Sweat it Out with Stefanie – a full body workout

Since I plan on transitioning sweat it out Saturdays to a new day soon, I’m renaming the series SWEAT IT OUT with STEFANIE. We all love to sweat it out no matter what day it is. Am I right or am I right?

Everything will pretty much stay the same – we’ll track our weekly workouts, talk about new classes or gear and share motivational pictures, songs, and quotes! I’ll also share new workouts, challenges, and ways to sweat it out! Because that’s the ultimate goal, right?

All of this:

I show you my dedication by posting my weekly workouts.

I try to spread motivation by sharing motivational quotes, upbeat songs, fun new work out gear, and much much more.

Finally, I invite YOU to participate by linking to a post you've written about anything sweat-related during the week. Through your post, you can show us all your dedication and also help spread the motivation!

The RULE?

Everything has to make you sweat, motivate you to sweat, or accompany you in your sweatiness.

is still included!

Let’s go!

Weekly Workouts

Sunday – REST

Monday – no thinking required full body workout (see below)

Tuesday – kickboxing!

Wednesday – 4-mile run/walk

Thursday – REST (AKA laziest day ever)

Friday – hot yoga

Today – hot boot camp (this morning)

Motivation from one of my FAVORITE health and fitness influencers!

Only YOU can make a change. Only YOU can motivate yourself. Only YOU can make your health a priority.

Get your sweat on with the no thinking required full body workout!

I love this workout because it’s a no brainer! No complicated moves—just good old-fashioned exercises using your bodyweight alone.

It doesn’t have to be complicated to yield results!

See this post for burpee modifications!

Tune of the Week - Co-pilot by Kristina Maria

Want to participate? Grab the button (or link back to this post) and link up any fitness-related post from the past week or so!

Please make sure you either link back {to this post} or share this button with your sweat it out post! That’s how we can spread motivation!

Have a fantastic weekend guys!

<3 Stefanie

Google Tags: sweat it out with stefanie, sweat it out saturday link up, sweat it out saturday, motivation, workouts, full body workout no equipment necessary, body weight workout, workout with out equipment, at home workout, do it anywhere workout, workout, exercise, fitfluential

random thoughts from the week

Here I go again with the ever so interesting titles—just can’t help myself.

Regardless of how interesting my title is, I’m pretty sure that this post will just be light-hearted and fun with a little bit of delicious thrown in.

Random thought #1: While I sit here typing this, I am enjoying my latest spin on the super customizable frittata. It might just be the best one yet.

Random thought #2: My son (Adam) is away visiting his cousins. Away from home. Without me. Without Sam. Oh, did I say without me? Clearly, I’m a bit disheveled over this.

I’ve spoken with him at least 10 2 times each day and so far, he’s having a blast. He’s an only child that is currently surrounded by 10 cousins that are all around his age—what’s not to love?

He even asked if he could extend his stay. Not sure if I can get down with that. I’m glad he’s having a great time—but I miss him. Selfish? Maybe. But I’m the Mom, so I decide. Right?

Random thought #3: Okay, I have made up my mind—this is the best frittata yet. The flavors are amazing and it literally took 5 minutes to throw together (minus the baking time).

Random thought #4: This:

is the best way to satisfy both a sweet and a savory breakfast craving. I most often prefer savory breakfasts—but sometimes I like a little sweetness thrown in.

One half of the Arnold sandwich thin is covered with hummus, an egg white puff, nutritional yeast, and pepper. The other half has almond butter, bananas, blueberries, and loads of cinnamon. The way to eat this? A bite of one then a bite of the other. Repeat.

Random thought #5: We have a bit of a problem. Baby raccoons have invaded our backyard.

Sure, they’re cute. But they are going to grow up to be vicious. They have to be to survive. AND they are climbing up our screens on our porch!

The vegetarian animal lover in me thinks we should just let them be. The homeowner in me wonders if we should do something to encourage them to set up shop elsewhere. Anyone have experience with this?

