I Started a New Blog

So, it's no secret I've had nothing but issues with blogger and photos as of late. Add in that I've been wanting to start a new blog that's more reflective of our life, sort of outgrown brokentequila, and you have the recipe for putting and end to the frustration with blogger and jumping ship.

I've moved to a new platform and new blog name...I don't plan on posting her any longer, and for now I have no plans to move this content to the new blog.

Since I'm not a professional blogger who makes a living off the blog I just don't see the need.

My other social media accounts (Twitter and Instagram) have been changed to the new blog name since I use those accounts with the blog, but it's still me!

I hope you follow along on the new adventure! todaysadventureis

See you over on the new blog!

Thankful Thursday

A few things I'm thankful for today:

-How much she loves swimming and the progress she's making.

-Thankful I even got this shot...kid and dog = constant motion. Those two have a bond for sure. 

-My two loves and celebrating our 11 year anniversary together. 

-Soccer...it's the highlight of the week for her. It's a blurry pic because she's running non-stop the entire time. 

-My garden is producing! Lot's of tomatoes, which I don't even like, but Sky loves checking on them every day and harvesting. Thankfully Mark and Sky both like eating them. 

-Thirsty Dash with Elya and Michelle tonight! Haven't done a fun race in a while, and it's a bit cooler today. 

-Lot's of play time at the park, and play dates. Keeping our summer fun. 

What are you thankful for?

P.S. - I had much more to share but once again blogger isn't working with my photos and they won't upload for some reason. So, I've been feeling like a change was in order for the blog anyway, so I'm working on a whole new blog on a whole new platform. Time to move on I think. 

No Bake Energy Bites

I haven't talked about running much lately mostly because I've been a little at odds with it. I've been running, and been enjoying the run's I'm doing, but. There's always seems to be a but. But, I still hadn't made peace with how I felt during and after my last half.

Mentally it just really messed with me, and I've been frustrated with the things I need to figure out to make 10+ miles more pleasant (as pleasant as they can be anyway), and my complete lack of desire to train for anything really. I've been stuck in casual runner rut for months.

Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I missed having the desire to push and do more.

One of my biggest issues has been fuel. Everything I've tried has been a gut disaster, and that is no good when running. I decided until I figured out an option that works I wouldn't look at any longer distances.

Thankfully I stumbled across this No Bake Energy Bite recipe over on Jen Chooses Joy (different Jen) and I like it!

Click on over to her blog for the recipe. Mine ended up being a bit bigger than her's, but other than that I followed the recipe 100%.

What I like about them is they freeze well. I froze them in 4's in freezer bags and pull out a new bag as needed. They taste great even after being frozen, The other thing I really like about them is how evened out my energy and blood sugar feel when I eat them before running. Most importantly they don't upset my stomach, which is huge!

I eat one about an hour before running, and still feel like I have enough energy by the end of a run. Granted my longest run has been 6 miles, so not a true test, but miles are ramping up getting ready for my 15K trail run, so I'll hit double digits here soon and have a better idea about how they will work for half's. I just have to figure out how to flatten them out a bit, and fit them in a zipper pocket for refueling during longer runs, without making a mess. :)

I'm working on testing out home-made energy drinks as well, although with these energy bites I may be able to just drink water which would be nice. I really don't like running with a handheld, so have been resisting the home-made drink option.

The nice thing is I'm starting to feel excited about running again, and running longer distances. Looking at two half marathons next year that I'm excited about. It feels good to want to be running and training again!

Running Shoes - One Way to Save Money

You know how you hear how inexpensive running is? Well the jokes on us runners right?! The only people who think it isn't expensive are those that don't run.

I'm not complaining really, because it's worth it to me, and I sort of believe that if you track the cost of gym membership over the years vs. running gear and entry fees that maybe those who run (and don't have a gym membership) are indeed saving money. I sort of believe that. ;-)

Anyway, I think it's safe to say one of, if not the, biggest cost is running shoes. Again, not complaining, because when you find the right pair that work perfectly for you, it's worth almost any price tag right?!

I kind of miss those shoes and the bright color! 

I've been very lucky to have a relationship with Fleet Feet Tacoma, and a Dad who supports my endeavors, so I rarely have to pay for my shoes. It's one of the reasons I have been able to keep running after losing my job and being a stay at home mom. Our single income would not support buying running shoes as often as I need them. 

But, there is a new site that is going to help everyone save money on running shoes! It's called ShoeKicker and I have to say I was pretty impressed with the service! 

