Feature Friday: Philadelphia Phitness Pharmacy

Happy Friday night! This evening's featured blogger is...

Shannon, from Philadelphia Phitness Pharmacy!

Coincidentally, I've actually known Shannon for ten years now- she and I went to the same middle and high school, where she was a year above me! Though we weren't friends at the time, we reconnected through blogging earlier this year. Funny how that works, right?

Anyway, what I enjoy most about Shannon's blog is the way she leads a normal lifestyle with a commitment to health. She's constantly setting goals for herself and challenging herself to try new things, like cycling, yoga, open-water swimming and workout routines. The way she jumps in and always tries out new activities is super motivating- if she can commit to a triathlon, I can try a new class at the gym, right?

The other thing I like about Philadelphia Phitness Pharmacy is the way Shannon does a good job of balancing a healthy, active lifestyle with having fun. There's room for both salad and eating out, movie nights and exercise. Healthy living should add to your life, not take away from it, and I think that Shannon and Philadelphia Phitness Pharmacy are a great example of that!

What blogs have you been loving lately? Have you read any exceptionally good posts this week?

Feature Friday: Eating Bird Food

Happy Friday, everyone! Tonight's featured blogger is...

Brittany, from Eating Bird Food!

I started reading EBF after meeting Brittany at the Foodbuzz Festival last November. (It's kind of neat to meet the blogger before discovering the blog- you get a way clearer sense of their personality that way!) Since she's been blogging since 2008, Brittany is quite a veteran of the blogworld, and that shines through in every post- they're all interesting, well-written and filled with beautiful photos of workouts, meals, everyday activities and recipes.

Speaking of recipes, I think they're my favorite part of Eating Bird Food! They're all creative, vegetarian and relatively easy to recreate. Nutella Rugelach or Beet Hummus, anyone?

So the next time you're looking for a fabulous recipe to follow, head over to Eating Bird Food and take a look around. I hope you love it as much as I do!

What have your favorite blogs been lately? Have you read any exceptional posts this week?

Feature Friday: Julie GoLean

Feature Friday time! Tonight's featured blogger is...

Julie, from Julie GoLean!

When I first started blogging a year and a half ago, Julie became one of my first "blends." Her blog is one of the most natural and personable ones I've ever read; each post is full of personality and reads like a conversation to her best friends. Plus, she's not afraid to be a little goofy and fun, which I love- she doesn't take herself too seriously, and her one-liners always make me smile!

The other thing I really love about Julie GoLean is her commitment and passion for a healthy lifestyle. She's all about the vegetables and always manages to come up with simple, nutritious meal ideas that are super easy to recreate. And reading about her workouts always makes me want to go pick up some weights and challenge myself- girlfriend is strong!

So go on over and check it out! Make sure you've got yourself a salad beast before, though, cause you'll be craving one soon...

What blogs have you been loving lately? Have you read any particularly amazing posts this week?

Feature Friday: Faith, Fitness, Fun

Happy Friday night, friends! Today's featured blogger is...

Tina, from Faith, Fitness, Fun!

I have to start by saying that for me, Tina's blog encompasses all the good things that I love about blogging. It's fun, uplifting, positive and real, and she has an incredible ability to write thought-provoking pieces that don't seem too heavy or serious. Each post if filled with contagious self-love, whether it's a recipe, workout, daily journal or reflection. Tina truly practices what she preaches, embodying a healthy lifestyle not only through food and exercise but through her mindset, as well. Her fun, loving personality shines through in every word!

The other thing I really love about Faith, Fitness, Fun is that Tina isn't afraid to share the nitty-gritty stuff, or delve into deeper issues. I think most bloggers can relate to how difficult it is to take the plunge and write a controversial or self-exposing post, but Tina always takes it in stride and manages to write about her struggles in an optimistic light. Her Top Posts page is full of amazing reads- she always churns out quality writing!

So if you're looking for a seriously good blog to add to your list of must-reads, I highly recommend you go over and give Faith, Fitness, Fun a look :)

What are your latest amazing blog discoveries? Have you read any particularly amazing posts this week?

Feature Friday: Love Veggies and Yoga

Let's get right to it, shall we? Tonight's featured blogger is...

Averie, from Love Veggies and Yoga!

