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??

Blender Mishap

This morning I got up and headed out for my run… It was a little rough. I’ve been slacking on the stretching and boy could I notice. I ran about 3 miles and had to walk the fourth. I can guarantee I’ll be doing some of this later.

I came home sweaty as ever and wanted something nice and cold! I pulled out our new blender to make a smoothie bowl. I must’ve not put the blender together correctly because as soon as I pressed the blend button…I had a big mess.

Awesome. Happy Thursday to you too.

I ended up figuring it out and gave it another shot.

Whew, much better.

Strawberry Cake Batter Smoothie Bowl: 1 1/4 cup almond milk, 1 frozen banana, 1 scoop cake batter protein, 5 fresh strawberries, 2 pinches of xanthan gum (for thickness)

This one looks prettier than the first anyways 🙂

Summer to Do List

This morning I was thinking about how fast this year has gone by (especially Summer) and decided to jot down a quick list of things I want to accomplish before Summer is over.

1.) Find a job preferably as an Event or Wedding Planner in NYC – my dream

2.) Make new friends – Since I just moved to a city where I only know my boyfriend and his guy friends I’m going to need a little girl time here and there too!

3.) Have a picnic in Central Park

4.) Get a chocolate chip cookie from Levain’s Bakery in NYC

5.) Visit the Peanut Butter & Co. in NYC

6.) Take as many free workout classes outside as possible. I’ve already found yoga and belly dancing classes

7.) Visit the beach at least once a month

8.) Do a DIY project for our bedroom – ex: make a headboard

9.) Take a cooking class

10.) Read a book from start to finish. I have major ADD and usually get halfway through and start another.

I still have things to cross off my to do list but there is not a cloud in the sky and from the looks of yesterdays picture of myself i DESPERATELY need a tan. To lay out or run errands? That is the question.

QUESTION: What is something YOU want to accomplish this summer?