Hello, hello and happy Friday! Everyone stoked for the long weekend? Labor day weekend always feels like the official end of summer, and I’m hoping to squeeze in one more BBQ at the lake before going into Fall mode. Here’s hoping the weather cooperates, because for now it’s looking like rain!
Oh, and before I get into the meat of today’s post, I really wanted to thank you guys for your feedback on my stance on exercise. I realize that not doing bootcamps or posting daily workouts and training logs puts me in the minority of the HLB community, but there’s no shortage of fitness inspiration out there if that’s what you’re looking for, and I figure someone has to represent those of us who just like to take things easy. Actually, I really wish that more people would treat things like walking as a legitimate form of exercise instead of always referring to it as second-rate…
“I’m only walking because I’m injured and can’t run.”
“It’s my rest day so I’m only walking.”
Only walking? Pft. I walk because it’s amazing and one of my favorite things to do, thankyouverymuch. And speaking of favorites, I’m introducing a “Monthly Favorites” series to Spoons, where I’ll be doing a blog post on the last day of every month sharing some of the things that I really loved during that month. It could be anything like food, beauty products, books, memories, music, fashion… basically anything that stuck out for me during that month.
And since today is the last day of August, let’s go!
. – . – . – .
.Favorite Foods .
I.am.obsessed.
Watermelon has always been a quintessential summer food for me, and I’ve been eating this stuff like nobody’s business all month long. Have I mentioned that it’s also wonderful and refreshing when frozen?
Give it a shot 😉
And how could I talk about quintessential summer foods without mentioning BBQ’s… I’ve made it a point to try and head out to the lake and BBQ at least every other weekend, and as a result this has been one of the most delicious summers that I’ve had in a looooong time.
On a side note… why does picnic/BBQ/outdoor food always taste 100x better than food eaten inside?
. – . – . – .
. Favorite Beauty Products .
Maybelline Dream Fresh Beauty Balm
I can’t stand the feeling of heavy makeup on my skin when it’s hot outside, but sometimes the face just needs a little bit of help, ya know? BB (beauty balm) cream is wonderful because it feels so light and hydrating, while evening out your skin tone and giving you a nice glow. Plus it has an SPF of 30, which is super important in the summer!
I’m not really a fan of lipstick, but I can’t deny that adding a little color to your lips is a great way to look more fresh and put together without really trying. These lip butters are great because they feel and moisturize like a lip balm, while giving you a nice pop of color.
This is my go-to summer scent. It’s playfully sweet and reminds me a lot of cotton candy. I’m really bad at describing how something smells, but this is tagged as smelling like: Bergamot, Sicilian Orange, Raspberry, Fig Leaves, Lily of the Valley, Licorice, Strawberry, Red Fruit, Cotton Candy, Vanilla, Caramel… if that actually tells you anything 😆 The point is, it’s fun, flirty, and perfect for carefree summer days.
Nioxin Scalp Therapy Conditioner
Years of malnutrition did a serious number on my hair – it ended up thin, lifeless, and brittle. Eating the right kind of food, and more of it, helped restore my hair to some of it’s former glory, but it still wasn’t as healthy as it was before all of my restrictive escapades. This conditioner was recommended to me by my stylist, and it’s a scalp treatment that you use right at the roots of your hair to help encourage hair growth by improving circulation around your scalp (it starts to tingle and feel cool when you put it on). I was a little skeptical at first, but after using it for a few months I can say that it really seems to work – my hair is a lot thicker and more voluminous. It’s too bad that my favorite hairstyle in the summer time doesn’t really let that show…
Simple. Quick. No fuss, no muss.
(I’m actually planning a post on some of the things I use to help my heal, so look for that soon!)
. – . – . – .
. Favorite Fashion Stuff .
As someone who’s closet used to be solely filled with black or grey clothing, this summer I’ve really been loving any and all things bright and colorful. They just instantly make me feel a little happier.
. – . – . – .
. Favorite Fitness Stuff .
When I’m not going out for an evening walk, I’m going out for an evening bike ride. I decided to trade in the mountain bike for a cruiser, and I looooooove it. It’s so much more comfortable, and let’s me enjoy a really easy and relaxing ride.
Nike Free Run 3.0’s
I don’t use these for running, but they make for a super comfortable pair of walking shoes – they’re so light that it feels like I’m not wearing anything. And besides, how can you say no to bright pink laces?
