1. I started exercising this week. For anyone that knows me in real life, this is my greatest demon. I have not worked out consistently (like for more than a couple months) in 8 years. The last three summers in a row I have torn at least one rotator cuff (twice I tore both) and then it would put me off working out for months which would stretch into the rest of the year. It has been the hardest thing in life for me to commit to, and I just don’t know why. I mean, I do lots of stuff I don’t want to do on a regular basis, why not add one more to the mix? But this year, turning 35, I have had a bit of a wake up call. I will spare you any details, but things are not the same. I am not even just talking about vanity either- I just want to be in good health and not have creaky knees- you know? So this week (well, in the last five days) I have gone to one pure barre class and hot the treadmill in the garage twice. I am planning to try and do another workout this weekend. I will let you know how the working out goes next week- please weigh in (no pun intended) if you have any advice, encouragement or wisdom about building regular exercise into your lofe!!
2. On a lighter note: EOS lip balm. I bought it in a 5 pack and I am totally obsessed. My favorites are the mint and the summer fruit. I think I just love the shape and the colors- they are just so cute!!
3. Egyptian Magic Cream. Ok. I am a sucker. I saw this at Costco too. It was in a 2 pack and read the claims on the label. Initially I thought it was ridiculous, and then I remember how rigorous Costco’s research and regulations are for high quality products, and I made a “what the hell!” purchase. I am really into it. It’s made from bees wax, olive oil, propolis, and some other stuff. It is very oily and greasy which would have initially made me think no way- but after my beauty oil face wash conversion- I am trying to think about skin care in a different way. It has not made me break out, and I do have to say that my skin is looking very moisturized and less blotchy.
4. They found this about 2 miles from my house. WHAAAAAT???!!!
5. Valentines Day rocked. We usually do nothing. But the perk of having our kids be a little more grown up this year, is that we have a little more freedom. Plus we got a sitter. But Pete surprised me with a spa day (can you believe how great that is!?) I had a huge grin plastered on my face all day. Except for when I was snoring on the massage table. Then we went to a beautiful dinner. It was a lovely day and I love, love, love my husband.
And now, onto the most drool worthy recipes I saw around this week!
6. Pumpkin Baked Doughnuts with Maple Caramel Glaze. Pia’s little adorableness.
7. Lobster Fra Diavlo from Sommer. OMG. This makes me swoon.
8. Deep fried Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches. WHAT!!? This is a real thing!? I would devour that.
9. Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake from Sally. Everything I want in one beautiful layer cake.
10. Crispy Croissant Sundaes with red wine hot fudge sauce from Jessica. Because these are the kind of recipes that make me worship her and somehow convince me that frying a croissant is a really good idea.
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Heather,
After your visit to Texas I must say I did not notice in the least bit that you needed to exercise however, no matter what, exercising will make you feel better and be more productive. If you start now it will make it a natural thing to do as you get older. Best advise is to find something you like and do it with a friend! I have one friend and she and I work with a trainer two days a week then I walk with another friend at least 3 days a week. Love the Barre and yoga as well. We solve the world’s problems and even talk through a few of our own. Best therapy ever and it is free!
I have enjoyed reading your blog and working my way through your cookbook. I cannot tell you how much we enjoyed having you speak at our Theta Founders Day! You got rave reviews!!
Loved meeting you and sharing dinner!
Kathy Tucker
Kathy- thank you! Great advice about working out with a friend. I love taking walks with my girlfriends and am going to try convince my sister to do barre with me- I think it is good for me to be accountable to someone else. Plus you are so right about walking with girlfriends being good therapy- then again, drinking wine with girlfriends is good therapy as well….
Thank you so much Kathy, I had so much fun with you ladies, and hope that I get to come back some day!
Exercise is evil! I have to do it at the same time every morning or I put it off for days. I’m going to buy a pedometer to know how much I actually don’t walk in a day.I was such an active kid and I think that’s the key, finding activities that are actually exercise in disguise.
I feel like the biggest thing for exercise is finding something you genuinely enjoy doing and remembering that it should be fun! Not every workout needs to be a sweat fest–you can go on a bike ride with your family, walk to a local coffee shop (I love when there is anything food related to look forward to that goes with it!) or even convince a friend to sign up for a race with you so you can train together. Chances are if you have a plan, enjoy what you’re doing, and give yourself things to look forward to, you will have a way easier time sticking with it.
PS: that pb & j? I diiiiiiie.
Pia’s doughnuts look so, so good. Love the maple caramel glaze! As for exercise, I schedule it into my calendar and that helps. Find something you like doing, which will make it feel less like work and more like an energy/health booster.
I used to despise exercise too until I started making playlists on my IPOD that I only listened to when I went to the gym. I put my headphones on and turn it up probably WAY too loud, hit the treadmill and zone out. I could NOT workout without my music. XOXO
It’s the only way I am able to too Kate. My husband is horrified at my workout playlists too- it is like full on guilty pleasure music 🙂
GOT YOUR BOOK….CANT STOP READING IT!!! THANKS