I had the opportunity to test it out before it went live yesterday, and it was easy to use, and accurate! Check them out, fill out three fields, hit "Show Me The Best Price" and viola you have a list of options to purchase your go to running shoe at the best price possible! So easy, and even if you only save a few $$ every little bit helps. 

Of course this only works if you have been fitted and know what shoe to shop for in the first place. So, don't forget your local running store! Go get fitted, test run shoes if they let you, and check out the return policy. Most stores will let you wear them for a few days, some of them give you 30 days, to run in them and make sure they really work for you. 

I highly recommend buying your first pair of running shoes, or first pair of a new to you brand, at a local store. Returning them if needed is easier, they will be there hands on to direct you to a shoe that will work better for you if you do return a pair, and can offer advice on inserts or lacing that can make all the difference. 

But once you do that, and for sure know what works for you ShoeKicker is a great option for you, or for that person that gifts you your shoes, to help save money! 

I guess it's easy to see that adidas is my shoe for life! No discounts on them, but I don't care...they work so it's worth it! 

Run on, and save some money! 

It's The Simple Things

"This is so exciting Mommy"!

She has been waiting for months for her wildflowers to bloom. We planted a mixed seed packet clear back in late spring, and I don't know if it was because it was so hot so early or what, but finally, finally there are flowers blooming.

I could tell this was going to be a mini sunflower a few weeks ago and once I mentioned that to Sky the watching game was on. She has been checking it daily, several times a day. The excitement has been building, and the anticipation was almost too much. She really wanted to "help" force it open, but somehow she managed to wait it out.

Finally this past weekend one of the flowers opened up, and she stood there admiring it and gently petting it for the longest time.

She can hardly believe that there are going to be more of the bright, sunny, yellow flowers in the next few days.

I love that with all the distractions of big, fancy, shiny, bright toys that make all sort of noise and do fun things that waiting for a simple yellow flower to bloom has been such a big deal to her.

The joy on her face when she walked out in her pj's Saturday morning and realized the flower was open, and waiting for her was priceless. It's a good reminder that we don't really need much to be happy...to have moments of pure joy and beauty in life.

It's so easy to get caught up waiting for the "big thing" that we risk missing out in the simple, every day, "little" things that bring a twinkle to the eye, a smile to the lips, and joy to our hearts.

Thank you for the life lesson munchkin.

Summer Slow Down

She kills me with the looks she gives me, I just can't handle it sometimes. I don't even want to admit to this, but yesterday was the first time this summer we went to the park to just play and hang out. I mean, really...what kind of mom am I?!

The kind that doesn't enjoy 95 or over, but that aside, the fact is this summer has been one "thing" after another, every weekend. It's felt like a sprint, and I am not a sprinter! The week days have been on repeat...unpack, grocery shop for the few days we are home, re-pack, get ready for the next trip.

Believe me I am not complaining, it has been so much fun, and we have done and seen beautiful things, and spent time with people we love. But, I have felt like I'm missing summer right here at home. Mostly what I'm missing is the school-free schedule...the freedom to sit in the sun and soak it in, play with Sky, picnic at the playground. Things that we enjoy, a lot! And, I'm missing friends and play dates at home.

This week, while play date free, has felt a bit more normal. Time for cuddles, playing at the park, cooler weather that makes sitting outside pleasant (although both of our comfortable outside chairs cracked in two, so I guess I better bust out the camping chairs), making sun tea, watching the garden grow. Just enjoying life, at home, in the summer, when it's the most magical, beautiful, amazing time around here.

 Cuddling and watching cartoons with Sky, I kind of like her cartoons! 

We took Silas to the off-leash dog park for his birthday this week! I love how much she loves him!

That dress used to cover her feet...that dress used to be mine when I was her age.

I even had time this week to sit, kid free for a few hours with a good book, and a good glass of wine. Sure there were things I could have worked on, a few things I've been procrastinating on (sort of freaking out about the 10 mile trail run I have in 6 weeks...must start training!), but sometimes you just need to stop thinking and escape. 

How do you slow down and enjoy summer?

Crawfish Festival - Food Adventure in Portland

We made a quick trip down to Portland for the weekend to enjoy some crawfish! Mark spent summers, and time in college, in Mississippi, and has always talked about the yummy crawfish you can pick up at any corner market or gas station.

We just don't have that up here in WA, so when he found out about a crawfish festival going on near Portland we decided to hit up our friends Lesley and Trevor for a fun filled weekend!

