A Summer Day Date: Perkins Cove Charm and Ogunquit Playhouse Magic

One of my favorite things about summer in Maine is getting the chance to slow down and explore somewhere new. My husband and I finally made it to the historic Ogunquit Playhouse for the first time, and we paired it with a picture-perfect lunch in Perkins Cove for a full summer day date.

We picked a classic for our first show at the Playhouse: Guys & Dolls. But before curtain time, we made our way to Perkins Cove for lunch. I had read about Jackie’s Too, a waterfront spot with amazing views, which is always my favorite. Even though it was a little overcast and chilly for late June, we scored a great table with a front-row seat to the harbor. I ordered a chicken Caesar salad, and my husband went for the eggplant sandwich. Both hit the spot.

After lunch, we wandered around Perkins Cove and popped into a few local shops. We found some sweet treats at Perkins Cove Candies to bring with us on our upcoming trip to Cincinnati. We also strolled over the footbridge, which doubles as a hand-operated drawbridge. Yes, someone actually has to be available and willing to open it manually, which is kind of amazing. We lucked out and got to see it in action.

And of course, there was ice cream. I went with Raspberry Mint Chip and my husband chose Chocolate Brownie. We grabbed a bench by the water and watched the boats come and go while enjoying our scoops. Simple and perfect.

From there, it was just a short drive to the Ogunquit Playhouse, a beloved coastal landmark with a lot of character. If you're a veteran, there’s even a special parking lot right near the entrance, which made getting in and out so easy. We arrived early enough to check out the Gazebo Bar and the Patio Bar before the show. Both were lively and inviting. We ended up sharing a table with a lovely woman from Kennebunk and her sister, and had a great conversation while waiting for the doors to open.

Our seats were in the very back, but the view was just fine, even after everyone was seated. Neither of us had ever seen Guys & Dolls before, but it delivered exactly what we expected - a fun, romantic comedy with a bit of nostalgia. Not going to lie, the first act was long, and we both felt a little sleepy. But a stretch during intermission and a quick restroom break helped me reset, and the second act flew by.

Would we go again? Absolutely. Between the coastal charm of Perkins Cove and the classic Maine theater experience at Ogunquit Playhouse, it was a day date worth repeating.

Shoes or No Shoes for Strength Training? Here’s What You Should Know

Recently I started my upper body workout and realized I never put on my shoes. No big deal for yoga or Pilates, but it got me thinking about strength training. Do we really need sneakers for every workout?

I looked into it, and here’s what I found.

Wearing Shoes can provide support, stability, and protection, especially during heavier lifts or exercises that involve jumping. But they can also limit your ability to engage the floor, reduce foot strength over time, and change alignment without you even realizing it.

Going Barefoot can improve balance, activate more muscles in the feet and core, and help you feel more grounded during lifts. But it may not be the best option on gym floors or when lifting heavy weights that could land on your foot.

So what’s best?
It depends. Some women feel stronger and more confident in sneakers. Others swear they feel more connected and balanced without them. A lot of us land somewhere in the middle—barefoot for core or upper body work, shoes for squats or lunges.

My advice? Try both. Pay attention to how your body feels and choose what supports your strength and stability.

Summer Slimdown Week Recap

The other day I was reading some of my blog posts from when I first started doing the FASTer Way program as a client. We were living in Shenzhen, but home for mrC's recurrent training on day 1. Back then I was so confused about macros and tracking, but it was fun reading my weekly recaps.

So I'm bringing them back starting with Summer Slimdown Week!

As a coach, this week is a chance for me to share a sneak peek of the program with people. For my VIP clients (and me because I'm also a VIP member) it is a chance to kickoff summer by tightening things up for 5 days. A little reset.

My goals for the week: follow the meal plan as closely as possible and add peloton intervals 3x. I'm mainly adding the peloton rides for the low impact cardio (to make my knee happy) and for the extra sweat. I feel like I don't sweat as much since menopause started.

Here's how mine went:

Monday - Progressive HIIT + bonus core + 10 minute peloton intervals + dog walk. I did the Extra 10 Tabata Ride. I don't need a ton more cardio after doing a HIIT workout. Tuned into the Slimdown Week kickoff training at noon highlighting why we need to eat more protein for fat loss and the power of intermittent fasting. Followed the meal guide.

Tuesday - Day 1 of summer break from my part time job as a PreK assistant teacher! Had an early appointment with my dermatologist and she took a skin biopsy off my back. I decided to make it a rest day after that. Spent the day cleaning the house, doing laundry including bedding (ours and the dogs), and taking dog walks. My core was sore from yesterday's bonus core workout. The Day 2 Slimdown training highlighted how rotating your carbs keeps your metabolism on fire. Followed the meal guide. 

Wednesday - Total Body + bonus ab circuit + 15 minute peloton intervals + dog walk. Strength training day! These have become my favorite days. We are doing straight sets with time under tension this month. 15 Minute HIIT Ride was so good. I marked it as a favorite. Watched Slimdown day 3 training, Eat This, Not That with some of our head trainers highlighting the best ingredients for fat loss and reducing inflammation when stocking your pantry and how to make a healthy protein dessert! Did not follow the meal guide, mainly because I need to go to the grocery, but I did hit my macros.

