Fantastic Foodie Fridays~ Sangria Chicken

I picked this recipe for you today as a celebration!  

I am heading off to the Opening Ceremonies for the Cleveland 

Susan G.Komen 3-Day for the Cure.

I hope that you enjoy this and will take a moment to make the Bonus Recipe.

                    Cheers!

Tonight as you sit back at your house, I hope you will raise a glass to all of the participants of this event.  Ready or Not Cleveland, Here we Come!

Sangria Chicken

1

 The wonderful thing about this recipe is that you can do it up full fat & sugar, or modify it as needed. Unsalted Butter can be replaced with a couple of drops of butter flavoring. And the seedless jam can be replaced with a full cup of pure, fresh, pulverized and strained berries, sweetened with a couple of packets of stevia, or other zero calorie sweetener. Be careful with this, though, as some sweeteners lose their sweetness when heated up. I used blackberry jam when I made this.

2

 Wash & pat dry the chicken breasts. Salt & Pepper on both sides, set aside in the refrigerator. If you're a think ahead type, you can marinade them in a mixture of the sangria and jam at this point overnight. I don't think that far ahead, usually.

3

 Finely chop the shallots and cilantro, separately - set aside. You should have about a cup of each.

4

 Cut up the potatoes and carrots into large chunky pieces (About the size of two bites each), set aside.

5

 Finely chop the chipotle peppers in adobo, set aside.

6

 Spray a pan with non-stick spray, (or if you don't mind the extra calories, use some clarified butter)

7

 Saute the shallots, potatoes and carrots over medium high heat for a couple of minutes until the shallots are semi-transparent.

8

 Add enough water to not quite cover, gently stir in the teaspoon of chicken base (I use the low sodium version of "Better than Boullion"), and turn the heat to high. You want the potatoes and carrots to be halfway cooked through before adding the chicken. Boil away most of the water until what is left is thick and bubbly, but not burned.

9

 Pour in the sangria and gently stir in the jam or fruit puree and chipotle peppers. Add half the cilantro. Bring to a boil.

10

 Check the potatoes and carrots for your version of doneness. This depends on how small you cut them up and how you like your carrots and potatoes. If they're done to your taste, remove them with a slotted spoon to the serving dish and set aside. If not, they can stay in while the chicken poaches.

11

 Reduce heat to low and add the chicken breasts. Cover, and let poach 7 minutes. Turn the breasts over and cook another 3 to 5 minutes or until the juices run clear and the breasts don't give much when you press down on them with a spatula.

12

 Transfer the chicken breasts to a plate, cover tightly with aluminum foil and let them rest.

13

 Scoop the potatoes and carrots into a serving dish with a slotted spoon (assuming they're cooked to your liking at this point).

14

 Turn the heat to medium-high, and reduce the remaining liquid until it just coats the back of a spoon.

15

 Stir in the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.

16

 Place the chicken breasts on top of the potatoes and carrots, and pour the sauce over all.

17

 Sprinkle with remaining fresh cilantro.

   

18

 There are several ways you can swing this recipe. You can 86 the potatoes and carrots, and use a tablespoon of cornstarch in a little water as a thickener (the potato starch thickens the sauce). Then you just have chicken breasts that you can serve over rice. Or you can shred the chicken breasts after they've rested and mix them well with the reduced sauce and serve as the filling for soft tacos - garnish with shredded lettuce, mexican style cheese, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, thinly sliced avocado, chopped fresh jalapenos, chopped fresh onion or scallions, and chopped fresh cilantro. Or use the shredded version as a pizza topping with goat cheese underneath. Or, you can blend together all of the wet ingredients (except the water) plus the shallots, chipotle peppers, and cilantro, marinade the breasts overnight, and then grill them over slow charcoals while basting the chicken with the marinade.

In any case, have fun, and enjoy!              

Recipe By: Janice Joy Miller


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~Bonus Recipe~
STRAWBERRY & CHERRY SANGRIA

Decided since today is the Kick off for the Cleveland, Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure that you could make up a batch of this and toast us as we walk today!  Ok, well it sounded good anyway right?  LOL...Enjoy! 

