Fitness from 9 to 5

Does anyone ever wake up with the best intentions to get dressed in their work out clothes, go to the gym or for a run, and then start doing ten other projects and never actually make it to the gym? But somehow you're still wearing your work out clothes? Well...this happens to me, a lot. At least a lot more than I would like it to during the week. 

I like to have the best intentions in the morning and take the first step and get dressed for a work out and then actually go work out.  But sometimes other unexpected events happen as the day unfolds or I need to run a few errands or meet up with someone for lunch.  Or...maybe you just like to wear work out clothes with no intention of going to the gym because those leggings and t-shirt are just that comfy (yea that happens to me a lot too).

Regardless of the reason, I have been noticing lately more fitness clothing companies are actually encouraging us to wear our gym clothes to more than just the gym.  Awesome women's fitness clothing companies such as me2Roo (my favorite) or lululemon are even providing us with the pieces to complete these looks.  My clothing for these photos are from Fabletics.  With a few simple adjustments to the outfit, a shoe change, and a necklace, you are transformed from going to the gym to having coffee with a friend or going to a casual business meeting.  So I thought I would give this idea a try.  To my surprise, it really isn't too hard (I did try on a few sweaters and shoes to figure out what I thought looked best for my style). 

Check out my photos below and try to picture taking some different shoes from your closet and your favorite sweater or fall jacket and pair them with your gym clothes.  If you want to add a little something extra try a casual scarf or a statement necklace.  While I always encourage actually fitting some form of physical activity into your day, sometimes you just have one of those mornings you need to get dressed for the gym, but you may not actually get to the gym until later in the day (or at all).  Just remember you can be comfortable and stylish at the same time.  Happy work out (aka work out dressing!)

Xo,
Laura


First Look: Actually going for a run

Top and bottoms: Fabletics | Sneakers: Nike | Sunglasses: Chanel


Second Look: Running errands or grabbing coffee

Top and bottom: Fabletics | Shoes: Toms | Sunglasses: Chanel | Scarf: Fabletics | Purse: Stella McCartney

Third look: Lunch date or casual business meeting

Top and bottoms: Fabletics | Sweater: Vince | Boots: Stuart Weitzman | Purse: Stella McCartney | Sunglasses: Wish I was wearing them! | Necklace: Monica Rich Kosann

American as Apple Pie

This past weekend I set out on yet another fall adventure-apple picking.  For as much as I love fall, I have to admit I can't remember the last time I went apple picking (the horror, I know).  So obviously I was well overdue.  Roba's Apple Orchard in Scott Township, PA is a beautiful orchard with amazing views of the mountains and a variety of deliciously tasting apples.  

My favorite apples are Honey Crisp and to my excitement they were in full season.  Armed with a bag to hold 20 pounds of apples and my Confetti Cake Collection shirt perfectly appropriate for the occasion (so comfortable), I was ready to immerse myself in apple picking (and some tasting).  Dave and I had a great time exploring the orchard and spending quality time outdoors. I have so far made some apple sauce in my crock pot and of course another batch of carmel apple sangria.  I am getting inspiration on what other apple treats I can make so for all of you that share my love for fall can take part in this wonderful weekend activity.  Enjoy your weekend and of course, do something to celebrate the beautiful autumn weather! 

T-shirt: Confetti Cake Collection | Jeans: Paige (shop @ Buka for local readers) | Boots: Hunter | Plaid Shirt: Pink (similar style)

Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins

A fall baking special (surprise, surprise-I can't stop myself).  Gluten free. Pumpkin. Delicious muffins. Enough said. Happy Wednesday!


Pumpkin Muffins:
~Makes 12 muffins

• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup organic pumpkin pie mix
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• pinch of sea salt
• 2 tbsp of coconut oil

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit 

~Beat three eggs in a medium sized bowl (I use a whisk and mix everything by hand-mixer can be used too)

~Mix in pumpkin puree, honey, and vanilla extract

~Add almond flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and sea salt to wet ingredients and mix well

~Add the coconut oil and mix until ingredients are blended together

~Spray a muffin baking sheet with non-stick baking spray or coconut oil spray

~Add muffin mixture to pan and fill half way or slightly less

~Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the edges start to brown

~Remove from oven and let cool for 1 minute and then remove from pan and enjoy

Pumpkin candles: Pottery barn | Muffin stand: Macy's 

Sunday Farm Life

I think there is a remote control for my life similar to that of my DVR, I'm just not that good at using it. Sometimes my life is in triple speed fast forward and moments pass by in a blur. Rushing from getting dressed in the morning to making the coffee to feeding our mini zoo of animals and answering emails before thirty minutes of my day has even gone by and I'm already starting to break a sweat. Other moments in the day someone has hit the rewind button, and I feel a time in the day where I keep doing the same thing over and over again. Running on the treadmill, telling the dogs to stop eating the cat food, or making the bed, sometimes there are just periods of daily repetition.

The one button I can't seem to find on my remote though is the slow motion option. There are days that seem to fly by, which is definitely a good thing in my book (it means I'm enjoying the day and having fun), but sometimes I wish I savored the day a little bit more.  I love to plan out my days down to the details including what kind of nuts I'm going to put in my pumpkin pancakes to what bread I will need to make to go with my butternut squash soup (I seem to think a lot about food, don't judge).  Food or not, I love making the day feel fun and full of life.  But sometimes this backfires. I am running around like a fool trying to fit in all my details that should probably be spread out through the week, and I want to enjoy/complete them all by 5pm on Sunday.  Before I know it, I am exhausted, stuck on the couch, and wonder if I was even a part of my own day and if I even enjoyed it?

