nye.

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I hope to look this chic tonight but after battling through a pretty bad stomach flu yesterday I don't know if its going to happen.  I'll be spending my New Years with the boy and some of our friends, with me slowly recovering I think we are going to take it pretty easy tonight but I'm hoping to catch a Journey cover band and make it through midnight!  This has been an amazing year and I am excited to start fresh in 2013.  It could just be my favorite one yet!

xo

holiday break.

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How have your holidays been?  Mine were fabulous and it always makes me a little bittersweet when they are coming to an end.  I have been enjoying the extra time I have off this year spending time with family and staying at the beach (where half of my family lives) a little longer than usual.  I'm going to spend the rest of my break being lazy and spending time at home.  I'll be back next year with a lot of new content and hopefully a fresh outlook on the blog.  See you all next year!

xo

reflection.

I have yet to post on the tragedy that our nation saw last week in any way as I did not yet have the words to speak of this unimaginable act.  The heart breaking news that started pouring in early Friday morning was devastating and the continuing coverage only got worse.  My heart breaks for the victims and their families, with two parents who both work in education this really hit home with me as it could easily have been my mom or dad's schools that were attacked. 

I think as a nation we are all now asking why and what can be done to stop these extreme acts of violence.  For the families of twenty-six victims a piece will always been missing from their lives, a child, brother, sister, parent, friend, loved one.  Always remember this.  The answer is not yelling at each other over social media about what you feel is right or wrong.  Its simply finding an answer.  We are not there yet.  It may take a long time to get there.  But always remember in your haste for finding an answer there are people that are suffering extreme losses and they should always be in our hearts first and foremost.

xo    

i scream, you scream.

 

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Someone had on Twitter that it was National Ice Cream Day...wrong.  It's in July but lo and behold after reading that all I've wanted all day is some delicious marble slab ice cream.  You know the real stuff they make with milk and cream and you have to literally use all your might to get out of the box.  Yumm.  I know what your thinking and yes I do know that its December.  But I hate hot chocolate.

p.s. I know I've had a lot of random posts as of late.  I blame myself and lack of planning.  Of course I could do the infamous holiday gift guides but they are in abundance all over the blogosphere so I'm going to opt out this year.  See you tomorrow!

xo   

holiday season.

Life has been pretty busy lately.  It always seems no matter how much you plan ahead everything is always busier around the holidays.  I love it though.  The holiday cheer gets to me.  That being said my weeks lately have been incredibly busy.

The boy was in town for a full week and cooked me dinner.  The most complete meal I’ve had probably since Thanksgiving.  Delish!

George acting like a human at my grandparents’ house over Thanksgiving.

The tulle skirt that I cannot stop thinking about. #wishingandhopingandthinkingandpraying

I have finally gotten my act together and am getting some things done around the house.  I was saying in the future I need to throw a house warming party a few weeks after moving into a new place so that a year later I am not just getting around to finishing up decorations.  The mood board is covering up the office nook shelving that I’ve hated and never used.  It’s a nice solution to cover up the area as well as bring some color into our otherwise very monochromatic living area.

Attended the Jingle Ball and had an amazing time.  It’s a great cause and they had so many toys, check out the picture at the bottom, they were piled to the ceiling.

Decided the chalk board wall needed an awesome large scale tree, saw this and thought I can do that.  My roommate did not have faith in my artistic abilities and about an hour into the project I was doubting myself as well.  It turned out amazing and is one of my favorite decorations in the house. #monetinthemaking

Did a little Christmas shopping with the boy and he got some extremely dapper shoes. #dondraper?  

What have you been up to lately?

xo

party dresses.

kate spade // j. crew // j. crew // asos

Having a few options as far as party dresses go during the holiday season is crucial .  You never know when you might have an event pop up that you need something pretty.  I love these options.  They could all work at a number of different events and can easily be dressed up or down.  The J. Crew sequined dress is to die for!

I did find the perfect holiday staple while shopping last week.  

How pretty is that skirt.  What do you think?  Worth the splurge?  

xo 

tgif.

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Its the weekend finally.  I plan on sleeping in late, going to the flea market, doing a little Christmas shopping, and going to see a movie.  What are your plans?

xo

so fetch.

