The past couple of days we have had highs in the low 80s – a cool front. You read that right. A cool front. 80s. Yea it doesn’t quite match. Although Roxy sure does think so!

 

I cannot get that dog to come in from the porch. I think she hates me. She always runs away from me and the camera. It took quite the sneak attack for this picture. And oh – Julie, Meghann, and Kelly – here’s living proof I have a dog! They all had no clue when I mentioned her on our lunch date. Then again, that doesn’t surprise me because, like I said, our dog never wants anything to do with any of us. I wish she did!

Enough dog talk. 80s still feels toasty to me, so I have been keeping it as cool as possible lately. Lunches have consisted of no cooking. I had an egg, bean, or sweet potato sandwich/wrap kick for awhile – all of which I end up cooking or warming up for my lunches. Not this week.

 

I have stuck to cracked pepper deli turkey sandwiches with spinach, avocado, and swiss cheese. Plus fruit. Plus veggies and hummus. That is until Friday rolls around and I suddenly have a strong hankering for leftover BBQ kettle chips from the Father’s Day cookout. Stay cool and roll with it.

The cool factor continues with snacks. Smoothies!!! Yogurt!!!

 

Like The Black Eyed Peas, I just can’t get enough. I have had quite a few people ask for my smoothie mixes so here ya go! My smoothie of choice this week includes the following blend, blend, blended all together:

• 1.5 cups unsweetened vanilla almond breeze
• 2 handfuls fresh spinach (you can’t taste it! M even loves it!)
• 1 frozen banana (for a thicker, creamier smoothie experience)
• 5 large frozen strawberries

 

I use the first 3 ingredients in all my smoothies, then add in whatever fruit I’m feeling at the moment. For the record – frozen cherries, frozen mango, frozen berry mixes, and frozen peaches all taste stellar. Frozen fruit = key for creaminess. On the side, I enjoy some extra creaminess in the form of greek yogurt and granola. I need something to eat along with my smoothie!

 

Cool, refreshing satisfaction right there. And the endless flavor combinations help it to never get old. That must be why pizza and frozen yogurt never get old for me, right? 😉

• Did you know I have a dog? Random question but I’m curious!
• Besides the heat, what one thing gets old to you fast in summer? SHAVING!!!

Welcome to the weekend, my friends! Friday afternoon has arrived. And what better way to kick off the weekend than with a large dose of positivity? Time for another installment of your Strengths Out Loud! These women rock…and you do too. So, keep that chin up this weekend and play up your many strengths. Hugs and love!

Katie @ Healthy Heddleston

I am my biggest cheerleader. I have an awesome husband who supports my crazy adventures. I seek new challenges and enjoy the roller coaster ride that comes with them. I love myself and have the power of choosing my mood.

Andrea @ Vegvacious

I am passionate and full of fun. I am free-spirited and open-minded. I am very good at my job. I love working on my blog and am proud on how far it's come and how much I've grown since starting it!!

Anna @ Active Fingers

I am a good listener. I am there for my friends (even when it feels like a one way street or they have hurt me). My family is extremely important to me. My faith is the foundation in my life. I am creative and organized. I am enthusiastic about what I love.

Lauren @ Run Yoga Repeat

My strengths are patience, optimism, and a positive attitude!

Janetha @ Meals and Moves

I am awesome because I have big legs and can do lots and lots and lots and lots of squats with my husband on my back.  I used to want supermodel chicken legs for the longest time.. but then one day I realized that my legs, albeit big, are beautiful.  And muscular.  And strong.  And mine.  I think I will keep them.

 

Chelsey @ Clean Eating Chelsey

I'm proud of the way I care. Whether it's my family, a stranger, or a friend, I get highly invested in how others feel. I am quite a lover, and I never want to make anyone feel bad because of something I did. Watch out - I'll hug you if I meet you... yes, you.

 

Heather @ Side of Sneakers

I go after what I want and I do whatever it takes to make it happen. My success is not measured by my job title, what other people think, or the dollars I make or don't make- it's measured by the impact I'm making.

Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food

I am proud that I have a compassionate heart and will put others first before myself.

Lisa @ Healthful Sense

My love for God and for my family is strong and unconditional. I stay strong and positive through challenging times. I am persistent and work hard to finish the task at hand. I am proud to have a masters degree in nutrition and to be a RD. I take care of my body by eating nutrient rich, nourishing foods.

Michelle @ Crazy Running Legs

I am loving. I am helpful. I am open-minded. I am a great listener. I am silly. I have a good heart. I am smart. I have a tough mind. I have strong running legs. I am optimistic. I am a good mom, wife, daughter, and sister!

• Any fun weekend plans?
• What made you feel strong and confident this past week?

**To participate in Strengths Out Loud – send me an email with a photo, link to your blog, and a short description of your strengths. Feel free to share this post! #strengthsoutloud