• Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • Fitness
  • Nutrition
  • |
  • About
  • Work With Me
    • Brand partnerships
    • Nutrition Coaching
January 13, 2017

Friday Faves

47 comments
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Hello my friends! Happy Friday – popping in with some random things I’m loving lately to kick off the weekend. 🙂

1) Warm weather in January! It got up to almost 70 degrees yesterday – what the heck?! It was weird but also amazing. I grabbed lunch at one of my local faves, Yafa, with a friend from my co-working space and it was warm enough to eat outside! I got half rice, half salad with chicken, various veggies, hummus, and a yogurt sauce. So good!

IMG_0680

It was still warm this morning so Matt and I decided to go for a quick run before work. I didn’t wear my watch but I’d say we did about 3 miles. Shorts in January = awesome! Felt good to get out there. 🙂

IMG_0682

2) Sparkling wine flights. I met a couple friends for dinner at Twisted Vines earlier this week before we headed to a networking event for female entrepreneurs in Arlington, and we all got a wine flight. Mine was sparkling, of course! My fave. 🙂

twisted vines wine flight arlington

We shared a bunch of food, too! Cheese plate, seared tuna, tacos, some broccolini – all delicious.

twisted vines arlington dinner

3) Teaching English.

I mentioned last month that post-election I decided to sign up as a volunteer English as a second language teacher to spread some positivity to the immigrant community, and this was the first week of class!

IMG_0678

This wasn’t exactly the best time of year to add another thing to my plate (it’s always so busy in January/February with new AnneTheRD nutrition clients, plus I’m trying to launch some new projects as well), but it was important to me to do it and I wanted to make it happen, so I am. I’m teaching once a week (we all co-teach with another teacher, which is nice); the classes are 3 hours long so it will definitely take an hour or two of prep time to get ready each week, but the first class went well and I’m looking forward to getting to know the students better as the semester continues on! We had 10 students this week, with people from Brazil, Morocco, Azerbaijan, Nepal, and more. So cool! I’m teaching a level 1 course, so they are pretty new to English, but they are all very enthusiastic and excited to be there which is awesome. Teaching adults = way easier than kids, apparently! Yay for no time outs! 🙂 (I taught English in Prague at a primary school back in 2008/2009!)

The English language center is near the Dupont Glen’s Garden Market, so I treated myself to lunch there after teaching before walking on down to my coworking space to work the rest of the afternoon. Yummy! This time I got chicken salad + kale apple salad + sweet potato mash + beets.

glen's garden market lunch

4) Winter Shape Up!

Speaking of projects launching soon, the Winter Shape Up that my friend Gina and I co-host every year is officially launching on January 30! (We originally said January 23, but we needed an extra week to make sure it was ready to go!) As you guys know, this is not a diet or weight loss challenge or anything like that – just a way to inspire you guys to get active in a fun way and to incorporate some new healthy recipes into your routine. It’s all about being realistic and sustainable with healthy living, and I’m hoping many of you will join us again this year if you’re into it – more details to come! The workout videos will be especially fun this year because we filmed them together in San Diego in November!

winter shape up 2017

And now I will leave you with a picture of Zara, who decided this week that she should set up shop in my clean laundry basket, obviously. Needed to make sure it was all covered in fur! 😉

cat in laundry basket

Have a fabulous weekend everyone! We’re supposed to get snow tomorrow apparently – back to winter again already, I guess!

What are you loving lately?

Who’s in for the Winter Shape Up?! 🙂

- anne
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

you might also like:

