Thinking Out Loud

Happy pre-Friday! It's been a hot minute since I've joined in on the Thinking Out Loud Thursday so I figured I'd jump right back in because I'm lacking in the creativity department this week. I'm pretty sure my brain is still in vacation mode from the long weekend, but I'd appreciate it if it would wake up and decide to function properly. 

I've also been lacking inspiration for creating new recipes. For the past few weeks I've been eating pretty much the same thing so that's why there's been a lack of new recipes. Anyone else ever get in a creative rut? I'm hoping that some time in the kitchen tomorrow will help spark my creativity. If anyone has any suggestions of what they'd like to see comment and let me know! Anyway, onward to this weeks TOL!

I finally cracked and got a snapchat, I blame my best friend who sent me this snap. I have zero clue how it works and I don't send many snaps, but I like seeing everyone's snaps so if you want to add me my name is rachaelminer. On the rare occurrence that I do use it expect pictures of my dog or the lake.

Fresh Thyme Farmer's Market has become a sort of obsession. Their produce is so fresh and stays good for so long! I stopped in last week and they had all the goodies on sale so I stocked up. I got blueberries, Earth Balance coconut peanut butter (for a recipe I was making for a friend, PB is still a no go for this girl), goat cheese, avocados, gluten/dairy free trail mix, Vega protein pack (perfect size for traveling), sweet potatoes, a few snack bars, and daiya dairy free yogurt. Every single item was on sale so it was definitely a win!

Another recent obsession is Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst. Life has been so busy so I haven't been able to get through very much, but what I have gotten through is really good. I've loved every single book I've read of Lysa's so I definitely recommend checking this one out. I was able to get a few minutes of reading in while a little boy I babysit napped. The family cat even hopped up on the couch to join me. 

Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer so now that it's basically fall bring on ALL things pumpkin!! My pumpkin go to recently has been these pumpkin energy bites, I've even gotten requests to make them again. I'm sad to see summer go, but pumpkin is delicious and I'm excited for sweater weather. I am not excited for the snow that follows pumpkin season though. 

Guess what is still going strong?! My running streak. I talked a little about my running streak last week and I'm happy that it's still going (day 44). This week has been a much better running week for me. The biggest thing has been my hip flexor is finally getting better and I don't have horrific pain shooting down my side while I run. My times have gotten better too which I am so happy about, but I'm still being cautious because I don't want to push my hip flexor too much. On a side note I ate a bug while running yesterday and that was beyond gross! I was breathing and the thing flew in my mouth. I started coughing like a crazy lady but the dumb thing went down my throat. I never stopped running which made me look like even more of a crazy lady- I refuse to stop while running. I'm happy to say I finished my miles and the bug swallowing incident didn't even slow me down! 

I'll end things there, have a great Thursday!! Only one more day until it's the weekend!!

WIAW + Labor Day Recap

Is anyone else all messed up on what day it is this week? I'm super pumped it's already Wednesday but in my head it's still Tuesday because Monday was Labor Day. Maybe it's just me. I hope everyone had a fun Labor Day weekend, the weather here was PERFECT all weekend so I spent every possible second outside soaking up the sunshine because I know fall (and winter) are right around the corner. 

It's been a long time since I've done a WIAW so I wanted to get back on that boat, plus I wanted to share some photos from over the holiday weekend. I'll try not to make this post super long, no promises though😉 

I'm still going strong with the usual post workout breakfast of oats mixed with half a scoop of protein powder and topped with all the berries. Berries are almost out of season so I'm enjoying every last berry while I can. I love other fruits, but nothing beats fresh summer fruit. Recently I started adding a few Enjoy Life chocolate chips for an extra topping to spice things up, plus berries and chocolate is always a winning combo. I'm not even a sweets person, but I can fully get behind this combo😋

Lunch is more of the same, are you even surprised at this point? I've been having this lunch since I got back from Cali and I don't see that changing any time soon. It's a gluten free O'Dough's everything bagel- hands down the BEST gluten free bagel I've ever had, plus the macros are awesome- topped with avocado, romaine lettuce, organic free range turkey breast and goat cheese with a peach on the side. The peaches this season have been so good so I'm sad peach season is ending😢

Finally something new right?! Last week I had to travel one day so I got to try a new (to me) restaurant called Blue Water Grill in Grand Rapids. I got a superfood salad that had spinach, kale, dried cherries, pepitas, red onion, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and grilled chicken. The restaurant had everything labeled for gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, etc. It was so helpful and I'm hoping to go back again sometime! If you're ever in Grand Rapids definitely check this restaurant out, plus there's a coupon for 20% off if you check in to the restaurant on Yelp. 

