Thankful Thursday ~ Oct 24

Oct24

So despite the fact that last night and today have been “bad” days in terms of my pain level, I still took time to reflect on what I’m thankful for.

I am Thankful that I live in an area that is surround with so much natural beauty! We have the ocean, mountains, vast farm land, lakes, and a gorgeous city all within driving distance of our door.

Today despite the pain we went to Campbell valley park to stretch our legs. Muffin was getting restless and I definitely had a major mood outburst earlier in the day so it was evident fresh air was needed!

I love Campbell valley park. I wrote a blog post earlier in the year about the proposed changes a racing group were trying to implement in the park. You can read that post Here

I am insanely thankful that proposal was shot down and the park remains as a gorgeous, tranquil, peaceful haven. As I’ve said before this park is one of my favorite places.

I always feel calmer and happier after a walk, run, or ride through this amazing park! Today was no different, I loved it!

Seattle 2013

Oct19

Last month we took a trip to Seattle and I loved every minute of it!!! I loved the architecture, the food, the sights, the sounds and the Seahawks!! I have tried to write this post a few times and can never do my experience justice!! It was an amazing trip and I am already longing to return to that beautiful city!!

We took in so many amazing things while we were there! We visited Pike place market daily, took in the views from the space needle, went to watch the Seahawks kick ass and the Mariners try their hardest! I was enthralled with the gorgeousness that is Seattle center park. The Chihuly glass was stunning and the aquarium stole my heart! I really can’t even put into words how much I loved Seattle and how much I enjoyed my time with Kevin and his parents!

What I can tell you is how amazing the food was!! I had done some research prior to going and was informed by other bloggers that I had to try the macaroni and cheese at Beechers!!! Ummm they were correct! If it’s one thing bloggers know it’s food!!

The secret to Beechers amazing pasta offering is the homemade cheese! You can actually watch them make the cheese while you stand in line! Don’t let the line discourage you! It’s worth the wait and the calories!!

Beechers is located at Pike place market a few doors down from the first Starbucks location!! If you know me at all you know how excited I was to visit that particular Starbucks location! Again don’t let the line discourage you it moves rather quickly but if you can plan a weekday visit there won’t be much of a line to contend with.

I’m not sure if it was the best skinny,half sweet iced caramel macchiato I’ve ever had because the baristas at that location are pro or if because I was on a vacation high! Either way it was worth the line and I happily remember my visit each time I use my prized mugs I bought at the first Starbucks location ever!! Yes I’m that girl 😉

We tried many nibbles of delectable offerings at the market but the mini donuts from A Daily Dozen at Pike place hold a special place in my heart and on my thighs! If I lived in Seattle my proximity to those little donuts would cause me health issues I assure you!

They put those suckers in a brown paper bag to hide your addiction like an alcoholic would hide his bottle!!! My inner fat girl longs for more paper bag shame!!!!

The sights of Pike place market are amazing. The flowers, the fish, the fruits and veggies, the gum wall!! I don’t even know where to begin! We spent hours and hours there and it wasn’t enough.

We decided to take in the views from some higher places and took a ride on the massive Ferris Wheel on the board walk! Such a neat experience and I was very proud of Mom for taking the ride despite her feelings about heights!

While the views from the Ferris wheel were amazing they were not as amazing as those from the top of the Space needle. If you do one thing in Seattle eat the Mac and cheese! If you do two, go up the Space needle and sip an overpriced glass of wine while you marvel over the stunning view of this amazing city!

We had the pleasure if visiting the Aquarium while we were there and of course I adored that!! There were otters and otters are on my list of things I
love!!!!

Being married to a McGavin man means you have to be a Seahawks fan! It’s not debatable and when you go to a game with the boys you have to cheer with all you’ve got! I also had a team inspired pedicure which I am certain helped them win! It isn’t hard to get into the Seahawks spirit when you are in Seattle! You make friends and get high fived just for sporting team gear. It is impossible not to get sucked into the hype at a game when surrounded by cheering fans and fueled by garlic fries. The Seahawks game was by far the coolest sporting event I’ve ever been to.. And don’t tell Kevin but I kinda like watching games with him now!

After experiencing a Sunday night Seahawks game the Monday nights Mariners game was much quieter but still an awesome experience I fully enjoyed!

I could go on for hours telling you all about our trip and my new found love of the city. I could tell you about early morning swims, beer tastings at the brewery, the antique shop, the wine, the best ranch dressing I’ve ever tasted, the game of chicken we played with the fountain, and the love I have found being part of Kevin’s family. I once again feel this post doesn’t even begin to touch on the amazingness I experienced while in Seattle. If you ever get the chance to take in that beautiful, inspiring city do it. Seattle doesn’t disappoint. The food, the views, the people, the Seahawks, all amazing!

