Things I'm Loving Friday XLVII

Happy Friday! I hope you guys have enjoyed a wonderful week. It has been hot, hot, hot here in Houston, but that hasn't stopped me from running, walking the pup, walking with Sarah around Rice, laying by the pool, and enjoying this last little bit of time off. Actually, volleyball unofficially starts tonight with the first day of our freshman volleyball camp, where we start teaching the incoming freshman the Bellaire Volleyball Way. I always look forward to getting a look at my future players, and I've got my fingers crossed for a good turnout. And a setter!

Dog days of summer

But before I get going on all that I hope to accomplish today before heading up to school, let's take a minute for our regularly scheduled events.

Pikos
Guys, I am obsessed with Pikos. From tops to dresses, I can't seem to get enough of them. They're such a staple in my closet - in any closet - and I just love how versatile they are. You can dress them up by adding a piece of statement jewelry and fun shoes, or you can dress them down by wearing a Piko dress and Keds. They're comfortable, they come in every color imaginable, and I wear something Piko at least once a week. I may or may not have just ordered four new dresses. Judge away.

Spotify Discover Weekly
If you don't have Spotify, you need to get Spotify. $10/month, and all the music your heart desires. I love Spotify because not only does it allow me to easily access my favorite songs, it also lets me discover new music based on the songs that I already love. Discover Weekly is a feature that creates and delivers a two-hour playlist every Monday morning. It's unique in that it combines the kind of music that you typically listen to with what's popular with other listeners, allowing you to discover new music that you might not have discovered otherwise. I absolutely love this feature, as I have added quite a few new songs to my repertoire.

And then sometimes you get great throwbacks like this one

Teacher Bumper Numbers
Do not watch this video if you are in a place where it would be frowned upon for you to burst out laughing. Maybe it made me laugh so hard because I'm both a runner and a teacher, and I can identify with this quick clip on so many levels, but I think this will make even the non-teachers laugh. Gerry Brooks is a principal in Lexington who claims to spread humor in the world of education. And that he does. I'm also very fond of his PLC video. Professional learning community, or places ladies converse? Because we all need a Friday laugh.

That time I convinced my PLC to go bowling

Veggie-Stuffed Sandwiches
I will admit that I have been extra lazy when it has come to cooking this week. Nothing has jumped out at me as something I really want to make, and when I have so many great restaurants within biking distance. Lately, I've been loving sandwiches that are chock full of veggies. And chicken, because a girl needs her protein, but I can't get enough of the Garden Sammie with Chicken from Local Foods and the Roasted Vegetable Sandwich (with added chicken) from La Madeleine. Protein, carbs, and health all stuffed into one delicious, toasted sandwich.

Veggies for days

Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mega Chunks
It's no secret that I love all things chocolate. But I have to be careful that I don't upset my lactose intolerance. Luckily, Enjoy Life products cater specifically to dairy-free people such as myself. These chocolate chunks are said to be great for baking, but I prefer to enjoy them mixed in with my favorite Chobani yogurt. They are free of any additives, and they actually taste like chocolate, so I don't feel like I'm sacrificing the delicious taste for the sake of my digestive system.

I've nixed the granola and go all chocolate chunks

And that's all I've got. I've got quite the to-do list to tackle today, so I'm over and out. Have a great start to your weekend!

11:11, Make a Wish

Happy Sunday! This post is coming a little later than usual, but that's because I got to spend a most wonderful weekend in Austin, and I'm just now sitting down to complete my usual Survey Sunday. And before we get started on that, I'll share a few of my favorite Austin moments. On Friday, I drove straight to my freshman and sophomore year dorm - Scottish Rite Dormitory. It has a couple nicknames, but I'll save them for another post. I got to visit with Emily and Jessica and my favorite maintenance guys - Joseph and Robert - while remembering with fondness all of the tours I gave and the phone calls I answered. And the pranks I pulled, but again, that's a post for another time.

It was so good to see them, and to hear that life is good at the SRD. Some of my sweetest college memories were made at this palace, and I met some of my very best friends while living here. I'm putting my future daughters' names on this list the minute they are born.

Naturally Mack and I had to make a visit to campus - we were on a hunt for his namesake, the one and only Mack Brown, but we had no luck. But I think Mack enjoyed it all the same.

