Friday Five: Fall Comfort Foods

I'm joining in today with the ladies for Friday Five & the topic being Fall Comfort Food.

I'm all about food... comfort food is the best too.

I never really thought of it as seasonal... but let's see where my brain is at right now with comfort food.

& I'll note right here.  Doing this 21 Day fix & watching my diet - I really need comforting if I'm going to guzzle down any of these.  Comfort food isn't about caring about calories though, is it?


ONE // Apple Pie ... hot!

Oh gosh - anything apple related covered in some sort of crust.  Yes please!  Apples are the best during the fall & I'm the biggest fan of apple pie. I always say I prefer apple pie over any other dessert.  So when the apples are fresh & its heated up, or even covered with caramel sauce?  I just gained a pound thinking of it.


TWO // Pumpkin Pie

... ok... I could probably just do a post on pies.  I'm not joking when I say they are my favorite.  But how do you not pick Pumpkin Pie as a fall favorite?  With Thanksgiving & all things orange & pumpkin?  This is just a no brainer. 


THREE // Vegetarian Chili

This one is a quinoa Chili!
YUM!!!!

Chili is just made for the cool nights of fall.  So delicious. I love it that there are so many ways to make vegetarian chili as well.  The bad thing, I've had not a lot of luck making any myself. A friend of mine made some for our home church in her crock pot & it was amazing. That reminds me - I need to get her recipe.


FOUR // Broccoli cheese casserole

My brother makes this for Thanksgiving every year & I have to say, its worth not eating anything else the entire day to save the calories just for this dish. 


FIVE // Hot Chocolate

There's something special & comforting & cozy at sitting at home in front of our fireplace - though its a fake fireplace - bygones ... but holding a cup of hot chocolate in your hands & just winding down a day.  The taste of warm chocolate...My favorite is Starbucks Double Chocolate Hot Chocolate packets. OH MY GOSH... the best instant hot chocolate there is!  But I'm always on the hunt on Pinterest for great HC recipes.

 

What food comforts you during the colder days heading in?

 

Friday Five: Inspiring

I saw today's Prompt was people that inspire you.

Well, how do you pick 5 people?

So I was just thinking about what inspires me to try & stay healthy & fit...

Let's try that angle

ONE // Age

Let's face it - things get harder when we age.  But I want to fight it as much as I can.  I've seen some people my age that look like they are 25 years older then the number ... people that can't move easily, or struggle with daily life because they just don't take care of themselves.  I've also seen people my age that are KILLING IT in life with their body - proof of what it looks like to take care of yourself.  Our CFO's wife is in her early 60's & doing the Ironman this weekend - THAT'S what I want in life.  Age - suck it!

TWO //  CYCLE

No - not a bicycle - my butt doesn't like bicycles.
I mean the cycle that your body can go through.  Like if you eat healthy, your body takes care of you.  If you don't take care of your body, your body has a better chance of giving you  more issues & failing on you.  I want to take care of my body so it takes care of me.
Side note - my sweet husband reminded me of this the other day when I said I didn't want to pay $4.50 for a tiny carton of blueberries.  He said, "you'll pay that to make sure you healthier & you don't have to pay that $4.50 to go to the doctor"... Smart man.


THREE //  NO MEDS

I do everything I can to not take medicine.  I can't tell you how my yearly exam every year my doctor suggests taking medicine to help with things - I tell her NOPE every time.  When I had to go to the ER for dire pain in my side last year, they instantly wanted to give me pain meds - I asked if I could drop the dose down to only 10% of what they wanted to give me... which was still plenty! ... I don't like medicine. I get some people NEED & HAVE to have it ... but I know medicine comes with side effects that comes with more side effects. Its almost like that cycle thing again. 
I know someone that takes medicine for headaches - that causes her blood pressure to rise - which she has to take medicine for that makes her have insomnia so she takes medicine to help sleep... & so on & so on.... No thank you.  Again, I want a healthy body that prevents me from the need of medicine as long as I possibly can.

