Standby Movies

Do you have some movies that you "have" to watch whenever they are on?  Or you have on your DVR for when you want to watch them?  Or you always end up watching your DVD copy?

I know I do.

As the summer TV seasons are drawing to a close and we are in a lull before Fall TV starts, I find myself turning to my "standby" movies more often.  In no particular order (and subject to change at anytime), here are my "standby" movies.  Please don't mock me for my choices :)

- National Treasure
- The Proposal
- Hitch
- The Notebook (for when I need a good cry)
- Star Trek (the new one)
- Blue Crush
- The Holiday
- He's Just Not That Into You
- When In Rome
- 27 Dresses
- Miracle

What are your "standby" movies?

Wanderlust Wednesday: Great Wall of China

Today's Wanderlust comes from a place I have always been fascinated by - China!  There are so many parts of China I want to visit, but today's will focus on the Great Wall of China.  I have no idea how they managed to build it without all the tools of today.  Check out the photo's below!

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You can even see it from space!

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Anyone ever been?

Things Seen on the Subway

As a loyal subway rider (gotta love it to get around!), I am constantly amazed at the things I see on the subway.  Thought I would start a label about "Things Seen on the Subway".  Not a set posting timeline, just whenever I see something crazy.  If possible, I will try and secretly snap a photo of said item.

As this is the inaugural post, I will also list some things I've seen on the subway before (including celeb sitings!).

Enjoy!

Spotted this Saturday morning at 6:30am on the 96th St (1) stop: a women in a legit wedding dress.  No kidding.  She was waiting for the 1 in a wedding dress.  Alone.  At 6:30am.  No idea why.

Past things seen on the subway:

- Joshua Jackson (um, yay Pacey!) waiting for the 1 train at 50th street
- Connor Paolo (Eric from Gossip Girl, Declan from Revenge) on the 6 train, getting off at 77th street
- A man with a pig (not kidding)
- A full on sing along with street performers who got the entire subway car to sing Journey and the Beatles on 9/11 last year (which always reminds me why I love NYC).

More sitings to come!

Two for Tuesday

Happy Tuesday everyone!  Hope your week is going well.  Here are a couple of things for your Tuesday

I recently bought my first SPIBELT.  They are small belts that are not supposed to bounce so you can put keys, money, phone, etc while you run.  I had been thinking about getting one for a while, but am just too lazy to make a special trip to the running store to buy one and I always forget when I am there.  I usually place my keys in those tiny pockets inside running shorts, but I have developed a constant wound from my keys rubbing.  I got the black with turquoise zipper (above) with water resistant lining and gu holders on the band.  Already wore it during the Providence half and didn't bother me at all!

I know these have been big all summer, but I am still totally loving statement necklaces.  I just think they are an easy way to dress up a basic outfit and am looking forward to the new fall colors of plum and orange.  The above necklace is from The Limited, but they are basically everywhere any more!

Race Report: Providence Half Marathon

Last weekend was race number #26 in my 30 for 30 goal - the Providence Half Marathon.  I did this race last year and will admit (at the time) it was not one of my favorites.  The course is slightly hilly (although in my mind it was way hillier then it actually is) and it monsooned last year.  I mean, it literally downpoured the entire time.  Some parts of the course and 3-4 inches of water in it.  So needless to say, it did not have the best memories of any of my half's.

However, I have very different feelings about this race after this year.  It was great!  The weather could not have been more perfect (it was sunny, but not too warm or humid) and the course is beautiful.  I really feel in love with Providence during this run.  I came away totally thinking I could live there.

The course is hilly, but not nearly as bad as I had it in my mind.  There is a brutal hill at about 4.5 but otherwise everything is small rolling hills.  I do think the worst park is the finish line.  It is literally at the top of a hill.  You turn a corner, see the mile 13 sign and are staring straight up a hill.  I am not joking.  If you ever do the race - save a little bit for the finish!

As you know, I love a good race t-shirt and this one might be one of my new favorites!  The design is super cute and it fits perfectly.  Race t-shirts can always be hit or miss, but this one is a definitely hit!

As I've said, my training has not been ideal lately, but this race went incredibly well.  I went out there with a "we'll see what happens" mentality and ended up having a great race.  Finished in 1:58:10 for a 9:01 pace.  Makes me feel that my new plan of a 10:00 min pace for the marathon is right on target.  Combine that with this weekends solid 20 mile run (seriously, went much better then expected and in high humidity) I am starting to feel a little more confident in the marathon.  Going to really focus on getting my workouts in during the next 4 weeks before the race.

Speaking of the marathon... they released the elevation chart.

