Sharing a review of the Precision Nutrition Level One certification with my experience so far, and how I plan to use it.

Hi friends! Hope you’re having a wonderful week so far! I’m seeing In the Heights today with my nana and madre (can’t wait!) and have been studying my face off. I’m about halfway through my Precision Nutrition level one certification, so I thought I’d post an update on my experience so far and how I plan to use this certification in my business.

Precision Nutrition graciously waived my certification cost, and I was so grateful and excited because I’d been eyeing the certification for a couple of years. One of things that always stood out to me was the focus on mindset and how to coach effectively and make nutrition changes that are sustainable and realistic for unique circumstances and preferences. It’s one thing to create a great meal plan, but it’s another thing entirely to help others make lasting changes that work for their life and schedule while propelling them towards their goals.

Precision Nutrition Level One review

Here’s how the curriculum is set up:

There are three different modules: the Precision Nutrition approach (what makes a great coach, how to create lasting changes, and what does solid nutrition actually mean?), the science of nutrition (WHY things happen and work the way they do), and working through the PN coaching process (how to use all of this information, coaching various levels of clients, and special scenarios).

You read the chapter in the text book, have the option to watch a video on their platform (or listen to the audio), view any relevant case studies, and take an exam for the chapter. You take your exam before moving onto the next chapter.

The coursework also includes a study guide to answer practice questions and take notes. The study guide has been extremely helpful and I’ll often use it to make little drawings or writing down concepts I want to remember. Everything is beautifully packaged, easy to carry around with you (I’ve been studying in the gymnastics parking lot, at dance competitions, and in parking lots waiting to pick up the girls from various places), and based on the most current science and information.

They give you the tools to create a business, including online assessments and questionnaires for clients. I LOVE that they set you up for success. So many of the certifications I’ve done have been like, “Congrats! Good luck out there!” and this one is like, “Here are all of the steps to actually put your certification into practice right away.”

For any of my fitness professional friends who are considering certification, enrollment is open right now. They only offer it a couple of times per year, and if you sign up before Friday, you’ll receive their Coaching Business Kickstarter Course ($349) for free. All of the details are on their page here!

How I plan to use my Precision Nutrition certification:

I think it’s worth noting here that I will NOT be a Registered Dietitian after completing this course, and if you have very specific nutrition needs or circumstances, you should absolutely seek out an RD in your area! However, if you’re looking for ideas on how to create sustainable changes and would like customized macro guidelines, I can be your gal. ?

To start off, I’m coaching myself! I create customized macro guidelines using their online toolkit and based it on my personal stats, goals (add lean muscle, decrease body fat, which has gone up this past year), and preferred eating style (Mediterranean). They have a couple of options for tracking macros: you can use specific gram amounts and weigh/measure everything, or you can “eyeball it” based on visual measurements. For example, a palm is a protein serving, a carb serving is your cupped hand, vegetables is one fist, and fat is one thumb. This is a great way to measure because it’s consistent (your hands don’t change size dramatically), it’s relative (a smaller person with small hands needs less food than someone who has large hands and a larger body frame), and it’s convenient (they’re always with you). When I calculate macros for my clients, you’ll receive the gram amount recommendations and the visual recommendations (for example 4 palms of protein each day, 5 cupped hands of carbs, 6 thumbs of fat, etc.).

I’ll post my results and final thoughts when I finish up my certification, which I expect to be the end of July. Fit Team members will have first dibs on nutrition coaching and I’ll open up my availability from there. ? I’m so excited to get to know more of you and add this offering to my current fitness programs and memberships.

If you guys have any questions about the Precision Nutrition cert, please leave them in the comments below! Please leave any nutrition-related topics or requests in the comments, too ?

If you’re looking to expand your nutrition knowledge or explore a career change, definitely check out their website here. (They have the bonus $349 course you’ll receive if you sign up this week, too!) I’ve loved this course so much already, and have been feeling sad about finishing it, but thankfully there’s a Level Two option.

Have a great day and thank you so much for stopping by the blog today!

xo

Gina

Photos: Kristi Harris

The post Precision Nutrition Level One review (and how I plan to use it!) appeared first on The Fitnessista.

Hi friends! Happy Tuesday! I have exciting news to share with you today:

Fit Team enrollment is OPEN and it closes Sunday at midnight. The price will jump this Friday, so if you know you’re in, grab your spot here.

This is my group fitness coaching option, and was designed for all of my friends looking for strategic training designed for maximum results.

Fit Team enrollment is now open!

Fit Team is for all of my friends out there who:

– Wing it each week with their fitness plan. You’re active, but hop all over the place from class to format, with no rhyme or reason behind the classes you choose. You’re able to maintain consistency – which is amazing! – but you’re frustrated because you’re not seeing results from your hard work. You’ve hit a plateau and aren’t sure where to go from here.

– Enjoy strength training but aren’t sure how to create a solid plan. You may piece your strength workouts together, but don’t know what muscle groups you need to train and how often. You aren’t sure when to change up your method to beat plateaus or how to add stressors to keep the body guessing.

– You’re struggling to get motivated, and use the valuable workout time you have fretting about what the heck you’re going to do. Not having a plan keeps you from getting started in the first place.

– Want the group community atmosphere and the accountability of a trainer cheering for you, along with women all over the world with similar goals.

Here’s what Fit Team is and what it’s all about:

I designed Fit Team after being flooded with personal training requests over the years. I’ve been able to take on a small amount of virtual personal training clients, but wanted to figure out how to share science-backed plans in a group environment, focusing on periodization and phased training. Fit Team was born.:) We’re a team working together to become the most Fit version of ourselves: happy, energized, confident, vital, and strong. 

Each month, your workouts are delivered to your inbox on the 28th. (When you sign up, you’ll automatically get June’s plan in your inbox so you can get rocking and rolling. The July plan will go out on the 28th.) You get weekly strength workouts, along with cardio guidelines, weekly meal planners, and a printable fitness plan that you can fill out each week.

