Things I'm Loving Friday LV

Happy Friday! Whew, this is my first full week at work in two weeks thanks to my brother's Aggie Ring Day and Good Friday, and I am wiped out! Add in the fact that I graded 48 character transformation essays in a 24-hour period, as well as did quite a bit of work for our Romeo and Juliet unit, I am more than ready to wind down and relax in order to get ready for yet another full week. It's like I think the spring semester is going to be a lot more chill than the fall because I'm without the busyness (word?) of volleyball season and STAAR is officially in my rearview mirror, but that's never actually the case. When will I learn? Anyway, I've officially began reading Romeo and Juliet in two of my classes, and while I'm always super nervous to start, I quickly remember why I love teaching Shakespeare. Besides, my students get a kick out of all the sex and drug references that are made throughout the play.

(Source)

But for now, enjoy another round of Things I'm Loving Friday!

Eating Disorders and Running
I listened to this podcast on one of my early morning walks with Mack, and it held my attention the entire time. And I think I've mentioned before that I'm not much of a podcast person. But this one focused on a topic that is near and dear to me: running, and it also focused on another topic that maybe isn't so easy to talk about: eating disorders and disordered eating. While I've never had an official eating disorder, I've definitely had my fair share of food and exercise struggles. Who hasn't, right? In this podcast, a couple of Runner's World employees, as well as a former NCAA All-American runner at Michigan State sit down and open up about their own personal experiences with disordered eating, as well as its prevalence within the sport. It's something I struggle with every single day -- I am such an active person, running and walking many miles every single day. And I know enough to know that if I want to be the best runner that I can be, I have to fuel my body. The fear of weight gain is always there, but ultimately my desire to reach my highest potential is greater. This is a fantastic listen for ANY athlete who may struggle with this same sort of issue.

Hilly 10K followed by Blue Bell ice cream

Find the Good -- Heather Lende
A poster for this book caught my eye while leaving the University of Washington bookstore over spring break, so I made a mental note to check it out once I got back to where I was staying and could put a little bit of juice back into my phone. This book is small, but it's full of meaningful messages. The author is an obituary writer in a small town in Alaska, which, after reading this book, I find to be a super interesting job. We know how easy it is to harp on the negatives -- the news is full of it, and sometimes life just doesn't quite go our way. I know I'm one to complain a little bit too often at times, but this book stopped me in my tracks. We are all writing our obituaries every single day, and we have the chance to change our story and find the good in anything that may be thrown our way. A quick, uplifting, wisdom-filled read that leaves you feeling as bright as the book's cover.

Thirteen Reasons Why -- Jay Asher
Because I'm around high schoolers every single day of my life, this show has been all I've heard about for the past week or so. I mean, my students are obsessed with this Netflix original series. And while I can't vouch for the television series, I will talk about the book. I actually read it for the first time when I was in high school, and I can honestly remember not really loving it as much as I did the second time around. I think I didn't get as much out of it when I was a high school student because, as ashamed as I am to admit the fact that I was stuck inside my own little bubble of happiness, I didn't actually think that was something that could happen where I lived. Which is silly and naive, but you better believe I found it to be incredibly powerful as a high school teacher. While I have no doubt that the show is a little bit cheesy, I think it's the storyline that really packs the punch. What may seem harmless and funny to you may actually have a huge - negative - impact on another person. And those things can pile up. Unfortunately these feelings and emotions that Hannah Baker, the main character in the book and show, are all too real to so many teenagers, and it's so important to step back and think about the impact -- either positive or negative -- your words or actions may have.

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Jordan Hasay
This girl is my new hero. She is a 25-year-old first time marathon runner who was the third (first American) female finisher at the 2017 Boston Marathon with a time of 2:23. I mean, WHAT! That is absolutely unreal to me, and after doing a little bit of stalking (okay, a solid hour after school on Wednesday -- I have no shame here), she seems like the most humble, hard-working, down-to-earth, speed demon of a young lady who was made to run the marathon. Not even three weeks before Boston, she raced her way to a 1:07 half marathon finish in Prague, and she did all of this just five months after losing her mother unexpectedly. She gave a very emotional post-race interview, and I am excited to watch her running career continue to take off.

