Work {Out} side the Box

Yesterday was an amazing day.

We packed up our snowboards, threw on some long johns, and spent the day under the warm sun on Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, MA. 

Sitting on the chairlift, floating high above the mountain brings such a sense of peace and calmness that captivates your entire body.

The weather was perfect, however the conditions on the slopes were bit icy due to the lack of snow this year. The man made stuff left for a severely sore tail bone after one good tumble.

You know that egg shaped bump that appears after you hit your head? Well, I think I have one on the left side of my butt/hip from when I hit an icy patch.

Battle wound is what I say. At least I got a nice tan Smile

Following our last run, we wound down in the lounge with some drinks and live music.

Music, wine and a fireplace. My kind of environment.

After a while, our bodies began screaming for a hot shower and a warm clothes. We hopped in the car and headed home to enjoy a comforting dinner in front of the TV, buried under a bundle of thick blankets.

A steaming bowl of veggie egg white soup.

soup

It was the perfect ending to a perfect day. We had a blast, and plan to go again before the winter ends.

Outdoor activities, such as skiing and snowboarding, are amazing workouts that require strength, balance and endurance. Your legs are in a squatting position, while your upper body is constantly contracting to maneuver the board/skis in the direction you need to go.

It is the ultimate total body workout, and the best part is that you don’t even realize what a great workout you are getting because you are having so much fun!

Be a kid again and find an activity that you love to do.

Try jump roping, going on a hike or bike ride, ice skating or rollerblading, or even a friendly game of beach volleyball or soccer. These are great ways to stay active throughout the week, all while having fun.

As for Matt and I, our next venture will be the annual Ice Fishing Tournament on Lake Winnipesaukee in two weeks!

188

I can’t wait! It is such a good time.

Explore the world around you and see what it has to offer. Challenge yourself, try new things and feel a sense of empowerment after each venture.

Live freely. Look outside the box.

Thirsty Thursday {would you like some cheese with that wine?}

What do you think? I’ll bring the bandanas Smile

OK, shall we get to drinkin?

Let’s start with some of my favorite Red Wines.

Pinot Noir

Light- Medium bodied.Tastes of deep red fruits, and spice. Pairs well with Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, along with various cheeses and gamey meats.

Merlot

A lighter wine that tastes of blackberries, cherries, plums and a hint of black pepper. Goes well with most foods, but pairs perfectly with grilled meats, pastas and salads. Mixes well with Cabernets.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Dry, Medium to Full Bodied, Tastes of plum. blueberry, blackberry, cherry, vanilla, and warm spices. Pairs well with red sauces, meat, strong cheese and dark chocolate.

Cabernet Franc

Med-Full bodied. Tastes of berries and plum. Pairs well with Mediterranean cuisine, pastas and poultry.

Zinfandel

Low-Moderate acidity. Tastes of black cherries and berries, much like the flavor of Jam, with a hint of spice. Pairs well with pizza (tomatoes and cheese), chocolate. pasta and red/white meats.

Most of the time, red wines put me to sleep or leave me with a headache in the morning. I much rather prefer a light, crisp, citrus flavored wine.

Onto the Whites!

Pinot Grigio

Dry, Acidic. Tastes of  crisp lemon and citrus . Pairs well with seafood, white meats and light pasta dishes. Don’t eat with citrusy sauces.

Chardonnay

Full bodied, acidic. Tastes of lemon, grapefruit, melon, and vanilla.Pairs well with chicken and fish.

Riesling

Light-Med bodied, Acidic. Tastes of apples, apricots, peaches, and lemons. Pair with white meats and seafood.

Sauvignon Blanc

Crisp and acidic. Tastes of sour apples, pears, mango and melon. Pairs well with seafood, poultry,cheese and salad.

I am definitely a white wine girl, but an occasional glass of red is always a nice change.

I’m thinking this night calls for some frozen grapes, sharp cheeses, dark chocolate and a glass of vino.

Cheers to being a wine snob! Winking smile

Thirsty Thursday {Classics}

Combining sour mixes, syrups, liqueurs and juices can become very overwhelming to our sensitive stomach’s. Sometimes less is more, and drinks that have the least amount of ingredients in the mix are often the best tasting and take longer to drink.

Here are some examples that will be sure to have you sipping slowly, and looking classy.

Thirsty Thursday Classics

Dry Martini

  • 2.5 oz Gin or Vodka
  • 1/4 oz Dry Vermouth
  • 2 Green Olives or a twisted lemon peel

Mix Liquor and Dry Vermouth in shaker with ice, and strain into chilled glass. Add olives or lemon peel

Tom Collins

  •  2oz Gin
  • 1 oz Lemon Juice
  • 2 oz Club Soda
  • 1 Packet of Truvia

Mix ingredients in shaker with ice. Strain into chilled glass. Garnish with lemon slice.

 SoCo and Lime

  • 3 oz Southern Comfort
  • 2 Lime Wedges, squeezed

Served on the rocks

 Mimosa

        

  • 3.5 oz Champagne, Chilled
  • 1.5 oz Fresh Orange Juice
  • 1/2 oz Triple Sec

Serve in champagne flute with orange slice for garnish.

Bellini

  • 1.5 oz Pureed Peaches
  • 4 oz Sparkling Wine
  • Fresh Lemon Juice

Combine ingredients in shaker with ice. Serve in cooled champagne glass

Margarita

  • 2.5 oz Tequila
  • 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1/2 oz Triple Sec
  • Lime wedge for Garnish

Combine liquid in shaker with ice. Pour into chilled glass rimmed with salt.

And every Sex and The City fan’s favorite…

Cosmopolitan

  • 2 oz Vodka
  • 1/2 oz Triple Sec
  • 1/2 oz Lime Juice
  • 1/2 oz Cranberry Juice

Mix ingredients in shaker with ice. Strain into chilled glass and garnish with lime slice.

Cheers to keepin’ it simple and classy!