tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32221798294235719362024-02-19T03:05:25.463-05:00Confessions of a Former Couch PotatoHello. I'm Liz, a FORMER Couch Potato! I'm a wife and mom, full-time educator, and a Zumba instructor. And I'm working on helping my family to be healthy and active! Here you will find recipes, exercise adventures, food and gadget finds, and a confession or two! Join me on my journey!Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.comBlogger475125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-53655961060614042772018-08-12T19:00:00.001-04:002018-08-12T19:00:06.691-04:00OrangeTheory Fitness (OTF) and Fitness Favorites<p dir="auto">Happy Sunday, friends! I hope you all had a great weekend. If you’re like me, you’re probably soaking up those last few hours before the work week begins again. We are in full Back-to-School mode in this house. Even though Ryan and I both work all summer now, the pace seems to change (ahem, speed up) when August arrives.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmyU79XptIoharo8zkkKPTOJH8OyvfDLFxGgWjj_ET_-_ARF43fqVGzJ8nUbRfKUwdKZIutTUTW-zlewlaqaU8B4S_5qkfI-Kghx6ppsvF3_D022iaY_O6LQPgy6WPj-eI1UN9SmLgp9A/s9999/IMG_0008.PNG" width="1024" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto">Time to be honest...I’ve been completely sporadic about my workouts all summer. Trust me, I have all kinds of excuses (and I promise they are legit) but I’m working on getting back into my routine of going to OrangeTheory about 3-4 times a week. I don’t think I have mentioned OrangeTheory Fitness (OTF) on the blog yet, but I have been going for about a year and a half now and I love it. You guys all know that I’ve been a Zumba instructor since 2011 and I still love Dance Fitness. However, a couple of years ago I just really wanted to add something different to my fitness routine. I knew I needed to add in some weights and some cardio that was different from Zumba. Two years ago, I started seeing Orange Bicycles around town and wondered what they were- turns out they were for OTF! I stopped into their temporary location to find out some information and signed up for a membership that same day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSokIFhy0_2owJGAJpk_XRrXrRPHojqZoNhuG_0q6o6XRlpYFseFDBgRn86Y5pzSO_uwlGTayXLl7qsSLN3chVbL1YzpT5NQ0z3AXj0N9D7ldSFxjgwfF6yRrUr8_r4WxhxV5pD99ZsHH4/s9999/OTF_Logo.png" width="1425" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto"><br>I really liked their concept of cardio mixed with strength training. Going to OTF is a lot like going to a personal trainer because they tell you what to do and how to push yourself during class, plus they will help to make sure you use proper form throughout class. I work out so much harder on the treadmill there than I ever did on my own at the gym. OTF isn’t a traditional gym— you don’t go and just work out on your own. You sign up for classes ahead of time and workout in a group setting. I definitely work harder in a group than on my own, too. One thing you might be wondering is why it’s called OrangeTheory. Well, during class, you wear a heart rate monitor. Everyone’s name is up on a TV screen so you can see what heart rate zone you are in all throughout class. The goal is to get most of your minutes in the Green Zone (a.k.a. Base Pace) but to try and get 12 minutes in the Orange (or Red) Zone. I’m one of those weird people who never ever gets 12 points (minutes) in Orange or Red— and many times I get 0— but today I got 4! That’s major, for me. I think I just have an unusually low heart rate. I don’t worry too much about that— I just go by how I feel.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rRfTOvpXCK_RuTwMxxV1wa1R4pxJMshDTox0r3z5Ux699PhJe5aJtQOhbgEu8LliPM_IMsUeR1nLV0i1RZhpWh31IrJ2VN78P_fn12crIXbI8pMyrYwV0IJGjOEPMA8J6opjTjx9nD0C/s9999/IMG_0045.PNG.png" width="719" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto">I tell everyone who asks that even though I have been exercising pretty regularly for years and have even been a fitness instructor for 7 years— I never worked out before like I do at OTF. I’ve learned I can do things that are a lot harder than I ever thought! Like burpees. Although, I swear I will never EVER love burpees. I love the way that every workout is different— you never know what you might do each day. My favorite kinds of workouts are switch workouts where you rotate to different stations or kinds of equipment every few minutes. It makes the classes go by really quickly.</p><p dir="auto">Speaking of fitness, I wanted to share a great fitness apparel find with you. My favorite workout leggings were Under Armour for a long time. However, they were $40 a pop (sometimes more!) and then a few years ago, UA changed the way they were made and they just weren’t as thick as they used to be. Luckily, Amazon to the rescue! <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TKM4LPY/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=eggfoo13-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00TKM4LPY&linkId=71e7ee8ce3125e1823603a9702a18c5f" target="_blank">I found these great leggings</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015XA2JAK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B015XA2JAK&linkCode=as2&tag=eggfoo13-20&linkId=f75393e99ed9dd4ca6a489b7d9263b66"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFpidRNj8bJ9Oaz7D6A-x_S87UF5yIBCxL8lc5u8DwCTRSSNEzYoVPRuk04dncKJFuCpstzbuSrxLXDL6h74dQlGLcO4BpSbM_-d3HJyfDJlvTFTwDsaY7U_dqJEcFS9kD_rmRy4ICltr/s9999/Screen-Shot-2018-08-12-at-3.02.03-PM.png" width="351" style="max-width: 100%;"></a></div><p dir="auto">I’ve bought 4-5 pairs now and I love them. I especially love that they are high waisted so I don’t find myself pulling them up all the time. And did I mention the awesome price? Most colors are around $19.99 and have free returns, so if you don’t love them, you can always return them.</p><p dir="auto">I also have come to love <a href="https://www.beachbody.com/product/supplements/energize-pre-workout-formula.do" target="_blank">Beachbody’s Energize</a> for a pre-workout boost.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWgoGsUX4bQSRbdGVQRK6Q5rD9Yesm3-P7f5H6VjmMUGh7kqiD7V0NUAdfo9Cn_PB59XjYSgecyuxZ9K68CFbVYxxsTmYJk_ryyvik6pKJNUgHzEID4YBHNpmTh44A9sUX-smsxfssTv5/s9999/energize_v2_526x526.png" width="526" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto"><br>I used to try and eat some kind of protein bar before class, but I found many of them taste like cardboard. This mix actually tastes good— just like lemonade. I mix it with about 10 oz. of water and drink it about 30-45 minutes before my workout. Since I usually work out at 5:45 p.m., sometimes I need a little something to energize myself before walking in the door at OTF or for a Zumba workout. (FYI— I am not a Beachbody Coach and do not sell this product— this is purely my own opinion based on my own experience.)</p><p dir="auto">And finally, I am never without PanAway!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/panaway-essential-oil?gclid=Cj0KCQjwtb_bBRCFARIsAO5fVvFnHY1DwhxPD7TJ7Spg6KGZu40DWSIJTWJVyWTPBzDvMNJ0L-MQP-IaAjLTEALw_wcB"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvDf1ViXkS0l5L5YecyXuNtpcRKmO5rLm8PPM2VKcUcR9ylWLqhMjmTPO_t2_YtB-MU2TdC8u9Dp0gZIN4abwtZ_6YtK6lqtoAuQXhZ55qpd8kTn-OM890Qnu_AoYvcGkTpc2rsKBKtTZ/s9999/panaway.jpg" width="600" style="max-width: 100%;"></a></div><p dir="auto">This is one of my favorite oils. I think everyone has their own trusted brands, but I began using Young Living oils several years ago and I love them. Sometimes if I have missed a week of workouts or if we have a particularly tough workout and I’m pretty sore, this little bottle to the rescue! PanAway has Wintergreen, Helichrysum, Clove, and Peppermint— all great for supporting your fitness routine. Sometimes I add a drop to my lotion or to some coconut oil and I’ll put it on my muscles and joints before OR after exercise. It’s also great mixed into Epsom Salts for tub soak. Trust me on this! You can purchase PanAway through Young Living OR it is also part of the Premium Starter Kit, which contains 10 other oils, a diffuser, and lots of samples of other great products. Plus, you also get a one-year membership and you get discounts on all products. <a href="https://www.youngliving.com/vo/#/signup/new-start?sponsorid=2416185&enrollerid=2416185&isocountrycode=US&culture=en-US&type=member" target="_blank">Click here for more information on the Young Living Starter Kit</a>!</p><p dir="auto">What are some of your favorite workout products?</p><p dir="auto">By the way, I forgot to mention that I am right in the middle of a Whole30! I’ve been reading a great book and will share some details soon! It’s got some great meal ideas. More info to come!</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-20290793251805187212018-08-06T18:00:00.002-04:002018-08-06T18:26:43.807-04:00Hamilton<p dir="auto">So, last week I did something a little crazy. Well, crazy for me anyway. I tried to get Hamilton tickets.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjsdbqBG3Kl5AQiAmzfsSksdj9ar7-5TZ9BU0aVvZSaRIoSELfNgniSA-fbGYreJrsuuXgnECr4Sem_dZ6A-w7lmSikg2ihqZ1gxV_0F_RCuAHaELEryweN1hVZLgraDm-bCXfOtcvDap/s9999/IMG_99916.JPG" width="3000" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p><br>I imagine if you’re reading this, you probably fall into one of three categories of people and reacted in one of the following ways to what I just said.</p><p><strong>1: Ahhh! Hamilton! I’m obsessed with it, too! I know all the songs, and I’ve been dying to see it!<br></strong><br><strong>2: Hmmm… another person talking about Hamilton tickets. What is it about this show? Maybe I should see it to see what all the fuss is about.<br><br></strong></p><p><strong>3: Ugh…another person talking about Hamilton. Just stop already. Who cares?</strong></p><p>If you’re number 3, I’m sorry, but we can’t be friends anymore. Just kidding. Maybe.</p><p dir="ltr">I first heard of Hamilton a couple of years ago when it started really making headlines on Broadway and then especially when it won like a billion Tony Awards in 2016. In fact, I was in New York right after the Tony Awards in 2016 when Hamilton tickets were going for thousands of dollars a piece and no one could get them. Since I knew I wouldn’t be seeing it anytime soon, I bought the soundtrack of the Original Broadway Cast Recording to see what the fuss was about. I was immediately hooked. I must have listened to it 15-20 times in a row. I loved listening to the story of Alexander Hamilton play out in such a unique way. I mean, Hip Hop + History? Sign me up. Even Sadie got obsessed with the music. She started picking up on the voices of the different characters and downloaded it on her own iPad so she could listen to it. (Disclaimer: I did make some of the Explicit songs off-limits.) Listening to the music inspired me to read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QJLQZI/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1" target="_blank">Ron Chernow’s book</a> and it inspired Sadie to read a Biography and write an essay about Hamilton.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhGGjkSqB5TJ3Kfvl_3OLmwuqGXN3_9twKFiUspE7mm8H1YAP2aPcMEQ_iGowDzj_bOrOL3xrAu-yrg6tqQ-2BCtqV5T8AP4VrWR4NMduM5-29_fvJVHkQOnX9i4QQZ2MoBuX_pDLeCWK/s9999/Screen-Shot-2018-08-06-at-9.37.55-AM_2.png" width="222" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjV-2ZOtJjblZj8RZbkM7zsfVeCVAlPtcA6eTNowsI7CdwRd-BA2i0Tw5Bqzky85iyLHb52Bd772jowN8KVnt9nNCsyuzpwi_u-VT0qDeNj2ZvGVHkH2_KZLmWCzEskwhRunk8NJwAdV4/s9999/Screen-Shot-2018-08-06-at-4.20.42-PM_1.png" width="512" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QJLQZI/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1"></a></p><p>I’ve attempted to get tickets in New York but wasn’t able to find any under $600 on the weeks I’ve happened to be there. So when I heard Hamilton was coming to Charlotte, I knew I had to try and get tickets. Which brings me to the crazy thing I did last week.</p><p>When the official ticket sales information was released about 5 days ahead of the sales, I started researching the best strategy. I knew from reading about ticket sales in other cities that there would probably be online sales and in-person sales. After thinking it through, I decided to take the in-person route, even though it would mean getting up at a ridiculous hour and standing in line (possibly in the rain). After all, I could always use my phone to try and get tickets online as a backup plan.</p><p>I was too excited to sleep, so I probably didn’t fall asleep until 12:30 a.m. and I woke up at 3:00 completely wired. There was no way I was gling back to sleep, so around 4:00, I threw on my rain boots and raincoat and headed to Charlotte. When I arrived around 4:30 a.m., there were probably about 50-75 people in line already.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGbT7bgLCtboZevbZJFbLXEAGE1WSnUR5sTSdXr3jIu_gHHhFqktV_PX3htYghqum8grvYeYp0mfwpS5QJFN0aZhxzl9GyICgQrorr9w0xmcaDpqTNNivHVWB91UqlX0PgfmSDgI6qmvZ/s9999/IMG_99915.JPG" width="3000" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p><br>I was excited because I knew I was early enough to definitely get a wristband. According to the directions that were sent out about in-person sales, wristbands would be given out from 5:30 am to 7:00 am— or until they ran out.</p><p>The line quickly grew!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7bfVBL0cFQoc747nyv0A7NW_wwTGFZM7khFbvvMWhYEOBr8G-c6ypoxfZmqUJau64tDk9UXrD0A07lDxXYb4oHWkdNuou5vYXgOPoKDg1PUtzK_0OSfRHcQPxyebo8p5buutbruwO8vv/s9999/IMG_99914.JPG" width="2250" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr"><br>At 7:30, they would begin calling random groups of people who would have an opportunity to buy tickets. This meant that the person who arrived at 3 am had a chance that was equal to the person who arrived at 6:55 am. I would estimate that around 1000-1100 people got wristbands. If your number was called, you’d have an opportunity to buy up to 4 tickets to see Hamilton.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEZ8O-gLf0UUeyxjCT0Y2R9eHXUGFjY2PAmfgGXO7MCbNiV928XAsK6xzEx5D1cBiGY3hFTnVt0NPPUIVBddjEllKSQ2IIYyzRNUSpI2DotpEamqVJ3yN_Xh_Srp_cHjJaYDm6X_ys7Ee/s9999/IMG_99913.JPG" width="2250" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr"><br>I hoped that 568 would be a lucky number… but just in case, I made sure I was in the virtual waiting room before 8 am so I could get a random spot in the queue to buy tickets online.</p><p dir="ltr">I have to say, the coolest thing about this experience was seeing the mix of people there to buy tickets. There were people of all ages and races. It’s so awesome to think that a Broadway show has such a broad reach. It gives me hope for humanity.</p><p>At 7:30, they began calling numbers. Everyone gathered around to hear who would be the lucky group to go first.</p><p>It wasn’t my number.</p><p>Neither was the next group…</p><p>or the next…</p><p>or the next…</p><p>or the next.</p><p>After only 5-6 groups (of 60 people each) were called, they made the sad announcement that they would not be selling any more tickets at the box office. It felt like I got punched in the stomach. Never did I think they would sell less than 2,000 tickets in person, of the 40,000 available tickets.</p><p>Oh, and online? I was number 54,429 in the queue.</p><p>That was a sad drive home… especially calling Sadie to tell her that I wasn’t able to get us tickets. She took it much better than I did. She said, “That’s okay, we’ll see it someday.” And she’s right. We will see it someday. I’ll still troll the website regularly (just in case) and also enter the daily lottery. And we’ll try again for the Greenville tickets in a couple of months, because that’s fairly close to us. (And next time I’ll just use every device we have and hope one of them gets a lower number in the queue. Because 54,000th in line? That’s just depressing.)</p><p dir="ltr">So I’m sure you’re wondering, what’s the point of all of this? Why write this long blog post about something that I didn’t evem get? I guess the point is, sometimes things are just out of your control. Sometimes you have to be a good sport because you have to show your kid how to be a good sport— although in this case it was the other way around. For whatever reason, it wasn’t our lucky day, and it’ll be ok.</p><p>If you’re one of the lucky ones who got tickets, YAY! I’m sure you’re going to see something amazing and I can’t wait to hear all about it. I’d recommend listening to the music ahead of time because it’s so smart and creative, there’s no way you could take it all in during the show. (Plus, I always love being able to sing along during a musical!)</p><p>And if you get sick on the night of your show… or you unexpectedly have to go away for business and you can’t use your tickets...you know who to call.</p>Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-86846117788253315262018-07-30T09:00:00.000-04:002018-07-30T09:00:23.000-04:00Saturday Adventure: Tubing the Catawba River (Fort Mill to Rock Hill)<p dir="auto">Hope you guys all had a great weekend! We definitely did… it was busy but really fun. I wanted to write a blog post about our adventure on Saturday… <strong>Tubing the Catawba River</strong>! If you’re local (or within driving distance of the Rock Hill/Fort Mill area), you’re going to want to check this out while the weather is still hot! Which, let’s be honest, will be until October.</p><p dir="auto">So, a little background… I’ve gone tubing several times before. I’ve been in the mountains near Greenville and also close to Boone, NC. However, I had never been tubing on the Catawba, even though it is right here, practically in our back yard! (Actually, when we lived in our old house, it really was just about in our back yard!) Over the past few years, I had seen pictures on social media of friends tubing on the Catawba and I just had to try it! The Catawba is much wider and deeper than other rivers where I have tubed before.</p><p dir="auto">I had many questions, and I had a lot of help from friends in preparing for our trip, so I thought I would share some tips that were passed along to me, in case any of you want to try it! (And you definitely should… it’s so much fun!)