Tuesday, June 28, 2011

What I Wore: Hawaii

It would appear by the photo coverage of my Hawaii trip that I wore mostly shorts - which was not exactly the case - but I guess we didn't take any pics of the lovely dresses I wore on a couple nights when we went out. Ah well, here are some snaps.



Volcanoes National Park

Hilton Lagoon


Outdoors at the hotel
Diamond Head
Hanauma Bay (above and below)


About that Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon

Oh yeah. I ran that thing on Saturday. Go me! I've been sore ever since! Good times. My friend Arlyn and I ran together. Official time was 2:06:34. I was hoping to come in at or under 2 hrs. but I really just wanted to finish it without stopping. We did for the most part, only stopping when necessary at the water and drink stations. We also had to bob and weave around a lot of slow people. Next race we decided we will start in a faster corral - I have no doubt we could finish in under 2hrs. then!

Photo by Action Sports International

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Lemon Cupcakes

If a man tells you how cute you are in 72font, gives you a little seashell necklace he made for you (you read that right, made) for your impending trip to Hawaii, then tells you he can't wait to see you tomorrow - you DO (I repeat, do) stay up past midnight making him his favorite flavor of cupcakes for his birthday today.

Happy birthday, Cbass.

Perfect Lemon Cupcakes

Cake:

1 package lemon cake mix
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup oil
4 eggs
1 small package lemon instant pudding

Mix dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients. Mix with electric mixer on medium speed for about two minutes. Use a strong mixer, this batter is thick. For cupcakes, bake them at 350 degrees for 20 minutes (I was able to get 24 very full cupcakes from the recipe). For regular cake, pour into a greased 9x11 pan or two round pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Don't over bake or the cake will be too dry! The toothpick test works to check to see if they're done.
The original recipe said that the cupcakes will fall after they come out of the oven, but this is normal and to just fill up the indentation with more frosting. I didn't have this problem at all!

Lemon Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, very soft
6-8 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Place the butter in a large mixing bowl. Add 4 cups of sugar, then the juice and the zest. Beat until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, until icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistency (I added 6 cups total). Use and store at room temperature. (Don't refrigerate and it will last in a covered container for about three days.)

Monday, June 13, 2011

Hawaii Wears

AE Shorts.



Three more sleeps and I'll be headed to the Aloha state. I went on a little shopping trip this weekend to prepare. On the need list: swimsuit and sandals. On the bought list: two pairs of sandals and a pair of denim Bermuda shorts from American Eagle - AE has some really cute and affordable leather sandals right now. I was surprised. I also got two summer dresses from Billabong and a cheap but cute pair of sunglasses from H&M. I had no luck on the swimsuit front but decided I can always look for one there - I would imagine Hawaii's got a swimsuit shop or 10! The summer gear will need to be pulled out again for the 4th of July when I visit one of my besties in Hermosa Beach. Can.not.wait.



Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Outfit Hair

"The more I do this blog the more I believe that great hair and well choosen accessories can be the raison d'ĂȘtre for a whole look." - The Sartorialsit via this post.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Weekend

The weekend seemed jam packed. I can't believe I did everything I set out to do, including a 10 mile run on Sunday. I will not lie though, I am crazy sore today and I feel about 90 yrs. old. Apparently taking an ice bath post-run would have helped alleviate some of the soreness, but I just read about that remedy today on the good ol' internets. I'm still going to try a version of it tonight while wearing a sweatshirt, shorts and socks in the tub.


Friday night was SAM Remix, the quarterly party at Seattle Art Museum. It's always fun to go with a group of friends or a date, and this time we did arts and crafts.



Saturday I had brunch with some friends and we got to meet our friend Anne's newest little one, Dylan Patrick. Too cute!

That afternoon I went on a date to Lincoln Park with Ralph. We sunbathed, ate pistachios and drank Talking Rain. The weather was perfect (finally). That evening I found myself at Barrio with Karen for a little dinner and drinks, then we went over to Chop Suey to see one of my favorite local bands perform: THEESatisfaction. I have a major girl crush on them.

Sunday was the 10 mile run day. I didn't set out at 7am like I'd planned, but by 11am I was off for a run in the 65 degree Seattle weather. I found I needed one full water bottle of water and a quick bathroom break around mile 6. I also learned your body does weird things you sometimes can't control! I didn't do much post-run except laze around on the couch. Eventually I ordered a pizza (as I do most Sunday nights) and watched a movie called Love and Other Drugs.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

5 Things

Time to be grateful.



1. At this time in two weeks I'll be in Hawaii! I can barely contain my excitement.

2. I've seen a few great SIFF films.

3. 4th of July weekend will be spent visiting a good friend down in Hermosa Beach, CA.

4. Someone I'll call Ralph.

5. A fun weekend ahead with good friends, babies, brunches, art, sun and smiles.