• About
  • Too much?

simplydaisies

~ Simply living this rollercoaster of life!

simplydaisies

Monthly Archives: July 2013

Spin!

30 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by bdsbrown1 in Whatnot

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

physical fitness, spin, working out

This afternoon I am hitting the gym to resume my weekly spin class!  I am so excited! I love every single challenge that we do.  Bring on the hard and heavy climbs.  Bring on the sprints.   I am doing a happy dance just thinking about it.

I have not been since June because of training for my last race.  So today will be especially challenging and I am okay with that. Power on!

I am ready to get back in my workout routine.  Changing use between cardio and strength.  Muscle  memory vs. muscle confusion!

Of course my focus is still 23 September (next half marathon!), but the ultimate goal is being physically fit!

As I reenter the gym today, a huge smile will be on my face.  And even though I will leave covered in sweat and tired muscles, that smile will remain.

Go spin!

Advertisements

Raindrops on Roses

29 Monday Jul 2013

Posted by bdsbrown1 in Whatnot

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Rain, Sound of Music

This morning we woke up to the sounds of soft rain falling outside our bedroom window.  What a beautiful sound.  I told hubby that times like this are things we do not really think about.  We just look up and say, “Oh, it is raining.” Then we just move about our day.

Appreciating the simple thing in life.  I laid back and just closed my eyes for a moment.  I wanted to just let the sound soak in before the day began.  I was thinking about what they would sound like on a tin roof.  I was thinking of the scene in that amazing movie Sound of Music.  

Pondering all these things made me mentally remind myself that actually taking time to smell the roses, is not such a bad thing after all.

Today will be filled with raindrops, cooler temperatures, and a smile.  I will not promise though, not to twirl around pretending to be Julie Andrews….  What a great way to start off the week!

 

Happy Monday everyone!

Vintage treasure!

26 Friday Jul 2013

Posted by bdsbrown1 in Whatnot

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Burberry, navy, Vintage clothing

The other day when I went to get my hair done ( a beautiful time!), I walking back to my car and stumbled onto a vintage clothing shop.  I love cruising vintage stores looking for scarves, jewelry, and ‘different’, ‘unique’ clothing items.

While looking through a rack, I found a treasure.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

I found this Burberry coat!  It was even in my favorite color.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

The best part was the price.  It was only 39 Euros or about 45 bucks!  I began to sweat.  I could not believe my luck.  It fits perfectly.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

The coat has a belt with it.  Very classic.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Okay, just for fun, I wanted to see what it would look like with one of my favorite scarves!  Not bad.

Now something to look forward too!  When I get may hair done, I can visit my new treasure!

Happy Friday!

Summer/Early Fall Fireplace

25 Thursday Jul 2013

Posted by bdsbrown1 in Home

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

candles, Fireplace, IKEA, rustic

On my to do list that I made at the beginning of the summer, I jotted down fireplace.  I put it off to the very last because I was not sure what I wanted to do with it besides clean it out.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Cleaning it out was actually the easy part.

Of course, I fingered through all my magazine clippings of fireplaces and cruised the web for inspiration.  However, I kept coming back to the same idea.  It has that rustic vibe I was looking for.

So with 25 euros in hand, I hit the local IKEA.  Don’t you love that store?  I reminds me of Target, Michaels, and Walmart.  It is a reminder of home but in a very European way!

What can 25 euros buy you?

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Yep, I went for candles.  Sometimes, less is more.  I wanted it to be simple and elegant, but not fussy.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

To make it fun, I bought lots of different sizes all in ivory.  I was pretty jazzed but I was waiting for a little darkness.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

(Sorry about the quality.  I did not want to turn on the light.  It is all about the candles!)

Not to shabby!  I am so excited to crawl up on the sofa with a great book.  Doesn’t August and September look good?

Speaking of IKEA, while I was in the store looking around, I found this.  It actually made me laugh!

simplydaisies

ssimplydaisies

This light fixture dangles right over the middle of the bed.  I was thinking what fun.  It would be like a game of tether ball!

Happy Thursday everyone!

Cooking with the Daisies

24 Wednesday Jul 2013

Posted by bdsbrown1 in Food

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

cheesecake, cooking, mango

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Cheesecake anyone?  Secret here.  My FAVORITE dessert is any kind of cheesecake.  It is only displaying great will power that I will not just sink my face into the entire dish….

