Guinness still taste good

First I just want to say thanks to everyone

for all the positive comments and love. You guys

are awesome and I'm so lucky to have such

great friends.

 We didn't find Winnie- she found us at a time

when we needed her most. So thanks for all the love.

It's going to be a rough few days but I'm blessed

to have so many amazing friends and family.

Before the emotional breakdown last night- I went to the

Guinness Believer event in Boston. It was held

at Ned Devines and was a lot of fun. And not

just because we had free beer.

We got to try some free pints of Guinness.

I'm a crazy Guinness lover and actually drink it a few

times a week. I have a weakness for a well poured

pint of Guinness. And irish men- but that's a different story.

We also tried two other varieties of Guinness.

I obviously loved both and would drink both

at the bar. I even went on stage to open a can for the

cute MC of the event. By using my skill to open the can-

I scored another free Guinness. If you are keeping score-

that's 2 full pints and 2 minis that would equal 1. So let's

say a total of 3 Guinness' touched my lips.

I was lucky enough to visit Ireland in March of 2010

for 2 weeks. Upon arriving- I went to St. James Gate

to visit the legendary brewery. There is nothing like

drinking a Guinness at 9am.

I would like to note- Guinness taste the same here in the States

as it does in Ireland. So don't be afraid of the bold, coffee taste.

Also- a serving only has 125 calories. That's way less calories

than that heavy beer you've got in your hand right now.

So if you ever find yourself in Dublin stop in for a pint.

It's good for the beer and the 360 view.

If you are stuck in the states- drink a guinness.

It brings good luck and good looking men.

I saw a handful last night and tried to make eyes. This 

move stopped working when I had mascara running down

my face. But you already know that story.

Goodbye to my best friend.

It's almost impossible for me to write this post. 

Tonight I went out with friends for a pint of

Guinness...or 3. Something I always love. My dad called

me and left a message. His words were simple.

"Kandi, call me when you can." My hear sank.

I could feel it. I knew my best friend had left me after 

15 years. 

I should explain how this miraculous creature came into our lives.

We had always had dogs growing up. But something would happen

during our many moves and they would change so we had to give

them to someone else who could better take care of them.

My mom got pissed and had enough. "No more dogs!"

She said it and meant it. 

One night, my dad was picking me up from practice.

I jumped in the truck and he said "I found something 

tonight." I looked over to see the smallest puppy ever.

Someone had put her in a box in the back of my dads truck

in the middle of the winter. 6 weeks old and too young to be 

away from her mother. My mom saw her and said "take her back"

My dad explained it was impossible and tried to find who put her there

but it remains a mystery. One that my mother still doesn't believe.

Me- I believe someone, somewhere knew she was meant for us.

My mother nursed her and she stayed.... For 15 years. She took

care of all of us. Lily used to call her "Nana" like from Peter

Pan because she personally tended to us.

She loved us. And we loved her. She was my dog and she knew it.

Winnie was having the best weekend. She went for 3 mile

walks like she always does. She met George and loved him.

She knew I was ok. And on Monday, I said goodbye

like always. On Tuesday, my mom said she wasn't looking

great. We all knew what was coming and she couldn't

live forever. 

This afternoon she wasn't feeling well and my dad took 

her to the vet. They said there was nothing they could do.

My dad held her as the end came. She came and went the

same way... with my dad by her side.

So at 8:30, when I returned that call, I knew what was

on the other end of that call. I wept in public, after 3 beers.

I clearly looked like that girl. Crying over an ex-boyfriend.

Nope- my dog.

To everyone that loved Winnie- I know she

loved you too. The most kind and beautiful being

I've ever had the pleasure of sharing my life with. It's 

difficult to imagine my life and my home without her there.

But-she was happy. And she was loved. And she

went knowing this.

To anyone that has loved and lost an amazing

dog and best friend- I'm sorry. Dogs really are, a

 mans/woman's best\ friend.

Three for all

Boy oh boy do I have a treat for you.

A three for all if you will. 

I was in the mood for a tasty dinner.

Last night I picked up a beautiful piece

of salmon after I saw a recipe on pintrest.

