My Saturday began at Pedal NYC for a 30/30 class – 30 minutes spin followed by 30 minutes of TRX. It was my first time trying both spin and TRX, so I was a bit nervous. The event was hosted by my fellow Fitfluential Ambassador, Talia of Bite Size Wellness.

After getting a bit lost, I got to Pedal just in time for the spin warmup. After this spin class, I can’t wait to get to another one soon. The room was dark, the music loud and I was able to get in the zone and just follow Mr. Ray’s voice to push myself. My legs felt a bit like jello after we finished, but it was only the first half of the class.

We moved over to the TRX room where we split into two groups. While one group did the move on the TRX the other group did a move off to the side. On the TRX we did squat pulls, bicep curls and star jumps, while the people on the side did clap squats, held planks and mountain climbers.

After we were done with the TRX we went outdoors to do a few laps in the courtyard before posing for some group shots.

After the class, I rushed home, showered, grabbed some sushi and headed to the salon to get my hair cut. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that it had been almost a year since my last haircut, but I’ve been so busy that I couldn’t find the time to get to the salon. I love my stylist and she always does an awesome job cutting my hair. I’ve never been disappointed.

After my haircut, I rushed back home to get changed and ready for the party that Tommy and I were attending that night. The party was a work function with Tommy’s coworkers, and it was held on Ellis Island! I didn’t even know that the island could be rented for events before hearing about this party. The weather was perfect for a night on the island, and we had amazing, clear views of the city all night long.

The party was a blast and it was nice getting all dressed up. Especially since the next day I would be rolling around in the mud!

How often do you get your hair cut? Where’s the coolest place you’ve been to a party?

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We spent the 4th at Tommy’s aunt’s house..well really in her pool, we were only in the house for like 1o minutes total.

Munchkin was even brave enough to jump off the diving board!

On Thursday, we hit up the Goglio Italian Festival in Brooklyn. We went there last year too!

And since we won some fish at the festival, we spent Friday setting up our fish tank with our new fishies.

We, of course, had to get the Spongebob tank! Cross your fingers for our fishies!

Tonight, we are heading out to a BBQ in honor of Munchkin’s godfather’s birthday. I’m just hoping the crazy storms that have been in the forecast hold off for us!

What are you doing this weekend?

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Saturday morning I dropped off Tommy at work bright and early – 5am! I got back home fairly quickly and went back to bed to catch some shut eye until Munchkin woke up. At least I got some nice views of the sunrise over Brooklyn! Excuse the grossness that is my car, but the street I work on is being renovated and it’s there’s dust flying through the air constantly.

After a quick breakfast, we went out to run some errands with my pops. The supermarket we go to was having some kind of festival and we got free cupcakes and fruit salad. Munchkin also got to spin the prize wheel and won a $5 gift card for groceries!

On my way back to pick up Tommy, I made a decision that I do not want to live in NYC in the long run, I simply don’t have the nerves for it. It took me almost an hour to drive about 4 miles. So frustrating! My frustration quickly passed though, because on Saturday night we headed out to my friend Paul’s graduation party. Paul got his Masters in Mental Health Counseling and I couldn’t be more proud! He’s looking for a job in the NYC area if anyone has some info! Tommy and Munchkin ended up wearing matching polos, which we didn’t realize until we got to the party. How cute are my boys?

The party was a really good time – BBQ and Old Fashioneds. It was great to see all my friends, hang out and just have a great time.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t say up too late because we had to be up early the next morning for the actual graduation, which started at 10.  But before we got to the graduation, we had to do some Mother’s Day celebrating. I got some gorgeous yellow roses, pink roses and some amazing cards in the mail from my cousin Patricia and Munchkin. Needless to say, I was one happy mama! Thank you guys so much!

The ceremony was on the great lawn on the school’s campus, so it was a pleasure to sit out in the sun and watch the ceremony. Since it was outdoors, munchkin got to do some exploring.

Three hours later (over 3000 people graduated and they read every persons name!) our graduate emerged! After a photo or 12, we parted ways.

I met up with my patents at Home Depot to buy some plants to start our garden. I bought two types of tomatoes, eggplant, red and yellow peppers, zucchini, parsley, basil and mint(for mojitos!). I can’t wait for my crops to start growing!

After we were done planting, I was famished so I threw together a quick BBQ meal. Grilled chicken and peppers with a side of Trader Joe’s veggie fried rice. Totally hit the spot after a long day.

Since munchkin decided to skip his nap, he knocked out around 8 and I spent the rest of the evening in the books.

Last final is tomorrow and I cannot wait for it to be done and over with! I am so ready for long summer nights and carefree weekend adventures. Tommy bought a bike rack for his car over the weekend, so I foresee some bike trips in our future. Things are looking up my friends, I hope we have a great summer ahead of us!

