… because it’s Monday and I need to get in the car and drive to Dallas, I’m leaving you today with a little photo essay from this weekend’s Miracle Match Marathon that The Husband ran. It’s also a post that reminds me that I should have ignored my insane advertising/graphic design path and followed my true passion in art and photography. Oh well, things happen for a reason and if I did follow that path to the Kansas City Art Institute instead of my alma mater University of North Texas I would not have met my amazing, fantastic and quite handsome husband. I just can’t live without the husband, mia, a good meal, and…

my camera.

I was also reminded how much I am attached to my camera when my iPhone was stolen later that day and all I could think of was, “I’m so glad it wasn’t my camera!”

By the way, what is it about a man in uniform or in action that makes such a great subject? hmm?

In this day and age as consumers it is sad to realize that our voice has slowly faded. The motto, “the customer is always right” has spiraled down the big corporate toilet along with customer service. Don’t get me wrong, there are exceptions to this but from what I experienced this past weekend has left me an overwhelming dislike for chain hotels that have a total disregard for it’s guests and care only about your wallet. I am speaking in particular about  Choice Hotels the owners of Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, Main Stay Suites, Econo Lodge, and Rodeway Inn.

{L} Sam Orr {R} The Husband

It was the first of many marathon weekends of the season and Tim (aka “The Husband”), Mia and I packed our bags and headed to New Braunfels, Texas for the Chosen Marathon For Adoption. The marathon was a success and Tim finished at 3:53:27 breaking his personal record by seven minutes! I was very proud of him and touched by the marathon in whole. It was the first time at a marathon that left me in tears every time I would see a team of runners with the name of the child they were running for and the family (who was usually apart of the team) that was trying to adopt that child. I know too well of the trails and tribulations adoption can bring because 30 years ago my parents choose me to be their child. A truly amazing marathon (and half marathon) that raises money to cover the costs of adoption and I encourage everyone, if they hold it again, to participate! Through all of this joy I did not let the events of the hotel bring us down but it was always in the back of my mind.

We had made reservations at the Quality Inn in New Braunfels. It was not the hotel from hell (being an ex-musicians wife, trust me, I’ve seen them all) but it was certainly close. It was not dirty or bug infested but what was the most disgusting part of it all was the attitude of the day clerk and the corporate customer service. It all started at check in when we asked the clerk if there was a crib in the room as earlier requested. Her reply was that they did not in fact have a crib because the single crib that the three story hotel had was broken. There was no back up. Of course, I was mad. Where am I going to put my child? She will not sleep with us, we’ve tried it’s a nightmare. And when we asked for at least some sort of reimbursement she chuckled and said she could not give us a reimbursement because we are not paying for the crib just the room. Seriously?! Are you thinking what I’m thinking? That’s like saying my bed is broken but since I’m only paying for the room I guess it’s ok. I was so upset that I made a call to the corporate office. First of all it took forever to be connected to customer service because the 800 number goes directly to a call service somewhere overseas where after I switched to three different operators with horrible English that wanted me to make a reservation, I finally was connected to someone in customer service who spoke my language. This was the straw that broke the camels back. I stated our case and made a formal complaint that a hotel this size should at least have a back-up crib and politely asked if there was any way we could borrow one from another Choice Hotel in the area. Her response was a sarcastic “No” and then suggested we stay in another room with two beds. Obviously this lady has never had young children who role off beds. After explaining what happens with a baby who is too young to sleep three feet off the bed with out rails she then replied, “Well, what do you expect me to do.” Out of frustration and getting nowhere I said, “I was just trying to make a complaint but after talking to you I will never stay at a Choice Hotel again.” And that’s when she said ,and I quote, “I guess you won’t.”

That’s when I hung up the phone. I really wanted to leave out of spite but it was too late and I just wanted to get on with everything. Thankfully, Tim’s amazing cousin, Amanda, drove from Buda, Texas with a pack-n-play. Thanks Mandy! My little girl had a place to sleep and all was right with the world until…..

Did I tell you that my in-laws came down for the marathon as well? And guess where they stayed? You’re right if you guessed the Quality Inn. Their experience was not with the lack of compassion or cribs but with an unfortunate experience with food poisoning from what we can only narrow down to a spoiled egg from their continental breakfast. Now we can’t say for certain but we all ate the exact things except for the eggs. Mia was the only other one who also ate the eggs (but only two or three bites) and had diarrhea all day. Put two and two together and it’s a good hypothesis. Another unfortunate incident was that in the middle of the night their air conditioner in their room started to spewed out black insulation that continued to the next morning. They would also like to point out that the down stairs smelled like propane the next morning. This all coming from two people that have been in hundreds if not thousands of hotels big and small all over the world and hardly complain because they are used to it ALL.

All in all not a pleasant experience with the Quality Inn in New Braunfels, Texas or with Choice Hotels. I was so upset that I used Twitter to release some pint up frustration. Not only did y’all retweet to warn others but I heard many complaints mostly by parents who had bad situations at a Choice Hotel and Choice Corporate as well. From our experience and the stories of others my conclusion is that Choice Hotels is not a parent or family friendly chain. Since their corporate offices lack compassion or care for us parents I urge you if you have had a bad experience blog, tweet, or spread the word! Maybe then they will become more parent friendly because of our words or hopefully at least we can warn others to stay away from Choice Hotels and chose another place to stay!

…and please we have a whole season left of races and marathons, if you have any suggestions of an inexpensive (less than & 120 a night for 2 adults and child) please, please, please leave a comment and let me know where your favorite family place to stay is! Thanks – Meredith

It’s oatmeal time again. We were out for a while. It was tough, real tough but I got a chance to make a couple weeks worth and now we have a happy baby. Here’s an updated take on the first stage 1 oatmeal recipe post: oatmeal is everywhere.

