So here are a list of some of the highlights:
1. Sumitted my first 14'er in Colorado-Quandry Peak (14,265 ft). It was quite the experience! Winds were so high that it would knock me over! And I was sunburned/windburned in areas I didn't know could get sunburned, like my nostrils! That was a pretty sight going in to work the next day...But overall it was challenging, but doable. I've always been someone who needs a goal to workout. Being able to see the summit is good motivation for keeping me going.
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| Summit of Quandry with Mike and the Marine flag for his friend Andrew |
2. Cupcake class at the Culinary School of the Rockies. I've been frustrated trying to bake in high altitude and not being successful. So I decided to take a class. While it was very informative and delicious, the recipes are very advanced and really hard core. I'm not sure I would be as successful at home, but we'll see. (sorry I don't have any pictures....I only took them on my phone and ate all the cupcakes before I could take a picture). My favorite recipes were Lemon cupcakes with lemon frosting and the red velvet.
3. My sewing adventures have come to a halt. I've been trying to make a few dresses and skirts and it's been a disaster. I've taken a few sewing classes, and while they are helpful, they focus on just one pattern. I really want to try and find a class that works on broadening my skills in all areas, like a non-credit 6 weeks class. I have not been able to find one at all! I'm going to try to go to a fabric store a girl from my sewing group just recently opened. You can rent a machine for $7 dollars an hour and get some help on the dresses then. The only problem is she isn't open on Mondays (which is the day I seem to have off lately...), but hopefully soon!
In the meantime, I have made these 2 yoga bags from a free Amy Butler pattern I found online. The one of the top is the one I made for myself, with vintage fabric I found on Etsy.com. The one on the bottom is the bag I made for my friend Zanna for her birthday.
4. I joined a running club at the Irish Snug. I've only gone one time, but I really liked it. Running in higher altitude is definitely a challenge. My lungs always feel like they are going to collapse. I was a little nervous to try the group because the few times I've tried to run I've given up after 1 mile. But Jess and I decided to give it a try. The group meets at the bar, and they run 3 miles. Everyone goes at their own pace and can start whenever they want. I wish it was a more organized social event because most people seem to only talk to the people they came with, which I understand, but I was hoping to maybe meet some new people. I went with my friend Jess and we had a great time, but we're both new to Denver so we would have liked to maybe talked to a few more people, but oh well. Maybe next time...The happy hour after the run is a nice perk as well....
5. I got a new cookbook which I was really excited about: Robert Irvin's Impossible to Easy.
I decided to make crab stuffed artichokes from the book. Coming from someone who loves artichokes, I was really excited to try to cook them myself..... SUCH A DISASTER! Bleck!!! The artichokes turned out terrible and totally inedible. I don't know what I did wrong because I did follow the recipe to a T. I'll have to investigate further how to properly cook artichokes. After being really discouraged...I did end up making a good meal. The crab with the dressing turned out amazing and I made crab cakes with the crab. I rolled the crab in bread crumbs and fried them in olive oil on the stove. Until next time artichokes! |
| Enjoying AMAZING cupcakes in Louisville. |
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| Dance party! |
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| My amazing friends PR'd in their marathon! |
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| The BEST eggs benedict I've ever eaten on our last morning in KY! |
AND CONGRATULATIONS to Lori Engel and Craig Smith on their engagement!!! So excited for both of you. It's gonna be a great party!!
