NEW ARRIVALS

First off, a lot of people have been asking for the Delerium Tremens glassware. I just got some in today, so they should be around for awhile. Anyway, here's the new stuff.

1.Scaldis 75th Anniversary Amber Ale

2.St. Bernardus Christmas Ale (it took a long time to get, but it's worth it)

cheers,

dave

Drooling + My First Kiss: 25 Things About Ashley

As if you haven't seen this before :) After being pressured into it via Facebook, I thought you all might care to know 25 Things About ME. I've got to admit, it felt a bit awkward writing out 25 sentences that all start with I!

from a family dinner last night

1. I've become much truer to myself over the past few years.

2. I drool when I sleep. (Ewww!)

3. Running has quickly become one of my biggest passions.

4. I've been a vegetarian since Oct. 2000.

5. I love my 'alone' time.

6. I am doing exactly what I want to do- and I'm pretty happy about it.

7. I'm studying to be a nutritionist.

8. I love making new friends.

9. I miss my friends and family in NPR, even though it's only 1 hour away.

10. I miss the Beanery more than anything. (The Beanery was a coffeehouse my family owned- which eventually led to 4 coffeehouses around Tampa. It was like nothing else- lots of couches, live music and the best people. I met most of my friends there and to this day we all still miss it.)

11. I love cleaning my house.

12. Cooking and baking after a tough day really soothes me.

13. I believe accepting that everything doesn't have to be perfect is the key to enjoying life.

14. I love traveling and can't wait to travel outside the U.S. (to somewhere other than Mexico and Canada!).

15. I clip coupons and it makes me feel so good!

16. I am so thankful for the people who care for me.

17. I am too impatient to read movie descriptions or any important details.

18. I still miss my dear friend Jonathan Williams who disappeared with the Navy.

19. I'm all about simplifying my life.

20. I could live off of frozen mango.

21. My first kiss was New Years Eve when I was 17. It was SO BAD!

22. I've never been to a college football game- and I've already graduated!

23. Out of 13 '2009 Goals', I'm accomplishing 12.

24. David and I have been dating long-distance for more than 2 years!

25. I am so excited about what's to come.


If you would list 25 Things About You, then I tag you! Make sure to let me know if you do it!

MADRUGADA OBSCURA

We just got a shipment of Jolly Pumpkin's oak aged Belgian-style stout, Madrugada Obscura. Buy some.

cheers,

dave

New Arrivals

JUST IN TODAY:

1.Santa Cruz Ale Works IPA

2.La Goudale Biere De Garde

3.Amadeus Wit

In case anyone missed the last round of phone calls, BEER OF THE MONTH FOR FEBRUARY IS HERE!

cheers,

dave

Re-Activating Your Lifestyle

I am great at maintaining- regardless of the specific number on the scale, my body will hold on tight without consideration of dieting, holidays or training programs.

So why has my weight jumped 4 pounds Christmas 2007 and 4 pounds Christmas 2008? "Did I really eat that much each Christmas?" I asked myself. After the gain I would try to lose the weight but the scale wouldn't budge. Like I said, I am great at maintaining. Up until Christmas 2007 I had always stayed within a specific 3 pound range.

Then it hit me.
Before Christmas 2007 I had balanced a desk job and school during the day with an intense waitressing job and social life at night. I was always moving. Christmas 2007 I quit waitressing. A lot less moving, 4 more pounds.
This past Christmas 2008 I graduated from college. No more parking 1 mile from classes and running around to catch the next. The farthest I have to walk now is from the parking lot to the front door. Hello an extra 4 pounds.
Sure I've trained and completed a half marathon and worked with a personal trainer as I was gaining weight... but it was the unintentional daily activity that really made the difference.

This more encouraging than saddening. Sure, I miss my (more) active lifestyle, but I am where I am and it's not changing yet. Hopefully one day I'll have a job away from the desk- but that is not today. And I'm not about ready to surrender to a sedentary lifestyle and welcome the pounds onto my frame.

So I'm going to do everything I can to add more movement into everyday tasks. I will finally walk to work when possible (it's only 1 mile!). I will park on the second level of Whole Food's parking garage and hike my way down to the store on the first level. I will take more stretch breaks at work.

...and I will use my new Gaiam Balance Ball Chair!

I've been apprehensive to spend so much money on a chair, but when I considered how much of my time is spent sitting in from of work's computer, I realized it is worth it.

How do you deal with a sedentary lifestyle?
Any little tricks you incorporate throughout your day? Please share them in comments!