I had to cut the recipe down since I was

cooking for one. Per usual.

I first prepped the marinade for the salmon.

Sesame Ginger Salmon marinade:

1lb of salmon

1/8 olive oil

1 tbsp toasted sesame oil

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp soy sauce

clove of garlic

1 tbsp fresh ginger

1 tbsp honey

1- Mix ingredients and set salmon inside and in the fridge

for 30 mins.

2- Broil for 10-12mins 

Glaze to top once finished:

1/8 cup honey

1/2 tsp sesame oil

1/2 tsp soy sauce

1/2 tsp ginger 

1/2 tsp sesame seeds

While making the salmon I made a tasty quinoa dish.

Black Bean Quinoa Ingredients:

1/2 onion

1.5 cloves garlic

1/2 cup quinoa

3/4 cup veggie/chicken broth

1/2 tsp cumin

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 frozen corn

1 can black beans

1/4 cup fresh cilantro

1- saute onion and garlic

2- add brother and quiona. Bring to boil.

3- simmer for 20 minutes

4- Stir in corn. Add black bean and cilantro.

5- Squeeze fresh lime over. Enjoy!

It was sooooo good! Fresh and delicious.

Even George wanted in on the action.

But I didn't stop there. I saw a recipe for clean

eating Pumpkin Spice Protein Bars. I changed it a little

bit because I have almond butter on hand.

So ridiculously delicious and easy.

Ingredients:

1.5 cups oats

1 cup almond butter/PB

1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup apple sauce (unsweetened)

1/2 cup pumpkin

1 cup protein powder

2 tbsp pumpkin spice

2 tbsp chia seeds

1- toast oats at 350 for 20 mins 

2- let oats cool

3- mix all the ingredients
4- spread on baking sheet about 1/2 inch thick.

5- bake for another 20 mins at 350.

Makes 14. It also called for applesauce but I omitted. 

Ok- I actually forgot. So add the 1/2 cup it calls for.
Mine were a little dry.

So I got a little crazy in the kitchen tonight.

Better than getting crazy in public.

Surprises and the missing.

I've been a terrible blogger lately.

Seriously- the worst. But I'll keep

at it.

I went to Maine over the weekend to 

celebrate my dad's 50th birthday! It was 

a surprise party. And boy was he surprised.

He thought he was going to dinner with friends

and making a stop to sign up for a weapons

permit. I'm not joking. I am from Maine after

all.

Here he comes!

We celebrated all night long.

There was cake.

With my his face on it.

And me and Lily took some photos.

Sometimes she likes to look scary while holding

my purse.

Then she gives a weird glare after she says- I'll only take one

if you spin me and give me a cookie. I said ok.

Then we danced the night away.

I spent my entire Sunday searching for George.

He ran away after a scare and we spent 11 hours

searching the woods of Maine for him. It was a 

terrible way to spend a Sunday. But he came home

scared and cold.

This week is off to an interesting start.

I have to a take a break from my running

regiment due to injury. Always seems to happen.

It just means back to the elliptical. And I'm 

not mad about it.

Team Peeta!

This weather has been ridiculous lately. I've been taking it all in!

With this weather, it makes my running schedule a little easier to

tackle. My training hasn't exactly been fun but when I have a schedule

I tend to stick to it. My week of running looks like this:

Monday- day off- I actually ran to/from the gym and did some weights.

Tuesday- easy run 2 miles

Weds- day off

Thursday- Tempo 5 miler

Friday- easy run 2 miles

Saturday- day off

Sunday-10 miles- I'll probably cut it to 8.

Are you tired yet? I am just thinking about it.

I ran today and came home to make a tasty dinner.

I toasted some pine nuts then added sun dried tomato's

and tuna. Then I put it over arugula and added some balsamic

and olive oil. So good! I also had a wee bit of red wine to

ease my muscles.

Now- how to spend my night?

Easy guess!

I finished these books in a jiffy.

Then I got my hands on the 3rd book (thanks Mags!)

My life is controlled by these books. All I can think about

is reading these books at all hours of the day. I stay up late to

read more. So addicting.

