Summer has pretty much flown by! There was not a week this summer that I was not completely swamped with work, the gym, and social activities. Sadly, we weren’t able to swing a vacation this summer, but as we move into autumn, my boyfriend will be finishing up nursing school so we’ll have more time to enjoy the beautiful fall weather that we have in Minnesota. Since I’ve really trying to enjoy these last few weeks of warmth, I thought I’d put together a quick list of end of summer favorites.
Fall is easily my favorite season. Say what you want about everyone that jumps on the basic train during fall, but I love absolutely everything about the season including everything pumpkin spice. I’m really hoping to get out and do some hiking on some local trails to enjoy the cooler weather. I have to admit, that this was the first summer I loved the hotter weather and sunshine, so I’m a little worried about the looming winter months.
Food
Power Crunch Bars
Anytime I can make a Power Crunch fit my macros for the day, I usually do. Mostly I’ve been enjoying them on Sunday evening during Game of Thrones as a late night treat. My favorite flavors so far are the Peanut Butter Creme and French Vanilla Creme. These protein bars are higher in fat than say a Quest Bar, which I prefer for traveling or on the go. Power Crunch bars are more like a cookie, with the wafers having a dipped finish and almost a frosting texture. I definitely save these for end of the night treats rather than a meal on-the-go.
Bolthouse Farms Cilantro Avocado Dressing
If you’re not big into spending your macros on salad dressing, which tend to be higher in fat, you need to try Bolthouse Farms. I had heard about it for a long time and only recently decided to give it a try – 100% worth it. This dressing uses yogurt as a base rather than an oil. I personally love this cilantro avocado flavor and they have a variety to choose from. Check near the salads and carrots in the produce section of the grocery store.
Taco Bowls
This has been my favorite dinner for most of August. If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner during the week, start making taco bowls. Rice or cauliflower rice, chicken, lettuce, bell peppers, avocado,and salsa. Done! I like to use the frozen bell pepper blend and heat them up in a pan with some taco seasoning.
Beauty & Clothes
Old Navy Active Leggings
During all of August, I was loving these pair of active leggings from Old Navy. They fit me perfectly in all the right places, they’re squat-proof, and an awesome price. I snagged mine at 50% off, but event at full price (which you won’t pay because Old Navy is ALWAYS running deals) they’re only $32.99! I love Old Navy’s clothes for work and their active wear is also an amazing price for great quality. You can’t beat it!
Tarte Tartelette 2 In Bloom Palette
I tried this palette about a year ago and for some reason did not enjoy it enough to keep it. When I was doing some hunting for fall clothes, I popped into the store and swatched the colors and had to have it! I have been loving this palette and can see it being my new go-to for fall and some upcoming travel I’ll be doing. Most of the eye shadows in this palette are matte, and they blend wonderfully, but there’s also three shimmer shadows for some variety. Most of the eye shadows are on the warm side, which works well for my skins undertone and fall.
Life
My New Blog Name
I recently updated my blog name to Angela’s Balanced Life and shared why I went about making the change in this blog post. This year has turned out to be completely different than I planned, in terms of my fitness journey. I sustained a minor injury this past spring which made me take a step back and appreciate my health, but also that life is not all about tracking macros and going to the gym. It’s about living in the moment and being happy, and I feel like I’ve finally found that balance after being on my fitness journey for nearly five years. My new blog name is meant to show my newly found balance and I can’t wait to continue to sharing my journey with others! I also want to start including more life updates and also more travel. Stay tune for both!
Garden Tomatoes
Our garden is finally starting to yield some pickings and we have nearly an endless amount of grape tomatoes. Pretty much every time I go outside they’re three or four more are ready to be picked off the vines. I love grape tomatoes in my salads and also for snacking on, and it’s nice to have them from the garden to save some money at the grocery store and they also taste so much better.
What were you loving this summer? What are you looking forward to this fall?
