This Chili Pot Pie recipe will make all your comfort food dreams come true! All you need is some leftover chili, cornbread mix, jalapeños, and a pie dish. It’s the perfect way to elevate leftover chili and serve a group.
We love that this is sort of a semi-homemade chili pot pie recipe. It uses store-bought cornbread to make this recipe so easy and a no-brainer for your leftover chili adventures.
I honestly didn’t think chili could get any better, but chili pot pie with cornbread crust? Now that’s a game-changer. This thing was barely out of the oven before the fam was diving in. I made it with our Best Beef Chili recipe, but any leftover/freshly made chili will work!
Just pour the chili into your pie dish, make the cornbread mix, spread it on top, and bake. It’s easy as pie! (Sorry — couldn’t help myself.)
This chili cornbread pot pie will need about 5 cups of chili. If you’re making our chili recipe, use half the serving size. You’ll also need Jiffy cornbread mix, or something similar, for the crust and pickled jalapenos for some extra spice.
Make sure you have a ceramic pie dish that is 10-10.5 inches in diameter and 2 inches deep. If you don’t have a pie dish, you can also use a cast-iron skillet.
With over 1,000 5-star reviews and winner of multiple chili bake-offs, our Best Beef Chili is as legendary as it gets. It’s made with ground beef, beans, diced tomatoes, homemade chili seasoning, and a secret ingredient — maple syrup!
Cook the beef with onion, garlic, and all the other ingredients in a stockpot for an epically delicious and easy chili that will make this pot pie shine above the rest.
Add this to your Chili Pot Pie!
Sometimes jalapeños just aren’t enough! Add more flavor and heat to your chili pot pie with these yummy add-ins:
We’ve made this pot pie with Bob’s Red Mill GF Cornbread Mix and Jiffy Cornbread Mix, but you can use any cornbread mix or recipe that you prefer. If using a different brand or homemade mix, make sure to follow the instructions for making a 10-10.5-inch pan of cornbread.
top tips!
What chili recipe you use will dictate the overall flavor profile of this recipe. Feel free to use your favorite chili recipe or try out our Best Beef Chili if you really want to be wowed!
The cornbread may take a bit more time to bake because of the moisture of the chili. Be sure to keep an eye on it and use a toothpick to test for doneness.
If you have any leftovers (haha, that’s a joke, right?), cover your pie dish with foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
Measure out 5 cups of leftover chili or prepare our homemade beef chili recipe (see instructions below).
Pour the chili into a 10-10.5-inch ceramic pie dish. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread according to the package instructions. Add the jalapenos to the batter and pour the cornbread mix over the top of the chili. Gently spread the cornbread to the edges of the pie dish. Garnish with more pickled jalapenos.
Cover with tented tin foil and bake for 40 minutes, removing the tin foil for the last 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven when the center of the cornbread is completely baked.*
Beef chili recipe: Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef we used 15% fat, 1/2 medium yellow onion finely diced, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 15-oz. can pinto beans drained and rinsed, 1 15-oz. can kidney beans drained and rinsed, 1 15-oz. can tomato sauce, 1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 3 tablespoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper, 1 cup beef broth chicken broth or water works too// Instructions: 1. First, heat a large stockpot over medium/high heat. 2. Then, add ground beef, yellow onion, and minced garlic and sauté for 7-10 minutes or until beef is fully browned. 3. Next, add pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup to the pot and stir to combine. 4. Add spices and 1 cup of broth and stir to combine. 5. Bring beef chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
What chili recipe you use will dictate the overall flavor profile of this recipe.
If you want a cheesy cornbread topping, add ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the cornbread batter.
The cornbread may take a bit more time to bake because of the moisture of the chili.
We also made this using Bob’s Red Mill GF Cornbread Mix
There’s nothing quite as disappointing for a gardener than eagerly tending to their tomato plants, only to discover that some of the tomatoes have split open. So why do tomatoes split when growing? It leaves many growers scratching their heads. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this all-too-common occurrence and explore how you can prevent it from happening in your own garden.
Uneven Watering of Tomato Plants
One of the main causes of tomato splitting is irregular watering. When plants do not get enough water followed by a sudden surge of moisture, the skins of the tomatoes can’t expand uniformly, leading to cracks. To prevent this, it’s important to maintain consistent and adequate moisture levels in the soil.
Proper watering techniques can greatly reduce the risk of tomato splitting. While it’s important to provide consistent moisture for your tomato plants, it’s equally important not to overwater them.
Deep, Even Watering: Rather than lightly sprinkling the plants, aim for watering sessions that penetrate the soil and reach the root zone. This encourages the plants to develop deep and robust root systems, which can better withstand fluctuations in soil moisture. When you water, apply enough water to moisten the top 6-8 inches of soil.
Watering Frequency: Consistency is key when it comes to watering tomatoes. Don’t let the soil completely dry out between watering sessions, as this can stress the plants and increase the risk of splitting. Monitor the moisture levels in the soil by checking its dampness with your finger. If it feels dry about an inch down, it’s time to water.
Mulching: Applying mulch around the base of tomato plants can help maintain a more even moisture level in the soil. Mulch acts as a protective layer, preventing evaporation and reducing weed growth. Organic mulches like straw, wood chips, or compost can be used to cover the soil around the plants, helping to retain moisture and regulate water uptake.
Irrigation Methods: Consider using drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the root zone of the plants. These methods provide a slow and steady supply of moisture, allowing for efficient water absorption by the plants. Avoid overhead watering, as it can increase humidity levels and promote disease development.
Weather Considerations: Pay attention to the weather forecast and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. During periods of extended dryness or high temperatures, you may need to increase the frequency and duration of watering to prevent the soil from drying out excessively.
Rapid Growth
Another cause of tomato splitting is rapid growth. When the plants grow too quickly, the skin may not be able to keep up with the internal growth, causing it to crack. To prevent this, avoid over-fertilisation.
