Have Your Cake

guess who's back, for real

2011-06-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

I've started a new blog!

Delight by the Real Girl.

It's a little more me with all the best parts of Have Your Cake. If you're still out there, I hope you'll stop by and say hello!

Jenny

au revoir

2010-10-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

I have to start by saying just how grateful to & inspired by all you wonderful readers I am. I've had so much fun working on this little project. In the past year of Have Your Cake's existence, I've gotten to hear from so many of you & I've learned so much about myself.

In case you haven't noticed, I've been a little distracted lately. I've been busy with friends, family, & life (oh, and did I mention I have a job?). And to be perfectly honest, I prefer it that way. I'm so sad to say good-bye. I love this little space I've created. But instead of talking about yoga, I want the time to be on my mat. Instead of talking about how much I heart my husband, I want to to spend time with him. I've been filling every minute of my day with busyness, when what I really need is a little more time for jenny and a little more time for other people.

I'll continue tweeting here and there, answering questions on formspring, and I would love love love to be facebook friends. I wish you all the best. I hope you enjoy lots of delicious food and treat your body well. Here are some of my favorite sites for you to continue having your cake!

real simple
self
women's health
whole living
cooking light
shape
health
balanced body
nike
lululemon

xoxo

Jenny

my ever-evolving philosophy no. 10

2010-10-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

Keeping sweets on hand is just too darn tempting. Having it around all the time often means frozen yogurt for lunch & cookies for dinner. No good for my tookus & no good for my energy. If I really want something, I can make it into a fun little outing, enjoy it, and be done with it.

taste this: 3 new ways to do dinner

2010-10-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

Roasted Tilapia, potatoes, & lemons. Real Simple.

Spicy honey-brushed chicken thighs. Cooking Light.

Spicy grilled tuna with garden salsa. Self.

hello hello

2010-10-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

Hello my lovely readers! I'm back! I've had no end of visitors, parties, & projects. Life has finally slowed down a bit & I can't wait to get my namaste on and have a little quiet time in a clean apartment. I'm working on a new yoga/zen/mellow-yellow playlist. And I'm so over sugar after a week of eating endless leftover baby shower desserts-- or I was, until I was enticed into picking up some chocolate fudge brownie frozen yogurt this morning. This visual treat of Rrrr serenading me I want it that way at our pal's karaoke birthday shindig, is just for your viewing pleasure.

friday favorites

2010-10-01T16:19:00.000-07:00

Love slimming down my kitchen with these little tweaks. self.

Love these meal ideas from this flat belly diet. wh.

Love my nivea. I've tried everything. Nothing is quite so good to my skin or smells so clean.

Ready for fall running in thi s jacket. nike.

And did I mention I would love a little time to do this? yj.

giveaway winners!

2010-09-30T16:04:00.000-07:00

And the three lucky ladies are...

Caitlin
Jessica
& Lindsey

Get me your mailing address and then you can await your goody bag! I loved what you all had to say. Some seriously great essentials. If you haven't checked them out, do.

gasp

2010-09-29T14:04:00.000-07:00

Remember how I mentioned things have been crazy? Well the insanity is relentless. I'm hoping to come up for air very very soon. I'm very happy to say I've still been able to squeeze in my workouts & some time with my newly free-and-easy Rrrr. But hyc is looking a little sad this week. Not to worry. The giveaway winners will be announced tomorrow! So if you haven't entered yet, you still have time. Don't miss this week's friday faves! And next week will be a fully booked Have Your Cake week.

enjoy your weekend

2010-09-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

Rrrr is finally done with his exam & we're celebrating with his amazing sister jenny, the other jenny [We've had lots of fun with the double name thing]. I hope you enjoy your weekend and enjoy something delicious.

image

guest feature + giveaway!

2010-09-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

It's your lucky day! We have an awesome giveaway sponsored by Dove Visibly Smooth Deoderant. They have teamed up with celeb trainer, Kacy Duke to bring you her fitness essentials, and the chance for three lucky readers to win a goody-tote bag with a Lucy® workout tank and Dove Visibly Smooth [minimizes the look and feel of underarm hair over time to help women feel stubble free for longer]. I think I'm sold.

To enter, read Kacy's essentials and leave a comment sharing one of your own. It can be food, an item of clothing, a product, a workout, a book, and you get an extra entry if you mention HYC... just kidding. enjoy!

1] Commit to the Commitment - Creating a strong and fit body is an evolution, not a revolution! It takes time and commitment, so start exercising slowly and establish monthly goals.
2] Prepare what you Wear - Wear breathable cotton clothing while working out because it allows for easy bending, stretching and moving. If weather permits, Kacy recommends sleeveless tops to help keep cool in and out of the gym. For sleeveless ready confidence she chooses Dove Ultimate Visibly Smooth anti-perspirant/deodorant, which minimizes the look and feel of underarm hair over time to help women feel stubble free for longer. It includes Dove 1/4 moisturizers to help care for delicate underarm skin while providing 24-hour odor and wetness protection.
3] Changes and Challenges - Kick the old, boring fitness routine to the curb and start to challenge yourself. Add new dance moves to your routine! Add weights to your cardio activity - Keeping your workout fresh and new will give an extra boost of motivation!
4] Location, Location, Location - No matter what time of year… find fun & unusual locations - Check out your state’s official website to find a forest preserve or lake in close driving distance where you can enjoy a challenging work out on new terrain, such as hiking or kayaking. Or keep it fresh and try something like belly dancing, ballet classes, zumba or Kacy Duke’s own Underground Groove.
5] The Clean Machine - Give your body, soul and home a makeover. Housework burns calories, so clear out the clutter and donate to those in need. It’s a fantastic way to head into the New Year!
6] Simple Steps, little rewards - Start your morning with a brisk power walk to a neighborhood café. Treat yourself to a hot cup of tea afterward, you deserve it!

