Working on My Fitness: Update

TGIF.  I am so glad it is the weekend!  We have fun dinner plans tonight and a birthday party tomorrow.

I wanted to talk about Fitness today. 

 It took me about 6 months after Frances was born to finally get back into exercising again. I am in a really good routine now and my workouts are paying off.  I am proud to say I am one pound from my goal weight and pre-baby weight.  I am not going to lie it has been slow getting the pounds off, but I know I did it in the right way and not with a quick fix cleanse or crash diet. I think the weight will stay off.  Sadly it is pretty true nine months to gain the weight, nine months to lose it!  I eat pretty healthy for the most part so I did not have to change my diet too much, it was exercise that was lacking in my life.

Running is what works best for me.  It burns the most calories and tones my whole body.  Every other day I get up at 6am and run.  I started off just doing 2 miles and I now have worked up to 4.2 miles.  I may eventually get to 4.5-5 miles but that is the max I plan to run.  I am no athlete, this stuff just doesn't come easy to me.  Cheerleading was the extent of the sports I did growing up.  Running is still hard as crap for me, it really has not gotten easier, but I am able to push myself to go further now.  The whole time I run I am basically ready for it to be over.  I never hit a runner's high while running.  But I do it for the way I feel afterwards.  It is the best start to my day.  I have more energy and I am just in a damn good mood.  I do it as much for the mental benefits as the physical.  I run about a 10 minute pace, slow I know but it gets me huffing and puffing.  I am drenched in sweat by the end of my workout.  

It is hard to get up when my alarm goes off, but I am getting used to it.  The best part of my runs are the hour alone by myself with no yelling, crying,  or someone asking me for something.  That is what gets me out of bed, the thought of pure silence:)  Plus I get to see some amazing sunrises.  The beach below is one mile from our house.  It is how I start my run, I run there grab some water and watch the sunrise and have some quiet time with God and then I finish my run. 

I wanted to share a few of my favorite Running Essentials:

ONE \\ GARMIN GPS WATCH

I love this watch..  It tracks your distance, pace, miles and calories burned.   I use it every time I run.  It alerts me when I run my best time and I really love seeing how many calories I burn.  For those curious I aim to burn between 450-500 calories each workout.

 TWO \\ BROOKS RUNNING SHORTS

I mentioned these a few weeks ago, but they really are the best running shorts.  I love the side slits and the waist band.  They are flattering and comfortable.

Also available in pink and gray HERE.

THREE \\ ZELLA SCOOPNECK TANK

This is the tank I am wearing in the above picture.  That is my standard running uniform: the scoopneck tank + Brooks Shorts.  I love these tanks because they are longer and not skin tight.

FOUR \\ NEW BALANCE RUNNING SHOES

There are so many options of running shoes out there it can be daunting.  I have been really pleased with my New Balances.  They are light weight and offer the right amount of support.

 FIVE \\ NEW BALANCE SPORTS BRA

I also love the New Balance Sports bras.  If you are lucky you can find these at TJMaxx but if not Nordstrom carries them.

Good music is key for me when running.  A good song can make me bust my ass that much longer. Here is my current play list.  Any songs I should add? 

 

I love this quote from Gwyneth- I know alot of people hate her but she is so right about working out.  It is not easy you have to put the time and effort in to see results.

How do you stay fit?  For me the key is doing it first thing in the morning, otherwise I put it off and won't do it. 

I loved these four simple rules, I try to always follow. 

It ain't easy but its worth it!

Happy Friday!

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For all my Charleston friends, my friend Melissa who started the baby food company, Giggle Bites is doing a delivery to Charleston next weekend.  Since it is currently not carried in any stores down here now is the time to stock up.  It is all I feed Frances, we love it!  If you want to place an order email Melissa@gigglebitesfood.com.  There is a $20 minimum order and orders need to be received by next Wednesday!

