Top 10

 

David Letterman may have his own top ten each night, but he’s got nothing on us.  Here are my top ten events from 2011.  It was a year filled with amazing experiences, unforgettable events and lots of laughs. 

It will be pretty hard to top 2011, but I can’t wait to see what 2012 has in store.  Happy New Year everybody!

 

 

#10:  Races

We competed in and finished only two organized races this year.  The Warrior Dash 5K was a really fun 3 mile obstacle course that left us dirty and slightly singed (you have to jump over fire near the finish line) while the Gate River Run 15K was such a fun 9 mile race in Jacksonville.  We ran with our friend Rick and finished with about 17,000 other runners right next to EverBank Field, where the Jags play. 

 

 

 

 

#9: Packers Win the Super Bowl

Starting with our trip to Lambeau Field (which was actually the last week of December 2010, but the start of their playoff run) and being part of the progression of wins leading up to the Super Bowl was so much fun.  Being married to a DIE HARD Packer, this past season was truly special!  Hopefully the end of this season will be very similar.  Go Pack!

 

 

 

 

 

#8: Camping at Ginnie Springs

Having been my first “real” camping experience, we had a blast camping, cooking and tubing at Ginnie Springs. The company was awesome, Mike found the fire jumping to be extra good and the weather was perfect. Can’t wait for this year.

 

 

 

 

#7:  Celebrating Big Moments

Engagements, weddings and babies.  We love being a part of our family and friend’s big moments.  Congrats to all of them!

 

 

 

 

 

#6:  Labor Day with the Cox Family

If you know my friend Jenny, you know you are always in for a good time when she’s around.  Now I know where she gets it.  We visited her parents in Palm Beach this Labor Day and were treated to a mini vacation.  We felt like family and were treated to TONS of homemade food, kayak regattas and pool games.  We can’t thank them enough for their hospitality and hope to make this a yearly event.

 

 

 

 

#5:  Jill’s Bachelorette Party

If I had to describe our weekend for Jill’s Bachelorette Party in Ft. Lauderdale, I would use three letters.  V.I.P.  It was an epic girls’ weekend that will definitely go down in the books as one of the best ever.  Suites, cabanas and champagne with sparklers.  It was awesome (thanks Kelly!).

 

 

 

 

 

#4: Starting Grocerylane.net

Actually taking the step and making this blog happen was a big deal for me this year.  I love thinking of new posts and am looking forward to sharing more of my life with you!  Thanks for reading!

 

 

 

#3:  Celebrating 1 year!

We had a blast celebrating our first anniversary this year in Mt. Dora.  Fishing, exploring, drinking and relaxing.  I loved every minute – thanks Mikey!

 

 

 

 

#2:  Wisconsin

Wisconsin in the summer is absolutely beautiful.  This year’s trip kept us pretty busy, as usual, visiting all that Wisco has to offer. 

We made trips to the Miller Brewery, Milwaukee Public Market, New Glarus Brewery – Home of Spotted Cow, St. Denis Festival, Lazy Jane’s Café (twice) for the best scones EVER, State Street, UW Madison, Lake Kegonsa and Miller Park for a Brewers game.  Love that state!

 

 

 

 

#1: EUROTRIP 2011

Words simply can’t do this trip justice.  We were so blessed to have been able to take this trip and experience Europe with six other friends.  From Rome to Venice to Vienna to Munich to Prague, this trip was a once in a lifetime amazing experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tonight we will be celebrating the year that was and toasting to new adventures in the year ahead.

Happy 2012!

Flashback Friday–New Year’s Edition

 

Most of me is always sad when the holidays come to a close.  All of my favorite things wind down; Fall, football, friends, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.  I do, however, have to say that there is a little bit of me that is always excited that the new year is looming. 

Sitting down to write my 2012 goals/resolutions, the only word that keeps coming to my mind is finish.  Whatever you start, see it through; even if it takes longer than a year, or two, or three.  Remember anything worth doing is worth doing well and you can do ANYTHING you set your mind to. The only thing standing in the way of our dreams is ourselves.  

Can you tell my Psychology degree is in full effect this morning? 

 

 

I wanted to share a personal flashback inspiration photo on this Friday morning to show you where I came from and where I am now.  I struggled, took baby steps, got frustrated, but in the end I reached my goal and truly believe that hard work pays off.

Whether your goal is to lose weight this upcoming year or not, any goal is going to have its ups and and downs.  Progression can be slow and frustrating, but whatever your goal is, keep going until you finish.  It will be so worth it in the end.

Our goal for 2012?  To finish this:

 

 

A marathon. 4 months of training and 26.2 miles. HOLY MOLY. 

I am scared out of my mind, but know that crossing the finish line will be the most exhilarating feeling of accomplishment I have ever felt. I can’t wait.

Set a goal, work hard and finish – you will be so glad you did!

 

Happy New Year’s Eve Eve!

Boot Socks

 

It’s finally a little bit chilly here!  Yippeee!  In celebration of the weather, I couldn’t wait to try out my new “boot socks” last night as I headed out to meet my girlfriends for Sushi. Yay for Happy Hour, Spicy Tuna Rolls and catching up!

 

 

I have seen this sock trend a lot on Pinterest and couldn’t wait to find some of the right kind of socks to try it out.  Many of these types of socks are actually called boot socks, but others are just called knee highs or over the knee socks. 

I have seen them all over; Target, Macys, Marshalls, Kohl's, etc.  Remember, the chunkier and longer the better.  That way you have plenty of length to stick out of the top of your boot and give your outfit a little bit more interest.

They look adorable over skinny jeans, leggings, tights or even  with a skirt or dress; not to mention, they keep your tootsies so warm.  Here are some looks that I can’t wait to try!

 

  

Tutti Fruitti

 

My friend Kamrin always used to say, “I don’t mix my meats and pastries.”  It was a joke all through college, but when I was fixing this meal the other night I had to laugh.  I may not mix my meats and pastries, but I do mix my meats and fruits.

 

 

This combination of apricot with pork is delicious and works just as well with boneless, skinless chicken breasts.  Served with Roasted Green Bean and Balsamic Mushroom Cous Cous, this is another showstopper of a meal that is quick and easy and great for a dinner party or weeknight meal.  Enjoy!

 

 

 

Apricot Pork Chops

Print this recipe!

4 thick cut pork chops or chicken breasts

1/2 C Russian Dressing

1/2 C Apricot Preserves (I use reduced sugar)

1/2 packet of dry onion soup mix

 

Combine dressing, preserves and soup mix.  Pour over desired meat and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until meat is done.