Buckeye Bars

Since Todd & I were tailgating with his family last weekend, I made Buckeye Bars to bring with us. If you like peanut butter and chocolate, you will absolutely love these! The bottom layer is almost like peanut fudge and then it's topped with chocolate & more peanut butter. They're very rich but delicious.

First layer of peanut butter, powdered sugar & butter
Second layer of chocolate & peanut butter

Buckeye Bars

Buckeye Bars

Ingredients:

1 cup margarine
1 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
16 oz powdered sugar
8 oz chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Melt together margarine & 1 cup peanut butter in microwave for 1 min
2. Mix well, stir in powdered sugar; pat into greased 13 x 9 baking pan
3. Melt together chocolate & remaining peanut butter in microwave for 1 min; stir until well blended
4. Pour chocolate mixture over peanut butter mixture already in pan
5. Chill in refrigerator until firm

Weekly Recap: November 22-28

With work being extremely busy, working late hours, and the holidays, I know this next month is going to be a struggle to get in a lot of workouts but I'm going to try my best to get in quality workouts even if I can't get to the gym 6-7x/week. I've really enjoyed doing some different fitness classes recently, like the spinning/TRX combo class I took the day after Thanksgiving. It was intense & hard and I loved it! I love the feeling of pushing myself to the limit and then going a little bit further. I'm going to lay low on the running in December to give my body a rest for Boston training in January. I hope to get in a few easy runs in during the week but nothing major.

Monday: 1 hr TRX suspension training class

Tuesday: 5 mi (8:05 pace)

Wednesday: 30 min elliptical; core

Thursday: Pilgrim's Progress 4 Miler (8:06 pace)

Friday: 75 min spinning/TRX combo class

Saturday: 45 min Jackie Warner Power Circuit Training on Exercise on Demand

Sunday: taught 20 min core & taught 50 min spinning

TOTAL: 9 mi

Food, Family, Friends & Football

With the last couple months of the year being busy at work, I was very much looking forward to having 2 days off from work. It was going to be a fun few days as my brother was flying in from California, Todd & I were having Thanksgiving at my parent's house, some college friends were coming into town, and then Todd's family was coming to Columbus to tailgate for the big Ohio State vs. Michigan football game.

We started our 4 day weekend running the Pilgrim's Progress 4 Miler then headed to my parent's to spend Thanksgiving day indulging in lots of good food & great conversation. I only see my brother a few times a year so I was excited to hang out with him and see what he's been up to in San Francisco.

Lots of delicious food

Todd & I

My favorite part of Thanksgiving....my Mom's homemade stuffing

My plate....I had already eaten several bites before taking the picture

I finally got to sleep in on Friday. I definitely am not one to take part in Black Friday. If you can get the same deals online, why stand outside in the cold for hours? Todd & I met up with several of my college friends for a late lunch in German Village before meeting up with all of Todd's family who had come into town that afternoon.

We were up early on Saturday morning to head down to campus to tailgate for the Ohio State vs. Michigan football game. If you aren't familiar with this rivalry, it's the biggest one for Ohio State fans and the football season isn't considered a success unless they beat "the team up north." Yes, it's so bad that OSU fans can't even say the word Michigan. You can take a guess as to whether I'm a true Buckeye fan or not.

At 6:00 AM, we were setting up camp in the dark but luckily Todd's family comes prepared for tailgates in late November. We had 2 enclosed tents put together to make 1 big tent that had a heater in it....this heater was clutch to me not freezing the entire day. Besides coming prepared for the cold, his family also comes extremely prepared to feed a small army. There were coolers of beer and tons of food. Several of our friends stopped by as well as my brother. He actually scored tickets to the game and went with a friend. It was a long but very fun day. OSU ended up blowing out Michigan so the game wasn't even that exciting.

Making individual pizzas with a camping oven

This picture doesn't even do justice to the amount of food there was....ribs, subs, pizza, soup, pasta salad, chips & dip, cookies, etc.

