What Now?!?!?

Happy Day of the Goat, um, wait... Happy Spring!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:08:00 +0000

Who knew that the goat was the official harbinger of Spring?? Not me.. that's for sure. And, why does the goat symbolize spring, you ask? Well, its because of BEER! Bock Beer to be exact!

Confused yet? No worries, I'm good at that ;) But hopefully a little history can clear it all up!

Beer happens to be one of my favorite subjects so, naturally, if its time for me to do some research in old historical newspapers I tend to gravitate to the topic. And, of course - with me - one thing leads to another... and hence the Beer = Goat = Spring connection is born (more accurately, reborn)!

Times Picayune, February 3, 1969

I've always known that certain seasons of the year have connections to different types of beer... Pilsner is a wonderful, light, refreshing drink for a sunny, summer afternoon where a Porter would just not do! BUT, in front a crackling fire, on a snowy chilly night, a Porter could really warm a person's body!

So, as it turns out, Bock has its time of year too - Spring. While its history is a bit obscure and convoluted - and, hey, even colorful (it IS beer after all), a common accepted notion is that after months of cold weather fermenting, Bock beer was finally tapped in the spring.

Columbian Register, May 4, 1872

The connection to the Goat - Bock DOES mean Goat in German - isn't quite so clear. Some say the connection lies with sawhorses the kegs were placed on for tapping, others trace the linguistic connection to Einbeck, Germany and believe Bock was simply a mispronunciation... but, personally, I prefer a little whimsy, so I'll stick with a story of two men, who in the midst of a drinking contest come head to head with a wild goat - literally. The man who landed on the ground insisted it was because of the goat and NOT the strength of the beer... but he lost anyways :)

New Haven Register, February 19, 1897

Whatever you choose to believe - Keep an Eye out for the Goat! And Happy Spring!

Trenton Evening Times, March 13, 1939

Nothing says spring like canning jars and PICKLES!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:40:00 +0000

I've got the itch to get going with fresh, spring veggies! AND, nothing makes me happier than some yummy crunchy pickles so full of dilly, garlicky CRUNCH! Since I was at it and had gotten some great green beans in last week's delivery from Milk and Honey Organics, I might as well try some Pickled Beans too (more to come on those -- after I taste them!).

Over the past few years, I've adapted my favorite recipe to come up with these Spicy Garlic Refrigerator Pickles.

15 to 20 small pickling cucumbers - sliced in half, lengthwise
4 cups water
3-3/4 cups white vinegar
1 cup chopped fresh dill weed
1/2 cup white sugar
1 large head of garlic, chopped
3 tablespoons coarse salt
3 tablespoon pickling spice
1 1/2 teaspoons dill seed (although I never seem to have this on hand!)
1 red pepper flakes
8 sprigs fresh dill
In large bowl or pot combine: water, vinegar, chopped dill, sugar, garlic, salt, pickling spices, dill seed and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine. Salt and sugar won't be all dissolved.

Add cucumbers.

Cover and let sit at room temperature about 2 hours.

In each of the 4 large canning jars, place 2 springs of dill. Place cucumbers in jars and filling each jar with the vinegar/pickling liquid.

Refrigerate jars. Pickles are ready in about 10 to 14 days and can be stored for a month.

Lovin' the veggies!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:19:00 +0000

That's right - today was the day - our first delivery from @milkandhoneyo ! I had picked the smallest basket, just to get an idea of what we might get.... and OH BOY! did we ever get a delivery!!

I was so excited to grab the cooler off of the front porch and dig in!

Today's bounty included: beets, brussel sprouts (my FAVORITE), kale - um not so sure on this one, maybe its time to try the kale chips everyone is loving on pinterest??, sweet potatoes, onions, green beans, parsley, apples, oranges, clementines (?) kiwi and lettuce! YUM! We've already used up some of the lettuce and my daughter is super excited for the kiwi.

Thanks Milk and Honey Organics!!

Organic Veggies & Fruits? YES, Please!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:55:00 +0000

And delivered to my house??? I don't have to get them??

That's right - lets get it straight... I can get organic fruits and veggies from LOCAL farmers delivered straight to my house each week?!?! I don't even have to get in the car!!

SIGN ME UP!

Yes, I'm excited - as if you can't tell. If you followed along with my CSA (community supported agriculture) posts over the last couple of years, you know how much I love getting fresh, local veggies. Each week I couldn't wait to whip up something new: From fresh pea risotto to fresh salads to, well, just about anything veggie related...seeing how I am a vegetarian!!

Imagine my surprise this morning, when among my new twitter followers I found @milkandhoneyo - a new company in the Upstate that brings organic & local fruits and veggies right to your door. Milk and Honey Organics works on a subscription basis - sign up for a (pretty much) customized offering of fruit, veggies or a mix of both. You can choose a one time basket - which I've opted for just to try out - or a weekly or biweekly basket. The baskets even come in three sizes - perfect for all different family sizes. AND, get this, unlike the CSA, I can tell them what I don't like... that's right no mushrooms will ever come into THIS household! EWWW!

I can't wait to try it out AND to let you know how it goes. I've got high hopes! Can't wait to see how it turns out!

Next stop ... Crowley Cheese!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:56:00 +0000

Since we've already enjoyed a great beer at Harpoon on our Vermont tour, now its time for a little sustenance by way of CHEESE.

