Monthly Archives: February 2012

You heard me. Heat. It. Up.

I’ll admit I am not a huge fan of spicy things, it’s taken me forever to finally come around. I didn’t try Tabasco until last year.

I love chocolate chip cookies.
The hus likes spice.

For Valentine’s day I surprised the man and whipped up Spicy Chocolate Chunk Cookies, courtesy of Tabasco. You may have seen my tweet about making some fiery chocolate chip cookies a few weeks ago, and I think it’s time I let you in on the secret.

Before you gag or get grossed out, trust me, this recipe is amazeballs. The cookies have a tiny hint of heat at the end of your bite. Enough where you raise an eyebrow but not overpowering. I have only whipped up my own cookie dough a handful of times, but this recipe is easy. Easy, different, come on try it!

Chocolate Chunk Cookies

INGREDIENTS
2/3 cup butter or margarine, at room temperature
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons Original TABASCO® brand Pepper Sauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups flour
1 cup chocolate chunks
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 350°F.

With electric mixer at medium speed, beat butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, TABASCO® Sauce and vanilla in large bowl until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low; add flour. Beat until blended. Stir in chocolate chunks and walnuts.

Drop tablespoonfuls of dough 2 inches apart onto greased cookie sheets. Bake about 15 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheets 5 minutes on wire racks. Remove cookies from cookie sheets to wire racks to cool completely.

Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

Would you be up for trying this spicy cookie? What’s a weird ingredient you’ve used in baking?

Monday Motivation: Positive Affirmations

February 27, 2012

Fitness News

4 Comments

I overheard friends this weekend talking about an incredible book that had a profound impact on their lives. “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne; the book came out a few years ago, sorry if I’m late to the party but at least I showed up! I immediately researched the book.

It was so good that Oprah got her hands on it: “…The Secret, was created by Australian Rhonda Byrne, and she says that if you follow its philosophy, you can create the life you want—whether that means getting out of debt, finding a more fulfilling job or even falling in love.”

“The Secret” is based on the law of attraction, that we attract the things we want in our lives based on thinking positively about what it is we want. I understand that there are definitely some things that could raise eyebrows about this. It’s not like rubbing a Genie and asking for a load of cash, but it’s about saying you want to be more financially successful thus putting your thoughts around all the good things you can do to save and earn more money. Being positively conscious about your decisions.

Let’s kick off the week by keeping our affirmations positive! Focus on your desired outcome.

Start by knowing what it is you want: Something that excites you — relationship, experience, etc.

Say what it is you want: Scream it out loud, whisper to yourself, write it down, visualize it. Just get it out!

Relax and wait it out: Be patient and keep yourself busy living in the moment while you wait for things to naturally come to you. It’s like when you order food at a restaurant and it always come once someone gets up to go to the bathroom.

I am going to be picking up a copy of the book, but wanted to know if anyone out there has already read it? Are you thinking about making a positive affirmation?

Spring Fever & Cold Snaps

February 23, 2012

Seasonal, Trainer Tips

15 Comments

Spring is definitely in the air bringing us warmer temps, but I know as soon as I put my favorite Nike running hoodie away for the winter the weather will cool off. The biggest conundrum I face when walking, hiking, working out, running, etc. outdoors is how to dress.

There is always the general rule of thumb that if you are a bit cool at the start of your outdoor activity that you’ll be OK as your body temp will rise as you move. Throw in the fact that I’m always more cold on my arms than on my legs, and I am seriously confused.

Everyone’s bodies are different. To help us sort out the changing temps, I have a lovely “How To Dress For The Weather” cheat sheet for you to use as a guide:

Runner’s World has a handy tool on their site as well: What should I wear? – Find the right running clothes to wear for the current weather condition

Now if it could only match my outfits for me…

What are your tricks for mastering the temps?

Giving Things Up For Lent: Not So Fast

February 22, 2012

Just for Run

15 Comments

Did you celebrate Fat Tuesday? I sure as sugar did. I love a good random weeknight carb-fest!

Many of you might be preparing for Lent and have plans to give up certain types of luxuries or food. Even those that are not “religious” often take part. If you are going to be giving something up, may I offer some advice…

At the beginning of the month I gave myself a 29 Day Challenge to cut carbs, nix sugar, and get a jump on my morning workouts. I happily report that the carbs and morning workouts were not an issue, but the sugar certainly was. I’m OK with admitting I fell completely off the wagon. The wagon rolled right over me. Forgoing sweets sent my body into shock. I ended up going through an entire Cadbury candy bag quicker than you can say, “Woah, there Easter bunny!” I decided after my chocolate shame to go for more of an “in moderation” route, treating myself on the weekends, and this seems to be working out.

When giving up one thing you might replace it immediately with something else – be wise about the choices you make. Moderation is key in keeping Lent in perspective.

