Foodie Heaven

Sorry for the delay.  I could say I've been busy, but that would be lying.  Lazy would be more like it I think. Before I forget, check out the recipe page for a quick Southwest Pasta dish. It's tasty!

Last night I attended Corks and Forks with my friend Beth.  I look forward to this event each year (while my husband who has to work at the event dreads it).  For those of you who are not familiar with it, just imagine a ballroom with over 100 wines to try and over 30 restaurants with food to sample. Everything is unlimited with your paid admission ($50 donation to the Decatur Arts Council) so you can eat and drink until you can't anymore! 

Some of the highlights of the night included Lobster Ravioli from Tuscany Steakhouse, Coconut Shrimp from the Decatur Park District, Shrimp and Scallop Ceviche from Paco's Sol Bistro, Baby Cakes cake balls, Pork and Ham Sandwiches from The Decatur Club, and many many more! 

The food plate with a holder for your souvenir wine glass!

We have already started counting down the days until next year's event.  If you would like to join us, just let me know!!!  It will be an awesome time, just be prepared to forget about the diet/healthy eating for 1 night!

New Recipe

Check out the cooking page for an awesome pulled pork recipe! It was a hit!

Brrr....

It's cold and rainy... I want nothing more than to go home and curl up on my couch and relax.  I also seem to get the 'cooking bug' when I'm stuck inside so tonight will be perfect for the last batch of chili for the season!

Be on the lookout for our special chili recipe coming up soon.  It even has a few 'secret' ingredients!  In the meantime, check out the cooking blog for an all new recipe: yummy meat loaf!

Oops!

So I realized that while I have been doing well with the cooking blog, I have neglected the other two blogs. Oops.  I have actually been pretty busy the past few weeks which is good (and Spring is in the air so I am spending as much time as possible outside!)

As for the crafting blog, I've said it before and I'll say it again: I PROMISE I will get there eventually.  Lately I've been focusing on my hand-painted glasses (Whimsy Glass, check it out on facebook). I did a trunk show this week at Petals in downtown Decatur and now have over 20 new glasses in stock.  If you are around you should definitely check out the shop. Kari, the owner, has some amazing things just in time for Spring.

For now, just keep a close eye on the cooking blog.  I hope some of you will try out a few recipes (and let me know when you do).  The nice thing about these is that they have already been tested by me so you know they will be deeeeelish.

Speaking of, I think I'm headed to make a new cooking post now!

The Finish Line

Well, for those of you who have been wondering... I'm still alive after the run! I completed the race in 21 minutes and 30 seconds (2 miles). It's a good start to what I hope will get better as the year goes by!

Don't forget to keep an eye on the cooking page! I update it much more often than I do this page! I haven't gotten around to starting the crafting page up, but hope to do it soon! I will let you know as things happen!

Does anyone out there have any questions for me? Cooking, crafting, life in general? I would love to answer them, so just shoot them my way!

Just Keep Running... Just Keep Running...

Running is one of those activities I was never fond of. I was always the student in P.E. class walking and goofing off when we were supposed to be running the mile. I rarely exercised because I didn't see the need and had a few joint/muscle issues. I was the kid who was skinny without trying. Basically, I had a million excuses up my sleeve and used all of them at one point or another.

So why in the world would I sign up to do a 2 mile run for St. Patrick's Day? I must be crazy!

I recently joined a local gym with my husband (who exercises regularly) and I think I may be falling in love. No, I'm addicted to working out. Yes, I am addicted to the way it makes me feel! It's is amazing that you can exercise to the point of exhaustion and then have MORE energy later.

I've slowly worked my way up from the first time I set foot in the door. Day 1 I was pumped and ready to go... Until I thought I was going to pass out after 10 minutes on an elliptical machine. 3 months later and I can go 30 minutes on the same machine and then go walk/row/lift/etc... afterwards!

The running part is still a little tough for me. I can now run 1 mile without stopping on a treadmill. The question is, can I run 2 miles this Saturday morning, outside, with hundreds of people watching me? I signed up because 'everyone else was doing it' so there should be some motivation to keep up. I also feel I will have some extra adrenaline pumping because this is the first time I will participate in anything like this.

So here we go! I will let you know how it all turns out next week. Until then, if anyone has any points/hints/tips for running PLEASE send them my way!

And P.S. Check out the cooking blog for some new recipes. I may be working out, but will always be in love with food!

Kids in the Kitchen

As some of you may know, I have been teaching an after school class focusing on ISAT preparation using nutrition lessons. A.K.A, we practice math, science, and reading skills by learning about the food pyramid and making food projects. The kids love the activities and don't even realize that they are learning at the same time!

This week we are focusing on fruits and vegetables.

Math: Learn how to calculate the area (length x width) of farms and gardens.

Reading: Follow Pumpkin Pie in a Bag recipe.

Science: Measure and mix ingredients for the recipe.

If anyone out there has a child, the recipe (mentioned above) I've posted on the cooking page is a great one to get them involved in the kitchen. It's also just a good recipe in general!

So, in short, check out the new recipe and let me know what you think!