Fit Team members get:

– Monthly strength workouts along with video tutorials for all of the exercises

– Low-impact and postpartum modifications

– Printable weekly meal planners and fitness calendars

– Live Zoom workouts with me

– Access to our closed private community, where you can connect with other Fit Team members, ask questions, share recipes, and ask for support

– Office hours with me to ask questions

– Bonuses each month (these are always a surprise): new recipes, videos, playlists, accountability challenges, training tips, giveaways, etc.

When you enroll in the 6-month option, you’re getting $1300 worth of value… all for a sweet deal here.

* Note: Fit Team members will have first dibs on my new nutrition services, including personalized nutrition reports and macro guidelines

Here’s what current members have to say:

Join us here!

Questions about Fit Team:

How are the workouts structured?

The workouts are 30-45 minutes max and utilize equipment you have at home; all you need is a pair of dumbbells. The plan is flexible and you can make it work for your schedule.

They are phased using different training strategies to prevent plateaus and boredom! These are delivered via PDF with workout tutorials and bonus materials in the document.

Are there any modifications provided?

In the workout video tutorials, I provide low-impact and beginner modifications, as well as ideas for pregnancy and postpartum.

What if I like to do group fitness classes and other online options but still want to join?

You can absolutely sub your favorite classes in for the strength workouts (for example, BODYPUMP for total body and barre for lower body, etc). You don’t have to follow the plan exactly and can use the strength workouts to complement your current schedule or shake things up! It’s also nice to have them on hand when you have a quick bit of workout time and don’t want to spend it figuring out what the heck you’re going to do.

How long is the program?

I recommend the 6-month commitment because we want to generate the best results possible. This is for those who want a long-term transformation and is the best value. We also offer one and three-month options, plus the option to cancel at anytime.

Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

I want you to LOVE these programs. If for any reason you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, let me know within 14 days and I’ll issue a refund. I’m confident that you’re going to love it!

If you have any questions about Fit Team, please leave them in the comments below. The price will jump this Friday so hurry and snag your spot. I only offer enrollment about twice per year, so it may not be available again until 2022.

Sign up here.

Can’t wait to see you in the group!

xo

Gina

The post Train with me [Fit Team is open] appeared first on The Fitnessista.

Sharing a recap from our recent San Diego trip, plus some of our all-time favorite places in San Diego.

Hi friends! Happy Monday! How was the weekend? I hope you had a lovely one. Ours went by a liiiiittle too quickly, but we’re back in the swing of things today. We celebrated madre’s birthday, Liv and P had their dance recital, and I made a baby meal for a friend. I hope you had a great weekend, too!

Since we just got back from an awesome trip to San Diego, I thought I’d pop in today and share a roundup of some of our very favorite spots. (For my newer reader friends, we lived there for a few years and loved it!) Before we lived in San Diego, it was a vacation spot, and we’d spend our entire trip in one neighborhood. For example, we’d stay in La Jolla, park our car, and spend the entire trip walking. We didn’t get our car until it was time to go home, and there was TONS to do in La Jolla. You can do this in any of the large neighborhoods in San Diego, and each one will be packed with awesome restaurants and food options. (Especially if you’re in Point Loma/OB, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Little Italy/Gaslamp, or Hillcrest.)

There’s just so much to do and when in doubt, the beach is always there. The kids will spend hours playing in the sand and running in the waves. We spent a lot of time this past week doing that, in addition to some other fun activities.

What to do and where to stay in San Diego

A roundup of some of our all-time favorite spots in San Diego. SD is a FOODIE SCENE and I feel like it’s hard to find bad food in San Diego. There have been so many wonderful spots we’ve tried over the years, but the only ones that made the list below have a serious wow factor.

Best San Diego restaurants:

For a date night, head to:

Bo Beau Kitchen – I just love Bo Beau SO much. It’s French cuisine, and everything is beautifully prepared and so flavorful. The mussels, the goat cheese flatbread, the wine selection, the vibe, everything.

Mister A’s (for a special occasion) – this is the spot to go if you feel like getting dressed up and want exquisite views of the city

Herringbone (Ja Jolla) – the atmosphere here is lovely (they have a giant tree growing in the center of the restaurant) and the food is, too.

Harney Sushi (Old Town)

Catania (La Jolla)

Herb & Wood

Breakfast:

The Cottage. This has been consistency awesome since I was pregnant with Liv. It’s one of our go-to spots in La Jolla.

Great Maple (Hillcrest). The breakfast here is RIDICULOUS and we’d frequently bring out-of-town guests here. Get the beignets!

The Mission (North Park)

Breakfast Republic

Snooze

For family-friendly fare:

Corvette’s! (Liberty Station. The kids LOVE it here! They have an arcade, they do straw designs in the kids’ hair, and it’s 50s style diner food, so think over-the-top milkshakes and diner faves. There’s always a wait and it’s always worth it)

Cafe Coyote (Old Town) – It’s a casual and huge Mexican restaurant in Old Town. They make their tortillas fresh, the food is great, and they have giant margaritas. Wins all around. (We’ve tried many other spots in Old Town and Cafe Coyote has had the most consistent food and the fastest service, which can be handy when you’re dining with little ones.)

OB Noodle House. UGHHH OB Noodle House. I dream about their pho and while we used to walk here often for dinner, we now have it at least once when we visit. The food is so flavorful and good, and it’s a great casual dinner spot. Get the lettuce wraps, the pho, and/or the Teriyaki chicken dinner plate (it’s so simple, but perfect).

Stone Brewing. They have a large outdoor garden seating area, the menu is diverse, and they have a lot of local beer options.

Mitch’s Seafood (Point Loma) or Point Loma Seafoods. For Mitch’s, you pick what kind of seafood you’d like – all of the daily catches are listed on an enormous chalkboard – and how you’d like it prepared. I highly recommend fish tacos with a michelada, and eat it on the patio overlooking the bay.