My Longhorn pup

We walked Town Lake, ate at some of my favorite Austin hot spots, walked up and down South Congress, and slept like rocks before starting all over again the next day. We enjoyed an early morning walk, got our veggies in with smoothies from JuiceLand, made a visit to Anthropologie (heads up, teachers - there's a 15% discount on your entire purchase for the next two months with a valid teacher ID!), and ate lunch at the most charming sandwich shop tucked away in the back of a Hyde Park neighborhood with two of my former YoungLife girls. It was hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that they are going to be SENIORS in high school, as I met them when they were just 8th graders. How time flies, but I'm so proud of the young ladies they have become, and I can't wait to see all of the incredible things they accomplish in the coming years. Shout out to social media for making that possible! After a few more stops at my favorite Austin spots, it was time to hit the road again. A short, but really sweet, visit to my home away from home.

Avenue B Grocery

And now, it's time for our regularly scheduled Survey Sunday. Though this one is a little bit different. You give 11 random facts about yourself - this was much easier said than done - and then you answer 11 random questions. I love learning things about other people, so I never feel too self-centered when I share these surveys about myself. Happy reading!

1. I ate my first hamburger at the age of 10. Seriously. My mom was freaked about mad cow disease, and took every precaution necessary to prevent me from getting it. She would even go so far as to tell other parents that “I don’t eat hamburgers” whenever I spent the night out. Now, I’m a hamburger fanatic. Gotta make up for lost time!

2. I’m not a big fan of concerts. I love music, but I really don’t enjoy attending concerts. I think it’s a combination of the crowds, the length of the concert (they always go on far too long, in my opinion), and I don’t typically know enough of an artist’s songs to make attending a concert worth it. I love things like ACL and the rodeo, where shows last about 45 minutes – my concert sweet spot.

Rodeo 2015

Rodeo 2014

3. I have never had a cup of coffee. Seriously. I worry that even one cup of coffee would LITERALLY have me bouncing off the walls, as I’m already enthusiastic enough in the mornings without it.

4. For as much as I love health and fitness, I’m pretty pitiful when it comes to stretching. In fact, I can’t even touch my toes. This is why I should do yoga.

5. I loathe talking on the phone. I would so much rather text than talk on the phone. I’m sure this can be chalked up to my introverted tendencies, but I think it also has to do with the fact that talking on the phone tends to be such a complicated process. Press this number followed by this number followed by this string of 10 numbers, or I’m forced to wait for 20 minutes before talking to an actual person.

Jeff - on my right - is really good about regular phone calls to catch up

6. Though I am genuinely super eager to give help to other people when asked, I’m really bad at asking for help. I hate the thought of possibly inconveniencing anyone, which is why I will try and do everything on my own before asking for help. Typically, if I ask for help, I’m super desperate. I’m working on this.

7. I can’t parallel park to save my life – shout out to Driver’s Ed in a Box – but I’m pretty dynamite when it comes to backing into parking spots. And I was good at this even before I had a back-up camera.

8. When I was younger, I really wanted to be an astronaut. I was obsessed with all things stars and space. I was super excited about my Astronomy class in college, and it ended up being one of my least favorite classes throughout my entire college career. Go figure. That being said, I’m still interested in all things space.

9. One of the first things I notice about people is what arm they wear their watch on. Because I’m left-handed, I’m quick to notice any fellow lefties.

10. I love a good pun.

11. In fourth grade I was eliminated from the finals of the school spelling bee on the word “museum.” I happen to pronounce it “mu-zam”, and I spelled it as though it has an “a” in it. I’m actually a really good speller, though this word still haunts me.

And for the 11 questions -

1. Coffee or tea?

As you guys read above, I have never actually had a cup of coffee. And I’m not a huge fan of tea, either, despite my best efforts to become a tea drinker. I have found one flavor of tea that I really love – Cheers to You Cranberry Celebration – and I restock my supply at the Nutcracker Market every year.

2. What is your favorite meal of the day?

I LOVE breakfast. One hundred percent my favorite meal of the day. From yogurt to pancakes to frittatas to waffles to chocolate zucchini muffins and so much more, you just can’t beat it. And there is truly nothing that can bring me down on First Friday.