That's right, you're really not a true Vermonter if you don't pledge allegiance to the cheddar produced in the state. While there are great versions from large commercial cheese makers in the state, the one near and dear to my heart is from right down the road: Crowley Cheese - a small factory with only a few rooms, little fanfare, and lots of hard workers.

Factory in Healdville, VT

Often touted as the oldest continuously running cheese factory in Vermont, or possibly even the U.S., I was lucky enough to grow up enjoying the cheese as a common treat...

Springfield Sunday Republican 10/24/1976

While the gift shop is no longer open (and I just can't seem to drive past the building wishing it were open with a HUGE wheel of cheese waiting to be sliced), the people at the factory are still friendly and willing to stop and chat for a few minutes - about cheese or just about anything!

If you're lucky enough to time it right (be sure to check Facebook and Twitter - hey, they are old school cheesemakers but that doesn't mean they don't know the value of technology!), you might even be able to stop in and see the actual cheese making process!

The by-hand cheese making process is a tough one - especially on hot summer days like the one we visited on. See everyone pitching in and bailing the curds by hand?? Racking and stirring is all by hand still too!

Its a job that's been made famous too - for its dirtiness - on Dirty Jobs.

Of course, we couldn't leave without sampling every type of cheese available. But I'm loyal. My favorite is still just the Extra Sharp Crowley Cheese. I know what's going on my Christmas list!

Dear Santa, Please fill my stocking with Crowley Extra Sharp!

In honor of #IPAday - Beer. Its what makes a vacation.

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 11:42:00 +0000

Ok, well, maybe not QUITE... but close! Since today marks the 1st Annual International IPA Day, its fitting that the first post about our vacation is about Harpoon - right?

A summer trip to Vermont just isn't complete without a visit to Long Trail and Harpoon. After all, as faithful New Englanders we couldn't head back south without a pint or two of the brews we can't find down here.

Boston, has traditionally been a beer city. In fact, the news of their beer fetish traveled cross country by the mid-19th century. Need proof of how much those Bostonians have loved their beer? No worries, its well documented!

(12-26-1876 Cincinnati Daily Gazette)

That's right, beer was (and is) a daily staple of the the town:

(9-14-1876 Times-Picayune)

Along with commercial brews, ordinary citizens attempted all sorts of recipes. Some for Lagers, some for Ginger Beer, others that were Molasses-based. Newspapers commonly printed new recipes to try:

(4-17-1804 Newburyport Herald)

So, its not a big surprise that Harpoon, a favorite beer of ours, had its origins in the beer-loving New England city of Boston.

(4-18-1987 Times-Picayune)

So, you're saying to yourself... that's nice, its a Boston beer tradition. But where's the Vermont tie-in? Well, that comes a while later: Due to the financial problems of Catamount Brewery, Harpoon was able take advantage of a great building in a location in Windsor, VT.

Since Summer 2000, the facility in Vermont has been enjoying success and making its own history.

(10-08-2005 St. Albans Daily Messenger)
PS. Oddly enough, that is the full article in the day's paper. The continuation never happened - as far as I can discover!

On our recent visit, we were able to take a peek into the brewery:

Pick up a few souvenirs (hey, 10 or 15 is a "few"). And try a Summer Beer & a Leviathan series beer:

While we would have loved to do the official tour and hear more about the process of brewing and how Harpoon is made, it wasn't to be. Our timing was off. BUT, that's a good excuse for a return visit - right??

Summer 2011: 5 weeks. 15 States...

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 01:57:00 +0000

Summer 2011 was one for the Flood Family record books:

1.5 weeks in OBX
5 weeks in Vermont
15 States travelled
3 Museums studied
2 Beer Breweries visited
2 Cheese Factories toured
1 Distillery sampled
1 Chocolate Factory for a bit of sweets
1 mountain roller coaster
1 Sugar House to sample maple goodies
Countless restaurants dined in
6,100 miles traveled in automobiles

Yup, that makes me tired.

I can't even begin to describe the restaurant meals. Some good, some bad, some so horrendous that they will be part of Flood Family Memoirs. Some so good that they were topped off by an entire cheesecake :)

We were so lucky to visit friends and family across New England and along the way. Stay tuned to see what this year's travels might inspire ... you never know what might spur a post from me ;)

Oh yea, I bet I missed a bunch of things. And I might cover them someday too!

My Ocracoke Top 10 - Redux.

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Sun, 29 May 2011 18:24:00 +0000

No matter how much I wish somethings would stay the same... they never do. The kids are growing up faster than I can keep up with, technology is changing every day... and Ocracoke is no exception.

Shortly after My Ocracoke Top 10 post, I received a tweet:

@reelbuzz: @magic2go I hate to disappoint you but AT&T cell phones now work on #Ocracoke

SAY WHAT?!?!?!

Yes, I guess this is "progress" and most likely a great benefit to travelers (me included).

But, I have to admit that just a little part of me is sad. I was really looking forward to my #9 - No Cell Phones in the list of top 10 things I'm looking forward to. Yes, it will be easier for work, parents, family and just about anyone to get a hold of me while we're gone. That has its benefits... Plus, I can tweet and Facebook now (I NEED to make you all jealous, don't I??).

Somehow, we'll adjust. Somehow we'll find a way to put down the phones and convince a 13-yr old not text all day long. I'm not sure how... but we will...

