music, food trucks, and wine

I am going to have to break this past weekend up in a few parts. There is just too much goodness to share!

Our weekend started on Friday night, when Mike and I rushed home from work to change and head to Music on the Porch, an event that occurs twice a month during the summer in downtown Raleigh. I was pretty pumped about this event and knew it was considered family friendly, but boy were we surprised just how family friendly it really was! We were the ONLY people there without kids, which didn't really bother us, but it was kinda funny.

The sky was a little gnarly looking, but we actually didn't get any rain while we were out there. Here is the low-down... bring some chairs or a blanket, a bottle of wine or some beer, pack a picnic dinner (if you have time) or buy some food there, and relax while listening to some local music. Any event where I can bring my own wine and have an excuse to drink it out of a mason jar is a pure win in my book. :)

The event was close to a few restaurants, but they also had one food truck you could order from if you wanted. Mike and I definitely wanted to go that route, since I have an obsession with food trucks... and mason jars.

Klausie's Pizza

This isn't just regular pizza, either. It is deep dish, Chicago style pizza with some insane toppings and varieties. Of course I couldn't go with just a normal pepperoni pizza, I had to get something different, and I had to make Mike get something different too, 'cause that is how I roll.

The pizza on the left was called the Fire Belly, pineapple puree, ham, hot thai chili butter, sweet red onion, and sweet basil (grown on the dashboard of the truck). The pizza on the right had bbq sauce, red onion, and pulled pork. Both were amazeballs.

I think it is awesome that Raleigh has an event like this. It was cheap, it was fun, and it was really a great way to unwind after a long work week. I think we need to borrow some kids next time we go, but I would definitely go again.

Mike and I enjoyed the music for about 2 hours before heading out. The sky was freaking us out that we were going to get drenched.  Plus, we were out of wine. :)

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Saturday morning, we had planned on getting a long run in. Since we haven't been running much in the last few weeks, I don't know where we got the idea that we would be able to just get up and run 8-10 miles, but clearly we were mistaken. We didn't get started until almost 10 or 11 and it was pretty toasty out. I made it about 3 miles before I had to take a break. When Mike saw me walking, he decided he had had about enough as well, so we walked for 2 miles before calling it quits.

We did hit up a new trail, though, and I really liked it. This trail is actually part of the marathon that Mike will be running in November, so he wants to start running different pieces of it to get familiar with it. I loved all the rolling hills and pastures that we ran through, but boy was it hot out there.

Right when we got back to the car, Mike and I decided to do a sprint lap around a track that we came across.

Mike ran his lap in 1 minute and 30 seconds and I ran mine in 1 minute and 40 or 45 seconds, I can't remember. It was fun to end our work out with a sprint, but we were both about to die when we finished.

Sweaty, post run picture... check!

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We spent the rest of Saturday doing some things around the house and yard and making a ton of homemade foods for dinner and for the freezer. But, I will save that for the next post!

Before I forget, though, look what I saw on my run this morning!

Right as I turned a corner, I saw this guy just staring at me. He let me take a picture, but when I tried to get closer, he took off. I love seeing things like this while running! 

fascinating

I had to do some more bland rice and chicken cooking again this week, which can only mean one thing...

Somebody is sick. But this time it wasn't Franklin, it was our rock-gut pup, Deluca.

I feel like I am dealing with children, and I realize that kids get sick 25,643 more times than dogs, but I am over it. Mike said to me at 4 am when we were taking care of sick Deluca, "Do you know what our friends are doing right now? Not this." He is so right. But, we love them, and they are our 'kids,' so I guess we have to take the bad with the good. Deluca is already feeling better and pretty pissed that we have been skimping on the food portions.

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So, now that I have decided on which half marathon to do, I have created a fun calendar to keep me on track. I am not really a fan of doing some things electronically, so I used some good old paper, pens, and markers to create an exciting calendar. I love my iPhone and I love all that it does do for me, but there are a few things that I would just rather have on paper... to do lists, shopping lists, etc... just not the same when you can't cross them off with a pen.