Thursday - Upper Body + 15 minute peloton intervals + dog walk. Another strength day. My triceps were screaming from the abuse today. I did 15 Minute Tabata Ride and it was tough with a 2:1 format. Whole Foods haul to restock for the rest of the week, but wasn't motivated to prep meals. Did not follow the meal guide for today but had meal guide leftovers!

Friday - Rest day + bonus core. Final Slimdown bonus core workout had my favorite, dead bugs. Such a great exercise. It was a super windy day and Moose did not like it one bit. He was my little shadow all day. I took the dogs for walks and worked in the garden - watered, trimmed the tomatoes and harvested some mint and cilantro. Joined an afternoon OG Coach call - just a chance for us to check-in with our own wins and questions. Another day not following the meal guide but hitting macros for the most part.

Saturday - Leg Day + 10 minutes peloton sprints + dog walk. Final strength day of the week and as usual it was challenging but good. Chose my weights so I could focus on my range of motion. My legs only had 10 minutes of energy left in them, so I just did a Free Ride with some Tabata speed bursts. 20 seconds work and 40 seconds rest. Followed the meal guide 50/50 - broke my fast with the FW Raspberry Banana Smoothie bowl, but made GF pasta for dinner.

Sunday - Mobility + yoga for sore glutes + dog walk. I was moving slowly after yesterday's leg day. Not sure which move left my glutes feeling so sore, but they were talking to me. The stretching definitely helped. Followed the meal guide today and prepped some protein for the week ahead.

How do you prep for the week ahead?

What’s Growing in My Garden (and Why It’s Good for You Too)

When we bought our house, it came with garden boxes already in the backyard. I loved the idea of growing our own food, but for the first two summers, I prepped the beds and never actually planted anything. I didn’t know where to start and didn’t want to mess it up.

Last summer, we finally decided to just try. We planted a few things, learned a lot (like why mint should always be in its own container), and now we’re in our second season of actually growing things. Still learning, still experimenting, but already loving the payoff.

This year, we have a mix of herbs and veggies that are both delicious and functional, especially for midlife wellness. I even added a small garden box on the deck just for the mint and rosemary. It’s close to the kitchen, which makes it super convenient when I want to snip something fresh. I also use propagation jars indoors to keep clippings vibrant and ready to toss into meals or drinks.

Here’s what we’re growing and why I love it:

Tomatoes
These are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which support heart health and reduce inflammation. I love them sliced on top of grilled burgers. 

Cucumbers
Hydrating and great for digestion, cucumbers are a go-to for cooling down in the summer. I add them to big leafy salads. They’re also great in infused water to help keep your skin and gut happy.

Cilantro
This herb does more than flavor your food. It supports detoxification by helping the body eliminate heavy metals and other toxins. I mix it into homemade salmon burgers or sprinkle it on top of grain bowls for a fresh, zesty finish.

Rosemary
Rosemary is rich in antioxidants and supports cognitive function, which becomes especially important during the menopause transition. I toss it with veggies before roasting. 

It also works great in a DIY mosquito repellant jar when we’re outside in the evenings. 

Mint
Mint is a summer staple for me. It helps soothe digestion and adds a burst of freshness. I use it in smoothies, fruit salads, mocktails, and herbal teas. 

Starting small and growing what you’ll actually use makes gardening feel more doable. And for midlife women, adding fresh herbs and produce to your meals is one of the simplest ways to boost nutrition without overcomplicating things.

What’s growing in your garden this summer? Or is there something you’ve been thinking about trying? I’d love to hear what you’re planting, prepping, or harvesting. Share in the comments!

Healthy BBQ Swaps That Still Taste Like Summer

We just fired up the grill for the first time this summer and let me tell you, nothing says “season’s here” like that first batch of grilled burgers. But there was a time when I didn’t feel this excited about BBQ season. I used to leave cookouts feeling bloated, tired, and like I had to start over again the next day.

Even when I tried to make “healthy” choices, I often ended up nibbling around the main dishes and feeling unsatisfied, only to snack later at home. Sound familiar?

These days, I come prepared. I focus choosing simple swaps that still taste like summer but don’t leave me feeling inflamed, foggy, or off track the next morning.

Here are a few of my go-to strategies:

1. Protein First
Grilled chicken, grass-fed burgers, shrimp skewers, or salmon are flavorful and satisfying. I usually skip the oversized bun and load up on avocado or lettuce wraps for extra fiber and healthy fat.

2. Smarter Sides
Instead of the usual potato or pasta salad, I go for sides that feel lighter but still satisfy. Think air-fried sweet potato fries with sea salt or grilled veggie skewers. I also love watermelon-cucumber salad with fresh mint and lime for something refreshing and hydrating.

3. Better Treats
I love having something sweet that doesn’t derail my energy or digestion. Protein popsicles or a colorful fruit platter are usually a hit and easy to prep ahead.

4. Hydration Matters
I skip the soda and sweet cocktails and go for sparkling water with fruit or a mocktail with electrolytes. Staying hydrated helps me feel my best through long, sunny afternoons.

BBQ season doesn’t have to be about restriction or guilt. With just a few smart choices, you can enjoy the fun, feel good about what you’re eating, and still keep your progress moving forward.