So, here it is.. my new a replacement for my No Cell Phones:

#9 - Pelicans, Dolphins and Crabs! Oh my! There isn't anything more exciting than catching a glimpse of the sea- and shore-life along the Ocracoke coast. Its an unusual break from the hares, squirrels and chipmunks we get to see daily. Dolphins are so magical - getting a glimpse of one swimming by is truly a treat. The Pelicans with their over sized gullets are so entertaining. And, the crabs, well, to be honest.. they just amuse me. I love to watch them scurry along the sand and into their sand holes whenever the slightest danger or shadow passes by... I can't really say how many hours I've spent just watching their perpetual motion...

My Ocracoke Top 10!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:30:00 +0000

If you've followed along with my blog in the past, you know that I have a love for Ocracoke - the ocean, the sand, the island itself. Small, remote and untouched by mass commercialism - Perfection in my mind!

As our vacation quickly approaches, there are so many things I can't wait to experience again. Here are the one's I've picked as my top 10 - although you know I may just have to add a 11-20 post, and a 21-30 post and a - well, you get the idea!!

#1 - Sand, Sun & Surf - Seriously. Ocracoke's main attraction is the beach. It goes on for miles and miles (or Niles and Niles - if you're a fan of Disney's Jungle Cruise). The white sand, shells, and water are so beautiful on the island - that's why it was Dr. Beach's #1 Beach in 2007. BUT, that's not the only reason we love it - we love that we can DRIVE on the beach... which leads me to #2...

#2 - Beach Driving - Yup, Ocracoke is THE reason that we have a Jeep. The very idea of letting air out of the tires, finding a beach access and driving out to the solitude of the sand (without a top or doors!) is the very thing that makes the Jeep so important to us!

#3 - Breakfast - Yes, vacation is a week to splurge... on breakfast! Its a tough decision: Do we go for a daily visit the Ocracoke Coffee Shop? Or perhaps we swing by Dajio for an al fresco meal of Creme Brulee French Toast?

#4 - Ferry rides - No roads to the island. No bridges. No way to hop in your car and just drive onto the island. The only way to reach this secluded bit of paradise is by ferry - or by very small airplane. Of course, due to #2 we choose the ferry.

But, even if the ferry wasn't a necessity, it would be my transportation method of choice. The ferry ride just brings with it a sense of serenity and detachment from every day life that's so vital to vacation...

#5 - Family Time - It seems every year is just a little bit different - maybe our vacation will include hang-gliding, paddle boarding, kayaking, kite-flying, surfing... oh, who knows! The possibilities are really endless.

I'm really looking forward to what this year will bring. I love that we'll be spending time with hubby's parents. Its so great to spend a whole week of downtime chatting and enjoying each other. And with kids, who knows what adventure they'll lead us on next. I'm sure this year will include horseback riding. And, maybe, just another little surprise adventure that mom has planned.... stay tuned for more info on that later...

#6 - Biking around the Island - Last year, I did some running, but this year we're bringing bicycles. Hey, I'm up for something new- so why not. I'm really looking forward to exploring a bit more of the island this year - just by peddling-power, not foot-power!

#7 - Ride the Wind Surf Shop - Our trips to Ocracoke just aren't the same without a daily trip to Ride the Wind. Maybe its time to just browse the surf wear. Or maybe surfing lessons for the kids. Or a paddle board rental... it doesn't matter - we'll be there!!

#8 - Lighthouses - Lighthouses dot the Outer Banks. They've guided sailors through the Graveyard of the seas over centuries. These days, they add a little history AND a little romance to our vacation...

#9 - No Cell Phones - That's right. We'll have 0 bars. ZERO. Thank you AT & T. I'm serious - no sarcasm. I LOVE my iPhone. With a passion. But a week of forced separation = heaven. Yes, I can do it. I'll step away from the phone. I'll talk to people in person. I'll use a regular ole' camera instead of my phone.. and I won't even worry about if the ringer is on. It won't be.

#10 -Hush puppies - Nothing else needs to be said. Just order them. Daily. Seriously.

AHHH... Come on vacation time! Island time can't get here soon enough!

Lands End: Swimsuit Confidence Review

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Tue, 24 May 2011 10:08:00 +0000

I can't believe I did THAT! Yea, I guess that's not really true. I can believe I did that. I mean, sure, why not? You only live once!

Yes, I'm talking about THE photos. You know which one's I'm talking about.

The BATHING SUIT ones....

And, now, since I've had a chance to try out the suit, I thought I'd give you my review of it.

First, I was lucky enough to have my choice of suits at Lands End. The folks there were so great! I picked out three suits, and the next thing I knew, one was in the mail to me. I anxiously awaited my package - which one would I get??

I couldn't wait for the delivery man to get here - I had to greet him at the door and grab the package. Yes, patience is not my strong suit. I ripped open the box, and saw that my third choice was in the box. After a few seconds of disappointment (hey, I knew my first choice was out-of-stock in my size, but a girl can hope anyways!), I smiled and ran to try it on.

You know, when you're on the beach, wearing those tiny strips of fabric, they have to fit your body just right. Part of having Swimsuit Confidence is feeling good in your skin, but another part is feeling good in your "second skin" as well. Sometimes, you might just get a little lucky and the first suit you try on is it - its perfect: Love at first sight. Most times though, finding just the right piece of clothing (swimsuit or otherwise) takes a little work. It means trying on not just one suit - but maybe 20. Or 50. or 100.