Have you read them? They are amazing. And dare I say-

better than Twilight? Sorry Twi-hards- while I loved that series

this series is certainly more erie and sucked me into the 

plot that this could be our world someday. Plus- I think the acting

in these movies will be 120% better. I'm now Team Peeta.

If he were real... we'd be dating. And he'd be 26, not 16.

Now me and this fella are spending some quality time

time together. We tried a walk today- no such luck.

We'll try another 5 feet tomorrow! Now we're off to read

and sip some wine.

I'll also be dreaming of my boyfriend.

I've always said I love a rugged man.

St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Hope you had a

safe and happy time celebrating. I definitely did.

My day started with a 6-ish mile run.

It was painful. My legs were tight and my

shins were burning.

I came back for my own version of a shamrock

shake. Pretty color I know.

 Shamrock Shake:

1 cup almond milk

1 banana

1 tbsp almond butter

handful of kale

ice

You cannot even taste the kale.

Plus it gives it a great color :)

Then we packed it up and headed out.

We had another version of the shamrock shake.

Me and Ashly tried to take our antics downtown.

It didn't work. It was too packed everywhere.

We headed back to KVZ's to continue the antics...

and drinking.

Irish Car bombs anyone?

This is what happens when you do too many..

 You sport serious glasses that you don't realize

make you look like this:

Or you pound a gallon of water because you're so

thirsty.

Regardless-

We had a great time celebrating.

We were home early enough to avoid an angry hangover.

I took advantage of the amazing weather and went 

for a little 4 miler.

The weather was so amazing today. It was a great

running day on the Charles.

Now I'm off to continue reading Catching Fire, the follow

up to Hunger Games. I can't put the book down!

Casey the Courageous: A happy, healthy Snooki (look alike)

Hi everyone! I have a great post tonight!

One of my greatest friends, Casey, has a great

success story. She wasn't feeling so hot so she took 

matters into her own hands... and feet! She started

the old fashioned way- eating right and working out.

Yeah- no quick fixes here folks. So I asked her I if I could

ask her some questions for my blog. My wonderful,

beautiful and incredibly intelligent sorority sister agreed.

Here is her story.

                          

(Here is a happy, healthy and Snooki like Casey!)

Q1- What made you want to get healthier? 

I was a pretty steady weight throughout college – but traveling for work the year

after I graduated really took a toll on all of my habits. My turning point was when

I hit 160 – I didn’t feel healthy, my clothes didn’t fit – I took a good hard look at

myself and realized I had developed some pretty bad habits. I knew it wasn’t about

a diet – I needed a lifestyle change and I needed to do it then when I was 23 – I

didn’t want to wake up one day when I was 33 or 43 and have it be too late.

Q2- What changes did you make to your lifestyle? (at home? at the gym?)

For me it was a slow start – I was my heaviest in October of 2010 and I dropped

the first 10 lbs. that fall and winter. I wasn’t hardcore about the gym at that

point so I  pretty much started just by changing my eating habits.

Honestly, I really just cut out the junk I was eating – I cut my calorie intake to

1600 calories a day and started eating healthier, drank more water, etc. It wasn’t

until the spring and early summer that I really kicked it into high gear with the gym

and lost the next 20 lbs. I started doing cardio 4-5x a week and, paired with my

better eating habits, the pounds started coming off – when I incorporated strength

training that’s when the last bit melted off pretty quick. I was always afraid of

strength training, but now I swear by it – it really does make an insane difference.

Q3- What does a typical day look like for you?

Right now, I typically wake up at 5:30 am and head to the gym to lift. 

I’m at work from 8:30 to 5:30 and then try to fit in 30 minutes of 

cardio after work, if I don’t have plans or Pi Phi stuff. Right now I go to 

Zumba once a week – but my new gym has classes so I plan to go to 

those in the morning/after work when I can, I’m really excited to

try Body Pump and Bar Sculpt (and add in more Zumba!). On weekends it’s a bit

harder to make it to the gym, but if I have a morning free I’ll go.

