HLS 2011- My Favorite People

One of the best parts about going to the Healthy Living Summit was the possibility to meet and get to know so many different people. Not only did I have the chance to really get to know some of my favorites, but I meet so many new people that it was overwhelming! One of the best things that I did before going to the Healthy Living Summit was splurge and make business cards with my blog information on them. I felt that staying relaxed and smiling really made approaching people a LOT easier! Feeling confident really makes a difference when meeting new people. Exchanging information with business cards was also way was less intimidating- as someone who is horrible at remembering names, I felt more comfortable exchanging cards than worrying about not remembering the name of a new blog! Here I have a couple of my favorite group shots from the weekend.

Everyone after the fun run on Sunday.

6 miles @ 6 am running group! (Turned into more like 4....)

Dinner on Thursday at Farmicia with  JenLisa, JulieCourtneyTinaHeatherDiana, (me!) and Lisa

Roomies! Liz & Jen

 Photo booth Fun! Me and my roomies with Diana Jessica

 How do you stay in touch with people you have met at the Healthy Living Summit (or any other blogger meetup)?

Healthy Living Summit Newbie

This past weekend I traveled to Philadelphia for the 3rd annual Healthy Living Summit. I went without many expectations, and with the goal of meeting as many bloggers as I could (and have a great time!).  I would say that this experience was more than I could have ever anticipated, and had a fabulous time. I had the opportunity to meet bloggers that I read daily, and met new-to-me bloggers that are my new favorites. More than anything, I feel like this weekend was the opportunity to make new friends and really get to know people better. Meeting bloggers in person is a really fun experience. Everyone was really friendly and excited to be there. The energy is contagious!

Instead of doing a typical day by day recap, I am going to break down my trip into my favorite parts! If you are new to my blog (maybe I just met you!) I want to thank you for stopping by, I hope to see more of you! So, here is my first recap of my travels in Philadelphia.

One of my favorite things about Philly was the architecture. My undergraduate degree is in Art History… so I can’t help myself when I see a gorgeous Corinthian column!

I had lots of opportunities to explore this new city. Our hotel was walking distance to pretty much everything, making it really easy to see the sites in a short amount of time. The last shot is a panoramic shot taken  at the top of the famous Rocky Steps, which I never knew was the entrance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art! It was taken just after sunrise.  A gorgeous morning!

Homemade Pita Chips

Looking for a cheap & easy snack for a boat load of people? Make pita chips! All you need is a bag full of pitas, butter (or olive oil) and whatever goodies you want sprinkled on top! I decided to make my first batch in anticipation for a long car ride to Philly (for the HLS!) with a few of my favorites.

 

Whatcha Need:

  • Pitas
  • Melted Butter
  • Cinnamon & Sugar
How to do it:
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  • Slice pitas and rip them in half
  • Place on baking dish & brush on a bit of melted butter
  • Sprinkle on cinnamon & sugar (or any other spice your diggin’ 8-) )
  • Bake for 5-8 minutes, keep your eye on them they burn quickly!
  • Bag the goodies, or eat them all off of the baking sheet

I am off to the Healthy Living Summit for the weekend! If you are going to be there, feel free to contact me! (@thewannabefoodi on twitter)

Workout Wrap-up

This past week I logged 14 miles running. It was by far the best week of running that I have had.

Here I have last weeks workouts. (We are following this training plan)

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: 5K Splits: Mile 1: 10:26,Mile 2: 10:21, Mile 3: 9:46 + Weights & 10 minutes spinning

Wednesday: My first tempo run! 30 minutes of running, 2.89 miles covered.

Thursday: My fastest 5K so far! Splits: Mile 1: 10:02, Mile 2: 10:03, Mile 3: 9:31 + Weights & 10 Minutes of spinning

Friday: Rest (2 hours golfing with a cart, 2nd annual drunk golfing expedition)

Saturday: Skipped Run- Family Party

Sunday: I really didn’t want to run on Sunday. I was feeling lethargic and wanted to just watch Mad Men (<–current obsession) Chris was going to go run without me and I decided to go and see how I felt. SO glad that I did- I ended up rocking it! 5 Miles- Splits: Mile 1: 10:48, Mile 2: 10:42, Mile 3: 10:30, Mile 4: 10:30, Mile 5: 10:09 (First time running 5 consecutive miles without a walking break!)

I am beginning to feel stronger and am proud of the fact that I can run longer distances even on days where I would rather be napping. I can run these distances and not be sore the next day. I can run and clear my mind and enjoy the remaining days of summer. I am looking forward to running in the fall. The brisk temperatures will be welcomed after this steamy summer!

How do you stay motivated? 

Chocolate Chunk Muffins with a Secret

Hi. I am a delicious muffin.

There is a yummy summertime vegetable hidden in me!

Any guesses on what it may be?

If you guessed Zucchini….you are correct!!

Chocolate Chunk Muffins with a Secret

Adapted from this recipe. 

Whatcha Need:

  • 3/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chunks (or chips) plus more sprinkled on top just before baking

How to do it:

  •  Mix dry ingredients (Flours, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt) together in a bowl and set aside
  •  Add wet ingredients  (Egg, milk, lemon juice, vanilla, vegetable oil) together in a stand mixer or electric mixer.
  •  Slowly add dry ingredients into wet until combined
  •  Fold in zucchini and chocolate chunks
  • Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until muffins test done.