Goodbye to Yesterday's Habits

Dear Self:

Yes, tomorrow is a new day, a new chance. But tomorrow will not be a day you lose weight if you continue yesterday's habits.

Forget the stress-eating. Food will not take away the emotions or the stress- and your body would rather you didn't try anyway! Enjoy every bite.

Stop the 'poor me' excuses. You can stay between 1,400-1,600 calories and still live. Really.

-Ashley

ps- Have you seen this?

ALASKAN BARLEYWINE

Alaskan Barleywine is here! Winner of the gold medal at the
2007 Toronado Barleywine Festival.
Quantities are limited, so grab it while you can!


cheers,

dave

NEW ARRIVALS: TELEGRAPH BREWING COMPANY

Santa Barbara Based Telegraph Brewing Company produces high quality traditional styles at very reasonable prices. In stock now:

-Telegraph Golden Wheat Ale 750ml

-Telegraph California Ale 750ml

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By the way, if anyone missed the Toronado stout night yesterday, you may still have a chance to have some great stuff on tap. If you rush over, you might still be able to get ABYSS, OLD VISCOSITY, FIFTY-FIFTY ECLIPSE, etc. I'm not sure what's left, but it's worth checking out.

cheers,

dave

Stone Cali Belgique

We Just received a small shipment of Cali-Belgique.
It is a California style IPA using Begian yeast strain.


Rami

Rami

NEW STUFF

Some new stuff that's come in over the past few days:

1. Hitachino Nest Commemorative Ale

2. Kasteel Cru

3.Bear Republic "Pete Brown"

4.Green Flash Trippel

5.Green Flash "Le Freak"

6.Green Flash Grand Cru

7.Abbaye Des Rocs Triple Imperiale

8.Fantome Hiver (the new batch. it's awesome)

9.Fantome X-Mas (from this year)

10.Fuller's London Pride

11.Fuller's Vintage Ale 2008

ALSO:::::::::::::::::::::

Be sure to check out MAC TARNAHAN'S AMBER ALE, from Portland, OR. We are selling it in 6-packs for only $6.99 for a limited time. It's a good session ale, lightly dry hopped with cascades.

Cheers,

dave

Hot Doggin' It! (and a poll!)

*****I've added a quick poll at the top of healthy ashley to get some anonymous feedback. Select your answers and press enter if you can!*****

I've been missing salty, greasy hot dogs ever since I became a vegetarian seven years ago. But last Friday David and I were hosting a sleepover at my place for my little siblings and we all had a fun meal on our mind: beans and franks.

This time the vegetarian wanted to participate too! I finally found some meat-free 'hot dogs' at Greenwise and was so excited to try them out!

LightLife Smart Dogs

Ingredients: Water, soy protein isolate, wheat gluten, evaporated cane juice, salt, yeast extract, soy sauce (water, soybeans, wheat, salt), granulated garlic, carrageenan, spice extract, natural flavors (from vegetable sources), vegetable gum, natural smoke flavor, potassium chloride, tomato pulp.

What I Thought:
They were very hot dog-ish (from what I remember). They had a fun hot dog texture but were a little bland. Once David seasoned them in a skillet they turned out amazing. They were so good that I ate the leftover links cold with breakfast the next morning! I like the fact that they are fat-free and low in calories, but you should definitely note that the salt is pretty high.

But who wants a vegetarian's review of a meat-like product?! So I asked the resident carnivore for his tasty opinion:

What David Thought:
The smart dogs were very paste-like in texture. I thought they had some characteristics of a hot dog (such as smell) but really did not taste as good as the scent suggested. It took a lot of spicing up to be edible.

I'm rooting for the non-meat products a bit more than David :) Either way, they're worth a try if you're looking for a healthier, vegan hot dog product!

Have you tried LightLife Smart Dogs or anything like them? Let me know your review!

And don't forget to take that quick poll!

Not 'Breaking Out' Anymore!

Back in early November '08 I did post "Breaking Out... the bad way" about some skin issues I was suffering from. My normally-clear face was now breaking out despite all the fancy products I tried.

Lots of you had some great tips- from different products that worked miracles on your own skin to little tips like 'try to touch your face less' and 'take a day off makeup here and there.'

One tip I tried first ended up saving me. I tried Melissa's (check out her blog- she and her husband Chad are sweethearts and have the cutest dogs) tip about Purpose Gentle Cleansing Bar. A dermatologist reccomended this cheap, OTC facewash when her skin started breaking out.

