Monday, March 4, 2024
Save vs. Splurge
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Outfits of the Month
Monday, February 12, 2024
Red Velvet Cookies
I love a festive treat and these red velvet cookies are perfect for Valentine's Day! They are chewy, not too sweet and are topped with creamy white chocolate chips.
ingredients
2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 egg yolks
1 tablespoon vanilla
1-1 1/12 teaspoons red food coloring
1 cup white chocolate chips (I prefer Ghiradelli), divided 3/4 cup and 1/4 cup
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
My Fave MWH Classes
I have been a member of Melissa Wood Health since February 2020, and it remains my favorite workout. I have exercised at home at least 5 days a week. I still feel and see results, and I'm consistently sore from targeting different muscles each day. I have mentioned MWH on my blog before, but today is my 4 year anniversary on the platform!
The MWH app has changed a lot in the last year, with more creators and niche workouts (prenatal, postpartum, dance, etc). I don't follow the recommended weekly schedule, but I try to do Melissa's new workout each week. I aim for 30-ish minutes, whether that is one class or multiple combined. I wake up at 5am before work, roll out of bed, throw on a cute workout set and open my MWH app on my phone.
A typical week for me looks like the following:
Monday - inner/outer thighs
Tuesday - abs + arms
Wednesday - yoga/stretch
Thursday - booty + planks
Friday - full body yoga/pilates
I plan out my weekly workouts in the notes app on my phone, but also listen to my body and if I'm not feeling up to what I planned, I will pivot to what feels best. Yoga is always a good option - I actually love Kim's 30 min yoga sequences!
I also walk outside for 30 minutes every day on my lunch break at work, so I get a total of an hour of low-impact movement Monday through Friday. On the weekends, I don't plan workouts but rather live life with my family and friends - if that includes a bike ride with Jack, it's a bonus!
In addition to Melissa's amazing flows, her voice is so calming, supportive and inspiring. She has great reminders on proper form, prioritizing yourself and your practice, and her infamous saying, "some minutes are better than no minutes."
For me, exercise is more mental than physical, and finding a type of exercise I enjoy and look forward to is such a blessing. Especially being able to do it at home (or anywhere!) with an affordable platform. I've used her app while traveling, whether for work or vacation, because I know I will feel better if I start my day with movement.
Below are some of the MWH classes I have saved in my favorites, and love to come back to again & again!
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Outfits of the Month
What I wore in January.
Monday, January 15, 2024
Deconstructed Sushi Bowls
Using tongs, carefully lay the tuna in the pan. Sear for 45-60 seconds - check underneath by lifting one corner to see if it is golden. When deeply golden, carefully flip. If not golden, turn the heat up. Sear the other side for 60-90 seconds. Sea each long edge using tongs to hold it upright.
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Recently Read
I ended 2023 by finishing my 43rd book of the year! Below I'm sharing some of the novels I've enjoyed over the last few months. Always open to recs - please share your faves!
As someone with an estranged sibling, the relationship of the sisters who narrate this novel resonated with me. Filled with conflict, grief, forgiveness and understanding, it's a great story about family.
Raw, honest, deep and hauntingly beautiful. Heller is an excellent writer and storyteller with detailed descriptions that invoke all of the reader's senses. This story jumps back and forth from past to present, I was so engulfed that I didn't want it to end.
A thought-provoking novel about a quadriplegic and his new caregiver's journey to help him find happiness in life again.
This book was pure brain-candy - easy romantic read about overcoming your past to create a new future.
Loved every word of every page! Delightful from beginning to end. An unexpected coming-of-age & love story spanning 10 years, with a second-chance romance and Dirty Dancing vibes.