My brother & I
A few adult beverages were consumed...the Horseshoe is in the background where the football game was held
Todd & I staying warm while watching the game

After I taught my classes at the gym on Sunday, we met up with Todd's family at Hooters for lunch before they drove back home. Todd & I finished our weekend shopping at the mall for Christmas presents (we're almost done already!) and watching Home Alone. I think that's just what I needed to kick off the Christmas season.

Pilgrim's Progress 4 Miler Race Report

Todd & I signed up about a month ago for a local 4 mile race on Thanksgiving morning. Up until about the day before the race, my goal was to run about 7:30 pace so I could break 30 minutes. I knew it would be a little challenging but definitely do-able. I really haven't been running much since the marathon so I wanted to see what I could do.

Race swag included long sleeve technical tee, water bottle, and Gu

Our friends, Jay & Sara, were coming into town from Nashville for Thanksgiving and the day before, Sara asked me if we were running any races. I told her about the Pilgrim's Progress 4 miler and she decided to register for it. I ran Boston 2009 with her and a couple other girls but she's been battling a knee injury so I knew she hadn't been running much. Since I wanted to spend a little bit of time with her, my plans of running a fast race went out the window. Once Todd & I met up with Sara & Jay at the race, we decided to just have fun and all run together.

Sara & I before the race

Even though it was only a 4 mile race, I still wore my garmin. I almost regret this decision though because I get frustrated when my garmin says I run longer than the race distance. My mile 1 split was right on but I must have started to weave in and out of people because after that, my garmin said I was running farther. I ran the first 3 miles with Todd, Sara, and Jay but then my competitive side kicked in and I decided to take off for the last mile.

According to my garmin, I ran 4.06 miles in 32:26 which is 8:00 min pace but according to the official race results, I ran 4 miles in 32:26 which is 8:06 pace. I think I'll stick with my garmin splits.

Splits:

Mile 1: 8:31

Mile 2: 8:14

Mile 3: 8:11

Mile 4: 7:05

Extra .06: 0:26

Total time: 32:26

Average pace: 8:00 min/mi

As you can see, I really busted it for the last mile. It was nice to be passing a ton of people at the end of the race instead of being passed. I tend to start out way too fast and die at the end so this was a nice change. Even though I didn't get to run the race I initially hoped to run, I was happy with my results. I was glad to enjoy most of the run with my wonderful fiancee and friends but also kick it up a notch for the last mile and prove to myself that I do have a little bit of speed in me.

Todd & I after the race

Todd, me, Sara, and Jay

The race only cost Todd & I $20 each because we pre-registered at the running store that was organizing the race and it was well worth the money. Not only did we get the long sleeve tee, water bottle and Gu in our packets, we also got finisher's mugs, a coupon for a free loaf of bread from Great Harvest Bread Co, and tons of snacks & drinks. The race was well organized and was even chip timed even though there were only about 500 runners. I definitely want to run this race again next year.

Post-race goodies

Bridal Shower & Friendsgiving

I've been so busy the past couple weeks with working and planning the wedding that I really feel like I've been slacking on blogging! I hope that by the beginning of the year, things will have calmed down and I'll be able to post about events a little sooner.

Over the past weekend, I hosted, along with 3 other bridesmaids, my friend Megan's bridal shower. It turned out amazing and everyone had a great time so it was a success in my book. I was in charge of favors and tableware/serveware. I really wanted to do something unique for Megan to make her feel special on her day so after some internet searching, I came across a local woman who makes custom sugar cookies out of her home. After searching her blog, I decided on two designs and caller her up to put in my order. I went with a monogrammed heart and a wedding dress. Megan's wedding colors are yellow & black so I also wanted to incorporate that into the cookies. I picked them up just a couple days before the shower and couldn't have been more pleased with how they turned out. I'm even considering using her to do something for my wedding in August. Her company is Cookie Crumbs and if you live in the Columbus area, I highly recommend her.

The cookie favors

The favors on display


The "How Well Do You Know the Bride?" Game

Delicious cakes

Another view of the cakes & drinks

Flower centerpieces which were also the prizes for the game

Some of the brunch food for the spread

Megan opening presents

Bridesmaids with the bride

After the shower, I headed back to my apartment to meet Todd who was making Cheddar Bacon Skillet Biscuits for Friendsgiving. We went over to my friends' place, Dave & Liz, who were hosting a thanksgiving for a bunch of their friends. They provided the turkey and mashed potatoes and everyone else brought a dish. There were so much food it was ridiculous but everything was delicious. I always think potlucks are the best because everyone always brings really good dishes.

