In yesterday's blog I said I'd post today about the dinner rolls I was planning to make for our soup luncheon today. I haven't forgotten, but I have more exciting news! The Reno City Council has approved a deal that will keep the Reno Aces in Reno!! Spring training starts in just two weeks, the team is slated to stay long-term, the days are getting a bit longer...what is not to love about all of that?!
Back to the dinner rolls. I didn't make them. I made the soup and I talked to my bread-maven brother about his secrets to success, but then I ran out of time to actually make them. Not because my brother and I talked too much but because I was previewing a home for a client. I bought some lovely rolls at Raley's, dropped the soup and rolls at the office, headed out of town for a home inspection and missed the entire luncheon.
When I got back to the office I had a check on my desk for a recent referral. The amount was almost exactly the amount of some cookware I've had my eye one. That could NOT be a coincidence! So the Hubs and I went out this afternoon and purchased them. Yay for us! Now we're trying to decide what to make in them first! Any suggestions?
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Habit trouble
Habits are so much easier to drop than they are to build! I set a goal of posting a blog Monday through Friday. And then I did it. With very few exceptions. But lately I've allowed the busy-ness of work get in the way and I haven't posted regularly for two weeks. And now it feels almost impossible! When I was doing it regularly I had a plethora of ideas. Now I sit and stare blankly at my computer screen...not a single idea in my head. Not a one.
Thank goodness for KW Cares! Not only because of the good the program does, but because it is inspiring me to cook tonight. I'm making my potato chowder for a soup luncheon we are doing tomorrow. I am also making dinner rolls. I'll post the recipe for them tomorrow...depending on how well they turn out. I may just grab a bag of potato rolls from the grocery store if they end up as little balls of leather. Either way, you'll get a report tomorrow. I've got to start building the writing habit back up again!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Thank goodness for KW Cares! Not only because of the good the program does, but because it is inspiring me to cook tonight. I'm making my potato chowder for a soup luncheon we are doing tomorrow. I am also making dinner rolls. I'll post the recipe for them tomorrow...depending on how well they turn out. I may just grab a bag of potato rolls from the grocery store if they end up as little balls of leather. Either way, you'll get a report tomorrow. I've got to start building the writing habit back up again!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Figment
How did I not know about this website? www.figment.com
My niece called to ask me to vote for a story she wrote as a member of this site. I am hooked! For one thing, her short story is pretty amazing if I do say so myself. For another thing, there are all sorts of stories to explore. I can see myself spending a great deal of time at this site. And my niece should get used to the idea that I'm not going to let up...I'm going to pester her and pester her to stick with her writing. The kid has talent.
Whether you're a reader or a writer you must check it out! And vote for Morgan Rose while you're there!
http://figment.com/books/524548-All-the-Same-
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
My niece called to ask me to vote for a story she wrote as a member of this site. I am hooked! For one thing, her short story is pretty amazing if I do say so myself. For another thing, there are all sorts of stories to explore. I can see myself spending a great deal of time at this site. And my niece should get used to the idea that I'm not going to let up...I'm going to pester her and pester her to stick with her writing. The kid has talent.
Whether you're a reader or a writer you must check it out! And vote for Morgan Rose while you're there!
http://figment.com/books/524548-All-the-Same-
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Home. Run. Recipes.
1. Home: I've been so busy showing homes the past few days that I haven't had the energy to blog. I started to give it a shot last night but was too tired to spell my own name. Admittedly my name isn't an easy one to spell...but that shouldn't diminish how darned tired I was. I've got $40,000 condo shoppers to $500,000 retirement home shoppers and everything in between. A shortage of homes plus great interest rates that are drawing buyers equals a crazy Reno real estate market.
2. Run: I put a calendar together that details my training from now until October. That was a week ago. So far I've run twice. Ugh. I've got to get my butt in gear.
3. Recipes. I had a group of friends/co-workers over for drinks and appetizers yesterday to welcome a client to the area. Because of my aforementioned busy-ness I opted to buy some cookies instead of obligating myself to one more task. I saw some peanut butter cookies with sprinkles and a chocolate frosting-like substance in the middle. They were just okay. But they reminded me of the Hershey's Peanut Butter Kiss recipe. The original is still the best version I've tried. I won't make the mistake of buying a sad substitute again!
