In grade school having to run the mile was the WORST THING EVER.
How could I POSSIBLY run a mile?! 7 LAPS AROUND THE ISLAND at St. Paul's - that was SOOOO much to run! I absolutely dreaded it and was lucky if I finished under 15 minutes!
Besides those terrible days I would avoid running at all cost (hence why my high school sports included swimming and tennis).
I dabbled in running a little bit a few years ago - back when I was trying to get in shape for my wedding. Unfortunately that hobby died immediately after the big day!
After having 2 kids in 2 years I was desperate to get active. My cousin Sara mentioned signing up to run the Bix and I thought it would be the perfect motivation to be sure I stayed focused. The Bix is a 7 mile race here in the Quad Cities - and not what you'd consider an easy run. Big hills and winding streets. Might as well set a big goal, right?!
Well, this past weekend was the race. I had been running as much as I could - about 12 miles a week.
My goal was to average 10 minute miles - or 70 minutes.
I am happy to report that:
a) I survived!
b) I beat my goal (just barely)! My official time was 1 hour, 9 minutes, 43 seconds
The best thing is that I've actually started to LOVE running (who would have thought?!). So I'm setting my goals even higher and contemplating a half marathon next! Yikes!!!!!
Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food. Noodles, meat and cheese... can't get much better than that! I'd seen the idea of lasagna roll ups floating around on Pinterest and knew I wanted to try it someday.
My least favorite part of lasagna is leftovers. When I move it from the pan to the tupperware container it gets all mushed together. I end up basically tearing the lasagna apart trying to get it out to re-warm it. (Maybe I'm the only one with this issue?)
Anyways.... I had to try this roll up idea.
You can use any basic lasagna recipe. Everyone seems to have a slightly different variation. The recipe I use is called "Easy Lasagna" (I am not a fan of ricotta cheese, so I prefer this recipe):
1 lb ground beef, browned
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 onion, chopped
1 box lasagna noodles (I used oven-ready noodles)
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
1 cup cheddar cheese
Brown ground beef and onion in skillet. While browning, boil water and soften lasagna noodles. Add about 80% of the spaghetti sauce to the beef. When noodles are soft enough to roll up (they do not have to be fully cooked) drain water and lay noodles on a cutting board or flat surface. Add a thin layer of the meat mixture and both types of cheese, roll up and insert into well of brownie pan (IT'S A PERFECT FIT!) You could also use a 9x13 baker - just place the roll ups right next to each other. Continue this process to use all ingredients (I made 10 roll ups). Pour the remaining sauce over each lasagna roll up and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes.
Easy lasagna ready to serve! No cutting necessary! :)
The other day I was craving something chocolatey after dinner. I needed brownies - ASAP!
I always have a brownie mix or two in my pantry, so I was shocked to see that I was out.
Now desperate for brownies, I did a quick Google search and opened the first recipe I found: Mmm Mmm Brownies! Sounded easy enough. Maybe I can have those brownies after all...!
Let me tell ya, these were some quick, awesome brownies! Definitely lived up to their name. Almost more cake-like (which is the way I like them!) and I am so thankful for the Pampered Chef brownie pan which not only makes them perfectly sized but also ensures each piece has the outer edges we all love! I topped the brownies with some whipped milk chocolate frosting (out of the can) and mini chocolate chips, for fun.
Mariah loved them, too. She even asked if she could take one to her room and eat it there. Since she has a little table in her room I said sure, why not?! When she came out of her room moments later with chocolate smeared on her face (including her forehead) I got a little nervous. I quickly made my way to her room to find a big chocolate smear on her freshly cleaned sheets and pillow case. New rule: No food in the bedroom! :)
Mmm Mmm Brownies! Make em!