Happy belated Mother’s Day to all the mommies out there!

What did you do this weekend?

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On Friday, we decided to go out for dinner. Tommy and I had both been craving sushi for weeks, so it was time to give into the craving and get our sushi on. Instead of going to our usual sushi place, we decided to use a Groupon that we had purchased a few weeks ago and try out Arirang. We have been to Arirang in PA before and love it, so when I saw a Groupon for their location in Brooklyn, I jumped on it. We started dinner by sharing two rolls. We got the Angelkiss and Southwestern Rolls. I really like the Southwestern roll because it fused Japanese and Mexican food, two of my favs, into a sushi roll.

For my entree, I got the seafood teriyaki, which I shared with Munchkin. He was all over the salmon teriyaki, I was really surprised.

Overall, I enjoyed our dinner, but the Arirang in Langhorne is definitely better than the Brooklyn location. The Brooklyn location is definitely older than the one in PA, so it’s not as modern looking, but I feel like the food and service was better in PA, as well.

On Sautrday, I had to wake up early to go to school, which gets a big thumbs down. But, I have an awesome boyfriend who woke up early so he could drive me to school – big thumbs up. We also stopped at the farmer’s market on our way to school, which gets a double thumbs up. We didn’t really get much, because it’s winter and slim pickings at the Farmer’s Market, but I did manage to grab a muffin and coffee milk for breakfast.

Another good part about Saturday school is the hour lunch break which gave me tons of time to walk over to Whole Foods! I got a bunch of different random things from their hot and salad bars. It was super yummy, but the price is what stops me from eating at Whole Foods more often.

On Saturday night, we went out with some friends to celebrate. We went to the Radegast Biergarden, for what else but beer!

After all the beer, we decided to eat some late night Mexican, but after a few beers, taking pictures went out the window!

Even though we were out pretty late, I was up bright and early thanks to the Munchkin. I can’t complain though because Tommy was up at 5:30 after 3 hours of sleep to go skiing. We had a family din din because it was my aunt’s last weekend in the States. She is going back to Poland after being here for a few months and I get to drive her to the airport on Friday. I love the airport!

On Sunday night, we all settled in front of the TV to watch the Superbowl! I’m not a huge football fan, but how can you not watch when your city’s team is playing. The game was close the whole time, which made it really exciting. I’m really happy the Giants won, and so were the people on by block who set of fireworks and honked their car like crazies after the game. I’m pretty sure New Yorkers are born with a hate for all teams from Boston, which makes the Giants victory a little sweeter.

Monday consisted of zero excitement. Work to school to home to sleep. Here’s to hoping that Tuesday will bring a bit more excitement!

What did you do this weekend? Are you a football fan?

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Even though he came as a surprise and I didn’t know if I was ready to be a mommy, he has brought out the best in me, taught me what matters in life and showed me that anything is possible with the help of true friends and family.

Happy Birthday little Munchkin! I love you!

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On Saturday, we celebrated Munchkin’s second birthday with our best friends and family. It was a great time and Munchkin had a blast.

We played silly games.

Had some yummy CAKE!

Blew out the candles like a champ!

And tried to sneak a taste when no one was looking.

We opened our gifts.

And when it was all over, Munchkin was all tuckered out and went straight to sleep. Or maybe he just didn’t want to help with the clean up.

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Since Munchkin’s birthday is one of the most important days of the year, I wanted to include everyone who couldn’t make it to the party in the celebration. I’m sure you remember the Red

Velvet cupcakes I showed the other day.

Turns out, they were a big hit.

Now you can make your own because I am giving away the Cake Mix Doctor’s Cupcake book, and since most of the recipes start with cake mix as the base, I’m throwing in 5 coupons for free cake mix to get you started on the baking.

How To Enter:

1. (Mandatory): Leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite cupcake flavor is.
2. (Optional): Follow Frolic Through Life on Twitter! @Frolic_Life_Syl
3. (Optional): Tweet about the giveaway and leave a separate comment telling me that you did – “Get your bake on! I want to win @Frolic_Life_Syl’s Cake Mix Dr. Cookbook Giveaway! http://wp.me/p1Ukf9-iL”
   
4. (Optional): Like Frolic Through Life on Facebook and leave a separate comment telling me that you did.

I will select a winner bright and early Monday (Jan. 23) morning. Fingers crossed!

Have a great Monday!

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After hitting up the Asian Market, regular supermarket and Polish deli, we were back home and ready to get down to baking. Since Munchkin’s birthday cake is going to be vanilla with buttercream frosting, I wanted to make something for the chocolate lovers. I followed the Cake Mix Doctor’s recipe for red velvet to make these beauties. I topped them off with cream cheese frosting, because who doesn’t love cream cheese frosting?

