It’s no secret I love to bake, but sometimes I get a bit clever (read: lazy) in the kitchen. Sunday afternoon was no exception.  In between dozing on the couch and dozing in the bed, I whipped up a batch of these using a cake mix I’d been staring at for some time.

I’ll admit, I’m the cake snob person that can taste the difference between homemade and a cake mix. No matter what.  I’m not really sure at all how to describe the difference, but the cake mix always has a distinct, out-of-a-box taste to me that baking from scratch never has.  No disrespect to any of you whose go-to is a mix – who doesn’t love funfetti???  I just prefer making them from scratch.

So on Sunday I decided this “emergencies only” box that had stared me in the face for almost long enough to retire it needed to get used. Thus, I doctored it up and put it to work in the form of Red. Velvet. Cookies.  {and I’ll go ahead and admit it now, these cookies SCREAM for Chocolate Chips – and that is one thing my pantry can never seem to keep in stock — like unfortunately, yesterday}

Red Velvet Cookies

• 1 box red velvet cake mix
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Powdered Sugar
• 1 cup Chocolate Chips!!!!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.  In a large bowl, stir together the cake mix and flour until well mixed. Stir in the eggs, oil and vanilla and mix until smooth. Form dough into 1-inch balls and roll in the powdered sugar to coat. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets and bake 8-10 minutes.

If you are not going to make these, you really need to make these cookies.  They’re a pretty close second and much less sticky in your face marshmallow-y – but who would ever complain about that?

{MF Dre}

Here are a few of the things I’m loving this week.

1. I can’t imagine 10 worse products to be marketed to women.
2. This Color Guide for Beer Lovers captures technical and taste details
3. Coast to Coast, here are some of the most creative date ideas
4. I’ve always been a fan of Virgin Atlantic…now Vivienne Westwood is designing their new uniforms that are both mad-men esque and eco-friendly, check them out here
5. My favorite and most indulgent new app for Vegan and Gluten-Free baking!  A televisiual bake-through of Baby Cakes NY.  You will die…
6. I’ve never been a syfy fan, but after watching this trailer, I am geeking out for Helix to premiere
7. My allergies have been terrible lately – love these tricks for hiding allergy symptoms
8. Vacation inspiration … the highest sand dunes meet the ocean in the Namib desert
9. Spring and Summer always inspire me to entertain, here’s a great playlist for your next soiree.

What inspired you this week?

{MF Dre}

 First dates are weird.  They’re awkward, sometimes nervy, full of scrutiny and/or naiveté and they never seem to be truly predictive… that is unless we’re referring to my first date with the Mr.  …  which is totally another story not for the eyes and ears of the blogosphere.

First dates with running shoes – they kind of follow the same steps.  Awkward. Looking for faults. Hyper aware. Hyper Sensitive.  All the while hoping I’ve found something for the next long-term journey.  Yes, I over analyze the getting to know you part of testing out new running shoes. and by the way, I am completely unfaithful to only one pair of shoes at a time. I prefer a rotation.

In truth, it takes me about 50 first dates miles with a pair of running shoes to really know if I love them, can have a one-night-run with them every once in a while, add them to the rotation or if I absolutely cannot run with them.

Here’s a little journey of my first 50 miles with the Saucony Kinvara 4′s.

Standard theMFDre disclaimer here – I was sent a pair of Saucony Kinvara 4′s as part of my relationship with Fitfluential.  That said, all opinions are completely unbiased and totally my own.

Pre Date Jitters: Warning: You’ve been Matched. And this date might totally #kickassimus.

Random package arrives on my doorstep…I’m a sucker for presentation and believe first impressions are everything.  They look good, they feel good, profile looks good and they weigh mere ounces each.  I think I might want to make out with these shoes.  {Side note – I’ve run in Kinvaras before – liked them so much they came to Boston with me – so was kind of like a second first date – knew it was not going to be a bad one…but as everyone knows, time away and change is not always for good}….so off we went on 50 first miles.

First Date:  Miles 0 – 7 – our first track workout together.  Well, they’re certainly bright.

Date #2. Miles 7-13, a six-mile speed sesh through the neighborhood.  That date went FAST.  Still bright and total lightweights, but perhaps a bit stiff? I’ll give them another run.

Is it too early to take them on a weekender?

Guess not.

Date #3.  miles 13-17 – four miles through the oppressive heat of Leg 1 during Ragnar SoCal.  It was a brutal run.  I had no time to focus on this date – I was in self-preservation mode – trying to get through this leg of the relay.

{image courtesy of Steph}

And the dates continued….