I've been reading Love Veggies and Yoga since the very beginning of my blogging days, and what I enjoy most about the posts is the way Averie isn't afraid to be honest and opinionated. She covers all sorts of topics, from more controversial issues to lighthearted ideas and easy recipes, so even consistent readers never get bored. Plus, each post asks questions that get a conversation going in the comments section. It's always fun to read what others have to say about certain things!

In addition to her open writing style, I also really admire Averie's gorgeous photos and  easy recipes. In the past few months she's changed the style of her blog somewhat, and while she still covers healthy living and food related topics, it's much more of a "life" blog now. And if you're looking for mouthwatering food pictures, look no further than her recipes page, which contains tons of dishes that are all incredibly simple.

source

So head on over and check it out! She's actually having a giveaway right now too, so it's perfect timing :)

Have you discovered any great new blogs lately? What have been your favorite posts in the blog world this week?

Feature Friday: The Athlete's Plate

Friday night- time for another Feature Friday post! Tonight's featured blogger is...

Matt, from The Athlete's Plate!

I've been reading Matt's blog since back in the days where he blogged at The Kitchen of a Runner, and what I like most about it is the way he balances informational posts with his personal recipes and workout tips. Each post always contains at least a few pieces of useful information- instead of just telling people how he lives a healthy, active lifestyle, he shows them by explaining things carefully. Plus, his workouts are always kind of ridiculous- and I mean that in a good way!

Matt is also a seriously talented cook. Similar to his other posts, his recipes typically include information on the benefits of certain foods and why he likes them. He's a burger lover, but also balances it out with plenty of delicious-looking seafood and vegetarian recipes. Cinnamon and cayenne crusted sea bass, anyone?

So head on over and get a plateful of The Athlete's Plate!

What are the newest additions to your must-read blog list? Have you read any particularly amazing posts this week?

Feature Friday: Fitting It All In

Feature Friday time! Tonight's featured blogger is...

Clare, from Fitting It All In!

I started reading Fitting It All In a few months ago, and found I could really relate to Clare's life. She's a recent college graduate who's balancing healthy eating, exercise, a full time job and a social life. Definitely a lot on one plate, but she handles it with grace. She's a pescatarian and hummus lover like me, and I can especially identify with the way she makes meals for one- reading her blog always gives me some good new meal ideas that don't feed an army!

Plus, Fitting It All In is well-balanced and real; she comes across as genuine and sweet in every post, including lots of life tidbits, which I love! Clare's blog reads like a friend's journal, complete with funny stories or anecdotes, her thoughts on bigger issues, and her ups and downs on life in general. In other words, it's refreshingly real- just someone sharing how they life their own healthy life.

So pop on over and say hi to Clare at Fitting It All In! I hope you enjoy her blog as much as I do.

What's the latest addition to your reader? Have you read any especially great posts this week?

Feature Friday: italktofood

Another Friday night! (Can it really be the last Friday in June already?!) So, time for a Feature Friday presentation. Tonight's featured blogger is...

Aubrey, from italktofood!

I discovered Aubrey's blog a few months ago, and was incredibly intrigued by her life (not that that sounds incredibly creepy or anything...). She's a full-time culinary student at the Culinary Institute of America, and since I'd always kind of wondered what exactly culinary school entailed, I immediately loved her posts. They're simple, well-written and honest, with a well-balanced combination of basic, healthy meals and fancier culinary school experiences and delicious meals out.

What I think I like most about italktofood is the way Aubrey's passion for both cooking and health shines through in each post. When I first discovered Aubrey's blog, she was working on an externship in California, and I could just tell it's a huge part of her personality! Reading italktofood was actually a big part of what encouraged me to take the plunge and start a shorter culinary program this summer.

So head on over and check out italktofood- maybe you'll be inspired to start cooking, too :)

Feature Friday: Sunshine 'n' Spice

Time for another Feature Friday presentation! Tonight's featured blogger is...

Meg, from Sunshine 'n' Spice!

I stumbled across Meg's blog about a year ago, when she was spending time in San Francisco for an internship. I was instantly drawn to her upbeat, exuberant personality, huge smile and fun posts. Meg tackles every topic, from strength training to bikini confidence to random life topics, with a positive attitude that's absolutely contagious. She's herself in each and every post, and she lets her passions dictate her life, instead of health. Food and fitness just happen to be two of them! I had the pleasure of meeting her at FitBloggin' in San Francisco, and she's amazing.

