Another good weekend in the books! I sure hope you guys had a great one too.
Friday: Getting artistic with paint and wine
On Friday evening, Dave and I joined a couple of friends at Canvas and Cabernet in downtown Walnut Creek. I’ve wanted to do one of these “wine and painting” nights for a long time, and we bought tickets about a month in advance.
What am I holding in my hands? Oh you know, just some boxed red wine.
For $45 a person, we enjoyed a three-hour step-by-step painting class, which included all the supplies we needed to create a masterpiece, as well as plenty of time to socialize with our friends, and of course, drink wine. At Canvas and Cabernet, while wine and beer were available for purchase above the ticket price, you’re also allowed to bring your own beverages for a reasonable corkage fee of $20. So Dave and I brought a small box of wine to enjoy.
Canvas and Cabernet has its craft down to a science. The lead artist/teacher stood in front of the class on a little stage and explained a small bit of work we needed to do on our canvas in very easy-to-understand instructions. Then, she would step off the stage, turn up the music, and let us work on our own. After a few minutes, she’d get back up and repeat the process. Therefore, there was built-in time to chat with your neighbors, sip on your wine and paint. About halfway through the class we took a “drying break” for 30 minutes, in which most people left their spots and walked around the boutique or refilled their beverages. While we were skeptical of how our paintings would turn out, in the end I think we all did a pretty good job.
It’s amazing to see how it all progressed on the canvas, as we kept adding layers and colors, using different types of strokes.
I’d guess there were about 40 people in the class and only three were men. So Dave and the other guy in our party were certainly good sports. Believe it or not, Dave actually enjoyed it much more than expected and told me he’d be willing to go again to do a different painting. Score!
We failed to take a “normal” photo during the entire night, outside of this one I shared on Instagram. So this is what you get. The finished product was called “Lover’s Lane,” and is supposed to be a couple walking down a romantic path. Can’t you tell?
After we finished up our creations, we walked across the street to a Pyramid Alehouse and Brewery for a quick and late dinner before saying goodbye to our friends. During dinner, we displayed and admired all four canvases, and it’s funny how they each looked a little different based on our artistic interpretations.
If you’re looking for a different night out with friends or your significant other, I’d highly recommend something like this. I hadn’t painted anything in years, and it felt good to do so. And hey, you get to walk away with an awesome souvenir. In fact, we already hung our paintings side-by-side in our guest bathroom for all to see.
Saturday: A lot of work and a little play
On Saturday, Dave had to work at the first Warriors playoff game of the season (they won!), so he headed off shortly after breakfast. I used the free weekend time to complete some household chores and a short and sweat-free low-intensity workout at home. I also took a quick trip to Nordstrom Rack and Marshall’s for what my Mom would call a little “retail therapy.” I know I was busy and moving around all morning, because I had hit 70 percent of my daily steps (thats 7,000 steps) by mid-day. Not too shabby!
On Saturday evening, we took a nice stroll to downtown Walnut Creek to enjoy some Mexican food at Maria Maria restaurant.
We started with chips, salsa and guacamole. Then had a spinach and mango salad, followed by steak soft tacos with rice and beans.
The restaurant was huge, and we had a nice table outside. While our dining experiences outside of San Francisco have been less than stellar, this one was pretty good. The food was fairly tasty, the service excellent, and the price not too bad. I’d go again just for a margarita and guacamole. Suffice to say, we walked out of there pleasantly stuffed.
Sunday: Sunshine and rest
On Sunday, while Dave went out for a run in the morning, I took advantage of my rest day and stayed in my pajamas on the couch watching a cheerleading competition. I know, how strange. I was never a cheerleader, but for some reason I find these types of events captivating.
In the afternoon we headed out for a picnic and hike in the sunshine at Briones East Bay Regional Park. It’s days like these that make me love living in our new neighborhood in the East Bay even more, because just a few miles away in San Francisco city proper, the temperatures were about 20 degrees cooler! It was pretty hot, but we were able to stay in the shade for much of the stroll up the hill. We even saw cows.