Random thought #6: Post-dinner bike rides are the best.

We just explored new neighborhoods on a perfectly warm, yet breezy night. Happiness.

Random thought #7: My sister and I have eerily similar style. I showed up for her sweet 16th birthday only to realize that we were wearing nearly identical outfits. Only where I had sleeves, she had none and where I had pants, she had shorts.

Does this mean I still dress like I’m sixteen? Or she dresses like an adult? Don’t answer that.

Random thought #8: I took a kickboxing class earlier this week and my back is SO freaking sore. At the end, we did about 15 minutes of various punching exercises with 3 lb. weights. 3 pounders? Psh, that should be easy. WRONG. Thank goodness I didn’t try to be a badass and grab some 5 lb. dumbbells. I’m pretty sure I would be bedridden if that were the case.

And that’s probably about enough of my random thoughts for one day.

Any random thoughts to share?

Google Tags: random thoughts on friday, tgif, best frittata yet, just a stream of random thoughts, fun post

frozen produce saves the day

You press snooze 3 times. You wake up with 20 minutes to get ready and out the door. And you still have to feed the cats and scoop the litter. And oh crap, you didn’t pack your lunch last night. Now what?

Yep, that was me a few days ago.

All too often, I break my own rules. I offer advice for how to eat healthy when your life is jam-packed – always pack your lunch the night before – then I get busy sucked into a Lifetime movie and my lunch bag gets neglected.

So what do I do when my lunch isn’t packed and I have 20 minutes to get ready for work? I turn to my freezer and my produce drawers.

Sure, I’d much rather have a nicely made wrap with some delicious sides to enjoy – but that’s not always feasible. Sometimes life the television gets in the way even for those of us that make planning ahead a habit.

You know that saying when you fail to plan, you plan to fail? Well that’s not always entirely true.

If you plan in the long run, then you can fail to plan in the short run. As long as it doesn’t become the norm. Let me explain.

When I go grocery shopping, I always make sure to grab plenty of frozen vegetables and fruits. Of course, I also stock up on a lot fresh produce which ends up being the basis for most of my meals.

What are the frozen vegetables for then?

Well, those are for the days in which I fail to plan. So, I was too lazy to pack my lunch for work (guilty), but that doesn’t mean I have to go through the drive thru.

It takes all of 1 minute to grab a steam fresh bag of broccoli (brussel sprouts, green beans, etc.), a bag of baby carrots (radishes, cherry tomatoes, etc.), a container of hummus (salsa, dressing, peanut butter, etc.) an apple (banana, peach, pear, etc.), some crackers (or bread), and a bar or a bag of mixed nuts.

That’s the beauty of clean eating. It’s the beauty of a plant-based diet. Things are simple. Nothing has to be complicated. Sure, you can make your meals ahead like I do on occasion—it certainly takes a load off during the workweek. But you don’t have to fail just because you didn’t plan.

Again, this is the 80/20 rule to living a healthy lifestyle. If you plan 80% of the time and you don’t the other 20%—then you’ll be good. Balance.

So this whole situation (running late, no packed lunch) sparked an idea for a new series. It’s going to be called 5-minute Meals. Well, 5-minutes or less really. Basically, I’ll talk about how you can keep your kitchen stocked to allow for 5-minute meals or grab and go options that are still healthy and nutritious.

Sounds fun, yes?

So what was my grab and go meal a few days ago?

Grab:

• 1 bag of frozen brussel sprouts (steamable)
• 1 bag of organic baby carrots
• a container of yellow cherry tomatoes
• 5 radishes
• a small container of hummus (dumped in some nutritional yeast and salsa)
• an apple
• and a blueberry muffin larabar

And go.

Here’s what I made at work—with a side of hummus, nutritional yeast, and salsa for dipping. The baby carrots, apple, and larabar were also enjoyed throughout the day.

