Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts

August 15, 2018

Copper Mug Cocktails feat. the Dockside Mule Recipe

Disclosure: I was sent 2 mugs complimentary of Moscow Muled in exchange for a review without any other compensation. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Summertime for me is sunshine, hanging out on someones rooftop deck or patio, my toes in the sand, ice cream on a hot day, sweaty runs, and a cold drink in my hand. Between Moscow Mules and Palomas, I am set for summer. Moscow Mules are the perfect summer drink with refreshing ginger beer and lime juice, and my boyfriend makes them all the time.  I even drink them with a little club soda instead of vodka for a delicious mocktail version. You can even make a hydrating Moscow mule version with Nuun Hydration! The one thing missing from my summer cocktails was a fancy copper mug set. 

That's why I was really excited when Jessica from Moscow Muled reached out about trying out their copper mugs. Besides being a fan a of cocktails, I am a fan of small businesses and especially ones involving ladies! Jessica and her partner couldn't find any high-quality nickel-lined copper mugs that they liked so they made their own as part of a side passion project. 

These beautiful 16 ounce copper mugs  (which retail for $12.50 each) are made of 100% pure high-grade and food-safe copper and are lined with nickel. This provides important health and functional benefits because copper is a heavy metal that can react with acidic fluids (such as citrus juices such as lime juice in a Moscow Mule) and can cause copper to leach into the the drink. This is sometime I never would have thought about when buying my own mugs! The nickel lining not only prevents unintentional copper ingestion, but also increases the strength and durability of the mug because copper is a soft metal than can be damaged with repeated use.



Copper mugs are traditional for mules and similar cocktails in bars which not only look nice but also actually keep drinks cold because the copper transfers for the temperature of the drink to the mug itself. I don't really have time for cleaning, but these mugs are easy to clean by just gently hand-washing and drying right away. Like any copper, these mugs will develop a patina over time, but Moscow Muled also includes directions for keeping their mugs shiny and removing any patina, if that is what you prefer. 


As I mentioned previously, I love a cold Moscow Mule on a summer afternoon or evening. Here is a classic Moscow Mule recipe that came with the copper mugs that I tested out.  It's easy and delicious to make! 

Ultimate Moscow Mule Recipe




Of course I was excited to come up with my own copper mug cocktail. I wanted to keep it refreshing so I decided to make a version of a mule with one of my favorite juices from Gundalow Juice. Their Dockside Sunrise juice is a blend of juices including pineapple, ginger, and even a touch of jalapeno which gives this drink some tartness and a little kick! I also happen to be a fan of Tito's vodka but you can substitute whatever your vodka of choice is. If you do not have any Dockside Sunrise on hand using regular pineapple juice with the ginger beer instead of club soda would be a close match.  

dockside mule recipe



I think I know what my new drink of choice will be as the summer winds down! 



Moscow Muled can be found on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter @moscowmuled. More information on their copper mugs and ordering information is available on their website

What is your favorite summertime cocktail or mocktail? 

July 22, 2016

#FuelYourAwesomeness this Summer with Bob's Red Mill Protein {Giveaway}

Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by Bob’s Red Mill as part of a campaign through my partnership with SweatPink and Fit Approach. As always all thoughts & opinions are my own!

While the fact that summer is flying by makes me sad, I have been trying to pack my summer with as much awesomeness as I can. I haven’t even been able to keep up blogging but if you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you know I’ve been having some fun this month in Boston and at November Project Summit 4.0 in Canada last weekend (posts to come!).  Lots of travelling and eating out or on-the-go for sure! 


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Let’s be honest though, travelling and having fun are exhausting so that’s why I was glad to get some new Bob’s Red Mill Protein and Nutritional Boosters in the mail packed with 20g of protein to stay #summerstrong. I received 4 varieties including Vanilla, Chocolate, Chai, and Protein & Fiber Booster. 

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Even if my eating has been full of more treats and less greens, having a post-workout smoothie with some protein and fruit or veggies is an easy way to refuel this summer. 

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If your local store carries Bob’s Red Mill products, you can get a discount on Bob’s Red Mill Nutritional Boosters with this coupon!

