Relaxation.

After a long weekend of painting my apartment and the workouts I've endured the past couple of days, I am longing for a full body massage.

The feel of the oil softening my skin, the sound of peaceful music and nature sounds, the aroma of candles...ahhh...I'm relaxing more just thinking about it!

Orange.Jicama.Salad.

This cool, refreshing salad combines the crunchiness of jicama with the citrusy tanginess of oranges. The perfect side dish for a balmy summer evening barbecue. And...it's rich in fiber - that's a plus! :)

Ingredients -

• 4 large seedless oranges, peeled and divided into sections
• 1 lb. jicama, peeled and cut into strips
• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 4 cups torn romaine lettuce
• 4 cups torn red leaf lettuce
• 1 Tbsp. roasted pine nuts

Directions -

In medium-sized bowl, toss together oranges and jicama. In separate bowl, whisk together juices, vinegar, and oil. Pour over fruit. Cover and chill 2 hours (or longer).

Toss lettuces together in large bowl. Arrange orange-jicama mixture on top, and garnish with nuts.

Special thanks to Beachbody for this yummy recipe. For more low-cal recipes, please visit www.FitCoachTaryn.com

A.Blessing.

Cotton.Clouds.

How cool would it be if we could really swing high up in the clouds.

Splash.

Well these just make me wish it was a rainy day!

Suspension.Training.

I've been dying to try out the new TRX suspension training equipment at my gym. It looks so hardcore and like an incredibly intense workout. I've got to get around to doing it. It's now officially on my to-do list and something I plan to try very soon. I'll let you know how it goes...

Take.One.

Why, thank you!!!

Can't.Do.It.All.

I wish I could remember this saying more often. So many times I find myself taking on too much and biting off more than I can chew. Are you guilty of that? Are you like me - a people pleaser who is afraid to say no? Let's face it...a lot of us are.

This is a great quote and I'm going to keep it as a reminder to myself that I can't do it all, nor should I try to. As much as I enjoy being busy and having a lot to do, it's best to remember that it's OK to delegate or say no on occasion.

Carrot.Pear.Curry.Salad.

I absolutely love Giada De Laurentis. And I love watching her prepare delicious recipes on The Food Network. This happens to be one that caught my eye. And to be honest, I'm not a fan of curry, however, this sounds so good and refreshing that I am most certainly going to give it a try. Enjoy!

Ingredients -

1-1/2 pound large carrots, trimmed and peeled (about 8 carrots)

2 firm pears (recommended: D'Anjou)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1 tablespoon curry powder

2 teaspoons honey

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions -

1. Using a vegetable peeler, cut the carrots lengthwise into thin ribbons or slices. Quarter, core, and stem the pears. Using a knife, slice into very thin strips. Place the carrot and pear slices in a large bowl with the chopped parsley.

2. In a blender, combine the white wine, curry powder, honey, salt, and pepper and blend to combine. With the machine running, add the olive oil.

3. Pour the dressing over the carrots and pears. Toss to combine and serve immediately.

Lack.Of.Motivation.

Today I'm wishing I could use this excuse. Except mine would say I'm STILL in my pajamas! I'm just not a fan of Monday's sometimes...and I'm wishing I could still be in my bed.

Sorry for the un-motivational quote today friends. What can I say... I am only human :)

Complain.No.More.

I REALLY need one of these. Not only for those who complain too much to me, but also for me when I am in a "venting" mood... This is hysterical!

Flower.Power.

I absolutely LOVE this nail design. If only I had the patience to do this...

Get.Up.And.Move.Already.

How's that for motivation?! Now do something why don't ya!

Thanks.

This week I am so thankful for the little things that make me laugh. When life is stressful and little things seem difficult to deal with, it's nice to be able to smile and laugh it off. Laughter really is the best medicine for the soul.

Follow.A.Wish.With.A.Plan.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could just make a wish and then wait patiently for it to come true? Things would sure be easy. Or would we all just be sitting around wondering when the good things were going to come? Hmmm...

Put your goals into action. Your wishes will then become realities.

Strawberries.And.Rhubarb.

Strawberries and rhubarb...my mouth is watering just thinking of this tasty treat. My mother used to make this for me when I was growing up and I absolutely loved it. I stumbled across a recipe for strawberries and rhubarb and now I have an itch to make it. The recipe below can be used as a sauce/topping or enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients -

• 2 cups chopped rhubarb
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water

Directions -

1. In a medium saucepan combine rhubarb, sugar and water and simmer until rhubarb begins to get tender.

2. Add in the strawberries and cook an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Serve warm or keep chilled until ready to enjoy.

Go.Out.On.A.Limb.

When you stay in your comfort zone you miss out on the good things in life. You have to expand your horizons and do things you aren't used to. When you do this, the opportunities will be endless and you'll be rewarded with numerous gifts. Reach out. Crawl out of your shell. Take risks. You won't regret it.

Home.Sweet.Home.

How perfect is this house? There is not one single thing that I don't love about it.

Peacock.Feathers.

I have always thought Peacock feathers were beautiful - who doesn't? When I stumbled across these beauties, there was an instant attraction. I absolutely love these shoes!

Latino.Flavor.

Here is a tasty twist on the oh, so healthy side dish, quinoa. Enjoy!

Ingredients -
1 cup quinoa
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 4-ounce can chopped green chiles
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth, or vegetable broth
1/4 cup pepitas, toasted (see note below)
3/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup chopped scallions
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions -
1. Toast quinoa in a large dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until it crackles and becomes aromatic, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a fine sieve and rinse thoroughly.

2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add chiles and garlic; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the quinoa and broth; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover and cook until the quinoa is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes.

3. Add pepitas, cilantro, scallions, lime juice and salt to the quinoa; mix gently and fluff with a fork.

Note: To toast nuts & seeds on the stovetop: Toast in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes.

Where.Are.You.Time.

If you're looking for time, chances are you won't find it. Not very easily that is. But you have to work for the things you want and MAKE the time.

Don't have time to exercise?
Don't have time to make healthy eating decisions?
Don't have time to see someone you haven't seen in a long time?
Don't have time to make a phone call to that person you've been meaning to call?
Don't have time to... you fill in the blank...

I dare you to write down everything you do at every hour throughout the day. Do this for a few days. Maybe a week. When you've had a chance to reflect on the things you've done, then tell me you don't have time. I bet you will find that you can shift some things around and make time for the things you really want in life. There's probably a lot of "wasted" or "unused" time throughout your day. Change that and make your life what you want it to be.

Give.A.Smile.

Smiles are contagious. So smile at a stranger today. You'll make someone's day. Really.

Serenity.Swing.

One swing has my name on it, the other has my mother's. I am claiming the throw blanket.

This looks like the PERFECT place to cozy up with a good book and an ice cold glass of iced tea. And because it appears to be in my mother's dream home setting, it makes it even more perfect.

So serene. So beautiful. Away from everything. A place where all you have are your thoughts. Peaceful thoughts. With sunshine. And happiness...

Recipe.For.Life.

Taking.Chances.