Chicken & Veggie Thai Green Curry

Cucumber Yogurt Garlic Sauce

Snow Falls in D.C.; Hilarity Ensues

capitol christmas tree 2020

Capitol Christmas Tree + Ferris Wheel-ing + No More Naps

leave a comment

Cancel reply

47 comments
  • Victoria
    January 13, 2017 · 10:37AM:
    One of our cats sits on clothes out of the dryer while I'm folding them, and hisses at me when I pull them out from under her. Sigh, cats.
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 13, 2017 · 10:55AM:
      Lol! That's amazing. I bet she likes how cozy and warm they are!
      Reply
  • Lynn @thenotdeadyetblog
    January 13, 2017 · 10:39AM:
    That's so great that you're teaching English! Also, I cannot believe how warm it was here in DC--especially since the ice storm cometh. Luckily I won't be here for that because I am escaping to California today! (Unfortunately, I'll be back for the inauguration drama.)
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 13, 2017 · 10:56AM:
      Oh man, I'm so jealous you're escaping to California! And yeah, next week will be interesting in DC - Matt and I are going to get out of town on Friday, which will be nice. :)
      Reply
  • Katie
    January 13, 2017 · 10:50AM:
    Hi there! Love your blog :) it was 56 degrees in New Hampshire yesterday. People were flocking to the beaches!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 13, 2017 · 10:56AM:
      Thanks Katie! And lol - love the 56 degree beach weather! :)
      Reply
  • Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
    January 13, 2017 · 10:53AM:
    I look forward to the winter and summer shape ups you two do! Can't wait for this one.
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 13, 2017 · 10:57AM:
      Yay! Thanks for joining us!
      Reply
  • Sara @ Oats & Rows
    January 13, 2017 · 11:06AM:
    That's so amazing you are teaching English! I am sure that is is super rewarding regardless of it being a busy time :-)
    Reply
  • Jamie January 13, 2017 · 11:58AM:
    Awesome, Ann! Thanks for serving our local English Language Learning community. I'm a local ELL teacher in Arlington. Feel free to reach out if you need any resources. :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 13, 2017 · 2:16PM:
      Awesome! Thanks Jamie!
      Reply
  • Mel
    January 13, 2017 · 12:04PM:
    Sooo cool that you take the time to teach English again. Absolutely the right thing to do. But of course your weeks are now even more busy. But I think the fact that you have a co-teacher might help. Again, very, very cool!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 13, 2017 · 2:16PM:
      The co-teacher definitely helps! :)
      Reply
  • Britt January 13, 2017 · 12:29PM:
    I have those same white+stars Brooks Launch running shoes. LOVE THEM! What I'm loving lately is that the sun decided to show itself for a couple days here in NorCal- it's been cloudy and pouring rain for like a month straight! Not good for Half Marathon training, but our drought is officially over!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 13, 2017 · 2:16PM:
      The best shoes! And yay for sunshine :)
      Reply
  • Kaci @ Kaci K. RD2Be
    January 13, 2017 · 12:45PM:
    I totally understand what you mean about doing something because it's important to you even though you have a million other things going on. I've really debated about if I'm going to coach Girls on the Run this semester because I'm already so busy with school, Jazzercise, introducing personal training sessions at my center, nannying, blogging, and trying to get experience to be competitive for an internship. Ultimately though I decided I'm going to do it because it's something I'm passionate about and really believe in.
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 13, 2017 · 2:17PM:
      That's awesome. Good for you! I volunteered for them last year - it's such a great program!
      Reply
  • Beth January 13, 2017 · 12:48PM:
    Love you are volunteering (something you forgot to add when you were doing the pro/cons for the r'n'r half marathon). Lots of work and prep time but ultimately a very rewarding experience. Getting up to workout is so much easier when it's this lovely warm temp. Still invigorating but doesn't make me want to snuggle under those covers.
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 13, 2017 · 2:18PM:
      Totally agree re: the warm temps! And yeah, one more thing on the plate during the week would have made training for the half with all my weekend travel even harder - didn't think about that!
      Reply
  • Jen Johnson
    January 13, 2017 · 12:50PM:
    Lately, I'm loving the Summer Fresh Seven Grain Salad from Costco. I add half an avocado to a serving and it's delicious! Super easy to take to work too! Long run on Sunday afternoon. Slowly getting back into a schedule to prepare for a couple of spring races. Have a great weekend!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 13, 2017 · 2:19PM:
      Yummy! We aren't Costco members or else I'd give that a try - sounds delicious. Happy training!
      Reply
  • mary @ minutes per mile
    January 13, 2017 · 1:08PM:
    OMG, I'm teaching from the same book! No kidding! Haha. I'll have to send you some lesson plans. I just started unit 8 with my students last night!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 13, 2017 · 2:19PM:
      I didn't know you were teaching ESL! That's awesome! Any lesson plans are much appreciated! :) xo
      Reply
  • Elisabeth January 13, 2017 · 1:19PM:
    Zara is so sweet! My kitten, Sophie, is a 4 month old Russian Blue and she loves laundry baskets, both with and without clean laundry. Ha.
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 13, 2017 · 2:20PM:
      Zara loves empty baskets too! :)
      Reply
  • Coco
    January 13, 2017 · 2:39PM:
    I'm also loving the spring winter weather! it feels so good to run outside again. But I'm afraid we're expecting some snow this weekend. grrrrrrrrrrr.........
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 13, 2017 · 3:05PM:
      Yeah, same here... boo!!
