Cookie Friday Fail + My Chocolate Cake Redemption

Posted on January 27, 2012 | 8 Comments

Today’s workout: 4.25 mile run + 2.10 on the elliptical. I know, it’s weird. I ellipticized. But I have this blister and after a mile of running, I didn’t think I was going to be able to hack it. So I got on the elliptical. Two miles on that thing seemed to numb the pain (and my brain), and I was able to run again!! The elliptical is not my friend, but I guess it helped me out today!

Let me be clear. I did not fail to MAKE cookies — it’s just that, the cookies were a failure.

You see, I really am firm in my belief that “too much of a good thing is a good thing”, and I put way too much marshmallow fluff. I’m sure this is a perfectly good recipe for Hot Cocoa Cookies – if you follow it correctly.

As you can see, that didn’t stop Kevin from scraping them off and eating a few! I decided to give myself a little grace since I was out of flour last night, and I was not in the mood for another flop!

And since I have to do everything I can to prove that I’m good enough for the baby of the family ;) , I decided to think up a super chocolatey recipe for my father-in-law.

And then I remembered Deidre’s famous chocolate cake. She even made it for our wedding! We were emailing it up (like always!), and she sent me the link.

I was really nervous about the bundt cake flipping, but I decided to go for it!

Too Much Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

  • 1 (18.25 ounce) package devil’s food cake mix
  • 1 (5.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil, beaten eggs and water. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour batter into a well-greased 12 cup bundt pan.
  3. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until top is springy to the touch and a wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cake thoroughly in pan at least an hour and a half before inverting onto a plate If desired, dust the cake with powdered sugar + I added SPRINKLES!

YUMMY!! Kevin looks so dreamy! :)

Like father like son! ;)

For some reason we felt the need to eat dinner before dessert – lasagna magherit! I made it ahead of time this afternoon (while I was unfortunately not at an interview), and just popped it in the oven when it was time for dinner.  Just the pasta, the ricotta, basil, sauce, and cheese! So simple & delish.

After dinner was game time!

Aren’t they cute in their matching vests?

My husband has quite the game face. Man, I just love him so much!

And now, before bedtime, I have some very important questions for you.

Chocolate or vanilla? I’d probably choose vanilla. Vanilla fro-yo is definitely better than chocolate fro-yo. And everything goes back to fro-yo, right?

Cake or cookies? Cake. It’s more likely to have frosting!

Board games or movie night? Board games!! Unless I want to blog. Than movie night because I can rarely just watch a movie or tv. I have to multi-task!

P.S. That chocolate cake is the BEST! And it was super easy to whip up. You should definitely try it. Word on the street is that there’s also a lower cal version that uses fat free sour cream + sugar-free pudding. I should’ve read the reviews first…

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Denver Date Night: Las Caras + Boyd Hates Me (He Really Does!)

Posted on January 26, 2012 | 15 Comments

Tonight, I let Kevin convince me to go to a restaurant with no website. I was very skeptical about this, but he was persuaded by online reviewers. I was persuaded by the fact that I was so starving that I didn’t want to waste any time Googling more restaurants.

So I said,”Do you have a good feeling about this?” Kevin said,”yes.” So off we went!

Me: “They don’t even have a real sign.”

I’m really not that snobby, but isn’t that a clue that the restaurant changes hands often? Haha.

Luckily, my husband knows about three things that can get me to shut up very quickly. Chips, salsa, & guac! Don’t you always choose Mexican when you are the HUNGRIEST? I love that you get the chips & salsa right away so you don’t starve to death. And because of his great love for me, Kevin James always orders me the guac or avocado even though we are always warned it’s going to be an extra charge. :)   It’s a healthy fat! I needed it before I began consuming fatty fatty fats.

Speaking of fatty fatty fats… come to mami!

Ok. So I loved it. But I’m just going to say that the cheese factor was out of control. I’m very stingy with myself about cheese at home. I sprinkle. I don’t douse. This was doused.

Boy, I was feeling pretty good that I had just finished running 10.03 miles at that point. Probably canceled out at least half that plate.

Look at the cute old people! I had to make haste to take a picture before they left, but you’re in luck – took them a while to get their coats on. :) Also you can see the las caras (faces) on the wall. They’re so clever.

I loved the cozy environment. Totally won my heart. Of course, I had to ask Kevi,”Which would you choose… Las Caras or Hacienda Colorado?” Hacienda Colorado was way fancier and had massive Diet Coke cups, but I think I’d choose Las Caras. I like the small neighborhoody vibe!

Back at home, I was making nice with Boyd. We were getting along sooo well – I think it freaked Kevin out! I really do love that little freak.

