Hey there! I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday weekend. We had a good one here in Philadelphia. I didn't take many photos because I really was just enjoying the long holiday weekend and time with Michael and his two cousins who came to visit from DC. However, here's a picture from the beautiful fireworks over the Art Museum in Philadelphia. The Roots and Ceelo performed and were so good, even though we were probably about a mile from the stage! This morning I woke up and made some oatmeal.Don't be fooled by this pic - I immediately threw it all into a plastic cup and took it to go so I could walk to work (just over 1.5 miles). Eating hot oatmeal while walking to work on a hot and humid summer morning is probably not the best idea. I don't have my blender up here yet, but as soon as I do I can't wait to make my smoothies I miss it so much!

After work, I head up to the City Fitness in Northern Liberties to get in a quick workout before teaching back to back TRX classes. Tuesdays are my busiest days - I leave the apartment at 8 and don't get home until about 8:30 but somehow it seems to go by SO quickly.

I'll leave you with one of the TRX classes that I taught! It's only 30 minutes, so it's perfect for a quick strength workout with short bursts of cardio. Efficiency!

TRX Golf rotations: 

      TRX sprinter start:

TRX Crunch:

TRX Hamstring Curl: 

Make sure to stretch out real good after!

Hope everyone has a great hump day. Also on repeat:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2PsXT88UeU

- XO Rach

I've got two recipes to share! A burger with melted mozzarella and bacon paired with a spinach, berry and beet salad with an olive oil honey glaze for the dressing. Sounds fancy? It's really not. With the 4th of July coming up this weekend, I'm feeling rather festive lately and wanted to make something fun and different than I usually make for dinner. I stopped by Trader Joe's after work today (note to self: avoid going to Trader Joe's Monday afternoons at 5:45 p.m. at all costs) and the cheese section was calling my name. I have been craving cheese like crazy lately and I never splurge and buy fresh mozzarella, so it happened.

Burger Ingredients (for one serving):

• 1 lean ground beef patty
• Hearty slice of mozzarella cheese
• 1 slice of bacon (cooked)
• Lawry's seasoning salt (to taste)

Directions:

• Spray small pan with cooking oil
• Season patty with seasoning salt
• Cook on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes each side
• Place mozzarella on burger once flipped
• Let cheese melt, remove from heat and garnish with crispy bacon

For the salad:

• Toss together spinach, sliced strawberries, beets and blueberries (EASY!)
• I suggest adding walnuts or pine nuts to this as well. I loved it as is, but an extra little crunch would be delicious.

Dressing (makes 2 servings):

• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp greek yogurt (I use full fat)
• 1 tsp sea salt

Directions:

• Heat oil and honey over medium heat in a small saucepan
• Once oil starts to bubble, take the saucepan off heat and whisk the mixture
• Pour oil and honey into a bowl and add the yogurt and salt
• Whisk until you get a creamy consistency

Plate everything and enjoy!

I think I'll have to make these burgers again on Saturday!

- Rach

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