Nothing is Impossible
0Wow.
“Never underestimate what you can accomplish when you believe in yourself.”
(Also why does it seem like every inspirational video uses “Fix You”?)
Lady & Sons
1While in Savannah, my one request was to dine at Paula Deen’s restaurant. I’m not really sure why, as her food is butter-laden and diabetes-laced, maybe I was just curious as to what all the hype was about.
We made lunch reservations for 11am and arrived right on time. When we first drove by searching for parking, we noticed that the crowd gathered outside held no person younger than approximately 50 years old. Uhhh.. this was going to be interesting.
Despite the fact that we were likely the youngest people in the restaurant, I can’t complain about the experience. In fact, I would give it a thumbs up….
The menu housed typical southern fare, with the option of a buffet.
Definitely the youngest (and cutest!) dude in the house.
Everyone gets a savory corn cake, what they refer to as a “ho cake”, and a cheddar biscuit. Those two alone were enough to fill me up! I went for the sweet tea, which was quite delicious albeit super sweet. I started with crab stew, which was pretty tasty but also super salty.
Time for my main dish! I went for a veggie sandwich, which was portabello mushroom, zucchini and yellow squash roasted and topped with gooey cheese. On the side were a few slices of potato, crispy and deep fried. It was all yummy, but I (as well as everyone else) ended up so.freaking.stuffed.
Before leaving, we couldn’t help but notice this terrible marketing strategy. Anyone else think it looks like Paula Deen is in hell?
After we stuffed ourselves silly, we hopped on over to the adjacent retail store, where I couldn’t resist a cookbook, a biography, and this beautiful gem:
Yes, that is butter flavored lip balm, and no, I don’t think it actually tastes like butter. Also, I think prior to this experience, we reference diabetes no less than 53,000 times. I think we all escaped diabetes free, although I can see how eating like that 24/7 definitely puts you on the path to unhealthiness. Like I’ve said before and like I will continue to advocate, MODERATION, people!
Also, in the event that you would like to see a short video about our adventure, you are in luck because I’ve prepared such an item. In the event you don’t care about the adventure, watch the video anyway because it includes an absolutely precious baby.
How to stay fit on vacation
0How do I stay fit on vacations, might you ask? How do I counteract all those piña coladas with something healthy while away from my routine, you might be wondering? Well here is some advice for you, coupled with actual photographic evidence for your entertainment.
challenge everyone to a push up contest
do yoga wherever, whenever
beach running
stay hydrated (personal water trainer optional)
dance parties are always fun
if all else fails, walking is always an option (pretty ladies also optional but highly recommended)
good luck! ♥
Lameo Phone Post
0So I’ve been at the beach for the past week with five of my best friends from college. It had been way too long since we all saw each other so it was great to get together again. I’ve emerged only partially sunburned and mostly unscathed. Here’s a phone photo recap of the past few days…
Now I’m in Tennessee watching my younger brother graduate high school. Out to dinner tonight and relaxing with the family until Monday. Have a lovely weekend!
Things I Love
0things i’m digging:
salt and vinegar chickpeas
because I can’t be trusted around a bag of chips (serious side eye to kettle cooked salt n’ vinegar), I’ve been roasting up these babies and eating them on absolutely everything. At least they’re high protein?
coffee detox
I haven’t had a drop of coffee in just about a month, and I feel amazing. I felt myself getting addicted so I quit cold turkey. It was brutal for a couple days there, but I really can’t stand the havoc it wreaks on my internals. Will I quit it forever? Probably not. But I’m feeling good for now.
probiotics
Speaking of my internals, this stuff works miracles. Not only is it vegan and delicious, it helps with bloating and other sorts of digestive sadness. Tasty, too.
pawn stars
I seriously cannot stop watching this show. I find it absolutely fascinating. I totally admit to reading Rick’s book in less than a day. it was super interesting for a nerd like me, as he talked about how he acts as part sociologist, part anthropologist due to all of the interesting memorbilia/people that come through his doors. I.can’t.get.enough. I think I might need an intervention soon.
(I may also have a secret inappropriate crush on both Corey and Rick…)
A Sign
0So.. is this a sign?
Well, yes, obviously it’s a physical sign but the point is this: I drove past this church every week en route to my long runs when I was training for Disney. The name of this fine establishment is was Marathon Church. The name alone was encouragement enough as I would drive by. “Hey, I’m training for that! I’m going to do a marathon!”
They’re getting a new name this month!? WHAT DOES IT MEAN!?!?!
Nashville
0So this past weekend I went to Nashville to visit with my family and take part in various running activities. First up was the Rock ‘n’ Roll Country Music Marathon Expo! I love expos, and this one did not disappoint.
Right after the expo, we headed down the street where I ran a one-mile race with the little bro. He ran the entire time and sprinted ahead at the finish. He’s a speedy one!
So proud.
The next day I was up bright and early to run the half marathon! Over 30k people participated in both the marathon and half, so it was a little nuts.
My mom got up at the crack of dawn with me just to spectate! Thanks Mom! I love you. However, I don’t love these awful pictures of me looking stupid along the course:
mile 4:
mile 8.5:
mile 13.05:
I’m quite glad I did this race, because of views like this:
However, it was hot as hell and the hills wanted to kill me. Not my best race, but I got my body to the end, and for that, I am grateful.
Running is a gift.
I’m kind of glad I don’t have any races coming up any time soon. I need a little mental break from running, and these pool/yoga vouchers are burning a hole in my pocket.
Plus, I don’t have an adorable ice bath buddy to keep me company here in South Carolina:
Happy Earth Day!
0Beautiful rainbow brought to you by Greenville’s afternoon thunderstorm (if you look closely, you can see a double rainbow).
Color remixes brought to you by Photoshop. Happy Earth Day!
Tempeh Tenders
1When I was in college, I was lucky enough to partake in the experience that is Chicken Tender Tuesday. It was a very big deal. These chicken tenders were prime, juicy, and just waiting to be devoured by hoards of hungry college kids. We lived for Tuesdays back then.
One of the things I miss most is a beautifully crisp chicken tender. Not so much because of how it makes me feel, but because it’s a southern culture thing. These folk don’t mess around with their fried chicken. Chic-fil-a is everywhere, trying to lure me in. Can you believe it’s been almost two years since the spicy ridiculousness?
While I don’t feel the need to go out and stuff myself with KFC, I figured I could try my hand at the next best thing, tempeh tenders. Lucky for me (and you!) they came out quite tasty.
Tempeh Tenders
Need:
1 package tempeh
a lot of cups of canola oil
for the wash:
1 egg, beaten
1c rice milk
for the breading:
1/2c all-purpose flour
1/2c panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp Penzey’s mural of flavor or other spices as you desire
Do:
- Heat the oil in a small saucepan to 350 degrees.
- Whisk together the egg and milk in a small bowl. Combine all the dry breading ingredients in another bowl.
- Cut the tempeh into strips. Dip each strip into the breading, then the egg wash, then back into the breading. Ensure each strip is fully coated with breading.
- Repeat until all strips are prepped.
- Fry the strips in hot oil until golden and crispy.
- Allow the strips to drain on paper towels. Let cool slightly before eating. Enjoy!
I had these babies tonight dipped in some classic ketchup. Their flavor isn’t overwhelming, which makes it perfect for pairing with sauces and dips. Can’t wait to try out a crispy buffalo tempeh wrap tomorrow!
