What’s Up, Martha?

We’re off to Martha’s Vineyard!

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For those of you who are not familiar, Martha’s Vineyard is small island off the coast of Cape Cod, and is only accessible by boat or by air.

 

It is known as a stress free island, full of pristine beaches, quaint shops, causal/fine dining, and a lively nightlife.

And of course, The Flying Horses, the nations largest carousel built in 1876.

There is plenty to do for all ages, and it is the perfect weekend getaway.

Be back Sunday with plenty of pics!

Enjoy the beautiful weather! xoxo

Five Rules of Fifty

So I just finished the Fifty Shades trilogy, and while it definitely sucked me in, (bad choice of words?),  I ended the series with the same feelings as I did after reading book one.

“While I agree that this book is extremely captivating, all of the hype surrounding the eroticism and fetishes involving the character’s relationship, seems a bit odd to me.

It’s 2012. Flip on your TV after 10pm and you’ll see borderline inappropriate scenes right in your living room.

Get over it.” – post from May 12, 2012

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As the book progressed, I felt that the storyline became more and more unrealistic, and my growing annoyance for Anastasia became more and more prominent.

I mean..who doesn’t know how to use a computer in the year 2011!?

Half of college curriculum had been computer based for at least a decade at this point, not the mention email, which she also failed at using. 

She did, however, know how to use a gun (how convenient), as well as her lower lip, which she continued to bite no matter what emotion she was feeling at any given time.

  • angry- bite my lip
  • sad- bite my lip
  • scared- bite my lip
  • frustrated- bite my lip

Put your damn lip away, inner goddess , you know what you’re doing

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All criticism aside, this book is filled with mystery, erotica, action, agony, and it is addicting in every way.

You won’t be able to put it down.

However, for those of you who have yet to nose dive into the kinky and twisted world of Christian Grey, I just want you to realize a few things before you do.

The Five Rules of Fifty

1. Your significant other will never be as obsessed with you, or richer, than the man in this book.

2. You will not be given a $100,000 car just for being pretty, nor will your closet become filled with clothes that magically fit your frame without ever trying them on

3. If your partner texts, calls, emails and stocks you throughout the day, or wants to spank you if you roll your eyes/disobey them…That does not mean protection and control.

It means RUN.

4. If an ex of your partner is standing in your kitchen with a gun, then drops to their knees and surrenders to the sight of your partner.. I’d say that you have a bad case of baggage on your hands.

An extra $50 baggage fee applies if your partner proceeds to give their ex a sponge bath before sending them off to rehab.

Just sayin’.

And without totally giving the book away… The most important thing to remember is this…

5. You will not convulse with pleasure every time you and your partner speak, kiss, graze arms, make eye contact, or stand alone in an elevator.

If you do..I think we’ve found the author of our next novel.

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I Love…

Mixing bright, neon colors

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And the way this lip balm looks with a tan (Maybelline peach kiss baby)

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I love my coffee served on the beach

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And perfectly charred chicken kabobs right off the grill

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I love rainy afternoon snack plates

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(Gluten free rice cake topped with vanilla Sunwarrior protein spread, cinnamon and blueberries. Thick cucumber slices. Handful of baby carrots.)

And that Italy is on their way to the semi-finals

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I love taking mini vacations

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Especially to places with breathtaking scenery.

And this weekend, we’re heading to Martha’s Vineyard!

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I love the Summer Smile

And Channing Tatum with his shirt off.

But I mean..who doesn’t?

By the way…Channing Tatum as Christian Grey?

We can only hope :)

Beach. Wine. Food. Fireworks

There is nothing like a sunny Sunday morning at the beach.

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I love this room, but whenever I don’t sleep in my own bed, I always wake up feeling tight and in need a good stretch.

I completed a couple sets of push ups, squats, arm circles and abs to warm up my muscles before stretching, and after about 20 minutes, I felt so much better.

Last week, I made sure to get ahead in my Insanity workouts by skipping the Fit Test and a jumping right into the next days workout. That allowed me to have two days rest while we’re away, and I could focus on light cardio and body weight exercises when I found the time.