Can I just say, the food scene down there is pretty spectacular. I so badly want to do some food tours through the city and eat my way from one end to the other!

While the crawfish were good Mark says he'll pass on attending the festival again. Not as good as they do them in the South I guess.

 Sky tried the crawfish, but decided she liked the corn and potato better. 

What I did care for a lot was the food at Por Que No Taqueria. Everything from the Margarita (so refreshing and so much flavor, but not overwhelming) to the chorizo street tacos (easily the best I've ever had) was really, really good. I was too busy eating and drinking to take pics.

Get there early though as the line is long (down the street) and you can't get a table until you have an order number. We were there at 11 am and waited in a line outside the door before ordering, and it was just getting longer and longer. Totally worth it! I recommend the Ceviche, Chorizo Taco, and Mark says try the Calamari Taco.

We managed to fit in a neighborhood festival and parade, swimming at the community pool, and my first every barre class. For a busy, yet fun weekend!

 She was so happy that there was candy!

If barre class is your thing, or you just want to try it, and are in Portland I highly recommend the Pearl District barre3 studio! It felt a whole lot like a decadent spa, but with sweat, shaking muscles, and a really tough workout. So much fun, so much work, and so sore two days later. Running tonight will be interesting. 

It was a little like going back in time. Lesley and I took pilates classes togethr years ago, like before kiddo's, weddings etc, and it was so much fun to have my workout partner back for a barre class. So glad we got to sneak off and do that before the drive home. 

What's the strangest food you've eaten?

Not that crawfish are all that strange, just not common in our area. 

Thankful Thursday

Things I'm Thankful For Today:
-Family visiting!

-Soccer class and how much Sky Loves it!

-The lovely flower situation I have going on, makes sitting outside and enjoying the weather so nice!

And to think I was worried I didn't plant enough of them in this planter. WOW! 

-The opportunity to stretch my wings and take on a new project. Not trying to be vague, but not ready to share yet either. Just something exciting in my life that I'm thankful for, and thankful to stretch my creative mind and see what I can do. 

-My garden, I just love watering, weeding, watching it grow, and harvesting. Sky is intrigued by it and loves helping me with it. 

-Finding a summer schedule that seems to be working so I can get my workout's in, and get everything else done. It'll change again in a few weeks when school starts, but for now I've got it going on. So much happier when I get to workout first thing! 

-Summer...hot weather...old friends...bbq's...living life outside. 

What are you Thankful For?

Growing Pains

Parenting is one big exercise in getting our kiddos ready to live life without us really. It's all leading up to the day they walk out the door, and walk into their own life, in their own space, making all their own choices. It's our job to teach them how to think, be kind, and make good choices for themselves, and then set them free into the world.

I've noticed her beginning to pull away a bit the last few months. More alone time, more I'll do it myself's, more I don't want to play with you, and less cuddle time, less need for reassurance (usually in the form of a thumbs up) during swim class & soccer, calling me Mama instead of Mommy. I can see her growing into her own, strong, independent self.

Her alone time = hours of coloring in her room.

Even though her coloring time gives me time to myself to do things around the house I have to be honest and say it hurt a little when she looked up at me and said "Mommy can you just leave me alone".

I know she's only 4, but the tides are changing. I guess the timing is right...she'll be in school full time next year and I won't be around all day every day for her. I already miss the days of having her all to myself, and those days aren't even over yet.

It feels like I'm living life with a countdown clock. D Day is a little over a year from now when she starts kindergarten. I can't even imagine how much she'll change between now and then.

My focus...enjoy the moment, soak up every second I get to spend with her, say yes to every cuddle that does come my way. Once it changes, it's changed forever.

Chipotle Chicken Tacos

You want to know something funny, my husband does not like the word chipotle. He likes the flavor and food that contains chipotle, but he does not like the word. I find it fascinating that he can like something, but not like having to say it or hear it being said.

Thankfully he did like this new recipe I tried last night from July's Food and Wine magazine. Monday is Mexican night, which usually always means my version of tacos, but last night I changed it up a bit so we could try something new.

Chipotle Chicken Tacos (click to visit the recipe).

A few notes:
- Don't be afraid of the cooking time, because most of that time is hands off, chicken cooking in the oven time. It was kind of nice actually. I put the chicken in, had a glass of wine, read a book while Sky colored, and enjoyed the 45 ish minutes of cooking time.