Puesto Tacos (La Jolla or Seaport Village). AMAZING tacos, margaritas, you’ll love it.

Crack Shack (Little Italy north). I’m not a fried chicken person but Crack Shack made me a fried chicken person. It’s salty, crispy, a little spicy, and I’m very glad I discovered it after I was pregnant with P. (She would have been a fried chicken baby instead of a steak and soft pretzel baby lol.)

Tender Greens – multiple locations (Very casual but awesome, fresh food)

Cesarina (Point Loma). This was a recent find and we had a lovely dinner here with Betsy and her fam. ALL of the pastas, sauces, and desserts are made in-house. It’s extremely fresh and vibrant food, and they had a vegan eggplant parm that was to.die.for.

Draft (Mission) – This is the spot if you’ve been hanging around Belmont Park and want a casual bite. They have an excellent beer selection, great appetizers, and food.

Cody’s (La Jolla). Dine al fresco by the beach with a unique cocktail menu.

Isola Pizza (Little Italy). The BEST wood-fired pizza.

Liberty Station Public Market – lots of options and you can find something for everyone, whether it’s mac n’ cheese, a lobster roll, poke bowls, Thai food, a salad, a burger, and ridiculous desserts

Quick, to-go food and vegan options:

Better Buzz!! Get the Best Drink Ever and the avocado toast. They have gf bread, too. ?

Saffron (get the Brain Food – it’s a mix of chicken, kale, sweet potato, and warming spices, like turmeric, garlic, and ginger)

Tiki Port for the best acai bowls of your life (Cafe by the Bay in PB is my #2 choice). I recommend the Drifter (it has chocolate chips) add peanut butter.

Pizza Port. We’ve been fans of Pizza Port for years! They’re a microbrewery with local beers on tap, along with gluten-free and vegan pizza options. The pizza flavors are all unique and the dough is perfection.

Cafe Gratitude (Little Italy) – all vegan and SO delicious

Triology Sanctuary (La Jolla) – another vegan spot specializing in raw offerings. It’s on a rooftop with a gorgeous patio and views. They also offer yoga classes here!

Nomad Donuts (North Park)

Swami’s Cafe (North Park)

Kid-friendly activities:

Belmont Park – the kids go crazy here. They have lots of rides, an arcade, mini golf, a rock wall, zipline, and it’s steps away from the beach

The New Children’s Museum – we haven’t been recently, but the girls have always loved visiting

See the seals at La Jolla Cove. I could watch them all day. The Pilot and I talk about retiring in La Jolla, and taking our coffee down to the cove in the morning to watch the seals ?

Scripp’s Aquarium – so much to see here, including a tide pool with an area to pet different sea creatures

San Diego Zoo – the zoo is always a hit with the kids and you can spend an hour there, or the entire day

Stroll around Balboa Park and ride the historic carousel

Safari Park

See a movie and grab dinner at the Lot (Liberty Station or La Jolla). Get the chili lime popcorn!

Visit a park! We love the one in Liberty Station and Fanuel park in PB

Date ideas:

Rent a paddle board to paddle around Mission Bay (we also like Kellogg Beach; it’s more a hidden spot and not as busy)

Get join spa treatments at Therapie Day Spa

Dueling pianos at Shout House (I’m not sure if it’s open right now but it has always been one of our favorite date night spots)

Where to stay in San Diego:

We’ve stayed at quite a few different places in SD on vacations and staycations (when we lived there!) and the Hotel del Coronado has always been one of our favorite places.

We’ll usually stay a night or two in Liberty Station (either at a Marriott or Airbnb) and then head to the Del for the rest of our stay. The amenities are incredible – they do movie nights in the summer and we love winter ice skating- and the rooms are always spacious and beautiful. It’s a historic hotel and I’ve always been fascinated by its history, even though it’s a little bit haunted.

Our last two stays at the Del haven’t been as magical as usual, but a lot of that has to do with the fact that they’ve been under construction for over a year. With the current restorations, some of the dining options have limited hours or are closed, and the downstairs shop and main lobby are also closed. It’s definitely not a low-cost hotel, so I think it’s worth waiting until construction is over to enjoy the full experience.

Some other spots we’d recommend:

– Westin in the Gaslamp

– La Valencia (La Jolla)

– Tower23 (Pacific Beach)

– US Grant (Gaslamp)

– An AirBnb or Vrbo. For this one, check out the areas where you’ll be spending most of your time and try to find one close by with good reviews. There are quite a few options available in all of the major areas and the good news is that while San Diego is spread out, it’s a quick drive on the freeway to get around.

So, tell me, friends: where’s your favorite close vacation spot? Where do you love to go in San Diego? Any San Diego locals who might be able to share some of their top faves?

xo

Gina

Heads up: I’ll be back tomorrow with some details about Fit Team and how to join!

The post What to do and where to stay in San Diego appeared first on The Fitnessista.

The star of A Teacher, Kate Mara, shares her thoughts on the horny TV renaissance and how to have a family political disagreement when you’re part of two NFL dynasties.

In your new show A Teacher, even though the relationship between your character and her student is deeply screwed up, it’s also very hot. Between that and Normal People, Hulu is really leading a horny TV resurgence.

I’m glad that was your comparison, because I’m with you. And obviously, the show is exploring the reaction that you had to it. [But] just because somebody seems mature, or even if a kid is 18 or whatever the legal ages are, it’s still abuse of power and it’s not an affair. There’s a lot of people who hear it and think, “Well, if it’s a young guy and it’s a hot young teacher, then what’s the big deal?” But it’s important to think deeper [about] the actual trauma that occurs.

You’re very outspoken about Black Lives Matter and football players’ right to protest, especially given that one side of your family co-owns the Steelers and the other the Giants. Did you talk to them before you spoke out?