P.S. Let the sangria sit in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours to bring all the flavors of the fruit out.

Ingredients:

2 bottles (750 ml) each dry rose wine
2 tablespoons elderflower liqueur
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
¼ cup raspberry liqueur plus one tablespoon
2 cups strawberries, halved
1 cup bing cherries, halved, plus ½ cup bing cherries whole for garnish
1/4  cup sugar
1 sliced orange in halves
1 sliced lemon in halves
2 cups club soda

Directions:

Remove the pits from the cherries by lightly rolling the cherry on a plate to pop the cherry pit out or just using a pairing knife and cut off the sides of the cherry and throw away the pit.

Mix the wine, liqueur and sugar together and stir well.  Add the remaining ingredients except the club soda and stir.   Put in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours.  Add the club soda before serving.  Serve over ice and garnish with oranges and whole cherries.

Recipe can be doubled.

Makes 8 glasses

24 Hours from Now...

As I go over everything for the last time, checking to make sure that nothing is missing.   My heart is racing. The anticipation growing, the excitement bubbling and the Prayers going UP!  We had a major rain storm this morning so I am hoping, with               ( Fingers Crossed ) that Mother Nature was just cleaning the path for our arrival!   As we wake tomorrow morning to face the dawn, as we feed our bodies and prepare for the journey that lays ahead of us.  I hope that we Honor all of our Warriors that are fighting, and the Angels that have gone before us, with each step that we take.  No matter what obstacles that we may face, I Pray that we can meet them with Grace and Dignity.  My Hope is that each participant will have a Experience of a Lifetime & make some friendships that will last just as long.  May each person know their personal limits, and Respect their body enough to know when to stop and rest.  We have all worked so hard to get to this moment in time. May we all Embrace the Experience, Enjoy the Journey & find Light in the Darkness of what we know as Cancer.  

United we Walk...

Woo~Hoo it's only Two!

Gearing up for 48 hours from now! Spent the day Hydrating, getting last minute details in order then went to give blood in Honor of a Cancer Warrior 

( Taylor ).  I unfortunately, do not have the blood type that she so desperately needs, but I figured that I was paying it forward in Taylor's name.  I didn't realize that they timed how long it takes you to fill a bag?   It took me a mere 4 Minutes and 40 Seconds!  I told them that I was hydrated. ( Big Smile )  I even persuaded my husband Chad to donate for the first time.  There was another woman that loved the idea of what we were doing & decided to donate as well.  I closed out the donation day as the fastest donor ( ROFL).  Marines, we are so competitive!  Anyway, as I enter the countdown to the last 48 hours.   I ask that if you can, drink LOTS of water.  Log into http://www.redcrossblood.org  They have a critical blood shortage especially for O Negative!  Please find a site that is hosting a blood drive and go donate!  Take your friends, ask people you know, take your family.   Then go out to dinner to celebrate giving someone you don't even know a gift.  You never know when might be the day that you may need to receive this simple, but precious gift.  Depending on if there is a line or not & how well hydrated you are when you go in, you could be in & out with in 30 minutes.  Just think... You could be the Miracle that someone is Praying for. 

Three = 72 Hours ...

Ok, yesterday was a busy and today won't be any different. Yesterday I took the plunge...  I "officially" signed up for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure Events in Boston & Cleveland for 2012 !  I know some of you are thinking that I am crazy... Yes, maybe a little... (Smile), but hopefully you can look past that, & see the dedication.  After that, I managed to secure a few tent angels for this year in Cleveland. ( Huge Smile! )  Then went on to signing up the kids for their second Bible Vacation Camp this summer, after we went to story time in the morning.  Moving on to today... Race shirts are getting printed as we speak & going over last minute details for the walk.  Swimming lessons tonight, ( last one for the season ).   Think that I am going to try to pre-write my blogs for this weekend so that I don't miss a post.  Then I can catch you up on the events of the weekend on Monday's post or through out the week.  I think that you will appreciate my festive pick for the recipe for this week's Fantastic Foodie Friday.  Won't say any more, as I want you to come back & check it out!  I will tell you that I added a special bonus recipe in this addition.  72 Hours and counting...