</p><p dir="auto">So, we debated about buying our own tubes or going through a rental company. When I started looking online, it turned out that you can buy the exact same tubes the rental companies will rent you… but they cost about $13 (Academy actually has them on sale right now for $9.99!) to buy vs. $20 to rent. All of the rental companies I looked into also included a life jacket with the tube as well. We found that you can buy life jackets at Wal-Mart for about $10 and up. (I’ll be honest and tell you that we were just about the only people with life jackets on the river— but I still think it’s better to have them than not. I think if you take a dip in the river, you absolutely should have one.) So for only $3 more than a rental company, you can own the equipment you need and go tubing any time! Here are the tubes we got:</p><p dir="auto">We got this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Intex-58827E-River-Run-II/dp/B001DAWY1Y" target="_blank">2-person tube</a> from Amazon.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74Vb6J55s6U6I_XClNTQq0Wk3DgRUT6O5JAXIu8Xuo5hVb04DgR6t2L4yMTq6upT2KiklCF321VecG1QaI2paCy8LKQ1-qorMjpwnQclhbLhdqjV4ZgOY4xuozdJGWCxxonbqdFtybBKG/s9999/River-Run-2_4.jpeg" width="250" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto">This tube is awesome for a couple or two friends. We figured it would be great for day-dates! There is a round built in cooler, although we used it more for storage. We actually put towels in there and they stayed dry the whole time! There is also a place between the seats to store a small cooler. Each seat has a cup holder and handles. It’s super comfortable and you stay cool because you’re sitting in the water.</p><p dir="auto">We got <a href="https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/intex-river-run-i-float#repChildCatid=546654" target="_blank">a single tube from Academy</a> which was made by the same company— it was really easy to connect the tubes together because this brand of float comes with these nifty little connectors that lock together.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvtJycmI6KaHofonKwZfp5CISDZ9AhgT1S8hgFESpLW46a7Mv61kWVh0qzEEu0Q67lvQtaGiPzMMRfel3oP9L4M-H2ArYxxdM2Iwz8H7kOiashzhNiOxOU-24MHIOAHzKYnQyyNBZAYP5/s9999/River-Run-1_4.jpg" width="500" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr"><br>We also picked up <a href="https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/magellan-outdoors-emergency-paddle#repChildCatid=3838051" target="_blank">a paddle at Academy</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-t05IUIiKKk7xCyp_H9Ml2N6dyawAlErR2Xy7N-83ahMifXSwZAbDJ3Ek4OXbDAd2XkFLgAYocBqhT_AkS4XEW2R9EWFrVp6Pe7vf1yymUUzPmf5KCi2IHwXA3gXs8rKRozXajjiny8Rp/s9999/paddle_4.jpg" width="500" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr">I was advised by several people that a paddle would come in really handy in case we were having to steer around any rocks or in case we came to a standstill in some of the slower-moving spots. This paddle was great because you could adjust it to the length you needed. </p><p dir="ltr">The next thing I had lots of questions about was river levels. I’ll be honest… I had the hardest time figuring this part out. In the end, I found two websites that were really helpful.</p><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://lakes.duke-energy.com/index.html?_ga=2.250958351.887752284.1532920530-1539124600.1532920530#/flow" target="_blank">This one will tell you when they are releasing water from the dam</a>. Typically, you want to go when they are releasing water because it helps cover the rocks and you won’t get stuck in the middle of the river. If the water levels are really low, you will move very slowly down the river. (On this website, look at the Wylie Release schedule. Lake Wylie dam flows into the Catawba.)</p><p dir="ltr"><a href="http://rockinriveradventures.com/" target="_blank">And this website will tell you the approximate current river level</a>— plus it explains the different ranges. The ideal river levels for tubing and kayaking are between 3000-3600 cubic feet per second.</p><p dir="ltr">Finally, it is always good to take a look at a map of the river. Here is one that will tell you a little about what you’re passing on your journey.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLX0WsLKkpr1P8pkSqTCHLz4hw2hM94MZop1axStXsp52QzW8DQr4juom8znNwAjzKYJd7MQ7Zn8qt6uO5VvYjc0E-lr6_hz7KTo9IQbGa_9ygbbiKR08UZXIqjSJENbHquIHY5xdGP-q/s9999/Screen-Shot-2018-07-30-at-8.19.39-AM.png" width="399" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.duke-energy.com/community/lakes/recreation-information/catawba-river-canoe-map" target="_blank">Click here to download a printable version of the map.</a></p><p dir="ltr">We decided to put in at the dam in Fort Mill. In case you’re like me and have no clue where the dam is… here is the address: <br>2541 New Gray Rock Rd, Fort Mill, SC 29708</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmX7zMues0iZOCZqTA8IZ1Jt67HdSoe3gkFRjIUXtIKt0NR9xsbF1_xQIZOc3T8hVHUA_4dtuENzBtncoj_YdmczGqzJWJqkF7pPERnQW9A1YP0AfVPNN5V38H3DZ8PXFRqtxjTVA4UZV/s9999/dam_4.jpg" width="800" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr">We planned to start at the dam and get out at Riverwalk. We figured with the Pump House at the end, that would be a good “marker” for us to know where to get out. That’s about a 3.5 mile “cruise.” Based on what everyone told us, we were expecting it to be between 2-4 hours, and it was about 3 hours for us. It would be slower if they aren’t releasing water from the dam, though.</p><p dir="ltr">We dropped a car off at the Riverwalk, then went to the dam to get in the water. (Important tip… store your towels <u>in your ENDING car</u>. You’ll want your tubes, air pump, paddle, life jackets, waterproof bags/boxes (for phones/cameras), sunscreen, coolers, etc. in your car that you park <u>at the starting point</u>. (Make sure you have the keys to both cars with you in the tubes! We put ours in plastic bags in one of our coolers.) We carried a cooler of drinks with ice and another cooler with sandwiches and snacks with a cold pack. Take your sunscreen with you so that you can reapply as needed. I tried out my Young Living sunscreen and it worked GREAT! I loved the fact that a natural sunscreen worked just as well as commercial sprays! There is no better test than sitting in the hot sun on a river for 3 hours.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83c_V-0lHbExiVBrGRVvTkN_Zr3vnBUeerrE9tTvWUDyWCMsgFpPJE22nhWsbYXbrCRspzgrNkS4BJ6dHyTiYHTWq2oWoTQUGX7vi3D3jYXDfPklhEQOI6WaFn50wC6F7IEd-LRcbqN5W/s9999/YL-Sunscreen.jpg" width="250" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr">So now for the adventure! It was crazy busy at the dam on Saturday— LOTS of tubers! Parking at the dam is limited. There is a parking lot that can probably park 20+ cars, but after that, you can park on the sides of the road. Get there early to get a good parking spot, or you’ll be parking down the road. (TIP: if you go around 3:00 pm and see tons of cars parked far away along the road, take a chance and pull all the way down to the parking lot. Chances are, someone has left a parking spot close to the ramp.)</p><p dir="ltr">When we got in the river, we used the paddle (and Ryan gave us a couple of good pushes) to get us going.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWpDhsAzyj0_wxma2U0Q9X9RiStG9K1dSDLIzSfRN0-PUidtfpcv-93OZCnUznJVFggQ68C0t89GDgN4LRL3ohyKmWF1GzgHdtdlyaebl1lbyLEZx2c26k08tetzbEycwJxSMHCp6VSuK/s9999/IMG_9960.JPG" width="2999" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr">Then we just relaxed and enjoyed the ride!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOt7Ri9tO6kZ6X0djssTL_YaY4-548uRVnj4TEtaA8sab0mJdKObhRRRBrG_cm1oQE48WhrvEGhMQp39NQXlwjKMFEgfVSDHaW0qJAd-MiHG5I_8Qgn-0Pdom-5s8WUgpLwB_s-pCiPKmO/s9999/IMG_9966.JPG" width="2999" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeYAhbxEKG9BKgG8E5tb7U3N4s7zNiTnNmbJ_VYLFW_eEKN06nLG7ocUJRJmB0SiwrOKkBletfkSXi-_hG7HCrne0kHuJOJVwOpBrPTkxTFXrW9c-F62KuKzrlvOeXMpaIeTh4SUhGT8g/s9999/IMG_9963.JPG" width="2999" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNh7X8z6sUGXO_y3foym4nJ1xa5plYlLyoPx_isA-YQHXnuZxdQdHQsF23Iqdt5CGK2Xzjhyphenhyphen5tZ33rYba1s3BKzvRi0S5D3FYDo07l9wmq__MnZ3ps4YKUt_gL2gcoD9o61vcirz3vNkE5/s9999/IMG_9961.JPG" width="3000" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0U78ubBXVmNtbVaoEVOV6uC4dzqq2Bw1IJMg4cd-HFDOrBYaRou6laNhGElqiGxn0gDaY8tqm21iNOWhy-i3NbWzEywzmPUgDWQjeiQp6cJZygzK_ZYgqiUHlidSA9OSr4469gcY8Ynlr/s9999/IMG_9968.JPG" width="3000" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr">We would recommend wearing water shoes or Chacos (or something similar) because if you have to hop out for a second, the rocks are slippery.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq06OSToQdSNh69HXKtl_-GaJIi4lscIm891irXuFtku8fPusVoCd5vvKBwPXtA94rqGJ1KHAcwl3ifQPVFUIfDiXvcT9gXhJBaJwJTkP-0AWtZhB87NgO8ZEDBk1uR0g8YVteinZ0HbDZ/s9999/IMG_9974.JPG" width="3000" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpH5t3UvuAUEGpXso-mH5Tp3ESNvwowh5Fg-LgiIkZIR5cYO983C-suA3bkYFeHRA-PzmafDeQSryMz7wMaIouUtOY5p7uf-sWjROC37rIHHj8P5W896r-chwJ59fCSlSM4ut9Q16Kozul/s9999/IMG_9975.JPG" width="3000" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr"><br>It was really cool going under the bridges. If you take this route, you’ll pass under two bridges and then you’ll get out at the ramp just past the Pump House.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykEQj8ddYHS2QYMqUJMHbeSV9W6pHcb98YTiiLEKaoi4qV5dTzRujvElgn_zc6MPjA5TDk-lojact4LaOPkFRsBw-r-3A2H8katlaMtPzE5ymsa91nb6koVktlIsmfu_nJOV3_ci-3Ipd/s9999/IMG_9978.JPG" width="3000" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5_YYw7kL3zR0EPXqml479GxEPisrVLU9LE48S4Pc9ZVdrjAgCCiUrscx1Z5mB7ZyAwECfek3deuxCFM7W6kLD0mg9RF3Q9uHBa4IVPLoKgKO4koRz55kUbhSdmT47qsNKoJWJ_wqsPL4/s9999/IMG_9981.JPG" width="2250" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr"><br>If you haven’t been to the Pump House, you can grab casual eats/drinks after your tubing trip on the top floor without a reservation. There are also several other spots to grab a bite or a drink at Riverwalk.</p><p dir="ltr">We loved our tubing day so much, I’m sure we will go again really soon! We want to try the Riverwalk to River Park route next. That’s a little shorter. I hope this post helps you plan your tubing adventure!</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>WHAT TO BRING (I’m sure I’ve left something off— but if I think of other items, I’ll edit this post and add them.)</strong></p><p dir="ltr"><u>For the Starting Point Car</u><br></p><ul><li>Tubes (obviously)</li><li>rope for tying tubes together</li><li>life jackets (especially for the kids)</li><li>pump to inflate the tubes</li><li>paddle</li><li>coolers with drinks/snacks/ice</li><li>sunscreen</li><li>water shoes/chacos</li><li>keys to both cars</li><li>sunglasses/hats</li><li>phone and/or camera in a waterproof bag or box (you can find these ar Academy or Dicks… or Amazon of course!)</li><li>speaker to play music (optional)</li><li>wallet/debit card (so you’ll have your license at the ending point— or you could lock this in your ending point car)</li></ul><p><br></p><p dir="ltr"><u>For the Ending Point Car</u><br></p><ul><li>Towels</li><li>change of clothes if you plan to grab a bite at the Pump House afterwards</li><li>wallet (optional- see note above)</li></ul><p dir="ltr"><br>Finally, HAVE FUN! If you try tubing on the Catawba, drop me a comment and let me know how it goes! I hope you love it as much as we did!</p>Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-51559567539391012402018-03-18T15:57:00.000-04:002018-03-18T16:12:25.710-04:00Bacon and Balsamic Brussel Sprouts<div dir="auto">
Can I make a confession? I never tried Brussel Sprouts until I was about 35 years old. I guess I always heard them mentioned with a negative connotation and never wanted to try them. However, it turns out I was wrong. I’ve drizzled them with oil and roasted them with garlic and salt and pepper. I’ve shredded them and sauteed them in bacon drippings. Both of those methods are pretty amazing, but I think I’ve found my favorite method. One of our favorite local restaurants, Flipside Cafe, has the most amazing Brussel Sprouts. I can’t go there and not order them. They’re all crispy and salty and they have this amazing balsamic glaze. Ryan and I went to eat there a few weeks ago and I mentioned them to him. He gave me a look like, “Seriously?” when I mentioned I wanted to get them as an appetizer. But once he tried them, he was converted.</div>
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Since we can’t very well eat at Flipside every single night (although I would be okay with that)… I decided to try and recreate them the best I could. I used bagged bacon bits and a pre-made balsamic glaze to make this super simple. You could certainly make your own bacon bits and your own balsamic glaze by simmering/reducing balsamic vinegar, but this is a good shortcut.</div>
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<!-- <Begin> The Recipe Box --><div id="recipe" class="recipe-inner" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Recipe"><div class="info"><span class="yield" itemprop="recipeYield"><strong>Yield: </strong>2 large servings</span><span class="author" itemprop="author"><strong>Author: </strong>Liz @ Confessions of a Former Couch Potato</span><button type="button" id="printbutton" class="printbutton" onclick="printDiv('recipe'); return false;">Print Recipe</button></div><h3 class="recipe-name" itemprop="name">Bacon and Balsamic Brussel Sprouts</h3><div class="time"><span class="prepTime">prep time: 10 MINS</span><meta itemprop="prepTime" content="PT10M"><span class="cookTime">cook time: 20 MINS</span><meta itemprop="cookTime" content="PT20M"><span class="totalTime">total time: 30 mins</span><meta itemprop="totalTime" content="PT30M"></div><div class="summary" itemprop="description"><p>This Brussel Sprout recipe is anything but boring!</p></div><div class="ingredients"><h3>ingredients:</h3><div class="ing-section"><span></span><ul><li itemprop="ingredients">1 TBSP Olive Oil</li><li itemprop="ingredients">2 Tbsp. Balsamic Glaze-- homemade by reducing balsamic vinegar or storebought such as Giusto (found near the vinegars)</li><li itemprop="ingredients">Extra Virgin Olive Oil</li><li itemprop="ingredients">Garlic Powder</li><li itemprop="ingredients">salt and pepper to taste</li><li itemprop="ingredients">2 Tbsp. bacon pieces/bits (You can cook your own and crumble them, but I use the bagged pieces to save time.)</li><li itemprop="ingredients">1 lb. Brussel Sprouts (about 20 heads)</li></ul></div></div><div class="instructions"><h3>instructions:</h3><div class="ing-section"><span></span><ol><li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Rinse Brussel Sprouts with water and pat dry with paper towel. Trip the ends of the stems and remove any wilted or spotted leaves. Cut the heads into halves or quarters. </li><li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Drizzle with olive oil and toss. (Don't worry if leaves loosen. Some of them will fall apart a little. Thats ok.)</li><li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I added about 1/4 tsp Garlic powder, about 1/4 tsp. salt, and just added some freshly ground pepper. </li><li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Spread sprouts out on a baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees until crispy. (I baked about 15 minutes, gave them a toss, and then popped them back in for 5-10 more minutes.) I like them extra crispy, so you decide how brown you want them.</li><li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Remove the sprouts and mix in the bacon pieces white the sprouts are still hot.</li><li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add glaze and mix. I use about 2 Tbsp. of glaze and mix well. If you would like more, go for it!</li></ol></div></div><div class="recipe-credit">Created using <a href="http://www.recipesgenerator.com" target="_blank">The Recipes Generator</a></div></div><style>.recipe-inner{text-align:left;max-width:620px;border:6px double #009BFF;padding:20px;background:#f2f2f2;margin: 40px auto;font-family:Lato, sans-serif;}.recipe-inner a{color: #4193f0;}#recipe .recipe-name{font-size: 21px;}#recipe .info{position:relative;font-size:13px;text-transform:capitalize;border-bottom:2px solid #000;padding-bottom:7px;margin-bottom:20px}.info:after{content:'';display:table;clear:both}#recipe .info span:first-child{margin-right:30px}#printbutton{border:0;margin:0;color:#fff;float:right;background:#555; padding:5px;border-radius:3px;cursor:pointer}#recipe .time{text-transform:uppercase;font-size:12px;text-align:center;background:#fff;padding:15px 0;margin-bottom:20px}#recipe .time span:not(:last-child){margin-right:12px}#recipe .time span:not(:last-child):after{content:'';display:inline-block;height:10px;width:1px;background:#000;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:12px}#recipe .summary{line-height:1.7;font-style:italic}.ingredients{line-height:1.7;clear:both}.ingredients h3,.instructions h3,.notes h3{font-size:20px !important;font-weight:400 !important;margin-bottom:0;color:#000;text-transform: uppercase;}.ingredients ul{margin:0!important;margin-top:5px !important;}.instructions li{margin-bottom:15px !important;line-height:1.6;text-align:left;}.ingredients li{text-align:left}#recipe .instructions{margin-top: 30px;}#recipe .instructions ol,#recipe .instructions ol li {list-style:decimal !important;}#recipe .instructions ol{padding-left:39px;margin:0!important;margin-top:6px !important;}.posturl{border-top:1px solid #ccc;padding-top:10px;}.ing-section{padding-left:20px;margin: 10px 0;}.ing-section > span{font-weight:700}.recipe-credit{font-size:13px;border-top: 1px solid #ccc;padding:10px;text-align:center;background:#ffffff;margin:-20px;margin-top:15px;}.recipe-credit a{color:blue;text-decoration:none;}.copyright-statement{font-size: 13px;font-style:italic;border-top: 1px solid #ccc;margin-top:15px;padding-top:15px;line-height:1.6;}.notes pre{font-size: 15px;margin: 10px 0;padding-left: 20px;font-family: inherit;line-height: 1.7;white-space: pre-line;}.notes h3{margin: 0}.nutrition-info{font-size: 0;margin: 20px 0;padding: 10px;background: #fff;}.nutrition-info>div {display: inline-block;font-size: 14px;width: 20%;text-align: center;}.nutrition-info>div:nth-child(5) ~ div{margin-top: 20px;}.nutrition-info>div p{margin-top: 0;margin-bottom: 7px;}.print-options {display:none;position: absolute; 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-LizLiz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-87822592496366451972018-02-27T22:00:00.000-05:002018-02-27T22:00:46.891-05:00Meet Piper {Photo Overload}<p dir="auto">We had a very exciting weekend here at the Confessions house. We welcomed a new family member! Meet Piper!