 -You can do all the chopping and prep for the rest of the meal (it's not much) while the chicken cools off enough to shred it.

-If cooking for kiddos as well then either use less chipotle (which I will do next time regardless...it's on the spicy side) or set some of the plain shredded chicken aside before mixing in with the chipotle. Which is what I did for Sky and just made her a chicken and cheese taco.

I think I'll try fresh, homemade tortilla's next time, but to keep this easy for a work night Trader Joes has the best white corn tortilla's around! Since there is 45 minutes of cooking time this may be a good option if there is a day that you're home early from work or work from home, or even a weekend if 45 minutes is going to make dinner way too late. Or, cook & shred the chicken on a weekend and save it for later in the week, because the rest of the prep/cooking takes very little time.

Overall this is a really quick, easy, yummy meal, even with the cook time for the chicken, that I'll be adding to our rotation of recipes.

Total side note...I'm so going to miss my fresh herbs. The store bought cilantro for these tacos was just not even close to being as good as what I've been growing. Impatiently waiting for the next batch to grow, and planning how to grow it year round, indoors. I can't wait to make my guacamole with "real" cilantro. That's the first thing I'm doing when this next batch of cilantro is ready!

Any favorite taco recipes out there that I should try?

Friends, Family, Wine

I don't think there is a better way to spend a weekend than with family you love, friends that are family, yummy food, good wine, lot's of sun, water, boats, and airplanes.

I have not been to the boat races (hydroplanes) in E WA in a very long time. I was trying to figure it out and the best guess is I was kid, like single digit to my age kid...so it's been a very, very long time.

Gosh I had so much fun hanging out at the river all day, watching the air show and the boats race past. Friday is the "free" day. It's the practice air show, and the time trials with only the last two races of the day being "real" races. Way less crowded for sure, and much more enjoyable for someone like me who doesn't really enjoy crowds.

Going Friday freed up Saturday for winery hopping...my favorite thing! My other favorite thing...coming home to cooler weather. The plants and garden are very happy indeed.

 Red Solo Cup of goodness! 

 Michelle and Sky

 Brilliant idea...moving our chairs into the river! 

F16 overhead...was so cool! 

 Rose at Tucannon Cellers

 14 Hands Winery...their reserve wines are amazing! The above pic is not a reserve wine, I had already tasted & purchased when Michelle & the girls and I stopped in on the drive over a few days before. 

The adult part of the gang enjoying 14 Hands on Saturday. So nice to have kid free time for all of us! 

 The girls enjoying the water feature at 14 Hands Thursday on the drive over. 

 Out of order, but this is how much fun Sky had at the river watching the boats! 

 Big glasses...the theme of the weekend. 

 Treveri Cellars is on the way to my Aunt and Uncles...it's my new favorite pit stop! Champagne cocktails for the win! 

Easily one of the most fun drives to E WA ever! Leaving early with the girls, and stopping along the way to enjoy ourselves was perhaps one of the best ideas ever. Not to mention all the entertainment coming out of the back seat with a Frozen sing along, and other fun and games. So much fun from start to finish. 

Thank you to Mark, Bob, and Michelle for sharing your pics!  

Slowing Down

Even though I had stuff to do every day last week, I also tried to slow down a lot. Just take a breath and enjoy summer at home. Most of our weekends are booked, with lot's of fun stuff, but I also want to enjoy summer at home, when it's gloriously wonderful in these parts. 

I'm also trying to savor the moments of "just the three of us" time since summer also brings lot's of fun with family and friends. Not complaining at all, just trying to keep a balance. A balance that also includes being open to last minute adventures with friends because we all happen to be home with no plans on a Saturday evening. 

It's been sort of nice because we have time to work on projects around the house together. Sky even gets into it....she's a good little worker when it's her idea! I'm particularly excited about the garden! 

The white containers and the standing herb garden have been planted and growing since early June. I have harvested the herbs over and over and they keep on a growing. It makes cooking so much fun! We are a little late to the game, but finally managed to get the square foot gardens built, and are trying to track down the materials needed to make the custom blend of compost, pet moss, and vermiculite that all but guaranties an amazing garden. 

I don't know if they will get planted this season (with some lovely starts I have my eye on at the local nursery) or if we will make sure they are ready to go for next springs planting, it just depends on what we find and when. Everything I've planted has done well so far, except for the lettuce. I think it may have gotten too hot or something because it's not growing at all. Nothing peeking up out of the dirt, and I was really looking forward to fresh salad right from the garden. Oh well. 

