Hi there. I was excited and a little surprised t0 receive some positive feedback on the makeup finds posts and requests for more. I’m happy to oblige (when I have relevant conent to share) given that I’ve kind of moved away from the strict “what I’m eating and how I’m working out” formula and let this blog run the gamut on topics. It’s more fun that way for all involved…especially the writer who gets bored to tears when I just talk about food and working out.
Three topics for you today.
1) Noteworthy eats from the last few days.
A “Nutty Fruity” smoothie from Berrybrook Farm. This interesting but really good smoothie included yogurt, bananas, almonds (not almond butter) and pineapple. I loved having the almond pieces in there for something to chew on. Reminded me of when I add dates to my smoothies. It’s nice to have some different textures.
Straw Propeller sent me a selection of their oatmeal and museli to sample and this morning I tried the Peaches & Berry Bramble flavor. Everything was pre-assembled in the cup and you just add hot water. The ingredients list is very short and the flavor is great. I added some diced banana and almond butter and it was perfect and sustained me all morning. I cannot tell you the last time I had hot oatmeal for breakfast. It was a treat!
Remember when you used to see these lunch bowls all the time? I was able to actually peel myself away from my desk and get home for lunch today so I opened the fridge and freezer and this is what resulted. A bed of spinach topped with brown rice, broccoli, tomatoes, feta, basil and hummus with a dash of red wine vinegar.
I met a friend for dinner last night at Mac’s Speed Shop and couldn’t resist ordering this down-home cooking meal of collard greens, smoked pulled turkey with barbecue sauce and green been casserole (<— so bad but so good!).
Workouts
I was so sore after Monday’s CrossFit workout that I couldn’t even imagine picking up a weight or running yesterday.
So I made my way into my friend Lauren’s spin class for the second week in a row. I left dripping with sweat and feeling like I got a good cardio workout that didn’t tax my sore muscles too much. I don’t love to spin but it is a good low-impact cardio option.
Sweet Sullie
Sullie has been going above and beyond with delivering on cuteness this week. The girl LOVES to chill upside down (I think because it’s cool on her belly?) and hung out like this for hours in my office on Monday.
It’s 75 degrees and cloudy in Charlotte today so Sullie spent her lunch break on the back steps. For her whole puppy life she has loved laying with her chin propped on something…decks, coffee tables, railings. So cute.
Does your pup have any unique favorite positions?
sullie is so cute!! and all the eats look delicious!
That smoothie sounds really awesome! And I love spin for a fun change up. I find it relaxing in a way since we turn the lights off and just let the music play…even though it is a hardcore session! Sullie is so cute. Sometimes I wish I had a dog for the cuteness, companionship, love, and comfort they give but then other times I don’t (I am pretty freaked out around animals, like dogs and cats.)
Oh goodness Kala loves to prop her head up too! I especially love it when she is sitting in the back seat and leans her head on the window. Her favorite space these days is my shower, since it is so hot down here. She honestly lives on the tiles, but then again I wouldn’t blame her. 🙂 I’m going to be so sore tomorrow…already feeling it. But I love that feeling. Train hard!
I was literally just thinking “what the heck am I gonna make for dinner tonight” and it’s gonna be your lunch bowl! It looks so good and I have all the ingredients! Thanks Jen!
Awe so cute! My oldest dog loves laying on his back but it makes him sneeze nonstop until I physically roll him back over lol!
I have to say that I love your posts about food and working out. When I first started reading your blog, I found that really inspirational.
i will still write them but not every day! i want to write a mix of yoga, life balance, career, workouts, recipes, random whatever like beauty/skin/travel and a day in the life! 🙂
it all sounds good! I just don’t want you to think that the original format is not appreciated. I really need to try to fit yoga into my routine. So important as I age. I had some sort of overuse injuries in my quads, which started affecting my knees, back in January. Since then my trainer has me strengthening my glutes and hamstrings. I religiously stretch my quads with the wall stretch. Most difficult part of my day.
My 5-year-old golden is so much like your pup… and she loves resting her chin on things, too — always! it’s so cute. She also enjoys relaxing on her back, especially after runs or if she needs to cool down.
Sullie is too cute! My dog loves to raise up one paw with his ears perked when he’s ready to chase after something he never catches( i.e. chipmunk, squirrel, bird, rabbit, bug…anything moving). He also loves spreading out his legs for a good belly rub! Keep the cute Sullie pics coming! 🙂
It’s been unseasonably chilly here in Chicago lately, too. Crazy! It makes me excited for Autumn weather tho 🙂
I love spin because it doesn’t hurt my knees at all and the music is always blasting. It’s so fun!
<3 Sullie! I haven't been to Mac's yet here in Charlotte, but I've heard good things.
You know I love when you come to spin and Tuesday actually flew by…I think because we had some laughter along the way! Sullie has been SO cute lately…I wish I wasn’t allergic because I always want to give her the biggest hug!
Almonds in a smoothie sound awesome – I gotta try doing this sometime!
Like Trish, I too, started reading your posts about food and workouts and was hooked – but I completely understand taking the blog in a new direction! Your posts are always so enjoyable, introspective and motivating 🙂
I used to NEVER spin and got into it the past few months…I try to go once or twice a week and it’s one of those workouts that always leaves me dripping too! I wish I had your motivation to lift…
I LOVE the Sullie pics!!! She is just too cute and what a great companion she is 🙂
My parents have a malti-poo (sounds like a foofy dog but he is not haha) and he LOVES sitting with one of his legs out to the side. ALWAYS. He can be sitting on the floor, on a chair, on the back of the couch…he will always have one of his back legs stuck out straight. We call it his “prop foot” haha!
Have a great day! 🙂
I love the texture of raw coconut chunks in a smoothie, if you are a coconut lover, you should give it a whirl.
Our old yorkie used to love to curl up in my husband’s laundry. She would make a “nest” and put herself right in the center. She also did the same with my scarfs…cashmere was her favorite…so indulged.
Hi Jen- Quick question about Sullie: I know she comes to work with you often, but how long will you leave her at home by herself? When you do, does she have outside access? Thanks for your answers! I’m really exciting to be getting a golden soon (my parents also have one), and am trying to figure out scheduling beforehand. Thanks!
Oh my goodness – Sully is just heart melting! Love that!! Totally made me smile – thanks for sharing. 🙂 I loved the way Abby would fall asleep as a puppy – in any position, anywhere. . . totally adorable.
My cat, the goose, is constantly in the belly up position. I thought it was cute and playful until I told a vet friend and they said it might be because when she got spayed the vet might have left some ovarian tissue. Its not dangerous but it does add an odd twist to why she is on her back, belly up so much.
Murphy likes to lie on his back too. He also likes to be on his back with his legs up against a wall.
Aww, Sullie is precious <3