The awesome news is that my sister AND my mom have decided they are running with me! When I texted my mom to see if she was around that weekend and that I might come stay and run in the half, she responded; "will try to get ready to do it with you!" Rock on mom, rock on. I called my sister out on the blog the other day about running with me and she commented; "challenge accepted." I think it is going to be so much easier to train, knowing I will be running with them. And how awesome will it be to finish a half marathon with 2 of the most incredible women in my life? My family really is the best.

Now we just have to get ready!

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I am a bridesmaid in a good friend's wedding in 2 weeks and she is having a bridal luncheon the day before the wedding. In a way to have all the bridesmaids stand out from the rest of the ladies, they have asked us all to wear fascinators. Think Kate Middleton...

Source

How fun is this?? I spent days (seriously) searching for the perfect fascinator and finally ordered one. I chose a total rando color, and I hope that whatever dress I decide to wear will look OK with the one I ordered.

I can not wait to see all the ladies in their fancy head wear. What a fun way to make a wedding event more festive? The pictures are going to be epic and I can only imagine what some of the other gals will show up with. I just spent an amazing weekend with those ladies in Vegas and they are all so much fun! It is going to be hysterical. I think I might have to suggest this idea when it comes time for another of my best friend's weddings... cough.lindsay.cough. :)

Have a great weekend!

half marathon decision and some recent eats

Can I just tell you what a major slacker I have been this week? I feel like I can not get enough sleep and it takes every ounce of energy to wake up each morning to get to work on time, let alone get a work out in. Although totally worth it, these crazy busy weekends are really starting to affect my weekday routines. I am really looking forward to these next few weekends of staying home and saving some energy.

I guess it is time to get my butt moving because after much discussion with Mike, I have decided to run in the Neuse River Bridge Run, Carolina East Health System Half Marathon! Now that I have made this decision, I am really excited for it. For one, it is taking place in New Bern, a short 1 hour and 45 minutes away and also where my mom lives. It will still be a weekend away from home, but at least it is a few months after we finish with our crazy summer traveling, and it isn't quite as far as Virginia Beach.

Carolina East Health System is actually the very first hospital I worked for when I graduated from nursing school, so I kind of feel like it is meant to be. Also, it is only $45 to enter. I know I probably won't get nearly the swag and recognition since it is not a big fancy race, but I don't really care about all that. I really just want to accomplish this goal, and I don't want to spend a ton of money doing it.

The race is on October 20, which gives me plenty of time to train the correct way, preventing injury (and anxiety) from training too quickly. I plan on using Hal Higdon's half marathon training program and I am trying to decide between the Novice 1 or Novice 2 plan. The Novice 1 is for people who have never run before and only have a basic fitness level of 3 miles 3-4 times per week. The Novice 2 is for those who have run 5K, 10K, or even some half marathons. I think that I probably fit more into the Novice 2 category, but I plan on reading both pretty thoroughly to see which is the best option for me.

The plan calls for a 12 week training period, which, if I want to be ready by October 20, I would need to start training the last week of July or 1st week of August. I will be in Mexico/Boston/Providence for a full week in August, but I think it will be fun to continue the training in fun places and check out some new scenery.  Now, I just need to convince my sister to train and come run with me. :)

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Recent Eats

Since we got home a little late on Sunday, and we didn't have time to put together lunches (plus we were out of bread). Instead, we each grabbed lunch out. I went to a place near my work called William's Gourmet Kitchen and got a veggie wrap with sweet potato fries.

I was able to save half the wrap for yesterday's lunch as well, but those sweet potato fries were gone!

Monday night, we had my favorite meal as of right now, roasted veggies with a fried egg on top. I love it so much!

I am seriously considering having it again tonight.

Last night, Mike and I made a huge batch of chicken and veggie stir fry. We cut up a bunch of vegetables, including some Asian white eggplant that we got in our produce box.

We used some linguine pasta, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and roasted garlic to spice the dish up a bit and it turned out fantastic. I am excited to eat the leftovers for lunch today.

We have come up with a pretty great meal plan for the week, which makes life so much easier. I love leaving work knowing exactly what we are having for dinner and that the ingredients are already at home waiting for me. I wish I would be more organized and do this every week!