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHqb6y54gxncom-S-qIFCKB5A_4upzDFJtnSPJ_gH269tKMK_GxoLwkW96aUg6FLjVnkT5KAZIVC8EO11LrPcHrKCjyfvqoikVAXtvPggtQapd2WNEekHxU-wZoFxMZC6rcIdOW6OwaeF/s9999/IMG_8613.JPG" width="5184" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto">You may know that our pup Baylee passed away back in August. We missed her dearly and for a little while, we just weren’t ready for a new puppy. But Sadie has asked, begged, and written letters to us, pleading for a puppy. We didn’t tell her for a while, but Ryan and I were already preparing. My college roommate, Melissa, breeds Miniature Schnauzers and for years, I have seen pictures and videos of her sweet puppies. I also love knowing the breeder and knowing it’s not a puppy mill, that the puppies are raised in her home with her family. On December 26, a new litter was born and a few days later, I heard from Melissa, asking us which puppy we would like. Man, that’s a hard decision! However, we knew it didn’t matter the color or type of puppy; we knew it would be love at first sight.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BUaTpyFeYyl39JWVivV2N_M_T8sIc3IHL0youWkiujTRJmzgL_avGh1GKpFapG4C63JuPIpw6xloXHGn5eZ33UuOfGTua8TIW-L-sLk5H6flY1zktjIHDaMttvXnrRO8eFZ5CTVe34Gn/s9999/IMG_78510.JPEG" width="3023" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto">Which it was.</p><p dir="auto">Over the past 8 weeks, we’ve been getting sweet photo and video updates, and every day we grew more and more excited to bring her home.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEV13V514hVKeEgggpEYknYfVSRXSCjyCCqpEL_W50oRCUPX70cD97_znmgi5IUvTBwpfMH20aZwQGKwNRvPN60BBTW-kb4FeWjoUerxvdLK7atJs2AnGcdOws8mzbKkllRSK1-rhUJ0ux/s9999/IMG_8536.JPEG" width="2250" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto">On Valentine’s Day, we decided to tell Sadie. We took her to a restaurant and gave her the news. She was overcome with emotion, she was so happy!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSJLsL8U8XGuVda6DDN_AFfe6YYwotsxwogV3fs4a1VO0tOJ3-q7fYN-M5SiATOOzuSyu-46Q5WA9XBTJKUWef7Xd-2ubRzuTja1zZgKEQYV4uiSDDWQ_vmMsuQBluOqD9LjevbnLQ_gz/s9999/IMG_8532.JPG.jpeg" width="3000" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDKgRDJX5v1IysnQtyEXVnPyLyxwwWqL2r1Qx48wiI_fzyAcCO0DXf7t0svwK4LkbGnRzz3-xthStdzj7EJIo3Lhz8vYDr2M-vW9SYQhKNu8NW4FWZHJfiHzAybNDEUjogW3YeDZ9FCB0/s9999/IMG_8533.JPG.jpeg" width="3000" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto">On Friday, we drove to Lancaster, SC to get our little pup. Of course, we loved her right away. She was a little reserved at first, a little hesitant… but once we got her home, her personality began to emerge. Over the weekend, we had a chance to get to know her and see how sweet and loving she is, and how playful and energetic she is! It’s amazing how quickly a puppy just climbs inside your heart and melts it!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpN8o4BoSbhO0wyYbr1CXDhKtp37JVPby5DR93hbpU27KVM_clTzXA8ffV4B1LdzHsUW-lyahhce2D-Z4LUDSjXr-brOUSGTGHEohZ_iRkdSbbqlJnLBIJAVrJRAD_lvQl7lYPYu5mjXgh/s9999/IMG_8565.JPG" width="2250" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6t0EQ0WrUhNbWz4OM2u5NtZisqypG0p-1_mcxwd80cuJxU5_q5e4H0_1FFi68nwmeX7rDoAEi9xcMSW4eMUDvJM0L4KN8XJOgEyXr1nJceJo3M1pCSku8hK7jNImwpUF6H5Vv8hEKkVxN/s9999/IMG_8572.JPG" width="3000" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWMToFnW2gyEv-qHnbTse1rzIOmD_OpJ-oR7IU29Ad6VHhqBxtDV7BSWMlgcxtfa2ryLzeKHmu5osorv9GU_HvOKgyTLrRXGSfmL6vEAAWa5hAS3RGG2DZ060OrAjXcY4AQ7I1TfUb0uH/s9999/IMG_4874-1.JPG" width="5184" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0W9KkutLMFB0tTIPmSwJcRaXvzoaj8nurNA4zfQ6ZJacd12EdIDuxpUkSe8C1ZY_2MyyZLWoF_6YaIQz80hhZF_8Z0t1jjAxaIuZ7JI-HA127pHSbT13rCdF0LcG5mv0hV55_8CbCUh-/s9999/IMG_4905.JPG" width="3456" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CPCVqd4gywWWO3x_hyphenhyphenGCgfVZ4sx_iHX8XVbe5EUQHZrFqqN6onPdKaBSaWKRwEL3Wuvzvf2QkMO2FTLQtDNkJFcCItutx3A2wapnxCd7ulNezdtlUVsKX-LE6O9JgTmUMNt6fVfw5YUW/s9999/IMG_4899.JPG" width="3456" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto">Little Piper got an A+ at the vet this morning- just what we expected!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVBU-1CXtQjubS7a5pTE6fDwblbjjYGjmxjJLagq15L3pZhRjNemRxxBPKbNb6xb7RlgUiUXIpAOhSamJYACdyJDtqR40zrvMc6EaphMqGRoMrgWlnkVaVRQNXt1otxa0qHkoCiXu0NS1/s9999/IMG_8632.JPG" width="3000" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto">So… this is our first time having a puppy in about 17 years, so we are pretty much newbies. I mean, I’ve had puppies growing up and we did this with Baylee…but we are learning again. I found two books that I have been reading simultaneously and both are great: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Dog-Lessons-Train-Your-ebook/dp/B01AFYCN3C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519785171&sr=8-1&keywords=lucky+dog" target="_blank">Lucky Dog Lessons by Brandon McMillan</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Training-Best-Dog-Ever-Reinforcement-ebook/dp/B0091LQJS6/ref=pd_sim_351_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=F15BFHXFBZ2XAS4ZQXQN" target="_blank">Training the Best Dog Ever by Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEtsJU5P-Mv95uRm9E4idfzqQ4ycJO1qO3KerfEu4ESqDaXeMJjdDDdhglvSuu5wtQ-8hn5nRNcI_p8EzsDny5HDje_NIyDL4CfQbgV3o-cHl3AJZfy8JQlqhSfECtt6ys-NfpHt1FkTJ/s9999/Screen-Shot-2018-02-27-at-9.33.23-PM.png" width="202" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIaH98wQjjuQ8CNskn9PhkCv3orTTpG7wFyUCftssyQBOf2AlhyyMpYEb3QbJck1WQvRJpxrP_zdv9tLhm1EJG_PXU1q3fy4C9GWYrx2QixvSzsd_nW_mDkStzBGmmuPfhh26sd17HS09/s9999/Screen-Shot-2018-02-27-at-9.33.04-PM.png" width="222" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto">Maybe I’ll share a little of what we’ve learned once we are a little farther in the training process. Right now, we are working on going potty outside, which is going well so far, and sitting on command. The latter is harder because it means she has to be still. We are also working on adjusting to the crate…it’s not her favorite thing…yet.</p><p dir="auto">If you’ve got great puppy tips and tricks, be sure to send them my way! We’ll keep you posted!</p><p dir="auto">By the way, as I type this… here is Piper.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIujaCCMfS3mtsvuFpW95iM4jr-83zsnRSU0Bw_vz599KRkjqy9sFElSUFjexLUg_KV5KgGYXOlxQxH1cfCks1tAEL_Ha6ftS93280h8Q6pay6Zm7-WnDPvUzg93-tVwJdARZAwkA0fhlA/s9999/IMG_8644.JPG" width="3000" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto">She is sleeping and barking in her sleep! What a funny pup!</p>Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-14862819660086242252018-02-15T20:30:00.000-05:002018-02-15T20:31:57.390-05:00Recipe: Chicken and Veggie Brown Rice Casserole for Instant PotThis year, I got myself a Christmas Present. An Instant Pot. I've been hearing about them for a while now and the people who have them absolutely love them. To be honest, I was skeptical. Could an Instant Pot really be THAT great?
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoD4J2z1DaLdk_57YbJ1zCJw9fdC4a8hXf4LZTTBR1mQtQF9Ph1nTrx9kwnSoumr9-xSqyPwmAzt6PopWn8c6dYlm6x_xo7k7EPq7BOVROHPT0SSEdrfcYYRxgBWckllBiWmMGsXA0Z_q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-02-15+at+7.54.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="636" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoD4J2z1DaLdk_57YbJ1zCJw9fdC4a8hXf4LZTTBR1mQtQF9Ph1nTrx9kwnSoumr9-xSqyPwmAzt6PopWn8c6dYlm6x_xo7k7EPq7BOVROHPT0SSEdrfcYYRxgBWckllBiWmMGsXA0Z_q/s320/Screen+Shot+2018-02-15+at+7.54.51+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Turns out, it is. I've actually started calling it my Magic Pot. So far, I really have not had any major fails, and it is saving me a lot of time on both the cooking and the clean-up. It's actually helped us to cut down on ordering out because I can go work out and still get dinner ready in a reasonable amount of time. Mostly I have tried other people's recipes, but once I got comfortable I started trying to create some of my own, like this one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzPugjleDamNPeXXizPOdwgw_twZDoVtKkCf3YvuA-BPDkX7iLlJ6JxOa9XURpStYgXIEH8kfOhHkxHExAJWHqLMz9PT8BRDwuwipG1BUV1TO604nOlv8EiDLYEFWimlB3BRatCVy5CVc/s1600/IMG_8544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzPugjleDamNPeXXizPOdwgw_twZDoVtKkCf3YvuA-BPDkX7iLlJ6JxOa9XURpStYgXIEH8kfOhHkxHExAJWHqLMz9PT8BRDwuwipG1BUV1TO604nOlv8EiDLYEFWimlB3BRatCVy5CVc/s400/IMG_8544.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This recipe came about because I was trying to find a good chicken, veggie, and brown rice casserole, and everything I found had white rice. The first time I made this, I loved how it came out! I couldn't believe it worked! I thought maybe it was a fluke, so I have now made it 3 more times and also had a friend make it with a different brand of pressure cooker. It turned out great for her, too!
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The true test... will the rest of the family eat it? My kiddo loves it!
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I love that she is getting a protein, a healthier carb, and three veggies (onion, carrots, and broccoli)! The rice in this casserole really has a great texture-- it's very creamy, almost like a risotto.
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I've posted the recipe below, but I wanted to give a few notes.
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First, I'm sure you could adapt this to use white rice. You'd probably need to really adjust the cook time since white rice cooks a lot faster. However, I use mostly brown, so I haven't tried white rice.
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Second, I'm sure you could add the broccoli to the Instant Pot before starting the cooking. However, I think after 25 minutes, it would become mush. <a href="https://www.pamperedchef.com/shop/Cookware/Microwave+Cookware/Large+Micro-Cooker/2778">So I use this handy pot from Pampered Chef to steam mine in about 4 minutes in the microwave.</a> I use frozen baby broccoli florets. I steam them the last 3 minutes of the cooking and after I release the steam, I add the broccoli. (Side note... that little steamer pot is a STAPLE in this house. I bought it on a whim and it is something I use at least 3-4 times a week.)
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Hope you guys enjoy the recipe! Man, it's been a long since I posted a recipe, and I'm trying a new plug-in to add the recipe card here. Let me know what you think!
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<!-- <begin> The Recipe Box --><br />
<div class="recipe-inner" id="recipe" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Recipe">
<div class="info">
<span class="yield" itemprop="recipeYield"><strong>Yield: </strong>6 Servings</span><span class="author" itemprop="author"><strong>Author: </strong>Liz @ Confessions of a Former Couch Potato</span><button class="printbutton" id="printbutton" onclick="printDiv('recipe'); return false;" type="button">Print Recipe</button></div>
<h3 class="recipe-name" itemprop="name">
Chicken and Veggie Brown Rice Casserole for Instant Pot</h3>
<div class="time">
<span class="prepTime">prep time: 10 MINS</span><span class="cookTime">cook time: 25 MINS</span><span class="totalTime">total time: 35 mins</span></div>
<div class="summary" itemprop="description">
This super-easy casserole combines brown rice, veggies, chicken breasts, and cheddar cheese to create a meal that is both filling and healthy!</div>
<div class="ingredients">
<h3>
ingredients:</h3>
<div class="ing-section">
<br />
<ul>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 TBSP Olive Oil</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 TBSP butter</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 medium yellow onion, diced</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">2 cloves of garlic, minced</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 cup of chopped carrots</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">2 2/3 cups chicken broth</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">2 cups brown rice</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">2 large chicken breasts (fresh or frozen)</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">a few splashes of Worcestershire Sauce</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">salt and pepper, to taste</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">2 cups broccoli florets, steamed</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">handful (about 2/3 cup) of shredded cheddar cheese </li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div class="instructions">
<h3>
instructions:</h3>
<div class="ing-section">
<br />
<ol>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Select the saute button on your Instant Pot. When the pot is hot, add the oil and butter. Wait about 30 seconds for oil/butter to heat up.</li>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add diced onion to pot and cook for about 2 minutes. </li>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add garlic and carrots and cook until garlic is fragrant.</li>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add chicken broth and stir to release any brown bits on the bottom of the pot. </li>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add the rice and stir. </li>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add the chicken breasts.</li>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add salt, pepper, and Worcestershire Sauce.</li>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Press "Cancel" to end the saute feature. Manually select the High Pressure button and set the timer for 25 minutes. Make sure to set the vent to "Sealing."</li>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">While the casserole is cooking, steam the rice in the microwave.</li>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Once the time is up, Quick-Release the steam and then open the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients. The chicken should fall apart easily, but you can use forks to shred. </li>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add steamed broccoli and shredded cheese. Stir once more to combine.</li>
<li itemprop="recipeInstructions">Enjoy!</li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
<div class="recipe-credit">
Created using <a href="http://www.recipesgenerator.com/" target="_blank">The Recipes Generator</a></div>
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<br />
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-Liz
Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-46891160874031144482018-02-14T22:02:00.001-05:002018-02-14T22:02:12.658-05:00Disney Post # 2: Disney Eats
What do you think of when you think about Disney? Rides, right? Space Mountain, Seven Dwarves Mine Train... Characters? Mickey, Donald, the Muppets, Princesses... Well of course, those things are all amazing. And if you know me, then you know I'm all about a good ride. I'm planning to highlight a few favorites in Disney Post # 3. But if you didn't know, the food at Disney is pretty epic as well.
In our past trips to Disney, we spent more time doing character experiences. This time we decided to do the International thing! Since our daughter isn't quite as into the princess thing now, we made reservations each night (except our last night) at a different country in Epcot. For those unfamiliar with Epcot, one of the best features of Epcot is the World Showcase. Eleven countries have a "land" or Pavillion, featuring restaurants, food carts, shops, and entertainment. The cast members to work in those "lands" are from the countries represented. Disney really tries to make this an authentic-feeling experience.
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigawDWsF4epLd8PBYkKVNkvqmkoaqJI6xpYpmIt7qNZ932GKLWCSs0PTT864KdY0A4agfbme-7DRowjTclo_QcvfHEK3St_xExQAXtDBLHv8uQbF2JsDgZV-bcwsl5Of-RutRNXbiCvequ/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8136" title="IMG_8136.JPG" border="0" width="600" height="450" />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxCb8a3DHqaZgP5OaNjrbmwFKoFmBTSQJPVpUSAOSaLoqZ9jJ0KDsIHwKOln_MpArij2Z7eQLj0inyigSQWa3sO7E7TNOxBHxoyJjBv2kKs54i4AzndjZ8QhBwVKn2f1gb0TiYiYpR3sA/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8138" title="IMG_8138.JPG" border="0" width="600" height="450" />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoi_Hq77iLXpv22TM0k5dzpssys23Vq8fjXXzOpYRmeQ4PXTQj9htSLylij-Jk0DD5VVvIOxOUMQpqMLlRfHxdjLCBWiib1OINkYfLlcGzFjrNJDJOL65bMgCg5lyRPZmQf9VdXryoTxcd/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8137" title="IMG_8137.JPG" border="0" width="600" height="450" />
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Each of the restaurants featured accepts the Disney Dining Plan, but they don't all provide the same options. At some places, appetizers are included. At others they are not. Dessert was always included, though.
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<strong>Les Chefs de France (France)</strong>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zktIWgYN_MruairznmpWgWu3QhYWsGQeXfZI6Y9Eg7WS2SN6ZTeDVS3OrkhM0KKLwUbhOkTSQyg-Y0-wAafDyteRLv3dbzjw4TqFfYk9muexGck647B0_h4AgYLGdyr0o0vIwI7CBemS/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8155" title="IMG_8155.JPG" border="0" width="450" height="600" />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhuXlmRVCUUsP-WdDtvmd5HDfWW9tSmc8P-i819-YvLEb-kHHG-hzF7fR8TZD_bOiHdnuTIx7D183X2cWdnj4-eyFVYKHmGeFQ_VWECNTQE1hF3ul9VbWr1I_maME19Yw7OTtD94JTr_G/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8156" title="IMG_8156.JPG" border="0" width="600" height="450" />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8oTs4m7UjZeicqCbkpU5-Ysvd7A2NvhK4uVDT6XHIJ2xmk6UL3gR-GAUfycupXzq14YncRH5Aw7bEjD46p4nefD0lD8_vrjhAtBLNin5m_PZan7-S3PuMxmU5REKlnRzUxLulLGDzsL-m/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8149" title="IMG_8149.JPG" border="0" width="600" height="450" />
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This was our favorite restaurant of the trip-- both the food and service were amazing. The dining plan gave us each an appetizer, entree, and dessert. Our waiter, Kevin, was phenomenal and went above and beyond to make our experience wonderful. The french onion soup here was amazing, as was everything else, especially dessert!
