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April 19, 2012

Savory Spinach Pine Nut Muffins

Time to celebrate (:::kool & the gang in the background:::)! It’s a “Wild Tales of…” first! My first {no recipe} baking adventure, and it was a success! I’m the only judge so far, but I think you’ll agree that these savory muffins are delicious.

A huge bag of pine nuts has been staring us in the face for a few months now. We borrowed a friend’s costco card, and ended up buying pine nuts; overestimating just how many pine nuts were actually inside. We also bought way too much spinach recently, and ended up freezing some of it. Food waste is a big “no-no” in our house, so we have been adding pine nuts and spinach to everything! Pizza, pasta dishes, homemade pesto, of course, and now…savory spinach pine nut muffins.

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon sugar
12/ teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 egg
1 cup milk (I used 2%)
1 generous handful of spinach
1/4 cup (or more) pine nuts
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Here’s what I did:

1. Preheat oven for 400 degrees F, and grease 12-cup muffin tin.

2. In a bowl, mix together both kinds of flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.

3. Beat together the egg, milk, and butter.

4. Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients, and pour your wet mixture into it. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to combine ingredients. Don’t over mix. Mix until just combined. If it seems like the mixture is too dry, add a little more milk. I ran out of milk, so added water, and it was just fine!

5. Stir in spinach, then pine nuts, then cheese.

6. Divide the batter among the greased muffin tins. I use an ice cream scoop. For more pine nut fun, sprinkle some on top just before putting into the oven. Bake 20-30 minutes (mine were perfect at 25 minutes). They should be slightly brown, and you can of course do the toothpick test!

7. Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Pop them out & enjoy! They are best warm.

As you can see from the ingredient list, I only used up 1/4 cup of pine nuts. We STILL have an abundance of pine nuts.

I need your help! Have any great recipes that involve pine nuts? Please share by leaving a comment!

For more fun, check out the recipe adventures page.

April 17, 2012

Travel Tips Tuesday: Sleep for your Baby Adventurer

An amazing destination awaits you, or maybe you are taking baby to meet family, and friends in your hometown, or both! In any case, you want to be able to enjoy this adventure. You don’t want to end up dragging yourself, and a tired, cranky baby from place to place, or worse not getting out at all because your just too darn exhausted. Baby, Mom, and Dad adventurers need sleep, and memorable adventures can’t happen without it.

Our little baby adventurer is now 8 months old, and took his first plane trip at about 3 months. Since then he’s traveled with us via plane about a half dozen more times, taken several car trips, and is even gearing up to take the train this weekend. Along the way, we’ve picked up little tricks that help him in the sleep department. Once we get to our destination, be it a hotel or family member’s home, the following have made a difference for us.

As long as your baby is old enough, if you haven’t already, begin introducing a comfort item. These are also called transitional objects and lovies. We introduced Bergen’s comfort item (a frog/blanket) at about 5 months as he had good head control, and was rolling over, back to stomach, stomach to back. We gave him this comfort item each night before bed and with each nap, and he began associating it with sleep. To an extent, he’s able to self-sooth with the help of his frog blanket. Once your baby’s comfort item is introduced and established, make sure to bring it on your trip! We make sure it’s packed in one of our carry-on bags as it helps with plane sleep too.

Your travel destinations can be filled with unfamiliar, unpredictable, and uncontrollable noises. White noise will help create a barrier between your baby’s sleep space, and those noises. And if your baby is already used to white noise while sleeping, like Bergen is, it will act like another comfort item or sleep association. At home Bergen’s white noise is actually a static radio station turned up fairly loud. On the road, we pack our “sound spa“, and give him exclusive rights to it.

When planning your trip, think about the space your baby will actually be sleeping in. Maybe you co-sleep, have a bassinet close to your bed, or your baby sleeps in a crib in his or her own room. Whatever their sleep space might be, carefully plan what it will be like at your destination. Many hotels allow you to reserve a crib, but make sure to take care of the reservation ahead of time. There are also several types of travel cribs that are portable and easy to assemble. We chose the “Go Crib” because it’s super easy to use, light, and most importantly folds up into a backpack, making it easy to carry around. There are others out there, find the one that works best for you. If you do choose a travel crib, it also wouldn’t hurt to set it up at home, and have your little one try it out for a nap or two. You also want to be familiar with how it’s assembled, so that you are not stuck figuring it all out with a tired baby waiting for you.