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Uh Oh -- Junior Doctor
If you are not familiar with the Discover Weekly playlist on Spotify, go make yourself familiar with it. Spotify is one of the best investments I have made (okay, maybe that my parents make but that's because I signed up for it when I was still on their paycheck, shhh), and while the weekly playlist can either be hit or miss, occasionally I find a song that I just jam to on repeat. It doesn't matter if I'm on the way to school, doing my weekly meal prep, cleaning, or running, I can listen to it over and over without getting sick of it. This is one of those songs. It's just so incredibly catchy, and I find myself cranking the volume every time this one comes up on shuffle. Or every time I put it on repeat. But I digress. It's upbeat, energetic, and has that cheesy "happy first love vibe" to it. It's definitely not a new song, but I find some of my favorite music discoveries are actually rediscoveries.

Momentum Motivate Wraps
If you haven't noticed by now, I am such a sucker for cheesy quotes. I know many will roll their eyes, but I take many of them to heart. So, when I saw on my Instagram explore page (it's getting semi-creepy how much social media knows us) an avid runner showing off one of these bracelets featuring one of my favorite quotes, I thought it was fate when I saw it at my local Fleet Feet just a few weeks later. It feels just like a ponytail holder, but it gives me that little bit of added motivation when I look down and see it during a run. This is one of my go-to in-my-head quotes these days, as I have set my sights on the 2019 Boston Marathon. And half the battle is believing that I can do it. These wraps are made for active people (therefore, they can handle sweat), and they come in many colors and sayings. Guarantee you'll find one that fits your personality and mindset.

And with that, I'm off to school for what will hopefully be a fantastic Friday. Have a great one!

Foodie Survey

Happy Sunday! I’m not sure how we went from the freezing Friday temperatures to temperatures in the 70’s today, but this is Houston and I suppose I should be used to it by now, right? Last night I was glad to be bundled up in a tacky Christmas sweater as I made my way over to a friend's apartment for an Ugly Sweater party, but this morning I walked outside and the weather had done a complete 180.

Throwback to 2010, in case you're wondering if I've always been this way

I have yet to motivate myself to get out and run the nine miles that I need to run, but I think I’m just bitter that it’s 70 degrees in the middle of December. DECEMBER. Especially when we’ve had a little taste of winter. But before I get too riled up about the weather, let’s start this Sunday off with a survey, shall we?

LIST 5 THINGS YOU EAT/DRINK EVERY DAY

·         Water, obviously

·         Yogurt

·         Something with chocolate (okay, multiple things)

·         Chicken

·         Fruit – right now I have an obsession with mango

WHAT ARE 3 THINGS YOU REFUSE TO EAT?

There are many things I refuse to eat – I’ve been a picky eater for as long as I can remember, but I’ll stick to the survey requirements.

·         Creamy sauce of any kind – The fact that I’m lactose intolerant makes this an easy choice.

·         Oysters – I just can’t get over the texture.

·         Doughnuts – I know this is such a weird food to refuse to eat, but something about the smell of them just makes me cringe. Even as a kid I was able to take maybe three bites before pushing it aside, and though I enjoy making donuts, I won’t eat them.

WHAT IS THE WORST THING YOU’VE EVER COOKED?

This is embarrassing to admit, but I’m really horrible at using the crock pot. How a person can be bad at using a crock pot, I really don’t know, but I can’t seem to get it right. I’m much better at the traditional pots, pans, and oven method of cooking. And I’ve butchered more than a few dessert recipes along the way, too.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LABOR OF LOVE?

Made-from-scratch baked goods. I understand that boxed cookies are much easier and much less of a mess than it is to make cookies from scratch (and I’m not hating on the pre-made stuff, as I use those often), but homemade baked goods really do taste so much better. And I think this Fourth of July layer cake was probably the most labor-intensive cake I’ve ever made, but you have to admit, it sure is pretty!