Clearly, I was too busy grabbing veggies to grab my real camera. Hello, iPhone picture.

I made it to work on time and I still had healthy food to eat. That’s what I call a success!

Google Tags: grab and go meals, keep it simple eat clean, 5 minute meals, new series 5 minute meals, how to grab a quick healthy meal when you're late, fail to plan plan to fail, frozen produce is great, you don't have to fail at eating healthy, easy 1 minute grab and go meal

Creamy Avocado Caprese Pasta Salad

A short time ago, I had a Hodgson Mill Pasta Giveaway in which I announced my participation in the Summer Pastabilities Recipe Contest.

The bowties have but one ingredient (100% Durum Whole Wheat Flour).

Pasta salad is (and always has been) one of my very favorite side dishes. In the winter, I enjoy warm pasta whereas in the summer, I prefer my pasta to be nice and cold!

I have had several great pasta dishes swirling in my head for the past few weeks—but there was one that I simply could not pass up.

I love caprese salad with fresh basil, mozzarella, and thickly cut tomatoes. I also love creamy avocado and nutty whole wheat pasta. So why not combine the two for a creamy caprese dish?

That is exactly what I did! And it turned out totally delicious.

As usual, this recipe is super simple and requires only a handful of fresh ingredients. Simple, nutritious, and delicious – my three favorite adjectives when it comes to food!

Creamy Avocado Caprese Pasta Salad

Serving Size: 1 cup (recipe makes approximately 7 servings)

Prep/Cook Time: 15 minutes

Cookware:

• Medium sized pot
• Cutting board/knife
• Strainer (to drain pasta)
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups

Ingredients:

• 3 C. (dry) Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Bow Tie Pasta
• 2 C. cherry tomatoes (halved lengthwise)
• 2 C. ripe avocado, cubed
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, cubed
• 2 T. lemon juice
• ½ cup store-bought or homemade basil pesto
• 4 basil leaves (finely chopped)

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Once the pasta is fully cooked (be careful not to overcook) – drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
3. While the pasta cooks, prepare (slice/chop) the mozzarella, tomatoes, avocado, and basil. Pour lemon juice atop avocado. Set ingredients aside.
4. Toss the cooked and chilled pasta with the pesto until bowties are fully coated. Add the remaining ingredients and lightly toss.
5. Enjoy!

Want a vegan option? Omit the mozzarella and make certain that your pesto is dairy-free!

Now here is where I need YOUR help! This is a contest, right?

The way to win? Get the most “LIKES” on Hodgson Mill’s Summer Pastabilities Pinterest Board.

If you think you would enjoy my recipe, then all you have to do is CLICK HERE and LIKE my pasta recipe! “Likes,” rather than repins or comments are what count for the contest.

Of course, repins and comments are great as well!

As always, thanks for your support and kindness!

Google Tags: creamy avocado pasta, creamy avocado caprese pasta salad, hodgson mill summer pastabilities recipe contest, hodgson mill pasta bowties, healthy pasta side dish, healthy pasta salad, healthy side dish for summer, whole wheat pasta recipe, healthy whole wheat pasta, pesto pasta

Sweat it Out Saturday – BURPEE challenge

Hello, Saturday. And hello to my fellow sweat it outers!

Last week I talked about changing SIOS to a different day—but for now, I’m sticking with Saturday. Next week, this may change. We’ll see.

I have a fun (and sweaty) challenge for you today—so let’s go!

If you’re new—here’s the deal:

I show you my dedication by posting my weekly workouts.

I try to spread motivation by sharing motivational quotes, upbeat songs, fun new work out gear, and much much more.

Finally, I invite YOU to participate by linking to a post you've written about anything sweat-related during the week. Through your post, you can show us all your dedication and also help spread the motivation!

The RULE?

Everything has to make you sweat, motivate you to sweat, or accompany you in your sweatiness.

