Scenes from Greek Easter 2013

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Achieve with Athena

Friday, thank you for finally being here. I’ve definitely been in a slight rut this week, and honestly just today feel like I’m able to “catch up” on things. That being said, I don’t have any Friday Favorites to share with you guys this week because I barely did any blog reading of my own! Instead, I just want to share some fun pictures from Greek Easter last Sunday.

Oh! If you are sitting there thinking, “wasn’t Easter in March” then you should read this article. It’s a nice explanation of why Orthodox Christians (like us feta-loving Greeks) celebrate Easter on a different day. Then look at the pictures!

Some highlights:

Lamb tacos. Since Greek Easter fell on Cinco de Mayo, how else were we supposed to celebrate both holidays at once?
The yummy appetizer I brought, spanakopita bites. I like to call it the ~~lazy~~ quick and easy version of real spanakopita.
My first attempt ever at a carrot cake
Easter egg bracketology, an annual tradition

It was a beautiful day out, so we also went for a walk between eating dinner and dessert. I’m so happy spring has finally sprung in Boston. The sunshine makes everything better.

What are your favorite holiday traditions? Easter egg bracketology is definitely one of mine!

Happy weekend, everyone.

Mid-Week Randoms

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Achieve with Athena

Ever just feel in a RANDOM mood?

Yeah, that’s how I’m feeling today. And by today I mean last night when I actually sat down to write this post. I have a bunch of posts I want to write, but last night I just wasn’t in the mood to write about any of them. So instead, you get some F&F randomness. Stick with me here, people.

— FIRST and FOREMOST: Slesh asked me to be the maid of honor in her wedding! YAYYYYY. I have only ever been in one wedding before, and it was Auntie Paula’s when I was an extremely awkward 11 year old junior bridesmaid. If you can even believe that. I know you probably can’t. Anyways, Slesh asked me a couple of weekends ago by just blurting it out in her room the next morning after I slept over after a night out in Davis Square. We started jumping up and down and yelling and crying a little. Her neighbors asked her later what all the ruckus was about, but I’m sure they understand. I’m SO excited to be standing up there with my bestie on her special day. Hopefully I can pull it together so everyone thinks I’m dainty and sophisticated!

— Last night I made a themed workout playlist, the first in what feel’s like a while. Inspired by a recent post in the Recycle Studio blog, I was feelin’ me some Flo Rida. So Flo Rida it was. We got low and we left with a good feeling. Terrible joke, I know. Moving right along.

— Ooo, ooo. New fitness toys are always fun. Right?

— April Arms Challenge peeps, don’t forget to be checking off your workouts on our tracking spreadsheet. It’s almost time to pick some challenge winners! Don’t let your motivation die down in the last week. Keep at it… blast those biceps today! Anyone noticing results?

— Do you follow me on Facebook? Twitter? Instagram? Pinterest? How exhausting is social media sometimes? But I love it.

— I’m seeing Jillian Michaels’ Maximize Your Life tour in exactly one week from today! Heading to Lowell with Ashley and Lauren to feel inspired. I seriously can’t wait. I wish it were a workout with Jillian, but then I think I might die and then what else would you guys read to procrastinate your work day in the morning? (I kid). QUESTION: If you could take part in a workout with Jillian, would you purposely slack off just so she’d come over to you and probably get right in your face and yell?! Or would you try to impress her? Tim asked me that the other day, and I’m still thinking about my answer. I don’t think he intended it to be such a thought-provoking question, but I thought you guys might understand.

— Other upcoming events I’m excited for: Rescheduled NH weekend getaway with Tim, blogger fitness event at The Studio Empower, two much-needed girls nights in May, Wellness by the Water retreat with Monique, and Greek Easter!

— Fav fitness move of the week: Stability ball V-Sits. Yup. Check out #14 in this link. The rest of the moves are good too, but I’m loving these! A nice twist on one of my favorite core exercises.

I think that’s enough randomness for today, yes?

Let’s chat… about something random happening in your life! Ready… go.

Hope to be back tomorrow with a bigger and better desire to write!

Easter Egg Bracketology

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Achieve with Athena

Anyone have any super weird family traditions for holiday get-togethers?

Here’s one for ya.

Every year on Easter Sunday, my dad puts together a little Easter egg cracking tournament. Oh yes. It’s probably the most ridiculous ten minutes you’ll ever witness in your life.

It’s also complete with a bracket that for some reason we like to call bracketology. Don’t ask.

Easter Egg Bracketology

First, my dad writes down everyone’s names. Then my cousin Greg picks the names one by one out of a hat, while my dad announces who will be cracking their egg against each other. “And… Athena will be cracking her egg versus…. Uncle Dan!!!!” There’s a lot of yelling and screaming that occurs, no matter whose name is announced at what time.