Giveaway Winner!

I am proud to announce the winner of my first giveaway.


Meghan from The Perfect Compliation Tape is the recipient of the ROAD ID. 
(for some reason my computer won't let me cut/paste the http://www.random.org/ generator)..I promise..she is legit!


Congrats!

Send me your email, and I will get you your code to personalize your ROAD ID!

Stay tuned for my next giveaway.  It will be Rhode Island themed..tell your friends!

Letterpress

I was taking in some of Newport's Winterfest, and noticed a local business was open.  I work some odd hours, so it is usually closed when I get home from work. 

I stumbled into 3rd and Elm Press, and well..I couldn't walk out with out buying something!

The owner and artist, Ilse, was so kind and welcoming.  Her work is amazing.  She makes her own paper, carves her own wooden blocks, you name it.  I roamed through her gallery, and looked at all her press equipment. 

There is something about a "mom and pop" place that always gets me.  I walked out with some handmade cards.  I am a big believer that a handwritten note is better than an email any day of the week.  I got one in the mail yesterday from a dear friend.  I was so happy to open that beautiful card! 

Here are the two cards I bought:

via

via

Check out Ilse's website.  You will be amazed by her handiwork!

Weekend in Photos

Winterfest in Newport.  I walked around, took some photos, went to a wine/chocolate tasting, and just took in what Newport has to offer. 

Washington Square

Thames Street

Art next to the Barking Crab

Near one of my fav Irish pubs...Buskers

Lunch? 

Waitress Accident=11 glasses of wine on two of my friends, and the table.  She gave them each a bottle from the tasting. 

Last dessert.  Yum. 

Bowens Wharf

Bowens Wharf

Gorgeous. 

I love Newport.  I need to soak in as much of this city as I can before I have to go.  I am seriously contemplating on buying a time share here.  It would be well worth it!

My First Giveaway!

Yes, you read that right.  I posted this product on the FB today, and one of my friends said "that would make a great gift for any fitness fan!"  I agree.  So I will give away a Road ID!

I have been a runner, ok I think of myself as a runner.  I try to run at least one race a year, and love to work out.  It is definitely more fun with friends.  We all know, whether it may be running, cycling, etc, that accidents can happen. 

That is why one of my brothers, who is a legit runner..marathons every year and all..recommended the Road ID to me.  No, they aren't giving me money for this at all, I just believe in a product that keeps you safe when you train.  This is definitely one of those products. 

Thus, I am hosting a giveaway of this particular Road ID. 

via Road ID website

I love my Road ID for my shoe.  This way I am not wearing a bracelet, etc and I don't forget it.  It is always there.  This one can either be engraved like the one shown, or it can be interactive.  Check out their webpage!

Here are the rules for the giveaway!

-One entry per person, must be a follower of this blog and leave a comment on why you would love this Road ID!
-I will announce the winner on February 29th!  Enter now until 1159 EST February 28th.
-Road ID will only be shipped to the US (I am sending you an E-Card for the Road ID, so you can create your own!)


Looking forward to spreading some fitness safety!

Sunny Beaches...

Here I come! 

I passed my oral exams today, now I have a written one next week I need to hurdle.  In the mean time, I just booked my flight to check out new places to live in Florida!

I can't believe I move in two months.  Yikes.  I'll be flying down for a weekend to scope out some apartments for my next duty station. 

In the mean time, I will be cleaning this weekend, getting my taxes done/or at least prepped, etc.  I am so excited to finally book this trip.  Who knew that a travel site would actually save me that much money.  I tried the flight, hotel, car separately, and it was almost $400 more expensive.  No thanks. 

Lent

I feel like this time of year has creeped up on me so quickly!  I have been super stressed out lately, so I hope I can come back to a better place and really focus on what this time of year is about.

Things I will try to do this Lent:
No Meat on Fridays
Fasting
Limit TV (I have been really good about this the past 8 months!)
Go to Church more often
Perform good works of Mercy

I used to volunteer a couple of times a month in Chicago.  It is almost impossible to do this in Rhode Island.  We sign up for stuff, and never get calls back.  It can be a bit discouraging sometimes.

I feel that with the above, in addition to working out more, and doing my "40 bags in 40 days" from the Clover Lane blog, I can accomplish a lot and be my best self. 

