Just a lazy weekend...

It's Sunday night.  After a perfectly gorgeous and mellow weekend.  I can honestly say for the first time in a long time, I'm rejuvenated and prepped for a new week.  Work has been super tough lately and I feel like my weekends are my time to get grounded and become myself again!  

I have been training for a half marathon for the past 12 weeks so on my weekends, after my long runs (10 miles +), I get this amazing feeling of accomplishment that is not really felt in my normal corporate America job.  The accomplishment is a pure physical and mental fulfillment that could only be felt after two full hours of pushing your body to the ultimate limit. I'm sure my other distance runners can relate, right?

So my Saturday morning was dedicated to my 12 mile run and the 55 degrees and sunny weather pushed me along every step of the way.  The PERFECT running weather.  My run turned out smooth and strong and really made me feel like I'm ready to tackle 13.1 next weekend! I'm starting to get excited!  There is something about "race day" that is so special to me.  My parents always come to watch my races and this year, my co-worker is running it with me.  So it should be a fun little Sunday next week!

Today, I did a more low impact barre workout at a local Barre3 studio.  Those classes are always intense in just the right places.  I love it!  There really is nothing like a good workout.  After the class, it was obvious with my sunroof open and windows down, that the day was absolutely beautiful and I couldn't waste it by just going home.  I went to the local high school and walked around a loop a few times for a 2 mile walk, listening to music.  It's so good to just take a second to breathe in the fresh air by yourself sometimes.

After I finally made my way home, I did a bunch of food prep for the week- in the CrockPot and my mason jars.  Kale Salad, CrockPot pulled Chicken, & Overnight Oats are on the menu this week! My workouts are all prepped, my place is clean, and I also did some prep for the party I'm having in October (see last post).

Sometimes you just need weekends like this.  No set plans when you have to be somewhere on time and dressed up.  Nothing that requires preparation and attention.  Just yourself and your well-being. It's time to take on a new week!

What have you done for yourself this weekend? Let's make this a great week!

Falling into Fall!

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year.  Every year at this time, not only is there a change in the weather, but there is just a feeling of transition in the air.  Leaves changing, school buses packed with kids again, brown boots, cozy sweatshirts, pumpkin beer, apples & squash, reds, oranges, browns...it's such a huge change from the summer feel.

Next month I'm having all of my good friends over to celebrate this time of year.  Kind of a fall soiree! This will be the first big group of people we have over in our new place and I'm beyond excited preparing.  We asked everyone to bring their favorite bottle of wine and we are handling the rest- the food and entertainment!  It's always fun to try new types of wine, especially in good company.  I'm excited to sit back, relax, and toast to the crisp fall air!

On my shopping list for Party Prep, below are my must-haves (so far):

• Apples
• Bunches of grapes
• Dried Fruit
• A variety of different cheeses (Whole Foods Cheese Shop is the only way to go!)
• Plenty of bottled water
• Prosciutto
• Butternut Squash (to make soup!)

We are not serving a full dinner, but I want my guests to leave filled up with good wine and good food!  I'm on a mission to find flavorful fall appetizers that pair perfectly with wine.

I've been hoarding decorations for the past month as I prep for my soiree.  I'm aiming at keeping things classy and simple- while the main focus is FALL, I do want to highlight the WINE & CHEESE!  I've picked up some fall colored ribbon, leaf-shaped place mats to use under the cheese plates, and pumpkin candles.  I'm also on the lookout for a fun "autumn" way to label the different cheeses.

So as you can tell, I'm overly excited that the weather is cooling down and I can open my windows to the scent of fall. So why not use this festive season as an excuse to sip on delicious wines and snack on fancy cheeses with great friends?

I want to hear more ideas for a successful and fun wine party.  Any tips on decorations, games, and snacks are appreciated- send them over! I hope everyone is having an excellent transition into the back-to-school, sweatshirt season. Breathe in and embrace it :-)