So sorry the blog went down today! I worked with my web host and it should be up and good to go now. Thank you for your patience.
Good afternoon! Today is flyin’ by!
My morning kicked off a hot mug of coffee and a deliciously filling bowl of my cherry almond chia seed pudding.
I made another batch of the chia seed pudding last night and topped it with some honey roasted almonds this morning before digging in.
I want to make this pudding with raspberries or blueberries next time. I think it would be fabulous!
Workout
When it came time to squeeze in my workout for today, I was not in the mood to get creative in the gym at all and looked to a group exercise class to motivate me to sweat! I headed into a Zumba class right as it was about to start and was hoping the music would help rejuvenate my mindset.
Zumba is so hit or miss for me. Sometimes it’s an absolute blast and other times it’s less than enthralling. The instructor can totally make it or break it and the teacher who took us through today’s 55 minute class was the jam. She was so enthusiastic and smiley and had the whole class shakin’ our booties and sweatin’ up a storm. It really was so much fun!
Lunch
Lunch today was another easy one to throw together thanks to leftovers from yesterday’s late afternoon cookout.
We had a few friends over to grill out and the single southwest turkey burger that remained made a great midday meal for me!
I served my burger with a side of apple slices, carrots and celery and a big cup of cucumber water.
To continue on with the 10 Day You Challenge, it’s time to chat about four books!
Here are four books I currently have on my summer reading list:
- A Pearl In The Storm by Tori McClure
“In June 1998, Tori McClure began rowing across the Atlantic Ocean solo in a twenty-three-foot plywood boat with no motor or sail. Within days she lost all communication with shore but decided to forge ahead — not knowing that 1998 would turn out to be the worst hurricane season on record in the North Atlantic. When she was nearly killed by a series of violent storms, Tori was forced to signal for help and head home in what felt like disgrace. But then her life changed in unexpected ways. She was hired by Muhammad Ali, who told her she did not want to be known as the woman who "almost" rowed across the Atlantic. And at thirty-five, Tori fell in love.” – Amazon.com
- One D.O.A., One On The Way by Mary Robison
“Enter Eve. Based in New Orleans, she’s a location scout for a movie production company and complacently married to Adam. "Now you know," she says. "Our names really didn’t bother me that much until the mail started arriving addressed to ‘Adam and Eve Broussard.’" He’s just been diagnosed with a grave illness and gone back to the palatial family home where his parents reside. It’s all just fine with Eve—or so she tells herself at the beginning. But standing left of center in this still-prosperous but mortally wounded family does not get easier as the weeks wear on. As she negotiates her way around the anger of Adam’s despised twin brother Saunders, maintains her friendship with his beautiful and volatile wife Petal, and protects what’s left of the innocence of her niece Collie, Eve finds more than the Louisiana heat oppressive. Effortlessly smart and deliriously unpredictable, One D.O.A., One on the Way will keep you guessing until the last page.” – Amazon.com
- In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
“Food. There’s plenty of it around, and we all love to eat it. So why should anyone need to defend it? Because in the so-called Western diet, food has been replaced by nutrients, and common sense by confusion–most of what we’re consuming today is longer the product of nature but of food science. The result is what Michael Pollan calls the American Paradox: The more we worry about nutrition, the less healthy we see to become. With In Defense of Food, Pollan proposes a new (and very old) answer to the question of what we should eat that comes down to seven simple but liberating words: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." Pollan’s bracing and eloquent manifesto shows us how we can start making thoughtful food choices that will enrich our lives, enlarge our sense of what it means to be healthy, and bring pleasure back to eating.” – Amazon.com
- A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
“Published posthumously in 1964, A Moveable Feast remains one of Ernest Hemingway’s most enduring works. Since Hemingway’s personal papers were released in 1979, scholars have examined the changes made to the text before publication. Now, this special restored edition presents the original manuscript as the author prepared it to be published. Featuring a personal Foreword by Patrick Hemingway, Ernest’s sole surviving son, and an Introduction by grandson of the author, Seán Hemingway, editor of this edition, the book also includes a number of unfinished, never-before-published Paris sketches revealing experiences that Hemingway had with his son, Jack, and his first wife Hadley. Also included are irreverent portraits of literary luminaries, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ford Maddox Ford, and insightful recollections of Hemingway’s own early experiments with his craft. Widely celebrated and debated by critics and readers everywhere, the restored edition of A Moveable Feast brilliantly evokes the exuberant mood of Paris after World War I and the unbridled creativity and unquenchable enthusiasm that Hemingway himself epitomized.” – Amazon.com
Questions of the Afternoon
- What book are you currently reading?