Yes, its a pain. Its not fun. I mean, who really wants to try on 20 suits going... "Nope, that's not it." or even "NO WAY, that's REALLY not it!". Frankly, I can't even tell what size I really even wear in a swimsuit. I always need to grab the size that I *think* I need... plus one size up AND one size down. You just never know what will really fit!

But, its so worth it... to find that perfect suit that makes you feel good. That fits you just right and gives you the confidence to get out there on the beach and play with your kids.

Unfortunately, as soon as I slipped the top on, I realized this wasn't the suit for me. It just didn't fit across my chest quite right. The liner kept pulling up and showing itself. Every time I wiggled just a bit, a little more liner showed... I was sad - the quality and feel of the suit is so nice, I wanted to LOVE it. Its so cute - I just wish it fit my body better. I know that this suit would be perfect for so many women - I wish I was one of them!

So, since I had felt how great the Lands End suit was and knew the potential for THE suit was there, I had to run over to our local Sears this past weekend. I needed (YES- NEEDED) to see if they had the other suits I liked in stock. AND, guess what - they did. I picked out a couple of colors and headed to the dressing room. I LOVED them! They are now on my "wish list" for the next time I feel the urge to shop! Those will be the ones I proudly wear out onto the beach!

Thanks Lands End! While I don't love the suit I have, I am sold on the quality and materials. I might have quickly overlooked these suits in the past, but from now on, they'll be stop #1 when I'm shopping for my next bathing suit!

PS. In exchange for participating in National Swimsuit Confidence Week Lands End provided me with the suit in these photos. Thanks Lands End!

I Have Swimsuit Confidence!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Mon, 23 May 2011 10:52:00 +0000

Can I do this! Yes I can!

Seriously though, after a few minutes of second guessing myself, writing this (and the last couple) posts has actually been fun. Figuring out just how to take some photos in our waterless backyard was an adventure that was filled with laughs AND with quite a few deleted photos...

But, in the end, the photos that are the best are the REAL ones... you know, the ones that portray real life. Like reading a book...

Or hanging out on our new deck...

Or sitting by the fire table, catching a few rays and enjoying a few minutes of quiet...

You know why those are the best? Cause its just a real photo. Of a real woman. Yes, I have a mom's body - after all, I do have two stretchmarks... Um, I mean two children and many more stretch marks. But that's ok. Those stretchmarks, the extra few pounds I can't seem to shed, and those spots I still work hard to re-shape at the gym aren't going to stop me from getting out and enjoying life in my bathing suit. I'm going to be right out there on the beach, swimming, kayaking, paddle-boarding and maybe even surfing. Nothing is going to stop me from loving my beach time! Not even a bathing suit!

If you'd like to participate and join the fun of National Swimsuit Confidence week, here's one way you can tweet along:

Join Lands’ End to Celebrate National Swimsuit Confidence Week and Tweet Each Day!

Join Lands’ End each day May 23 – 27, 2011 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CDST and participate in a series of National Swimsuit Confidence Week events on Twitter. The weeklong movement was created to celebrate women of all shapes and sizes as well as educate and inspire them to embrace their swimsuit beauty and have fun this summer. Each day Lands’ End will give away 10 Lands’ End Swimsuits, 10 Lands’ End Beach Towels and announce exclusive swimsuit promotions!

Each Day – May 23 – 27, 2011
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CDST
#landsend
@LandsEndPR

PS. In exchange for participating in National Swimsuit Confidence Week Lands End provided me with the suit in these photos. Thanks Lands End!

Swimsuit Confidence... bring it on! Well, maybe... wait a minute...

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Sun, 22 May 2011 10:48:00 +0000

Just WHAT did I get myself into??!?!?

Sure, it started innocently enough. Pretty much. An email popped up from some great folks at Lands End: Do I have swimsuit confidence? Would I be willing to post a photo of myself in a bathing suit to show how women of all shapes and sizes are beautiful in their bathing suits?? HECK Yeah my inner woman screamed. I can do this - I'm not ashamed.

So a few minutes later, after browsing the Lands End website and selecting a suit, I sent a note back - I'm CONFIDENT! I can do this! It'll be so much fun!

Then, I stopped... and thought... and thought... UM, WHAT did I just do??? Me, in a bathing suit? For the whole world to see?

So my internal pep talk began. Self, I say: I am not afraid to relax on the beach.. or go surfing, stand-paddle boarding, or kayaking in public. Yes, in public. And I don't mind. That must count for something. Seriously, how bad could putting a picture of me on the web in a bathing suit be...

SEE, its not that bad - here's one now:

Guess you'll just have to wait til tomorrow and the start of National Swimsuit Confidence Week with Lands End!

If you'd like to participate and join the fun, here's one way you can tweet along:

Join Lands’ End to Celebrate National Swimsuit Confidence Week and Tweet Each Day!

Join Lands’ End each day May 23 – 27, 2011 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CDST and participate in a series of National Swimsuit Confidence Week events on Twitter. The weeklong movement was created to celebrate women of all shapes and sizes as well as educate and inspire them to embrace their swimsuit beauty and have fun this summer. Each day Lands’ End will give away 10 Lands’ End Swimsuits, 10 Lands’ End Beach Towels and announce exclusive swimsuit promotions!

Each Day – May 23 – 27, 2011
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CDST
#landsend
@LandsEndPR

PS. In exchange for participating in National Swimsuit Confidence Week Lands End provided me with the suit in these photos. Thanks Lands End!

