Sunday 7/ 7-6-14

I am snuggled up in bed after a long holiday weekend and I'm realizing how much I've missed sharing little bits of life and thought here. I've missed writing and I've missed interacting here. 

With half the year behind us and the other half full of possibility- I'm making new habits and reinstating old ones. I'm giving myself grace for the months I've slacked off sharing and I am excited to share about some big changes coming to my life.

In the meantime, here are 7 things I'm loving lately.

1. 3 day holiday weekends.

Need I say more? A day off work and days full of fun and friends and music at 80/35 was just what I needed.

2. Shellac

I'm addicted to getting my nails done. I'm too impatient to do my own and having a chip free manicure for 3 weeks makes me feel feminine and put together. 

3. Girlfriends

There was a time in my life when my close circle of girlfriends was very limited. I was skeptical of 'real' relationships with girls and I kept to myself. I'm now surrounded by the most amazing women and when we empower and encourage each other- the results are astounding. I'm so thankful for their influence in my life!

4. Family

In the past couple of months, I've had lunch with my sisters, a visit from my grandma and my cousin, birthday celebrations with my grandparents and a mom/daughter date. I'm enjoying spending time with  them and I'm looking forward to more summer celebrations!

5. Sunshine

I lone summer. I love heat. I loVe having a terrible short tan line from running outside. Keep it up Mother Nature- sunshine makes me happy :)

6. Reading

I'm not sure how it happened, but I slacked off reading for fun. Or really reading anything that was longer than a couple pages or a link on Facebook. I recently finished 'Prodigal Summer' by Barbara Kingsolver and it was soul soothing. What have you been reading?

7. Creative Spark

It's back. I wrote a poem last week. I have a couple of blog posts brewing and I'm even considering editing that book I wrote (yeah- remember that?) I am looking forward to sharing more soon.

What are you loving this summer?

Summer To Do List 2013

Today was unseasonably cool and dreary. Much more reminiscent of fall and winter. I dreamed of staying in bed and sleeping the day away amid Netflix clips.
But then I remembered it's only July 30th. And there is much more summer to be had.

Here are a few things that were/are on my summer to do list:

SUMMER TO DO LIST 2013

*Tuesday Taco Ride

*Classic Frozen Custard Date

*Bike to Snookies

*Drive-in Movie

*Picnic

*Bike the Trestle Trail

*Day in the Amana Colonies

*Bait Shop Fun Run

*Craft Brew Fest

*Art Fest

*Jasper Winery Thursday Music

*Nitefall on the River Show

*Beach Day

*Grill Out Party

*Golf with friends

I've been able to enjoy a few of these things already (the ones in green!) and I'm looking forward to knocking out a few more in August. I'm just realizing how many have to do with food...HA. #notsurprised

What things are you up to this summer? Have any summer things you always have to do?

From the La-bora-tory: Springy Summery Foods

Do you remember that cartoon Dexter's Laboratory? With the pudgy little scientist kid and the goofy lanky sister? Every time I hear the word 'laboratory' I think of that show and how he used to say 'laboratory' all drawn out...La-bor-a-tory. 

When I'm cooking up things in my kitchen and trying out stuff I read on the internet or in one of Mama Pea's cookbooks (and usually subbing ingredients because it never fails I forget something at the store) I feel a little like a mad scientist.

I mean I definitely have the hair for it.

And while most of these are not my own creation, I have been enjoying trying out some new things in my La-bor-a-tory!

Before we left for Colorado, I wanted to use up all my fresh foods (I hate wasting food!) so I made up some randomness:

Corn salad with avocado & tomato, roasted squash and asparagus topped with a fried egg

Cucumber with edamamme hummus, greens topped with edamame salad & tomato

More corn/avocado/tomato & roasted broccoli and asparagus

As you can see I had some corn salad to get rid of! But it is great as a salad topper over greens or on it's own with some additional veggies added. 

This time of year there are so many good fresh veggies that I can get locally grown and organic: rainbow swiss chard, asparagus by the truckload and spring radishes. I also found a couple farmer that were growing heirloom tomatos indoors so I snagged up as much of those as I could.

And last but not least, EGGS. There is nothing better than farm fresh eggs! I don't eat much meat but I really, really love eggs.

Avocado toast, fried egg with tomato, sauteed swiss chard & spring radishes

 Sauteed swiss chard is a great spring side- just put it in a pan with some water and garlic and a little olive oil. Put a lid on and let it wilt. Stir a couple times. Viola! It has a pretty distinct flavor but goes excellent with mushrooms and of course...eggs :)

Where all the magic happens

 I have found that spending time in my kitchen preparing delicious food that I can trace back to a local farm makes me feel grounded and calm and healthy. I like knowing I'm putting good into my body most of the time!

I think salads are such an easy and delicious way to get your veggies in and pack your lunch for work. Here, I'm using mixed greens, spring radishes, tomatos, and cucumber (all locally purchased via my CSA or local market). 

Check out these amazing golden beets! I roasted them in the oven and sliced them to top over mixed greens and a little balsamic vinegar. So. good. 

If you can find in season and locally, ethically grown food in your hometown- you should always check it out. I've found that it tastes better and the quality seems to be much better.

They were so pretty!

Last night I gave a try to something I've been meaning to make forever: Polenta Fries

Um...where have you been all my life?

You can find the recipe here. 

I forgot to bake them and didn't do the extra topping, but they still turned out DELICIOUS.

I mixed a little Veganaise and Siracha to make a dipping aioli.

Might be the smartest decision I made yesterday. 

I paired my fries with some purple roasted asparagus. It looked so pretty on the plate and tasted pretty great too!

I had fresh pea shoots and strawberries from the market so I tossed them with a little balsamic and olives for a side salad. So fresh and springy. 

Best part of enjoying this season's eats?

Eating outside!

Do you like to cook? What are your favorite foods of the season? 

Do you also love Siracha this much?

Marathon Training and Goal Update

The Des Moines Marathon is in approximately 13 1/2 weeks.
I paid my dues, requested 'NicMarie' printed on my bib and I'm tallying up the miles.
I'm on my third pair of running shoes since I started seriously 'training' for races about 2 years ago.

Somehow I wear out the top of my right shoe every time?

(please ignore the leaves all over my back step)

Anyway, this time it's serious.

Summer Solstice

Yesterday marked the longest day of summer....now our daylight hours will get shorter. Boooooo.

BUT

Even though it's been like this...

(Yes people, that is insane amounts of rain and giant hail all at once)

It's SUMMER! Time to start enjoying it.