FOUR//  INDEPENDENCE

I have no children of my own & know that if something where to happen to me, & God-forbid something has happened to Ricky & I'm all alone, I'd have a hard time finding anyone to help me in situations.  I want to be able to take care of myself - to do the things that need to be done in daily life - to not have to rely on someone.  More important, I don't want to be a burden to anyone.  I mean, I've moved furniture all on my own so Ricky didn't have to bother with it.  I want to have the physical abilities to do anything & everything I need to.


FIVE //  CONFIDENCE

Let's face it - who doesn't want to look great in clothes!  ME ME ME ME ME!
& who doesn't want to feel confident?  I know looks aren't everything - but it really is something about when you feel good, you have just stand a little taller, you walk a little straighter.  & to be able to know you can pull off clothing without having to worry if its too short, too tight, hiding this part of your body or that part.. yeah - I work hard to get to this place.

What inspires you to try & be healthier?

Friday Five: Fall Activities

Today's Topic:  Favorite Fall Activities

I love everything about Fall so this is an easy topic for me...

But it may not be "activities" that I'm going with... maybe more 5 of my favorite things about Fall.   & if you really think about it, just surviving & breathing is an activity - so I think it all works together - right?

... just tell me right...

ONE // Running!

Well duh!  That seems obvious.  But something about Fall that makes running just magical to me.  I stick indoors during the humidity of summer. I'm not tough like most of you runners that get out there & sweat it out. I'm on  a treadmill, in front of a fan, watching Netflix #firstworldproblems ... but when the cool of Fall comes, I love hitting the outside pavement & watch the world as it changes into the most beautiful time of the year.


TWO // Windows Open

I don't only love it because my utility bill gets a break (thank you mother nature) - but something about crisp, fresh, cool air filling up a house just makes me happy.  I can't tell you how much I look forward to the weekends right now where I can just sleep in perfect comfort of a cool room & fresh air.    Let's ignore that it also gets my allergies in gear & gives me a sore throat & ear ache... I'll still choose to sleep with the windows open every time.


 
THREE // Warm Drinks

There's my first hot cup right there of the season!

I'm not a fan of warm drinks - I'm an iced coffee gal through & through.  But when it gets cool outside, I have started to appreciate the warmth of a hot cup of tea or coffee.  I had my first cup last weekend while I was Bible Journaling, next to the open window & the chill was too much.  So I kept my coffee hot... & it was just comforting.


FOUR // Decorations

I love all things Fall when it comes to decorating.  All the orange & browns & greens.  I'm not much good at doing it myself, but I love seeing it everywhere.  Give me all the pumpkins & leaves & wreaths & scarecrows & everything else you can muster up!  That picture above?  I imagine that's what Heaven's gates looks like to me :)


FIVE // VACATION & ANNIVERSARY!!!
(yes, all big letters on that - I am totally screaming)

I always love Fall especially because its when the Hubs & I take our vacation & its always during our anniversary week.  This year, its our 20th!... (I still can't believe I've been married 2 decades!!!) But we are both Fall lovers & love to just enjoy a week together soaking up everything Fall has to offer.  The best time of the year to us!

What is your favorite thing about Fall you love?

Friday Five: best of summer 2015

I can't believe we're rounding out summer.

Though I do love fall! Always excited to see it come... but then double sad to get to winter.  The seasons put me in such an emotional roller coaster.

But today's Friday Five is fun - a look back at some of the best moments of Summer



ONE// Surprise 20 year Renewal

I so loved this summer being able to capture the most special event.  These two celebrated their 20th anniversary & their kids orchestrated a whole vow renewal - complete with dress, cake, memories from their wedding all displayed & even brought back the groom's best man.  It was just the most amazingly perfect day.

Mom surrounded by her daughters as they were explaining to her what was happening.