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<strong>Akershus (Norway)</strong>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiTNAbo_53aYYpsYUorP1bxmClB9BjXGM3eWQmNBynKy0SYoMa9AqyzS855TlAlGUhlFQ2ncxoUbsDcv1f6i-ljCfZUDHNYBtystDoo8jI7q7Z5sWgKnZL7TVrzIysmI5YbkhktWx3gqJ/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8230" title="IMG_8230.JPG" border="0" width="450" height="600" />
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We actually did a Princess Storybook Dinner here. This wasn't my favorite food, but it did have the best appetizer selection. There was actually an appetizer buffet with lots of meats, cheeses, salads, veggies, and more. If you've got kiddos, this food isn't going to be that appealing to them, but the princess experience is fun.
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6c6tOQwlGHi6OsURiruMu1UdwOcSR7l8BVUEOJRzw34CGyexMQM90J3KKRauO4OfMAARh02ZevLFk8e7wUQWzxs2sEvgN6ZcGmbELSTAvGkAAwOAlwAMWLgglNy-Fis8G5dog7x7NDnL/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8216" title="IMG_8216.JPG" border="0" width="450" height="600" />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQ1UaWgocwNRbcY93I0zf_8dOGuWv0ELJRXO9VtJIFfZgfcNvVK48_s8zdaK8e2MnOr9FcoGITL1YzNvh9LpEUUCZGwieijN_hTBXSrxS_anqTf0SVENTd-YKLiSb50zrrr2SzXnm-4vf/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8218" title="IMG_8218.JPG" border="0" width="450" height="600" />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JFZT39_WMTNueolkasjF2xeBaOgnjD0RfRvxowNDURPuaR9_Y2Z2hovTtuJDY3jPJDCLRlLVUR1xSQNTs2ZSmAqKRAK7ir2I7S6kEcHabU830ncWNtH1eRJh0PItsK2mMs-SaI3cdK04/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8220" title="IMG_8220.JPG" border="0" width="598" height="450" />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkArbkAOPuLJXuUTtF7kkT9C_EGiTKXNI6wDw0ZjzIhPfUwXN6XSewV4sZlSTzplyXfnrPj5EPF54GTprF23kf8J6Vj4-JmOCoSadW9Ln4GSp26s6-Xbi6szcz33pQXnhiduwkY1RRNsp/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8226" title="IMG_8226.JPG" border="0" width="600" height="450" />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YKXKW2usYzwjUrQJgJQQmHUgevFcJiSJpSGMCv69ZYmnr-QOugJ4yNHT_k8bf2rnV4REAXTy4RF7PEQQBSCaLfWYk7D2bw-xLpn1RyM1gcKHVRc1DiOkaeL1UpNw9b5mNOVRC57Ihpwo/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8231" title="IMG_8231.JPG" border="0" width="399" height="600" />
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Little girls will enjoy being part of the princess parade and having the princesses stop by the table to meet and greet.
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<strong>Nine Dragons (China)</strong>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0KTBhESrU4UXDDjlb40vulj61N84ZyVDg4bLZvpBCO0w8Nh4TbQIxcA5kZiXg9KB_71OnEn7jHXtkUy8lQS1tYc0KykK61PuaHxg7M6H2-V4QUUOZj_hazQu6Uqljc6MlYREE152pZAU/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8343" title="IMG_8343.JPG" border="0" width="450" height="600" />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wxwABULLuXa5gn6RipLUnWelelfgtRSdxCnjO1H2UcboabkBw51vy63OKmmQUxLIWJugoZuQwBI3kzhmDwoux8bb8fCrm4uf8q64pO7BAoDapIYpCTH2rzXYm4VeruupkdSHzbwOCCcV/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8342" title="IMG_8342.JPG" border="0" width="600" height="450" />
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We really enjoyed Nine Dragons. Appetizers aren't included in the dining plan here. We ended up trying several different dishes and sharing them, but we didn't get photos of our food, except for the dessert. (Are you noticing a trend here?)
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JcGcfp6KtNb5Hbh24EA4Jw469MgemA6caEccO5ZiXPndHA9wDd8dTQszMILNxz7_oQsmSwoYWPZaAVMqPkidw_kR-SMqKybmSCL6bi_mQcwWmOa5hRwN5TDtNaV0nz1FYzMr-VJoBGFe/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8344" title="IMG_8344.JPG" border="0" width="600" height="450" />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp62DFDWjgmww5M3Zrs6odBZnxE43deFK4qX6KhS495jO-zbtpcURI63rqZhz2vvN_Z-Csq4bmuQRjAtmZyhXWTwQEkRAT5JVjIst29dUCt2GLP23qywN38Pj6WrstbnNuklmE9tD2dR1-/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8345" title="IMG_8345.JPG" border="0" width="450" height="600" />
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<strong>Via Napoli (Italy)</strong>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHQnMCG2633F92bZF23DCDUi3VjTWjYy1ln9rb1qxlFzBBoJI_g12WyzaauUmC_9pW6BHYYF9M1bUSUQunG79x-iTCBXyMFuR462F7fi9uY0Fty6WVpxakYa-jgYsG2Q9P_ugGTrNTF5b/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8393" title="IMG_8393.JPG" border="0" width="600" height="450" />
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Italian... my favorite! I looked forward to this all week. The second we arrived, we knew we were in a good place. The atmosphere was very alive and it smelled soooo delicious. We got to watch the chefs preparing desserts as we waited. We probably should have gotten pizza, since they're kind of known for that, but we all opted for pasta: Spaghetti, Lasagna, and Alfredo Pasta. All were delicious, and so were the desserts! (Again...the only thing photographed!) Like Nine Dragons, no appetizer was included. However, we decided to order the Calamari- Ryan's favorite!
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzghjJILspItXDl2ivrYXVrASAhyQiYnkq_Y39VdAM0TnvcnhnI0j461PZIixxCjG3WvnCUe-Fvt006OgoBs4oeGw3JCtD8LpieiBsUAjbPw-SqgQavcscUECc5zJGNoNT2T2Bv7NaOlV/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8401" title="IMG_8401.JPG" border="0" width="600" height="450" />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZ33cZdZgg1ybSO2JnR1FCkK0F9RAIqTMw-Zd_2ys_-OcCbv0vuyiqCcpvtCV3I5DiakcmdENhUMFpSqRcR6JjRJARhNA9I4SViKoIWfCEfMaFyTcilhFdhEdjuS6mgHJIgwW-QJfEKC_/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8402" title="IMG_8402.JPG" border="0" width="600" height="450" />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamWdVenBy0IbUaDsRl0ncumyy4-_X95f68z4e17HxnbZtZTgrqbbcPnakdVczy3ElgqvjeJI7aDnTtH3y8Yw9XV6UOwocWffItcReWweOuc2le2N1Bl8pDYwaBUUalgPuiL_7VtLscjPY/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8403" title="IMG_8403.JPG" border="0" width="450" height="600" />
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<strong>La Cantina de San Angel (Mexico)</strong>
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This one is a quick service, and it's definitely worth stopping in! La Cantina is located right on the water. It was sunny but breezy the day we visited- just perfect weather!
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VLZ30nqk9UOFzbaiFlwqzTTR-2i5DJWDBD1FktiKh90Ju6HcghOsWXfXlIVPLlyz3CdwiBx5GB8_NNHuWhrNW3c8N_2xqSdMn5hkFIvqZvLGj0fS7R2QxoXd8E_ebDY4D4A_Hkb7pVEM/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8338" title="IMG_8338.JPG" border="0" width="600" height="450" />
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We tried the tacos- both steak and chicken-- and both were delicious! We were so tired after spending a morning at Animal Kingdom that we really enjoyed the rest and the atmosphere here. After we ate, we did a little shopping in the San Angel Inn, which is a little plaza of shops located inside a pyramid.
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yiKZhk07e_jkNAcRwaI2E5qZzmc2BdJQeOTqXSCwXvS0508QoklWxPRWOFSwWvHeHDgVUfPHZxOvUpzDLNQNsTA8KgedWNQ_W8lbA8esNF_wyeAQrwRD-RLwYUQMzLX2FXMoFrK9g6fv/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8341" title="IMG_8341.JPG" border="0" width="450" height="600" />
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<strong>Be Our Guest (Magic Kingdom)</strong>
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On our last evening, we had reservations at Be Our Guest. We had eaten there previously for breakfast and lunch, but never dinner. Be Our Guest is MASSIVE, as compared to Cinderella's Royal Table and other Disney restaurants. It's a little chaotic. However, our food here was amazing also. Of course, you must try The Gray Stuff if you visit!
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Tzm02akx_uN3_8j4w5Vnsc5JbwwmIjf8eByF4yBLWvfB6uTF3mw07qTcoDiQKG9ln7vxx74pzhT6eATDC9DtbcyLRmup9yS1EizhD_RlgbH77JeU-zytwYThYUDZnHEGC-oZk7YNrmln/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8473" title="IMG_8473.JPG" border="0" width="600" height="450" />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fT4jLDTnqe74dt-7SBVheicz2Jl7do5Y8fttmkoqsywvx3BYRmAvnNW0Uku3ggdjgv2SeCZ3uxrZYlXXP2n1ahnRnv4D1eVL1wmhCe8BNLKwMxYPuBSkzaLhEqGIPBWBgpgvpwYcC0-8/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8474" title="IMG_8474.JPG" border="0" width="450" height="600" />
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<strong>Other Quick Signature Disney Eats</strong>
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You must eat Mickey-Shaped food while at Disney. I think it's a rule.
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OfsIFVifQ7QmUfAeQ7oLKaAMGOZhv2rFuTMJyqi8AB7oOEKZfGZ6fUf1tqukp7HiJBHpB-bCf46EX-Y1ti9malRZP6KNOAxheNKEqbmFXKKJ4G-3ycRlIMGMct5pKuKU5gycvmSgh3Oc/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8180" title="IMG_8180.JPG" border="0" width="600" height="450" />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4xUEKcSfBrtxst7lDBbwE_5I24aOtus9X4OX21gE5ywjD_7bFThPS2N4iJNJnP4VPzbGuEL3lsyqV7RSOmclTrRQOVjUkyAk8kReNwbdIhbhWM-4JVNAB31R8V8QLcH7o8AlxeW766h0/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8197" title="IMG_8197.JPG" border="0" width="450" height="600" />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTEVdpkmEapMx65quIyAGy8CGR9VkfTPo8r9E_VsH_1kJeUG-qNygJpTXg-BBBz4dbvIA8FzKeZ7PkVGtnD7LQNS9ODJRUL2846G6TG_ddGIXJEU8SAtDqVAlAkaBXaaoYXPS-KXALgdY/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8347" title="IMG_8347.JPG" border="0" width="450" height="600" />
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I also highly recommend the Dole Whip at Magic Kingdom- get the float!
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgj6F_hwo3gpIvEcAKSFvUKcSD0X7yPOy6Unhq_wiOP7kgzc-loBR4RtugkgYSJZKXwGPHlvartxvmo1F0U7MfNzY4DIzPPD8sDgt0Pp1nh2LCPy4tDt7X8kgOeuzF3nhLakaFW96h610/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8210" title="IMG_8210.JPG" border="0" width="450" height="600" />
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If you're a fan of hot dogs, you shoudl visit Casey's at Magic Kingdom for great hot dogs! Ryan had the Bacon Mac and Cheese Dog and it was enormous!
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFTcNF_b10MJEWeYAjNfeqydSXH6UhWJMmz9hXkiqWm22jKyerOmr5hcbBUeSNTgdavpxkolUYF_Mt7ZYfvJ_-Xjqn26E7_UKNqpQ06dbXFvdIgWq_IKX6ROectNnKnSa9NVnUOhH4fNG/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8519" title="IMG_8519.JPG" border="0" width="450" height="600" />
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We even brought home a few treats with our unused snack credits... like this Mickey Rice Krispie Treat!
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHR-8WUTEzP8L7jrwQv8XaNuga5NjQRbLc9QbKonxShIe7EJ2dQc1f98BLF6AvTsDp8y6y_xWZO9k2EqNveyAk8FiQ-Av1S5bKO5r9aJu2oK2hD_DnyOWpCm3K5el2OcKM4nJzxmaG8chi/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8456" title="IMG_8456.JPG" border="0" width="600" height="450" />
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So... those are just a few of our favorite Disney eats from this trip. Do you have favorite Disney foods? Drop a comment below and let me know!
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In other news... Wow, I sure do need to do some updating... my header photos are way old. That's not my hair color anymore. I'm also playing with some different Blogging Software for the Mac. I fell in love with Blogsy for iPads and I loved Live Writer for the PC platform but Mac didn't have as many options. I'm trying Mars Edit now...but if you have suggestions...I'm open!
Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-22623072200773903702018-02-12T21:17:00.001-05:002018-02-12T21:17:45.517-05:00Disney Post 1: Being Grand Marshals of Festival of Fantasy ParadeSo, if you read my last post, I gave a hint about something amazing that happened to us at Disney World. Yes, we were selected to be one of the Families of the Day and we were the Grand Marshals of the Festival of Fantasy Parade! More on that in a minute.
So, we decided back in the summer of 2017 that it was time for another trip down to Disney World. This would be our third family trip there. We've gone every other school year since Sadie was in Kindergarten. That probably sounds like a lot, but honestly, this is one of my favorite vacations. When you hear people say things like "most magical place on earth" or "magic of Disney," I know it sounds corny. However, it is true! Disney is a place where you truly can see your children's dreams come to life.
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCoWv6YXlVWcb1LzkUpsHYqHhFh8pcUe3WCvICTfYCgjwR_GVAVf_6iJbxluecg8uEOIcBGvX9kbWlGihd7hviCQsQQVPgLXWzvzcHtT5Q_CQur9dUceq_iHc7BPiq1iyZDfafhQ6ujuh/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8125" title="IMG_8125.JPG" border="0" width="450" height="600" />
For this trip, we decided to surprise Sadie for her 10th birthday. That's right, we had to keep this whole plan a secret for MONTHS! That was probably the hardest thing about the experience. On the morning of her 10th birthday, we dropped her off at school like a normal day, but then we picked her up at lunch and surprised her with the news that we were going to Disney. Today. Like, we are headed to the airport RIGHT NOW.
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMdg7BDhtOPspTbTWsYnUyLgXRs9ZuQK1uxW2x8tmxVdrCw0hc0jwLlH6jbi0oZIh2HJEjfN38wqmE32UnKmzXWH0qTPLIcLNGfM0nDvhDbHrck81PQ4QkD1QI-CfcVb2Zd3kkHg9ByUF/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8127" title="IMG_8127.JPG" border="0" width="598" height="450" />
It was an amazing moment we will all remember forever and she was truly blown away. We had a special birthday dinner in France at Les Chefs de France. I don't know that we will ever top her 10th birthday!
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXn4Dzs55sWG4OqhbEtSaR3GHLIqzpFImQYU2SnAsx46zcch7h-egATc10uWpVIIEcy9oBg7NdyLVl-MhAH4h8vHUTPV_oJBYHJFTni_JK1ZtnIAD5lmpmTWL5_BkkEoPc9sQ4tHgb2WKI/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8146" title="IMG_8146.JPG" border="0" width="600" height="450" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCP6bpR6jMfOclzG6-ioTqB0vcjdRDq6hyphenhyphenxyco7PcmzLHXZFXYV6OkQTMGQO8sR52G8riT-F9_fOWYfjcfFFVa7k0FDQxBjks2Mv5hvXUi0Bsw2i7h-z8UYW5krrns0KFZlVlq4rvsLgw/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8151" title="IMG_8151.JPG" border="0" width="600" height="450" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge19FmastelzEp2t_HUbSZteFpEfbjE_Z0Hg-ihp9KaqmZpRyNvg6ptozdIIBhgJnzROnAi9U5wiGnlfLSihnqSOIKO0vCVN4uoV2qmC7O5wzoERoY4ckCkIR00fARTehpPmEV-PaeEGC7/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8153" title="IMG_8153.JPG" border="0" width="450" height="600" />
Les Chefs did an amazing job making her feel special. Kevin was our favorite waiter the entire trip!
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeyiX7h802qsz5_CvtvJlc51wbnSolQfyKqHJBYtou9V8eFR5asjv82PbC_NfmG2cpUpmGtq11jf_SsHbxzqF7nTlPyt7aOu6YHD4jLdDT5YtB-hVlV6u0ob7AkHT_RRvfy2cECwuf40N/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8191" title="IMG_8191.JPG" border="0" width="395" height="395" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnAYW6JWbR52R2ztrilyc_SiwBCh5vIFOA8ldeAaoIDTrxIrP_a46n-kQnpXsBSR1eFlJ7cEoSh63nXit42p5aTLdWACcMvz5bkKuV4jzQdWEcTuerShyS8WuoF6uqmlyaDrO48Y5ngKD/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8221" title="IMG_8221.JPG" border="0" width="598" height="450" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqdYsnYDow_KZ5h2mh8NZkFH0FQHHcEePG2SSh0PR8jlxQ1if69P_AjG3rjhXZTvKwoFYP6V4QXREloWdk4TuDFCP-dhhaIryPXKlqTxSfBB8Yhx6coglikkMDnAsPOwEHTGeI09d1qPr/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8238" title="IMG_8238.JPG" border="0" width="539" height="539" />
We had the best trip. You know how something always goes wrong on every vacation? Well nothing really went wrong the whole time, including our flights to and from Orlando- they were both on time! That's a miracle in itself! We spent 4.5 days in the parks and had an absolute blast. I'm telling you, if you want to feel young, just head on down to Disney for your birthday. And wear the Birthday Button-- every where we went, people said to me, "There is no way you are 40! You look 29!" Well, hello, you are speaking my language. And I don't even care if it's all a lie to make you feel good.