GIVEAWAY! ::woop woop::

One lucky reader will win a 16 oz. package ($30 value!) of Bob’s Red Mill Protein Powder NutritionalBooster to fuel their own awesomeness! Enter via Rafflecopter below!

This giveaway ends July 30th, 2016, 12 AM EST. The winner will be notified via email right away. If I don’t hear back from the winner within 24 hours I’ll have to pick a new winner. Delivery of the prize is by Bob’s Red Mill.

How are do you #fuelyourawesomeness this summer?

This post was linked up with my fave Friday Linkup ladies CourtneyMar, and Cynthia  as well as NicoleJilland Amanda .

June 24, 2016

{5 Friday Favorites} Beer, Beyonce, and Beast Mode

It's Friday and I'm here with some favorites from the past few weeks. It's been a hectic and humid week for me so I'm looking forward to a fun and sunny weekend.  

{5 Friday Favorites} Beer, Beyonce, and Beast Mode

1. Beyonce Formation World Tour

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A.K.A my second time seeing the QUEEN. 

I'm a HUGEEEE Beyonce fan so if you don't like her just skip this paragraph. Yes, I'm the girl blasting Lemonade in her car and singing along.  I could go on and on about this concert I went to a few weeks ago in Philly, but I'll just say it's literally a magical experience and in a completely different way from her last tour with Jay-Z. She puts on an amazing show-even people who aren't huge fans or don't know a ton of her non-radio hits have said so to me! Bey  was sure to keep the message about self-love and how the most important relationship is the one with yourself and how you can do anything #PREACH.  I mean that's a message all ladies can get behind. 

I also want a wind machine following me and an acceptable place to wear a sparkly leotard and high heels, kthanks.

2. Beer Flights

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I got to enjoy a nice little beer flight at Flying Fish Brewing Co. with my family last weekend. Anytime I go to a new brewery I also get a beer flight. Sometimes when I can't decide what I want I get one too. I also love it because some beers are interesting for a little taste, but I don't want a full pint of it. Sometimes you just want a little bit of everything. Or if you are me, you always do. What's wrong with wanting it? 

3. Summer long runs

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Okay so I don't like the humidity or being completely drenched after runs (#sweatyAF), but now that I'm in my first week of marathon training I do enjoy some of the routine of a long run and the peace that comes afterwards. Plus feeling like a badass for crushing many miles.  Another pro is that I spend at least 4 miles of the run thinking about what I want to treat myself to for breakfast afterwards. Long run days go wake up, run, eat, shower, eat, nap, then restoftheday.  Tons of sweaty laundry and trying to remove a soaking wet sports bra are definite summer long run cons. 

4. KIND Snacks variety pack

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A.k.a. the motherload of KIND bars. I was nice enough to have been sent this complimentary 30-pack of KIND Snacks bars which includes some new flavors such as Dark Chocolate Almond Coconut & Raspberry Cashew Chia (YUM!) and all my old favorites including Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt. I've always been a fan of variety packs becaus I like choices and a little bit of everything (see: beer flights) . 

Let's just say between my boyfriend and I, this pack did not last long in our apartment.  

4. Awesomeness alert- American Runs for Homelessness with Back on My Feet

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Back on my Feet is an awesome organization  that restores hope and independence through running in over 11 cities (including a chapter in Baltimore!) and has helped more than 4000 individuals find employment and housing. With half a million homeless people in the US, that's awesome. Go here and sign their American Runs pledge to help end homelessness. For each pledge BoMF receives $1, and you are entered to win a free year of Dunkin Donuts. You know I love me some DD coffee so that's a sweet bonus for helping out a great cause! 


This post was linked up with my fave Friday Linkup ladies CourtneyMar, and Cynthia  as well as Nicole, and Jill

What is one of your favorite workouts, snacks, charities lately? 

June 10, 2016

ZOOMA Annapolis 2016 Half Marathon Race Recap

Disclosure: I am a 2016 ZOOMA Women's Race Series ambassador and received complimentary registration for this event.  As always, all thoughts & opinions are my own. 