Really...Only 4?

Can't believe that it is only four days away... After all of the fundraising & events that I have gone to & participate in.  People that have generously given so that I can walk for them or someone that they love.  The training, countless hours spent walking from here to there, and there to somewhere else.  All of it will bring me to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure Event that will be taking place in Cleveland.  There is no adequate way to describe the feeling that takes over your body as you get closer to the event.  For some it is a feeling of Anxiety, not knowing if they can walk the 60 miles that lay before them, for others it is Determination that they will complete the sixty miles, every step of it.  Yet for others it is just being able to Proudly say that they made it & are surviving.   While others come to pay Tribute to their Pink Warrior that is no longer with them.  Whatever the feelings are in the days that lead up to the event as soon as you get to the event all you will feel is an over whelming feeling of Love & Acceptance.  For each person the journey will be different, but one thing will remain the same for each and every one of us.  We all HATE CANCER!  We are putting our collective foot down & saying that we will no longer accept it.   Every chance we get we will make our presence known & we will walk, walk until there is no longer a need for us to do so.  When that day comes, we will get out our PINK Tu-Tu's, Boa's as well as Bra's and party like the world has never scene before.  Till then we will walk as a united force.

Sending Love to Boston!

Over $4.8 Million was raised at the Boston 3-Day for the Cure!  You All are AMAZING!!!  With the severity of the weather conditions there were causalities, but they never complained.  Many people suffered from heat exhaustion and ended up in the emergency room.  I just wanted to take a moment and say that every Walker, Crew, Staff Member and Camp Angel should be PROUD of all they managed to accomplish! Dr. Sheri Phillips, apparently ROCKED the house in Boston!  I have seen nothing but positive praise coming out.  I have resisted to go find a video of her doing the opening or closing ceremonies, just because in one week I will be participating in Cleveland and I want it to be fresh & a surprise.  I am so excited that it is so close!  I can't wait to meet Dr. Sheri Phillips and see all of my friends.    Till then, just wanted to say one last time that the Boston participants should be so Proud of all that they achieved.  We were praying for them and keeping them in thoughts.  I hope that everyone makes it home safely and for those that ended up having problems, I hope that they are on the mend!  
                                                                              XoXo

Celebration & Prayers ...

Today we spent the day at a friend's wedding.  Talk about an amazing event!  From the Church to the Reception it was a class act the whole way it was simple and elegant. So tonight we raise a glass to Jessica & Keith!  We wish them both a lifetime of happiness together.  In Three-Day news the participants that are in Boston right now are suffering greatly in this heat.  I have been keeping them in thoughts & prayers.  They have had many heat casualties that I know about and who knows what else.  For the safety of everyone there they have had to shorten the days.  I know that this has left some of the walkers feeling less than happy, but their safety is more important.  Six days from now we will kick off our 3-Day adventure here in Cleveland.  Who knows what is in store for us?  Whatever happens I know that I will be happy just to see some of my friends again.  Prayers Up for Boston!  XoXo

Fantastic Foodie Fridays ~Thai Lime Chicken

Serve your family a clean and tasty Thai-inspired chicken dish in just 35 minutes (and it's freezable!) Try serving your protein with brown rice, a seasonal veggie or your favorite quinoa dish.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/3 cup unsalted dry-roasted peanuts
• 1 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tsp ginger, ground
• 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 lime

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a mini food processor, grind peanuts until fine, but not to paste.
3. In a small bowl, combine peanuts, garlic powder and ginger.
4. Place chicken on a cookie sheet and squeeze juice from lime overtop. Then roll chicken in peanut mixture until well coated.
5. Bake chicken in oven for 25 minutes or until no longer pink in center.

Nutrients per 4-oz serving: Calories: 360, Total Fat: 16 g, Sat. Fat: 3 g, Carbs: 11 g, Fiber: 3 g, Sugars: 3 g, Protein: 42 g, Sodium: 85 mg, Cholesterol: 95 mg

Serves: 2Hands-on time: 10 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

By Heather Bainbridge, RD | Photo: Gregory James, Food Styling: Jessica Colley

8 is Great!