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGdWWuesUaPXmw7cblqRQ6-VuP0G8-p4XV_b0xd-N_3lyhcops550Ww3MIizmQ9mjF2DzxjjAqL_BoUqLP_TcgB6sNK0Dzzm_Vas4wA71GKgXKlCuEm5Tsx0p7hiC3h7Bud94hViuLFEr/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8331" title="IMG_8331.JPG" border="0" width="399" height="600" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafRyUgcfbqj5PbNIICa5KdxrsrIYL6g9uagRxEVJZxgVSCasjOahxWBUmyu_QwMzc6NTVKJxtX-8Ga2bLRlkMcsZz9m9YbbqqNm1rlDZ0dMc9fPoxVBpZZKTdWA_io4Ns70ok6ANY8b1m/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8337" title="IMG_8337.JPG" border="0" width="400" height="600" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvX-PMEqLCqDLXFIQn-VDw6o15l2f1XQMvCRsMt88h_V0tZIHIA09UxgmAQElQPv51DlFumeHj184BogKTBpWNN3u7-R9dy0m-V23snKKQiCrz7hcHwfyw-bA67IvWe1GNb5dfm9qWi4kZ/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8360" title="IMG_8360.JPG" border="0" width="399" height="600" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNwnyETiL-JPMl7AKL4qWAug57h6v32bDeL_lKojxiAAUOfZ1gc4PewGChNrVSucGvyNvTu9DBl0S-xRsFJ1NFl9q62lkW909w6szkzupSe1KYh00TiqM35DtViLeD1PYMW-0nPtRdV50/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8365" title="IMG_8365.JPG" border="0" width="598" height="399" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8oCU46brHvjbMgvzJen__SH0WDugYqd2iF6l4LUqg1ydwCiU2sjEQ1wE45FFNu3JkBKb_jWt5KvJgCrvjBD9U5zVHcd24khARw6g6xeD45jSBshf9n_vfjSkpFX37icUA3KIiYd2nH4u/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8382" title="IMG_8382.JPG" border="0" width="399" height="600" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSao-Pg-r7MtibaKUpEKtdglaLpgttdBfr6bcDODCKDwlNHfv41C949mNFigd0l0x2a7RRyoQn2dO2TLDCnjSKmEDTGH63hu9m9YGUYo22uKLGa3VVBijuPC4Z0tYm9oXFMwM03w8eSG91/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8442" title="IMG_8442.JPG" border="0" width="399" height="600" />
On our last morning, we were a little later getting to Magic Kingdom, which normally would make me nervous, because I always have a plan of attack for our days at Disney. However, we were taking our time getting some fun photos when we were approached by a Disney employee who was asking us a little about our trip. As we were talking about some of the best spots in the park to watch the midday Festival of Fantasy Parade, we were shocked when he said, "Would you like to be our Grand Marshals?" We didn't need to think very long about that! Leading the parade at Disney? What a special experience on my 40th birthday and on our last day in the park!
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildVCAG_bodI3uue78R4iWM1aZZlhaRvWmoGghG-xhiRLLd3E5fy_mDn7kVfeSezg8k8IIBtqOXFUhbW2apH0BVJaj67kc-Kot-2T2iRPHy7owykWF3DlC95zgrkiRMCcYblOtmEzqutg0/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8434" title="IMG_8434.JPG" border="0" width="598" height="450" />
At 3:00, we met up with the Cast Members who lead the parade, where we were given very special Mickey Ears that were personalized for the parade AND we had our own photographer assigned to us. We rode in a fancy car that was open so we could wave to all the crowds and had an awesome driver who made us feel at home and also made us laugh continuously.
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzuPL3eglmIbjlUFpmjwJdxurUsVMavOpyr105yO7yt0xsLSVc4mmyN7wdHGtYTRCrBETObHUPOGm1Cms-bkaHJwJH5sopV5ouoI6C_GEqSCNneQrbd-Gsv4V5SfJl3SBSbjbISabO8Ly/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8457" title="IMG_8457.JPG" border="0" width="598" height="399" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BbOFYICdS_N439gyptS0UwqUXzOthajzXvW8QDNhoYl3Tx6eU2W4xPIZstoUeZSvuKpbVxU9anB-LVVvR5Gq3zlsQDO-pdTJplDgwi1mIWJvwUi5dhXwnmnBw44EZqeg9rYn_wtj_b13/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8458" title="IMG_8458.JPG" border="0" width="598" height="399" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh447QdpeR2oYX61Hf2yjetq56apsTyjpIC3sudMwjm5-sL7-vWPtUgA4Rm-M1i9L6H3TNFfQndW1UHhWVLgPCb6JNmmC_FZZV9k-j4h7lYX4NVzPEYGktg9Q2juG9mJ3mmjrHrKsmPugB7/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8460" title="IMG_8460.JPG" border="0" width="598" height="399" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1l_G3-hxK_pdOMyWfd6O-i8PxsN1QGuN5YbWu97A9uBbCfv7PD3SvWp3q1EMnEONhY8K_3cn2MQolDefhH4_fpJNY0O0TXIwhiusIp0AFk6t09u5M8vU57fDj2gIZlbjVLNr9UJcIH65D/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8463" title="IMG_8463.JPG" border="0" width="399" height="600" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVVNkNrsG5kT1AZkr1_2znJ_UPy1DvFQtLfLIO4KHv3oKQC34iCIeXpLv37kblR_a_aEHDDFjJL3MpG4OEyJX7sYDCJgfByJxa6JM0GjiKrBslWF6IL3AouTMdjAwXiaTYCVY52yaSkCr/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8465" title="IMG_8465.JPG" border="0" width="598" height="399" />
After making our way through the crowd, we were given a special VIP location to watch the parade, right at the entrance to Magic Kingdom. We were so close to the floats we could practically touch them. Our photographer documented the whole experience with over 200 photos for us (Thank Goodness we had purchased the Memory Maker!)
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjwzZ0OfmyRwiJ4zFwy3CvGKh4KtQEjm9RB6FOckTwThRW-hTF6YtYJekbTuPYy8EzJJgJOlz6LBypTxvOWaXOU3O0bPHTwNBm-wpY7Gw_gj6DGeruW6EIF62lMQ6WnrTiGuj7Il3X4X6/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8467" title="IMG_8467.JPG" border="0" width="598" height="399" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhic9u1oXaRQSrBHRnBnlclICNbJr5I_imjW5elCrdjMKbWcD6vVCoGxnQ3NhPqYDAYch-l2Qcn6omdVlbjYRMpzvoqB4cwlTleTATgGnmpf8LKoeDKJ6hFAlkS6Lg66bqWW5QX95z1jKfn/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8469" title="IMG_8469.JPG" border="0" width="399" height="600" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30oUydxCsAjqGTP5rAifE56ecF_L2wyWmnDyuEaXkzrz7O3Z0Bp1fp_3M2xPUrPQgxywYAvVePb3KpPZEvdX_fC9w5Zq3PoC2Zncu7s_fvtBCzFQqfynXwUGu6tFEtJ4qPWvemX_hWax1/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8470" title="IMG_8470.JPG" border="0" width="399" height="600" />
All in all, it was an amazing experience and it was truly magical. We enjoyed one last dinner at Be Our Guest and then saw one final fireworks show as we got ready to leave. Probably the best possible way to end a Disney Vacation.
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhET-NvIdGqmLP8DlU6FlkKyWf2INjpwH80z1Pq78_WDrqa2f4LE-BCOM0EVU4Yd65vj5KM997yaLRHcK3-Pq1uOW86bkjrKGBpH3ZL4nx70ipJS_4iIEZqeY1sAXr_OVPPS4mxBjfrRHTB/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8472" title="IMG_8472.JPG" border="0" width="600" height="450" />
(Some Gray Stuff!)
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfLYrAfCZSPLjLcYvEbFVami3lwlYt9imNUEZjrlGwi2M5-Hl2ycG5zgaPMlog3O-TcNXGk4rp5tNwROeNCt_XhXhdxMuF4fOIv0ccLIWOjlt_xuJxW0BueS1VkJMNmVK13mFmkdAKqD2/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8477" title="IMG_8477.JPG" border="0" width="450" height="600" />
I've got two other Disney posts planned. I'd like to do one post spotlighting some of the awesome food we ate, and another telling how we made the most of our time (and avoided lines)! Stay tuned!Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-60271059097498853052018-02-08T12:45:00.001-05:002018-02-10T15:55:16.102-05:00Time to Resurrect the Blog?So... it's been a while. Almost 3 years, to be exact. It's hard to believe I let that much time go by without blogging. Honestly, it's just been tough to find time to fit it in, but the truth is, I really do miss blogging. I've had several people ask me about blogging again recently and it's been nagging at me. I never did set a New Year's Resolution, so maybe this is a good one.<br />
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So, what have we been up to lately? A lot has changed, yet a lot has stayed the same.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgF7Nl-g5XDqz5ekVtMt2OyAcTaY5-TU0OVfZydE8TF82RHA-4POJdgC8FnPMU5m4mcszxj19P100clBAY3VasG104QyVBeKfN5r9zvTtDHrUPiDjLyTLsDpRGg40kN5W_MpCcRi6boXW/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8001" title="IMG_8001.JPG" border="0" width="598" height="450" />
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I'm still a Literacy Coach by day and a mom by night. Sadie is now ten. TEN! She just celebrated her 10th birthday and I celebrated my 40th! Yes, that's right, I just celebrated a pretty milestone birthday, too. Since this was a pretty big birthday for both of us, we decided to go to the Happiest Place on Earth!<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofmOkYxoBuUCDNiTRchjz1vFIeb0P3PQCr_S1bMv5gxpMj4buwcQ3-wJ8UnbJaG-pHURJM5rM2wXT4GQT3r8Gxe_89VilPDGlWXK9duYRt1y5bfhD_8N4297rseTGnnbTQxDInfCM8a1L/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8122" title="IMG_8122.JPG" border="0" width="600" height="450" />
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We had an amazing trip, and I'll write a follow-up post about something really amazing that happened to us while we were there. Here's a hint for you.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmwYxyawUwMfu80GVic-Z60kwkFB-wQ6qfC-fbhXqFpgJwknVaxU9KprE4WP6H-D2j4Xt06ETFmHXqZTA1lmZfVj_DvnSTA5d3hvQtIOoWg1HvXYZjK0RCkiDXk9p6lAhmWVS_iecqkQs/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8167" title="IMG_8167.JPG" border="0" width="399" height="600" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaAPeLbyY0BcbnE2iGAeNTacdfK_n7Fcz7TP7O4Lwx7KhpexepCWi1YjcII7P0fNkxXTdzJCMyqVG1d8Y1iUH7e-UK23Liav_90SI5QdU_LRN2cl-a-pnCsbAvcbiqkkkGY9MWNhqK0ts/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 8460" title="IMG_8460.JPG" border="0" width="598" height="399" />
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I'm still teaching Zumba-- I teach for a gym and also I have gone out on my own and have a class called Shake It with Liz. That's been a really fun adventure.<br />
<br />
I started going to OrangeTheory Fitness last spring. That's been a great addition to my fitness routine. I really love the classes there and how they have added a whole new type of exercise to my routine. Yes, I love dance-fitness, but I also love adding in the weight training and other types of challenges I get to do at OTF.<br />
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I can't give an update without mentioning the loss of our sweet Baylee. If you've been reading the blog for quite some time, I am sure you remember seeing our girl here. She had some health complications starting last spring and in August, we had to say goodbye to our sweet and loving girl. She gave us 16 years of absolute devotion, always sticking right by my side. We miss her very much. It's amazing how much dogs dogs give us, asking so little in return. There really is nothing like the love of a dog.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPoHafIskfSDJczTCUCZJHSB2r5TkBG-6a0WjYQrjI9SouEROP5QAgR8FxNKfLt-3AIPyKaadMygN7RUirS3mAwAlDujdCsBXKprYRIhi9pPag6XFe7Vmeq79qzK_ZmquifO28i3ONtFD/?imgmax=1600" alt="IMG 0001" title="IMG_0001.jpg" border="0" width="388" height="600" />
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So what can you expect on the blog now?<br />
<br />
I've got a few posts planned. I am going to do a little series of posts about our trip to Disney. I want to highlight some of the really cool things we did and include some tips. I thought I would also do a post about the food at Disney (hello, obviously). I'll also continue to talk about health and wellness, teaching Zumba and my experiences at OrangeTheory. AND, I now have an Instant Pot (a.k.a. Magic Pot) so I'll share some about what I'm cooking.<br />
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Thanks for reading and I'm looking forward to reconnecting with you!<br />
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<br />Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-86209420913739588392015-04-26T22:34:00.001-04:002015-04-26T22:34:36.917-04:00Catching Up<p> Hey there, remember me? I know, it's been quite a while. I'm always surprised when someone says, "I really miss your blog." That's such a nice compliment, and I miss it, too. The truth is, life's just been really, really busy. But not too busy for Kale Chips.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DjNeX9Ka_9I/VT2gIsH8oAI/AAAAAAAAL5k/DmKwi5NUnmM/s1024/Photo%25252020150426223407853.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DjNeX9Ka_9I/VT2gIsH8oAI/AAAAAAAAL5k/DmKwi5NUnmM/s500/Photo%25252020150426223407853.jpg" id="blogsy-1430102076145.5403" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>Sadie is growing like crazy and she's so smart and so much fun. Ryan is doing great also. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qKKMB4AK5H0/VT2gJwUM1VI/AAAAAAAAL5s/Y1I1rWdBzAA/s1024/Photo%25252020150426223408186.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qKKMB4AK5H0/VT2gJwUM1VI/AAAAAAAAL5s/Y1I1rWdBzAA/s500/Photo%25252020150426223408186.jpg" id="blogsy-1430102076129.935" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RJsSehXPbvU/VT2gLEt3qAI/AAAAAAAAL50/OjEx8VreDw4/s1024/Photo%25252020150426223408555.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RJsSehXPbvU/VT2gLEt3qAI/AAAAAAAAL50/OjEx8VreDw4/s500/Photo%25252020150426223408555.jpg" id="blogsy-1430102076129.4995" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FGy384rAzHU/VT2gMDMIPMI/AAAAAAAAL58/JhfEOblIgZg/s1024/Photo%25252020150426223408762.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FGy384rAzHU/VT2gMDMIPMI/AAAAAAAAL58/JhfEOblIgZg/s500/Photo%25252020150426223408762.jpg" id="blogsy-1430102076082.956" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>I am still teaching Zumba. I've got a great class and we have so much fun. Here's a picture from St. Patrick's Day with some of my loyal participants. They are the best!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UgHhUnHOWIw/VT2gNWQW_sI/AAAAAAAAL6E/osoo3fJ9Dvg/s1024/Photo%25252020150426223408889.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UgHhUnHOWIw/VT2gNWQW_sI/AAAAAAAAL6E/osoo3fJ9Dvg/s500/Photo%25252020150426223408889.jpg" id="blogsy-1430102076087.9922" class="alignnone" width="500" height="750" alt=""></a></div><p>I get asked all the time why I stopped blogging, and really it wasn't a conscious decision. Life just sort of got in the way. But I also decided it was time to return to writing. Those of you who know me well know that I used to write a lot, and even had a few things published in some literary magazines a few years back. But in the past 10 years, Indidnt write much and I certainly didn't send off any manuscripts. For the past year, I have been trying to get back into it. I've sent off a few things, and we will see what happens. I'll keep you updated. </p><p>I also have really enjoyed learning about essential oils. I ordered this great starter kit from Young Living which had 11 oils in it. I have used the oils to help reduce headaches, of end off spring allergies, and more. It's truly been a game changer for me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uqa-5hEXpOQ/VT2gOQZzDDI/AAAAAAAAL6M/x5w2qWIQO_0/s640/Photo%25252020150426223408956.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uqa-5hEXpOQ/VT2gOQZzDDI/AAAAAAAAL6M/x5w2qWIQO_0/s500/Photo%25252020150426223408956.jpg" id="blogsy-1430102076136.04" class="alignnone" width="500" height="281" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">If you've been curious about oils, I would be glad to share how they have helped me and my family over the past several months. I love being able to use something natural rather than something that really isn't good for me in the long run.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Well, that's it, in a nutshell...</div><p>Thanks for reading and I'll try not to let too much time go by before the next post. </p><p>Goodnight, all...</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-47595434263027579622015-04-26T15:27:00.001-04:002015-04-26T15:27:49.319-04:00How to Use Blogsy<div class="separator" style="clear:both; text-align:left;"><a href="http://fomola.com" target="_self" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/resource/introduction_post/guide_01_intro@2x.jpg" id="blogsy-1430076435658.8816" class="" alt="" width="248" height="192"></a></div><h2>Welcome to Blogsy!</h2><p>Let's get started.</p><ol> <li>Set up your blog by going to the Settings Menu<img src="http://blogsyapp.com/resource/introduction_post/guide_19_settingbutton@2x.jpg" id="blogsy-1430076435706.456" class="" alt="" width="33" height="33"> → Service Settings. Then choose your blog platform and fill in your information.</li> <li>Tap on the Post Info. button<img src="http://blogsyapp.com/resource/introduction_post/guide_18_postinfobutton@2x.jpg" id="blogsy-1430076435681.2705" class="" alt="" width="36" height="36"> to get to all post information.</li> <li>Tap on the Plus button<img src="http://blogsyapp.com/resource/introduction_post/guide_21_newpostbutton@2x.jpg" id="blogsy-1430076435687.596" class="" alt="" width="36" height="36"> to start a new post or open a local draft.</li> <li>Tap on the Online button<img src="http://blogsyapp.com/resource/introduction_post/guide_20_onlinebutton@2x.jpg" id="blogsy-1430076435671.542" class="" alt="" width="36" height="36"> to open an online post in Blogsy to edit.</li></ol><p>If you would like to Edit HTML or need to paste embed codes then just swipe with three fingers across the screen to flip to the HTML side.</p><div class="separator" style="clear:both; text-align:left;"><a href="http://fomola.com" target="_self" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/resource/introduction_post/guide_06_swipe@2x.jpg" id="blogsy-1430076435683.2952" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="336" height="272"></a></div><p>Here's a quick overview pointing out where to go to do all the things you want to do.</p><div class="separator" style="clear:both; text-align:left;"><a href="http://fomola.com" target="_self" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/resource/introduction_post/guide_15_overview@2x.jpg" id="blogsy-1430076435635.635" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="512" height="384"></a></div><h2>How-To Videos and How-To Guide</h2><div class="separator" style="clear:both; text-align:left;"><a href="http://fomola.com" target="_self" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/resource/introduction_post/guide_17_watchvideo@2x.jpg" id="blogsy-1430076435653.1628" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="530" height="320"></a></div><p>To get more information about how to use Blogsy go to "Settings" → "How-To Videos" or "How-To Guide".</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-1617209159113550742014-05-03T10:00:00.000-04:002014-05-03T10:00:02.318-04:00The Goat's Beard (Manayunk, Philadelphia, PA)<p> As you know, we spent last weekend in Philadelphia. Although we were there for sad reasons, we managed to squeeze in some fun at the same time. </p><p>On Friday, after looking through some of my grandmother's furniture and decorations, we decided to go for a late lunch in <a href="http://manayunk.com" target="_blank" title="">Manayunk</a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hc9ACcXHg2I/U2OXgHQudyI/AAAAAAAALzE/6a8aUVp7tkQ/s1024/Photo%25252020140502090251.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hc9ACcXHg2I/U2OXgHQudyI/AAAAAAAALzE/6a8aUVp7tkQ/s500/Photo%25252020140502090251.jpg" id="blogsy-1399035808701.1082" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Manayunk is a historic district, located in Philadelphia. There are lots of unique shops and restaurants located there. With the help of Yelp, we decided to grab a late lunch at The Goat's Beard. The Goat's Beard is located on Main Street in Manayunk, and they use fresh, local, organic ingredients. <a href="http://thegoatsbeardphilly.com" target="_self" title="">Check out their we</a><a href="http://(null)" target="_self" title=""></a>bsite here.</span><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sLu8-BHaV7k/U2OXiLOr-zI/AAAAAAAALzM/O1z5obMNUGU/s1024/Photo%25252020140502090251.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sLu8-BHaV7k/U2OXiLOr-zI/AAAAAAAALzM/O1z5obMNUGU/s500/Photo%25252020140502090251.jpg" id="blogsy-1399035808639.7852" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-34Pw166t0Sw/U2OXjHVLwnI/AAAAAAAALzU/l60EScRarfI/s1024/Photo%25252020140502090251.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-34Pw166t0Sw/U2OXjHVLwnI/AAAAAAAALzU/l60EScRarfI/s500/Photo%25252020140502090251.jpg" id="blogsy-1399035808725.6453" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p>There are a few tables located outside, and then the inside has a few more tables. There is space upstairs for private parties as well. </p><p>We were lucky that we arrived just before they closed for the break before dinner.</p><p>A little day drinking...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-c9KKAVcqvck/U2OXkZq78hI/AAAAAAAALzc/cC95s-G4X_E/s1024/Photo%25252020140502090251.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-c9KKAVcqvck/U2OXkZq78hI/AAAAAAAALzc/cC95s-G4X_E/s500/Photo%25252020140502090251.jpg" id="blogsy-1399035808722.319" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">It was really hard to make a decision, but I decided to go with the fish tacos. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cLFY-IzPsrA/U2OXl0rTjEI/AAAAAAAALzk/oJt6tsagoeU/s1024/Photo%25252020140502090252.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cLFY-IzPsrA/U2OXl0rTjEI/AAAAAAAALzk/oJt6tsagoeU/s500/Photo%25252020140502090252.jpg" id="blogsy-1399035808656.875" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">On the tacos: fresh fish, fresh salsa, cilantro, pickled cabbage, and creme fraiche. Can you really go wrong with anything that has creme fraiche? No, you can't.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CJb85RU2Zco/U2OXm_x0SGI/AAAAAAAALzs/ZyFZCJgr5lw/s1024/Photo%25252020140502090252.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CJb85RU2Zco/U2OXm_x0SGI/AAAAAAAALzs/ZyFZCJgr5lw/s500/Photo%25252020140502090252.jpg" id="blogsy-1399035808672.036" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Everyone tried something different. My sister had the mussels, which it had considered ordering as well. I did steal one and they were delicious also. There is something really beautiful about mussels. I love the black, shiny shells.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0HkjDLI_uHU/U2OXnvQHaMI/AAAAAAAALz0/IexBQWGOkNs/s1024/Photo%25252020140502090252.