Celebration weekend and my weekly workouts
And then it was Monday again! How was your weekend, my friends? Mine was good. Let’s chat about the latest around here, and then get to my “Weekly Workout” recap.
Friday evening chain-restaurant dining
You can imagine my excitement when Dave said he wanted to forgo fancy dinner plans for the night and instead walk up and sit at the bar at our local Cheesecake Factory. Let’s just say that The Cheesecake Factory has always been my “happy place,” and Dave is not always interested in going there.
Everything is big at the “Factory” from the interior of the restaurant, to the meals, to the menu too.
We had no problem finding two spots at the bar upon arrival and had a great casual meal, which was technically a belated celebration for his birthday the day before. We shared some bread, a carpaccio appetizer and a shrimp/pasta dish, following that up with not one, but two pieces of incredibly decadent chocolatey wonderful cheesecake. White bread, white pasta and cheesecake? Perhaps not the healthiest of evenings, but a good one nonetheless. (Last year we went to House of Prime Rib for Dave’s birthday, which was a meal we’ll never forget, so I would say this one was a bit more standard.)
Saturday working at the OTF table
On Saturday, I had to spend a couple of hours manning a table outside of Orangetheory Fitness in downtown Walnut Creek for the first annual Oktoberfest street-party. The weather started out questionable, but it cleared up nicely. I really enjoyed hanging with my fellow trainers and talking to passersby about Orangetheory, especially when those passersby had a beer in their hand while learning about the workout.
If you’re not into the color orange, you really need to stay away from this gym. Just saying.
We got a few new people signed up to try classes and enjoyed the delicious smells of street meat. Even though Dave dropped me off, I used my own two feet to get home. I talked to my Mom during the 30-minute stroll on the trail, and it felt good to get in a bunch of steps on a rest day.
In the late afternoon, Dave and I went to the grocery store and took a nap. Big day.
Saturday evening birthday celebration with friends
On Saturday night, Dave and I met up with 11 other friends to have a big dinner at Maria Maria in downtown Walnut Creek in celebration of Dave and another friends’ birthdays earlier in the week. We had a nice long table, enjoyed guacamole, chips, entrees and beverages, as well as a totally delicious birthday cake from SusieCakes. And yes, we sang for the birthday boys and had them blow out candles.
Mexican food is always a good choice for a large group, and Maria Maria was very accommodating for our party — even letting us bring in and cut our own cake.
After dinner, we walked over to The Stadium Pub, which was my first time ever at a bar in Walnut Creek, believe it or not. Although Dave and I go out to dinner and to friends’ houses often, we never go to bars anymore. The place was a little bit crowded, but we still had fun with our friends, and we ended up being one of the last couples left. Good times.
Super lazy Sunday at home
On Sunday, Dave and I did a whole lot of nothing. I didn’t really have a long to-do list, having accomplished all of my chores on Saturday, and I fully intended to do nothing “work-like”. Other than watching TV and eating, we took Rudy on a walk on the trail, made pizza for dinner, and that’s about it. A real rest day, indeed.
Suffice to say this weekend was way more fun than the last two work-filled ones have been for me, and I’m so thankful that we have a good group of friends to hang out with in the East Bay. I can’t believe we’ve been living out here for eight months! Now, let’s switch to fitness …
My recent weekly fitness and workouts recap
Every Monday, I like to take a look at my most recent week of workouts. And this week, I’m doing so as part of a “Week in Review” link-up with Meghan. “Week in Review” is a little party she recently revived, and I figured my regular post fit perfectly, so let’s get to it …
(Photo credit to Leah Bentley Photography, 2015.)
Weekly Workouts
- Monday: Taught a one-hour BODYATTACK class, foam rolling
- Tuesday: Took a 45-minute TRX yoga class at Yoga Treat
- Wednesday: Taught a one-hour BODYPUMP class, foam rolling
- Thursday: Taught a 45-minute BODYPUMP and a 30-minute core class, foam rolling
- Friday: Taught a one-hour BODYATTACK class, foam rolling
- Saturday: Rest day
- Sunday: Did a 20-minute gentle yoga session at home
What was good about my week of workouts?
This past week was definitely lighter than the last few weeks for me, because I didn’t do any additional workouts outside of the Les Mills classes I taught, and I didn’t sub any extra classes either. I felt like a lighter week was in order. Over the course of the week, I got in one full rest day, two very light active recovery days with yoga, as well as two resistance sessions and two cardio sessions — pretty good balance.
What could have been better about my week of workouts?
Like I said, this past week of workouts was purposefully lighter for me, so even though I typically like to get in three sessions of resistance training instead of two, I’m not upset.
That’s all I’ve got for today, my friends. Have a great day!
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Happy birthday to Dave- sounds like a wonderful celebratory weekend! Special occasions call for not-so-healthy-foods and if it adds to the experience, it’s definitely worth it :)! I’ve only been to Cheesecake Factory a handful of times but their Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake is undoubtedly one of the best cheesecakes I’ve eaten till date!
All of the cheesecake at The Factory is the best I’ve ever eaten. They know how to do it heheh. And yes, no need to worry about healthy during birthday celebrations heheh!
What a delicious weekend! We tried to go to the Cheesecake Factory here in Naples earlier this year but it was a super long wait. Now you’re making me add it to our list again 😉 I love that we always have leftovers since the portions are so large there! And yes, Mexican always wins for a large group. Happy belated birthday to Dave!
Hi Becky! The wait for a regular table is always terrible at The Factory, which is another reason we typically sit at the bar. 🙂 An easy option for two of course, not so much for a family or larger group. You should go back! Happy Monday!