4. Baseball. I drove past the Reno Aces ballpark today. Then on the evening news they mentioned that the Reno Aces have a couple of positions open. It isn't even the end of January yet and I'm jonesing for baseball season, warm weather and cold beers.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
2. Run: I put a calendar together that details my training from now until October. That was a week ago. So far I've run twice. Ugh. I've got to get my butt in gear.
3. Recipes. I had a group of friends/co-workers over for drinks and appetizers yesterday to welcome a client to the area. Because of my aforementioned busy-ness I opted to buy some cookies instead of obligating myself to one more task. I saw some peanut butter cookies with sprinkles and a chocolate frosting-like substance in the middle. They were just okay. But they reminded me of the Hershey's Peanut Butter Kiss recipe. The original is still the best version I've tried. I won't make the mistake of buying a sad substitute again!
4. Baseball. I drove past the Reno Aces ballpark today. Then on the evening news they mentioned that the Reno Aces have a couple of positions open. It isn't even the end of January yet and I'm jonesing for baseball season, warm weather and cold beers.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Friday, January 18, 2013
I'm not psychic, but...
I see soup in my future!
Keller Williams Group One Sparks is having another KW Cares fundraiser. This one is going to be a soup luncheon. $5 all you can eat soup, salad and rolls prepared by the agents. With the very cold temperatures we've been weathering in northern Nevada the soup will be a welcome warm treat!
I'm making my Bacon Potato Corn Chowder...a recipe I posted back around Halloween. I'm also going to make a family recipe for rolls. I'm wishing my brother Sheldon were here to make them for me. That guy has some crazy-mad bread-making skills.
My friend and fellow agent Regina is making a chicken tortilla soup. Mmmm...sounds great. I've been thinking about it for a week. Then last night my running friend Jenny posted a picture on Facebook of the tortilla soup she'd made for dinner. Sorry Regina, I might not make it to the 30th. I may break down and try Jenny's recipe before then. I asked Jenny to guest blog her recipe and a running story. So far my request has resulted in receiving a copy of the recipe she used. I'm still holding out hope that she'll share a running tale.
Keller Williams Group One Sparks is having another KW Cares fundraiser. This one is going to be a soup luncheon. $5 all you can eat soup, salad and rolls prepared by the agents. With the very cold temperatures we've been weathering in northern Nevada the soup will be a welcome warm treat!
I'm making my Bacon Potato Corn Chowder...a recipe I posted back around Halloween. I'm also going to make a family recipe for rolls. I'm wishing my brother Sheldon were here to make them for me. That guy has some crazy-mad bread-making skills.
My friend and fellow agent Regina is making a chicken tortilla soup. Mmmm...sounds great. I've been thinking about it for a week. Then last night my running friend Jenny posted a picture on Facebook of the tortilla soup she'd made for dinner. Sorry Regina, I might not make it to the 30th. I may break down and try Jenny's recipe before then. I asked Jenny to guest blog her recipe and a running story. So far my request has resulted in receiving a copy of the recipe she used. I'm still holding out hope that she'll share a running tale.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes in juice
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn kernels
- Coarse salt and ground pepper
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips, plus more for serving (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges for serving
- In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium. Cook garlic and chili powder until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes (with juice), beans, broth, corn, and 1 cup water; season with salt and pepper.
- Bring soup to a boil; reduce to a simmer. Add tortilla chips; cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. Serve soup with lime wedges and, if desired, more chips.
Jenny served hers with avocado cubes and sour cream. My husband suggested sprinkling some fresh cilantro on top of that. Looks like a great recipe for personalizing!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Sizzle Fry!
Sure...it sounds like a Primus album...oh wait...that's Frizzle Fry! The sound was, in actuality, my chicken and vegetable stir-fry cooking last night. Quick, tasty, nutritious. Pretty much everything you could want in a dinner. It isn't rocket science and is something I used to make fairly often. Then my wok started falling apart and it just isn't the same in skillet. So I must thank my brother- and sister-in-law for the wok they got us last year for Christmas. It has re-opened my eyes to light and delicious meals.