National Swimsuit Confidence Week with #LandsEnd

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Sat, 21 May 2011 23:12:00 +0000

Yup, its almost that time of year - SUMMER VACATION!

Of course, as soon as school is out, we'll be heading for the beach. That's right, we're packing up the bathing suits and heading to Ocracoke again this year - our idea of paradise!

But, yes, I did just say those words so many women fear: Bathing Suits! Come on, gals! There is no need to think about a full body suit, scuba suit, or even a neck to toe cover-up. Just don that suit and get out there and have fun!

A perfect way to build up some of that confidence (and maybe win a free bathing suit in the process) will be to join Lands End for National Swimsuit Confidence Week! Here's how:

Save the Week to Tweet! – May 23 – 27, 2011

Join National Swimsuit Confidence Week and Save The Week to Tweet

Announce and Display Your Swimsuit Confidence for a Chance to Win a $500 Lands’ End Gift Card

Celebrate women of all shapes and sizes and inspire them to have fun this summer by
taking part in National Swimsuit Confidence Week. Lands’ End together with 21 real women
from Curvy Girl Guide (www.curvygirlguide.com), will launch the first National Swimsuit
Confidence Week May 23 – 27, 2011. You can be a part of this nationwide effort to inspire
women to get off the beach chair this season with confidence.

Here’s how you can participate:

Get the Twibbon – Go to http://twibbon.com/join/I-Have-Swimsuit-Confidence-2 and
display the “I have swimsuit confidence!” Twibbon on your Twitter profile photo. Send
a tweet to @LandsEndPR proclaiming “I have swimsuit confidence!” #landsend for a
chance to be entered to win a $500 Lands’ End gift card – winner announced May 27.

Participate in a Week of Tweets – Mark your calendar each day May 23 – 27, 2011
from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CDST so you can join in the series of National Swimsuit
Confidence Week events on Twitter. Follow @LandsEndPR and tweet at #landsend.
We will be announcing exclusive swimwear promotions, giving away great prizes and
inspiring women to embrace their swimsuit beauty.

Bloggers Join the Movement – On May 23, 2011, 21 women from Curvy Girl Guide will
show off their swimsuit confidence by posting a photo in a 2011 Lands’ End Swimsuit.

Spread the word, join the movement and embrace your swimsuit confidence this summer!

A momentous day...

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Sat, 14 May 2011 22:06:00 +0000

Yes, I know... It's been a while. But since you're all my friends, I'll just pick up where we left off... like maybe I was just on vacation (instead of overwhelmed with work, family, friends and more!)...

So, as I was saying .... :)

Motivation for exercising can be tough. Lately I've been hitting that mental road block: Its just not FUN. I want FUN. I WANT FUN! So, after a couple of weeks of laziness, I'm picking back up those exercise habits.

AND, I'm adding some variety. Yup, get this -- I got a Bike! No, not a motorcycle. One I have to pedal. One I have to balance on and exert some effort! Now, this doesn't sound like a big deal really. Lots of people ride bikes. BUT, to be honest, I've always hated it. Maybe its because I grew up in Pine Rock Park - get it? Pine = Woody, Rock = Rocky & Hilly, Park = Well, who knows about one really, but I think it was a Native American for "land that goes uphill both ways". Or, maybe its because I had no one to ride with. Or, maybe its because I just rode a cheapo, generic, bike that I had no clue how to use...

Whichever reason(s) it may have been, I'm turning over a new leaf. Yup, I'm trying cycling. Hey, I've been told variety is the spice of life, so I'm going for it!

After anxiously waiting for the arrival of my new bike, its finally here! And I've gotten to try it out. My hind bones can attest to that! Ya know what, it wasn't so bad. I'm even starting to think where else I can bike to...

Lets cross our fingers! Maybe I'll actually enjoy this !

Before.. and now....

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:27:00 +0000

It started as a day. A normal day. One, just like the days before... Nothing unusual, nothing really different. Just one of the 365 days in 2009...

Except, for some reason, I actually woke up. It sunk in... the news the doctor was telling me, the words he said. I had been kidding myself for quite a while. I really wasn't in shape (not any shape at all). Sure, I could function - I was having fun, cooking, eating, and just living day to day. But, along with that, I was tired. My pants didn't fit - in fact, I had a whole shelf of clothes that didn't fit anymore.

Its easy to ignore that. A quick shove to the back of the closet, and Voila. Out of sight, out of mind. Those jeans that fit last year, well lets just hide those under the sweater. You know the sweater: the big, bulky loose sweater that hides the extra few pounds: the FAT sweater.

And so what if my blood test numbers weren't that great: everyone's cholesterol numbers go up with age. Right? Well, that's what I was telling myself... and given America's stats, its almost easy to believe.

There was even proof. Pictures like this:

But, if you asked me, I'd just say.. oh, that's a bad photo. Must be the angle or the shirt. Yeah. That's it.

Was I unhappy? Heck, no. If anything, I'd say the opposite. I was perfectly happy. Content. Maybe even happily lazy. YES- Lazy. Sure, I was a working mom. Sure, I had two kids to keep up with, a full-time job, a husband and a house to take care of. But, I could still be lazy.

It really was all all just an excuse. I was too busy. I was young. I wasn't in that bad of shape. I didn't have "time" to exercise. Sure - I had time to watch a movie at night. Or have a beer and nap in the hammock...

