August in New York has been very odd this year. It feels like Fall, at a time of year when usually every day is swelteringly, overwhelmingly humid and hot. On top of this crisp, Fall-like weather, everyone has taken the usual August vacations to escape what should have been the dog days of Summer, so it feels like we have the city to ourselves. Our busy little neighborhood of Brooklyn is empty – no lines for ice-cream or coffee, no huge crowds in the Park. Lucky us!
Case in point – the splash pad (summer version of the ice skating rink in Prospect Park) has been packed every time we’ve been there. This Saturday, though? All to ourselves.
We also fed the ducks – but don’t tell anyone. Fran told me afterwards that “technically” we weren’t supposed to feed the ducks. (“Technically” means “absolutely not”).
Maybe it was the cooler weather, but I felt like roasting up some veggies. Sweet potatoes with rosemary, garlic & olive oil, as well as Brussels sprouts in olive oil with a little salt and pepper.
I offset it with a summery Caprese salad of mozzarella balls, tomatoes and fresh basil. So, so good!
Lots more park time on Sunday, running Roman around, playing catch (I use the term ‘catch’ loosely, since he’s only 2 and a half!).
If you follow me on Instagram, you probably me saw me post about a fun workout post I was working on for my column on The Stir. It’s up on the site now, if you want to check it out! 8 Easy Exercises Moms Can Do at the Playground. If you happen to live near a playground, I can tell you they’re empty at about 6am, except for other people doing just what I was – working out! Seriously, there is so much you can do with playground equipment to replace a gym.
And since I’m doing a little self-promotion there, anyway, if you read Real Simple, check out the September issue! There’s a story on taking risks and my story of how I ended up marrying someone on the other side of the world was featured as the romantic risk example! 😉 We had fun a while back doing the photo shoot in Brooklyn Bridge Park and love the photo they chose for the article!
Did you cook anything delicious this weekend?
What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever made in your life? Did it work out?
Do you ever take your workouts outside?
CONGRATULATIONS! WOW that is amazing!!! How very exciting! I am happy for you! How did you swing that? 🙂 I said swing because I was thinking about them from your above resourcefulness….way to be creative!!!!! Caprese salad sounds wonderful, even with this fall-y weather! I am not ready for summer to be done yet!
Tina Muir recently posted…Racing as an Elite; Crim Festival of Races 10 Mile Recap
Thanks Tina! 🙂 We were so excited to be part of it!
How cool you were in a magazine. I love making capresse salads. Especially in the summer. They are so refreshing.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…5 Ways to Soothe Sore and Tired Feet.
Caprese salads are the BEST.
Ahhh – love it! You look great and what a cool achievement!
Similar to you, I’d say my biggest risk was also romantic. I was in a PhD program at the time, and required to make semi-regular visits to Russia. My now-husband was a med student AND in the Army. Needless to say, both of us had little to no control over where our respective employers wanted us to live.
But we decided to go for it, and it worked out wonderfully. I realized I’m only productive if I’m happy, and he makes me happy, so I had to have him in my life, no matter what.
Jessica @ Absurd, She Wrote recently posted…My Cat Likes It! – Review of Erbaviva’s Mommy-To-Be Skincare Line
That’s so awesome! Sometimes even when the timing and situation is off, you can still make it work.
Oh my gosh! That is SO cool you are featured in Real Simple!!! How fun!!
I also love the playground workout! Definitely need to remember that one!
I think moving to Australia when I was 22 instead of going to law school was a pretty big risk but it worked out in the end! 🙂
Britt@MyOwnBalance recently posted…One Day in Martha’s Vineyard
I think it definitely worked out for you, Brittany! 🙂
OMG – I can’t wait to pick up the issue of Real Simple – I feel like I know a celebrity!!! So very exciting!! You have kept this very quiet!
And, the playground workout is awesome – those moves look fun but hard – now I just need to convince the boys to hit up a playground with me!
Kim recently posted…Running, running, running (8/17-8/23)
Ha ha ha – I wasn’t sure how it was going to come out, so I didn’t want to draw attention to it if it was embarrassing! 😉 The playground workout was super fun and surprisingly challenging!
What a sweet feature and a risk that certainly paid off!
Now wait: cool? crisp?? fall-like??? As we sit here with bayou-like humidity and record heat? Jealous!
Marcia recently posted…Fort2Base Race Report
Turns out I spoke too soon – a week later and we have record heat again!
That is fantastic that you are in Real Simple! I love that magazine.
I’m extremely jealous of your weather right now. We are still sweltering with 101 degrees right now. Yuck!
Roasted veggies are my favorite so much so that I make them all throughout the summer. I love sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts. Have you ever cut up an apple or two and added it to the mix? So good…
Have a great week!
Angie @ A Mother’s Pace recently posted…Chicago Marathon Training: Week 10
I tried them with apples this weekend on your recommendation and holy YUM! Thanks for the tip, Angie! 🙂
I love the photo Real Simple chose! Is the article online? Would love to read it!
Gabby @ Marathons and Macarons recently posted…NYC Marathon Training Week 6 – Cutback Week!
I don’t think it’s online yet – I’ll have to check and see. 🙂 We were super happy with the photo, too!
I was so stunned by the splash pad all to yourself in NYC, but then I saw the article in the magazine!
That’s incredible! I must buy a copy and brag that I “know” you.
Tamara recently posted…You Take The Good. You Take The Bad.
It is so amazing when we essentially have the neighborhood to ourselves. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s wonderful.