To add to this list...a friend of mine and I are organizing a project to honor a friend of ours who died training to be a Navy pilot.  I will keep you posted on our memorial.  I got the idea today, and we are trying to make the plan come to life. 

Weekend in Photos

I took a somewhat impromptu trip home to Chicago for the weekend.  I got a break that I needed.

I dined at a shushi restaurant, Gibsons, Derby, and Scoozi!

Wine Tasting @ Lynfred Winery

Relaxing little Saturday

Love this!

We joked about antiquing.  Then we did it. 

Ashland Ave, Chicago IL

Cortland Ave Bridge, Chicago IL

Frankie Says Relax

So that is what I am going to do!

Just got back from Yoga, now I am taking a few days for myself. 

Wishing I was here...

I have found a new and better self practicing yoga.  I go at least once a week, and am trying to go more often.  I have finals the next two weeks, so hopefully March and April will be fun of yoga, and more workouts. 

I feel so refreshed after.  Same feeling I have after a facial or a massage, just with way more sweat!

Thus, my goal for the long weekend is to relax.  Curl up with a good book, good wine, good company.

Keep Calm...

And Carry on...Right?

via Google Images

I should probably take my own advice.  Seriously.  I had such a shitty..errr...disappointing day.  I try to never bitch, gripe, or moan on here.  But seriously..I am in a terrible mood and can't shake it. I have tried.  Took a bath.  Cleaned.  Watched a funny video.  You name it. 

I have been super stressed lately.  Life has been kicking me in the proverbial balls a lot lately.  Not fun.  Not fun at all.  Just hope that stuff gets better soon.  I hate being a huge crab ass at work because people are starting to piss me off.  Petty stuff usually, but it is the "I am inconsiderate, and I am going to frustrate you today" kind of stuff?  You know what I mean? 

I am fortunate to have some awesome friends in Rhody who listened to me today.  I mean really listened.  I am used to life throwing me some serious curveballs, but today I think I reached my limit. 

Thanks to my folks out here who love me, and encouraged me to be my best today.  I will try to be a better person tomorrow. 

Speechless

A friend of mine posted this on Facebook this morning.  I was so blown away by the ignorance of this woman.

http://thinkprogress.org/security/2012/02/13/424239/fox-women-miliary-expect-raped/

I would love for her to take a tour of my base, talk to my coworkers, or even a SARP advocate.  I think her view on women in the military, rape in the military, and overall misguided way would change.

I am just outraged that she thinks just because I wear cammies every day and work with men, I should "expect to be raped".  Wow.  My male coworkers are like brothers to me.  They read the article and were just as upset and insulted. 

I really hope she somehow tries to redeem herself with this one.  Awful. 

Newport, Rhode Island Bucket List

So I made a bucket list for Chicago, so I thought it was only fair to complete one for Rhode Island:

Attractions:
Cliff Walk October 2011
Easton's Beach
The Breakers October 2011/February 2012
The Elms
Marble House
Fort Adams
Naval War College Museum

Restaurants:
White Horse October 2011/February 2012
Cafe Zelda
22 Bowens November 2011
Scales and Shells October 2011
Tuckers Bistro
Black Pearl October and November 2011
Clarke Cook House

Nightlife:
Mudville Pub too many times to list
Clarke Cook House (Boom Boom Room) November 2011 see post here
Red Parrot
One East Pelham
Blue's Cafe

Shopping: (no links bc there are too many stores to list!)
Bannisters Wharf (Hellooo alex and ani) Every month
Bowens Wharf Every month
Lower Thames December 2011
Only In Rhode Island Every month.  They make great care packages!

What is on your bucket list?

Out of my rut..

I found myself over the past few months to get into a rut.  A rut with cooking, a rut with working out.  I found myself concentrating so much on school, that I lost focus on myself. 

I petitioned friends for their favorite recipes, and got a great response.  I have been making healthy, delicious food, and losing weight.  I have also been making progress on my cookbook.  Much needed progress.

I have been working out more due to the buddy system and the dailymile widget.  I have a friend at work who works out with me after class, and even on weekends.  We cycle, do yoga, and zumba together.  It is so much more fun with a buddy.  I have lost over 6 pounds this past month.  I love my friends for motivating me!  The widget is extra fun.  Thanks to E for pointing it out to me in her endeavor.  No worries, I'll start running again.  It is just soooo cold in Rhody.  Can't deal running outside in the cold.