In our house we are pretty healthy eaters.  So when we decide to indulge, it has to be really good.  Spectacularly good.

I found this recipe a while ago from an old Bon Appetit magazine at my mother-in-law’s house.  Don’t you just love looking through old magazines?   It states that it serves 12 .  That is debatable, of course!

Mango Cheesecake

Crust

1 1/2 c graham cracker crumbs

1/2 c sugar

6tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Filling

3 VERY ripe mangoes- peeled, pitted, coarsely chopped

3 8 oz packages cream cheese, room temperature

1 1/4 c sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

4 large eggs

Now the fun stuff!

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Everything you need!

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

For the crust….

Melt butter.  Preheat oven to 325.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Mix graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar together.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Press mixture into the bottom of the pie dish.  The dish should be lightly buttered.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Bake for about 10 minutes.  Let it cool.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Take the mangoes and purée them in the food processor.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Beat cream cheese, vanilla and vanilla until smooth.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Add one egg at a time.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

The recipe calls for only adding 2 cups of the mango purée.  However, I add it all.  I think it gives the cake a more robust taste.  More mango the better!

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

After mixing well, pour into crust.  Bake for about 1 hour and 20 minutes.  I know this will be the hard part…but let it cool for about an hour.  The recipe even suggest that you leave in the frig overnight.  That will never happen in our house!

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Beautiful.  Can you hear?  It is calling my name!

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

The best part of cooking…the eating!

Enjoy!

Retirement

23 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by bdsbrown1 in Whatnot

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Running, working out

simplydaisies

ssimplydaisies

It is time say good bye and thank you.  It is sad but very necessary.  Many miles.  Many memories.  Many tears.  Many laughs.  After Saturday’s half marathon, I am retiring these lovely shoes.

As you can tell they are coated with dirt from the trail.  They served me well in Paris, on daily runs, and then again on Saturday.  I cannot wait to start breaking in the new ones!

Waking up this morning I was charged.  Knowing my next race is just two months away in lovely Karlsruhe, Germany and is a flat course!!!!!!, I begin my training again.  This time it is all about time.

I love having a goal.  I guess I should not say I am beginning my training again.  It it is more like improving myself.  Each day I work out, it is a present to myself.  It might not be pretty but it is precious.

Happy Tuesday everyone!  Get ready for some mango cheesecake tomorrow!

Trail (off road) racing 1 Me 0

22 Monday Jul 2013

Posted by bdsbrown1 in Whatnot

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

half-marathon, Running, trail racing

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

After my wonderful hubby finished his first half marathon he said it was a very humbling experience.

Well, after my first trail race I am going to say it was a very humiliating experience.  It was the ultimate mind over matter game I have ever played.

First off, I finished.  Amazingly, I was not even last.  Secondly, time.  I did not meet my goal that I set for myself.  After reflecting on the race, I am slowly becoming okay with that.

I had heard about the trail over the last couple of weeks.  I stepped up my hill training.  I am now realizing that my definition of trails and the true definition are not the same!

The trail I ran on Saturday morning was narrow at times, uphill, and filled with rocks and tree branches. Not to mention heat.

The first 9 miles was actually fun!  I was mentally prepared for the hills.  And I thought jumping over the rocks and the branches was great.  Then mile 9 appeared.  Silly me.  I was thinking what comes up, must go down.  Not necessarily.  At mile 9 I turned a corner and saw another upward hill.  I was thinking really. Then I tossed my breakfast. Lovely!  Never did that before in a race.  I had a couple of runners stop and ask if I was ok.  I felt bad because I did not want to hold anyone up.  Honestly, it made me angry.  But I sucked it up and carried on.

Mile 9 to mile 12.5 was more of a wog than running.  I guess after nine miles of doing uphill my body said enough.  I would not stop because I knew I would not start again.

Happiness!  Mile 12 marker.  I was great, almost over and the rest will be a breeze.  Not so fast.  After celebrating at the sight of the sign, I turned the corner and saw another hill.  Except this time I could not see the top.  I will not share what I said….

The best sight of the day was of course the finish line and Hubby standing there with a smile on his face. He of course finished before me.

The  trail won this race.  It kicked my butt.  I was angry when I crossed the line.  I was angry at myself for losing the mental game.

On the way home I became even angrier because I was forgetting why I ran this race.