Thankful Thursday ~ October 17

Oct17

Good evening folks!

Wow this week has been an experience! I didn’t realize how much getting laid off would affect me. I don’t me negatively, I simply mean all the thinking and contemplating it has brought about for me. As most if my friends and family know I am very stubborn and I like having control. Sometimes in life you learn the most when you can’t have control of a situation!

This week I am thankful for many things. Some of the things I am thankful for are silly things! Psssttt I’m thankful for the chocolate chip banana muffins from whole-foods!! I’m thankful for being able to shop at Whole-foods! I know right, so petty but honestly sometimes it’s little silly things in life that cause us to reflect the most.

In all honesty this week I am thankful for my husband. Kevin has been extremely supportive and understanding through this journey to the end of my nursing job.

I can’t even verbalize how much easier he has made this time in my life. He had consistently reminded me that things will be fine. He has kept me entertained and has checked up on me when he couldn’t be near me. He has been free with the hugs and has kept me laughing.

I adore my husband and am extremely thankful for the support I find in him.

Fort Langley Cranberry Festival

Oct13

Every year Fort Langley plays host to the annual Cranberry Festival. Yesterday was that time of year again and Kevin and I decided to check it out with some family and friends.

I’ve been to and volunteered at this event many times over the years. It gets a little bigger every year. This year I notice the local cranberry theme was weak and the whole event had a very farmers market feel about it. None the less I enjoyed my day with family and friends.

Fort Langley is a beautiful little village that lays along side the Fraser river with a rich history that affects not only British Columbia but the whole country of Canada! Fort Langley is the location where, a century and a half ago, Hudson’s Bay Company established it’s fur trading post! The post grew to trade with the First Nations of the West Coast. The trading post grew, evolved, and influenced history in many ways, eventually leading to the creation of the colony of British Columbia. A little history lesson for you! You can visit the Fort itself and learn all about our country’s rich heritage, Or you can spend the day browsing the many unique shops the Village has to offer! The area boosts a number of amazing wineries, restaurants, and parks. The Fort to Fort trail is a gorgeous walk!

Back to the Cranberry festival! We saw many interesting offerings from local artists, bakers, crafters, florists, etc.

Emma tried her hand at Sugaring off.. A Canadian tradition of pouring hot maple syrup on fresh snow and rolling it on a stick to form a yummy treat!

We decided to take on the issue of lunch by visiting some of the food trucks and sharing a bucket of donuts. We aren’t proud of it, but it happened 😉

Other then the food we saw some giant pumpkins, a giant beaver and just enjoyed browsing and our afternoon together. We walked away with a few purchases and some fun memories! If you’re ever in the area I highly suggested checking out Fort Langley as it is a beautiful little village!

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and enjoys their time with family and friends.

Thankful Thursday ~ October 10th

Oct10

Hi friends 🙂

While doing the dishes this afternoon I started thinking about the Thankful Thursday post I knew I’d be writing later, all sorts of things ran through my Mind. I thought happily for sometime about all the things I could write about. In fact this past week I found myself being more vocal about what I’m thankful for! Clearly the impact of these blog posts are substantial for me and good for my well-being, and for that I’m thankful.

I could tell you how thankful I am for my fun evening of dinner and shopping with my best friend. Or how thankful I am that Kevin is so supportive. But while I’m very thankful for both these things I am not going to go into detail about them. Instead I’m going to tell you how thankful I am for my body!

That’s right… My body! My thighs touch and my ass is not as firm as I would like! My stomach is not nearly as flat as I wish it was, and my hips hurt me daily!!! I can’t count my abs and sometimes I wish it looked completely different…

BUT

My body is mine and today I realized how thankful I am for all the things I can do with it and how many experiences I am capable of having because of it! While it is far from perfect it is mine, and much like many ladies I don’t appreciate it enough! I will never look like the girls in the magazines and there will never be a gap between my thighs, and that’s just fine!

My body is strong enough to let me enjoy the things I love! It lets me chase my niece and walk my dog. It lets me go to the gym most days. It lets me experience adventure and gaze upon all the things that bring me wonder and joy.

This past summer my legs carried me to the top of a mountain and my eyes let me take in the most stunning views of a gorgeous lake and an amazing forest. My nose let me smell the smokey campfire I cuddled around with my husband and my little bitty love of a dog! My taste buds let me experience melted chocolate and roasted marshmallow on a crisp cookie.

