What I’m Loving Wednesday

Look what came in the mail!

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It always feels good to accomplish the goals that I set for myself, and I’m excited for the  plans that I have in store for my future.287878601150744435_LtxRrp8f_b[1]

Matt and I celebrated with a colorful powerhouse of clean eats in the form of chicken stir fry.

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We melted some coconut oil in our Wok, and loaded it up with bell peppers, snow peas, Brussels sprouts, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms and a chopped sweet potato; all seasoned with black pepper and a dash of ginger for an explosion of flavor.

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Brussels sprouts are quickly becoming one of my favorite vegetables. They’re just really fun to eat.

…Did I really just say that?

Dessert was 1/2 a container of plain Greek yogurt, topped with fresh berries and a sprinkle of dark chocolate cocoa powder.

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Eaten while starting my new book, which I had heard rave reviews about!

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I also gave in and did a little decorating…

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It now feels a bit more like Autumn in the Decicco/Vozzella household, rather than just smelling like a cinnamon spiced pumpkin exploded all over the living room.

p.s Kitchen Spice from Yankee Candle smells unreal.

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I think that’s all for now?..

What’s new with you?

Peas and Crayons

What I’m Loving Wednesday

White peaches have taken over, and I’m not even mad about it.

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mixed with Greek yogurt, kashi and cinnamon

Giant vegetables are always a good thing.

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If anyone has a family of 6 or more, call me.

I smile every time I look at these two bags Smile

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I’m burning a new fall scent as we speak Smile

A luscious combination of juicy pears, plums, and grapes with parts of spice and cardamom.

You know how overly excited I get when it’s time to burn “The Fall Collection”, and this year’s scents did not disappoint.

spiced cinnamon and pumpkin, baked apples, fresh leaves and sweet desserts.

How excited are you all!?

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I must say that the “Whoopie Pie” scent was not my favorite, nor was the atrociously strong “Witches’ Brew”, which literally made me try to jump away from my own nose.

Maybe it smells better while it’s burning. I hope.

I think I’ll stick to “Candy Corn” instead Smile

OK enough talk about Halloween, it’s August 8th!

Back to Summer heat…

I’ve been adding Sriracha to my eggs, salads ..pretty much anything that I can

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Just a teaspoon of this spicy sauce adds the perfect kick to any meal, so if you’re a fan of spicy foods, pick up a bottle now!

They are on sale 2 for $5 at Stop and Shop

I also picked up another carton of coconut love for my Protein Oats and Shakes.

Click here to enter the “Get Your Good Going” Sweepstakes, thrown by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze. By doing so, you earn a chance to win a years supply of Almond Breeze, as well as a $1000 home store gift card, all for sharing a positive message about a Facebook friend.

Not a bad idea.  Spread the love people Smile

Today’s Leg Workout

Warm up: 20 minute treadmill jog

  • Squats: 4 sets, 15 slow reps. 40lb EZ Bar
  • Deadlifts: 4 sets, 15 slow reps, 40lb Ez Bar
  • Bench Hip Bridges: 3 sets, 12 slow reps, 25lb plate resting on lap
  • One Legged Leg Press: 4 sets (2 sets per leg), 15 slow reps, 40lbs
  • Leg extension: 4 sets, 15 slow reps, 40lbs

Stretch and feed those muscles!

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  • 1 scoop Sunwarrior Vanilla
  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 1/2 cup almond coconut milk
  • cinnamon
  • water and ice

What are you loving this week?

Peas and Crayons

A Quick Trip North

York Beach, Maine. My home away from home.

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 Daily Grind Cafe for our morning coffee.

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Breakfast in my beach chair

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Greek yogurt with blueberries, sliced banana and almonds

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cooler full of fruit, baby carrots,cukes, almonds, low salt turkey, provolone cheese, organic blue corn chips and water

INN on the Blues for dinner

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Sauvignon Blanc, seared tuna steak with steamed veggies

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Fun-O-Rama for games

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Salt Water Taffy getting stretched in the window of The Goldenrod

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moose tracks frozen yogurt AND black raspberry chocolate chip frozen yogurt.

I couldn’t decide between the two flavors, so the only way to solve the problem was to order bothSmile.

Robert’s Maine Grill and Market.

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grilled pesto salmon with grilled vegetables and mango salsa.

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A Taste of Maine, all beers that were available on draft.

So cool!

Sweet Josie’s Candy Store, stalking up on chocolate covered EVERYTHING.

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pretzels, various nuts, malt balls, and my favorite…gummy bears!

Chocolate covered gummy bears = amazing.

If you have yet to try them, please do!