Last night was a super shortcut. I bought chicken precut into stir-fry strips. I had a bag of stir-fry mixed vegetables from Costco in the freezer. I had rice in the pantry. I put on the rice, started the chicken in just a couple of sprays of Pam, got out the dinnerware, pulled the chicken out and set it aside, threw in the vegetables, cooked them 90% and then put the chicken back in. By then the rice was ready. Served the chicken and veggies over rice with a bit of soy sauce and hot sauce. Stovetop to table we had a 30 minute meal.
What are your favorite, quick, go-to meals for a busy weeknight?
ww.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Last night was a super shortcut. I bought chicken precut into stir-fry strips. I had a bag of stir-fry mixed vegetables from Costco in the freezer. I had rice in the pantry. I put on the rice, started the chicken in just a couple of sprays of Pam, got out the dinnerware, pulled the chicken out and set it aside, threw in the vegetables, cooked them 90% and then put the chicken back in. By then the rice was ready. Served the chicken and veggies over rice with a bit of soy sauce and hot sauce. Stovetop to table we had a 30 minute meal.
What are your favorite, quick, go-to meals for a busy weeknight?
ww.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
When Life Gives You Lemons...Make Lemon Bars!
I grew up in a small town. Everyone knew everyone. I graduated from high school with most of the kids that were in my kindergarten class. First through sixth grade were days and years with the same friends and faces. Junior high expanded my world a bit...the various elementary schools merged and I spent the next six years with that group. I am happy to say I count many of them among my friends to this day.
You already know from a previous post that I hang on to recipes like currency. I treasure them in part for the recipe and in part for the memories of the person that shared it with me. My recipe for lemon bars is one of those treasures. My friend Kathleen gave it to me when we were in high school. She'd made them and brought them as a classroom treat, I asked for the recipe, and she brought it the very next day on an actual recipe card. This is one of the oldest recipes in my file box, second only to recipes from my own mother.
Everyone who knows Kathleen will vouch for me when I say she is an absolute class act, lovely, funny, smart and kind. Knowing what I know about her, and admiring her the way I do, I shouldn't be at all surprised to learn that she is also strong in the face of adversity. She posted a message on Facebook today that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer to inform and ease the minds of people who were worrying about her. Class. Act.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
You already know from a previous post that I hang on to recipes like currency. I treasure them in part for the recipe and in part for the memories of the person that shared it with me. My recipe for lemon bars is one of those treasures. My friend Kathleen gave it to me when we were in high school. She'd made them and brought them as a classroom treat, I asked for the recipe, and she brought it the very next day on an actual recipe card. This is one of the oldest recipes in my file box, second only to recipes from my own mother.
Everyone who knows Kathleen will vouch for me when I say she is an absolute class act, lovely, funny, smart and kind. Knowing what I know about her, and admiring her the way I do, I shouldn't be at all surprised to learn that she is also strong in the face of adversity. She posted a message on Facebook today that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer to inform and ease the minds of people who were worrying about her. Class. Act.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Write it down!
Comedian Stephen Lynch sings a funny, and somewhat inappropriate, little ditty about teaching history. Each stanza ends with a not-so-gentle reminder to the students to "Write it down!"
This little gem about the San Francisco 49er's quarterback is going around Facebook with the heading: There is a lot to be said about knowing what you want, creative visualization and steadfast dedication to that vision:
At a recent sales meeting one of our productivity coaches shared a story about a study conducted by Harvard University that also showed the importance of writing goals down to see increased success. Students were asked about goals...some had none, some had some, some had some and wrote them down...and ten years later a followup was conducted. The earnings for the 3% that wrote down their goals was greater than the combined income of the remaining 97%. Now THAT is motivation!
So I spent a good chunk of time this weekend writing down a meal plan, a calendar of running events, and a training schedule for those long runs, and some sales goals.
Turns out that story is bogus. There was no Harvard study, or Yale as other versions of the urban legend report. It is still referenced both in books and in Internet articles. (You can't believe everything you read.)