It's not too bad right?  Minus that hill that goes from about 12-16 (or 19.5 if you want to be really mean)?  I am trying to not really think about how hilly this could be and just take it for what it is.  Nothing I can do about it now, right?

This upcoming Saturday is race #27 in the 30 by 30 countdown - the Virginia Beach Half Marathon.  I must say, I am really looking forward to 5 days at the beach.  Basically, that is all I am thinking about.  I keep forgetting that I have to do a half marathon while I'm there.

"Top 5" Burgers

It's been a while since I posted a recipe, but this summers been so busy I haven't really had time to cook all that much!  I made this recipe a couple of months ago, but never got around to posting.  Enjoy!

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When I was home a couple of months ago visiting my mom, I got to pick the dinner choices.  I love cooking when I'm home because there is someone else to eat it too!  Since living in NYC I don't have access to a grill (a real grill, not a grill pan), I knew one of those meals would be grilled.  I decided to go with a hamburger recipe I had found on pinterest.  It was titled "Best Burger Recipe Ever".  Had to try that one, right?

They were pretty simple to make - but they did fall apart slightly (which a lot of people mentioned in the comments section), but I think it had more to do with them sticking to the grill.  Making them on a grill pan might actually help that situation!

They were quite delicious, but not 100% sure I would call them the best burgers - maybe Top 5?

"Top 5" Burgers
(recipe from Little Miss Momma)

Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef 85/15
Sesame seed buns
1/2 cup of grated Monterrey jack cheese
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Season salt to taste
Cracked black pepper
Onion powder

Steps:
1. Combine the ground beef, grated cheese, bbq sauce, and seasonings.  
2. Shape patties that are about 1 inch thick.  Then it is very important to  push a 1/2 inch indent into the center of the patty–this is what prevents the patty from becoming a dome.
3. Place the patties on indent side up.
4. Cook for about 4-6 minutes, but make sure it doesn’t burn. Then flip the burger over and cook until done.  

Her recipe also included a secret sauce, which I did not make, but looked good.  

Since we were grilling we also made grilled asparagus.  To make the asparagus, we drilled with olive oil, salt and pepper and placed in a tin foil boat.  Then grill while the burgers are grilling.  Delish!

Enjoy!

Book Club Friday: Apron Anxiety

Synopsis
From Barnes and Noble
“Hot sex, looking good, scoring journalistic triumphs . . . nothing made Alyssa love herself enough until she learned to cook. There's a racy plot and a surprising moral in this intimate and delicious book.” 
--Gael Greene, creator of Insatiable-Critic.com and author of Insatiable: Tales from a Life of Delicious Excess


Three months into a relationship with her TV-chef crush, celebrity journalist Alyssa Shelasky left her highly social life in New York City to live with him in D.C. But what followed was no fairy tale: Chef hours are tough on a relationship. Surrounded by foodies yet unable to make a cup of tea, she was displaced and discouraged. Motivated at first by self-preservation rather than culinary passion, Shelasky embarked on a journey to master the kitchen, and she created the blog Apron Anxiety (ApronAnxiety.com) to share her stories.

Apron Anxiety is the hilarious and heartfelt memoir of quintessential city girl Alyssa Shelasky and her crazy, complicated love affair with...the kitchen.

This is a memoir (with recipes) about learning to cook, the ups and downs of love, and entering the world of food full throttle. Readers will delight in her infectious voice as she dishes on everything from the sexy chef scene to the unexpected inner calm of tying on an apron.

Review
I thought this book was cute enough.  I enjoy cooking and I knew the author was a former contributor to People magazine so that is one of the reasons I picked it up.  It's definitely a "light" read and perfect for summertime or the beach.  I read the entire book in 2 days - nothing too taxing.  She's got some entertaining stories and has certainly lived an exciting life.  If you are looking for a beach read, pick this one up.

Wanderlust Wednesday: Croatia's Dalmatian Coast

Today's Wanderlust comes from the Adriatic Sea - Croatia's Dalmatian Coast.  Never heard of it?  Neither had I until recently when I was talking with a friend about vacations for next year (I had heard of Croatia, just not the Dalmatian Coast).  Since our talk, I've been looking at pictures and it looks so pretty.  And apparently it's incredibly affordable!  Makes me want to pack my bags and go!

Yea, I didn't know where it was either

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Anyone been to Croatia?

Two for Tuesday

I just landed in Chicago for a work trip so today's Two for Tuesday will be brief and simple.

Up first and then...

