Team,
You have no idea how long I’ve waited to get back to IHABL. There is no doubt in my mind that I needed to get away from the blog for a month or so in order to really dive headfirst into my studies. After all, writing consumes me. If you gave me all the time in the world to do what I wanted, I would wake up, work out, eat, write, repeat. So trying to fit in some witty posts about the obnoxious amount of tacos I consume in any given week just wasn’t going to fit in with my “July-identity.” July-Lauren was not very healthy. July-Lauren ate out almost every day, barely worked out, and didn’t sleep very much. Oh, and no, her water intake still hovered around zero. But July-Lauren reminded me about the true balance of life — and that is, we can’t be everything all at once. There are some points in our lives when we have to push things aside and not worry, because there is a bigger goal in mind. In my case, my personal training exam at the end of the month. Every time I wanted to spend an hour at the gym, I thought of all the knowledge I could be soaking up instead of burning a few measly calories. That’s not to say I didn’t miss it — I almost went crazy by the end of the month. But focusing on my exam really was what was best for me and now I can finally say,
I’m a NASM-CPT!
Strong, certified, and ready for action!
Since I missed the heart of summer, let’s do a quick recap of what I’ve been up to the past month (because I didn’t live in the library).
I ran a half marathon
I brunched like a champ
I moved into a new apartment
I tried some new workouts around the city
I hosted visitors and played tourist — Amanda and Jully were the highlight of my month!
Oh, and I drank a lot. It was a crazy month.
With all the craziness behind me, I’m finally settled on my couch watching Food Network and meal-prepping for the week. It feels so good to get back to my old routine. ESPECIALLY talking to you folks. I can’t wait to catch up on all your lives today! Prepare yourselves for lengthy comments 🙂
Questions:
- Tell me the best thing that happened to you in July. What did I miss??
i had a big lunch 
Congratulations on passing the NASM Way to go! I have ACE and I thought that was tough. Great job on your race. Congrats on your new apartment. I love brunch. Especially after a long run.
Thank you thank you thank you! It’s great to be back at it!
Congratulations! In July, I went to the beach a bunch of times and finalized all my wedding plans, which is going down NEXT WEEK!!!!
GAH! Next week? How exciting! I can’t wait for pictures 🙂
Welcome back and congrats!! I’m glad to see you’ve been keeping busy doing fun things and drinking fun drinks. I was starting to get worried, but now that I see you’ve been hanging with wine I know all is good!
I could never turn my back on wine. It has gotten me through so many tough times 😉 thanks for checking i haha I promise I’m back for good!
Congrats on passing your exam! Sounds like a great month of studying and enjoying yourself! This month I finally got out of the state of Ohio, so that was all I needed haha
Thank you! I can’t wait to catch up on your life 🙂 including leaving Ohio haha
Congratulations on passing your exam! Looks like a great month, despite being buried in studying. I spent most of July taking 3-day weekends, relaxing on the beach, and napping. It was glorious.
Haha that’s the epitome of a perfect summer. 3 day weekends should be the norm!
So good seeing you yesterday – glad you are back!
I’m so happy you popped in the store! absolutely unexpected. We’ll have to catch up the minute Blue Door gets its act together and reopens!
Yay! Congrats and I’m glad to have you back! We should have more coffee dates soon.
Agreed! It was great to catch up 🙂 next time a Velvet Taco craving strikes, I expect a text!
Holy moly, woman! You’ve been busy. I got married in July! That was my highlight. I’m so glad you’re back. Yay!
Um all signs are pointing to I MISSED THE BIGGEST MONTH EVER. I’m actually putting it in my calendar to catch up on your life specifically because whoa that’s big news haha. Congratulations!
Wow, you certainly accomplished a lot in July! Welcome back, Lauren!! 🙂 My highlight from July was going to IDEA BlogFest and IDEA World in LA. Good times and a lot of learning!
IDEA BlogFest seems like an awesome event! Can’t wait to see what else you’ve been up to 🙂
First things first, congrats on NASM!! So awesome!! It looks like you had an awesome month and I’m happy you’re back to writing 🙂 Let’s see, my life, lots of yoga, baking, and time with family and friends!
A perfect month, in my opinion 🙂 I can’t wait to start baking again! You’re a baking inspiration, that’s for sure!
Yay!! Congrats and welcome back!
Thank you!
YOUR BACK 🙂 Thank goodness I stalk you in all other facets of your life. So pretty much your snaps told me you were alive. Also that you have terrible music taste 😉
Excuse me, sir! Explain yourself!
Congratulations on earning your certification! Way to go lady! 🙂
Thanks Nicole! I’m looking forward to catching up on your posts tomorrow 🙂
Congratulations…that’s great! And welcome back 🙂
Thank you! Can’t wait to see what recipes you’ve posted since I’ve been gone 🙂
I’m glad you had a wonderful July! Moving and brunching are really important because well…brunch! I look forward to more pictures of those hotties with the paddles above 🙂
I don’t really know why I call it brunching…I just eat breakfast foods as often as possible, regardless of the time of day. It’s the bomb! Haha I’ll relay the message that the men were well-received!
Yay for moving into a new apartment! And fabulous brunch. Those pancakes look insane- what’s that white sauce on the side?!?!? I’m craving breakfast food so much right now!
They’re banana bread pancakes and that is a vanilla sauce, if I’m remembering right. Insane.
Where have you been all my life.
You were in my dream last night. So there’s that haha.
Umm it sounds like you had an epic time away from blogworld….DOIN IT RIGHT! Congrats on the certification BOOYA! I want to brunch like a champ…right now.
I knew you of all people would understand the blog absence — life can pull you away! Let’s brunch — you bring the espresso. Coffee tasting?
Woo! When I saw your comments pop up on my blog I hoped that meant your own blogging wouldn’t be too far behind. Excited to see you posting again!
Congrats on your PT certification!! That’s so exciting, and I’m glad all of your studying and hard work paid off. Rock ‘n’ Roll was TERRIBLE. omg. Worst weather for a half marathon ever. Way to survive that race, because whoa buddy, that was no joke. Also, WHERE does one find those pancakes you posted?! Because that looks like everything I’ve ever wanted out of brunch.
Southport Grocery! Let’s go asap! I go on average once a week haha. AND YES that 1/2 was the most miserable run of my life. Worst time, worst feeling, worst conditions. Woof!
I’ve wanted to go there FOREVER, no lie. Let’s make this happen!
So fun to see all your adventures on Instagram! Welcome back and congrats on passing the exam! What are you going to do with your cert?
My July highlight…for sure hands down..my bachelorette party!
I think I’m beginning to teach at a studio in Gold Coast….but it’s not for sure yet so I don’t want to jinx it! I’ll keep you updated though 🙂 I can’t wait to read all about your bachelorette party!
Congrats! That will be so fun!
Congratulations on passing your exam and doing your half marathon! Glad to see you had such a fun packed month! Also how did you like crossfit??!!…
Well, my past few weeks have been the most crazy of my life! David got a new job and as of 3 days ago we currently live in Perth Australia!! its exciting, scary, overwhelming and so incredibly awesome!!
JEN! I have so much to catch up on! You moved CONTINENTS?! Congrats!!!!
YAY for passing!! And welcome back!! July went by so so fast for me. I can’t think of anything new in my life, but excited that it’s August and almost fall 🙂
I’m oddly excited for fall too! Even though summer is basically just starting here haha. But fall is the bomb!
Aww we made it, I feel so honored! Miss you 🙂 And YES YOU’RE BACK!
Congrats cutie pie!! You’re so cool!! Sounds like you had a fabulous summer!! So many adventures!! 💗💗