Red Velvet Cupcakes

• 1 package (21.6 ounces) yellow cake mix
• 1 package (3.4 ounces) vanilla instant pudding mix
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• Red food coloring

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place 24 paper liners in cupcake pans and set aside. For the cupcakes, place the cake mix, pudding mix, cocoa, milk, oil, eggs, and red food coloring in a large mixing bowl and blend until just combined. Increase the mixer speed to medium and blend until smooth, 1 to 1½ minutes. Scoop the batter into the liners, filling them three-quarters of the way full. Place the pans in the oven. Bake the cupcakes until the cake springs back when lightly pressed with your finger, 20 minutes. Remove to a rack to cool.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 8-oz. package room temperature cream cheese
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) room temperature butter
• 1 pound confectioner’s sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Place cream cheese and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat until creamy, about 30 seconds. With the mixer on low, slowly add sugar, scraping down the sides of the bowls as necessary. Add vanilla and increase mixer

speed to medium. Blend until frosting is fluffy, about 1 minute.

After the cupcakes were done, we moved on to decorating.

We only decorated the play room downstairs where the kiddos will be hanging out during the party. I still have to do the upstairs tonight. The rest of today will be spend in the kitchen. We are going to have a buffet style meal at the party and we decided to make it all ourselves. We are also making a few appetizers. Hopefully I remember to take some pictures to share with you guys tomorrow.

Have a great weekend! I’m off the kitchen!

What are your plans for the weekend?

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I planned Tommy’s birthday a long time ago because I found a great package I couldn’t pass up. We will be spending three days in Vermont at a really cute Bed and Breakfast, relaxing and getting our ski on at Mount Snow! So excited! But before we head out for out getaway, we have to celebrate the Munchkin’s second birthday.

For his first birthday, we did a Dr. Seuss theme and I gave out Dr. Seuss books with a cute thank you poem, as party favors. This year, since he is going to be two and a big boy, we are going with a Cars theme. I thought it would be a good idea to check out Pinterest for some party ideas, but it’s left me with a ton of thing I want to do and make. I thought I’d share some of my favs.

Even though there are a ton of Cars themed invitations, I found this idea a lot time ago and I plan on using it. Hopefully Munchkin will cooperate!

I wasn’t happy with our cake last year. I wanted a Dr. Seuss theme, but couldn’t find a place to have it made, so I went to Coldstone and they drew the Cat in the Hat onto an ice cream cake.

For this year’s cake, my friend’s girlfriend will be making it. The girl really gives the cake boss a run for his money and makes some amazing looking cakes. I would like her to make something like this. It’s simple and super cute!

I also love the look of this table set up. I think I’m going to use this idea to make a drink/dessert table. In addition to the cake I’d like to make some cupcakes with cars toppers and use the water bottle wrapper idea.

Last year, I wanted to make personalized Jones Sodas as party favors but I waited too long to order them and they wouldn’t have arrived in time. Since I’ve got plenty more time this year, I think these will be the party favors.

All that’s left now is to put my ideas into action. I have a feeling I will be making some good friends at Michael’s over the next few weeks, but I couldn’t be more excited.

Have a great Wednesday!

Would you prefer a big party or a weekend getaway for your birthday?

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On Sunday, we went to a Labor Day / Housewarming party at Tommy’s aunt’s house.  Since the ride to their house cuts right Princeton, NJ, we were able to stop by the House of Cupcakes. I’ve wanted to go to House of Cupcakes since I saw it on Cupcake Wars on the Food Network.

We got there right when they were opening, so not all the cupckaes had been put out on the shelf yet.  The only one that I wanted to get that wasn’t out on the shelf was a peanut butter one, which got brought out when I was walking out the door.

I felt overwhelmed by all the different flavors staring back at me. I really wanted to try one of each, but that would have been a little much.

I was very pleased with my choices.

I got Red Velvet, Oreo, Boston Cream, Carrot Cake, Cappuccino and Vanilla Riot.  I can honestly say that these were the best cupcakes I’ve ever had.  The cake was moist and fluffy, the perfect texture and the frostings were sweet, but not too sweet. If you’re ever in the Princeton area stop at the House of Cupcakes.  It is most definitely worth the trip.

We had a blast at the party.  There was really more food than we knew what to do with.  I loved that before the hot food was served, Tommy’s aunt ordered a huge spread of sushi from a local place in their area.  It was delicious to snack on the sushi throughout the day.

All of the food was amazing, she really outdid herself. I’m also completely in love with their kitchen. I seriously dream of a kitchen like that at night.

After eating, the fun part of the party started. Pool time!

Munchkin had a blast in the pool.  He is getting braver and braver in the water and even floated around kicking his feet with us only holding his hands.

We got home after 11PM exhausted after a long day filled with lots of fun.

On Monday, we slept in a little before heading out to the local mall.  I accidentally sat on Tommy’s glasses and he had to get them adjusted.  In my own defense, he left the on the bed!