After working on the garden most of the weekend we took a break to visit Bass Pro Shop to get Mark's bow tuned and have a little food adventure along the way. 

 Playing in the boats at Bass Pro Shop keeps Sky happy for hours. She's a captain, a pirate, fishing, racing through the store, and navigating storms on the high seas...it's very entertaining. 

She loves watching him shoot!

Bebimbap

Sky has a book Be Bim Bop (the American spelling of the dish, it really is Bebimbap though) that she loves, and while I've made it at home from the recipe in the book, we thought it would be fun to visit a Korean BBQ and order the real deal. She wasn't super impressed and ate soup and dumplings instead, but Mark and I sure loved it. The rice had an extra crunch to it because it was served in a piping hot bowl that kept it hot and continued cooking it while we ate. So yummy! 

Seriously this is my idea of the perfect date night! My two favorite people, wine, steak, pretty flowers, and a comfortable summer evening outside. Yes, yes, yes! 

Loving this whole summer thing so far! 

Thankful Thursday

A few things I'm thankful for today:

-Being home. I love our home, and our life, and while vacation is nice I just really love being home.

-That Sky's had VBS all week and is having a blast. I was a little worried about sending her because we are not particularly religious and don't attend services, but it's been a good mix of typical pre-school type stuff, science projects and having love and joy in your heart. Just good basic messages. And, it has allowed me to unpack, clean up, grocery shop, and put around all kiddo free!

 VBS Crazy Hair day.

VBS Mad Scientist Day

-For real, I went to the putting green and driving range with my MIL Jan, and had a blast. So glad we got to spend time together doing something fun!

I'll be turning pro next week. ;-)

-For a little girl that has more personality than her little body can contain. It keeps things interesting and entertaining! 

-Cooler temps! 

-Tuesday Night Run Group...love it! 

-I found a canned beer I like! Next weekend's activity is a glass free, so I needed to find beer in a can that I'm willing to drink, and this is it! Now I need to see if I can find in 4 or 6 packs rather singles. 

-For family & friends willing to water my flowers and garden while we were gone. I lost one flower box, but it was an at risk box from the start (don't buy clearance flowers at the beginning of the season, something is wrong if they are on clearance when they should be brand new!), and the garden and herbs are doing great! 

-Summer, I just really love summer. 

What are you thankful for? 

A Few Beautiful Things

I found myself dwelling on beauty while were were on vacation. Not the cosmetic kind, but the beauty around us, and in life in general. A few things I find beautiful:

-Choosing an authentic life rather than an easy life. I saw some of the happiest kiddos and family ever on this trip. Is it easy to make some of the choices made to live a life that's true to family values, spiritual beliefs, and financial goals...not always. But, in the harder life choices there was contentment, amazingly well behaved kids, a lot of loving family living in close proximity, and lot's of old fashioned fun. Beautiful family life indeed.

-Sky's (kids in general really) love of life. Embracing every opportunity for adventure given her, and not caring who's watching.

On stage drumming away without a care in the world. 

-Complete and total silence. The darkest darkness I've ever seen. Stars glowing bright overhead. The sound of a Night Hawk diving for dinner. Enjoying wonderful food, good wine, better conversation, and amazing sunsets from a mountaintop. 

-A really good cupcake, like the perfect cupcake! 

-Watching dreams be born. Not that we are getting her a horse, but it's sure fun watching her fall in love with them, and talk about being a rodeo queen or a roper. 

Blurry I know...my phone and blogger hate each other apparently. 

-Trying new things for the first time with cousins. She was a little scared of it, but a lot fascinated by it. 

Biggest Sparklers I've ever seen. 

-4th of July in a small town. Everyone should experience it at least once. The pride, the coming together of a small community to make it amazing, the food, flags, and fireworks. Small town red, white and blue is beautiful! 

-The patchwork quilt of farm land as far as the eye can see. All the greens, browns, tans coming together to make the perfect pattern. 

-Cuddles, your 4 year old telling you she loves you, it really is the best. 

-A planted vineyard, especially one that's soaked up your own sweat. Watching my aunt and uncle live out their dream in real life. 

-No cartoons, phone calls, movies, limited social media to distract us. Spending so much time reading, talking, just being together in peace and quiet without distraction.

-Coming home. There is no place as beautiful as this life we are living, the home we have created, and the little girl that helps us see life in fresh new ways. 

What do you find beautiful?