. – . – . – .
. Favorite Book .
The Song of Fire and Ice series by George R.R. Martin
If you like epics, this series is absolutely amazing. Martin is a genius and manages to create an intricate and detailed world that just sucks you right in and has you living and breathing it. The plot twists shocked and angered me more than any book has in a long time. I couldn’t believe some of the things that happened, as they’re so atypical of what’s commonly found in literature these days. Seriously a good read. That being said, the details are in.sane, there are so many characters and connections that it’s easy to get lost, and these books are loooooooong… like 1100 pages each.
. – . – . – .
And that’s that! I hope you guys enjoyed this post, because it was really fun to write. I personally love reading these kind of posts because they introduce me to a lot of new things that I end up trying and enjoying as well. I hope you guys are having an amazing Friday, and I’ll talk to you tomorrow!
Have you tried any of these things?
What are some of YOUR favorite things from this past month?
1- Find a product to promote, something you feel passionate about and that you know people will want to buy it.
These pre-computed numbers, hold on in a very giant information bank for millions or URLs on the net.
The only tab of your concern is Public Templates, and
no actions are necessary as it is already on the screen.
Consumer Controlled Media Marketing has been a network controlled media as the message terminates once it reaches the user.
We can play our own favorite games, on our very own Mobile Phones.
This game has to get a rating 4 out of 5 for a retro experience with a modern twist.
I loved this post angel as I struggle with over exercise and really helped put things in perspective for me.
I used to have a bike very similar but now have it in black 🙂 its purty!
xxx
Frozen watermelon?? Now that is something I am going to try for sure. I have a LOT of watermelons growing in my garden and I have a feeling that they are all going to be ready at one time! 🙂 Do you just chop it up and put it in a baggie all together? Or do you freeze the chunks on a tray first so they don’t stick together?
I’m so jealous that you have watermelons in your garden! I’d love my own garden, but I don’t have a yard or a knack with plants, unfortunately. As for the frozen melon, I took the lazy way and just threw the chopped pieces in a baggie in the freezer, and they do stick together a bit, but they’re not too hard to separate 🙂
Awesome! I’m going to try it when I get home… I just cut up a 21.5 lb. watermelon from the garden the other night!
Too funny, I JUST read about beauty balms in a magazine I “borrowed” from the waiting room at the hospital! I’d never even heard of them before but they were touted for being the best new alternative to thick foundation for the summer…too bad it’s almost fall! Ugh, I’m always the last to know things! Lol
I most definitely have NOT had enough watermelon (I swear I ate like one huge watermelon by myself in like 4 days, but I still want more)…or BBQ’s! Actually, I think I only went to one BBQ all summer! Last summer while I was on vacation in California, there was a bad storm back home and my grill got knocked over by the wind. The igniter switch ended up breaking off and I haven’t had the chance to see about getting it fixed. I know…bummer!
My monthly favorites: Nectarines (I spotted some on sale at the store the other day and picked up one…WOW…totally forgot how much I love them! Now I can’t get enough!), beets (yeah, you witnessed that one…but I’ll have you know, I STILL have like 4 more left in my fridge that I’m still loving on!), and cool end-of the-season nights (I had a GREAT run a couple of weeks ago after work that I NEVER would have survived in the heat of July!)
Thanks for recommending that conditioner! Do you know what the active ingredients are? Do you use the whole Nioxin line or just the conditioner? I think they also have a shampoo and some kind of scalp treatment. I have heard a lot of mixed reviews of Nioxin so I’m glad it is working for you, and now it is definitely something I want to consider. I’ve been researching a few different things to help me. I have lost so much hair as a result of my eating disorder. It used to be so thick and now it is extremely fine, thin, and my scalp is visible if I put my hair up 🙁 It is really depressing and I am at a loss of what to do. It doesn’t seem to be falling out as much anymore, but it isn’t really growing back either. Anyway, I would love to hear more about what you are doing to help your hair.
I haven’t read the books, but I love the Game of Thrones tv show! Have you seen it?