I'm sure you know Purpose in it's blue cardboard box. Mine was only about $3. I've since thrown out my box, but you can see the box packed in my suitcase here:

Well, I tried it on my road trip and have used it every day since! It's so gentle on my skin, but I haven't broken out at all. It smells so clean and is a simple wipe-on/wash-off process. I love it.

I hope this helps in case you're seeking out a (cheap) facewash that works for you!

Next Big Challenge

Last September I set myself up for a big challenge and completed it. I trained and ran my 5K, 10K and half marathon!

Now I am setting up (or revisiting..) my next challenge: weight loss. It's really gotten out of control. I am now 9 lb.'s higher than I've been most of my life and 12 lb.'s higher than where I want to be.

I exercise and eat mostly healthy, but the weight has continually creeped up. I know where I fault: afternoon snacking, too many sweets and eating too much with David or when there's a lot of food around.

But I want to lose this weight to feel better in my own skin, run easier and fit into all my great clothes (that are currently out of commission).

Weight loss has always been like running was for me- the "it's great that others can do it, but I am just not made to do it" mentality. Well I proved that theory wrong with my half marathon, so now it's time to tackle my weight.

It makes sense that if I eat less and exercise more I will lose, but something inside me won't let that register. Something inside me says eating 5 chunks of chocolate doesn't matter anyway since I'm not going to lose.

So I'm heading into this half-blind.

Starting today I am counting calories (1,400-1,600) and eating most of my starchy breads and high-carb meals in the early part of the day without thinking too much about it or focusing on what I weigh right now.

My weigh-in this morning showed me a new, bad number, but that's only feedback. My short term goal is to get back to my normal weight (9 lb.s less than I am today). After that I would like to trim off another few pounds.

Here I go!

ps- I signed up for my next half- the Gasparilla Half Marathon March 1st! I'm going to train with a great girl I met on my last half!

DFH CHICORY STOUT

We just recieved Dogfish Head's Chicory Stout. Quantities are limited, at least for now. It's a very sessionable stout, made with chicory and Mexican coffee.

cheers,

dave

I DID IT!!!!! I DID IT!!!!!

I finished my first half-marathon!!

It was so awesome! I'm surprised at how well I did actually. I keep thinking how a few short months ago a 5K was tough for me- and now I completed a 13.1 mile race. For anyone thinking of running or dabbling in smaller races, please take a look at my running history. You'll quickly notice that if I can do this, you definitely can, too!

800 runners.. 10 toilets. We had quite the line!

David and I arrived to the Clearwater Half site around 6:10am. It was freeeeeezing and I was chugging my Pepto Bismol since I still have my stomach bug. I was just so excited.

Since David's dad was running with me, we chatted at the starting line with tips and words of encouragement. And... we were off!

The first 10 minutes of the race was the BEST. A huge group of all different people running through the city to start off 13.1 miles. I had trained for this. I was so ready to take on this challenge. The biggest smile was plastered over my face!

The course went over two big bridges on the way out and we covered the same two bridges on the way back. From the start the race director warned people to not attempt a PR with this tough course, so my running definitely had its inconsitencies.

From the website:

"These courses just might be the most scenic races in Florida, as well as the
most challenging, with demanding ascents over our fixed bridges."

Here's an older picture of the smaller bridge

Here is some info and pictures from the course. Unfortunately, it doesn't show the two huge bridges! But it was beautiful. You're running along beaches and there was water in sight throughout most of it. My favorite was going over that first bridge and looking over Clearwater at sunsrise!

I normally run 3 minutes on, 1 minute off. With the adrenaline of this race I was running 6-10 minutes on, 30 seconds off! Between people on the sides to the wonderful (and comical) other runners, I felt fueled by sources outside me.

David and his mom had quite the time while David's dad and I ran the race. They kept catching up to us throughout the race to take photos and cheer us on. It was too funny having my personal mobile cheering section! David even went out to buy me a bagel after I told him I was hungry around Mile 7!! They were GREAT sports!

Just got to the top of the first bridge!

After a few miles I found some wonderful runners to keep up with. Talking with them while passing many mile markers definitely kept me going faster than I might of anyway. Towards the end our little group ended up picking up the sole straglers that were about ready to give in and walk the rest of the way! Ahh, I love the instant camaraderie between runners. Age, status and history means nothing between runners- everyone seems to have this instant, friendly bond. =)

David's dad Steve running about 30 minutes ahead of me

My knees were really in pain from mile 7, but other than that I felt so good! I couldn't believe it. At one point I ran over 30 (hilly) minutes at a pace of less than 11 minutes and I still felt fine. Other than the last mile, my body (and breathing!!) was very happy. The progress my body has made amazes me.