Today consisted of trying to find camp angels, lining up getting my race shirts done and spending time indoors with the kids.  With the tempatures still in the high 90's I decided that an early morning walk was necessary.  Working on other events for the fall but right now my focus is on Cleveland.  Prayers going up for the walkers that are kicking off their 3-Day experience in Boston tomorrow.  I hope that they have a wonderful experience and that people will listen to their body's, drink plenty of fluids and sweep if they need to.  Welcome to your PINK Family Dr. Sheri Phillips our new National Spokeswoman!  Tomorrow as you step out on the stage know that we are behind you 100%.  Enjoy the beginning of an Amazing Journey, 3-Day Style!

Nine & Feeling Fine...

I am feeling better than FINE!!!  I decided to give my scale a try... Much to my Amazement I have lost 15 lbs. already..!  I was sad to part with my Mt. Dew & even sadder when I told DQ that the love affair was ending, but now I am wondering why we didn't part sooner!  Feeling much better about all the sacrifices that I have been making.  Started with cleaner food choices, then I became very familiar with the local farmer markets and water has become my best friend.  My new found training buddy Jugg Hugger ( www.jugghugger.com ) has been accompanying me where ever I go and reminding me to keep hydrated as I keep walking.  I try not to want instant results, but sometimes it's hard to stay positive when you don't see the results you think that you should.  So glad that I quit obsessing about what the scale says.  I haven't been on it in weeks & it was a welcome surprise to see the numbers!  Looking towards the walk in 9 days, then I will work towards my next goal!

Hear we GO ...

Heading into the final stretch... Checking to make sure that I have everything that I could possibly need, while staying under the 35lbs. that we are allowed.  Desperately  working to stream line what I am actually taking.  I think that I am getting close to packing perfection.  I will double check before I make the final zip on the bag then, I will toss it in my trunk so that I don't have any last minute surprises!  In and amongst all of this I have been trying to round up camp angels, swimming lessons & get T-Shirts made.  Whew...  I can't wait to see all of my friends in 10 days... 

Elite Fighting Forces ...

I have had the Honor of being part of two of the finest fighting forces in the world.  Let me say before I go on that I take NOTHING away from anyone else, in ANY other branch of the service.  It takes all of us to defend this Beautiful Country and I Salute every Service Member & Thank them for their Sacrifices.  I was proud to serve as a United States Marine.  I met some of the finest people that I would ever want to meet.  I had the opportunity to spend a year over in Okinawa, Japan and fell in Love.  Sweet Memories that will forever be etched in my Heart, Mind & Soul... That being said, last year I came to be part of another elite fighting force.  The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure.  They have helped to pave the way for awareness, support, cutting edge treatments and advances in the breast cancer community.  I am proud to say that I am entering into my second year walking with some of the kindest, caring and genuine people that you would ever want to meet.  Once strangers, becoming family in the matter of 3-Days.  ( Where it took me 3 months in the Marines to have that same feeling ).  Last year I walked in Cleveland then in October I was off to Washington DC.  I have met countless women & men that I could list here, and how much they mean to me as well as how truly Amazing they are.  Each in their own special way, but they already know.  So, I will just say Thank You!  Each one of you have touched, enriched and hold a special place in my heart.  I have a feeling that this year will be no different.  This year I was given the honor to serve as an on-line ambassador and a training walk leader.  In May I participated in my first Race for the Cure in Columbus, Ohio.  Cleveland in 11 Days, then off to Arizona in November with my Sister by my side for her first 3-Day experience.  No matter where I go or where my life takes me, I will always look back on these experience as some of my most memorable, rewarding and life changing...

It only takes ONE...

It only takes one to be affected.
It only takes one to make a stand.
It only takes one to raise awareness, & it only takes one to lace up their sneakers to make a statement.  When all of these "ones" get together we make a sea of PINK.  
A family that together fights cancer.
We support each member as they go into battle.  We celebrate our victories and are mourn our losses, but we do it together as a family. We once were one's who knew only that pink was meant for girls.  That only women were touched by breast cancer and thought it would never happen to someone that we love.  We now know better...  12 days from now I will be reunited with my family.  We will walk together, talk, share, while welcoming new friends. We will remember with smiles, sometimes tears those that are no longer with us.  Don't wait to be affected, to be effected by what we do.  Remember it only took "One"...

