Open Mic

I’m not ready for the weekend to be over. But is anyone? Even if you love your job you still love a couple days off now and then.

Regardless of the work week fastly approaching I did have a good weekend.

Yesterday was another great day in class. Waxing and facial practice, another super hot run, and a party with friends(I forgot my camera). Today came early after going to bed after midnight, which is SUPER late for me since I have class at 8:30a, more facial practice(yes, that’s 2 facials in one weekend), a nice long walk with Travis and Harper, dinner, yogurt, and a poetry open mic!

Dinner was pretty random but I was really in the mood for Brinner(breakfast for dinner). I used the remainder of a green pepper I hadn’t used, some red onion, cheddar, pepperjack, bacon, and tortillas. Topped with some salsa verde, YUM!

Breakfast Wrap

After brinner we went for yogurt at my favorite place, The Yogurt Tap!

Yogurt Yumness!

I’m a huge fan of self-serve, especially sweets so clearly I’m a huge fan of this place. I usually get cinnamon toast crunch and another random candy, but I thought I’d be good and load up on fruit instead. Strawberry yogurt with strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, blueberries, blackberries, and a few M&M’s. I couldn’t decide on which fruit to get so I just went with all of the above! And the M&M’s is a given, I had a bowl of fruit for dessert, please!

Next door is a coffee shop that has open mic every Sunday and luckily they had just started so we went over to check it out.

Poetry Slam

We used to go pretty frequently, but life gets hectic and these things fall through the cracks. I’m a huge fan of local artists and the poetry open mic is a FREE way to hear great talent! I’m always amazed at the performers and how they get on stage and free style their own poems without fail.

It was surprisingly not super hot out tonight so I hope we can make a few more appearances, with a stop for yogurt too!

Perfect Post Run Dinner

After a long car ride from NC to ATL Travis and I knew the best way to stretch our legs was with a run!

Usually running after sitting in a car for 5 hours doesn’t appeal to me in the least. Especially since I have to unpack(I don’t like letting my suitcase sit for days) and get ready for class tomorrow. But since I haven’t exercised in two days and ate ice cream( I don’t regret it at all) two days in a row I knew it was a good idea.

Our 4 mile run was at a humid 95° but was so worth it. We both needed a good run and Harper needed some exercise after napping in the car.

So tired after her run

Since it was late when we finished our workout we both wanted something light.

Post Run Dinner

Turkey, black bean hummus, melted pepperjack cheese on a flour tortilla with cucumber slices, carrots and green pepper. Perfect post run dinner.

Travis made his mom’s hummus recipe a few days ago and it’s the perfect staple to keep in the fridge. I used it on the tortilla for some added protein with the turkey and it was delicious. The creaminess of the chick peas really made it for me!

Not only is it super easy to make, but it’s cheaper than buying at the store without the extra sodium. Sometimes we modify the recipe by adding different beans but either way it’s super good. On a sandwich, salad, used as a dip I highly recommend trying it for yourself.

Black Bean Hummus(adapted from Travis’ mom)

• 2 cans drained black beans(this recipe we used 1 can chick peas and 1 can black beans)
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp tamari
• 2 tbsp warm water

Add all ingredients to food processor and enjoy! See told you it was easy;)

NC Bound

Travis and I had to make a last-minute trip up to NC after work on Wednesday and didn’t get in until after midnight. It was a very restless night and Harper was up all night pacing the bedroom so I had maybe 4 full hours of sleep.

Luckily my parents had fresh fruit, cottage cheese, and some granola so my breakfast was the best thing ever. This and a couple of cups of coffee helped me feel human again. I’m not a morning person and need my 7 hours so I was super grateful.

Breakfast

After breakfast  Travis had to work for a few hours so my brother and I took Harper and my parents dog, Zoe to my grandmother’s farm. After a long car ride and pacing all night Harper still hadn’t slept so I knew the best way to wear her out was a field where she could run and do whatever she wanted.

Maw Maw's farm

This place holds so many of my childhood memories. I used to love coming to my Maw Maw’s house when I was a kid. The best thing about it was that every Spring her cat would have a new litter of kittens. As a little girl that was the BEST!

Since she passed a few years ago it really makes me appreciate the memories even more when I go back to visit.

Will and Zoe

My cousin lives on the land now and has cows that keep the barn and pasture in use. The unfortunate thing that occurs when you reminisce too long about childhood memories and don’t pay attention…Zoe finds the manure.

Rolling in cow shi__!

You can see the smile on her face!

