Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Lunatik Athletiks' ZUZA Compression Socks & A Giveaway!

Let me start out by saying - this is going to be an emphatic, glowing review. I'm so excited to share ZUZA Compression Socks from Lunatik Athletiks with you all, because they are fantastic! I am in love.

ZUZA Performance Compression Socks
If you're a reader of my blog, you know that I am not typically a huge sock fan - compression or otherwise; however, I have been getting more into compression gear as I have gotten more serious about my marathon training. So when I stumbled upon Lunatik Athletiks' ZUZA socks somewhere in the depths of Twitter - I thought OH. MY. GOD - I've gotta have some. I must admit, the initial attraction was purely superficial - because look at them: AWESOME. RAD. SUPER COOL. (If you're the kind of person that doesn't want to attract attention to yourself, these might not be for you. Seriously.)
 
Lunatik Athletiks very kindly sent me a pair to review. Imagine my excitement when these showed up in my mailbox! I immediately tore into the package and started prancing around my house like a kid - they are just so fun! The best part - I get to share the love with you guys, because I get to give a pair away!


Of course, I had to actually road test these beauties in order to give a proper review. I had an amazing opportunity to do a fun run with the famed Dean Karnazes on Saturday - so I decided that would be the best time to give my ZUZA Compression Socks a spin. They felt great - snug, stayed in place and didn't cause any uncomfortable rubbing as I have found with other brands. The socks got tons of attention from grown-ups and kids alike (little girls were IN LOVE with them - go figure.) Dean's assistant even asked me where she could find them, because she had never seen compression socks like them before! Of course, I told her all about them.

Testing out my ZUZAs with Dean Karnazes. AWESOME.
Since the fun run was very short and not really the proper conditions for compression, I used them the following day after an 18 mile long run. They felt great during and after all those miles.

Some of you might not be familiar with the concept of compression gear. What's it all about? Lunatik Athletiks' compression gear is designed to do the following:
  • improve endurance by reducing muscle vibration
  • reduce build-up of lactic acid in the muscles
  • speed up muscle recovery
  • provide comfort for sore and fatigued muscles
  • improve blood circulation
  • reduce injury
  • 72% Nylon 28% Lycra CE, FDA and GMP certified for quality assurance  
What are you waiting for? Head over to Lunatik Athletiks and do some shopping! I truly loved these, and I'm anxious to order another pair (I have to decide which funky pattern I need the most!)

Want to win a pair of ZUZA Compression Socks? 
Enter through the Rafflecopter Giveaway below! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, July 29, 2013

Vegetarian Life Hack: Regrow Green Onions

No matter what your diet looks like, you probably incorporate green onions in some of your meals. If you're a veggie - you probably include them in a ton of different dishes.

Consider this little life hack: regrow your green onions in a window sill. 

I know that green onions cost very little, but this is still a fun and easy way to reduce, reuse, recycle! The onions will grow and you can use them as needed for about a month. Awesome!

Onion Regrow - DAY ONE
The instructions are very simple:

1. Cut and use green onion as part of a meal, leaving the root system, bulb and about 2 inches of the stem. (See photo.) If you are cooking the white part, this obviously won't work.


Onion Regrow - DAY SIX
2. Fill a small jar or glass with about two inches of cool, clean water.

3. Place the green onions in the jar and set in a sunny window. 

4. Change the water daily.

5. Use the onion as often as you want - a gift that truly keeps on giving! VOILA!

Three Minute Interview with Dean Karnazes

On Saturday morning, I had a rare opportunity to run alongside one of the celebrities of the running world: Dean Karnazes! No big deal - just the athlete credited with being the world's most famous ultramarathon runner and super successful author.

Dean was in Milwaukee for a brief stop to gain support for his organization, Karno Kids. Karno Kids' challenge is to help slow the trend of obesity and inactivity in today's children. As a teacher, I can totally get behind this mission:

"A third of our youth in the US (25 million kids) are either overweight or obese.  The direct medical cost of treating obesity related diseases is staggering, but the quality of life costs are even higher.  Physical education programs are being eliminated from our schools at alarming rates, and open spaces where kids can explore the environment and enjoy the wonders of the great outdoors are disappearing.  Karno Kids is dedicated to reversing this unfortunate trend."

AMEN TO THAT!  