It wouldn’t be a hike, if we didn’t take a selfie. And look at that pretty view from our picnic spot. Such a nice day!
In the evening, we made dinner at home, watched TV and prepared for a big week ahead. And that was that!
My weekly workout recap
Now, as we do every single Monday to stay on track. Here’s a look at all of the ways I got moving over the past seven days …
Weekly Workouts
- Monday –Did a 30-minute CXWORX core workout at home with weights and a resistance tube, taught a one-hour BODYATTACK class, foam rolling
- Tuesday – Did a 20-minute online yoga class at home, taught a one-hour BODYPUMP class, foam rolling
- Wednesday – Taught TWO one-hour BODYATTACK classes, foam rolling
- Thursday –Did a 10-minute online yoga class at home, taught a one-hour BODYPUMP class, foam rolling
- Friday – Taught a one-hour BODYATTACK class
- Saturday – Did a 30-minute CXWORX core workout at home with weights and a resistance tube, did a 10-minute online yoga class at home, foam rolling
- Sunday – Rest day
What was good about my week of workouts?
While this past week looks like it was super full of workouts, there was plenty of variety of intensity and movement, and quite frankly, I felt absolutely great. I taught four BODYATTACK classes, which is a ton of cardio for me and one more class than usual. I also taught two BODYPUMP classes, which gave me the chance to enjoy two long strength-training sessions. I also did two core workouts at home using weights and three short sessions of yoga. I’ve decided that splitting yoga up into small segments throughout the week gives me more benefits than doing one longer session, so I may keep this up. Overall, I had plenty of stretching and rolling and a full rest day to make this a great week of fitness.
What could have been better about my week of workouts?
This past week was probably a bit cardio heavy, as they seem to be lately due to my teaching schedules. I would have gone to the gym on Saturday for a heavier weight-lifting session, but of course, I couldn’t get sweaty because of the keratin treatment I had done on my hair on Friday. Thus, a short core workout and yoga session were all I could do, with the window open and a cool breeze blowing directly on me. I really would like to see myself get some more weight-lifting done during the week, but it just hasn’t been working out that way. Not a huge deal, because things are always changing.
Alright guys, I’ve said enough. I hope your Monday is just lovely! See you soon, my friends.
P.S. Congratulations to the winner of the CanvasPop photo-print, Jennie W. Thank you to everyone who entered. I loved all of your comments and will be bringing you another giveaway very soon.
Questions of the day
What did you do this weekend?
Do you usually take time to stretch before or after your workouts?
What’s something fun you’re looking forward to in the next month?
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Jenna says
Haha I love watching the cheer competitions too! They just suck you in! Sounds like you two had a great weekend. I’ve never tried the wine and painting place near us but feel like it might be time! As for teaching two full BODYATTACK classes in one day, you are a rockstart! What a big day of cardio! This weekend we headed out for a great hike and spent some quality time with friends. It was great! We are looking forward to two trips home in May! What are you looking forward to?
Ashley says
Hi Jenna, I felt totally fine during each of those BODYATTACKs on that day. I was so surprised that I wasn’t tired during the second one. I guess that class conditions us even more than we know. And I’m looking forward to a trip to Florida in May! But that’s about it! Glad you got out for a hike as well this weekend. Spending time outdoors is a great way to relax. Have a great week!!
carissajade says
Sounds like you had an awesome weekend! I wanted to go on a hike so bad but it was too muddy and never completely stopped raining. The painting thing looks fun and I really want to make my boyfriend do that one of these days. Happy Monday!
carissajade recently posted…House Keeping and Weekend Snapshots 4-20-2015
Ashley says
Hi Carissa! It was so fun, and like I said, my husband enjoyed it way more than he thought he would. Too bad about the rain in your neck of the woods. Hope you have a good week though! 🙂
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
I definitely don’t take enough time to stretch after running. I need to get better at that for sure. It’s interesting to me you had to pay a corkage fee! There are so many painting places around here and they encourage you to bring your own and never charge you. Your painting turned out so well, though! I loved it! This weekend I spent a lot of time outside, did some yard work, had some fun with friends. It was perfect.