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0HkjDLI_uHU/U2OXnvQHaMI/AAAAAAAALz0/IexBQWGOkNs/s500/Photo%25252020140502090252.jpg" id="blogsy-1399035808724.5288" class="alignnone" width="500" height="373" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">If you are in the area, I would definitely think about checking out The Goat's Beard for brunch, lunch, or dinner!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-58818441438648699312014-05-02T08:33:00.001-04:002014-05-02T08:33:13.884-04:00Remembering in Philadelphia<p> So what did I do? I promised to blog more often. Yeah, guess what I didn't do? Blog more often. I bet you won't believe any of my promises anymore, but I hope we can still be friends.</p><p>Everyone has been asking me lately, "I miss your blog. When are you going to update it again?" It's so flattering to know anyone out there DOES actually read this! Know what else? It makes you feel guilty for not keeping up with it. </p><p>Since I have been bad about cooking lately, I thought I might just write a quick post about a trip to Philadelphia this past weekend. </p><p>Last week, I was in Philadelphia for my Grandmother's memorial service. She passed away in February, but the brothers and sisters decided to arrange a memorial service later in the spring when more grandchildren and friends could attend. </p><p>Oddly enough, this was the first time I have ever slept at this grandmother's house. I always loved her home. It's an old (built circa 1900!) row house located in Roxborough, an area in Philadelphia. One of the coolest parts of her house was the third floor. I always thought it was neat that you could see the skyscrapers of Center City from her third floor window.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ioJn5beI2f0/U2OQaHky1II/AAAAAAAALx8/0uPtI_tLKcI/s1024/Photo%25252020140502083236.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ioJn5beI2f0/U2OQaHky1II/AAAAAAAALx8/0uPtI_tLKcI/s500/Photo%25252020140502083236.jpg" id="blogsy-1399033992566.8594" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-M8z1EYcUeLU/U2OQbMqZKWI/AAAAAAAALyE/76uMAKD1bjU/s1024/Photo%25252020140502083236.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-M8z1EYcUeLU/U2OQbMqZKWI/AAAAAAAALyE/76uMAKD1bjU/s500/Photo%25252020140502083236.jpg" id="blogsy-1399033992543.8699" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>My grandmother, Betty (otherwise known to most of us as Mom Mom) had the most infectious giggle. Even though she faced some very hard times throughout her life, she was always able to leave the past in the past and focus on the present. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VtrDxXcji0Y/U2OQbywUS-I/AAAAAAAALyM/c4QQHOUppgg/s1024/Photo%25252020140502083236.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VtrDxXcji0Y/U2OQbywUS-I/AAAAAAAALyM/c4QQHOUppgg/s500/Photo%25252020140502083236.jpg" id="blogsy-1399033992542.898" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p> </p><p>When we saw her this past fall for her 90th birthday, she was smiling and laughing. I will always be glad I was able to be there to celebrate with her.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EFfdolS0lvA/U2OQc2HKy5I/AAAAAAAALyU/45Nn54ZxQ-U/s1024/Photo%25252020140502083236.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EFfdolS0lvA/U2OQc2HKy5I/AAAAAAAALyU/45Nn54ZxQ-U/s500/Photo%25252020140502083236.jpg" id="blogsy-1399033992585.9792" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><br></span></p><p> <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">On the day of the memorial service, the weather was predicted to be rainy, but it was such a beautiful day. It was just warm enough to make you want to sit on the porch all day. Look at how blue the sky was that day! Amazing. Even though it was a sad day, we enjoyed the time with all of our family who came from all over the country to be together.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><br></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5mh27ycQpvo/U2OQeqJeQHI/AAAAAAAALyc/LwKpbBh2I1k/s800/Photo%25252020140502083236.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5mh27ycQpvo/U2OQeqJeQHI/AAAAAAAALyc/LwKpbBh2I1k/s500/Photo%25252020140502083236.jpg" id="blogsy-1399033992627.3423" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><br></span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">The church where we held the service was absolutely beautiful, inside and out. Although I love my home state of South Carolina, there is something special about these old stone buildings.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-W307Hb8rLhM/U2OQf_zGlcI/AAAAAAAALyk/ZNdX8ieswkg/s1024/Photo%25252020140502083237.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-W307Hb8rLhM/U2OQf_zGlcI/AAAAAAAALyk/ZNdX8ieswkg/s500/Photo%25252020140502083237.jpg" id="blogsy-1399033992548.5051" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5Ntl1LQl8IU/U2OQg0ElWkI/AAAAAAAALys/v459x_aDf7g/s1024/Photo%25252020140502083237.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5Ntl1LQl8IU/U2OQg0ElWkI/AAAAAAAALys/v459x_aDf7g/s500/Photo%25252020140502083237.jpg" id="blogsy-1399033992619.9324" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><p>Saying goodbye on Sunday was especially sad. Have you ever left a parent or grandparent's home, knowing that you will probably never cross that threshold again? It's a strange and sad feeling, like you want to remember every little nook and cranny and the memories you made there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IGrkaSDph8U/U2OQhmaaGYI/AAAAAAAALy0/1JrpZ_MFY7I/s1024/Photo%25252020140502083237.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IGrkaSDph8U/U2OQhmaaGYI/AAAAAAAALy0/1JrpZ_MFY7I/s500/Photo%25252020140502083237.jpg" id="blogsy-1399033992606.5098" class="alignnone" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p>I know I will never forget sitting on those steps in the living room, waiting for my turn to open presents on Christmas morning.</p><p>Or the back (secret) stairwell and racing my sisters to see who could get to the bathroom first.</p><p>Or looking out the top story window to see the Philadelphia skyline.</p><p>Or eating Cheesesteaks from Dalesandro's at the dining room table.</p><p>Or the radiators. Or the stone wall out front.</p><p>Goodbye, house. We'll miss you.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-22566274167340531962014-02-24T18:00:00.000-05:002014-02-24T18:00:03.097-05:00Currywurst: Easy, Tasty, and Cheap German-ish Dinner<p> Welcome to a new week! Isn't Currywurst a crazy word? It doesn't sound like food, does it? But it is. It's weird, but delicious! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9Ka_596O4_I/UwtlB4SL6mI/AAAAAAAALus/qqCOT1-4qb4/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525208%25253A38%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9Ka_596O4_I/UwtlB4SL6mI/AAAAAAAALus/qqCOT1-4qb4/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525208%25253A38%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393255753304.9075" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div><p>So, what's been happening lately?</p><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">We now have a six-year-old. Yep, crazy, but true.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ajn3vlLll8c/UwtlDBTRerI/AAAAAAAALu0/-JClP93NoC8/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252020%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A33%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ajn3vlLll8c/UwtlDBTRerI/AAAAAAAALu0/-JClP93NoC8/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252020%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A33%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393255753333.2256" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="750"></a></div><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">We got buried in the snow. Then added some ice. Then more snow. It took several days to get out of our driveway.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--mX7PBXX1_M/UwtlEa4VXyI/AAAAAAAALu8/uuvJEPyD848/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252013%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A45%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--mX7PBXX1_M/UwtlEa4VXyI/AAAAAAAALu8/uuvJEPyD848/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252013%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A45%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393255753323.783" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">We found a rug and some pillows for the living room! I am terrible at picking out pillows, but this was my first attempt. Here's a little before, before, and after.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-I8k44k5CjSk/UwtlHZWHI4I/AAAAAAAALvE/jrEW90Eq5HY/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%2525208%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525205%25253A54%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-I8k44k5CjSk/UwtlHZWHI4I/AAAAAAAALvE/jrEW90Eq5HY/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525208%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525205%25253A54%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393255753367.498" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2xNfKCAA2BU/UwtlIaBCS4I/AAAAAAAALvM/L9bWrKrWRig/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252014%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A57%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2xNfKCAA2BU/UwtlIaBCS4I/AAAAAAAALvM/L9bWrKrWRig/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252014%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A57%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393255753321.101" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G5-AFmWYg_M/UwtlJXvyxzI/AAAAAAAALvU/Ckl7sga4SHY/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G5-AFmWYg_M/UwtlJXvyxzI/AAAAAAAALvU/Ckl7sga4SHY/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393255753353.5684" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WCAQm-BRnn8/UwtlKS7yS2I/AAAAAAAALvc/M7EuxkgrUMY/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252017%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A03%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WCAQm-BRnn8/UwtlKS7yS2I/AAAAAAAALvc/M7EuxkgrUMY/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252017%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A03%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393255753321.7585" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Gotta figure out what to put on this giant wall. (The one over the loveseat. It's about 20 feet tall!) Suggestions??</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">And as you know, we made Currywurst. I never heard of this dish before, but back in December, my friend Kevin made it at a Holiday party and everyone loved it! It was so simple, but delicious. Ryan was home with a sick Sadie that night, so he never got to try it. I knew he would like it, so I finally got around to making it this weekend. </span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">There are many different versions of Currywurst- and none is really the "right" one. The version I made is the super quick one because I used tomato ketchup instead of stewing a sauce. But according to sources I checked, it came about as a quick easy meal that is also easy on the budget. It Germany today, it's considered to be a type of fast food, often sold in street carts or food trucks. <a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052970204884404574364600782551292" target="_blank" title="">Here is a link to an article about Currywurst in the Wall Street Journal</a>, in case you are interested in learning more.</span></p><p> <strong><u>Quick Currywurst</u></strong></p><p><em>I feel weird even calling this a recipe because it's so simple. </em></p><p><strong>Ingredients</strong>:</p><ul> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Package of 4-5 brats (I used the Harris Teeter brand)</span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Ketchup </span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Curry Powder</span></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-N759AMJherc/UwtlLYPwSQI/AAAAAAAALvk/X8yqeZcHOig/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525208%25253A38%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-N759AMJherc/UwtlLYPwSQI/AAAAAAAALvk/X8yqeZcHOig/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525208%25253A38%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393255753338.6238" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><strong>Preparation</strong>: </span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Preheat the grill to medium-low. When grill is hot, add the brats. Be sure to turn them often. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the brats and let rest a couple of minutes on a cutting board. Next, slice into bite-sized pieces, but leave them on huge cutting board. Drizzle with ketchup. Then finish it off with a dusting of curry powder. You can use more if you like the flavor of curry- which I definitely DO! Enjoy! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8Gfg8u8ulJM/UwtlMRT0MQI/AAAAAAAALvs/n_DXgCqPEYo/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525208%25253A39%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8Gfg8u8ulJM/UwtlMRT0MQI/AAAAAAAALvs/n_DXgCqPEYo/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525208%25253A39%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393255753389.1853" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nYz-ZzFujE0/UwtlNW6E6BI/AAAAAAAALv0/MJsXYLGo7yg/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525208%25253A39%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nYz-ZzFujE0/UwtlNW6E6BI/AAAAAAAALv0/MJsXYLGo7yg/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525208%25253A39%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393255753340.9204" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">We enjoyed ours with roasted Brussels sprouts. Yum! Love them crispy like this!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wPN3nvSvzdo/UwtlObgBPdI/AAAAAAAALv8/cWihqHSfeA4/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525208%25253A55%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wPN3nvSvzdo/UwtlObgBPdI/AAAAAAAALv8/cWihqHSfeA4/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525208%25253A55%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393255753329.6338" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rsbQtoXwZ40/UwtlPe466LI/AAAAAAAALwE/CcApGcLfGLU/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525208%25253A55%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rsbQtoXwZ40/UwtlPe466LI/AAAAAAAALwE/CcApGcLfGLU/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525208%25253A55%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393255753349.0303" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div><p>I think this is a great dish to serve at a cookout or casual get together. I think it would also be a great spring/summer patio dinner for just two people. Light some candles. Grab some beers, add some other pick-ups, and just chat, drink, and eat! I think my husband and I will make this sometime for a stay-home date night when it gets warmer.</p><p>If you try Currywurst, let me know how you like it! Thanks to my friend Kevin for the idea!</p><p> In other news, this weather has been amazing! We have had some 60-70 degree temps and it has been so nice for walks to the park, walks to the yogurt store, and just sitting outside! I know the cold isn't finished with us yet, but this does make me excited for spring!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aNcwEfn8ORE/UwtlQVPqVNI/AAAAAAAALwM/ATMZ7F_wo2o/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252017%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525204%25253A19%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aNcwEfn8ORE/UwtlQVPqVNI/AAAAAAAALwM/ATMZ7F_wo2o/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252017%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525204%25253A19%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393255753306.5647" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aTxmwiVOJ5Q/UwtlRXXAjtI/AAAAAAAALwU/U3v-gbXtiVY/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252017%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525204%25253A23%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aTxmwiVOJ5Q/UwtlRXXAjtI/AAAAAAAALwU/U3v-gbXtiVY/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252017%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525204%25253A23%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393255753356.8196" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-59554926407441467902014-02-03T18:00:00.000-05:002014-02-03T18:00:03.968-05:00Paleo Buffalo Chicken Bites<p>Note: this was supposed to be published on Friday! So, can we all please mentally rewind and pretend it is Friday as you read this?</p>
<p> Happy Friday! TGIF! It actually doesn't feel like a Friday at all. We have been off of work since 1:00 on Tuesday due to snow and ice! I won't lie, a 2 1/2 day work week was pretty nice! We had some time to sled, cook, watch movies, clean the house, and relax! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K8k2DaQg75A/Uu-oMp4NiMI/AAAAAAAALtI/KX45L_gtSUU/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525208%25253A53%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K8k2DaQg75A/Uu-oMp4NiMI/AAAAAAAALtI/KX45L_gtSUU/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525208%25253A53%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391437997933.7188" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YP0Od2ztUvQ/Uu-oRKnErTI/AAAAAAAALtQ/YWMakuC21R4/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525208%25253A51%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YP0Od2ztUvQ/Uu-oRKnErTI/AAAAAAAALtQ/YWMakuC21R4/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525208%25253A51%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391437997927.7805" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-l4g6arm1q_o/Uu-oVnbKciI/AAAAAAAALtY/9PIfAHcek-A/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525209%25253A01%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-l4g6arm1q_o/Uu-oVnbKciI/AAAAAAAALtY/9PIfAHcek-A/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525209%25253A01%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391437997984.8518" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="374"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYoSPTLA1bEjgkENCBmtm1xuMoiY6ftV73Y7fexzgWz3Oxx72Kh2K1h1xlaIAEAKj5tdPXQNvnMJqGq1-ubtHyFAPM1oMrwDWldYR0EgN6Ll5eI2uu0Wkim2Qs2z4dyGXtNqWL3yeqM_O/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525209%25253A04%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYoSPTLA1bEjgkENCBmtm1xuMoiY6ftV73Y7fexzgWz3Oxx72Kh2K1h1xlaIAEAKj5tdPXQNvnMJqGq1-ubtHyFAPM1oMrwDWldYR0EgN6Ll5eI2uu0Wkim2Qs2z4dyGXtNqWL3yeqM_O/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525209%25253A04%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391437997936.9753" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">It doesn't look like much, but our street was a big sheet of ice and beieve it or not, Ryan, Sadie, and I did a lot of sledding on that hill!</div>
<p>I think the thing that is greatest about a snow day is the fact that you don't know it is coming. So when you get it, it is like being given a gift of extra time. Since I expected to be various places (work, teaching Zumba, church) and they were all suddenly canceled, I found myself with 48 hours of free time with my family. </p>
<p>We also got to do some cooking. </p>
<p>We made snow cream! I got the idea to put out a big bowl BEFORE it started snowing so that we could collect snow for snow cream. This way, we would not have to scrape the snow off of the ground or other dirty things. </p>
<p>Recipe:</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">2 cups of snow</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">1/2 cup of milk</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">2 Tbsp sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">1/2 tsp. vanilla</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Mix well and enjoy! Makes 2-3 small servings.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M3aawVDukmM/Uu-odwwH6FI/AAAAAAAALto/T-oQvQOeNTs/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525205%25253A02%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M3aawVDukmM/Uu-odwwH6FI/AAAAAAAALto/T-oQvQOeNTs/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525205%25253A02%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391437997995.5027" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p>I also had time to create these Paleo Buffalo Chicken Bites. I know with the Super Bowl coming up, lots of people are looking for snack ideas. I think these would be a hit, especially if you like spicy chicken wings!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mbcDBCfv5lY/Uu-ohms_9_I/AAAAAAAALtw/HxxZlUPNRBA/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525206%25253A16%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mbcDBCfv5lY/Uu-ohms_9_I/AAAAAAAALtw/HxxZlUPNRBA/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525206%25253A16%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391437997946.165" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div>
<p> <strong><u>Paleo Buffalo Chicken Bites</u></strong></p>
