And We’re Back!

September 6th, 2009 | Posted by Alison in Life - (15 Comments)

I didn’t know if I was going to blog tonight but after a weekend away at the family cottage, completely removed from all forms of technology, the girls are making up for lost time and reacquainting themselves with their forgotten friends, Computer and Television. I like to call those friends Peace and Quiet, respectively.

A little photo journal from our weekend away. We had picture perfect weather and lots of uninterrupted family time.

Nature Pics

Pretty

The exact same picture, but behind my sunglasses. Because I’m cool like that.

Same picture, behind sunglasses

Randomness.

Blue Flowers Fire!

Make Your Own Cereal, Take 2

September 4th, 2009 | Posted by Alison in Good Reads - (24 Comments)

I left my alarm set to 5:15 from yesterday and got up at the same time today. I got a ton done in just a short period of time. Amazing what happens when you will yourself to stay off your computer immediately upon rising. As soon as the sun came up I got dressed and headed out on my bike for a short ride.

I didn’t want to go too far or too long today given I ran for well over an hour yesterday. My official ride ended after 35 minutes but then I stopped at home to grab my back pack and wallet and rode a mile to the corner store to pick up a few things for another Thrive inspired breakfast this morning.

How to Make Your Own Hummus

September 3rd, 2009 | Posted by Alison in Lunch - (17 Comments)

When I make hummus – I might use canned chick peas, or might have more time and patience and cook my own beans.

There are two methods to cooking beans: The Patient Method and the Impatient Method.

The Patient Method: Soak dried beans completely covered water for 8 hours. The beans are going to expand so you’ll want to add enough water so that the water level is a few inches higher than the beans. 8 hours later, *drain and rinse, fill pan with fresh water, add beans and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer for about an hour and you’re ready to rock.

Thrive Inspired

September 3rd, 2009 | Posted by Alison in Good Reads | Motivation - (16 Comments)

I was able to make some progress with Thrive while the girls played in the water and the sand yesterday afternoon. I was excited to put a lot of his principals into practice today with a long run planned for this morning.

My friend Shawn has decided to run the half marathon (13.1 miles) with me next weekend and we made plans to run long together this morning. I set the alarm for 5:15 so I would be ready to go when he arrived at 6.

The Secret Code Is:

September 2nd, 2009 | Posted by Alison in Morning Craziness - (18 Comments)

After my post this morning the girls were ready for breakfast and said they wanted waffles. Ummm, alright. Alright would be code for I just cleaned up the kitchen but sure, why not.

Waffle Day

They love to stir while I read the recipe and measure out ingredients for them to add in. Add in is code for play tug of war with a cup of milk.

We used the waffle recipe straight out of the waffle box. The drops of syrup on that recipe is my proof.

No Rest for the Weary

September 2nd, 2009 | Posted by Alison in Breakfast - (19 Comments)

Today is a rest day. I swapped exercise this morning with work on my never ending to-do list. Over the years I’ve signed myself to volunteer for various non-profit groups and organizations – all in my quest to keep my brain from turning to mush as a stay at home mom. It’s all good, but sometimes things pile up and out of no where I realize I’ve got a million of things to do when all I’d really like to do is curl up into the fetal position with Halloween costume catalog and pretend my biggest concern is what Disney Princess I want to be for Halloween.

It Was Ladies Day

September 1st, 2009 | Posted by Alison in Life - (22 Comments)

So if Saturday was Ladies Night, that must make today Ladies Day! My same group of girls from Saturday went to the zoo together today – except we had the little ones with us and were therefore double the number. 4 adults and 4 kids. 1 : 1 – always a good kid : adult ratio in my book.

Although our nasal passages weren’t pleased with us, we visited the birds upon our arrival this morning. I was a little shocked to find these guys RIGHT THERE, feathers and all, not held back by any cage or fence, just a couple of free birds.

It’s Officially September

September 1st, 2009 | Posted by Alison in Breakfast - (15 Comments)

I was greeted with morning temps under 50 this morning! OK, OK, it’s September. I believe you! Now crank up the temp, it’s not fall yet.

Morning Temp

Hello long sleeves, seems like just yesterday I had put you away for the season.

Long Sleeves

And oh yes, long pants, how could I forget about you too?

Long Pants

A quick pre-ride nosh of watermelon and off I went on my bike.

Pre-Ride Nosh

50 chilly minutes and 12 frozen finger miles later I was home to shower, make breakfast, pack lunches and get out the door!