Beat the Heat

Who knew when I moved NORTH that I would be living in 120 degree weather?? Not this girl. I woke up with quite the appetite and was craving oatmeal. Really? When there’s a heat wave outside?? I had to talk myself out of it by promising oats in a different version.

Plain Greek Yogurt with fresh blueberries and Chocolate Almond Butter Granola. I had to make more because I’m now officially obsessed with it. Look how chunky it is, it’s just plain perfect.

I walked to the gym (because I’m crazy) and begged them to give me a free pass (because I’m unemployed and can’t afford $100 a month on a gym membership) so I could take a class. They did. I have a charming smile.

See?

I took a new to me class at said gym. It was a Les Mills class (like body pump, body combat etc) called CX30. Ever heard of it?? CX30 is a 30 minute class that targets your core. You do 6 sets – 2 on the ground, 2 standing and 2 more on the ground. I really liked it and hope to one day (soon) be able to join that gym so I can be a frequent CX30 class taker.

After class I got in a quick 15 minutes of cardio and headed home in the heatwave. I was ready for lunch so I whipped up another no oven necessary meal. A quick salad:

Romaine Lettuce, leftover black bean burger, corn, cottage cheese, cucumber and a slice of avocado.

I need to pack because I leave for vacation tomorrow and I haven’t even pulled out my suitcase! Such the procrastinator. Truth is, I work better under pressure! 🙂

Tonight I have a date at Smith and Wollensky’s to spend some QT with this QT before I leave

But first, for favorite Friday I thought I’d do my favorite ways to beat the heat!!

1.) Make a HEALTHY smoothie – Preferably one that tastes like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup

2. Make s’mores ice cream

3. If I’m too lazy to make my own ice cream – I’ll head to my favorite fro-yo shop.

That’s a small. Don’t judge me.

4. Go bowling

5. Get a pedicure/manicure – Being pampered and staying inside seems like a win/win situation

6. Read Blogs (DUH) – A hilarious one I saw Cara post today on her facebook page about picking your battles. SO TRUE.

7. Read about the 50 fattiest Foods in the States

New Jersey is known for the Fat Darrell. What is your state known for?

8. Pick a fun craft off the Martha Stewart Website. Yes, I said fun.

9. Head to the beach/pool and get your tan on

10. Last but not least – Read a book in the comfort of your Air Conditioned home. Right now I’m working on this one

Let’s hope my ADD doesn’t kick in and I can finish it 🙂

I’m off to get ready for dinner and maybe attempt packing. See ya tomorrow!

QUESTIONS: Whats your favorite way to beat the heat??

Meatless Dinner

Someone must’ve known I was feeling a little snacky the other night and finished off the granola that I made in about .24 seconds. Yeah, it was that good.

When I was preparing dinner last night I heard a knock on my door. “Delivery for Miss Alyssa?” “That’s meeeee!”

I immediately busted open the box.

Please excuse the sharp knife sticking out from the bags. Please also excuse the blurry picture as I was too excited to grab my camera and had to use my phone 🙂

Love Grown Granola sent me 8 bags of granola! Woohooo. Naturally, I tried all of them. I really thought chocolate would be my favorite – But I have to go with Sweet Cranberry Pecan with this company! I plopped down on the couch and ate it straight from the bag while complaining to Adam that we need a cleaning lady because the bathroom took me 3 1/2 hours to clean. He told me it should be motivation to look for a job… I guess he’s right so I’m off to search!

But first I have to share last nights dinner. I served Adam his first meatless dinner EVER. He is a huge meat and potatoes type of guy and I wasn’t sure how he was going to like it. I made Jenna’s Boyfriend approved Spicy Black Bean burgers.

pictures courtesy of Jenna’s website. I didnt want to embarrass her food with mine.

I should note that Adam doesn’t even like beans in general so I’m not sure why I tried this meal out on him as his first… He ate it and said it was good but it just tasted like beans. I think he was just being difficult because he wants a steak dinner… I on the other hand thought it was delicious! The avocado and spiciness of the burger made the perfect combination. I have leftovers that I will be enjoying for lunch on a salad today 🙂

Ok, now back to that job search so I can get a cleaning lady!!

QUESTIONS: What is a good meatless meal to try out on your meat loving boyfriend??