I HATE F~ING CANCER!!!

Before you even read this I apologize if this offends anyone... It is just meant to express the frustration associated with Cancer still taking those that we Love & Cherish... Now Read On...

Posting this with permission from the author, who is a  male 3-Day Veteran with a perspective worth sharing.

I hate this Walk. I’ve participated dozens of times, over ten years, in seven different cities, but I still hate this Walk.

I hate training. I hate waking up early to walk, and walk, and walk some more. I’d rather sleep late, and spend my free time reading, napping, or just being with family or friends. I hate training.

I hate fundraising. I hate asking people to donate their hard-earned dollars to fight this damn disease that affects us all, while folks on Wall Street make $50 million a year to destroy our economy as they pad their already overflowing bank accounts. It’d be nice if those $50 million paychecks went to find a cure, and the Wall Street folks had to run a freakin’ bake sale to support themselves. I hate fundraising.

I hate pink. Pink is for “My Little Pony”, Barbie cars and 4 year old girls. I don’t care what women say, no man looks good in pink. Just once, I want to be part of a Walk whose official color is “flannel.” I hate pink.

I hate rain. Camping in the rain sucks. Walking in the rain sucks more. And don’t get me started on mud. I hate mud, and I hate rain.

I hate tents. I hate sleeping all curled up, so my feet aren’t hanging out the door. Getting dressed in a tent? Really? Can’t they make a tent that an average sized guy can fit into, without having to crawl in and out? And for God’s sake, can they please make soundproof tents, so I don’t have to listen to snoring all night? Ladies, I don’t care what you tell your husbands, but you snore too! I hate tents.

I hate sports drink. I hate Gatorade. I hate Powerade. I hate every damn “ade.” There is a special place in hell for whoever decided to put salt in fruit punch. If I wanted a salty drink, I’d order a margarita. Just once, could “beer” be the official sports drink of a Walk? I’d even settle for those tropical drinks with the goofy paper umbrellas in them. I hate sports drink.

But there is one thing I hate most of all. I hate Breast Cancer. I hate hearing that my mother-in-law’s latest pathology report shows that her cancer is back again. I hate the look in my wife’s eyes when she has a mammogram, and then has to wait for a follow-up because “we saw something we didn’t like.” I hate that my daughters had to learn about breast self-exams when they were still in their teens. I hate going to funerals, and listening to sermons about how “she is in a better place.” Screw that. You think that’s any comfort?

I hate that a young woman was diagnosed at the age of 21, and told by her doctor, “I want to be wrong, but I would be surprised if you lived to see 30.” I hate that a friend has been diagnosed with breast cancer just a few years after her father fought his own battle with breast cancer. I hate that Mother’s Day is a day when some people go to the cemetery to visit their mothers, or even worse, to visit their daughters. No one, no one, should ever have to go to a cemetery to visit their child.

I hate this Walk. But I hate breast cancer even more. F** breast cancer. Sorry if the profanity offends you, but I can’t think of any other word that fully expresses how I feel. So f*** breast cancer. Can we please just find a cure already?

But until we find that cure, maybe we can compromise on pink flannel and light beer?

"Tonight I am taking a break from the norm and saying F@*!$ Cancer!  I have walked countless miles, taken even more hours away from my family and children.  As much as I LOVE those that support me, I HATE F-ING CANCER and all that it takes from those that I LOVE!!!  Tonight PRAYERS go UP for those that I LOVE and those that are affected... You are in my Prayers!  13 Days from now I will walk 60 Miles for YOU!!! " XoXo   Sunny....

Original Post is from "Larry"

2011 DC & Philly Lunch Crew

2011 San Diego Walker

Fantastic Foodie Fridays~Balsamic-Marinated Pork Chops & Grilled Peaches

Always trying to find new recipes to bring you.  I haven't gotten a chance to make this yet, with all that has been going on here.  I will be making it soon. Meanwhile, I hope you will make it and tell me your thoughts.  I found this in the Clean Eating post the article was featured February 4, 2011.  Written By: Julie O'Hara / Photo By: Edward Pond     I hope that you enjoy this!  

