Weekend Sunshine_7.21.13

It's been realllly hot here in the North East this past week.  Very tropical. Not sure what all the complaining is about, Summer didn't really start until July 1st this year.  It rained most of May & June... I'll take a week in the 90's - bring it! Plus, it's New England... extreme conditions don't last forever. It's  b e a u t i f u l  out today! Here's how I embraced the heat! 

Drinks around Fenway on Friday night.  Our famous Citgo sign... I'm such a tourist in my own city.  

Running outside didn't happen much this week so I took advantage of the weight room upstairs at Peter Welch's after class to extend my workouts. I love this weight room - everything you need - no frills.

Hot weather is the perfect excuse to order ice cold oysters... both Friday.... & Saturday night. (Oysters are loaded with Zinc - more than any other food.  Also high in protein, magnesium, omega-3's and potassium. Low in calories & fat!)

Here's my motivation for the week: Push harder in your workout - you are stronger than you think. Yesterday, at the end of a rather difficult boxing class... we had to hold a seated squat for two minutes straight... no breaks. Something we've done before in class, but, not really something I'd probably do on my own in my living room.  What goes through my head during 120 seconds of burning is usually something similar to... "You can do this, half way there, how else can I distract myself, 30 more seconds, you can do this, ow, ow, ow, ow....".  Our instructor was great yesterday and kept talking the whole time and said "It's just lactic acid, it's going to burn, you will walk out of here, your legs are not going to fall off, I promise". That pretty much sold it for me. So... my point... you can always push yourself harder. Remember, it's just lactic acid, it's going to burn, your legs are not going to fall off. 

Have an awesome week! xo

Weekend Sunshine 7.15.13

I'm back, I'm back! I know fun fit flavor has been on a bit of a hiatus since the 4th.  I took some time off from work and really needed some time to step away from all things electronic and relax.  I went back to work last week and realized that I needed to catch up on a few 'homeowner' chores so I dedicated time to getting everything in order.  Sometimes, we all need to press the reset button.  I came back from vacation feeling completely refreshed. I hope you all have some time to enjoy off this summer. Sometimes local travel and a staycation is exactly the break needed :)

I thought "Weekend Sunshine" would be the best way to revive fun fit flavor out of its lull!

I took this photo in the evening of July 5th.  There isn't a place I feel more free than out on the ocean. Be grateful for our freedom and Independence.

It's not a vacation in New England without a proper lobster roll.

Is it weird that I never get sick of the view of my city from Castle Island during a run? Maybe because the sky is always different.

My bff's since the 6th grade, Rachael & Kim. We went out on Friday night for Kim's first night out since she had Juliet. We had a blast - love these girls more than words... Now, I know what you are thinking... wait, wasn't that two weeks ago? Yes, yes it was. Her secret? (don't worry, I asked) She continued to exercise almost daily and eat healthy throughout her pregnancy. Swear.

Bridesmaid dress shopping in Fall River (Fallll Rivaahhhh) on Saturday for Jenn's wedding!

Here's a good one to start off your week! Remember, sometimes you just need to slow down and pay attention to the little things...

Have a GREAT week! xo

Girls Night (Part 3)

I hosted "Girls Night" on Friday. I've said it before and I'll say it again... we always have the best time at "Girls Night".  This time it was Rae, Becca, Leanda, Michelle, & Janet.  Kim had little Juliet on Wednesday so, obviously, she couldn't make it, but, she was definitely the first topic of conversation (you were there in spirit, Kim!). Catching up on all of our latest "news"  (we cover everything... no really, everything) and making future plans. Five hours go by in a flash.

I wanted to keep the menu light this time as it is Summer, after all... and, it's been super humid and muggy. 

To kick it all off - I made mojitos - everyone gets an umbrella! (mint from my deck garden, lime, simple syrup, & soda).  

I've actually never made deviled eggs, but, I  l o v e  them! I thought it would be a nice cool protein-rich treat to add to the assortment.

They were easy!  (organic egg(s) yolk, organic mayo, dry mustard, squeeze of honey, salt, pepper - all to taste). This recipe looks about right, you can swap in the honey instead of relish or even capers or pickles for a salty flavor. I just kept them classic and simple.

Tip: Fill the mixture in a gallon size bag and cut off the corner to easily fill each egg.  Then, sprinkle with paprika.

As I was preparing... I made sure to build my 'serving' table. Bring out the cheese 1-2 hours prior to guests arriving (depending on how hot your place is). Soft cheese should be soft, when served. I also picked up some fresh tulips to add some color and brightness. (The dip you see in the middle is just tabouleh & hummus mixed together - SIMPLE and SO good.)

Next, my specialty: Avocado/pesto/chickpea dip. I came upon making this one night when I was making avocado pesto pasta. The girls LOVED this. And, it is so easy, loaded with protein, fiber, antioxidants, & omega-3s! 

To make: 3 ripe avocados, juice of 2-3 lemons, 3 cloves garlic (more or less to liking), can of chickpeas, handful of basil (from my garden), salt, crushed red pepper, couple tbs of parmesan. Toss it all into the food processor and serve. YUM. 

I love this cheese board. These are three of my favorite cheeses to serve. Manchego is a harder cheese with a nice salty bite, port salut is mild and really creamy, brie is creamy awesomeness. (See how they are nice and melty)

Here is (almost) the final table. Rebecca brought the freshest bruscetta (top right) that tasted like summer.  It was delish.  I toasted up whole grain baguette to pair with the avocado pesto dip.  Fresh local strawberries pair nicely with the cheese. Fig jam is a pairing must with all three cheeses - it is really addicting - warning you now.  I also made my famous healthy panko baked buffalo nuggets.  We sat outside on the deck - threw back the mojitos, a couple bottles of a wine and caught up on life.  I think this was actually the perfect amount of food. Many times, I completely over do it - this time I made sure to balance the carb/protein ratio and I think it worked out just right.  What is your go-to appetizer?? I'd love to try some new recipes at the next Girls Night.

Hope you all have a great week and a very happy & FUN 4th! xo