Coffeefied Green Monster

Today’s breakfast = A coffeefied green monster!

A green monster isn’t complete without the key ingredient…

Spinach!

I added two large handfuls to my smoothie, which changed the color to the nasty Army-green color that we all know and love.

Lots o' Leaves

Fresh Spinach

My smoothie contained:

• 2 large handfuls fresh spinach
• 6 oz. Barnie’s French vanilla coffee, brewed
• 1/2 Starbucks Via instant coffee packet
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
• 5 ice cubes
• 1 tsp. Bob’s Red Mill xanthan gum (for thickening)

Poooour

Filled Up

The J Cup Means this Smoothie is Mine 😉

Gulp!

Bridesmaid Dress Thank Yooou

Thank you all for your compliments on my bridesmaid dress selection.

The process of selecting the dress was a long one that had me feeling a little anxious. I wanted to pick a beautiful, classy dress that everyone would feel comfortable and confident in, which is so much easier said than done.

I hope all of my bridesmaids like the dress and feel beautiful on my big day!

Also, for those of you who expressed concern about the color, I held the cashmere-colored dress up to my bridal gown and I promise the color looks deep and doesn’t look white at all when compared to my ivory gown. My bridesmaids will carry bouquets of yellow, gold, white and ivory flowers which will brighten the look a bit as well.  Have no fear, it won’t look like there are seven brides at the alter. 😉

Question of the Day

• In your opinion, what is the most memorable part of a wedding?

I always remember the ceremony and the exchange of vows. I get weepy every time. I just love love. 😀

Streamlining Your Morning Routine

One of the questions I seem to receive again and again through this blog is how I get so much done in the morning.

My mornings definitely aren’t laid back and relaxed, but they are productive and energizing.

A typical day for me begins at 5:30 a.m. After throwing on gym clothes, I am out the door within 10 minutes.

Gym Clothes

Luckily, I can walk to my gym and usually begin my workout by 5:45 a.m. Depending on the day, I will work out for an hour to an hour and a half, and am usually home by 7:15 a.m.

Then it’s time to walk the pup! Sadie gets a 20 – 40 minute walk, depending on the day (She gets longer walks on cardio-only days since I’m home earlier).

Once our walk is over, I come home and shower, get dressed and make breakfast. I make my lunch and prep my breakfast in the fridge the night before, so everything comes together quickly.

After breakfast and snapping lots o’ photos for the blog, I’m off to work!

Here’s a summary of my routine:

• 5:30 a.m. Wake up
• 5:45 a.m. Arrive at the gym and workout
• 7:15 a.m. Take Sadie on a walk
• 7:35 a.m. Shower
• 7:45 a.m. Get ready
• 8:05 a.m. Make breakfast and take blog photos
• 8:25 a.m. Blog
• 8:45 a.m. Leave for work
• 8:55 a.m. Arrive at work

On Tuesdays and Thursdays I will often sleep in for an hour and take Sadie on a run, eliminating the need for her morning walk. I get an extra hour of sleep and Sadie gets extra exercise, so everybody wins!

Also, if I’m really hungry after my workout, I may bump breakfast up and eat before my shower.

I definitely have a jam-packed morning, but I don’t feel rushed at all.

I’ve managed to streamline my morning routine by using the following tips:

• Prep breakfast the night before
• Pack lunch the night before

Packed Lunch

• Brainstorm morning blog post while working out
• Brainstorm what to wear while showering
• Don’t wash your hair everyday (unless it’s greasy)
• Keep items you use daily in the same spot to avoid wasting time looking for them (Such as your make up, face wash, lunch bag, water bottle, etc.)
• Embrace the “natural look” and keep your makeup routine short

Breakfast

This morning my breakfast was yet another ode to Starbucks.

Frappuccino Wannabe

My Frappuccino wannabe smoothie contained:

• 1 frozen banana
• 1 scoop chocolate protein power
• 1 packet Starbucks VIA Ready Brew instant coffee
• 1 large pinch xanthan gum
• Cold water
• 5 ice cubes

Thick smoothies rock my socks! 😀

Smoothie in a Keg

Since my smoothie was poured into a Bubba Keg, which I find quite manly, I had to girly it up with a pink straw. 😉

Pink Straw for a Feminine Touch

Fit for a Lady

I think my body is super-sensitive to caffeine because I feel AWAKE after downing this coffee concoction!

Questions of the Day

What time do you wake up in the morning? What is your morning routine like?