Friday, January 7, 2011

Never say Never

It’s been a long first week of 2011 friends. I am so glad it’s over and am looking forward to being with my family this weekend. I know it’s not the happiest time but it will be special, and comforting.
This past week my mind has been elsewhere. It’s been restless, its been torn, but it has been reflecting. Stay with me, I have a point.

And so goes the “nevers” in my life.

I NEVER thought I’d be the girl to pick up my bags and move to Hawaii…..
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But I did,…….and I’m GLAD.
(note: I lived there 2 years)

I NEVER thought I’d marry my best friend and drop everything to pursue our dream…….
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But I did,……… and I’m GLAD.

I NEVER thought I’d actually become a food/healthy living “blogger.”
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But I did, ……..and I’m GLAD because I’ve met some pretty amazing friends!
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And lastly, I NEVER thought I’d grow into liking MARMITE!
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But when you marry a Kiwi (aka New Zealander) who requests it on everything……
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You start to adjust your taste buds and………..
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pretty soon your eating marmite on GF toast with tomatoes and cheese. Oh I never thought I’d eat this!

MARMITE- 3 ways

Source

  • On Potato Chips: Just as you might spread to tomato ketchup on some plain potato chips, try spreading some Marmite thinly on the surface of each fried potato fragment for a unique taste sensation.  Hello Salt Kick!
  • To make Savory Broth: you can simply combine Marmite and water to create a quick soup base. Throw in some leftover meats and some diced vegetables to create a quick and easy soup to go, just heat up the mixture and pour it into a thermos. Done this one several times!
chili potchili plate (2)
  • As a Vegetarian Meat Substitute: One of Marmite's characteristic qualities is its strong meaty flavor, known as umami in the culinary arts. Being both naturally vegetarian and vegan friendly, Marmite can be used to add a meaty flavor to almost any dish. Liven up your next crock-pot of vegetarian chili by simply stirring in a couple of teaspoons during the cooking process. Or, enhance any meat substitute by spreading some Marmite on the product before use. Veggie burgers will come out brown and tasty, while vegetarian sausages will turn caramelized and savory.
I think I’m just trying to justify my “non-american” taste buds here. haha!
But when it comes down to it, reflecting on the past has made me realize where I’ve been and I where I am now. And ya know what, I would not change one darn thing!
Sometimes God has different plans for us even though we think we already have ours set, right?

Never say Never friends, you just might miss out.
Cheers with LOVE!
LC

77 comments:

Madeline said...

I love this post! As someone who frequently finds myself on the road less traveled, I can say that it usually takes a little longer to get there, but I'm usually pretty happy with where I end up! :)

Liz said...

This is so true... so much of what happens in life is never what you 'think' will happen. But that's what makes it all so special! Still don't think I can try marmite though :)

Missy said...

You met Sarah AND Bird?

.....jkjgjyhgkj...sorry I just passed out from jealousy.

(0:

She Rocks Fitness said...

Very well said Lindsay! Beautiful post and I admire you strength in the New Year! Life is short, beautiful, sometimes hard, sometimes wonderful, and you should live it to its fullest. Have a wonderful weekend! XOXO

lindsay cotter said...

exactly, take the road less traveled. Its way more fun!

Maggs said...

I've tried Marmite a few times, it's not bad in stirfry.

Angie bee said...

Oh my goodness!!! We have so much in common! Don't tell your hubby since he is a kiwi but I prefer Vegemite :)
I too moved to Hawaii with a back pack and duffle bag full of all my belongings and loved it!
I am a health nut now and married my best friend. Thanks for the fun post!

lindsay cotter said...

it takes a lot of guts to try marmite. I kind of was forced. haha!

lindsay cotter said...

yes, and when do I get to meet you?! Hope to one day!

lindsay cotter said...

wonderfully said! thanks for all your support this past week.
:)

lindsay cotter said...

its awesome in a stir fry!

Kristina @ spabettie said...

ah, this is a wonderfully feel good post... and isn't Hawaii great?? My dad grew up on Oahu, I spent my summers growing up there...

