Running Playlist

I hate to admit but I'm a treadmill junkie.  I think I've said it before-I like the gym.  Going to the health club has become part of my daily routine.  Running on the treadmill enables me to do controlled interval runs which I love.  The people watching is always good and there are TVs mounted right in my face for ample distraction.  The treadmill is easy on my joints and knees-yes!  So with all that being said  tomorrow my girlies from the neighborhood and I are venturing outside and doing the Mudderella.  Yikes!  It's a seven mile course with many muddy obstacles.  Getting a little nervous with the strength part of it and of course the mud.-Ha!  So I've amped up the workouts in recent weeks with the help of these tunes.  

Running Mix

Boom Boom Pow Black Eyed Peas

Roar Katy Perry

Happy Pharrel Williams

Wake Up Call Maroon Five

We Run the Night Havana Brown

Starry Eyed Ellie Goulding

Am I Wrong Nico and Vinz

Burn Ellie Goulding

Viva la Vida Coldplay

Somebody Told Me The Killers

Umbrella Rihanna

Rock Your Body Justin Timberlake

Nine In The Afternoon Panic At The Disco
Dark Horse Katy Perry

My favorite workout wear:

Looking forward to our muddy challenge!  I know my girlies and I will have a blast!! 

 Wish us luck!!

Classic Mojito

I'm sorry I've been MIA for several days.  We've been so busy in the evenings with the kids baseball and softball games that by the time we get home, eat a late dinner, bathe the kids and get them to bed I sit down and I'm too tired to compute!-Ha 

I can't believe it's already Thursday!-Wow, I'm behind. I'll try to make it up by starting the weekend a day early with this Thirsty Thursday recipe.  I think the nice weather we've been having calls for a classic mojito to kick off summer!  This recipe reminds me of my favorite Tommy Bahama cocktail.  Makes me think of a tropical paradise.

It's best to use fresh ingredients. Fresh is best!!

Classic Mojito

1 lime-juice to taste

1/4 cup simple syrup

bunch of fresh mint leaves

1-2 ounces favorite white rum

club soda or for extra sweet, Sprite

crushed ice

Simple Syrup:

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

Combine equal parts sugar and water and boil in small saucepan until sugar is dissolved.

Directions:

In a tall glass combine lime juice, simple syrup, and a bunch of mint leaves.  Muddle the leaves until bruised.   Fill the glass with ice and pour in rum.  Top off with the club soda or Sprite for extra sweetness. Garnish with a lime wedge.

It's time to kick back and enjoy this fresh taste of summer. -If only I can stay awake long enough to enjoy it!-Ha!

Flower Friday

Starting this holiday weekend off with some freshly picked Lilies of the Valley. We have a nice shady spot the side of our house where these beauties pop-up every spring.  I am so happy these are in season-usually I pick them at the beginning of May but with our long winter and late spring they are just blooming now.  

This weekend we are off to a softball tournament and will be out enjoying the expected gorgeous weather.  Can't wait to soak up some warm sun!  Hope you all have a fantastic Friday!

Happy Weekend!!!

Patriotic Punch

Today is thirsty Thursday and it's one for the kiddos.  I guess you could add a little sometin' for the grown-ups but you might be stretchin' it a bit when it comes to taste.-Ha! 

This conconction reminds me of when you let the littles get their own fountain sodas and they mix all the sodas to make one kid mixture of tastiness.  :)  Well this is a pretty and patriotic version of that!  The kids are sure to love it! Enjoy the day!!!

Patriotic Punch

You will need:

Red juice or punch-high sugar content for the bottom layer

Blue gatorade-the regular kind (not sugar free) for the middle layer

Diet 7-Up or Sprite for the top layer

Fill 1/3 of the glass with ice and add red juice layer.  Fill the middle 1/3 with ice and add the blue gatorade layer.  Lastly fill the top 1/3 with ice and add the clear Sprite layer.

Today is my 100th post!  I guess I should've featured a champagne spritzer in celebration!  Oh well,  I can have one of those and the kids can have one of these! :)

Memorial Day Feast

The unofficial kick-off to summer is Monday.  After the winter we've had, it's hard to believe that summer is right around the corner.  Memorial Day is a perfect time to gather with family and friends and be outside for the traditional American BBQ.  I would like to welcome Katie from Hefty as my guest writer today.  She has some great healthy ideas for your Memorial Day celebrations.  

If you’re heading off on a picnic or throwing your own Memorial Day bash; one thing is for sure, there will be plenty of food to go around.  Just because it’s a holiday doesn’t mean you can’t still eat healthily!  In fact, fruits and vegetables are perfect to serve this time of year because everything will soon be in season.  If you’re not exactly sure how to mix up your Memorial Day meals, then simply read on for some ideas.

Appetizers

• Deviled Eggs—This is an easy one to change, because eggs are already good for you!  Just use low fat mayo and this treat will be a little healthier.
• Chips and Dip—This appetizer, on the other hand, is not the best in terms of its nutritional value, so it might just be best to switch it out altogether.  Try serving slices of good whole grain bread with artisan cheese or vegetables and hummus to keep your crowd happy, whether it’s just your family or your entire neighborhood.

