& I'm back off to NJ tomorrow to spend quality time with my best friend Kelly.

 

We have conversations with each other no one else would understand, its a judge free zone, a place of love and acceptance and always a really good laugh. We have been through numerous good times and bad, a plethora of hair colors and life experiences we could only understand. Time with her is therapy on so many levels. & its exactly what I need. I love you to the moon and back Kells! xoxo your umbrella.

 

 

Well, I hope you all have a great weekend and spend it with those you love. Make some summer memories to last a lifetime and if you find yourself bored here are a few posts to catch up on.   Until Monday!

 

 

Need some workout motivation?

 

Something to hit that sweet craving?

 

& something less healthy! 

 

xo

M

 

YOU CAN HAVE YOUR VEGGIES & EAT THEM TOO!

YOU DIP I DIP WE DIP

Here is a completely unhealthy quick snack for those craving a cheat dessert. Its an easy no fuss quick sweet attack for a heart attack. Literally. I'm making it sound so good... sorry. I'm not one to push unhealthy food but when I found this recipe ( I hate you pintrest)I wanted to share it with those who crave sweets like I do but don't want to inhale all the calories of something more sinful.

 

Those that consume this ooey gooey goodness will think they are eating cake batter and ruined their healthy lifestyle but au contraire my friends!!!! This is actually low in fat and calories!

 

Caution: It will be hard to not devour the whole darn thing, try to portion this bad boy up.

 

 

______________________________

 

Servings: 24

Serving Size: 1/4 cup

Calories: 105

Fat: 2 g

Carbs: 20.2 g

Fiber: 0.3 g

Protein: 1.4 g

___________________________

 

 

 

HOW TO:

1 box Funfetti cake mix

2 cups plain yogurt (or greek yogurt)

1 cup lite Cool Whip

Fat-free animal crackers

 

In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, plain yogurt and Cool Whip until completely combined and you see no more lumps. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to chill for about 4 hours. Garnish with additional sprinkles if desired and serve with animal crackers, enjoy!

 

I feel so guilty posting this... my next post will be a meal of lettuce on lettuce to make up for it ;) 

 

LAUDRESS WITH THE MOSTESS

There are a few things living in the city does not offer, one of them being ample outdoor space to do as you please. Like, being able to launder your own clothes. Something one day I look forward to, yes I'm a self proclaimed housewife without the wife title. Plus, its better for the environment something I always try to keep in mind.

 

For those with space and the title.... try it and tell me how much more amazing your sheets smell! Here are a few products to inspire your own Laundress Line!

From fabby pins and SCENTED PINS to marked bins & the  on-line pin bin

Via Mrs. Lilien

WORKOUT WEDNESDAY!

 

 

Have you ever heard the expression "use it or lose it"? It's true! If you don't use your body, you will surely lose it. Your muscles will become flabby and weak. Your heart and lungs won't function efficiently. And your joints will be stiff and easily injured. Inactivity is as much of a health risk as smoking!

Our bodies were meant to move -- they actually crave exercise. Regular exercise is necessary for physical fitness and good health. It reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and other diseases. It can improve your appearance and delay the aging process. & don't forget, you can't outwork a bad diet.

 

So. What are you waiting for? Get moving!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STYLE INSPIRATION SERIES: PART 7

 This has been one of my  favorite style series post so far to blog on. Shoes.
(sorry this one took so  long) 

Shoes are like my kryptonite. I have more than I need yet never enough. So, I've come to learn through my experiences the necessary shoes every women should have in her wardrobe arsenal. The right pair of shoes can make all the difference when it comes to completing a look. Candace Bergen has said that “no matter what one’s wardrobe costs, if paired with quality shoes, everything looks high quality.” As long as the clothes fit well and hair and make-up is done, the shoes can really take the entire look to the next level. Go Candace!

 

With all of that in mind, here are my ten essential shoes every woman should own to look your best no matter what the occasion.

Invest in timeless pieces, and you’ll never be at a loss for what to wear for whatever occasion and season.

1. PUMPS (Nude & Black)

2. BALLET FLATS

 

3. NUDE/BROWN LEATHER SANDAL

 

 

4. RIDING BOOT (either in Black or Brown leather)

5. A GOOD PAIR OF SNEAKERS

6. ESPADRILLES (Flat & Heeled)

7. WEEKEND SNEAKER

8. WELLIES

9. ANKLE BOOTIES (brown, gray or black)

10. EMBELLISHED HEELS (animal print, color & gem stones go gaga with this one)

Click for the previous style series....

Style Inspiration Series: Part 1 (Classic White Shirt)

Style Inspiration Series: Part 2 (Maxi Skirt/Dress)

Style Inspiration Series: Part 3 (The Trench Coat)

Style Inspiration Series: Part 4 (The Pencil Skirt)

Style Inspiration Series: Part 5 (The Blazer)

Style Inspiration Series: Part 6 ( The Chambray)

STEP UP YOUR PATIO!

There's nothing better than rounding up the pals + partaking in some ridiculously fabulous outdoor dinner chatter! Create the perfect ambiance for a stellar summer night dinner.

 

Thanks to Mrs. Lilien she shows us how!

 

 

TUESDAY TUNES

I stumbled across this video while perusing through You Tube last night. An emotional cover on a beautiful song done by a soldier passing time on a military base.

#1 love this song (lyrics are beautiful)
 #2 a soldier with such talent
#3 Thank you soldier for your service to our country...

Enjoy!

 

 

NEED YOUR HELP & or SUGGESTIONS?

Hoping someone out there can recommend a T Shirt Printing Company or site I can use.... I am looking to create some t-shirts for a special occasion and will need about 2 dozen.

 Any recommendations? 

Feel free to email me at marlenafits@gmail.com or add a comment below.

Thank you!

M

SUMMER TIME TREAT

INGREDIENTS:

4 ripe peaches
1 1/2 cups balsamic vinegar (high quality)
1 tablespoon honey
1 can full fat coconut milk, refrigerated over night
5 teaspoons lavender sugar (or other sweetener)
chopped walnuts to garnish


HOW TO:

- you'll want to make the balsamic glaze a little ahead of time if possible, this will give it a chance to thicken up a bit. to prepare, combine honey and balsamic in a medium weight pan and bring to a boil. reduce heat to a simmer and cook until it becomes thicker and syrupy- 15-25 minutes. remove from heat and set aside.

- prep peaches by coating both sides of the halves in grapeseed oil

- heat grill or grill pan to medium/low

- place peaches on grill and cook covered, roughly 3-4 minutes on each side, until they're soft and have grill marks

- while peaches are cooking combine the solid part of the coconut milk with the lavender sugar. beat with a hand mixer on high until the consistency of whipped cream is achieved (should only take a minute or so!)

- serve warm peaches with a dollop of whipped cream, a light drizzle of balsamic and chopped walnuts to garnish

- & enjoy!

Coming back to NYC on such a high. Had a great time in New Jersey spending quality time with family. 

We did everything from:

• Hours spent poolside
• BBQ's
• Toms River Golf Club
• Cuddletime with Parker
• Frozen Margarita's!
• Bike Rides
• Beach Runs
• & last but not least, my once a year ice cream treat at Charlies! A chocolate peanut butter waffle cone aka heaven!

I hope your fourth of July was spent with those you love!