While it’s important to provide your tomato plants with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth, over-fertilising can cause them to grow too quickly. Excessive nitrogen can lead to rapid vegetative growth at the expense of fruit development. This imbalance between plant growth and fruit expansion increases the risk of splitting. Follow the recommended fertilisation guidelines for tomatoes and avoid excessive nitrogen applications.
Varietal Susceptibility to Splitting
Certain tomato varieties are more prone to splitting than others. Varieties with thin skins or those bred for their juiciness are more susceptible to splitting when subjected to changes in moisture levels. Consider choosing varieties that are less prone to splitting, such as those with thicker skins or known for their crack-resistance.
Hybrid tomato varieties are often bred to exhibit specific traits, including crack resistance. These varieties can offer enhanced protection against splitting compared to heirloom varieties. However, there are also heirloom varieties that have natural crack-resistant attributes. Consider both hybrid and heirloom varieties, and read descriptions and reviews to identify those with crack-resistant characteristics.
By intentionally selecting tomato varieties that are less prone to splitting, you can greatly reduce the occurrence of this issue in your garden.
Over-Ripe Fruits
Another common cause of tomato splitting is over-ripening. As the fruits mature and approach their peak ripeness, they become more vulnerable to splitting. This is especially true during periods of heavy rain or sudden temperature fluctuations.
Harvesting tomatoes at the right stage can prevent splitting. Tomatoes that are left on the vine too long can be more susceptible to cracking. Harvesting your tomatoes just before they reach full ripeness can help reduce the chances of splitting.
Extreme Environmental Conditions
Environmental factors also play a crucial role in tomato splitting. High temperatures combined with high humidity can create stressful growing conditions for tomatoes, making them more susceptible to splitting.
Provide Shade: During periods of intense heat, providing shade for your tomato plants can help mitigate the stress caused by high temperatures. Install shade cloths, row covers, or create temporary structures using light shade netting. These shade structures will help reduce the direct exposure to intense sunlight, preventing excessive heat accumulation and reducing the chances of tomato splitting.
Adequate Ventilation: Good air circulation is crucial for maintaining optimal growing conditions and minimising stress on tomato plants. Ensure proper spacing between plants to allow for adequate airflow. Pruning lower foliage and selectively thinning branches can also improve air circulation within the plant canopy. In greenhouses or enclosed growing spaces, consider using fans or ventilation systems to enhance airflow and reduce humidity levels.
Calcium Deficiency in Tomatoes
Calcium is vital for healthy tomato development. Insufficient calcium uptake in the plants can lead to a condition known as blossom-end rot, where the bottom end of the tomato fruit starts to decay. While blossom-end rot itself doesn’t cause splitting, it weakens the fruit, making it more prone to cracking when under stress. Ensure proper calcium levels in the soil through regular soil testing and using calcium-rich amendments or fertilisers as recommended.
The Takeaway On Why Do Tomatoes Split When Growing
Understanding why tomatoes split when growing allows us to take proactive measures to minimise this frustrating phenomenon. By addressing factors such as uneven watering, choosing the best crack-resistant varieties, harvesting at the right time, and managing environmental conditions, we can increase the likelihood of producing beautiful, intact tomatoes. With a little extra care and attention, we can enjoy a bountiful and split-free harvest from our tomato plants.
If you want to know more on the basics, here’s our guide to growing tomatoes.
Fuerteventura is the ideal place if you want to enjoy spectacular beaches and water sports. In addition to its beaches, the island offers impressive volcanic landscapes, sand dunes, charming villages and delicious gastronomy.
How to get there?
Getting to Fuerteventura is simple and convenient thanks to its well-connected airport, Fuerteventura Airport (FUE), located in Puerto del Rosario. From most European cities there are direct flights operating all year round. Airports such as Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat offer multiple daily flights, making your arrival on the island quick and hassle-free.
Another option is to arrive by ferry from other islands in the Canary archipelago, such as Gran Canaria or Tenerife. The companies Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas provide regular and comfortable services.
Why it’s a great place to visit
Fuerteventura is a fascinating island, with a rich history and culture that can be seen in its museums and monuments. It is a land of volcanoes, dunes and arid landscapes, making it a warm and welcoming destination. The island offers the opportunity to marvel at the hustle and bustle of its main cities and the tranquillity of its more remote villages.
Fuerteventura’s beaches are a spectacle in themselves. From the wild beach of Cofete to the unspoilt beach of Sotavento, via the long stretch of golden sand at Risco del Paso, there is something for everyone.
Although the beaches and the excellent climate, which provides an eternal summer all year round, are Fuerteventura’s main tourist attractions, the island has much more to offer. It is well worth taking the time to explore both its main towns and its small villages where time seems to have stood still.
Activities to make the most of your trip
Fuerteventura offers a wide variety of activities and places to discover. Whether you prefer to relax on the beautiful beaches, explore the nature, or enjoy the local culture, there is always something exciting to do.
Enjoying the beaches
Fuerteventura is known for its spectacular beaches, each with its own unique charm:
Playa de Cofete: One of the most stunning and secluded beaches on the island, ideal for those seeking tranquillity and unspoilt scenery.
Playa de Sotavento: Famous among lovers of water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to its perfect conditions and natural beauty.
Great Beaches of Corralejo: These long beaches of white sand and crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming, sunbathing and family fun.
Exploring nature
The island also offers wonderful natural landscapes for you to explore:
Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo: This park is a vast white sandy desert that will make you feel like you’re in another world. It is perfect for hiking and enjoying breathtaking views.
Isla de Lobos: A small islet to the north of Fuerteventura, ideal for a day trip. Here you can snorkel and enjoy nature in its purest state.
Sports and adventures
The more adventurous will find Fuerteventura a paradise for sports:
Surfing and kitesurfing: With its world-renowned beaches, the island is a favourite destination for surfers and kitesurfers.
