The Race is on!

My ALL TIME favorite show is the Amazing Race! I got hooked on this cross continental adventure reality show in college and spent many hours watching with my roommate and friend Ali. To this day I still get excited when the previews run and Dave always makes sure the DVR is set. My dream is to be a competitor on the show...the thought of racing around the world and testing your skills in a foreign country is incredibly exciting to me. Maybe one day! For now I will continue my "casual" thrill seeking and adventure challenges, but maybe one day I will get my chance to race around in a Kangaroo costume (this Sunday's episode), win fabulous trips and see some of the most beautiful places in the world.

This season the race consists of past competitors so I already have some favorites...

Margie and Luke


You can't help but love a mother-son combination! They are a strong team and rely on their own strengths rather than tricking other teams to mess up. Did I mention that Luke is deaf, which at times creates a challenge but clearly proves they have a remarkable relationship. I will be cheering them on!

Gary and Mallory


I am a sucker for this father-daughter team! Growing up my dad and I partook in our fair share of adventures including para sailing, scuba diving, skiing (water and snow), you name it! This teams bond always shines through even during the low points of the race and I can't help but think of my dad. Mallory is beyond bubbly and finds a positive in almost every situation. At times I am sure some find it annoying, but I love her glass half full attitude!

These are definitely the two teams I am pulling for this season - Sunday nights on CBS at 8pm.

Since my time on the screen isn't in my near future I will continue to seek out my own adventures and encourage you to try some of the following...

Great Urban Race - Amazing Race style but all done in one day and in Charlotte (among other cities). Mary Ann and I, team Double Dare, raced around the city solving clues, doing silly stunts, and laughing the entire way! Highlights or low lights...I lost my phone (and found it), Mary Ann took the best "digger" after an intense dizzy bat, we rocked the walking boards and ran like crazy.

Muddy Buddy - This race consists of mountain biking and running with challenges along the way. Not as intense as the military races, but still a challenge! My friend Mary and I packed up our bags and headed to Atlanta to race through the woods, up hills, through creeks and finally ending up in a giant mud puddle to celebrate our finish. This trade off system between biking and running was test of endurance and so much fun! If you are comfortable on a bike and don't mind some (A LOT) of mud, this race is for you!

Whitewater Center - Want to taste the great outdoors in Charlotte? I have always enjoyed whitewater rafting in Maine and I am thrilled they brought the opportunity to Charlotte. The man made style rapids are great to test your skills, nothing compares to the real thing, but this is definitely a good substitute! But the fun doesn't stop there...another favorite activity at the WWC is rock climbing! I started rock climbing as a kid with my brothers and have always jumped at the chance to test my upper body strength. This year I want to get certified! And finally the Subaru Concert series...so the only skill this requires is drinking, tearing off shrimp shells and relaxing! If you need a break from Alive at Five, try the WWC. The music might not be Justin Beiber and top 40, but it is definitely relaxing to kick back and enjoy a beer with live music and the rapids rolling in the background!




In my opinion, the key to happiness is taking risks and challenging yourself. It doesn't mean you have to race across the country, it can be taking a business risk, starting a family, running a road race...in the end it is about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and realizing how strong your are! So to friends who have big steps in the near future, jump in, embrace the good and bad, and allow your friends to be your biggest fans!

Playing by the Rules...

With spring in the air, the dog park has become part of our weekend routine! Lexi and I love our walks but this condo living dog needs some time leash free, to run, to frolic, to chase, to roll, to enjoy being a dog. We do play by our own rules, these are by no means official, merely lessons learned through our dog park days.