Q4- What does a typical day of eating look like for you? Do you have some

favorite snacks/meals?

I am such a grazer, I get full really quick and hate the feeling so I prefer smaller

meals. Plus, I think speeding up my metabolism by eating 4-5 small meals a day

really had a positive impact on my weight loss, and has helped to keep it off. In

the mornings, I have a protein shake right after the gym and then oatmeal, cereal

or toast with peanut butter once I get into the office. Plus coffee or green tea –

can’t forget the caffeine. For lunch I’ll eat salads, veggie soup, 
cheese and crackers, raw fruits/veggies, etc. – pretty much in any combination. 
I just buy a lot at the beginning of the week and mix and match throughout.

Dinner is complicated because I’m not always home on the weeknights – 

but when I am it’s usually a veggie burger and vegetables which I keep stocked 

in the freezer. If it’s a night at the gym I try to have a small carb/protein 

snack on my way home. For snacks in general, I eat anything from almonds

 to Greek yogurt to fruits/veggies. My main thing is that I try to keep my 
portions small, lots of protein, eat carbs earlier in the day and eat clean.

And if I’m splurging – anything Mexican. You know how I feel about Zuma.

Q6- How much weight did you lose? How are you keeping it off? How does

it feel?

At least 30 lbs. I’d like to shave off at least another 5, but right now I’m less

focused on weight than I am on how I look/feel and my measurements – since I’m

focusing more on lifting now, I know that the muscle mass will affect how much I

weigh. I’m keeping it off by making sure I stick to my gym routine and eat healthy

– I’m definitely a bit more lenient with myself now that I’ve lost the weight, but I

try to keep to my regimen as much as possible. It feels AMAZING. You don’t realize

how good you feel until you’ve made these lifestyle changes. I never really thought

I felt bad – but now I have so much more energy, I sleep better, I just feel better.

And when I do slack – I notice that I don’t feel as great. It’s great motivation!

Q7- I know you love TJ's as much as me, what are some of your favorite

buys?

Oh God, I’m obsessed with TJs – it’s a problem. Guilty pleasure – their goat

cheese log with honey, unreal! (and their single serve goat cheese medallions too)

especially with their rosemary and raisin crackers. I’m also a huge fan of their

almond butter, Greek yogurt and veggie burgers. And guacamole hummus, yum!

Q8- I also know you love to partake in adult bevs once in a while. What's

your drink of choice?

Oops.

My drink of choice is vodka redbull. I am a beer girl though, Blue Moon,

Stella and Guinness are my favorites – but I tend to end up drinking Bud Light

because it’s cheaper. Clearly I haven’t incorporated my healthier habits into my

drinking habits – still trying to get there, haha. Work in progress.

Leave some love for my girl. She is incredible.

Look at these before and after photos.

Way to go Casey! Look at that babe!

Far Left: October 2010 Right: January 2012

Mid week blues

Happy hump day!

I've got the mid week blues. What can cure 

it? Tasty food, good friends and George!

He loves sleep.

And apparently broccoli!

He is definitely my child!

This is week two of my training schedule.

Here is what my running schedule looks like:

Sunday- 8 miles (I did 6. I didn't feel ready for 8)

Monday- Off day

Tuesday- 3 (I did 3.5 in about 32 mins)

Weds- Off day (I'm doing Zumba for XT)

Thursday- 4 miles of speedwork

Friday- easy run- 2 miles

Saturday- Off day (aka St. Patricks Party)

Sunday- 8 miles

Training is fun. Especially when you live in

a beautiful place. Running by Harvard is fun

 and beautiful.

Side note- seeing other men running with dogs

is also a highlight.

And coming home to this is even better.

Cauliflower Pizza Crust:

1 cup of riced cauliflower

1 egg

1 cup cheese

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp garlic

1 tsp basil

oven at 450

1- place cauliflower in food processor. rice until

broken up. But don't go too far or it will breakdown

too far.

2- place in microwave safe bowl for 8mins.

let cool.

3- Combine ingredients. 

4- Place on baking sheet and cook for 8 mins.