Hiking: There are numerous hiking trails that allow you to explore the volcanic landscape and enjoy spectacular views.
Relaxation and wellness
If you prefer something quieter, Fuerteventura is also a great place to relax:
Spas and wellness centres: Many hotels and resorts offer spa and wellness services where you can relax and rejuvenate.
Coastal walks: Simply walking along the beaches and enjoying the sound of the sea can be a very relaxing experience.
Cultural activities
Betancuria: The old capital of the island, full of history and charm, with its church and museums.
Museo del Queso Majorero: Learn about the production of the island’s famous goat’s cheese.
Best restaurants to visit
Casa Marcos (Villaverde): Known for its traditional dishes and family atmosphere.
Mahoh Restaurant (Villaverde): Offers Canarian cuisine with fresh ingredients from the island.
Opening times and prices
Most of the attractions and restaurants in Fuerteventura follow similar opening hours:
Restaurants: Generally open from 13:00 to 15:30 for lunch and from 19:00 to 22:30 for dinner.
Museums and attractions: They are usually open from 10:00 to 18:00, although some may close during lunchtime.
Tariffs
Cofete Beach and other beaches: Free admission.
Museo del Queso Majorero: Admission approximately 5 euros.
Excursions to Isla de Lobos: Around 15-20 euros per person.
Tips for the trip
Book in advance: Both accommodation and excursions can fill up quickly, especially in high season.
Car hire: To explore the island at your own pace and to reach remote places such as Cofete, it is advisable to hire a car.
Light clothing: The climate is warm all year round, but take a light jacket for cool nights.
Sun protection: The sun can be intense, so don’t forget your sunscreen, sunglasses and hat.
Where to stay: Barceló Fuerteventura Castillo
To make the most of your stay, we recommend staying at the Barceló Fuerteventura Castillo. This resort, located in the quiet Caleta de Fuste, offers an unforgettable experience with all the comforts.
Hotel facilities
Swimming pools: Several swimming pools for adults and children, ideal for relaxing in the sun.
Spa and gym: Perfect for keeping up your exercise routine and relaxing with spa treatments.
Activities: From water sports to evening entertainment, there’s something for everyone.
Location
The Barceló Fuerteventura Castillo is strategically located close to the airport and the island’s main attractions, making it easy to explore Fuerteventura without hassle. It is also just a short walk from the beach, allowing you to enjoy the sea and the sun at any time.
If you want to know more about this hotel visit: https://www.barcelo.com/en-gb/barcelo-fuerteventura-castillo/
Why choose the Barceló Fuerteventura Castillo?
Staying at the Barceló Fuerteventura Castillo offers a perfect combination of luxury, comfort and strategic location. Its family atmosphere and complete facilities ensure that both adults and children enjoy a memorable stay. The hotel’s positive reviews and reputation make it the ideal choice for your visit to Fuerteventura.
With this travel guide, we hope your visit to Fuerteventura will be an unforgettable experience. From its paradisiacal beaches to its rich culture and excellent gastronomy, this Canary Island has something for everyone. Don’t forget to book your stay at the Barceló Fuerteventura Castillo and enjoy a great holiday!
Having previously dined at Lahpet in Covent Garden and thoroughly enjoyed it, we were thrilled to discover the opening of Lahpet Larder on Bermondsey Street, London SE1. Burmese cuisine is best described as sour, salty and spicy, as depicted in Lahpet’s menu, which features curries, noodles, fritters, salads, and Indian bread. If you’re searching for the best restaurants near London Bridge or are curious to try Burmese cuisine, Lahpet Larder is a must-visit.
“Lahpet Larder offers a refined, modern twist on classic Burmese dishes, perfect for anyone new to this cuisine or seeking something sour, salty and spicy!” Homegirl London.
Lahpet Larder Burmese Menu
We began our meal with the sweet potato and shan tofu puffs served with a charred tomato and chilli sauce. Despite not being a fan of tofu, I found these light and satisfyingly crunchy.
One of my favourites was the sweetcorn and split pea fritters with a tangy tamarind sauce. I ate both fritters while my dining companions were deep in conversation! I didn’t feel too guilty, considering they enjoyed a few fish dishes I skipped. Snacks cost £5-6.
From the vegetable section, we opted for the comforting and hearty yellow peas with two fried dough sticks, which I admit to eating most of.
The braised aubergine with house masala and crispy curry leaf delivered a spicy kick, which I enjoyed but I’d prefer it toned down for even greater enjoyment. Vegetable dishes cost £7-12.
Their tea leaf salad featured pickled tea leaves, double-fried beans that added a satisfying crunch, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant garlic oil. Other intriguing salad options included a heritage tomato salad with beansprouts and braised pork with rice noodles. Salads range from £7-12.
My partner and our friend couldn’t resist the Rakhine salmon ceviche in the fish section. Paired with smashed green mango, papaya and chilli, this dish was vibrant and spicy, perfectly balanced by the mango’s sweet juiciness.
They also enjoyed the king prawn sipyan curry. Other tempting choices included steamed hake with lemongrass and a mackerel noodle chowder. Fish items cost £12-16.
Our friend opted for the fried chicken roll (samosa style) from the meat section with chilli, tamarind, and jaggery glaze, which he devoured enthusiastically. He could have also chosen the chicken coconut noodles, Kachin beef, or pork belly with fermented horse gram beans. Meat costs £12-25.
Despite feeling full, the desserts were too intriguing to resist, so we shared two between the three of us. The frosted paratha was served with a milk tea espuma, which had a mousse-like consistency, perfect for dipping the paratha.
Meanwhile, the coconut pandan and sago pudding with salted coconut cream, seasonal fruit and guava tuile was equally delightful, offering a delicate, nuanced sweetness.
