Favorite Summer Treats

Happy Summer! Although it's felt like summer here in Southwest Louisiana for weeks now, I can officially say that summer has arrived in full force, complete with a tropical storm! What a way to kick off the season. The portions of Tropical Storm Cindy (the "eye") that hit SWLA only left us with minimal flooding, although other areas of the south can't say the same. Sad face....stay safe, guys!

By Thursday afternoon, all remnants of the storm will hopefully have passed through so life can resume as normal, including Dopey training!

With summer's heat and humidity and all things related, I like to enjoy a cold, sweet treat on occasion, especially after a hot run. I'm a sweets fan (bad, I know) and after a long Saturday run in the ridiculous heat and humidity, I usually crave all the cold things!

#1 Fruit

Strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, kiwi, grapes, bananas...you name it, I love it! Watermelon is definitely a summer favorite for sure!

#2 Gatorade

I guess it's not truly a "treat" but it's a necessity for me on long hot summer training runs, especially while training with longer distances!

#3 Snoballs

Hello...who wouldn't enjoy one of these after a hot long run?! They are the perfect way to cool down, although you have to eat fast if you're attempting to enjoy it outside!

#4 Smoothies

I know I mentioned it on Monday, but a local juicery opened here and oh my goodness...so many healthy and delicious options were available. I know I'll be a frequent visitor here this summer for sure! Also, nothing beat a nice homemade cold smoothie with a frozen banana and a little fruit...pure heaven!

#5 Iced Coffee

Aaaah yes...a nice cold coffee on a warm summer morning is the perfect way to begin the day! I enjoy these often during the summer!

With all of these yummy treats, I'm destined to survive marathon training during the hot and humid summer months!

What's your favorite summer treat?

No Way Jose

Happy Wednesday and welcome to another (Disney) Wordless Wednesday! Today's topic is all about August in the wonderful world of Disney! August + Disney + Heat = Ice Cream. Yes?

Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars make for a fun afternoon snack, but my favorite happens to reside at the Beach Club. Yes, I'm talking about Beaches and Cream and the famous "No Way Jose"!

I was first introduced to the No Way Jose back in 2009 and have attempted to return to Beaches & Cream ever since! I finally had the opportunity in November of 2014 during Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend and I loved every minute!

With the ever growing popularity of Beaches & Cream, reservations are recommended (it is considered a table service on the dining plan) and they do serve a full menu. However, if you're in the mood for ice cream alone, there IS a "to go" counter option available - all ice cream from this option is served in "throw away" containers and guests can enjoy their yummy treat while sitting outside under the covered patio!

I've tried both options and they are both fabulous! Ok, enough yapping...onto the ice cream! Enjoy!!

Today’s Wordless Wednesday theme is:
August Calendar Shot
Host: Deb at Focused on the Magic

It would be wrong of me not to mention the ever popular "Kitchen Sink" (although I've never tried it, I've seen it ordered several times while visiting Beaches & Cream). Go look up the ingredients....it will blow your mind away. Seriously.

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What's your favorite summer treat at WDW/DL?

Tips for Running in Humid Conditions

On Saturday morning, my friend Heather and I ran our scheduled long run – nothing out of the ordinary, our usual Saturday morning lineup.

I didn’t check the weather before we began running because I already knew the answer – HOT.

What I didn’t realize or factor in was the humidity level. About 3 miles into our run, I realized that something was different - there was a slight breeze in the air, but it wasn’t doing much to cool us down. We were sweating more than usual, honestly to the point of being drenched (gross, I know…just being honest)!

After checking the weather app, I had my answer. One hundred percent humidity. 100%!! What the heck?

Despite it all, we pushed through and continued our run where we finished at 8 miles. Whew. What a crazy feat!

My friend’s got GUNS!

It never fails here in the South – as the summer draws to a close, the humidity levels tend rise, making for tough running conditions. If you live in the North, you’re probably laughing at me right now. Why post something like this so close to Fall when the temperatures are starting to cool down? Well my friend, the South won’t be experiencing those “cooler Fall temps” until…umm…late October/early November. Which means we still have lots of hot summer-like runs in our future. Lucky us.

After making it through what was possibly one of the hardest long runs of the year, I compiled a checklist of things to remember when running in high head/humid conditions.

• Hydrate. Drink plenty of water the day before you run, this is super important. Also, drink lots of water DURING your run as well. The addition of sports/electrolyte beverages will help, too. If you’re one that doesn’t like to carry water on you during a run, find a few drop off locations or a loop you’ll pass often. At home, I’ve used the old “water in the mailbox” trick before…it was my own mailbox, of course.
• Run early in the morning. We usually begin our long Saturday runs super early in the morning which helps with the heat. It really truly makes a difference. Starting a run just a mere two hours later (I’ve done it before) is sheer torture in the summer!
• Dri-fit clothing. This is super important and will help in wicking moisture away from your skin as you sweat which will help guard against chafing (although it’s not always 100% a guard on it’s own)…
• Body Glide. It’s hot, humid, and you’re sweating. Not only can parts of the body rub together, areas of clothing can rub on the skin, too. If you’ve noticed any of the areas in the past or think you might have an issue, put Body Glide on – it won’t hurt anything in the end!
• Sunscreen. Don’t forget sunscreen. If you’re running later in the day when the sun is out, lather up! This will make a huge difference in the long run, trust me.
• Know when to stop. If your body is telling you that it’s done, listen. Pushing yourself through a run won’t grant you any favors in the long run!

