After breakfast, I headed downtown to Central Park. I found a sunny spot and read my new library book while catching some sun rays. I started The Queen of Bable by Meg Cabot last night and finished it this afternoon. It was the perfect light reading for a summer day. Every girl needs a little chick lit in her life

After my reading break, I met up with Alma. We chatted while walking down Central Park West. After our stroll I headed to my gym for 30 minutes on the elliptical followed by LOTS of stretching and strengthening exercises for my IT band/knee. I also used the foam roller until I couldn’t take it anymore. Dear lord, that thing makes mince-meat out of my leg muscles. I’m really hoping it helps my angry (and very tight!) IT band. One of these days I will take photos of the strengthening and stretching exercises that I do. ITBS (Iliotibial Band Syndrome) is such a common problem among runners – I’d be happy to share any tips that can make it better.

After my gym visit, I reemerged into the bright sunshine. Time for some Tasti D-Lite! I was very excited to see that the Flavor-Of-The-Day was Oreo-Peanut Butter. So good! Apparently this stuff only contains 85 calories per 4 oz serving, but it tastes a little too good to be true!

After a bit more walking and window shopping on the West Side, I decided to head home. After all day in the sun I was looking for something to cool me off. A smoothie seemed to be just the thing I was craving.

In the mix:

• 4 ice cubes
• 1/2 cup 1% milk
• 1/2 banana
• 1 cup frozen berries
• 2 big handfuls of spinach
• tsp honey

I originally used 1/2 cup of frozen berries, but after sampling the mixture I realized I could taste the spinach! I added more frozen berries and another squirt of honey and this solved the problem. Sweet, frozen, and delicious.

I finally finished up the other half of my grilled chicken wrap – it held up surprisingly well in the fridge and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

After dinner I spent a few hours writing. Around 9pm I tried a new variety of Honest Tea – Citrus Spice Decaf. I also had 1/2 bag some of the very addictive Trader Joe’s Righteous Rounds. At least they contain broccoli!

Now I’m off to bake another chocolate-chip banana bread. Last weekend’s loaf disappeared in record time!