Watch My Lahpet Larder Bermondsey Street Video
Helpful Information About Lahpet Larder Bermondsey Street
To find out more, visit the Lahpet website. You’ll find Laphet Larder at 39-45 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XF, a short walk from London Bridge station.
The interiors are contemporary and cosy, with golden hues and comfy seating. Lahpet Larder is ideal for business lunches or date night dinners.
Unfortunately, they aren’t dog-friendly, which is a shame because there are so many adorable doggies in the area, ours being one of them! Their other branches are in Covent Garden and Shoreditch.
If you want to explore the area, you may find this articles of interest:
Ten Things To Do In Bermondsey Street
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about eateries where I had a good experience. I recommend you do further research as standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please check if the establishment is still in business and the opening times before you go. If you discover this restaurant has closed, contact me to remove it from my blog.
When the interactive exercise company Peloton first launched, it was known for its high-energy, live and on-demand instructor-led classes that revolutionized the at-home fitness space. Never before was there an option to have a human spin instructor in a studio doing the same workout as you at home simultaneously—even shouting out fellow exercisers in real-time.
Today, Peloton has expanded its offerings from bike-based spin classes and their marquee spin bike to a variety of other fitness classes that can be completed with the Peloton Tread or Peloton Row, or any treadmill or rowing machine.
The brand has also created workout plans that can help both veteran fitness junkies and those new to working out achieve not just a healthier lifestyle, but some pretty epic goals, like completing a triathlon or running race, too. Peloton also recently launched a new standalone app called Strength+, which aims to take the guesswork out of strength training.
We asked six fan-favorite Peloton instructors who specialize in specific fitness goals ranging from running to strength to create multi-week training regimens to jumpstart your wellness journey, whether you simply want to improve your mobility or go big with a goal like completing a marathon.
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1. Training for a marathon
Becs Gentry lives what she preaches as one of Peloton’s run-specific instructors. Gentry has completed multiple marathons, including the London Marathon and New York City Marathon. She’s even completed a marathon in less than three hours!
“First and foremost, you’re going to want to work on building your endurance running capacity,” Gentry says. “Peloton has great endurance runs that can be done on both the Peloton Tread and outdoors; we have 30-minute runs that build to 60 minutes, and the Peloton ‘stack’ option means you can line up multiple classes so that you can meet your planned workout time goal on those long run days.”
Gentry suggests a healthy mix of Peloton’s endurance run sessions as well as some speed workouts to help you build a strong aerobic foundation while still growing your capacity for faster run paces.
She suggests two-to-three endurance runs each week, which could be made up of classes like a Peloton 60-minute simulation run or one of Gentry’s 75-minute classes like her 75-minute pop run.
As for speed work, Gentry suggests some of Peloton’s 20- to 60-minute intervals classes as they have slightly longer and more taxing intervals but don’t take you all the way up to your max effort. Don’t forget to add in some hills, too, to work all your muscle groups equally.
Lastly, Gentry reminds runners to mix in some Peloton Strength and Core For Runners classes, too, anywhere from one to two times a week.
Peloton also has an 18-week training plan for those looking to tackle their first marathon. Check out the Road to 26.2 program here:
2. Training for a triathlon
Matt Wilpers is an accomplished triathlete and Peloton instructor who has completed multiple half-Ironman races as well as marathons. He brings more than 10 years of coaching experience to his classes with Peloton and specializes in cycling-focused classes.
A triathlon consists of a swim, bike, and run, completed one right after the other, usually in one day. There are a variety of distances across each of the three disciplines, ranging from a shorter “sprint” distance triathlon (750-meter swim, 12.5-mile bike, 3.1-mile run) all the way up to a long-distance Ironman triathlon (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run).
You’ll want to train for anywhere from four to 24 weeks depending on your level of experience with triathlon and the distance you’re training for, according to Wilpers.
While Peloton doesn’t currently offer swim workouts, Wilpers recommends multiple cycling and running classes to get you going as you train for a triathlon.
Cycling classes
Power Zone Rides: Perform your FTP test and train with zones based on watts/output customized to you. These classes are broken down into three different levels depending on the zones you’d like to focus on.
Power Zone Endurance, Zones 2 to 3: These classes will likely make up the bulk of your training in order to ensure you can handle the cycling distances. Peloton offers classes in lengths up to two hours—for example, this 45-minute power zone endurance ride.
Power Zone, Zones 3 to 6: These classes are a progression from endurance classes. They’re great building-block classes when it’s time to start adding intensity to your training to better develop lactic threshold, VO2 max, and anaerobic capacity (your body’s ability to produce energy without oxygen during short, high-intensity workouts). These classes will help you get faster—for example, this 30-minute power zone ride.
Power Zone Max, Zones 3 to 7: These classes offer high-intensity, breakthrough workouts that push your limits on zones 4 to 6 and often target your neuromuscular power (where your brain and muscles to work together) in zone 7. These classes will help you get faster—for example, this 45-minute power zone max ride.
Low-Impact Rides: In these classes, you’ll work on drills to help you improve your pedal stroke so that you’re cycling more efficiently and effectively—for example, this 20-minute low-impact ride.
Pro Cyclist Rides: Not only do these classes offer great workouts, but you’ll also get tips and training advice from a former pro cyclist—for example, this 45-minute race simulation with Christian Vande Velde.
Warmup and Cooldown Rides: Take these classes before and after intense cycling workouts.
Post-Ride Stretching and Yoga Classes: Doing one of these classes after every ride is essential to keeping your body feeling good.
Running classes
Endurance Runs: Great classes for building aerobic endurance and often form the bulk of your training—for example, this 30-minute endurance run (Peloton Tread) or this 30-minute endurance run (outdoor).
Progression Runs: Start slow and end fast. These are great classes to start building comfort with speed—for example, this 30-minute progression run.