Main Course

• Ribs—Ribs are often slathered in barbecue sauce, but ribs can taste good without all that sugar, too!  Use a dry rub that doesn’t include sugar in the recipe and those ribs will taste good all by themselves.
• Hot Dogs—Hot dogs are great, but if you want something a little different, then chicken sausages are generally quite good for you.
• Hamburgers—This is another item that you can swap out.  Try chicken breast, turkey burgers, veggie burgers, or even just choose extra lean beef to make burgers a little healthier.  You could even make a couple options and put them out in disposable pans so that guests can see what the different options are.  Pair this with a whole grain bun, and you’ll be good to go!
• Potato Salad—What would a Memorial Day barbecue be without potato salad?  A potato salad made with Greek yogurt instead of mayo will satisfy your craving for the traditional dish without expanding your waistline.  It’s still creamy but without all the fat.
• Cole Slaw—Oil and vinegar coleslaw is a quick and easy fix.  Hold the sugar!

Dessert

• Red, White, and Blue Strawberry and Blueberry Cakes—You could skip the cake altogether and serve bowls of strawberries and blueberries with whipped cream on top. 
• Ice Cream—Choose a recipe that uses frozen bananas as the main ingredient and you will have a low fat version of ice cream in no time.
  
  
  

Author Bio: This is a guest post by Katie F. on behalf of Hefty®. Visit www.hefty.com to find products like trash bags and large plastic bags that can help you out with your busy life.

Longer Lasting Blooms

Tis' the season for gorgeous blooms as well as my strong desire to hold onto each freshly cut bouquet.  It's so wonderful to bring a little outside in. A fresh bouquet brightens up any room and just makes me feel great!  My husby and kids gave me this tulip bouquet for Mother's Day-love them!!  I really try my best to extend the life of my flowers with some very simple tips.  

• Always use room temperature water.
• Cut the stems at an angle which creates a greater surface area for the water to enter the stem.
• Keep leaves out of the water-leaves left on the bottom of the stems will begin to rot and contaminate the water.
• Change the water every day.
• Keep the blooms out of direct sunlight.
• ***** Secret Tip:  If possible refrigerate bouquet at night.
• Use flower food that often comes with the flowers.

  Hope you enjoy your fresh blooms a little longer!

1800flowers

Happy Monday

Happy Monday!  I hope you are having a great start to the week and that you also had a fantastic Mother's Day celebrating all moms.  I am so blessed to be the mom of four sweet kids and Mother's Day is just a reminder of how lucky I am.  I also have the most incredible mom who is always so supportive of me. She is the first person I call when I have good news, bad news or need her wise advice.  I often find myself asking "what would my mom do in this situation?"-and more often than not I call and ask for her opinion.  She inspires me to be the best in everything that I do and I hope that I am passing a little of that on to my kids.  

So, I will begin this week refreshed and feeling honored to be a mom and to have been influenced by my mom-it's the best job in the world!

We went downtown for Mother's Day brunch and stopped by Sprinkles Cupcakes-my favorite.  We brought a big box home for dessert! 

After looking at these photos I realize that our two year old has not yet mastered the photo smile!-Ha

Hope you have a happy Monday!

Lavender Lemonade

Happy Friday!!!  It's beginning to feel like summer-yippee!!! The kids are running around the neighborhood with their friends and the windows are open.  Signs that the temperatures are warming up and summer is right around the corner.  I can't wait!   I love having a pitcher of cold lemonade on the counter when the kids run in and need a quick drink.  I found this amazing recipe that puts plain ole' lemonade to shame.  

It's refreshing and pretty and so yum!!!  I think it would be amazing for a mother's day brunch.  Turn it into a cocktail as well, with a splash of vodka. Perfect for a girls night!

Lavender Lemonade Recipe

2 cups water 

1 cup sugar

3 Tablespoons dried lavender

2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice

5 cups water

1 lemon sliced for the garnish

Combine 2 cups of water and 1 cup sugar  in a medium saucepan.  Bring to a boil until sugar is dissolved and simple syrup is achieved.  Remove from heat and stir in the dried lavender.  Cover and let sit for about 15 minutes.  Strain lavender.  

In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice, lavender/simple syrup and water.  Chill for 2 hours and serve over ice.  And if you want a little party in your summer drink add a bit of vodka.

Enjoy!!!

Doesn't this just look so pretty and summer-y??

Wishing you all the most happiest Mother's Day!

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is right around the corner so it's time to grab the perfect gift that mom will just love.  There is still a bit of time to find the perfect something for your mom!  Here are some ideas:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

   

J.Crew Hats · philosophy Skin Care · Essie Nail Polish

Simple Birthday

Today is the oldest I've ever been and the youngest I will ever be.  I love birthdays and celebration, especially through the eyes of my kids.  Homemade cards, kisses and candles.  Nothing is better than listening to my lil' fam singing happy birthday!  Another year older is the biggest privilege!  I am truly blessed!  Hope you enjoy this day-cheers!

Grapefruit Margaritas

Happy May Day!!!  Being it is Thursday and all, I thought I would get a kick start to the weekend with this unbelievably refreshing grapefruit margarita.  Monday is Cinco De Mayo as well as my birthday-YIPPEE!!! so there is something to celebrate and we are getting the party started today!!!  Think I may have to call a friend to come right over!!!

Pink Grapefruit Margaritas

1 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice from 2 grapefruits

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice from 4 limes

1 cup of your favorite white tequila-I like Patron

1 cup orange liqueur-I like Triple Sec

Splash of simple syrup or Sprite if you like a touch of fizz

2 cups of crushed ice

1 grapefruit sliced and cut in wedges (optional)

sugar (optional)

Instructions for the perfect margarita:

1. Rub a lime wedge on the edge of 4 empty glasses and rim with sugar. Fill each glass with crushed ice.  

2. Combine juices and alcohols in a small pitcher and stir.  Add simple syrup or a splash of sprite to taste if you desire extra sweetness. 

3. Pour into sugar rimmed glasses and serve immediately with grapefruit wedge.

Cheers to Thirsty Thursday!!!