 

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Things have been pretty boring around here lately.  Just the usual Christmas rush of decorating and trying to find the perfect gift for everyone.  I've done very little shopping as of late and normally would be in panic mode but for some reason this year I just haven't been as excited about the season.

I did come across this today and love that its an inexpensive way to do holiday cards.

I also found this gem which is perfect for printing Instagram photos and for $1, yes please!

Tomorrow I'll be attending the annual Jingle Ball here is Raleigh for the first time.  Its an event to benefit the Salvation Army and anyone can attend.  Basically each guest brings a $20 toy to the event which gets you into the event where you are able to eat, drink and dance the night away!  If your in the area you should think about attending.  Details can be found here.

Daria, Pogs, Lunchables, & Furby (All lovingly part of my childhood)  If you miss the 90s as much as I do, check it out. 

Why are zebras so "in" right now or in the words of Gretchen Weiners "fetch"?  They are everywhere and I know this photo is threading everywhere and all over Pinterest but I mean she is so fab so she must be included.  I wonder how they got that crown to stay on?

I've read about this being a true problem in relationships, and by read I mean, I've being completely engrossed in multiple Emily Giffin books but hey, home girl writes some pretty legit fiction.  I know that when reading her books most women are like, "How did she know my life story?"  I've been on both sides of the issue and I do believe that it is a problem that is very prevalent in many relationships.

xo

favorite moments.

These are a few leftover pictures from New Orleans.  Also three of my favorite experiences from the trip.  As you can see above I'm drinking cafe au lait and eating beignets, this all occurred at the famous Cafe du Monde which no matter what anyone tells you has the best beignets in New Orleans.  We tried some at other places and they were not up to par.

If you go to New Orleans and don't go to Brennan's your doing yourself a disservice.  Its amazing, the service is amazing, and the food is amazing.  That's our waiter making banana's foster.  I had never had it before and its a new favorite.  

The signs from the road trip there.  I really loved driving into each state and being able to see some of the country along the way.

xo

new orleans.

My trip to New Orleans was simply amazing.  I fell in love with the city within minutes of being there.  The history plus beautiful architecture was enough to make me seriously want to move there.  But the happiness that seemed to radiate from the people and their surroundings really made me love the city for everything it represents.

We were only there for three days so it was a quick trip but was just enough time to eat at some great restaurants, do a good amount of shopping and see some different areas of the city.  We stayed at the Inn at St. Peter which was nice.  It was very authentic and in a great location but if I were to return I would most likely pick a different hotel.  Needless to say I was a little envious when we rode past The Bourbon Orleans.  If your looking for a nice, inexpensive place though I recommend it.

On our second day we went to the Garden District and did a morning tour where we saw Lafayette Cemetery Number 1 (think Double Jeopardy) and walked through the streets of the Garden District.  This was most definitely my favorite part of New Orleans, I loved the feel of all the old houses and live oaks sweeping lazily over the streets.

Other than that we did a French Quarter tour and saw among other things where Tennessee Williams lived and wrote, along with how he came up with the name for A Street Car Named Desire.  Saw Angelina and Brad's home (very boring from the outside), drank at some of the bars on Bourbon Street, ate way too much food, turned $5 into $46 at Harrahs on the penny slots, shopped on Magazine Street and at the Flea Market and ate lots and lots of beignets!  

I can't wait to go back!

xo

the best diet trick.

With the holiday season now in full swing I thought it would be nice to share one of my favorite diet tricks.  Remember back when I first tried the Green Monster.  Its incredibly healthy and can get your body back on track after a week filled with traditional holiday meals or the multiple cocktail parties that are in the weeks ahead.

Green Monster Smoothie
1 cup Greek Yogurt (I use Fage 0%)
1/4 cup Almond Milk or Skim Milk
1/2 cup Fresh Raspberries
1 Small Banana 
1 tsp. Almond Butter
Ice (I use about 7 cubes)
2-4 cups Spinach (This is based on preference I usually lean more towards 4 cups as its so amazing for you and you can't even taste it)

Almost everyone I know refuses to even try this because of the color but I can promise you it is delicious.  The banana and raspberries mask any flavor the spinach has and one glass has all the vegetable servings needed for one day.  The recipe can be altered according to taste and I have found versions that are vegan as well.  I think it would be wonderful with blueberries or peaches.

xo  

how long has it been...