My dad has always known my feelings and knew when my sister [Rooney] and I were going to say something, and we always got his blessing. I’m a massive football fan; it’s literally in my family and has been forever. I have so much passion for it, and for the sport itself, and for the sacrifice that the players make, to do what they do. With the NFL and Black Lives Matter, I just was like, “I can’t not say anything. It’s wrong to be silent.” Especially when you see your own players on your own teams saying, “We need you to speak up for us and do more for us.” [But] my dad’s one of 11 kids, which is a lot of people and a lot of different opinions. I think that it’s complicated for them.

A lot of people are going through this with family now, though I guess most don’t own football teams. How do you kindly disagree with someone in a way they can be receptive to?

While a lot of arguments and conversations are great to have on social media, when you’re talking about family, I think that’s probably the wrong route. For whatever reason, it is a lot easier to have conversations over the phone. There’s something less intimidating about it than sitting across the table at Thanksgiving. I’m not saying all my family members have different opinions than I do. But when you have a massive family, the chances are, not everyone’s going to agree. Like, [I’m] a very passionate vegan, and I did not grow up in that kind of household at all.

I wouldn’t consider myself a duck; it’s ‘what you see is what you get.’

They didn’t get you a tofu turkey?

Absolutely not. And there still isn’t [one].

“You can eat sides, Kate.”

I basically live on sides anyway.

You seem like a person who is very contained and has a lot of control over what you put out and what you hold in. Are you that placid inside, or are you a duck? Meaning, you appear calm but below the surface you’re frantically paddling.

I do relate to that. But I wouldn’t consider myself a duck; I think that usually [with me], it’s “what you see is what you get.”

Besides a vaccine and systemic social change, what are your dreams for the coming year?

I hope that we can create more things sooner than later, because it’s such an emotional outlet in so many ways. And I do think that movies and television and everything helps a lot of us get through the hard times.

I figured it out: You and your husband Jamie Bell and your sister Rooney and her partner Joaquin Phoenix can do an at-home version of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Shoot it on an iPhone, Steven Soderbergh-style.

That’s pretty dark! I want more uplifting stories.

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The Basics

Age
37

Hometown
Bedford, NY

Top 3 Instagram Accounts to Follow
1. @theconsciouskid
2. @kaepernick7
3. @afrovegansociety

Chris Hemsworth is one of those guys who has managed to stay authentic through a meteoric rise to stardom. That probably has a lot to do with the fact that when the Australian actor isn’t portraying a Norse god for Marvel or doing hit action flicks like Extraction for Netflix, he is back home surrounded by family in Byron Bay.

“It’s all about staying true to yourself“ Hemsworth told Men’s Journal. “Trying to live a life of integrity and honesty. And pursuing your dreams with a real commitment and passion.”

That down-to-earth attitude plays into everything Hemsworth is involved in, from showbiz to his new BOSS Bottled campaign with Hugo Boss. Being the face of a fragrance is not for everyone, but he wears it well, because we know he doesn’t just sit pretty. Odds are that once the photo shoot is wrapped, he’s ditching the suit for gym gear or his surfing wetsuit.

We spoke to Hemsworth about Australia, his latest training methods, and what to expect from the next Thor.

Since you are someone that is constantly evolving with your training, what new methods and exercises are you excited about?

I’ve been training with Ross Edgley, who was the first person to swim around Great Britain, and the list goes on of incredible feats. He’s an absolute beast. But just a ball of positivity and knowledge. There’s not a subject in the field of health, wellness, training, repair, recovery, strength, speed, endurance, whatever, that he isn’t versed in. So, I’ve just been savagely stealing all of his knowledge as much as I can.

I’m shooting a documentary for National Geographic and Utopia, who also did One Strange Rock with Will Smith. And Darren Aronofsky’s overseeing the whole thing and directing a lot of it, and it’s all about longevity and health. And Ross has been quite central to a lot of those episodes, so he’s out here currently in Australia. And with Thor next year, we’re already doing a lot of strength work and power work and building muscle, but really concentrating on having it be functional too. So, incorporating swimming with it, incorporating functional movements.

I found that in the past, when I just lifted heavy weights, I put the mass on, but my joints were stiff, there was no functionality to it. And I’ve never seen anyone at his size or that size also have such athleticism, and that’s what’s impressive. He does not look like a swimmer, but if he didn’t have that muscle mass on the swim around Great Britain, his tendons would probably have torn off. So, he’s a very unique individual and it’s been fantastic to work so closely with him lately.

How have the workouts evolved since those interactions?

Just being really smart with the training. But to be honest, we’re training in less time, but with a greater intensity. So, big power movements, building up to them, and then mechanical drop sets, hitting it from different angles, one after another. Doing big, heavy chest and then holding an isolated half push-up position, so isolated holds after a big set.  But just explosive eccentric movement and then slow on the concentric.

The wheels are in motion for the next Thor, when did you start training for it?

I ruptured a couple of ligaments in my ankle, so we really had to alter the training. This was last month, so I’ve had to work around that and have it in a moonboot for a bit. But that’s actually starting to feel good now, so working with a great physio on directional change stuff and stressing the ankle in similar positions under a safe space, so that it can build up scar tissue in that movement. Not completely staying away from it, which I hadn’t worked with before.

Normally, in injury and tendon damage, you just stay right away and don’t touch it, which we did for a period of time, but he said it was just as important to get back and stress it in the same way just to build strength there again. We’ve been doing that, but again, I couldn’t swim properly, so I’d be swimming with a pool buoy, flotation device in between my knees. So, I could still do upper body and still get some sort of core movement workout.

Do you make it a point to recreate the physicality that you have in previous Thor movies? Or do you find yourself trying to adapt his look depending on the script?

Depending on what version of Thor we see, and we saw the different condition he was in in End Game. If I’m playing a healthy version of Thor, I want to step it up a notch and I’m definitely looking at evolving again. With all the muscle memory, you only look a certain way after years and years of doing it. There’s a different sort of density to your muscle mass.

