summer Archives - Page 4 of 6 - Anali's Next Amendment

Blueberries Make The Cake

July 30, 2020July 18, 2017 by Lisa Johnson 2 Comments

It’s July, so if you’re on Instagram, you may be noticing that everyone’s feed is filled with blueberries.

Whether you picked them yourself, found them at a farmers market, or bought them at the grocery store, ’tis the season.

My favorite cakes during the summer are simple single layer cakes. They aren’t too sweet. They travel well. Plus, since they aren’t frosted, they hold up in the heat.

One of the recipes that I use as a base is a Norwegian Apple Cake. I’ve been using this recipe for years, with a few changes. One of the easiest ways to adapt it is by changing the type of fruit.

I made the cake a few weeks ago using cherries. Everyone loved it, so this past week I used blueberries. Lots of blueberries!

I used two cups and the cake was bursting with blueberry flavor. Here’s the recipe if you want to give it a try.

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Summer Blueberry Cake
(makes one single layer cake)

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup butter (softened)
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups blueberries (washed, stems removed)

INSTRUCTIONS:
In a medium bowl, combine butter, sugar and eggs. Stir in salt, extracts, baking powder and flour until well combined.

I use a regular size round cake pan, but a square or loaf pan would probably work fine too. I used to grease and flour the pan, but now I use parchment paper. So whatever way you prefer is fine.

Pour batter into a pan. Pour the blueberries over the batter and press into the cake.

The original recipe says to bake for about 25 – 30 minutes at 400 degrees. I’ve baked this cake a few times and am still adjusting the time and temperature. Blueberries are more wet than apples, so more baking time was definitely needed. The last time I baked this cake (July 13, 2019) for about an hour at 350 degrees. That seemed to work well. Everyone loved the cake and raved about the texture.

After the cake is done, I put it in the fridge and let it cool down. If you are taking it to go, maybe for a picnic, wrap it in foil, pack it and be on your way!

Let me know if you try it and what you think.

Hey Boston! Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with Free Vice Cream!

July 30, 2020July 16, 2017 by Lisa Johnson

Happy National Ice Cream Day! One of my favorite days! Although, I celebrate by eating ice cream far more than once a year.

If you’re in Boston today, you might be able to get some free ice cream. Today, between noon and 4pm, the Vice Cream Truck will be patrolling Boston streets and walking around the areas where people are outside enjoying this beautiful summer day.

Plus, they will meet anyone who tweets “Today is National Ice Cream Day and I want @eatvicecream” along with their location.

The Vice Cream Truck will be giving out samples of their most popular flavors: Choc of Shame, Bourbon Mash, Toffee Wife, Breakfast in Bed, Higher Grounds, Afternoon Delight and Minted while supplies last. The company also has an interesting back story.

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Vice Cream is all about unapologetic indulgence with eight super premium flavors and tagline “Live Life, Dig In.”

When Vice Cream Founder Dan Schorr was in college, he paid for school by driving a Good Humor ice cream truck during the summer. It was during those hot summer months that he saw first-hand the joy ice cream could bring people. Years later in 2015, life threw Dan a curveball when doctors told him he had cancer – an aggressive form of lymphoma.

After undergoing treatment that included chemotherapy at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Dan beat the disease and made a decision to not just live life, but indulge in it, which led him to create Vice Cream in Boston.

To Dan, ice cream is, and always should be, about unapologetic indulgence. Through the “Nice Vice” program, Vice Cream aims to bring smiles to cancer patients and their families by supporting various cancer charities nationwide, and at events like the Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl and sampling Vice Cream at hospitals.

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I haven’t tried Vice Cream — yet. I’ve been trying to be good with Halo, but I’m intrigued and may indulge at some point.

Well, as I write this, it’s close to 1pm. They only have one truck, but they will do their best to get to everyone who tweets in the 4-hour timeframe. So time to get tweeting!

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Images: L’Orange A Trois and Vice Cream Truck courtesy of Vice Cream.

Taking Note: Mindfulness During Summer

July 30, 2020July 3, 2017 by Lisa Johnson

Summer is precious when the weather isn’t always beautiful. And by beautiful I mean, lots of sunshine and temperatures in the 80s. Having daylight past 8pm is an added bonus. For those of us in New England, we only get this perfect combination in July in August. So I’m taking note. Paying attention to how I spend my time.

