Tower Garden Update

Tomatoes!

I am absolutely loving my Tower Garden.  I cut lettuce from it everyday for my lunch.  And look what I have just discovered:


Watermelon!

Peppers!

I planted a little late, that's why my veggies are just starting to sprout.  I've also had tons of fresh basil and chives.  So good and easy!!!!  Leave me a comment if you'd like more info on how to get your own Tower Garden!


Cucumbers!

Mom's Day #5

Our latest Mom's Day Advenure led us to the Akron Zoo.  I'm not sure why we keep heading down to the Akron/Canton area but we do.

The zoo is quite different from the Cleveland Zoo in that it is much smaller.  But we really liked it.  There were some different animals than Cleveland and it was just a nice change.

My absolutely least favorite animal is the octopus.  They have a HUGE one there.  I'm sure it serves some beautiful purpose in the ocean environment but I think it is disgusting.



Of course our Mom's Day outing wouldn't be complete without lunch somewhere.  We almost didn't stop because the boys could NOT agree on where to go.  We finally settled on Friendly's.  Another great time.



Hey! A Fitness Post!!

Look what I did today...

Completely last minute decision, haven't been running all summer, I got the email a few days ago and thought, "Why not?" 

I think I might be a runner.  I've run a bunch of 5Ks and 10Ks and even completed a half marathon almost 2 years ago.  But I only run every so often.  And really slowly.  And only if the weather is nice.  I don't log miles and miles each week.  And I despise running on a treadmill for long periods of time so I can only do "real runs" outside.    Oh, and I'm certainly not long and lean and what you think of when you picture what a runner looks like.  When running comes up in conversations people will say, "Oh, I didn't know you are a runner."  And I always say, "Oh, no, I'm not a REAL runner, I just run every so often."  Huh???? 

It's not everyday, not even every week, but when I can, I put on my running shoes, lace them up tight, and head out the door.  It may be 1 mile, it may be 10.  It doesn't matter.  I am a runner.

 If you're wondering, the race this morning was great.  The weather was beautiful and cool and it was held at Edgewater Park, right on Lake Erie.  I went out with the intention of just having a fun run with some beautiful scenery to look at while enjoying the exciting atmosphere that a race brings.  I ended up with my best 5K time EVER and beat my old PR (from 17 years ago) by over 2 minutes.

Fun Family Dinner

We had a fun time the other night with a super easy dinner!  I had been wanted to roast hot dogs over the fire pit all summer and time was ticking away.  The boys had good old regular hot dogs but I was able to find some organic, chicken dogs for myself.  I'm sure there are lots of healthier picks that I could have had but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. 

Of course we followed up our nutritious dinner with s'mores.  They were delicious!

It often seems that the best memories are the simple ones - like hot dogs and s'mores.  Enjoy these last few weeks of summer with your families and/or friends. 

20 Minute Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Well I never figured I would be sharing this recipe with you but when I made it last night and there were NO LEFTOVERS I figured I must.  And I didn't even eat any of it so that's saying something.

This was very easy to make.  The only real "work" is boiling the noodles and browning the meat.  If I were making this during the school year I might do the noodles the night before, just to save some time.

Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 (12 oz.) package noodles, your favorite shape  (I used ziti.)
1 (26 oz.) jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. Italian seasoning (or more, if you like)
1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cups sour cream

Directions:
Brown ground beef in small pan.  Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions.
After noodles are cooked, drain and drizzle with olive oil.  Mix in your spaghetti sauce.
Add your browned beef, seasonings, cheese, and sour cream.  Fold together and allow it all to combine and melt together, over low heat, for about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

That's it!  All 3 male members of the family loved it.  I used all organic ingredients and grass-fed beef. 

Want to print it out?  You'll have to copy and paste my friends!  Sorry.

Mom's Day #4

Pro Football Hall of Fame

While we were travelling on the highway recently Jimmy saw a sign for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and announced, "Let's go there."  So we did.  If you love football then this is the place for you. 

I'm not sure what all those trophies represent but please notice that both boys are smiling and looking forward with eyes open.  Major accomplishment.

 Here is Jimmy with the players that were inducted the year he was born-1998.

And here is Patrick with his guys from 1999.

There's not much in the Hall of Fame that relates to the Cleveland Browns. =(  No surprise to all you native Clevelanders.  We did find a Josh Cribbs jersey and I wanted to get a photo.  These are all the attemps to get a picture together.







So, you can see how all these turned out.  We had a fun time together but didn't stay too long.  The boys just like to look and not really read any of the information.  We basically just walk through.  On our drive there Jimmy asked, "Why is the hall of fame in Canton, OH?"  Well wouldn't you know it, right at the entrance is a sign titled, "Why Canton?"  I told Jimmy to read it and find the answer to his question.  When we got home I asked him why the hall of fame is in Canton.  he replied, "You don't think I read all that, do you?  It was a really long paragraph."  So proud.

Need Tanning Help?

St. Tropez Tanning Products

OK, so those of you that know me personally know that I have fair, white, pale, ghostly, whatever you want to call it, skin.  I have used and loved a self-tanner from Victoria's Secret for many years.  It is a spray, though, and it can be a pain to clean up off the floor and surrounding areas.

I just tried a new product from St. Tropez (Troe-pay) and am really happy with it.  I purchased mine at Sephora.  The aerosal foam Bronzing Mousse is definitely pricey and is applied in the evening.  It is used every other day.  The Instant Glow Body Lotion is used daily as a touch-up, just to even everything out.  I purchased both products because that's what the salesperson recommended and hey, they're the experts. 

The products are easy to use.  There is a slight odor to the mousse, but nothing horrible.  Just be sure to check the mirror for any streaks or spots you may have missed.  You can apply as much or as little as you want.  I just like it for a little color on my arms and legs during the summer months when more skin is showing ;-).

Mom's Day #3

Harry London Chocolate Factory

The boys and I decided to head to the Akron/Canton area and visit The Harry London Chocolate Factory for another exciting Mom's Day.  This is where they make all the chocolate for Harry London and Fanny Farmer retail stores. 

Our one-hour tour started with a brief video, then we walked through hallways and were able to observe the workers through windows while they made their creations.  It smelled delicious!  No cameras are allowed on the tour, therefore I actually have an excuse for my lack of pictures. 

Of course we came home with a nice stash of chocolates...

Our day ended with lunch at Ruby Tuesday's.

It was another great time with my boys.  Stay tuned for more exciting adventures.