New News & a New Recipe

One of my major causes of stress over the past couple weeks has been my car. The Prius served me well but as the odometer ticked over 100k miles, I knew it was time to move on.

Selling a car is a total hassle, and I ended up being without one for about a week. Luckily, Elizabeth lives so close that she was willing to drive me to school while I needed a ride.

Anyway, the Prius is sold now, and I miss it - and my awesome stickers - but it's been replaced by a lovely younger lady. (Isn't that always the way?)

Before I even thought about replacing the car, I was planning out how to find good replacement stickers!

Meet Lola!

Isn't she pretty?!

I know, I know...Matt and I both have Minis now and that makes us that weird matchy-matchy couple, but we have our reasons!

Matt's Countryman is Lola's big brother!

Matt is a car fanatic, so he was particular about finding a car that wouldn't depreciate in value too much over the years, would be good on gas, and would be fun to drive. We also wanted a hatchback. The new car is for me, so obviously I got the final say, but it's hard to argue with a baby blue Mini!

In other news, since I posted about my improved eating habits (I've been true to my healthier-food lifestyle for two full weeks now!), I wanted to share a couple recipes. These are actually more for myself so I can find them again when I need them, but maybe they'll work for someone else, too.

Here's the first of a couple I think I'll share over the next few weeks:

Zucchini canoes...or something. Full disclosure: I saw a photo of this on Pinterest and based my recipe on that one, but I have no idea if I made mine similarly because I didn't actually read the recipe because I hate being forced to sign in to Pinterest to see the pins. It's a principle thing.

These were seriously tasty, healthy, and cost-effective! Honestly, I could probably eat three or four "canoes" but I only had one zucchini on hand while I was experimenting. Next time I'll know better.

I was really bored of chicken for awhile there, but I rediscovered my love for it when I started baking it with broth. It keeps it really juicy and tender, so I don't have to struggle to get it down. Who knew?

What are you driving right now?
Do you name your cars? I never have before, but the minute we bought Lola and I got behind the wheel, I just felt the name come to me! Her doggy counterpart must have inspired me!
Share a recipe you've been loving lately!

ABK

Pardon My Streaking

Given that my first day of marathon training is set to begin July 7 and I'm still just getting back into it after a few weeks off, I've decided to participate in the Runner's World Summer Streak.

My streak will need to be edited a bit due to summer traveling and jury duty, but my goal is to run 34 of these 39 days. (I know that's not really how a streak is supposed to work, but I like to make my own rules!)

The streak begins Memorial Day, and that's an easy enough day to begin. I'll be traveling for a wedding in mid-June, so depending on flight times and my parents (who are in charge of our travel plans), I may miss a day or two that weekend. (It's also possibly the last time I'll ever be in town to see my grandparents, so obviously visiting with them trumps running.)

On July 2 I have jury duty, so depending on how that works out my streak may be interrupted. (Although I'm off for summer and may seem like a perfect candidate, I'm thinking my tendency to have an opinion on everything and to immerse myself in news and political debates might get me rejected.)

This will be the first streak I've ever even tried participating in! I'm trying to be realistic about it, but I'm feel pretty enthusiastic right now. I'm excited and ready to go!

In other news, Matt and I sold our Hummer (his business car) for a Mini Countryman. I hate car-buying, but we did a lot of shopping around and ended up with exactly what we wanted and the best deal possible.

Out with the old, in with the new!

We got the new car yesterday and are head-over-heels in love!

I could barely contain my excitement on the ride home!

The car is eye-catching, good on gas, and spacious enough for Matt's business. It's the perfect exchange.

It may not be yellow, but it definitely stands out!

What's the longest running streak you've ever done?

How do you balance travel with your running schedule?

ABK