6+ simple ways to snack

2010-09-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

You know I love a good snack. I loved whole living's guide to snacking so much that I thought I'd share my faves.

When you need something just right, for anytime. homemade granola.

When you need something salty. steamed soybeans with coarse salt.

When you need something of substance. oat-bran applesauce mini-muffins. or these blueberry health muffins.

When you need something sweet. banana, berry, & buttermilk pops.

When you need just a bit of chocolate. cocoa popcorn.

And when you need something rich but not too rich. dark chocolate almond clusters. and some other yummy things to do with nuts.

my ever-evolving philosophy no. 9

2010-09-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what a freshly cleaned, totally restocked fridge can do for your psyche, waistline, & marriage. For today, I am a happy, fed domestic goddess.

friday favorites

2010-09-17T15:59:00.000-07:00

So much to love this week!

Love whole living's rules to snacking, so right on the nose. I want to read it again and again.

And love these under 200 calories snack suggestions. I just may have to feature a few of my favorites next week. whole living.

Love these 24 ways to shake up your mood and energy. fitness mag.

Love this guide to skin care-- since I'm still dealing with teenage acne in my mid-twenties. Lovely. fitness mag.

Lovin a good hot short-- bff swears by them for yoga. Love this new fall color. zobha.

Love odwalla's super protein vanilla al'mondo. So tasty. It's a great way to trick yourself into getting some protein. And there you have it. Another week has flown by. This is my last weekend as a widow. Thank goodness! Rrrr takes his board exam next week. So tonight I'm thinking yoga and I'm looking forward to a little trim and deep condition... maybe even some bangs. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm also considering the possibility of some chocolate chip cookies. I'll see if I can conjure up a tasty healthier version.

Xx until monday. Lot's of love.

help!

2010-09-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

I received this email from m, a reader, this week. I'm hoping you can share some happy thoughts, send some good energy her way, & maybe, this can even be of some use to you.

m: I am just your average 21 year old who is stuck in a rut. I read your blog religiously, and I just think you are fabulous. How do you do it? I started running the end of march of this year. I loved it! I worked out atleast once a day, some days even three times. It has been roughly three weeks since I have worked out/ran/sweated. How do I get the drive to get back in the swing of things? My body my spirit and my mind are all suffering from it, but I can't seem to have any will to actually get out and do it. Blahhh I feel gross.

j: I think it's pretty normal to get excited when you start something new, and as time goes on you feel that excitement wear off. I think that's the one real trick to living healthy. I've had many ups and downs. But I've found, as time has gone on and I've stuck it out, my downs have gotten smaller & I've been able to sustain my ups in a more moderate way. So don't beat yourself up for feeling stuck in a rut. As far as getting out of this little lull you've found yourself in, first, I would find small ways to get yourself going again. It doesn't have to be a run. Go for a walk, try a new class at the gym, or turn on some music and dance around your bedroom [when I don't feel like running I talk myself into just going for a walk and somehow, 90% of the time I find myself running]. I think we get into this mindset that if we're not doing a really intense workout it's not worth it. But it is-- doing something good for yourself everyday, no matter how small it may seem, will make you feel better and will lead to more good choices. And the truth is, it's much more sustainable. So start doing small, good things for your body & let that attitude guide you. The second thing I would do, is make it easier to workout [ie: change up your schedule, call a friend and make a workout date, make an appointment with a trainer, do it first thing in the morning before you have a chance to talk yourself out of it]. Give yourself every chance to succeed.

having my cake

2010-09-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

1. planning a weekend away with my honey, after he takes his board exams. I could go for something like this.
2. getting back to my routine after weeks of visitors + vacation mode has set in [4x cardio 3x pilates 1x yoga].
3. filling every spare minute with friends and fun.

image: christian chaize

weekend favorites

2010-09-11T23:11:00.000-07:00

Things have been crrr-azy, just a few...

Love these 101 real tips to become a real runner. women's health.

Love these 12 weight loss tips from real women. shape.

Love this on my way to workout jacket. alo sport.