Tempo Runs: A level up from progression runs, these classes are where you focus on holding an elevated pace for either long intervals or, in some cases, the entire duration of the class. Again, these are great for improving speed—for example, this 45-minute tempo run.
Intervals Runs: Here, you’ll start to work on higher-end speed to help improve fitness and mechanics. These classes are great for making you a faster and more efficient runner overall. Interval durations are usually one minute or longer in length—for example, this 45-minute internals run (Peloton Tread) or this 20-minute intervals run (outdoor).
HIIT Runs/HIIT and Hills Runs: Similar to intervals runs, these are great classes to build your top-end speed and mechanics. Intervals in these classes are typically one minute or less—for example, this 20-minute HIIT and hills run (Peloton Tread) or this 30-minute HIIT run (outdoor).
Pre-Run Warmup, Warmup Runs, and Cooldown Runs: These classes are essential for warming up for and cooling down from higher intensity runs, like tempo runs.
Post-Run Stretches and Yoga for Runners: Doing one of these classes after every ride is essential to keeping your body feeling good.
Strength for Runners: These classes are great for providing simple yet effective strength exercises that you scale up or down depending on where you are at in your training.
Programs to follow
Great fitness is not built from one great workout—it’s built by consistent application of training stress over time. Here are some programs and collections you can use in your triathlon training.
Cycling
Power Zone Training offers three periodized programs (or training cycles) to help you build your fitness in a progressive manner. Below they are in order of easiest to most difficult:
Running
Road to Your 26.2: Training for an Ironman-distance triathlon. You can use some or all of this program to help build out your run training.
Road to Half Marathon: A great audio-only, no-hardware-needed option to help build out your run training for a half or 70.3 triathlon
Go the Distance: 5K: A fantastic option to help build out your run training for a sprint distance triathlon
“During your weeks of training for a triathlon, try to include a long swim, ride, and run where you are building comfort within the distance you will need to cover during the race. I recommend doing at least one to two sessions of each discipline per week,” Wilpers says. “Also, try to get in at least one outdoor ride a week. Peloton can help you build great fitness indoors, but it’s important to develop your outdoor bike handling and cycling skills as well, which is best done outside.”
Lastly, Wilpers recommends doing a handful of runs immediately following a bike ride throughout your weeks of preparation for your triathlon. This will help the run feel less “shocking” coming off of the bike come race day.
Photo: Peloton
3. Training to improve overall strength
Rad Lopez is a born-and-raised New Yorker, growing up in the same city where he now teaches for Peloton. Lopez spent his earlier years as a competitive boxer, which eventually led him down the path of personal fitness and training. He’s also one of three Peloton instructors who teach their classes in both English and Spanish.
“To improve overall strength, I’d suggest a progressive overload training plan and repeating strength-forward split programs,” Lopez says. “With these types of programs, week after week, you’ll try to increase the weight of your lifts, the number of reps, and the duration within the reps, too.”
Lopez recommends the following two programs to work on your strength:
Pump Up The Volume (found in “Collections”): Over 4 weeks, various instructors will take you through programmatic classes while gradually increasing your reps, load, and volume. Take the classes on Peloton Guide for added metrics. There are 10 Pump Up the Volume Collections on the Peloton platform. Find them under “Collections” on your Peloton device or app.
3-Day Intermediate Split Program (found in “Programs”): Maximize your workouts by split training (aka breaking up your training program by muscle group or movement pattern). Increase strength and build muscle in this one-week program by targeting specific areas of your body during each workout. Repeat and track your progress.
These programs are meant to be taken week after week to continue to progress within your strength journey.
4. Training to improve overall mobility
Hannah Corbin is a veteran fitness trainer who has been a Peloton instructor for more than a decade, specializing in mobility, barre, stretching, foam rolling, cycling, and dance cardio. Her catchphrase is: “Did you stretch though?” as a friendly reminder to her Peloton members to never forget to include mobility as part of their overall fitness routine.
“I like to think of mobility as a combination of shedding the layers of ‘blah’ from the day and focusing on being able to move the joints freely and easily,” Corbin says. “Whether your goal is to reduce pain and soreness, to restore motion, or to lengthen your muscles, you’ve come to the right place with our Peloton mobility-focused classes.”
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
“One of the biggest things to remember when working on mobility, stretching, and foam rolling is to remove your ego from the equation,” Corbin says. “Mobility is a less-is-more situation that is fueled by breath.”
5. Training to improve overall cardio endurance
Selena Samuela is one of Peloton’s strength and running instructors, and her upbringing in a family of professional Italian soccer players positioned her well to get into the fitness space as an adult. Samuela brings flavors of her surfing and boxing background to motivate Peloton users to connect with their body and mind to get the most out of themselves.
To improve overall cardio endurance, Samuela recommends starting easy and building into more challenging workouts over time. She suggests taking the following classes two to three times per week over four weeks to begin improving your overall cardio fitness.
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
30-minute HIIT cardio
If you stack this class, stack it with a warm up class and a recovery type class after, this class can stand alone as your workout
20-minute HIIT run
If you’re more into running, try a HIIT run class.
Photo: Peloton
6. Training to improve overall fitness as a beginner
Matty Maggiacomo tries to make every workout a party and tries to entertain Peloton members through his storytelling and humor-focused teaching style.
“Beginners should start with the goal of learning the basics for moving on to more challenging classes,” Maggiacomo says. “I recommend a refresh of the basics and a steady routine of four to six weeks of short-form content that includes foundational education first, then you can build into strength, cardio, and flexibility.”
If you’re just starting off with a strength program, it’s important to understand the seven foundational movement patterns, he says. They include: squat, lunge, hinge, push, pull, rotate, and gait (walking with a load). For these, Maggiacomo recommends Peloton’s Strength Basics collection (found in “Collections”).
“The goal here is to learn some of the building blocks to any strength routine. These are ‘snackable,’ informational, demonstration-based classes that help you learn these motions,” he says. “The next step up is Peloton’s Beginner Strength Program which you can find in ‘Programs.’”