Excuses. Laziness. Denial.

Seriously. Even this picture didn't wake me up.

But, luckily for me, that day did come.The one day when I actually did wake up, when I could see clearly. I saw how UNHEALTHY I had become. How complacent I'd become. Sure, I could still function - work, play and be me. But, it wasn't what I really wanted to BE. And worse, if I kept going that way - ignoring me and my health - I'd surely be hurting my family as well.

So, I started making changes. Some big: I became a vegetarian: meat just wasn't going to fit in with my where I wanted my diet and my health to go. Some small: I decided that organics were the way to go whenever we could - our health would thank us for it (even if our wallet won't- LOL).

Then, I joined the Greer Athletic Club. I quickly fell in love with the Group Centergy (think yoga & pilates mixed and set to music) and Amanda's teaching of it... I struggled to go each and every class - well, except for the 5:45 am one - I'm STILL not that dedicated! And I did- for months I didn't miss a single class.

And started running with a goal: the 2010 Halloween Family 5K at the Magic Kingdom in Disney. Hey, it was over a year away when I started running, surely I could do it. I followed the Chubby Jones podcasts. Three times a week we'd run together - me and Mia. It sucked. But, slowly, it sucked less and less... until, there were days when I just didn't feel quite right if I didn't get out and do something for myself each day...

I did something else simple. I kept a food journal. And, YES, there's an App for that! My choice was Lose It! Really - it showed that there was no magic. I had to work to burn those calories. I had to watch how many I ate. I had to DO the exercise so I could log it.

Fast forward to November 2010: I did lose it,.. with the classes, the running, the vegetarian & organic diet... I lost it.. to the tune of about 60 lbs so far.

And I did run the 5K. And, you know what - WE even had fun doing it. That's right. My family & friends ran it too. That makes me happy - very happy. And proud.

I'm not done yet... to be honest, I won't ever be done... because its taken me a while to realize that health is not a single act. Its not something that can ever be "done" - I'll just keep working at it. Sure, I'm going to stumble, I'll make mistakes, I'll falter (oh yea, I AM going to eat those Christmas cookies AND the Gingerbread Caramel Popcorn). BUT, I'll get back on track because I know what my long term goal is: I want to be healthy for myself and my family. I want to be around, a good long time - I want to be a mom, a wife, and even a grandma someday.

And that makes it clear: exercise and good nutrition are going to be a requirement, not an option... A requirement for every single day - its not going to be something I'll get to when I have "time". I'm going to make time - and I hope my family does too...

Its the most Wonderful time of the year...

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:53:00 +0000

Well.. it ALMOST the most Wonderful time of the year! Of course, it takes loads of prep to make it that way. Some are big things: Decorating a house, baking dozens of Christmas cookies. Others are small things: delivering a plate of cookies to a neighbor, picking out a yearly ornament...

One thing that's #1 on our holiday list is Christmas Cards. Yup, cards. Starting in about September, I'll start thinking "Oh, that'll make a perfect holiday picture!". I'll think that lots & lots...and of course, that's where Shutterfly comes in. Why's that? Its because, for me, Christmas is the perfect time to share a photo (or two, or three, or ... ok.. you get the idea) with our friends and family - especially those far away that we just don't get to see often enough.

Shutterfly makes it super easy - you can choose from (literally) hundreds of designs: Christmas Cards, Holiday Photo Cards, or, if Christmas isn't your thing: Hanukkah Cards. Seriously - if you can think of it, the folks at Shutterfly probably have too! The hard part is picking just one card! BUT, with all the designs, good pricing and quick shipping, I guess you don't have to!

Here are a few good deals to help you tackle this holiday "chore" so you can get on with the festivities:

20% cards (including Holiday Cards) through Nov 17th
Free Shipping on orders of $30 or more

And don't think of Shutterfly for just cards either - you can even make some awesome personalized gifts too: mugs, calendars & Christmas ornaments can all feature your favorite photo. Really- go take a look, you'll be amazed!

The fine print: In exchange for writing this blog post, Shutterfly is providing me with 50 free cards. And you can get some free too. Check it out here.

A little touch of Magic every day!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 01:36:00 +0000

For a while now, I've been noticing... that just when I least expect it, out of the blue: POP! Up comes a Disney reference...

AND, yes, I know- I am Disney-obsessed, so you might think I'm making that up OR I'm making it happen. But, I'm not, I SWEAR! It just seems that no matter where we go or what we do, it just seems like I hear or see something Disney related each day. It might be an image in an unexpected place, a reference to Epcot in a Psych episode, a song at a restaurant, but its there if you listen closely.

I'm really not making it up or imaginating it! So in an effort to prove that there is a little (unintentional) Disney in my life every day, I'm going to start making an effort to share the little spots of Magic I find every day.

Here goes the "sightings" for this Labor Day weekend:

Saturday: A low-tech weekend with the kids. Yup, a day spent away from technology just enjoying the family. Today's adventure was a ride in the (topless) jeep up to pick some apples, followed by a leisurely ride home. Along the way, we found a lovely lunch spot by Lake Lure: La Strada. While enjoying pizzas and tiramisu on the outside patio, but what should we hear on the restaurant's radio: Kiss the Girl from the Little Mermaid. That's right, just a little Disney pixie dust sprinkled over day!