Loved my oh-so-wonderfully-intense led primary series at jois yoga Encinitas. Met up with bff & did things I've never done before and my shoulders are so sore I can't imagine doing another vinyasa anytime in the near future.

my ever-evolving philosophy no. 8

2010-09-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a break can do wonders. I just need a couple days of forgetting about my fiber intake and when I'm going to squeeze in cardio. And then usually after only a couple guilt-free days, I'm dying to hit the pavement and drink a spinach smoothie.

taste this: 3 ways to soak up the last bits of summer

2010-09-08T13:37:00.000-07:00

I'm not quite ready to say good-bye to summer. I'm doing all that I can to make it last. I've become such a california girl in the nearly-two years I've lived here. Give me endless summer!

balsamic portobello burgers with goat cheese. martha stewart.

corn and two-bean burgers with chipotle ketchup. cooking light.

stuffed turkey burgers. food network.

friday favorites

2010-09-03T16:45:00.000-07:00

Love these daily fit tips. Fitness.

Love these 9 easy ponytail alternatives. And love Jessica Biel's arms. Glamour.

Love! How cute are these? ...Especially with chilly fall months ahead. jcrew.

Love this smart, realistic thinking. And love my carbs. Carb lovers diet from health.

And loved my lunch at real food daily with bff ashley and yoga guru amy. Check out rfd's amazing vegetarian cookbook.

Well, it's a cat nap and an evening ballet class for me. I love fridays. Ciao 'til tuesday!

mysore

2010-09-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

After I finished my yoga certification, I became totally obsessed with going to India to study yoga. Unfortunately, I am yet to visit the great yoga mecca. It is still on my long list of experiences to have. In the mean time, I've decided to get my India fill from the Ashtanga Yoga Center LA. They are a fully Mysore style studio which I think is so cool [self led practice following the traditional primary series]. It's a bit intimidating, but I'm dying to get in there.

taste this: 3 ways to do chicken like a european

2010-08-31T20:18:00.000-07:00

Grilled chicken stuffed with basil and tomato. Delizioso. Whole Living.

Chicken with pesto potatoes. Sorpredente. Real Simple.

Grilled chicken breast provencal. Ooh la la. Health.

my ever-evolving philosophy no. 7

2010-08-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

Finding a healthy balance is a deeply personal experience. No matter how many resources I have, my motivation has to come from within. And because there are so many strings attached to eating & exercise, I’ve overcome so much more than just my body.

friday favorites

2010-08-27T14:20:00.000-07:00

Love these so-me, 21 fit forever secrets. Self.

Loved Ashley Greene in wh and loved reading her right-on fitness philosophy. Check out her gorge photos.

Love this oh-so flattering tank in oh-so many colors. Athleta.

Love relieving tight muscles with my foam roller.

And I've recently gone absolutely crazy for these odwalla superfood bars. They've been great because I've been constantly on the go. I'm hoping I can finally catch up on some sleep this weekend. My sister and I have our hearts set on a few flea markets and the Getty. And I would love to get some yoga in. My brain and body need it. Hope you're up to something fun. Back on monday for more!

on holiday

2010-08-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

My sis and her two cute nearly-two year olds have decided to extend their visit another week and I'm totally jazzed. It's been great shopping, beaching, and narrating everything to a couple jabbering toddlers. I must say I've been pretty pleased with my eating despite feeling like I'm on vacation. Luckily, I have the type of job where I can squeeze in a workout pretty easily.... although I have found myself counting carrying a little through the sand as a cardio. So you win some and you lose some. Hopefully you're soaking up the last little bits of summer. It seems like as soon as fall hits the rest of the year just flies by.

taste this: 3 ways to do pizza

2010-08-24T14:39:00.000-07:00

How delish does this pizza bianca look? Health.

Barbecue Pizza is always a fave. Health.

Love this insalata pizza. Cooking Light.

my ever-evolving philosophy no. 6

2010-08-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just have to let go. It's amazing how happy [and tired] I can be when I just let myself fly by the seat of my pants. I'm a planner. Ask anyone. It's what I do best. But sometimes it's so nice to just do, without thinking.

fit five: teri -- a foodie stays fit

2010-08-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

So can you tell I've been a little swamped? Not to worry though. I'll be back in full swing soon. Here's one adorable guest and her fit five [pictured just before her first big race]...

Hi! I'm Teri from A Foodie Stays Fit and happy to be on the fabulous blog of Have Your Cake! These are my must-haves in my fitness routine. Can't wait to hear about your must haves!

1. Eggs – They are such a great recovery food and super cheap. When I was training for my marathon, scrambled eggs on toast was the only thing I could stomach after my long runs. And now that I’m more into weight training, I love cooking up some eggs (usually 2 egg whites and 1 whole egg ‘cuz I have high cholesterol) for a protein boost to rebuild my muscles.

2. Burt’s Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion. I put this on my feet before my workouts and then put on my socks. The heat of my body helps this really penetrate and soften my feet, plus it feels so great and tingly when I’m done - a mini spa treatment while I work out!

3. The Stick - Running this over my legs feels so good after a tough workout and is great at loosening up tight muscles. It’s especially helpful if you have IT band problems from running.

4. Weight Training - I've seen more changes in my body in three months of weight training than 10 years of running. Really.