The Goldenrod for breakfast, a must when in York

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scrambled egg whites, dry wheat toast with peanut butter on the side, and a bowl of fresh blueberries.

Pit stop on the way home, The Kittery Outlets!

Yankee Candle <3

My obsession was at an all time high as soon as we walked in

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I’d say 50 new sampler votives should last me a while Smile

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A fresh scented end to a relaxing weekend away.

An Outdoor Wedding Done Right

Early Saturday morning, my family and I drove 3 hours north to Lancaster New Hampshire to attend my uncles wedding.

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Born and raised so close to Boston, the scenic, naturesque views always captivate my attention for the entire ride up.

Once settled into our hotel, we headed to a local campground where both the wedding ceremony and reception took place.

With nature as the perfect backdrop, the country couple decorated everything with creatively and detail. Even the vines that twisted into a harvest arch, and wrapped around the tent poles were hand pulled by the bridge and groom.

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And yes, those are real berries. Exquisite.

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The candle holders were also made by my uncle, who along with farming, builds wooden furniture.

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He is extremely talented.

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Loved this idea!

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The food was delicious, prepared with all the trimmings of a perfect backyard bbq.

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We drank. We ate. We danced. We partied.

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My parents

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Surrounded by nature, in a secluded part of the woods, love filled the air and was felt by all.

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Pure and simple. Exactly the way love should be.

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Thirsty Thursday {Flavors of Fall}

I am loving that so many of you are looking forward to Fall just as much as I am! But I can’t help but wonder…

Is your excitement due to the fact that Pumpkin flavored coffee will soon be available in coffee shops nationwide?

Thought so. No shame. I’m right there with ya!

Until then, I’ve settled for an equally delicious combination of French Vanilla with a dash of cinnamon and Truvia.

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So..Hurricane Irene is about to rear her ugly head straight into my birthday weekend, and what better way to welcome her than with some strong cocktails?

Maybe she’s a light weight and will pass out before she reaches Boston. We can only hope. But, since that doesn’t seem to be the case, let’s get the drinks ready shall well?

This weeks Thirsty Thursday is all about the bold tastes of Fall

Drink # 1 Cranberry Pomegranate Martini

  • 2 oz Pomegranate Vodka
  • 3 oz Fresh Cranberry Juice
  • Fresh lime Juice

Combine liquid in shaker with ice. Pour into chilled glass with fresh cranberries.

Drink # 2 Pumpkin Spice Martini

  • 2 oz Vanilla Vodka
  • 1 oz Pumpkin Liqueur
  • 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
  • Pinch each of Cinnamon and Nutmeg

Combine ingredients in shaker with ice. Pour into chilled glass rimmed with cinnamon or graham cracker crumbs. Garnish with cinnamon stick.

Drink #3 Caramel-Apple Cidtini

  • 1 oz Organic Apple Cider
  • 2 oz Vodka (can also use vanilla flavored)
  • 1 oz Butterscotch Schnapps
  • Pinch of Cinnamon

Combine ingredients in shaker with ice. Pour into chilled glass rimmed with caramel sauce and fresh coconut. Garnish with thinly sliced apple and cinnamon stick.

Don’t forget about the rich selection of seasonal beers, such as Oktoberfest, Pumpkin Ales, and Samuel Adams new addition, Bonfire Rauchbier

Cheers to the last Thursday of my 25th year!…Siigh

Oh!..And if you could be so kind to vote for me for Boston’s Most Valuable Blogger. It would be the best birthday gift ever Smile

xoxo

Barre3 Booty

What started as a beautiful sunny day, has transformed into gloomy gray skies yet again.

Siiigh.

But, on a good note, I woke this morning with sore legs,glute’s and abs from a new workout I tried last night. I love the feeling of achievement that comes along with sore muscles!

Due to yesterdays snow appearance, I decided some strength training and stretching would do me good. I came across the new fitness craze, Barre3, on Exercise TV and tried it out. It was different from what I expected, but in a good way.

Barre3 is a combination of Yoga flexibility, Pilates Strength, and Ballet barre work. The “3” stands for Balance, Practice and Life, and is designed to create a long, lean body while improving posture and grace.

Because most people do not own a ballet barre, the instructor uses a chair for balance and support. The simple yet effective movements are easy to follow and I could feel my stabilizing muscles working hard through each pulsing rep.

Although I did not sweat too much, by the end of the workout my legs were shaking , and my arms and abs were fatigued. I felt a release of tension in my muscles and strong from within.

I recommend this workout for anyone who is a lover of yoga, and looking to try something new and different.

Barre3 Preview. <-Click here to see a  preview of what to expect while doing Barre3.