Most of the EVOO used in the marinade for these lean pork chops is discarded after use, so you won't be paying a fatty price for the greater taste.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 4 5-oz lean boneless pork chops, trimmed of visible fat
• Olive oil cooking spray (optional)
• Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 peaches, halved and pitted
• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, honey and rosemary. Reserve 2 tbsp and add the rest to a 1-gallon zip-top bag. Add pork to bag and refrigerate for 1 hour, turning occasionally.
2. Preheat broiler to high or coat a grill pan with cooking spray and heat to medium-high over stove. Remove pork from fridge, discard marinating liquid and season pork with salt and pepper. Broil pork or cook in grill pan until pork is opaque throughout and feels firm to the touch, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 5 to 6 minutes per side.
3. Meanwhile, cook peaches under broiler or in a grill pan over medium heat until tender and juicy, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate, season with pepper and brush with reserved 2 tbsp marinade. To serve, place a pork chop on each of 4 plates and top with 2 peach halves. Garnish with thyme leaves.

Nutrients per serving (5 oz pork chop, 1 peach, 2 tbsp marinade): Calories: 310, Total Fat: 10 g, Sat. Fat: 3 g, Carbs: 23 g, Fiber: 1 g, Sugars: 21 g, Protein: 31 g, Sodium: 125 mg, Cholesterol: 95 mg

Nutritional Bonus:

One luscious summer peach adds 1 gram of fiber to this low-cal, high-protein meal, plus its natural sugars satisfy your sweet tooth the clean-eating way. While all sugars are processed in a similar way inside the body, it is the added benefit of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that makes the natural sugars in fruit far superior to the refined version in many packaged foods.

3 Day Packing Mystery ...

99% of this you will NOT need!

... SOLVED!!!  I was given permission by The Ta-Ta Sisterhood to use this entry that was posted in their blog.  I did change it a touch as some of us will be camping outdoors.  My comments will be in PINK.  "Thank you Ladies"!  I am a firm believer of giving credit where credit is due & asking the author to borrow their work.  Especially, when I couldn't have written it any better myself!  I hope that this is helpful to you and will  answers some of your questions about what you should be packing for a 3 Day experience!  As 3-dayers we always are willing to help out others that want to pick up and join us in our endeavor to create a cancer free tomorrow! So, without further a-du...  

It is our hope that this post will answer some of your questions and serve as a guide for those of us who are making rounds on the 3 Day circuit this season. This post is written and targeted to those who are "camping" indoors. The Phila. 3 Day takes place in October (normal high temps. in the low to mid 60's , lows in the 40's.) REMEMBER YOUR BAG MUST NOT BE HEAVIER THAN 35 lbs. Multiple bags are not permitted.  Here in Cleveland seeing that it is July, we will most likely see the weather in the 80's with the low temps being in the 70's.  

THE BAG: You will first and foremost need a ROLLING duffel. Not TOO big and not too small. Ideal bags can be found at Target and Bed Bath and Beyond. Be sure to get the one with several compartments (sides and a separate bottom portion.)  I found my bag at Eddie Bauer it is their Large Rolling Duffel, has lots of usable space and has a lifetime warranty.  It wasn't cheap, but I have found in past experiences that you get what you pay for.  I also plan on doing this for many years to come, so I could justify the cost. 

THE BAGGIES: Get yourself a box of 2.5 quart Ziplock baggies to PACK your clothes in. Believe it or not ONE day of clothes including a pair sneakers fits like a glove in these bags. Besides, that this method saves space and lot's of headache trying to find your belongings.  Totally agree with this!  Especially when you are participating in the warmer walks!  

BAG IDENTIFICATION: That is easy you to identify in a sea of other bags. Word to the wise.DON'T USE PINK! Be sure to have you name, participant #, tent assignment and team name visible. Brightly colored Duck Tape in a fabulous way to ID your belongings.  LOL, you never know how hard it's going to be to find your own bag, till you see the SEA of bags that are sitting on the tarp waiting for their owner to claim them!

