Tis the Season

The hints of the Holiday season have been among us.  Getting in the Christmas spirit has never been an issue for me, as long as it comes after my birthday, November 7th. 

I have a love-hate relationship with cold weather. First I want it for a break from the never ending Texas heat, but then when it's here I'm miserable. But the fact that Thanksgiving was just around the corner and I would soon be leaving for home, which means my heating blanket and a constant fire (courtesy of mom), I was actually not minding the bone-chilling wind and eyelash-freezing sleet. 

Thanksgiving at home with friends and family were absolutely amazing and such a blessing. I ate to my little heart's desire and past my full bully's wishes. So with the cold rolling in, though it may not stay much longer, friends and family near, stomachs full of turkey, and being at home meant it was officially time to get ready for Christmas. Though I must admittedly say that I had been listening to Christmas music for a while, I didn't let my roommates decorate our apartment against their will until after my birthday which is still very early and very much before thanksgiving. So in honor of the officialness we celebrated. 

Some friends and I went downtown in Fort Worth for the annual Parade of Lights. It was very beautiful and family friendly!  It was a great way to kick off the holiday season. 

Bring on the good tidings!

Karsyn Penelope

Running The Race

If you've never trained for a half marathon, 5K, 10K, or anything of that nature, I highly encourage it. I have never been much of a runner but my roommates challenged me training for a half marathon. At first I thought no way, but now I am all in. It is super easy to Google and find a training plan. All you need to do is type into the search box "half marathon training in (amount of weeks you have until the race.)"

Training is hard mentally and physically but the feeling of accomplishment is so worth it. Every Sunday I have my long runs which get longer every week, and every week I run farther than I ever have before. Not only does it boost my confidence but it also taught me how to really take care of my body and listen to what my body needs.  I want to eat better to fuel my body better. I make myself drink more water. And I also take my rest days very seriously because your body needs that time to recuperate. 

There are so many lessons in training: discipline, accountability, motivation, and the list goes on. 

And I know it's hard to think of fun and run in the same sentence but here are things to look forward to during your training:

        - although training can be kind of expensive depending on how much registration for your race costs and how much you need equipment to run but looking for and buying work out clothes and running shoes is not only fun but very motivating.  I personally wear Nike running shoes I've had for a while but I'm debating on getting new shoes for the race.  My workout clothes include leggings and shorts (Nike, BCG, Old Navy brand, and  RBX.)  And I usually just wear a t-shirt but I plan on rewarding myself with more "cute" workout clothes after I reach my goal. (It's a good enough excuse for me)

        - seeing yourself improve is a major key to motivation. When you run longer distances and achieve your goals, you are encouraged and I guarantee your clothes will start fitting looser if you're eating right and following the workout plan. 

        - running is a serious stress reliever. Your brain goes numb, you release extra energy and hormones that leave you in a better mood. 

Here is an example of a weekly workout plan. This is also the one I am going by. When training make sure to do the cross train days witch should include weight training to keep your muscles in good shape. Don't overload yourself on running. 

Don't forget to do some research on how to take care of your body during this intense training!

Check out my latest two posts at Oh Life for some of the lessons I've learned during this challenging but very rewarding time of preparation. 

Trust me it's all worth it in the "long run!"

Karsyn Penelope

If I Can Do It, You Can Do It Better

I am not a crafty person. And when I try to be it doesn't always work out quite how id like it to. But crafting is fun and I'm working on my skills. So here's some encouragement for you: if I can do it, I promise you can do it too!

Baby steps: -Buy a canvas and wait for inspiration

                    -Buy some paints to have on hand as well

                    -Save old things such as jars, cans, ribbon, etc...

                    -Refer to Pinterest; it is a great resource

 Now a candle holder

 Simple and easy key rack or for purses or umbrellas ect.

Now go out there and get crafty! 

Karsyn Penelope

The Little Things (Towns)

Everyone loves those cute little towns. You know, the ones that you have to drive through and you always admire their quaintness but never have time or take the time to stop and explore. Well today I finally made time to do just that. A friend and I decided to put off all responsibility and just go. So drove about 40 minutes from College Station to a little town called Calvert. We did some shopping and picture taking and it was so relaxing and fun. I encourage you to take the time to just sit back and enjoy the scenery!

Enjoy the little things!

Karsyn Penelope

Healthy Cooking Alternatives

Recently, while trying to eat healthier and cleaner, I have discovered some cooking tips that make those desserts we all crave every once in a while less fattening and a little healthier to indulge in.  Now I am not advocating baking and eating these every day but when its seasonal or you just want to have something tasty here are two tips I have found that satisfy my sweet tooth but aren't quite as detrimental to my health.

Both alternatives are for when baking brownies, cakes, and special breads.

• When baking any of these three desserts you can substitute ALL the ingredients for canned pumpkin.  I know its crazy but its true!  All you do is dump the canned pumpkin and store bought mix into a bowl, stir, and bake.  Now some warnings: the texture is a tad different sometimes but it still tastes great! 
• I recently have used this method with chocolate cake, red velvet cake, and pumpkin bread-- this one turned out the best
• The other alternative for things like brownies is substituting every ingredient but the water for yogurt.  Yes, that's right yogurt.  You simply mix the water, yogurt, and mix in a bowl, stir, and bake.
•  A friend of mine was using this trick and realized she didn't have vanilla yogurt, so she used strawberry yogurt instead.  It was delicious, tasted like chocolate strawberry brownies!  Now, once again, the texture is a little different but they are so moist!

I hope you find these tips useful and that your desserts come out tasting delectable, and just in time for fall cooking! Yay! 

Happy Baking!

Karsyn Penelope


Passport Virgin

So I got my passport in the mail the other day! I'm going out of the country for the first time over Christmas break this year! I can't wait and having the passport in my hand makes it that much more exciting!
I will going to Guatemala for 10 days to help start up a Christian Camp.

Hopefully this will lead to many more
adventures globally!

Here's to Travel!

Karsyn Penelope

Wish It Wasn't Just Round Trip

August 8, 2011

My second trip to Hawaii was an affirmation for my love for the island state.  After my first trip I was just waiting for another opportunity to return. 



View from the Imperial

 

I was travelling with my grandparents, aunt, and 2 cousins.  We stayed in Waikiki at the Imperial Hotel on Lewers Street, a fun and gorgeous street with shops, restaurants, and sights, only a couple blocks away from the International Market Place.  It was about a 5 minute walk down the street to the beach.  We found a little private beach situated between one of the resorts and a sidewalk along the shore with the perfect view of Diamond Head.  It was really fun to stay in the more tourist and city part of the island.  My first trip we stayed on the North Shore and it was beautiful and serene, away from the bustle of Honolulu.



Hanauma Bay

While we were staying in Waikiki we snorkeled in Hanauma Bay, a popular must do while on the island.  We got to see the valley that my grandmother had grown up in while she lived there. We visited the Pearl Harbor Memorial which was a surreal experience.  My cousin and I took surf lessons, which we later we ended up later in the week going out and braving the waves by ourselves- successfully I might add.  We even went and visited The University of Hawaii of Manoa. We went on a dinner cruise including dancing and cultural content.  Also something that you shouldn't pass up is a catamaran ride!
There's never a dull moment on this paradise island  and there is always something to do.  These are just a few simple examples of things that don't take a lot of planning.

I don't know what was in the water there but it had me wanting more.  The moment I got back to Texas, I was planning my next trip.

 

Hang Loose!

 

Karsyn Penelope