I've never tried Marmite, but only because the opportunity has never presented itself... I have always been one to try anything at least once! :D

lindsay cotter said...

Oh wow, I wish I could have met you in hawaii. Oh and he like veggiemite too! I can't tell the difference really.

Dairyfreebetty said...

I've ALWAYS wanted to try Marmite!! I think it sounds so interesting!!

I'm jealous you lived in HAwaii too!!!!!!!! :) SO jealous!

lindsay cotter said...

oh the hubs lived on that island too. Loved it! And you gotta try marmite. I think You'd like it! so would Jason??

bamarunner11 said...

Marmite on toast? I think I will stick with my peanut butter ;)

Jessica Lee said...

that is so awesome that you did all those things!! following what you want to do is prob the best feeling in the world. i'm happy/jealous of you :)

Heather @ Where's the Beach said...

Another great post and SO true. Just when you say never it happens ;-)

the dawn said...

i totally agree! i said i'd never marry a pastor or live in the same city i went to high school. turns out, that i moved back there in order to marry a pastor. life is just funny that way...

Bonnie Lang said...

What a fun post! And so many great transitions - we are in a place of stepping out in faith ourselves and watching God do some incredible things when we live without back up plans...it looks like you guys have done the same! Whether life seems to be an adventure and exciting or not, it's always better when we let God lead - we seem to learn that every few months when we try to pursue something otherwise. ;) But Marmite? ...guess I gotta try it for myself. lol Have a great weekend, Lindsay, and keep living well with your husband as you live the dream. ;)

Kissmybroccoli said...

Awesome post! I love looking back on the what I thought were "nevers" in my life. I too NEVER thought I'd have my own foodie blog...heck, before September 2010, I didn't even know what a food blog was!

Christin@purplebirdblog said...

God doesn't make mistakes, this I firmly believe!! You are so inspirational, Lindsay, and I'm grateful to read these words!

Penny lane said...

I love that you eat this. I personally have never eaten it, but I frequently tease a teacher about how much she eats it, mostly because she gets excited when it is on sale somewhere and stocks up.

ERG said...

The MARMITE post! I have been waiting for this one!!!

Oh wow...now I know how to use it! SO excited! And I will look for that right next to the greek yogurt, right? But probably not at the Elkton Cash Market. Ha!

I would love to pack my bags and move to Hawaii for a little bit right now :)

Geek Turned Athlete said...

Well, I'm glad you became a blogger! ;)

Never tried Marmite. Now, I think I need to.

Carrie said...

ahah i have never tried marmite-the smell alone turns me off!!!

Bre said...

hmm the salt kick of potato chips & marmite might be quite perfect for a post race salt craving??
annnd I made the "Humnut" & love it!!!! used flax instead of peanut flour, but the flax taste was a little too strong for me- I think I wanted more of the chick pea taste so I might try it again without! Brilliant recipe! :) much love to that!

Morgan said...

I didn't know you lived in Hawaii! I'm going to the Big Island next week for vacation. Any tips on cool things we should do, or places we should eat while we're there???

Lisakthrives said...

I have never heard of Marmite. Hmmm...I'll have to look it up, but "meaty flavor" is not usually a big selling point for me :) Umami is though!

This was a great post---I've only been reading you for a week or so, so it was great to learn a little bit more like this!

Sounds like you have a pretty fab life!

Amy said...

Hmm, never have heard of this funky Marmite stuff. But I'm willing to give anything a try, once.
I am so glad you began blogging too! Your photos are inspirational and beautiful. I especially like your wavy hair in those Hawaii pictures, gorgeous!
Have a great weekend :)

Healthy Chocoholic said...

I loove reading your blog!
I've been praying for you and I know that God has a plan for your 2011!!!! =D

Picky Nicky said...

Hi! It's my first time on your blog, I'm so glad I found it. This post is so happy, I love it :) And I've also recently discovered marmite and I'm never going back :D It's so tasty!
-Nicky

mamarunsbarefoot said...

Ahh another thing I've never heard of! Gee I learn a lot from you!! What a beautiful life the two of you have!!!

Kristina @ Life as Kristina said...

