I am leaving in an hour to drive two hours to the Jacksonville airport to catch a plane to Baltimore. Thanks to the awesome folks at GNC, I’m heading to Fitbloggin’, a three-day blogging conference for people who share “the desire to use technology, blogging and social media to motivate, inspire and foster a culture of health and wellness.” <— I love that!
I’ve never been to the conference before but it is the blogging conference that has always intrigued me the most. I’ve heard that everyone is so welcoming and friendly and I cannot wait to meet new bloggers and hang out with some of my blogging buddies.
Last night I finally unpacked the rest of my stuff from my big suitcase after our trip to Oahu and transferred a bunch of the clothes right into my smaller carryon suitcase for this trip.
Someone was awfully suspicious and a little stressed out by all the packing…
I’m going to miss that sappy little face!
Workout
A workout was the first thing on the agenda this morning and I followed the cardio and abs circuit workout that I posted on the blog about a month ago, but replaced the burpees and squat jumps with regular crunches.
During my workout, as I was chillin’ in a plank (or cursing under my breath in a plank – let’s be real), something caught my eye. At first I thought it was a giant cicada since the bugs in Ocala are mutants. When I looked a little closer, I saw that it was a small toad. How random!
As I’ve said on the blog before, I have an odd affinity for toads. (I had a pet toad named Big Guy as a little girl.) The lost little toad was surprisingly fast, but I managed to chase him down, pick him up and release him in a small field outside.
Ryan and I have gone on a long run with a stray dog before, but I must say that the little toad was my oddest workout buddy to date!
Breakfast
Breakfast this morning was intentionally cold. I tend to get overheated when I pack and try to get ready to head out the door in a hurry which turns me into an evil human being.
In an effort to keep my body temperature cool and my mind in a pleasant place, I opted for a cold smoothie this morning.
I made myself a mocha protein smoothie that did the trick.
I also ate a spoonful of peanut butter out of the jar as I blended this up because I realized I was missing some healthy fats in my morning meal. Peanut butter is always a welcome addition.
Time to go! See ya from Baltimore!
Baltimore friends: If you have any restaurant recommendations, I’d love to hear them!
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It’s already getting chilly, up in my neck of the woods — BUT that smoothie almost looks worth the shivers! i’m sure you’ve answered this question countless times before (sorry!) but which brand of protein powder do you use/most prefer? the rich color and silky texture that you get from yours looks so much more appetizing than the one i use!
The shake sounds amazing! I will have to try it out. Loved the Ab/Cardio Circuit you posted. It was great and never got too boring due to the good change ups. Good luck at the conference!
I love cold smoothies on days when I am rushing around packing as well! Have a FUN trip 🙂
Definitely go to Fells Point! Bertha’s Mussels has great mussels…but my husband and I go there for the CRABCAKE. Easily my favorite in the world. Max’s Taproom across the street has about a million taps, so that’s always delicious! The Horse You Rode In On is a great, hole in the wall bar too. If you’re in Canton, go to Mama’s on the Half Shell for yummy seafood (I once had a crab grilled cheese…to die for) and drinks (Bloody Mary’s and Orange or Grapefruit Crushes!). Baltimore is SO much fun! We go down there a few times a year from Harrisburg, PA.
How could we all forget Bertha’s????? Bertha’s is AMAZING!!! Make that place a priority! It’s also a funny building with lots of staircases and rooms
I’d love to be going to fitbloggin’! Can’t wait to read about it. Have a blast 🙂
Baltimore has SO much amazing food. I’ve lived here my whole life and I am always finding new “gems.” People have been naming some good ones… I’ll add Joe Squared (they just opened a new location in the inner harbor) if you’re in the mood for pizza!! MMM enjoy 🙂
stick to Fells Point and Canton for a true taste of Baltimore living – try to avoid the tourist traps in the Inner Harbor. Mama’s on the Halfshell, Pazo’s and Woodberry Kitchen are all awesome recommendations.
Have fun! Pack a sweater – the mornings are getting chilly already. And go for a run around the harbor – you’ll be able to see a lot while you’re on the move! That’s my favorite place to run, never a dull moment.