Heather @Fit n Cookies recently posted…A Spring Weekend
Ashley says
Hi Heather! Well this is the Bay Area and everything is more expensive here, hehee so I was fine with a $20 corkage fee. Glad you had a nice weekend outdoors and hanging with friends!! Happy Monday. Have a great week, my friend! 🙂
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
Your weekends always look so fun! I need to start branching out more now that I’m back from Europe. Also need to look into those short online yoga classes. Those would be good for me to keep my cranky leg happy.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Grain Free “Oatmeal” Raisin Cookies & Words To Eat By
Ashley says
For sure, Megan! And yes, we try to do a lot over the weekends, since Monday through Friday are WORK, WORK, WORK! Before I blogged as regularly we used to do even more on the weekends, believe it or not! hahah! I hope you are happy at home and back in the right time zone. Welcome back!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I was so happy to have a weekend of gorgeous weather perfect for walking and being outside. Vitamin D in pill form only gets you so far! Over the next month, I actually don’t have anything huge, just lots of little stuff throughout, but then Alex and I are going to the Outer Banks for a week with his brother (and fam) and a bunch of their friends. It will be interesting, but at least even if it gets overwhelming, I can retreat to the beach!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Caitlin’s Wedding and 40 Hours in South Side Pittsburgh
Ashley says
Hi Susie! I’ve always wanted to vacation in the Outer Banks area! Sounds like a fun time with friends! And yay for nice weather for the both of us this weekend. Here’s to a happy Monday and great week! 🙂
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
I have been dying to try one of those wine and painting classes. However, I do not have one single ounce of artistic-ness in me, so I’m a bit scared to see what my painting would look like – especially after a glass or two of wine! ; )
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie recently posted…Solid Life Choices
Ashley says
They make it SO easy for you, Stacie. Anyone can do it! And yes, the wine helps heheh! Hope you had a nice weekend! 🙂
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says
Your canvas and cabernet night sounds like so much fun! And I love that you were able to take home your paintings and hang them in your house!
Great week of workouts!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine recently posted…Running Strong And Boston Thoughts
Ashley says
Hi Lisa, The friends that went with us were planning to hang theirs in their garage. But we’ve proudly displayed ours inside ahhah! I think you’d love a wine and painting night, perfect way to start decorating your new house! 🙂 Happy Monday!
Katie @ Live Half Full says
I’m the worst at stretching! But I go to yoga at least once per week so that counts right?
Katie @ Live Half Full recently posted…Me Weekend
Ashley says
Yes, Katie! That’s awesome you go to yoga once a week. Keep it up! Happy Monday!
Amanda says
Sounds like a great, balanced week of exercise! Where do you get your online yoga videos from? I have been trying to incorporate yoga but an hour class is just too much!
Ashley says
Hi Amanda! I hope you had a great weekend. I just started using this site called The Yoga Collective, which has an annual membership. I’m thinking of doing a review and giveaway of it, so stay tuned. However, I know POPSUGAR has free short yoga videos, which I used to use in a pinch. Have a great week!
Gretchen | Gretchruns says
You always have the best weekends! This looks like a ton of fun. I’ve done 2 painting and bottles classes so far, and they’re so fun to do! I have to sign up again soon 🙂 Hope you have a terrific week lady!
Gretchen | Gretchruns recently posted…April 20 – Weekly Goals
Ashley says
Thanks, Gretchen! You must be a pro painter by now! 🙂 hehehe Have a wonderful Monday!
