April started off with some cold and rainy weather. But what they say is true, April showers do bring May flowers.
Flowers are starting to bloom and the temps are finally warming up here in New England.
I managed to squeeze in some runs outside last week and going to take full advantage of getting out when I can because I don’t love running in anything hotter than 80 degrees.
But this week is going to be 80! New England weather is crazy.
Anyways, here are my favorites from this month.
FRÉ’s ‘Protect Me’ Facial Moisturizer for Sweaty Skin
Weekends have involved a lot of outdoor activity recently, especially yard work. I’ve been extra careful of protecting my skin and since I sweat a lot in the summer I need a good SPF face moisturizer that won’t clog my pores.
I recently had FRÉ reach out to me to try their 123 skincare set. I’m always skeptical when brands reach out with free stuff but I was pleasantly surprised by their SPF moisturizer ‘Protect Me’. It is super lightweight and doesn’t leave that greasy feeling afterwards. Now I don’t leave the house without it on, especially on days that I know I’m going to be outside.
All of their products are made with organic Argan oil and for each set purchased, they plant an Argan tree.
FRÉ products are:
- Dermatologist tested
- hypoallergenic
- Cruelty free
- Vegan
For someone who is sensitive to a lot of products, I’m excited that FRÉ’s products work great on my skin. The hubs even uses the face moisturizer now when we are working outside, which is a plus because I can never get him to wear enough sunscreen.
Use code FITGREEN to get 15% off + free shipping at freskincare.com
Although I am a brand ambassador for FRÉ and I do earn commission off of each sale of their products, all of the opinions on FRÉ’s products are my own.
Favorite Almond Milk
The search for the perfect store-bought almond milk is officially over.
Mooala’s Vanilla Bean Almond milk has such a great flavor and blends so well in smoothies and lattes. Bonus, their ingredients are pretty simple.
Here are the Ingredients:
“Water, Organic Almonds, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Vanilla Flavor, Sea Salt, Organic Vanilla Beans, Gellan Gum.”
Although this one does contain sugar, it’s not super sweet similar to most sweetened almond milks. And since I use it in my morning lattes, I don’t need any sweetener added.
I’ve tried making my own nut/plant milks and do prefer to when I can, but sometimes it’s just nice to buy it when I don’t feel like making it at home.
Favorite Morning (Mojito) Drink
Also on repeat lately is this refreshing juice–perfect for warmer temps. You probably saw me post about it on Instagram but it’s too good not to highlight.
I’ve been swapping out caffeine for this drink once a week.
Recipe
3/4 cup of ripe honeydew 🍈
Juice of one lime
1/2 cucumber chopped up*
4 fresh mint leaves*
1 cup of water
Directions
Blend together in a high speed blender and serve (over ice if preferred)
*Use any leftover mint leaves and cucumber to make an infused water, makes hydrating with water much tastier.
Favorite Homemade Pesto
Another favorite spring recipe is this homemade walnut pesto thats great to add to pasta dishes. I know, there are already a million pesto recipes out there, but I have to share my love for walnuts and also like to roast the garlic for mine beforehand so that it’s easier to digest.
Recipe
1 cup gently packed fresh basil leaves.
1 large roasted garlic clove, roughly chopped.
1/4 cup grated good quality Parmigiano-Reggiano (I grate my own block from Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods)
1/4 cup walnuts*
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper.
1/3 cup cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil
Directions
Blend ingredients together in a food processor until a sauce-like consistency is achieved
*Walnuts are packed with omega 3’s, so I’ve been having walnuts almost everyday.
Since I’m all about no food waste lately (and with April being Earth month) here’s a great way to use your leftover pesto: mix it with mayo to make a pesto mayo spread for sandwiches. My favorite mayo is Sr. Kensington’s avocado mayo.
This sandwich is made with sourdough bread + sliced tomatoes + arugula + fresh mozzarella + and walnut pesto mayo
Favorite Workout
I’ve been loving BURN Fitness Studios’ Power BURN class (located in Back Bay and South End, Boston). It’s their signature class taught by the owner Jonathan. It focuses on strength training intervals sure to get your heart rate up with low-impact. It’s definitely challenging and has been a great change from my normal workouts. Bonus, it’s on ClassPass.
Other highlights from April:
Must Read:
Favorite Podcast Episode:
Rich Roll Podcast – Susan David, Ph.D on the Power of Emotional Agility and why Discomfort is the Price of Admission to a Meaningful Life
What are some of your highlights from the month?
Xoxo
Marisa
