Highlights From My Weekend

To say this weekend was low key would be an understatement. But don’t you worry, I had plenty of fun.

Friday: I picked up my little brother after school so we could hang out for the weekend. He’s 16 and all he does is EAT. I’m jealous of how much he can get away with eating!

I ate my delicious leftovers from Mi Xao, a new Vietnamese restaurant in Mt. Pleasant. Eric and I went on Thursday night and it was everything I hoped it would be. I ask for a combination of two types of pho. My bowl had shrimp, rice noodles, ginger broth, bean sprouts, basil, lime, jalapeno slices, cilantro, onion, and scallions.

Eric had the wonton pho. We also had the spring rolls, pot stickers, and a can of coconut juice. Okay, I had the coconut juice. I wish you had seen Eric’s face when he tried it. He was not a fan. I happily drank it.

I’m fond of any restaurant that keeps a gigantic bottle of Sriracha on the table. Please look at my broth in the above picture. Now look at this picture, after I had clearly added a ton of the magical sauce. I left with teary eyes and a watery nose.

Saturday: I woke up and made my new favorite breakfast: a pretzel Flatout wrap + scrambled eggs (1 egg, 2 whites) + avocado + Sriracha.

I signed Amanda and myself up for the Charleston 1/2 Marathon. Eeehh, it’s real!

I browsed Hobby Lobby for some craft ideas and ended up finding a birthday present for Rachel…and a majorly sassy glue gun.

I went for an easy 4-mile run around I’On then proceeded to get LOST in the DARK for 30 minutes. I couldn’t find my car and had to map myself with my phone. Typical!

The little brother and I made dinner, watched movies, and ate too much candy and frozen yogurt. Later I suffered from some serious FOMO when I received this text from Danielle:

Sunday: I made crackers. Yes, crackers. I’ve made these twice now and feel the recipe is ready for the blog! Stay tuned. If you’re my friend on instagram, you already know that they contain rosemary, raisins, and walnuts. It’s a fantastic combo, trust me.

Amanda and I started Week 3 of our 1/2 marathon training.

I love having a workout schedule mapped out for the next 10 weeks. I’ll share it with you soon! Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

What were the highlights of your weekend?

What was the best thing you ate?

The Friday Five 11.9.12

1. What I’m Reading: The Runner's Rule Book by by Mark Remy.

2. What I’m Eating: Holy crud, listen to me right now. Go to Whole Foods immediately and pick up a jar of this Earth Balance Coconut & Peanut Spread. Whether you decide on crunchy or creamy is up to you, as I can only attest that the former is quite delectable. It’s a jar of natural peanut butter with the addition of coconut oil. The coconut flavor is definitely there, but isn’t overpowering. I’ve been eating this by the spoonful every day. I’m going to pick up the jar of creamy next so I can use it for baking. Seriously, go buy this! 

3. Recipes I’m Bookmarking: Barley and Kale Salad with Golden Beets and Feta.

4. What I’m Listening to: Stardust by Lena. Sorry, the official video isn’t out yet, but it’s worth a listen.

5. GIFs I’m Loving:

WHEN MY FRIEND STARTS TELLING ME HOW FAST YOU CAN MEET SOMEONE, FALL IN LOVE, AND GET MARRIED

WHEN I GET A FREE BABY MAGAZINE IN THE MAIL

. . .  

Happy Friday! Have a wonderful weekend!

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies–Brrr, It’s Cold!

In my head I’m belting out “Baby, it’s cold outside!” It’s in the 40s right now. The 40s. Last week I was complaining about the 50s and I feel like a jerk for that. I’m sorry! I was adjusting. Funny thing is, I’m going to North Carolina next weekend and it’ll be even colder there. Thank goodness I’ll have the mittens my Grandma made me. Maybe when I’m there she’ll teach me how to make a pair. That would be sweet!

Meanwhile, I’m doing everything I can to stay warm. I’ve got on my fuzzy socks and am under about 42 layers of blankets as I type this. If I had hot chocolate, I’d be drinking that, but instead, I have cookies. Of course I have cookies.

Mexican Hot Cocoa Cookies, from Martha Stewart

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon chile powder

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down side of bowl. Add eggs and beat to combine. With mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture and beat until combined.