And then… all of a sudden he started gagging right in my face! I was about 4 inches away. Kevin raced him outside, and turns out he puked up a sock. Gross. Probably one of my sweaty running socks. He’s completely clueless and doesn’t see a doggy treat if it hits him on the nose… but sweaty socks are a different story.

I think he was trying to get back at me for yesterday….

I was planning to take him the 2 miles out & back route we usually take through the dog park. The 2 miles turned into a 5k which turned into a 5 mile which when we got lost turned into over 7 miles. That might be a personal distance record for the Boykin! He wasn’t really that pleased about it. In fact, I think he dislocated my right shoulder from all the pulling and yanking around I had to do. When we run into the wind, I literally have to drag him behind me at times. I’m sure it’s comical to watch.

We’ve noticed that Boyd will not come to me to go outside any more. Do you think he is hinting about something? If I stand at the door with leash, he ignores me. The second Kevin walks over, he is ready to go. He hates me, guys. I’ll admit I probably overdid it with the 7 miles, but he likes our normal Thursday & Friday half-day-at-work jogs! He loves seeing the other dogs and the bunnies. And I give him food while I’m cooking all the time. Why have I not won his heart yet? I’m used to being the favorite so this really stings. I know he doesn’t like it th at I make him sit & stay, but I think he’s overreacting!

By the way, I had another job opportunity come up today. I randomly applied and they contacted me back within 15 minutes. I then had to return their call, but it went to voicemail. So I spent the whole afternoon agonizing about them calling me back – which they haven’t yet. That’s how I ended up doing a totally uncalled for 10 miler. I was just hanging out at the gym waiting on their phone call. I was literally trying not to run too hard so I wouldn’t be out of breath when I answered the phone!! And guess what Miss Genius did? I ran in my new shoes again! I hadn’t run in them since the race, but I thought I was only going to do a few miles. But I did a stressy 10, and earned myself a nice little blister. No high heels again for the office tomorrow. Boo.

What are you doing this weekend? Guys – my in-laws are visiting for the first time!! I don’t even have meals planned for them. What’s my problem? Maybe if I’d stop with the extra long runs, I’d have time!

Also, the school asked me to come in tomorrow or Monday so we’ll see if they get back to me soon!! They’re looking for a long-term sub starting in February! It could be so cool. I need to chill out about it though.

What do you usually order at a Mexican restaurant? Once I get past chip, salsa, & guac – I’m pretty clueless. I used to always order grilled chimichangas back in the day, but there wasn’t one in sight on this menu. I ended up going with that combo plate – not really sure what all I had on there!  I just picked a number.

How do you think I can win Boyd’s heart? I have to make him like me better than Kevin. Without sacrificing my iron rule. Haha.

 

 

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Skinny Chicken Tikka Masala + Mixing It Up With Rowing

Posted on January 25, 2012 | 20 Comments

I have a feeling I’m never going to regret the day I impulsively ordered some Garam Masala online (because I can’t be bothered to go to a grocery store more than .15 miles away).

I was originally planning to do a slow cooker version of this dish, but it’s kind of one of those where there’s really actually no point of using a slow cooker. And our slow cooker is up on a really high shelf….

I really wanted some Naan with my Indian, but that was nowhere to be found in our neighborhood grocery store either! The nerve. We subbed mini whole wheat pitas which turned out to be awesome because they’re only 80 calories, and they’ll be good for snacks later.

Low Fat Chicken Tikka Masala (via Skinny Taste)

Servings: 4 • Size: 3 oz chicken + sauce • Calories: 190.4 • Fat: 4.5 g • Carb: 12.8 g • Fiber: 2.0 g • Protein: 24.5 g • Sugar: 5.1 Sodium: 99.3 (without salt)

Ingredients:

  • 2 tsp canola oil or you could use butter
  • 1 small onion, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes
  • 4 oz fat free yogurt (I used Chobani)
  • 1/2 cup 1% milk
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric (optional)
  • 1/2 tbsp chili powder
  • salt to taste
  • 16 oz (2 boneless) chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
  • 4 tbsp fresh cilantro (or to taste)

Directions:

Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until golden. Add the crushed ginger, stir for a few minutes then add the garlic and cook another minute. Add cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt; mix well until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, yogurt and milk. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Add chicken and simmer for 10 – 15 minutes or until cooked through. Add a generous amount of chopped cilantro and serve with Bamati Rice or Naan.

I’ll admit that every time I took a bit, I was expecting the dish I always order at our favorite Denver Indian restaurant. My rendition was delicious and an awesome weeknight, but no competition for India’s Kitchen! P.S. I added cayenne pepper and even more cumin and garam masla than the recipe calls for. We like it spicy!