In just over 2 weeks I will get to spend time with these two little munchkins - the cutest nieces ever. I just adore them and love spoiling them with things they probably don't need but that every little girl should have. I indulge them their love of Disney Princesses (at least J the older one, C the baby is still a little too young) and buy them way adorable little outfits. I just love them!

Training?

(Yes there should most definitely be a question mark in the title)

You have probably noticed there have not really been many posts lately about the marathon (which is rapidly approaching in approximately 5 weeks).  Well... that would be because this has not been my best training season.  In fact, I think I can honestly say this has been one of my worst.  I don't think there is 1 thing that contributed to it being bad, but a combination of a lot of things.  Let's review -

1. My training schedule
I tried a new training program this season.  One of the reasons I choose it was because in their "our story" section they take about coming to terms with a conservative running approach (not as fast, not as many miles, etc) and how well it worked for them.  I thought - this is awesome.  I am definitely a less is more running and I know this about myself.  I should have known it wouldn't work for me when after I put in my criteria and they had me running 9-10 miles on Tuesdays and 7 on Thursdays.  I can barely get in 10 on the weekends sometimes let alone 10 on a weekday.  But I persevered and tried to maintain to the schedule as best I could.  I should have known better.  After 2 months, I was completely burnt out.  With 2 more months of training to go.  I've taken to adjusting the workouts to fit me better, but I think the damage has already been done.  I actually don't like running right now.  Which is awesome considering how much running I still have to do.  Like I said - awesome.

2. My time
It has been so long since I started a new job (I was at my last place 5+ years) and I forgot how time consuming and stressful starting somewhere new can be.  I really like my job, but getting up to speed and feeling comfortable takes time.  And when my time is taken at work, training suffers.  So I've been skipping cross training days in order to get my designated runs in (see above).  Not good.  I need my cross training and I can feel myself paying for it in my runs.

3.  My diet
Let's just say when I am stressed, I don't eat healthy.  Not as in I eat a lot of crap, but I prefer comfort (i.e. fattening) foods.  And when I am busy, I want the quickest thing possible.  Suffice to say, I have been eating a lot of unhealthy food.  For example, instead of bringing something healthy or getting a salad, I've been getting Chipotle (comfort).  And I may or may not (translation: I most definitely did) eat chips and salsa for dinner one night this week (quick).  And when you eat like crap, you feel like crap and I most definitely feel like crap right now.

4. My body
I have no idea why, but my body is not liking training in the heat this summer.  I really seem to not be handling the heat well and it is showing up in my runs.  I have also been having some stomach issues when I run and as any running can tell you - is not fun.

Given all the above and my training season, I've really had to reevaluate my race.  I will still be doing it, but I am just going to be doing it for fun now and will try not to stress about my time.  I plan on joining the 10 minute pace group for the marathon and doing it with them.  That's the plan.  Fingers crossed!

I'm off this weekend to Providence for race #26 on the 30 by 30 goal.  Will let you know how it goes next week!

Book Club Fridays: Fifty Shades of Grey

Today's book review is something I feel like everyone is talking about.  Yes, I am talking about Fifty Shades of Grey.  I think everyone has read it or heard about it, so I am going to pass on giving a synopsis of the trilogy and instead just give my review/opinion of the book.

I know people (including my friends) who really liked the books, but I just wasn't a huge fan of them.  The writing wasn't great, but I didn't go into it with any high expectations.  I would say the first book was my favorite.  I {SPOILER ALERT} actually liked the ending - I was so freaking happy she finally stood up for herself instead of getting sucked in by him.  I spent the entire first book wanting her to grow a backbone!

I did like second book, but that might be skewed because there was not as much focus on the S&M stuff in the second book (I definitely was not a huge fan of that part of the first book and did skim some of the portions.  Totally fine if that's your thing, but I could have lived without it).

I really was not a fan of the third book.  I felt like it was sooooo predictable.  Loved one has health scare......oops, I'm pregnant!....kidnapping...blackmail...she saves the day....he comes around and changes for her and the baby.  Blah, blah, blah.  By the end I was so over it.  I know my friends felt differently about the third book (because we had a heated debate about it at dinner one night), but that is how I felt.

If you've read Fifty Shades - let me know what you thought!

Wanderlust Wednesdays: Vancouver

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Vancouver is top on my list of places to visit.  I really want to go there.  They are known for their great food scene and fun atmosphere.  It's also full of parks and outdoor activities.  My kinda place!  And no, I have never been, but I really want to live there for some reason.  It just seems like my kind of city.

I think it might be next summer's destination of choice.  I mean, just look at these pictures.

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What's top of your travel list?

Two for Tuesday

Another crazy day at work so keeping this one short and sweet.

