laura

Cocktails as a health food?

Could be #strangebutgood…

Yogurt cocktails are apparently a thing. I can’t imagine the texture. Or how the booze doesn’t curdle it… but this looks mighty tasty.

Heirloom Tomato and Frozen Goat Yogurt Float

This article claims it “sounds terrible, tastes good. I’d try it… click through to read them all. Some are really cool. You get probiotics and protein. I’d try it… would you?

I want to make a few of these into a breakfast meal! Maybe without the booze. ~~Unless it’s Sunday Funday.~~

Enough of my sober competition diet cravings! Kat is back this week with a much healthier post about the crazy 100 mile race she did. This is truly awe-inspiring…

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70/100 Miles, Not Bad!

(A race report…and adventures on my radar)

By: Kat

I ran 70 miles (out of 100) at the Oil Creek 100 (Editor’s note: Total slacker). While it is a DNF (Did Not Finish), I’m not injured, and I’m healing up nicely.

The first 62.2 miles were incredible, and I was right on my expected pace as I crossed in to an aid station, after finishing my first 100K.

I ran a great 70 miles, but a couple of things went wrong in the last 5-6 that caused me to stop, honor my body, and get pumped to try 100 again. (Editor’s note: And this is just one more reason why I admire you.)

RECAP:

The race started at 5:00am, and I was off. It’s a race with 3 50K loops (31.1 miles), and then another 7.7 mile loop at the end. I made it through 2 loops, and another 7-8 miles, totaling 70 miles. I ran from 5:00am until about 11:15pm. 18 hours on my feet, a new distance record, and an awesome day leaves me feeling so grateful for a healthy, strong, body and mind.

My new friend, Mark, decided we would run it together, so I could help him slow his pace, and he would help me finish. (Editor’s note: Race friends are the best!) We started together and ran well together for over 40 miles. My pace was nearly perfect, which allowed me ample time at the Aid Stations where I had my drop bag. I had plenty of nutrition, was taking care of lubing the places that needed lubing, and really enjoying the day.

Oil creek was gorgeous! I ran the first 50-ish miles with my friend Gabe. It’s amazing the things you learn about people on the trails. We had very intimate conversations about any number of topics from relationships, to food and nutrition, to past experiences, lifestyle, etc. With Mark as well, we talked about so many things that I feel like I have known both of these men for years and years.

Across ages, socio-economic status, and so many other differences, the trails are a place where you bond with other human beings like you don’t in many other situations.

This was the most I had ever run with the same 1-2 people in a race, and it made me feel wonderful! I literally had a smile on my face 95% of the day. (Editor’s note: That’s the first thing I noticed about these pics – you look beautiful and radiant in your element.)

What I learned:

So a few things went wrong in the last 6 miles. My shoe laces fell out of my right shoe when I stepped in mud, and my foot got stuck, my headlamp batteries started to die, I forgot to eat enough calories, and I was chafing between my butt cheeks and other nether-regions (Editor’s note: Ewwww! 😉 ). And then I realized I was all alone with 30 miles to go. I felt a twinge of something in my right hamstring and thought, I will be out here for another 8 hours by myself, through the night, risking injury.

That being said, I decided that I want to run 100 miles, but I need a pacer (someone to run with you, make sure you get food and water, make sure you’re not talking yourself out of finishing, helping you with your headlamp and other various things, like lubing your butt). So, I have decided to run another 100 in the spring. I have had 3 volunteer pacers and I can’t wait to get back at it! (Editor’s note: I’ll pace you. For 5K. LOL!)

Diana

In the meantime, I have found a new trail hobby to keep me busy while I heal. Horseback riding. I started a few weeks ago, and I am loving getting to know the horses, spend time on trails and be with nature. I’ve been riding at Serenbe, a 1,000-acre sustainable living community, just south of Atlanta. It’s beautiful and amazing. (Editor’s note: I have been there a few times and it is the most serene environment! With good food.)

It’s also a great workout that allows me to fly though trails and get some good endorphins flowing while I have myself on running restriction to heal. I have told myself not to run farther than 6 miles for 3 weeks. I’m halfway through these weeks! Horsey-rehab and healing my body!

Maggie, the fastest ride, and super fun!

I have also decided on my next 100 miler, and another fun running-swimming race to do in Sweden next year, ÖTILLÖ, where teams of two race together from island to island (Ö TILL Ö) from Sandhamn to Utö in the Stockholm archipelago. The teams swim between the 26 islands and run on them.

The total distance is 75 kilometers of which 10 km are swimming and 65 km are running!

***

Reading this I now realize why Kat said she’d run with me this weekend. I’m a short distance pacer. LOL!

What do you do for rest and recovery after a big race or competition? Yes. Waffle House after every competition!

Do you start planning your next adventures right away? What adventures are on your radar!?

You’re Off to Great Places + Growing Naturals Giveaway

October 3, 2013 By Laura

I’m addicted to the powder.

Not that powder. Where are your minds?! Shame!