Make sure your baby will be warm enough in their sleep space. This may seem like a no brainer, but we overlooked it on our last trip to Phoenix. Thinking of the warm daytime temperatures of the desert, I packed light pajamas, and a light sleep sack for Bergen to sleep in at “Grandma’s house”. I didn’t realize that it gets chilly at night (at least in March), and the little guy was freezing! Maybe an exaggeration, but he definitely wasn’t completely comfortable. Off to the Goodwill we went to purchase some fleece PJ’s. While we haven’t experienced it, I’m sure the same goes for the other side of the temperature spectrum. If it is truly warm, try to not to overdress baby so that they are sweating through the sheets.

Do you have a bed time routine at home? Does it work well for you? If the answer is yes, then mimic this routine as best you can at your destination. Even if you are putting baby down at a different time than at home, still try to, more or less, follow the same routine. This is comforting for baby, and baby will associate this routine with drifting off to the land of sleep. Think about your routine as you are packing for your trip. Do you have everything you’ll need, within reason, to make it happen?

Even after we do all of the above, Bergen still does not sleep as well when traveling as he does at home. It’s tough to sleep in a different environment. We’ve had to shift our expectations. I know to expect Bergen to wake up during the night, which makes it easier to bear the 1:00 (& 3:00 & 5:00) calls for help. Then if he does have a “great night” of sleeping, I wake-up feeling like a million bucks!

This post is part of Travel Tips Tuesday on WalkingOn Travels and Suitcases and Sippy Cups.

Have great (or not so great) baby sleep experience? What works for you and your baby on the road? Please share by leaving a comment below!

April 16, 2012

1/2 marathon adventure: week 3

It’s week 3* of my half marathon adventure, and the miles are increasing. The long run is 5 miles this week, which I am ready to do. I’m repeating my goal from last week with strength training. I will do it after my run on Thursday! It seems that variety is working for me, so I”ll also map out a different 3.5 mile run for Tuesday & Thursday.

If you read the rundown from yesterday, then you heard about poor Norman, and his leg/foot. I think I did a number on him as he’s not completely healed, and still a little unsure of himself as he frolics around in the backyard. I feel horrible.

Norman's war wound.

Norman, the trooper

Plan for Week 3:

Monday: Stretch & Strengthen: Plan to do the strength routine from “another mother runner“, then the yoga pose sequences from “My Yoga Life“. I’m hoping if I keep it simple, then I’ll actually do what I planned!

Tuesday: 3.5 mile run: Plan to run 3. 5 miles with Bergen (and hopefully Norman) mid-morning. Will better align the run with nap time.

Wednesday: 2 mile run or cross-training: What else? Total Strength cardio class at the Y.

Thursday: 3.5 mile run: Plan to run 3.5 with early-morning run with B & again, hopefully Norman. Strength routine in the afternoon.

Friday: Rest!

Saturday: 40 minute cross training: We are off to Portland for a quick trip via train, and I expect to do lots of walking around the city as we will be car-less.

Sunday: 5 mile run: 5 mile run! Can’t wait! Will do this after we return from Portland.

Look for a rundown on Sunday.

*week 1, week 2

All my Running Adventures

What do you do for strength training as a runner? Leave a comment below.

April 15, 2012

the rundown: week 2!

Sending out my goals to the world again proved to be just as motivating for week 2. Part of it is also, of course, just making a plan in general. With a little person around to take care of, it’s important for me have goals for the day, otherwise I’ll get totally distracted, and wrapped up with feeding, playing, cleaning up, and on and on. Another realization I came to this week is how helpful it is to share my training goals with Slaed. Just another person to keep me honest, and support me, and oh, take care of Bergen while Norman and I run!

The goal is in bold. What I actually accomplished is below.

Monday: Stretch & Strengthen: Plan to do a cardio strength class at the Y, and then lots of stretching when I get home. I think the sequence found here will be perfect. It’s from the blog, “my yoga life“. Hal Higdon has some great stuff on stretching here too.

Cardio Strength class at the Y. Similar to my Wednesday class with a little more cardio than strength. This may not be the best class for my stretch and strengthen day. It’s technically supposed to be more of a rest day because of the long run on Sunday, so I’m thinking it’s a bit too much cardio. I did manage to do the stretching sequence, but it wasn’t right after class when it would have been most beneficial. The poses complement the running well, and seem to stretch exactly the right muscles. I need to spend more time in them though.