1 - Wardrobe - Anything that looks better dirty than clean! I am VERY lucky to be happily married and don't need to use the dog park as a singles hang out and bring out my BEST "old clothes" outfit that is really much nicer than dog park standards...in the end it will be covered in the delightful slobber and dirt mixer. RULE: Wear old clothes, not "old" clothes


2 - Schedule for a bath - On the note of dirt Lexi always drops to the ground and rolls back and forth in the best mud puddle she can find! I cringe at the first roll and then just let it go, she is so happy to be covered in the stinky mixer...many owners, run and flail to avoid the dog's dive into the mud pool but I sit back, watch, laugh and listen to the other owner's gasps at Lexi's mud puddle tricks. RULE: Let dogs be dogs, even if that includes some mud

3 - Avoid the pack - There have been plenty of horror stories about dogs getting attacked and harmed at the dog park. But it is easy to avoid, if you pay attention. We avoid any packs...Lexi tends to think she is "tougher" than she is so we always avoid the team huddle. That doesn't mean she doesn't play with others, but we try to minimize the number of tails involved at one time. RULE: Dogs need space too

 4 - Not just for dogs - Every dog owner has their own routine once in the fenced space, some use this opportunity to chat with friends, perch on the bench at the picnic table, but others, including myself, prefer to play. The goal is for Lexi to frolic with her friends and exert a level of energy I could never manage on my own...but I still run around with her, play fetch (which include me throwing a stick, Lexi races after it, plops down and begin to gnaw on the stick)...we enjoy the day, the outdoors, the time together. RULE: You can get a workout too

5 - Take your time - Some days we enjoy the park to it fullest and other days the minutes seem to drag...bringing a friend helps pass the time...but no matter what we always stay for at least 60 minutes.This allows Lexi to truly enjoy her time outside in the sun. RULE: Hour minimum

Coming up next....from DRAB TO FAB! Ok, so I don't typically use the word fab, but I felt the need to make an exception since it is the best way to describe my morning with Lindsey Regan Thorne Be Pretty and her extremely talented eye for fashion. More to come...

Just to see you smile...

Tonight I just needed a good laugh and what better way than to get lost in pictures of some favorite moments that make me SMILE!

Dave and I loved San Francisco and Amish kept us laughing the entire trip!

Lexi and her former roommate Penny, who doesn't love a puppy pic!

Sue's wedding with the Chandler Chicks! The college years were full of laughter with these girls!

GREEN MONSTER seats with great friends!! Any Sox fan would understand :)

Nothing like pitching cake to Dave! Mmmm...cake!

So this was definitely a favorite moment on the dance floor during our reception...it started off with our friends and family forming a circle around us and as the song continued they would get closer and closer....it helps that all of this went down towards the end of the night and people enjoyed a few (or more...or much more than a few) drinks...I will never forget this moment and the love and joy all around us!

ITALY!!! Amazing house wine...new friends...the perfect recipe for laughter!

Marianne and Julia kept me laughing all weekend long during a trip to Chicago. And this is normal behavior for us!

The faces tell it all!! We have no clue who the guy is in the green shirt...hi stranger you made my blog.

Vacation on my mind! Headed to Jamaica in July with great friends and this is my inspiration to run a few extra miles to get ready for a week of fun in the sun.

My 25th birthday...Mary Ann and I still laugh about this night! The crew is Steph, Mary Ann, Me, Lauren, Savannah, Angela :)

Happy New Year! This was an incredible new years bash full of laughter and hosted by the beauty Tiffany...the blonde...to my left...a night of getting pretty thanks to Kymm...and a party trooper husband who joined me on this night out right after he had surgery...so he deserves a big THANK YOU!

Softball in the rain with my old work crew...many would not want to have anything to do with this but it was an absolute blast!

Once upon a time this was a day at work! This trip was full of great memories and I feel lucky to have been able to work on this program.

Sealed with a kiss....

That was just what I needed...hope you enjoyed the picture show...what makes you smile?

Just let me explain...

I know, I abandoned my journal already! Bad blogger, bad! But I promise there was a reason for my lack of entries and I want to take this opportunity to explain. It has been a very busy week (well starting last Saturday) and a recap should provide insight regarding my neglected blog space.

So lets begin last Saturday...yes I know that is over a week ago...but it was such a fantastic girls day that I couldn't let it pass by without mentioning. The day started out with a beautiful, strawberry infused, bridal shower for Kristin. What better place than Crave Dessert Bar to kick off a day of girls madness, all ladies love sweet treats (especially me)! Then it was off to Lindsey's home, where the rollers started to fly, eyelashes were doubling by the second, make up was being layered and accessories adorning necks, wrists and even hair! We were officially Fashion Show ready, but was the NC Dance Theater presentation ready for us?! See Kristen, The Wanna-be Southern Belle, for the details and pictures of everything pre Fashion Show. After the Fashion Show it was a true Girls Night Out at Mez. Drinks.Dancing.Laughter...and finishing the night off with a stop at Five Guys, from fine desserts to greasy burgers, heaven. Check out Lindsey Regan Thorne Be Pretty to see all the details and pictures! I do have to give a special thank you to Kristen for letting me borrow her dress, Lindsey for letting me borrow her necklace, shoes and making my hair pretty!

