Running, Soy Yogurt, and Postcards...Oh, My!

The best part about having time away from school and work is being able to clearly think, experiment with new things without a time crunch, read for pleasure and actually enjoy reading, and have some seriously amazing creativity breakthroughs! No wonder companies in some other countries enforce a "mandatory holiday" policy for employees...to refresh, revitalize, and relax. Not only does it force you to slow down and enjoy the little things in life, but allows your creativity to literally get out of control. Things you've tried thinking about or making decisions about for months (yes, months), come so quickly that you are confused as to why it took this long to have that "ah ha!" moment. Without the stress of a million other things, you can concentrate on the current agenda fully and dedicate time to completing the things that got pushed to the back burner. For me, this is mostly wedding related to-do's. And, Matt also helps me make decisions (I'm literally THE WORST at decisions...However, this is only for small, rather insignificant decisions...Big life decisions? Decision made...The envelope for wedding invitations to go in? Hours...Ok, Days). 

A few days ago, a friend shared a photo with me on Facebook which referred to my love to singing in the car (because, where else do I sound EXACTLY like Celine Dion?). I literally laughed out loud at this photo, which allowed me to continuously laugh because of the commentary that followed. Anyways, I went for a run yesterday and just when I was about to cool down and finish my run, a good song came on and I was all like: 

When Kenny Chesney's "I Go Back" (probably my FAVORITE Kenny Chesney song..but really, there are so many good ones its practically impossible to choose just one) came on and I started rocking out while running, I immediately thought of this photo and started laughing (not in my head but out loud, making fellow runners at the lake give me the "who told this crazy singing-dancing-laughing runner lady about this running location?" look). You need a good playlist, or an Ipod-mind-reading-genie, while running because, inevitably, you will hit a want-to-quit-and-walk-home wall and you will need some pump-you-up-like-you've-just-started-running songs to keep you going. 

It is actually really nice and easy to run here in the mornings. Unlike Minnesota, it is warm early in the morning and you don't need capri's or a hoodie at the beginning of your run. However, you do need sunscreen. Also, the scenery is beautiful. Just the other day, when I looked down to make sure my key was still tied to my shoe (yes, this is a great way to carry your keys with you while running..simply double or triple knot your keys to your shoelaces), I found a beautiful flower by my feet. Obviously, I picked it up, put under my hat for safe keeping, and finished my run home. Obviously (see below) the only hat acceptable to wear on a run while listening to your Kenny Chesney playlist is a concert hat from Kenny Chesney circa 2011.. it's also a nice place to store flowers while running to keep them looking absolutely fabulous and flawless.

I also finished Tina Fey's Bossypants Memoir yesterday. When I reached the end, I was confused. It's over? How? Didn't I JUST start this? It was so funny ("funny" is an understatement.. it is more like laugh-out-loud-almost-pee-your-pants-people-staring-at-you-when-you-laugh-in-public FUNNY) and easy to read that I reached the end before I wanted it to end. If you enjoy laughing until your cheeks hurt and thinking "me too!" on repeat for entire book, then you should immediately go to the store and purchase this book (or, ask me to borrow it...not sending this one because, when I need a quick laugh, I want to be able to pick this golden text up again). I only wish that I was HALF as funny as Tina Fey.

Current Poolside Read: Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern (Irish author who also wrote P.S. I Love You)

Most Recent Vegan Discovery: SOY Yogurt at Trader Joe's...I've only ever had the Coconut Yogurts from Trader Joe's (absolutely AWESOME, but more of a dessert yogurt because it doesn't have much protein). When we were grocery shopping at Trader Joe's, I discovered they didn't JUST have the coconut yogurt I was used to eating. They also had the Soy Yogurt in two flavors: Peach and Strawberry (with 6g of protein, yippee!) If these turned out to be good, I could enjoy these at breakfast and save 50 cents off the coconut yogurts (or about $2 off of similar soy yogurts at the co-op). 

The verdict? Great! Good flavor and thickness, almost as thick as greek style yogurts. Want to try it? Trader Joe's, 99 cents. 