While at the mall, I tried on a pair of Toms and I think I want to buy a pair for the fall.  I also got two book thats I’ve wanted to read for a while for pennies at Borders.  I’m currently reading Room as part of PB Finger’s book club, but I picked up In Defense of Food and The End of Overeating.  I can’t wait to read both!

We grabbed lunch/dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings before heading back to New York.  Tommy’s brother won six free wings a week for a year, so we took advantage of his winnings.

I got a salad as my entree and it was only okay.  I think the only good thing at Buffalo Wild Wings are the wings themselves.  All of the other thing we’ve tried from there are just okay.

The drive home wasn’t too bad with only a little bit of traffic.  I was so tired after the weekend, that I fell asleep around 9PM in my clothes with Munchkin.  I guess my body needed to catch up on sleep, since there wasn’t much of it this weekend.

I also made a peach apple cobbler yesterday.  It’s really good. I’ll be sharing my recipe tomorrow! Have a great Wednesday!

What’s the best baked good you’ve ever tried?

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As usual, Munchkin was the youngest one at the party, but that did not stop him from having a great time.  He ran around chasing the older kids and had a blast playing with their play kitchen.  He literally sat in front of it for half the time, taking thing out of the cabinets and pretend eating.  I’m looking into kitchens and I think Munchkin might get one for Christmas.

After filling Munchkin with lots of sugar in the form of ice cream cake, we can home to plan our Boston getaway.  Tommy is taking us to Boston for my birthday and I could not be any more excited. We already chose our hotel and it’s right in the middle of Boston, not far from Fenway Park.  It looks great online and the reviews I read are pretty good.

Since neither of us know much about Boston, I need your help! If you have any recommendations for restaurants, places to see, things to do, please share, I would really appreciate it.  My only requirement is that it be child friendly. Thanks so much!

Now I’m off to do some homework.  It was really nice having off yesterday, but its time to get back to reality.  Thank god for three day weeks!

Have a great Tuesday!

Have you ever been to Boston?
What’s your favorite birthday memory?

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We started off Friday at the movies.  I read the book The Help last month and have been wanting to see the movie ever since.  It was really good, but I feel like they left out some good parts from the book, but I guess in the interest of time they had to because the movie was already over two hours long.  We were lucky enough to sit next to some older women at the theater who were either falling asleep and snoring loudly [no joke] or telling each other what would happen next.

Since the weather was gorgeous on Friday, we decided to head over to the piers after the movie.

We laid by the water and just enjoyed the gorgeous night. After that we decided to take a drive down Bedford Ave in Brooklyn where we encountered the Luke’s Lobster truck.  At first we were a little taken back about the thought of eating seafood out of a truck, but something in my head clicked and I remembered hearing about it on TV and we decided to give it a shot.

We got a lobster roll and a crab roll and shared.  They were both surprisingly really good, but we both agreed that the lobster roll was better.  The lobster was almost sweet and the sauce on it was really good. If you live in NY, you can follow the truck on twitter and know when it is in your area.

Saturday
 On Saturday we woke up bright and early to go to the McCarren Park Farmer’s market.

After the cocktail hour, we were all invited upstairs to greet the bride and groom and their wedding party.

I’m telling you, in you ever have the chance to go to a Polish wedding, jump on it.  We had a blast and danced our butts off big time.  I think we didn’t sit down for more than a song just to get a drink.  The music was great and everyone was having a really great time.  Congrats again to Lukasz and Mariola!

On the way home, the rains began.  Lukasz doesn’t live to far from our house, so we decided that we would walk home after the wedding.  Too bad that by the time we got off the bus it was pouring and got home without a dry thread on us.

Sunday

We woke up on Sunday to something that sounded like a huge explosion.  Then again, judging my Facebook and Twitter, most of our neighborhood woke up to the sound.  Lightening struck somewhere nearby because the whole house shook.  It was a foreshadowing to what the rest of the day would be like because it poured and poured and poured some more.  It was actually the rainiest day since the weather started being recorded like a 100 years ago.

Tommy and I had planned on making BBQ for dinner and we didn’t let a little lot of rain stop us. After some difficulties with the grill not lighting correctly, we were ready to feast.

We made chicken and Italian sausage with corn, red potatoes and a kale, mushroom salad I made.  We served it along a yummy garlic bread that Tommy made.

After dinner, we headed out to Ikea where Tommy and Munchkin got matching Poang chairs. Well not really matching because Tommy got his in black and the children’s version only comes in white.

This morning we woke up to even more rain and it doesn’t look like it will be going away anytime soon. Rain, rain go away little Munchkin wants to play!

What was the most exciting thing you did this weekend?
Do you frequent Farmer’s Markets?
Do you have your arc ready for the impending flood?

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