Author Archives for Kelsey Finkle

A Perfect Saturday – Workouts, Wine, and Friends

Yesterday was what I would call a perfect Saturday.  I fit in all of the things I love!  A great crossfit workout to kick-start my weekend before we headed to the vineyard to enjoy some wine, cheese, and time with friends.  What can be better than that?

Here is the Crossfit WOD I chose

45 pound barbell Overhead squat, 50 reps
100 Abmat sit-ups
115 pound Overhead squat, 25 reps
50 Toes-to-bar
185 pound Overhead squat, 10 reps
20 GHD sit-ups

Here is how I modified it (I ended up completing it in 15:50)

20 pound barbell Overhead squat, 50 reps
75 Abmat sit-ups
30 pound Overhead squat, 25 reps
35 Leg Raises
40 pound Overhead squat, 10 reps
20 GHD sit-ups

I ran a mile before this workout and then did some yoga on my own after it.  My abs are pretty sore today, so I guess that means it worked! After our workout we came home and made our go to Saturday omelet, which is also my go to dinner many nights.  It always does the trick.

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Later we headed up to Wallingford, my hometown, to Gouveia Vineyards.  Gouveia is a gorgeous winery set up on a hill in Wallingford, CT with breathtaking views and beautiful sunsets.  I still can’t believe we have such a fantastic place in my hometown and I didn’t know about it until just the past couple of years.  Here is my Yelp review.  If you ever find yourself in Connecticut, Gouveia is a must – see!

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We made a stop at Whole Foods to grab some cheese and crackers.  One of my favorite cheeses from Whole Foods is called Midnight Moon.  It’s made with goat’s milk and tastes like a mix between goat cheese and gouda.  For crackers, we usually get Nut Thins.  They are gluten-free and made from almonds.  You can find them in most grocery stores now a days.

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We met up with friends, some who I haven’t seen in a while, so it was really nice to be with everyone.  Once the sun started setting we went picture crazy as I always do!

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We all had a great time and a perfect Saturday.  What’s your idea of a perfect Saturday?

Grilled Barbecue and Rosemary Pork Chops

Have I mentioned I absolutely love having a grill?  It’s a simple and clean way of cooking, just the way I like my food!  I hadn’t tried pork chops on the grill yet so decided to last night.  I knew I had barbecue sauce (from Fairway Market) at home but wanted to add a little something else. I don’t use fresh herbs that often but walked by them at the store and the rosemary just caught my eye!  So that’s how dinner was decided last night.  I may or may not have Googled on my phone what herbs go best with barbecue….hey I’m learning!

Grilled Barbecue and Rosemary Pork Chops

  • Organic Center Cut Bone-In Pork Chops
  • Barbecue Sauce
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Fresh Rosemary

I told you this was simple!  Coat the chops with barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper.  Sprinkle rosemary on the side that will be facing up on the grill.  Cook over medium heat for 10-12 minutes.  Flip the pork chops and sprinkle more rosemary on the other side.  Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the pork chops are the slightest pink in the center.

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I decided I wanted sweet potatoes as a side.  I remembered Juli’s recipe for “Cinnamon Bacon Backyard Sweet Potatoes”  on PaleOMG and decided to make a spin on those.  I replaced the cinnamon with rosemary and they came out delicious!  I roasted up some broccoli too to complete the perfect fall dinner!

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I have to also show the picture of Andy’s plates.  He likes his food on all separate dishes so I told him I have to get him an adult separator plate.  He also doesn’t like sweet potatoes…have to work on that!

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What a great dinner.  I have a ton of rosemary left over now.  Anyone have any good dishes that use it?

Take Me Back Tuesday – Boston

A big part of me will always be in Boston.  The day I graduated from college (the University of Massachusetts, Amherst) I decided to pack up my apartment and move to Beantown!  I spent the past four years there from 2009 to 2013.

I started my career in Boston, had what I call my “first adult relationship” in Boston, started practicing and found my love of yoga in Boston, and navigated the ups and downs of my early 20’s in Boston.  It’s been quite the transitional year moving back to Connecticut.  While I know it was the right choice there are just some things about Boston that I will always miss!

10 Things I Miss About Boston

Running along the Charles River

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Fenway Park – The fans, the sunsets, the beer, and the singing.

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The T – Never thought I would say that! But I miss being able to hop on the train to go to the store or dinner, and all of the “interesting” people you encounter.

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Newbury Street – What a beautiful street lined with brownstones and has great shopping, food, and people watching.

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The North End / Waterfront – My first company was in this neighborhood.  The North End is the “Little Italy” of Boston with fantastic restaurants and some great Italian American culture.  It also sits right next to the waterfront which is just a beatiful place bustling with tourists.

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Running around the Chestnut Hill Reservoir – I lived close to the reservoir most of my years in Boston.  It was about a mile and a half around, a perfect place to run, and had some great sunsets.

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The Skyline 

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Hip Hop Yoga – My very first yoga class was at Sweat & Soul yoga to try out Hip Hop yoga.  It’s not what you think it is!  It’s just vinyasa flow to loud music and so, so much fun!  This picture was at a hip hop yoga event near Copley Square hosted by Lululemon.

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The Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, & Patriots and all of their crazy fans.  

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The Boston Common & Public Garden

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I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to spend four years of my life in one of the best cities in the world!

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