TWO//  4th of July



Loved having our family up for 4th of July & celebrating it at my parents house with the greatest fireworks ever. The Grand Dudes loved it... fields, horses, LOUD BRIGHT fireworks. It was a wonderful day.


THREE//  Color Run

I'm used to doing races by myself or have the hubs with me so this was so much fun to meet up with ladies from my church.  I so enjoyed those 3.1 miles in talking with them & getting to know them better.  Glitter on top of it all makes it even more special.



FOUR//  Merge Camp

Me getting my "preach" on :)

This was our 3rd year of doing Merge Camp & it was just as special as the previous years.  New faces joined in this year.  I got to get some deeper connections with some new kiddos.  & we were reminded about falling in love with God at the most critical time our church kids needed it.


FIVE//  Women of Faith



It never ever gets old to worship in a room full of thousands of people... even better when its thousands of your sisters in Christ.  Loved getting to see some old friends & making new ones.  Fill up my soul every day Lord!

How was your summer?

 

What's the one best thing that happened for you?

 

Friday Five: A Day in the Life

A Day in the Life

I wish I knew this was the topic coming up - I would have taken some pictures to document... but really, life is so routine, isn't it?  So I'll just pick 5 things that I KNOW is happening every day of my life...

ONE // I hate my alarm

5:15am comes way too early ... every morning.  When my alarm goes off, I almost want to cry.  I am pretty good at getting up & being in a decent mood, but it still doesn't mean I don't hate it.  Know who else hates my alarm?  Harvey Dent.  That dog knows that it means mom & dad are leaving for the day & he gets so sad. Seriously sad.  Talk about dog-mommy guilt



TWO // Iced Coffee

This is a must in every day.  It's pretty funny to think that about 4 years ago, I never drank a cup of coffee in my life.  Could care less.  & not even sure how I got hooked on it, but yep, I NEED my iced coffee every morning.  It's like a wake up call to my body... more so, my brain... & my droopy eyes. 



THREE // Hide at work

I am a photographer on the weekends & evenings.  Day job, I do accounting... for three companies.  It keeps me busy.  It's easy to get bills & invoices & checks for these companies all mixed up if I'm not careful.  So while I am a people person, I like to just keep to myself at work.  Let me work on one company, check out some blogs... work on another company... check out the IG feeds... work on another company... what's the latest on Facebook.  I ain't got time for chatting.  It's OK - there's only 3 other people in the office anyways.  & after being here 23 years, we don't need to talk. I can read them as easily as I can a book.


FOUR // Immediately into workout clothes

Since my morning starts early & I have to get out of my house before the sun comes up, when I get home, I have limited time. So I'm basically walking into my door stripping my clothes off & getting my work out clothes on.  I feel like I could be like the act on American's Got Talent.  & I find if I don't put on my workout clothes as soon as I get home, I find excuses not to get in my sweat.  So its a MUST that I change quickly.

FIVE // Craft Time

I'm a knitter/crocheter... I love yarn in my hands. So at some point during the night, I have to do something on one of the many projects I have laying around my couch.  Even if its just a few stitches, I just like the idea that I'm creating SOMETHING... even one stitch a day adds up.

Yeah - obviously there is a lot of other stuff in my day... like eating... catching up with the hubs on our day... not necessarily cleaning... lots of laundry... lots of dog snuggles.... But here's a basic 5 you can count on.

What's one thing that happens every day in your

life that you love?  You hate?

Friday Five: Race Day Surprises

I like this week's topic... the things that sneak up on you

 

5 Race Day Surprises!!!

Things I didn't expect during a race day

ONE // How much you DONT want to eat

Any day, any hour, any minute - I could eat.  I'm all about food.  Except on race morning - when you NEED food the most to fuel up & get ready for a long day ahead.  But nerves kick in & who wants to eat with a nervous belly.  It's almost being force fed on race day... same goes with how much water you need to force down.  When all I want to do is throw up. I don't do nerves well.