His stop at Performance Running Outfitters included a 4 Mile Fun Run, a small breakfast, a raffle and a photograph/autograph session. We started the morning with a brief explanation of his stop before heading out for the group run - sixty eager bodies running through Shorewood streets. Naturally, a pack of excited fans jogged slowly alongside Dean - wanting to hear his stories and suggestions while interjecting their own anecdotes. I stayed back a little bit and waited for an opportunity to make my move - because I wanted to chat too (which is really hard for me. I'm naturally pretty quiet and sometimes freak out in social settings.) Just past the halfway mark, I sidled up next to him and introduced myself as a teacher, coach and blogger - to which he said, "Oh wow, you're a saint! My mother was a teacher." 

Me and Dean Karnazes - also test running my awesome, new compression socks!
 I immediately felt at ease! We made some small talk about the trials and tribulations of teachers - particularly those working in the inner city. I referenced his organization and asked a series of questions about getting my particular group of students and athletes more interested in active lifestyles. This is something really important to me, and something I have written about in the past.

ME: "So, if you had one piece of advice to encourage my students to get active, what would you suggest?"

DK: "I would say that you have to make it fun and engaging. It also helps if you set a group goal. For instance - if you say "As a group, we're going to run 1,000 miles..." then everyone has an opportunity to contribute at their ability level and is accountable to the group." (Dean Karnazes understands differentiation!)


Of course, I agree 100%. When coaching, we try to make the experience fun and memorable, while instilling habits that can be maintained for a lifetime. I will definitely try to incorporate more group goals in the up-coming school year for both my students and my cross-country/track athletes.

Dean's advice was genuine and thoughtful. I don't know why I was surprised, but I was impressed by his personality in general. You could see an internal light and goodness shining through him. I imagine a huge part of that is the fact that he gets to live a life that he loves: traveling the world, challenging himself and promoting causes he believes in - whether its Karno Kids, Girls on the Run or the North Face Endurance Challenges. (Speaking of NORTH FACE Endurance Challenge, I won a free registration for the Wisconsin race in a raffle at the event. Guess I have another race to plan for!)

What a humbling and exciting morning.

How about you? Have you ever had the opportunity to meet one of your runner or non-runner idols? 







Friday, July 26, 2013

Five Things Friday & Link Love

Happy Friday, friends!  
You did it - you made it successfully through another week. I hope it treated you well and I hope you're ready for the weekend!

5 Things I'm SUPER Excited About:

1. I bought new racing flats (new version of the same shoe I always buy.) TIE-DYE! I know they're a little bold, but I have not found a better shoe than the New Balance 1400. They are light and super fast - also built to compete at all distances. Apparently, Yahoo agrees - #3.
Limited Edition New Balance 1400s - $99

 2. I ordered Lace & Race Coffee Mugs (Vistaprint had a Groupon. I HAD TO DO IT!) I thought it would be a fun thing to have around and to occasionally give away. You might get one and then you can think about me all the time. "You ain't no punk" is my go-to mantra when I'm starting to bonk in a race. I literally think it over and over. It helps.
 3. I'm a Dirty Girl Blogger Ambassador for Milwaukee! I've never done a Dirty Girl 5K or any other obstacle based event before, so I'm happy to try it out and write for them! If you're in or around MKE, you should come join me - August 17th and 18th. I have a discount for you!
 

4. My dad brought me a new lawnmower, because he is the greatest dad in the world! As a homeowner, these kinds of things are really exciting. It works like a dream and it gives me a nice little workout! I could cut the grass every day and never get tired of it. Gotta keep those lines straight and tight!


5. I have a WHOLE BUNCH of product reviews and giveaways coming up in the next month - especially for my one year "blogiversary" in August! I can't wait to share all of the fun goodies with you guys! Lunatik Athletiks ZUZA Compression Socks (SO RAD) is just one of the giveaways coming your direction. Are you psyched? Me too. 


My week in 5 Instagram photos @laceandrace:



 And 5 links that made my day! LINK LOVE!

1. What does it mean to have true strength? - @olivetorun
2. Easy Chickpea Curry with Coconut Rice Recipe - @howsweetblog
3. Running Shoe Shopping Binge - @coreymarie13
4. The Running Bun Tutorial - (made me laugh!) @runningbun
5. 10 Tips for First-Time Marathoners - @ErickaAndersen

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Keeping Perspective: Running "Good"


On the way to a trail run this weekend, I saw this car for sale in a parking lot. I read those optimistic words, "RUN'S GOOD" and thought - hey - photo op! So we snapped a couple pictures and went on our way.

When I got home and looked at the pictures, I started sympathizing with that car (which I realize is a crazy thing to do.) I imagined the person writing on the windows with terrible grammar - trying to convince the world that the car is worthy of purchase. I felt like the beat up car with the positive message was sort of a metaphor for my life as a runner. 

