Hoka One One: what shoes I'm running in

Even though EVERYONE (namely Andy) loves to make fun of me for these shoes, Hoka’s are my number one, absolute favorite running shoe.

I’ve been wearing these shoes since I got my first pair last December for a gift. I was hesitant because the first time I tested a pair (around Summer 2013), they were super chunky, rocky and felt like a whole-lotta shoe (this was around the time that minimalist shoes were still pretty popular). Fast forward to 2014 and more styles had been produced for a variety of different uses.

From marathon training to marathoning for M2B, what started out as a long-run shoe for me quickly transitioned into my all-the-time shoe.

When I heard they were discontinuing the Huaka style (the “lower profile” Hoka– a mix between a trail and road shoe), I got a little bummed. That is, until I found several pairs in different colors available on Running Warehouse (so of course I had to stock up).  Eventually I’ll have to transition to another style (probably either the Clifton or the Speed Goat), but until then I’ve got a couple pairs of Huaka’s to last me a couple more trainin cycles…

Posted on ashleigh

Food Blogger Cookie Swap : Eggnog Snickerdoodles: December – Thing One

This year I learned about and decided to participate in the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap.  And while this blog is primarily about running and healthy living, food makes up a good portion, sweets and treats included.  I mean, it’s all about balance, right?

The Food Blogger Cookie Swap is pretty simple.  You sign up, donate $4 to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, get matched with 3 food bloggers, bake, ship out your cookies, receive cookies from 3 different food bloggers and post your recipe!

And today is the day that all the participating food bloggers post their cookie recipes.

For the swap, I made some truly holiday-spirited cookies.  This is a go-to recipe I’ve been making for the past 2 years during Christmas time –Eggnog Snickerdoodles.  These cookies combine the soft and fluffy goodness of a Snickerdoodle with the subtle holiday hint of eggnog and its spices.

I decided to package my cookies in ½ gallon mason jars, which fit 1 dozen cookies perfectly stacked.  I also opted for flat-rate boxes so that the weight of the package wouldn’t matter.

I sent 1 dozen each to 3 different food bloggers (A Kitchen Addiction, Miss In The Kitchen, and Stay And Have A Cookie) and received cookies from Where Has All The Flour Gone, Nicki’s Random Musings and Tales From The Crumb Tray.  I had so much fun making, packaging, and sending out my cookies and it was really exciting to unexpectedly receive a box of mysterious cookies…three times!  I also haven’t baked in a really long time, so it was great to engage in a swap.

Below is my recipe for Eggnog Snickerdoodles if you want to try them for yourself.  You won’t be disappointed!…

Posted on ashleigh