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After being gone for the better part of a month, I'm finally back.  I can't believe its been almost a month since I returned from New Orleans (which was amazing by the way) but its feels good to be on track again.  Did anyone else notice that in my last post titled deep south I posted a picture of a girl with a bunch of suitcases in the desert? #fail

During my travels I was able to make a stop at Ikea and finally bought curtains for the living room which I'm currently dressing up a tad with a bubble hem.  I also will finally be getting my coveted bar this weekend.  My dad graciously build it and is bringing it up this weekend.  Its not the bar cart I originally wanted but I think its going to work great in the space I have.

If your a housewives fan, which of course you are, because who doesn't love rich catty women fighting with each other, indulge in this.

Sometimes being a teenage girl was really hard.

Is anyone else currently daydreaming about their life after tonight?  $500 million.  That's a lot of dough.  My office did a ticket pool and we are all anxiously awaiting the winning numbers knowing for sure we will be cruising the Caribbean, flying around in our G6, and spending the summers in our European villa within the next 24 hours.

And with that, I'll see you tomorrow (potentially a lot richer)!

xo

deep south.

 

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Well I am currently in route to New Orleans today.  Have a great weekend everyone!

Some things that I am currently loving this week...

...I have to have this in my gallery wall.  I want to do the butts as well but put them in my bathroom!  Too cute.

...Check it out, I mean Jax Teller yes please.  

...Is anyone else anticipating Les Miserables the movie as much as me?  The sneak peak is unbelievable and Ann Hathaway's voice=to die for. 

...If you were born in the late 80s and you are female, read this.

...Two of my favorite bloggers just released their brand new book this week and I can't wait to get my hands on it as well as meet them in February at one of their book signings. #celebsighting #starsinmyeyes

xo

   

travel essentials.

luggage // sunglasses // blazer // scarf // wallet // bag // studs // smoking slippers

I've always felt that the fall is a hard time to travel weather wise as temperatures can fluctuate significantly week to week.  For this trip I feel like I packed an entire closet to take with me as temperatures in NC have been incredibly low for this time of the year but I've heard its going to be in the 70s in Nola.  Hallelujah!  I am always cold, in NYC this summer I had my scarf wrapped around me when sitting in the shade, never mind that it was upwards of 90 degrees outside, therefore I thrive with layers.  Cardigans, blazers, and scarves are my go to for traveling.  

Here are a few of my other travel essentials.

Luggage- I like to take either a large bag or a rolling suitcase when traveling and depending on the destination and how long I'll be there.  Now lets not get carried away, no my Louis is not packed in my car right now, but hey we can all pretend like we have a $3,000 piece of luggage that we like to submit to traveling.

Sunglasses- Essential.  

Blazer- As I said, layers make me happy and blazers are so easy.  If your cold throw it on, if your hot take it off.  Plus as they are smaller and less bulky than a coat you can keep it in your purse when not in use.

Scarf- Perfect for when its hot but you know inside you may be cold.  Use it as a wrap when cold.

Wallet- Best thing ever invented.  Brightly colored wallets.  How many of you have been trying to pay for something, digging around in your purse for the infamous black/brown wallet that is the same color as the inside of your purse.  I currently own this one but in red, so easy to find in the catastrophic state that my purse is usually in.

Purse- If your anything like me you carry about everything in your purse.  I need something that is big especially when traveling because at any one time I can have a camera, travel guide, all of my normal purse gear, water, diet coke (essential!), phone, and the list goes on.

Studs- I don't usually change out my jewelry a lot when traveling unless needed so these studs are perfect for day and night.

Smoking slippers- Only thing necessary for travel shoes are comfort and stylish.  These slippers are perfect.

nola.

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I'm off on a quick trip to Nola (as the locals call it) on Thursday and couldn't be more excited.  I've never been to what around here we call the deep south and am literally bouncing out of my seat with excitement to see what everyone tells me is one of the greatest cities in the US.  The food, the music, the booze all that combined with French influence, I'm already in love!

I plan on hitting all the major tourist spots (yes I know, don't judge, I've never been) but a few that top my list are Cafe du Monde, the French Market and Flea Market, Jackson Square, the Garden District, The Columns Hotel, and Old Vally Plantation.  I definitely want to see one of the cemeteries and would like to do a bike tour one day.  We only have two and half days because we are driving so time is limited but nevertheless I'm going to fit in as much as possible.  As much as I thought I would dread the road trip I'm actually looking forward to the scenery as I've never been to that part of the US before. 