But the story that debunks the urban legend also provides evidence that supports the legend! I am not sorry about the chunk of time I invested. I haven't followed my menu or training schedule perfectly...but I'm better off than I would have been if I hadn't committed it to paper.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
This little gem about the San Francisco 49er's quarterback is going around Facebook with the heading: There is a lot to be said about knowing what you want, creative visualization and steadfast dedication to that vision:
At a recent sales meeting one of our productivity coaches shared a story about a study conducted by Harvard University that also showed the importance of writing goals down to see increased success. Students were asked about goals...some had none, some had some, some had some and wrote them down...and ten years later a followup was conducted. The earnings for the 3% that wrote down their goals was greater than the combined income of the remaining 97%. Now THAT is motivation!
So I spent a good chunk of time this weekend writing down a meal plan, a calendar of running events, and a training schedule for those long runs, and some sales goals.
Turns out that story is bogus. There was no Harvard study, or Yale as other versions of the urban legend report. It is still referenced both in books and in Internet articles. (You can't believe everything you read.)
But the story that debunks the urban legend also provides evidence that supports the legend! I am not sorry about the chunk of time I invested. I haven't followed my menu or training schedule perfectly...but I'm better off than I would have been if I hadn't committed it to paper.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Monday, January 14, 2013
KitzMo
Two of my friends, who also happen to be Keller Williams agents, have birthdays this month. Marie's was last week and Regina's is tomorrow. A group of us decided to go to lunch to celebrate. Marie had never been to KitzMo for sushi so we decided to go there. Ed, Regina and I had eaten there the day they opened for business and were anxious to see how their business was growing. After all, our broker Dave's family owns and operates the place.
It was fantastic! We were greeted and seated promptly, the All You Can Eat menu was explained to us and we had drinks before we'd even decided which food items to order. The food came out quickly, was beautifully plated, and tasted wonderful. When you go, because you SHOULD go, be sure to order The Caterpillar. Hands down the favorite at our table. Ed doesn't love sushi rolls so he ordered the Spicy Pork...also fantastic. Very nicely flavored with a low heat to it. "Delish!" as he likes to say!
We also had an order of cheesy crab (aka crab rangoon) to share and we all agree: BEST EVER!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
It was fantastic! We were greeted and seated promptly, the All You Can Eat menu was explained to us and we had drinks before we'd even decided which food items to order. The food came out quickly, was beautifully plated, and tasted wonderful. When you go, because you SHOULD go, be sure to order The Caterpillar. Hands down the favorite at our table. Ed doesn't love sushi rolls so he ordered the Spicy Pork...also fantastic. Very nicely flavored with a low heat to it. "Delish!" as he likes to say!
We also had an order of cheesy crab (aka crab rangoon) to share and we all agree: BEST EVER!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Hall of Fame news
Yay! Baseball news in January! The Baseball Writers' Association of America voted to induct players into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Or, more accurately, voted not to induct players into the Hall. Read the full Foxsports article here and let me know your thoughts!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
If you ever need anything...
If I've learned anything in life it is that there is always something else to learn. That was one of the things that drew me to real estate...no two transactions were going to be the same, there is no 'textbook' way to deal with the issues that arise, I will always be thinking on my feet and learning as I go.
I was drawn to Keller Williams for a lot of reasons. Their business model, the culture of giving back to its agents and their communities, the tools they provide to help agents build strong businesses and the how they treat their clients. After I got my license I met with several real estate firms and spoke with agents about what they liked about the companies they worked for. I was surprised and impressed by the genuine support and kindness I was greeted with at Keller Williams. "If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask!" could be the agent motto!
From my very first day in the office I learned that "If you ever need anything..." is not lip service. Every agent in my office is willing to jump in and help with contract questions, vendor recommendations, pricing strategies, and any other hurdle one encounters in this workplace. This morning I was poring over a market analysis report and turned to my broker for some help interpreting it. Within in minutes 5 agents were putting their heads (and years of experience) together to make the best sense of the numbers we were seeing. I may work for myself, but I am not alone.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
I was drawn to Keller Williams for a lot of reasons. Their business model, the culture of giving back to its agents and their communities, the tools they provide to help agents build strong businesses and the how they treat their clients. After I got my license I met with several real estate firms and spoke with agents about what they liked about the companies they worked for. I was surprised and impressed by the genuine support and kindness I was greeted with at Keller Williams. "If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask!" could be the agent motto!