Sunday...Super Bowl Sunday...One of the things I love about Charlotte is the burst of golden sun, even during the winter months...it was a beautiful Sunday and we were all eager to take full advantage before an afternoon of watching football. So Dave, Lexi and I pulled ourselves together and took a nice stroll through our crazy little neighborhood. We don't take enough walks as a family, but I want to change that! We have some of our best conversations and Lexi provides plenty of entertainment during our walks. Then it was off to a friend's house for a super bowl party where the girls hung out upstairs and the boys downstairs in the man cave. I didn't know anyone really well, so it was a great chance to meet some new people.

Thank you Whitebox for this great picture!

For the Super Bowl I cheered for the Packers because Dave's QB was Rodger's and I am fan too!

Picture found here.

Monday...One of the big things I look forward to during the week is running with Lindsey and John (and Carmen and Tiffany). This is when we vent about the day, plan trips, talk future homes, and I talk and talk and talk. Yes, I am a talker when I run, I am sure it drives them crazy but they happily listen and play along to keep the convo going. I always feel completely refreshed when we are done and I am ready for the next day! This Monday John ran away with the show and Lindsey's summary on Be Pretty is hilarious and well worth a read! After our run it was off to the grocery store to pick up the goods to make enchiladas for the hubby!

Linds and John - the South End Night Runners

My enchilladas looked pretty much like Rachel's...here is the SUPER easy recipe!

Tuesday...BOOK CLUB! So this one I can summarize easily...8 girls...plenty of wine...yummy snacks...chatter over chatter...sounds about right. It was great to meet new girls and "talk" about our first read. The book was a "quick" read (and if I am saying that it is true, I tend to "take my time" when it comes to reading) BUT a very tough topic. Next up Hunger Games, which I am told once you start you can't stop reading...let's see if I agree.

Wednesday...HAPPY BIRTHDAY BENJAMIN!!!! First a ladies night run with Linds and Tiff, best of times as always! Then DUKE v. UNC at Whiskey Warehouse. Dave attended Duke for his MBA (as we say in Maine, he is WICKED SMART!) and as long as Duke isn't playing FSU he is cheering on the Blue Devils. As a good wife and supporter I sported my Duke t-shirt and attended the dedicated viewing session with Dave, Derrick (a current grad school student and Dave's best bud) and Derrick's classmate. We were 4, of maybe, 10 Duke fans in attendance. All that matters is the W and we all know how this story ends! Sorry Tar Heels.

Whitebox took these great pictures of Benjamin, the BIRTHDAY BOY!!



Cheers to a good win Duke!

Thursday...Late night at the office...everyone has those days, when you just can't break away from your work laptop and call it a night. That was my Thursday. Poor Lexi had all four paws crossed and doing her dance when I got home (such a good girl for waiting!). After Lexi and I spent time outside I managed to stir up motivation to make dinner, pork tenderloin and red potatoes...then called it a night...I NEED my beauty rest!


Friday...Couples Date Night...there is no better way to end a long week than with great company and delicious food! To close out the week Dave and I met up with our friends Megan and Nate at Cowfish (if you EVER need a restaurant recommendation Megan is your source, her picks never disappoint!). After yummy sushi we headed over to Dean and Deluca to finish the night with dessert and coffee. It was the perfect Friday night!

Megan and Nate at our wedding...Whitebox

Saturday...House Hunting...It was a Mitchell family adventure up north. Dave, Lexi and I packed into the car with our homes for sale listings and started the very, very early stages of house hunting. Not sure what we want or if we are even ready to buy...but we thought it would be best to see what was out there and available. We found some great homes (funny enough near golf courses) and areas...lots of possibilities! After our morning hunt we met up with Mary Ann and Jason for lunch at Prosciuttos. They are much further along with the process and provided a wealth of information and some new subdivisions being built...my dream would to be able to coordinate all NC friends to live in the same subdivision!! If only that were possible! Saturday night included turkey chilli and a cozy night in!