I laughed so hard it hurt. I’m not sure if I was laughing at the act of her rolling in cow crap or the fact that my brother was freaking out that she had to ride in the back of his car back to my parents. Either way it was the funniest thing ever and totally made my week!

Post crap roll

I don’t think I’ll ever understand why dogs feel the need to roll in the nastiest things. GROSS!

Luckily we were able to hose Zoe off and get her all washed off before we headed back to my parents house. That would have been a shitty car ride, haha get it? Silly pup!

Chasing a squirrel

Join the Gym?

Happy Wednesday!

 

I am well rested after doing nothing last night. The Switch was really cute and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a movie that requires no thought.

 

I like thought provoking movies where you have conversations analyzing each character, but last night was different. I needed a cute girl movie. 

 

Moving on…to breakfast.

Berry good!

 

I had blueberries, 1/2 a banana, english muffin with 1/2 PB and 1/2 butter and honey. Yesterday’s breakfast was filling so I’ve decided to add more fruit to my AM meals. I’ve added more veggies to lunches, snacks, and dinners so more fruit is probably a good idea.

 

A morning run didn’t happen so I have a hot evening run to look forward to. I keep reading about Body Pump classes on other blogs and really want to try one out. There is a gym near my house that offers a morning class as well as spin so I’ve thought about taking advantage of the free week they offer just to test the waters.

 

Running outside and lifting weights in the comfort of my own living room is my workout comfort zone so I’m hesitant to join the gym.

 

 I love the running routes I use to vary my milage and the treadmill doesn’t appeal to me at all. With the temperatures rising each day and the humidity making it even hotter, the sound of an air conditioned workout room seems awfully nice. So conflicted!

 

I wish there was a gym you could join just for the classes.

 

Doing Nothing

I love nights where you come home, take the dog on a walk, make a no hassle dinner, and veg out in front of the TV. After three straight days of school, a very long day at work, and a husband out having a guys night I’m taking full advantage to do NOTHING!

I got my Netflix movie in the mail so hanging out with Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman seems like a pretty awesome way to spend a Tuesday night.

Tuesday Night Movie

I have all that I need for a girl’s night in:

Popcorn: Check!

Popcorn

Plate of leftover Watermelon: Check

Watermelon

Have a good night!

Sabotaging Results

I love Summer and all things associated with the warmer season months. I love being outside, going to festivals, taking beach trips or any trip involving water, I love eating at restaurants on the patio, and most of all I love Summer fruit!(I know it’s technically Spring until the 21st, but here in Atlanta it’s been Summer for a few weeks, so just go with it)

 

After our morning run Travis cut up some watermelon he picked up this weekend. I was SUPER excited! After having oats everyday for the past week I needed a change.

Summer Fruit

 

I added some blueberries and toasted English muffin, 1/2 just butter and 1/2 PB and cinnamon! It was just what I needed to get my morning started.

 

During breakfast I was reading an article about mistakes we make that sabotage our workouts and that really spoke to me. I am pretty good about eating the right portion sizes, not eating junk or processed foods, staying away from sports drinks and sticking with water enhanced with electrolytes, etc, but some of what the article said I had never thought about.

 

Mistakes that sabotage your workout:(tips adapted from SHAPE article)

• Exercising on an Empty Stomach– When you workout your body burns carbs and fat. It’s not possible to burn pure body fat so your body is forced to break down muscle to convert to blood sugar. If you skip a meal you eat away at your own muscle instead of building it. Instead: have some fruit, handful of almonds, or a small unsweetened smoothie.
• Not Eating Enough “Good” Fat– Every cell in our body is made of fat, so we need it to heal and repair after workouts. Without “good” fats we can stay sore and fail to see improvements. Instead: add extra virgin olive oil, flax, avocados, and/or some almonds to more of your meals.
• Believing the Afterburn Myth– After workouts you can burn more calories depending on the intensity of your routine. Most women, however, only burn an additional 50 calories. Not exactly enough to justify the side of queso I usually order after a really good hot yoga class, CRAP! Instead: add about half the calories you burn. If you burn 500 calories in your workout you can allow yourself to have some sliced strawberries with a handful of almonds and half cup of greek yogurt.

I am so bad about rationalizing ice cream after running, but forgetting to modify the rest of my day. It’s easy to get frustrated if you aren’t careful about your intake.

 

Try writing an honest food journal for yourself. If nobody else sees it you are more than likely to be honest. Or if you have a friend or someone you trust share the journal with them so they can help you with your goals!

Friday

My Friday night consisted of folding a neglected pile of clothes while I dreamed of:

 

A new kitchen:

I want this kitchen

 

Cute little trinkets, dresses I want to lounge around the house in, and

Best Cupcake Ever

Pretty relaxing Friday!