NDM Styles: Pattern Play

I am a sucker for bright vibrant colors and fun pattern.  Plus I love a bohemian vibe.  This dress fits both! As soon as I saw it and the colors I thought it was perfect.  It is such a beautiful dress in person.  Light, airy, and so comfortable!

Tolani Dress similar here | Ray Bans | Gigi New York Clutch | Gorjana Bracelets |

Shoes

 Keep in mind I am tall, so most dresses are short on me. But I don't mind a mini plus I think come Fall this is going to look awesome with some black tights and booties. Sizing wise I ordered a medium in this dress.  I like this style dress to be loose.  The dress is unlined but not see through at all.  No need for a slip.

I still have been rocking the heck out of my Gorjana bracelets.

and you have to check out all the new Gigi New York colors for Fall.  This color clutch is from last year but there are some gorgeous new Fall colors.

Gorjana Tanner Wrap Bracelets || Gigi New York Uber Clutch

I love the boho vibe of all the Tolani Dresses.

My dress is actually sold out in the color I am wearing but available in black color HERE.

Most of the Tolani Dresses are the same style just different patterns, so I rounded up a few similar ones as well.

|| Chole Dress ||

|| Lorrane Dress ||

|| Zoe Dress ||

|| Courtney Dress ||

  || Linden Dress ||

Shop my look below!

Sweet Corn and Zucchini Fritters with Avocado Crema

I bought this cookbook called Vibrant Foods a few weeks ago.  Sterling and I have a tradition each Saturday after the Farmers Market we stop in Blue Bicycle Books on the way back to our car.  They have used and new books and I love supporting local businesses.  Plus I am such a nerd and love browsing in a bookstore. I usually always buy Sterling a book but don't always find something for me each time.  This cookbook stood out though, it had beautiful pictures and all the recipes sounded so good.  So fast forward a few weeks and I finally busted it open to try out a recipe. 

 I choose this particular recipe because I had an abundance of corn and zucchini.  This recipe could not be easier and the ingredients are super simple.  It is filled with such fresh Summer flavors.  The taste of the sweet corn, basil, and squash were just delicious together.  Throw on some avocado crema and you have a stand out meal for Meatless Monday!  Matt and I both thought these were really good, I will definitely be making them again.

|| S W E E T  C O R N  A N D  S Q U A S H  F R I T T E R S   W I T H  A V O C A D O  

 C R E M A ||

From Vibrant Foods

-2 ears of corn, husks and silks removed

- 1/2 cup grated zucchini (about 1 small zucchini)

- 1/2 cup grated squash (about 1 small squash)

- 1 jalapeno seeded and diced

- 5 green onions sliced

- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon pepper

- 1 egg beaten

- 1/2 cup all purpose flour

- 3 tablespoons olive oil

AVOCADO CREMA

- 1 avocado diced

1/2 cup plains Greek yogurt

-1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

- salt 

Slice the kernels off the corn and place in a large bowl. Add zucchini, squash, jalapeno, green onions, basil, salt and pepper.  Add egg and mix until evenly combined.   Keep sprinkling in flour until the batter is moist, but more vegetables than batter.   Set aside to rest for 10 minutes.

While the batter rests, make the crema by combining the avocado, yogurt, lime juice, and salt in bowl.  If you want this more pureed blend in blender.

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil.  Working in batches, measure about 1/4 cup the batter for each fritter and drop in the pan, lightly pressing with a spatula.  Cook 3-4 fritters at a time, 4-5 minutes until the edges are lightly browned then flip and cook other side about 3-4 minutes.  Place cooked fritters on a paper towel lined plate.   Serve fritters warm served with crema and fresh basil.

Obsessions

|| Tory Burch Amira Dress ||

The Tory Burch sale is still going strong and this dress is my top pick.  I love the bright orange and embroidered detail.  It is sitting in my cart as I type waiting for me to take the plunge and buy it.

|| Baggu Clutch ||

I am loving these Baggu leather clutches, they come in 4 great colors and are only $54.

|| JBrand Mid Rise Ankle Skinny Jeans ||

also here in more sizes

I just got these jeans and I love them.  Normally I am not a huge fan of cropped or capri jeans but these are a great length. I wanted them a bit shorter for the end of Summer and I love the distressed knees and frayed hem.  They also sit high up and suck in your flab, I found them to be very flattering.

