I love to cook – but in the summer, when it’s 100 degrees, the last thing I want to do is subject myself to a hot stove and even more heat.

That’s why I’ve decided to share my favorite {Simple Summer Sides/Salads} over the next couple of months. These dishes require little-to-no cooking and are simple. First up…

What you need:
Garlic
Salt & Pepper
(splash of) EVOO
Frozen lima beans
Basil
Grape (or cherry) tomatoes
Red onion
Shaved parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add lima beans and cook according to directions (about 12-15 minutes). Meanwhile, halve grape tomatoes, chop red onion, julienne basil and press garlic. Drain lima beans and combine with tomatoes, red onion, basil and garlic. Add salt, pepper (and any other seasoning you like) and a splash of EVOO. Top with shaved parmesan cheese (optional)

Enjoy!

Fresh basil from my garden

Eat Tomato-Basil Lima Beans with crisp white wine and an outdoor patio set

BJ and I had a great weekend in Missouri, aka Big MO. My dad is from a Steelville – a small country town about 2 hours southwest of St. Louis. I have fond memories of Big MO: summer vacation, family, horseback riding, canoe trips, Steak ‘n Shake, fresh tomatoes from the garden… It’s been about 5 years since my last trip, so I was way overdue for a family visit.

My family (mom, dad, 2 sisters and BJ) and I stayed in an awesome cabin at Westover Farms – 500 acres of uninterrupted bliss complete with picturesque views, fresh spring water creeks and (catch & release) fly fishing. We started every morning with run – the perfect way to start the day. Living in DC, I don’t see many country roads or grass as far as the eye can see. It was refreshing and much needed.

Morning Run

We were busy – and I’m still exhausted after 4 days in Missouri: 
We went on a canoe trip. Ate sunflower seeds. Celebrated my grandma’s beautiful life. Went running. Ate watermelon, deer sausage, and fresh strawberries, radishes and tomatoes from my Uncle’s garden. Went horseback riding. Made smore’s over a bonfire. Drank beer. Went to a bbq every night. Played board games. Laughed A LOT. Had not 1, but 2 chocolate milkshakes from Steak ‘n Shake. Went fly fishing. Went to super Wal-Mart. Had fun. Spent quality time as a family.

Can’t go to Big MO without getting a chocolate milkshake from Steak ‘n Shake

sister, sister

My family: BJ, me, KP, mom, dad, LP

The grandchildren (missing 3)

Smore’s It was the perfect family weekend – and a wonderful reminder of how great my grandma was & her dedication to family and love.

Ask and you shall receive.

Since I can’t giveaway 100 (free) sport science shirts, a few readers asked about a sport science discount code to purchase product online. Well, you got it!

sport science is offering my readers 20% off all product on the website: http://www.sportsciencewear.com/

Use the code Run4Margs at checkout. The discount is good until July 1, 2011.

While sport science is on your mind, don’t forget about my sport science giveaway {here} for 2 chances to win a sport science shirt

Thanks again to sport science for hosting my giveaway and offering my readers a discount code.

Nothing was going to stop me from running on National Running Day – not even blistering heat, torrential downpour and pelting hail.

BJ and I encountered all three (plus some lightning & thunder)

Fortunately, we got 4.5 miles into our run when the rain & hail started. But, 0.5 miles was enough to get completely and utterly soaked.

It was totally worth it. I ran with my favorite hubs, on National Running Day, doing one of my favorite things {running}

Today is my Friday, I’m off to Missouri for the weekend (random, I know). BJ and I are going to visit family and celebrate my grandma’s life {she passed away recently} While sad, it was expected, and I’m looking forward to seeing my family and honoring her life.

 Don’t forget to enter my sport science giveaway {HERE} – seriously, you don’t want to miss out on this one {trust me}

 happy weekend & happy running

Today is National Running Day. So, in honor of one of my favorite things {running}, I’m giving away one of my favorite running related things {sport science}. But, I’ll get to that in a minute.

• Follow my blog, I RUN LIKE A GIRL – or let me know that you are already a follower
• Like I RUN LIKE A GIRL on Facebook {here} – worth 2 points
• Like Sport Science on Facebook {here} – what shirt would you get if you won?
• In honor of National Running Day, leave a comment letting me know your favorite distance to race and why.
• Bonus Entry: link this contest on your social platform(s) of choice. Leave a separate comment letting me know you did and include the link – worth 2 points each

“My Favorite Things” giveaway will be open until noon EST, Friday, June 10th, at which time I will close the post for comments, choose 2 winners via Random.org and announce the winners with a (new) blog post.