In my 2015 ZOOMA Annapolis race recap I described my race experience as hot, humid, and hilly. Those rang true again this year!  Although I said I would not be running the half marathon again and would do the 10K, I found myself running the half marathon again, whoops. Despite the conditions this time of year, ZOOMA always puts on a nice race weekend for women in Annapolis. This year in addition to a half marathon and 10K, a 5K race was added.  


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Pre-Race

Friday evening after sitting in terrible traffic from Baltimore to Annapolis after work, I finally made it down to the ZOOMA Annapolis race expo at the beautiful Loews Hotel in downtown Annapolis. The expo is really small, but there was some nice women's running vendors and packet pickup looked easy (I grabbed my bib the night before in Baltimore). 

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I grabbed dinner and a drink with many of the ZOOMA ambassadors, most of whom I've met before or were ZOOMA ambassadors with me last year.  It was fun to see everyone and especially those people whom I've never met in person or those who I interact more with online through social media. Those running the 10K and 5K got to have a few more drinks and a little bit more fun, which also made me regret signing up for the half! 


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I finally had the chance to meet Cori (She's Going the Distance) who was nice enough to let me share her hotel room after realizing a couple weeks prior that I had not booked anything and didn't feel like driving down 2 days in a row or the morning of. I think we're similar so we vibe together pretty well, and I was happy to meet her after lots of social media interactions. 

June 3, 2016

{5 Friday Favorites} Free Summer Fitness Events in Baltimore 2016

Another Friday already is always a great thing! I've got a jam-packed weekend that is getting kicked off with pre-race ZOOMA Annapolis festivities. If you're running ZOOMA this weekend, say hi if you see me! This week hit us with that hot and humid weather. I love summer (minus the humidity) and LOVE running in shorts again. I just be sure to take my allergy mediciation, lather up the sunscreen, and I'm good to go! One of the great parts about being in the city is all of the free events always happening. Here are some of my favorite FREE summer fitness outdoor offerings you should check out. 


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5 Friday Favorites-Free Summer Fitness in Baltimore

1. Waterfront Wellness classes

Waterfront Wellness through the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore offers free fitness classes taught by local professional instructors all summer around the Inner Harbor with a beautiful backdrop. I LOVE Waterfront Wellness in the summer although usually marathon training gets in the way of me going. They added some weeknight classes this week which is awesome! Classes are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from May 28 through September 18th and include barre, yoga, bootcamp, body sculpt, Dance2Fitness. There is also a fun incentive program with prizes sponsored by Medifast. Definitely check out a class and take this chance to try out something new!  

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You can get more information and the full schedule here

2. 4th Annual Outdoor Fit+ Festival 

On Saturday, June 25th, 2016 will be the 4th annual Fit+ Festival in Harbor East on Aliceanna Street from 9 AM- 1PM. There will be free fitness classes from Under Armour, Lululemon, and The MAC as well as healthy food offerings, music, a photo booth, and giveaways.  The fitness classes including a run, yoga, bootcamp, boxing, and more! 

The event is free and includes free parking, but you have to RSVP here on the website. 

3. Summer Solstice with Soul Body Barre at UAPC UA Headquarters

I love any chance I get to workout out on the water at the awesome Under Armour Headquarters in Baltimore overlooking the harbor.  You can celebrate the Summer Solstice with a free 1-hour Soul Body Barre class with the creators. If you've never tried barre, this is a great chance! The class is free and open to the public but there is only a maximum of 50 spots so sign up here. There are some more details here

Update: Yikes, someone just let me know the class is already full! All the classes at the UAPC including Soul Body Barre are only $8 drop ins as well if you want to take a class there! I also know that there is free summer solstice yoga at 8 AM on 6/19 at the American Visionary Art Museum for free-details here

4. November Project-Baltimore

I had to include it! It's free all summer. And completely free every other Wednesday and Friday during the year-never cancelled. Come out for some extra sweaty hugs and fun running & body weight workouts 6:30 AM on Wednesdays at Rash Field right in front of Federal Hill on the water and 6:30 AM on Fridays at Patterson Park (corner of Linwood & East Baltimore).If you have no idea what I'm talking about, read why I think this free fitness movement and the Baltimore tribe is awesome. 