Love adding coffee to my smoothies!
Phew! Girl, you are all sorts of on the move lately! Have fun at the conference — can’t wait to hear all about it!
Also agree that Mama’s, Pazo, and Woodberry are excellent. Plus it gives you a great taste of Canton, Fells, and Hampden. I cannot stress how much you need to go to Mamas…oysters, crab soup, crab dip, orange crushes…do ittt! Hope you’re hungry! Can’t wait to see how much you like our city 🙂
Despite the fact that you were just in Hawaii, Roys Hawaiian Fusion is FANTASTIC. amazing seafood with a hawaiian/asian vibe
I live in the Canton neighboorhood of Baltimore and I def agree with the Mama’s on the Half Shell suggestion. They have an awesome french toast for brunch and you can’t go wrong with anything seafood… crab, mussels, oysters! Their orange crushes are fresh squeezed and awesome. Also in Canton is Jack’s Bistro which tries to use lots of farm to table and lots of food experiments such as white cheddar shells with belgium chocolate shavings on top. Fork and Wrench in Canton has really cool decor, knowledgeable staff, good food and unique cocktails.
http://www.mamasmd.com/MamasSite/
http://www.jacksbistro.net/
http://www.theforkandwrench.com/main.html
Pazo and Woodberry Kitchen are also great! Have fun!
Seeing Sadie’s sad little puppy face just reminded me I saw someone walking a vizsla on campus the other day! Totally made me think of Sadie haha
So many recommendations!
The Dogwood
Golden West Cafe
Miss Shirley’s (for brunch!)
Annabel Lee Tavern (one of my all-time favorites) in my old stomping grounds, Canton.
Pazo
I know you love seafood: if you’re willing to splurge, Black Olive and Kali’s Court have some of the best!
OH you’ll be in my area, have fun in Baltimore! I don’t spend much time in the city so I don’t have any great restaurant recommendations but Fells Point is really a nice area to explore (you’ll find a lot of Edgar Allen Poe references throughout there as well).
Have fun!
PS
I also have an affinity for toads… I think they’re adorable!
I grew up in Baltimore – it’s such a fun place! I reeeeally like the Paper Moon Diner in B-more. it’s really funky and different, but the food is YUMMY!!!! Look for the restaurant with every color – I used to call it the Colorful Zebra restaurant when I was a kid 🙂
I’d recommend RA Sushi or Rusty Scupper if you want a nicer dinner! Rusty Scupper has a lot of seafood, which I know you like, and an AMAZING view. It is right on the harbor, and you can see everything! Plus, they give you the most delicious bread with the most delicious roasted red pepper dip. Hahah to.die.for.
Have a great time at fitbloggin! Can’t wait to read the recaps!
Can’t wait to see you soon! 🙂
Mama’s on the Half Shell in Canton is great, the perfect pick for any meal of the day. There is a fantastic Farmers Market under the JFX Sunday morning it starts around 7. Not sure where you are staying but any cab or hotel front desk would be able to tell you how best to get there. It might be my favorite thing about the city, you should totally check it out.
Pazo is great. Salt which is in Upper Fells Point is another favorite of mine. Awesome Tuna!
Salt is amazing!!! The duck fat fries are the best. The Farmers market is also an awesome choice!
Salt is SOOOOOO good! Go to Salt too!!!
Love your blog! It’s the only one I consistently follow!! I live in Baltimore and here are some places you have to go to but have zero nutritional value! So yummy though!
Downtown Baltimore- Nacho Mamas (Canton)
Timonium- Pasta Blitz (hole in the wall with great Italian food AND bread 🙂 )
I agree with all the recs for Miss Shirley’s and Woodberry Kitchen for brunch (the sweet potato fries at Miss Shirley’s are AWESOME) – and you need to go to Mama’s on the Half Shell in Canton. The seafood lover in you will not regret it. Their orange crush drink is amazing, and the crab cake and seafood melt are awesome sandwiches! If you go, you have to get a cup of the seafood chowder 🙂
I go to Towson University, right outside Baltimore! Since you love Seafood, definitely try Mama’s on the Half Shell…pricey but delicious. Or for a beautiful view try Shuckers right by the dock in Fells Point… casual dining but still great Seafood!