Planning ahead pays off :)

We had a great day yesterday, and weather wise, we only suffered  through a 1/2 hour shower around 6pm. Much less than what they got at home, but still a crazy sight to see.

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Other than that, it was a perfectly sunny day, and a clear, comfortable evening

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There was a HUGE kite collage on the beach, which made for a colorful backdrop overlooking to ocean.

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We took several walks up and down the strip, snacking on Purple Cow frozen yogurt, my favorite, and Matt had his usual chocolate in a cone with jimmies.

Around 4:30, we started to get hungry, so we stopped by our favorite lunch spot South Beach Seafood. They have some of the best clam strips I’ve every had; very fresh, and not overly fried.

Their salads are really good too.

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Whatever they use to season the chicken with is delicious.

If you are ever in the Hampton Beach area, try out this small beachside eatery. It’s one of the best on the strip for a quick lunch or snack.

We headed back to the house for our own “Happy Hour” before storm, and to get ready  for a night out on the town.

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Live band in the half shell.

Then it was off to the Sea Ketch for dinner; A 3 floor restaurant with delicious food, live music and two bars with a great view

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It’s another must try if you’re in the area.

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Seafood stuffed mushrooms

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Caribbean jerk chicken with tropical fruit salsa and mixed veggies

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And complimentary fireworks which take place every weekend at 9:30pm.

Beach. Wine. Food and Fireworks.

A winning combination.

It’s our last day here before heading home to Sunday dinner at my parents, so until then, you can find me in my beach chair doing absolutely nothing Smile.

Have a great Sunday! xoxo

Beachin’

Matt and I arrived at the beach house around 9:30 pm, after stopping for dinner at Chili’s.

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I ordered the Grilled Garlic and Herb Salmon with steamed broccoli, and swapped the loaded mashed potatoes for a side house salad.

Our adorable Beach House

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The attic has been transformed into a loft bedroom, making it a cozy, unique and intimate space.

Breakfast this morning was a bowl of protein pudding with a chopped granny smith apple and a handful of blueberries.

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1 scoop chocolate Sunwarrior with water added slowly to thicken mixture, and 1/2 T raw almond butter

We then took a walk along the beach to grab an organic coffee at McDonald’s (so strange), and to view the Master Sand Sculpting Competition. 

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These artists have some major talent, and it’s so inspiring to watch them at work

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I am amazed at how detailed and stable these sculptures are. It takes a steady hand and a ton of patience to build such a masterpiece.

Give me a sand pail and shovel and that’s about as good as it gets with me.

Well, the sun is starting to show it’s face around here, so I’m off to enjoy the day!

Have a good one! xoxo

WIAW {emptying out the fridge}

Summer has arrived!!!

Let the heat wave begin!!

How ironic is it that the first days of summer are scorchers?

Love it!

Peas and Crayons

So I started my morning off with a mish mash of cottage cheese, Kashi GoLean, 1/2 a frozen banana and fresh blueberries with cinnamon.

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I’ve noticed that cottage cheese seems to hold me over longer than Greek yogurt. My stomach usually begins to grumble 2 hours after a meal, but this mixture often keeps me full for 3 hours or more on some days.

Do you prefer cottage cheese or Greek yogurt?

After running a few errands, I felt my hunger start to kick in. I knew that I needed a snack to get me through my Insanity workout, so I decided to make myself a pizza…

A PreWorkout Pizza!

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Rice cake with sugar free strawberry jam, 6 Tbsp. egg whites  topped with cinnamon, and 1/2 Tbsp Raw almond butter.

Cut into four slices, and eaten with a side of baby carrots. Not too filling, with just the right amount of energy that I needed to push through.

I allowed myself 45 minutes to digest, then it was time to get serious.

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I love how Shaun T.  motivates you through the entire workout. Just when you think you can’t take anymore, he talks you into completing that one last rep. That’s how you become stronger, and there is nothing like being completely drenched in sweat after your workout.

It’s cleansing, in a smelly way. Plus, the view isn’t bad either Smile.

Post workout Sweet Potato Boat

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1 scoop Sunwarrior vanilla mixed with cinnamon and water, poured onto a 1/2 a cooled sweet potato cut vertically.