3. What is your favorite place that you’ve traveled to and why?

SHOOT. What a tough question! I’ve traveled to some pretty incredible places. San Francisco holds some of my very favorite memories – a long weekend with my mom + a half marathon, a long weekend with four of my very best friends – and it’s just an incredibly beautiful city. I lived in Barcelona for almost two months, so that city will always hold a very special place in my heart. I fell in love with London on a short weekend trip from Barcelona, and my Argentina trip this summer was an absolute dream. I can find something great to say about every place I’ve traveled, but I’ll quit before your eyes glaze over.

Recoleta Cemetery

4. Which blogger(s) do you most admire?

Julie over at Peanut Butter Fingers was the blog that inspired mine. I so admire her outlook on life, and the way she balances a healthy lifestyle with her family, friends, and her energetic dog. Just reading her blog taught me that calorie counting really isn’t necessary – it’s more about how you feel. That exercise should be something you enjoy doing, and that it doesn’t look the same for every person. And that it’s okay to indulge every once in a while, and these are all principles that I seek to apply to my own healthy living journey.

5. When did you start blogging and why?

I started blogging at the very beginning of my sophomore year of college – so September 2011. I had an obsession with reading healthy living blogs, and because I also strive to live a healthy, balanced life, I decided to combine my love of fitness with my love of writing (and my love of frozen yogurt). Thus, fitnessandfroyo was born!

6. What is the last book you read?

I recently finished When Breath Becomes Air, and I absolutely loved it. I had to go back and reread many parts of it, simply because I didn’t know a lot of the medical terms, but it was a really great read. I’m currently reading Stephen King’s The Shining, and I’m loving it. What that says about me, I don’t know, but it has officially sucked me in.

7. If you could meet anyone (past or present) who would it be and why?

I’m going to copy the person who filled this out before me and go with an Olympian. Past, present, future – you name it. I’m absolutely obsessed with the Olympics. I would love to sit down with Michael Phelps, Kerri Walsh, Shawn Johnson, any track and field athlete – but I would love to sit down with any of them and talk about their dedication to their sport. These athletes have given so much, and many of them are only recognized for it once every four years, and I would love to pick their brains.

8. Are you a morning or night person?

I am without a doubt a morning person. I wake up ready to attack the day, almost every day, and I’ve never been one of those people who says, “Don’t talk to me until at least 10am.” When I’m up, I’m up, and I’ve found that my brain is sharpest, and I’m far more productive in the mornings. Plus, I’m typically in bed by 10pm – something my friends have teased me about for years!

9. For April Fools’ Day, have you ever pulled a prank and what was your best one?

I can’t remember a specific April Fools’ Day prank, but I have pulled quite a few pranks in my day – Sarah Diamond being my best fellow prankster. We have quite the story about leaving fruit outside one of our dormmates’ doors while in Barcelona, though no one else seems to think it’s quite as funny as we do. I’m going to start early when it comes to April Fools’ Day this year – something that will get my coworkers, but that won’t get me fired.

10. What was your latest blog post about and where do you get inspiration?

My latest blog post was another episode of Things I’m Loving Friday, and this one focused on advice articles, if you will. Actually, many of them focused on the teaching profession, which is obviously something I hold very near and dear to my heart. My inspiration comes from my own life – the things I do, the articles I read, the places I see – and has transformed from something focused solely on fitness and healthy eating into a blog that follows my daily (or weekly … or monthly) life.

The greatest thing about teaching

11. What is the number one thing on your bucket list?

Okay, this changes quite often, as I have quite the bucket list. Much of it is centered on traveling, and experiencing things in these places that I maybe can’t experience in Texas. For example, canyoning in Switzerland. However, after a recent conversation with a running expert has left me thinking about really getting serious about qualifying to run the Boston Marathon within these next couple of years. The Boston Marathon is probably the equivalent of my Olympics – definitely in reach, but something that I’ll have to work extremely hard to achieve. 

And with that, I'm off to shower and call it a night!

Things I'm Loving Friday XLV

And now that I've officially decided that I'm back on my blogging game, I am pulling one of my fitnessandfroyo traditions way out of vault - Things I'm Loving Friday, which is where I share with my faithful readers (seriously, you have to be really faithful if you're still following me at this point) some of the things I'm currently loving.