From my very first day in the office I learned that "If you ever need anything..." is not lip service. Every agent in my office is willing to jump in and help with contract questions, vendor recommendations, pricing strategies, and any other hurdle one encounters in this workplace. This morning I was poring over a market analysis report and turned to my broker for some help interpreting it. Within in minutes 5 agents were putting their heads (and years of experience) together to make the best sense of the numbers we were seeing. I may work for myself, but I am not alone.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Sneaky Smile
I was driving to dinner with my husband tonight and felt a smile sneaking across my face. For some reason I felt like jumping for joy. And then it dawned on me...I love running! I have told myself, and anyone who would listen, that I hate running for so long that I actually believed it. Every once in awhile I would feel like I didn't hate it, or even that I liked it a little bit, but to think, to say, to feel that I love running was exhilarating.
For years I would tell people, "If I ever die while I'm running please do NOT say that I died doing something I love" or "If I'm running it is because something is chasing me" or "I run to eat". I do tend to make jokes about things I don't understand or things that make me uncomfortable. The more I've learned about all facets of running the more comfortable it has become. Tonight's run wasn't anything special. It was a run that I had to work hard for the entire time. But it was a good run. Because it was the run that showed me that I love running.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
For years I would tell people, "If I ever die while I'm running please do NOT say that I died doing something I love" or "If I'm running it is because something is chasing me" or "I run to eat". I do tend to make jokes about things I don't understand or things that make me uncomfortable. The more I've learned about all facets of running the more comfortable it has become. Tonight's run wasn't anything special. It was a run that I had to work hard for the entire time. But it was a good run. Because it was the run that showed me that I love running.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Monday, January 7, 2013
Hit the ground running
I hit the ground running this morning. Not in my new pink shoes to burn off those delicious raisin cookies, either. Business has picked up in a big way and I had buyers to call and email and a meeting to attend. I have spent the entire day on the phone, or researching information about properties, or scheduling showings. It seems the new year has brought a new interest in real estate!
A common thread I've noticed today is that many folks are starting their search without any idea where they stand financially. I get it. I really do. It is a lot of fun to just look at the big beautiful home with a pool without having to pull out all of my financial documents and find a lender that I trust to make sense of it all. Unfortunately a couple things happen when buyers do that.
1) They build unrealistic expectations of their dream home. You probably aren't going to find a single family home with a pool on a $85,000 budget. If you know going into the search that your budget is $85,000 (or $200,000 or $500,000...the number is going to be different for everyone) you can decide what is the best bang for your buck.
2) In Reno we are experiencing a seller's market. If I show a buyer a house and they fall in love with it without a pre-approval letter I am doing them a huge disservice. Properties are selling quickly and if a buyer finds their dream home, then has to backtrack to a lender and three days later (or even 3 hours in some cases) comes back to make an offer...oftentimes that dream home is gone. If the pre-approval is already in hand we can write an offer the very minute we come across the perfect house.
Please remember that your agent understands your anxieties and reluctance to speak to a mortgage lender. And remember that good agents won't judge you or pressure you to proceed outside your comfort zone. We are here to help. That often means that I'll suggest two or three lenders for my buyers. Not only are my buyers able to find a lender that offers a great financing package, they are also able to find a personality they are comfortable working with.
So if you're ready to look for your first home (or second or third) give me a call. I'd love to help you through the process!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
A common thread I've noticed today is that many folks are starting their search without any idea where they stand financially. I get it. I really do. It is a lot of fun to just look at the big beautiful home with a pool without having to pull out all of my financial documents and find a lender that I trust to make sense of it all. Unfortunately a couple things happen when buyers do that.
1) They build unrealistic expectations of their dream home. You probably aren't going to find a single family home with a pool on a $85,000 budget. If you know going into the search that your budget is $85,000 (or $200,000 or $500,000...the number is going to be different for everyone) you can decide what is the best bang for your buck.