As for running, Maggiacomo recommends a low-impact 20 to 30-minute walking class at least four to five times per week to get started. He suggests pairing that with a 10-minute stretching or yoga Peloton class afterward.
Maggiacomo says that less is more to start on your fitness journey as a beginner.
“As you get comfortable with these classes, you can add more classes during the week or tap into a longer duration class,” he says. “By the third or fourth week, you’ll be ready for 30-minute classes. Never neglect a stretching or mobility class.”
Week 1
Do three or four 20-minute strength workouts, focused on mobility and bodyweight strength. Also include 10- to 15-minute mobility sessions.
Week 2
Do three or four beginner strength workouts, focused on full-body strength and mobility.
Week 3
Do three or four beginner strength workouts focused on upper- and lower-body strength, core, and mobility.
Week 4
Do four or five strength workouts—with one or two of them being 30 minutes long—focused on upper-, lower, and full-body, core, and mobility.
When you’re trying to conceive (TTC), accurately pinpointing your fertile window is very important. One of the ways to do this is with an ovulation test kit or OPK (ovulation prediction kit).
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Ovulation tests are an at home urine test to measure the levels of LH hormone in your body. The luteinizing hormone is always in our bodies, but around 12-48 hours before ovulation there is a surge which triggers the follicle to release an egg causing ovulation to occur.
By testing the levels of LH in our system, we’re able to fairly accurately predict when ovulation is imminent and time sex for conception.
It’s also a really great idea to find out if your body is ovulating (whether you’re trying to get pregnant or not) as it can help identify any potential underlying conditions or hormone imbalances. Using an ovulation test kit alongside measuring your body’s natural fertility biomarkers is the most accurate way to find your fertile window – check out my post on how to accurately track ovulation using all these methods here!
So which is the best ovulation test kit to buy and how exactly do you use them?
How To Use Ovulation Tests
Ovulation tests aren’t a one day thing. In order to pinpoint your surge in LH you need to take an ovulation test every day in the run up to your suspected ovulation date until they turn positive.
Watch the colour of your test line in comparison to the control line. When the two lines are the same colour, thickness and darkness (or your test line is thicker and darker than the control) that signifies an LH surge and a positive test. (Take a look at my ovulation test chart photo at the bottom of this post to see that process in action.)
Unlike pregnancy tests that are ideally meant to be taken with your first urine of the day, ovulation tests are best to be taken after around 11am as apparently it’s easier for them to pick up your LH levels as the day goes on. Try to take them after at least a 2 hour hold (not weeing for 2 hours or more) to make sure your urine isn’t too diluted but don’t dehydrate yourself in the process!
Because the LH surge can disappear as quickly as it happens, some people like to test twice a day when they feel like the surge is imminent and their lines start to get darker to make sure they don’t miss the surge completely. For example one month, I got my surge at around 5pm but by the next morning at midday it had already started to go back down so testing twice helped me catch it!
As the fertile window can be quite short, if you’re trying to conceive it’s ideal to have sex just before your test turns positive and every day for a few days after a positive test for the best chance of a successful month.
Which Are The Best Ovulation Tests To Buy?
For those who prefer to watch things, take a look at my Best Ovulation Kit Review & Comparison video HERE on Youtube! For an easy read and photos of the tests in action, here we go…
Supermarket Own Brand Ovulation Test Kits
I started with a pack of ovulation tests that I picked up in Sainsburys when I was doing the weekly shop. They were around £11 for 7 tests and all plastic which immediately made me feel a little uncomfortable. But as I was new to the whole ovulation tracking thing and didn’t know any better, I just went with it.
The problem with tests that come in packs of 7, is if you’re new to ovulation testing and you really have no idea when your fertile window might be, you might run out of tests and miss your surge completely.
MY FIRST TESTING EXPERIENCE:
Armed with my Sainsburys ovulation tests I took a look at my Flo app to tell me when I was due to ovulate. (See my post on how to track ovulation as to why this was my first mistake!). I started testing in the 6 days leading up to my predicted ovulation but by the time it came to day 7 – when the app told me I was ovulating – there was still no surge and I’d run out of tests. I was quite upset thinking we’d missed our chance when in reality, my app was 5 days out and it just hadn’t happened yet!
For me, having such limited a pack of tests didn’t work as I needed double the amount which of course was double the price and double the plastic. I also found them really tricky to read as you can see from the photo above – very confusing indeed!
Digital Ovulation Tests
So I thought I would try a digital test instead for a bit more clarity…
One of the pros of digital ovulation tests is that they are A LOT easier to read as there’s no comparing lines. They will show a blank circle if you’re not fertile (no LH surge) and a reassuring smiley face if you are fertile (LH surge). It’s as simple as that.
However I ran into similar problems to the supermarket versions with cost. Digital tests come in a pack of about 10 for around £20 which again, for me, was unsustainable as my sole testing option. On average it takes a couple around 1 year to conceive…so that’s a lot of tests and a lot of money!
Again, there are limited tests per box and a lot of plastic with this option too, so while they do make the whole process a LOT easier with the digital ‘yes or no’ reading, for me as my sole testing method they’re not the one.
In the end because I already had them, I used my pack of digital tests over the space of a few months to confirm my positive analogue tests and see that reassuring happy little smiley face so they didn’t go to waste!
The Best Ovulation Test Kit (for me!)
For me the best ovulation test kit I found was this Easy at Home Ovulation Kit. They were £18 for 50 ovulation tests and they came with 20 (pretty sensitive) pregnancy tests too which are handy for early-ish detection.
They’re not covered in plastic like the mid stream ones, they’re just your standard urine dip test strips. Just pee in a cup and then dip it in! So although they’re a little fiddlier to use in that regard, they work out SO much better in all other areas.