This recipe makes 2 large adult servings or 1 ice-cube tray (for storing) and a little left over for baby. We’re making it this morning to get Tim fueled up for his upcoming race this weekend in Ft.Woth.

Note: pears, apples, cherries, and raisins are all on the “dirty dozen” list of produce to by organic. If possible try to get these items organically. Also, as with any new baby food recipe make sure baby is used to all ingredients before serving.

Pear Apple and Cherry Oatmeal {for baby stage 2 + and everyone}

• 2 cups water
• 2/3 cup oatmeal, not instant
• 1 pear, organic if possible, peeled, cored and cubed
• 1 apple, organic if possible, peeled, cored and cubed
• 1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped, organic if possible
• 1/4 cup golden raisins, choped, organic if possible
• 2 Tbs brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon* some babies are known to have a sensitivity towards cinnamon, read this WholesomeBabyFood.com “Spices and Herbs” article for more information

In a pot bring the water to a boil and add the rest of the ingredients listed. Simmer on medium low for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pears and apples are tender.

You can either serve now or puree in a food processor or blender. Add more water if needed.

If making this strictly for baby you will have plenty of left over. Pour into an ice-cube tray. Cover with plastic wrap or ice-cube tray cover. Place in freezer and when frozen remove from trays. Store in freezer bags. Each cube is 1 ounce. Will store in freezer for 3 months or in the refrigerator for 3 days.

Mia is now 15 months and still loves this recipe! If you are like us and the doctor’s orders are to add a little more chub to those baby cheeks (b/c of Mia’s prematurity), this is a great vehicle for a little extra whole milk or butter!

Now I must get off the computer and in the car. It’s time for another marathon weekend. It’s funny how when my husband and I first were together and in the early days of our marriage, weekends were full of music gigs and musicians. Now it’s full of races and sweaty runners! This time we’re off to The Cowtown Marathon and in the spirit of things I will leave you with a couple of photos of races from the past. If your interested (I know it’s peeking your curiosity, right?) I’ll tweet with updates. So, follow along on twitter or check the side bar on here. Have a good weekend everyone!

Left: honestly, I can’t remember what race this is from but I love how he’s always smiling before a run. Right:White Rock Marathon in Dallas, TX

Left: Jingle Bell Run. He ran it injured, in a tux and still placed 3rd in age division! Like I said crazy. Right: Hills and Heels 1/2 marathon.

Don’t go running away from the computer just yet. Beets are good! Trust me! Just wait and you’ll see…

It’s marathon season. Not for me of course, but for my husband. Who is insane. Really. 26.2 miles? That’s the definition of insanity to me. I sometimes think he runs just so he can eat and drink whatever he wants to after a big race. For example after a race this fall in San Antonio he ate two tacos, a massive bowl of tortilla soup, a chicken entre, a cheese enchilada, rice and beans, a basket of chips and washed it down with three margaritas. In contrast he monitors everything he eats pre race. What does this mean for me during marathon season (October – March) gain 5 pounds, loose 5 pounds, gain 5, and loose 5. Whew, I’m glad the season is almost over.

To prep for an upcoming race I usually do a pre-week of healthy low-fat meals and “carb” meals before long training runs and a couple of days before a race. Tomorrow I will be adding on the pasta and breads but for now here is a beautiful salad that is hardy enough to be a meal. Now, don’t be shy of the beet my friends. Just try roasting them and they are sweet and delicious.

it’s a beet! {roasted beet and goat cheese salad} serves 4

• 2 medium beets, washed and stems removed
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 1 bunch of watercress
• 1/4 cup walnuts

for vinaigrette:

• 2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
• 4 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 4 Tbs fresh orange juice (about the juice of 1 orange)
• salt and freshly ground pepper to taste (about a pinch each)

Preheat oven to 375°.

Wrap beets individually in aluminum foil. Place beets in oven and roast for 45 minutes to an hour or until they can be pierced with a fork. (This can be done a day in advance. Keep in refrigerator until needed.)

While beets are in the oven. Toast the walnuts on medium – low heat in a skillet. Watch carefully so they don’t burn. This should take 5 to 10 minutes. Set aside when done.

This is a good time to make the vinaigrette. Now listen. This is easy and from my point there is no need to ever buy vinaigrette from the store after you’ve mastered this. Ever. Are you ready? Ok, put everything listed above for the vinaigrette in a small Tupperware container, close the lid and shake.  That’s it. To make any vinaigrette just add more olive oil than vinegar, a little salt and pepper and whatever else you desire. There you go. My big secret.

Unwrap and peel using a vegetable peeler. This can also be done by rubbing your hands against the beet until the peel comes off but then you’ll have purple-red hands and that’s just strange. Note: gloves are a good idea!

Slice the beets in rounds.

Place 4 to 5 slices on a plate. Top with crumbled goat cheese, about 1 oz each serving. Then top with a handful of watercress and about a tablespoon of walnuts. Lightly pour  2 tablespoons of vinaigrette over and serve. Enjoy!

If you serve this as a meal and need a light side dish to pair try roasted spaghetti squash with olive oil, lemon, sage and parmesan served cold or warm. You can roast the squash and the beets at the same time. Click the link for a quick spaghetti squash how to from a great food blog, the Tasty Kitchen.

I must leave you with this shot from this morning. She just couldn’t let go of his shirt and I couldn’t blame her.