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ready set friday
Ready, set, let’s run into the weekend!

Who else is ready to sprint towards the bar? Oh wait, just me? I’m ready for a glass of wine or two or three. After a busy week I’m ready to stay put here in Brooklyn this weekend. Tonight we are meeting a few friends for happy hour drinks followed by dinner. Tomorrow, if the rain in New York ever ends, we are going to lay sod and plant more flowers. If the rain continues, we will head to the movie theater for popcorn and a matinee date. On the fitness front, we are going to run both Saturday and Sunday though they will be shorter runs due to a hamstring strain. Anyone else running the NYRR Japan Day run on Sunday? Oh, and since I am flying to Cincinnati for work first thing Monday morning before flying directly to Savannah on Wednesday night for the wedding festivities, I need to plan all my outfits for the four days of festivities and pack.

So since there is very little time between now and happy hour, let’s dive into this week’s edition of Friday Favorites, including recipes, articles, posts and other things that caught my eye this week.

Thankfully, I haven’t had many injuries during my ten years of running. But, once again, the team at Finish Line Physical Therapy are basically angels for runners and other athletes who are injured or looking for preventative care. I’ve been in twice so far and am amazed with their facility, the technology that reminds me to do my exercises each day and the one on one attention I receive from Alison during each session.
This candle has filled my home office with a hint of Spring this week even though the weather has been nothing but gloomy, cold rain.
Any weekend that I’m not traveling I have this innate desire to bake. These healthier blueberry muffins are topping this weekend’s list though I think I may have to balance things out by also baking these Levain Bakery copy cat cookies.
Two days later I am still dreaming about the delicious, healthy Indian food I enjoyed with Zoe at Inday. The flavor combination that they brought together in one simple bowl was unlike anything I’ve had before – pineapple cilantro chutney, cauliflower rice, bok choy and turkey masala. Unlike other healthy hot spots in the city, the restaurant is large enough to sit and enjoy dinner or lunch with a friend but service is fast and the food is reasonably priced.
I love the science and research behind The Biggest Loser article but I sure as hell hope it doesn’t deter people from getting healthy. Yes things changed for these people after the show but let’s not forget that they were in extreme conditions. Most people don’t exercise for hours per day unless they are professional athletes.
Did you see this great 5-minute workout video that one of my favorite Fhitting Room trainers, Emily Cook Harris collaborated on with Well+Good and Athleta? Talk about a power team! This workout is perfect for all fitness levels and can be done anywhere! I pinned this to my workout board on Pinterest so I can reference it this week when I’m traveling!
My new favorite snack this week is an update on an old favorite. Instead of just dipping apple slices into almond butter, I core the apple, fan the slices on a plate, drizzle some melted almond butter on top, sprinkle with a bit of granola and then eat with a knife and fork. Something about using a knife and fork allows me to slow down, even if just for a few minutes, and enjoy the late afternoon snack while sipping a cup of green tea.
Based on every race I’ve done lately and the thousands of runners surrounding me, I certainly didn’t think the running boom ” died .

How about you? What are you loving this week?

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and instead is a list of the things of my favorite things this week. As normal, it includes lots of beauty and fashion items which means there are a few affiliate links via ShopStyle. It takes time and money to maintain a blog so I thank you for the support and few cents that come from clicking through the links!

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super smoothie pic
As soon as I get home from a tough, early morning workout I walk directly to the kitchen and make two things as quickly as possible – hot coffee and a cold smoothie. This power couple helps get me going after an exhausting class and ensures that by the time I sit down at my desk upstairs, I’m energized for a great day.

There are a few key ingredients in this smoothie and 99% of the smoothies I whip up each morning:

Protein powder
Chia seeds – These little seeds add Omega-3s, fiber, protein and antioxidants to your smoothie.
Ground flax seed – This ground seed is a good source of Omega-3s, fiber and essential fatty acids while adding a rich, nutty flavor.
Acai powder – This acai powder captures all the benefits of the super fruit but in the easy to use powder form.
Superfruit antioxidant mix – Just a teaspoon provides you with 40% of your Vitamin A for the day!
Xanthan Gum – This powder is a simple way to thicken your smoothie and a 1/2 teaspoon is only 15 calories but 4 grams of fiber!

These ingredients are what I call lean, mean fighting machines. They add flavor, density and nutrients to the smoothie without adding unnecessary sugar and calories. Regardless the flavor smoothie I make, these are part of the recipe 99% of the time. If you haven’t tried Vega’s Sport Performance Protein Powder then you are seriously missing out. Each scoop is 150 calories but packs in 30 grams of protein and 6 grams of BCAAs, making this the perfect base for your post-workout smoothie. Even though it is a thick, healthy powder it blends smoother than most protein powders we have used previously and it is completely plant based and soy free!

After enjoying the same smoothie four times in one week, I knew it was too delicious not to share with you guys. This pink power house is filled with protein, fiber, vitamins and nutrients to help keep you satiated all morning long while also helping rebuild those tired muscles. It’s made with simple, healthy ingredients and the refreshing flavor will keep you cool all Summer long.

Raspberry Power Smoothie

Here’s what you’ll need for this bowl or glass of goodness, depending on whether you like to sip or spoon your breakfast.

Raspberry Super Smoothie

1/2 scoop Vanilla Vega Sport Performance Protein Powder
1 frozen banana, cut into chunks
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk
1 tablespoon ground flax seed
1/2 tablespoon chia seeds
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon Super Fruit Antioxidant Smoothie Powder
1/2 teaspoon Xanthan Gum
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Acai powder

Optional Topping

unsweetened coconut flakes
goji berries
drizzled almond butter (Trader Joe’s Creamy is my favorite!)
sprinkle of your favorite granola (I love Purely Elizabeth and Blissful Eats)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth.
Pour into bowl or cup then top with the optional toppings.

Your turn: What’s your favorite smoothie combination?

This is not a sponsored post but does contain affiliate links to some of my favorite products.

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Inside my home office

It is hard to believe that the small room, tucked in between our guest bedroom and master bedroom, has become my favorite spot in our home. Located on our second floor, my home office has become a place of comfort, peace and refuge in an often chaotic home over the past eight months. Whether during our move, painting, numerous house projects or just busy weeks this small space is the only area of our home that always remains spotless and organized. For eight to ten hours a day, five days a week this is where I conduct team conference calls, customer meetings, business planning and every aspect of my role.

The transition from working in an office to a home office was far smoother than I expected, partially because I love walking through the French doors to my office each morning and because I don’t miss the wasted time spent on commuting, unnecessary meetings and getting ready for the office. Sure, I get dressed each day and brush my teeth but it only takes me five minutes to look and feel presentable versus putting on a business casual outfit, full face of makeup and styling my hair.

Though we had a vision for the office, with the help of our designer, Ashley Manfred, the space didn’t come together overnight. Slowly but surely we’ve added touches to the room so that finally, eight months after we moved in, it feels like a complete home office. Whether I’m doing my “day job” or my evening and weekend side hustle, aka blogging, I look forward spending time here due to the smell of my gardenia scented candle and the soothing color palette.

Home Office Collage