 

|| JCrew Swing Sweater ||

The swing sweater is back in some amazing colors for Fall.  I adore this mustard color and it is currently 25% off.  Last year these sold out fast, so buy one while you can!   Pregnant friends I lived in these while I was pregnant and afterwards!

 Use code NOWANDLATER.

|| Baby Heart Booties ||

How freaking adorable are these boots??  Frances Moon so needs a pair.

|| Equipment Kyle Top ||

I am loving the print on this Equipment top.  I own this in the floral print and it is hands down one of my favorite tops. The bugs and butterflies are so cute.

|| Splendid Pleat Tank Dress ||

This is the perfect little shift dress.  Comes in black and stone.  Looks so comfy.

|| Splendid Calf hair Smoking Shoes ||

I am wanting a smoking shoe/loafer for Fall and I think these are the winner.  They are a great price and I love the calf-hair!

 

|| Tory Burch Bombe Reva Purse ||

If you need a great purse for a night out, this is it.  I own this purse in the leopard print and love it. It is big enough to stash all you need plus I love you can wear it with or without straps.  Part of the private sale and it comes in some great colors, but I always love classic black.

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Today at 11am Furbish is hosting the Kate Stevenson Pop-Up sale.  Kate is one of my really good friends and is so talented.  Don't miss this chance to own some of her art!  Shop HERE!

Tory Burch Private Sale || Shop Early

The Tory Burch Private Sale just started and there are some awesome deals! Click Here to shop early!  Sizes go fast so today is the day to shop!

I own these Emmy Sandals in tan and they are some of my favorite shoes!

Scroll thru to see my other favorite picks from the sale and shop the whole sale HERE.

Scenes From Our Weekend

Happy Monday!  Our weekend was fairly low key nothing too terribly exciting.

Friday I picked up my CSA Basket.  I have to tell you I am loving my weekly CSA baskets.  It is so fun to get new veggies each week and not have to think about what I am going to buy.  It helps me think outside of the box at meal time.  I use Rosebank Farms and the produce is just so fresh and tasty.  Below is this week's loot, so good.

Friday morning Frances and I watched Sterling finish his last day of tennis camp.  I can not believe how big Frances is getting!

Sterling has been taking his tennis racket everywhere- glad we found a sport he likes:)

Friday night we grilled out and enjoyed our fresh figs from the CSA basket with some delicious Rose from Wine Awesomeness (my monthly wine club) for happy hour.

I honestly look forward to our Friday nights in.  I know one day the kids won't want to hang out with us on Friday nights so I am savoring this family time together.

I am wearing my Pom-Pom Shirt - still on major sale!

Saturday we did our standard Farmers Market run.  The sky was so crazy- Sterling asked if that was God looking down:)  and side note- that picture was not edited at all that was what it looked like!

I have been loving fresh tomato sandwiches.  At the Farmers Market I bought a loaf of the Rocco Marathon bread and it is delish with the tomatoes.  Fresh bread is just heavenly.

If you need a great tee shirt, I love the Rag and Bone V-Neck tee.  I own two and wear them pretty much every weekend.

On sale in Blue |  Black or White |  Khacki

Saturday night we headed out to Isle of Palms for dinner at a friends house.  I made the easiest appetizer with our figs.  All you do is cut the figs in half, stuff with goat cheese (or you could do blue cheese), wrap with prosciutto and bake about 15 mins.  Once the prosciutto gets crispy drizzle with homey before serving.  They were really good!

Serving platter is from Open Door Shop- I am obsessed with this Terrafirma line.

Sunday I took these two cuties to church, then we just relaxed inside since it was a rainy day!

Happy Monday.