Fourth of July - Quickie Re-cap

Hi everyone! Again, I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend. Here’s a quick recap of our fun events:

Enjoyed a Chardonnay at the Red Sox/Phillies Game on Thursday and was not ashamed.

Mama Palma’s on Friday – relaxed with one of these:

Got acupuncture for the first time on Saturday morning. Still working out my thoughts on the subject – stay tuned for blog post later this week.

Headed to the ‘burbs on Saturday afternoon – Did suburbian things (mall, chipotle, gawked at dream homes)

Bathed Manny & adorned him with a patriotic bandana.

Relaxed on Joe’s parent’s deck.

Ran 10-miles on Saturday thanks to Joe for planning my running route and writing directions on the back of my hand. I miss the natural elevation of the 'burbs (treadmill not required!) PS: G-Map pedometer is the best, while I wait for our Joe’s new Garmin to come in the mail!

Sampled a Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews pre-run – big fan. Excited about this new find.

Got cookin' on some some kick-ass recipes.

Had some of our best friends over for our annual Fourth Third of July BBQ.

Ran a hilly 5-miles on Monday morning. (More natural elevation. Bum still hurts.)

Got my Wawa Hoagiefest on.

Twice.

Headed back to the Birthplace of America on Monday afternoon.

Went to Devon Seafood for an early dinner (they have the biggest mussels in Philly) – people watched on their patio and brainstormed with Joe.

And was impressed that this girl rides her bike in these massive wedges:

Walked around Philly & got a FroYo.

Stopped into City Sports and picked up a “The Stick”. Amazing. More on THIS later as well.

In bed by 8:30 on Monday. Missed fireworks. Don’t tell anyone.

Lots of good stuff coming up this week. New NaturaStride products (!!!), my review on my acupuncture experience, Lotsa recipes, my review on "The Stick", and my Mid-Year Resolutions.

So, how was your weekend?? Anyone do any 4th of July Races?

Hope you're having a productive week!



The Best Guac. Ever.

Hi Guys! Happy 4th. Hope you are all enjoying the weekend.

Joe and I spent Saturday and Sunday out in the 'burbs and "rented" his parent's house since they're away on vacation. It was like a mini-vacation away from the city. We both kicked off the weekend with long runs. Joe planned out a very hilly 10-miler for me out in his hometown, and wrote the directions on the back of my hand (whatever works!). I love running routes I've never run before because the new scenery keeps me occupied. I finished it in 1 hr, 25 minutes and felt strong.

No, I did not run the Good Neighbor Day 15K (today) because I wanted to fully enjoy the BBQ yesterday! It's all about balance, people. But I still feel accomplished with the 10-miler.

Joe and I are back and Philly and are heading out in a bit to check out the 4th festivities here in the city! But before I go, I want to share with you my self-declared kick-ass guacamole recipe. It's awesome. More recipes from the 4th to come later this week, but this one couldn't wait!

Katie's Kick-Ass Guac Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe avocados
• 1 tomato
• 1 onion
• 2 limes (juice)
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tbsp chopped garlic
• Salt
• Pepper

Directions:

• Core & scoop avocados into large bowl

• Chop onion and tomato and add to bowl
• Juice 2 limes into bowl
• Chop garlic and add to bowl
• Chop cilanto and add to bowl. They key here is fresh cilantro. Must be fresh. Cannot be that dried crap or stuff from a tube. Yuck.

• Add S&P to taste.
• Smash (is "smash" a culinary term?) all ingredients together with fork until chunky yet smooth. Don't over smash!

• Test with tostitos.
• If in doubt, add more salt. (I always seem to add more salt).
• Drink with corona and/or margarita.

Happy 4th of July!!!