It appears as though I caught a serious racing bug in 2011. This year, I'm going to strive for the following:
Two 5K
One 10K
One 10 miler
Three 1/2 Marathons (2 in one week!)
One marathon
There might be another one mixed in there somewhere. We'll see!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Friday, December 16, 2011
Oops!
I forgot to add one of my favorite albums from 2011!
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - self titled
Their sound is awesome and cute. It almost seems as though this band is from a different time and place. Take a listen. You'll see what I mean.
And a few late entries...
The Black Keys - El Camino
Some have criticized them for selling out their sound. I don't understand it because they continue to sound pretty great. Sure, there's a song on here that's a combo rip off "Stairway to Heaven" and "Mary Jane's Last Dance". But, who cares.
The Roots - Undun
There are some real gems on this one. I love that there's a hip hop band out there. With a real drummer. Plus, it's pretty awesome what they pulled on M.Bachman on Jimmy Kimmel.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - self titled
Their sound is awesome and cute. It almost seems as though this band is from a different time and place. Take a listen. You'll see what I mean.
And a few late entries...
The Black Keys - El Camino
Some have criticized them for selling out their sound. I don't understand it because they continue to sound pretty great. Sure, there's a song on here that's a combo rip off "Stairway to Heaven" and "Mary Jane's Last Dance". But, who cares.
The Roots - Undun
There are some real gems on this one. I love that there's a hip hop band out there. With a real drummer. Plus, it's pretty awesome what they pulled on M.Bachman on Jimmy Kimmel.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Favorite Albums of 2011
It's that time of year again! Time for the roundup of my favorite albums of the year. 2011 was an especially great year for music, especially women artists. Here's my list, in no particular order.
Wilco - The Whole Love
I was about to give up on this band. Their last few albums were so boring. This album reminded me why I loved them in the first place!
War On Drugs - Slave Ambient
A great record for a quiet Friday evening at home.
Tori Amos - Night of Hunters
I have loved Tori for so long. I don't care if she's not the most popular. She is a musical genius. Her albums of the last decade have been enjoyable, but there was usually only a song or two on each one I really loved. This album works the entire way through. I can't stop listening to it. Best when driving on a gray day.
Wild Flag - Wild Flag
These ladies rock. Enough said.
St. Vincent - Strange Mercy
Her guitar work cannot be denied. I think this album is alot more accessible than her last effort, Actor. A really great listen from beginning to end.
PJ Harvey - Let England Shake
I was against this album when I heard a sneak peak of it before it came out. Then I bought it and listened to it. One of her best. I don't know why I was so turned off by it at first. But, as I've learned throughout my life thus far, things I initially greatly dislike end up being my most favorites. (Twin Peaks, Tori Amos, Big Lebowski, etc).
Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes
Sensual and beautiful album. Her voice is captivating.
Black Lips - Arabia Mountain
The super fun party album of 2011. I dare you to listen to this and not dance around the room like a silly person.
Tom Waits - Bad as Me
Best album since Mule Variations. Some really great tunes from one of America's best song writers.
Wilco - The Whole Love
I was about to give up on this band. Their last few albums were so boring. This album reminded me why I loved them in the first place!
War On Drugs - Slave Ambient
A great record for a quiet Friday evening at home.
Tori Amos - Night of Hunters
I have loved Tori for so long. I don't care if she's not the most popular. She is a musical genius. Her albums of the last decade have been enjoyable, but there was usually only a song or two on each one I really loved. This album works the entire way through. I can't stop listening to it. Best when driving on a gray day.
Wild Flag - Wild Flag
These ladies rock. Enough said.
St. Vincent - Strange Mercy
Her guitar work cannot be denied. I think this album is alot more accessible than her last effort, Actor. A really great listen from beginning to end.
PJ Harvey - Let England Shake
I was against this album when I heard a sneak peak of it before it came out. Then I bought it and listened to it. One of her best. I don't know why I was so turned off by it at first. But, as I've learned throughout my life thus far, things I initially greatly dislike end up being my most favorites. (Twin Peaks, Tori Amos, Big Lebowski, etc).
Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes
Sensual and beautiful album. Her voice is captivating.
Black Lips - Arabia Mountain
The super fun party album of 2011. I dare you to listen to this and not dance around the room like a silly person.
Tom Waits - Bad as Me
Best album since Mule Variations. Some really great tunes from one of America's best song writers.
Running Apparel
So many of my friends have started running this year. I am so proud of them! Many of them have asked for running gear recommendations. I am of the opinion that, if you can put on a cute outfit, it makes getting out there on the sidewalks and roads easier. Here are some of my favorite cold weather options.
First up, Under Armour Frosty Tights. They are essential for cold weather running. I don't wear shorts over them, but some do. They were recommended to me by my sister years ago and I couldn't run without them!
UA EVO Hoody! I usually wear a long sleeve shirt or tank under this hoody. That's usually good even when it's cold. If it's really cold (below 30), I'll throw a fleece over it.
Newton Running Shoes. I love Newtons. They feel like the shoes I was always meant to have! But, they are not for everyone. I also love their funky colors.
Sweaty Bands. There are many retailers for these. They're ribbon with velvet backing, so you can wear a headband and it won't slip. If you have fine hair like me, these are a must! There are alot of sellers on etsy who also make and sell them.
First up, Under Armour Frosty Tights. They are essential for cold weather running. I don't wear shorts over them, but some do. They were recommended to me by my sister years ago and I couldn't run without them!
UA EVO Hoody! I usually wear a long sleeve shirt or tank under this hoody. That's usually good even when it's cold. If it's really cold (below 30), I'll throw a fleece over it.
Newton Running Shoes. I love Newtons. They feel like the shoes I was always meant to have! But, they are not for everyone. I also love their funky colors.