Running through that finish line I felt so good. I finished with the women I'd run most of the race with. David and his parents were waiting at the finish line with cheers, photos and "You did it!" 's!

This crazy guy ran the whole thing (way ahead of me) with flip-flops, shorts and a stick..!

I did it. I set a crazy goal and made it! Really, though, it was much more than "made it". If you would've told me 6 months ago I would run a half marathon, I would've never taken you seriously. I couldn't even run 2 miles!! Now I successfully conquered 13.1 miles. I feel so good!

Here's to this "almost-runner" joining the ranks of real "runner"! Now I'm looking for my next half!!
I finished 2:46:43 (a 12:43 pace), which isn't too bad considering most of the course was hills and bridges. Good starting number to beat next time!

Thank you to everyone for your support. Really, your words replay in my mind and push me to go farther. They're not just silly comments- you guys meant so much to me accomplishing this.

To celebrate today we headed out to my new favorite restaurant in Ybor City, Acropolis, and then to see Defiance!

EVERYTHING YOU NEED

IS ALREADY INSIDE.

The video (and message and song!) definitely pushed me during my workout. Look at all the accomplished people in the video. It is inside them just like it is inside you. Overcome your obstacles and push yourself!

DAMNATION 3 LITER IS BACK!

Damnation in Jeroboam (3 Liter) size is now back in stock.

cheers,

dave

Real Life Running Tips From the Almost-Runner

Thank you so much for your comments regarding my last run. I'm feeling a little better today and hope to do a fairly long run before I scale down my mileage for the race Sunday.

Now, a running post in spirit of my half marathon this Sunday:

Lots of sites put out really great running tips, sites such as Runners World and Cool Running.

But maybe you’re like me, a novice runner with some handicaps and some big goals. I’ve made most of the great tips already available work into my training, but along the way I’ve also come up with a few of my own. I’d like to call these my Real Life Running Tips:

1. Make a schedule work for you. Everyone knows your long runs should be on the weekends, but weekends just wouldn’t work for me. Through trial and error I discovered Mondays are best for my long runs after a relaxing weekend and plenty of food in my belly.

2. Indoors or outdoors, it is still training. Most runners hate long runs on the treadmill. I actually prefer the treadmill for the distraction of the TV and the continuous speed control. Test different environments out to determine what suits you best. (At some point make sure to train in an environment like where your race will take place.)

3. Foam roll! My personal trainer was the first to tell me about foam rolling. She insisted I foam roll on a regular basis to protect my already-weak knees when I run. Holy cow does it work. If I foam roll, I don’t cramp up and my knees stay strong. If I don’t foam roll, it gets bad! (Info on foam rolling for runners)

4. Monitor how your belly affects your legs. Play with your nutrition to see what foods allow you to run your best. I’m best if I have a solid meal 1.5 hours before I run. Any sort of ‘fake’ food or too much sugar will ruin a run.

5. Breathe. My exercise-induced asthma made my runs really difficult. When I used my inhaler I could breathe better, but I got a headache and my stomach would start to hurt. If you have trouble breathing at first (feeling like you will die if you run one more second…), work through it. Stop when you have to stop to avoid hurting yourself, but do keep working at it. Eventually my breathing has gotten so much better.

Basically my tips boil down to find out what works best for you. Time of day, foods for fuel, location, music/no music/TV… test it out and determine what works. You can do it!

* Here are 100 pretty great running tips- useful for 5K-ers and marathoners alike!

photo credit

NEW BEER: AVERY MEPHISTOPHOLES

It's time to begin training for strong beer week! Come and get Batch 4 of Avery's 15.92% Imperial Stout!

dave

Fighting Failure

In this post, I have nothing special to write. Stop here if you want fun photos or an inspriational message... all you're going to get is a defeated runner who just wants to cry. I think a special time-of-month is coming soon which would explain my hyper-emotional state, but I'm allowing myself feel it anyway.

The History
You see last September I promised myself I would push my love of running to a 5K and then a 10K the next month... and then a half marathon. I've had to overcome many obstacles with it (mental barriers, weak knees, asthma), but my love for running grows.

I completed my 5K with a new PR. I was under trained and nervous for my 10K, but I did it (along with my supportive boyfriend by my side). Now I face the half marathon, 13.1 miles, this Sunday.