Over the holiday weekend I treated myself to a few glasses of wine. I do not drink that much or that often, but I do enjoy having a drink with friends, especially when I can have a drink outside by the lake. Cupcake Vineyards has some really good wines and this pinot grigio is so good!!

Labor Day was a busy weekend and any extra macros I consumed in wine were sweated out at the gym, running, biking and working outside. My dad and I started rebuilding the deck railing. We bought wood at Home Depot Friday and set out to work. The deck is pretty big so it's a big project but we got two sections done and I'm not sure I've ever sweated so much in my life. It was really hot all weekend, but I enjoy working with my dad, plus I get to work on my carpentry skills. 

A few friends came over Sunday to hangout, grill and enjoy some time on the lake. Not everyone went tubing and there were a few good wipeouts but it was a blast! It was some much needed down time and nothing beats spending it with people you love. 

I'll end things here so this post doesn't get too massive. Have a great Wednesday and don't forget to comment and share your Labor Day weekend adventures with me! 

What did you do over Labor Day weekend?
Are you excited for fall to start or are you sad summer is over? 

August Favorites

Holy smokes it's already Friday and it's already September! August flew by but it was such a good month. I'm sad it's over but at the same time I'm excited for all September has in store- lots of pumpkin, new adventures and hopefully lots of new memories. Before I get the September ball rolling I wanted to share some of my favorites from last month.

August kicked off with a mini vacation! If only every month started this way. We explored some of Northern Michigan and made a stop at Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Park. If you're ever in Michigan I highly recommend checking it out because you can climb the dunes and the view are incredible! Not to mention it's a ridiculous angle so you get a good workout. 

Biking was something I hadn't done in FOREVER so I dusted off my bike and started riding a decent amount. In the mornings on vacation I'd run and bike to get a workout in. Morning rides and run are my favorite because it was so quiet and I savored every minute of it. 

Eating breakfast on the patio by the lake. I was only really able to do this because it was so warm (mid-upper 90's every day). I love these Bob's Red Mill individual cups because they're so handy for traveling, which came in handy on vacation. I'd throw my berries in them and go and they'd stay warm for so long!

Cora enjoyed every second of vacation. She practically lived outside because there was so many critters for her to chase. Just look at her smile, melts my heart every time <3

Flourless chocolate peanut butter muffins, need I say more? These muffins became a huge hit on the blog. They are mighty delicious and I keep getting requests to make them which I don't mind because they are so easy to make and cleanup! 

I don't even like coffee but lemme tell you some mornings are a struggle so I found this tank top appropriate. Plus it's one of the softest tanks I have so I've been wearing it a ton. I found it at Target while there for mascara. Does anyone ever walk out of Target with ONLY the item(s) they came for?!?

My BF deserves the credit on this one because he surprised me with it. I love wine, but I don't drink it that much but I do try to fit at least one glass in my macros every week. Cupcake Vineyards is one of my wines (SkinnyGirl is forever my favorite) and he showed up at my house with a bottle one night. That's the way to a girls heart. 

As soon as Lysa TerKeurst's new book Uninvited came out I ordered a copy on Amazon. Sam got me started on her books and I've loved every book I've read from her. They have not been easy reads because they always show me stuff about myself that I'd rather not see, but I learn so much from her. I brought Uninvited and a GoMacro bar along babysitting with me for when the baby took a nap. As soon as he went down I dug out my book, GoMacro bar and cuddled up on the couch and the cat joined me. I highly recommend checking the book out because it's FANTASTIC!

I had to save the prettiest for last. I've been LOVING the beautiful sunrises lately. Since I lift then run and bike so early in the morning I get to see the world come to life. Nothing beats running and biking under these gorgeous skies. God's creation is pretty fantastic isn't it?! 

That's it for me, have a fantastic Labor Day weekend! Please stay safe whatever you're doing!

YOUR TURN: 
What was one of your favorite moments from August? 
What are you looking forward to about fall?