Today’s fitness, food and fun thoughts
I pretty much knew that today was going to be a “Thinking Out Loud” day. Why? Because even though most of the time I can come up with creative and fresh content for you, I could sense it wasn’t going to happen today. #TerriblySorry
What is “Thinking Out Loud” you ask? It’s a fun link-up thing hosted by Amanda, in which bloggers are not only allowed, but also encouraged to write a bunch of unrelated thoughts in one post, without rhyme or reason, and call it a day. And today, I’m into it.
Here’s what’s on my mind lately …
Travel
Do you know how much I want a vacation? Well, I do. While Dave and I have planned a trip to Florida next month, it will be pretty short and will be filled mostly with wedding-related activities for one of my very good friends. So I have a feeling it will be another one of those visits that goes by in an instant and leaves us exhausted. (And we can officially call this reason number 9,499.21 that I wish I lived closer to home and didn’t have so far to travel to get back for things.) I’m not complaining though. There’s not much I like more than going to Florida to be with my family and friends, but a real relaxing vacation with nothing on the agenda — now that sounds nice as well.
Here’s a throwback gem of me outside our beach-front hotel in Mexico. And yes, I’m wearing my trusty jorts, because I always travel with them.
Hopefully Dave and I will be able to put together a little getaway for this year. But for now, I’m just sitting here dreaming of that trip to Cabo last year. In case you missed it, check out Cabo adventures one and two. Oh man, those fish tacos and that sea breeze. Good stuff.
Pineapple hair
Did you know that a pineapple bun in your hair is a thing? Well it is. I’ve been wearing my hair in a messy and overly high blob on the top of my head for years-and-years. So boy was I surprised when all of a sudden this became a popular way for girls to show they were about to get in a great workout, while getting their hair up and off their face.
I know, it’s hideous. But for some reason, it’s basically the only way I wear my hair during the week.
Funny thing is, the other day in one of the classes I was teaching, someone told me I had pineapple hair and called me out. Ha. Well I do. Apparently “pineappling” your hair is also a way to make your hairdo last a second day, if you put it up secured overnight in a loose bun, but I know that would never work for my mess of a mane. Ladies out there, rock your pineapples!
Reader questions
I’ve been getting a lot of reader questions via email lately. Which, by the way, my email is aladygoeswest@gmail.com, so if you want to reach out to me outside of the comment feature below, please shoot me a note. I try to take my time to give thorough answers to all of your questions, but have seen some recurring things that people are interested in over time. Based on all of the questions I’ve received, I’ve got a few future posts in the works. And next week, I plan to write more about blogging as a practice. If you want to ask anything, let me know now and I can hopefully include it in that post.
Oats in a jar
If you follow me on Instagram (which I hope you do, please check me out here), you’ll see that yesterday I had my first experience enjoying overnight oats made in an empty almond butter jar. While I’ve seen many people do this before, I never seemed to save that empty jar ready for the right opportunity until now. Well, it was fabulous.
It may not look appetizing, but it’s pretty darn incredible.
The oats soaked up all that extra almond butter flavor and were just delightful. I didn’t want this breakfast to end and will be doing it again soon, well as soon as I have another jar. And the best part? No dish to clean — I just tossed the jar in the recycling bin. Two thumbs up for oats in a jar!
Getting outside
Most of you know that I moved to San Francisco from Orlando about two-and-a-half years ago and began leading a very different life as a city girl, or City Lady, if you will. Well, just a couple of months ago, Dave and I moved out of the city-proper to an area called the “East Bay.” While we are still very close to a downtown and have tons of fun things to do around us, life is more normal now, and less urban. But that also means I’m not walking as much and I now go from car-to-building to car-to-building. This change makes me want to be outside more now.
I guess you could say, I’m finally starting to stop and smell the roses outside. Whereas, I used to rush past them with a backpack and headphones on.
When I had to walk everywhere in the city, I would prefer taking Uber (cabs) out to dinner or on the weekends, because I was so sick of being on foot. But now, I’m eager to use my legs and enjoy fresh air each day. I’m going on walks for fun, hanging out outside and enjoying the extra nature around us on the trails and in parks. It just goes to show how things change. I loved living in the city but was sick of walking. Now I love living in the ‘burbs and miss walking. Who would have thought? You can’t have it all.
Fitness talk
Remember when I said I wanted to add on to my fitness knowledge this year? Well, I’m making some plans and will be announcing that next endeavor soon. I’m super excited for it too, so stay tuned! Speaking of fitness, tonight I’m substitute teaching a BODYPUMP class. And by the way, thanks for your words of encouragement yesterday, seeing as I had to teach two BODYATTACK classes for the first time in one day. Well, it went as expected. It was killer, but I did it, and I actually didn’t mind it at all. Those burpees and tuck jumps are definitely easier the first go ’round in a day though.