I’m glad you’re back to blogging 🙂
The active ingredients are: ensulizole and sublisobenzone, which are essentially sunscreens and supposed to protect your scalp against sun/environmental damage. According to Nioxin, the line is supposed to “activate the scalp and hair by breaking down the sebum containing environmental residues and DHT; and deliver vitamins and nutrients to the scalp and hair. SPF 15 protects the scalp skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays.” I’m only using the conditioner for now because I just wanted to test it out first before purchasing everything, and I really like it so I might try the whole line further down the road. I know how frustrating it can be to try and repair malnourished hair, but I’ve found some things that help the process and I’ll be sharing them soon!
And yes I’ve seen the GoT show and love it as well 🙂
Hell yes to watermelon…I just demolished half of one as a snack 🙂
I agree with your thoughts on walking. It is definitely a great form of exercise! I was in Russia for two weeks (just returned last weekend) where I walked miles upon miles a day. Despite the fact that I seriously ate more in 2 weeks there than I usually eat in a month, I returned slightly lighter. Walking does wonders and people need to acknowledge that!
Have a great weekend pretty lady!
I have no problem polishing off half a watermelon in one sitting, either! They’re too darn addicting!
Yes! Nike Free runs are the best. Mine are electric blue 🙂 Great August list!
Oh watermelon – it is by far one of my favorite fruits at the moment. Too bad it will be out of season soon 🙁 booo. Cool shoes!
I really loved your exercise post by the way 🙂
I have been wanting to try that lip butter! The containers look so pretty; and yeah, that’s important to me. haha! Also Nike Frees are my favorite shoes ever. I literally feel like i’m wearing slippers which is perfect because I don’t really like wearing shoes. I would rather be barefoot! So when I *have* to put shoes on, they make the perfect option.
Here’s to a great September!!
Love this recap! I actually am not a huge fan of watermelon, unless its in my smoothie or juice. Is that weird? I do love it frozen though! And girl I am sooo like you when it comes to the clothes!! Just this summer I actually started expanding my color range. My fav color is actually the rainbow (I seriously cant pick a color) but when it comes to WEARING colors I never think I look good in any!! This summer though I busted out of that and bought all sorts of neon pinks and oranges 🙂 And I’ve got to try those lip butters! They sound amazing. I love balms with just a hint of color. My mom always buys me lipgloss and I never wear it because its WAY too much color for me!
And I seriously wish I had a bike. I would love to cruise the beach with my hubby!
I just started The Game of Thrones in August and I am almost done with it and ready to move on to A Clash of Kings! I agree the details are intricate and it is easy to get lost. But I love the characters and the plot gets me so riled up! When you walk do you use music or anything? how fast do you go?
Sometimes I’ll listen to music on my walks, and sometimes I won’t. If I’m walking around on busy streets and there’s a lot of traffic then I’ll usually pop in the ear buds, but if I’m out on the trails then I usually prefer to go without music and just listen to the ambiance. As for pace, I really have no idea since I don’t use a treadmill or device to track it. I tend to prefer walking at a brisker pace, but I slow down a lot too, so again, it varies 🙂
I am right there with you on loving BBQ food! Burgers, grilled fish, and sausages are the best! Also I’ve been having a love affair with homemade baked beans this summer. So good!
Also THANK YOU for recommending that scalp therapy conditioner. I’ve had the same problems with my hair ever since my ED. You would think that 2+ years of nourishing myself properly and eating lots of healthy fats would have fixed it, and it has a bit, but my hair still isn’t what it used to be. I’m going to go hunt down that stuff ASAP!
This month I’ve been loving the tv show LOST, visiting food festivals in the area, eating Swiss chard from my garden, chunky necklaces, and pasta with fresh homemade marinara sauce!
My hair frustrated -the heck- out of me… It wasn’t until I really started focusing on it with different products and therapies that it started to get better. But I guess, as with all things in life, if you want results then you have to work for them.
Ooo Lost! I’ve been thinking about starting to watch that series… everyone says that it’s great!
I’m with you on the BB cream, I’ve just invested in some and its the perfect lighter alternative to a foundation isn’t it 🙂 I’ve had watermelon slushies on the few days the weather has been warm enough to enjoy them! This month I’ve been loving eggs, goats cheese and greek yoghurt!