Time is our most valuable currency. We can’t get it back. No exchanges or refunds. Plus, we don’t know how much we have. So we need to budget accordingly.

Enjoy what we have now and be able to look back at how we spent it and revel in the memories. For this first weekend in July, I met up with a friend on Saturday. We walked and talked. Strolling along the Charles and then went to Tatte Bakery for a snack. I had a pistachio and cherry tart and minted lemonade. So good!

Every Sunday I have dinner with my family. When I brought my mother home, we noticed the moon rising. At 8:30pm, the sky was still light. The beauty of July!

My mom’s lavender plants are blooming. Tomorrow, I’m going to get some to bring home and dry. She also has a lot of very tall mint plants that are ready to take over the place.

I’ll do her a favor and take some of that too! The minted lemonade that I had at Tatte was really delicious, so I plan to make my own. Of course I’ll be taking note and hope to blog these too!

There are so many things that I’d like to do this summer, but besides time, money is always a factor, so I will have to improvise. Good thing that there are so many free events around the city!

At the very least, like I say every year, I’d like to go to the beach (on the Cape, maybe the North Shore, or somewhere far away) at least a couple of times. Also, I hope to enjoy some outdoor music. Of course, I like eating outdoors whenever possible.

Hopefully I’ll also be able to attend a few of the free outdoor yoga classes as well. Maybe even just take my home practice outdoors. There’s a nice park nearby. I should use it!

By the way, I’m working on the new 2017 summer list of free yoga classes. Hopefully it will be up within a couple of weeks!

What about you? What are your summer plans?

Halo Top Ice Cream: It’s The Real Deal

July 30, 2020June 20, 2017 by Lisa Johnson

Have you tried Halo Top? It’s the low calorie ice cream that everyone is raving about.

I first heard about Halo Top a few months ago and absolutely did not believe the hype. I heard that people loved it so much and that certain flavors were so hard to find that people would buy containers in bulk and stockpile them like they may never find them again.

According to legend, and the containers, a pint of their ice cream is around 300 calories or less. How do they do it? It’s made with natural sweeteners, stevia and Erythritol.

I’ve tried diet soda with stevia and it was so horrible tasting that I couldn’t drink more than a couple of sips. I had read before that sweeteners like Erythritol can cause bloating and digestive issues, so I’ve avoided anything like it.

But I was curious. Could it be that good? Even if the taste was good, what about the texture? Would I feel badly after eating it?

One day, I was in CVS and walked past the freezer section. I noticed several Halo Top containers and figured that I’d get some and make my own informed opinion.

They are a bit expensive, but I had CVS coupons and wanted something sweet. That day I bought sea salt caramel. Since then, I’ve tried birthday cake, vanilla bean and oatmeal cookie.

Let me tell you. You can believe the hype, because now I do! I’ve loved all the flavors so far. The texture is on point and I haven’t had any digestive issues either.

The only negative comment I have is that the oatmeal cookie wasn’t really oatmeal cookie. The flavor was still great and I enjoyed it, but it was just flecks of oatmeal. There were no chunks of cookie, so it’s misnamed.

Now that it’s almost officially summer, I’m especially looking forward to trying more flavors. And I love not having to feel guilty about the calories!

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Images: Halo Top website

Summer 2016: Free Yoga Classes in Boston

July 30, 2020July 17, 2016 by Lisa Johnson 2 Comments

Looking for free yoga classes in Boston? You’ve come to the right place.

Memorial Day weekend may be the the unofficial start of summer. The summer solstice is the official start of summer. But for me, once the 4th of July rolls around, then it’s truly summer. So here we are! In the heart of summer. Bring on the picnics, barbecues, trips to the beach and of course, lots of outdoor free yoga classes in Boston! This year class locations expand beyond the Boston area to the South Coast and includes Fairhaven.

While the listing of free yoga classes is year-round now, one for each season, this is the 5th Annual listing of free yoga classes for the summer. Remember there are Meetups in the area to try out. Hands To Heart Center Yoga – Yoga for the People provides free yoga classes for people living with poverty and trauma in Boston. Check out their website and Twitter for class schedules.