Miles 17-20 -  a three and a half mile shakeout run pre-Big Sur. They were my B shoes for the weekend. Second best. The date before the date… you all know you’ve done that before.  Right?

 pleasesayIwasn’ttheonlygirlthatdoublebookeddates.

Miles 21-25 – an early morning 4 mile -14 legger with the homies.  These shoes really know how to work a crowd.

Followed by back to back 12-mile and 10-mile turned kickassumus runs in crazy headwind this past weekend.  And a 5-mile date with RP last night.

It was on Sunday’s 10 miler, that my crush with the Saucony Kinvara 4 became real {again}.  They weren’t an instant sell.  They started out just kind of meh.  Sure they were bright and fun – and I love bright and fun.  But I wasn’t sure they had much depth to them — perhaps because they’re so incredibly lightweight???  Or is that just the secret to them???

On Sunday’s 10-miler, I realized I never knew they were even there.  Despite the force of the headwind, my feet continued to connect with the road and whiz along, super responsively and without hesitation.  They glided over the sand-blown beach path without presence, and despite being so lightweight they delivered enough cushion that I never felt the pavement. I realized that I was running faster. better. stronger. And I liked it.

It was on Sunday date, that the Kinvara 4s became a permanent rotation in my “stable” of shoes and that running in highlighter yellow shoes is totally kickassimus.

{MF Dre}

and ps. the Mr.’s been obsessing over these.  his review coming this weekend.

I’ve always been a fan of Oatmeal Raisin. I’m the kid that was secretly thrilled when the Chocolate Chip, M&M and Sugar Cookies were taken first and all that remained were the Oatmeal Raisin. It meant that I could probably have two since no one else seemed to want them. It probably also contributed to a little extra love on my playground frame.

Anyway, I did a little experimenting and adapted a favorite Oatmeal Raisin cookie recipe….turns out, it worked! I won’t say they top the PB ones, but they’re pretty darn close.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

• 2 1/4 cups rolled oats
• 1 tbsp. cornstarch
• 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• pinch salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup raisins

In a blender or food processor, process 1.5 cups rolled oats until finely ground. Pour into a medium-sized bowl along with cornstarch, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl beat together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Gradually beat in oat mixture until evenly mixed. Stir in chocolate chips and raisins, along with remaining 3/4 cups rolled oats.

Drop cookies 2 inches apart onto parchment lined baking sheets forming into a rough ball shape. Bake at 350ºF for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown on the edges. Makes about 2 dozen.

What’s your favorite kind of cookie?

{MF Dre}

When registration for this race opened last year, I waited a little too long to pull the trigger and the marathon sold out.  Big Sur offers a number of different distance options beyond the marathon – 21 miles, 10.6 miles, 9 miles a Marathon relay and a 5k.  The 21 mile race was still open and as any marathon runner knows the last 5 miles can sometimes be a dark place… I figured being able to finish before getting to the last 5 was a win!

The race is a point to point course along Highyway One – that includes much of the world-renowned 17-mile drive.  We were bussed to the start and as we were readying for the race, watching the sun come up, a volunteer came out and led us through a 20 minute yoga warm-up.  Definitely a first for any race I’ve ever run.  I was freezing and nervous – shivering probably from both!! The yoga helped get my blood flowing, steady my breath and relax my mind

At 7am sharp, the race started.  I didn’t bring my camera.  I didn’t bring a watch.  I brought my music, but only turned it on for the 2 mile feat from Little Sur up to Hurricane Point – the craziest/most beautiful/hardest/windiest hill I’ve ever climbed.  I wanted to take in this course with my eyes, my ears, my breath and my body.   There’s this piece of me that wishes I had my phone to take pictures, but I also know that there is no way the pictures could have captured even an ounce of what I saw.

It was chilly – probably in the low-mid 40*s most of the course – and very foggy.  The fog created this beautiful overlay hanging over the cliffs and the ocean  -  a beauty that a camera could not have properly captured.

The course was non stop hills and aside from the massive hill on the elevation chart which I well anticipated, I am glad that the chart below did not really allow me to visualize the details of the course.  The hills were relentless.. relentless in providing me with the biggest grin as I tacked each and every one of them.

I have learned how to run (and appreciate) hills!!

This is by far one of the best races I’ve ever run.  On all levels.  I felt strong, confident and able.  I LOVED the course.  21 miles along California’s most scenic coastline left me inspired, and grateful. I ran strong and without time expectations or goals.  Turns out this works well for me.  No watch, no time pressure.  I ran one of the strongest races I’ve ever raced and came in 6th in my age division among the 21 mile runners.  Now that was unexpected!!!

