Weekend Recap (Fun Fitness Events!) + July Favorites

So, I think this is like, the first time in years I’ve done a weekend recap for you guys…right?

I know it seems random, especially considering I wasn’t traveling or anything, but I did attend a few fun fitness events that I thought I’d share with you! And since it’s the end of the month, I bundled that with my fitness & foodie favorites from July…which I still cannot believe is nearly over?

I guess that means I was busy…which is quite possibly the understatement of the century considering these past few weekends have been jam packed (with lots of fun stuff, and a bit of work, too). This past Saturday I met my friend Emily at a launch event for Katie Austin‘s new activewear line, Austin Active. Some of you may know Denise Austin, Katie’s mom, who was a huge fitness personality in the 80’s and 90’s I think, but Katie is SO sweet and I’ve been following her on YouTube for awhile now.

She just launched a line of super cute workout clothes (I splurged for a set…I had to!!!) and to celebrate, she taught a free fitness class in Downtown LA at the most beautiful studio space. There was food and juice from Beaming (best chocolate chip cookies ever, you guys), makeup samples from Smashbox, Babe Rosé, and even a braid bar…although I didn’t opt to get my hair done this time!

On Sunday, my friend Keely was teaching her class from ModelFit (aka my favorite class EVER – not kidding, it kicks my butt in the most fun way possible and Keely is the BEST teacher), so I went with a couple friends! The W Hotel here in Westwood is actually doing free fitness classes every Sunday at 9am on their WET deck by the pool (the most gorgeous setting) until the end of September, so if you’re in the LA area, I totally recommend going! Keely is actually teaching again this coming weekend, but there are a ton of other cool classes like boxing and yoga, too! I’m alllll about the free events here, and going with friends makes it 10x more fun?

p.s. how stinkin’ cute is this gif ^ …like i’m sorry but we nailed it??

Okay NOW onto July favorites!!!

Smoked Salmon + Avo Toast – This combo is kind of all I want forever. I splurged on smoked salmon a couple times so far this summer and let me tell you, it is worth every??damn??penny??. I’ve always loved some good lox and schmear on a bagel, but with avocado instead of the cream cheese and a squeeze of lemon on top? Ooohhh baby we are in BUSINESS.

AshaPops – So these are probably the coolest thing I tried all month…they’re popped LOTUS seeds!!! Have you guys ever heard of that?! This company (which is run by THE sweetest woman and her son) reached out to me and asked me if I’d like to try these a few weeks ago and since I’d never heard of anything like them, I immediately said yes! Turns out they’re insanely delicious and pack quite a nutritious punch. I don’t know if you can read the front label up there, but AshaPops are low in calories, high in magnesium and protein, and extremely allergen-free (vegan, gluten free, soy free, etc.). My boyfriend and I finished off this chocolate bag in about 10 minutes sitting in traffic, but their other flavors like cinnamon and turmeric, are amazing, too!

Beekeeper’s Naturals Bee Pollen – I have been lovingggg adding this stuff to my smoothies lately, mostly because of the crunch, but also because bee pollen is SO good for you. BKN is such an incredible brand anyway, so I know all of their products are high quality, but their bee pollen in particular contains a ton of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and protein. It also tastes kind of nutty/earthy, which I’m sure is also good on oats and yogurt!

NüFlo Shoes – Okay HOW cool are these?! I wore these Nüflo shoesies (is that a word I’m allowed to use in my late 20’s?) to pilates last week and they were amazing. There are grips on the bottom which make sure you don’t slip and slide on the Megaformer, but I know they’d also be great for regular or hot yoga, too. Speaking of, I haven’t been back to Y7 since before my broken elbow, so I’ll have to try them out there very soon!! Also they come in other colors or just black too, if that’s more your style?

Miyokos Smoked Farmhouse Vegan Cheese – I first tried this cheese at the Vegan Food Festival here in LA earlier this summer and I was absolutely blown away. If you like smoked gouda, you will LOVE Miyokos Smoked Vegan Cheese. It’s insane. And it’s vegan…which again, is not necessarily something I choose to be at all times, but I do try to eat less dairy for my skin/digestion and being able to eat something like this on a cracker is a serious game changer! It is a little pricey, but I’ve heard Trader Joe’s carries it for slightly cheaper!

Year of Yes – So full disclosure, I’m not actually finished with this book just yet, but I’m pretty close. I’ve recommended it to every single person I’ve talked books with since i’ve opened it up and I’ve been raving about it to everyone because Shonda Rhimes is a freakin’ GENIUS. Aside from being positive and real and authentic and awesome, which is all the things I want to read about, this book is just straight up hilarious. I literally laughed out loud by myself while reading it on the beach, and that’s a rarity so you KNOW it’s good. If you’re already a Shonda fan, I’d recommend picking this up immediately, but even if you aren’t, this woman is my idol. Such a good beach read!

Amazing Grass Protein Superfood in Chocolate Peanut Butter – If this protein powder blended up with a little frozen banana and almond milk were all I’d get to eat for breakfast for the rest of time, I think I’d be okay with that.This protein powder is hands down the BEST protein I’ve ever had. It’s vegan, has two full servings of fruits and veggies per serving, and contains alfalfa, spirulina, chlorella and açai…none of which you actually taste because the pb & chocolate takes over in the best way possible. I’ve been taking half a scoop (they’re biiiig scoops!), adding a couple frozen strawberries with a 1/2 frozen banana and a handful of spinach, and blending it up every single morning these days. I’m obsessed with this stuff!!

OMFG okay did you get to the end of this post?!?! I think this is the longest thing I’ve ever written, I’m so sorry for blabbing? If you made it, thank you and if not, I appreciate the effort.

Love you all and have an amazing rest of your week!!!

xo Jordan