5- remove and add ingredients. You really

don't need more cheese. I'd recommend veggies!

A serious baking spree

Woah woah woah.

Do I have a killer recipe for you.

I've been on a baking/cooking binge this 

weekend. Sometimes this happens and

I'm not mad about it. Not only did I make

brownies... I also made cauliflower pizza

crust (recipe to come) and Paleo Pumpkin

Muffins. Courtesy of Carrots'N'Cake.

But first... I slayed a 6 mile run

this morning. I'm training for the reach the beach

relay. So I need to buckle down and get

going. I saw the mass ave bridge and got scared.

But- I made it! I felt victorious when I got home.

I spent the afternoon shopping and hanging with

George.

I also started a serious cleaning spree. I was

getting crazy. I was basically doing yoga in

the shower to get it clean. 

Then I began my baking spree part 2.

Paleo Pumpkin Muffins

1 cup almond meal/flour

1 cup pumpkin

2 eggs

1/4 cup almond butter

1/4 cup honey

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup walnuts

1- Pre-heat oven to 350

2- Mix ingredients all together.

3- Bake for about 25 mins.

Mine made about 6 larger and 4 smaller

muffins. They are delicious!

Look at me.. I'm glowing.

Being a new mom has meant

life is crazy lately! I've been coming

home on my lunch breaks to spend time

with George. We have been adjusting to life 

with each other and spending time

getting to know each other.

I have learned that George is completely

different at night. When the lights are out...

typical man. He is so lovey but when morning

comes... peace out. He goes back to hiding out

in the corners of the apt.

We play a little at night before we sleep.

And he insist on waking me up 3 or 4 times

throughout the night. I am a mother.

Besides hanging with George, I am enjoying a low key

weekend. It included a spray tan. My first one. I was

scared I was going to look like this.

I love this episode but it was certainly frightening.

I expressed my fear to Ashly. She assured me it wouldn't

happen. As did the entire staff after she left.

Luckily- it wasn't so scary.

Ok the machine I stepped into was.

It was a stainless steel death trap.

 But after- I was excited. Look at me! I'm

glowing. (that's really because I had just

worked out and can't shower for 4 hrs.)

It's a good thing I had nothing important planned

for the weekend. Except eating an awesome goat 

cheese salad. 

And making these amazing and tasty (healthy) brownies.

I present: Almond Flour Brownies!

1/2 cup applesauce

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

3/4 cup agave

3 egg whites

3/4 cup almond flour/meal

2 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking powder

1 tsp instant coffee

pre-heat oven to 350

mix applesauce, cocoa and agave.

mix in egg whites 1 at a time.

mix in flour

mix in vanilla, salt, baking powder and coffee.

put into greased/buttered/lotioned pan.

Bake for 25 mins. Enjoy!

After enjoying 5 one, I think you could use

a little less agave. I like it sweet but it could use less.

They are more cakey than chewy. I liked

to put a little PB. But honestly- they are low

calorie and a good alternative. Also- Paleo

friendly!

Welcoming a new man to my life!

Introducing the new love of my life!

George!

I had been thinking for awhile that something

was missing from my life. No- not a man. (ok

that too.) But I knew I was ready for the step.

I had started to toy with the idea of adopting

and once I saw his face. I knew. He reminded

me of my dog Winnie and it was fate.

I emailed the shelter he was at and went

through the process. 1 week later they emailed

me back! I realized that it was mean to be.

So now George is here with me.

It will definitely be an adjustment as he'll

have to learn to trust me and my roommates

and learn how to live the apartment. 

I'm confident he'll soon love us and be running

around like a puppy should.

You can see I have tried to buy his love with

toys and treats.

He did love the bed I bought him.

He is still sleeping on it now.

 Here is his sister Sadie. Isn't she so cute?

You should adopt her. If you are interested in 

her please visit here.

Adoption is great and I feel great about my

decision. Yes- I had to shell out some money.

But my new puppy came fixed, up to date

with shots, healthy and ready for a home. He

also came from a not great place and I'll be

here to give him a happy, healthy and fun home

where he'll get everything he needs.