Weekly Workouts

Sunday – 2 hours of paddle boarding!

Monday – HOT pilates (70 minutes)

Tuesday – REST

Wednesday – ZWOW #7

Thursday – HOT yoga (70 minutes)

Friday – 2 mile jog + more paddle boarding and kayaking!

Today – probably REST or a walk

Challenge time!

Let’s get MOTIVATED!

Believe you can and you will! Never let negative thoughts prevent you from trying in the first place. This whole fitness and healthy living thing? We can do this. Together.

Let’s do the BURPEE challenge!

This is a TIMED challenge – but it’s also a challenge that allows you to go at your own pace. The goal is to get in as many burpees as possible during each 45 second interval (without sacrificing form). It’s only 5 minutes long and believe me – those minutes will fly by!

Check out my video for burpee modifications.

This is a great addition to any other workout AND you can do it ANYWHERE. In your bedroom. In the gym. In your garage. At the park. Yeah, you get the point—anywhere!

Not only is it a full-body workout, but it’s also great cardio as well! Need an extra challenge? Looking to switch things up? Add this! You’ll be sweaty in no time!

Want to participate in Sweat it Out Saturday? Grab the button (or link back to this post) and link up any fitness-related post from the past week or so!

Happy sweating!

<3 Stefanie

Google Tags: sweat it out saturday link up, sweat it out, sweat it out saturday, workout, fitness, fitfluential, burpees, burpee challenge, how to do a burpee, burpee modifications easy medium hard, workout challenge, fitness challenge, motivation, weekly workouts

Simple Watermelon Lime Sorbet

My ice cream maker is one of those things that I get super excited about, use it for a week straight, and then forget about it for a month or two. Actually, I do this with a lot of my fun kitchen appliances (and utensils).

A couple of weeks ago, I remembered my little ice cream maker that was sitting in the cabinet collecting dust. It just so happened to be a day in the 90’s—so what better time to break it out?

It wasn’t all about the hot weather though. I also had plenty of limes and a nice ripe watermelon just begging to be combined. Let me tell you—they are a match made in sorbet heaven!

I also attempted to healthify things a bit by using NuNaturals stevia instead of white sugar.

So enough jibber jabber – let’s get to the recipe!

Watermelon Lime Sorbet

Ingredients

• 3 C. pureed/blended watermelon (roughly half a medium watermelon)
• 1/4 C. lime juice (roughly 3 medium sized limes)
• 1/2 C. water
• 8 packets stevia (or roughly 1/2 C. regular sugar)

Directions

1. Add lime juice, water, and sweetener to a pot. Bring to a low boil and whisk for about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and set aside to chill.
2. Scoop chunks of watermelon into a blender and puree until smooth.
3. Pour the watermelon and the chilled lime juice mixture into an ice cream maker and allow to process for about 20 minutes (or until it’s reached your desired consistency).

Don’t have an ice cream maker? No problem! Pour the liquid mixture into an ice cube tray and allow to freeze. Pop the cubes into a blender and puree for an icy treat!

Alternatively, you could use the mixture to make watermelon lime pops! Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze!

Google Tags: watermelon lime sorbet, watermelon lime popsicles, watermelon lime icee, watermelon popsicles, healthy sweet treat, healthy watermelon sorbet, easy ice cream maker recipes, easy sorbet recipe, healthy sorbet, lime and watermelon sorbet, sorbet with stevia, simple watermelon lime sorbet, 4 ingredient sorbet

everyday I'm instagrammin’

I am well aware of the fact that this title makes me a huge loser. But it’s true. Everyday I’m hustlin’ instagrammin’.

These days, I rarely carry my camera around. But I always have my iPhone by my side. So what’s been going on lately in instagram land?

I made watermelon lime sorbet. Healthy, delicious, and refreshing. Did I mention delicious? Recipe to come.

I found and subsequently fell in love with a new-to-me coffee. Macadamia Cookie Coffee. Everyday I’m drinkin’… Too much? Probably.