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Franklin

Can we just talk for a minute about what an adorable dog I have? I know, I know... usually I am talking about how annoying he is, but seriously, he is so freaking cute! I have some photo evidence for you. Please note, all of these pictures are of Franklin ON TOP OF ME. It is impossible for him to sit next to me, he must be on top of me, at all times.

"Please pet me?"

"I am too tired to get up, so just pet me."

"If you won't pet me, I will just go to sleep."

"SIKE, now pet me!"

decisions, decisions...

This past weekend, Mike and I headed to Huntington, West Virginia to see my family. My family has a big reunion each year and we have had to miss for the last few years due to weddings and other obligations, so I was really excited to get to go this year.

It was a fairly quick trip, leaving on Friday after work and returning on Sunday, but it was well worth it. I didn't take too many pictures on my phone, since we really just spent the days and nights catching up with family and watching the kids play, but I snapped a few while on a run on Saturday morning. My sister, Mike, and I went out for a 3 mile run near my Aunt and Uncle's house and although humid, it was really pretty.

We started out at my Aunt and Uncles and ran along a trail that led to a park.

The park we ran around was really cute, so of course I had to take a few photos.

When we got back near my Aunt and Uncle's house, we were right at 3 miles, so we called it a day.

With the massive amount of eating that was consumed later that day, we needed to do a little calorie burn beforehand. After the run, we spent the day at my uncles. It was a great weekend full of family and fun. Of course there was plenty of time with this little gal... who happens to have turned 5 years old today! I can't even get over how big she is getting! Here she is, taking self photos on my iPhone, when I wasn't even paying attention and climbing a tree all by herself.

Happy Birthday, Lil Bug! Aunt Dee Dee loves you soooo much!

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A while ago, I talked about considering doing a half marathon this coming September. I thought I had my mind made up to go ahead and register, but now I am reconsidering. I really want to do it, but I have a few hesitations.

1. Timing - The half that I was considering doing was the Rock 'N' Roll Virginia Beach half marathon on September 2. I haven't started training for it, and although I think I could still get the training in, I am a little nervous about injury and trying to do too much, too fast.

2. Money - The cost is up to $100 to enter and is only getting more and more expensive as the time passes. $100 is a lot of money just to accomplish a goal. Plus, the plan was to run it with Mike, and now we are talking $200. If I wait until next week to decide, the price is even more expensive.

3. Travel - We have been going non-stop this summer and won't be calming down until the end of August. I don't know if I want to throw yet another out of town trip onto our schedule, right when we thought we were done for a while.

So now, I am thinking I will look for some more challenging runs to do around here, that don't cost as much. Maybe even push back the half marathon to another time so that the weather is cooler and I will have plenty of time to train. There are a few options, including the Neuse River Bridge Run in New Bern, where my mom lives, the Just Think First Thanksgiving day half marathon here in Raleigh, or the City of Oaks half marathon, also in Raleigh. City of Oaks is the full marathon that Mike and his friends are planning to run in and I was hoping to be able to cheer him on along the sidelines, not running as well. I guess I am going to do a little more research and then decide.  Any suggestions for me?

30

Settle in... it is going to be a long one.


On Monday, I turned the big ole 3-0. I think the anticipation of turning 30 was way worse than actually turning 30. Once I really thought about it, I am really happy about being 30.

I spent this last week on a little 'stay-cation.' I took some time off from work to just stay home and enjoy my surroundings. It was glorious.

My weekend started on Friday night, where Mike and I catered to our healing puppy dog, cleaned up our house, and relaxed. I made How Sweet's Cheddar and Corn Quinoa, which turned out pretty good.

I wish I had taken more pictures on my iPhone so I could share the awesomeness that was Saturday. Unfortunately, I only took pictures with my real camera, and getting those onto the computer, let alone the blog, is pretty impossible. You will have to just imagine how wonderful it was through my description and a few of Lindsay's photos.