WHAT ARE YOUR 5 FAVORITE THINGS TO SPLURGE ON?

·         Hopdoddy hamburgers – Worth the hour+ wait, worth the few extra dollars, and worth the extra cals.

·         Local Foods Garden Sammie – I live about a half mile away, and my bank account is feeling this splurge.

·         Frozen yogurt – Always hits the spot, and always worth it.

·         Bacon – I rarely crave bacon, but when I do crave it, there’s no stopping me.

·         Verts Mediterranean Grill – There’s one just down the road from my parents’ house, and I go all out – the kebap and sweet potato fries – and I enjoy every bite.

SALTY OR SWEET?

Salty. I have a really hard time turning down popcorn, (healthy-ish) chips, or French fries – especially if they’re from Hungry’s.

FAVORITE MEAL OF THE DAY?

BREAKFAST. I eat the equivalent of about three breakfasts, and I would be fine eating breakfast food for every meal of the day.

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO COCKTAIL?

I’m just a big fan of wine. I used to be a white wine only kind of girl, but I’ve since learned the error of my ways and I no longer discriminate.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT GUILTY PLEASURE?

Sweet potato fries. I did a dangerous thing where I keep AlexiaWaffle-Cut Sweet Potato Fries in my freezer, and sometimes I come home from school just craving them. And nine times out of ten, I give into that craving. I also love gelato, and I’ve got an excellent gelato establish just down the street from my apartment. Dangerous.

CURRENT FAVORITE HEALTHY SNACK

My giant Oatmeal-Zucchini-Banana-Chocolate Chip Muffins. They’re healthy (they contain vegetables, duh), yet they still satisfy that sweet tooth. Plus, they freeze really well, so I can whip up a bunch when I’m feeling particularly domestic and have them for a week or two.

And on that note, I'm off to run and get a jump start on my Christmas baking and card-writing. I've already created a fun (well, I think it's fun) finals review game for my students, and I've already mentioned that all I've got left to grade are final exams. I suppose I could get ahead for next semester, but I think a little downtime is necessary every once in a while. Besides, what else will I do while my students are testing? 

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday! 

Things I'm Loving Friday XLVIII

Happy Friday! Today is my last real Friday of freedom, if you will, as volleyball starts Monday, and inservice the following Monday. So what will I be doing on my last Friday of freedom, you ask? Well, I'll likely be driving circles around Houston as I try and cross every last thing off of my to-do list. Once volleyball and inservice come around, I don't have a whole lot of time for extracurricular activities. After all, I've got practice and meetings and classroom set-up. Last year I was consistently the last car in the parking lot. And while that will probably be the case this year as well, at least I can go home and pass out on the couch.

But first, a workout. And before that, a blog post. Here are some things I'm loving lately, with a little bit of a twist. 

for taste: 18 Nutrient-Rich Power Foods
Calling all athletes! If you're not sure what foods you should be eating, this article is the one for you. From endurance training to illness prevention, many of these foods are easy to incorporate into your weekly recipes. And though I probably won't be making sardines a part of my daily diet, you already know dark chocolate is something I eat on the daily. Along with honey and flax seeds, and I'm obviously a sucker for sweet potato fries. 

Chocolate + cinnamon

for inspiration: Simone Biles
Don't feel like working out? Take one look at Simone Biles and maybe you'll think again. This girl is the real deal, and I could not be more excited to watch her bring home (literally, she's from Spring!) the gold at the Olympics. But she hasn't met such success by simply sitting on her couch and watching episode after episode of The Middle. She has found success by putting in hours upon hours of work at the gym. And okay, we might not be able to flip and tumble quite like she does, and seeing as I can't even do one pull-up, I'm definitely not going to be climbing ropes legless anytime soon. But this is all the motivation I need to complete my dreaded tempo run.