There are also free yoga classes being offered by a new group called Breathe Boston. They offer individual or group yoga and meditation classes. You can sign up for classes at their location or have them come to you for a private class in your own home.

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Here are some general suggestions for those of you who may be new to taking free yoga classes in Boston that are outdoors. All classes listed here are free or donation based.

Sometimes mats and props might be available to you, but don’t count on it. If they are available, there may not be enough for everyone. So bringing your own mat, water, towel, etc., is the general rule.

Double check if the weather is bad. Usually the Facebook page and/or website will give an update if the class will be cancelled. Sometimes classes are brought indoors instead.

Most outdoor summer classes start in June or July and are over by the end of September.

Based on my sources, most classes take place on the days listed, but there can be gaps in the schedule for certain weeks, so you may want to double check first before you go. Also, most classes last for an hour, but when I am not sure, I do not put an end time.

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The Free Yoga Boston Community on Facebook is updated most everyday and more than 1000 have “Liked” the page. Thank you! Check each day for all sorts of yoga news in addition to free yoga classes in Boston.

Sign up for the Free Yoga Boston email list! When you are on the email list, you will be the first to know about changes and updates to this schedule.

Every once in a while, when I learn about one-off special yoga classes and/or related events that might interest you, I will send an email to keep you in the know about free yoga classes in Boston.

If you know of other free or donation based classes in the Boston area that are missing from this list or are on the list, but need correction, please let me know.

This “Big List” is always a work in progress. There will be updates, so if you have not signed up for the email list, keep checking back. Namaste!

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MONDAY

P.O. Fitness Classes ~ Yoga Flow
Norman B. Leventhal Park (Financial District, Boston)
5:30pm – 6:30pm

This all levels class will strengthen the body, unwind the mind and uplift the spirit. Join us to breathe, move, stretch and relax in the sunshine. Start your week off with self-care to feel balanced and refreshed. Check the Facebook page for updates and cancellations.

TUESDAY

Sunrise Yoga on the Dock
Community Boating Docks (21 David G. Mugar Way, Boston)
6:30am – 7:30am

Anne Marie Costantino will help you begin your day with a supportive, gentle vinyasa flow that focuses on building postures from the ground up and exploring modifications. Anne Marie teaches an alignment-focused, slow flow style of yoga. With a focus on the breath, she guides students step-by-step into a pose and offers many modifications, making it a safe environment for practitioners of every level. These free yoga classes in Boston are offered in partnership with Athleta on Newbury Street through August. Class location is between MGH T stop and the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade and no parking is available. Please bring your own mat!

Yoga in the Park
Fitness in Cushman Park (Cushman Park, Green Street, Fairhaven)
8:30am – 9:30am

Kripalu certified yoga instructor Jeff Costa is helping the South Coast community keep fit and stay healthy with free yoga classes through August 23rd. Bring a mat and note that classes are weather permitting. See the Facebook page for updates.

Seaport Sweat
Yoga with Jenna Hill (85 Northern Avenue, Boston)
9:30am – 10:30am

The Seaport District recently added several types of fitness classes next to District Hall, including yoga. The classes started in August and go through October. You must register for the class before attending.

Yoga Classes at Boston Medical Center
Moakley Building (830 Harrison Avenue, Boston)
6pm – 7:15pm

These yoga classes are not just during the summer and are open to community members in addition to BMC patients and staff. They are held indoors and part of the Program for Integrative Medicine & Health Care Disparities. Take the elevator or stairs down to the basement. The classes are free, but there is a suggested donation of $5.00. Currently there is a flyer online [click here], but it is old. If the online flyer is updated, I will link to it here.

Patagonia Practice
Patagonia (346 Newbury Street, Boston)
7:30pm – 8:30pm

Join Yoga Hub Founder Ali Singer, for an all-levels flow yoga class sponsored by Patagonia.

WEDNESDAY

Prenatal Yoga
Whittier Wellness & Fitness Club (1290 Tremont Street, Roxbury)
9:30am – 10:30am

Connect with your unborn baby at these prenatal classes, which are open to the public. You don’t have to be a club member to attend. From what I can tell, classes are held indoors and will be year-round.

Happy Hour Yoga
North End Park (corner of Cross and Hanover St, Boston)
5:30pm – 6:30pm

Join Yoga Hub Founder Ali Singer for a healthy way to celebrate the end of your work day with good-vibes and vinyasa yoga outdoors on the grass.