I enjoyed a quick car snack in the form of a key lime pie larabar. Always delicious.

Georgie was being cute. As always.

Adam and I bought Sam a REALLY fun father’s day present! We also went back and bought another kayak for my dad as well! Family fun time!

I made (and devoured) a coconut flour flatbread pizza (recipe based on Lisa’s pizza flavored grilled cheese).

{topped with pesto, kale/spinach, sweet peppers, tomatoes, and feta}

Sam decided he also wanted to buy a paddleboard and we loaded up the car for a few hours on the lake.

We actually have a decent sized lake in our neighborhood. However, since we don’t live on the lake and we don’t have a boat – we haven’t really taken advantage of it.

Now that we have these new toys, we want to be out on the lake everyday!

Paddle boarding is such a blast!

Last but not least, Georgie being cute again.

He loves almond milk as much as I do!

Are you instagram? If so, leave your user name in the comments – I’d love to follow you (if I’m not already). I’m newhealthystef.

Google Tags: instagram, instgrammin everyday, paddleboarding, cute cats, cute kitty, macadamia cookie coffee, watermelon lime sorbet, larabar, coconut flour flatbread pizza, kayaking

Sweat it Out Saturday – HOT yoga

Lately, I have been thinking about changing the sweat it out posts to a new day. Possibly Monday? That way, I {we} can recap the prior week’s workouts, classes, gear, and more.

It just seems as if Saturday is more of an unplugging day—especially during the summer months. What do you guys think? Would you be more likely to link up on a Monday? That way we can not only recap anything fitness-related from the previous week, but we can also get motivated for the week ahead. Let me know what you think!

And with that, let’s continue on with SIOS!

If you’re new—here’s the deal:

I show you my dedication by posting my weekly workouts.

I try to spread motivation by sharing motivational quotes, upbeat songs, fun new work out gear, and much much more.

Finally, I invite YOU to participate by linking to a post you've written about anything sweat-related during the week. Through your post, you can show us all your dedication and also help spread the motivation!

The RULE?

Everything has to make you sweat, motivate you to sweat, or accompany you in your sweatiness.

Weekly Workouts

Sunday – REST

Monday – jog 2 miles + p90x core synergistic

Tuesday – 2 mile walk

Wednesday – my first hot yoga class {see my thoughts below}

Thursday – 2 mile bike ride + 2 mile walk

Friday – REST

Today – not sure yet, but hopefully something sweaty and fun!

New Gear <3 – my first Nike Frees!

I am so in love with these! They’re extremely comfortable and I can’t wait to run in them. I am normally a pink girl – but the purple caught my eye and they are adorable.

New Class – HOT Yoga!

A few weeks ago, my friend and I bought a Groupon for 15 hot yoga classes. I have been wanting to try a class for as long as I can remember, but could never find a studio in my area. Well, this Groupon changed all that!

So prior to our first class (on Wednesday), I was kind of nervous. All day, I chugged water (to avoid dehydration) and battled visions of passing out on my mat. Yes, I am a drama queen sometimes. It’s fine.

So did I pass out on my mat? No! But I’m pretty sure I had an out-of-body experience. Okay, not really – but this class was absolutely amazing. I know I generally give rave reviews about anything fitness-related (what can I say? I love to sweat!), but this was different.

Let’s go to the beginning. As my friend and I sat on our mats discussing the heat and humidity in the room, the instructor said “okay, ready for me to turn the heat on?” Uh, what? We thought the heat was already ON! We thought wrong. At that point, we also realized that we had parked ourselves right in front of one of the many heaters. Go us.

Turns out, I {we} LOVE the heat. Five minutes into the 90-minute class, I began to sweat. And sweat. And sweat some more. Halfway through, my clothes were soaked and by the end, I looked as if I had jumped into a pool (of my own sweat).