This is something I say all the time, but I want to be able to have function to it. You can see people who just do strict body building, they move a certain way. There’s an impressive visual image there, but for me, it’s got to be agile and mobile and have flexibility to it. So, I like to think we’re all pretty excited that we’re ramping it up again and Ross is going to give me a hand with that. I’m in good hands.

I heard that you and director Taika Waititi have been having script meetings on the new one, Thor: Love and Thunder. Can we expect some big action?

For sure. Always! That is something that I said to Taika early on, because he’s so incredible with story, and character, and humor. And what was so amazing about Ragnarök was that it had all those elements, but I also heard from people that they loved the big action scenes. The opening with the Fire Giant, and the battle on the bridge. Those big cinematic, launch-off-the-screen experiences. So I really think it is about that fusion. The attention to all of the spaces. It is one of the funniest scripts I have read in years, and I have read a few. I haven’t been this excited for a long time.

I remember speaking to you when you first got the role of Thor, you were prepared to work, but did you ever see coming up on a decade of playing the character?

I couldn’t have seen this coming. I didn’t realize the health journey it was going to send me on. I wish I knew what I know now back then. I have learned how important those early years are for setting a foundation, and getting the mechanics right. Not stressing the parts of the body that people are usually stressing, the knees and the back. These days I feel healthier than I ever have and that has a lot to do with the abundance of people that I have interacted with. It is about staying open to new ideas, and not thinking you have all of the answers.

During that time, you became the face of BOSS Bottled, as their Man of Today, what did you like about the campaign?

They are timeless, and I believe that message of staying true to what you are really connected with me. That’s been the ethos for the brand since I first joined and, I think, for a long time. So, it’s great to be part of that kind of a positive message.

Being the face of a fragrance, what smells do you find yourself enjoying the most?

I have to say the smell of Australia. When I step off a plane having landed back home after traveling. The first thing that hits me is that Australian bush life, the eucalyptus and crackling plant life. There is also a frangipani tree that grows at our home, that just brings me peace. They grow in the places of course, like Hawaii and Indonesia. If I come across one of those out in the world, it just brings me back home. And then the beach and everything that comes with that. The ocean, and the smell of surfboard wax. Those scents are very grounding for me.

In the 1970s and 1980s, things weren’t looking so great for the tried-and-true mechanical watch. Compact, highly accurate quartz watches had flooded the market, and more and more people were taking a pass on the intricate craftsmanship of mechanical watches and opting for battery-powered options. But Swiss watchmaker Breitling wasn’t content to let the mechanical timepiece fall by the wayside. To celebrate its 100th anniversary in 1984, the brand launched the Chronomat, a mechanical watch that demonstrated a strong commitment to spring-powered watches, and it soon became an icon. Now the watchmaker has released the Chronomat B01 42, and it references everything we love about the original: It’s highly functional, offers refined styling, and brings some interesting history to your wrist.

The Chronomat name actually goes back even further than 1984. According to a press release, Breitling first attached the label to some of its watches in the 1940s, and the word was a portmanteau of “chronograph for mathematics” (this was long before the Casio calculator watch appeared). The 1984 Chronomat recycled the name, but this time it referred to the watch’s self-winding, or automatic, movement—a notable departure from the quartz watches that were so common at the time.

“It was the watch that boldly proclaimed Breitling was staying absolutely true to its roots,” Breitling CEO Georges Kern said in a statement.

The 1984 Chronomat took design cues from a timepiece Breitling had previously created to honor the Frecce Tricolori, the aerobatic demonstration team of the Italian Air Force. With its tachymeter for calculating speed and its rotating bezel, it quickly became popular with aviators, as well as Formula 1 drivers and boaters.

Today’s Chronomat comes in a dizzying number of versions to suit every taste, but all stay true to the design heritage of the ‘80s original—or “modern-retro,” as Breitling describes it. The watch features a 42-millimeter stainless-steel case with an integrated Rouleaux bracelet for a sleek look on the wrist (there’s also a rubber bracelet available for a sportier feel). Like the original, the Chronomat B01 42 comes with a rotating unidirectional bezel with rider tabs. Although a small detail at first glance, the tabs serve an important purpose: They protect the timepiece’s sapphire glass, and the tabs at three o’clock and nine o’clock are interchangeable, which allows you to utilize “count down” or “count up” functions.

We also love that the Chronomat comes in such a wide range of finishes, which makes it possible to nab a unique timepiece that also fits well with your wardrobe. For example, you can opt for a silver, copper, or blue dial with black contrasting chronograph counters, or a black dial with silver contrasting chronograph counters. There are also several options with striking red gold accents, and two eye-catching special editions: a Bentley edition honoring the famed British carmaker and a limited edition (only 250 available) honoring the Frecce Tricolori.

No matter which you choose, you’ll get a very well-designed watch. Breitling’s Manufacture Caliber 01 movement powers every Chronomat, and each timepiece boasts a 70-hour power reserve. Plus, they’re water resistant to 200 meters, which makes them more than ready for the rigors of daily wear.

Over three decades after the “quartz revolution,” we’re happy to see that mechanical watches—especially the Chronomat—are still going strong.

[$8,100; breitling.com]

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Spiked seltzers haven’t lost their traction. We love a juicy IPA as much as the next guy, but sometimes you want a lighter alternative. If you’re already experiencing White Claw fatigue, know that there’s a big, beautiful world of spiked seltzers, hard teas, and canned cocktails you’ve likely never tried.

Summer 2020 is as good a time as any to try some standouts. You’re spending more time at home, leaving plenty of time to crack open a cold one after yard work, lazing by the pool, or enjoying a day on the lake. Better yet, pick up some packs of spiked seltzers and other canned concoctions for your Fourth of July festivities. Whether you’re anticipating a leisurely or boisterous holiday weekend, it’ll surely benefit from these five.