So this Sunday I took away the details.  I allowed the day to unfold as it wanted to without me medaling too much in its affairs.  Spending time outside and walking around finally gave me that feeling of hitting the slow motion button.  Stopping to visit with our ever growing extended family of dogs, going for walks on the farm, enjoying the last bit of summer green leaves blending with the beautiful fall hued ones, and of course eating something pumpkin (ice cream this time).  I finally felt refreshed and glad I allowed the day to move just at the right pace. So press the slow motion button at least once this week and watch how it makes you feel.

Xo,
Laura

Top shirt: Madewell | Under shirt: Walmart | Jeans: J Brand | Boots: Russell and Bromley (similar style)| Hat: Rag and Bone (similar style) | Necklace: NYC find years ago (similar style) 

Friday Night Lights

It's finally Friday and I don't know about your plans for the weekend, but I know you'll find me in the stands of my local high school's football game tonight. I enjoy watching football on TV, but I really love a good live, local game. There's something about the energy from the stands, the pep from the cheerleaders (I secretly always wanted to be one-only my mom knew this until now), and the comrodarie from the teams. To me it's a simple pleasure in life I love taking part in during the fall. 

Since these games are usually at night and the temperature drops a lot here in Pennsylvania, I find myself wanting to be wrapped up in a blanket while watching the game. I recently found this Vince coat that has allowed me to feel like I'm wrapped in a blanket while still maintaing some style and definitely warmth.  An extra bonus is this coat is 60% off at Nordstrom right now.  I have a feeling I will be wearing this coat a lot this fall so I will try not to wear it in all of my pictures (and yes my hair is naturally that puffy-it's a look I'm learning to love).  The only thing missing from these photos is a large cup of hot chocolate and some friday night lights.  Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend!

Xo,
Laura  

Coat: Vince (60% off) | Sweatshirt: J. Crew (on sale) | Jeans: Gap | Boots: Sam Edelman | Bag: Celine

Game Day Meal

Who doesn't love cozying up in front of the fire and television, in comfy clothes watching your favorite football team while having deliciously smelling foods cooking in the kitchen? If anyone is ever doing this in their home I would love to be invited. It sounds like the perfect fall Sunday or Monday evening to me. 

I want to share three of my favorite go to football watching foods and drink today with everyone.  They are as usual, easy to make, taste great (obviously to me they do), and of course a fall-inspiried drink is included.  The chili and the mulled wine are both dishes you can start earlier in the day so when it's time to park your behind on the sofa your meal is ready come game time.  So put your team jersey on and get your Tervis team cup (c/0) filled up with some mulled wine, light the fire, enjoy a home cooked meal, and smile. It's good to be alive on a fall football Sunday night.

Xo,
Laura


Vegetarian Chili 
~serves 8

• 1 can (15oz.) of each black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans
• 2 cans (15 oz. each) of stewed tomatoes
• 1 large can (28oz.) of tomato puree
• 1 small bag of frozen corn 
• 1 bag of Morning Star meatless crumbles 
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheese for topping

-Add all ingredients to the crock pot (I like to discard some of the liquid from the beans)

-Mix all ingredients together in the crock pot and cook on high for 4 hours or cook on low for 8 hours

-Turn temperature down to the keep warm setting until ready to serve

Enjoy-yes, it's really that easy :)

Mini Mac n' Cheese
~Serves 6 

• 1/2 pound of elbow macaroni (I used gluten free)
• 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese 
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tbsp of butter
• 1 tbsp of paprika
• pinch of salt

-Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit

-Boil water for macaroni and allow to cook for 5 minutes, drain and rinse

-Using a muffin pan or mini cocottes, brush the sides with butter and sprinkle the bottom of each dish with half of the parmesan cheese

-In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the rest of the butter and the sharp cheddar cheese

-Add the salt, egg yolk, and paprika to the melted cheese

-Place the macaroni back in the pot and add cheese mixture to the noodles and stir together

-Add mixture to dishes/muffin pan and bake in oven for 10 minutes

-Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving

These Le Creuset mini cocottes are available at Williams-Sonoma and are great for entertaining

Mulled Wine
~Serves 6-8

• 1 bottle (750ml) of red wine (I used a local wineries Merlot from Nimble Hill, Tunkhannock, PA)
• 4 cups of apple cider (Brace's, of course)
• 1/2 orange juiced and two slices to season the mixture while warming (buy one orange)
• 8 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks or 1 tsp of powdered cinnamon

-Add wine, apple cider, orange juice, orange slices, cloves, and cinnamon to a crock pot or to a sauce pan

-If cooking in a sauce pan bring to a boil and then allow to simmer on low heat for 10 minutes and then serve

-If cooking in a crock pot set temperature at low and allow to mull over 3-4 hours or until ready to serve; you can keep this on low all day

-Pour into mugs that can withstand hot temperatures (I used my Tervis mug c/0, which is great for hot beverages), add an orange for garnish, and cheers!

Fall Football Season

I love days when the air is cool, but the sun still warms me while I run around pretending to catch the football.  I'm a great play maker and can run for a while, but actually catching the ball is not my best skill.  However, I still enjoy getting together with family, laughing a lot, increasing my heart rate, and enjoying the spirit of the game. 

And of course I like to be fashionably comfortable on the field.  These jeans are seriously the most comfortable pair of jeans I own, and I bough them at my favorite local boutique, Buka.  Although they are more pricey, I bought them last fall and have no desire to buy any other skinny jeans. 

So go pick out your favorite cozy flannel, make sure your boots are comfortable, and put on a hat to shield your eyes from the sun so you can have a better chance of seeing the ball and catching it (this hat from J. Crew is 25% off too!).  Get outside, run around, and play some football!

Xo,

Laura

Shirt: J. Crew | Jeans: AG Jeans | Hat: J. Crew | Boots: Chanel (similar style here) | 

Nail Polish: Essie