San Francisco Day One!

I hope y'all are ready for some pictures.  

We arrived in San Francisco late Friday night and crashed at a hotel near the airport.  We woke up bright and early to make our way to stop number 1 for the day, but first, we got to go over the Golden Gate Bridge!

 After a fun drive, we arrived at our destination, Muir Woods National Monument.

 Home of the Redwoods

 This was one place I really wanted to go.  I've never seen any living thing so large.

 We hiked around for a bit marveling at the trees (and poor signage).  Tons of other hikers stopped us to ask where they were or how to get to the entrance...  We must have looked very knowledgeable in our sweet soft-shells.  

 After the woods, we drove along the coastline to Sonoma Wine Country!

 

Also, a random unicorn statue for your enjoyment.

 We had this pass for Saturday and Sunday.  It basically enabled us to go to about 70+ wineries and get in without paying a tasting fee. 

We got to meet up with a law school friend who was also out and about boozing it up.  Sadly, we both failed at getting pictures. 

Imagine a picture of two cute girls with wine glasses here.  

Most places had some sort of snack in addition to all the wine.

This place had a cow made out of corks.  Even draw. 

 

We then checked into our B and B for the evening.  Very lovely place, the Cottage Inn and Spa.  This was our private dining area where they delivered fresh pastries in the morning. 

 Gorgeous!  Off to the side is killer jacuzzi.  We managed to blow a fuse trying to use it. Whoops! 

 At this point, we'd purchased two bottles of wine.  There will be more purchased tomorrow! 

Week 3 of BBB and some donuts

I just completed Week 3 of Best Body Bootcamp by Tina!

I had to adapt this week quite a bit due to the trip to San Francisco.  I will post about this in the next few days - it was incredible. 

Back to bootcamp.  I made it through all three strength workouts, and used walking around Alcatraz, hiking SF, and skiing as my cardio for the week.  My legs are sore.  I totally spaced on goals though.  I need to make them a priority for next week!

I used Saturday to prep a bunch of food for the week, including Janetha's Healthy Dark Chocolate Donuts.  Y'all, these were so easy to make and incredibly good.  I subbed all white flour since I couldn't find whole wheat pastry flour at my regular grocery store.  I would show you a picture, but we ate them all very fast.  I highly recommend them.

Tomorrow (or Tuesday) - San Francisco! 

That time I made lasagna

Y'all, I made lasagna from scratch!  Well, not the noodles, but everything else!  This was one of my "30 before 30" goals.  And really the only one I could remember, so on Sunday night, I made lasagna.  Nothing like getting it in under the wire. I followed a recipe from Rachel Ray aka my food guru. 

First, I made a beef sauce from scratch.  Onions, garlic, carrots, celery, pancetta, and beef sauteed.  Then added a large can of crushed tomatoes and let simmer for 35 minutes.

Next up I tackled my first ever bechemel sauce.  This was actually easier than I thought it would be, but still took lots of babying and stirring.  

Finally, I started stacking. 

Baked for an hour.  Finally, after another 30 minutes of resting, we got to eat!

Final verdict? 

It was fine.  It took 3 1/2 hours from start to eating.  If I make it again, I would probably sub out the bechemel sauce - I thought it was too rich for the dish.  Maybe just layers of cheese instead?  

All in all, I am glad I tried something new to me.  I enjoyed the whole process, just wished it was shorter!  

 

30

I spent my 30th birthday hanging out with my boys, playing board games and eating Chinese. 

We have received/purchased/given each other several new games since Christmas.  We are trying to watch less tv and hang out together. This one is called small world. Goal: domination. 

I will do a review once we play them all!

Atticus remains super-cute and super vocal. 

Back later with a story about that time I made lasagna from scratch. 

Jury Duty

Last night did not go at all as hoped.  Poor Irish.  What a horrible end to an amazing season. 

This morning I go up bright and early for day two of boot camp and busted out some cardio.  I then got gussied up for jury duty.  After three hours, I was released from service.  Not going to lie, I am kind of bummed I didn't get chosen.  I've never been on a jury before and think it would be helpful to know how the legal system works on that side for future jury trials. 

After running a quick errand I arrived home to find my father-in-law and grandfather-in-law had arrived early at our house.  Thankfully I finished cleaning the house before I left this morning! 

BCS Championship

Go IRISH!!!!!

Anxiously awaiting kick-off. 

I'm going...

I've thought about it a few times and always chickened out.  I wanted to start off the new year with a plan to follow for fitness - besides a random Jillian Michaels DVD (though I love them lots).  I have been slacking off recently (most of December) on getting up early to work out and hope this will be a kick in the pants.  So, I bucked up and am off to boot camp! 

Meet Atticus

Happy New Year!  One of my resolutions was to get back to blogging. 

Lots has happened since we last spoke.  The job is good, the hubs is great, and Colorado is finally getting some snow.  Most importantly, however, was the new addition to our family.

Meet Atticus

A four month old kitten who just wants to sit in your lap or chase string.  Super cute and super fun.  I will try not to bombard you with pictures, but no promises.  :)