Get out, winter.

It's almost April and it still feels like WINTER!


I wish I was here...

But instead, I am here.

Which is almost as good as here.

HA!
Happy almost Friday and almost WEEKEND!!
May the sunshine and warmth come SOON.

Sis got the bling!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



LITTLE SIS GOT ENGAGED over the weekend!!!!

Dan, you are one lucky man!

And sis, you are one lucky girl. I mean check out the bling!!

Krista, do you remember helping me get ready on my big day?

And here we are less than two years later. SO EXCITED to be matron of honor and help you plan your perfect wedding.

LET THE PARTY BEGIN!!!!
LOVE YOU KRISTA AND SO HAPPY FOR YOU!



PS. Trust me when I say that you will get my advice and opinions whether requested or not. K?

Snacks

Do you like snacks as much as I do??

My favs lately are these creamy ice cream sandwich cookies from Breyers.

Also really enjoying these salty pretzels.



Why yes, that is a one pound bag.

Rather than abandoning soda all together at the beginning of this year, I decided to try to like these diet-like versions of my favorite colas.

My opinion on them, you ask? I am a huge fan of Coke Zero! It tastes just like regular Coke, maybe just a bit less syrupy.



But the Pepsi Max has taken some getting used to. I'm still not quite sold on it. They did not make the flavor as convincing. It still tastes like diet to me.



Well that's it for today's post. Go get u some.

Oatmeal Pancakes

Good Saturday morning to you!

Last night, all I could think about was food but since it was 11:00 pm and I was already in bed, I decided to refrain from snacking and instead planned my Saturday morning menu. Today's post is all about the oatmeal pancakes. I found this recipe on allrecipes.com. Click the link to see more appetizing pictures other people have taken of this delicious recipe. Here is my version with my variations in red.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Eliminate
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspon salt
  
• 3/4 cup buttermilk 1% Lowfat Milk
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  

Directions

1. Place flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, vanilla, oil and egg in a food processor and puree until smooth. Stir together dry ingredients. In separate bowl, combine everything else . Then poor milky mixture over dry ingredients and whisk together. (I don't have a food processor)
   

   

2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat.

   

3. Pour or scoop the batter on to the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

   

   

   Yum!! These are so thick and hearty! I love the texture of the oats, making the pancakes a little heavier than instant pancakes from the box. My alterations turned out great, but next time I will definitely add some cinnamon or nutmeg to give them a little more flavor. Combine these babies with some maple syrup and a cup of joe and you've got a fabulous start to the weekend. Enjoy everyone!

Blogging and Running Shoes

So lately instead of updating my own blog, I've become quite addicted to reading blogs of complete strangers. I think I could really get into being a blogger, but I'm not sure if I'm consistent enough to start leaving tons of comments and figuring out something to write about almost every day. Still considering the pros and cons....

Did you notice how incredibly wonderful the weather was today? Matt and I went for a little jog around the neighborhood for the first time in a few weeks. (We ran that one other time it got above 50...even though we were stumbling over sticks all over the sidewalk and it was still pretty chilly but hey, there was no snow to hinder us) The path we take totals about two miles and we did it without stopping (more than once) today. But....it was HARD! Holy crap, I thought I was in shape. I have been running on the elliptical 4-5 times a week since January 1. I thought running outside would be a breeze. I guess I have some practice ahead of me if I ever want to run more than two miles without getting a side stitch.

I might be in the market for a new pair of running shoes soon. Mine have zero tread left in them and are starting to get uncomfortable. My sister's boyfriend was sporting a sweet pair of these Vibram Five Fingers a few weeks ago....

I just couldn't stop staring at them. What a strange yet unique look. They are meant to give the feeling of running barefoot. A snug fit, but probably doesn't offer much support.

I might have to go for more of a professional marathon shoe like these Asics.

My dad has been an avid runner since forever and he usually always has two or three pairs of Asics in his rotation. (of course when they are no longer racing quality, they are downgraded to mowing shoes, walking shoes, or landscaping shoes. I swear he has more pairs of shoes than me...

Happy St. Patrick's Day my friends. Until Next Time...

Patio Furniture

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Ahh, half the week down, half to go. Today on my day off, I plan to spend the my time cleaning and organizing my lovely house.

Wishin' the tree still looked like this. But right now, it's a dreary wintry day. I'm trying to think happy spring thoughts, so I thought I would share about: the SUNROOM!

Here's a current pic of the room and it's contents.

{table}
purchased at a garage sale

{chair}
hand-me-down from my parents

{lamp}
college dorm room


Not much, but we moved in right when it became too cold to actually enjoy being out there. So now the spring is only 11 days away...I am trying to decide on a new patio furniture set. Here are some of my favorite options that I've come across so far.

(All are Better Home and Garden choices from Wallyworld)

Pics are a bit blurry, but you get the idea I'm going for right? I love bright colors! I am leaning toward a "conversation set" of furniture for entertainment purposes, but a table and chairs set would also allow us to dine, play cards, etc...



What do you think?
Do you have cheery patio furniture?
I'm so ready for spring!! Bring it on.

Misc. Monday

Hello world!

I haven't updated in a while and just thought I'd do a quick miscellaneous post.

{health}
Remember that Biggest Loser contest I'm participating in? It has really made me hyper-conscious of nutritional information in everything I eat and drink. The past couple months have really triggered an interest in dietary information and health in general. No one can say it's easy to get into the habit of exercise and eating right, but it is so worth it. I have noticed such a difference in my energy level throughout the day. I usually feel pretty energized (except when I don't get my 8 hours of sleep....oh and I usually get really sleepy right after lunch) But anyway...I traded in my bag of chips for a box of Wheat Thins. These things ROCK and they are my favorite snack!!!




{the bachelor}

As I'm writing this, I'm watching The Women Tell All with Brad. I must say Brad really does seem like a changed man this time around. (I was furious that they chose him as the Bachelor AGAIN!) He seems pretty happy so he must have chosen.....



EMILY!
I love her. She always seems so sweet and precious.

But I also like this girl....




CHANTAL! She is so down to earth and fun to be around.

We'll see who he picks (if any) on March 14!! Can't wait!