The Five-Minute Journal
I bought this in a moment of weakness while perusing Paper Source in Highland Village. Note to self: Never go to Paper Source (or Target, for that matter) without a purpose. But I don't think this purchase was necessarily a bad one. In fact, I know it wasn't. And I love writing and journaling, but sometimes it's hard to find the time to really sit down and commit myself to it. Which is where the five-minute part comes in. And I love that it allows me to set goals, celebrate the big and small in every day, and give myself daily affirmation -- something I'm not entirely comfortable doing. Life gets busy, but we all have five minutes to put toward our overall happiness and mindset.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar
I know that I have previously posted about the deliciousness that is Hopdoddy. However, this time I got to enjoy my favorite burger without having to drive all the way to Austin. Though I did still have to wait in an epic line. But I digress. Hopdoddy officially opened its Houston doors in the hoity toity (and I say that in the nicest way possible) River Oaks District at the very end of May, and my brother and I built up our appetites while waiting in the hour+ long line, only to leave with happy hearts and happy stomachs. I don't know what it is, but I think the fresh ingredients and careful attention to every single burger has something to do with it. And for all my vegetarian friends out there - there is always a veggie option on the menu. And I hear the spiked milkshakes are to die for.

Greek for me, and Buffalo Bill for Daniel

Soul Cycle
I took my first Soul Cycle class while visiting my cousin in New York City last summer, and I don't know how much I actually enjoyed it. To start, it was my first cycling class in close to a year. And then you have to factor in the fact that I was taking this class with a bunch of glamorous New Yorkers (who apparently don't work) who take this class on a daily basis. And their legs were moving SO FAST. I thought I was in shape. But I can't deny that it was an addictive party-on-a-bike, calorie-burning, total-body workout. And just like Hopdoddy, it has finally arrived in Houston.  Now I'm just trying to figure out how I can possibly afford to take these classes on a semi-regular basis. Help a teacher out, will ya?

Acai Bowls
Some of you were probably rolling your eyes at the mention of Soul Cycle. I'm falling into the latest trend, right? Well, acai bowls are right on up there with Soul Cycle. But I don't even care how "basic" this makes me because acai bowls are dang tasty, healthy, filling, and refreshing on a hot summer's day. What is an acai bowl, you ask? It's basically a smoothie in a bowl. And acai is actually a berry popular in South America, but its health benefits - and great taste - have intrigued the rest of the world. Acai bowls are plentiful here in Houston, but they will cost you a pretty penny. And you can certainly make them from the comfort of your own home, but getting the right consistency is absolutely key. My favorite acai bowl spots? Tout Suite and Sustain Juicery.

A Man Called Ove
I can't remember if I wrote about this, but I set a 2016 reading goal for myself: 25 books. And impressively enough, I'm over halfway there. Which is great, because we're officially halfway done with 2016 (how?), and my pace is sure to slow once volleyball season hits. And while I've surprisingly loved every book that I've read this summer, I absolutely devoured this one. I mean, I was quietly wiping away tears on a bus in Argentina as I finished. It's an absolutely beautiful novel, and one of my favorite quotes was one that stopped me in my tracks, and made me realize just how precious our time with other people really is.

“...all people at root are time optimists. We always think there's enough time to do things with other people. Time to say things to them. And then something happens and then we stand there holding on to words like 'if'.”

And that's that. I hope you guys have a most wonderful holiday weekend planned. I love celebrating the Fourth of July, and while I usually find myself somewhere other than Houston, I'm more than content staying close to home - hanging with my family, friends, pup, and maybe trying out a couple of new recipes. Stay tuned!

July 4th, 2015 -- Town Lake

First Sunday

And suddenly, it's the last official day of Christmas break. While the kids don't go back to school until Tuesday, teachers have a day of inservice tomorrow, which, to be honest, I'm very thankful for. I'm glad we get a day to collect ourselves before the chaos of a new semester (and a STAAR semester, at that) begins. I have a few things to take up to my classroom, a few copies to make, and I am sure my PLC will meet for at least a little bit, but other than that, I'm not anticipating a stressful day tomorrow. It's funny because this time last year I was absolutely dreading returning to school. I mean, I felt so much anxiety over it. But this year, while I wish our break was just a little bit longer, I by no means feel any anxiety. And I know once I'm there, I'll be glad to be there. It's just ... getting there that's 90% of the battle.

