A Thursday well-suited for Thinking Out Loud
It’s Thursday, and we’ve spent a lot of time talking about fitness and food on the ole’ blog this week. So I feel like this is the perfect day to get into a “Thinking Out Loud” post comprised of nothing but miscellaneous ramblings. Please enjoy, and be sure to let me know in the comments what you’re thinking about today, whether it is out loud or not. Here we go …
Technical difficulties are not fun
So far in my blogging career, I haven’t had a lot of technical difficulties (knock on wood). However, in my group fitness instruction career, I’ve had a lot of them. Last night, I taught half of a BODYATTACK class and a whole BODYPUMP class without a microphone, because it stopped working mid-way through my first class. Both of my evening classes were super crowded with quite a few new people, and it was not an ideal situation at all. However, I’ve been teaching long enough to know how to use facial expressions and hand signals to get people to do what I want, even if they can’t hear me very well. I kept the volume low during some tracks to try and scream over it, but in others, I just led the class with no verbal cues. It was tough, but we made it through.
My fifth LE TOTE clothing delivery
Switching gears, for the past couple of months, I’ve been getting deliveries from LE TOTE clothing service, which is based here in San Francisco. My fifth delivery is definitely my favorite thus far. I get so excited about mail, and I ripped into the black LE TOTE box when it arrived on Friday. I received two dresses, a long black skirt, a chunky necklace and some earrings. As always, once I got the clothes, I hung them up, admired them and eagerly awaited some free time so I could ask my hubby, Dave, to photograph me in them. That didn’t happen until Sunday afternoon, which was also the same Sunday afternoon that I had woken him up from a nap to take pictures of me for my foam rolling 101 post while we still had natural light. As you can imagine, he is one patient guy. Here’s a glimpse of the looks from my tote …
Shown above from left to right: The gorgeous purple BB Dakota Callum dress and the shiny Shilla Midnight dress with the Adia K Giselle necklace.
I didn’t take a photo in the long black skirt, because I already had one like it hanging in my closet so that one wasn’t as exciting. Oh and it was like 50 degrees out when we took these photos, and I was shivering (and pale, so sorry)! Nonetheless, these two dresses and that necklace are just awesome. By the way, if you’ve never heard of LE TOTE, for only $49 a month, you can get an unlimited number of “totes” sent to you filled with five items, which are hand-selected for you by a personal stylist based on your preferences, and once you wear the items, you get to send them back for more. Check out some of my previous posts to get the details on how it works. LE TOTE is the Netflix of fashion, and deliveries two, three and four. If you like the sound of this, head over to the site to look around and sign up. <<affiliate link! If you sign up using this link, I’ll get a little referral credit, which I promise to put toward a spray tan!>> You can use this special promo code for 20 percent off your first month too: ALADYGOESWEST20. By the way, the nice ladies at LE TOTE have given me the chance to try the service for free, so I can share it with you, but these opinions on the clothes are definitely my own.
Clean teeth make me happy
Changing subjects completely, yesterday, I went to the dentist for my six-month check-up and cleaning. Not only do I love my dentist and her staff, but I also love that just-cleaned mouth feeling that you have when you walk out of the dentist. I came away with a shiny smile, a new toothbrush, some floss and a refill of whitening serum for my trays, which I use every few months. Anyone else out there love going to the dentist? Probably not, but I sure do. Dental hygiene is important, my friends.
Preparing for the big move
I’ve mentioned a few times already that Dave and I have found a newer and bigger apartment and are moving at the end of the month. We’ve already cleaned out our closets, but we have a lot of work to do to pack up this small place. However, one of the funny things about living in a super-small apartment is that you can’t start packing boxes ahead of time, because you’ll box yourself in. That’s right. We’d love to get going on our packing, but anywhere we put boxes will block a closet, door, window or bed, and we can’t afford to do that. Quite honestly, I’m not even sure how we are going to make this happen. But we have a few weeks to get a handle on it. In addition to that, we’re going to need to buy more furniture to fill the new place up. We want a nice couch and are definitely selling the small one we have now. Any recommendations? I’ve been dabbling in some Pinterest research, but haven’t found anything we’re dreaming of yet. Most likely leather, but perhaps something else.