Not one is a flavored malt beverage. Each of these boasts premium alcohol and natural ingredients for a buzz that can’t be beat. Think of them as cocktails you’d make for yourself—only canned and ready to be toted to your favorite local beach, mountain, or buddy’s backyard.

The Best Spiked Seltzers, Hard Teas, and Canned Cocktails

 

 

 

1. Volley Sharp Grapefruit Spiked Seltzer

This newly launched line of spiked seltzers doesn’t rely on malt alcohol, nay. Volley utilizes 100 percent blue agave tequila from Guadalajara, Mexico, in its easy-to-slug concoctions. But we urge you to savor every sip. Unlike other spiked seltzers that use sub-par tequila mixed with malt liquor and additives, Volley sources blue agave from the highlands of Jalisco, where the agave plant matures slowly, yielding sweet, floral, well-rounded tequila. Flavors include fan favorites like Sharp Grapefruit, Zesty Lime, and Tropical Mango, as well as a wild card: Spicy Ginger. And since they’re using premium tequila, they don’t muck it up with unnecessary ingredients. Volley uses natural fruit juice and sparkling water—and that’s it! There are no concentrates, added sugars, or “natural” flavors, aka synthetic, lab-made essences that taste artificial (think watermelon seltzers that mimic Jolly Ranchers). The Sharp Grapefruit is refreshing with the tang and sharpness you’d get from a paloma. Available in New York, New Jersey, and Florida markets; online shipping available nationwide in all 50 states. Find the closest third-party retailer near you, here.

• ABV: 5.25%
• Calories: 100-110
• Carbs: 1 g
• Sugar: 0 g

[$13.99, 4-pack; drinkvolley.com]

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2. LQD Hard Peach Green Tea

LQD (“liquid reimagined”) is a line of craft beverages that comes from Anheuser-Busch’s Brewer’s Collective. The sector’s lineup includes Hard Agave Limeade, Hard Hibiscus Lemonade, Hard Passionfruit Green Tea, and Hard Peach Green Tea—best enjoyed while playing a round of bocce ball or lolling about on a porch swing (just our humble opinion). The Hard Peach Green Tea has a soft, mellow fruitiness. The flavor isn’t overt—more like the musky fragrance of sun-ripened fruit. LQD brews decaffeinated green tea leaves with pure cane sugar (and a little yeast), which naturally ferments into alcohol (the same process as beer and wine), then they blend in more green tea and add whole peach puree. There are no artificial sugars or additives, and we love the lack of malt liquor. It’s incredibly smooth and a nice alternative to seltzer. Find the closest third-party retailer near you, here; also available on drizly.com.

• ABV: 5.2-5.9%
• Calories: 150-185
• Carbs: 11-18 g
• Sugar: 8-12 g

[$10.99, 6-pack; drinklqd.com]

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3. JuneShine Blood Orange Mint Hard Kombucha

For some, kombucha is the magical elixir that calms stomachs and delivers sweet, sweet salvation from the worst hangovers. You can thank the probiotics and antioxidants from its gut-friendly yeast and bacteria; they, along with organic acids, actually detoxify the liver, per research published in the CyTA Journal of Food. Some brilliant minds have used kombucha as a mixer in cocktails. It’s naturally effervescent and sour, after all. But Juneshine has done one better and created a lineup of hard kombuchas. Blood Orange Mint is one of their most popular, touting real blood oranges, green tea, cane sugar, a touch of honey, mint, and Jun kombucha (a variety of ‘booch, which is fermented with tea and honey instead of cane sugar, lending it a lighter, smoother taste). Grab one while barbecuing. Better yet, keep a cooler handy while you man the grill, ‘cus it’ll go down fast. Other notable flavors include Midnight Painkiller (coconut, pineapple, orange, turmeric, and nutmeg) and JuneShine’s new 100-calorie offering: Pineapple Orange and Hibiscus Lime. Find the closest third-party retailer near you, here; home delivery available in some states; also available on drizly.com.

• ABV: 4.2%-6%
• Calories: 100-149
• Carbs:
• Sugar:

[$29.99, 12-pack; nyc.juneshine.com]

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4. Cutwater Lime Vodka Soda

Cutwater has over a dozen different canned cocktail options (Rum Mojito, Whiskey Mule, Tiki Rum Mai Thai, the list goes on…), so you’d be hard pressed to find something you don’t like. Their line of vodka sodas will definitely hit the spot on sweltering summer days. Choose from Lime, Grapefruit, or Cucumber—all are made with the brand’s very own Fugu vodka, which is distilled six times from corn-based grains, then filtered 15 times (precision is the name of the game) with either naturally flavored lime, cucumber, or grapefruit soda water. It’s crisp, light and everything we want to be drinking on a body of water (or a hot-as-hell fire escape in Brooklyn). Find the closest third-party retailer near you, here; also available on drizly.com.

• ABV: 5%
• Calories: 99
• Carbs: 0 g
• Sugar: 0 g

[$12.99, 4-pack; drizly.com]

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5. Southern Tier Distilling Vodka Madras

Seeking a canned cocktail with some artisanal flair? Southern Tier‘s got just the ticket. Their Vodka Madras has more depth and complexity than your average ready-to-drink varietal. Cardamom is steeped in chamomile tea, providing zest and warmth to counteract sweet orange juice and tart cranberry and lime juices. It all gets mixed with their Southern Tier Vodka, which is made from 100 percent New York State wheat and distilled multiple times (read: it goes down smooth). This little beauty was a 2019 SIP Award Best of Class Platinum winner to boot. Other notable canned cocktails include Bourbon Smash (straight bourbon whiskey, ginger, mint, and lemon), Gin & Tonic, and Vodka Soda. Find the closest third-party retailer near you, here; also available on drizly.com.

