Lucky
The title of this post is the only way I can sum up how I feel right now: LUCKY.
Why do I feel so lucky? Well, let me count the ways…
(1) I have two functioning, dayum good legs which allowed me to run 26.2 miles yesterday. Still on a runner’s high.
(2) Due to the marathon, I also feel lucky to have slept 11 hours last night, take another day off of work and upon waking, manage to assist myself (with the help of the railing and other inanimate objects) to the kitchen to enjoy a 3-course breakfast…
Course #1: Kashi Honey Sunshine w/ organic skim milk
Course #2: Barbara’s Peanut Butter Puffins w/ organic skim milk
Course #3: Banana w/ chunky peanut butter
(3) I have a wondrous family who not only supports me but feeds me too (even though technically, a 24-year-old professional should probably be buying her own food…).
mixed greens
red onion
kiwi
mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries + blackberries)
orange slices
banana chips
sesame sticks
grilled chicken
raspberry vinaigrette
(4) My legs did not cramp up, even though I forced them into the car for another two-hour journey back to my other home.
(5) Grande nonfat coffee mistos with 2 pumps of chai.
(6) The blog community. For your support, positive vibes, constant comments and love. Oh yeah, free swag doesn’t hurt either. Thank you Jessica and the people at My Blog Spark for these Nature Valley Nut Cluster goodies!
(7) Post-marathon Advil.
(8) FABULOUS giveaways and winning them. Thank you Allison from Eat Clean Live Green!
(9) Nice companies who make genuinely healthy + delicious products. Thank you Molly and POM Wonderful!
(10) Food blogger friends who you are pretty sure would also be your friends in real life. LOVE YOU JANETHA B.!
(11) More food blogging friends who send you gifts just because. Brandi - you are so sweet, radiate positivity and are psychic enough to know when a girl is in need of a pashmina (and Puppy Chow)!
(12) Life-changing products. PB+Co. Mighty Maple, where have you been all my life?
(13) Breakfast for dinner: Sweet Potato Casserole Oatmeal a la Snackface.
1/2 cup oats
1/3 cup water + 1/3 cup organic skim milk
1/2 cup sweet potato puree
cinnamon, nutmeg + ginger
1 tbsp. Mighty Maple PB
(14) Cinnamon-spice candles. No, I will not let the obsession go.
(15) I feel lucky to be able to say…
- Congratulations to Matt on qualifying for the Boston Marathon! You go boy!
- Way to go Angharad on a speedy first-ever 10-mile race!
- You are an inspiration Megan to be able to come back from injury to run a fabulous 1/2 marathon!
- Awesome work to anyone who ran races this past weekend!
- Shoutout to Evan for making a kick arse version of my Pumpkin Molasses Cookies!
- Check out the Health Blog Helper for an interview of yours truly by Ms. Mama herself!
I told ya I am a lucky gal.
For the record, I resemble an 82-year-old grandma right now hobbling around my apartment than a 24-year-old gal who just ran a marathon. Off to read blogs and sip tea under the warm comfort of my bed…
(1) Why do YOU feel lucky today?
(2) What are some cooking or non-cooking ideas for coconut oil?
Tags: berries, cereal, chicken, kiwi, Larabar, oatmeal, orange, PB+B, salad, yam
October 5th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
I got my POM on Saturday and OMG the nectarine is SO GOOD. All your packages look so great!
I feel lucky that I am surrounded by amazing friends and family. Whether they live minutes away or across the U.S, I am truly thankful for all the support they continue to give me.
I put a spoonful of coconut oil in my smoothies. I also use it as a moisturizer for dry skin and sometimes in my hair if it’s super dry.
October 5th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Darling, thank you for the shout out and giving the oats a shot!
I love this list of things to be thankful for. I’m not sure how much I believe in “luck,” per se, but I do believe that things happen for a reason, which eventually lead to things that seem “lucky.” Some call them blessings, but that probably depends on how religious you are. I personally believe that you are a glowing ray of positive sunshine and because you emit that essence, you’re thanked by the universe with fabulous happenings in your life. WHOAH! Philosophical me did NOT mean to come out! Haha sorry!
To answer your Qs…! I feel fortunate today because I have been able to walk, workout, sing, laugh, chat, blog, learn and eat with ease and happiness. I’m not feeling “lucky,” however, about having to write this paper tonight. Blah.