2. In a small bowl, combine remaining 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, and chile powder (if using). Using heaping tablespoons, form balls of dough and roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place, about 3 inches apart, on two parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until cookies are set in center and begin to crack, about 10 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Let cookies cool on sheets on wire racks 5 minutes, then transfer cookies to racks to cool completely. (Store in an airtight container, up to 1 week.)

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Martha Stewart is a genius. Her recipes, or at least those that I’ve tested, are solid. They’re not fussy, they’re to the point, and they are good. Very good. I’ve made these cookies several times and they are always a crowd pleaser. They’re sweet with just a subtle hint of spiciness. If you didn’t know the recipe called for chili powder, you’d wonder where the kick came from. They’re light, tender cookies that will stay soft for a couple days. But don’t expect them to last that long – they’ll be gobbled up in no time.

Next time it’s too cold outside to leave the house, fire up that oven and get to baking.

Might I suggest having a couple with a glass of hot chocolate?

The chocolate chip cookie is a classic. What is your favorite unconventional cookie?

What I’m Loving Wednesday 11.7.12

1. When my old roommate moved out, she sold her dining room table. Until I replace it, the dining room is empty. It has become the “Activity Room,” aka the place I do handstands.

In this space, we have enough room to exercise, blog, do arts & crafts, have dance parties, or maybe even play spin the bottle.

2. I was browsing through the Juvenile section of the library this week and stumbled upon this gem:

What kind of message are we trying to send our adolescent girls? Not all men are dogs! Just half of them. ;)

3. I used to never (ever!) drink Red Bull. Then I met Danielle, a Red Bull rep and enthusiast. Since then, I've learned the magic of having Red Bull wings from drinking RBVs. They make for incredible dance sessions. Today Danielle informed me that the sugar in red bull is produced from a sugar beet. No wonder why I love the drink!

4. If any of you were wondering if I had commitment issues, you are correct. I can’t even keep a cart for more than one aisle.

5. I secretly want to decorate the apartment like this for the holidays:

I call it “Pastels meet Winter Wonderland.” All of that glitz was at Marshall’s if you’re interested in glamming out your home, too.

6. Speaking of glamorous, I found this pretty nail polish in the clearance bin at Target. L’Oreal’s “Brit Invasion.”

7. Once a fan of hipsters, always a fan of hipsters.

Is that not great? It’s a totally different kind of hipster, but still, the look of pure joy on my face cracks me up. It is the exact same face I make after a shot of tequila, haha!!

I want to thank each and every one of you who commented on yesterday’s post about my half marathon training. You are all so sweet and I will remember that as I cross the finish line. Big hugs!

Charleston Half Marathon–I’m In!

Over the weekend I made a serious life decision: I am going to run the Charleston 1/2 marathon in January. I’m doing it, I’m doing it, I’m doing it.

And I’m going to do it right. With the proper nutrition and training plans, I’m sure to succeed. As you may remember, I really wanted to run the Clemson 1/2 this Spring, but hurt myself on a random long run. Without having run more than 3ish miles, I randomly ran 10 and hurt my IT band. I’m now running more often than I was back then, and can easily run 6-10 miles on any given day. That said, I’m still going to stick to a training plan so I don’t hurt myself.

Charleston Marathon Weekend, January 18-20, 2013:

• You choice of a 5K, 1/2 Marathon,  Marathon, or bike ride
• Health and fitness expo on Friday
• Pre-race dinner and entertainment on Friday night
• Local music and performance groups along the course
• Medals for all finishers (!)
• Post-race celebration
• Views of beautiful downtown Charleston

The race is in 72 days. I’m excited. Really excited! My girl Sierra is contemplating on coming to Charleston and running with me. Tell her she should!

This evening I picked up some books from the library so I can be fully prepared.

I have a million questions and I know you guys have answers...

Those of you have run 1/2 or full marathons before, give me your best advice! Tell me what to eat/not eat, what running gear I might need, other books I should read, or any other tips for the next 72 days. I’m all ears. Thank you!

Sunday Survey

Thanks to the time change, Danielle and I stayed out way too late last night. My brain is mush so an easy post was in order. I stumbled upon this survey on the lovely Lauren’s blog the other day. She’s such a cutie!

Enjoy!

What is currently on your wish list?

These sneakers, Brooks Ravenna 3:

All of these jeans.

These pickles. They’re made with Sriracha!

 

Share a new iPhone, droid, ipad app you have recently discovered that we all need.