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

This was the shirt we got for running.  These are a list of names of soldiers, marines, and civilians that have been killed from this community since 9/11.  People were able to turn in names of who they were running for.  At the opening ceremony they did a role call followed by taps.  It was a very moving experience.

Considering this, my anger subsided.  The reality  and the importance of the morning filtered in.  That trail will be ran next year and I will be on it, but the day was to honor and to celebrate these brave men and women.

I am happy that I finished the race.  I am happy that I was able to participate.  However, I  am honored that I was able to be involved in a event that celebrates our military.

Race Time

19 Friday Jul 2013

Posted by bdsbrown1 in Whatnot

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

family, half-marathon, Running

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

Tomorrow is the day!  I think I will be needing the above attire.  It is forecasted to be ‘warm’.  I have ‘heard’ about the trail. It is not straight or flat.  I am ready.  Music organized.  Lightweight outfit selected.  Time goal cemented on the brain. Enjoyment factor is in full gear.

It is extra special because this will be a family affair.  Hubby is running the half marathon with me and Amazing Daughter is running the 5k.  Hubby and Amazing Daughter will probably be able to finish and have lunch before I cross the finish line!  No matter, it will be crossed.

I will be thinking about the reason why this race is being sponsored as I am running.  A silence thank you will be said to all of those brave American men and women that paid the ultimate sacrifice.  What a honor it will be.

Hoping you enjoy your Saturday as much as I will!

Glorious Day

18 Thursday Jul 2013

Posted by bdsbrown1 in Whatnot

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

hair, Pampering

I am not one that enjoys being taken care of.  I am a independent person.

However, there is one treat that I love being pampered for.  Hair.  I have been blessed and cursed with a head of thick locks.  My hubby calls  my getting ready to go anywhere ‘the process’ because it takes a long time.

Today is what I call a special day.  These days NOTHING will stop me from enjoying  my time in that chair.  I am a girl after all.  I will gladly let someone else take on the task of doing my hair today.  The sad thing is it will be amazing better than I will ever be able to do it.  But that is okay.  There is just something about getting your hair done.  The feeling that you have as you walk out of the salon is marvelous.  The smile on your face is bigger. There is spring in your step.  You are ready to take on the world!

Aw….. the simple pleasures of life.

I cannot wait!

Cooking with the Daisies

17 Wednesday Jul 2013

Posted by bdsbrown1 in Food

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Grilled chicken, healthy eating, veggies

simplydaisies

simplydaisies

It is summer and for the last couple of weeks we have been making sure that we are training our entire body for the half marathon this coming Saturday.  So lots of fish, lean meats, and tons of veggies!  Perfect!

This week hubby did a lot of grilling.  He loves that.  So here is something so very simple.

Lemon, Ginger Chicken and Veggies

need:

chicken breasts, veggies (we used bell peppers), coconut oil, fresh ginger, basil leaves,and a lemon

We heated the oil on the stove.  Then mixed the grated ginger, lemon juice, chopped basil leaves, and oil together.  I did not measure.  I just guessed!  Next we brushed the chicken and let it soak for about 30 minutes.  I chopped up the veggies and did the same.

While we waited, hubby got the grill to the right temp.  He put the chicken on first and followed by the veggies about ten minutes later.

Nothing fancy.  Just good healthy stuff!

simplydaisies

ssimplydaisies

Of course a class of rosé wine could not be left out.

Have a great Wednesday!

← Older posts

Recent Posts

  • Signing Off…
  • Child’s Play
  • Enjoy!
  • Yes, another one!
  • Longer days!

Archives

  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013

Categories

  • Food
  • Home
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized
  • Whatnot

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries RSS
  • Comments RSS
  • WordPress.com
Advertisements

Barcelona Bavaria Black Forest blue books challenge Christmas College Station cooking Czech Republic decorating decorations dining room driving Easter entertaining entryway Fall family flea markets food football friends Germany gluwein goals Go Ruck Light half-marathon hand painted hiking home Jane Austen kitchen life literature Madrid moving music nature organization packing Paris patio Prague pumpkins reading Running seasons shoes shopping snow Spain Spring squats Stuttgart summer sunrise Tapas Texas Texas A&M Aggies Thanksgiving traditions training travel traveling TV room vacation Valentines Day veggies walking weekends wine winter work working out

Blog at WordPress.com.

Cancel
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy