A week of spring like temperatures here in NYC was everything I needed, however it was counterbalanced by shock from the terrible events that occurred in Boston and in Texas. Prayers to all those lost……

With that said, the spring trees are nearly all bursting with blossoms all over NYC. This weekend I plan on tackling some major spring cleaning, checking out the seasons best at my local farmers market, wardrobe switching (purging old items and giving to the local donation center) and house cleaning  (while listening to the Gypsy Kings).

If the weather permits, I will take a long walk through the trails in Central Park and possibly a run. I will also check out a spot I’ve been curious about called, Toshi, a bar/restaurant with live music for our weekly Saturday date night. Review to follow Monday in my tried & true tab.

I hope your week was filled with hard work, intense workouts, healthy and delicious meals and quality time with those you love.

Here are some posts to check out this weekend.....

 

Errands to run? Make sure to check this style post on sweatshirt chic!

Have a dinner party coming up? Try these DIY place card holders - ridiculously chic!!

For those that enjoyed their spirits a little too much... Try this hangover remedy for Monday morning..

 

 

 Have a wonderful and safe weekend and I will see you all on Monday! Don’t forget to take time to get lost in the moment ….

xo Marlena

OPEN UP...

To a healthier Open Face Sandwich..... If you are trying to cut calories, one way to do this is to opt for an open face sandwich. Using one piece of bread will save you anywhere from 50 - 90 calories along with the extra condiments smeared on the other slice. It may not seem like alot of calories to save, but over a course of a week it adds up. Sorry extra slice, you are no longer needed.    

 

Mangia these beauties up! Just do so without the extra slice :)

 

 

 

MORE OF THESE PLEASE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THOUGHTS TO SHARE

 

Life is crazy, busy and uncertain. There are moments of fog and uneasiness . On the flip side, thankfully, there are times when the clouds  disappear due to my personal pursuit of solitude and balance. I always choose to make the best of the situation.

 Gathered today are 30 things I have learned thus far in my 30 years that provide me with much needed solitude in this crazy chaotic world.

Listen to music, music that inspires you and makes you happy

No need to be an open book at all times, somethings should not be revealed

Cook dinner for your family, for no reason. A just because dinner.

Frequent a local coffee house and make it part of your weekday or weekend routine

Create a Sunday routine

Keep fresh flowers in your home – stock up at the farmers market for the seasons best

Get outside and take a walk. Nature is beautiful.

Slow down. Take in the moment

Dress to impress yourself. Take time to make sure you look your best.

Catnap to take the grumpy out of you

More face to face interaction less social networking

Treat your workouts like important meetings – Don’t miss them!

 

 

Go through old photo’s with a friend - Laugh and cry together

Call that person that always sits in your mind

Don’t let others negative ways and words infect you, don’t ever allow them to affect you

Go for drinks with your girlfriends and put

your phone on silent

 

Take the time and write hand written notes, especially thank you cards

Keep your head held high

Learn every day. Read an article that opens your mind

Don’t judge, you don’t know someone else’s story

Be kind

Go for your dreams, chase them as hard as you can.

Master a few recipes that will be sure to impress

 

Trust your instincts

Sit at the dining room table and enjoy your meals

Make time for yourself – make it mandatory.

Wake up earlier in the morning and take the time to sip your morning coffee/tea next to an open window

Make your home or your space a soothing one. Clear out clutter and create your own personal sanctuary

 

Savor more and consume less

& Lastly... You can be happy. Choose to be it.

SWAP IT FOR A SLIM DOWN

 

STRIPE IT UP

 

Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter....The Stripe is a classic.                        

MOOD MUSIC

To me, a striped item in your wardrobe is key. I personally suggest this item be in a quality fabric as it can be worn any season from year to year. If you don’t have any striped piece, I suggest starting with a classic navy and white ¾ top. JCrew and GAP tend to carry this top in both a cotton and quality fabrics. Click on this link for Striped Items from J.Crew &  go ahead and stock up!

Here are some visual inspirations to get you started or expand your stripe arsenal......

 

For the daring, try bright colored stripes, long maxi dresses and head to toe stripes. I like to take a classic piece and add my own personal style to it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A classic weekend stripe.... Opt for this look below over sweat pants when running errands....