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for a laugh: Bored Teachers: A Year in the Life of a Teacher
I'll let this video speak for itself. Teachers in August are wide-eyed and bushy-tailed, and by May, I consider a day that I've taken attendance to be a good day. Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration. But the reason teachers get summer vacation? We need it in order to keep our sanity and recharge for the year ahead. Teaching is a job that requires you to be "on" at all times, so we need a few days where we're allowed to be "off." And if that means drinking wine out of a glass the size of a horse, so be it.

for the body: Five-Minute Expert Guide to Running in Humid Weather
It's hot and humid here in Houston, and I know we're not the only ones experiencing that combination. But that doesn't mean you have to call it quits on the outdoor workouts. You just have to be smart about it. That means not running the heat of the afternoon, staying hydrated before, during, and after the run, and don't stress too much about your time. The higher the temp, the higher your minute per mile. And that's okay. And most importantly, know when to take your workout inside. Or else you'll end up begging the valet guys at Hungry's for a water bottle. Not that I'm speaking from experience or anything.

for the ears: Rise Up by Andra Day
This isn't a brand new song, but I just recently became obsessed. If this isn't the ultimate feel-better anthem, I don't know what is. Maybe you've had one of those days - kind of like me yesterday - or you're fed up with all the bad news you hear on the news day after day after day, and you need a pick-me-up. This is my new go-to. I know I'll need it many a time as I attempt to tackle the most hardcore running schedule I've ever been given. But I'll rise up over any tough training days.

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for the mind: 31 Life Lessons They Didn't Teach You in School
You guys know I'm a teacher. And it's in my job description to teach the cardinal rules of reading and writing. But it's also my unofficial job to make sure that my students leave my classroom with lessons they can carry with them for years and years to come. And though the title of this article deals with things you don't learn in school, I think each and every one of the items on this list is something I can teach my kids using literature as my pipeline. My favorite? Never underestimate the value of a handwritten note. Especially in this age of technology.

And with that, I'm off. I've got another jam-packed day today, and I'm hoping to crawl into bed at a somewhat decent hour tonight. Ciao! 

Giant Oatmeal Banana Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins

Yeah, that's a handful to say. But they're so, so good. I've already made them three times and I think I've eaten one of these giant muffins every single day. But I'm sure that comes as no surprise, as you guys probably already know that I am a huge fan of breakfast, and breakfast food. The hardest thing about being in Argentina was that their breakfast consisted of coffee and toast. And I don't even like coffee, so there went half of my morning meal. We have something called First Friday at school, which is where on the first Friday of the month (makes sense, right?), a club or team signs up to provide a most delicious homemade breakfast to the entire faculty and staff. It's wonderful, and easily my favorite day of the month. And my teammates know it, so they'll frequently forward me the email announcing the First Friday information with a "YAY"-esque comment. All of this to say that I love breakfast. Though I'm also not willing to take 10-20 minutes out of an already jam-packed morning to make breakfast. And I know many others are constrained by time as well. This is where these muffins come in. 20 minutes of prep on a Sunday, and you have a healthy and filling breakfast for the entire week. All you have to do is store them in the refrigerator, grab one as you are running out the door, and heat it up whenever you get to your destination. Well, you don't have to heat it up, but who doesn't love the taste of melted chocolate in the morning?

I can't take credit for this recipe, as it is almost identical to the one provided by Alexis over at Hummusapien, though I added a few extra ingredients, and I chose to make my muffins in a giant muffin tin. That's certainly not a requirement, but it definitely makes eating only one of them in a single sitting a whole lot easier. It's all about that self control. And if you're freaked out about zucchini being included in a muffin recipe, don't be. I promise you can't even taste it.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp flax seeds + 6 tbsp water
• 3 medium-large ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup almond milk (or any other type of milk you prefer)
• 1/4 cup almond butter (or your favorite kind of nut butter)
• 1/8 cup honey (this gives the muffins some added sweetness)
• 1 medium zucchini, grated
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3-3.5 cups old fashioned oats
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup + a sprinkle extra chocolate chips
• Sprinkle of cinnamon
• OPTIONAL: coconut flakes, almond slices, raisins

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and generously spray muffin tin with cooking spray
2. Combine flax seeds and water in a bowl and set aside
3. In a large bowl, mash the bananas using a fork, and stir in almond milk, almond butter, honey, zucchini, vanilla extract, and flax seed mixture until combined.
4. Stir in oats, baking powder, chia seeds, walnuts, chocolate chips, and cinnamon until combined. This would be the time to add the optional add-ins.
5. Using a spoon, fill each muffin cavity to the top and bake for 22-25 minutes.
6. Enjoy!