<p>Ingredients: </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">3-4 raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">1 egg, beaten</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">3/4 cup of coconut flour</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">2 tsp. garlic powder</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">2 tsp. onion powder</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">1 tsp. salt</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">1/2 stick butter or ghee</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">1/4 cup Frank's Red Hot Cayenne Pepper Sauce</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Preparation:</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">You will need two shallow bowls. Place the beaten egg in one bowl. In the other, mix the coconut flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Using tongs, dip each chicken "bite" in the beaten egg, and then dredge in the flour mixture. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Repeat until all the bites are coated and ready to bake. </span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Bake the bites at 400 degrees for about 5 minutes. While the bites are baking, mix the 1/2 stick of melted butter with the Frank's. </span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Remove the bites and brush one side with the Frank's mixture. Bake 5-6 more minutes. Then turn each bite over and brush the other side with the Frank's mixture. Bake 5 more minutes, or until cooked through.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Add a cup of homemade ranch dressing and start dipping! Add some celery sticks if you like! </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FeCWjEnE0is/Uu-omo1fxzI/AAAAAAAALt4/tsBlx-P6018/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525206%25253A16%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FeCWjEnE0is/Uu-omo1fxzI/AAAAAAAALt4/tsBlx-P6018/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525206%25253A16%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391437997930.0493" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Now, settle in and watch some football. Or a new episode of Downton Abbey. ;) </span><br>
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1iQUF3Ya9C0/Uu-oqjMvXaI/AAAAAAAALuA/887a4kpZWeY/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525206%25253A17%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1iQUF3Ya9C0/Uu-oqjMvXaI/AAAAAAAALuA/887a4kpZWeY/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252029%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525206%25253A17%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391437997952.6726" class="alignnone" width="500" height="373" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p>Note: the fancy camera was charging, so the iPhone had to step in for photos. </p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-38866455264828029102014-01-21T18:00:00.000-05:002014-01-21T18:00:04.699-05:00LizzieBars: the Homemade Alternative to LaraBars :)<p>Happy Tuesday! Today is totally confusing me. We had yesterday off of work, so all day long I kept thinking it was Monday. Short weeks always feel weird. Our weekend was busy! We celebrated my dad's retirement this weekend in Greenville, SC. It was lots of fun to be with family. We even did a little bowling on Saturday! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SL2cWqDJYao/Ut7Mart-7II/AAAAAAAALqQ/IUikq4XXcdU/s480/Photo%252520Jan%25252021%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A39%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SL2cWqDJYao/Ut7Mart-7II/AAAAAAAALqQ/IUikq4XXcdU/s480/Photo%252520Jan%25252021%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A39%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390333087863.6206" class="alignnone" alt="" width="480" height="358"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<p>On Sunday, we headed home to do some painting at the house!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-STt7ZqW1Zsk/Ut7MbkQQjqI/AAAAAAAALqY/c_DiZ5w3igw/s479/Photo%252520Jan%25252021%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-STt7ZqW1Zsk/Ut7MbkQQjqI/AAAAAAAALqY/c_DiZ5w3igw/s479/Photo%252520Jan%25252021%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390333087955.266" class="alignnone" alt="" width="359" height="479"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">(Family shot on the front porch)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">We were very lucky that our house was move-in-ready. There wasn't anything we HAD to do before living there. However, there were a few projects we needed to do ASAP. One of the bedrooms was decorated for a little boy- or a paleontologist. :)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rDMzFxmx-i4/Ut7MchiUXaI/AAAAAAAALqg/NdHMgjihuzw/s1024/Photo%252520Nov%25252021%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525205%25253A33%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rDMzFxmx-i4/Ut7MchiUXaI/AAAAAAAALqg/NdHMgjihuzw/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252021%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525205%25253A33%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390333087957.1033" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JDreiRLKB4c/Ut7MdpRcrkI/AAAAAAAALqo/MPUKeFJiICA/s1024/Photo%252520Nov%25252021%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525205%25253A33%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JDreiRLKB4c/Ut7MdpRcrkI/AAAAAAAALqo/MPUKeFJiICA/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252021%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525205%25253A33%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390333087878.6423" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div>
<p>As attractive as these dinosaurs are...they are kind of scary for a guest room, right? </p>
<p>If you are wondering how many coats of paint it takes to cover dinosaurs... The answer would be 5: 3 coats of primer and 2 coats of paint. Here's a (sort-of) after shot. We still need to apply a second coat- hence the taped outlets.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-94GDp0SoPSc/Ut7Me05CkUI/AAAAAAAALqw/j_RevTnuETY/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A41%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-94GDp0SoPSc/Ut7Me05CkUI/AAAAAAAALqw/j_RevTnuETY/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A41%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390333087954.347" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DzYrpfcvTzw/Ut7Mf9vDQyI/AAAAAAAALq4/grlxcXo8DXI/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A41%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DzYrpfcvTzw/Ut7Mf9vDQyI/AAAAAAAALq4/grlxcXo8DXI/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A41%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390333087883.5247" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<p>We were also painting this bedroom over the weekend:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RVTSTy-Vxq4/Ut7Mgm1iiII/AAAAAAAALrA/R7tudOVMcLk/s1024/Photo%252520Nov%25252021%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525205%25253A31%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RVTSTy-Vxq4/Ut7Mgm1iiII/AAAAAAAALrA/R7tudOVMcLk/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252021%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525205%25253A31%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390333087927.8718" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div>
<p> This bedroom has an interesting wall-decor-technique. Those are wooden slats nailed to the wall. That made this paint job pretty tedious. We had to paint the wall color first and then go back and paint all the slats. The husband was ready to call a professional within the first hour, but we finally finished it last night! </p>
<p>After:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iJkDazLArLo/Ut7Mhjbv6kI/AAAAAAAALrI/5Tfeh9pT7ww/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A40%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iJkDazLArLo/Ut7Mhjbv6kI/AAAAAAAALrI/5Tfeh9pT7ww/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A40%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390333087892.865" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wucEBwfB5EQ/Ut7Mim0Ma4I/AAAAAAAALrQ/qv_hctMaoc8/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A40%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wucEBwfB5EQ/Ut7Mim0Ma4I/AAAAAAAALrQ/qv_hctMaoc8/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A40%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390333087936.1404" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">I still want to add a little color to this room. But I like the way the blue and white is kind of calm and peaceful.</div>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">So... on to the food. (I know that's why you stopped by!) Do you have a favorite energy or snack bar? I feel like I have tried them all. I've become really picky about energy/protein/health/snack bars. I've started looking at ingredients and most of them are full of...well...crap. Lots of sugar, lots of preservatives, lots of not-so-good-for-you ingredients. But then I came across LaraBars. Larabars are great. </span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vD2juL5amuw/Ut7MjTx72FI/AAAAAAAALrY/VQKaBxtZGqI/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252021%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A32%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vD2juL5amuw/Ut7MjTx72FI/AAAAAAAALrY/VQKaBxtZGqI/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252021%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A32%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390333087958.7485" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="121"></a></div>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> Their ingredient list is short, they are made from real food, and most of them don't even have added sugar. My favorite flavors are Banana Bread, Cherry Pie, and Apple Pie. </span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qR32mGynfYk/Ut7MkB_aqgI/AAAAAAAALrg/_PQbYU5qK8I/s356/Photo%252520Jan%25252021%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A32%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qR32mGynfYk/Ut7MkB_aqgI/AAAAAAAALrg/_PQbYU5qK8I/s356/Photo%252520Jan%25252021%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A32%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390333087932.7153" class="alignnone" alt="" width="356" height="141"></a></div>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">My only complaint about Larabars is the fact that they tend to be a little on the expensive side. I decided to try making my own, just to see if I could. </span><br>
</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Introducing... LizzieBars!</span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sZ9hSvibeSk/Ut7MlPzPeZI/AAAAAAAALro/xsmBmgqL2Bo/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A36%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sZ9hSvibeSk/Ut7MlPzPeZI/AAAAAAAALro/xsmBmgqL2Bo/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A36%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390333087943.1982" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><br>
</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">I decided to try a different flavor so that I wouldn't be comparing it directly to Larabars: Honey Cranberry Almond. I started by throwing some dried cranberries, dates, and into the food processor. I pulsed the mixture until the items were slightly chopped. Then I added about 1/2 teaspoon of honey and a few drops of vanilla, just to boost the flavor. (I know adding honey means adding sweetener, but if think the health benefits of honey outweigh this tiny bit I used.) I continued to blend the items until they were more finely chopped and the mixture started to stick together. </span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-W0dE2usGzok/Ut7MmGzafaI/AAAAAAAALrw/W-B2232V2F4/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A36%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-W0dE2usGzok/Ut7MmGzafaI/AAAAAAAALrw/W-B2232V2F4/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A36%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390333087960.2908" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><br>
</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Next, I pressed the mixture into a glass baking dish lined with waxed paper. I put the dish into the fridge for a while to help the bars to "set" and then cut them into bar shapes and bagged them into snack-sized baggies.</span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HSxo97bX97Y/Ut7MnGyxqKI/AAAAAAAALr4/xBre0TJAkoI/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A36%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HSxo97bX97Y/Ut7MnGyxqKI/AAAAAAAALr4/xBre0TJAkoI/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A36%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390333087975.8872" class="alignnone" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a></div>
<p>I really liked the Honey Cranberry Almond Mixture. I do want to try and attempt a banana bread flavor and maybe a cinnamon apple flavor. </p>
<p>Larabars OR LizzieBars are great for a pre-workout snack or a post-workout snack. They also are great for afternoons when you eat lunch really early and work late and need something to get you through the day. Because these are made with dried ingredients, I would think they would keep at least a week or two in the fridge- but I can't say for sure. </p>
<p>Let me know if you try making your own!</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><br>
</span></p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-53165398377742394752014-01-16T18:00:00.000-05:002014-01-21T16:04:44.125-05:00Local Restaurant Review: Five and Dine (Rock Hill, SC)<p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I bet you thought I was never coming back. I actually started to wonder if I was ever coming back. The husband even asked me the other day, “When’s the last time you blogged?” </span></p>
<p style="min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So I decided to give myself a kick in the pants. I’ve been thinking about the blog a lot, and what I want it to be like in 2014. I have some ideas I am toying with. One thing I know that ISN’T going to change is the fact that I will keep bringing you recipes, food and gadget finds, and restaurant reviews. </span></p>
<p style="min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today I want to share a local restaurant with you: <a href="http://www.eatatfiveanddine.com" target="_blank" title="">Five and Dine in Rock Hill, South Carolina</a>. </span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cg7ZG0dDDbE/UtfjJBSYywI/AAAAAAAALpI/JYpg99d2PlA/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%25252017%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525209%25253A47%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cg7ZG0dDDbE/UtfjJBSYywI/AAAAAAAALpI/JYpg99d2PlA/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252017%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525209%25253A47%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390338285464.9644" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="750"></a></div>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p>
<p style="min-height: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.3em;">Confession: I’ve actually been sitting on these pictures and content since December. *</span><em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.3em;">Hides face in shame.</em><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.3em;">*. Hence, the Christmas tree.</span></p>
<p style="min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If you are local, maybe you remember the Old Town Bistro that we had in Old Town Rock Hill. Old Town Bistro was a great local spot with lots of history. It was actually the location of the <a href="http://www.oldeenglishdistrict.com/links/4/118" target="_blank" title="">Friendship Nine Sit-In during the Civil Rights Movement</a>. My husband and I loved to go there for breakfast because the food was always good and it just felt really neat to be eating right where history happened. So you can imagine how sad we were when it closed down last year. BUT, I was super excited to hear that a new restaurant was opening there in October!</span></p>
<p style="min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Five and Dine is located on Main Street, on the same block as the Children’s Museum. </span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_GeNITbm-Wg/UtfjKumWhOI/AAAAAAAALpQ/w8nkdPSkPqM/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%25252017%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525209%25253A46%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_GeNITbm-Wg/UtfjKumWhOI/AAAAAAAALpQ/w8nkdPSkPqM/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252017%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525209%25253A46%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390338285555.6653" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-d9vY1Y4YRbo/UtfjMhqaPnI/AAAAAAAALpY/MqDzhZ104os/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%25252017%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525209%25253A47%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-d9vY1Y4YRbo/UtfjMhqaPnI/AAAAAAAALpY/MqDzhZ104os/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252017%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525209%25253A47%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390338285521.4958" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div>
<p style="min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">One thing I love is the way the tables are all covered with white paper, and you get a little cup of crayons to entertain yourself. </span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wdso83JJbQc/UtfjNYkR4aI/AAAAAAAALpg/7-BG-tb4NyI/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%25252017%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A50%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wdso83JJbQc/UtfjNYkR4aI/AAAAAAAALpg/7-BG-tb4NyI/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252017%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A50%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390338285482.3098" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div>
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<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The menu is full of all kinds of unique items, like a Nutella and Banana Sandwich, Chicken Cordon Bleu Chowder, and more. Over my past three visits, I have tried out some different items, like salads, soups, and on this particular evening… meatloaf!</span></p>
<p style="min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The meatloaf did not disappoint! The portions are pretty big— enough for two meals. (Next day’s lunch, anyone?) The mashed potatoes and collards are delicious also- and y'all know I am picky about my collards!</span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rPyaw6TqlkQ/UtfjPW-k8QI/AAAAAAAALpw/0QV0jU3sw54/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%25252017%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A58%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rPyaw6TqlkQ/UtfjPW-k8QI/AAAAAAAALpw/0QV0jU3sw54/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252017%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A58%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390338285546.2883" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div>
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<p style="min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I mentioned I have visited the Five and Dine three times and each time I have had great food and great service. So far, my very favorite thing at Five and Dine is the Tomato Basil soup and Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich. I don’t have a picture of these, but please trust me when I tell you it is the best tomato soup I have ever tasted. Seriously. Best ever.</span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">***Update: I visited the Five and Dine again and snapped a pic of that delish soup and grilled pimento cheese! The husband and kiddo (who both don't even like Tomato soup) BOTH agree that it is delicious! </span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mG7OmDg_x_0/Ut7g4i_q8hI/AAAAAAAALsI/Cx1FxHCrCEc/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252020%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A42%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mG7OmDg_x_0/Ut7g4i_q8hI/AAAAAAAALsI/Cx1FxHCrCEc/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252020%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A42%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390338285500.1667" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div>
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</span></p>
<p style="min-height: 14px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So if you are in the area and are looking for a great lunch or dinner spot, stop by the Five and Dine. You won’t regret it! There is something on the menu for everyone. <a href="http://www.eatatfiveanddine.com" target="_blank" title="">Click here to view the menu!</a></span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">***</span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I wanted to take a quick moment and also let everyone know that we are FINALLY moved into our new house! It was a little sad to say goodbye to our first house that we bought right before we got married, but we are so happy in the new house. It feels like home already! We feel so lucky to be able to start 2014 in a new place, literally! </span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YVvlHH6fYx0/UtfjRnveiMI/AAAAAAAALqA/e9RYMAS2hgs/s580/Photo%252520Oct%2525203%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YVvlHH6fYx0/UtfjRnveiMI/AAAAAAAALqA/e9RYMAS2hgs/s500/Photo%252520Oct%2525203%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390338285534.4558" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GoJThLBjHhU/Ut7g6Svk0cI/AAAAAAAALsY/8tLdVzqZkOM/s479/Photo%252520Jan%25252021%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GoJThLBjHhU/Ut7g6Svk0cI/AAAAAAAALsY/8tLdVzqZkOM/s479/Photo%252520Jan%25252021%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390338285481.8015" class="alignnone" width="359" height="479" alt=""></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Home sweet home. :)</div>
<p style="orphans: auto; widows: auto;"> </p>
<p style="orphans: auto; widows: auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p>