Sweaty Bands. There are many retailers for these. They're ribbon with velvet backing, so you can wear a headband and it won't slip. If you have fine hair like me, these are a must! There are alot of sellers on etsy who also make and sell them.
Back!
Sorry I've been so MIA this year. I spent most of the summer training for a marathon, which I ran in the fall. So, now I'm back with more ramblings. More posts to come.
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Marathon Training Progress Log
The Maryland 1/2 Marathon was such a success, I decided to train to run the Philadelphia Marathon in November. So far, it's pretty difficult running at least 15-18 miles every weekend, but I'm doing it! I'm still with the same awesome training group, and the people who run with me are the best motivation anyone could ask for.
This weekend, I run the Charm City Run 20 miler. I thought it would be good practice for the marathon. Hopefully I can keep up the motivation until November!
This weekend, I run the Charm City Run 20 miler. I thought it would be good practice for the marathon. Hopefully I can keep up the motivation until November!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Cupcakes - Two Little Red Hens
My friend and I went to NYC for the day to see the fabulous Alexander McQueen exhibit at the MET. We are both cupcake fans, so we tried out a new bakery, Two Little Red Hens. Their cupcakes were fabulous! Super moist cake, with just the right amount of frosting. The chocolate one was a bit overwhelming, but they were some of the best vanilla/vanilla I've ever had. I would highly recommend them!
Crabcake Wars
This summer, my husband and I have set out on a little journey of sorts for a really awesome crabcake. I read about the one at Koko's Pub, so we thought we would try it.
Turns out, this was the best crabcake I've ever eaten. It was almost a religious eating experience. Huge pieces of lump crab meat held together just enough with a fabulous tasting filler.
A friend recommended Pappas Crabcakes, so we visited there a few weeks ago. Their crabcakes were very good, but were not the awesome experience that Koko's was.
For our little experiment, Koko's wins, but Pappas is also a really fun place. If you're looking for the quintessential Baltimore crabcake, either of these places will satisfy.
Turns out, this was the best crabcake I've ever eaten. It was almost a religious eating experience. Huge pieces of lump crab meat held together just enough with a fabulous tasting filler.
A friend recommended Pappas Crabcakes, so we visited there a few weeks ago. Their crabcakes were very good, but were not the awesome experience that Koko's was.
For our little experiment, Koko's wins, but Pappas is also a really fun place. If you're looking for the quintessential Baltimore crabcake, either of these places will satisfy.
Monday, June 27, 2011
U2
I think it's great that no one really smokes anymore, and while this was a really great moment at U2 in Baltimore, sometimes, I miss the olden days of holding up lighters.
Burgers I've Eaten - Part 16 - Alewife
Alewife was recently awarded the best burger in Baltimore. When reading reviews, there was some chatter online comparing their burger to that at Hamilton Tavern. Since Hamilton Tavern is my current favorite burger, I was excited to see how Alewife's stacked up to the competition! The answer is....good, but not as good as Hamilton Tavern.
Alewife really piles on the goodies on their smokehouse burger. Bacon, chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato, gruyere cheese. The beef they use is reportedly from Roseda Farms, and good beef like that doesn't really need dressing up. I actually took most of the bacon off the burger and ate it separately. The bacon itself was very good.
There is something intimidating about getting a burger with a huge steak knife stuck into it. This was a serious burger! I did manage to finish it, but couldn't look at the guy at the bar next to me 10 minutes later when he started eating the same thing. It was alot of food.
Overall, this burger is my #2. A very good burger, but my favorite is still Hamilton Tavern.
The accompanying duck fat fries were also good, but the ones at Victoria Gastropub are better.
Pretty view from the old bank window
Burger and Fries (and beer)
Burger closeup!
Alewife really piles on the goodies on their smokehouse burger. Bacon, chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato, gruyere cheese. The beef they use is reportedly from Roseda Farms, and good beef like that doesn't really need dressing up. I actually took most of the bacon off the burger and ate it separately. The bacon itself was very good.
There is something intimidating about getting a burger with a huge steak knife stuck into it. This was a serious burger! I did manage to finish it, but couldn't look at the guy at the bar next to me 10 minutes later when he started eating the same thing. It was alot of food.
Overall, this burger is my #2. A very good burger, but my favorite is still Hamilton Tavern.
The accompanying duck fat fries were also good, but the ones at Victoria Gastropub are better.
Pretty view from the old bank window
Burger and Fries (and beer)
Burger closeup!
Burgers I've Eaten - Part 15 - Shake Shack
It's been a while since I've posted a new burger and I have two for you this week! The husband and I were off last week following our (not so great but we love them anyway) Orioles around the Mid Atlantic. Our first stop was Nationals Park, where they've just opened a Shake Shack. Word around the stadium was they're starting here, and then hopefully expanding to other locations in the District and beyond.
Most people will put these on par with Five Guys and In-N-Out Burger. So far, in this class, I thought these were the best. A perfectly cooked burger, with just the right amount of toppings, and an excellent, cheap bun. Sure, it's not fancy, but it's a perfect summer day burger!
"storefront"
Burgers and Fries
Most people will put these on par with Five Guys and In-N-Out Burger. So far, in this class, I thought these were the best. A perfectly cooked burger, with just the right amount of toppings, and an excellent, cheap bun. Sure, it's not fancy, but it's a perfect summer day burger!
"storefront"
Burgers and Fries
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Visualize Whirled Peas
Over the weekend, I visited my parents' house in the country and picked some peas from my Dad's garden! I decided to prepare them simply, by just boiling in water and then in a little butter with salt and pepper. Next time, I hope to have enough motivation for some risotto.
Freshly Shelled Peas and Stella. Not much better than that.
Peas!
Freshly Shelled Peas and Stella. Not much better than that.
Peas!
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