But let's focus on today. It started out bright and early with a morning swim, followed by a trip to FedEx so that I could print and copy a couple of things, and then made my way inward to meet a dear friend for brunch at Adair Kitchen.

I played club volleyball with Kate during our freshman years of high school, and we quickly grew close. She's easily one of the strongest, most inspiring people I know, and she's one of those people where time doesn't make a difference. No matter how long it's been since you have seen one another in person, it's so easy to pick right back up where you left off. We enjoyed a belated birthday celebration over vegetable omelettes, and spent almost two hours catching up on all things life. A most wonderful way to spend my first Sunday of the year.

And now? A survey, of course!

1. What’s your favorite pick-me-up movie? (if you aren’t a movie person, what’s your cheer-up routine?)

She’s the Man is one of those movies that will never get old, and one of those movies that will always make me laugh, no matter how bad a day I’ve had. And did you know it’s based off of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night? See, educational.

(Source)

2. What achievement of yours are you most proud of?

Man. I hope I don’t sound like I’m bragging, but I feel like I have a lot to be proud of! I’m proud of the eight half marathons I’ve completed, I’m proud of my degree from the University of Texas, I’m proud of my job, and the success I’ve found in it. I’ve certainly got a lot to be thankful for.

3. If you could travel anywhere for a month-long vacation, where would you go?

Southeast Asia, Argentina, Australia – the list goes on and on and on.

Patagonia (Source)

4. What’s one of your favorite quotes?

I  L O V E quotes, so picking just one will be hard to do. But I’ll go with this one –

(Source)

“And above all watch with glittering eyes the world around you. Because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” – Roald Dahl

5. Do you sleep in the dark or do you like to have a light on?

Total darkness. I have to turn my clock on its face because the light coming from the numbers bothers me. Sad but true.

6. Do you collect anything?

I don’t really collect anything, except for maybe quotes. I used to be really good about printing, cutting, and pasting my favorite quotes into a quote journal, but I’ve neglected that over the years. I actually had a 365-day Lovely Thoughts Pad, in which there was a quote at the bottom of each page. For the quotes that I really liked, I cut them off at the bottom, and they are currently in their own little pile on my dresser. Baby steps, people.

7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I’ve received a lot of great advice over the years, but I think one of my most recent favorites is a quote I heard at church just the other day: “Set big goals, and take small steps.” Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point was referenced (a book that I own, but have yet to read) by the pastor, and he specifically mentioned a chapter on the Broken Window Theory. He states that when you visit low-income, poverty-ridden, crime-infested neighborhoods, you see a lot of broken windows. And by consistently fixing just one broken window at a time, the crime rate will lower. And that seems crazy, right? But the theory makes sense. You’re not going to change the world overnight. You’re just not. But by doing one thing at a time – by consistently fixing one window at a time – and doing it consistently, over time, you’re sure to make a big difference.

8. If could time travel, which decade would you choose to live in?

Probably the 1950’s. First of all, the 50’s fashion was on fleek, and I feel as though people were genuinely happier than are people today. Or maybe I just love the movie Grease. You tell me.

(Source)

9. What is your favorite type of cuisine?

I really love Mediterranean food. It’s light, yet filling, and oh so delicious! I tend to forget about it when choosing a place to eat, so here’s to keeping Mediterranean food at the forefront of my mind this year.

Niko Niko's

10.  What is a fitness goal you have (can be long or short-term)?

To focus more on strength training. I am a cardio queen, but I often push the weights to the side. They are such an important part of everyone’s fitness regimen, though, so I want to make them more of a focus during my upcoming workouts.

11. If you could compete at the Olympics, which sport would you choose?

This question is so hard for me because I freakin’ love the Olympics. I’m not kidding when I say that I plan my entire schedule around the big-time Olympic events, and then I spend any spare time that I have watching every other event. So, I’m going to let you in on my top three: gymnastics, swimming, and beach volleyball.

And that's all I've got for you guys today. I'm off to get myself fully prepared for the week, and then maybe settle down with a book and a warm blanket. Back to reality!