5. A Little Superstition - I always wear a green ribbon on my shoes when I run a race. It came on a good luck package that my best friend gave me before a half marathon; I wore it in my hair for that race and it was the first time I'd ever raced without having IT band issues mid-race. Now I wear somewhere on me in every race. I wore it last year when I ran my first full marathon and had a great experience. :)

having my cake

2010-08-15T21:28:00.000-07:00

1. Loving long long long power walks.
2. Feeling so so good taking Trader Joe's supergreens.
3. Counting down the days until my sisters come to visit.

friday favorites

2010-08-13T11:28:00.000-07:00

Love these so excellent 7 ways to curb your cravings. Women's Health.

Love this inspiring girl's pursuit of 365 days of yoga. Glamour-- Vitamin G.

Love these brights to make my run a little more fun. Nike via Nordstrom.

And love these brights <-- -->. On sale too. Lucy.

Love this fruit skewer idea. The Nest. It looks so decadent, doesn't it? Don't you love when the weekend comes so fast? I can't wait to check out the new Santa Monica Mall. I'm due for some good shopping. And hopefully I can squeeze in a little ballet class, which I'm also way overdue for. Have a deliciously almost decadent weekend!

my ever-evolving philosophy no. 5

2010-08-11T11:42:00.000-07:00

As far as eating goes, I like to feel like I'm being spontaneous or like I have the freedom to make up my mind in the moment. So what keeps me out of trouble is having a backup plan. I know how much I can eat to feel good. And I have my house stocked with healthy fall-back foods so whatever I choose, it will be a good choice.

taste this: 3 ways to do easy southwestern

2010-08-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

Easy chicken tacos. Real Simple.

Easy poblano, mango, and black bean quesadillas. Cooking Light.

Easy cilantro-lime fajitas. Fitness Mag.

ahchoo weekend

2010-08-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

I have a leaky faucet of a nose but I still managed to squeeze in some disco-skating and some chocolate chip cookies this weekend. My goal this week is to recover from this grrrr summer cold [Thanks a bunch R-- I'm not very good at staying aways from lovelies when they're sick]. I've been guzzling emergen-c and flushing with saline. And I've been sticking with Pilates & walking, as I'm struggling to breathe and running seems a little impossible.

friday favorites

2010-08-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

Love this busy girl's guide to beauty. Quick ways to go from workout to life. Because, lets be honest, I don't always have time to shower. fitness.

Love these un-boring lunch ideas. health.

Love this seven days of superfoods meal plan. self.

Love friends that run together.

Loved this so much I read it twice. Counting down the days 'til the movie.

Love a good loungey pant. j crew. And love a good loungey afternoon. ahhh. Welp, enjoy your weekend loves. I hope you lounge a little yourself.

guest thursday: music guru

2010-08-05T13:25:00.000-07:00

It's all new and it's all emily. Soak up the awesomeness while you sweat.

This playlist is perfect for those dog days of summer.
Truth be told I didn't even know what that phrase meant until i looked it up:

The dog days of Summer come from the Greek belief that the constellation "Canis Major" (or Large Dog) controlled the hot temperatures of July and August.

When I'm already sweating before I even start my work-out, I need a string of music that will motivate me from start to finish, and here it is:

Ready to Start - Arcade Fire
Cosmic Love - Florence & The Machine (that's for you;)
Dumpster Diving - Castledoor
Knock You Out - DJ Tiesto feat. Emily Haines
Don't Panic - Coldplay
Love is Gone - David Guetta
Hang You From the Heavens - The Dead Weather
Bleed to Love Her - Fleetwood Mac
Young Forever - Jay Z
The Package - A Perfect Circle
Pursuit of Happiness feat. MGMT & Ratatat - Kid Cudi

yoga journal no. 1

2010-08-04T10:04:00.000-07:00

I used to worry so much about whether I was doing each pose perfectly. And I felt like I always had to do the most challenging progression. But lately, I'm feeling quite mature & wise. It might be this getting married business. Or maybe, it's actually all those years of hearing listen to your body and practice without ambition finally sinking in. I've been able to start every practice with the thought: what does my body need today? Some days I want to sweat. Some days I just want to breath + have some quiet. And everyday, I'm getting more in touch with my body.

taste this: 3 ways to do shrimp

2010-08-03T13:46:00.000-07:00

In case you're as sick of fuddy-duddy chicken as I am...

shrimp with ginger sauce. real simple.

chili-garlic shrimp. self.

mango rice salad with shrimp. cooking light. Don't these look fab?

my ever-evolving philosophy no. 4

2010-08-01T21:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have to remind myself things don’t have to be perfect. I don’t need to create a culinary masterpiece every night. The apartment doesn’t need to be spotless for me to sit down & relax. And I don’t need a full hour to squeeze in a workout.

friday favorites

2010-07-30T12:27:00.000-07:00

Love these tips to outsmart restaurant menus. women's health.

Love these she she low-cal dessert recipes from Giada. women's health.

Love a 100 calorie lemon bar recipe. fitness magazine.

Love this classic hoodie. Love the price. Fall into the gap.

Love this dvd. Pilates on the ball with LA big-wig Maria Leone. Balanced Body.