I am certainly not a perfect runner nor an elite runner, but under all circumstances - I will put in the work, I will do my absolute best and I will be a good runner.

DISCUSS:
How do you keep perspective on your own performance? 
How do you avoid living comparatively to other runners/bloggers or people in general?

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Tips to Beat the Summer Running Slump

I bet a lot of you can relate to the summer running slump - a sudden loss in motivation for your training. Runners lose motivation for any number of reasons, but the mid-summer slump is usually related to one of these:

- training in the heat and humidity is hard
- training cycles can be long and tedious
- you're not seeing the results you want
- you're injured or exhausted
- you got off track with your training
- you just don't have time

If that sounds like you, don't worry: you can always get back on track with your racing goals. Here are ten ways to add some zip back into your step as you chase down those fall race goals.

Photo Credit

  1. Spice up your training wardrobe. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to add some pizzazz to your running gear. Find a few items that make you feel confident, fast, and strong- think neon! You’re more likely to put the workout gear on if it makes you feel good. You're more likely to go through with your workout if you are dressed for it!
  2. Reevaluate your race goals. The first step to competing well is to have realistic race expectations. If you got off track with your training or you don't have enough time to train properly, revisit your original goals. If you have to adjust your expectations, do so. You won't enjoy your racing experience if you come up short of a goal and feel defeated. Step it up for the next race!
  3. Consider your pace. Many runners feel defeated or become injured if they try to do too much too soon. You should start your training slowly and build up gradually. The rule of thumb is to increase your mileage by 10% every week. Listen to your body to decide when you can push a little harder or when you should pull back. If you're feeling warn down and training is no longer enjoyable, this is probably your problem.
  4. Keep track of your training. Unless you are fortunate enough to have a coach, no one is going to keep you accountable for your own training. Whether you use a new app or go old-school with a notebook & pen, the goal is the same: record your workouts! Make it a habit! DailyMile is great, because there is a great sense of community and an it is an easy tool for tracking your progress.
  5. Find a workout buddy. Working out alone is fine, but running with a partner will help to keep you motivated. You are less likely to skip a workout if you have plans with a partner or running group. It is also awesome to share your enthusiasm and goals with like-minded people. One of my favorite aspects of training is the great running community I have met - in real life and online.
  6. Add variety to your workouts. Too many people think that training for a race just means running countless miles. BORING. While it is important to build a strong mileage base, you should also incorporate other physical activities. Try to build strength and speed workouts into each week. Don’t forget your other favorite physical activities count toward your overall fitness level. Zumba on the beach? Yes! Tennis doubles? You bet!
  7. Rest and recovery are necessary. During any training cycle, remember to give your body the proper recovery time. Rest is as important as the workouts, because recovery is where our bodies build muscle and strength. If you deny your body time for repair, you risk injury and exhaustion. Injury and exhaustion are discouraging barriers to achieving your fall race goals. Rest up for peak performance!
  8. Reward yourself for achieving your goals. Being healthy is a huge incentive for getting active, but try to think of other ways to reward yourself for your hard work. I like to set weekly goals with small weekly rewards. Try to avoid making food your reward; instead, treat yourself to an experience. Go see a movie. Take a day hiking trip. My personal reward is to pay myself fifty cents for every mile I ran that week. I set up a “Runner’s Savings Account” and at the end of the year, I have a big reward reflecting all of my effort. 
  9. Beat the heat. Hot and humid conditions are probably the top reason for skipping workouts in the summer, but there are ways to work with or around the weather! First and foremost, you must stay properly hydrated. WATER, WATER, WATER. Secondly, adjust your pace. If it is too hot for your tempo run, slow down or take it inside. Start your day with an early morning run to avoid midday heat. Don't let the season's temps totally derail your training by using it as an excuse for a day off.
  10. Remember why you started training in the first place. Training cycles are long and hard. It is easy to forget why you're doing all the work in the first place. Try to remember how you felt when you started - when you signed up for your race - when you told everyone about your goals. You felt excited and motivated! You made a commitment to your future self when you signed up for the race; keep your focus and have some fun along the way. You'll thank yourself on race day!
What are YOUR tips for staying motivated through the summer training season?

Monday, July 22, 2013

Milwaukee Girls Play Dirty!

