Black Friday...

 ...or what every archer girl wants to find under the tree.  Boys, I've done some homework for you.  These are my top pics for archery related gifts. Not receiving anything for posting these, just things I like.

Etsy is one of my favorite places to shop and hey, support an artist while you are at it. Click on the pics for the direct link.

1.  Super cute, non-camo undies. Yes, please.








2. How awesome would this look on your wall? Different, definitely a conversation starter for sure.

3.  Just for decoration. If you are like me though, you have plenty of matched arrows already laying round. Probably not this deco-friendly. More colors online.

4. Tiny enough to wear while shooting and not lose an earlobe. Score.

 5. And you need wrapping paper to pull it all together.

Happy shopping!

More Pie Anyone?

"Thanksgiving, man.  Not a good day to be my pants."  ~Kevin James


There is one day that is ours.  There is one day when all we Americans who are not self-made go back to the old home to eat saleratus biscuits and marvel how much nearer to the porch the old pump looks than it used to.  Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American.  ~O. Henry




Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. The great migration of people back home, to sit and eat too much with the people that drive them nuts, but love them anyway. Our tradition is pretty much the same every year. Turkey, with the occasional pork roast instead (it's a Czech thing), my Grama V's cherry jello, corn stuff casserole, collards, the Lion's game on tv,  pie and a nap... and a post-nap turkey sammie with bread and butter pickles.  Actually, the sandwiches are the best part as far as I am concerned.


What's your tradition?

City Girl

Last week was a fab week for a couple of reasons. Firstly, our street has been surrounded with blinky warning lights and big trucks for the past few weeks... putting in city water. That's right, folks our house is in the sticks, but not so much now. Our awesome neighbors busted through our basement wall and ran a big ol' ditch out to the road. Now we have to get things connected on the inside. What does this mean? I will be able to run the dishwasher, do a load of laundry and take a decent shower all at the same time. Power wash the siding? Heck to the yes! Give the cars a proper bath? No problem-o! Am I excited much? Giggle!!

Another cool thing that happened was that I realized that my weeks had fallen into that trap of the same boring routine and needed a shake up. I haven't been practicing much now that it's dark at 5:00 pm, and I am not a huge fan of shooting inside. So, I put my usual Thursday practice on hold for a bit, dusted off the Cricket and had some fun that didn't require analyzing every small movement for each and every arrow. Not to mention I can still kill some inside Xs, which is ridiculously satisfying thank you very much. On the FITA target no less and with a borrowed release. So I say to my inner critic, shut the hell UP already. I still got this.

The BEST part of the week, however, was finally meeting Stephanie of ::steph chows:: and getting to shoot with her. Meeting another blogger is fun, especially when you have a lot in common already. And the girl can shoot, don't let her kid you. She'll try and tell you that she hasn't picked up her bow since summer, but then all her arrows magically go in the middle. Glad I don't have to compete with her! Her blog is full of really good recipes if you are trying to eat healthier, but not boring. Her hummus avacado sandwich is my go-to fav, especially made with Wegmans crusty 7-grain bread from the bakery and big fat slice of summer mater. Mmm! We had a great time chatting since girls can carry on a whole conversation at full draw, ya know.

Guest Post from Steph Chows!

Hi everyone, my name is Stephanie of ::steph chows:: healthy eating that tastes good. Amanda asked if I'd pop on over for a guest post with you all about my experience as a female archer, I was happy to oblige! I first got interested in archery through an old boyfriend, he hunted and wanted to try bowhunting, so off we went to a great place called Creekwood Archery where he bought a bow and at first I rented a bow. After a few times tagging along I decided I wanted to invest and get my own bow. Not one to bust the bank I looked into their used bows and found one that fit me perfectly! Even though I knew I'd be sticking strictly to shooting foam I bought a camouflage 40lb drawback hunting bow. I've always been into working out so the 40lb draw wasn't too much for me, and it got my arms in even better shape with all those draws! There is something so satisfying about hearing that thunk when you hit a target, it is a great stress release.  

Now remember always keep a loose grip, no death grips needed!
And yes yes I know I'm missing an arrow, safety first!

 

I think a lot of girls tend to get intimidated by sports that are male dominated... I see it as the perfect reason to get in there and kick some guys butts! Nothing gets a guy going better than getting a higher score and more X's than him :) Target shooting came pretty easy for me and we got into competing locally and eventually both made it to states. Even though I placed in my group (Female Adult Bow Hunter Freestyle A) the competition aspect really wasn't for me. I still like to take a target out into the backyard and do some damage, but competition wise my days are over :) For me shooting is really all about having a great time and relaxing. If you've never tried it I say give it a go and don't be scared!

This shot is from 2005, I brought my mom out to a field to show her my newly acquired skills...
born and raised 15 minutes outside of NYC I think she was a little surprised at my new hobby :)

Now since my blog is all about healthy eating I figured I'd share an easy snack to bring along to the range next time you go! Wild Berry granola will keep you satisfied and it's made without all that oil most commercial granolas are made with. Head over here to check out the full recipe. Hope you enjoy it!

Doesn't that just look delicious!?

So what about you all? Do you target shoot? Hunt? Get anything yet this season? What's your favorite snack to bring to the range? :)

The Meaning of Praxis

 

This is a perfect DTT, but too good to wait until Thursday. Dan Kelly posted this on FB from the Olympic Training Center in Colorado while on a training mission this week.  Thanks for letting me steal it. It’s too good to keep all to yourself.

Dan is responsible for heaping good advice and total harassment in equal measure on my head on Thursday nights.

Original Post 3/16/11