San Francisco New Year’s party, the weekend and my workouts
Well, hello 2016 — there you are! Greetings to you in the new year, my friends. I hope you’re having a great start so far.
Selfie attempts in the kitchen on New Year’s Eve are a must.
I’ve already had to write out “2016” two times and nailed it, so I’d say the year is going well for me. Let’s chat about some of the fun of the New Year’s Eve weekend and then get into the workout round-up.
Kicking off the weekend with a workout
On New Year’s Eve, Dave and I started the day with a sweaty 45-minute cycle class at FlyWheel Walnut Creek. We had been together one time before, so knew what to expect and both tried to push pretty hard — but I just didn’t perform that well for some reason. The top five women and top five men received a Lululemon gift card during that class, and Dave earned a card, but not me. However, now we both have a gift card for Lulu, because I received one for $100 from some members of one of my group fitness classes just before Christmas (how sweet!). I’m hoping to pick up some new loot using the gift card this week.
His and her cycle shoes. And yes, a FlyWheel review is coming soon.
Fancy New Year’s Eve celebration in the City
In the afternoon, we took down our Christmas decorations and did some relaxing, gearing up for the big event. In the evening, after eating a lovely steak dinner at home, we got all dressed up and jumped on the BART (subway) to go into the City for the fun portion of the night.
Dave had been invited to a special event at the W Hotel, and we were able to bring a couple of friends along with us to experience the celebrations in style. We arrived at the W in the SoMa neighborhood about 9:45 p.m., were dropping off our coats at coat check in the VIP section by 10 p.m., and had a glass of champagne in hand by 10:05 p.m.
Yes, that lady is wearing a skirt holding champagne. And no, I didn’t take one from her. Also, tons of hats, props and noise-makers were provided, and we seemed to pick up more and more stuff as the night went on.
The next three hours we spent dancing, people-watching, popping into the photo-booth and hanging out with our friends, Nick and Clare, who met us there. It was a super fancy cocktail party and people were so well dressed. I absolutely loved it! There were several rooms with DJs playing different type of music, and we moved around, finally settling on a hip-hop room to ring in the New Year and partake in the countdown.
Dave and I elected to take a very expensive Uber ride back to Walnut Creek shortly after 1 a.m., and although it was pricey, it was definitely a warmer and easier option than walking to the BART. True story: For the entirety of our relationship, Dave and I have been to house parties for New Year’s (and stayed home last year at our own place), so it was a big change for us to be out and about, and I’m so glad we did. It was great!
Getting stuff done on New Year’s Day
On New Year’s Day, Dave and I did a ton of chores at home. We basically cleaned the entire house, gave Rudy a bath and then even hit the gym — (which was not busy at all). It was a very productive day, which we concluded with a huge dinner at P.F. Chang’s in downtown Walnut Creek.
Some delicious items include lobster street tacos in jicama wraps, kale and quinoa dip with seaweed chips, fortune cookies and the main entrees — cashew chicken, garlic noodles and two sides of brown rice. Unpictured: The Great Wall of Chocolate cake, which we took to go, and we (I) devoured at home on the couch. No apologies.
We rarely go to chain restaurants, but when we do, I’m reminded that they are cheaper and offer much bigger menus and portions. We sat at a high-top in the bar area, ordered a bunch of tasty items and walked out of there totally stuffed. Good stuff!
A low-key couple of days in the Creek
The rest of the weekend was pretty uneventful for us, and I took little-to-no pictures. On Saturday, Dave and I both went through our closets and drawers and pulled out a bunch of stuff to donate. We also hit up the grocery store, made a Christmas return and then ate an oven pizza for dinner at home. Dave joined some guys at a bar later that night, and I stayed home and watched a special about William and Kate with Rudy on the couch. Fabulous stuff.
Rudy was super helpful this weekend with all of things we got done around the house. Particularly the laundry, typically he lays on top of the pile, which is where he ended up shortly after this picture was taken.
On Sunday, once again, we didn’t do a ton. After a quick yoga session at home, we went to a late and delicious lunch at Sunrise Bistro in downtown Walnut Creek, ran some errands, and then picked up all the fixings for a roasted chicken meal Dave cooked from our The Newlywed Cookbook. Then we laid around to soak up the last few minutes of freedom before the first big week of the year.
And now we’re in it. Good luck to you in 2016, people! Let’s do this!
My weekly fitness and workout recap
Every Monday, I like to share my recent workouts, 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 one-hour Orangetheory class
- Wednesday: Taught a one-hour BODYPUMP class, foam rolling
- Thursday: Took a 45-minute FlyWheel class
- Friday: Did a 30-minute full-body resistance session, foam rolling
- Saturday: Rest day
- Sunday: Did a 40-minute flow yoga session at home
What was good about my week of workouts?