2) In Reno we are experiencing a seller's market. If I show a buyer a house and they fall in love with it without a pre-approval letter I am doing them a huge disservice. Properties are selling quickly and if a buyer finds their dream home, then has to backtrack to a lender and three days later (or even 3 hours in some cases) comes back to make an offer...oftentimes that dream home is gone. If the pre-approval is already in hand we can write an offer the very minute we come across the perfect house.
Please remember that your agent understands your anxieties and reluctance to speak to a mortgage lender. And remember that good agents won't judge you or pressure you to proceed outside your comfort zone. We are here to help. That often means that I'll suggest two or three lenders for my buyers. Not only are my buyers able to find a lender that offers a great financing package, they are also able to find a personality they are comfortable working with.
So if you're ready to look for your first home (or second or third) give me a call. I'd love to help you through the process!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Friday, January 4, 2013
Outrageous Recipe!
Todd and I went shopping for some bar stools the other day and, naturally, ended up buying some running shoes for me and no stools. While we were out and about we took a coffee break at Starbucks and ordered an Outrageous Oatmeal cookie to go with it. I go to Starbucks about as often as the next guy so why is it I have never seen one of these cookies before?!
Ordering it was an afterthought and we got just one to share. Because I have this kind of luck, the kid behind the counter misheard my order and handed me a cup of oatmeal. I've worked in food service so I hate to complain or return items but C'MON! When you want a cookie, a bowl of mush just won't do!
That cookie was so good that even Todd, who doesn't have much of a sweet tooth and can take or leave cookies, loved it. It was so good I would have gone back for another one but didn't want to have to go through that, "I ordered a sweet treat not a warm cup of gruel" situation again.
That cookie was so good I came home and did a web search for the recipe. I found it! Six minutes later I was on my way to the store to buy raisins and a short while after that we were enjoying delicious cookies!
I found the recipe I used at eHow. Here it is!
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup dark raisins
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
6 Tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
4 Tbsp dark raisins
4 Tbsp golden raisins
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Blend together the oats, flour, raisins, cranberries, baking soda, baking powder and salt in one bowl.
3. Beat the butter and sugars together in another bowl. When they are light and fluffy, and the egg, cinnamon and vanilla and beat the mix until it is well blended.
4. Gradually add the oat mixture to butter mixture. Beat together until well blended.
5. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons, 2 inches apart, on a baking sheet. Gently press a few of the remaining raisins on each cookie. Bake for 12 to 16 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown. Remove to wire rack to cool.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Ordering it was an afterthought and we got just one to share. Because I have this kind of luck, the kid behind the counter misheard my order and handed me a cup of oatmeal. I've worked in food service so I hate to complain or return items but C'MON! When you want a cookie, a bowl of mush just won't do!
That cookie was so good that even Todd, who doesn't have much of a sweet tooth and can take or leave cookies, loved it. It was so good I would have gone back for another one but didn't want to have to go through that, "I ordered a sweet treat not a warm cup of gruel" situation again.
That cookie was so good I came home and did a web search for the recipe. I found it! Six minutes later I was on my way to the store to buy raisins and a short while after that we were enjoying delicious cookies!
I found the recipe I used at eHow. Here it is!
Starbucks' Outrageous Oatmeal Cookies
1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup dark raisins
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
6 Tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
4 Tbsp dark raisins
4 Tbsp golden raisins
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Blend together the oats, flour, raisins, cranberries, baking soda, baking powder and salt in one bowl.
3. Beat the butter and sugars together in another bowl. When they are light and fluffy, and the egg, cinnamon and vanilla and beat the mix until it is well blended.
4. Gradually add the oat mixture to butter mixture. Beat together until well blended.
5. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons, 2 inches apart, on a baking sheet. Gently press a few of the remaining raisins on each cookie. Bake for 12 to 16 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown. Remove to wire rack to cool.
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Thursday, January 3, 2013
In the Pink
I love shiny things and pink things. In that regard I am very girly. But I also choose function over form. Most of my running and work gear is black or gray, my mountain bike is camo green. I went shoe shopping yesterday and fell in love with some tomato orange Nikes. Unfortunately, no matter what size I tried I felt the heel slipping and could not convince myself that I'd be able to get used to it.
