10/25/16: Tuesday Teaser

Okay, so I don’t have a toddler anymore. I’ve verbally acknowledged it, but my brain hasn’t accepted it yet. Nonetheless, I figure I should move along from “Toddler Tuesday,” because I write more than enough about the kiddo. Maybe it’s time for something fresh.

I’m fiddling around with a few different prompts for Tuesdays’ blog posts. And I’m not set on any one thing yet. (SUGGESTIONS ACCEPTED. And rewarded with virtual cookies and high-fives.) Here are a few ideas I’m tossing around:

• Twitter Tuesday: a round-up of my favorite Tweets (and maybe posts from other social platforms) from cool people in the past week
• Tuesday Tales: I’ve been trying to find a way to introduce book/media reviews in. But this presumes that I have something new to review each week. (This hearkens back to the fact that although I work in a library, I rarely have time to read.)
• To-do Tuesday: The name of this prompt was difficult to come up with, but it would include whatever I’m up to as far as crafts/other DIY projects and tips that have helped make my home a somewhat decent place.

And let’s be real, it would  mostly be a list of “these cool things I found on Pinterest that I was able to half-ass on my own.” I’m not nearly as creative as I’d like to be.

I’m leaning toward either Twitter Tuesday or Tasty Tuesday. So today, you’re getting Tasty Tuesday! It’ll lean toward a round-up of recipes I want to try, have tried, and what we’re enjoying in our house. I like this idea, because I’m constantly on the search for easy, wholesome meals that Dino-Kid will actually eat. Ones that also support me and my husband as runners trying to lose weight and get healthier. And did I mention easy? Because it HAS to be easy and fairly quick.

I’m a big fan of the Crockpot. Set it and forget it? Count me in. I’m also finding the ways it can be incredibly versatile for more than just soups and stews. And with the changing season, in comes lots of yummy spaghetti squash. It is one of my favorite foods, and I’m convinced if you gave me a cooked spaghetti squash (no need to give me an extra plate or anything…just the halves) with a little EVOO, parmesan, salt, and peper, I could probably take down the whole thing solo.

This picture is making me hungry.

Winter squashes in general are pretty amazing. So I’m glad we’re getting to the point of the year where they’re more plentiful.

Maybe I was just unaware until recently, but you can throw your spaghetti squash right in the Crockpot to cook it. Poke some holes, add some water and the whole squash to your slow cooker, and cook away!

Like I said, my goal is to keep it easy. Usually, I’ll throw some seasonings, olive oil, and parmesan on top and chow down. (See this recipe if you’re looking for something a little more formal.) It also leaves it open to adding whatever sauce/seasonings each family member wants. DK likes hers with some marinara and “chee-chee-cheese” as she calls parmesan. Hubby goes the route of butter, seasoning, and parmesan. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll drizzle a little balsamic vinegar over it for some tang. Basically, if I would add it to my spaghetti noodles, I’ll add it to my squash.

Any of you have recommended winter squash recipes? Because I’m totally listening (please! join my squash love-fest!).

Also, RIP “Toddler Tuesday.” You’ve given me some good fodder for posts, even when I haven’t felt like I had anything else to say. And you’ve been just one more source for me to show off my kid and pretend like others are deeply interested in her fascination with Daniel Tiger and potty training habits.

Read on. Run on.
Cassie

 

10/24/16: Manic Monday

I’m coming off a weekend of late nights and lots of getting-stuff-done and little time to take a breath. We celebrated Dino-Kid’s (it feels weird to say that, but I think she has graduated beyond toddlerhood? I’m not sure this nickname will stick.) birthday with a shindig at our home. I believe that saying, “It takes a village,” and our village is pretty damn spectacular. I  know she is so loved, but it was an overwhelming reminder of how lucky she (and we are, too) to have so many wonderful, caring people helping her grow.

Taking pics in her Daniel Tiger trolley

Cupcake decorating. She destroyed that cupcake.

Happier than a Doc McStuffins with 2 dozen balloons.

It was also the first year where I really figured she’d enjoy the decorations I put together, and I wanted to make it extra special for her. I do go a little over-the-top in making stuff for her parties sometimes, but I love crafting and DIY-ing. Daniel Tiger was the theme, of course, and I had fun creating things that would make her feel like some of the Neighborhood of Make Believe was actually in her home.

When she woke up and came down the stairs in the morning, I was rewarded beyond what I could have dreamed. She ran around the dining room looking at the decor. Then, she turned around, looked at me, and said, “Mama, did you make this for me?! Thank you so very much!”

My heart melted, and the late nights and rushing around were totally worth it.

This whole week has hit me right in the feels as I remember my itty bitty baby and how she is so not itty bitty anymore. There have also been various running-related stories that have hit me hard emotionally and reminded me that the vast majority of runners are really awesome people.

Grab your tissues and head to these links if you’d like to read something that’ll hopefully make you think a little. Or maybe make people think you have allergies or just a piece of dust in your eye or something.

• I’m pretty much in love with most everything Jenny Lawson does and says, and this blog post is no exception.
• Another Mother Runner featured this beautifully written piece about running across generations. I got both chills and warm fuzzies while reading it.
• I try not to get vocally political too often. But you should vote. I’ll tie it in with this piece by Run Selfie Repeat on Runner’s World. You go, girl. You have a runner’s body, and I have a runner’s body, too.
• On a similar note, Reebok is facing some pushback on a recent photo they posted in relation to their #PerfectNever campaign, featuring renowned international supermodel Gigi Hadid. I like that social media gives people a chance to vocalize to organizations what is right/wrong and have their voices be heard. Run Far Girl writes eloquently on the issue. Just for good measure, I’ll include a counterpoint.
• A heartwarming and heartbreaking story all at the same time. These twins are both amazing in their own unique ways.

Okay. That’s what I’ve got for today! Hope your Monday isn’t too manic. If it is, there’s a nice glass of wine or mug of hot tea calling your name right now. You better listen.

Read on. Run on.
Cassie