30 Day Plank Challenge

{I found this picture on Pinterest}
With summer right around the corner, I am doing everything I can to transform my body. This week I decided to start a 30-day Plank Challenge. Planks are one of the best exercises that you can do for your core, and depending on the type of plank, they can also engage your back, arms, shoulders, hamstrings and glutes. I was recently told a fit healthy person should be able to hold a plank for 120 seconds (2 minutes), I can currently hold a plank for 45 seconds. The 30-day plank challenge is designed to have you holding a 5-minute plank on day 30. After 30 days I will do a post to recap how the challenge went for me, but if you don’t want to wait or want to follow along check out @petitefitnessista on Instagram for daily challenge updates. Also let me know if you’ll be joining me in this challenge!

Travel Diaries: Spring Adventures

Michigan weather is heating up, and this little wanderlust is already getting lost in the woods. I am always looking for cute outfits for my next adventure, and recently had the opportunity to give prAna attire a try – hello comfort and style. I hiked and biked in the outfit both of which offered fantastic functionality. Did you know prAna uses 100 percent organic cotton and implements a lot of fair trade and sustainability values, click here to learn more. Now I am hooking you up with 15% off when you shop online at prAna.comand use code TRFMS18

May Mitten Crate

Mitten Crate delivery day is my favorite day of the month. I absolutely love discovering new (to me) products, especially when they’re made right here in the mitten state. May’s mitten crate was filled with brands that I have never heard of before, so that was super exciting!

Mitten Crate makes an amazing gift for anyone, and comes with a variety of subscription options. I love sending the Mitten Crate to friends and family who are no longer living in Michigan. A monthly subscription is $35 and will renew monthly, however you cancel at anytime. A 3-month subscription is $99 and will renew every 3 months, or you can choose a one time or gift option for $35 plus shipping.

Chevrolet Rockin\’ on the Riverfront 2018 Lineup

Are you ready to Rock on the Riverfront this summer? I know I am, and this year the lineup is one you don\’t want to miss. This free summer classic rock event is in it\’s 13th year and ready to rock it with you Friday nights.

So who is in the lineup this year?

July 13 – Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe

July 20 – Uncle Kracker
Aug. 10 – Survivor
Aug. 17 – War

Anyone else super beyond excited about Uncle Kracker, Starship featuring Mickey Thomas and Surviver?

Here is more information on this fun filled event that is sure to heat up your summer.

The 13th annual Chevrolet Rockin’ on the Riverfront concert series returns for another rock-filled summer of legendary songs and iconic bands. The free concert series kicks off Friday, July 13 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and runs for six consecutive Fridays throughout the summer.

 
The Chevrolet Rockin’ on the Riverfront concert series brings some of rock and roll’s most recognizable stars to Detroit each summer, and gives local Detroit talent the chance to headline each show as an opening act for each concert.
 
The 2018 Chevrolet Rockin’ on the Riverfront schedule:
 
July 13 – Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe has entertained rock fans independently and as the lead vocalist for rock band Mötley Crüe with hits likes “Dr. Feelgood,” “Girls, Girls, Girls” and “Home Sweet Home” for the last 30 years.
July 20 – Mount Clemens native and country-rock crooner Uncle Kracker has reached double-platinum success with his album, “Double Wide” and Billboard Hot 100 success with hits “Follow Me,” “Drift Away” and “In a Little While.”
July 27 – Legendary rock group John Kay and Steppenwolf have released five albums since 1980 and boast sales in excess of 20 million units worldwide. Their best hits include “Feed the Fire” “Rock & Roll Rebels,” and “Hold On.”
Aug. 3 – Starship featuring Mickey Thomas dominated 80s and 90s airwaves with hits like “Jane,” “We Built This City,” “No Way Out” and “Nothing Gonna Stop Us Now.” Mickey Thomas joined as Starship lead vocalist in 1979.
Aug. 10 – Survivor released their first album in 1980 and is best known for their 1982 hit “Eye of the Tiger.” New lead vocalist Cameron Barton is now breathing new life into 80s hits “I Can’t Hold Back,” “High On You” and “The Search is Over.”
Aug. 17 – War fuses elements of rock, funk, jazz, rhythm and blues to create sound of their own. They debuted to international success with the overall bestselling album of 1973, “The World is a Ghetto,” and have had continued success with hits “Spill the Wine,” “The Cisco Kid” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”
 