5. Free Yoga EVERYWHERE.

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There is a TON of free yoga everywhere. Here are a just a few of the offerings around the city this summer.  In Mount Vernon at Mount Vernon Park-East Square you can do outdoor yoga every Saturday from 8:30-9:45 through September 24th. 

In Canton there will be Pop Up Yoga Baltimore all-levels yoga classes at the Canton Waterfront starting June 5th and continuing on every Saturday from 9:30-10:30 AM. More details here

Free Baltimore Yoga is all-year round including summer-I love it! You can check them out Tuesdays at 6 PM at Patterson Park and Thursdays at 6:30 PM at Parks & People. More information can be found on their website

BONUS: This isn't a free workout, but if you want to try paddle boarding you should totally take a FloYo class this summer. FloYo is a full body workout class done on the standup paddle board that incorporates lots of yoga sequences. I took one a couple summers ago, and it was also the first time I had ever been paddle boarding-it was a blast! I am definitely going to make it a point to get out for a class this summer, especially since there is a location right in Baltimore in Dundalk. Check out their schedule and more information here.

What is your favorite summer workout? Do you like outdoor fitness classes? 


This post was linked up with my fave Friday Linkup ladies CourtneyMar, and Cynthia  as well as NicoleJilland Amanda .

May 23, 2016

Summer Running Gear Essentials {Miles & Pace hat giveaway}

Disclaimer: I received Miles & Pace product for review. As always all thoughts & opinions are my own. 

As the weather heats up, some different gear gets more heavily rotated in my runs. Think a lot less layers and lighter fabrics.  I rock the neon colors and prints year round but especially love wearing crazy colors when the weather is warm. Instead of protecting myself from the wind and cold, I need to protect myself more from the sun.  Here are some of my summer running gear staples: 


Summer Running Gear Essentials {Miles & Pace hat giveaway}

1. Hat. 

When's it sunny out I need something to protect my head and face from the sun and keep the sun or rain out of my eyes. It's a great way to protect yourself from UV rays in style whether you're logging miles or relaxing on the beach. It did take me years to embrace wearing a hat. If it's not for you, try a visor!


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Or taking a nap outside. 

2. Running Socks. 

Running socks are an important staple year round. I'm partial to Feetures! running socks (I'm an ambassador for the brand!), but at least recommend finding any type of wicking socks that you like. Aside from rainy runs, if you are a sweaty runner like me, during those hot & humid runs the last thing I want is sweaty feet and toes rubbing around in my shoes giving me blisters. Throw down a few extra dollars for some pairs of solid running rocks! 

3. Sunglasses. 

Like hats, sunglasses protect my face and eyes from sun exposure. Plus shades make you look super cool. I also use sunglasses to partially hide some ugly running faces during races-bonus! I always pick up a couple of fun cheap pairs of sunglasses at Target to last me through the summer. 


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4. Shorts.

I am a shorts girl. I just slick some Bodyglide and sunscreen on my thighs, and I'm ready to go in the summer! I love wearing breathable shorts in a fun pattern during the summer instead of my collection of black capris. I'm also a fan of shorts that have a little pocket perfect for my house key or a gel. I have a few pairs of Lululemon, Oiselle, and Under Armour shorts that I really like but this brand new pair in the photos is courtesy of the Old Navy sale rack for less than $10.  They are really light, semi-waterproof, and feature a pretty pattern! 



From my previous Miles & Pace review you know that I'm a big time supporter of the brand. In case you it's been a while since you read my post, to recap Miles & Pace is a super cool and laid back active lifestyle brand that pairs running motivation with awesome graphic tees and trucker hats. Their products totally fit in with my summer style.

As you can tell, I was super excited to receive one of the Miles & Pace trucker hats in the new neon pink style. I LOVE pink & black as a color combo and think neon pink is a perfect summer color. I also received their awesome "Sunday Runday" top in a black tank style perfect for when I'm enjoying a post-run beer on a hot summer day. If summer ever decides to grace us with its presence in the mid-atlantic that is! 

Now Miles & Pace hats and "Sunday Runday" tanks come in many shades of colors so you can choose your favorite (or grab them all!). 