Highlight of Yesterday: I received a postcard from my lovely friend Brittany from her Hawaiian vacation. In my 24 years, I don't think I've ever received a postcard from Hawaii! This one is definitely a keeper (come to think of it, all postcards and lovely notes from friends are keepers). This is because I ABSOLUTELY love receiving and sending letters, postcards, etc. (if you didn't know this already). Not like a, "Oh, cool I got a letter" love. Definitely more like a, Blues Clues Mail-Wag-Your-Tail Sing-a-long (don't know this one? YouTube now and return to this blog in 3 minutes) and jump up and down excitedly until you've expended enough energy to finally grab your letter opener and open those letters up! Okay, maybe that's just what happens in my head. But, I do ALWAYS grab my letter opener before opening letters to keep the envelopes intact (in a pinch, a butter knife will do). Yes, I keep envelopes intact because I can then keep my letters in my letter box. Years down the road, when even fewer people send letters and stamps are a premium, I can look back and reminisce on what friends and loved ones sent me years ago. When I moved from Mankato, I wanted to "go through" my letters and get rid of a few to make the box lighter. I got rid of about 5 letters (maybe), but found priceless words and memories that I actually hadn't thought of in a long time. That is the great thing about holding onto letters and cards, you can go back and look at them years later and get a warm, fuzzy feeling all over again (sometimes it makes you feel even more warm and fuzzy to read them years down the road when you actually appreciate things a lot more). Think I'm crazy and letters/postcards/notes aren't anything close to what I'm cracking them up to be? Try it and see. If you're a real suspect, try a note first and spy on the receiver to see their reaction or hand deliver a letter to a loved one to see their reaction. Most likely, they'll love it...unless you write something cray-cray in there and scare the poop out of that person. In the case of the latter, seek help.

My very 1st  oh-so-lovely Hawaiian postcard courtesy of Brittany

Two is Better than One: Spending the Long Weekend Together

Wandering around Downtown Tallahassee, Florida

It's been almost 2 years since Matt and I have been in the same place! Yes, we spent a few weeks and weekends here and there while apart, but the fact that we never have to be apart again is starting to sink in. This was our first weekend together, on our own and it was wonderful!

It was so nice to relax and lazily decide what we wanted to do for the day, not really having any plans whatsoever. Although we watched a lot of movies (because we had so many Redbox promo codes!) and sat by the pool for hours, we also got quite a few things done for the wedding (once again, not revealing anything here just yet!), solidified our wedding registries (finally) and started our moving back to PA plan, too.

Ready, Set, Register (again)

I don't know if other engaged couples feel this way, but getting your wedding registry in order is difficult. You need to decide the (general) colors you want, items you need in multiple rooms of a house/apartment (that you may or may not have yet), random wishes in different price points, and what stores you'll build registries at. I swear, I've gone back and forth on multiple different things--including dishes, silverware, bedding, and kitchen wishes.

Here's some of my thoughts on wedding store registries:

1. Bed, Bath, and Beyond - Really easy and the staff was nice! The online registry is easy to use as well. Reasons to choose this store: guests can use a 20% off coupon when shopping for your registry and enjoy free gift wrapping. The couple receives coupons after the wedding date to purchase remaining items.

2. Target - I'm just a little--okay, a lot--obsessed with this store. So, obviously we HAD to register here. The in-store registering was really easy but managing the registry online was extremely difficult for me and I had to call the 1-800 number to get assistance deleting items (we really didn't need 4 different sets of dishes). Reasons to choose this store: Targets are virtually everywhere and guests can use Cartwheel and coupon combinations to save money on registry items. The couple receives coupons after the wedding date to purchase remaining items.

3. Pottery Barn - I signed up for our registry online and it was really easy. The difficult thing about Pottery Barn is that there may or may not be a store close by, leaving guests to shop online. However, the quality is great and I'm really excited about the bedding (and random drinkware) we chose here. It is a classic style that will withstand trends.

4. The Pampered Chef - My friend Sam helped me get this set up! I absolutely LOVE Pampered Chef and wanted the majority of our kitchen supplies to come from here. The only downfall is that you either have to have a party OR find a consultant to get you set up for this registry. Benefits: lifetime warranty on all products and quality products that withstand the test of time. Also, the couples get rewarded for purchases through this registry.

5. Kohls - We didn't register for too much for this store, but it is a good store to register at. Couples enjoy 10% back on all registry items purchased AND coupons up to 6 months after the wedding.

6. Anthropologie - My obsession with Anthro is a little excessive, but everything is SO adorable and pretty much a MUST HAVE. This is expensive, though, and doesn't technically have a "registry" (although they should!). So, I created a "wish list" filled with random wishes that I would love. I also told my Mom about the items I wanted so she could tell different shower guests about these wishes.