 

 

One of my favorite style mavens, Olivia Palermo, I love how she takes the classic stripe and dresses it up with costume jewelry.

 

 

Vertical stripes elongate the body and what woman doesn’t want to look leaner!

Hope this post insprires you to show your stripes proudly!

THE FINANCIAL POST

 

 

 

 

I'm a planner. List Maker and Money Saver! I have no choice. I want it all in life and in my 30 years of living thus far Ive been given some hard financial lessons.

 

 

 

 

However, I can't express how liberating it feels to know Ive made the right steps to better my today's & tomorrow's financially.....

 

I was inspired to write this post today because of a certain student in my business class the other night asked “Why would I ever put money in my 401k”? I almost fell over. Literally.

Security, inner peace knowing you are taking care of yourself for the future!? I had bite marks on my tongue from all the things I wanted to scream into his head!

 

Imagine you lost your job today, would you be ok?

 

Here are some tips that I have used to better take hold of my finances. Hopefully you can apply these to your money habits.

 

 & here we go.....

• Be Passionate - Passion is everything & the money will follow
• Start your retirement fund now! If you already have one boost up the percentage!
• Cash is King!
• A savings account equals freedom
• Pay your Credit Card balance on time each month
• Better your credit score, strive for a 720 - 800
• No emotional purchases on big ticket items. Sleep on it and revisit your budget.
• Create a weekly & monthly budget and allow yourself a few minutes each day to make sure you are right on target
• Time is money
• Think of your savings as a bill, pay your bill (savings) each month & forget about it!
• Make a list before you head out to the stores and always stick to the list
• Get your credit score each year and check it twice!
• Always know your value & worth.
• Don't marry for money.....
• Have an 8 month back up plan saved god forbid you lose your job
• Pick up a Suze Orman book, easier to read than listen to her voice Sorry Suze!
• Say no to social obligations if you cant truly afford it
• Wealth is not the consumption of the material items - it is to live a full and enriched life
• Stop trying to keep up with the Joneses, everyone is different
• Pay for it with cash, keep cash in your wallet if you don't have enough cash for it "think first"

 

I hope this post inprires you to take hold of your spending and saving.

 

MY TUESDAY TRUTHS

 

 

 

THIS & THAT TUESDAY

 

1. SOUL CYCLE - Yes, I'm back at it! It has been a hot minute since Ive taken a class and last night was the perfect way to start. First time with instructor, Anthony F., and it was everything I had missed. His energy, teaching style and music were contagious. During my intense ride he played a song I fell in love with, an old Janet Jackson remix..... listen to the link below and get to cycling! HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIS CLASS!

 

 

 

 

 

 CLICK HERE FOR THE SONG - Janet Jackson's "Someone to call my lover"

 

 



 

2. My BETTER PB&J Sandwhich. If you have been reading since the beginning you know my love affair with peanut butter. Its my ultimate weakness. Since I'm trying to drop a few LB's I cant have the full fat version so I created a healthier version of the classic PB&J.

 

Meem's Healthy PB&J

 

1 slice of Ezekiel bread

1 Tablespoon of Greek yogurt mixed with 2 tablespoons of PB2 (click for earlier post on the product)

Handful of mashed fresh organic berries - Fold slice over and voila! A healthier PB&J with less than 1/2 the calories, fat and and added protein.

 

 

 

3. Last but not least - My thoughts and prayers go out to those at the Boston Marathon. 3 innocent lives were taken and many injured. Prayers for a city in pain......

 

HEALTHY SWAP

Welcome Back! Hope you all enjoyed your weekend! Saturday was spent in the dentist chair and Sunday I spent it at one of my best friends wedding shower....started bad ended great.

 

Mood Music for today

 

I know alot of you like to drink. Coming into the office Monday morning I find it amusing to see the swollen faces and tired eyes of the younger generation in my office. I know exactly who had a hard night. With that being said, I want to share with you a healthy HAIR OF THE DOG Swap.

 

Hair of the dog essentially is an expression in the English language used to refer to an alcoholic drink that is consumed to lessen the effects of a hangover.

 

At FitnessFits, I like to make everything healthy.

Without further adieu, here is a healthier way to kick start your hungover morning(s)......