They also come with a free app that allows you to scan in a photo of your test each day and it plots them next to one another with strength ratings so you can see the difference of your lines. The app also helps you to confirm a positive test by highlighting your LH surge when it happens.
With 50 tests per pack you’re not limited on how many you can use per month which if you’re using them correctly it makes it nearly impossible to miss your fertile window. Because there was so many tests I started testing with these every day from about four days after my period finished until I got a positive test. This helped me pinpoint that on average I ovulated a fair bit later than a) ‘the textbook norm’ and b) when my tracking app was predicting. Once I knew this information I was able to adjust my testing window each month and get pretty accurate with when it might occur using less tests and less effort.
I personally think the easy at home ovulation test kit is the best value for money. The price is good and there’s no hefty plastic casing per test. They’re fairly easy to use once you get in the habit of daily testing and they’re accurate too. The app is so useful to help you record your tests – no sellotaping them to a piece of paper each day to keep track! And with the amount you get per box there’s no way you’re missing that surge, even if your ovulation is delayed for any reason that cycle.
Please remember that your ovulation date can change from cycle to cycle so utilising ovulation tests alongside learning how to read your body’s natural cues and fertile signs is the best way to approach things for as much information as possible. Take a look at this post here for more help on that.
Other Premium Ovulation Kits
There are also other kits on the market – like this one – that come with a hefty price tag to help pinpoint your LH surge and other fertility hormones too. I personally haven’t tried them so I can’t comment on their validity or value for money. However if money isn’t an object or if you’re looking to delve deeper into the science (either due to underlying conditions or pure fascination) then they are another option to investigate.
WATCH: My Best Ovulation Test Kit Review over on Youtube:
If you found this post useful please do consider coming over and following me on Instagram or YouTube for more handy hormone and fertility information!
Good morning lovely people! A bit of a different one from me this morning, but just a little note to say that as of today I’ve just launched my shiny new newsletter, The Sentimental Wardrobe, over on Substack!
GAH! What a way to start a Wednesday! Having been blogging and sharing life online for the best part of 14 years (an oversharer or a love for the autobiographical? Who can tell?!) I’m ridiculously excited to introduce to you another very exciting new venture for me (you can ‘READ ALL ABOUT IT!’ this morning, in my first post here).
But in short The Sentimental Wardrobe is a newsletter rooted in nostalgia, but sharing what’s good and special now too (that I also believe will continue to feel special for years to come). If you know me (or even if you don’t)- you’ll perhaps know I have a real penchant for the past. Whether that’s rooting through vintage shops (and ‘smelly dresses’- THE JOY!), revelling in the fluro hues of indie discos of yesteryear (I’m sure there will be a whole post about my unwavering love of Cajun Dance Party one day) or scanning Pinterest for Pattie Boyd and a blue-eyeshadowed Sally Albright. I’m constantly looking back but forever excited about the future.
So, whether you fancy curling up with some chatter about life, parenting, style evolution, shopping, new musc (and old), my fail-safe Vinted search terms, favourite second hand spots, new brands and makers that I must share on a NEED TO KNOW basis, a heart to heart about dating for the first time, mood-boosting playlists and conversations with women who I would quite like to be when I grow up (ahem)- I hope you’ll maybe enjoy heading over! It’s an internet picnic of sorts, with all of the best bits spread out and ready for you to sit back, relax and soak up.
It’s also a way to hopefully access the community that I feel has sadly dwindled from blogging a little bit since I began (which makes it sound like it’s because of me- which I truly hope it isn’t!!) My blog is my baby- and I love writing in this space that is my own with all of my heart- but since starting in 2010 on Blogspot, things have changed a lot. I miss the excited community, commenting and the connection of familiar voices around the world leaving small imprints on one another (even if that was in the shape of a lookbook.nu heart)!
I also think it’s worth mentioning that by writing here, it absolutely won’t change the content you see on this blog at all. There will still be weekly blog posts and Instagram content- just a little more over on Substack to get stuck into too!
If you’d like to join the conversation, find out more and check out all the details you can do so here– thank you so much for sticking around! You’re the best ever.
In today’s podcast episode I chatting with Holland Otik, a maker, chef, teacher, researcher and animistic object enthusiast who incorporates magic and ritual into everything they do. She currently owns a small shop and studio in Hereford.
This conversation was epic. So much so that we ended up talking for twice as long as we scheduled, and this interview will be split into two parts. Our first two parter!
So today’s episode is part one of the two part interview with Holland Otik.
In this episode Holland shares how she got to this stage in her life and career. How a series of ‘missteps’ got her to this point, and by doing things didn’t serve her authentic self helped to realise what was right. What started as an identity crisis became an identity, and Holland realised her superpower.
Holland shares what a maker actually is and what they look like. She explains what a creative practice looks like.
She shares how having disappearing into play and using her imagination with the objects around her as a child is linked to the work she does today. We talk about how objects imbue meaning. The people who buy her work get it.
Holland talks about masks and how that is linked to her interest in animism. We go into detail about what animism is and what the looks like.
Our conversation then turns to ritual and what that means to Holland. We discuss the power of ritual, how it doesn’t need to be repetitive, and how it can be meaningful for an individual.
We talk about symbolism and how even the same thing can have different meaning for you at different times in your life.
Holland spends a lot of time researching magical practices from all kinds of cultures. She talks about contemporary British neo-pagan witchcraft, and how a lot of it hinges itself on old practices from long ago, but a lot of them were written down in the 1960s by a bunch of nudists.
We talk about the problems that arise by placing importance and meaning on old cultural practices. Often it ends up that people that wouldn’t otherwise engage with a culture often cherry-pick parts of it for themselves.
We chat about the power dynamics in the wellness and spiritual industries. How often it removes personal power and places it in the hands of somebody else.
Holland shares the importance of learning about something, being a custodian of that knowledge, and either you leave it alone, pass it on, or ruin it and misinform.