Everyday my arms let me hug those I love. My hands let me touch the things i hold dear. My blue eyes sparkle when I watch the birds and see my Muffin playing happily. My long hair falls softly around my face and comforts me. My legs are insanely strong, long, and beautiful. My hands are small but productive. My feet are perhaps my favorite body part.

Last Saturday my body carried me through 5km of fun. I laughed, I smiled, I winced in pain but I experienced every inch of that race and every breath because of the body I am blessed with. Sometimes my body surprises me. Sometimes I am shocked at my own strength or how pretty certain parts of me are.

I’ve seen the lights of Vegas, I’ve dipped my toes in both oceans in this gorgeous country because of my body. I’ve held the hand of a dying man and brought a little comfort to his final hours. I’ve stolen kisses with these lips that I will never forget or regret. Ive dug my toes into the sand and I’ve ran my hands over my favorite spot on a man I loved with every fiber of my being. I’m certain I’ve felt my heart break in two then slowly heal itself with time and experiences. I’ve wiped away tears, mine and those of others.

My hands have saved lives and my eyes have watched as my words and actions have broken hearts.

I am who I am and my life is mine to experience and this body is my vessel to live this life in. I am thankful for all the things it can do and while it works I’m going to keep using it as much as I can.

Coconut Chicken Strips

Oct9

So tonight I decided to make myself some chicken strips for dinner. I realized it was a good chance to
try out my new recipe I’ve been thinking about for some time!!

Coconut chicken strips!! This recipe makes enough to cover 2 large chicken breasts. If you want to make 4 breasts worth of strips just double the dry ingredients.

Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
1 can of coconut milk

Dry
1/2 cup crushed corn flakes
1/2 cup sweetened coconut
1/4 cup spelt flour (any type of flour will work
1 tablespoon ground flax
1/4 teaspoon garlic
Pinch of salt
Pinch of ground pepper
Pam or spray coconut oil

Method
Mix all dry ingredients in a flat dish.

Slice chicken into strips or coat whole. Dip chicken pieces in coconut milk and toss in dry mixture until coated.

Arrange on sprayed baking pan or on a wire rack on a cookie sheet and bake at 375 for about 35 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 170 degrees F , flipping once while cooking.

I served these healthy, slightly sweet, very moist chicken strips with spicy mango sauce! Ummm yum!

Color Me Rad Vancouver 2013

Oct5

Life isn’t about what you can’t do it’s about what you can but you can’t do anything unless you try!

Today despite my health issues I conquered another 5km race! My over all time was 42 minutes and 5 seconds which is slower then past times but I’m still proud for crossing that finish line.

I’m sure most of you have heard about races like Color Me Rad, where participants get bombarded with a multitude of colors over the duration of the course! Well let me be the girl to tell you it’s everything your rainbow dreams are made of and them some!!!

Look at all those clean white shirts!!! Don’t worry that doesn’t last long!!

Along with the color bombs comes a whole whack of fun! If you’re looking for a timed serious race then this my uptight reader is not your cup of tea! If you’re looking for a no pressure, fun filled party course look no further! The course is 5 km and has four different color stations. I can tell you a few things from experience!!!

1) Wear the sunglasses that come in your race packet! If you have sensitive eyes or contacts I’d consider safety goggles!

2) Don’t wear anything you aren’t willing to destroy! Including shoes! I don’t even need to explain why! I took a change of clothes and an old fitted bed sheet to protect my car seat.

3) If you want lots of color experience stay on the edges of the pack as you run through the color zones. Color bombers line the sides and the closer you are to a bomber the more color you wear!

4) Roll with the punches! There are lots of people walking, running, chasing each other, and partying on the course. Things didn’t seem to stick to time guidelines and if you want to know your time track yourself. There will be areas that you have to walk in as the color zones get congested! It’s a party not hardcore “real” race!

5) Keep your mouth shut! No seriously that color may only be corn starch but it doesn’t taste too great!! If you have breathing issues, sensitive lungs, or concerns, consider wearing a bandana over your face or a painters mask. You won’t look crazy I saw many!

6) Don’t be afraid to look crazy! For a while I ran behind a 2 legged zebra! Dress up and you will fit right in! Tutu’s are a popular choice but I saw everything from clown costumes to zebras… For serious!

7) Run with friends! This isn’t a run you’re gonna wanna tackle alone! It’s way more fun to chuck handfuls of color on your friends then on your self!

8) Don’t bring your expensive camera!! As tempting as it is because there are some awesome photo opportunities that color powder travels and finds its way into every crack and crevice.

9) Bring your phone because you will want photos and its really easy to lose running buddy’s in the crowd. BUT… Put your phone in a ziplock bag to keep it safe!