Earlier…

Yesterday was double snack kinda afternoon.

Chocolate. A totally weird thing for me to eat in the afternoon. But I chose it over a bag of chips? Probably a good choice, right? But a very surprising choice!

Strawberry Mint Greek yogurt…. every bite tasted like strawberry with mint toothpaste aftertaste. Totally weird, right? Yeah, I won’t be buying that flavor again. But I can’t resist trying then.

This rowing workout in Shape magazine inspired me to mix up my cardio. I read over the article and looked at the pictures of proper form, but I was still totally clueless when I tried it out.

I convinced Kevin to try it with me. At 5:30PM. I always choose to do things that make me look ridiculous during peak gym hours! We couldn’t even get a parking spot it was so busy. We probably had to park a quarter of a mile away! I know it sounds ridiculous to complain about having to walk into a gym, but it was cold. And I always leave the gym dripping with sweat. That is FREEZING in the winter. Haha.

So I didn’t really actually end up completing the workout… I was just trying to figure out what I was doing. I eventually got a good rhythm, but by then it was time to go watch Jeopardy! I just took a picture of my stats – although I have no clue what they mean – so when I got this thing figured out, I can look back and laugh. For now, I’m going to get some tips from my mom (she’s a REAL outdoor rower!) and watch some YouTube videos.

We shared a Junami apple while we prepped for dinner. Any dish including chicken means Kevin has to work too since I hate touching it or having any part of cutting it when it’s raw. Prissy.

Have you tried Junami apples? What’s your favorite apple? This was our first time trying them. Impulse buy. We liked it!! We also like Pink Ladies and this other tart one that I can’t remember the name of.

Have you tried rowing? I rowed outdoors with my mom’s friends once, but this was my first time trying it in the gym. My hands kinda hurt. Am I supposed to wear gloves or something?

 

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Married: Month 7

Posted on January 24, 2012 | 9 Comments

Dear Seventh Month of Being Married,

When I think of this month, I think of it as the month we finally stayed home. I wouldn’t trade a minute of it, but all the moving and traveling over the previous six months was a little exhausting!  We spent our first holiday in our little 1-bedroom – celebrating the New Year with lasagna and hanging out on the futon.

We’ve finally slipped into a nice little routine, playing our roles as DTC’s newest power couple. You’ve really improved at remembering to make me coffee in the morning (Go honey!!), and I’ve just gotten worse about stalling and not wanting to get out of the car in the morning. I love making  your dinners (and I’ve been remembering to give you a break from gross, healthy food occasionally), and I usually spend my evening cooking, washing our workout clothes, hassling Boyd, and, well, blogging! If we’re really lucky, we get to watch an episode of West Wing and drink a second Diet Coke (we’re really trying to cut back)!

For some reason, we decided to start behaving like responsible adults this year and try to stick to a budget. This has DEFINITELY been a challenge since I usually think of my stomach first (food!), and we’ve been trying to get our grocery budget to a semi-reasonable amount. I know that sounds like an unromantic topic, but I’d only do it for you!! All of my single days were spent going straight to La Sirena with my paycheck to buy up all the American imports — you can only imagine how much Sabra hummus costs in the DR!  You’ve also been super helpful with helping me clean up around the house since I’m sadly no longer a stay-at-home wife! We’ve also been trying to teach Boyd some manners, but no luck there!

One of my favorite things we did this month was visit Colorado Springs! You were so sweet to plan to take me to the Olympic Training Center! Of course, my other fave event was Frosty’s Frozen 5&10! Although we didn’t get to run together, I LOVED being able to watch for you and cheer for you! Thanks for dealing with my endless chatter following the race – you’re so sweet! Can’t wait to run more races together and/or cheering each other on this year!

Finally, I’m so thankful for all the chances we’ve had to grow in our marriage. In many ways, but particularly through our Young Marrieds Sunday School class and our Marriage + Class. The best part is always discussing everything afterwards. And the M&Ms, since for some reason I’ve decided our class is the one place where I’ll eat candy! Something that really stuck with me this month is something our teachers said they remind each other of when they are making decisions, big or small,“Everything is negotiable, but Jesus & us.”  Love you, Kevi!

Best January Recipes!

Cookie Fridays  - this was a REALLY good month!

Date Nights:

P.S. Check out Months 1-6 in the Marriage Diaries tab or wedding stuff on the wedding page. The dress I wore leaving the reception (pictured above) was a total impulse buy from BHLDN. I bought it the week before on a whim, and it just happened to fit perfectly. I think I’m going to wear it for our first anniversary (one year – that is!).