A SLEEPING BAG: Piggy back on top of your duffel. NO BUNGIE CORDES ARE PERMITTED.  ( We don't want our hard working Crew to get hurt with these snapping or getting caught up on. )  BE SURE to have it in some sort of a covering either a garbage bag, nylon bag or even a jumbo baggie. If your talented enough fit it inside your bag.    

I was given a survival sleeping bag last year by my friend Scott, while I was in Washington DC walking.  This little dynamo is perfect for the 3-day!  Last year I had a HUGE cute pink sleeping bag, but it took up WAY too much room.  Newbie mistake...

MAT: Some use inflatable mattresses others use your basic blow up mat (that resembles one your would float on in a pool), or even a yoga mat. Pros: to inflatable mattresses they are more comfy cons: they take up WAY TOO MUCH ROOM ( they also add a lot of weight to your bag.) in your tent and in your bag (don't forget you need a pump if you are going this route.)

PILLOW: I don't know how on earth folks manage to fit a full pillow in your duffel. I however got a cheap camping pillow from Dicks Sporting Goods that was very compact. I used my baggies of clothes to give me some extra fluff.  LOL, I used my  packed clothes as my pillow.  I stuffed them in my back pack & wha-la!

*Your mat and pillow should fit in the larger compartment of your duffle.*

TOLIETREE BAGGIE: Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, deodorant, brush/comb, toothbrush, facial cleanser/moisturizer. *Put this bag in the side compartment of your duffle*  I found a wonderful company that has solid shampoo bars & conditioner which don't leave your hair feeling like straw! They also have toothpaste tablets.  The company is called "LUSH"...

2 PAIRS OF SNEAKERS: Rotate every other day between sneakers.

Seriously, this is a MUST!  You will not believe the difference this will makes in your walk.  

10 PAIRS OF SOCKS: 2 per day.

I will tell you that I used 4 pairs of socks per day and did not get one blister.  I also use Body Glide every time I stop and change my socks.   

____________________________________________

PACK THE FOLLOWING IN a 2 qt. BAGGIE

FOR EACH DAY & NIGHT, LABEL ACCORDINGLY:

NIGHT 1- Camp shoes, undergarments, PJ's (lightweight), it got a little stuffy in the Convention Center.  If your going the flip flop way, please don't get cheap ones!  After walking your feet deserve some love!  My Pj's usually are running shorts & a comfy light weight T- Shirt. ( Blame the Marines for this...)

TIP: When you get dressed in your tent sitting down (this 3 Day thing is NOT glamorous) put your dirties in this bag and shove it under your pillow for cushioning!  

DAY 2- A layering long sleeve shirt, t-shirt, undergarments, pants or capri's, a heaver layer (vest),light jacket, sneakers/socks x's 2.  Ok, for Cleveland... I would just suggest a light weight jacket & pants if you get chilly.  This would be placed over shorts & a shirt so you can take them off when needed without having to go back & change.

NIGHT 2- Repeat NiGHT 1 minus the camp shoes AND if you prefer a fresh pair of PJ's pack them!  Not sure why my sisters would minus the camp shoes?  I look at it this way... If your not out on the walk, I would be in my open aired camp shoes!  Let those piggy's BREATHE!  

DAY 3- Same as above.

ALL BAGGIED CLOTHES could be packed in the seperate compartment under your duffle.

Don't forget: Battery operated light for the inside of your tent, tent decorations, camp shoes (AKA- flip flops/slippers) & shower shoes, ear plugs, eye mask, sleeping aid (s), extra water bottle, hat (s)/bandanna, a bathroom face towel, pain melds and last but not least a positive spirit!  My two little additions here would be don't forget your SMILE & anything you honestly can't do without, but leave out all the extra's.  You won't need them !  You would be Amazed at what a difference it will make!

What NOT TO PACK: Towels to dry off with after you shower. Pay the $12 when you check in for the fresh towel service that is offered. Blow dryers, makeup etc. Your not going to a beauty show, no one cares what you look like.  If you are going to bring make-up make it minimal like Waterproof Mascara & a Tinted Lip Balm.  No one expects you to look like Miss America while you are walking the 60 Miles!  

Take exibit A for instance:

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