According to a recent article from OnMilwaukee, 19 Things Milwaukee Millenials Love, number 13 on the list is Dirty Girl Mud Runs! I'm pretty sure the love of Dirty Girl goes beyond millenials. Well, watch out Milwaukee gals - because the Dirty Girl is coming your way August 17th and 18th! 

DID YOU KNOW... Dirty Girl started in Milwaukee in 2010? Milwaukee girls are AWESOME.

I am personally really excited, because the Dirty Girl organization approached me about becoming a "Blogger Ambassador" for the Milwaukee event. Basically, I get to write about all of the fun and amazing things Dirty Girl stands for! I also get to report back on my own experience after I make it through the muddy course myself! YES!

For those of you that haven't heard of Dirty Girl, you might be wondering what Dirty Girl is! In their words - Dirty Girl is a 5k womens only run for women of all ages and athletic abilities. Don't worry, it's not a "race" in the traditional sense. It is an untimed obstacle course designed to push you slightly out of your comfort zone, but only as far as you are comfortable going. Forming teams is encouraged, and so is helping your fellow Dirty Girls get through to the finish. At a Dirty Girl Mud Run you'll find excitement, laughter, and camaraderie—as well as lots of music and even some adult beverages. It's a day you'll never forget.
Dirty Girl is an organization that is designed to empower women! They work to accomplish GIRL POWER not only through the Dirty Girl Mud Runs, but also by donating to breast and ovarian cancer research, education and survivors. The sad fact of the matter is that we've all be affected by cancer in some way; it is wonderful to see a positive, empowering organization like Dirty Girl working to bring those icky statistics down - all while encouraging camaraderie, personal growth and FUN! 

So - are YOU ready to start training for Dirty Girl Milwaukee? Grab your girlfriends. Make a team! Pick a crazy costume! If you're like me, you'll be setting up practice obstacles in your backyard. Ropes? Check! Wall climb? Check! Mud pit? Hell yes! Remember - they said there are drinks at the end. I know you Milwaukee ladies can be convinced to do most things when mud and beer are involved. ;) I know, because I'm one of you and I will see YOU in August.

Want a 20% discount code? Here you go, dirty girls: DGMILWAUKEE


MILWAUKEE, WI 
Waukesha County Expo Center
August 17th & 18th, 2013


Saturday, July 20, 2013

Lace & Race Gets Social!


I have been working really hard this past week to get Lace & Race caught up with the social media world. I want to reach a broader audience, because I get so much joy out of connecting with all of you wonderful, like-minded people. What an amazing thing technology is. Thankfully, I have the summer off to focus on such things.

You might or might not have noticed that my blog has undergone a pretty serious make-over. I'm really excited about it! Please click around and learn a little bit more about me, why this blog exists and what else I do with my life. I like giving you all a chance to know me on a more personal level, because it can't be all "bla bla bla running, bla bla bla recipe" - we gotta have a little fun too!

Here are all of the ways you can find Lace & Race in the webby world. You can also just visit my "Contact" page. You should anyway, because I have a great joke posted there. (Thanks, Amy.)

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter



A joke for your Saturday morning :)

Why did Sally's coffee taste like mud? Because it was fresh ground.


Ok - your turn! Tell me a joke or your favorite social media tip in the comments!

Friday, July 19, 2013

Friday Mixtape Motivation

I am super, hardcore into music. My friends seem to think that I have snobby taste - like I try to be a hipster about it. I DO NO SUCH THING. But I do appreciate obscure jams and I spend more time than might be considered normal to find find said "jams." That sounds hipstery, doesn't it? Crap.

Well - I feel like I should share the fruits of my labor with you all. Every runner needs good music to keep them motivated. Truth be told, I don't run with music. I like to run without distraction - but I do play music for all of my other workouts. I need something to get me through those ridiculous Insanity sessions! 

Here are a few tracks that you might consider incorporating into your playlist - some new, some old. Don't worry - these aren't the real deep cuts. We'll save those for another day. I do apologize ahead of time for profanity and general icky sentiments. As they say, "I just like the beat." 

Discuss: Leave a comment of YOUR go-to jam right now! What keeps you moving?

1. Classixx - I'll Get You (Do You Like Bass?)
 2. Elliphant - Down On Life
3. Big Boi ft. Phantogram - CPU
4. Foals - My Number
5. Rihanna - Phresh Off the Runway
6. Elliphant - Ciant Hear It
7. Marc Ronson ft MNDR and Q-Tip - Bang, Bang, Bang


I have rights to none of these - just sharing the love. Please download (legally) anything you like! :) CYA.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Connecting with the Greater Community

I am part of a Foodie/Fitness group here in Milwaukee - OlallieMKE. Olallie is a collaboration of like-minded people in the area - we're all into food, fitness and social media. We have events related to those things: eat food, work food calories off, blog about both. 