YIELDS: Six large muffins + a little extra (I have been baking the extra batter in a mini bread pan so that no batter gets left behind.)
Store these muffins in the refrigerator in an airtight container. If you want to enjoy them warm, put them in the microwave for about 45 seconds. You won't regret it.

I love that these muffins are free of oil, eggs, butter, and flour, and I'm able to sneak in an extra serving of vegetables without even noticing. And you can enjoy these muffins as breakfast (or as a part of breakfast if you're like me) or as an after school snack. I know I'll definitely be bringing these muffins along with me to inservice. I'll need something to snack on in between meetings and practice and setting up my classroom. Basically, starting next Monday, I'll be doing everything but sleeping up at school. Though I have been told there are cots. Anyway, these muffins will make my mornings a whole lot less stressful. And that's a happy Monday for you!

Wine + Popcorn + Teachers

If you have somehow been immune to the steadily climbing temperatures outside, it is officially summertime. And while I'm lucky enough to (mostly) have summers off, I know that many of you don't. However, I hope you are still enjoying some classic summertime fun post-work. And maybe you are one of those people living it up every single evening, doing something cool and glamorous, making all of the rest of us jealous as we scroll through Instagram. But maybe you're more like me, and you mix your envy-worthy nights with nights spent on the couch watching shows that are just too hard to turn off, no matter how well you know you need to go do something productive. So, if you've committed to spending your evening on the couch, why not do it up right?

Mack and I have spent a few evenings on the couch

That's where the wine and popcorn come in. Popcorn is the ultimate movie-night snack. It's light, it's airy, and it's also terribly addictive. But that's where SkinnyPop popcorn saves the day. If you aren't familiar with the brand, please, make yourself familiar ASAP. This information comes straight from the website, but their popcorn has no artificial ingredients, no artificial flavors, no trans fat, it's preservative free, dairy free (!!!), gluten free, peanut free, non-gmo, and a good source of fiber. If these facts haven't convinced you, this should. It's also delicious. And comes in six irresistible flavors. A guilt-free snack that won't leave you feeling like you need to spend hours at the gym the following day because you indulged in a few too many handfuls.

Mack may have snuck a few pieces

And what is a guilty-pleasure television and/or movie night without woman's best friend - wine? I'm not a Bachelor or Bachelorette watcher myself, but I've found myself in the background of a couple of viewing parties. Lots of squeals, lots of snacks, and lots of wine. And lucky for you guys, SkinnyPop put together this wine and popcorn pairing graphic for all of your popcorn and wine pleasure.

And while I can't speak for all of these pairings - I'm dying to try the new Jalapeno and Dusted Dark Chocolate flavors - I can tell you about my personal favorites. First of all, I'm more of a white-wine fan, especially during the summer. Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, especially. And Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with my second favorite flavor of SkinnyPop: Sea Salt & Pepper. Did you guys ever eat Emerald Sea Salt & Pepper Cashews - only ever found at Kroger? This popcorn tastes just like them, only far less dangerous to the waistline.

Sea Salt & Pepper + Sauvignon Blanc

My personal favorite flavor is Naturally Sweet, and there were many a nights this past semester when I was curled up on the couch with a glass of Malbec - the only red wine I really enjoy - eating Naturally Sweet SkinnyPop and laughing along with the wildly inappropriate, but wickedly hilarious, television show 'Teachers'. My version of the Bachelor. Malbec also pairs nicely with the Original flavor, and for those of you who are partial to white, the chart says it pairs well with Chardonnay, and I say it pairs well with Sauvignon Blanc, too.

