Well this is embarrassing.
Approx. 4 months since I last posted. YIKES.
Anyway, enough with the lallygagging about my lack of posts (Instagram is great to see what I've been up to tbh), let's just focus on the present.
At this current time we are just under 5 MONTHS FROM WEDDING DAY.
I know, I can't believe it either. When did this happen? Why am I not tan yet?
Anyway, we're fully in the throes of planning and it's been a LOT of fun. Unsurprisingly I am probably most excited for the food/wine tasting at our venue. #onbrand
We had our first round of festivities when friends threw an engagement brunch for us and two other newly engaged couples - fiance has a very tight knit group of friends and as such, the ladies have also gotten close over the last several years. With three couples getting married this year, we had quite a bit to celebrate (and so many babies to play with!)
But let's get to the real reason you're here. (As much I'd love to think so, it's likely not to see photos of me getting decked by a wave during our engagement photo shoot. I commit to my craft.)
Anyway.
I'm an... all-or-nothing person. We know this. I throw myself into workout routines and occasionally, or always, get hurt. Refer to: Stress fracture and torn biceps tendon. Fun times.
I promised myself I wouldn't let that type of mentality get the best of me in the weeks and months leading up to the wedding. Happy to say I've been committed to that mentality.
Instead, I've almost completely gone the other way. My workouts have decreased in intensity, almost ten-fold. I walk for an hour a day and I do barre classes 3-4 times a week. I love to alternate between getting outside and cranking up the incline on the treadmill at the Bay Club. (To be real, "cranking up" is approx. 3.5 incline).
Frankly, I'm seeing both views (Exhibit A + B) I've never taken the time to see, and results. I feel toned and strong. It's actually astounding what not stressing your body to it's maximum capacity every single day can do for your overall well-being and sanity. I have invested in monthly massages and bi-monthly facials to baby my bod a bit - I'm going for consistency and longevity here. (Speaking of consistency, I wrote a post for the Bay Club's One Lombard blog about it and you can read it here.)
I've also been cooking like a maniac. I've been loving simple, easy, delicious and healthy recipes that don't require obscure ingredients or $$$ supplements. Cooking for yourself makes all the difference in the world. It also helps you afford said facials and massages.
I EVEN KNEADED PIZZA DOUGH WITH MY OWN TWO HANDS ON SATURDAY.
Some recipes I'm loving lately?
- Skinnytaste Crockpot Honey Sesame Chicken (Notes: It makes a TON - we serve it in lettuce cups, or with brown rice and roasted broccoli. I also 1/2 the sugar to 2T vs 1/4c).
- Skinnytaste Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken (Notes: Crockpot meals are awesome for weeknights. Set it and forget it baby. This one is as easy as they come and is a great way to get your burrito bowl fix at home. I love it with avocado, cilantro and brown rice).
- Skinnytaste 3-ingredient Pizza Dough (Notes: I'm still freaking out about this. It's flour, Greek yogurt and baking powder. I made the dough for a dinner-style pizza and it was light, fluffy and frankly, unreal. It also makes insane bagels. YES, BAGELS IN 30 MINUTES.)
- Love and Lemons Bright Green Spring Salad (Notes: I love to cook seasonally and this has the best of spring produce. I'd for sure do the sliced Mozzarella balls over the avocado)
- Steel Cut Oat Energy Bites (Notes: I never get satisfied by bars (it's true!) and I've made a point to make a batch of energy bites each week for us. They're so convenient to just grab-and-go in the morning or when hanger is just about to strike.)
- Goop One-Pan Recipes (Notes: That Miso Salmon and Harissa Roasted Vegetables though. Added bonus? NO DISHES. Dishwasher-less households rejoice.)
Would definitely encourage you to check them out - they're healthy, easy, and make leftover. BONUS.
What's the best thing you've whipped up lately? Hit me with it.