• ABV: 8%

[$12.49, 4-pack; southerntierdistilling.com]

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I was never what you’d call a talented cook, but since having Alfie my repertoire has dwindled to consist of approximately five dishes, Uber Eats, and calling my mother-in-law for an emergency delivery. So when I got the opportunity to land (ahem, that’s a fishing pun) 2kg of barramundi fillets from Humpty Doo Barramundi, I was excited but slightly nervous to try a fish curry. After all, 2kg is a lot of fish, and when you’re gifted that much fresh, sustainably-farmed seafood, you want to do it justice.

Barramundi isn’t my usual go-to in the land of fish (I’ve always been a salmon gal) so I had to do a little research. Did you know that Australian-farmed barramundi is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids (anti-inflammatory), phosphorus (protects the blood’s acid balance and transports energy) and selenium (an anti-oxidant, for thyroid health and immune system)? Well you do now. Plus, as it turns out, it’s delicious AND really easy to cook with. From pan frying and oven-baking to fish cakes, fish pie and fish curry, the options are pretty well endless.

Paralysed by indecision, I called my afore-mentioned mother-in-law for help. Maddy is an excellent cook (and even more amazing MIL and support to us), and she offered to cook a Bengali-style light fish curry for us. It was A M A Z I N G, and even I can cook it, so I’m sharing the recipe with you. It takes a little prep work, but it’s worth the effort.

You’re welcome.

Maddy’s (non-Bengali) version of ‘macher jhol’ – a Bengali-style light fish curry

Ingredients

300g oily fish fillets cut into 2” pieces (I’ve used barramundi, but you could also use red snapper, salmon, pomfret, sea bass, tilapia…)
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into narrow wedges
Mustard oil – 2T for frying, 1t for the five spice tempering and 1/2t to drizzle before serving
Sliced green chillis (to taste)
1T chopped fresh coriander
1T mustard and coconut paste*
1/2t turmeric
1/2t panch phoron**
Salt to taste

*Mustard and coconut paste
20g mustard seeds soaked in 200ml water for 2 hours
1 green chilli (optional)
20g moist coconut flakes
1/4t salt
Grind together to form a fine paste and freeze excess for later use.

**Panch phoron (Bengali five spice tempering)
1T fennel seeds
1T mustard seeds
1T cumin seeds
1T fenugreek seeds
1T nigella seeds
Mix and store excess in a jar for later use.

Method

1. Coat the fish fillets with 1/4t turmeric and a pinch of salt and set aside.
2. Coat the potato wedges with 1/4t turmeric and a pinch of salt and set aside.
3. Heat 2T of mustard oil in a wok till it begins to smoke lightly. Add the potatoes and ‘fry’ until light brown. Set aside.
4. Add the fish pieces to wok on medium-high heat and delicately sear – approximately one minute each side. Set aside.
5. Add 1t mustard oil to the wok on medium heat and wait until it begins to smoke lightly. Add the sliced chilli (if using) and panch phoran tempering. Stir and then immediately add the mustard and coconut paste plus 2T of water (to prevent the tempering from burning). Stir continuously.
6. Once simmering, add the fish and potatoes, cover with water and stir gently to combine. Simmer covered for approximately 5mins or till fish and potatoes are cooked.
7. Season to taste.
8. Drizzle 1/2t raw mustard oil in a serving bowl and top with fish curry. Sprinkle with chopped fresh coriander. Enjoy with hot rice.

What is tempering?
Tempering is a method widely used in Indian cuisine, where whole or ground spices are heated in hot oil or ghee and then added to a dish. This process extracts and retains the essence, aroma and flavour of the spices, adding a whole new dimension to a dish.

Humpty Doo Barramundi

I was lucky enough to be gifted 2kg of beautiful barramundi from Humpty Doo Barramundi. Humpty Doo is a privately owned and operated family business set halfway between Darwin and Kakadu National Park, surrounded by lush mangroves and virgin tropical savannah. For them, sustainability is more than an operating practice; it’s an ethos that runs through the DNA of the business. Humpty Doo Barramundi maintains a holistic approach to sustainability, considering the health of the environment, the barramundi and the consumer, and I feel like you can taste that in the fish itself.

Many consumers don’t realise that 60% of Barramundi consumed in Australia is imported. Without labelling in restaurants, many assume that if it’s Barramundi, it’s Australian. I’d urge you to ask the question, read the labelling, and support Australian businesses like Humpty Doo Barramundi.

The post Bengali-style light fish curry recipe appeared first on Lazy Girl Fitness.

“The treasure has been found,” wrote Forrest Fenn, in a June 6 post on a popular site dedicated to the ever-widening search for the eccentric collector’s storied cache. A brief 100 words offered an anticlimactic ending to a controversial hunt that spanned the Rocky Mountains across four states.

In 2009, the retired Santa Fe, NM, antiquities collector claimed he hid a treasure worth around $2 million. Fenn published a book with a poem containing nine clues leading to the spot. Over the next decade, thousands of amateur sleuths joined an increasingly chaotic chase, which led to dozens of rescues and five known deaths.

In a Santa Fe New Mexican article on June 7, Fenn stated the successful searcher was a man from “back East” who wished to remain anonymous. He’d confirmed the discovery by sending a photo to Fenn, who declined to share the photo for the article.

Meanwhile, skeptical observers wondered about a hoax. Perhaps Fenn retrieved the treasure himself or there never was a treasure in the first place? Under scrutiny for years, which was magnified due to the coronavirus pandemic, Fenn had been asked by regional authorities to end the hunt. Fenn consistently declined, explaining it would be unfair to responsible searchers, many of whom had invested thousands of dollars and hours.

On June 16, Fenn posted a cryptic update to his original post, explaining the finder did not want the location disclosed. Three photos were included with captions. One photo (pictured above) shows a dirt-encrusted bronze chest, resting in pine needles and grass, “taken not long after it was discovered.” Inside were gold coins and other jewels. A second photo shows Fenn in a conference room wearing a tarnished silver and turquoise bracelet, stating, “the bracelet on my arm was wet when found.” A third photo (below) shows Fenn unpacking the chest contents on a table.

