Archive for May 2011

My second marathon...finished! 

What a fun, challenging, sore weekend this has been. We traveled up to Traverse City on Friday night to run the marathon early Saturday morning.  Having never visited Traverse City, I was in awe of the beauty that surrounded me on my 26.2 run.  Almost 90% of the race was ran right next to the bay, making for some awesome distractions. Only downside was how chilly it happened to be that morning. Drizzles of light rain and  a hazy fog accompanied us until the afternoon.  I was ecstatic to have run a 3:25 and was so proud of the boys...overall a great experience, totally worth the pain and long training. 

The crew: Joe, Zach, and I. Zach had some minor chafing issues during the race.  For those who aren't runners, this happens a lot to guys during long distances...especially to those who don't wear band aids or nip guards!  Poor Zach.

Zach enjoying a beer at Mackinaw Brewing Company.

I can't wait to come back!  Zach and I have plans to camp up north more this year, so hopefully we'll witness more of these breathtaking views.

Happy Tuesday to everyone!

-KateLainey

About this time last year, I came across Barbara Kingsolver's book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.  Her book delves into the trials of her family attempting to live a year purely off of local produce and what they could grow in their backyard.  Barbara discusses a wide variety of topics aside from eating locally, some in which I agree and others in which I have taken with a grain of salt.  Overall, Barbara inspired me to become more conscious about eating local and seasonal foods, along with provoking questions like why the food industry has gotten to such an awful state. Eating seasonally is hard, especially when our grocers provide any kind of food imaginable, all easily within our fingertips, at anytime of the year.  Since reading her book, I have tried to take advantage of the local farmer's markets in my area.  With that being said, I'd like to start a new topic called, "What's in Season."  I'll be discussing what fruits and veggies are in season for Michigan, my farmer's market finds, meals you can create with them, and any other advantages to eating this way!
Sound good? :)

This past weekend I stopped by the Fulton Street Farmer's Market after my run and quickly picked up some asparagus. These lovely gems came from a farm in Belmont, Michigan and were only $2/lb. Grabbing a pound and half, I was struck immediately by the size of the asparagus heads on these babies.
They were huge!



As young kids, my brother Alex and I would always try to get our mom to open up the "treasure chest" in my parents room. We never really knew what would lay underneath the heavy cedar chest lid that day; a new toy, vintage clothes, souvenirs from past trips to Germany, or remnant items from our childhood.  It was usually whenever we had been well-behaved for sometime that mom would surprise us by asking..."who wants to see what's in the treasure chest?" I still like looking through the chest to see my old baby clothes, my parents grade school pictures, and anything else sentimental that my parents kept.

So obviously I've always wanted my own chest or trunk of my own.

I decided that by buying a trunk that could be used in my wedding as a card box and for keepsakes afterwards would justify the purchase.  Not having the budget to buy the same kind of chest my mother had, I decided to find something smaller and rustic. I loved the structure of this trunk, but decided it needed to be refinished before displayed at the wedding. 

And the sanding began...

Thanks to my co-worker I didn't have to hand sand the rest of it the second time around. I then promptly added a power sander to the registry...I'm envisioning a lot more projects like these. :)

So do you guys like it?

I'm so happy how it turned out and can't wait to use it for the wedding.
I've been quite enamored with the whole shabby chic effect; hence the distressed look.

Here is what you need to get this look:
old trunk - or new
sand paper - high grit
power sander to make the job easier
primer - I used Behr white paint and primer in one (sample size)
paint - I used Martha Stewart Sea Glass (sample size)
new screws or hinges if unusable
cork board tiles
foam board
 glue - I used gorilla glue

I first sanded most of the two layers of paint (and permanent marker) off, put down a coat of primer, one coat of sea glass paint and then another coat of my white primer/paint. These coats took a while to dry, so over that waiting period I repainted the hinges and replaces the screws since most of them were stripped. I also used some leather conditioner on the strap. Once the trunk was dry, I then undid some of my precious work by sanding off random areas. Definitely sand all corners or areas where natural wear would occur.
To make the trunk a little bit more unique I added cork board to the inside. Since the tiles weren't that thick, I added foam board first, then cut the titles to the appropriate fit.

