Welcome to the Second edition of the COTTER CHRONICLES. Missed the first one? Click here for first edition! This post is a series of “journal” entries focusing on sharing life updates, articles, links to lurk, food and recipes to try, weekly news, and so on and so on. Consider this a link love meets newspaper and coffee time. Sound good?
Okay, let’s get started. So… about us. Well, the kiwi is still on the job hunt. Full time that is. Hoping and praying for something to come up soon. At least he is still able to coach (swimming, running, and triathlon) and enjoys that very much! But in the meantime, we’ve had a lot visitors!
Current EVENTS
First up, the NUTTZO crew came to Austin. We got to catch up with Danielle and Shel and discuss all things NUTTZO. Lots of new events/races in Texas on their agenda and we’re hoping to help out or be part of that.
We also had another Kiwi in town during memorial day. Yep, sir Kiwi Cotter (James’ dad) was in town from Auckland. And he came with LOTS OF goodies. OH MY! The kiwi was in sugar heaven!
Speaking of goodies. Guess what we received in the mail? Yep, the new Carrot Spice FLAPJACK mix. And I already tested it out with a Healthy Bites recipe. SO stay tuned for that in the JULY flavor of the month.
And I plan on making this bread next!
Now that I’ve mentioned food (a lot) already, let’s get to the food and wine section, ok?
FOOD AND WINE :
Ever wondered what to do with that leftover wine? Try these wine hacks! I’m so trying the slushie or freezing it!
Speaking of wine –> How long does it really last once opened? READ HERE!
Berry Almond Acai Bowls – I’ve always wanted to make an ACAI bowl. And now I know how thanks to Georgie!
http://www.problogger.net/archives/2015/05/25/four-blogging-tools-to-make-your-content-go-further/
Looking for a new recovery drink idea? Check out Minimalist Baker’s Chocolate Chia Recovery Drink (VEGAN)
And if you are needing a summer drink idea? Um –> THESE by Megan. Cherry Vanilla salted Caramel Afogatos Ice Cream Floats. Need I say more?
Need some ideas for a quick dinner? Check out Lindsay’s 5 ingredient meals. I pinned on my QUICK meal ideas board, yay!
Wonton Nachos with Chicken and Mango Salsa –> Gosh I love Maggies Recipes and this. So trying with GF tortillas next.
Let’s continue with Taco talk and drool over Taylor’s Maple Salmon Tostada recipe. YEP! Genius
Or we can stand in awe of Averie’s Power House Salad! Check out that color!
Needing more snack ideas? Love these creative snack ideas from Buzzfeed. I don’t even need to study to eat these. Unless I study my taste buds, YUM!
HEALTH AND FITNESS
5 Things you can do to be a better runner! I need all 5 and more Yoga in my Life!
Speaking of Running —> TRX for runners. YES YES YES! WE LOVE our TRX!
What about a Barre Workout? Ohh I love Erin’s quick arm barre workout!
Do you eat starches? Are they good for you on a Paleo Diet? We do! Here’ WHY!
Speaking of PALEO –> 20 things you didn’t know about on the PALEO diet. A must read from Chris Kresser.
And oh how I love this post by Laura –> Should You Cheat On Your Diet? 3 Reasons Why Dietary Infidelity is a Good Thing
BLOGGING for BUSINESS AND MISCELLANEOUS
Wanna write an ebook? You so should! I wrote TWO. Learn more –> Here’s how!
Need to use photos for your blog posts but don’t know where to find them? Check out these beautiful FREE PHOTO resources.
Okay, we’ve all been there. Doubting our blogging. Well then READ THIS! How to stand out from 227 million blogs! p.s. I love NAGI!
LOCAL LOVE
Yes yes, I’m mentioning 512 Kitchen Market again. But guess what? They are offering $25 a week of meals –> SHIPPED to you! and guess what? Rumor has it they might start shipping Healthy Bites next! Squeeeeeeel!