A girl and her Malbec

I won't claim to be a wine expert, but you don't have to be an expert to know what tastes good together. And the ingredients in SkinnyPop are simple, few, and 100% recognizable. It's a snack that everyone can enjoy. With only 39(ish) calories per cup, your television show might be a guilty pleasure, but this popcorn is something you can indulge in guilt-free.

What are your favorite SkinnyPop flavors?

Do you have any favorite wine + popcorn pairings?

Green Goddess Pizza

Good morning, and happy Tuesday! Isn't it nice that today is like a Monday, but it's already Tuesday?  And I hope you all enjoyed a fabulous holiday weekend. Fourth of July is one of my absolute favorite holidays - rivaling Thanksgiving for the top spot - because of all that it stands for. I love traveling, and I love discovering, exploring, and becoming immersed in other countries. I will never stop being thankful for the opportunity to be able to do that. However, every time I step off the plane at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, I'm reminded of how great this country is, and how there is nowhere I would rather live than in the United States of America. Freedom certainly doesn't come free, but we're so lucky to be able to celebrate the freedoms that we have because of those who have so selflessly fought for it. And in this crazy year of politics - something I'm not even going to begin to discuss here - it's nice to take a step back and remember that we are a nation united as ONE. Regardless of political party, religion, gender, sexuality, race, and so on and so forth. So, while I'm glad to watch fireworks and eat burgers and dress up in my best red, white, and blue attire, I'm even more glad to be able to celebrate FREEDOM. Most importantly, the total freedom that we have in Christ.

One of the most elaborate cakes I've ever made

Lady Liberty

My Fourth of July weekend was excellent, though. I got to spend time with three of my medical school friends - on separate occasions, as they have officially entered the crazy third year of hospital rotations - I ran nearly ten miles in the scorching July heat, watched the annual Third of July fireworks at Sugar Creek Country Club with my dad, brother, and Mack, and rollerbladed through the Heights decked out in America attire with Amira. Temperatures were scorching, but there was still lots of fun to be had.

Mack's first fireworks experience!

We're coming for you, Rio

And now, I have a recipe to share with you guys. It's so easy that I'm not sure it can constitute as a recipe, but it's way too good not to share. So, I present to you, Green Goddess Pizza.

The inspiration for this pizza came from a picture of pizza that I saw while perusing Instagram (classic), and I just couldn't get it out of my head. And what better time for a veggie-topped pizza than after a sweaty 10-mile run?

Green Goddess Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 Flatout Multigrain with Flax Flatbread
• Low-sodium tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 1/4 zucchini, sliced and chopped
• 1/4 squash, sliced and chopped
• 1/4 cup asparagus, chopped
• 1/4 cup broccoli, chopped
• 1/4 cup Brussels sprouts, chopped
• 1/4 mushrooms, sliced
• Handful of onions, diced
• 1/4 cup chicken breast, cooked and diced
• Lemon pepper

*All of these amounts of approximate - you may use more or less depending on your preferences, and the size of your pizza

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Spread tomato sauce on the wrap
3. Spread spinach evenly on top of the tomato sauce
4. Spread vegetables evenly on top of the spinach
5. Intersperse chicken evenly among the vegetables
6. Sprinkle lemon pepper on top of the entire creation
7. Place pizza on top of a foil-lined baking sheet and cook for 17 minutes
8. Remove, slice - if desired, and enjoy!

A healthy, yet delicious, way to enjoy one of everyone's favorite meals. And while I did not put cheese on my pizza, as I am lactose intolerant, you could easily add it on top of the tomato sauce before adding the vegetables. This pizza is easily customizable to your favorite toppings, but in order to keep it healthy, try and stick to lots of greens.

Enjoy your day!

Game of Fives

Happy Survey Sunday! Survey Sunday is easily one of my favorite weekly fitnessandfroyo traditions, as hard as it can be to find new surveys each week. But I found this one through a quick search of Julie's blog, and I couldn't help but give it a go.

Enjoy, and may you learn something new about the girl behind the blog.

