February 13, 2014

Snow Day Ramblings

Well if you don't live in the eastern part of the country, there was a big snowstorm that rolled through here last night, and luckily winter has gifted me a snow day! I have some random ramblings for you about what's been going on this week.

What does a snow day mean? Sleeping in followed by pancakes for brunch of course :)
Banana-Protein-Pancakes
banana protein pancakes topped with peanut butter, syrup and blackberries!
Wednesday I got my booty out of bed to go meet up with the Baltimore November Project at 6:30 AM. I had been planning to go but after talking to Sarah about it, I was more motivated.  It was a chilly 19 degrees outside but a big group hug to start of the workout made it a little better. We did an Olympics-inspired workout with different color teams based on what color of the Olympic rings you were wearing. I was in black because honestly all my warmest clothes are black. We did a ladder workout which included a set of stairs up and down, running the loops around Federal Hill, 10 push ups and then 2 sets of stairs and so on, adding another set of stairs each time.
November-Project-Baltimore
Me on the left in all black-photo taken from the November Project site
Besides the gorgeous sunrise and view of the city from the hill, I loved the energy everyone had so early in the morning. Even more importantly, I loved all the support and enthusiasm-I'll definitely be back.  At the end the newbies even got a sweet medal, haha.
November-Project-Baltimore2

Two nights ago I made this brussels sprouts caesar salad with my own spin on it. I only added about a quarter of the olive oil and double the greek yogurt the dressing recipe called for. I also didn't make the croutons due to lack of ciabatta bread. Instead I pan-roasted some little chicken thighs to put on top and also added some spinach in with the brussels sprouts. It was amazing, and I've been eating the leftover dressing on salads.  
Brussel-Caesar-Salad-Chicken

Although my go-to at a coffee shop is americano, yesterday I sprung for the almond milk latte and it hit the spot. Also, I really love latte art. 
latte-art1

Guys, I have big news. I'm officially a real crazy runner lady. This afternoon I braved the snowy, slush roads of Baltimore to meet up with friends for a little snow day run. It was more slush than snow and was drizzly the whole time.  While cold and rain is unpleasant, I was having a great time, except for my wet feet. I never thought I'd be one of those people choosing a wet, wintry run over a treadmill, but now I am!
coldrunning1
Not very attractive-looking, but very warm!
Have you been experiencing winter weather? What is your favorite thing to do on days off?

20 comments:

  1. I wish I could say I was badass enough to run today! I don't think it would have been safe in towson, sadly. The roads are still not plowed here. Lame. I am so glad you liked November Project! I hope that means see you next week? It's worth it for the sore feeling after! Your snow day sounds absolutely perfect. Running, pancakes, sleep=my idea of heaven.

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    1. Understandable-it was only safe here because major roads were plowed and it was slush not ice yet! I'l try to make it again next week!

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  2. You are brave going out in the slush!! That salad sounds super interesting...have to think about trying that out...my husband loves brussel spouts.

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    1. Brave or crazy? haha The salad was a nice twist esp since I love caesar dressing but the salad part is pretty boring!

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  3. will you or have you shared the recipe for those pancakes? so yum. i love getting fancy latte's on days off and as much sleep as possible.

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    1. Since you requested, I'll share the pancake recipe soon. I modified one I found on instagram!

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  4. Pancakes are always my go-to on snow days. I've been wanting to check out the November Project now that it's in Baltimore but I'm nervous about parking. Lame excuse, I know. Maybe once of these days I'll get there- it looks so fun!

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    1. Parking is tricky around there. I paid a few bucks to park right in front of the hill after driving around looking for a free spot with no avail!

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  5. Pancakes sound amazing right now. Sounds like you had a great day off. We have been getting pounded with snow and cold but no snow days for me! I'm just so over winter! I have a half day Monday and honestly, I am just looking forward to catching up on things around the house and stuff--im a nerd like that. But it will be nice not to have to do it on a weekend and take up time!

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  6. My go-to everwhere is an Americano too! Long pour. It's a thing. I love the pic of you in your hat and scarf. So adorbs. xo Tara

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    1. Aren't they the best! Haha, and to think I didn't like how I looked and almost didn't post my bundled up pic!

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  7. i would need a big group of people to get me that motivated for a 19 degree morning too!

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    1. It was definitely a hard morning to get out of bed!

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  8. Hey Lauren!!!! You sent my girls a postcard from Baltimore a little while ago! :) Thanks!!! We are now living in Westminster MD!!!! We moved here 2 weeks ago from Iowa! This weather is crazy...like you I have been braving the weather like a crazy woman because we lost the screws to my treadmill in the move! Can't wait to read more of your blog :)! Hope you are having a good weekend!

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    1. Oh my goodness, glad you received it! That's crazy and awesome that you are now in MD! Please keep reading-I'm always writing about MD running and races! If you are ever in Baltimore and want recommendations or need a running buddy, let me know!

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  9. God, I love snow days! We had two last week but not nearly as much snow! All of these food pictures look delicious, and the coffee makes me want one myself! Good for you for going running, I can't even make myself hit a treadmill, haha. :)

    I can't believe I hadn't seen your blog before, but I'm following along now on Bloglovin'!

    allisonleighann.

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    1. Just followed your blog-I love the layout! I like snow days too haha, I'm enjoying the fact that I still get them! I could drink an almond milk latte everyday, for sure!

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  10. Yeah, Minnesota has had snow for last month or so and so I've been very used to trudging through it. We've now been experiencing massive bouts of cold weather. I hate it so much, can't go out and walk or really do anything. Good for you though, running in the snow! We get a lot of people riding their bikes here, haha.

    Always,
    Mostly Lisa

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    1. Ah yes, I'm used to more mild winters so I'm completely over this. I want to be outside in the sun!

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