During the class, I completely zoned out and focused on the moves, the stretches, and the practice. Sure, I was drenched in sweat – but it wasn’t uncomfortable. In fact, it was fantastic.

Afterward, we both felt super calm, yet energized at the same time. I can’t explain it, but I just felt like everything was right in the world.

Needless to say, I can’t wait for my next class!

Have you tried hot yoga? If not (and you get the chance), take it! It was worth every sweaty second (and every last penny).

Video of the week – #FitFluential Go Dirty Girl Mud Run 2012

FitFluential put together this AMAZING video of the Dirty Girl Mud Run. It really depicts what a blast the event is. Just watch and you’ll see what I mean!

Amazing, right?

Want to participate in Sweat it Out Saturday? Grab the button (or link back to this post) and link up any fitness-related post from the past week or so!

Have a great weekend!

<3 Stefanie

Google Tags: sweat it out saturday link up, sweat it out saturday, fitness link up, motivation, dirty girl mud run, fitfluential go dirty girl, my first hot yoga class, what is hot yoga like, i love hot yoga, hot yoga, motivation to fitness, get fit stay fit

Cherry Lime Coconut Flour Muffins

Some time ago (weeks, months, who knows), I ordered a bag of coconut flour.

{I chose Bob’s Red Mill because I trust their products.}

From their site: “Coconut Flour is a delicious, healthy alternative to wheat and other grain flours. It is very high in fiber, low in digestible carbohydrates, a good source of protein and gluten free. It lends baked goods an incomparably rich texture and a unique, natural sweetness. You can replace up to 20% of the flour called for in a recipe with Coconut Flour, adding an equivalent amount of additional liquid to the recipe.”

Clearly, I needed this is my life. It didn’t help that I was drooling over all of Lisa's recipes (hello, coconut flour flatbread) and a certain protein muffin by these ladies.

My first experience? Total fail.

So, I thought I could experiment with coconut flour on my own without a recipe. Hey, it worked with chickpea flour! But I’m not a baker, so I have no idea why I was confident in my ability to create a recipe. Ha!

With my unfounded confidence, I attempted to make a batch of pumpkin protein bars (which I have made before) using only coconut flour. I subbed out coconut flour for whole wheat flour without adjusting any other ingredients. I assume that I should’ve compensated with more liquid (or eggs) because they turned out dry and crumbly.

They went straight outside. I always throw food into the woods in my backyard – if it’s biodegradable, then I skip the garbage. We probably feed several raccoon families with our food scraps. I’m sure they thought the coconut flour was pretty exotic!

My second experience? Delicious.

This time I followed Maria’s recipe exactly. It was hard for me to completely follow a recipe because I’m always substituting and changing things up, but I am SO glad I did. Seriously, these muffins are a must try.

So how about that third experience? Another winner.

This time, I used a recipe as a base and then experimented a bit with the flavors and ingredients. When working with a new ingredient, this is the way to go—which I realized through trial and error.

Cherry Lime Coconut Flour Muffins

• 1/2 C. coconut flour
• 5 eggs
• 1/2 C. fresh cherries (pitted and sliced)
• 2 T. fresh lime juice
• 2 T. melted coconut oil
• 1 T. liquid stevia
• 1 t. vanilla extract
• 1/8 t. sea salt
• 1/2 t. baking powder

Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Scoop into a greased muffin tin (or muffin liners). Top with extra cherry slices and bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes.

These came out dense and delicious.

They weren’t fluffy like regular muffins – but the flavors were spot on!

I guess the third (and second) times the charm.

Google Tags: coconut flour muffins, cherry lime coconut flour muffins, cooking with coconut flour, experimenting with coconut flour, how to use coconut flour, baking with coconut flour, gluten free muffins, summer muffins, cherry lime muffins, muffins with bing cherries

Low Calorie Iced Green Tea Lemonade

Lemonade is the perfect summer drink. It is such a refreshing and delicious addition to a cook out or a day at the pool.

