A Few Positive Changes

I can’t believe it’s already Tuesday! This week is flying! Maybe it’s because my calendar has been jam packed from 5:30am until 8pm the past two days. Luckily, I’ve made two little tweaks this week that have left me smiling from ear to ear!

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1. Take my lunch to work challenge: If you recall, I’ve challenged myself to pack my lunch once or twice before but failed both times. My office’s culture includes a strong lunch group camaraderie which includes walking across the street to Pax or Toasties and picking up lunch before returning to the office. It also happens to be the only dose of fresh air most of us get during a 10-12 hour work day. Therefore, I decided that it was socially beneficial for me to go out to lunch daily with co-workers. But, last week I realized that a few people come out with us daily and only tag along for the fresh air, opting to enjoy a lunch they brought from home. After a refrigerator filling Trader Joe’s trip on Sunday I was inspired to try packing my lunch again.

IMG_2687 (478x640) IMG_2688 (478x640) IMG_2690 (640x478) IMG_2691 (640x478) My lunch bag has included the following the past two days:

Healthy Greek Salad (romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, fat free feta, and TJ’s fake chicken strips

Greek Style plain yogurt+Kashi Go Lean (only ate 1/2 of this each day)

Carrot & Celery sticks with 2Tbsp peanut butter

Apple as a safety snack (I haven’t needed this)

Banana+oatmeal for breakfast

2. Run Outside Last week, my indoor runs were mentally challenging and it took every ounce of my willpower to finish the runs. While Bo and I were running on Saturday I realized how much I love running outside in New York City during the warmer months. Therefore, I challenged myself to enjoy all of my runs this week outside versus on the treadmill and see if I feel a difference physically and emotionally. IMG_2703 (478x640)This morning’s early run through the bustling city streets left me energized and sweaty! I mean, how many people have this view when they run?

I had to get to the office early this morning so I busted out a quick 5k, focused on negative splits. The path even included a slight climb up Murray Hill which made this run feel like a perfect mix of hill training and speed. I was able to keep a 9:23 pace which I was really proud of especially since that included some street swerving when the lights didn’t work in my favor.

IMG_2706 (640x480) IMG_2704 (640x480) IMG_2705 (480x640) I spent a few minutes after the run stretching and cooling down with some hip work in front of my building. Between the sweat puddle and awkward movements, I think I got more than one stare.

I also have to take a second to give some love to my new Lululemon Circuit tank! I bought this on sale from Lululemon Union Square on Sunday and am officially in love! (Yes, Lululemon has sales both online in their Oops we made too much section and in the stores.) The tank is long enough to stay in place during yoga poses and long runs, the Luon Light material seems to wick sweat better than their original material, and the cut is very flattering!

Check out the nifty back design as well which allows for plenty of ventilation!

IMG_2702 (640x480) IMG_2701 (478x640) So, even though tonight’s late work schedule didn’t allow for yoga, I’m still proud of myself and feeling better after these two small, positive changes.

Question: What are some small changes you’re making?

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A Delicious New Salad Recipe

Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Bo and I spent a great deal of the weekend outside enjoying the weather. In fact, Saturday morning we enjoyed our first long run together since his knee surgery in April! He’s officially on the marathon training track with me now!

I mentioned in last night’s post that I had a lot of things to share from the weekend, but the most exciting is a new salad combination!

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While dining at Gemma on Saturday night with my girlfriend Jessie, we were intrigued by their amazing salad combinations.

INSALATE

Baby Arugula, grape tomatoes and Parmigiano 9
Artichokes, Parmigiano,truffle Vinaigrette 13
Watercress, Pears, Almonds, gorgonzola 9
Beets, mizuna, goat Cheese, Pistachios 11
Fava Beans, Escarole, Pecorino, Mint  11
tricolore, hazelnuts, Pecorino 10
Fennel, orange, Grilled Shrimp  13
seared sirloin tagliata, Arugula, tomatoes  14

Each salad incorporated perfect summer flavor combinations. The decision of which salad we would share was easier than we expected as we both vocalized a love of beets.

IMG_2661 (640x478) As soon as I tried a bite, I knew I wanted to recreate this salad at home for Bo this week.

Luckily, Trader Joes made it very easy!

IMG_2677 (640x478) I made this salad last night in less than five minutes!

Goat Cheese, Beet, and Pistachio Salad

Arugula

Beets

Goat Cheese

Roasted unsalted pistachios

Chopped Tomatoes

Aged Balsamic Vinegar

Olive Oil

Start by layering beets along the bottom of your bowl.

IMG_2673 (640x478) In a separate bowl, mix arugula with two servings of goat cheese, 1/8 cup of pistachios (roasted unsalted), chopped tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic and olive oil.

IMG_2674 (640x478) Mix well until goat cheese is spread throughout and serve over the beets.

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Happy Father’s Day 1,000 Miles Away

I have a lot to fill you in on including a Saturday which ended in pure lady of leisure style and a Sunday that’s been more productive than normal.

But, first, I want to take time to wish all the fathers and mothers who have had to fulfill both roles a wonderful Happy Father’s Day.

 Holidays like this are tough for Bo and me. It’s virtually impossible to make the trip down to Savannah for Easter, Mother’s Day,  and Father’s Day since we don’t get any extra time off of work.

We aren’t able to spend the afternoon out on the boat with Bo’s family celebrating in their favorite way or grilling out with my family. Instead, these holidays become much like any other Sunday. In fact, without a calendar to remind us, we may be guilty of forgetting the occasion. Actually, since it is the third largest fragrance selling period, I probably wouldn’t forget. But, I digress.

Many of our friends’ families live in New York or New Jersey which means they get the time with their family. I’m not going to lie, when I hear that Theodora’s mom can drive into the city to pick her up for an impromptu weekend at home, it tugs at my heart a bit.

But, at the end of the day, this is the city where Bo and I have to be for our careers and calling Savannah home is wonderful for vacations.

So until then, I can only reflect on the many reasons we’re thankful for our fathers today even though they are over 1,000 miles away; and neither has figured out how to download and use Skype.

My Dad

  • He has shared his love of travel and trying new things with me; even though I will never travel to Central Maine with him again

  

  • He always empowered me to try anything, even when it meant trying to tag along with the boys camping or target shooting.

 

  • He will do absolutely anything for the people he loves, family and friends alike.

 

  • His dedication and work ethic has always inspired me. Over 25 years ago he left the comforts of corporate America to start his own company. There were definitely bumps along the way, but now he has been able to share his very successful business with my brother.
  • He doesn’t take himself too seriously and loves to laugh. How many dads do you know who jump their way across the Brooklyn Bridge or imitate the cyclists who almost run him over?

 

Bo’s Dad 

  •  He has always supported Bo no matter what.
  • He’s been a positive force in his life no matter how dark the time.
  • He taught Bo everything he knows about boating, golf, real estate.
  • In short, he’s been my biggest fan.

 

Happy Father’s Day Ron & Bob! We wish we could be there in person to celebrate but we’ll see you soon!

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