The coconut oil is tricky. I’ve never used it, but maybe it will go really well with Indian dishes? No clue!
xoxoxoxox
October 5th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Non-cooking ideas: put it on your skin before a shower. It makes you skin SO ridiculously soft! I’ve also heard you can use a small amount in your hair for super soft, shiny hair.
Cooking ideas: use some with some veggies in a stir fry, use some instead of canola oil in homemade granola (with a tropical flair!)…I’m sure there’s many more, but that’s it for my brain tonight.
Congrats again on the marathon!
October 5th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Girrrrrrrrl! OH my god coconut oil where do I begin. I smear it on toast (so good with cinnamon raisin swirl toast) .. I like it also with lavender + confectioner’s sugar on toast. I put it in my dahl, in my oatmeal, I even put it in my okra dish tonight. It’s also really awesome mixed in with cinnamon rice, regular rice.. oo imagine adding coconut oil to coconut rice for that extra oomph. For real, it’s the bomb.com The only thing is that it solidifies so it doesn’t really work with cold things.
I feel lucky today because I’ve got Matilda to go on adventures with
October 5th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Holly holly, how i do adore you! this list is the shiz and i love that you are so funny and witty! I smile, because you give me such confidence in myself for the half that i’m running in a mere 2 weeks! You have been such a inspiration to me from day 1!!!! Thank you GIRL!
October 5th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Sweet potato oats are now a thing to be tried. I’m pretty sure I could make my own but the thought of the look on the cashier’s face when I buy baby food sweet potato is just too amusing to pass up now. And I have to agree that mighty maple is might good.
Today I’m thankful for a new friend who tracked me down on facebook to tell me how much she enjoyed reading my blog as a fellow college student determined to live a healthy lifestyle. Things like that help me to keep writing and continuing even if there might be more productive(but obviously less fun) things to do.
October 5th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
I feel lucky to have enjoyed such a beautiful Monday! It’s been so sunny and nice.
Thanks for visiitng my blog
I look forward to reading more of yours!
October 5th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
I love this post!
I feel lucky because I’ve got amazing family and friends. Even though they are spread throughout the country they are always there to support me. Also, for my wonderful puppys. They are always thrilled to see me when I get home!
October 5th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
I also feel very lucky for everything that has to do with blogging . . . and I feel lucky for being able to have date night monday every monday night now, it’s the first time I’ve had anything close to a set work schedule in 5 years!
October 5th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
You ARE lucky!
October 5th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Your such an inspiration holly!!
I love that salad combo! Such fun ingredients!
And you know I love that orange bowl of oats too
October 5th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
never used coconut oil, but I’m sure you’ll find some good uses
I’m glad you’re back home and hobbling around safe and sound, girl!
October 5th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Congrats on the marathon! I did the TC also last year, its such an accomplishment, you should be proud.
I feel lucky today because I have a great boyfriend, great job and in good health
Coconut oil-I’ve never cooked with it but I bet it’d be a good substitute for oil in baked goods?
October 5th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
You are one lucky chick!
The question is… DO YOU FORSEE ANOTHER 26.2 MILE RUN?
October 5th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
that muesli on my blog is based on angharad’s recipe! soo good! i say make it instead of buy it- it is so easy to do!
October 5th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
What a great post! I love it! I love Coconut oil in raw macaroons (super easy to make) and smoothies with bananas, strawberries and oj. Yummmmm.
October 5th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
I don’t think it’s luck. I think you are an awesome person and people apprecciate you
THEY are the lucky ones!
I feel lucky that I have so many friends and family and cookies. Lol. For real…Newman’s Own sent me more cookies than I have eaten in my lifetime (so an emphatic YES to free swag being lucky…being a blogger is just…awesome!)
And I am lucky to be in NYC right now
October 5th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Wow, I missed so much!! Congrats on the 26.2, that’s freakin’ incredible. Great time, too!! I need to try that oatmeal, too. It looks so perfect for Fall! Have a lovely night
October 5th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
I think you are just an awesome person. Lucky? Maybe, but I think it’s the universe giving back what you dish out.
Lucky?
That’s us, for getting to read your fab bloggy every day.
We’re the lucky ones. You are just cool.
October 5th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
i love you. you constantly make me smile and this post made me remember to always count my blessings, you being one of them!