Most Exciting Weekend News:
Even though Matt and I had some fun times this weekend, nothing could beat the news I got Saturday night! My best friend since I was young (we "met" at the wavepool when we were 15 months old...well, our Momma's met and started our friendship) got engaged!! Cassie is my best friend and Maid of Honor in my wedding this October! I am SO thrilled for her and her fiance, Brian. I am SO looking forward to celebrating with the amazing, newly engaged couple in July when we're home!

I wish I had a picture on my computer of when we were little, but this one will do. 

Our Current Top Movie Picks:
1. Monument Men (*Matt would argue that The Hobbit tied with this, but I went thrifting while he watched it so I can't lend my opinion on this one)
2. Dallas Buyers Club 
3. American Hustle 


Current Poolside Read:
Bossypants by Tina Fey.. I'm only about 1/4 of the way through this read, but it is laugh out loud funny. If you fear laughing out loud in public settings, I suggest reading this in the privacy of your own home. If you're like me and really don't care about disturbing the silence at the pool, in a coffee shop, etc. then indulge in this fantastically funny memoir.

Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella.. I finished this last week and loved the fact that it was set in London. I often buy novels that are set in London or England so I can think back to my own time in London. Sometimes I get so caught up in my memories of London, I stop reading for a while. Unless I'm really attached to a book, I usually think of a friend who would enjoy the book as much as I did and media mail it to them (*for those of you unfamiliar with the amazingness of Media Mail: send books or magazines via Media Mail, through USPS and save a ton!) Who would like this book as much as I did? Well, my good friend Tabitha, of course. Tabitha recently reminded me that it was 4 years ago (almost to the day!) that we met in Washington DC and embarked on our summer abroad in London. Now, 4 years later, Tabitha is one of my closest friends and a bridesmaid in my wedding.

Throwback to London, Summer 2010

Favorite New Poolside Drink:
Friday night, we decided we wanted margarita's. Since we didn't have any of the supplies, we decided to venture out to the store. On our journey, I discovered that Kenny Chesney's Blue Chair Bay Rum was 50% off. Obviously, I needed to buy it--it was such a good deal. Plus, the Coconut Spiced Rum was tasty. When we went to the pool Saturday, I was determined to make a new drink with this Rum.

Want to learn more about Kenny Chesney's Rum, find more recipes, AND watch a cool documentary about the process?
Visit: http://www.bluechairbayrum.com/

Blue Chair Bay Poolside Sipper
1 part Blue Chair Bay Spiced Coconut Rum
Splash or two of Dark Rum (*We used our Rum from our Punta Cana trip!)
1 part Paradise Blend Juice (*Dole)
Splash or two of Coconut Water

*Add ice and ingredients above to martini shaker, shake and pour over ice (*if taking outside)
*Garnish with pineapple or other tropical fruit slice and enjoy poolside

Newest Vegan Recipe Try:
I couldn't remember the last time that I made pancakes so I decided Sunday morning was the perfect time to try a new vegan, pinterest inspired recipe for banana blueberry pancakes! Besides, what goes better with a Sunday paper than yummy pancakes? We also discovered that the same recipe works well for waffles, too, because Matt wanted waffles instead of pancakes. The recipe below yielded 1 waffle and 8 small pancakes. Need to feed a lot of mouths? Simply double or triple the recipe.

Banana Blueberry Pancakes, Ingredients:
1 cup flour
Dash of baking powder
Dash of Cinnamon
Dash of Ginger (*I swear, I use ginger in just about everything...so many health benefits!)
1 1/2 Very Ripe Banana
1 cup non-dairy milk (*I used Organic Vanilla Soy)
1 tbsp Maple Syrup
Fresh Blueberries (*I used what we had remaining in the fridge, but this is up to you!)

Banana Blueberry Pancakes, Instructions:
-Mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and ginger
-In a separate bowl, mash banana and mix in non-dairy milk, maple syrup
-Add to flour mixture and stir until flour mixture is completely mixed in
-Add desired amount of blueberries
-Heat pan on medium (*for electric stove)
-Let cook until the middle begins to bubble and flip, cook until golden brown
-Serve with maple syrup and powdered sugar with a side of coffee and a Sunday paper

Nowhere to Go, Nowhere to Be: The Pleasure of No Agenda

This has become my daily view

When I ended Graduate School, I thought that going from every minute of my day pre-planned and constant alerts reminding me to do this or that on my phone to absolutely nothing on my calendar would be quite a change. I wasn't sure just how I would be affected by this change, but when I had to look at my phone yesterday to check the date, I knew that I was definitely in the "Nowhere to go, Nowhere to Be" mindset (yes, this IS a Kenny Chesney song..). I know that this won't last forever, so I'm embracing every minute of my current situation by waking up, choosing what to do for the day (which often involves the pool and a good book), and spending the evening with my love (which has evolved into Matt watching TV shows while I craft the evening away).