Sunset Yoga
The Esplanade (Fiedler Field – Arthur Fiedler Memorial Head, Boston)
6pm

Challenge your mind and body while enjoying beautiful river views. Registration is required. You can pre-register on the website (scroll down to the form) or register at the event. Class instructor is Sara Divello. Please bring a mat. Enjoy refreshments provided by Polar Beverages, CLIF and Stop & Shop. Classes are free, but donations are welcome! To receive up to date alerts for class cancellations or changes, text HFF15 to #51555. Classes go through early September.

FIT on the Garden *New*
Prudential Center (South Garden, Boston)
6pm – 7pm

MoveWith is the first teacher-centric fitness community that leverages the power of social sweat to get more people moving and loving it! Some of Boston’s best yoga and pilates instructors will be teaching classes through September 28th. You need to register before attending each class.

THURSDAY

Yoga Classes at Boston Medical Center
Moakley Building (830 Harrison Avenue, Boston)
4:30pm – 6pm

These yoga classes are not just during the summer and are open to community members in addition to BMC patients and staff. They are held indoors and part of the Program for Integrative Medicine & Health Care Disparities. Take the elevator or stairs down to the basement. The classes are free, but there is a suggested donation of $5.00. Currently there is a flyer online [click here], but it is old. The Thursday class starts at 4:30pm. If the online flyer is updated, I will link to it here.

FREE Summer Yoga
Boston Common Frog Pond (Downtown Boston)
6pm – 7:15pm

Power vinyasa flow classes will take place through September 1st (except for July 14th) and is for students of all levels. Challenge yourself. Release stress. Expand energy and tap into the beauty of trees, grass, and water at Boston’s most historic park. Sessions are held on the lawn adjacent to the Frog Pond Carousel. Weather related cancellations will be posted on the Frog Pond Facebook page by 4:30pm on the day of class.

P.O. Fitness Classes ~ Yoga Bootcamp
Norman B. Leventhal Park (Financial District, Boston)
5:30pm – 6:30pm

Yoga bootcamp will guide participants through a challenging vinyasa flow, building extra strength through bodyweight movements. Come to break a sweat, but leave feeling relaxed and centered. Check the Facebook page for updates and cancellations.

FRIDAY

Seaport Sweat
Yoga with Jenna Hill (85 Northern Avenue, Boston)
12pm – 1pm

Lunchtime Yoga
Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center (Rose F. Kennedy Greenway, Boston)
12:15pm – 1pm

Now through September 2nd, enjoy all-levels free yoga classes in Boston with South Boston Yoga. Change up your lunch hour with a 45-minute yoga class. Bring your own mat and practice right on the grassy lawn. Space is limited, so get there early!

SATURDAY

Sunrise Yoga
Anthem Entertainment (Charles River Bistro, Boston)
8am – 9am

Master your downward facing dog this summer with Smooth Vinyasa instructor, Mike Massey! The group will meet at the Charles River Bistro, located directly across from the DCR Hatch Shell at 8am and walk to Fiedler Field as a group. Please bring your own yoga mat. Participants will receive 50% off of Jazz Brunch at The Charles River Bistro following class.

Riverfront Yoga
Baxter Riverfront Park Amphitheater (100 Great River Road, Somerville)
9am – 10am

Relax and restore along the Mystic River with free yoga classes offered to you by Assembly Row and Some.Yoga Studio. You must register each week for one of the 100 spots available. If the class fills up, wait list sign up begins at 8:30am on Saturday for any available spots. Anyone not checked in by 8:55am forfeits their spot and class starts promptly at 9am. Also check the Facebook page for updates.

Yoga in Franklin Park
Schoolmaster Hill (Roxbury/Dorchester, Boston)
9:15am – 10:15am

Breathe, enjoy, activate your body and mind with an all levels yoga. Classes organized by Linda the Wellness Warrior, who will teach with guest yoga instructors throughout September 17th. Look for signs directing you from the main park road. Parking in the small gravel lot across from the Schoolmaster Hill path and the golf course. If it rains, class will be cancelled, so check the Facebook page for updates. Classes are free, but $5 is a suggested donation to support Yoga For The People. The class location will change to the Valley Gates Parking Lot for September classes.