October 5th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
I’m lucky to know people like you who inspire the rest of us to do awesome things like run marathons!
That salad looks so bomb! Berries, oranges, chicken and raspberry vinegrett, YUM!
October 5th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Holly, I just started reading your blog, and this post inspired me to make one like it. Congratulations on the marathon!
October 5th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Congratulations!! I am lucky that I am able to finish school. I am also lunky to have a healthy, happy, smart little girl!
October 5th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Holly- Just wanted to say WAY TO GO! I ran the Hirosaki Apple Marathon on Oct 4 (which is a day ahead of MN, so your Saturday) and as I was finishing my Sunday, you were just starting your race…so we both ran a marathon, but I was in Japan and you were in my home state, MN! Anywhoo, rest up, and great job on an amazing feat. Next goal –you should run Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth. Best. Place. Ever
October 5th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
congrats on the marathon! glad you’re feeling so lucky and blessed – a really wonderful feeling to have!
October 5th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
YOU ARE AMAZING. congrats on the marathon!! oh luck. today i am lucky to have finished a fatty paper. it was sort of my marathon
October 5th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
this post has such a feel-good vibe! congrats on your marathon — what an amazing feat!
i feel lucky today to have such a loving family — sure, they’re bizarre, not even close to perfect, and sometimes just plain annoying — but they will always love me and support whatever decision i make, even if they aren’t always the wisest choices. and for that i am extremely lucky!
October 5th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
The picture of that salad gave me major cravings!
It’s very cool that you’ve been feeling so lucky, it’s a feeling we all love to have and you totally deserve to feel that way.
Enjoy, love, live and be happy!
October 6th, 2009 at 12:07 am
Seriously luxuriant foot lotion…coconut oil, around 2 tablespoons, mixed with 2 tablespoons regular lotion…smear and put on socks….then before washing, rinse out in sink.
I need your help…http://thespecialktreatment.wordpress.com/ks-cooks/unbake-off/
October 6th, 2009 at 4:57 am
Luck is the residue of desire.
October 6th, 2009 at 5:16 am
oh my gosh! Congrats! A marathon!!!!! You totally rock- that is just incredible. I love your three course breakfast- exactly what I’d want to have. Get some more rest in.
October 6th, 2009 at 6:20 am
Holly, you are so cute. Even at 6:00 in the morning I can appreciate your sunshiny-ness. I know that not a word
We all have a lot to be thankful for–especially blogging buddies. They are real heart-warmers, no? Have you seen/smelled the new fall scents at Bath and Body Works? They are the bomb! I love the Leaves one! xoxo
October 6th, 2009 at 7:29 am
I feel lucky that there’s lots of great attitudes, ideas, motivation and inspiration out there in the blogiverse…present company included
If the coconut oil is refined, it won’t have much of a flavor and won’t change the profile of foods you make. If it’s unrefined (which is awesome) then you will have the coconut smell/taste. I use it in place of lotion and on my hair when it’s curly…a little goes a long way. With food, use it everywhere! in the pan, in a mix, when you roast and even on your breakfast toast
Thanks for the morning good vibes!
October 6th, 2009 at 7:31 am
Girl, I thought HEABs got a lot free shit! I was wrong!! Look at all that loot. Impressive. I dont think you are going to need to feed yourself for a long time. Looks like others are taking care of you! Now I feel bad for not sending you something. haha!
Congrats on the race. I think its amazing that anyone can run that long. Loving your 3 course brekkie!!
Much Love <3
~Justine
October 6th, 2009 at 8:11 am
This is such a great post!
Still think you running that marathon is amazing! Oooo I’m dying to try that Mighty Maple–I pretty much have every other flavor there is except that one!
October 6th, 2009 at 8:15 am
You are a lucky lady and I’m lucky to have your wonderful blog to read and the dream of meeting you in the flesh some day!
All the free-ness looks delightful and I’m loving the 3-course b-fast!
October 6th, 2009 at 8:38 am
YEAH!!! Dang girl you ARE lucky!!! You deserve everything that comes your way
Hmmm – I’ve heard you can use coconut oil on your body as a soother/moisterizer?? Might be worth looking into.
Have a GREAT day of continued luck, pain free joints and MORE eats!!