Something funny
So I have to tell you guys this: I ask my Mom to pre-read/review a lot of my posts as an extra set of eyes, just to make sure there are no typos, etc. before I hit publish. No matter what I write on the page, my Mom always tells me how wonderful it is. Yes, she is my biggest fan. Well guess what. I had her read this one before posting it, and she only had one comment on the content … “Lame.” Ha! I guess she isn’t a fan of “Thinking Out Loud.” Sorry, Mom. I’ll try to do better.
And that’ll do it. If for some reason you’re a fan of this randomness, check out a few of my other “thinking” posts.
- Thursdays are for Thinking Out Loud
- A Thursday well-suited for Thinking Out Loud
- This Thursday calls for some Thinking Out Loud
- Just you and me: Let’s have a chat over coffee
Thanks for sticking through until the end with this one, my friends. I’ll reward you with some “Friday Favorites” tomorrow. Have a great day!
Questions of the day
What’s on your mind today?
Do you have any trips planned?
How do you usually wear your hair?
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Overnight oats are always yummy! No matter what they look like 🙂
They are even YUMMIER in an almond butter jar. I need to eat more AB to have more jars now. Happy Thursday, Jill! 🙂
I used to work at American Eagle Outfitters in college and it’s like jorts headquarters over there haha so I have a ton of them that I also take on vacation lol.
That pineapple bun story is too funny. I did not know that’s what it was called, but I have noticed the hairstyle popping up all over instagram. I’m horrible at hair so I always wear my down and straightened or down and wavy. If it’s wavy I touch it up with my curling wand. That’s about as fancy as I get.
Hi Chrissy! Glad you are a fan of jorts. The ones I’m wearing above, I actually made myself from some old jeans hehehe. And as far as your hair, it takes a lot of effort to wear it down every day, so props to you for that. But I’m sure you need to look nice at work, unlike me. 🙂 heheheh
Oh man do I ever want a vacation too!! But with buying a house and having a baby, it is going to have to be put on the backburner for now, haha. Plus, I should totally just turn Naples into a little vacay, right?! We will be going to Key West for a long weekend this fall and my in-laws always plan a ski trip over the holidays… This year it might be Lake Tahoe so that will be a fun trip! And the pineapple bun, I saw that the other day too hahahah! Good to know you’re ahead of the trend 😉
Hi Becky! No, you’re not quite in the vacation zone right now with all that you have going on! A babymoon getaway maybe right before little one arrives? Tahoe is awesome. Key West is awesome. And yes, there are plenty of vacation type things to do around Naples. And me an my pineapple hair — we’ve been going strong for years. I will be wearing it up like that LONG after the trend has faded into dust. hehhee. Happy Thursday!
I cannot even IMAGINE your Mom saying anything you do is lame! Love the honesty though Mrs. Pinder!!! Ashley, I wear my head in a bun all the time. Mine is more of a library lady than a pineapple though. Not because I wouldn’t gladly rock the pineapple. But because I think my law firm probably prefers a more low and polished look. In any event, I too am a bun girl! I enjoyed the randomness of today’s post, despite its critique by one of Florida’s finest. 😉
Hhahahahha a critique by one of Florida’s finest? I LOVE that. You are the best, Court. Your comments are great. And you know, when I was once in the working world in a job that required a more presentable appearance, the librarian bun was my GO-TO. I find that a sleek low bun paired with pearls and make-up can make you look great, even though it takes about two minutes to achieve. Back in my Disney days, one of my coworkers and I called our hair the “nun buns.” I don’t know if that offends anyone, but it’s what we said hehhe. Rock your bun. But put your hair up high on the weekends, please. 🙂
The nun bun. Love it and stealing it!
And yes, pineapples on weekends. 🙂
Hahahahaha your mom’s response is amazing. My mom comments on my posts in marathon fashion sometimes. Sometimes, it is the most random comment ever, and I want to ask her who on earth she is talking to!
Does your Mom write a comment on the actual blog? My Mom doesn’t do that, but tells me over the phone or through email hehehe. I love it though. What would we do without our Mommmas? 🙂
Ohh I’m excited to see your post with readers questions! For some reason those are always my favorite posts to read. Anything more personal (like surveys or questionnaires) are so fun!
Got it, Gretchen! I like those types of posts too! 🙂
I have never had overnight oats…. I like mine HOT! 🙂 Your mom is hilarious. I make my hubby read most of my posts before I post them too!
Hahhaha Hi Brittany! I was skeptical of eating cold oats, but I let them sit out of the fridge for about 10-15 minutes before eating so they aren’t too cold. And you have a nice hubby to read your posts. 🙂 Happy Thursday to you!