Well, last night we had a fitness event in a local park in Milwaukee. We had a butt-kicking Boot Camp class from Tracey of Power UP Fitness followed by a wonderful yoga session in the shade of a tree. 
 
Boot Camp Gals! Photo Credit: Kat of The Fit Girl's Kitchen

Well - something amazing happened while we were doing the yoga portion of our workout; strangers joined us. We were all in a circle holding a pose when we heard,
 "HEY - can we join you?"

Without hesitation, we said "Of course!" and made the circle larger to accommodate the three young girls that had been walking by on their way to the beach. They took positions in the circle, giggling a bit at the prospect of doing something that probably seemed awkward. I can't be certain, but it seemed like they hadn't done yoga before and just wanted to try. I love that willingness to try something new. 

Throughout the yoga cool down, the girls blended into the original group - taking cues from the instructor and quietly transitioning into each position. As I looked around at our little circle in the park - it felt more complete with these nameless strangers learning and growing along with us. My heart felt really great in that moment. When we were done, we exchanged pleasantries with the girls - giving them some trail mix and an explanation of our group. We also let them know about our upcoming events. Who knows - maybe they'll join us again. 

One of the missions of Olallie is to bring a love and knowledge of wellness to our community; as far as last night goes - mission accomplished.

BEFORE getting sweaty. Photo Credit: Sheila of SMWRoadRunner

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

How has running changed your body?

Like the rest of the running world, I fell in love with the comic "The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances" from The Oatmeal.

I think the "comic" struck a chord with a lot of runners, because it was so honest in its comedy. Someone once told me that the funniest things in life are the truest things. I'm sure that every runner found a number of quirky observations made by The Oatmeal that made them say, "Yeah, no kidding" or "I do that, too!" I certainly had a number of moments like that when I read through it. One of the illustrations stuck out to me a little more than the others and I thought it would make for an interesting conversation between runners.

On the "Vanity" page of the article, they suggested that the body we end up with after becoming a distance runner is not necessarily the body we thought we'd get or even the body we necessarily wanted.

It made me think: what was the body I wanted running to give me? How does the body I earned compare to that image?



I think I expected to become rail thin with long limbs and defined muscles like a sinewy ballerina. I thought I'd get to keep my boobs and my ass would be perfectly hard and round like an Olympic sprinter.

I probably don't need to say this, but those things didn't happen just how I expected them to. I did thin out, but part of the cost of "thinning out" is losing boobs. Another place I have lost weight is in my face; my cheeks used to be much fuller. Sometimes, I feel like I look like Skeletor with sunken in cheeks. 

My waist and hips are narrower - but my thighs are huge from hills, plyometrics and an early life as a sprinter/jumper. There are pros and cons to big thighs because they are strong, but my skinny jeans hate them. Chafing is a problem. When I was running last week, a guy yelled "That chick has legs like an effing horse." I took it as a compliment (I guess,) but still...a horse? My muscles are more defined in general. I like that you can see shapes in my arms, my shoulders, my back, my calves and yes - even my butt. I totally check these things out in the mirror and take vanity shots to compare my progress. You should too.

So while the changes in my body aren't exactly what I pictured, I'm happier with the way it has turned out. My body looks and feels strong - and it will continue to change. Let's not forget the best part - our bodies are able to do some pretty amazing things because of running and the work we put in.

What about you? How has your body changed? Are those changes what you expected?

Saturday, July 13, 2013

To Compete Well, Eat Well: Bird Seed Bombs

I'm always looking for energizing recipes for pre/post workouts. I found this recipe for "Bird Seed Energy Bars" and adapted it a little bit - Bird Seed Bombs. These are wonderful - so yummy and full of healthy stuff. They're perfectly sized for a quick snack or refueling after a tough run! Pack a little bag of them to take on a hike or as a "pick me up" during a long day at work. Since they are so small, they'll give you the energy you need and curb your hunger without packing on the pounds. Enjoy!


Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 Minutes

Yield: 24 Bites
   
Ingredients: 

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup wheat bran
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cups whole wheat flour
1 egg beaten
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
1/4 cup melted, unsalted butter
1/4 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
1 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup flax seeds
1/4 cup sesame seeds or millet
2 T slivered almonds
2 T pecans
1 T chia seeds

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease mini cupcake pan (to make bite sized bombs.) To make bars in a cake pan, double the recipe.
2. Mix the oats, brown sugar, wheat bran, cinnamon, and flour together in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, honey, vegetable/coconut oil, butter, peanut butter, vanilla, and salt until evenly blended., and stir into the oat mixture. Stir in the flax seeds, sesame/millet seeds, almonds, pecans, chia seeds. Use your hands to mix the ingredients.
3. Use a rounded tablespoon to scoop mix into mini-cupcake pan
4. Bake in preheated oven until the edges are golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes for mini-cupcake pan, 20-25 for bars in cake pan. Cool completely.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Inspirational Stationery, PaperMichelle and a Giveaway!

Today is the day when Lace & Race meets PaperMichelle (my stationery blog! Yep - I make off-beat greeting cards.) A lot of the interactions I have through Lace & Race involve ambitious athletes - high achievers with lofty personal and professional goals. That is not unlike the friends I have made through PaperMichelle.

One thing both groups need: motivation and inspiration! I'm adding a couple new designs to the shop, but I thought I could do a fun little giveaway first. To win two of each design below (because you never know when you need to inspire someone else or simply say Hello!) just enter through the Rafflecopter giveaway at the bottom.

Congratulations to the giveaway winner! Yay!
Melissa @free2bimperfect

What about you? Do you have favorite inspirational sayings or mantras?



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Guest Blogger: Bani Bands

I am very honored to be the guest blogger for Bani Bands today! Bani Bands is the maker of soft-grip adjustable headbands - perfect for anyone with an active and fashionable lifestyle. 


Bani Bands are unique, because each headband comes with a QR code that you can scan with your smartphone. Once you scan, you'll be able to "meet your maker" - discover who made your headband, since all Bani Bands are made by home sewers in the USA and China. How cool is that?! We rarely get to have a connection with the individuals that are making our products.  


If you're looking for ways to get motivated and running, head over for a read of Eight Ways to Jumpstart Your Running Program. Bonus - you can WIN a Bani Band of your very own just by commenting on their blog!


To Compete Well, Eat Well: Crockpot Veggie Curry

After all the parties from the 4th of July weekend, I was left with a ton of cut veggies in my house - so the search for a new veggie recipe began. I happen to love Indian food in a way that I can't quite explain with words, so naturally, a curry came to mind. Couldn't be easier, because CROCK. POT. What a wonderful invention!

This would be a killer Fall recipe, because it is really warm, aromatic and filled with fall veggies; however, I didn't find any problem with it as a July dinner either! 
  
Fret not, carnivores! Just add chicken.

Crockpot Veggie Curry - YUM! (Photo Credit)
Ingredients:

2 cups cut carrots
2 medium potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 cups cauliflower

1 cup green beans or snap peas
1 (15 ounce) cans garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup coarsely chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (14 ounce) cans vegetable broth        
1 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
2 cups cooked brown rice, basmati rice, couscous or quinoa

Directions 


Add first fourteen ingredients in order to a 4-quart slow-cooker.
Pour vegetable broth over all.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7-9 hours.
If adding chicken, add with 5 hours cook time left.
Add in undrained tomatoes; stir to combine.
Cover and let stand 5 minutes.
Serve over cooked rice, etc with a side salad.
 

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Running Gear: The Handmade Wishlist

As some of you might know, I have another website and blog in the artistic realm of stationery design. As much as I am Lace & Race, I am also PaperMichelle. I have to temper the competitive parts of my Virgo personality with creativity. 

Keeping the Pace Print from OutdoorSportsArt
Because of my association with the handmade world, I like to promote other creative types and their talents. I thought I would take a step away from wishlisting the big name companies and highlight some handmade gear from real humans. I understand that it isn't practical to buy all things handmade (I certainly won't be buying handmade racing flats) but there are some really wonderful, interesting options out there and you won't find them in a mall or a catalog. And bonus - help support the handmade movement! 

Here are some running related lovelies found in the depths of Etsy. All of the shops listed below have loads of running gear in their shops, so please visit their links.

Super Woman Running Costume (20% discount if you mention this post! How nice!) from ThisPrincessRuns
Running Adds Life To My Days Print from StephLawsonDesign

Running is a Privilege Tank - FiredaughterClothing
Run Bracelet from Ironjen

Wonder Woman Inspired Sleeves from GroovyBabyActionGear
Race Medal Display from StrutYourStuffSignCo

I'm Not Strong For A Girl... Tank from NutritionSnob