It's hump day (YAY two more days until the weekend) and I've got another yummy recipe for you!

I started today bright and early with a 3 mile run. I've been absolutely loving my runs lately, in case you were wondering. I think what has made running so great in the last few weeks is getting to explore a whole new neighborhood. If you're ever in Philadelphia, take a day to explore the Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill area - it's gorgeous! As much as I love being in the city, the new area that I live in is more suburban, and it's such a breath of fresh air. I don't have to wait to cross the streets in the mornings and the greenery is amazing. It's fun to run past all of the little bakeries, boutiques and little markets. I also like to run down the streets where the "millionaires" live - looking at the big homes takes my mind off of all the HILLS.

After running, I came back to shower real quick and didn't really have time to cook anything for breakfast, so I threw together this easy bowl before catching the train to work. The high-protein main ingredient is...cottage cheese! I didn't want to title this post "Cottage Cheese Bowl" because I have a feeling that a lot of people get grossed out by cottage cheese. You shouldn't be - it's delicious! And super versatile. And packs a punch of protein.

Anyway, I threw together about a cup of cottage cheese, 1/2 a banana, 1 small plum, blueberries, a handful of chopped walnuts, a sprinkle of coconut and a drizzle of honey. It's a refreshing breakfast or snack. I would much rather eat fruit with cottage cheese or ricotta cheese than yogurt - is that weird? Who cares. I LOVE CHEESE.

Okay enjoy :)

-Rach

Cottage cheese - love it or hate it? 

How do you get your protein in the morning?

Happy Friday!! Thought I would share some things that I've been loving recently, including the fact that it's the Fourth of July next weekend. I can't wait to celebrate it in the city that our country was born in. And in light of our country, I'll start with...

Same Sex Marriage

I think this one speaks for itself :) Finally!! Love and acceptance always win. The Gayborhood in Philadelphia painted their crosswalks just in time...

Class Pass

I've had so much fun trying out all different kinds of studios and workouts around Philadelphia. Their customer service is awesome and I was able to get a crazy discount on my second month ($50 off!), but unfortunately I am canceling my membership for August. I'm sad to see it go, but with the few teaching jobs I've picked up, I am able to use the facilities at those gyms and I cannot justify spending $80 a month on fitness classes. Also I really just can't afford it, who am I kidding. If you're in the Northeast I recommend ClassPass since there are so many boutique studios up here. If you're in Florida, peerfit is also a great service that is similar to ClassPass. My friend Christina from The Blissful Balance works for peerfit and has said wonderful things about it!

My grandpa's homemade bagels, biali's and breakfast bread

My grandpa has been making his own bread for years and I was surprised with a package last week filled with these goodies. Pictured is his breakfast bread with cinnamon, raisins, walnuts and apricots. Little taste of home!

Morning runs around the city

I don't run often, but when I do I always wonder why I don't because it is so peaceful (besides the days when my legs feel 100 pounds each)! Especially in the morning when the streets are quiet. Every time I run here I take a different route and discover new places everywhere. This picture is from this morning in Washington Square Park. So pretty!

Moving...again!

Not until mid July, but this will make three moves in the last three months. I would like to stay put for a while. I'm staying in Philadelphia, but moving a little bit outside of Center City into my first "adult" apartment. The reason I say this is because the entire apartment complex is in the process of undergoing an entire renovation so our unit will be like brand new. Also this is the first place that Michael and I are moving into together (exciting)! Moving up in the world? Here's a sneak peak...

And that wraps up all my favorite things today. I hope everyone has an awesome weekend!

- Rach