Booking some bachelorette party fun
I’m excited to say that I’ve finally booked my cross-country round-trip ticket to head to Key West in early March for my dear friend Melissa’s bachelorette party (I went back to Florida in October for Melissa’s Big Fat Greek engagement party). Our group of ladies have already done two bachelorettes in Key West before, and it’s such a laid-back and fun place to be with friends. You can wear flip-flops, a sundress and a bathing suit from the time you wake up, until the time you go to sleep. I can’t wait for that trip to get here! Speaking of bachelorettes, I had mine about three years ago in Las Vegas, which was a pretty big trip for my girlfriends when we all lived in Florida. It was so worth it though, just as I know Melissa’s trip will be too. Man, I’m going to need to get a tan before I go there. Oh and do you guys notice that bachelorette is always underlined as misspelled in spell-check? You’d think they would have that in the dictionary by now, but the computer always wants to make it bachelor. No thanks.
Checking in on goals for the new year
How are your goals for 2015 going so far? I’m off to a pretty good start. The first two weeks of the year, I fit in two yoga sessions a week, which is huge for my goal to get more flexible. However, I’m not sure I will get yoga in this week. I sure hope so. The area where I need to get a bit better is the cooking department. I set a goal to cook one new recipe a week, and while I’ve been making new-to-me sides, I haven’t done a full-out recipe yet. I need to get in the kitchen and get cracking with that soon. We’ve hit the halfway point of the month, so I’m not desperate yet.
That’s pretty much all I’ve got for you guys today. I know, if you were expecting better, I apologize. I think I used up all my blogging wits on the foam rolling post this week. Speaking of which …
The RumbleRoller giveaway is waiting for you
If you didn’t get a chance yet, head on over to enter to win an awesome RumbleRoller foam roller. The giveaway closes Saturday night, so act quickly! It seems like most of you have commented that you know you need to do more foam rolling, and I do definitely need to too. If you’re super cool, you can teach someone around you how to do it, so they can feel the benefits as well. Come on, be a pal.
If you’re a fan of this “Thinking Out Loud” post, head on over to visit Amanda, who has plenty more to share. Now go off and have a fun Thursday. I’ve got some work to do and am filling in for someone tonight during an evening BODYPUMP session at a nearby gym where I used to teach, which usually has a functioning audio system. That means BODYPUMP two days in-a-row, which I don’t like to do, but just seems to happen in this teaching world sometimes. Bye guys, I’ll see you in the morning for the weekly “Friday Favorites.”
Questions of the day
What’s something you’re thinking about today? Where’s the best place you’ve ever been to a bachelorette party? What’s your favorite furniture store?
We’ve had microphone issues at our gym before and I always give so much credit to the instructors who can teach without one. One time we even have the stereo completely broken, so there wasn’t any music! Our instructor played it on her phone so she could hear it just enough to continue teaching but that was a tough class to make it through.
Nice job with your 2015 goals so far! Its so important to keep checking in on them…the more the year goes on the more likely we are to forget about them! I am doing ok with mine but need to find some time to read more (one of my goals is one book a month).
Hi Lisa! Well it sounds like your instructor ran the show no problem then. The beat is so important in Les Mills classes like I teach, so music is key. And with your goals, reading more is great. I didn’t make that an official goal, but I have some new books that I’m determined to get through. Are you reading anything good lately?
Just a running book right now about coaching, but looking to find some non-running books as well!
I LOVE both of those Le Tote dresses! They fit you perfectly. I’ve only been to one bachelorette party and we went to Foxwoods Resort Casino and rented a cabana by the pool all day. Then we went to the casino clubs at night. It was a great time!
Hi Chrissy! Well that sounds like fun. Did you win big at the casino? hehhe. I can’t wait for some girl time, and it’s less than two months away. I hope all is well with you! Happy Thursday! 🙂
Oye, mic issues are never fun. They do make for great stories though! I’m sure you were awesome and covered it beautifully. Today I’m thinking about the lovely three day weekend coming our way and how excited I am to launch BP 92 on Saturday!
Hi Jenna! Yay for a three-day weekend!! Okay, so when you teach BP 92 for the first time, you MUST demo the squat combo tempo ahead of teaching the track. That has been instrumental in getting my members to follow it, as it appears again in chest and push-ups, and they get really frustrated if they can’t catch on. But have so much fun with that release. I’m going to write a review of it soon! Happy pumping!!! 🙂
The first group fitness class I ever taught the mic euldny work. I have no idea how I did it but I got throught it, it was so embarrassing though. I feel for Ya! Cute dresses! Can you buy them if you like them?
