Raising the Barre

I have become a creature of habit with my fitness routine.  I run...and that’s about it.  In the past, I have always combined running with interval training or yoga, but lately I've been stuck in a runner's rut.  Craving a little spice and stretch in my life, I decided to venture out of my comfort zone and find a challenging, yet enjoyable way to add to my fitness routine.  Enter Pure Barre, a workout that combines ballet, yoga, and pilates.   It is a strength training workout that targets the core muscles, glutes, quads, and hamstrings, but does not give you jelly legs the next day.  So, yes you can still run the same day or the day after!  It is also great for stretching, and improving balance.   

Barre-style workouts combined with running, could quite possibly be the best combo I've tried thus far!  My running is starting to improve; I ran my longest run in a year!   I know there are lots of other strength training options and I would love to hear about what routines you use to improve your running regimen.  

Have you tried a barre class? If you run, which strength training exercises do you like best?

Grape Escape

A long week, deserves a long and refreshing weekend.  So sit back and relax with these real Summer Sipper recipes.  Absurdly easy, quick and completely delicious, but be warned it's difficult to drink just one!  

Photo Courtesy of The Minimalist Baker

Summer in a Glass

 created by The Minimalist Baker

It takes only 5 ingredients and serves 4; or 1

Recipe:

• 1 bottle of red Spanish wine (I like to use Campo Viejo Tempranillo Blend, but you can use any inexpensive bottle)
• 1 bottle of champagne or ginger ale
• 1/2 pineapple (chopped; roughly 1 cup)
• 1 naval orange (sliced round and then in half)
• 1  apple (diced)

Instructions:

1. Slice fruit and drop into large pitcher or carafe
2. Add champagne, then wine, and stir
3. Refrigerate until serving ~ 4-6 hours

Photo Courtesy of Julia Kent

Julia's White Sangria

created by Julia Kent
serves 4

Recipe:

• 1 bottle (750 ml) Chardonnay or Riesling (use for a sweeter taste)
• 1 litre ginger ale
• 1 apple (cored and sliced)
• 1 lemon (seeded and sliced)
• 1 lime (seeded and sliced)
• 1/2 bunch of seedless white grapes (frozen)

Instructions:

1. Place limes, lemons, and apples into pitcher or carafe
2. Pour 2 cups of wine over the fruit
3. Refrigerate and let sit for 1-hour
4. Add ginger ale until the pitcher is half full
5. Top off with more wine
6. Add frozen grapes

English Mojito

Recipe:

• 2 ounces Gin (preferably Hendrick's Gin)
• 8 ounces tonic water
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• 5 lime wedges
• 3 slices of cucumber

Instructions:

1. Peal and slice cucumber
2. Muddle the mint and lime and place in the bottom of glass
3. Pour gin over the mint and lime
4. Add tonic water and cucumbers 
5. stir and serve

Happy Fourth!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth!  Our Fourth of July festivities kicked off at Crystal Mountain, which is just shy of 2 hours south of Seattle.  As you can see from the photos the view of Mt. Rainier from the top is gorgeous!   

After riding the gondolas to the summit, we hiked along the steep, rocky and sometimes snowy trail to the sound of Gray Jays.  We were perplexed by the disk golf course on a 45-degree slope; but didn’t have much time to ponder as we were soon chased back towards the summit by some very determined bees.  

No worries though as we were able to breathlessly out-walk our new friends and soon found ourselves at the Summit Restaurant overlooking the Cascade Mountain Range.  There we rested our tootsies and enjoyed comfortable seats, tasty sandwiches, and a cocktail (or two).

With our bellies full we ventured to find the old men that live in the Grove of the Patriarchs.  

These bearish fellows can be found in Ohanapecosh National Park just North of Crystal Mountain.  After paying our $15 entrance fee, which helps maintain this beautiful park, we crossed a highly entertaining suspension bridge, and a few slow pokes to finally find these gorgeous seniors hiding on the other side of the river.  

After a brief visit, we said our goodbyes to our new old friends and headed back to Seattle.

We finished off the night at Lake Union Park with a spectacular show of fireworks!  I mean seriously people, there were people sky diving into the lake from a Chinook helicopter, followed by these beauties…

Hungry for more...have some cherry pie.

We visited Twin Peaks last weekend...or should I say Snoqualmie Falls.  We didn't spot Laura; however, we did find this bad boy...

Snoqualmie Falls is a quick and easy drive from Seattle; about 40 minutes on I-5.  It features free parking, a viewing area, and is open til' dusk.  There is a gift shop, picnic area, and the beautiful Salish Lodge if you fancy an overnight stay.  The falls viewing area is a short walk from the parking area and is easily accessible. If you are of the more adventurous variety, then you can head to the base of the falls for an up close and personal view.  

Movin' On Up...

After a long and sleepless night in Memphis, we finally arrived in...sunny Seattle?  I know.  Not quite what we expected either!    We were prepared to don grunge gear and board Noah's Ark upon arrival, but we were surprised to find ourselves surrounded by clear blue skies, mountain cascades, and friendly smiles.

After settling into the apartment and enjoying the spectacular view, this country mouse slipped on a t-shirt, jeans, my trendy new Vans and headed out into the cool clear night with the hubs to find the best damn sandwich this city had to offer at 10 o'clock at night.

We found it at a friendly little neighborhood deli, Metropolitan Deli.  In true Seattle fashion, they have a fully stacked cooler with just about every beer you could imagine.

After dinner, we strolled around the fairy lit streets and took in the sites of what is now our home.  We have big plans ahead and I can't wait to share them with you.  So, until next time.  

Cheers!