Smoked turkey & mashed potatoes

Desserts

Side dishes

Our biscuits were a hit!

Appetizers

Todd & I

Hello Gorgeous!

Before I even bought my wedding dress, I already had these gorgeous shoes in mind to have peeking out from under my dress on the big day. I love them & can't wait to show them off next August!

Weekly Recap: November 15-21

I finally feel like I'm getting my motivation back after the marathon last month, although I can tell I've already lost some fitness. I have a 4 mi race planned on Thanksgiving morning and am hoping to run sub-7:30 miles; however, after running 3 mi on Saturday in 7:39 pace, I'm really going to have to push myself to run faster on Thanksgiving. I'm hoping the adrenaline on race day will help.

Monday: 5 mi (8:06 pace)

Tuesday: 1 hr Power Flow Yoga

Wednesday: 4 mi (7:48 pace); 30 min elliptical

Thursday: 30 min stepmill; core & push ups

Friday: REST

Saturday: 7 mi (8:09 pace; ran 3 mi by myself in 7:39 pace than ran 4 mi w/ Todd)

Sunday: taught 20 min core & taught 50 min spinning


TOTAL: 16 mi

Lucky Streak

Todd & I were apparently on a lucky streak last week. I've been participating in my work's activity program where I basically turn in a weekly log of my exercise and am entered into a raffle for prizes. Why wouldn't I take advantage of this? Anyways, the first raffle was held last week and I won a yoga mat! Kinda ironic how I just started taking yoga and mentioned I wanted a mat. I was so excited until it was sent to me at work this week and I realized how cheap it was. I guess beggar's can't be choosers, right? The yoga mats at the studio I go to are a heck of a lot nicer than this one so I'm still on the hunt for a cute, nice, pink yoga mat. Any suggestions?

The same day I found out I won a yoga mat, Todd & I were at a bar getting dinner with some friends. Todd decided to enter a raffle for free Browns tickets for the game that weekend. We knew we wouldn't be able to use the tickets because we would be in Kentucky for the Bourbon Trail. Sure enough, Todd enters anyway and actually wins! I was kinda bummed because I've always wanted to go to a Browns game but don't worry, because Todd sold them to someone at the bar for $5 each. Some lucky guy totally made out with $45 tickets for $5.....although I'm not sure people would pay even that much to go see the Browns play.

Todd & his Browns tickets he won

Welcome to Your 30s

Todd's actual birthday was on Monday and even though I'd already planned the Bourbon Trail trip for him, I wanted to do something with just the two of us. I surprised him with dinner at Lemongrass Fusion Bistro, a restaurant close to downtown Columbus. We've both been there before but not together and he had casually mentioned something a month ago about wanting to go there sometime so this was the perfect chance.

Todd showing off our appetizer

We also got a small sushi sampler

Followed by the best pad thai I've ever had......clearly, we had lots of leftovers

After dinner, we went back to my apartment for cake, ice cream, and presents....or rather, present. I got him an On the Rocks Set from Uncommon Goods. It's set of whiskey stones that you chill and then place in your glass of whiskey (such as bourbon) instead of ice cubes. This way, the cubes don't melt and dilute the drink. Todd absolutely loved his present.

About to blow out his birthday cake
Loving his new whiskey stones

I love birthdays more than any other holiday and since it was Todd's 30th, I defintely had to spoil him a little bit. It was a hard act to follow his past 2 birthdays I've celebrated with him when we went zipling for his 28th and on a wine trip for his 29th, but I think this was one of his best birthdays so far.

Bourbon Trail Trip

I was a little nervous going into the trip because I had planned the majority of it and we were mixing our social circles as Todd invited his friends and I invited some of mine. All in all, it was a very fun weekend and I know everyone had a great time.