Hi Megan, I know, mic issues are the worst. I hope that hasn’t happened to you much after that. And yes, with LE TOTE, you can keep any or all of the things they send you and buy them at a reduced price. My closet is so small, I choose to wear them, send them back and get more though. Happy Thursday!
That purple dress is amazing, I love it paired with the cowboy boots too!
I have two bachelorette parties planned this coming year. No decision has been made on where they will be yet. I know one wants to go to Naples.
Hi Sara! Naples is nice and certainly more of a laid-back vibe. There’s the beach and some shopping and restaurants, so it’s good for a renting a condo or apartment near the water and spending some good quality time with your ladies. That’s awesome you have two parties on the agenda this year. Bachelorettes are just so fun! 🙂
I love the dentist too and I just went on Monday! Nothing like coming home with clean teeth and a goody bag for my mouth!
Also, I just love the way you talk/write. “You’d think they would have that in the dictionary by now, but the computer always wants to make it bachelor. No thanks.” My favorite line of the day, today. But seriously though, bachelorette should be added. #ridic
Hi Courtney! hahah well, I’d like to think I write just like I talk. A conversational writer if you will. Thanks for the love of course. And I’m so glad you’re still riding high from a recent dental visit as well. I just LOVE the new toothbrush they gave me. It’s pink. 🙂 I hope your Thursday is fab. #TTYL
I have never heard of LE TOTE but it sounds fabulous. talk about never having to worry about having something to wear – It’s the perfect fix! Are they on the east coast?
Hi Mattie! Yes, ma’am. You can order LE TOTE from anywhere. I’ve definitely enjoyed using the service. You should go back through some of my posts linked above to see the clothes I’ve worn and returned. And you can keep things if you want too. Happy Thursday! 🙂
I love the new dresses! They are very cute. Good luck with packing later this month – moving always has special circumstances! Including avoiding boxing yourself in. I’m sure with a bigger apartment and a bigger kitchen you’ll have the urge to cook more often. We have a new couch from Ikea which I really like, but I also have done well at Raymour and Flannigan too. Have a great Thursday!
Thanks, Lauren, I will check those places out. And I cannot WAIT to have a bigger kitchen and some more natural light for photos. #bloggerproblems
I love the purple dress!!! Lucky you for getting a visit to Florida in March. My bf and I realized it’s the warmest part of the continent right now, after we disappointingly discovered there are no rooftop pool parties this time of year in SoCal 😛 Congrats on the new place, is it still in the neighborhood?
Florida is always warm and wonderful! I miss living there! Of course, we couldn’t stay in Nob Hill to get something bigger and nicer, so we’re heading out a bit! More details to come soon:) Oh and I’d love to be at a pool party. If you hear of one, let me know hahhhaa
Mic issues are no fun! I’ve had to teach BodyPump numerous times without it, and my voice is pretty much shot by the end. Glad you powered through and made it work though.
Loving your new Le Tote pieces! They seem to be totally you!
Happy Thursday! xo
Thanks, Ash. No mic is definitely not fun at all, especially with two classes in a row. You learn to roll with the punches though. Do you guys have stages in your group fitness studios? We don’t have them here in SF because of an ADA law, so we’re also down on the floor with members, which makes a mic even more necessary!
That’s exciting you’ll be moving to a bigger place soon, so fun. Good luck with the packing…that is always the worst, especially the kitchen!
I know, Marielle! In the past, I’ve used movers to pack up my dishes and I’ve also done them myself, so I think I’m going for a combination of both efforts this go round. Happy Thursday! 🙂
Those. Dresses. Are. AMAZING. I wish I had a place to wear dresses (and also wasn’t terrified of freezing in them, haha). Seriously, I DIE.
Is it weird that I actually like the packing process and hate the unpacking? I love going through everything, decluttering. I always feel like I have no clue where to start when unpacking! Have a great day!
Hi Susie! Not weird at all. I think I would like packing if I had places to put the boxes. I definitely like clearing things out and starting fresh and reorganizing though. Thanks for the love on the dresses — I hope to wear one, with leggings, this weekend!! Happy Thursday, friend:)
Loving the purple dress!
I too love going to the dentist, I’ve been going to the same one my whole life, so it’s always a good time :).