<p style="orphans: auto; widows: auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-30143577756970041402013-12-20T13:34:00.001-05:002013-12-20T13:35:13.140-05:00Test Post<p>Test Post</p><br /><br /><p>t<img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3749/11468010595_7eaff0c758.jpg" width="320" height="480" alt="IMG_7542" /></p><br /><br /><p>Sadie and Santa</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-9240193983298586762013-12-03T18:00:00.000-05:002013-12-03T18:00:08.774-05:00Hiatus Explained!<p> Nope, I'm not dead! I didn't lose my love for blogging, cooking, or sharing stories! Life just sometimes gets in the way. Since I have been away since early in the fall (the longest break I have ever taken from blogging!), <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">I thought maybe I should update the blog quickly, just to explain my hiatus! </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Well, first, we put our house on the market. Originally, we planned to list it in the spring, but then we figured, "What the heck? What are we waiting for?" And we threw up the sign, just to see if we would get any bites. I thought it would be at least a few months. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">So you can imagine my surprise when we found out we had an offer in just a month! Soon we were under contract, which meant it was time to find our new home!</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">I am so excited to say that we have found an amazing home that we love and we are moving in less than a month! So, needless to say...the inside of our house looks like this:</span></p>
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<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">I hate neglecting my blog, but I needed to take some time off for a breather. I plan to be back in blogging action in January! And I will be able to show you pictures of our new house!</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">For now, you can follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Here are just a few fall pictures, just to share what we have been up to!</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><br>
</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Trip to Philadelphia...</span></p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Bribery... "Eat me...Drink me... Buy me!"</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Got my police badge. Nope, just Halloween.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Shopping for new furniture...</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">And most recently...a trip to Disney World!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2G6UTS_pFqE/Up5M5v3FTLI/AAAAAAAALoc/F-HaoTRCo6M/s1024/Photo%252520Nov%25252024%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525206%25253A37%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2G6UTS_pFqE/Up5M5v3FTLI/AAAAAAAALoc/F-HaoTRCo6M/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252024%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525206%25253A37%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1386106091596.9927" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">So there you are...that is my life in a nutshell. I'll be back soon, promise! </div>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-80860311262656963192013-08-28T21:46:00.000-04:002013-08-28T21:49:48.202-04:00Wine and Design<p>Many apologies for my absence! As many of you know, my day job as an educator keeps me very busy! And we all know what happens in August… Back to School! It's been quite a ride.</p><br /><p>Now only was I busy meeting with teachers and preparing, but I was also preparing a certain 5-year-old for HER first day of Kindergarten! Holy Moly… this day arrived sooner than I ever could have expected!</p><br /><p><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/9616701805_206a835bf7.jpg" width="480" height="480" alt="IMG_1061" /></p><br /><p>(It's all about the bag and the shoes…)</p><br /><p>She had a wonderful day and loves her teachers! We are blessed to have great schools and I know she will do great.</p><br /><p>Sometimes when things get hectic…you need to de-stress. A couple of weeks ago, I got had a little adventure with some friends. We headed to <a href="http://www.wineanddesignus.com/location/charlotte-nc/home">Wine and Design in Charlotte</a> for some wine, painting, and laughter.</p><br /><p>When you first arrive, you put on your apron and pour yourself a glass of wine and just relax a little. (Note- you must bring your own wine.) Everyone's station is set up ahead of time with a blank canvas (only a pencil outline is provided), a palate of paint, and an assortment of brushes.</p><br /><p><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5509/9616699395_0ee020d9f0.jpg" width="358" height="480" alt="IMG_1699" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7373/9619939544_801552bd88.jpg" width="480" height="358" alt="IMG_1697" /></p><br /><p><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3691/9616698393_a4b552d934.jpg" width="358" height="480" alt="IMG_1698" /></p><br /><p>Next, your instructor will lead you in starting your painting. For our painting of Tuscany, we started with just the sky and the mountains. Our instructor demonstrated ways to paint each section and he also modeled for us on a canvas. I took pictures at different points along the way so that I could see how my painting progressed throughout the night.</p><br /><p><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3696/9616701069_016b9dde51.jpg" width="358" height="480" alt="IMG_1701" /><br /></p><br /><p>Sky and Mountains</p><br /><p>Next, we painted the house-- just an outline and the roof.</p><br /><p><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/9619942084_ea7c38088d.jpg" width="358" height="480" alt="IMG_0014.jpg" /></p><br /><p>I'll admit that at this point, I wasn't thinking this would turn out to be anything special.</p><br /><p><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/9619945326_e7fbc37bb8.jpg" width="480" height="358" alt="IMG_1700" /></p><br /><p>But it was fun to peek at each other's paintings and see how we all made them unique. Next, we added trees to our painting. THIS is where it really started to look like something. (Although, my husband said at this point that it looked like cucumbers.)</p><br /><p><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/9616702359_a68f4d4669.jpg" width="358" height="480" alt="IMG_0015.jpg" /></p><br /><p>We then added windows to the house and added some shading to the trees to give them some dimension. I couldn't believe how much better the trees looked after adding the yellow! As you can see, we also added some shrubbery and bushes along the line where the land met the skyline.</p><br /><p><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/9619944894_3aa5c725be.jpg" width="358" height="480" alt="IMG_0016.jpg" /></p><br /><p>Finally, the finishing touches were adding some red poppies to the grassy area and adding some white to the blue flowers-- which also added dimension.</p><br /><p><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3724/9616697009_52c9c55821.jpg" width="358" height="480" alt="IMG_0017.jpg" /></p><br /><p>When I finished this last step, I was so proud! I couldn't believe I painted this!</p><br /><p><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/9616700359_b1d248c441.jpg" width="480" height="358" alt="IMG_0019.jpg" /><br /></p><br /><p>Of course, you must sign your work!</p><br /><p>I loved walking around and admiring all of the other paintings. They were each unique in their own way, and we all really enjoyed ourselves.</p><br /><p><br /><br /><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7454/9619940000_bb01f5c939.jpg" width="480" height="358" alt="IMG_0018" /></p><br /><p>Ta-da! Group Photo.</p><br /><p><br /><br /><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/9616698971_e75900e237.jpg" width="480" height="359" alt="IMG_0020" /></p><br /><p>If you have never done one of the wine/paint sessions, I highlight recommend it for a girls' night out, a friend gathering, or even a date-night! I had a great experience at Wine and Design! If you visit <a href="http://www.wineanddesignus.com/location/charlotte-nc/home">their website</a>, you can view their calendar and select the evening by the type of painting you would like to do. I really would love to do Charlotte's Starry Night. It's a Van Gogh-esque painting of the Charlotte skyline.</p><br /><p>Have you ever done a wine and painting class?</p><br /><br />Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-5431867964287281482013-08-27T21:34:00.001-04:002013-08-27T21:34:55.763-04:00Kindergartener<p><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2838/9612642872_bb70de1da7.jpg" width="480" height="480" alt="IMG_1718" /></p><br /><br />Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-66463609446519000562013-08-27T21:33:00.001-04:002013-08-27T21:34:17.490-04:00Kindergartener<p><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5342/9609402927_3ed52c0afe.jpg" width="320" height="480" alt="IMG_7079" /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-11817879856249509292013-08-10T10:00:00.000-04:002013-08-10T10:00:04.682-04:00Exercise Adventure: Ashtanga Yoga<p> I mentioned yesterday that I had returned to Yoga after a hiatus. It's funny... I love Yoga...but I am so inconsistent about it. And since I am inconsistent, I never really get "good" at it. Last Sunday was my first class in months, and it felt so good that I promised myself I would do better from now on.</p>
<p>When I woke up yesterday, I thought to myself, "How should I spend my last free Friday?" (After today, I will go back to working Monday-Friday instead of Monday-Thursday.) I scoped out the Yoga offerings at the gym we belong to, but there wasn't anything for today except beginner Yoga, and I didn't want that. Then I remembered Om Yoga in Fort Mill.</p>
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<p>Last summer, I really wanted to try out Om Yoga, but I never got around to it. So today, when I saw there was a noon class (AND first visits are free), I decided to give it a go.</p>
<p>Only one problem: what the heck was Ashtanga Yoga?!</p>
<p>I've taken Power Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga... But never Ashtanga. I called the studio to see if they thought I would be able to take the class (being a little out of practice) and they said to come on and give it a try. It turns out that Ashtanga Yoga is like Power Yoga, but the series of poses and flow is always the same. Sometimes the instructor gives out a handout with the sequence on it to the group and you can choose to follow the instructor or go at your own pace.</p>
<p>I loved the way the girl at the front desk showed me around and kind of told me where I might want to set up. She also helped me to feel at ease about taking the class. The studio is really pretty and SO different from a typical aerobics room.</p>
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<p>While I was waiting for the class to begin, I started a conversation with one of the other participants. She said, "Have you ever been here before?" When I told her I was new, she said, "And you started with THIS class?! This class is HARD!"</p>
<p>I thought to myself... "What have I gotten myself into???"</p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">(What's with the footprints on my mat? I must have walked right over it in my dusty flip flops!)</div>
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<p> Class began the way a typical yoga class might begin- with a purpose statement. I knew right away that I really liked the instructor. She was very real and calm and funny, too! </p>
<p> Then came something that was way different from other classes. We started chanting! We said a mantra together, and I literally have no idea what we said because I am pretty sure it was in Sanskrit. Seriously, I am not joking. At this point, I was still wondering if I should run for the hills.</p>
<p>But once we got going, it was awesome! It was hard, but I was so proud of myself for being able to keep up! I loved the hands-on personal attention the instructor gave everyone. If you weren't lined up quite right, she would come over and "fix you." I thought it would be weird for someone to come over and push or pull on my body during Yoga, but it really wasn't weird. I promise.</p>
<p>The first 30-40 minutes of class was intense- lots of sun salutations, quick flow. But then we moved to slower poses and finally down to the floor. At the end, I was dripping with sweat!</p>
<p>Then came the best part. Just before the Savasana, the teacher came around and dropped a lavendar-scented, cold wet towel onto our mats to put over our eyes. Umm...can I just tell you that it was absolute heaven? Those few minutes of Savasana were probably the most relaxed moments of my week. </p>
<p>I can't wait to go back and try out some more of their classes, and now I don't have to be scared of Ashtanga Yoga any more. </p>
<p>If you're local, you should definitely check them out!</p>
<p>Namaste, y'all.</p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-11150800698917050122013-08-09T09:58:00.001-04:002013-08-09T09:58:38.266-04:00Bacon Brussels Sprouts<p><strong>Cool Things that happened this week</strong>:</p>
<p>*Successfully ate Whole30-compliant foods all week</p>
<p>*Taught a fantastic group of teachers in a writing workshop</p>
<p>*Taught some Zumba</p>
<p>*Had a fun and hilarious dinner with a group of friends</p>
<p>*Went back to yoga after a bit of a (*ahem*) hiatus.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Today is actually the last Friday off of the summer. (During summer months, we work 10-hour days and have Fridays off.) I am spending the day catching up on my blogging, possibly going to yoga, getting a massage (holla!) and maybe a little light shopping/errand-running. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Note to the husband...if you are reading...I said *LIGHT*. Do not panic.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Now that we are all caught up, lets talk about veggies. And bacon.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Once upon a time, I thought I hated Brussels Sprouts. Funny thing is...I actually never remember trying them as a kid! So, thirty-ish years later, here I am, not only eating them, but writing about them and taking pictures of them. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>One of my favorite ways t eat them is halved, tossed in olive oil, and roasted with some salt and pepper. However, last week I thought I would try a new approach.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>They have bacon. Does that interest you? Who doesn't love bacon?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>AND there are only a few ingredients!</p>
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<p> </p>
<p><strong><u>Bacon Brussels Sprouts</u></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<ul>
<li>Olive Oil</li>
<li>Brussels Sprouts (I used about 10)</li>
<li>3-4 strips of bacon (I used Earth Fare's Uncured Turkey Bacon)</li>
<li>Salt, pepper, garlic powder, to taste</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Preparation:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Prepare your sprouts. Remove the outer wilted leaves and slice in half. Wash well to remove any grit and then let them dry. Then, shred them by slicing them. (Just place them cut-side down and slice lengthwise until they are thin strips.)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Heat 1 Tbsp. EVOO in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey bacon. (Note- my uncured turkey bacon produces very little bacon fat. If you use a fattier bacon, you may not need as much oil- or you may not need any.) Cook turkey bacon until browned and crisp and then set aside. Leave any bacon drippings in the pan. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Add the Brussels and start to sauté. While the sprouts are cooking, chop the bacon into smaller pieces. Then add the bacon back to the pan. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the mix and cook until the sprouts are tender. Serve hot!</p>
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<p> Happy weekending!</p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222179829423571936.post-13971774725743151072013-07-28T11:49:00.001-04:002013-07-28T11:49:22.107-04:00Fitnessy Weekend: Electric Run and National Dance Day!<p> Happy Sunday, friends! I'm a little under the weather today, so I sent the husband to church without me. Mucinex and Drop Dead Diva on Netflix are helping me through the morning.</p>
<p>How was your weekend? The first half of the weekend was pretty full of action. Friday night, my friend Allison and I headed to Charlotte for the Electric Run! Here's a little recap/review of the Electric Run for you!</p>
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<p>I actually registered for this run way back in the spring. I thought a night run at the Charlotte Motor Speedway sounded pretty interesting and exciting. I intended to do a little more running this summer... but I just hate to run when it is hot outside. Ugh! </p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">The Electric Run Course at Charlotte Motor Speedway</div>
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<p>However, lucky for me, the night of the Electric Run was surprisingly (uncharacteristically) cool! Allison and I (and about 20,000 other people) gathered at the gigantic start line.</p>
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<p>This is BY FAR the largest 5K i have ever participated in. The Electric Run is so big that they have to release people at the start line in "waves" of about 1,000 people at a time. Believe it or not, when I FINISHED the race, there were actually people still waiting to START! We were in the 3rd or 4th wave, starting around 9:20 p.m. </p>
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<p>If you do the Electric Run, you will not need your headphones- there is a speaker system set up all along the route with music. And there are tons of cool light displays set up all along the route, too. I had to stop a few times and snap a coupe of pics. (Where are the Google Glasses when you need them?!)</p>
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<p>My time wasn't awesome- 44 minutes. But I will take that, considering I have not been running routinely. My first mile was about 14 minutes. Mile 2 was my quickest at 12-13 minutes. Which means I was dragging a$$ on mile 3, at about 17 minutes! Oh no! I need to work on my endurance. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iNSK414-zhE/UfU9dwUo_nI/AAAAAAAALj8/Vgx7nCHwGjk/s1024/Photo%252520Jul%25252026%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252010%25253A19%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iNSK414-zhE/UfU9dwUo_nI/AAAAAAAALj8/Vgx7nCHwGjk/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252026%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252010%25253A19%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1375026563135.1316" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RCQz_eKzGWs/UfU9esA-zAI/AAAAAAAALkE/bu9ur65ZDLw/s567/Photo%252520Jul%25252027%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A17%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RCQz_eKzGWs/UfU9esA-zAI/AAAAAAAALkE/bu9ur65ZDLw/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252027%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A17%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1375026563129.07" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="427"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> After you cross the finish line, there is a huge after party. I have to say, I was blown away by the after party. It was HUGE. I was expecting a DJ and some dancing and people standing around chatting. Nope. It was actually a full-on RAVE.</div>
<p>For a minute I thought I was back in that episode of 90210 when everyone goes to the Rave and Emily gives Brandon Ecstasy. It was a little insane. Or a lot insane.</p>
<p>So overall... It was definitely an interesting experience. Would I do it again? Maybe...it was pretty expensive, as far as 5ks run. (It was over $50) But it was pretty cool. We also encountered a lot of traffic on the way in, but we realized we were caught up in TI/Lil Wayne Concert traffic. (Taking place about 2 miles away on the same night).</p>
<p>Thinking of doing the Electric Run? I would definitely recommend getting there early so that you can be in one of the first waves. I would HATE to be starting the race at 10:00 or after. Also, even though Electric Run claims this is a "family friendly" event... I would leave the kids at home. It's really loud, and there are definitely some drunk runners using some not-so-kid-friendly language. Get a babysitter. Unless your children are into getting their rave on.</p>
<p>You'd think that after running a late-night 5K that I would, sleep in, but Saturday was National Dance Day! So...I was u bright and early to help my friend Ashley and host a 90-minute Zumba class to celebrate! Aother instructor friend, Jennie, also came to help. It was so much fun teaching together, and we had such a fun group of ladies dancing with us! Happy National Dance Day! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Yqfoz5RN01E/UfU9forZyeI/AAAAAAAALkM/AykXiSUpvSI/s611/Photo%252520Jul%25252027%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525201%25253A33%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Yqfoz5RN01E/UfU9forZyeI/AAAAAAAALkM/AykXiSUpvSI/s500/Photo%252520Jul%25252027%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525201%25253A33%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1375026563105.6428" class="alignnone" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">(Photo credit: Ashley)</div>
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<p>Now, THAT is what I call a "fitnessy weekend." How was YOUR weekend?</p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Liz Bridgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06382801314335325042noreply@blogger.com1