Sunday: Another day of not doing much. A little shopping for our upcoming cruise, a visit to the gym and to Best Buy. AND, an evening Dr. Who marathon. We've been watching the new series, and we're up to Season 2, Episode 6. And if you're a Disney nut, like me, listen closely because you'll hear it. Yup, you'll hear The Lion Sleeps Tonight... not quite the same a Timon & Pumba duet. But, its there...

I didn't set out to find those Disney references. They were just AHA! moments, of "Hey - that's Disney!"

Hope I'll be back soon to share more of these moments with you soon!

Le Cellier Cheddar Cheese Soup - Vegetarian Style!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:29:00 +0000

Ever have those days- when you just SUFFER from Disney withdrawals? Well... this past week has been like that! I'm stuck right between Disney trips. I mean, seriously folks, its been 8 weeks since my last Disney Trip. That's TWO Months! And I have almost a whole more month before I can return.

What do you to alleviate those blues?? Well, I turned to the best thing I could think of: My Cooking with Mickey and the Disney Chefs cookbook! Ok. You know me. You KNEW it had to do with food.

But, it couldn't be just any Disney recipe. It HAD to be a pretty darn famous one: Le Cellier's Cheddar Cheese Soup. And being from New England originally, any reason to scarf down some Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar is good for me!

Of course, there had to be a few modifications. We had to vegetize this recipe!!

Lets get cooking!

The first thing to do: chop that onion and celery as small as possible. Note to self: next time chop even finer. Much finer! (Hey, I only have sooo much patience when I'm hungry!)

Toss that in the pot with a little butter (light butter ;) ), and saute. Once things are looking good there and the onion and celery are tender- whisk in the flour. Since I eliminated the bacon, I decided to add in just a bit of olive oil at this point too..

Cook for a few more minutes- AKA as long as you can stand to wait when you've been to the gym and are starving. ~~When you've finally given in..~~ After 5 minutes or so, slowly whisk in the broth. Organic veggie broth in our case...

Bring to a boil and, then, simmer. And Stir. And Wait. For 15 LONG minutes (ok, it wasn't really that much torture, but it was getting there!)

Then of course, its time for some creaminess: Milk. Yes, lowfat. And, yes, I know... I'm taking all the fun out of it.

And- guess what. Time to simmer again. At this point it WAS torture. MMMM, the smell! It was already looking pretty good, and I didn't even add the cheddar yet!

Then, at LAST, it was time for a few finishing touches: Worcestershire Sauce (look for a fish-free version!), Tabasco and CHEESE! Oh, and a little beer to finish it off!

The verdict: Well, I liked it.. but I'm the cook. So not so sure my opinion counts! Hubby says: Good, but unless our home is a basement in Disney- it just won't ever be the same! My lovely daughter says she'll wait until the Food & Wine Festival so she can compare (yeah, right thanks KID!!). Son says... yea, nice try mom....

Ready to try it at home? Go for it!! Here's the original recipe- straight from the Mickey Moms Club!

Breyers Scoop Off!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:53:00 +0000

Well, you know how much I love Ice Cream... ok, I really love Ice Cream if you deep fry it! But that's a whole 'nother blog post!

Today's post is all about Breyers! AND your chance to create your own sundae!

Love Top Chef? Want to be a cook-off contestant? Well, here's a low-pressure way to try your hand at recipe creation!

Breyers Sundae Scoop-Off Contest

Breyers® is in search of the next great sundae with the Sundae Scoop-Off Contest and you have a chance to win! From now through September 13, 2010, the Sundae Scoop-Off Contest is challenging America to create original, family-friendly ice cream sundae recipes including 10 or fewer ingredients. View complete contest requirements and enter the recipes at www.breyers.com for a chance to win $10,000, a trip to Chicago featuring a private cooking lesson with renowned pasty Chef Gale Gand and one year of FREE Breyers® ice cream. The sundae recipe entries will be judged on taste, creativity, use of Breyers® ice cream and presentation.

As summer comes to an end, this is the perfect excuse to cool down!

So, GET CREATING!

Disclaimer: In exchange for this blog post, I have been entered to win a prize pack from Breyers including free ice cream and a sundae kit. But I really do love ice cream. Fried especially!

Celebrate! Join us! Have Ice Cream for Breakfast!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:42:00 +0000

Seriously? Why not? Can you think of better way to celebrate and help out a great cause at the same time? If you're free on August 28th at 11am, we'd love to have you join us and support Give Kids the World.

Just what is Give Kids the World? Why does this cause deserve your support? Well, I'll tell you why - because these great folks help kids with life-threatening illnesses bring a little sunshine to their lives. They do this by giving families a week-long, FREE vacation at the Give Kids the World villages around the world. Of course, there is one in Orlando - close to Walt Disney World, the most magical place on Earth!

And, of course, Disney World is close to my heart as well. This year as part of the Disney Moms Panel has been magical - beyond what words can describe. Not only have I experienced my favorite place as a special VIP guest, I've been invited and enjoyed events that I could never have imagined. I've had the incredible priveldge to help guests enjoy WDW - to help them plan vacations that will become their family memories forever. AND, if that wasn't enough, I have been granted a new family. A Moms Panel family who will be with me for as long as I live...

This fundraiser is just one, tiny way for me to give back to the Disney community. I'm excited to try help spread a little more Pixie Dust on a Disney Trip. Our family, along with other Moms Panel families, will be touring the Give Kids the World Village in FL on Oct 1st to donate these proceeds. Won't you help our family make a great donation?