Ashley recently posted…Painting, hiking, eating and my weekly workouts
Jessie R says
Looks like a great weekend!! You all did a great job on your art 🙂 This weekend the dog and I went and visited my parents, went on an extra long walk, and prepped ALL the food last night. My bf is out of the country on business for a few weeks, so I predict many Netflix and book reading nights ahead.
Ashley says
Hi Jessie! Thanks for the love about my piece of art hehehe. And nice work getting your food prepped, going for a walk and visiting the ‘rents. You did a lot! I hope you enjoy your alone and downtime with the BF is away. Any good books? I’m reading Amy Poehler’s book right now, and I like it so far. Have a good week!!!
Ashley recently posted…Painting, hiking, eating and my weekly workouts
Hayley @ Full of Life says
The margs at Maria Maria are so good – glad you went there! If you need other dining out tips around here (since you said you have had less than stellar experiences so far) let me know! I know some gems 🙂 Also, I love that blue top on you!!
Hayley @ Full of Life recently posted…Red Carpet
Ashley says
Yes, Hayley! The dining scene in Walnut Creek is NOT what we were used to in SF. Please share some good ones … 🙂 hehehe Hope you had a great weekend!!
Ashley recently posted…Painting, hiking, eating and my weekly workouts
Stella says
We actually love Maria Maria! For other good WC places I’d recommend Corners, Sunol Ridge, Sasa, Vanessa’s and Eleve.
Ashley says
Hi Stella! Thanks. I like the looks of Eleve and have bee wanting to go there. I appreciate the suggestions!! Hope you have a great week! 🙂
Hilary says
I will admit I never used to take the time to stretch before or after my workouts in the past, but training for this marathon has taught me just how important it is. I usually stretch a little bit to get warmed up for my workouts and now I have made a habit of foam rolling after them, I even foam roll again before I go to bed most nights. I think that little bit of stretching makes all the difference.
Hilary recently posted…Marathon Training Week #14
Ashley says
Hi Hilary! Yes, dynamic and mobile stretches are great for before the run. And static stretching is great for after. As far as foam rolling – it’s good ANY time you do it! Nice job! Hope your training is going well! Have a great week!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
So fun! Your painting turned out great!
Ashley says
Thanks, Erin! 🙂
Courtney! says
I love Pyramid! Their Apricot Ale might be my favorite beer on this planet.
I’m horrible about stretching on my own, I love when group classes take the time to schedule it in at the end… even when 80% of the people start leaving during that time.
Courtney! recently posted…MARATHON MONDAY!
Ashley says
Hi Courtney! I know! I usually tell my members to stretch more after class is done. We usually have to rush to let the next class in, but stretching is important! Hope you had a good weekend, lady! 🙂
Lindsay Ingalls says
I recently did one of those painting + wine events it was so fun!
Lindsay Ingalls recently posted…My Quick Night Skincare Routine + Pacifica Giveaway
Ashley says
Hi Lindsay! I know, wine and art makes a good combination for a night out. Hope you have a lovely week! 🙂
Sara @ Lake Shore Runner says
Your painting turned out great! I always get so anxious at those painting classes because I want mine to turn out well. yours definitely did!
Sara @ Lake Shore Runner recently posted…Weekend Recap: Lilly Pulitzer for Target Giveaway
Ashley says
Hi Sara! I was pretty nervous at first when I did the first few swipes on the canvas. Didn’t want to mess up heheh, and really, you could cover a lot of messes with all those colors. Hope you had a great weekend!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
The painting looks like so much fun! Great pictures. We have a wedding in Duck for Scott’s sister coming up soon. So that will be a quick little getaway at the beach. Happy Monday, Ashley!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment recently posted…Keeping a Food Diary
Ashley says
Hi Lauren! Where’s Duck? Yay for weddings! I am in a wedding in May and can’t wait! I LOVE weddings. And a very happy Monday to you! 🙂
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
Ah see! Some of the restaurants might not be as good in the burbs but you can’t beat the easy access to great hiking. There are so many beautiful trails in the East Bay. Your picnic looked so nice!