Todd & I, along with a couple of my friends, left early Saturday morning from Columbus, Ohio to head down to Lexington, Kentucky to begin our adventure on the Bourbon Trail. We met up with some other friends and our party bus at the Hyatt, where we would be staying the night. We originally had 23 people going on Todd's birthday trip but due to some circumstances out of anyone's control, we only ended up with 15.

After getting enough booze on the bus for at least 30 people (and there were only 15 of us), our bus driver took us to our first Bourbon distillery of the day, Four Roses. From Lexington, it was only about a half hour drive, but that was already enough time for some people to get a few drinks in them. Did I mention it was only 10:00 AM? We arrived just in time for a tour followed by a tasting. Out of the four distilleries we visited over the weekend, Four Roses had the best samples in terms of quantity, which all the guys on the trip loved. They gave out 3 tastings of substantial size. The tour started with a boring 15 minute video followed by a quick tour of the facility. It was a good way to begin our trip since we weren't going to do tours at all the distilleries.

Todd & I on the bus to Four Roses

Outside of Four Roses
Todd with his first taste of bourbon

With my first taste of bourbon....

...and clearly I wasn't drinking much bourbon the rest of the weekend, I definitely didn't acquire a taste for it during the trip

3 of my bridesmaids came along with their significant others (Megs, me, Lynn, and Emily)

All the girls on the trip

Todd & I on the bourbon barrel swing....I loved this thing!
Shane & Todd trying on Four Roses bowties

After a quick stop at Wendy's for lunch, we arrived at Maker's Mark. We originally didn't have a tour scheduled here but got there just in time for one so we decided to go on another one. My favorite part of Maker's Mark was that you were able to purchase a bottle of bourbon and then dip it in their signature red wax yourself. I think all the guys did this. It was really cool to watch & ended up being a nice souvenir....that will later be drank.

Maker's Mark

Todd ended up with double the samples at every place because I would give him mine
Bourbon balls....delicious
Todd in his gear getting ready to dip his bottle
There he goes!
Todd's bottle....he decided to go for the "slam dunk" and dip the entire bottle

Our last stop of the day before driving back to Lexington was to Jim Beam. Since we only had less than an hour before it closed for the day, we were only able to do a tasting here but after 2 tours, I think everyone was fine with that. I think this was my least favorite distillery we went to. I expected a lot more since it was Jim Beam but the samples were small and in plastic cups. The highlight of the day though was Todd told them it was his birthday and got a hat to wear the rest of the day. Seriously, he wore it the rest of the day.

Jim Beam
Todd & his samples
Loving his new hat

Our party bus waiting for us outside Jim Beam

After about an hour and a half drive back to Lexington, everyone checked into the hotel and had about an hour of downtime. We met up around 8:00 PM to walk downtown for dinner at deSha's. They are known for their amazing cornbread and hot brown, an open faced turkey sandwich with bacon and a cheesy cream sauce.

Our group at dinner....I have no idea what half of the people are doing
Todd & our fried green tomatoes
Todd & his hot brown
Todd & I

By the time we were done with dinner, it was around 10:00 PM. Everyone was tired and had been drinking for about 12 hours straight at this point so we headed to a few local bars before calling it a night shortly after midnight.

On Sunday morning, we met up with some of the group for breakfast at the hotel. We had plans to head to one more distillery, Woodford Reserve, before driving back home. Unfortunately, only a few of us were still interested in the thought of bourbon so there were only 5 of us that stuck around. But let me tell you, the others missed out because Woodford Reserve was my favorite distillery. Despite the 90 minute tour, the place itself was gorgeous, the bourbon was very good (according to the guys), and you could even get your own bottle of bourbon engraved.

Woodford Reserve is a national historic landmark
Gorgeous place on a beautiful fall day
Where the bourbon is made
Woodford Reserve is the only distillery to use copper pots
Todd & I
Todd volunteered to have a glass of bourbon straight from the barrel
Too bad he didn't really get to drink all that though
Todd & I posing
Todd, Mark, Ryan, and Emily sampling some bourbon
Todd's bottle that he got engraved

We stopped for a quick dinner on our 3 hour drive home and arrived back in Columbus late on Sunday. Todd had a great time on the trip and we were glad that so many of our friends could join us to celebrate his 30th birthday.

All of the goodies we bought during the weekend