An older pic, but still a good one...Mary Ann, Jason, Dave and Me

Sunday...Beautiful days are meant to be spent outside...Dave hit the links with his buddies and Mary, Lexi and I put on our hiking shoes for a fun filled day at Crowder Mountain. I love Crowder, there is nothing better than hiking, fresh air, excercise and chatting the day away under the awning of trees...reaching the peak and taking a deep breath, stepping away from your worries and stress. After coming home re-energized the baker in me was ready to get to work in the kitchen. Chocolate chip cookies, check! Some house work and left over chilli for dinner.

Lexi and me at the top!

Mary at the top!

Lexi leading the way down



It was a BUSY week and I wouldn't have it any other way!!

A Winter Wonderland

When this picture appeared in my inbox today from Katie I instantly fell in LOVE with it! Those smiling faces are my brother Edward and nephew Jaxen. Now this is what winter is all about, so everyone receiving a winter blast get out your sleds and enjoy every moment. Unfortunately it is cold and rainy here so all we have is snuggling up with a blanket, good book and cup of hot chocolate (yes, extra marshmallows!).

Happy snow day!!

The Sweeter Side of Love

I have a deep love for the sweet side of life...I am talking pure sugar...or better known as CANDY! I am fully aware of the health concerns around these sweet delights but they are well worth every bite...lick...chew...taste...however I am working on my portion control!

Today I joined my friend for a run to one of my candy lifelines, CandyCandy (yes, the name tells it all)...her pick a small bag of gummy worms (great choice)...my pick, a HUGE mix of chocolate, sour, hot, and peanut butter pieces...I did share, but I can't deny that I consumed more than half...does it count that I ran that night?? Not that anything would have stopped me....mmmmm so yummy, thank you Willy Wonka!!!

Take a peak at some of my favorite highlights, images and pure delicious vision below with notes on how they have touched my life. I am being dramatic, but I am ok with it!

1 - The important part of this picture is in the bottom right hand corner. Those adorable blond locks belong to my fellow candy lover, nephew Jaxen! He worked the wedding crowd by convincing guests (while parents were out of sight) that he received approval to dive into the candy jars. We have so much in common!!

2 - A delicious display pulled together by the oh so talented Three Little Birds! ATTENTION: A new service party planners, brides and candy lovers...let Three Little Birds bring the sweet to you with an amazing candy bar. If the candy during the day wasn't enough, I couldn't leave with out tasting a few treats while stopping by the shop...again after my run, so totally acceptable!

3 - Sour patch kids - all time favorite! My mom and I can not go to the mall, movies, convenience store, you follow me, without picking up a bag of sour patch kids. It doesn't take long for the mouth watering patch crew to disappear.

4 - The candy bar at our wedding - this is easy, it was mandatory, top priority and required much discussion to make sure the selection was symbolic. Crazy, of course, but here is a taste of our rationale for some choices. Nerd rope - Dave and I have yet another thing in common, this was both our favorite candy growing up, Strawberry gummies - Dave and I got engaged in a strawberry patch (super romantic!), yup the sour patch kids made it and some other family favorites!

5 - Kristen's amazing candy bar at her wedding! The pink theme carried throughout the delicate, rustic and romantic decor. It was the perfect addition and of course I walked out with a large (too large!), beautifully initialed, bag of yummy sweets...I am not sure they survived the car ride home. Experience the rest of her wedding through Style Me Pretty's blog post. Picture by Kristin Vining.

6 - And lastly, my 24 hour fix! Who doesn't love a freshly made French pastry...what about the most incredible chocolate mousse, in a dark chocolate cup and chocolate dipped strawberry...have I sold you yet?...but can't make the trip now that it is midnight, surely the holder of this treat must be closed, oh no! my favorite French bakery, Amelie's is open 24 hours!! The atmosphere is eclectic, unique, inspiring and the food is the best dessert bar EVER (at least in my mind). Too close to be dangerous, too good to resist!

Now what are you craving?