      Reply
  • Maggie January 13, 2017 · 5:12PM:
    I love that you're teaching English, that's so inspiring. I wanted to volunteer with the immigrant community here in Minnesota after the election, but grad school makes that hard. I tell myself that I work with immigrant communities as part of my internships so that counts for something, right? PS Thanks for answering my question the other day about what yoga mat spray you use. I ordered it from Amazon and it should be here tomorrow!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 14, 2017 · 12:16PM:
      Fabulous, I hope you like the spray too!
      Reply
  • Heather @ Polyglot Jot
    January 13, 2017 · 6:39PM:
    I love that you're teaching! I taught in South Korea and it was definitely a life changing experience! I'm still working within that field now and it's really rewarding...especially in this time! I so enjoyed the warmth yesterday too and had my lunch break outside--perfect! Hope that you have a lovely weekend!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 14, 2017 · 12:17PM:
      So cool you taught in South Korea! That was actually where I almost went to teach -- it was between there, Spain, and Prague!
      Reply
  • Miranda January 13, 2017 · 6:58PM:
    Zara is a cutie. At least she just sleeps on your clean clothes... my cat Steve pees on mine if I leave it sitting out!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 14, 2017 · 12:17PM:
      OMG really?!?! Not cool!
      Reply
  • Amanda Lillis January 14, 2017 · 9:13AM:
    Cute pic of Zara! I made your Creamy Mexican Chicken Chile Soup last night for dinner and it was terrific. My husband was weary of the hummus (he was all like say what???) but it was the perfect creamy addition! Also, thanks for the link to the salad bowl. I bought one off Amazon and can't wait for it to arrive. I made your "favorite salad ever" last week, and it was so good that it might just become by favorite salad ever now too! I hadn't had Catalina dressing since high school. Blast from the past. Next time I'll make it in the new bowl!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 14, 2017 · 12:18PM:
      Haha so glad the soup was a hit! :) And enjoy those salad bowls - I love them!
      Reply
  • Lauren K January 14, 2017 · 11:52AM:
    It is really inspiring that you are teaching English! How cool!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 14, 2017 · 12:39PM:
      Thanks my friend! Miss you! xo
      Reply
  • Kristen January 14, 2017 · 12:17PM:
    That's awesome that you are volunteering as an ENL teacher. I think your attitude of wanting to make a difference, instead of just lamenting the state of the world is really inspiring. In my own post-election funk, I took a few days off social media to think hard about a) the causes that really matter to me and b) what I'm most worried about under the new administration, and how I can align my skills, time, and resources to be a positive force. I'm in my last few months of a clinical health sciences program and will be moving to a new community after I graduate, but I think I'd like to volunteer at a pro bono clinic for those who are uninsured/underinsured/homeless/etc.
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 14, 2017 · 12:39PM:
      That's a wonderful idea Kristen. Thank you for working to spread some love and positivity to those who will need it!
      Reply
  • Tracy
    January 14, 2017 · 12:33PM:
    I think it is great you are teaching English and that is a great way to make a difference and give back!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 14, 2017 · 12:39PM:
      Thank you Tracy!
      Reply
  • Jen
    January 14, 2017 · 5:43PM:
    70?! No way! I am over here rejoicing in MI because it's almost 40 ;)
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 15, 2017 · 7:49PM:
      Haha yeah it was insane!
      Reply
  • Roadrunner January 14, 2017 · 10:25PM:
    Great of you to commit to teaching ESL. A considerable time commitment. Impressive! Well done...
    Reply
  • Tara | Treble in the Kitchen
    January 16, 2017 · 7:18AM:
    The weather was pretty warm early last week in Denver too…I also ran in shorts even though there was still snow on the ground!! And sparkling wine!? My fav. To teach English do you need a specific certification or credential? That is such a wonderful way to donate your time. I would love to know more details!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 16, 2017 · 10:01AM:
      At the place I'm volunteering you don't need any experience, although I do have a credential in it - I have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate that I received after the training course I took in Prague prior to my teaching there. So, if you're interested in teaching English you could do a training course if you like - but many places especially in the US will take you as a volunteer without experience!
      Reply
      • Tara | Treble in the Kitchen
        January 16, 2017 · 10:44AM:
        Thanks, Anne!!!
        Reply
- next post
previous post -

about Anne

anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
Learn more

fannetastic reads

Top Posts
01

My Top 9 Most Popular Recipes + Posts

02

Why I Don’t Recommend Whole30

03

What Causes Sugar Cravings (+ How to Stop Them!)

04

How I Make Money As a Blogger

05

Blog Recipes We Make Again and Again

06

What to Eat Before and After a Long Run

07

What to Eat During Long Runs

08

7 Common Nutrition Myths

09

How to Love Veggies

connect with Anne

Email me
anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

When I’m not writing or cooking for fannetastic food, you can find me running, coaching nutrition clients, or on an adventure with my family. Feel free to reach out - I'd love to hear from you!

follow anne:

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

back to top
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recent Posts
  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ

© copyright fannetastic food - site by kc - exclusive member of mediavine