On what I might give up for Lent – give me back my chocolate – I could take a break from some of my social media habits. There’s something to rejoice about.

Are you going to partake in Lent? If so, what are you considering giving up?

Zozi Guru Program – Live Life Like The Pros

February 21, 2012

Fitness News

8 Comments

Looking for a running partner? Partnering with professional ultra-marathoner Dean Karnazes might get you to run harder, or at least a few more miles.

There’s now a company that is making this possible. Earlier this year the adventure/travel-bargain website zozi.com expanded it’s portfolio with help from some pros. This San Francisco-based co. recently launched the zozi Guru Experiences Program, where professional athletes and personalities conduct unique adventures for small groups.

Running not your thing? Maybe hitting the slopes with Johnny Moseley is more your style.

Look forward to exclusive experiences with zozi Gurus that will take you backcountry cat skiing through the Sierra Nevadas mountains with Jonny Moseley, going for the trail run of a lifetime with ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes, embarking on an overnight safari with wildlife expert Mireya Mayor, and more.

“Adventure isn’t limited to just ripping down moguls, riding big waves, or scaling the world’s highest summits,” Moseley said in a press release. “It’s an attitude everyone can have – a mindset that begins with that first step into something unknown.”

Too bad the giving season has come and gone. The packages can run from $1,000 – $10K+ depending on your guru. Regardless of the sticker price it is great to have a company helping people live out their dream. The experience might only last a few hours, but what you are walking away with is a life lesson and a new respect for your passion.

Singing lessons from Justin Timberlake? Yoga with Jennifer Anniston? Who would be your celeb dream guru?

11 Things

February 17, 2012

Just for Run

18 Comments

Tag, I’m it! I was tagged in the Eleven Games by two fabulous, fit ladies –Forever Is Composed of Nows & Miles Gone By– and how could I say no?! This was the easiest-hardest thing I’ve done in some time.

11 Things Blogging Game.
The Rules:
#1 You must post these rules.
#2 Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.
#3 Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
Let’s do this!

11 Things About Moi
1. I listen to Christmas music when I’m stressed out. The sleigh bells and Bing sure know how to calm my nerves.
2. My bro worked at Disney so I’ve been going for frizzle since I was in high school. And I’m mildly obsessed with all theme parks, including Universal and Sea World. Ah, Harry Potter world!
3. I worked with celebrities for many years. Fortunately/unfortunately I’ve met the majority of them. I don’t name drop, but will if you ask nicely, mwhaha.
4. I love all sports. Seriously. Baseball, football, soccer, golf, racing, hockey…and basketball around March Madness.
5. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is among the top of my all-time favorite flicks.
6. I can whistle insanely loud (two fingers), it’s my party trick.
7. I wish I was a professional photographer.
8. I set at least 5 alarms to wake me up in the morning. Paranoid I’ll oversleep and I’m a firm believer that the Snooze button likes to be slapped around a little.
9. The three things in life I’ll splurge on include jeans, purses and workout gear.
10. I was in an NSync video. Yep, the crying girl holding the poster (which I worked on all night, thank you very much).
11. Our dog Indiana Jones is deaf but we talk to him all the time. In fact, I think it’s important to talk to him, I’m certain he can read lips.

Questions from the ladies:
1. What was the first concert that you ever went to? NSync. And it was AMAZING. The event people spotted us in the top of the venue soaking wet due to the rain we were sitting through and moved us right up front!
2. Which actress would you like to star as you if you had a movie made about your life? Elizabeth Shue. Old school “Adventures in Babysitting.”
3. If you could open any type of business what would it be? Outdoor shop. It’s fun to think about taking a hike in the morning before going to work at our own shop someday.
4. When did you first feel like a runner? When I ran my first half-marathon not really understanding what I was getting into. I finished in under 2 hours and thought I could actually be good at running.
5. Night owl or early bird? People think I’m an early bird because I workout in the AM, but I still don’t talk to anyone until after 9am.
6. What is one thing that you wished you would have learned to do? Speak another language. Although – there is still time! Ciao!
7. Dog or cat person? Dog. I secretly don’t trust cat people, but I did have a cat as a child.
8. What is your favorite season and why? Fall. The season smells like apples and candles. You are gearing up for the holidays and there’s a certain romance in the air.
9. What is the longest run/race/workout you have ever done? That’d be the marathon. 26.2 miles in just over 3 ½ hours. BAM.
10. Do you prefer Facebook over Twitter or vis versa? I’m over them both about now, unfortunately. It’s a status update, not a diary.
11. What motivated you to start blogging? I’ve been blogging since I first moved from Atlanta and was living in Michigan as a way for my mom (Norak) to keep up with what I was doing. It turned into multiple blogs soon after. Too much to say I guess!