We talk about the challenging conversation of how does the average person get curious and learn about spirituality in a responsible way. Nobody wants to be doing it wrong, but we don’t always create space for a person doing it wrong to learn from it.
Holland shares her thoughts on private beliefs and whether we should share those with others. We chat about whether there is an ethical, responsible, and self-aware way to practice spirituality.
Subscribe to the podcast and tune in next week for the second part of this interview.
LEARNING POINTS
Sometimes when you reject what you’re not looking for, you get what you are looking for.
If you are free in your actions, you free somebody else. Being visibly authentic allows somebody else to do that too.
Maybe how we label ourselves, if we reframe it, allows us to step into another part of ourselves.
Symbols highlight the spaces of yourself that you didn’t know were there before.
Creating your own ritual can be something instinctual, or something that brings you comfort.
Ritual is a power we have that is underused. Often we look to other people to soothe us or make it ok. Spending time on your own personal rituals is great self-care.
LINKS
Find Holland here:
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Share your thoughts on the show with the hashtag #GoodLifeUnravelled
And please share a positive review on Apple Podcasts, it helps other people find us.
***
Previously on The Good Life Unravelled … Episode #47 – How to choose a coach
In this month’s issue of Simply Sewing Magazine, I have a guest feature sharing how to create a Liberty Scrap Fabric Butterfly. The sewing tutorial is perfect for scrap fabrics and achievable by all sewing skill sets. It was also one of my first goes at quilting fabrics with my free-motion sewing machine foot. Continue reading to find out more.
Liberty Scrap Fabric Butterfly
What you need:
Quilting cotton / scrap fabric. I used Liberty print Cotton Lawn scraps I had left over. Roughly X2 A3 sheets of paper size for front & lining piece. Total 85X60xm
Bamboo wadding
Stuffing (you can use an old pillow to keep this project super recycling-friendly)
Sewing machine, pins & thread
Free motion darning foot (if you don’t have this function on your machine, use a walking foot instead).
Fabric pen
Iron/ironing board
Basic sewing kit
NOTES:
FABRIC USED:
PREPARING THE PROJECT PIECES:
Cut out the butterfly template 2 times on the fold. Once on your outer fabric & once for your back fabric. You will need to add a 1cm seam allowance to both pieces.
To create the butterfly applique detail, use the template guidelines and place your fabric on top. As the fabric is semi-sheer you can hold it on a window to trace the outline of the shapes needed using a fabric pen, add 1/2cm around the line edge. I cut one side of the butterfly, then just mirrored the pieces for the other side.
Cut out the butterfly template on your wadding (on the fold), adding another 1cm around the edge (so 2cm in total from the template) this is to allow for shrinkage when quilting.
QUILTING:
Iron the sides of your applique pieces under to the wrong side, this may be a bit tricky around the curves, but it should overlap slightly all the way around.
Pin all the applique pieces onto the front piece where you want them.
TOP TIP: Lay the front piece on top of the wadding and pin it in place, using curved safety pins as these are great for thicker layers and quilting.
Use a free-motion quilting/darning foot or a walking foot to carefully sew the applique in place. This will also quit your fabric at the same time.
Also, sew on some extra lines of quilting on the wings to add to the quilting effect.
FINISHING
Once the quilting is done, trim off the excess wadding
Place your back piece and right piece right sides together and stitch all the way around using your 1cm seam allowance, leaving a 2-inch gap for turning through.
Trim seam allowance and clip corners and turn through the hole
Iron the edges for a neat finish
Stuff the cushion through the hole, then seal the hole by hand stitching it neatly.
& that’s it! I hope you enjoy your new butterfly cushion, what a great gift idea or a lovely detail in your home. I’ll be putting mine in my daughter’s bedroom!
My whole goal this summer is to do less (and my 2024 summer bucket list reflects this). I say this every year, then promptly find a way to fill my time. June was busier than I wanted it to be, so I’m looking at how and why it became that way when I had every intention of having more time for boredom.
These years are golden with my kids ages six and seven (soon to be eight) and I want to be present, do fewer things, and teach them that it’s okay to chill. It’s been harder than I anticipated. I know it’s important and timely—because it’s such a unique period of their lives. I don’t want to miss any of the mundane, everyday things that are so intrinsically tied to summer.
The Discomfort and Necessity of Slowing Down
This past weekend, we had the opportunity to do nothing on Friday and Saturday nights. I could feel myself wanting to fill the space by either finding someone to hang out with or doing something to distract myself from just being at home with my family. I could see my kids itching to do the same. Instead, we snuggled in for some rainy day movies like Hook and Free Willy, and I got curious about why I wanted to fill my time even though I was absolutely exhausted. I don’t have the exact answer quite yet. All I know is slowing down is inherently uncomfortable if you’re not accustomed to it (even for someone who calls themselves an introvert), and it takes time to get to the other side of this discomfort.
And so, my summer bucket list is small. I’m going in with no expectations to do very much, knowing that choosing to opt out of stacking schedules is good for everyone in my family, even if it doesn’t feel like it sometimes. I’m hoping it yields more time for togetherness—times that might not make the photo albums but leave an imprint on all of our hearts.
Here’s what’s on my 2024 summer bucket list. This summer I want to…
My 2024 Summer Bucket List
Sleep in.
Camp in the backyard.
Pick flowers.
Go out for ice cream.
Make popsicles.
Birdwatch in our neighborhood.
Paint for enjoyment.
Read books.
Stargaze on a warm night.
Play card games.
Do puzzles.
Play tennis.
Eat cherries.
Venture out in the rain.
Do cannonballs into the pool.
Stay up late.
Visit my sister in San Francisco.
Stretch my body.
Walk in nature.
Tell stories.
Spend time drawing.
Collect four-leaf clovers.
Write for fun.
What’s on your summer bucket list this year?
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
