Run like the wind...

That is what I will mentally be telling myself a week from Sunday! I can't believe race time is almost a week away, and I feel soo unprepared. I am going for my 'first' long-run on Saturday morning with a friend, and have no clue what to expect. I can probably guess not much! I am WAY behind on the banwagon of training this go around. But I figure I've got about 4 days before we leave next week for the Outer Banks to get in a few good runs and exercise. I ran my first one last year in Nashville, and what an amazing experience it was! So I'm hoping for that same adrenaline rush to help carry me through all 13.1 miles this time around...including a bridge at mile 9 that's 82 feet high! Here's a couple pics from last year...

beach life = the good life

This past weekend we were at our final wedding of the year! It was a fantastic time, but I am glad to finally be able to slow down a little now. We were back in the Outer Banks, not too far from where our wedding was, and it was so fun to be back there. The weather was absolutely perfect for this time of year, which meant we were poolside every day! I finally have a "slight" tan going on again, but I'm sure will quickly fade. I got up early one morning and ventured out to the beach to try and sneek in a few artistic shots...so enjoy!

the MANSION we stayed in...all 36 of us

calm ocean
so in love with the sea grass

Matt and I
OBX wild horses
the bride in this amazing setting

Delicious Fall Recipes

Toffee Apple Dip:

Ingredients:


(1) 8 oz block of cream cheese

(1) containter of caramel apple dip (found in the produce section)

(1) bag of toffee pieces with chocolate OR (2) crushed Heath Bars

Sliced Apples OR Graham Crackers


What to Do:


-In a pie dish, spread the cream cheese to cover the bottom
-Top with the caramel sauce
-Top with toffee pieces
-Serve with sliced apples or graham crackers

The Great White Pumpkin Cheese Ball: (a friend just sent this to me, and it looks muy delicioso!)...can also be substituted as a wreath for Christmas, adjust directions accordingly

Ingredients:

(2) 10 oz blocks of Extra Sharp White Cheddar Cheese, shredded

(1) 8 oz package cream cheese, softened

(2) 4 oz goat cheese logs, softened

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Braided pretzel, muscadine vine and leaf

Crackers and assorted vegetables

What to Do:

-Stir together first 4 ingredients.
-Shape mixture into a ball to resemble a pumpkin (or wreath for Christmas). Smooth pumpkin's entire surface with metal spatula or table knife. Make vertical grooves in ball, if desired, using fingertips.
-Press pretzel into top of cheese ball to resemble a pumpkin stem; place muscadine vine and leaf beside pretzel.
-Serve with crackers and assorted vegetables.

Homemade Chili

Well, I think Raleigh got it's first dose of COLD weather over the weekend! I personally, LOVED it!! I always find that this time of year I get really gitty. There's just something about the air, cool weather, leaves changing and everything else fall/winter related. Since the temps took a turn downward, we decided to make a big pot of chili. Except this time, Matt decided to take the challenge on himself. I had a meeting to go to last night, so when I came home, it was simmering on the stove. And I must say, it tasted pretty good. It could've been a little sweeter, but otherwise, not too shabby. Dummy me forgot to take a picture of the finish product all served up in the bowl, but not to worry...this is only a taste of chili season in our house...yum yum :)

{I know the pictures look a little un-appetizing, but I can asure you, it's delish!}

"Simone" Booties

Finally, my new Sam Edelman booties arrived via Zappos over the weekend! Not only are they pretty comfortable, the price was "fairly" comfy for my wallet as well. I use the term loosely because it's been hard to find a pair of these that haven't been $200 plus! But these look super cute with tights and a dress/skirt for the fall-winter season, and I'm sure will become a new staple in my wardrobe.

Download of the Week

Train "Hey Soul Sister"

This song has been on repeat on my Ipod this past week. GREAT running jam!

Home Sweet Home...

at least this weekend we are. We're finally home for a weekend, with absolutely nothing planned and I can't wait! Well, Matt has a work function tonight, so I decided to treat myself to a "Ginger massage" after work. Now, I rarely do this, but my neck has been giving me fits for a few weeks now, and M refuses to rub my shoulders...so I said screw it ;) Tomorrow I plan to make my test run of Mama C's delicious Chili recipe (pics to come later)...yum yum!! Gotta make sure it's good and ready for Halloween's chimnea night! I'm also hoping to get a little organzied...the closests and bedrooms need it desperately. Oh-and we're also going to try and venture out to see 'Couples Retreat'! I have heard it's laugh out loud funny, and ever since the movie trailer came out we've been dying to see it.

Happy Weekend!! xo

The hubby...

Well this week has been quite the adventure in the Coltrera household. Matt had more bad luck this week while playing in a soccer game Tuesday night. He took another hit to his knee, but this time much worse. Say a little prayer for him today as he has an MRI this afternoon to confirm if what the doctor said yesterday is true. He more than likely has torn his ACL, broken some bone off the area and tore his meniscus. Whew...yeah, you can imagine he has been in quite a bit of pain. It's been like a three-ringed circus in our house, because not only are we dealing with a lab puppy who has been couped up, but we are also dog sitting my sisters two pugs! So lots of excitement. But let's just hope it's not as bad as we think, otherwise someone is not going to be a happy camper if the doc tells him that skiing is not an option when we go to Telluride in February...
Back later with an update.

Mountains

Well, I think I am finally recovered from this past weekends wedding festivities! It was quite the weekend filled with lots of tears and laughter. It was the picture perfect setting for a wedding bringing two great people together. My sister looked beautiful...and Jack looked quite handsome. They were both so happy, and truely enjoyed themselves. How could you not, being surrounded by beauty like this with your closest family and friends. Thursday night was the "Meet & Greet", which was a fun time and somehow turned into Matt getting behind the bar serving "Firefly" shots to everyone...scary! Then Friday afternoon was the Bridesmaids luncheon, overlooking the beautimous mountain ranges and Friday night was the Rehearsal and Rehearsal dinner. Everything was outside, which was lovely! And of course, Saturday was the BIG DAY. Unfortunately the weather was not in our favor, but things worked out just fine. The new Mr. and Mrs. Sprague throroughly enjoyed themselves, and it truly showed. Here's a few highlights from the weekend..

Foilage at its finest

Our mountain house...

Rehearsal dinner site...The Pavilion
BEAUTIFUL view of the Carolina mountains...

Well, I am off to the mountain house in Wolf Laurel, NC this afternoon. It's finally Valerie and Jack's wedding weekend!!! We are all so excited, and know it's going to be such a fabulous time! I am certainly doing my rain dance already as weatherman Ray is calling for showers (insert thumbs down). There is a big front coming through, but we are all dancing to the rain God's for nothing but cool weather and plenty of SUNSHINE! Until next week...above is a sneek peak of the beauty that is to come over the weekend.

weekend recap

This past weekend was overall very chill. Matt was in Nashville for the weekend, so I enjoyed a night with my sis on Friday...her last weekend as a single gal! Then there was Saturday's venture out. U2 was in town!! I've had tickets since April, and honestly wasn't really super pumped about the show. I think maybe because I wasn't a huge fan growing up. But I must say that I am SOOO glad I went. It was hands down one of the BEST concerts I have been to! Amazing seats, amazing stage set up (the space ship) and amazing tunes!


my date for the evening...Monica!

Downloads of the Week

happy listening!!

One Republic "All The Right Moves" (HUGE fan of this!)

The Green River Ordina "Come On"

Petals

I had a very sweet surprise when I got home last night from dinner with some girlfriends. There was a beautiful bouquet of pink and white roses waiting for me in the kitchen. Matt definitely scored some brownie points on that one!