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Trying to look cool modeling this gear. #fail
Since I'm totally on board with the brand's philosophy of spreading inspiration and motivation in the running community, I thought I'd kickoff summer running with a giveaway for my readers. I had an extra black and white trucker hat from a giveaway so I thought I'd pass it along to a fellow runner! I'm giving YOU the chance to win the classic trucker hat.  

All you have to do is enter the Rafflecopter below to win one Miles & Pace trucker hat-giveaway ends June 6th at 12 AM EST. This giveaway is sponsored by me and prize will not be coming directly from Miles & Pace. Open to U.S. residents only, sorry! 

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Check out Miles & Pace on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter

This post was linked up with Weekend Snapshots,

What is your favorite piece of summer running gear?

June 24, 2015

Summer Survival Kit {Ready for Action with Whole Foods Markets}

Disclosure: I was offered a giftcard & complimentary Ready for Action bag for mentioning this promotion by Whole Foods Market Harbor East.  As always all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

I really love samples and trial sizes. No I don't want to spend X number of dollars on a product that I've never tried before. What if I don't like it?! That's why I love places like Sephora and all those box subscriptions out there. I will take free samples anywhere, and I make little kits with all of them. I have a little bag packed that I can move from backpacks to suitcases for overnight trips. I have a little first-aid kit in my car. I have a little bag of shampoo and makeup samples in my gym bag.  

I was super excited to get my hands on Whole Foods Markets' Ready for Action summer survival kits from my local store, Whole Foods Harbor East. 

It makes perfect sense that I'd need a summer survival kit. Here is what I need to survive the summer (and all this crazy humidity we've been having that comes along with it!)

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Okay, so maybe I can't fit all that in one bag. Oops. 

Here's what Whole Foods has included in their summer survival kits for an active summer: 
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You get some full size products which is awesome, and the whole bag is valued at $50.

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 I love that Nuun Active Lemon-Lime is included! Of course that is already one of my stand-by hydration flavors and is great mixed with some lemonade in the summer #teamnuun.
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I also was really excited to see an option for a natural sunscreen because I have been trying to buy more natural brands and haven't found one I liked yet.

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 I found the Goddess Garden Organic sunscreen to be a lot thicker than I was used to so it took a lot of rubbing in. It did the job and was gentle on my face and shoulders.  

I also really liked having the vanilla chai Amazing Grass protein shake after a run blended with some cashew milk, ice,cinnamon and a frozen banana. 

The bag itself is not only super cute but also is hand-printed by RIJI Green, a company committed to ending human trafficking!

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You can grab one of these bags for only $12 at your local Whole Foods Market U.S. Store on Saturday, June 27 at 10 AM.  I would't wait much longer past then because supplies are limited!

What is something on your summer survival list? 

June 23, 2014

How to Stay Cool During Summer Runs

Well, Fitbloggin' is in 3 days and I'm BEYOND excited. If you're going be sure to come say hello, and if you're not follow me on Twitter and Facebook and see what I'll be up to all weekend! 

This weekend was my first long run of marathon training! After I get back from Fitbloggin' I'll start with the regular weekly training updates on the road to the Chicago Marathon. My runs went well this weekend, especially since it was closer than it had been during the week.  Getting used to the summer weather is no joke. I read this article in the Washington Post about how your body reacts to the heat. I highly recommend checking it out.  


Did you know it actually takes 2 weeks to acclimated to the heat?
 I know I had some tough runs where even an easier pace felt awfully hard because of the temperature and humidity so don't be discouraged!

Besides training for a marathon all summer, I'm also running the Hood to Coast relay with the Nuun team in August. You bet 3 outdoor runs in 24 hours will probably include at least one that is super hot, so training in the heat will leave me well-prepared! 




I'm linking up with some other Hood to Coast Nuunies today so check out some other awesome blog posts!


At least here in the Northeast, we have been getting a taste of the hot and humid weather to come. I definitely notice a difference in my runs and how I feel as the weather heats up. It’s important to tweak some things with the changing of the seasons so you can keep logging miles all summer.  Here are a few summer running tips that I use to stay cool.  


How to Stay Cool During Summer Runs