I love this article by Runners World which really puts the humidity into perspective with the coping mechanisms of our bodies.

What’s your favorite running in heat/humidity tip? Can you think of something I didn’t list?

July Pop Sugar Must Have Box

It’s no secret I love Monthly Subscription Boxes and I’ve tested quite a few over time…they are my favorite. It’s like Christmas in your mailbox once each month!

As a Popsugar Select Fitness Blogger, I was given the opportunity to review the July Pop Sugar Must Have Box and I literally felt like it was Christmas in July! First off, I love love love how these boxes include full sized samples. Yes, full sized. It’s amazing.

Let’s dig in!

Included with each box is a card that gives a description of each item.

Revlon Bold Lacquer Length and Volume Mascara – Add even more length and volume to your lashes with Revlon’s new Bold Lacquer mascara. This ultra black mascara will give your lashes the definition you’ve been dreaming of.

I’m super excited to try this one! The mascara I’m currently using is almost out, so I’m excited to try something new. I’ll admit, I usually stick with the same old same old thing…new is good! Also included was a $1 coupon that expires in December.

ACME Party Box Company Chevron Straws - Sip on Summer’s most refreshing drinks with these old-fashioned paper straws. The graphic chevron pattern will make any occasion feel extra-special!

How CUTE are these straws?! I love that even though they are paper, they are still re-usable. See above, Party, Rinse, Repeat!

I used a blue straw for my iced coffee on Saturday and I loved it! Iced coffee, adorable straw…what could be better?!

Oh yes, these straws also remind me of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort, so I had a bit of a fun flashback memory there. Know how certain smells or sounds remind you of your favorite place on earth? That’s kinda what I mean here.

TKO Jump Rope with Soft Grip Handles – For a fast yet efficient workout, this jump rope is just what you need – you can burn up to 170 calories in just 15 minutes! Check out POPSUGAR Fitness for tons of ideas on how to squeeze in a quick session to stay healthy and fit for Summer and beyond.

I needed a new jump rope, seriously. I’m ashamed to admit…my current jump rope was left at my house by one of my church kids…and it’s princess. For real.

Have you followed POPSUGAR Fitness on Twitter or Pinterest? They are always posting great workout ideas. Also, sign up for their email and you’ll get a ton of great fitness ideas in your inbox on a regular basis.

Sun Bum Sunscreen and Lotion – If you want the ultimate skin protection, this dynamic duo has got you covered! While under the sun, use the moisturizing sunscreen for protection, and afterward, apply the cooling aloe lotion for hydration.

I’ll admit, the oncology nurse in me was very excited to see this included in the July summer box! The sunscreen goes on smooth and has a great smell (reminds me of the beach). I haven’t tested it in the sun yet, but I’ll let you know when I do! Besides, who doesn’t love the smell of the beach? :0)

Dang Foods Toasted Coconut Chips – Satisfy your Summer cravings the healthy way with these coconut chips. Non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan, these chips can be eaten straight out of the bag or sprinkled onto just about anything for a delicious treat.

If you like coconut, you’ll love the taste of these! Light, crispy, just a hint of sweetness…yum. Each bag contains 2 servings, which is a decent amount to me! Love these!

French Bull Ziggy Salad Servers – Your Summer BBQ won’t be complete without a colorful salad and these equally vibrant salad servers! They are scratch and shatter resistant and dishwasher safe, making them a long-lasting household staple.

How cute are these? I love the chic-ness about the design. Dishwasher safe, too? Sounds like a deal to me! I can’t wait to use these at my next family gathering – everyone’s going to love them!

Michael Stars Beach Hat – Hats are a stylish and practical necessity when it comes to long, leisurely days outside in the heat of Summer, but can be a pain to pack for vacation. That’s why we love this hat – it’s bendable and flexible, making it ideal for travel!

The first thing that I noticed about this hat was the bendable rim - it’s perfect for tucking away in a carry on for a plane ride to a vacation destination. I can’t wait to take this one on our cruise next February!

Helloooo Castaway Cay, here I come…with my new hat!  (Sorry about the puffy eyes – I wasn’t fully awake yet!)

So, there you have it, Pop Sugar’s July Must Have Box!

Happy Summer!

Disclaimer: POPSUGAR provided me with a complimentary POPSUGAR Must Have box. The opinions I have shared about the box are my own and POPSUGAR did not tell me what to say or how to say it.

Do you travel on vacation with hats? Are they smashed into your suitcase or do you wear them while travelling, carry them with your carry on, etc.?