Hey, friends! How are you? How was the week for you?

This week was a lot better for me busy-ness wise than the last. I taught six classes, but didn’t have to create any new material for any of them, which was a nice reprieve. I also worked and finished up my first piece for a new freelance project I’m doing. I started out 2022 saying I didn’t need any more classes or any new projects, but then I immediately took on a fifth class and took on a new twice monthly fitness writing assignment for a new brand. I’m hoping I can get into a groove with the new workload or something will have to give. You know? I don’t love to be over-booked and over-scheduled, and I’ve let that happen a bit.

This weekend, we have a six-year-old’s birthday party on the agenda, and I’m also going to a Galentine’s brunch with my lady friends. I’m looking forward to spending time with this group too …

Now for the current faves ..

Current faves of the week

Stuff

My new slim card case wallet

I shared on Instagram a few weeks ago that I did something I’ve wanted to do for a long time: I downsized my wallet. I had been using a full continental style wallet for years and years, keeping all of my cards, gift cards, cash, coins and everything with me at all times. And when I use a smaller shoulder purse, it was always heavy because of this big wallet.

I finally decided to order a little card case and only keep the essentials with me moving forward. It’s been about three weeks with this thin wallet, and I’m a believer. It has a top zip and a little section for cards in the back.

(Here’s my slim card case wallet.)

I only have my ID, library card, insurance card, two credit cards and a $20 bill. That’s all I need. I feel so free and light and haven’t missed having any items yet.

There were so many cute card case wallets to choose from, but I went with this one, because I have the corresponding purse and have for several years. Here’s a really affordable slim wallet option that’s also cute and could be a good one for trying out.

Hobbies

My budding tennis career

Okay, friends, I’ve now taken four official tennis lessons, and I’m a complete beginner, but I’m so excited to finally be trying it out. I’ve said I wanted to play tennis for a very long time. I’ve always wished I had more time for “hobbies,” and while I don’t have a lot of time, I’m now devoting one evening a week (Thursdays) for a one-hour small group lesson. And it feels good to do something totally new and totally for me.

(I’m wearing my all-time favorite cross-training sneakers, which aren’t for an expert tennis player really using the court, but they work for my lessons and just starting out. I’m also wearing this watch strap.)

But it’s also so weird to be new at something. I look around the tennis courts and see so many people playing so well. Then I see me, just learning the basics of the swings and serves. It’s humbling.

I’m absolutely not there to be the best, I’m there to do something new, to learn something and to have a little hobby that’s stress-free and no pressure.

My small group lessons are a great way to learn, because the other two ladies in my group are also very new, so I feel equally matched with them. And I’m totally a fan of my tennis pro, who doesn’t sugarcoat things, if you know what I mean. Three cheers for starting something new, because it’s never too late. And no, I haven’t worn the tennis skirt that Dave bought me yet, because I’m still too embarrassed. Maybe soon.

Fashion

New leggings from Sweaty Betty

Remember when I mentioned the other night that Dave was out with friends and I finished “Emily in Paris” and did some online shopping? Well, that night, I was browsing a ton of activewear sites and ended up ordering some gear from Sweaty Betty. I debuted the first pair of new leggings right away in my Barbell Strength class this Monday, and I loved the feel of them. They are light, yet compressive and they totally stayed up.

(My new leggings, which I’m wearing in a medium. My top is super old-school Fabletics.)

I ordered both a small and a medium and felt like the medium was more comfortable in this power high-waisted leggings. They are not my highest-waisted leggings, but they are right where I like them, sitting just above my belly button. I also ordered some other stuff, which I have yet to test out in a workout yet, but I’ll report back.

I had seen Sweaty Betty on some of my fitness Instagram friends for a long time, and I wanted to give it a go. Sweaty Betty is an athletic-wear company based in London started by a woman who wanted to help other women dress cool and chic, and they have some different-looking stuff. Also, I signed up for their emails and ended up getting like 20 percent off my first order, which was great. One more point: I’m very sweaty when it comes to exercise, so the name of the brand is very relatable to me. Anyone else a sweater?

Workouts

My workouts from last week

Here’s where I share a recap of my previous week of workouts. I share this to show you how I try to get diversity in my week, and how I always take a rest day. But remember, I do a little bit more than the average person, because I’m a group fitness instructor. 

Workouts from the week of 2/7

• Monday: Taught 1-hour barbell class at Life Time, 9:45 a.m.
• Tuesday: Taught 1-hour barre class with light weights at Life Time, 9:30 a.m.
• Wednesday: Taught 45-minute barre class with light weights at Life Time, 5:30 p.m.
• Thursday: Taught 45-minute combo class at Life Time, 9:45 a.m.
• Friday: Taught 45-minute barbell class at Life Time, 12 p.m.
• Saturday: 20-minute weights workout at home, 3 p.m.
• Sunday: Rest day

This past week of workouts was full. I taught my five regular classes, I took a rest day, and I did a home workout. During my home workout, I did assisted pull-ups, push-ups and hip thrusts — just some basic weightlifting — and things I need to work on. I happen to have all the stuff I need for that at home, which is super nice. I’m due for some yoga, but I’ve been saying that for a couple weeks. Also, I took some nice outdoor walks over the weekend, and those were lovely. I don’t put my walks on my workout list, but maybe you’d like to see them there? Let me know.

Best read from the week …

Here’s an article I read this week that I felt was worthy of sharing as an FYI:

Mattress health. And here I am sharing another article that will likely gross you out. But apparently, we need to vacuum our mattresses regularly, because they can get dirty with skin cells and bacteria through our sheets while we sleep. Yuck. I know. And no, this isn’t something I’ve ever done, nor do I want to, but I guess I get it. Looking for a fun weekend project? Here’s how to clean and deodorize your mattress. 

Quote of the week …

Something to think about … remember that your purpose doesn’t need to be some huge lofty thing. It can be very small, but it needs to matter to you and you only.

A Lady Goes West archives of the week …

There are so many posts on this blog, let’s look back at two good ones (one recent, one older) …

Friends. This post is a reader request and one that I really enjoyed putting together for you … “How to make friends in a new place.”

Mindset tips. These are some helpful tools I learned from my life coach, which are totally worth going back to … “Three helpful mindset shifts I’ve made recently.”

Thanks for stopping by, my friends. I hope you have a great day! 

Questions of the day for YOU …

How was your week?

What’s your wallet situation?

Have you tried anything new lately?