I also had a small un-pictured spinach salad with about 2 ounces of leftover baked chicken, yellow peppers, and kumato tomatoes.

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These tomatoes are my favorite! They are deliciously juicy, and taste fresh from the garden. I’ve found them at both Market Basket and Stop n Shop.

Since Matt and I are going away for the weekend, I’m trying to use up what I have in the fridge. I prepared a giant bowl of pasta salad for Matt to eat throughout the week, along with another salad for myself.

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In the mix: pasta, mayo (I know, but Matt likes it) celery, yellow pepper, cucumber, hardboiled eggs (2 whole eggs, 3 egg whites), black pepper, salt and a pinch of parsley.

My salad: mixed greens with carrots, mushrooms, brussel spouts and asparagus, served with a sweet potato egg white omelet, using the other half of my potato from earlier, and some cinnamon.

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Along with some lemon water out of my favorite mug, from my favorite place

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Can’t wait to go back this Summer! Check out my post about last year’s York Beach vacation HERE

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For those of you spending the next few days outside, remember to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.

Fill a water bottle with lemon or cucumber slices to add a hint of flavor, and set a timer on your phone as a reminder to reapply sunscreen every 30-45 minutes. Also, if you plan on exercising outside, it’s best to do it early morning or in the evening when the sun is less strong.

Be smart, be safe, and enjoy the day!

xoxo

 

Satur-Date {The Painted Burro}

Today is my day off from Insanity, so I decided to go for a light walk around the lake before heading over to my parents for a Father’s Day barbecue.

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My dad and my beautiful niece eating ice cream in Aruba.

My dad has definitely played a role in my passion for health and fitness. He has always been into working out and eating healthy, and as you can see, it’s paid off!

Just goes to show that exercising and eating right will have it’s perks as we age.

Keep your body strong, fueled and stretched so it can carry you through life with ease.

There are no excuses.

Last night, Matt and I, along with some friends, headed to a Mexican restaurant/Tequila bar called The Painted Burro, in Davis Square.

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I like to dress the part, so I wore the most festive shirt I could find Smile

The Painted Burro is not your typical Americanized Mexican restaurant, so don’t expect an “On the Border”  experience.

The eclectic dinner and drink menu is written in Mexican, and the atmosphere loud, hip and unique.

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We had to ask the waitress to explain a few of the dishes, and she was very helpful and knowledgeable about how each meal was created.

To start, we ordered some drinks and nibbled on a bucket of perfectly baked corn chips with tangy, thick salsa.

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Vodka, Soda Water, Lime Juice and Lemon

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FROZEN BURRO COLADA: Goslings Black Rum, cayenne pineapple juice, cream of coconut

For appetizers, we ordered the “Pork Chicharron”, which is small pork wedges in a spicy-sweet tamarind glaze, along with the “Fundido” cheese dip and soft corn tortillas.

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Amaaaazing! The combination of melty cheese, warm tortillas, and sweet pork tidbits made for the an intense burst of flavor and texture.

Not the most healthy, but delicious none the less Smile

I also ordered the Romaine Salad, basically because of the dressing alone.

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The smooth, creamy avocado was divine, and the spicy pepitas were the perfect addition the cool greens. It also came with anchovy’s, which I did not eat, and a tomatillo and agave vinaigrette.

As for our entrée’s, my dish won “Most Boring” at the table.

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Spicy tomato Grilled Mahi Mahi with a string bean and jicama salad.

I must admit that I wouldn’t order it again. The “Veracruzana” sauce was a bit overpowering, and I found that it amplified the usual subtle taste of the white fish.

Matt ordered the DUCK LEG CAZUELA, which was out of this world. My fork spent more time in his dish than in my own.

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Long Island duck, braised root vegetable & chile tamale, olives,
spring garlic, and oregano

It resembled a beef stew consistency, and all of the flavors complimented each other nicely.

The most unique entree at our table was the Yucatan Meatloaf, which is a ridiculous combination of spicy ground sirloin, chorizo, ham, chicharron, green olives and toasted almonds, topped with two fried eggs and guava ketchup.

