let's talk about clothes

Let's be real: the best part about working out is the cute outfits.

I know, I know....I'm one of those....

It wasn't until I started going to the gym religiously and actually enjoying being there that my obsession with workout clothes began.

I love this lululemon tank. I have it in two colors!

That being said, sneakers are no different. I wear my sneakers every day so it makes sense to invest in a good pair. I had been putting off getting new ones in hopes that I could hold off until my birthday in a few weeks. This working full-time for two years and then becoming a poor college student thing is no joke.

I finally broke down and got a new pair yesterday

I like the color of my old ones better-hot pink-but I needed sneakers for class last night and it's okay that my running ones are boring. I love the Nike patterned ones but they aren't practical for the amount of support my feet need!

While I love Lululemon, I don't think anyone can justify the price. The few items I have were my "reward" for finishing the marathon. My favorite place for workout clothes is (and let's be honest...everything)

Target!

Last week I got these cute shorts

and I plan on getting them in every color. 

When I feel great about the clothes I am exercising in, I feel confident and strong!

Am I right?

Sweet summer salad & Taylor Swift

This summer I have been crazy for salads! 

I have been trying to recreate my restaurant favorites.

Typically I like a southwestern style salad or a fruity/sweet salad.

I love Panera Bread's Strawberry Poppyseed salad!

Here is mine (a large bowl for a side at family dinner)

-2 peaches

-handful strawberries

-handful blueberries

-dried cranberries

-1 cucumber

-spinach/bok choy/swiss chard/romaine

-slivered almonds

-poppyseed dressing on the side

A perfectly light, sweet summer salad!

In other news, last night I went to see Taylor Swift at the Link with Rachel.

She has been wanting to see her forever so we went as our birthday gifts to each other.

It was such an awesome performance!

Despite a two-hour rain delay that looked similar to The Day After Tomorrow...

And Rachel thinking her dreams were being crushed...

It was a fun night and a great concert!

Probably my favorite one that I have been to.

What's your favorite concert?

going vegan!

Eleven months ago I read the book that turned Bob Harper into a vegetarian...

And then me. 

I love the lifestyle change and 95% of the time I stick to it. The times that I really miss meat are 

1. when I have my period

2. when I smell a cookout

Basically, I don't miss it at all! I have been reading a new book this summer that is inspiring me to go even further...

I do not live in an area where veganism is popular.

I don't even know anyone who would consider themselves a vegan.

For me, the main goal out of trying veganism for a few weeks would be my skin.

I have never had terrible acne but my skin is never perfect or anywhere near it.

I don't like being photographed because my skin is either red and irritated or oily. Gross!

Granted I had been running for four hours when this was taken, but still, red splotches all over my face is never a good look.

I am really anxious to try out this change and am going to start it within the weekend. 

I don't know if I will last the full thirty days but I will try!

Has anyone tried veganism?

strawberry and peach coconut popsicles

A few weeks ago I made the best summer popsicles ever! The un-professional, just beginning to be a blogger me didn't take a picture. This Pinterest one will have to do!

These pops were summery, sweet and perfectly divine.

Strawberry and Peach Coconut Popsicles

1 cup strawberries

2 peaches

handful of coconut

simple syrup (water and truvia)

wash and cut strawberries & peaches. put in a blender with the simple syrup and coconut. blend until liquid and pour into popsicle molds! freeze until solid.

Enjoy!

(not my picture)

how to handle the breakup blues

My twin sister has been going through a long, complicated break-up with her boyfriend of 5+ years (crazy!) 

Even though she was the one to break things off, obviously she is still sad. 

Often times I wondered why I struggled with my break up so much. Now I know that it is so I can counsel my loved ones who are going through the same thing! 

Break Up Guide:

1. Go for a run. You will feel better, I promise! Exercise increases good endorphins that help you feel better!
2. Eat a healthy snack (you can indulge while out to dinner with your girlfriends!) "The greatest revenge is looking good."
3. Watch your favorite movie. Preferably one that is funny and not sad or reminds you of your ex-lover. For me, it's anything Julia Roberts.
4. Buy a great dress and wear it out to dinner with friends. Take pictures and post them on Facebook of you looking awesome and having a fun night out!

Well, who's to say that I am an expert.... But the worst thing to do after a break-up is to sit around and sulk. Get active and you will start to feel better!

back in town

I am SUCH an overpacker in general, but especially when trying to pack healthy snacks for a 6 hour road trip. What if I get hungry?! What if we only stop at Dunkin' Donuts?! For the record, we went to Dunkin Donuts so many times this past week but that's what Massachusetts is known for, so it was justified. Sort of:) Luckily, I only gave into donut temptation one time!

What else did I eat when I was there?

A burger. 

Yep, not a veggie burger-a beef burger.

I have zero guilt about it either. I have been a vegetarian for eleven months and counting and by golly I was going to eat a cheeseburger on the Fourth of July! And so I did. Enjoyed every bite too!

Today I started my summer job. I am working at a day camp so I thought I would pack some snacks in case I got hungry. Once again, I went overboard and packed way too much.

In my snack box:

blueberries

carrots & hummus

almonds (plain, no salt and dark chocolate roasted)

a special K strawberry bar

I only ended up eating the blueberries at camp but was glad that I had extra. It is so important to pack snacks with you. That way it is easier to override temptation when it hits you!

Back to work tomorrow morning...what should I eat?

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Let me introduce you to my favorite cookies ever. They are delicious and pretty healthy too! This is my mom's recipe and something that we frequently have around the house. I have been known to eat a few for breakfast if I am in a hurry!

Health benefits of these cookies include: potassium, vitamin b6, vitamin C, fiber.

A few weeks ago I got crazy and tried a no-flour no-sugar version of these. They were alright but just not the same. I strive to eat healthy but sometimes it's okay to have some sugar!!

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

3/4 cup margarine

1 cup brown sugar

1 egg

3 bananas, mashed

1 1/2 cup flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

2 cups oatmeal

chocolate chips (optional)

cinnamon

Mix ingredients together. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes.

Enjoy!!

Tomorrow I leave to visit Massachusetts until Saturday. The Fourth of July is my favorite holiday and I am craving some holiday food!!

Julie and Kristen

I have always loved to cook, and more specifically bake. I was on the road to culinary school last summer when I took a Nutrition class and decided to pursue that instead. I cook regularly for my family, but mostly tried and true recipes that I know everyone loves (there are seven of us).

Since I will be living in an apartment with three other girls in the fall (and not getting a meal plan), I decided to step it up with my cooking this summer. I am going to be making NEW recipes at least three times a week for my family.

One of my all-time favorite books/movies is Julie and Julia. I reread it every summer-ironically I have yet to do so this year-and it gives me so much inspiration to cook and to enjoy it. I am certainly not cooking out of Julia Child's French cookbook, I would love to but my body would not love the calories. I am just trying to hold myself accountable to make delicious, healthy recipes that my apartment mates will love next year!

Tonight I made Skinnytaste's Zucchini Lasanga and it was SO good. I had my jazz music on and made my own tomato sauce for the first time ever tonight-it was so easy and turned out great!
Tomorrow I will be making some healthy banana oatmeal cookies and maybe some other snacks for yet another Boston roadtrip!!

P.S. I can't wait until Thursday....I am going to eat a REAL CHEESEBURGER!