Walking is pretty much the only form of exercise that I do on a regular basis! I love going on evening strolls around my neighborhood. I am definitely not a runner– I hate running! Haha. I do own a bike though 🙂 The wheels need some air…
Watermelons great – I had one of this beauties nearly every week for the last month. And I am so happy that there is someone else there who has the same opinion about walking. I just wrote a blog post dedicated to walking recently and I try to incorporate walks as often as possible. Walking to the farmers market, walking to the local train station instead of using the bus or the subway, taking a walk and chat with my best friend, instead of sitting on our lazy butts and drinking tea (though this one can be pretty nice too, especially now that autmun is coming) – walking should be definitely be more appreciated.
Watermelon…yum. I am obsessed with all frozen fruit.
Amen about walking being a legit form of exercise! Yeah girl. I agree:)
I have a similar addiction to watermelon, and tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. I could probably eat just those three things all day and be completely happy! And all of them are really tasty when frozen, which is great when it’s ridiculously hot outside.
AMANDA!! ok so I admittedly had no idea you were blogging again, and then you tweeted me and Matt and I was like, “wait, what??” I just read through all your latest posts – I’ve moved to Colorado and don’t have internet in my apartment (I have to lurk in the lounge haha), but i’m renting a room from someone and she doesn’t really want to pay for it so.yeah…but finally I got a chance to say hi!! I really did miss you a lot, and um WOW it seems like the year long break has done so many amazing things for you – you’re like a completely different person, I love it. I’m so glad you’ve found your happy balance 🙂 I seriously can’t wait to read more from you!! Also, i LOVE your new bike – I got a road bike this past winter and I’m obsessed. it’s creepin in on running’s spot in my heart haha. Love Pink Sugar too, it’s such a feel-good, girly, fresh scent! definitely one of my go-tos 🙂
I haven’t been back to blogging for too long yet, but it’s good to hear from you! Colorado! Love it there… Everytime I go through there I’m like “yup, I could definitely live here.” 😀
Thank you for the book recommendations! I just placed a hold on the first one with the local library – and I am #40 on the list. I’ve never seen that before for something published years ago!
It’s definitely worth the wait!
I have almost the exact same bike! I’ve benn riding it for the past 6 months and I love it – especially during the summer months! I’ve been loving August peaches freshly picked at a local peach farm! Looking forward to more of your favorite things!
Game of Thrones is ADDICTING. I’m in the middle of the third one, and a certain marriage totally caught me off guard (won’t say who just in case another commenter is reading!). I can’t believe how wrapped up I get in those books.
Gah there were so many things that surprised me in those books right from the very beginning. I can’t wait to start reading the fifth one, because the fourth one was a bit of a drag to get through… none of my favorite characters were in it!
BBQ+watermelon= one heck of a happy Alexandra haha I sure am going to miss watermelon once winter rolls around…but then again, I’ll be excited for all the pumpkin and squash! 😀
Lately I’ve been having an extreme love affair with a bizarre combo– scrambled eggs with peanut butter. Sounds SO strange, but dude it is DELICIOUS! I’ve had it every. single. day. this past week in sandwich form for lunch! 😀
Enjoy your weekend Amanda!
Hehe that actually doesn’t sound like a strange combo at all! But this is coming from someone who has… “interesting”… tastebuds 😉 Have you tried adding jam?
omg omg omg omg no I haven’t!! You’re a genius!! I just bought some fresh apple butter…I know what I’ll be making today! 😀
I may reiterate this to you every once in a while- I am seriously CHUFFED you are blogging again *happy dance*! I really enjoyed this post, monthly faves= awesome:). Plus you gave me a lot of inspiration & thought with your post, & reply to my comment, yesterday<3 .
Nectarines & strawbs were probably the fruits of my Summer. Iv not had watermelon once for some reason:o.
We actually have really similar cruiser bikes, mine is orange & I luv it
Rekindling a hobbie of doing crosstitches this Summer is another favourite, out in the sunshine of my backyard. Kiiinda feel like a dork/ grandma for admitting that, but what can I say , I enjoy crafting it up!
Your hair looks so fabulous & glossy! My hair & scalp is unfortunately a bit of a train wreck:/. I suffer with psoriasis, so I'm super interested in your up-coming post about scalp care.
Xxx
I genuinely enjoy walking too. It is so refreshing and a great time to think and absorb so many amazing details about the outdoors. I love frozen watermelon, in fact I love it so much that it’s the only way I eat it now! Watermelon and grapefruit are my two favourite frozen fruits! I loved reading this post and I loved that it incorporated more than just food and fitness favourites, it is always nice to see some good cosmetic products 🙂