 

Yoga on the Brain

After revamping my goals for the next 6 months I was super excited about going to hot yoga after work. I had already pumped myself up and couldn’t wait for the day to be over. For lunch I had some leftover salad from the other night with some grape tomatoes.

Leftover salad

I feel so much better at yoga when I’ve eaten a few small meals throughout the day rather than a couple large ones. Unfortunately my sweet tooth was calling and I had to answer. I couldn’t choose between gum and chocolate so I got both.

Gum AND chocolate

I don’t really consider a Fiber One bar a sweet anyway because it’s not a candy bar so I did good! I’m not a fan of the word “OR” either. Why do I have to choose when I can get both?

Anyways, after work and nearing the time to change clothes and head out the door I get delayed by work and have to stay a few minutes later. I WAS DEVASTATED!!!

Don’t they know I have YOGA? Don’t they know I’ve been excited about this all day? Don’t they care about my goals? UGH! On the angry drive home I knew I could just run with Harper which would make her happy, but I had yoga on the brain. I had already anticipated the cool lavender towel across my forehead during shavasana at the end of class, deep sigh. Luckily Travis got home at the same time so we ran together and all was right with the world.

For dinner we took it back old school with a meal fit for a 3rd grader. Mac and cheese(from a box), canned kidney beans, and frozen green beans! * this is Travis’ plate, I ate mine in a bowl but it wasn’t fit for a photo.

Kiddie plate

No, I still haven’t gone to the store. I’m using up what I have, which clearly isn’t much!

Missing yoga was not as bad as I made it to be, but I can’t stand getting something on my mind and then plans changing. It’s one of my pet peeves! Next time I’ll be better at going with the flow!

Revamped Goals

I can’t believe this year is already half way done. I have had such a busy and amazing year that it’s flown right by. I look forward to the rest of the year, but I need to keep on track with some of my goals I’ve let fall through the cracks.

 

I’m not big on New Year Resolutions but I did have goals for myself to keep on track with my health and fitness. I’ve been really good and workout at least 4x a week, cook healthier, eat healthier, etc. Now I think I need to challenge myself for the next half of the year. I’m revamping my goals!

 

Revamped goals:

• workout in the morning
• do more yoga classes throughout the week
• incorporate more weights in my routine
• make more protein smoothies
• be better about taking multi vitamin(when needed)

Yesterday started out great since I got my run in first thing and tonight I have Bikram, so I’m already going strong with the first two goals! All I need now is get heavier weights and order protein powder for smoothies. The 5 lbs are great, but I know I could do more to get the results I want. And the smoothies will be great so I can stop having to go between oats and yogurt. Or when I’m in a hurry, like this morning, a lame protein bar and apple.

More of a snack

 

This wasn’t filling!

 

I’m excited to see how the rest of the year turns out and to add-on more goals as I accomplish the ones I’ve already set for myself!

 

What are some goals you have for yourself?

Electrolytes for Your Skin

After joining Travis and Harper on their morning run today I realized that I need to make the change to morning workouts. Yesterday was brutally hot and humid and I can feel it’s only going to get worse!

The run was cooler, obviously since the sun wasn’t quite out yet, but we added sprints and backwards running up hill. It was really tough since my legs were still achy from the walking lunges yesterday on a steep incline. I felt good after and need to workout in the mornings more. I’m not a morning person, but it’s getting too hot and in Atlanta, once it gets hot it stays hot for about 5 more months!

Once we got home and I was out the door with coffee and water bottle in hand but didn’t have any electrolytes! I’m really good about drinking water. I go through 60 ounces a day, but I need to make sure to add electrolytes. It’s not just good for my body, but for my skin too!

Electrolytes are GOOD!

When we sweat, we lose water and minerals like sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, sulfate, and phosphate. Without the proper balance of electrolytes, our body can’t properly absorb and utilize the water we have in our system. This balance is really important for our skin.

 

When our skin is hydrated the cells are plump and look soft and smooth. Dehydration flattens the cells and can lead to skin sagging and premature aging. That is not what we want!

 

Drinking tons of fresh, clean water throughout the day is a great idea but if you don’t have the right balance of electrolytes you aren’t doing your skin or body any favors.

 

The least expensive way I’ve found to add electrolytes is by adding a tiny amount of salt to lemon water. I don’t use enough to taste but that seems to do the trick. Also for non sports drink options GREEN Super Food, Smartwater, and Emergen-C.

 

*this information is my opinion and not medical advice