There is only one problem. Most premade lemonades (and mixes) are laden with sugar and extra calories. Sure, they’re delicious—but I prefer to eat my calories, not drink them.

In an attempt to make my own lower calorie lemonade, I realized something. Something fantastic. It is actually quite easy to make homemade lemonade—no messy squeezing or juicing involved. And you don’t even have to make a full pitcher—just a glass whenever you’re in the mood.

Only 3 ingredients are necessary—lemon juice, water, and a low calorie sweetener of choice.

Of course, I took it a step further and added green tea to the mix. Green tea is known for it’s health-promoting properties, so I figured it could only make things better.

The Italian volcano lemon juice is my secret ingredient. No fresh lemons necessary—just a pour and you’re good to go! Hint: they have it at Costco in a two-bottle pack! I’m obsessed.

To make the green tea version, you’ll need to have chilled green tea on hand. Simply steep a few tea bags in a pitcher of hot water, pop it the fridge, and it’s ready for drinking!

I also use a little NuNaturals liquid stevia to sweeten it up. I used the unflavored version, but I have seen the lemon version online and I think that would be an amazing addition as well.

10-calorie Lemonade (sweetened with stevia)

• 1.5 C. cold water
• 3 T. fresh lemon juice
• stevia to taste (about 8-10 drops)

Shake (or blend it up), pour over ice, and enjoy!

For the green tea version:

• 1 C. green tea (brewed and chilled)
• 1/2 C. cold water
• 2 T. fresh lemon juice
• stevia to taste (about 8-10 drops)

Shake (or blend it up), pour over ice, and enjoy!

I have been drinking this like mad. It is so good!

Next up? Iced passion fruit lemonade made with Tazo passion tea!

Google Tags: low calorie iced tea, iced tea sweetened with stevia, low calorie iced tea lemonade, half and half iced tea lemonade, 10 calorie lemonade, lemonade for one, refreshing summer drink, iced green tea lemonade, passion fruit tea lemonade

weekend happenings (+ giveaway winner!)

These past few days have been loads of fun—just as summer weekends should be!

We had goalie camp.

I made 10-calorie iced green tea lemonade (recipe tomorrow – so easy!).

We spent the day at the pool and then had frozen yogurt (pink cupcake, for the win).

My sister and I happened upon a whole neighborhood full of garage sales and I bargained my way to a brand new 2 dollar waffle maker! Score!

Then we came home and made a quick and delicious lunch!

{whole wheat wrap filled with avocado, spinach, hummus, laughing cow cheese, cherry tomatoes, and red peppers with a side of mixed veggies, pasta salad, and cucumbers}

The next morning, I made waffles with my new Hodgson Mill waffle mix! I was so excited to find this in one of my local grocery stores!

I chose the whole wheat buttermilk mix and they turned out amazing!

My sisters and I also had a blast with these 1.99 glasses (we may or may not have peed our pants laughing).

{wearing these through the Marshall’s checkout line while pretending things are normal=priceless}

These have provided hours of fun because we enjoy acting like 12 year olds.

And finally, I enjoyed some downtime with my cuddly kitties and the fam!

I must say, it was a fantastic weekend. I hope yours was equally fun!

I have also been drooling over all of your favorite summer dishes for the past few days. Interestingly, many of you mentioned dishes that are very similar to the pasta salad I plan on making—so I’m certain that you will all love it!

So without further ado, the winner of the Hodgson Mill giveaway is Emily!

She said that she loves strawberry rhubarb crisp with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent summer treat! I’ve actually never had strawberry rhubarb crisp, but it sounds amazing.

Emily, email me your address {the new healthy at gmail dot com} so we can get your Hodgson Mill goodies out to you!

Have a great Monday!

Google Tags: weekend happenings, giveaway winner, frozen yogurt, family time, i love my family, waffle maker, garage saling