And love when the weekend rolls around. Hope you enjoy yours my lovely readers. The hubs is getting busier and busier as his big exam approaches so I'm finding lots of ways to keep myself occupied-- cooking, yoga, new projects. I'm actually really enjoying taking a bit of time for myself [ok, so I miss him like crazy]. I would love to take a leisurely swim like this [& will love when the hubs can join me again]. Well ta ta for now. See you Monday!

pool image: Gaby Bernstein

fit five: melissa of fitness nyc

2010-07-28T23:17:00.000-07:00

Hi, I’m Melissa from Fitness NYC! I am excited to share my top five fitness “must haves” of the moment!

1]   An ipod and rockin playlist! My ipod is my igod. It always keeps me going! Frequently updating my playlists keeps me looking forward to workout and time with just me and the pod. I have lots of music suggestions on my blog, but I also look to Dori, Rachel and Tanya for music inspiration!
2]   Vitamin Water Zero—squeezed flavor. I am so happy that there is finally a stevia sweetened flavored beverage that tastes great and has vitamins to boot! I admit, I wish I was a plain water lover, but since I am not, this is a good alternative! True Lemon and True Lime are also great products and a slice of the actual fruit works too!
3]   Shoe wallets and/or wrist band wallets! I love running because it is no frills! While I can’t leave the house without keys, a shoe wallet or wrist band wallet keeps it as bare minimum as can be! A key, a metrocard (just in case), a couple bucks…and catch me if you can—you probably can J.
4]   NYRR: New York Road Runners! Have an organization that constantly organizes weekend races means I always have a goal to keep me motivated and a plethora of fellow runners to keep me inspired. I encourage everyone to find their local road runners club of america, the running network is hard to beat.
5]   Physique 57 and Core Fusion Exhale DVDs! I love these for days when I don’t have time to leave the apartment but want to sneak in a workout or to take along when I am traveling. They are great workouts and really get your results, plus they are a fraction of the cost of just a single class at the studio!

all my days

2010-07-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful, sunny, yoga/laundry/sleep-in kind of day after a long run, longer to-do list day, yesterday, and late night homemade scones with honey-butter night.

in the kitchen: tricolore salad with mini heirloom tomatoes

2010-07-26T21:36:00.000-07:00

This recipe is inspired by cpk's tricolore salad pizza, my love for heirloom tomatoes & arugula, and my love for all things Italian. This is great because it's delicious & satisfying, but still clean and light...and did I mention easy? I paired this with a simple grilled chicken breast [olive oil + Emeril's all-natural chicken rub]. You could opt to do this without cheese to bump it up on the health scale. But where's the fun in that?

1 package refrigerated whole wheat pizza dough trader joes or Canyon Ranch whole wheat dough.
2 T olive oil
1/4 C parmesan cheese

6 C arugula
2 C chopped mini heirloom tomotoes
4 T parmesan cheese
honey balsamic vinaigrette to taste

1] Follow preheating directions on package. Separate dough in half. Roll out half the dough into a thin circle or square. Brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with parmesan. Bake according to package & Cool. Cut into slices.
2] Place desired slices on serving plate [makes 4 individual or 1 large salad]. Top with arugula, tomotoes, & parmesan. Drizzle vinaigrette to taste. Eat like a pizza.

having my cake

2010-07-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

1. Extended edition of my happy + free run playlist. <-- check out my additions.

2. Weekly goals = perfect way to keep things fresh. See side bar-- every week.

3. Soaking up weekends & Ben & Jerry's chocolate fudge brownie frozen yogurt with R.

friday favorites

2010-07-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

It’s all about the weekend baby. It is Friday, after all. Add this all together and you’ve got a just right weekend.

Love this how-to. Avoid weekend weight gain. Self.

Love feeling like a beach beauty. Love these tips to look great all weekend. Fitness magazine.

Love these for a weekend run or sun salutations… And love that they're majorly on sale. Hardtail via Nordstrom.

Love this healthified zucchini bread from the e dible persepective via a foodie stays fit. This would be the perfect addition to a Sunday afternoon.

And loved my first class at Yoga Vista. I forgot I could sweat that much. I just may have to head back for round two.

I hope you enjoy your last weekend of July! And I hope you do something to enjoy summer while it lasts. Can you believe next weekend it's August? See you monday!

playlist: happy + free run

2010-07-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

Some days, I must admit I just need angry chick music to muster up the motivation to run. Some days however, I loooove how it feels to run & the freedom. And since I've been feeling particularly free this week, I thought I'd post my fave happy-free 30 minute run mix. This has just the right balance of ups and downs and the right sound to keep me motivated to finish with a bang. Enjoy!

1] Love Lost-- The Temper Trap

2] Dog Days Are Over-- Florence + The Machine (this whole album is golden for running/birthing)

3] Keep the Car Running-- Arcade Fire

4] North By North-- Faded Paper Figures

5] Zero-- Yeah Yeah Yeahs

6] Sweet Disposition-- The Temper Trap

7] Jump In the Pool-- Friendly Fires

8] You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb-- Spoon

Extended edition:
9] You've Got the Love-- Florence + The Machine
10] If Looks Could Kill-- Camera Obscura
11] My Moon My Man-- Feist

my ever-evolving philosophy no. 3

2010-07-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I forget I can take care of myself first without being selfish. I can wake up early to go for a run, maybe take a shower and do my hair before I do the dishes. That pile of laundry and other non-urgents can wait 'til after I eat something. Those emails will still be there after Savasana. Husband, job, whatever it is; No one is being neglected & I feel good because I’m taking care of myself. Everything will get done & I’m a happier and more efficient me.

taste this: 3 ways to do goat cheese

2010-07-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

This red onion, potato, and goat cheese pizza.