Winter time pale problems, I am in the same boat… but it will be remedied soon with a family trip to Jamaica, this weekend! So excited to be leaving behind the negative temps in KC for sunshiney Negril :-)))
Ohhh Jessie! You and your pending vacay! So excited for you. I’ve never been to Negril, but I’ve been to Ocho Rios and Montego Bay – my honeymoon was at a Sandals in White House Jamaica — so pretty. Make sure you share a pic with me when you get back. Oh, and get a tan, but don’t get burned! 🙂
I’m just a tad excited 😉 haha. We are staying at the Beaches resort, owned by Sandals, I’ve heard that resort is beautiful! I’ve got loads of SPF packed up in my bag (30 and 70), along with a new rashguard to prevent too much sun exposure. Fingers crossed for no more technical problems for a few days !
I went to Breckinridge, CO a few summers ago for my sister-in-law’s Bachelorette party. We rented a beautiful house with 16 girls. It was affordable and a blast. Highly recommended!
Hi Lizzie! That sounds wonderful. I’ve never been to Colorado. Sadly. I need to make a trip! Happy Thursday:)
1. I am obsessed with the dresses you got!! And that necklace. LOVE.
2. I also love going to the dentist. I actually scheduled a teeth cleaning appointment the Thursday before my wedding, which my mom deemed crazy and I deemed brilliant.
3. I noticed that bachelorette is underlined as a mis-spelling too and couldn’t believe it! C’mon spell check, get with the program and stop being so sexist 😉
Hi Christa! I don’t think it’s crazy at all to go to the dentist the week of your wedding. I’m pretty sure I did something like that too. hahhaha Happy Thursday, lady!
Those dresses are dynamite on you! Boo to mic issues but I’m glad it didn’t throw you. All the best with your move!
Thanks, Marcia! I’ll need your well wishes for this one:)
Ooh, Key West for a bachelorette party sounds like so much fun! I’ve been to Vegas for a bachelorette and that was fun 🙂
Hi Jess, I’m pretty sure a bachelorette party can be fun anywhere if you’re with the right people. Happy Thursday, lady! 🙂
Good luck with the move!!! One thing I realized hen we moved from SF to LA was that it takes several days and possibly more than one trip. Thankfully we had movers who took our things and promised to have them at our new place within a week. That gave us a week to wrap up everything else and put the essentials in our car! Then we slept on the floor for a few days in our new place before our bed came. But you’re right– it’s complicated!
Simplicity Relished
Hi Daisy! When we moved from Florida to San Francisco it took nearly three weeks for our stuff to get here — so we were on an air mattress and wearing the same clothes over and over again! Moving is not super fun hehehe. Sounds like you had a good experience though. Hope you have a great Thursday. Thanks for saying hello:)
Cute outfit!!
Thanks, Jamie!! 🙂 Happy Thursday to you!
First and foremost, you look absolutely GORGEOUS in both of those dresses — I love them! And while I’m absolutely terrified of the dentist, I can completely relate to loving that clean mouth feeling. I’m actually afraid to eat anything after I get my teeth cleaned because I don’t want that smooth feeling to go away 😆
Hi Amanda! Oohh you’re too sweet. Thanks for the compliments. I feel ya on the teeth thing, it was about lunch-time when I was done and I felt a little bad messing up that freshness. But food is also one of my favorite things, so that helped a little. Happy Thursday! Thanks for hosting:)
I do the same with outfit photos. I get a bunch of outfits together and get my husband to take a whack load, so I don’t have to ask him for another month or so.
He’s due to take some new ones of me though 😉 That purple dress has a really nice silhouette on you!
Oooh! Congrats on finding a bigger spot – I remember talking to you at Uniqlo that you wanted one in a certain area. Did you find it in the location that you were looking? HOpefully so!
Hi Nancy! Sure did find the perfect place! I’ll tell you all about it soon! Hope you get some good pictures during your next session. I guess your hubby is a patient guy too! hahah Are you settled back in after your trip?
Welcome to the pale girl club =) Haha! At least you’ll more than likely get a nice tan down in Key West. LUCKY!
Hi Jessie! I know! Pale is apparently quite popular in the winter months. Can’t wait for Key West!! It’s two months away though. Hope you had a nice weekend!
Wow! Congrats on finding an apartment! Where are you going to be?
I didn’t have a bachelorette party! After being a bartender for 5 years I had seen my fair share and that was enough! 🙂