Would You Rather

Happy Sunday! I'm finishing up this weekend with the happiest heart. Not only did we get some beautiful weather, but my Longhorns won, I made my first real adult purchase (!!!), I tried out a brand new-to-Houston restaurant with some friends, and there are only T W O weeks until Christmas break! Plus, I got plenty of quality time with my precious pup, and that's the best part of all. But before I round out the weekend, and finish some of the work that I've been procrastinating on, here's a fun round of would you rather for your Sunday evening enjoyment.

This morning's breakfast

Would You Rather ... 

Speak another language or get a higher degree?

Speak another language, for sure. I would love to actually feel comfortable speaking Spanish, as opposed to awkwardly speaking in half sentences. I’m actually fairly good at reading Spanish, and I can understand quite a bit, but I’m very timid when it comes to actually speaking the language.

Madrid, Spain

Have a beautiful singing voice or be a fantastic dancer?

I wish I could have both, because I very much have neither. But because a singing voice is something I could use forever, I’ll go with a beautiful singing voice.

Be a CEO of a huge company or run your own small business?

Run my own small business. Kelli’s Kupcakes and Konfections, anyone?

Fly like a bird or teleport?

Probably teleport. As much as I would enjoy the scenery, my go-go-go lifestyle just craves teleportation.

Eat only sweet food or only salty food for the rest of your life?

This one is so tough! Probably sweet. But what’s better than a sweet and salty combo?

Do yoga or lift weights?

Lift weights. I am sure you guys know by now, but I am no yogi. I can’t even touch my toes. I know, I know. But I would choose lifting weights over yoga any day of the week.

Be a SUPER fast runner be SUPER strong?

Be a SUPER fast runner – that would make qualifying for Boston a piece of cake. And that would be a dream.

Have 8 kids or no kids?

Oh man. Honestly, after 1.5 years of teaching high school, I might have to go with no kids. 8 kids would be INSANE, and there’s no way I could raise them the way I would want to.

Have a small, older home with character or design a big brand new home?

Call me materialistic, but I might go with a big, brand new home. If “character” is code for “lots of repairs,” then count me out! I don’t need a big house, but I want it to be functional.

Watch the Today Show or Good Morning America?

Good Morning America.

Watch only sports or watch only BRAVO?

Only sports. That’s pretty much all that’s on my television anyway, and I cannot do mindless soap operas.

Cook a romantic dinner at home or go to the nicest restaurant in town?

Cook, for sure. I love a home-cooked meal – though every once in a while it is fun to dress up and treat yourself.

Drink beer or wine?

Wine.

Eat cookies or eat cake?

Cookies, for sure.

Today's pignoli from The Kitchen at the Dunlavy

Have only brothers or have only sisters?

Well, because I have a brother, I guess I’d better say brother, huh?

Go to Africa or Asia?

Asia. For whatever reason, probably ten people I know traveled to Asia this past summer, and now I’m dying to cross that continent off of my list. Though I would love to visit Africa as well. But Asia is a little higher on my wanderlust list.

Eat sweet potato fries or regular fries?

I am literally obsessed with sweet potato fries. I absolutely cannot resist them. So I’m going with sweet potato fries.

Own an SUV or a sports car?

SUV. In fact, I just purchased myself a new one. More on that to come!

Have a personal chef or a personal trainer?

Hmm.. this is a tough one! I would love to check out a personal trainer, just because I sometimes need other people to push me to workout in a way that I don’t push myself, but a personal chef would be top notch. Can I have both, please?

Sleep for 9 hours every night but no coffee, or sleep for 6 hours a night and have coffee?

Since I’m not a coffee drinker, sleeping for nine hours every night sounds like heaven.

This one is in heaven

Read a book or watch a movie?

Read a book, any day of the week. T-two weeks until I have TIME. TO. READ. I've already started making my list.

Live on the east coast or west coast?

Probably west coast. And when I say west coast, I mean California. There’s no way I could handle that east coast weather.

Have your toenails painted or your fingernails painted?

Toenails. Strangely enough, I almost never have my fingernails painted because chipped fingernail polish is one of my biggest pet peeves. But I love a good pedicure!

Go to the beach or the mountains?

The mountains. As much as I love being tan, I love being active even more, and you can’t beat those mountain views.

And with that, KTom is out. I'll check back in with you guys this week!