Does anyone have any tips on things to do or places to go in Nola?  What is your favorite restaurant?  As we all know one of my favorite things to do while on a trip is eat so I'll be trying as many differnt Creole and Cajun dishes as possible!

xo

a little of life lately.

the drink I will most likely never make

Well its the day after Halloween.  Did anyone else eat enough candy to fill a dump truck?  I went over to a friends to hang out for awhile and ending up eating a good portion of their Halloween candy.  They had three different types of snickers which are the bomb according to this so I had a few samples of each.  Almond snickers=delish.

As you all know I am currently obsessed with Thought Catalog and found this lovely list.  25 things you need to forget about, my close friends will tell you I remember a lot of random, idiotic things from like, middle school that don't matter in the least and will bring them up whenever I feel the need to get a certain point across.  I need to forget.  #2 and #3 are on point.

A nod back to my healthy lifestyle changes, I have been working out a lot lately.  As in, I wake up and feel like an old person every morning. Which gets totally canceled out when you eat loads of candy.  Whatever.

My roommate and I both won gold fish at the state fair a few weeks ago.  I wish I had a video of how hard we tried to win these fish, you would have thought they were dipped in 24 karat gold or swedish fish (nod to my intense sweet tooth these days).  Luckily we had a really nice game worker who gave us about 2.5 buckets instead of the standard one because we sucked so bad at the game and then the  five-year-old kid across from us wins his fish in about 5.6 seconds.  FAIL.

Whats up with everything being motion sensor these days?  At work we just got brand new soap dispensers and paper towel dispensers in the bathrooms.  Fancy motion senor ones.  Why?  I never really found it that hard to turn the knob or push down the soap pump.  I get it, its high tech, blah blah blah.  Working in sales, I often wonder what kind of comebacks those sales reps must have.  One awesome invention is that Dyson hand dryer.  I know everyone has been in the bathroom when that god awful hand dryer comes on and it sounds like a category 5 tornado has just touched down beside you.  Well the Dyson is so much better.  You stick your hands in pull them out slowly and voila!  Dry Hands.

Read please.

xo

a very big thanks.

 

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I would like to say thank you to everyone who wrote, text, or called this past weekend.  Your words of sympathy and love were not only needed but truly made the process easier to go through.  My grandfather passed away last Thursday at 91.  RIP Pops

xo

holiday party.

I'm pretty sure your probably thinking right now Halloween Party!

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Wrong.  Hello Christmas Party!  I am currently in the midst of planning an awesome holiday soiree and have narrowed it down to a few invitations that I really love.  (Side note:  Not to worry I will not be posting about Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza related things from now until January but invitations do have to be ordered sooo I figured why not? Bare with me!)

These are my favorites...

The top was originally my roommates and I's number one pick but after seeing the mingle and jingle and a few others that they recently added on the website I'm not so sure.  What do you think?

Also I really want to do a gift exchange of some sorts I think they are so fun, last year I went to one and gave scratch-offs!  I was telling my friend the other day that we were throwing a party and she said, "Yay!" then immediately responded with, "Please no @#$%# gift exchange."  Womp womp womp.  Are they really that bad?  My mother despises them, as in if she has to buy a random gift she will complain from the moment she knows its inevitable that she has to buy one and continue on with how stupid they are once she has received and opened the exchanged gift.  Mrs. Clause, otherwise known as me likes them.  Thoughts?

xo

All invitations are from Tiny Prints

why do i act surprised when monday rolls around?

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Well its Monday again, I don't know why I say that like I'm surprised?  I've been extremely busy since about 6:30am which means at about 9am I was ready for 5:30pm.  

I found some cake in my fridge this morning and seriously considered having it for breakfast but nevertheless I was in a hurry so I finally ate breakfast today around noon which technically makes it lunch but I really want pizza so I'm going to call it breakfast and eat again in an hour.

This is a great example of everyone that ever walks into Target.  I mean hello who can walk away from the $1 section without picking up at least one thing?  I'm sure there is a way to use the inanimate object I just bought in a brilliant way I just have to find it on Pinterest first.