White Noise App. I’m a dork for this, but I have trouble sleeping. With this app I can listen to rainfall before I fall asleep. Other sounds include crickets chirping, chimes, a fan, train, a thunderstorm, beach waves, etc.

What is a new Fall TV show you have added to your DVR?
Sorry…I don’t regularly watch any show other than Golden Girls. It’s true. But recently I’ve been watching a lot of Family Guy.

What should I be watching? Tell me!

Share your Social Media links for us to follow you on(pinterest, twitter, facebook, etc.)
Instagram: christinaorso
Twitter: christinaorso
Pinterest: christinaorso

What is a TV series or Movie or Song you could listen to or watch over and over and over and never get tired of…feel free to name one of each.
I have never, ever tired of Golden Girls. Or The Nanny. I’m stuck in the in the wrong decade apparently.  For songs, I will never not get excited to hear Juvenile’s Back That Thang Up. What a gem. 

xo!

The Friday Five 11.2.12

1. What I’m Reading: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. So this is rather depressing, but I was hooked within the first few pages. Hannah, a girl who committed suicide, left thirteen cassette tapes she recorded explaining why she ended her life.  With each tape, you learn how much she was affected by those around her, and what led her to such a drastic decision.

2. What I’m Drinking: My coworker Dane often stops at Starbucks before work. That gem of a gentleman always asks if he can treat us, but I’ve usually had coffee by then. Inspired by an instagram my friend Jess posted, I asked for one of the Cool Lime Refreshers.

Refreshing it was! And energizing – does green tea usually do that? I loved it. I also got a kick out of the CLR; those are actually my legal initials. Don’t you wish you knew that story…

3. Recipes I’m Bookmarking: Fig and Walnut Crackers. I wonder if they’re as good as the Trader Joe’s Rosemary and Raisin Crisps.

4. What I’m Listening to: Black Eye by Love Inks. Love, love, love this song.

5. GIFs I’m Loving:

WHEN SOMEONE ASKS ME HOW I ALWAYS GET FREE DRINKS

WHEN SOMEONE TELLS ME I SHOULD TRY SPEED DATING

WHEN I’M TEXTING A GUY AND HE TAKES FOREVER TO RESPOND

. . . 

Anyone going to Daniel Island Park Day on Saturday? If so, stop by the wine tent and look for me with my Wine Awesomeness boys! We’ll give you some good juice.

Happy Friday! Have a wonderful weekend!

Pumpkin & Black Bean Chili (Vegan!), New Running Playlist

And just like that, the temperature dropped. I realize it’s snowing in some places, but holy crap this crisp weather came out of nowhere. It is 45* as I type this. 45 degrees!!! That’s just rude.

Meanwhile, my Gruber Farm CSA still thinks it’s Summer. I’m not upset about it; I’ll hang onto Summer as long as I can.

Week 7’s box:

• apples
• corn
• tomatoes
• black eyed peas
• the cutest pumpkin ever
• yellow squash
• broccoli

I was so excited to see that adorable pumpkin as I hadn’t bought one this year. It may be too late to carve it, but I can surely make pumpkin puree for more pumpkin bread. I bet it’ll be a million times better than the canned stuff.

Just checked the weather. It’s still 45*. I’m still cold. I bet you are too, so I made us some chili.

Pumpkin & Black Bean Chili

• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 2 ears of corn, kernels removed
• 2 (14.5 oz.) cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz.) can of pumpkin puree
• 2-3 tbsp. Sriracha, depending on your heat preference
• 2 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. cumin
• ½ tsp. cinnamon
• Optional toppings: crumbled pita chips, avocado

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional minute. Add the tomatoes, corn, black beans, pumpkin, Sriracha, and spices. Stir until evenly combined. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes. Serve warm with toppings. Makes 5 servings.

This chili is very different from anything I’ve had. In fact, it’s better. It’s both sweet and spicy and you can adjust the seasonings to your liking. You should also note that when you first mix all the ingredients in the pot, it will seem very thick. I promise that after simmering, the juices will come out and it will be just right. You can trust me…and Sarah:

She made my day with that tweet!

In other news, I’m still running longer distances, with 5 miles being my new minimum. Amanda and I always run together, but right now her doctor says she has a sprained ligament. : ( Will you please pray for her? I hate that she’s hurting and want her healed a.s.a.p.!

Now have a looksee at my current running playlist:

What’s your favorite cold weather food?

How do you like your chili?

What’s your favorite song at the moment?