What’s on my mind today? I live on the east coast of Canada and we got blasted with snow this winter … so on my mind is that I’m glad we’re finally starting to see grass and I can’t wait until patio season 🙂
My next fun trip is that we’re going to Cabos in May! Woohoo! I’ve never been and am looking forward to having my toes in the sand with a pina colada in hand. I’ve gone back and read your Cabos recaps for ideas – super helpful!
My hair is thick and curly so it’s usually worn curly and down or up in a ponytail. I’m contemplating getting a straightening treatment soon so I might be hitting you up with some questions on that. My hair is natural and chemical free so it would be a big step for me to get a straightening treatment so I’ve been asking lots of questions before taking the leap.
Hi Catherine! YES!! Your Cabo trip, that’s right. I’m so excited for you! And I bet you are ready for some warmth after a cold Canadian winter. As far as your hair – I’ve been getting keratin treatment for FOREVER, and it’s not as strong as it once was, so it doesn’t totally straighten my hair, just defrizzes it a bit. I’m getting it done again tomorrow actually! Have a fabulous day, my friend. 🙂 Love that you shared your thoughts!!
I’m definitely a walking girl, I grew up in a suburb of NYC but my parents were big on walking – we’d go on vacations to Europe and walk everywhere and get to know the city, and of course living in Oxford for college and now in NYC, I walk everywhere! I would love to live in a smaller, more outdoorsy city – but also think I would miss walking everywhere because a lot of those seem to be in areas with a big car culture.
Hi Alyssa! I was never a major walker until living in SF, and there are many great things about it. The built in exercise, the fact that you have no car payment. And the fact that you appreciate how your body gets you from point A to point B. I’m glad I now live in an area where I CAN walk a few places if I want to, so I’ve been doing that. I’d hate to go back to a totally suburban car-only existence, which I had for a few years in Florida. And yes, you have lived some awesome places! Love that you went on European vacations with your fam! I studied abroad once and would love to go back overseas one day!
I don’t know what I love more about overnight oats in an empty nut butter jar- the fact that they absolutely delicious or that I have no dishes to do from breakfast. I always get so excited when I have an almost empty nut butter jar to make some OOs for breakfast the next day!
Hi Brie! It’s definitely going to make me want to eat even more almond butter, to have more jars available. Uh oh! hehhe! Happy Thursday, lady! Have a good one!
Haha – “pineapple hair”…never heard of that one! But, I’m totally guilty of it! That’s pretty much how I always wear my hair for fitness classes. I am looking forward to it getting longer so I can put it in a braid though.
I actually appreciate your Thursday randomness and would have to disagree with your mama. 😉 Not lame at all! I think these “fluff” posts are good every once in awhile as it gives us readers a look into your personality and random thoughts without it being too serious. Just my two cents! 🙂
I like your two cents a lot, Ashley! That’s why “thinking out loud” has made a few appearances here on the old blogger. And I’ve been doing braids in my hair on the weekends a lot! I bet you could at least braid the top part of your hair? Whatever! Rock the pineapple hehhe! Happy Thursday!
I LOVE pineapple hair – I do it daily!! Also I totally know what you mean about walking and being outside. Living in the suburbs and not a city means driving everywhere so I love going for walks on the trail whenever possible (obviously not right now since I’m hurt). Where do you teach Body Pump?? My boyfriend goes to 24 in Walnut Creek and is trying to get me to sign up when my knee is better. Honestly the only reason I would is for Body Pump haha
Hi Hayley! I teach all over! Right now, I’m at 24 Hour Walnut Creek Super Sport on Monday and Wednesday nights for BODYATTACK. I’m at 24 Hour Fitness San Ramon Super Sport on Tuesday nights for BODYPUMP, on Wednesday noon for BODYATTACK and on Friday mornings for BODYATTACK. I’m hoping to get a BODYPUMP class at Walnut Creek Super Sport soon, as that’s the closest gym to me. You should come check it out when you’re better!
I hope you’re enjoying the East Bay! I live in the area as well, and although SF has the nightlife we have the weather! You’re going to love how warm it gets this summer.
That’s what I hear Stella! So far so good in the East Bay. I’ve gone to some activities in the City as well, so I don’t miss it! And having a car and big grocery stores? That’s pretty awesome! heheh! Have a great day, neighbor!
I just had overnight oats for breakfast this morning! I tossed in some blackberries and banana and they were delicious.