I successfully took advantage of my Netflix account this weekend which is surprising due to the fact that most months I pay about $18 and never return a single DVD or watch anything online.  My friends however all have my e-mail and password and watch to their content.  Hmm...

I'm turning 25 this January.  I really want to go to Vegas.  Something to know about me, I love Vegas.  The lights, the action, the hangovers.  That being said I'm more than likely not going to make it to Vegas for my birthday.  Sad face.  Being 25=no money.  Sometimes reading about it however eases the pain a little.

Just discovered this website (seen any recent links on my blog from this place recently?).  Read it, it will make you cooler.

Its almost the end of October which means its time to start getting ready for Christmas!  Eeeeee!  I came home last night to find my roommate glittering up a nice selection of picture frames, candle holders, and other select items.  We celebrate the holidays in my house like the radio stations do, November 1st to January 1st. 

xo

 

fall handbags.

gyori // gerke // feltmann // winland // tonai // faulker // fabiank // wenger // tonai

I was browsing around the mall the other day and checked out some of the great accessories in Aldo.  Come to find out their fall line of handbags is really great this year.  I am absolutely in love with the green Gyori.  This one I looked at in person and was pleased to find out the structure and parts of the handbag are good pieces.  I hate nothing more than cheap looking gold on a bag and sometimes its hard to find good pieces at the $50-$150 price point but these I feel really up the ante.  

What is your favorite?  Do you get a new bag every season or do you like to find one that works all year long?  I like to switch it up quite often and usually get a new one each season plus I exchange them out with older pieces that I have.

xo

the coolest thing.

 

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I came across one of the coolest things today.  Instagram magnets or what they like to call StickyGram.  If your like me most of your photographs consistently stay in the digital world.  Every once in awhile though its really cool to have them printed out and display them (imagine that!).  That being said a lot of the images I take are random, might look weird framed, or are simply of my cats.  Hence, they are not the best images to be considered actual art.

Enter StickyGram.  How awesome is that fridge above.  I love that the magnets are small so they resemble your actual instagram photos.  So for instance my favorite meal I had in NYC will continue to look cool once its posted up on my fridge, along with Richard (Cat #1) and George (Cat #2), and the many other images I have captured in my life and travels.

I am seriously in love and ordering some now!  Do you display your Instagram photos ever?  Or are you like me and they always stay on social media?

xo 

rainy days.

 

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The weather here has been pretty dismal here for the past two days.  Add to that dropping temperatures and all I want is to crawl up in front of a fireplace with a cup of soup and a good book.  Nevertheless I don't have a fireplace so I'll just turn on the heat, but the soup I can work on.  I'm making a pretty simple chili tonight with some cornbread and plan on relaxing and staying inside. 

I had a pretty eventful weekend but did end up getting quite a bit of rest.  Friday I took a dear friend to dinner for her birthday.  We were able to try a new place out that we ended up loving.  Saturday I had to work a few hours then went to the World Beer Festival in the area.  I tried a lot of different beers and a few ciders that I loved.  Sunday I spent lazing around, went to some friend's house and watched football and capped off the weekend with Chinese and a movie.

Is it feeling like fall where you live yet?  Usually in NC the weather is a bit more mild this time of year and definitely not cold yet but maybe we are getting a head start this year...

xo 

healthy eating.

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 Along with my changes in exercise I've tried to make changes to my diet as well.  Not huge I'm eating paleo or no longer eating carbs changes but trying to incorporate more vegetables and proteins into my diet.  I eat very little meat and would love to make the switch to a full blown vegetarian however a change like that is hard, and requires a lot of planning and cooking and...I hate to cook.  That being said small changes are things that stick and many small changes over time will lead to a much healthier lifestyle.  Here is a sample of my old eating habits routine and my new one.

Old Diet:

Breakfast- Reduced Fat Lance Toast Cheese Peanut Butter Crackers, Diet Coke

Snack- Protein Bar, Diet Coke

Lunch- Lean Cuisine of some sort that I have in the fridge or salad from mellow mushroom

Dinner- Egg sandwich with chips, another lean cuisine, or a dinner out where I would most likely get sushi, Mexican, pub food, or a salad of some sort.

As you can see this is bad.  I'm getting no nutrients, no fruits and vegetables, nothing of much substance at all.