This last local love is sad but at least we can all come together. The flooding! It’s crazy. But we are safe. Austin sure knows how to support each other during this time. That’s a good thing!
Best thing you read this week?
Hi, I’m Lindsay! Gluten Free Nutrition Specialist, food photographer and author of 
Sign up & get 5 FREE RECIPES from my 
AHH I’m especially excited to see what you made already with the new Carrot Spice Flapjacked mix!
you will be hooked. IT IS SOOOO GOOD!
I need to try wine hacks! Not a big drinker and always have leftovers.
I can’t believe all the flooding but I’m glad to know that you all are safe. And thanks for making me absolutely starving at 6:30am! haha. Love all these links and can’t wait to catch up. Sending lots of good juju to you and James and hopeful that something will come through soon that he loves. xo
we need good juju for each other. <3
Glad to see you are safe in Texas!
All those yummy food pics are making me hungry! I really want nachos now… and it’s 6:45 am. haha
yes, i say that as its raining again. Crazy weather
O my gosh, the floods are horrible, I hope everything clears up soon and people stay safe!
Leftover wine, what is this? I’m glad that you all are ok with all of the flooding, that has been so terrifying, I’m sure. I can’t imagine!
Thank you for all of the links! This will keep me busy for some time, I’m sure!
Wow, so many great links in this post that I will have to check out! I love Starborough wine. Glad you guys are safe!
I’m so excited for the carrot spice flavor! And thank you so much for the shoutout for the TRX for runners post 🙂
So glad you and your family are safe. I know how scary flooding can be. Water is merciless at that volume. <3 u!!
hahaha wine leftovers, that is funny! NEVER any leftovers in my household 😉 that flapjack mix sounds amazing! so glad to hear you and JC are doing well. miss you xoxo
So many great links! I know what I’ll be doing for the next hour of my day… 😉 Thanks for taking the time to share them all!
I’m definitely in need of some snack ideas these days, so I’m exciting to check out that Buzzfeed article!
This post is epic! So many great things to look at and visit. 🙂 This is my first time at your blog and I love it. <3
Thank you for linking to my photo resource post, too!
well thank you for the lovely resource! so glad we could connect Erika!
That carrot cake bread, oh my goodness.
Carrot spiced flapjack mix!? Sounds amazing!! Glad to hear you and the fam are safe from the flooding!
I’ve made banana sushi for the kids in my 2nd grade class (using sunbutter because of allergies) and they went crazy for it!!
sending lots of love to those affected by the floods <3
Awesome links! Wine hacks.. heck yes 😉
I can’t believe all the flooding! But I’m glad you’re staying safe <3 If you can, send some of the rain my way! They keep telling us that we're supposed to get some rain, but so far… nada.
Love your Chronicles! It is a weekly “news paper” I am looking forward to reading with my coffee (so don’t get rid of it! 😉 )
We love banana pb rolls, they are a staple here! The wanton nachos, seriously genius!! And ummm…. I was reading quicker than I could process or something and read wine acai bowl and got excited. Than realized I got that wrong. However after this weekend, my oldest has a soccer tournament this weekend an hour away and we have to be there by 7am. She plays 2 games and then we rush back home to my youngest daughter’s gymnastics show. Than depending on how my oldest does she will have games in the afternoon and or Sunday. I’m thinking I am going to make a WINE ACAI BOWL! 😉
Glad your safe with all that flooding!
So many great links in this post! The spicy carrot cake Flapjack sounds so good, I can’t wait to see your recipes with it!
So much rain! I’m pretty sure most of Texas is just going to float away! Looks like you’ve been busy and I can’t wait to see July’s Healthy Bites recipe!
Love this! Need to pin it for later, because I am heading to Portland soon. XO Happy weekend!
So many great links in here! Can’t wait to take a look! Have a great weekend!!
So glad y’all are safe! It’s been so sad seeing the pictures on the news!