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So many ingredients that somehow worked to create this flavorful, mouth-watering dish.

From the décor, to the food, to the authentic and strong drinks, I’d recommend The Painted Burro to anyone looking for a fun night out with a spicy splash of Mexican flare. The fresh ingredients and love put into each and every dish, truly introduce eaters to the taste of a culture so full of life.

Well, I’m off! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

xoxo

Let the Sunshine In.

Weekends here!!!

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And it’s gonna be beautiful!!

I decided to run around the lake this afternoon, so I snacked on a rice cake with protein spread, cinnamon and blueberries beforehand.

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  • 1 scoop Sunwarrior vanilla
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • water added slowly until mixture thickens.

Today is no day to be sitting indoors.

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Sunny Friday’s are the best

After my run, I stopped by my favorite country store, Calareso’s, to grab a few things. I came across this drink in the freezer and decided to try it out.

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“Bai” means “pure” in Mandarin, and each bottle is infused with coffeefruit for a boost of antioxidants.

It’s juicy, refreshing, and for 10 calories per bottle, the perfect treat on a hot day.

Along with my free-radical fighting beverage, I also stocked up on fruit, veggies, whole wheat bread, and Reese Cups

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Yes..Reese Cups. I refuse to live without them.

As I began washing and slicing my vegetables, my hunger began to make itself known. I made myself a salad with shredded brussel sprouts, chopped carrots, mushrooms, blueberries and sliced turkey breast with balsamic vinegar.

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Along with 1/2 a large Gala apple, spread with 1/2 Tbsp. of raw almond butter

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such a winning combination.

So…What are your plans for the weekend?

Make sure to hit the beach, take your workout outside, barbecue and enjoy your life!

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and wear your sunscreen!

You work too hard to keep your body fit. Don’t ruin it with sun damage.

xoxo

Feelin’ Snacky

Peas and Crayons

It’s been a while since I’ve made a frozen yogurt mess for breakfast, so I brought it back  after meeting with a client.

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  • 1 container Fage 0%
  • 1/3 cup Kashi
  • 1/4 frozen banana, sliced
  • 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
  • 1/2 T raw almond butter
  • cinnamon.

mix all together and place in the freezer for 5-10 minutes.

Since it’s pouring here in Boston today, I was craving a taste of the tropics. I made myself a cup of Island Coconut coffee to go along with my fruit filled breakfast.

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By far my favorite flavor yet.

You all know that I love my Rice cakes, and I just can’t get enough of their versatile capabilities as a pre workout snack.

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click the link above for other rice cake recipe ideas!

  • rice cake
  • 1/2 Tbsp raw almond butter
  • 1 Tbsp strawberry preserves
  • 1/2 cup cooked egg whites topped with blueberries cinnamon.

I also had a hot water with fresh lemon juice in my favorite mug Smile

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I often add a packet of Stevia in the Raw to it for a hint of sweetness. It’s good to do cold as well, for a healthy lemonade on a hot day.

Enter INSANITY!

I’m trying to get the DVD to work on my laptop so I can bring it to the gym with me, but it keeps skipping. My living room has a carpet and I’m feeling unstable when I do certain movements.

Any suggestions on how to get the DVD to work on laptops? Help!

Post workout snack

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  • 1/2 sliced Granny smith apple
  • 1 scoop of Sunwarrior vanilla mixed with 3 Tbsps. unsweetened vanilla almond milk, slowly added
  • 1/4 cup Kashi
  • cinnamon

I also had a small salad on the side, mixing 1/2 T Dijon mustard with 3 Tbsps. balsamic vinegar as my dressing.

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I didn’t have time to grocery shop yesterday, so “Take Out Tuesday” it was!

Thank you SATO II!

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  • Persian salad with 1/2 sweet potato, topped with cinnamon
  • steamed chicken with mixed vegetables and sliced ginger.

Matt also ordered himself a beef teriyaki, Peking ravioli, chicken fingers and brown rice.

I love when I don’t have to cook Smile

Now it’s off to the grocery store to fill up my fridge.

Stay dry!