New Diet:

Breakfast- Green Smoothie (Spinach, Raspberries, Banana, Greek Yogurt, Fat Free Vanilla Almond Milk, Almond Butter), Instant oatmeal, or waffle with almond butter and a banana sliced on top

Snack- Rice cake with a little bit of peanut butter and a diet coke

Lunch- Lean Cuisine (if I'm rushed), sandwich and chips with carrots, or a take-out salad

Snack- I'll have a pear, grapes, or some string cheese.  If none of that is available I have a few pretzels and a cup of coffee.

Dinner-Choice of one of the following Stir fry with squash, zucchini, and onion with a little brown rice or chicken sausage with half a sandwich thin plus some carrots or a small salad, salad with spinach, almonds, cherry tomatoes, a little cheese, and a lite vinaigrette caesar dressing.

With my new changes I am eating a lot healthier as well as getting a lot more fruit and veggies.  I'm trying to eat out much less and drink at least 96 ounces of water per day.  One of my weaknesses is Diet Coke which I have cut back on a lot but I still have to have at least two per day or I get serious caffeine headaches  I figure two isn't that bad so I'm okay with that.

I like to keep the following in my house so when I'm in a rush I can just grab and go...
~Baby Carrots
~100 Calorie Pack Almonds
~Instant Oatmeal
~Snack Size bags of chips to take for lunch
~Pears
~Raspberries
~Lean Cuisines
~Avacado
~Tortilla Chips
~Fresh Salsa

Having all these things on hand gives me a number of things I can snack on or if need a quick small meal I can throw something together easily.  Do you have any staples you always keep in your house?  Is anyone else trying to change up their diet for the better?

xo  

health kick.

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I've been on a bit of a health kick lately.  Trying to eat healthier all the time as well as get in at least four days of exercise a week.  It makes me feel so much better but getting to the gym or the pool has always been something I struggle with.  

I grew up as a year round swimmer.  Which means from about the age of 9 until I was 18 I worked out six days a week no matter what.  During Christmas vacation, spring break, and the summer up that count to about nine times a week.  You can now understand how my four times a week seems pretty pitiful compared to what I use to do and it still sometimes feels like an act of god for me to get out the door and go.  Slowly though I'm getting back to a regular routine.  After years and years away from swimming and any sort of steady gym routine I feel like I can finally say that I've found a few things I like and am sticking to them. 

On average I try and swim twice a week.  I belong to the Masters team in my area so they are good workouts that I do with a team.  The other two or three days I squeeze in a class during my lunch hour.  Luckily there is a gym right across the street from where I work so its easy and convenient to get in a workout.  When I swim my day is basically get up, work, swim, bed.  Doing that three or four days a week is fine but makes me feel as if I have no life sometimes I need to squeeze in some time with friends or a dinner out during the week to keep me sane.   

I've also found that I love organized exercise.  I need someone there telling me what to do or I get lazy.  Enter group exercise classes.  I try and go to two or three times a week.  They vary from cycling, cardio/crossfit type classes to yoga and Pilates, basically I show up at the gym and the class that is going on during lunch is the class I do.  No thought needed.

Here is an example of my old habits verses my new ones.

Old Exercise Routine:
Monday- Rest
Tuesday- Swim (1 hour 15 min)
Wednesday Rest
Thursday-  Swim (1 hour 15 min)
Friday- Rest
Saturday- Rest
Sunday- Rest

New Exercise Routine:
Monday- Swim (1 hour 15 min) or Rest
Tuesday- Cardio Class at the gym or Swim (I only swim twice early in the week if I am trying to go three times that week)
Wednesday- Swim (1 hour 15 min)
Thursday- Cardio Class at the gym
Friday- Spinning Class or PiYo (Combination of Yoga & Pilates)
Saturday- Rest
Sunday- Rest

As you can see I simply added a few things in.  I love the cardio classes as they provide cardio as well as a lot of Crossfit type exercises such as push-ups, up downs, and other related exercises that help with weight training as I currently do not do any of that.  I would like eventually to add in weights and some weekend exercise even if it is only walking four or five miles in the morning.  Something is always better than nothing.  Anyone else changed their exercise habits recently?  Or has anyone else out there done Crossfit?  I heard it really does improve your strength and fitness levels.

xo