Moving onto happier things – that Carrot Spice FLAPJACK mix sounds insanely good – I cannot wait for your bread/loaf recipe! Good luck to the kiwi in his job hunt – the economy seems to be picking up here in Atlanta – more business seems to be hiring than about a year ago. Hope y’all have a wonderful weekend!
That is crazy water! I remember when I lived in Del Rio by the lake and it got so high once that we thought it was going to flood my apartment. Stay safe and dry!
Acai bowls are SO good! You definitely need to try ’em out!
Texas weather has been nuts! My heart goes out to all who’ve been affected. This reminds me I need to replenish my Nuttzo stash.
so much goodness happening here! Love that you guys got some NZ loving!! And here’s to the kiwi finding a gig soon! 🙂
So much information! I’m trying to catch up on reading since I was off the grid for 2 days studying and now I’ve added a whole bunch more to read. Thanks for sharing!
Lindsay! I can’t wait to read all the articles in the blogging section! I’m gonna hit the couch tonight, cue up the DVR, and read! Thank you!!
my kind of Friday night. I’m serious! haha netflix on our list and reading. 😉
Those wine hacks sounds cool! I am also working on an e-book product and will have to read that link as well. Have a great weekend!
Thinking of you guys with all that rain you’ve gotten!! Glad you got a visit from your father in law, I bet that was a fun time, even if busy! I haven’t read much this week, it’s been a blur, but am trying to catch up today as I wind (wine?!) down the week. xoxo
I just tried the FlapJacked Carrot Spice mix this morning for the first time, and I’m head over heels for it! Yum!
How long does wine last once it’s opened?
Depends on my mood — and whether I am sharing.
LOL! same. I think i need a whole bottle to myself tonight.
LOVE this. So much great stuff in one post. I need to go back and re-read…
OMFG MAILING OUT HEALTHY BITES! Dude, that’s freaking incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I am so pumped for you, it took me 6 attempts to write “freaking” because I spelled it correctly – LOL)
So many good reads…Off to read them as I now have a ton of tabs open…HAHA! Have a beautiful weekend pretty lady! xoxo
I’m going to be trying the carrot cake mix this weekend!! Can’t wait… Oh & the fact I might have Healthy balls at my doorstep again makes me so excited 😀 I love the cotter chronicles feature!
So glad you all are safe. The flooding sounds incredibly scary! Love all the goodies you received. I am especially a huge fan of soft eating natural licorice.
I am so glad you are safe and praying for those that have been affected by mother nature’s moodiness. This was a very fun post and a little something for everyone. Have a super weekend!
thank you friend. that means a lot. xxoo
I was drooling over Maggie’s wonton nachos this week too– that must be the Texas influence on her Asian roots! I just realized you were both in Austin. Glad to hear the floods aren’t affecting you!
maggie is genius! and she moves here in august. YAY!
I seriously opened up 8 links in new tabs while reading this! Can’t wait to read what to do with my leftover wine! Thanks for sharing lady.
OMG, glad you guys are safe!!
I love the new FlapJacked Flavor, we got to try it at Blend, so delicious!
We were in San Antonio last weekend and part of the week and decided to drive home early since the rain was going to keep coming and we didn’t want to drive home in storms and flooding.
Left-over wine really happens?!
Those mango chicken nachos look awesome.
Love the Cotter Chronicles!
so crazy, weather that is. Glad you got back safe. I would have said drive through austin to see ME but it was probably too dangerous. EEK!
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much here! Dang – I tasted the carrot pancake at The show – so friggin good!!!!!
I have to come back & read again – not enough time right now. 🙂
Carrot spice sounds amazing – carrot cake is my favorite. Maybe I should order some online. Always looking for good GF stuff.
Carrot spice sounds like such a glorious flavor. Can’t wait to see a recipe!
I say the wine lasts as long as I keep drinking it. Isn’t that how it works? Oops.
Thinking about you.