- What book(s) should be on my summer reading list?
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Thanks for the book recommendations! I’m currently reading The Happiness Project, which is a book about appreciating the little things in life. I’ve never read In Defense of Food before but I’ve read the Omnivore’s Dilemma, which I think is by the same author.
I just signed up for the NASM personal training certification through Michael. Thanks so much for posting about a discount with him. I was able to save over $100 and am so excited (and a little nervous) about this program! Thanks for the inspiration, Julie (:
Yayyy! Good luck!
I’ve never tried Zumba…must do! I’ve tried aqua zumba though, hilarious!!!
Oh girl, I wish I had time to read! I should probably actually make that a priority. There’s a new movie coming out, I think it’s called something like, “the fault in our stars?” Anyways, it’s based on the book, and I’m kicking myself for not reading it sooner!
I read that book! It’s great!
I just finished Morning Glory by Sarah Joi and really loved it. It is the second book I have read by her and have been totally sucked in from the first chapter. In Defense of Food is such an important and interesting read. Hope you enjoy!
Those look so good! I’m currently flying through Glitter and Glue. A great read!
In Defense of Food is awesome!
I’m writing down those books, they sound great! I’m trying that chia pudding recipe too! I have a large container of chia seeds that I need to use! Thanks for all the recommendations!!
I am reading the Book Thief right now and LOVING it. I love to read books and then go and see the movie. My favorite author is Mary Kay Andrews, who is very much a girly book but all about the South which I love! I would check it out because it is a pretty fast read!
The Book Thief is SUCH a good book. I loved it.
I know I’m late on this one but I’m currently reading “The Fault In Our Stars” and LOVE it!
Great book selections! Glad I have some to add yo my own summer reading list.
Did you write the book descriptions? If not, they need citations.
You’re right!! Just updated the post.
I just finished reading “Catching Air” by Sarah Pekkanen. It’s her latest novel and was just released last month! It was pretty good. Now I just started reading books by Emily Giffin after hearing such great things about her.
I’m currently reading Gone Girl (finally!) I just got to section two and stayed up 3 hours past my bedtime to keep reading last night!!!
This is EXACTLY what I did last night!!?? Crazy. Book twins 🙂 I’m almost done!
I can’t get into this book AT ALL! I’m so bummed because everyone seems to love it!
I’m about to start Lone Survivor and just finished Bossypants (clearly I don’t have a genre that I stick to 🙂 )
I decided a long time ago I wanted to read through the list of the 100 greatest American novels of all time. It’s been a lot of fun but reading through this post and comments has me adding to my list!
Thanks for posting these! I’ve been meaning to find a good book to read. I’d love to read A Pearl in the Storm! Sounds good
I’m reading The Omnivore’s Dilemma which is also by Michael Pollan and am absolutely loving it! It’s really the most eye-opening book on modern eating I’ve ever read. I want to read all his works now (and he has quite a few!).
I just finished reading The Selection Trilogy. It was so good! In a way it kind of reminds me of the tv show the bachelor but with royalty. It was a book that kept my attention from the very first page!
I loved The Selection series!!! The One was my favorite! 🙂
I grabbed this on a whim at Costco on Saturday: Crazy Rich Asians (Kevin Kwan). I figured I’d give it a try (didn’t care much for the title), but I absolutely love it! I’m already 300 pages down and I can’t stop. It’s a good read!
I just read “The Bear” last week. Good story – gripping and emotional.
Just looked it up on Goodreads! Sounds interesting!
Those almonds looks so amazing!!!
I know you’re a fan of Sarah Jio and her new book just came out!
Oooh I’ll look for it! Thanks!
I’m currently on “Dark Places” by Gillian Flynn. I really loved “Gone Girl”, so I’m hoping this will be as good!
I’ve been wanting to read “In Defense of Food” too! I just finished another Gillian Flynn book, Sharp Objects, which was really good, especially if you liked Gone Girl.
Thinking of bringing back the PBF Book Club for summer?
This summer is kind of crazy for me (more on that coming soon!), so I don’t think so — hoping to find some time to finish these four books before opening up voting on book club books. 🙂
I hope you bring it back soon!! 🙂
I love Zumba! I just finished a Zumba Toning class that had me shaking my booty and sweating like crazy! I’m currently reading Before We Met, which is an amazing story about a woman and the secret her husband (who owns a large company) is keeping from her. I can’t put it down!
I finished reading The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. It was a few weeks ago, but I’m still thinking about it! It’s a vampire thriller, but not cheesy. The characters go all over the world, and her descriptions make you feel like you’re there! It was so good!