Tuesday: 3 mile run: Plan to do a DIFFERENT (than last week) 3 mile run with B & Norman mid-morning.

Ran 3 mile with B & Norman. As I checked out new routes using “map my run”, I mapped out a loop run with a mile and a half or so being through our beautiful Arboretum. It was beautiful indeed, however Bergen didn’t seem to agree as he fussed and cried for 2 out of the 3 miles, even with a break for eating. He’s not exactly liking his stroller these days.

B may have been fussy, but at least we got to enjoy everything in bloom at the arboretum.

Wednesday: 2 mile run or cross-training: Plan to do my favorite cardio class at the Y.

Total Strength class at the Y was once again great fun. Our instructor mixed it up for us, and brought out steps, so we stepped away to her upbeat music selections. I loved the steps because it added a new challenge, and I also felt like I was in one of those aerobic classes from the 80’s. Some nice daydreaming…

Thursday: 3 mile run + strength: Plan to do an early morning run with B & Norman AND this easy strength training routine thanks to “another mother runner“.

3 miles with Bergen and Norman (same arboretum loop as Tuesday). This time B did not fuss nearly as much as Tuesday. I think I managed to time the run to coincide with nap time: much better. However, he’s still not completely content in the stroller. I think he’d rather be out exploring.

I don’t know what it is…didn’t do strength training AGAIN. I kept thinking about it, but just didn’t get around to it. I need to get the exercise ball out from the basement, and the hand weights out of the closet. Maybe seeing the equipment will get me going.

Friday: REST!

A whole lot of resting was going on at our house. I came down with a cold and was not up for anything.

Saturday: 30 minute cross: Plan to do an early morning walk around the neighborhood with the whole family. We will probably walk for at least an hour though.

2 different 30-minute walks with the family both the Bergen in the ergo. Does that count as strength training?

Sunday: 4 mile run: Plan to run with Norman. I’ve mapped out a pretty hilly route, but I’m excited for the challenge.

Ran 4 miles with Norman. The uphill was tough, but it felt so good to get to the top. Part of the run was along Lake Washington, and since it was such a beautiful day, lots of other runners and cyclists were out. Fun to watch, and feel the comradery. I’m a little worried about Norman though. As we were running past a dog who was fenced in his yard, Norman darted in front of me, and I stepped (or ran) on his poor back foot. He limped for a little bit and didn’t want to put weight on it, but then was able to walk it off. This was just in the first mile. He was able to pull through, and we obviously finished the run, but it seems like it’s bothering him a little bit tonight. I’m hoping I wasn’t too hard on my favorite running partner.

10 weeks to go! Look for my week 3 training plan tomorrow. You can keep track of all of our running adventures here.

Jogging Stroller tips (to make it more fun for baby)? Please share!

April 13, 2012

Camping at Cape Disappointment State Park (with a baby)

Clamming may have been a disappointment, but camping at Cape Disappointment State Park on the Washington coast certainly was not.

First of all, we had beautiful weather: always a plus when camping. Temperatures in the 60’s and sunny for the most part. I was nervous about camping in the spring, and this made things a whole lot easier. I have to confess though. Instead of reserving a campground to pitch our tent, like we would normally do, we reserved a yurt! And conveniently, this yurt was equipped with beds and heat.

Welcome to our Yurt!

Highlights from our attempt at camping with a baby:

Berg’s high chair/booster seat worked perfectly with one of our camping chairs!

Berg’s play area: huge tarp + huge blanket…still managed to be off it with a pine cone in his mouth in a flash!

Slaed heating up Bergen’s lentils on the camp stove.

What we liked about the Park:

Cape Disappointment is on the Washington Coast. It’s actually Washington’s most Southwestern point. From the camp sites, you can easily access the beach where you can then enjoy two miles of sand, surf, and if you’re lucky some sun. The entrances to the beach are lined with driftwood and branches so take care as you navigate down.

the beautiful beach

The Camping Crew…no one sleeping situation was alike…including a yurt, a tear-drop trailer, an RV, a truck tent, and oh yeah, one regular old tent.

