A Perfect Saturday Morning with Athleta and an exciting Sunday dinner. . . .

I got a little bit out of my box of comfort this weekend and aren't we always glad we do? I accepted an invitation to teach a class at the Athleta store here in Atlanta at the Atlantic Station location. First of all, I have been shopping from Athleta for years from their catalog. I couldn't wait to visit the store when it opened here, but for whatever reason I never got over there until last month. It's a great store full of all their great workout and casual clothes. The staff are all cheerful and helpful and just darn nice.

This weekend the store was doing a Summer Solstice Event and offering a free class (me!) for participants. It was a beautiful Saturday so meeting outside was the perfect setting. I am always a tiny bit nervous in new situations with new people, so I had to jump right in to work out my jitters. It was a really fun group, and being outside we even sweated a little extra. The crowd was filled with male, females, young and not quite as young and even some families. Some first timers and other regulars. It was a lot of fun watching their faces and seeing their smiles during and after the class.

A little warm up with a forward fold

Can you tell my tight hamstrings need some warming up??

This little guy stole my heart! At one point he was blowing bubbles all over the square!

Afterwards I so enjoyed talking with some of the participants. Then there were giveaways and, of course, some shopping to be had! A Perfect morning . . . and I got asked to come back! That's even more fun . . .

Another highlight of the weekend was watching USA in the World Cup! What an exciting game it turned out to be! Even for someone like me who is pretty clueless on the game of soccer! That called for a dinner in front of the TV. We had to time the grilling on the Big Green Egg to catch all the action.
There was turkey italian sausage, brats and halibut on the grill. Quite a combination. I topped my Halibut with a tangy and light Pineapple Mango Salsa. It will be so good on any fish and, I think, on any pork or chicken.

I have to confess that since it was Sunday night AND it was summertime we had a decadent macaroni and cheese dish, butter beans and a delicious fresh peach cobbler. It made me feel like it was the perfect summertime meal! Everything in moderation . . . .

PINEAPPLE MANGO SALSA
What you need:

1 whole Pineapple, Peeled And Diced
1 whole Mango, Diced
1/2 whole Medium Red Onion, Finely Diced
1 whole Jalapeno, Seeded And Diced
Fresh Cilantro, Chopped
1 whole Lime, Juiced
Dash Granulated Sugar (optional) I think the pineapple is sweet enough so eliminated this!

Combine diced pineapple, mango, red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro. Squeeze in lime juice and add salt and sugar if needed. Stir to combine. I spooned the salsa right on top of the cooked fish. So good!!

(If you want a step by step guide you can find this on Ree Drummond's blog, The Pioneer Woman, complete with beautiful photos of each step.)

Another perfect summertime thing is the afternoon thunderstorm going on outside my window. My pool old dog is shaking with fear, but I love a summer shower!

What are some of your favorite things of summer? What have you done lately to get out of your comfort zone? Aren't you glad when you take that leap?

Have a great Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday . . . .!!