Have to leave you with a WWI recruiting poster.  I love these posters, and am thrilled with the fact that the Navy is making strides with modern ones.  I will hopefully post some more.  These definitely give me motivation to do what I do each and every day. 

Can't wait to move to go to my next adventure.  Destroyer Navy here I come!

 via

 

Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken

Skinnytaste.com has won me over once again.  I have been using these recipes because they are healthy and delicious.  I make them often, and no one can ever tell it is a "skinny" recipe. 

I decided my crock pot needed some love, so I found this super easy crock pot chicken recipe.  Perfect for a weeknight meal.  I could smell the meal from my driveway, through the house, that is how good it smelled!

Recipe is here.  I did not use rice, because I can't eat rice right now.  It was great on its own, or you can add cheese/sour cream per the recipe. 

Looking forward to making this the next time I have guests over.  Pair it with cornbread, margaritas, and my easy Mexican Salad..you have a party!

Looking forward to making some more soups from a cook book I just received as a gift.  Found the ingredients, now just need to make it!

Newport Dining

My friends came into town this weekend, and we knew we had to take them to the real "Newport" places.  After a tour of The Breakers, we took a nice drive down Ocean Drive.  Gorgeous views all over.  We had lunch at Castle Hill. I enjoyed the two course lunch with organic greens and Scottish Salmon.  Amazing.  The greens were fragrant, and so fresh.  The Salmon was perfect with the risotto.  I can't wait to go back.  I would love to take my guy there when he visits again! 

We went to the White Horse Tavern for dinner.  I love this place. Both places are incredible, and have their own fantastic atmosphere.  The servers are knowledgeable, and the food was to die for.  I had the Lobster Mac and Cheese at White Horse for dinner.  So delicious.  This is also the home for the drink, Dark N Stormy.  We all enjoyed our meals, and our cocktails. 

Both of these restaurants, along with Rhumbline, Hotel Viking, and the Black Pearl are a few of my favorites so far in Newport.  I hope to dine at more places while I live here, and take advantage of the fresh seafood!

Newport Weekend in Photos

I had some dear friends visit this weekend for a whirlwind visit.  I took a ton of pictures, ate some great food, and we had a wonderful time.  Here are some pictures, I will post about the food later!

We did a guided tour of the Breakers.  Always different each time.  Love this house.

The girls outside the Breakers. 

Was messing with the exposure.  Love the contrast here.

Castle Hill Light.  Est. 1890.

Sunday Morning. 

Thank You for Being Your Own Advocate

These words were said to me by my pharmacist today.  I got home from an "awesome" day at school=4 hour written exam, and was reading the news.  Then I looked at Facebook, and saw that one of my friends posted an article about a birth control recall.  Hmmmm...it got my interest, so I took a look at it.

My brand.  Ok..I go to the bathroom, get the box.  Go to the FDA website.  Yup, my exact lot. 

Next step, call the pharmacy.  They asked me to come in.  I got there about 3 minutes later, and the wonderful pharmacist helped me.  She took my old meds, is calling the company that makes the drug, and put in a huge order for replacements.  I was the only one who had come in thus far, but the issue is that they had to pull everything.  Yikes. 

The last words of the pharmacist.  "Thank you for being your own advocate."

This is extremely true in the medical field.  If you do not help yourself, you will not get results.  She told me that they are not required to call you, only if it is life threatening.  Luckily I need it for hormones, and am ok, but it is still scary to know your perscription got recalled. 

I am just glad I caught it, read the FDA website, and took action.  I will pass this advice on to you..no matter what it may be.  Medicine recall, car recall, kids toys, etc.  Read the advisories.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

I decided to try a new soup recipe once again for Sunday dinner.  Success!  It took me a while to find the right ingredients. 

Check out this link at Skinnytaste.com.  Gina's recipes are amazing, and this one was no exception.

Soup Recipe

I put brown rice in for white rice, because I can't eat white rice with my diet.  The soup wasn't as creamy in the end, but all in all, I don't think you need the sour cream. 

I paired the soup with some whole wheat beer bread.  I usually use tastefully simple, but since I am in Rhode Island, I tried Bristol Harbor Whole Wheat Beer Bread.  Pretty tasty!

I have so much of this soup left over.  This recipe is definitely for a crowd.  I am packing this with lunch almost every day this week!