Our breakfast menu isn't completely set yet. BUT - its sure to include Belgian waffles, Mickey Sprinkles, Bananas, Whipped Cream, and, of course, ALL sorts of ice cream!

What's your favorite topping? Be sure to let me know when you RSVP! Just call, email or comment to let me know you're coming!

Donations aren't required to attend this event. I'd love to see all of our friends, so stop by and have a scoop. We'll set out a jar - feel free to drop a few dollars in, if you believe in the cause as well! No pressure at all!

Be sure to check out this Disney Parks Blog to see last year's Moms Panel visit and donation! Here is a photo of the Disney Moms' visit last year.

PS - If you can't join us (or just need a rain check on the date!) but would like to donate to Give Kids the World in support of the Moms Panel, please click:

http://www.firstgiving.com/wdwmoms

If you'd prefer to mail a check, just let me know - We can work something out! No Worries!

And, if you are generous to make a donation, please let me know! I'd like to thank you personally for your support!

CSA Delivery #11! - Summer Veggies!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:25:00 +0000

Yup, its still incredibly hot here. More triple digits. Only tiny bits of rain... so the result is: Hot weather veggies are doin' fine!

Inspiration really hasn't hit me yet... but more okra means.. more pickled okra! And peppers? I'm thinking stuffed peppers... Swiss Chard.. not so sure on that one yet!

CSA Delivery #10 - um, Okra??!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 07:19:00 +0000

Hmmm, well... Okra. Yup, that's in this week's delivery. Never cooked it before. And, as far as I know, the only time I've eaten it was in gumbo... Its good in spicy, hot creole cooking.. but what am I going to do with it???

Ok, I've settled on it. Pickled Okra. Ya know why? Because my dad will eat anything pickled. ANYTHING. So, lets go for it!

I snagged one of those hot peppers you see, the okra... some garlic, onions, dill. Along with some Vinegar... and what do we have...

Now the wait begins.. its going to be at least a week before we can be a test case... I'll have to let you know how that goes!

Oh no. A teenager in the house!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 19:34:00 +0000

Holy cow! Really? I'm the mom of a teenager? Already?? Yikes. I mean, I know I'm getting old.. but not THIS old!!!

Its hard to believe 13 years have flown by already. So many changes have happened in that time... a baby brother, a move to S.C., new schools, new friends, new jobs, a new house.. yup, the years have been good to us...

And to celebrate those 13 years, my dear daughter decided it was time to decorate her own birthday cake: a ginormous cupcake, with green frosting and zebra stripes... Um, ok. She's an original alright!

A box of fondant, some icing, food coloring... and there we have it: Cupcake Heaven!

Check out the key- that should give you an idea of the scale!

Of course, I may be a bit prejudiced.. but I love it! I think she did a great job!

CSA Delivery #9 - Tomatoes!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 19:19:00 +0000

Yup, its that time again... time to catch up on July's CSA deliveries from Limestone Farms!

This week's delivery continues our hot weather veggie theme! Summer has definitely arrived in South Carolina - with temps in the triple digits nearly every day! Swiss Chard, Wax beans, cucumbers, tomatoes! And, during the week we even picked up an additional 10# of tomatoes! Homemade tomato sauce here we come!

And oh yea, PS.... I didn't forget Week #8! I was lucky enough to surprise hubby with a trip to Disney World for our anniversary!

New Rayovac contest!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathie) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:08:00 +0000

Since I'm just off my recent Disney World trip, where I was able to use a gift card I had won from Rayovac (Can you say Anniversary Dinner at Le Cellier! YUMMM!), I'm happy to see this new contest!

Ready to try out your luck? How about a prize of a digital camera, digital frame and battery pack?

Sound good? Well, the great folks at Rayovac are back and offering some great prizes!

Check this out:

PRIZES
For each of the three themes there will be:
Grand Prize- a Digital Camera Package, complete with a Photo Printer and Rayovac Rechargeables and a Digital Photo Frame for three of the Grand Prize Winner’s friends.
Second Place Prize- Photo Printer
Runner Up Prize- Digital Photo Frame Keychain.

Phase One: Submit photo entry August 2, 2010- August 22, 2010.
(Week 1: Fun with Water Photo. Week 2: Fun Pet Photo. Week 3: Summer Fun Photo)
Phase Two: Public Vote August 2, 2010- August 29, 2010.
Phase Three: Winners Announced September 8, 2010.

Rayovac Summer Photo Contest Rules: http://www.rayovac.com/snapsharewin/rules.html

The Snap, Share & Win! Rayovac Summer Photo Contest will begin August 2, 2010 and will conclude on August 29, 2010. Each week will feature a different photo theme. Eligible contestants will be able to complete the entry form on Rayovac’s website, upload a photo and specify the theme. Contestants may upload 1 photo each week for a maximum of 3 photos. Once photos are posted, viewers can vote for 1 photo a day and add an unlimited number of comments. Contestants and viewers can share the contest with their friends (eighteen years old or older) utilizing the “Invite Friends” button or by sending an email. The photos receiving the most votes for each theme will win prizes. Rayovac Powers Fun, have fun and be creative with your photo entries! All levels of photography welcome!

For more fun, be sure to share contest widget! And, "Like" Rayovac on Facebook!

Full Disclosure: “The first 50 bloggers to promote the Rayovac Summer Photo Contest won a prize from Rayovac.”