CITY SPROUTS

Snapshots

I decided this past week to switch from the weekly going on here posts to a weekly Snapshots series. I’ve been on a bit of a photography kick, and just want to capture bits and pieces of our day-to-day lives. Even though it’s heavy, I love grabbing my camera and keeping it in my purse, so I’m not just relying on my iPhone (though I use that lots too). Life is short, so capturing snapshots is magic.

Hope you enjoy. Happy Friday!

1// Love these little Connecticut-grown succulents we found at a local farmers’ market. I’m hoping to incorporate them as a wedding favor.

2// Maple went for her first walk along a river – the Saugatuck River. It’s fun to take our little Maple on walks. The world is her oyster.

3// Cake tasting. Oh yum. And yes, we know which one we liked best.

4// My two favorites. I just adore Josh, and watching him with pup makes me love him more.

5// It’s fun to take Maple for car rides. She loves the adventure, and we love how they tire her out.

Get Your Om On: How to Find Free Yoga Classes

Do you love yoga but find it out of your price range? I love getting a yoga class in here and there, but often don’t want to pay the high price. Sure,I could practice at home, but that’s easier said than done.

I got up early to go to a yoga class at the Westport Lululemon, and spent an hour fully immersed. I don’t do yoga too often, though I always feel refreshed and satisfied after a class. It’s the kind of thing I’d like to do more often, but being in between jobs right now (and being frugal by nature), it was great to go to an excellent class – for free.

If you do some searching online, you can often find free or reduced price yoga classes, making the luxury of yoga open to more people, and it adds strength, relaxation, and fitness to your week.

Check out Lululemon. One of the perks of Lululemon stores are a lot of the stores have free classes and workshops. While their stuff is expensive, they definitely know their female yogi and runner market, and know that by offering a class they can get people to shop afterwards. Go to their store finder to find a store near you. Then check their community events, or give them a call to find out about free yoga classes (or running groups, or other clinics or workshops).

Do a Google search. Type free yoga with your state, county or city. You may find more classes. Or try yoga trial with your area listed. Within 30 minutes from where we’re staying, I found one place that offers free community classes about once a month, and another place that offers a free trial for family yoga.

Look for gyms. Lots of gyms offer free day or week passes, if you seek them out. Again, do a search online. Try free gym trial + your region. Or just look up gym + your region and check out the local gyms’ websites. Even give them a call – just be sure to ask whether classes are included in a trial.

While these options may not be for you if you want to find a yoga instructor or studio to remain loyal to, if you’re looking for a change to your routine or want to try something new, there are lots of studios and gyms out there looking for potential customers. And if you’re looking for a new regular place to do yoga, taking a free class is a great way to find the right match for you. Groupon and LivingSocial often have good deals for cheap too.

A Visit to Sherwood Farm

Last week while on a drive, we stopped at Sherwood Farm to shop a bit. After picking up some Connecticut-grown produce, we saw people walking around the farm, and followed them to find a beautiful farm that’s open for wandering. And the weather was perfect.

Maple’s favorite was the chicken coop. Our favorite was watching Maple scope out the poor chickens. We sure do wonder what Maple thinks about.

Greek Yogurt Smoothie

I love smoothies. And Greek yogurt. So what better snack than to pair the two together?

You only need three ingredients to create this Greek yogurt smoothie, and it’s packed with potassium and protein, making it a great post-run or exercise treat. And if you use an already-sweetened yogurt, there’s no need to add extra sweeteners. Which also means you can make your smoothie any flavor you like!

Try using your favorite milk or non-dairy milk, or add juice instead. Or even lemonade. Get creative!

Love mix-ins? Add a big handful of raw spinach or kale, or some extra frozen or fresh fruit, or even a teaspoon of chia seeds or a 1/2 cup rolled oats. There are lots of ways to give a smoothie extra flavor and texture.

Greek Yogurt Smoothie – serves 1

• 1 6-ounce Greek yogurt
• 1 banana
• 6 ounces dairy or non-dairy milk, juice, or water (just fill the Greek yogurt container once emptied)

Mix all ingredients in a blender until smooth. See? So easy. Enjoy!

Going on Here

+ Relishing in spending Mother’s Day with my family. We had brunch with my parents and sister, including Mom’s homemade quiche, Stew Leonard’s corn cakes, fruit salad, and bagels with cream cheese and tomato. Yum. Plus dinner out at the Red Barn the night before.

+ Balancing everything. I mentioned it yesterday, but between blogging, freelance work, puppy care, prep for moving to NYC, marathon training, and getting our business off the ground, there is a lot to juggle! And my to-do lists always seem to grow.

+ Loving our save the date cards! My parents and I ordered them early this week, and they arrived on Wednesday. I’ll share more about them and other wedding plans and updates soon.

+ Craving chocolate. Enough said.

+ Cuddling Maple, and trying to get as many photos of her as possible. She’s getting bigger already! Time really flies, so we’re trying to spend as much time with puppy as possible.

Have a great weekend!