sidebar | life and training 5.22 – 5.28

Summertime sometimes causes me to not want to cook. Anyone else?

I don’t mean in the sense that I want to shun my kitchen entirely, grab takeout every night, and throw FMG in the trash bin. Rather, I’m enjoying more light bites, minimal- or no-heat recipes, and anything that goes with a crisp bottle of rose. You might be noticing that theme on FMG lately. I’m making a lot of appetizers and salads.

I do think such a method of eating is appropriate, though. Part of seasonality is honoring the body’s natural appetite rhythms, and for many of us – especially we who’s asses roast in the South during the hot months – that means switching off the stove and favoring cooling dishes, or leastwise minimal-effort eats.

I’m definitely feeling that lately. Perhaps it’s delayed onset burnout from the holidays. Or, maybe, an inner craving for foods that inspire gathering and sharing. It’s quite unlike me to desire the company of many people, but recently I’m really motivated to entertain, to surround myself with good folk – I’ve been lonely, and in a rut, and the knowledge that my best friend is moving out of the country at the end of summer is hitting closer to my heart than ever. Maybe I’m becoming more aware of how fast part of life can change, and how suddenly people change their lives, and drift elsewhere, and because of that I’m wanting to hold the few I love closer. Which, to me, involves feeding them, too.

So this week I managed to get with a couple friends on two separate occasions, once for Happy Hour on Friday and with aforementioned moving friend on Saturday. Friday was a good fat vent session with a coworker over a couple drinks and a cheeseboard. We’d been trying to organize a get together for months and it finally happened.

Saturday, J, our friend, and I passed about four hours outside by the pool. J grilled up some salmon burgers (Kroger’s frozen burgers, they are the best) and I made a lovely dip I plan to share this week, some grilled bread, and salad, and we poured wine and agua fresca all afternoon. Once the breeze picked up and the air got a little chilly we laid out on the warm deck tiles and chatted until the hazy sleepiness of the day finally caught up with us. It was one of those idyllic hangouts people think happen constantly in Florida – which, hah, they don’t. Usually by June it’s so goddamn blistering out you kinda don’t want to leave the AC for more than 10 minutes. But, with that weird cold front that slipped into the atmosphere at the end of the week, the conditions were pretty fucken perfect for a day well spent in the water.

Sunday I had a random day off that I forgot about, and J spectated the Rays game with his dad so I stayed home and did some tidying, a little cooking, and a lot of dicking around this and that. I’ve had more energy to run lately so been enjoying sessions most days, just easy shit, and Sunday morning I trotted about an hour before sitting down and doing various admin shit for this here site. Oh, and I made pancakes in the morning.

A swell weekend, and one with much needed socialization. I tend to be a hermit and go months without any sort of significant outing, so two in one week is pretty special and exceptional. I feel a bit refreshed after such lovely days with good people.

How was/is your Memorial weekend shaping up? I know the actual holiday is today, so I’d imagine some of ya’ll have special plans. We’re probably just going to grill and hang out by the pool again!

The Fuck We Cookin’ This Week?

…A garlicky, easy shrimp skillet.

…DOUGHNUTS!

…A sweet and spicy summer salsa.

…An abundant summery salad.

A Few Things I’m Digging

Espresso…Found a way to drink shots of espresso without a lot of milk! Great for the afternoon after lunch. I pull two shots over about a teaspoon of brown sugar and a small splash of milk (maybe 1-2 tablespoons) and stir it up with a little spoon. The sweetness and milk cut through the bitterness of the coffee and make for a nice quick sip without feeling filled up.

Yogurt…Forgot how much I like Siggi’s skyr. I’m trying to veer away from nonfat dairy varieties and enjoy the whole milk versions. They taste far better and usually have fewer weird ingredients in them. I usually throw on some fruit and granola, sometimes nut butter too, for breakfasts.

Nutella…Need I say more? Toasted baguette, Nutella, and fruit is a staple now in my mornings. You can shit on Nutella all you want, it’s fucking good.

Hygge Inspiration

Hygge is a Danish concept that embodies gratitude, coziness, and company. I’m trying to slow down life a little bit and savor the little things, so hygge has proven quite useful for me. Part of the lifestyle is keeping a tidy, comfy space with lots of plush fabrics and greenery. Here’s some photo inspiration to get you started!

Shops and Wish List

Fashion

Target…Cute dresses have dropped on the site. This lovely sundress and sleeveless maxi dress are good pieces if you need a lengthier dress in your wardrobe, and for nighttime I’d check out this one shoulder bodycon dress. Like this sweater cropped tank though I fear the fit might be odd, would have to try it on.

Home

Target…Adore this faux rabbit fur lumbar pillow, and the square one but it’s out of stock currently. Like this cute wicker laundry basket, especially to organize rogue clothes that end up on our chaise. Picked up this beautiful Sunkissed Ginger jar candle for my bookshelf and a bottle of this lovely linen spray.

Anthropologie…Looking at these tonal taper candles for my dining table. Love the flower detail on this pink peony Sculpture Garden candle; great centerpiece for my coffee table.

Amazon…Few things in my cart. The CUTEST little sheep hamper, and a rope wicker basket for odds and ends since I love the one I bought awhile back. These ribbed pillar candles are similar to the Anthro ones above.

Skincare & Wellness

Nyx…I’m not a huge makeup wearer but I’ve been rather interested in lip products of late. I like a few of the Butter Gloss shades, specifically sorbet, tiramisu, and angel food cake (cutest names!) The Fat Oil glosses are also intriguing. I’d probably go with newsfeed shade.

Week in Training

Monday, 5.22: 5.19 miles, 11:33 pace + 25 minute push

Tough one out there today, but I’m toUGhEr…Not really. Made post-run coffee extra satisfying.

Strength:

• 4 x 11 triceps ext 40#
• 1 x 10/ 3 x 10 incline bench press 25/20#
• 4 x 12 ea. shrug 40#
• 4 x 12 triceps press down 24#
• Core work

Tuesday, 5.23: 4 miles, 11:17 pace

Chill miles on a very sweltering morning.

Wednesday, 5.24: 6.2 miles, 11:32 pace + 22 minute pull

A little cooler breeze but it was extremely sticky, 71 with a 71 dew point. Surprised there wasn’t spooky fog rolling about.

Strength:

• 4 x 11 bicep curl 20#
• 4 x 11 straight arm pulldown 32#
• 4 x 12 lat pulldown 50#
• Core work

Thursday, 5.25: 4.26 mile walk (1:07:00)

Friday, 5.26: 4.46 miles, 11:12 pace

Seems like we’re getting a final springtime hoorah over the weekend – lots of rain to close out the week and this morning the temps were significantly lower! Really enjoyed this run.

Saturday, 5.27: 7.04 miles, 11:39 pace + 21 minute legs

What a great morning! About 65 degrees, kinda took it slow on purpose because I really just wanted to enjoy the run (still kinda surprised how slow it really was). Happy to take advantage of this nice weather before it vanishes for good.

Strength:

• 4 x 12 leg press 170#
• 4 x 15 calf raise 170#
• 4 x 12 deadlift 80#
• Core work

Sunday, 5.28: 5.31 miles, 11:18 pace

Can’t not get a run in while the mornings are so pretty still.

Total running mileage: 32.2