My recap feels choppy and inadequate in writing.  I’m struggling to put the words on paper, but so completely fulfilled by the experience.  Mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally.  It was all there. And probably the best vote of confidence I can give this race is that I plan to make sure I sign up early enough to experience the full next year.

And for those of you not interested in a full, I highly encourage the 10.6 mile race (which you can either run or walk) – everyone should experience this course, this view, these moments on foot…I can attest that very little compares.

{MF Dre}

Outfit details:  Lululemon Run for Your Money Romper, Asics Arm Sleeves, Asics LS Race Shirt, Moving Comfort Luna Sports Bra, Pro Crompression Trainers, Nuun Visor, Brooks Pure Flow 2.

J.Crew, Christian Dior, Sole Society, Yumi Kim, Charlotte, Veronica M. and more!

While I haven’t posted the news officially yet, I’m starting my next round of fundraising for Fred’s Team and I’ve come up with some creative ideas to raise money – one of which starts inside my closet!

Happy Shopping … donating.

{MF Dre}

A couple of links I’m loving this week.

1. These Shark Tooth Earrings bring me back to childhood vacations combing the beach for jingle shells and shark teeth.
2. As we remodel our home these DIY Bookends are an easy and fun way to put a personal touch on our living room.
3. Summer’s Almost Here – who wouldn’t want to customize their own beach cruiser
4. I’ve always believed in morning workouts.  Here are 5 Reasons that may convince you to greet the sun.
5. Ever since my first meal at Son of A Gun, I’ve been dying to recreated their famed Fried Chicken Sandwich.
6. Pets on Furniture – a Yay or a Nay? I know I have a hard time saying No to the Homies.
7. Think You’re Overworked?  The truth about how much workaholics really work.
8. I’ve always been a fan of J. Crew. In this Shiny Ponies Video, Jenna Lyons offers up her personal style notes on the perfect pair of shoes.
9. Another easy DIY for my new living room.

{MF Dre}

You may recall I raced the track in these shoes a few weeks ago.  Working on my review of them right now (spoiler alert:  I’m loving them and I kicked assimus wearing them on my 6 miler this morning) but I did want to make sure that you know that they LAUNCHED TODAY and for all of you Kinvara-obsessed runners you can buy them here right now and start Kickassimus-ing too.

Separately, the Mr.’s been rockin’ these and he is completely and totally obsessed…like I’ve never seen before.  I mean, I think he put them on with his dress pants last week…

{MF Dre}

{MF Dre}

After bringing the van in through the end of Leg 2, we hustled to the next major exchange, parked and crashed. 6 bodies passed out in the seats, across the benches and even on the floor of our.van. We were gifted about 2.5 hours of sleep before a waaaay to early text came from van 2 saying they had one runner left before they would be at the exchange. {Insert expletives here} and all of us were instantly in desperate need of caffeine, bathrooms, breakfast and a quick boost of adrenaline to rally for our final legs. Somehow Steph got us moving, Rachel kept us going and Janice pulled out a strong 9 miles to carry us half way through our legs.

{one leg to go}

Lauren took off and we went to the next exchange. And waited and waited and waited.

Yep. Wrong exchange. This was exchange 29, not 28. We had overshot it and Lauren was waiting 5 hilly miles back for Julie to grab the baton. Once we realized our error, we jumped back in the van, rescued Lauren, and sent Julie hauling.

and she hauled

and I booked it out of that exchange.

exchange 29 photo courtesy of Lauren

I’m not going to lie, that beautiful bridge only paved the way to another brutal hill and the temps were already back in the 80′s. awesome

So I hoofed it. Trying to tap in to some of my mojo from the night before aaaaand it worked. Multiple kills up that hill and an insanely strong last 2 miles – both paced around 7:30 minutes. Whaaat?? Yeah, I don’t know who I was either.

photo courtesy of julie

and Lauren

and with that I wrapped my final leg of Ragnar SoCal.

Van 2 took off for their final legs and we headed down to the Embarcadero in San Diego to dominate some pizza and beers. The perfect recovery for bleary eyed, adrenaline filled, hangry runners and waited for our final runner to bring us all through the finish.

and it felt so good.

Even with a multi-part recap, I’m still struggling to communicate just how fun this was. So much fun that I want to do it again and again and again {oh wait, I am} And I want all my friends to do it too – it is one hell of an experience and I can’t say enough thank you’s to Ragnar for sponsoring me on this journey.

Have you run Ragnar? Which Ragnar would you pick?

Anyone else doing Ragnar Tahoe Trail?

{MF Dre}