TWO // How finding a parking spot can cause so much anxiety

I think I am near a panic attack EVERY race until I get my car parked & I'm heading to the start line.  I try to figure out the area before a race & think about where good parking is at... but then you run into blocked roads & loads of people crossing the street like its a big Frogger game #80sgamingreference ... & my fear is that I'm going to be late to the start... which has happened ... & guess what?  The world didn't end.  I just hate being rushed.  RUSH is the key word for most of my mornings on race day.  It's basically my word for EVERY morning of my life.


THREE // How much energy there is at start line

Man... if I could bottle up that anticipation & energy, I would... & I'd be a millionaire.  Standing at the start line in the middle of a group of people you never met but all have the same goal... it's just exciting.  & when music is being played to pump up the jam?  Oh yeah baby... its better then any rave you could ever go to.  But this one has compression socks & gel packs everywhere!  #RunnersRock


FOUR // How fast you'll start out

 

I have a pace. It's called slow.  But it always surprises me when I get through the first mile in a race & see what my pace is.  ALWAYS so much faster then it should be.  This is not a good thing, mind you... but it happens every race.  Getting caught up in the crowd, "keeping up with the Jones" you could say - "don't look like an idiot" is another way of saying it.  That's all hog wash - no one cares if you run along side them or not... but its just easy to try & keep up.

FIVE // The emotions

Yes, I figured I'd be emotional my first race crossing a half marathon finish line.  I didn't know I'd be emotional EVERY STUPID RACE I DO!!! ... but it happens.  A smile, a proud moment, sometimes even tears.  There's something that happens in the soul when you do a race.  I think an angel gets its wings or something.

What surprises you in races sometimes?

Friday Five: Summer Drinks

Five Favorite Summer Drinks

So I don't drink alcohol so this will probably be a boring post for some of you fancy pants people who like your cocktails & drinks...

Miss Fancy Pants knows her Champs

But I still like some drinks... my favs...


ONE // Starbucks Green Tea Lemonade -
(1 pump of sweetener)

I used to be on a Peach Green Tea Lemonade, but I swear, they changed the peach flavoring & now it just sorta tastes like gasoline to me.  But the plain green tea lemonade still is a favorite summer drink.  Doesn't it just look refreshing? & who doesn't love lemonade in the summer?


TWO // Starbucks Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher

This stuff is FANTASTIC - & has hardly any calories in it at all. It has something like green tea extract or ginseng in it - but something that is supposed to help with a little pep too.  I can never get enough of it.  I like to ask for less ice though because they can pack that cup up so full of ice that you barely get 2 sips out of a cup. I'm onto you Starbucks.


THREE// Iced Coffee

Oh yeah baby... this is my daily drink in the Summer.  I can make it at home but there's nothing better then McDonald's actually. I always say they put crack in it or something - its the best around.  Yes, even better then Starbucks.  I'm on a mission to try iced coffee everywhere now.


FOUR // Zevia (Grape)

These babies are my after dinner treat if I'm hungry.  They have a fun grape flavor that makes me think of childhood & they are filling.  I try to stock up when they are on sale because for a 6 pack, they can be pricey (the prices go up & down at my store - don't get that) - but I love these babies & don't even want to try another flavor.


FIVE // Iced Tea

Who doesn't love McAlister's Tea.  Or Chick Fil-A's tea?  Some places just KNOW how to do tea.  I've really learned to love unsweet tea with lemon but like to do a little bit of half & half on some days I need a little bit of sweetness in my life.  I'm so not good at making my own tea.  There really is an art to it.  I've let down southern women in general not knowing how to make it.  My mom used to make it in batches - the sweetest tea you can imagine... & it would all be gone by the end of the day. Delish!

What's your favorite summer drink?

 

Are you a fancy pants & like your cocktails?

 

How do you like your tea?

 

Are you addicted to Starbucks like I am?