Detroit rockers are invited to help select the opening bands for each Rockin’ on the Riverfront concert through the WCSX Rockin’ Wars contest by voting for local bands as they compete for the opportunity to open as event headliners. Community members can watch videos of the contestants on www.wcsx.com and vote for their favorite artists until June 15. The top six contenders will be selected by a team of WCSX judges to open on the riverfront stage. The Rockin’ Wars finale party is open to the public on June 21 from 7-10 p.m. at Granite City Food and Brewery in the GMRENCEN.

Local Southeastern Michigan children between the ages of six and 16 will have the opportunity to compete in WCSX’s My Kid Rocks!, a competition to rock out on the Chevrolet Rockin’ on the Riverfront stage. To enter, parents will need to upload a video of their child, or child’s band, performing a classic rock song to www.wcsx.com between June 11 and June 22. Judges will then choose up to 20 bands that WCSX listeners will vote for between June 22 and June 29. The top 10 bands will make it to round two and listeners will vote for their favorite bands between June 29 and July 6. The band with the most votes will perform during the 2018 Chevrolet Rockin’ on the Riverfront Concert Series.
 
WCSX and the GMRENCEN are proud to celebrate those who served their county with exclusive seating in Veteran’s Row. For a chance to be selected, veterans can log onto www.wcsx.com and fill out an online form sharing where he or she served or is currently serving.
 
Admission to the concerts is always free and no advance tickets are necessary. Viewing space is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and visitors are encouraged to arrive after 5 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets, but outside food, beverages and coolers are not permitted. Boaters on the Detroit River are invited to anchor near the riverfront and enjoy the view of the stage from the water.
 
Parking is available for $10 per vehicle at the GM surface lot at the intersection of St. Antoine and Atwater, adjacent to the GMRENCEN. Credit cards only.
 
For more information about Rockin’ on the Riverfront, please visit: http://gmrencen.com/rockinontheriverfront/.
 

Apple Cinnamon Dog Treats

80% of the treats Jack eats are homemade by me;  you can find some past favorites (here, here, here and here). With all the pet treat recalls lately I have decided that every Thursday from now until Christmas (except Thanksgiving) I will be sharing homemade dog treat recipes that your pup big or small will absolutely love. Starting with these apple cinnamon cookies.

Apple Cinnamon Canine Cookies
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups flour*
1/2 cup cornmeal
2 medium sized peeled apples pureed*
1 egg
1/3 cup oil (vegetable or canola)
1-2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 tablespoon vanilla (I use a lot you can use less such as 1 teaspoon)
1/2 cup cold water * (as needed)

*flour: I used 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1.5 cups crushed oatmeal (made it flour consistency in my blender). You can also use whole wheat flour (I do not because it gives Jack terrible gas).

* apples: I removed the skin from the apples, cut into pieces and pureed them in my blender. You can also cook them on the stove until they become mush.

* Water: My apples produced enjoy juice I only used a tablespoon of water the first time I did this recipe with honey crisp apples. The second time the apples hardly produced any juice and I used a half a cup of water so just use how much you need for a dough consistency.

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
3. Blend flour and cornmeal together in a large mixing bowl.
4. Mix in pureed apple, egg, oil, cinnamon and vanilla.
5. Add water as needed.
6. Flour your workspace and roll dough to desired thickness.
7. Cut treats with cookie cutters. (I used a large apple)
8. Place dog cookies on baking sheet.
9. My cookies were larger and Jack likes softer treats so I baked mine for about 20-25 minutes, depending on thickness. Just cook your until your desired crispness.
10. Once cooled add to Ziplock bags or an airtight container.

Note: I only leave out a few cookies and freeze the rest. They\’ll last for up to six months when frozen and under a week when left out.

** The above recipe is for treats only, and should not replace your dog\’s regular meal plans. Any questions about your pets diet should be directed to your vet.