In terms of health, I love Sunshine 'n' Spice for its laid-back yet motivational approach to fitness. Meg is a strength training lover who manages to kick some serious butt in the weight room, while never getting too obsessed with it. She's gluten-free, as well, but you'd never even realize that by the sampling of simple, delicious recipes she posts. Peanut butter protein bars, anyone?

So, if you're looking for a fun, uplifting read, head on over to Sunshine 'n' Spice and check it out. Hopefully you love it as much as I do!

What are the latest additions to your reader? Have you read any particularly amazing posts this week?

Feature Friday: Hungry Hungry Hippie

Friday night. You know what that means: time for another Feature Friday post! Tonight's featured blogger is...

Elise, from Hungry Hungry Hippie!

I started reading HHH way back in summer of 2009, before I even had my own blog and Elise was living in NYC. I was making the move to the city soon, so I was instantly intrigued by the way she lived and ate in the Big Apple! Fast forward two years, and Elise now lives in southern California, but her blog is still one of my favorites. She eats a mainly vegan diet, and I'm in awe of the way she has a full-time job as a nurse and still manages to pack wholesome, healthy meals. Her recipes are always incredibly creative and approachable, too- pumpkin banana bread or hippie-roons, anyone?

Besides the "food" portion of Hungry Hungry Hippie, I also love how articulate yet funny each post is. Elise has covered some of the more serious health-related issues, and I really respect the way she presents and discusses things. On the other hand, she also has some great stories and funny one-liners to share- either way, it's always interesting to read!

So, head on over and check it out! She's been posting some pretty funny stories about her trip to Paris lately :)

Feature Friday: Healthy Exposures

You know what Friday night means: time for another Feature Friday presentation! Tonight's featured blogger is...

Jess, from Healthy Exposures!

Jess started blogging right around when I did, and I began following her blog pretty early on. What blew me away from the very beginning was the quality of every word, recipe and photograph- she puts her heart and creativity into every post, and it really shows. While most bloggers start of with dimly lit or flash-filled snapshots, Jess' pictures have been gorgeous since day one. Plus, her posts are always well-written, yet full of personality and interesting anecdotes. You can just tell that she has a passion for food, photography and blogging in general!

The other thing I absolutely love about Healthy Exposures are the creative, wholesome recipes. Jess comes up with the most amazing treats and meals using interesting ingredients, like sweet potato butter, bluebocado waffles and blueberry donut holes. Clearly, she has incredible talent not only with photography, but also in the kitchen. It's kind of a secret dream of mine to be a fly on the wall when she's coming up with this stuff, since she never seems to use a recipe but everything turns out beautifully!

So, if you're looking for some serious culinary inspiration, head on over to Healthy Exposures and take a look. I hope you love it as much as I do!

What are the latest additions to your reader? Have you read any particularly amazing posts recently?

Feature Friday: Pure2Raw

While I'm out tourist-ing, I decided to do today's Feature Friday in the morning, rather than at night. This week's featured bloggers are...

photo via pure2raw.com

Lori and Michelle, of Pure2Raw!

I discovered the Pure2Raw girls not long after I began blogging via the Fitnessista. Their blog blew me away primarily because of the incredible vegan, raw and gluten free treats they're constantly coming up with- instead of accepting a life without baked goods, they took matters into their own hands and started something amazing! They're not afraid to experiment with new ingredients and flavors in order to put a unique, healthy and vegan twist on traditional foods like grasshopper pie, donuts and apple pie, and have used their culinary talent to start their own vegan and gluten-free bakery, Twin Cakes.

photo via pure2raw.com

After meeting both the girls in person (Michelle at Foodbuzz in November, and Lori at dinner in NYC in April), I realized that they're two of the sweetest girls in the blogworld. The chat we had over our meal at Pure Food and Wine was incredible; they're down to earth, smart and independent women who have great points of view on food, exercise and health in general. I'm so glad to call them friends!

So if you're looking for a new blog with some gorgeous culinary inspiration to add to your reading repertoire, look no further than Pure2Raw. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!!

What's your favorite recently-discovered blog? Did you see any particularly amazing posts in the blogworld this week?

Feature Friday: meals & moves

Friday night, which means...time for a feature Friday presentation! Tonight's featured blogger is...