We went again today and found a couple of pairs of Adidas that I liked. This will be my second pair of Adidas after years of nothing but Nike. I'm not necessarily brand loyal. In fact I hated the way Nike fit me for many years. But I'd found a model I liked real well and stuck with them through several generations. My husband found some Adidas he liked and recommended I give some a try. This new pair of Adidas and my other recent pair felt great from the first second I put them on. Nothing rubs and they aren't "correcting" anything. Bonus: they are pink and shiny!
These new shoes are a bit minimalist so I will alternate them with my others so I don't overstress my used-to-more-cushioning feet. But I've been intrigued by the notion of barefoot and minimalist running since I read Born to Run a couple of years ago. I highly recommend that book if you haven't read it. I also spend a lot of time on the treadmill this time of year so I don't need a lot of extra support or protection from roads or trails.
I'll let you know how they work out for me. If any of you have a favorite (or least favorite) shoe or other gear, I'd love to hear about it!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
We went again today and found a couple of pairs of Adidas that I liked. This will be my second pair of Adidas after years of nothing but Nike. I'm not necessarily brand loyal. In fact I hated the way Nike fit me for many years. But I'd found a model I liked real well and stuck with them through several generations. My husband found some Adidas he liked and recommended I give some a try. This new pair of Adidas and my other recent pair felt great from the first second I put them on. Nothing rubs and they aren't "correcting" anything. Bonus: they are pink and shiny!
These new shoes are a bit minimalist so I will alternate them with my others so I don't overstress my used-to-more-cushioning feet. But I've been intrigued by the notion of barefoot and minimalist running since I read Born to Run a couple of years ago. I highly recommend that book if you haven't read it. I also spend a lot of time on the treadmill this time of year so I don't need a lot of extra support or protection from roads or trails.
I'll let you know how they work out for me. If any of you have a favorite (or least favorite) shoe or other gear, I'd love to hear about it!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Over the Fence for January
Here are some really great tips from a great company - Fidelity National Home Warranty.
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Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Resolution Run
Todd and I don't really make New Year's resolutions, but we do have a great running tradition. Last night we went for our 5th annual Resolution Run at the stroke of midnight. Our friend Glen, who was just getting into running at the time, came up with the idea as a way to further commit ourselves to the activity for the coming year. It has been an effective motivational tool and we've logged some good miles as a result. Even after we moved to Reno we have run it "together". A minute or two before midnight we call one another, count down the final seconds and take off running through our respective neighborhoods. It was a brisk 12 degrees last night and we were concerned about our footing, but it was a good and safe run.
Glen also introduced us to the idea of bricks. I've heard that stands for Bike, Run, Ick. Whether that is true or not it certainly describes how I feel about it! I'm not a strong cyclist and I dread getting off the bike and running with those jelly-legs. We started doing it to build up our running and I have to admit that the year I rode the most was also the year I ran fastest and with the fewest injuries. My husband decided we should do one on Superbowl Sunday to balance the snack food we ate while watching the game. Another tradition that has stuck. February 3, 2013...Superbowl Brick.
We also do the Bee Brick in mid to late February in honor of my Aunt Bee who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer a few years ago. This is another solidarity event that a number of family members participate in from wherever they happen to be. So...friends and family members who I am certain are religiously reading this blog...it is almost time to get your brick on! Mark your calendars for February 23rd or 24th!
Happy New Year!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
Photo from 2012, since I forgot to take a picture this year.
Glen also introduced us to the idea of bricks. I've heard that stands for Bike, Run, Ick. Whether that is true or not it certainly describes how I feel about it! I'm not a strong cyclist and I dread getting off the bike and running with those jelly-legs. We started doing it to build up our running and I have to admit that the year I rode the most was also the year I ran fastest and with the fewest injuries. My husband decided we should do one on Superbowl Sunday to balance the snack food we ate while watching the game. Another tradition that has stuck. February 3, 2013...Superbowl Brick.
We also do the Bee Brick in mid to late February in honor of my Aunt Bee who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer a few years ago. This is another solidarity event that a number of family members participate in from wherever they happen to be. So...friends and family members who I am certain are religiously reading this blog...it is almost time to get your brick on! Mark your calendars for February 23rd or 24th!
Happy New Year!
www.jerianne.rnohomes.com
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