This eggplant and goat cheese sandwich.

This quick-roasted cherry tomato sauce with spaghetti.

I flipped over these simple-with-a-twist recipes. I love recipes that are simple enough to just throw together like it's nothing-- or at least make it appear like I threw it together effortlessly. It's a big plus that all of these are made with ingredients I usually have in my fridge. And goat cheese happens to be a lower fat cheese, and it's so chic. Cooking Light nailed it.

sun-kissed weekend

2010-07-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

Soaked up the Santa Monica sun & 3rd street sales. The beach was speckled with tourists, babies, & lovers-- the perfect Santa Monica day. SM Beach is where R proposed, so I always feel a special bond with it.

I'm very pleased to say I reached my goal & squeezed in a 6th run last week. This week's goal is 3 days of yoga. My body needs desperately to breathe and bend. I can hear my yoga mat calling my name already.

How was your weekend? I've got some seriously amazing recipes coming up. I can hardly wait to share them.

friday favorites

2010-07-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

I've decided to squeeze all my faves into one post. This week is all about being free. Summer finally made it here and I'm feeling free as a bird.

Love these Nike N7 Free runners. Love feeling like I could just run & run [hypothetically]. Love this color the most.

Love getting a just-so-happen-to workout from a day at the pool. Read this to get some great toning ideas. Fitness Magazine.

Loving glamour's segment Calorie Math and feeling free to eat what I want, just being smart about how I do it. You can have this <--- or that ---> .

Feeling free in my yoga practice. Loving my time to refocus and breathe and sweat. Build your own practice here. image: yoga journal

Loving my water sparkling + a little lemon. Makes being a water drinker way more fun. Enjoy your weekend! I hope I'm back on Monday with a tan!

my ever-evolving philosophy no. 2

2010-07-15T13:03:00.000-07:00

My body is mine forever. I can't escape it. I'm never going to just stop noticing it. Hello, I am in it. Good, bad, fat or thin, I'm always going to be aware of it. So I can exercise a little discipline & feel good in my body. Or I can ignore my body's needs & loathe it. While discipline always seems more difficult in the beginning, long term, it's the much easier, most rewarding road.

this is one happy girl

2010-07-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

The sun is back. Summer is here. And I'm the happiest girl in the world. If anyone needs to get a hold of me, I'll be sun bathing from now until September.

taste this: made-over four-cheese baked penne

2010-07-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

It looks so bad-- but with whole wheat pasta & cottage cheese it's not. And I can only imagine it's still delicious. Makeover your pasta recipe with Self. here.

taste this: pull apart orange rolls

2010-07-13T14:04:00.000-07:00

I've found no one in LA knows what orange rolls are. It's such a shame because they are delicious. Then again, maybe it's one less thing to be tempted by. I got this recipe from Martha Stewart & made these delights Sunday. We were in orange roll heaven & shared them with everyone we could. This is a great summer treat, definitely a indulgence. Here.

hello motivation

2010-07-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

My scheme to de-funk this weekend was just what I needed. I’m back and ready for action. But I’ve found I get into a little pattern which I need to break. I seem I get into ultra-motivated-mode & it’s really easy to make good choices. But then, as soon as I reach my goal, something switches in my brain & I go into vacation-mode. And while I enjoy indulging [hello! yes], I don't like indulging all the time. I don't like how I feel. And it's not fun or indulgent for me unless it's a special event or fun experience.

So I’ve decided I want to start each week with a little goal to keep me excited. Each week it will vary depending on what I need. The main purpose is to keep me from slipping into vacation-mode... which leads to schlumpy-mode. And hopefully, you can share your goals and we can all avoid schumpy-ness together.

feature friday: the best and the worst

2010-07-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

This is some of the best sense I've heard yet. It's a like-duh guide to balancing your good and not-so-good eating choices. A healthy lifestyle isn’t necessarily about good vs. bad. It’s all about balancing the good, bad, & best. Shape.

this weekend: mission de-funk

2010-07-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

I’ve been in a bit of a funk. Maybe it’s the never-ending, gloomy-gray weather LA has been experiencing. Maybe it’s the crazy hours the hubs has been putting in for his boards exam prep. But I’ve been feeling a little blah. And frankly, I’m sick of it. Here’s my strategy to de-funk this weekend. Hope you have a sunny, funkless or perhaps even funky weekend. Here's to sunshine.

1] Clean out the fridge + fresh groceries.

2] Refresh my daily routine.

3] Do my hair. It’s amazing what this can do for my mental state.

4] Lots and lots of leafy greens. Cue my favorite greek salad.

5] Something nice for someone else.

6] Mani-pedi combo.

