Writing for Eco-Chick and Out-of-Town Adventures

I know things have been quiet over here, but I've not been sleeping! I'm writing for Eco-Chick this summer.

 Puerto Rico’s La Chiwinha: An Ethical, Global Gathering Place in San Juan

Incredible Video Shows How Regular People Respond to the Real Story Behind Cheap Clothes

How Does Eating Organically Effect Your Toxin Load? Profoundly, Swedish Test Finds. 

Sustainable Summer Sandals at Every Price Point

Swing by to take a peek.

Also, be on the lookout for a recap from my recent trip to Puerto Rico.

Heating Up and Chilling Out

Mmmm.... Protein pancakes with pumpkin, peanut butter and honey! THE BEST way to start my morning! :)

The morning was full of housework and computer work. Joe and I whipped up a quick batch of Lemon Garlic Quinoa Salad. Mmm....

It got up to 92 today here in the Big Apple. Gross. I REALLY try not to be one of those people who constantly complains about the heat, but HOLY MOLY. I was so sweaty that when I got to work, my students thought I had just showered. (At least I didn't smell bad!) It's supposed to get up to 100 tomorrow. UM. WHAT?!

I registered for the NYRR Bronx 1/2 Marathon today! My first race EVER! 

I decided it was too hot to run outside today, but I needed to get some miles in so I don't fall too far behind on my training. I headed to the gym (though it was warmer inside than outside- GET IT TOGETHER, BALLYS!) and had some tech issues (my TM shut off several times, losing my distance and time) but I DID do my first 7:30 mile! That's pretty darn fast for me. It. Felt. Good.

I ran home and took a nice cool shower, followed by some of my favorite summer products.

Some Vaseline Aloe Moisturizing Gel! So light and cool- perfect for a little moisture when it's too warm to slather on lotion. I also LOVE the Aloe Protect (I put it on after every daytime shower). I'm huge on sun protection, and having this on under whatever sunblock I'm wearing makes me a happy girl.

I whipped myself up a nice, cool happy time smoothie.

And now I'm chillin' out max and relaxin' all cool (brownie points for anyone who can identify that obscure reference). 

I want to know:

1) Have you ever run a 1/2 before? What should I know???

2) What are your favorite foods on hot summer days?

3) Do you have any secrets for keeping cool?

These bad boys found their way into my freezer. Oh. Yeah.

Lemon Garlic Summer Quinoa Salad

So simple. So refreshing. So delish.

I used:

3/4 cup quinoa

1/4 cup bulgur wheat (because I didn't have enough quinoa)

1 package frozen edamame 

1 lemon

minced garlic to taste (we used a few tablespoons of the jar kind, but we're garlic freaks)

Rinse the quinoa and combine with the bulgur wheat in a sauce pan- add two cups of water and boil. Let simmer until tender. 

In another saucepan, boil the edamame. 

Combine in saucepan, add the juice of one lemon and garlic. 

Chill.

This is a really basic, simple and clean recipe- feel free to dress it up however you like! We made up a plain batch as described above, and then took turns customizing our bowls- great with soy sauce, hot sauce, seasoned salt...etc. Add your favorite condiment! Great as a side or as a meal.