Five good workouts and a yoga session makes for a full week of workouts. I picked up weights three times during a short solo session, a BODYPUMP class and an Orangetheory class. I did cardio three times during a BODYATTACK class, a FlyWheel class and an Orangetheory class. I did some yoga, and I took a full day off. A win!
What could have been better about my workouts?
Because my heavy workout schedule has taken a back-seat this holiday season, I’d say this past week was perfectly full and challenging without going overboard as I jump back into it. I’ll take it!
I hope you have a great start to your week and year, my friends! (P.S. Thanks to Meghan for hosting today’s “Week in Review” link-up.)
NYE weekend fun and a #workout round-up. Check this out ... #WeeklyWorkouts Click To TweetQuestions of the day
What did you do to celebrate New Year’s Eve?
What’s on your workout plan this week?
Your New Years Eve party seemed so fun! Different rooms playing different music is so awesome. We have stayed in to celebrate New Years Eve the last few years, but a night out is always so fun and I really want to do again! Hoping to get back into a normal daily workout routine after a few too many holiday indulgences. Have a great week!
Hi Patricia! We are all in the same boat with the holidays and indulgences … don’t worry — healthy eating is bound to happen this week heheh!! 🙂 Have a great day, lady!
Loved seeing you guys all dolled up while I was in my… comfy clothes. Reminds me that people do real things 😀
Hi Susie! I know, I know! I bet you were more comfortable at least. Happy 2016, lady!
Getting all dressed up and heading out to a fancy party is probably my favourite way to ring in the new year, but I’ve only managed to do it on a few occasions 😆 Usually it’s just a party at a friend’s place or going downtown to watch the fireworks (which is what I did this year). Happy New Year, Ashley! Hope it’s a great one for you 😀
Hey, at least you got to see some fireworks and hang with friends, Amanda! That’s always fun and makes for a festive night! Happy 2016, to you, lady! 🙂
You looked great on NYE! Love the outfit you’re wearing. Make sure to share what you pick up from Lulu- I love seeing what people end up getting!
This week starts marathon training for me!
I will certainly share my finds!! Happy 2016, Gretchen! 🙂
Get it girl! Looks like you kicked off the new year in style!
Loving all your workouts! Need to come visit you in the East Bay!
-Kat
http://www.katwalksf.com/
Thanks so much, Kat! I hope we run into each other soon! Hope all is well, fashionable lady! 🙂
It looks like you guys had so much fun on NYE!! I am such a homebody on NYE because I LOVE watching Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin’s countdown but I think next year I might try to go out and about to bring in 2017. This year I had surgery on the 30th so it was obviously a low key celebration at home 🙂
Happy New Year!!!
Ohhh my, Sam! Hope you are recovering quickly from your procedure! I’ve never watched the Cooper/Griffin countdown, but I bet they are funny! Here’s to a great start to 2016!
This year we stayed at home and it was nice to not deal with traffic for once! But I sure did miss getting all dressed up and fancy ! Maybe next year!
I know, Hilary! There are always benefits to staying home and avoiding the trouble. Like pajamas. That’s a benefit hehe! 🙂 Happy 2016, lady!
I’m interested to know what you think of Flywheel! I’ve walked past it many times now! Sounds and looks like a fun night- I love being out in the city! My NYE was pretty low-key, but it was spent with family, which was nice! Now, I’m back in the Bay and starting my first day of work today… ahh!
OH my gosh, YAY!! Hope all goes well, Carrie! I want to hear all about the job!! 🙂
Your meal at PF Changs looks delicious! I haven’t been to one in years and my boyfriend and I had actually planned to go this past Friday, but had to change plans last minute! Now I KNOW we need to go soon 🙂 Happy New Year!
Yes, Alyssa! Make sure you try the quinoa/kale dip as an app! It’s SUPER cheap and tasty! 🙂
I’m interested in hearing about fly wheel. I think having results on how hard you worked out could be motivating but also deflating too. I’m not too sure how I would like it.
That party looks amazing. I’ve really never went out anywhere for New Years Eve either.
Yes, Jen!! It’s an interesting aspect of the class. Happy 2016 to you, lady! 🙂
I saw your post on IG about FlyWheel. It’s my absolute favorite class! I love the competitiveness. You look like you had a super fun weekend. I spent NYE in urgent care. Nothing critical and everything is fine, but it was true Megan style of course. PS I love your NYE dress!
Ohhhhh you poor thing. 🙁 I hope you are doing better now, lady!! I’m sorry to hear that!
You guys looked adorable to ring in the New Year! We’re actually the opposite of you and stayed in after taking in an early John Oliver comedy show in downtown Chicago. It was great, but I did miss the excuse for fancy dress. 🙂
Well done getting so many chores and activities done! We just got back to Denver last night, so I’m slooooooowly getting back into the swing of things. First day post break blues… as they say in Home Alone, “Buzz, your girlfriend, woof!”