I love this!!!! I keep telling my fiance to apply for jobs in Hawaii and Australia bc unless he moves, i'm too chicken:(

Shannon said...

I love this post! Out of curiosity, and if it's okay that I ask, was there anything that led you to move to Hawaii?

Also, I would so give marmite a try.

Dorry said...

Love this! I've been having many "never say never" thoughts lately. You just never know how life's path will change you'll end up doing things you "never" thought possible....they very things that make us stronger!

Salah said...

such a great post girl! I couldn't agree with you more! You never know what God will throw at you so just being able to trust that He will provide for you no matter what is so tough but so worth it! :-)

I've never in my life heard of marmite lol

Kath said...

This is what's so great about life: It's always good for a surprise! :D I'd never imagined I'd end up where and what I am now either. Some things went well and others wrong, but looking back I think it all happened for a reason.

You seem to be happy in your life, and that's great! Marrying your best friend is maybe the best choice you can make for a husband.

Tina said...

What a great post! Every time we make plans and they dont go exactly the way we thought, we have to realize that the universe has bigger and better things in store for us! :)

Kris | iheartwellness.com said...

Look at you following your intuition all over the place!!! You are right, a higher power always leads us ;)

I love everything you have accomplished so far in your life! Just think how many more things are to come ;)

xxoo

janetha said...

blech i haaate that stuff. and vegemite. but hey, i guess one day i could like it, right? just not today. this post was so cute!

burp_excuzme said...

You're so right. Hee hee, as a wise saying says, "You plan, God laughs." And that is kind of how life is, which is what makes it wonderful and unpredictable and amazing. Scary at times, but always, when you trust and follow God's direction, you gain something in the end. :-)

Nellie said...

Why on earth would you move away from paradise?!?! I'd save lots of grocery money by just eating the coconuts, bananas and pineapple that hang on the trees. We went to Hawaii (Maui) on our 10th anniversary. I want to go back! I bet it's different living there though. Hard to see family, etc.

I checked out your hubby's blog the other day. He is hard core! I bet it's a full time job just feeding him what he needs to compete. He's lucky you're such a great cook!

I've never had Marmite. Maybe you can give me a sample when I move in with you...I mean visit you when I come to Austin :0) See, I'm still looking for a free meal! Whether it's in Hawaii or Austin!! HA!

Nellie

Cara Craves... said...

I have tried Marmite once in my life and I think I only just swallowed it!
But that's only once, I think I should give it another go. I think I would like
it better mixed into things as you suggested...when I tried it it was just a big dollop
on a little cracker.

Looks like you have a lot of things in your life to be thankful for. I love how things in life just fall into place and provide us with such awesome experience. I for one never pictured myself living in Korea, that's for sure.

Allie said...

Awesome! We love our glutamates, don't we?

Jess said...

I LOVE this concept. The never say never attitude is awesome - I wonder if my list of "never say never" moments would be nearly as good as yours. Hmm. ;-) Hang in there friend, I know this has been a tough week for you...

hungryrunnergirl said...

James' biceps scare me ha!! I LOVED THIS POST!! Girl, I cannot get over how gorgeous you are. I bet you 'never' said you would be a model....but I think you should:) Loved that you married your bf, you two are perfect for each other. I have never even heard of Marmite ha!

hungryrunnergirl said...

Oh yeah, I hope you are enjoying your vitamin d today:)

Lisa @ bakebikeblog said...

Marmite + butter + toast = perfect comfort food :)

Katherine said...

I love your lists of "nevers". What an inspiration! It is so important for us to leave our lives open and not cling to what we think is the best for us. Because sometimes God has a better best. And sometimes the storms come, and we create a better best out of them.

And Ps, your hair is always so pretty!

Angie said...

Sound like God has wonderful things in store for your life! Your so right! Love it!

Kristina @ Life as Kristina said...

I gave you the stylish blogger award on my blog!

Susan - Nurse on the Run said...

I love that you just picked up and moved to Hawaii...it looks BEAUTIFUL there. You never know what you're capable of unless you take risks, so never say never! :)

Have I ever said how beautiful you are?? Geez woman!