7] Wheat grass shot

8] Out & about time. This weather has me homebound & stir-crazy.

9] Yoga/me-time.

10] Treat myself to some time in the kitchen & some orange rolls.

image: timaxford

having my cake

2010-07-08T12:27:00.000-07:00

1] Loving my runs + stairs.
2] Squeezing in a little extra ab-work to counteract the bloat from my monthly gift.
3] Bribing myself to eat healthy all week-- homemade orange rolls this weekend!

a conversation

2010-07-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

me: how much do you love me?
r: a hundred [percent]

A few minutes later….
me: no, how much do you LOVE me?
r: a million

And a few minutes later…
me: no, really though?
r: a BAZILLION
me: silent, satisfied

*image: R + me last year in santa barbara

taste this: oaty mixed berry crumble

2010-07-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

I tried this [pictured] crumble for the first time for our festivities and was very pleased. I found this other blackberry cobbler recipe last week which I intended to make for the 4th. But when it came down to it, I didn't have time to make the crust ahead of time. So I went on the search for the perfect crumble and found this from Food & Wine.

I did make a few slight adjustments-- Instead of granola, I added ground walnuts + whole old fashion oats. I used Smart Balance light instead of butter. And I squeezed a little lemon juice over the berries to give it a little extra tarty kick. Topped with vanilla ice cream-- it was molto bene.

image: food & wine

taste this: my favorite chicken

2010-07-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

R and I love this new-found recipe via real simple. It is so simple, fresh, and satisfying-- even for my manly man. I made this for the 4th and we were in barbecue heaven. This time, I [somehow] forgot the grilled onions, but I drizzled a little honey balsamic dressing on top and it was still di-vine.

image: real simple

my ever-evolving philosophy no. 1

2010-07-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

When it's time to go running [or do anything good for me], I usually have a million excuses not to. Somehow, I can always talk myself out of it, even when I'm trying to talk myself into it. So I've decided a no-thinking, just do it approach is best. I already know I'll feel better if I go & I'll feel worse if I don't. Whoohoo nike.

4th of july weekend

2010-07-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

looonnng run + pilates + wheat grass + Mendocino Farms + pistachio frozen yogurt + San Pellegrino + my favorite chicken + walnut-oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies + berry crumble + friends + hubs + sleeping in + beach + fireworks over-looking all of LA

It was one nice weekend. I’ll be sharing my recipes and other fun tidbits all week.

happy fourth!

2010-07-02T14:23:00.000-07:00

I hope you enjoy your holiday weekend! I'll be back next week with a full account of mine, not to mention recipes + my [ever-evolving] philosphy (formerly: my rules). It will be a full week of fun. We got gypped this week.

feature friday: best cities for women

2010-07-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

I'm alive! [I'm sitting outside my absent friend's apartment borrowing her wifi. Still waiting for the cable guy]. Here's a fun bit on the best cities for women from women's health.

yoga space

2010-06-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

I've tried several locations & furniture arrangements to find the perfect spot in our two bedroom apt. And somehow I've settled here-- the tiny space at the foot of our bed. I can close the door, blast the jam, zone out, & sweat it out.

and we're off

2010-06-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

I started my morning off with a donut, People, & a viewing of last night's The City. Trashy food + trashy entertainment. And you know, I don't feel a smidge of guilt.

I've got a run with some killer stairs and some much needed yoga on the docket today. I'm thinking I should probably include something healthy for lunch to balance out the sugar rush I'm currently experiencing. I'm really hoping to get into crazy cleaning lady mode today. LA's experiencing some serious June gloom & I need to snap out of it.

image: photodictionary

taste this tuesday: summer cobbler + grilled chicken kebabs

2010-06-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

I love a good kebab. And I'm very curious about this fruity, citrus twist on one of my faves -- note the pomegranate-orange dressing.

Cooking Light also has some tempting [and as always, lighter] cobbler recipes. This blackberry latice-topped version would be the perfect addition to my 4th of July celebration. Can you say a' la mode? And don't you just love summertime food?

why the changes?

2010-06-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

[hello jenny minus makeup]

To be perfectly frank, it started to feel a little sterile & health-nutty around here, which is just not me. It's important to me that this blog reflects a little more of me & a little more of my life, not just Jenny the Pilates instructor. Because what I've found through writing this blog is, everything I believe about living healthy really comes from life experience. [like--Sometimes a day at the beach can do more for my psyche & bod by extension than yoga.]

So I'm putting the living back in healthy-living. I'm no skinny-minny-- I workout hard & enjoy food. I love pastries & breads. And I love late night frozen yogurt runs with my hubs. I'm not prescribing any diets. And I'm not saying my way is the right way. I'm just a girl who enjoys living well & suspects that you might too.

goodbye weekend, hello gloomy monday

2010-06-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

It was a lazy, laid back weekend. The hubs and I had a couple dinners with friends and a late afternoon stroll at the beach, which always seems to be the highlight for me. There is something about the waves, the sand, & the sun that I just can’t get enough of.