Can’t wait to see what 2016 holds for ALGW!
xo,
Jessica @ Semi-Sweet Tooth
And it’s raining today. Making a Monday morning after break THAT much more exciting around here. GOOD LUCK, Jessica:) Hehehhe (love that quote — I can hear him saying it!)
Ugh – hope y’all get some sun in the near future!
Your NYE looks so fun!! I have done the big parties in the city a few times, but this year we opted to be low-key and just go to Tahoe. That lady with the champagne is ridiculous haha happy new year Ashley!
Hi Hayley! LOVEDDDDD all of your pictures from Tahoe! We are hoping to make it up there in February! Only been once!
Aw Rudy and the laundry! Too cute 🙂 Sounds like a great NYE celebration! We had a low key night at home with some homemade cookies and Netflix. My boyfriend had to be on call for work the next day, so we couldn’t do too much. I’m excited to try out some new classes they have at the gym in my office.
That sounds like a nice and relaxing way to ring in the new year, Jessie! 🙂 And YAY for new classes, keep me posted on what you discover.
Happy 2016, Ashley! Uber surge pricing is the worst but totally worth it to avoid a long, tipsy BART ride home haha!
I was home for NYE and when plans fell through in SF, my husband and I decided to take a long drive down the coast and pick a hotel when we got sick of driving. We ended up in San Luis Obispo, which was a really cute town. If you ever head down there, I’d highly recommend Granada Bistro. It’s also super dog friendly so Rudy would love it!
I was JUST talking to some friends who told me to visit SLO, and I really want to!! SO glad you had fun, and you know I look for a dog friendly place! 🙂 Happy 2016, Anna!
What a fun New Years!! We stayed in and ordered chinese (umm it took 4 hours ..yah I’m not kidding) so we ended up eating at 9:30 pm and fell asleep on the couch by 10:30! I know we are CRAZY! I sort of woke up wishing we had done something but I was happy to wake up without a hang over!!!
I went to the gym on New Years day and it was dead too! Now it’s packed…funny how a few days can make a huge difference!
Happy New Year ! Cheers to 2016!
Hi Fiona! Happy 2016, friend! So funny! I was worried people would flood the gyms January 1, but perhaps they are waiting until today? I’m glad they are working out I guess heheh! 🙂
Gorgeous NYE outfit, Ashley!! White looks amazing with your hair color. We were super lame for NYE – Kyle made lobster tail and we drank champagne and called it a night LOL. Normally we go out which has always been a blast 🙂
That sounds like a pretty good night, if you ask me! 🙂 I do love lobster and champagne hehe! Happy 2016, Becky!
You guys definitely welcomed in the new year in style !! I love your dress. Also obsessed with the bottom right selfie attempt! I hope you have a wonderful New Year Ashley!
hahaha thanks, lady!! Hope you had a wonderful NYE! 🙂
What a fun New Years! I was in bed by 10:30 🙁 Old age and pregnancy is what I’m blaming it on 😉 I’m hoping I’ll get to make up for it next year!
You totally have an excuse for the early bedtime, Giselle! 🙂 Happy 2016 to you!
Love the selfies with Rudy! He’s so precious. And your celebration for New Years looks SO fun! Loving your dress. <3 Happy New Year, Ashley!
Thanks so much, Heather! I hope you all enjoyed the wedding! Looked beautiful! 🙂
What a fun New Years Eve- fancy fancy! 🙂 I love seeing some Rudy appearances too!
Ha! Thanks, lady! I hope your NYE was just great as well!! 🙂 Happy 2016!
Your new year’s sounds so fun! I went to a wedding with a friend then snuck out early to sit at home on the couch with one of my friends to drink champagne and watch the ball drop 🙂 After so many years of building NYE up it was nice to make it low key 🙂
I feel ya, Cassie! I’ve had many low-key NYE nights before! Happy 2016 to you, lady! 🙂
That looks like an amazing party! I want a champagne skirt… haha! Good call on the Uber too. I’m all about comfort if I’ve been out late.
I wish FlyWheel would come down here! I did a few classes in ATL and loved it.
Have a great week!
Yes, it’s a great studio, and I posted my full review today. And we Uber several times a weekend no matter what, but the NYE trip was by far the most pricey hahah! 🙂 Happy 2016, Laura!
Our New Years Eve was a bit uneventful considering I had LASIK done earlier in the day. I wasn’t expecting it to take so much out of me. But to be honest, my husband I wouldn’t of joined my parents out celebrating anyways. The girls were tucked in bed & we prepped for their 1st birthday on New Years!
p.s. You & your hubby are adorable!
You are your babies are adorable! I LOVE the pics! And I hope you’ve recovered from your lasik, lady. That must have been scary, but worth the effort! Happy 2016!
That sounded like an awesome way to ring in the New Year! I agree that while it’s great to spend New Year’s ever with just friends and family or a quite time at home, it’s still good to go out and welcome it with a bang! 🙂 All the best for the New Year!
Hey, thanks so much, Calvin! I hope 2016 is treating you well so far! 🙂