Janetha, from meals & moves!

I began reading meals & moves when I was fairly new to the blogworld, and though Janetha and I eat rather differently, it's nonetheless become one of my favorite blogs! What I love most about meals & moves is that it really is a "lifecasting" blog- as the title suggests, Janetha shares her daily meals and moves (exercise), but she also always includes events and random musings about her day, which I find really fun. I love checking in to see pictures of the things she does with her family and friends, as well as photos of her adorable doggies, Randy and Penny!

The other reason I really love meals & moves is because of the workout ideas and protein-packed recipe inspiration. Janetha is an avid believer in the Body for Life program, so she's constantly posting good HIIT routines and weight training exercises. She's also the creator of the chocolate "faux frosty" protein shake, which I can attest really does taste like the real thing (and I need to make one soon, considering I just got some chocolate SunWarrior today!).

So what are you waiting for? Pop on over to meals & moves to check it out and wish Janetha a happy Friday :)

What was the latest addition to your reader or blogroll? Did you read any incredible posts this week?

Feature Friday: Brit Chick Runs

Happy Friday night, everyone!! You know what that means- time for another Feature Friday. Tonight's featured blogger is...

Freya, of Brit Chick Runs!

I began reading Freya's blog after meeting her at the Healthy Living Summit in Chicago this past August. She'd traveled all the way from England to be there, and I'm glad she did! What I love most about her blog is that it reads like a diary, and every post bursts with her personality. It's one of those blogs that you don't need to read for a long time to "get to know" the blogger- you get a great sense of who she is just by reading for a few days! She loves running, animals, dark chocolate, oats and roasted vegetables. Clearly a girl after my own heart!

Freya is also a college student, a dedicated runner and a vegan who has no fear in experimenting with new foods and flavors. I'm always kind of impressed with the way she throws together ingredient combinations I never would have thought of, like her parsnip breakfast bake and pear mousse. Plus, she's British and has an awesome accent...and we all know about my slight British obsession as of late ;)

So if you're looking for a fun new read, pop on over and say hello! I hope you love Brit Chick Runs as much as I do.

What was the last blog you added to your reader or blogroll? Did you read any amazing posts in the blogworld this week?

Feature Friday: SnackFace

Happy Friday!! Tonight's Featured Friday blogger is...

Kailey, from Snackface!

SnackFace was one of the very first blogs I ever read, back before I even had a blog of my own! I stumbled across it through several blogrolls, and really related to the content and voice. She was still a college student at the time, as well as a vegetarian, but what really hooked me was her confidence. She never seemed to apologize for who she was and what she stood for, and that self-assuredness has only grown in the past nearly two years. Kailey speaks her mind in a way that encourages others, myself included, to reject the negative influences and thoughts that make us feel bad about ourselves- I frequently find myself emphatically nodding at her posts with a renewed sense of confidence. Her fierceness is truly refreshing!

Other awesome things about SnackFace? Fashion inspiration, hip-hop anecdotes that make me giggle, a good attitude and plenty of SnackFacing- aka, snacking extravaganzas in lieu of your typical three-meals-a-day thing. Kailey reminds me to live my life according to my own rules, whatever they may be.

SnackFacing

So if you're looking for some fabulous blog entertainment this evening, head on over and say hi to SnackFace!

What are your current blog must-reads? Seen any particularly amazing posts recently? As always, feel free to link away!

Feature Friday: Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life

Friday night- you know what that means! Another Feature Friday presentation. Tonight's featured blogger is...

Courtney, from Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life!

I started reading Courtney's blog not long after she started about a year ago, and I think what drew me in first was the food. As her title suggests, Courtney has a huge sweet tooth that's coupled with incredible baking skills, and she's kind enough to share her mouthwatering recipe creations with the world. As someone who likes to balance super-healthy foods with extra-decadent ones, Courtney's approach to food is definitely one I can relate to!

Once the treats had me hooked, I started loving Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life for her smiley attitude and realistic approach to health. Her recipes and workouts are simple and straightforward, and she's great at maintaining a healthy lifestyle while not letting it interfere with every day life. Each post is upbeat and fun, but still honest and authentic- a perfect balance.

Chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes. Drool.

So if you're looking for some culinary inspiration or just a fun new daily read, head on over and say hi at Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life!