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Rungry Race Aftermath + 5 X 800m

Posted on January 23, 2012 | 18 Comments

After the race on Saturday, we were feeling the need for some serious pancake action.

I learned something new about my husband! He prefers skinny pancakes (that’s about the only thing he likes skinny – haha). I generally make them thicker & fluffier so I tried to make them his way.

I think he just likes to have a whole STACK to eat. I also whipped up some “berry butter.” I used my favorite Melt buttery spread & food processed it with fresh blackberries, tsp of vanilla extract, and some nonfat Greek yogurt to tone down the fat content a bit. :)

I’m going to tell it like it is, guys. I ate a lot of junk food. I was so rungry all weekend. I was even found thieving Kevin’s popcorn. I don’t even LIKE his kind. When Monday morning rolled around, I was ready to get my act together.

In case you’re wondering how the Boykin looks at 6AM. He’s never too pleased when I come in the bathroom to get ready to workout! He’s just lucky he got to stay comfy.

“I got comfortable with being uncomfortable!” I did a Jillian Michaels 6-Week 6-Pack workout followed by 15 minutes of Nike Training Club cardio. The NTC totally wiped me out with burpees and tuck jumps, but it felt goooood to start the day getting my sweat on.

I got some green in my lunch today with a totally loaded up salad – chicken, mozz, + a few tortilla chips w/refried beans. Lucky Kevin had a chicken quesadilla with all the toppings I had in my bowl.

Tonight’s workout:

Man, I was just exhausted, and when I got on the treadmill I was thinking there was no way I could do 800s. When I was originally planning the workout I was going to do my 800s and 9mph. That would be a good challenge for me. But I was just so beat, I stuck with the original workout.

- Workout via CNC -

I ended up running a total of over 7.0 miles because I did a long warm-up and cooldown. I’d love to do this workout another day when I’m not so tired so I can do a pace that is more of a real challenge. I need to make that 9.0 pace a thing of ease if I ever want to break a 20 minute 5k (ouch!).

Kevin made my day by taking me out for some Yogurtini so we could try out the new to-go containers Kristy got us for Christmas!! We tried the Maple Bacon Donut flavor, but I just wasn’t a fan. The snickerdoodle was okay, but I stuck with the basics – birthday cake, red velvet, and good old vanilla.  Yum!! Totally hit the spot although now I am FREEEEEEEEEEEZING!!!

By the way, thank you so much for all your sweet comments about the race. It made me feel so nice & happy! I love to hear your thoughts because some of you actually have an interest in running and know from personal experience the effort it takes. I really appreciate it! :)

What do you usually want to eat after a race (or long run)? Pancakes are extremely high on my list. So is pizza. Followed by the entire contents of the refrigerator.

Do you like your pancakes skinny or fluffy? Fluffy. But I’d take either over French toast in a heartbeat!

What’s one positive thing you did to start your week? Got up early & worked out, and ate vegetables at lunch! And I can’t say I’m sad that I got fro- yo!

 

 

 

 

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Race Recap: Frosty’s Frozen 5 & 10

Posted on January 21, 2012 | 37 Comments

Not surprisingly, I selected the 10 mile option. I prefer to run distances of 10k+ because I just don’t like to run that fast! I know it sounds crazy to non-endurance runners, but it’s true.

Let’s start out with my goals for this race:

I wanted to run it in 1 hour & 17 minutes or less. That sounds like a random number, but I did it on the treamill last weekend while watching the Olympic Marathon trials. I wanted to make it a reality in the great out doors.

I wanted to go out fast. It’s a personality flaw when it comes to running – I’m not overly competitive with anyone but myself. I don’t enjoy going out of the start being pushed & shoved by the masses. I prefer to start at a very conservative pace and keep it steady and slowly take people out one by one as they get tired. I’ve always finished with lots less to give, and I didn’t want that to happen again!

Can I just acknowledge two rookie mistakes? I wore brand spankin’ new shoes. I’ve been having panic attacks that my old ones were hurting my left knee. I was kind of in a lose-lose place because I didn’t want to risk running 10 miles hard on shoes that were bothering me knee. I figured you can live through a little foot pain so I decided wearing new shoes was the lesser of two evils. I wore them last night to the gym for a few easy miles… and they felt awful. But I stuck with my decision.

I woke up sore this morning. Dumb, dumb, dumb. I’m not good at resting. For some reason, I had the urge to do 15 minutes of squats & lunges yesterday afternoon, and I really didn’t cut back on my mileage much this week. Oh well.