My Turn:
1. Name three things on your bucket list.
2. If you could medal at any Olympic sport what would it be?
3. Favorite superhero.
4. Who was your first kiss?
5. Milk chocolate or white chocolate?
6. Biggest pet peeve?
7. Describe your dream job.
8. First thing you’d buy after winning the lottery?
9. Favorite place to be outdoors.
10. Favorite book that was turned into a movie?
11. Favorite motivational quote?

Whew! OK, I think a lot of you have been tagged, but if not….Second City Randomness,Where’s The Beach, FitChick, Dietitian On The Run.

Feel free to answer one of the questions in the comments!

10 Reasons Why I Love Running

February 16, 2012

Running

11 Comments

I’m going to take the love surrounding Valentine’s week and run with it.

Here’s the top 10 reasons why I love running:
1. Learning to love my body and strengthening myself both mentally and physically.
2. Eating peanut butter by the spoonful to fuel for a long run.
3. The gear. I can have umpteen pairs of shoes, shorts, tights, etc. because I end up wearing my gear more than my work clothes.
4. Feeling like a true athlete and inspiration to others.
5. The pure joy and satisfaction that comes from beating your personal best during a race or running a mile faster than you have before.
6. Catching the sunrise a few miles in to a run and knowing that people are still sleeping in their warm beds.
7. Letting go of time and being able to get lost on a run and simply go until you feel like stopping.
8. Making new friends in the running community.
9. Unplugging, getting outside and away from everything.
10. Watching people’s faces when they find out I’m a runner, and a marathoner.

Chef, teacher, etc. why do you love doing what you do?

Valentine’s Day Love Letter

February 14, 2012

Running

10 Comments

Happy Valentine’s Day! Hope everyone has something special planned – even if it’s a hot date with the gym or sofa.

I’d like to celebrate this day of love by declaring my passion for something very close to my heart.

Dear Running,
It seems like we’ve known each other our whole lives. When we first met we had an instant chemistry, but it took me awhile to really open up to you. You know my deepest thoughts and you let me tell you anything that’s on my mind. You listen without judgment. You take away the negative noise that whirls around me and help me stay focused and driven.

You challenge me to be better on my worst days and give my all on my best days. You’ve shown me I can go farther than I think.

Our relationship has inspired others and I couldn’t be more proud of how we continue to grow more in love as time goes by.

Your love is a drug.

Here’s to many more years of being grossly in love!
Nic

How are you showing your love to someone today?

Weekly Playlist Must-Haves: The Valentine’s Edition

February 13, 2012

Musica

4 Comments

Hell-o lovahs! It’s Valentine’s week. Thank you Hallmark for helping us make a production out of an otherwise ordinary day. Single, married, twice-divorced, don’t matter — you can celebrate Valentine’s loving the little things, including yourself or maybe a marathon of Top Chef on Bravo.

To show your workout some love, here’s to sweet, sweet music.

Valentine’s Workout Playlist — DJ Cupid’s Remix:
- A-Ha: Take On Me. Who doesn’t love an 80s love song?

- Chris Brown: Forever. Just thinking about the wedding video that went viral from this song makes me cry.

- Enrique Iglesias – Tonight (I’m Loving You). Can’t be all chocolates and roses, right?

- Hall & Oats: You Make My Dreams Come True. 500 Days of Summer, Hans Solo…all I’m saying.

- David Guetta ft. Usher: Without You. This will get your heart pumping.

What’s your favorite anti-love song that tells Cupid to stuff it? Kayne West’s “Heartless” is a good hit.

Friday Five

February 10, 2012

Friday Five

13 Comments

I am upside down this week, literally. Bring on the weekend.

1. I’M WATCHING: Senna. It’s a remarkable documentary about a Brazilian Formula One driver. The film is produced in a truly unique way, and the film will put you through every emotion from happiness to anger. You don’t have to be a racing fan to appreciate the story of a true competitor.

2. I’M READING: I’ve been browsing news and sports websites following the drama surrounding cycling pro Alberto Contador. Since officials stripped Contador of his 2010 Tour De France title the entire cycling world is upside down again with accusations around athlete doping. An individual is at fault, but as a whole this does not help the cycling sport gain popularity or respect. As spectators, we want to see strong competition and rivalry but only when all athletes are playing fair and on the same level. Beat me at my best.

3. I’M LUSTING AFTER: Patagonia Capilene baselayers. I cannot get enough of my Patagonia baselayer. Breathable, light and soft. These are perfect for the spring mix of temperatures where you aren’t sure how hot or cold you’re going to be.

4. I’M LISTENING TO: Maverick Sabre,’No One.‘ You have to listen to understand the sound. Groovy, funky, chill, and killer vocals.

5. I’M (already) DROOLING OVER: Well it’s not chocolate this week, but it’s close. Have you heard about the NEW Multi Grain Peanut Butter Cheerios!? Dear Dietitians, don’t ruin this for me.

What flavor Cheerios would you make?