October 6th, 2009 at 8:43 am
I think it is SO important to take time and think about the things we are grateful for, and what are we are lucky to have! This was a great post.
Hope you’re legs are feeling better today – those first couple days after the marathon are killer. One trick someone taught me was to go down the stairs backwards. Try it!
I hobbled around for a full two days, I felt a little better by Tuesday and by Wednesday was feeling almost normal again. Hope today is a little easier for ya, I’ve TOTALLY been there and was wondering how you were doing!
I’m still smiling for you, way to go girl, you seriously rock.
October 6th, 2009 at 8:56 am
haha! I love how you aren’t afraid to admit that you are hobbling around like a grandma or take a pic of yourself (in the last post) taking a bathroom break! funny! Make sure that you stretch today!!!! Have fun resting, lady! You deserve it!
October 6th, 2009 at 9:28 am
That salad looks like it needs to be in my belly. I’m jealous that it’s in yours.
Glad you made it back sans-cramps girl.
Would you believe I managed to hobble around the Mall of America/Hell? True story.
And WOAH you are lucky getting all the stash in the mail! Jeeez!
I think you should smother the coconut oil all over your body. The end.
October 6th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Yay you and all the positive energy you are putting out today! I am very thankful to have a healthy body, a job that is flexible enough to let me do all the things I want to do, and a family that never ceases to amaze me.
October 6th, 2009 at 10:31 am
I LOVE to regularly remember how lucky I am.
It looks like you really have so much to be greateful for…and AWESOME job again on our marathon!
To me that sounds like such an impossible feat…playing Roller Derby is a closer goal than running 26 or even 10 miles!
I am in AWE!
get some rest!
October 6th, 2009 at 10:51 am
What a great and positive post!
I am thankful for a great husband and a happy and healthy little boy!
Also congrats on your marathon!
Love the potty break pic! :LOL:
October 6th, 2009 at 11:48 am
you are lucky, you got some serious swag! and some fine eats! (pb puffins, pb and banana, pb cookie larabar, oh my!)
i have quite the habit of being “unlucky” (i.e. i once got a ticket for underage drinking whilst completely sober; and in the same weekend someone spilled tanning oil all over my brand new betsey johnson purse. ruined.). my dad likes to remind me that if i didn’t have bad luck, i wouldn’t have any! but i have a ridiculously dysfunctional, unconditionally loving family that makes up for all the bad luck!
October 6th, 2009 at 11:57 am
AGH! I’m so behind on blogs!! First of all – CONGRATS ON THE MARATHON!! You rocked it!! YAAAYY
Second of all – congrats on being nominated for the FoodBuzz awards! Wooooohooo!! Totally spreading the word to vote for you 
October 6th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
i would say you are pretty lucky! all of your eats and swag look ahh-mazing
jenna
October 6th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
I just wanna say one more time how proud of you I am! I hope you can stretch out that runner’s high for a looong time.
p.s. When do you think is the next time you’ll be in the cities? I’m schemin’ ….
October 6th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
You are definitely a lucky girl!
For coconut oil…I made marbled cheesecake brownies with it and they were pretty much the best brownies I’ve ever had. I’ve also heard coconut oil can be used to moisturize, but I’ve never tried it.
October 6th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
What a heart-warming post.
I have no idea about coconut oil, but I bet there’s yumz recipes out there.
LOVE all your gifts!
October 6th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Congrats on your marathon!
October 7th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
WOW, that “salad” looked amazing! I love fruits in my salads too but rarely make them at home that way……..I need to start, if the fruit I love was only a little cheaper! =(
You are very lucky……..so happy for you and your Marathon! CONGRATS!
=) Laura @ Finding A Healthy Balance (after a “100 Pound” weight loss)
October 7th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
must be the luck of the irish (okay, no idea if you’re irish.. but if you’re not – let’s pretend you are)
I am lucky today for…
1. finishing my British Lit paper
2. my yoga mat
3. the weather being perf!
4. Holly
<3
October 8th, 2009 at 8:31 am
That is a damn fine looking bowl of oats. I need to try adding sweet potato puree to my oats.
I feel lucky today because I have the most supportive family in the world who has helped me move into my new place and make it feel just like home!!!!
I love spreading coconut butter/oil on some date bread or toast. So good. Sometimes it’s good to make with eggs, but it adds a sweetness that is better with other things.