Averie said...

Never say never is right.. I never thought a million things that have happened in my life, but you just never know what's in store, do you! Everything from your soul mate...to marmite :)

Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) said...

I am having those feelings this year of needing to start over. I feel the need to pack up everything and move on. I have such a great family and I feel like for the first time in my life, I know where I want to be, but am just not there. You actually just made me feel that way even more with this!

I have never tried marmite, but I want to try it now! It is on my list to get!

I hope you have a week filled with family love and happy thoughts. I am sending tons of hugs your way!

Mindy@FindingSilverLinings said...

Great post! You can never grow unless you move outside your comfort zone. Awesome reminder.
xo
Mindy

Lauren said...

This post was precious. I dont think I will ever like vegemite/marmite, but maybeeee one day!

lindsay cotter said...

but you've been to New Zealand, you gotta at least give it time. haha! Hope your doing well girl!
Anymore triathlon training coming up?
LC

Christina said...

What a cute post!!! I'm so jealous you live in Hawaii...love the beachy wavy hair!

shannon said...

hehe, you've done some amazing things! i'll remember this if it ever gets offered to me :)

Meghan Smith said...

I smiled this whole post! Your pictures are so great and I really enjoyed reading your nevers that turned into your life! I can't believe you eat marmite haha I have tried it once and did not enjoy it but I suppose everything deserves a second chance...right :-) Hope you are having a great New Year!

(what runs) Lori said...

You have no idea how much I needed this post today. :) Seriously.

Never say never... you can think it but don't say it. lol

Did you move to Hawaii all by yourself???

Tori @ FIToriBLOG.com said...

GREAT POST!!!!!

Tori @ FIToriBLOG.com said...

GREAT POST!!!!!

Angie said...

Sound like God has wonderful things in store for your life! Your so right! Love it!

janetha said...

blech i haaate that stuff. and vegemite. but hey, i guess one day i could like it, right? just not today. this post was so cute!

Salah said...

such a great post girl! I couldn't agree with you more! You never know what God will throw at you so just being able to trust that He will provide for you no matter what is so tough but so worth it! :-)

I've never in my life heard of marmite lol

Picky Nicky said...

Hi! It's my first time on your blog, I'm so glad I found it. This post is so happy, I love it :) And I've also recently discovered marmite and I'm never going back :D It's so tasty!
-Nicky

Lisakthrives said...

I have never heard of Marmite. Hmmm...I'll have to look it up, but "meaty flavor" is not usually a big selling point for me :) Umami is though!

This was a great post---I've only been reading you for a week or so, so it was great to learn a little bit more like this!

Sounds like you have a pretty fab life!

ERG said...

The MARMITE post! I have been waiting for this one!!!

Oh wow...now I know how to use it! SO excited! And I will look for that right next to the greek yogurt, right? But probably not at the Elkton Cash Market. Ha!

I would love to pack my bags and move to Hawaii for a little bit right now :)

Kissmybroccoli said...

Awesome post! I love looking back on the what I thought were "nevers" in my life. I too NEVER thought I'd have my own foodie blog...heck, before September 2010, I didn't even know what a food blog was!

lindsay cotter said...

oh the hubs lived on that island too. Loved it! And you gotta try marmite. I think You'd like it! so would Jason??

lindsay cotter said...

its awesome in a stir fry!

Angie bee said...

Oh my goodness!!! We have so much in common! Don't tell your hubby since he is a kiwi but I prefer Vegemite :)
I too moved to Hawaii with a back pack and duffle bag full of all my belongings and loved it!
I am a health nut now and married my best friend. Thanks for the fun post!

Madeline said...

I love this post! As someone who frequently finds myself on the road less traveled, I can say that it usually takes a little longer to get there, but I'm usually pretty happy with where I end up! :)

Liz said...

This is so true... so much of what happens in life is never what you 'think' will happen. But that's what makes it all so special! Still don't think I can try marmite though :)

lindsay cotter said...

but you've been to New Zealand, you gotta at least give it time. haha! Hope your doing well girl!
Anymore triathlon training coming up?
LC