Friday Faves

The last weekend of August. It feels like summer is officially over even though it doesn’t officially end until 22nd September. This time of year in the Mediterranean is always my favourite. The days are still warm until October and there’s a feeling of change in the air. I always get a feeling a big change is coming around in September. I think it’s the back to school stationery and darker colours appearing in clothes shops that sparks it off.

I finally got my hamstring sorted out at the osteopath today only for my old achilles injury to play up later (Uff). I’m hoping it’s just a reaction to the treatment and not playing sherpa while Paul recovers from a shoulder injury that has put extra tension on it. If it is playing up again and I’m out for a while, this mornings run view was completely worth it. 7km in the early morning sun. The pavements were virtually empty apart from runners, the air was cool and the light, magical. I really must run at this time more. 

Anyways, in addition to sunrises, here are a few other things that have been making me smile this week:

H&M Flamingo Tape Dispenser

I couldn’t resist and every girl needs one. And it dispensers pink tape!

180 Degree rotation sandbag/step squat jumps 

A great cardio and strength move that hits the legs, bum and core. Straddle a step (start lowest height first and increase height) or sandbag. Perform a squat jump and as you explode up turn 180 degrees and land feet straddling the step. Repeat. Alternatively straddle the step, perform 5 normal squat and the last one jump 180 degrees and repeat. Can be done for reps or cardio bursts. Warning, they kill the quads!

Chalene Johnson Instagram

I’ve yet to try PIYO, but I get snip bits and other workout ideas from her Instagram account. She posts usually daily a short workout video that generally requires little or no equipment and can be done anywhere. I don’t think this lady ever stops and her energy is infectious. I’d love to meet her one day in person.

Lilica The Junk Yard Dog

She lives in one of the poorest areas in Brazil, but always makes sure her pack is fed. Everyday after one of her adopted human mum’s gives her dinner, she then makes the 4 mile journey back home carrying the rest of her dinner to share among her pack.

Aj and D

Aj was a trooper at the vets this week. Teeth clean, tooth removal and a shaved tummy (stomach investigation) that his Mama didn’t notice for 2 days. Bad mama. 

D

I don’t need an alarm clock with this boy. He always lets me know when it’s breakfast, snack and dinner time. Loudly. But I wouldn’t change him for the world.

Lemon and Strawberry Flavoured Water

I’ve had this a few times this week and it never gets old. 3 lemons slices, sliced in half and 1-2 sliced strawberries. The lemon helps detox and flush out toxins while the strawberries are full of anti ageing antioxidants for a tropical taste.

What’s your favourite time of year? What’s been making you smile this week? Have a great weekend and see you in September!

180 Degrees squat jump and Chalene Johnson image taken from Google Images