Summer Stretch
The Liberty Hotel (Charles Street, Beacon Hill, Boston)
10am

Back in 2009, The Liberty was one of the first hotels in Boston, or anyplace in the area for that matter, to start offering free yoga classes in the summer. They set the trend and still offer free classes in collaboration with Equinox. Guests of the hotel and members of the community are welcome to take the class for free. Classes are year round. In the summer, classes are outside in the courtyard. In the cooler months, they are indoors. Check with the concierge to find the exact class location, since it appears to change.

Island Yoga
Boston Harbor Islands (Spectacle Island, Boston)
10:15am – 11:45am

Join Ciara Clark for another summer of yoga and all-levels free yoga classes in Boston on Spectacle Island. Unless you have your own boat, you will be taking a ferry. The 9:30 ferry is recommended, then meet at the Spectacle Island Visitor Center. Space is limited, so advance registration is recommended. Even still, get there early! You might want to make a day of it and go swimming or have a picnic. Just 15 minutes from downtown Boston, Spectacle Island is the highest point in the harbor, with spectacular views of the city and other islands. While the classes are free, you will have to pay to take the ferry.

SUNDAY

Vinyasa Yoga
Winthrop Square/Minot Rose Garden (St. Paul St. and Freeman St., Brookline)
8am – 9am

Classes take place through August 28th. Coolidge Corner Yoga and The Brookline Departments of Health and Parks and Open Space will be co-hosting a free all-levels Vinyasa flow in front of the rose garden. Sign up for classes on the yoga studio website and get updates on their Facebook page.

Adult Yoga Program
Powderhouse Park (Next to the old mill, Somerville)
9am – 10am

Practice under the Somerville sun with yoga instructor Caity Colleen for an all levels fun Vinyasa yoga class. Sign up on the website. Reiki assists and invigorating essential oils will be provided during Savasana. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes. Classes take place through September 4th, except for July 31st. If there is bad weather, class will be cancelled, so check the Facebook page.

Donation Hatha Yoga
Arnold Arboretum near Dawson Pond (Jamaica Plain, Boston)
9am – 10am

Classes are provided by Branching Out Yoga, which is the brainchild of Jennifer Maniates. She offers these free yoga classes in Boston on the first and third Sundays of the month. Check the Facebook page for updates.

Yoga on The Green
The Street (Chestnut Hill)
10am – 11am

All levels of experience are welcome at these classes offered by lululemon. Mats are available too!

Island Yoga
Boston Harbor Islands (Grape Island, Boston)
11:30am – 12:30am

Enjoy a gentle yoga class overlooking the Boston Harbor with classes taught by yoga instructors from Open Doors Studios through September 4th. Bring your own mat or towel and meet at the dock on Grape Island. Island yoga is first come, first serve. Bring your own yoga mat and towel. The 11am ferry from Hingham Shipyard will arrive at Grape Island right on time for the class. Walk-ups are available on a limited basis. Register to ensure your spot in the class!

Brewery Yoga
Night Shift Brewing (87 Santilli Highway, Everett)
11am – 12pm

These yoga classes take place at the brewery every so often. Take a look at their event calendar for confirmation and sign up! Kat O’Leary from CorePower Yoga teaches the vinyasa classes.

Yoga 101
Pop Allston (89 Brighton Ave., Boston)
1:30pm – 2:30pm

Join Yoga Hub Founder Ali Singer for this donation based class, so you can learn yoga fundamentals to start and grow your practice. Suggested cash donation is $10.00. Classes are now through August 21st.

Family Yoga
Pinebank Promontory (Jamaica Pond, Jamaica Plain)
2pm – 3pm

Join Yoga Hub Founder Ali Singer for an all-ages yoga flow. Beginners are welcome!

Free Yoga Class
North Point Park (Cambridge)
5pm – 6pm

As part of CRC’s Sunday Parkland Games, Karma Yoga Studio offers an hour long yoga class.

Yoga For Runners
Boston Marathon adidas Runbase (855 Boylston Street, Boston)
6:30pm

These free yoga classes in Boston are vinyasa flow, and are on select Sundays are customized to bring balance to overworked muscles used when running. All levels of yoga experience are welcome, but you may need to register each week.

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