What's your favorite baking or dessert blog? What blogs in general are you loving this week?

Feature Friday: Peanut Butter Fingers

Happy weekend, everyone! It's Friday night, and you know what that means: a Feature Friday presentation. Tonight's featured blogger is...

Julie from Peanut Butter Fingers!

I started reading Peanut Butter Fingers about a year ago, and it quickly became one of my favorite blogs due to its fun content and easy food & fitness ideas. Julie's writing voice is lighthearted, upbeat and full of bubbly personality; her enthusiastic posts always make me crack a smile. She's inspiring in that she maintains a healthy workout schedule and eating habits without taking things too seriously- it reminds me that the pursuit of health should add to the quality of your life, not detract from it! Plus, I'm slightly obsessed with her adorable vizsla Sadie, and I can absolutely relate to her serious sweet tooth!

Speaking of sweet teeth, I also love PBF for its many simple, tasty recipes. Julie does a great job of creating unique meals with everyday ingredients, and her easy desserts are always drool-worthy. Cookie cake pie, anyone?

So if you want some workout motivation, easy recipes or just some really cute puppy pics, head on over to Peanut Butter Fingers and say hi! 

What blogs are you loving lately? Have you read any great blog posts recently? Feel free to link in the comments!

Feature Friday: Clean Eating Chelsey

It's Friday night: time for another Feature Friday presentation! Tonight's featured blogger is...

Chelsey, from Clean Eating Chelsey!

I began reading Clean Eating Chelsey in late summer, and it quickly jumped to the top of my favorites list. What I love most about the blog is Chelsey's distinct writing voice; each post is eloquent and well-written, yet full of personality and witty sarcasm. (Last night's post, about young girls and "fat talk," was one of my all-time favorites.) She's creative, real and funny in every post. And her really cute rescue dog doesn't hurt, either :)

Food-wise, Chelsey does a great job with creating delicious, interesting meals in spite of a few food intolerances. She's an oatmeal lover, a vegetarian and a darn good cook with delicious-sounding recipes like coconut-cranberry muffins and vegan chocolate covered dough balls.

Don't even pretend like you're not dying to go check those out :) So head on over and show Clean Eating Chelsey some love- I hope you love it as much as I do!

What blogs are you loving this week? What's the newest addition to your must-read list?

Feature Friday: Trying to Heal

Friday night = time for another Feature Friday!! Tonight's featured blogger is....

Melissa, from Trying to Heal!

I've been reading Trying to Heal for about a year now, and always get a little excited when a new post pops up in my reader. What I love most about Melissa's blog is how much her personality and passions come through in her writing. She's made a career out of her love for the environment, which is something I truly admire, and she's always open about both her triumphs and her struggles. I love how honest and real her posts are- you can just tell that she's a cool person to be around.

Melissa is also a vegetarian, dedicated runner and avid baker, which I can all relate to! I was lucky enough to meet her in person first at the Healthy Living Summit and then at the Foodbuzz Festival in San Francisco, and she's just as genuine and kind in person as I'd anticipated.

So what are you waiting for? Head on over to Trying to Heal and say hi! You'll want to stick around, I promise :)

What blogs are you currently loving? What's the latest addition to your reader?

Feature Friday: Healthy Diva Eats

Happy Friday night, everyone! I'm out and about, but I didn't forget about a Feature Friday presentation! Tonight's featured blogger is...

Katie, from Healthy Diva Eats!

I stumbled across Katie's site shortly after I began blogging, and have read it loyally ever since. I truly think that the best blogs are the one in which the blogger stays true to themselves and lets their personality shine through, and this "diva" does that amazingly. She has an amazingly positive outlook on life and her posts are always enthusiastic and full of joy- you can just tell in every word how much she values her family and friends. Katie is also getting married this spring, and I've loved reading all about her wedding-planning process!

Besides the incredibly genuine and sweet woman behind it, I also love the fun food, fitness and fashion tidbits on Healthy Diva Eats. Katie often posts about cute, girly clothing deals, as well as new health-food store finds and frequent sushi-and-wine dinners. A girl after my own heart!

So if you're looking for a blog that will make you smile every day, head on over and check it out! She's currently hosting a giveaway, too- perfect timing :)

Hope you're having a great start to your weekend!

What's the newest addition to your reader/blogroll/subscription list?