Now you are probably wondering why I would put cork board on the inside of a trunk...Well the trunk will be left open during my wedding for cards to be left in and I wanted to utilize the inside lid to display pictures, notes, and a "card box" sign. I got the inspiration to do this from one of our wedding photographers, Mae! Check out her cork board DIY here.

I love creating and watching my work unfold.  I could definitely see myself refinishing lots of older pieces in the future.  Speaking of future...we recently put an offer in on a house and it was accepted today!
We are hoping to close after the wedding, so nothing is official yet, but I'm so excited about the potential of this house and what these hands can create in it.

-KateLainey

Check out Jessica's blog for her recipe or to find other yummy treats!
I made a few adaptations from her recipe; used whole wheat noodles and flour, made use of the only vinegar I had...red wine vinegar, and used half panko crumbs/half regular breadcrumbs.

This meal did take me a while to make, which occurs quite frequently when I'm testing a new recipe, but it was definitely worth the wait. I was a little leery about the "cheese" part, but it turned out really similar to alfredo sauce...and way healthier for you! I'm super pumped to try more of Jessica's recipes.

Anyone see any other recipes on Jessica's blog that they want to test out?
I already got a list of things that I've got to try.
I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

-KateLainey

In anticipation for my June wedding, I wanted to ask my readers for your help!
I'm looking for guest bloggers to fill in for me while I'm away on my honeymoon.

Anyone interested?!

Since my blog covers a variety of topics like fashion, interior design, cooking, and wedding planning, I'd love these guest post to reflect that variety as well...but they definitely aren't limited to those four! If this is something you'd love to do, shoot me an email at kate.freshour@gmail.com before June 4th.  I will let you know if space is available and when the posts need to be submitted by.  I've got a few amazing bloggers already lined up so let me know soon before all the spots are taken!

Thanks so much for your help and continuous support!

-KateLainey

I love pairing hummus with green peppers, carrots, pita chips, or in pita wraps.
It is super versatile and a healthy spread/dip option.  I'm also featuring one of my latest vintage finds, these super cool 50's/60's small prep bowls. I purchased two of these bowls in the speckled blue color and two bright yellow ones for $1.49 a piece! It wasn't until I got home that I realized they matched perfectly with this sweet dish towel my Mom gave to me.  I would love to have my kitchen reflect this color scheme!

So who else out there enjoys hummus?
Definitely try making you own if you do, it's way cheaper!

-KateLainey

I adore this picture. Thinking about using it as my new header...what you guys think? 

Here is to a very busy week coming up! At work we are prepping for the Riverbank Run Expo & Race, which I'm planning on doing just as a training run in preparation for my upcoming marathon.
Anyone else in the GR area running the Riverbank Run or any other upcoming races?

-KateLainey

Happy Mother's Day, Momma! 

Daily, you inspire me by your grace, work ethic, and love for our family.

My hope is to be able to follow in your footsteps and be the wonderful mother you are.
You are truly beautiful and I love you. 

Love,

your Lainey girl

Have you checked out BHLDN yet?
If so, what is your favorite piece?

Have a lovely and beautiful weekend!
-KateLainey

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

2/3 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup agave nectar

1/2 cup Earth Balance spread (vegan option) or butter

2 teaspoons vanilla

3 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup coconut

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup raisins

1/4 cup ground flaxseed

2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)

1 (6-oz) pkg semisweet chocolate chips or carob chips

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13X9 inch pan. 

Combine brown sugar, peanut butter, agave, Earth Balance, and vanilla in a bowl; blend well. Add all remaining ingredients and mix. Press evenly in pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees or until lightly brown. Cool for about an hour before cutting bars. 

Did you mom or dad ever send you sweet little treats for you while you were away from home?
What were your favorite to get?

Enjoy your Wednesday!
 I'm heading out for a run in this beautiful sunshine.