Favorite New Crafting Discovery: 

I found this AMAZING tool at Michaels the other day. I was searching for wedding invitation essentials and, after about 3 hours in the store, I ended up finding a cart-full of other things (for the wedding so I won't expose those here quite yet). Amongst my cart full of crafting finds, I found this paper cutter which I have been using to cut tags for cards. It is large enough to stamp but small enough to not overpower a 4x6 greeting card. One of the best crafting purchases I've made to date. ($10 with 30% off coupon at Michaels)




Latest Vegan Recipe Experiment: 

After a long day in the sun yesterday afternoon (temps in the mid 90s here in Tallahassee this week), I decided to make a little after dinner dessert for us. Since Matt took the car to work, I had to make something that I already had all ingredients for. After looking in the fridge and on my Vegan Goodness Pinterest Board, I found it:Vegan Blueberry Pie. Are you fearful that vegan desserts won't match up to "normal" desserts? Well, this one honestly is tasty...Otherwise, I don't think half the pie would be gone. Although this turned out amazing, I'm really hoping we get the mini pie pans for our wedding shower so I can make adorable mini pies! It wouldn't change the taste, but the appearance would be too cute!

MMMM...Fresh Blueberries!

Delicious VEGAN Blueberry Pie! 

Vegan Blueberry Pie *Adapted from Pinterest Pins

Crust and Crumble Topping Ingredients:
1 1/2 c. Flour
2/3 c. Vegan Butter (*I used the Regular Earth Balance)
Dash of Baking Powder
Dash of Salt
Dash of Organic Sugar
Approx. 2 tbsp. Ice cold water (*Use as much as you see appropriate)

Crust Instructions: (*If you desire a lattice or double crust, double crust ingredients above)
-Preheat oven to 425
-Mix Flour and vegan butter with fork until it is crumbly. (*Avoid using hands as much as possible)
-Add baking powder, salt, and sugar.
-Place in freezer for 5 minutes or so.
-Pull out of freezer, add ice cold water, and quickly form a dough ball with hands.
-Spread out using a rolling pin or spread evenly in pan. (*Don't have a rolling pin? A glass works, too!)
-Bake crust for 5 minutes

Crumble Topping Instructions:
-Follow above instructions but DO NOT form into a ball or add ice cold water.

Blueberry Filling

Blueberry Filling Ingredients:
2 1/2 c. fresh blueberries
1/2 c. organic sugar
1/4 c. flour
1 tbsp Vanilla
Dash of Ginger
Dash of Cinnamon

After taking the foil off

Blueberry Filling Instructions:
-Entire pie also bakes at 425 so make sure the oven is still on
-Mix all ingredients in bowl until all blueberries are coated with sugar mixture.
-Pour into the pie crust and spread evenly.
-Sprinkle crumble topping OR place lattice/crust on top
-Cover entire pie with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes
-Remove foil and bake for an addition 10-15 minutes, or until crumble/crust is a golden brown

Side Notes:
*Are you serving your vegan pie amongst non-vegan pies? Cut a "V" out of extra crust and place on the top of the pie. This way, folks know that your pie is vegan friendly!
*Don't have enough blueberries for the whole pie? Mix some other berries in for a mixed berry pie!
*Are you a non-vegan who thinks that this pie will be more expensive to make? The most expensive item will most likely be the vegan butter--which ranges from $3-4 at local stores. You'll have plenty of vegan butter left over for other, everyday uses. Earth Balance vegan butter can be found in most grocery stores either near the other butters or the cold organic section.
*Want to make this pie-making adventure even more fun? Find a local blueberry patch to pick the blueberries yourself! This is a fun kick-off-to-summer activity and leftover blueberries can be used to make homemade jam or other blueberry treats!