For my birthday, my friends and Mike planned a celebration which included lots of wine and good food. We headed to one of my favorite Raleigh restaurants, Irregardless, for a lunch time cooking class and wine tasting. The cooking class was more like a hang out in the kitchen while the chef tells you what he is doing and you drink copious amounts of rum and wine, but hey, it was still pretty awesome.

Then it was time to eat. :)

We had seared ahi tuna with tuna tartar, wasabi pea puree, and jicama, cucumber, and seaweed salad. It was incredible.

After lunch, 2 trays of dessert were brought out for the table to share. Of course, I could have eaten the entire plate myself.

When everyone was finished eating, we all headed over to Lindsay and Fred's pool clubhouse, where a wonderful little party was put together for me. I had an absolute blast spending time with my friends, dancing, singing, and eating cake.

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Sunday, Mike and I spent the day lounging around, watching movies, and just recovering from Saturday's shenanigans. Plus, it was about 105 degrees on Sunday, so indoors seemed like the most comfortable way to spend the day.

Monday was my actual birthday. My mom came into town and we started the day with a birthday breakfast at The Flying Biscuit.

We spent the remainder of the day shopping our faces off at the mall. That is one of the things my mom and I used to do together all the time, shop! We haven't shopped like that together in a long time, so it was really fun to spend the day with her.

She headed back home that evening and I waited for Mike to get home so we could go out to dinner. Dinner was amazing! We tried out a new restaurant that we have been eying called Midtown Grille. This might be a new favorite spot for special occasions. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the ambiance was perfect.

We started with a little wine and some calamari.

For my entree, I ordered the NY Strip steak and it was one of the best steaks I have ever had. It was cooked PERFECTLY and the flavor was amazing.

Mike ordered the beef shortribs and they were also very good.

We were too full for any dessert, but our stomachs were happy!

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Tuesday, we woke up and I headed out for a run. I needed to get out there and do some running after all the horrible eating I had been doing all weekend. I went for a quick 3 mile run around the neighborhood and got to use some of my new running gear. Mike and Lindsay got me a bunch of new running stuff for my birthday and I ended up finding a big sale on work out clothes while shopping with my mom, so I am fully equipped now.

I feel so official! Another awesome thing I got from my dear friend Lindsay, is a RoadID bracelet! I have been wanting one for a while and I was so excited to open that gift!!! I would show it to you, but I don't really want any creeps to see my personal info and phone numbers... and I have no idea how to get fancy and blur those out... instead, here is the box!

It was really hot out, but the run went pretty smoothly. I have been a little slack lately and we are a short 5 weeks (!!) til Mexico, so it is time to kick it into high gear!

After running, Mike and I decided to cancel out every calorie that I had burned that morning and went out for hot dogs. There is a place called The Roast Grill in downtown Raleigh that is super old and a total dive, but we had heard amazing things about their hot dogs. Since they have very limited hours on the weekends and evenings, we figured it was a good opportunity to try it out.

The verdict? Pretty good! They don't have anything but hot dogs there, and they only have certain toppings (one of them NOT being ketchup, they don't allow it in the place), but I really liked my hot dogs. The place is super old fashioned and they sell soda out of old glass bottles, so it was a good experience, but since it was super small and crowded in there, I don't know that I would go back. Luckily, we have been wanting to go there for over 3 years now and finally got the opportunity, so that is probably not an option anyway.

We spent the rest of Tuesday at the pool and then headed to the movies to see Ted. It was really funny.

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The 4th of July was bittersweet for me since it was the end of my mini vacation but it was the 4th of July... who doesn't love the 4th of July?? We spent it with friends, which is always a good time.

We went to a bar that had a beer 'tent' and watched the fireworks from there. I use the term 'tent' loosely since there was no actual tent. It was just a roped off area of the parking lot with a beer truck in the middle.

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About the whole turning 30 thing... I am not phased. I am the happiest and healthiest I have ever been in my life. I have a wonderful husband, amazing friends, and a great family. I have nothing to be sad about and I am more proud of myself than I have ever been. Turning 30 has really just made me realize all that I have and all that I will have in the future. I am really happy with where I am in life, and I wouldn't change a bit of it.