Ready for 13.1?
I've admitted it to few, but I seriously considered giving up on the biggest goal, my half. With graduation and the holidays I had no time to train and I was set that non-runner me couldn't take on a half in 3 weeks.

...but one tough the-more-I-want-to-give-up-the-harder-I-have-to-try-because-I'm-no-quitter session with the treadmill turned that around for me. I ran a solid 8 miles when I couldn't knock out 5 not too long before that. After that I knew I could do this.

Fast Forward to Tonight
Tonight was my big 10-miler. I've been planning for this for weeks. Not only was it to be my first double-digit run, but it was my last big training run before the race.

I spent the week pumping myself up for this. I was finally ready.

Armed with multiple water bottles, Clif shot blocks, iPod and towel, I tackled the treadmill. Then I had to stop at mile 4. My stomach has been acting up (let's just say my butt is a runny faucet- no leakage, though! eww! Did I really put that on my blog!?!), but as I was running it got much worse.

I tried to push through the gurgling and cramping that was taking over my abdomen and instead focused on pushing through to meet my time. At mile 5 I couldn't take it and visited the restroom again.

Well, I couldn't stay out of the restroom and had no choice but to quit my run.

I was so built up about this run, but instead I walked away feeling defeated. This wasn't just any run. This was my big goal, this was the run that would yell to me, "Ashley! You've done it!" I've put all my effort and strength into overcoming my lack of training that to have a stupid stomach bug overcome me really stinks.

Vegan Carrot Soup YUM!

I have to share one of the best soup recipes ever with you. It is this Vegan Carrot Soup recipe from AllRecipes.com.

It is vegan, chock full of veggies and perfect with a small salad and hunk of bread... so nobody has an excuse to not make this!

I made mine with sweet potatoes instead of regular for more nutrients. I've marked my other modifications in the recipe below:

Vegan Carrot Soup from AllRecipes

INGREDIENTS

* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1 large onion, diced
* 3 cloves garlic, minced (I used minced garlic from a jar)
* 4 large carrots, sliced (I used 8, cut into large chunks)
* 5 new potatoes, quartered (I used 2 big sweets, cut into large chunks)
* 2 cups vegetable broth (1 large can plus extra water as needed)
* 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger (didn't use- don't have!)
* 1 teaspoon curry powder
* salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook stirring often until onion is translucent. Add carrots and potatoes, and cook for just a few minutes to allow the carrots to sweat out some of their juices.
2. Pour the vegetable broth into the pot, and season with ginger, curry powder, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until carrots are tender.
3. Puree soup in small batches using a food processor or blender, or if you have an immersion blender, it can be done in the soup pot. Reheat soup if necessary, and serve. (Hello, VitaMix! Spoil me on this one, please! I used a $15 blender and it worked okay. During this step I added more than a cup of water and it still came out super thick.)

Let me know if you try it and what you think of it!

Vacation Recap: DE Boardwalk

The Operation: Wonderland vacation recap continues! You can catch up with the vacation plans, South Carolina, South of the Border and D.C. posts!

After DC we headed 3 hours to Lewes, DE to visit my Aunts. They had a wonderful, fresh dinner prepared for us to celebrate my recent graduation!

My Aunts spoil their dog Cassie. I say 'dog' loosely.. she's more like royalty!

I wish I would've gotten pictures of the food. They are into hearty whole foods. They served pasta with a vegetarian sauce, 9-grain bread and a colorful salad tossed with lots of fruits and veggies. It was SO nice after so many processed foods in the car!

Before our big day in Delaware I decided I had to go out for a run. David joined me... but we didn't have enough warm running clothes. My Aunts were gracious and allowed us to borrow their warm but completely mismatching items! We must've looked like quite the team! (David had shorts on for a run when it was 20 degrees out! And look at his gloves!) Hilarious.

If I didn’t have family in DE I wouldn’t give it a second thought, but DE is really a beautiful state.

The Boardwalk

Isn't he handsome?! (Fake smile..grr!)

The area they are in is a quiet beach community. We had fun walking on the boardwalk with the cute shops and restaurants.

The BEST caramel popcorn.

We had fun ogling all the fudge!

New York recap up next!

Marin White Knuckle

Happy and peaceful new year to all


We just received a small shipment on Marin Brewing White knuckle. White knuckle is bottled and distributed in very limited quantities, so we are blessed to have this shipment and it will go fast. So come and get it while you can.

We also received a replenishment shipment from Jolly Pumpkin that includes: La Roja, Blanca Calabaza, and Oro Calabaza.

Peace Please!

Rami