10) Just have fun! These runs are more for the experience then the actual run factor.

I had on three layers of shirts and somehow my boobs still ended up a very Easter festive shade of pink!! I took a 25 minute shower, I exfoliated like a bad ass… Boobs still pink!! It’s a risk you run my friends!

Today was awesome and I’m thankful my body allowed me to take part in such a fun event with awesome friends!

Homemade Meatballs

Oct5

So in true Erica fashion I forgot to take meat out of the freezer for dinner today! Luckily I realized this while Kevin and I were in Vancouver picking up my race packet for tomorrow’s Color me rad run! We made a quick stop at Whole foods on Cambie! I was a happy girl!! We picked up lots of yummy stuff and decided to make meatballs!

These meatballs are moist and flavorful. They can be used in a variety of ways such as meatball subs or appetizers. Tonight I served them on pasta with veggie loaded sauce and a warm fresh baked parmesan herb muffin for a filling, healthy pre race dinner!

Ingredients

1 Pound of extra lean ground beef
1/2 pound of ground pork
1 small pepper chopped
1/2 a medium onion chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
1 egg beaten
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
5 splashes worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup oats
4 crushed stone wheat crackers
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 tablespoon granulated garlic
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt

Optional ingredients but suggested for yum factor!

1/2 cup crispy onions
1/4 cup tortilla strips

Method

Mix ground beef and ground pork

Add all ingredients with meat in a large bowl and mix well with hands until combine.

Did you notice my giant garlic?!? We got elephant garlic in Seattle! I love it! It is sweeter then normal garlic. The below photo is one clove in my hand!

Once the mixture is well combine form well packed meatballs in your choice of size…I made giant meatballs a little larger then golf balls.

Cooking will depend on the size you made. Just be sure the internal temperatures reaches 165 degrees. I did this by baking them in the oven for 40 minutes at 375 degrees. I cooked uncovered for the first 20 minutes then loosely covered with foil for the last 20 minutes. Feel free to pan fry these if you choose! I cooked mine in our new specialty meatball pan. The pan is designed to let the fat run out and works fanatically!

Thankful Thursday ~ October 3

Oct3

Hope everyone had a great Thursday! Mine was productively busy.

My friend Angie has been doing “Thankful Thursday” posts now for a few weeks and thought I’d jump on board! You can check out her Thankful post Here!! PS she’s kinda awesome!!

So tonight after I got home from the gym I spent some time thinking about all the things I’m thankful and let me tell you the list is vast and varied! So I’ve picked a few random ones to share with you!

1) I am thankful for Emma. She is turning into such a little grown up! This week we have been having tea together and trying all the different David’s teas we picked up on our shopping trip last Sunday. Our favorite is currently Birthday cake.

2) I am thankful to live in a country and have coverage through Kev’s work that offers me access to medical and dental. Today I put on my big girl pants and went to my dentist appointment without any stress or fear! I met Matt my new hygienist and he’s great, I’m very comfortable with him.

3) I am thankful for having a husband who takes me to do simple things I’m sure he could live without. Today he took me to get my toe nails painted, my eye brows waxed, to subway for lunch, and we wandered around Value Village! It is nice to have company on my little adventures!

4) I am thankful for having the ability to have a well stocked fridge and pantry! I am often insanely indecisive about food and having many options is nice.

5) I am thankful for the smells and sights of autumn! The leaves are so gorgeous and the sunshine today was amazing!! The air has a fresh crisp scent and I love the cozy feeling this time of year brings!!

I could keep going but it’s time for some Muffin snuggles!!!

What are you Thankful for today friends?

“Surrender”

Oct1

Surrendering and quitting are not the same thing. Surrendering is not always a sign of giving up. Sometimes surrendering is a sign of intelligence and strength. A sign that you’ve accepted when enough is enough.

I’ve been absent on the blog front lately and I am sorry for that. I’ve been wrapping my head around some major life changes that are in my very near future! For starters I only have about eight more shifts at work before I’m laid off. It is a very surreal feeling, I’ve worked here for almost 5 years and my job is a huge part of my life. On some levels being a nurse defines who I am. But I’ve realized recently I’m more then a nurse and sometimes in life you have to step back and not only accept change but embrace it.

I see this lay off as blessing in disguise. A chance for me to slow down and catch my breath so to speak. A little me time, a little life exploration.

You really never know what’s around the next corner in life but all any of us can do is face it!

I have lots of Fall inspired recipes to post this month and a quick recap of our amazing trip to Seattle!

I look forward to having more time soon and sharing more of my life with you and catching up on yours!!

Life With The McGavins

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