Reactions to the limited information have been varied, with some enthusiasts defending Fenn for protecting the alleged finder’s anonymity, possibly to avoid federal confiscation. Others pointed out the massive tax burden the finder now faces. Disappointed commenters criticized Fenn or expressed distress at not learning the mysterious location they’d sought for years.

Before Fenn became internationally famous for creating the treasure hunt, he owned a Santa Fe art gallery that was popular among wealthy collectors and celebrities. In 1988, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer and given a 20 percent chance of survival. To preserve his legacy, Fenn sat down to write a memoir about his life, which included 328 combat missions as a fighter pilot in Vietnam before retiring and searching the Southwest for artworks to fill a gallery.

To share his love for treasure seeking, Fenn conceived the search. He filled a bronze chest with gold and other items—including coins, nuggets, figurines, and jewelry—valued at several million dollars. Author Doug Preston claimed to have seen it in Fenn’s vault. After chemotherapy, Fenn fortunately survived his prognosis and tabled his plan for years. During 2009, the FBI raided the homes of four Santa Fe collectors, including Fenn, during a crackdown on illegal collecting in the Four Corners region, but none of the four were charged.

The following year, an 80-year-old Fenn recalled his original intent and took the chest to a favorite spot in the mountains north of Santa Fe. He self-published his memoir, The Thrill of the Chase, with a poem containing nine clues that led to the treasure. Interest began slowly. The only shop carrying the book, Collected Works in Santa Fe, sold about 25 copies per month. Then, in 2012, Fenn appeared on NBC’s Today show to discuss the hunt. Soon, the bookstore had backorders for thousands of copies.

Since then, an estimated 350,000 people have scoured the Rockies, from northern New Mexico to Montana. For many years, Fenn communicated with searchers, occasionally offering further clues that narrowed their searches. The chest was unburied, resting on open ground. It was easy to reach if the clues were deciphered properly.

Most searchers came away safely, but others got into serious trouble. The first death happened in 2016 when a Colorado man’s body was found in the Rio Grande. Three deaths occurred during summer 2017. An Illinois man fell 500 feet down a cliff in Yellowstone National Park. A third victim was found in the Rio Grande, and a fourth was found in Colorado’s Arkansas River, an area popular among searchers. In October 2018, a Pennsylvania man was arrested for breaking into Forest Fenn’s home and stealing a chest filled with linens and towels.

Already, 2020 had seen several high-profile incidents. In January, an Indiana man was rescued from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Rappelling in during a snowstorm, his rope didn’t reach the canyon floor. So, he released and shimmied down until trapped.

“You might call me a lunatic, whatever, but I feel wholeheartedly I solved that Fenn treasure thing,” he told the federal magistrate judge who sentenced him to seven days in jail, reimbursement costs for the rescue, and a five-year ban from Yellowstone National Park.

In mid-March, two Colorado men took rental snowmobiles into the backcountry near Dinosaur National Monument. When they hadn’t returned several days later, the outfitter called authorities. A search and rescue team found one man dead from exposure and the other man alive, only five miles from the spot where the team had rescued the same two searchers less than a month before.

For now, criminal charges against illegal searchers and lawsuits against Fenn linger. Only time will tell if the location that searchers desperately sought will be revealed. After 10 years, the search for Forest Fenn’s treasure has finally come to a mysterious and possibly suspicious end.

 

Buying a hammock is kind of like going on a date: You’re a little nervous, worried you can’t afford it and wondering how this new addition will fit into your life. After the first-date jitters vanish, you’re suspended in a brief stage of comfort and bliss.

Then reality sets in: What the heck are you supposed to do next?

Alright, we might be reaching. But here’s the good news: With a little creativity, a hammock can become a multi-purpose gear hero that you’ll never leave home without.

Here are seven ways to stretch your hammock’s potential beyond two trees.

A Hammock

The humble hammock actually has a pretty interesting history: More than 1,000 years ago, Central Americans slept in suspended tree-bark slings to prevent contact with the dirty ground and protect themselves from snakes and rodents.

Modern-day hammocks come in every iteration you can think of, from ultra-light backpacking hammocks to luxe two-man nests with bug nets and rain flies.

A Gear Bag

When you run out of space in your backpack, you can easily carry extra supplies over shorter distances by wrapping them inside of your hammock, then tying the ends of the hammock together to secure your gear.

It’s a great way to keep your hands free until you get down to the beach, up to the cabin or back to the climbing spot.

A Multi-Purpose Tarp

The less you bring on a camping trip, the better. You’ll save packing space and weight by using your hammock as a multi-purpose tarp.

While some hammocks aren’t waterproof, most are highly durable and easy to clean, so they can double as a tablecloth, a seat for damp ground, an outdoor shower curtain and a welcome mat to keep dirt and grime out of your tent.

A Beach Blanket

Why use a heavy blanket at the beach when you can use a lightweight hammock instead? Most are wide enough to comfortably fit one or two people with regular-sized towels, and they can be weighed down easily with sandals or a beach bag.

A hammock is quick to dry, plus much lighter to carry and easier to shake sand out of than a blanket.

A Climbing-Rope Mat

A climbing rope is literally your lifeline, so common sense says that you want to take the utmost care of it.

To give your rope a longer lifespan, use a hammock to keep your rope clean while climbing. You can also stand on the hammock to give your feet a break from tight climbing shoes while you’re belaying.

A Sail

Nope, we’re not kidding. If you’re kayaking in windy conditions and want a quick lift back to shore, hold each end of your hammock with your hands, or join up with another kayaker, tie each side of the hammock to your paddle shafts and try to catch the breeze.

We’ve witnessed this work firsthand. We couldn’t make this up if we tried.

A Sun Shelter

By now, everyone knows the less time you spend in direct sunlight, the better.

Protect your skin from the sun by draping your hammock over some driftwood or a nearby tree branch, or simply cover your body with it. Its lightweight, breathable build will prevent you from getting too hot while offering some additional shade for your skin.