Sounds yummy, Sam! 🙂
I’ve been LOVING my hair in a bun lately… mostly because I’ve been way too lazy to get it cut and style it 😆 But it’s just nice to have my hair up and out of my face all the time. That and it takes about 2 seconds and actually helps my hair stay cleaner longer. And going for walks is one of my favourite things EVER. I live close to downtown, but there’s also a huge river valley next to me that has some really awesome trails. It’s the best of both worlds 🙂
Hi Hostess Lady! How did you end up in my Spam? Thank you SO much for letting me know. I appreciate you stopping by to say hello on this fine Thursday. And hair in a bun? Always the answer to hair struggles hehehe. Walking on trails near a river valley sounds like a pretty good way to get your steps in each day. Thanks, Amanda! Have a fabulous day!
Haha your mom’s comment! #Honesty That is what parents are for 🙂 I enjoyed reading it. Glad you were able to finally enjoy overnight oats in a almost empty PB jar. It is the way to go!
So true, Sara. Parents are there for that kind of thing. And I need to up my almond butter eating in order to have more empty jars around. SOO good! 🙂 Happy Thursday!
Aw, I just read it! Very cute. Thank you!
LOL at your Mom. Maybe you could invite her to guest post! 🙂
Hi Julia! hhaha! I know! She actually did write a little post about a year ago when I was away in Cabo. Check it out: https://aladygoeswest.com/2014/06/04/a-post-from-the-ladys-mom-about-distance/
Whoops, sorry, that reply above was supposed to go into this box…obviously.
Got ya! 🙂 Thanks for reading it!
I’m going to Florida in October and I can’t wait! I love that you have your mom read your posts. I don’t think this one is lame at all!
Hi Erin! Cool! Where in Florida are you going?
I love these posts.. call it nosy but I enjoy hearing others random thoughts!
Cabo sounds great! Just booked a trip to Thailand.. but have to wait until November to enjoy.. at least its something to get through the summer.
Hi Samantha! Thailand? Wow? That’s awesome! And quite the trip. I’ve never been there but would love to go one day. Yes, it’s far away, but something great to look forward to!
It’s funny that I actually don’t feel like going to a vacation at all. Me and my fiance (now my husband) traveled back and forth for three years because I lived in Europe and he was in the US. It feels sooo good to not having to think about next travel again. But I’m sure it’ll go over soon 🙂
Other than walking, is there anything else you miss about the City? Which one you prefer? I was quite disappointed when we realized that living in the city will not be an option for us and had to move to Easty Bay, but I’m really happy here right now.
Hi Kersten! Oh my gosh, I LOVED living in the City. There is nothing like being a part of a place like San Francisco. We could hear the cable cars from our apartment in Nob Hill. Enjoyed so many parades and festivals just outside our door. Could walk to the coolest, dark and fun restaurants. If it wasn’t so expensive and we could have gotten more space and a car for me, we would have stayed in the City longer. I LOVED SF! LOVE it. But I also knew it was time for us to grow up a little and get some peace and quiet out here in the ‘burbs. I miss the restaurants, the atmosphere, the cool breezes, the hustle and bustle. You name it! hehehe You should definitely try to spend time in SF at Fort Mason park on a pretty, do some food walking tours and get the taste of it all. But I understand what you mean about not wanting to travel since you did it so much. Makes total sense.
I totally know what you mean, I love SF too. There’s just something SO fantastic about this city that you just can’t explain. The vibe and the people are amazing! We’re sure hoping to move to the City one day!
Florida sounds lovely! O so jealous!
And yes! I get so excited when I have an empty nut butter jar…overnight oats ALWAYS!
Yes, Rebecca! Yes! Hope you’ve been having a wonderful week! 🙂
First of all that is awesome that you have your mom read your posts before you publish them, and its too funny that she thought this one was “lame”! When I first started joining the “Thinking Out Loud” link-up it was the first link-up I joined and my mom thought that it was some kind of social gathering where we all met in real life to think about things and blog. Kind of funny!
Your upcoming trip to Florida sounds great! I feel like I am needing a vacation these days:) I know what you mean though about wanting a relaxing one rather than spending the whole time running around. While its great to see friends and family, its also nice to have a quiet getaway and do nothing for a few days!
Oh that’s too funny about the link-up and getting together. I guess these weird blogging terms are not always as clear to those outside our community hahaha! And with your move, I bet you need some relaxing, Lisa. Soon enough! Have a great night! 🙂
I can’t believe you did two, TWO, body attack classes! I can barely make it through one alive. You are a total inspiration!
Also, you are totally rocking that top knot, so it’s not all bad 😉
xx
Thanks, Krissy! I can’t believe how fine I felt teaching two! I guess that’s a good thing, because I’ll be doing it again in a couple of weeks. But you are right, BODYATTACK just ONCE is killer! What a workout!! Have you been taking it?? 🙂
Aw, Momma. I loved reading your thinking out loud! 🙂 (And totally going to try the pineapple hair. :))
Pineapple hair EVERY single day! 🙂