On either side of the beach, you can view two different lighthouses: North Head Lighthouse and Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. North Head Lighthouse has a regular tour schedule, but while you are able to visit the lighthouse itself, the inside of Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is not open to the public. Norman and I ran along the 2 mile beach stretch (out and back), and saw spectacular views of both.

North Head Lighthouse

While we did not get to take advantage of them this time, the park also features beautiful hiking trails. Some of the destinations include both lighthouses, the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, the Pacific Ocean, and the Columbia River.

Info to Know:

The park is about 2 miles from the town of Illwaco, WA.
The park is open year round for camping. For reservations, and all the information you need to know, check out the park’s website.
For day use, you’ll need the Discover Pass ($30/annual or $10/day pass) if you plan to enter the park in your motor vehicle.

Come join the conversation! We’d love to have you join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

More Washington State Parks:

Saint Edwards State Park (Kenmore, WA)
Wallace Falls State Park (Goldbar, WA)
Fort Worden State Park (Port Townsend, WA)
Peshastin Pinnacles State Park (Peshastin, WA)
Moran State Park (Orcas Island, WA) Obstruction Pass State Park (Orcas Island, WA)
Olallie State Park (North Bend, WA)

April 12, 2012

All Work and No Clams: Cape Disappointment, WA

After a perfect evening in Astoria, OR, we headed across the bridge and back to the great state of Washington for an Easter weekend of clamming and camping {or so we thought}. The clamming actually took place in Long Beach & Oceanside, and the camping in Cape Disappointment State Park. You’ll see why Cape Disappointment fits this blog title.

We met up with our friends, loaded up in their truck, and hit the beach. We watched as successful clammers walked away with their catch, and got excited. As long as you have a clamming license (obtained at various sporting goods & fishing shops), you are allowed 15 clams. The rule is, you get what you get. If you dig up a small clam, and think, “I can do better than that…”, you are out of luck, you’re stuck with it as part of your 15.

With clam guns in hand, off they go to catch dinner…

After a few practice digs (Slaed doing most of the digging as I was carrying B in the ergo), we started to get the hang of the technique. However the clams were not showing up. Maybe this part of the beach has already been clammed enough? So, we loaded back into the truck, and drove North. We tried again…

No clams.

Back into the truck a third time. Maybe just a little further North will do the trick. Along the way, we ran into a fish and wildlife police officer, and we asked him for advice. His advice was the come back the next day, bright and early. Disappointing. We stayed positive though. We wouldn’t have clams that we dug up ourselves for dinner back at the campsite, but at least we’d have clams to cook up in our own homes when we got back.

On Day 2 of our clamming adventure weekend, we did like the wildlife officer said, we were up at the crack of dawn, and drove much further North this time with high hopes. Apparently, everyone in the entire state of Washington was thinking the same thing.

Washington’s Easter Egg Hunt

We found what looked like a good spot for digging, kept our eye on some experts (in my mind, an expert is anyone who actually has clams in their bags), and got down to work.

Our friends Tim and Alina working hard.

We searched and searched for the clams to “show”, supposedly a small dimple in the sand indicates their presence, but little was revealed. We dug in spots where we thought a clam might be showing. We observed experts, and even asked them for advice. There were 6 of us, which means if everyone got their allotted 15 clams, we’d have a grand total of 90 clams.

Wondering how many we were able to dig up? 2. Yes. 2. Better luck next year, I guess.

Despite our lack of clams, we still enjoyed a beautiful weekend. We couldn’t have asked for better spring weather, our friends got to really bond with Baby B, and we learned that we can camp with a baby! {sort of…more on that in another post.}

The Clam Digging Family

Who had the best time clamming?

Norman, of course! So much fun that I couldn’t even get a good picture of him.

Info to Know:

To find out all there is to know about razor clamming in Washington, check out the WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife’s website.
Cape Disappointment State Park is a great choice for camping.
Not a camper? Check out the Sou’Wester in Long Beach, WA. Stay in their funky lodge, one of their cabins or “tch! tchs! (trailer classic hodgepodge). You can even hook up your RV there. We stayed in the lodge a few years back and loved it, and you’ll be just steps from the beach!
Don’t forget all your clamming tools & necessities: a clam gun, rubber boots, clamming license, gloves, bucket or net to hold your clams & lots of patience.
Check the tides; clamming is best at low tide.

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