The fault in our Stars from John Green, movie coming soon!
On my list: The one and Only from Emily Giffin, one of my favorite author !
The one and only is a great book…on the last chapter right now! 😉
Thanks Stacy, can’t wait to read it 😉
I just devoured Orphan Train in one day (sure I was traveling, but that still counts). It was educational and thought provoking, but without being a big downer. I highly recommend it!
Zumba is so hit or miss for me too! Nothing worse than getting an instructor that you don’t enjoy.
I’m currently reading The Outlander series and finishing up New Rules of Lifting for Abs.
I just finished “The Fault in Our Stars’ and it was great, but I wasn’t in tears while reading it. Maybe my emotions aren’t tuned up? On my to read list is: “Divergent,” “Anna Karenina,” “Lone Survivor,” and “The House on Mango Street.”
In Defence of Food is great! Actually, everything by Michael Pollan is great! I’m currently reading What to Eat by Marion Nestle and it’s fantastic!
Right now I ‘m reading The Fault In Our Stars by John Green, which I borrowed from my sister. I wanted to read the book before I see the movie, and it’s really good.
I started reading “the one & only” by emily griffin last night & I’m half way done 🙂 It’s so so good!
The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans is one of the best books I’ve ever read!
I am reading Sharp Objects. My favorite books are all personal development stuff, let me know if you need any suggestions (:
I just did a post today about books I’ve recently read. I usually read scary, mystery books but this summer I am looking to read some lighter, fun books. Maybe I’ll check some of these books out!
Hey Julie – Just a gentle suggestion to protect yourself from copyright laws: even though you’re linking to the Amazon page in your titles, I still think your book descriptions need quotes around them. As is, it seems like you’re claiming to have written them. You might even want to include “From Amazon:” with an additional link. Just a thought!
You’re absolutely right! Just updated the post. Thank you!
There are so many good books out this summer! My favorites so far are Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore, The Accident by Chris Pavone, and We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. I’m looking forward to reading Beatriz Williams’ latest, The Secret Life of Violet Grant, and The Three by Sarah Lotz.
Here’s the 2014 Summer Reading List I posted on my blog: http://www.sarahsbookshelves.com/summer-reading-lists/2014-summer-reading-list/
Julie, thank you for all the book recomendations! I loved reading everyone’s comments also about their current and fave reads! thanks girls! I am currently reading “The One and Only” by Emily Griffin. It Is a cute and mindless read-perfect for an escape out of my day to day grind! I too plan on downloading In Defense of food also!
I SECOND THE SARAH JIO!!!!!
Not so related to this post – but wanted to thank you for introducing me to Nike Fitness Club app. I just learned about Fitness Blender which may be even BETTER! Check it out – tons of free workouts with video instructors to follow along to!
I miss your book club!! Bring it back!!
BTW – Have you ever read Maze Runner? I know the majority of those who read YA books have, but it is becoming a movie, LOVE the book!!!
I LOVE zumba! There’s nothing like a high-energy zumba class to get my energy soaring and put me in a great mood! 🙂
I also have In Defense of Food on my reading list! I actually bought it a few months ago, but it’s been sitting on my bookshelf since. I think it would be a good book to read with a book club. Would you consider doing another PB Fingers Book Club this summer?! I miss them!
Hope you have a great day! <3
I just finished reading The Alchemist and am halfway through Orphan Train. Both are wonderful!! 🙂
I’m currently reading Aisha Tyler’s book, Self Inflicted Wounds. Every night I shake the bed quietly laughing and I think the Mr is ready for me to be done with it. 😉
I love seeing your reccomendations, but I never read those books, except when I joined a book club and then I dropped out because I just could not get into the books, ah well. I am so much more of a SciFi/Fantasy book reader. I have just started The Way of the Kings, and totally love it. I was thinking I might need a good romance soon, maybe something historical, I was debating on the Outlander series since I saw they are going to make a TV series, and one of the girls at work said she totally loved the books.
I am reading This Town by Mark Leibovich. I have heard good things about In Defense of Food. I highly recommend The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver.
I just finished “Let’s Pretend This Never Happened” by Jenny Lawson last night….hilarious!!!!
I read that book earlier this year. So funny!
I read “In Defense of Food” a couple years ago and it was a great read! I’ve always considered myself a healthy eater for the most part, but after that book I’ve tried to live by the five ingredients or less rule. So now I’m that girl at the grocery reading every label.
A Moveable Feast is probably my favorite book—I read it maybe once a year at least. I hope you love it too!