Have so much fun at Fitbloggin! I went last year and loved it! As for restaurants here – check our Talara. One of my absolute favorite restaurants downtown. I’m sad you will be in my city and I won’t get to meet you!
I used to live in Baltimore and I recommend Nacho Mama’s in Canton or Cross Street Market in Fed Hill for sushi! I see many recommendations for Ra which is great, but Cross Street has some of the best sushi I’ve ever had and it’s cheap too in a very casual laid back atmosphere. Have fun!
I don’t know how no one has mentioned Blue Moon Cafe yet, but you HAVE to go!! It has the best breakfast food ever. It is in Fells Point, but just take the water taxi from downtown (or walk) and youre there quick. Be prepared for a wait, but its worth it. The Captain Crunch French Toast and Red Velvet pancakes are to die for!
I was just about to suggest Blue Moon Cafe! You HAVE to go there. I promise you’ll be in heaven! Also, Gertrude’s (in the Museum of Art) has a fab brunch, Mezze for Greek tapas, and The Black Olive for more Greek. They’re sooo delicious and won’t disappoint, I promise!
Since you’re staying in Harbor East, I recommend Chazz for pizza and drinks (and the occasional celeb sighting), almost anywhere in Fells Point (restaurant heaven), and RA Sushi for excellent sushi, Asian nachos, and drinks.
breakfast at blue moon cafe (hello, captain crunch french toast!)
gelato from pitango gelato
An “affinity for toads”- cute! I have an affinity for lots of things, namely ice cream. 😉 Love that smoothie—putting it on the must-try list!
I’m from Federal Hill! I’ll be there this weekend, too. Fun! So glad you’ll be visiting my No. 1 favorite place on the planet!! (I grew up there and still go back a lot of weekend — just moved a couple months ago and still own my living space there!)
Anyway, I’m surprised no one mentioned Captain Crunch French toast at Blue Moon Cafe. It’s right in Fells Point. Don’t listen when they tell you the wait is an hour or more. You’ll wait 20 minutes tops.
Spoons in Federal Hill (by the famous Cross Street Market) is awesome for breakfast/lunch.
Also, Mr. Yogato is my favorite fro-yo spot. It’s also in Fell’s Point and recently joined up with a coffee place.
A lot of people are recommending Little Havanna’s, which is OK… don’t get me wrong, I love them and went there a couple times a week for years (I worked at the sailing center next door) but their food is a bit spotty sometimes and you can’t hear yourself think in there on a busy night.
If you want to pick crabs — and you do — LP Steamers in Locust Point is where the locals go. Not touristy in the slightest and delicious.
If you want sushi, my favorite is Matsuri in Federal Hill. I suggest a dinner there and then a visit to Illusions — my friend Spencer’s bar. The best cocktails ever!! Say hello to Ken, the owner. He’s always there and is a great guy.
Stay away from the restaurants in the Inner Harbor. They’re almost all over-priced and touristy chains.
Anyway, feel free to email if you need more suggestions. I’ve been just about everywhere in my 26 years as a Baltimorean. 😉
(And apologies for the novel — I get so excited when people visit my beloved Baltimore!!)
I live in Federal Hill right now and totally agree with this post. LP steamers is not as well known but amazing and authentic seafood. It is not a chain either so really has a local feel. There are so many cool bars and restaurants around here–Nobles in Federal Hill has an all you can drink happy hour from 6-9:00 pm for only 10 bucks on Friday nights. PAZO is awesome!!! Enjoy the city–it’s amazing!
Have fun in Baltimore! I like toads too; I think they’re lucky.
How can you leave that face?! Saddie is so adorable.
I can’t wait to hear about this blogging conference. I still need to read your tips from your other conferences. Thanks for sharing!
-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com
love the font on the protein smoothie photo!
Have fun! Sounds awesome 🙂
I love the smoothie recipe! I have a question for you though- what protein powder do you use? Thanks!
I always feel bad when I leave my cat behind. She gives the most pathetic look, and when I get home, ignores me for the first hour. Sigh…