And Canvas and Cabernet looked like a blast too. I can see why it’s called Lover’s Lane, although it is a little hard to make out the couple. 😉
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health recently posted…Superfood Almond Joy Smoothie
Ashley says
Hi Sarah! Yes, definitely some lovely hiking spots around here! I really want to do the big Mt. Diablo course at one point. Hope you had a great weekend! 🙂
Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl says
Looks like a fun time! I’m going to Paint Nite in NYC soon which is pretty similar I think – I have absolutely no visual artistic talent so hopefully they can work with the most hopeless of us!
Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…Reflections on running + weekly workout recap 4/13-4/19
Ashley says
Hi Alyssa, If your activity is anything like mine, they do a great job of making it SUPER easy. Like one little portion at a time hhehe. Hope you have fun! And happy Monday to you! Yay for the new site! 🙂
Pragati // Simple Medicine says
I had a wonderful weekend! More yard work and a Disney date with girlfriends 🙂 I’m a sucker for tableside guac. Rocco’s Tacos has my favorite!
Pragati // Simple Medicine recently posted…Kale, Cucumber and Watermelon Salad
Ashley says
Hi Pragati! Yes, I’ve had the guac at Rocco’s Tacos in Fort Lauderdale before. Very good stuff! And yay for Disney! I haven’t been in far too long. Hope your week starts off great, doc! 🙂
Brittany says
I love, LOVE, love that Dave went with you AND had fun!! Your paintings turned out great. I’ve wanted to do one of these painting classes too, except I don’t drink wine, and I’m terrible at art. I’m sure I’ll go sometime anyway! 😉
Brittany recently posted…Moderating Indulgences
Ashley says
Hi Brittany! I know, it was awesome he enjoyed himself. And they make it very easy for you, so anyone can paint! You should go to one! Bring fancy coffee instead of wine! 🙂 Have a great week!
Ashley recently posted…Painting, hiking, eating and my weekly workouts
Laura @FitMamaLove says
Your teaching schedule is cardio heavy and mine is very lacking! That’s the hardest for me to squeeze in these days. That and lifting actual weights as opposed to using my body weight in Pilates. It’s hard to find balance as an instructor! Looks like a lovely weekend! Followed you on Instagram from a fellow Bay Area resident. 🙂
Laura @FitMamaLove recently posted…This Week in Workouts: Sick Week #238
Ashley says
Hi Laura! I know! I used to skew heavier toward weight-lifting depending on how many BODYPUMP classes I was teaching or other classes I was taking, so things are always changing. It is tough to fit it all in! Greetings fellow Bay Area resident!! I hope you have a great week!! 🙂
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
I do my best to stretch after my workouts. I’m definitely getting better about making sure that I do it, it’s taken a long time for that to happen though! I love the painting class. I did my first one a few weeks ago. I was hesitant because I’m so NOT artistic, but it was a blast!!
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Ashley says
Hi Sue! I bet you did awesome in the painting class. They seem to make it very easy for participants (or at least they did in mine!) And nice work with the stretching! Hope all is well with you, lady! 🙂
Meg Schneider says
I always wondered about those wine and painting classes! Thanks for the breakdown…I think i may have to try it myself soon!
Meg of An Affair of Character
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Ashley says
Hi Meg! You should! Super fun time and much different than just going out to dinner. I hope you have a great week! 🙂
Krissy @ Pretty Wee Things says
We did lot’s of walking in the weekend, and lots of park plays. Every time I read your posts I feel motivated to go and work out…haha what’s with that!
Krissy @ Pretty Wee Things recently posted…5 ways to get your diet back on track – Plus a free food log
Ashley says
Hi Krissy! Glad to be a motivator for you! And park plays sounds like fun! I hope all is well with you, lady! 🙂
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