Protein powder, bro. I have high standards:

NOT grainy or chalky
Not full of sugar or loaded with a billion carbs
Must actually taste like the flavor on the label
Ingredient lists need to be recognizable and short
Must contain at least 20g of protein

I have tried them all. Today, I am SO excited that my #1 favorite protein powder of all time, Growing Naturals, has agreed to join in the Blogiversary week celebration. They meet my high standards and then some… they are even soy-free and vegan!

The chocolate rice powder really does impart a chocolate taste. It’s perfect in my Mocha Beet Frapp. The vanilla was just the right amount of flavor to make my Plantain Ginger Bread taste like a warm treat.

I’m getting wordy. It’s Kat’s turn to blog today. Just click here for more on why they rock. Or, for proof, know that ~~beg~~ seek them out to sponsor me at Blend and do giveaways… I want everyone to try it! 😉

Sooooo… here’s the schwag one of you will WIN (giveaway entry at the bottom – US only, along with winners for Monday and Tuesday’s giveaways!):

Speaking of protein… my girl Kat is going to need plenty to fuel the race she’s running this weekend. Check her out and wish her luck below!!!

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You’re off to great places!

(by: Kat)

I’m leaving for my 100 mile race in Pennsylvania today. Yes, 100 miles, 32 hour time limit. I’m trying not to try to figure out how fast I have to run each mile to finish in under 30 hours, under 28 hours, etc. I really just want to finish. (Editor’s note: You are officially my hero.)

I’m scared, and I even emailed the race director to see if I could defer my entry ‘til next year. He said no, so I’m going. Eeeeeeek!

This has brought up serious insecurity. Why do my friends believe I can do this more than I believe in myself? My new mantra on my runs has inspired some confidence in me. I’ve been telling myself, “I am strong, I am injury-free, and I can do this!”

It really does help me re-frame and know my body is capable and my mind is yearning for the … what? (Editor’s note: This is so true. I do it in lifting. It’s amazing what positive self-talk can do to your physical abilities… and you know I’m not the touch-y feel-y type.) Maybe a break-through, maybe a break-down. Sometimes we need a little of both.

I plan on taking good care of myself, and Wednesday night was all about packing carefully, and preparing my food/necessities. With 100 miles on foot, you have to think: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and more calories. (Editor’s note: Meal time is my favorite!)

I also have to think about injury prevention, which means lights, batteries, keeping myself warm. I have to honor the body that allows me to even attempt this kind of challenge. I am so grateful to have a healthy body that allows me to push myself physically to achieve something mentally.

I also need to mention that waiting for my bar results has been a terrible waiting period, and I keep getting asked about the date for results which makes me a little batty. It’s October 28^th. Results October 28^th. (Editor’s note: We are going to celebrate hard core! I know you OWNED it!)

Right now, I’m wound up tight, and so are my finances. I’m so grateful for everything I have right now, including my Cold Life Organics deliveries, which save me money and allow me to experiment.

A few experiments lately include this parsnip-cauliflower puree and stuffed red bell peppers. They are both so easy I didn’t initially think of them as a blog post. But they are unique, delicious recipes that helped me to think outside the box.

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Parsnip-Cauliflower Puree

3 large parsnips, cut roughly into ¼ inch pieces
½ head cauliflower, cut roughly into ¼ inch pieces
½ Vidalia onion, diced
4 large cloves of garlic, chopped
Salt, to taste
1-2 T coconut oil
3 T butter
¼ C coconut milk

Saute onion, garlic, cauliflower, and parsnips in the coconut oil until it is generally soft-ish. You should easily be able to pierce the parsnips with a fork.

Add saute to a food processor and puree. Add coconut milk, butter, and salt to taste.

The parsnips give the cauliflower puree a floral taste that isn’t overwhelming. It’s a fun substitute for mashed potatoes that will leave your guests wondering. It’s gluten free, and can be made vegan by substituting the butter for your favorite butter substitute. It’s also lower carb and lower calorie, if you’re going for that! I served it with a little salad and chicken.

Stuffed Red Bell Peppers

1/4 lb ground anti-biotic free chicken
1/4 C rice, uncooked.
2 red bell peppers
1 C marinara sauce
1/4 yellow onion
1 T coconut oil
4 cloves of garlic
1/4 green bell pepper
1/8 C nutritional yeast

Preheat oven to 400.

Cut the tops off of bell peppers, and clean out seeds. Boil water and cook the bell peppers in the water for about 4-5 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook rice according to package instructions. Set aside.

Saute green pepper, onion, and garlic in the coconut oil, add the chicken and continue to saute until just cooked, but not dried out.

Stir in marinara and nutritional yeast.

Stuff peppers with the mixture and bake for 20-25 minutes.

I put cheese on top of one, and not on top of the other. Both were delicious. They’re gluten free and can easily been made vegan by eliminating/substituting the chicken for TVP. These were so easy and tasty, and they brought back childhood memories for my dinner partner. We love nostalgic food. We both also added additional nutritional yeast as a condiment while we ate.

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