*Fall Back Friday (that's a thing, right?) to that time we picked our own blueberries

Summer 2012 in South Bend, Indiana

Fast-Paced to Relax-Paced: Starting to Enjoy the Everyday

For the past two years, I've lived in Mankato, MN. During that time, I attended Graduate School full-time, worked 20 hours per week as a Graduate Assistant, interned and volunteered in various capacities, and worked part time as an AmeriCorps member (year 1) and as a front desk greeter at a gym (year 2). In addition, a country separated me from my fiance and many of my lifelong friends and family lived 10+ hours away. Despite the challenges of living far from those that I love and general struggles as a graduate student, I prevailed and even made Mankato my new home.

*1st week of Grad School, August 2012                *Graduation, May 2014

In the weeks leading up to my graduation, I was a mess. I was uprooting myself from my new home, familiarity, new friends, and comfort. I became a new, stronger, better person living in Mankato and leaving felt like leaving a part of myself. I was leaving to move to Florida for a bit of time with my fiance then the two of us would be moving to Eastern PA to embark on a new life together. Although my fiance had a job lined up in Eastern PA after Florida, nothing materialized for me yet and this scared me. Although this new adventure and state of transition intimidated me, I knew deep down that it would be good for me and much needed after working non-stop, 60+ hours a week for two years.


How good would this fast-paced to relax-paced transition be for me, though? It has only been 10 days since I crossed that Minnesota state line into Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania...but I'm already taking time to stop and smell the roses, actually complete the pins I've pinned on Pinterest, wake up with absolutely no agenda, start my massive "After Grad School" booklist, and take time to create amazingly delicious vegan recipes...and much more. This blog is dedicated to enjoying the everyday, finding pleasure in the simple things, and trying new crafts, recipes, local places, etc. Don't worry, I'll be sure to share most--if not all--of these with you my blogger followers.



So, here's a recap of the fun, everyday adventures, crafts, recipes, etc. of the past few days/week: 

Current Pool-side Read: Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Current Craft: Handmade Thank You Cards

Most Recent Vegan Find: Go Veggie! Mozzarella Cheese = now Vegan! Huge win after discovering that Trader Joe's discontinued their vegan mozzarella shredded cheese, which was fabulous on pizza and as an Alfredo pasta sauce. Go Veggie! definitely tastes yummy on pizza, but the verdict is still out on the Alfredo sauce. 

Most Recent Pinterest-Inspired Try:

Coffee Sugar Scrub: 

When we had some leftover coffee that we didn't like, I turned to Pinterest for ideas to use the coffee beans. Then, I remembered that I was out of my beloved The Body Shop body scrub. I searched on Pinterest for Coffee Sugar Scrub Recipes and adapted the ingredients to ones I actually had on-hand. Because it isn't the prettiest scrub, no pictures attached. *Also, you will need to wipe down your shower once using this, as it does leave a brown-ish color on the tiles. It comes off easily, though!

Coffee Sugar Scrub Ingredients: 

1/2 cup coffee grounds 

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup white sugar

1 tbsp vanilla extract

3 tbsp olive oil (you may need to add more)

Directions: 

Mix all ingredients together in the order above

Add olive oil until the mixture is completely wet

Put in airtight container and enjoy!

New Beers to Try: One of our favorite things to do is try new beers! Going to the beer store to discover new beers is always an adventure and often leads to, usually, good discoveries. I like to find the most obscure, fascinating labels. I know you shouldn't "judge a beer by it's label" but the ones with sweet-looking labels often win my purchase decision. My fiance often chooses our beer selections more critically, based on the brewery-description-style-etc. We usually end up compromising, choosing 1 badass label and 1 critically analyzed brew. This one, though, was a combo...the awesome goat riding a bike caught my eye but the fact that it was brewed by Southern Tier and had a great description and style sold us! The verdict of this brew? Very aromatic and smooth with hints of banana. Great choice!

Wanna try it?

Southern Tier Brewing Co. (Lakewood, NY)

Goat Boy (Imperial Weizenbock)

Finding Our New Local Stops: Finding our new local places was very important to us in our soon-to-be-local. While looking for a place to reside, we took some time to venture around the town. We ended up finding a new, fabulous specialty coffee/tea shop (that also had vegan treats!) and tasty, Chipotle-challenging burrito shop (with way more vegan options than Chipotle!) So, what makes a good local place for me? Friendly employees--eager to share interesting conversations, tasty drinks/food--with at least a few vegan options to choose from, and a comfortable, low-key environment--that doesn't want me to rush out right away.

                   Fog & Flame Craft Coffee...                             Ready Go Burrito