Up first -

I love Tom's Shoes.  I won't lie - I was a big hold out for a while.  I didn't want to buy them just because everyone else was buying them.  But finally, I caved.  And oh my god - I wish I had earlier.  They are just so darn comfortable.  I wore them on both of my trips to Disney in January (Disney World and Disneyland) and my feet felt so great.  I have the army green ones and over the summer as red ones (solid red on the front with red and white strips on the back portion).  The ones above I really want for fall.

And then -

As summer is quickly coming to an end, it makes me want to spend more time outdoors.  And one of my favorite was to spend time outdoors is drinking.  I think I will need to be doing that more before it turns too cold.

Two for Tuesday - Olympic style!

Sorry for the lack of posts lately.  I've been staying up late to watch the Olympics and it's just draining me.  Watching track and field as I type this!

Up first -

Was watching track cycling last night, and this French competitor came up.  I am sure the race was serious, but all I could think of was how much this guy looked like a character from The Incredibles.  So much that I had to rewind and take a picture from the start of the race.  I mean - come on!  Look at the resemblance!

And then...

These AT&T ads were they show future Olympic hopefuls watching performances that literally happened the night before and then the kid adjusts his/her goal time?  I think they are just so wonderfully done and inspiring.  Bravo AT&T!

Flashback to Athens 2004 - Men's Gymnastics All Around Final

Flashback to Athens 2004

The Men's gymnastic all around was last night.  In Athens, the men's all around was one for the books. In case you didn't know, in 2004, Paul Hamm the favorite fell on the vault.  Didn't just sit down.  Stumpled and literally almost fell off the podium (the judges had to stop him from falling off completely).  He then managed to have unbelievable routines to come back and win the gold.  And since I worked in gymno, I got to watch it all unfold.  The atmosphere in the arena when he fell was crazy.  Shocked I think for most people.  And then watching his final routine - the high bar - it was electric!  I think everyone knew they were watching something special happen.  And then when it came out that he won.  Oh wow.  Yelling everywhere (including from all of us).

His medal ceremony was the first time I got to hear our anthem played during a medal ceremony.  I have to admit, I was shocked by how emotional I got hearing it.  It was honestly a very special moment and not something I think can easily be topped (and I would get just as emotional the next day when Carly Patterson became the first female to win since Mary Lou).

But one of my favorite moments actually happened immediately following the medal ceremony.  The NBC booth was positioned just off the center of the arena, so we had great seats for the medal ceremony.  And next to us were all the photographers.  Right after it was over, a man tapped my shoulder and said (in a very Russian accent), "You are American, no?".  I answered yes and he replied, "I thought so".  Then he gave me a roll of film.  I stared at him for a moment and then he said "You were so excited to watch him win and since I have more rolls of the medal ceremony then I will need, I want you to have it.".  And then he said "I was there when Nadia won - I know how it feels to experience it".  He then proceeded to explain to me how to have it developed and I thanked him.  It was awesome.  And so kind of him.

And then, I saw him the next night at the women's final.  He asked me if I had processed the film yet.  When I said I didn't know where to get it processed in Athens and I'd wait until I'd get back to the States (my brother is a professional photographer and I was hoping/assuming he'd know how to do it), he told me to take it to the print journalist version of the International Broadcast Center (I can not remember it's name) and to go to the photography department, give his name and they would process it for me.  So I did.  And when I dropped it off, explaining who I was, the women said, "ah yes, he told us you would be coming".  And they were amazing photo's.  I don't remember your name, but thank you for your kindness.  Just one of the reason I love the Olympics!

Unfortunately, I don't have any digital copies of those photos (I should try and find some way to get them uploaded), but I do have some other photo's from that night.  Enjoy!

Looking good on Pommels to start

All good on still rings...

And then it all goes wrong

Not good 

Coming back on the final event to win it on the high bar 

And he does it! 

So proud Paul!

 More stories to come!

*all images original to sarah in the city, please don't repost without sourcing this site

Two for Tuesday (on a Thursday)

So for the delay in posting...busy week at work!  Let's get right to a special installment of Two for Tuesday (on a Thursday).

Up first -

Part of my long week was a day long business trip to Boston...which of course got delayed for 3.5 hours on the way home.  What to do when delayed?  Why, shop!  There is a Vineyard Vines shop in Logan and I picked up these board shorts (that is not me, btw).  They will be perfect for my upcoming beach trip!

And then -

During a trip to Harlem with my friend Tess a couple of weeks ago, I picked up this dress at H&M.  The green is a perfect late summer color and will work great into fall with a sweater.

Have a great weekend everyone! Another Flashback to Athens 2004 post to follow shortly.