Five Places I’m Dying to Visit

• Alaska – Ever since I saw The Proposal, I’m eagerly anticipating a trip to a state where summertime daylight rarely ends.
• Italy – I’ve got some Italian in me, and everything I’ve seen and read about Italy just seems so picturesque.

(Source)

• Peru – Machu Picchu is calling my name.
• Pacific Northwest – When I’m 25 and can rent a car, I would love to spend a few weeks driving through Yosemite, up through Oregon and Washington, and over to Montana and Idaho.
• Chile – My trip to Argentina developed a love in me for all things South America. My uncle has spent some time in the country, and everything I’ve heard of it has been nothing short of amazing.

Five Foods I Eat Every Day

• Eggs, or egg whites

• Chocolate
• Cooked oats
• Pickles (seriously)
• Yogurt

Five Talents I Wish I Had

• Calligraphy - Perhaps I can find a class to take?
• Dancing

My attempt at learning to tango

• Singing, or anything musical
• Photography
• Tennis (more on this to come)

I may not have many tennis skills, but I've got the tennis skirt down

Five Healthy Food Bloggers I Wish Would Cook For Me Every Day

• Julie from Peanut Butter Fingers
• Monica from Run Eat Repeat
• Gina from SkinnyTaste
• Katie from Chocolate Covered Katie
• Gina from Fitnessista

Five Instagram Accounts I Love

• Anthropologie – So aesthetically pleasing.
• 365ThingsAustin – Nostalgia for one incredible city.
• BakerByNature – Serious baking goals.
• RachMansfield – Everyone’s favorite sweet treats turned healthy.
• Betches – Wildly inappropriate most of the time, but wickedly funny.

Five Things I Wear (Almost) Every Day

• Tennis shoes

The only shoes I wore in Argentina

• Grandma slippers
• Padded running socks – Thorlo and Lululemon are my favorites.
• Headband – Typically Lululemon, but I don’t discriminate.

• Shark Watch – I’ve got quite the impressive watch tan line. While I usually trade in the sports watch in favor of a more … “professional” watch that I wear to school, I don’t think I took this watch off one time while in Argentina. It was a permanent fixture.

Five Songs I Listen To On Repeat

• In Your Arms by Nico & Vinz
• Moving Forward by Colony House
• North Carolina by Little Chief
• Work From Home by Fifth Harmony
• Work This Body by Walk the Moon

Five Beauty Products I Use Every Day

• EOS Lip Balm – I put this stuff on obsessively. And it comes in so many fun flavors. All of which I have probably tried.
• Dermablend Powder – Smooth coverage, definitely not cakey, and gets the job done.
• Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser – Okay, I might be guilty of skipping a day or two or three here and there, but this random find is my favorite of any face wash I’ve ever tried.

But this face mask was fun to do

• Benefit They’re Real! Mascara – Mascara and eyeshadow is about as much make-up as I will apply on a regular basis, and now that I’ve tried this particular product, there’s no going back to drugstore mascara.
• Marc Jacobs' "Daisy" Perfume - A sweet-smelling fragrance that works for any occasion.

Five Movies I Can Watch On Repeat

• Harry Potter (All you have to do is say “marathon weekend” and I know what my weekend plans are.)
• She’s the Man
• Mean Girls
• Remember the Titans
• The Breakfast Club

Five Books On My Current Reading List

• The Shining by Stephen King
• 1984 by George Orwell
• Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
• Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
• The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison

And I'll do all of my reading here, thanks

Five Random Things I Ate Yesterday

• Nothin’ But Granola Cookies
• Watermelon (I can’t get enough these days!)
• Garden Sammie + Chicken from Local Foods (This is two days in a row, people)
• Orchard Valley Harvest Dark Chocolate Blueberries
• Grapes

And with that, I'm off to get in my final long run before next weekend's trail race. My first, and I'm starting with 13 miles in the middle of a Texas July. Call me crazy, and be on the lookout for a recipe post (or two!) as well as a product review coming in the very near future.