Thursday, April 6, 2017

Around here

How about a quick catch up session? I don't feel like I have enough to say about any of these (entirely unrelated) things to make an entire post so I'm just going to smash them all together.

mini garden bouquet
grapefruit blossoms

- Taking advantage of the backyard superbloom and bringing as many flowers into the house as possible. I was convinced that some of the plants in our yard were dead because of disease, but it turns out it was just the drought. Several tons of rain later and our whole backyard is going nuts in the best way possible. Plants need water, who knew? Normally I'm reluctant to pick citrus blossoms because it means less fruit, but the grapefruit tree is overloaded this year and the flowers smell so good that I can't resist keeping some by my bedside.

- Getting back into running and it feels good. I'd been avoiding it for ages because I'm not a naturally talented runner which means that if I fall off the wagon getting myself back to a place where I can run steadily (without feeling like I'm going to die) is so much work that it never sounds appealing. My usual method is to allow myself to run as slowly as I need to for 30 minutes and gradually improve my speed and distance as I build up strength. This time I wasn't anywhere near being able to run for 30 minutes continuously, so I finally let go of my ego and downloaded the C210K app. I used the C25K method to learn to run the first time, but that was before smart phones and I had to write down my workout each day and then track the intervals with a timer. Having the app is a million times easier. I don't have to look ahead or think about what I'm going to do. I just commit to putting on my workout clothes and leaving the house. And I'm running! Yesterday I ran for 20 minutes without stopping. I'm not really sure why I persist in running when it's so much work, but there's something undeniably satisfying about it. Plus, it sounds more impressive than other forms of cardio. No one wants to hear you talk about how you crushed it on the elliptical at the gym the other day. To be honest, no one wants to hear about your running stats either, but most people will feign interest because running at least commands some respect.

- Not cooking much on weeknights lately and I've been relying heavily on the quinoa cowboy veggie burgers from Trader Joe's. As I was eating my 100th burger a few weeks ago I started seriously considering starting an entire blog just to share my favorite things at Trader Joe's. I mean, I know there are people already doing that, and also I already have a blog that I barely keep up anymore so it hardly makes sense to start a new one. But I keep thinking that my love for Trader Joe's deserves its own platform, even though blogs are almost entirely dead at this point.

- Still not reading anything new, and yes, it feels weird. I'm just going with it and re-reading things here and there.

22 comments:

  1. PLEASE share your favorite things at Trader Joe's, especially if they are items that can be hacked into a quick, healthy-ish meal.

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    1. I really think I might do it. It would also give me an excuse to buy some of the stuff I'm curious about that I haven't tried yet ...

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    2. Seconded! I'd love a good TJ's roundup post.

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    3. I 3rd the TJs posts! Maybe make it a regular feature.

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    4. I would also be really excited Trader Joe's recommendations! It's always really fun to see how people who care about food get creative with Trader Joe's products.

      I also really hope you don't give up on blogging if you still find it fulfilling. Of all of the blogs I started out reading years ago, yours is the one that has remained the most genuine and human. It would be a loss for the internet to lose your voice.

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    5. I 100% agree with jk above. Your blog brings me a lot of joy and is one of the few I still consistently read. I hope it still brings you joy also but I know a lot of us would be sad to lose your voice in our lives!

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    6. Thanks, guys! I'll have something up soon!

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  2. Makes me sad that blogs are somewhat dead at this point because I love the format. Pretty photos btw!

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  3. Hooray for houseplants!!! Also, now that the weather is improving, one of my goals is to start running again. With a handful of exceptions, I pretty much haven't run in three years since I got pregnant with my first baby. I'm terrified lol

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    1. Highly recommend starting with the C25K! It was so much less discouraging for me than trying to run straight through.

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  4. I would LOVE a Trader Joe's post! :)

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  5. Most blogs may be dead ends, but I most certainly do not feel that way about yours. I've been a fan for years and won't stop until you do, Rachel! :)

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  6. I'm a reluctant runner, too -- and I also started with C25K back when you needed pencil and paper and a watch. I've had to re-start it several times, as well, including after having a kid... and so I totally get the satisfaction that comes with that "20 minutes straight" feeling. I'm never going to run a marathon, but I agree with you that even though I sometimes hate it and definitely suck at it, running commands respect. But, far and away, my favorite thing about it is that it's fully-transportable and free. Even though I'll bring my shoes with me across the Atlantic and might go running once (a lot of luggage space for a pair of shoes I wear once), I still think it's worth it to see parts of a city I might not have seen had I not gone running. When I think about my vacations, a run through the Irish countryside or a New York park is always something I'll remember, even above museums and fancy dinners. (PS Also love your blog, updated with whatever frequency you so desire. We'll take it)

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    1. Yes, I love being able to run on vacation (even though I usually think I'm going to run a lot more than I end up doing)!

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  7. Please do a Trader Joe's post!!

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  8. I still read blogs!! And still have a strong love for yours! If you wrote a Trader Joe's post, I'd read it instantly and then buy everything you recommend ;-)

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  9. I still read blogs!! And still have a strong love for yours! If you wrote a Trader Joe's post, I'd read it instantly and then buy everything you recommend ;-)

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    1. Thanks, hon! I swear I will get it started soon. It sounds fun to me!

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  10. Please, please, please Trader Joe's post! I love to read what everyone likes to buy there because I could spend hours in that store.

    I'm with you on the running too. I can barely even get through the C25K app, so I just run on the treadmill as fast as I can for like 10 seconds and then take breaks. It's probably the worst method ever but I would be lying if I said I didn't sweat a ton from it.

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    1. Sounds like your version of a HIIT workout, which makes you sweat like crazy! And reminds me that I should probably incorporate a little bit of sprinting once I get stronger...

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  11. Gahh those superbloom flowers! So beautiful.

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