What a fun weekend! I feel like you always have the best balanced weekends. I’m always doing a thousand thing ms on the weekend trying to catch up from being at work all week and never home.
Hi Megan! I know, I know! This was a particularly fun and good one for me. Happy Monday to you, lady! 🙂
So glad that you had a fun and frivolous weekend–we’ve been talking about how we both need it! Confession: I’ve never been to Cheesecake Factory.
I know.
Happy birthday to Dave (again!)
WHAT!! Susie? Do they have a location in Chicago? I’m SURE they do! You need to do … 🙂 not sure how they will do with your dietary restrictions, but it never hurts to ask. hehehe
Fun weekend girly!! That cheesecake looks next level amazing, was this the location that’s in the top floor at Macy’s? I have a gf who ALWAYS insists on going there when she visits. I usually opt out haha.
Cannot wait to try OTF with you next weekend!!!! xx
Jill — I cannot COUNT how many times I’ve been to the Cheesecake on top of Macy’s during my years living nearby in the City. TOO many times. TOOO many. It’s the best. That is truly my happy place. I don’t know why you would avoid it … 🙂 heheheh
The Cheesecake Factory is a favorite of mine! I’m actually thankful that there isn’t one in my city, otherwise I’d probably weigh a good 10 lbs more! ; )
I know, Stacie! It’s impossible to “eat light” there heheh! Hope you had a nice weekend, lady!
I love the Cheesecake Factory! So good, but like you said everything is huge. I always end up saving half of my food for later, so it all works out! Happy birthday Dave!
Hi Gretchen! Yes, for sure. Every entree is good for two meals, and they are well-priced too! Hope you had a nice weekend, lady! 🙂
This weekend was a relaxing one over in Denver, too. Lots of low-key hanging out with my fiancé, which was needed after the past several weeks on the road. Though one thing I definitely need to improve lately is my motivation with workouts. We all ebb and flow with our levels of motivation, and I’m definitely at a low point, but am still getting them done. Can’t wait to kick it in gear!
Hi Jessica! I know that happens, especially when everything else in your life is busy. Try not to miss a Monday workout, because that usually sets the tone for the week. And if you skip a few – no big deal, don’t beat yourself up. 🙂 Have a good one, lady!
Sounds like a pretty great weekend! I’m with you…I LOVE The Cheesecake Factory! We just went there last weekend for our anniversary. The Adam’s PB Fudge Ripple Cheesecake is my all time favorite. 🙂 Happy Monday to you, Ash!
I had the Adam’s PB on Friday, and Dave had the Craig’s. 🙂 So good! Hope you had a nice weekend, Ash!
It looks like your weekend was super fun! I’ve been to the Cheesecake factory once, and I had such a hard time choosing from the menu. It’s not good for indecisive people. 😀
Hhahah! I know, I know!! SOOO many options!! 🙂 But that also means there is something for everyone.
OHHH the Cheesecake factory…we’ve been there twice when visiting the States..and yah the portions are INSANE…I remember seeing a lady ordering waffles that I swear came 3-4 waffles stacked high with a ton of stuff in between. It is always an experience!!!
We had a great but FREEZING cold weekend…Canada is getting ready for winter…(waaaaaa)…Sullivan got to meet some of his cousins and we stayed up at our family cottage for the weekend…but let me repeat ..it was COOOLD…lol…I’m happy to be home with my heat pumping….Looks like you guys had a great birthday weekend!
Hi Fiona! So it’s cold? hahha! We are getting weather in the 70s right now, which is a nice change from the heat. And yes … Cheesecake Factory is pretty gluttonous – but amazing at the same time. Glad you’ve experienced it heheh! 🙂
Happy Birthday to your other half. What a lovely weekend, especially having Sunday to do absolutely nothing. That sounds heavenly.
Thanks for linking up.
Thanks, Meghan! It was nice to have a day of nothing, that’s for sure. Happy Monday! 🙂
I love the cheesecake factory – even more so now that I know how accomadating they are with their gluten free menu! I actually wanted a salad that wasnt gluten free, and my waitress made sure I got a gluten free dressing so that I could enjoy the salad that I had selected – even though it wasnt made with a gluten free dressing. Of course thats not a big deal, but sometimes places can get so annoyed with changes like that – but they were great!
Hi Kat! That’s great to hear that they were so good to you! I bet it’s hard to dine out when you have restrictions! 🙂
That sounds like a such a wonderful birthday celebration! And a relaxing Sunday! I took a little weekend trip to Savannah to see my boyfriend, it was such a blast, minus traffic that is always a bummer!
Oh no, Hilary! Traffic is no fun! 🙁 Hope you guys had a good time other than that!
I have always wanted to try a cake from Daisy Cakes ever since I saw them on Shark Tank! Yum!
I haven’t heard of Daisy Cakes, but I bet they are delicious cakes, Katie!!! Hope you had a nice weekend.
One of my teammates LOVES chain restaurants, and no matter where we travel to for work, she always finds the nearest Olive Garden or Panera or whatnot. She loves the standardization!
Hi Dani! That’s funny. Dave and I used to LOVE Olive Garden and Red Lobster, but haven’t been there since moving to the Bay Area three years ago. I wonder if we’d still like them?? 🙂 hahaha
I love Cheesecake factory too! Yummy! We recently moved to a smaller town where there are not a lot of chain restaurants and that is definitely one I am missing!
Oh no, Lindsey! So sad! I guess you’ll just have to vacation to cities with a Factory. 🙂 hehehe
!!!! The Cheesecake Factory is SUCH a guilty pleasure! Glad to hear I’m not alone!
I can never say no to the Factory …