There I go. Going out with some scary fast people. I will say I did something right. The shorts & jacket combo was perfect for the gorgeous 50ish weather. I did get hot when the sun came out in the last 2 miles, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

Mile 1: 7:33  — Mission Go Out Fast accomplished! For the first 5 miles I stayed with a pair of 20-something girls who were clicking off 7 and a half’s like it was nada. I just pretended I was friends with them.

Mile 2 – 7:27

Mile 3 – 7:20  <—- That I should have KNOWN was a bad idea!

Mile 4 – 7:25

Mile 5 – 7:30 Yay! Halfway through! Wait, I lost my friends!! Hey guys! Where’d you go? We got 5 miles left! My 2 pacers apparently took an extended break  at the turn around. As in, I never saw them again. I can’t believe they deserted me. How rude!! I really struggled to get back in the groove after that.

Mile 6 – 7:36 My slowest mile, and the beginning of the end.

Mile 7 – 7:50 I was fading fast! I started telling myself Shalene Flanagan’s mantra: COLD EXECUTION!!!!!!!

Mile 8 – 8:16 Totally fell apart. I actually walked a FEW times. I just couldn’t catch my breath!! I would walk to the count of 10, and then start running again. Being tired near the end race was totally uncharted territory for me. I almost found it confusing.

Mile 9 – 8:35 Dying. Same as mile 8. But then……

My running buddy angel, Brooke, showed up to coach me through the last 1.5 miles. I was so thankful – I almost cried!!!! I had been running by myself for a few miles, and it was just so wonderful to have someone to run with me!!

You can see her off to the left peeling off right before the finish. ;)

Mile 10 – 8:31

Overall time was just a hair over 1 hour, 18 minutes. I actually ran about an extra .10 miles which probably added about 30 seconds, but that’s the way racing goes!

I was just so happy to be done!

I’m just wiping away the gross saltiness and trying to breathe!

I was disappointed not to make my time goal. But I was thrilled that I was spent. I know that sounds weird, but I feel frustrated when I finish a race with a lot to give. I left it all on that course, baby!!!

But then!!! We were chilling, hanging and about to leave, but we thought we’d check the standings first.

I won first place in my age division!!!!!!!!! I was shocked. I knew that there weren’t very girls ahead of me (it was out & back), but it’s probably the biggest race I’ve ever run (over 1000 participants) so I was NOT expecting anything. And my prize was a gift certificate to Runner’s Roost. So much cooler than a medal!! Hooray!!! What an awesome surprise!!


As much as I hate to share the spotlight, my hottie husband also had a great performance today finishing the 5 mile in just barely over 40 minutes!! Good job, honey! I actually got to watch him finish because the 5 mile was at 9 and the 10 mile didn’t start till 10:15. Just in case you wanted to run both! :) Seriously! I loved watching all the finishers come in. The crowd was pretty lame so I was really the only one cheering. I need to get a cowbell before our next race!! I love watching races. I cried my eyes out when I saw a couple finish in just under 10 minute miles. I was so proud of them since it was clearly their goal and they nailed it!! It totally got me psyched up for my race.

Yeah. The new shoe situation came back to BITE me. I couldn’t WALK after the race. I limped back to the car. Funny that they didn’t bother me a bit till I stopped running. I feel a lot better after I hot showered them!!!

A few thoughts on the race itself:

  • Cute long-sleeved shirt, but too big as always!!! I guess I should have asked if there were kids’ sizes, but I’ll live.
  • Slipped on patches of ice in several places. That scared me.
  • Nice flat course!!
  • Fun atmosphere at start/finish
  • Maybe I should do the Snowman Stampede next month (the next race in the Winter Distance series).

We were STARVING by the time we got cleaned up and showered. We had just enough money in this week’s food budget to grab some Qdoba for lunch. Good thing, since I wasn’t exactly up to walking around the kitchen!! It really hit the spot after a tough race.

Next time:

  • I’m not gonna be in new shoes!
  • I’m going to train a little more outdoors. Treadmill training is fine & dandy, but I was coughing up a lung even in the very mild January air. I wasn’t used to that outdoor feeling.
  • I’m going to run negative splits. Really my preference anyways!!
  • I will rest more!! Whether I like it or not.
  • If it’s a 10 miler, I will beat today’s time!!!

What’s your most common racing mistake? Starting too slow. I definitely did the opposite today!!!

Would you rather…. make your goal time or place in your age division? That’s a tough one. It was really nice to place, but I don’t think I would have been disappointed if I made my goal time and didn’t place.

How do you strategize your races? Even pace? Negative splits? I’m experimenting. I want to know!

What’s your favorite distance to race? It would have been awfully nice to stop at 8 today!! Haha.

 

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