On that note, I think an afternoon at the beach would make Monday seem oh-so much more bearable. Let's see if this gloom will go away.

a few changes

2010-06-25T14:49:00.000-07:00

Have your cake is taking new shape. You will continue to find all the same healthy-living segments, but with a little more indulgent fun & some real-life/lifestyle posts. Because its just silly to think healthy living simply comes down to what you put in your body & the energy you expend.

image: martha stewart

past faves

2010-06-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my favorite finds/posts from the past. I'm currently knee deep in laundry. yuck. I can't wait to do some yoga & eat a HUGE muffin from whole foods. I hope you enjoy your weekend & do something completely, wonderfully indulgent!

rule #1
high-energy sandwiches
all clean
something to think about
working out at home
my music guru
the search for the perfect yoga legging

3 ways I'm having my cake [this week]

2010-06-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

1. kick-butt pilates from the girls here.
2. adiosing my need to constantly snack.
3. a little mid-week shopping splurge.

I run

2010-06-23T13:33:00.001-07:00

because it's so stinkin' hard.

I dare you

2010-06-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

to read the ingredients of your favorite foods to find out what you're really eating. It's a little scary sometimes!

do it wednesday: runner's world challenge

2010-06-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

Hey you runners [or wannabe runner's like me]! This might be just what you need for a fun little kick in the pants.

image: runner's world

I do pilates

2010-06-22T13:37:00.001-07:00

because I have toned where I never thought I could tone.

taste this tuesday: mediterranean chicken wrap

2010-06-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

I love Mediterranean eating. Everything is just so simple and fresh tasting. I can't wait to try this. Whole Living.

I practice yoga

2010-06-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

because I love feeling free in my body.

rule #31

2010-06-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

Learn to enjoy feeling good just as much as tasting good.

feature monday: 5 "healthy" foods that aren't

2010-06-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

Glamour uncovers 5 foods we may like to think are healthy choices. They also offer some great alternatives. Get the story here.

you ravishing creature you: essie jazz

2010-06-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

I'm completely obsessed with this beigey-nudey color that I picked up at jcrew. Here.

3 ways I'm having my cake [this week]

2010-06-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

1. Morning oatmeal + soymilk, stevia, & cinnamon
2. More yoga. aahhh.
3. A little nightly sherbet treat

I dare you

2010-06-16T12:04:00.000-07:00

I dare you to find a jump rope, hopscotch, or hula-hoop to remind you of your girlish pastimes & just how fun it can be to live an active lifestyle.

do it wednesday: stay balanced yoga

2010-06-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a morning and an evening routine to balance your mind and body. Do it here. Whole Living.

smarter snacking: multigrain tortilla chips

2010-06-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

I believe food should be good for you & taste good. And so do they. I love these.

taste this tuesday: chipotle-glazed roast chicken with sweet potatoes

2010-06-15T12:21:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this look so yummy & satisfying? Get the recipe. Fitness.

feature monday: stay slim while you eat out

2010-06-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

These are some oh-so-doable tips to keep eating out from becoming a major stress or major splurge. Read it here. Self.

in the pink #85

2010-06-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

If I know how much I should be eating, I can know how much I should be burning. Like how many muffins can I really squeeze in without it making it hard to squeeze into my jeans?

feature monday: canyon ranch spa kitchen secrets

2010-06-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

Get the secrets that chef Scott Uehlein uses to make his famous food so delicious & healthy. Go. Fitness Magazine. I'll be whipping up these avocado quesadillas tonight. Get the recipe here.

this weekend

2010-06-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

I'll be doing some of this and this. Enjoy your weekend!

images: yogajournal

you ravishing creature you: best exfoliating scrubs

2010-06-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

Body + Soul shares the best to buy and best to diy. Go.

what I'm doing [now] to have my cake

2010-06-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

Napping. My body is tired.

I dare you

2010-06-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

to try one of these dvds to balance your bod. yoga. pilates.

do it wednesday: workouts for your ipod & iphone

2010-06-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

Squeeze in some moves where ever. It's all about convenience. Get it. Women's Health.

smarter snacking: chocolate sweet crisps

2010-06-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just need some chocolate. Still, I want to feel good after the fact. These are perfect to get a little sugar + get some good stuff too. Genisoy.

my new favorite snack

2010-06-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

Triscuits topped with cottage cheese + chives.

taste this tuesday: grilled chicken & peaches with arugula

2010-06-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

Can you say summer? This just screams summer/happiness/barbecues & it only takes 20 minutes. Get the recipe. Real Simple.

rule #10

2010-06-07T15:01:00.000-07:00

Find fruits & vegetables that you love and ways to dress them up. It sure makes eating them easier.

feature monday: 4 diet rules you can bend & how

2010-06-07T14:46:00.000-07:00

It's just more proof that, if you're smart, you can enjoy all the things you love. Read it. Women's Health.

from me to you

2010-06-04T12:21:00.000-07:00

I want to enjoy swimsuit days, not loathe them. I want to conquer stairs, not dread them. I want to soak up all the fashion I can without worrying about my bod. And I want to create a happy, healthy environment for my hubs & someday-babies.

stumbled upon this

2010-06-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

I would wear this to death. Be present. Shop here.