Friday Five

Oh hey I tried to multi-task on Monday and posted twice. So much for scheduling that correctly.  I'm sure it just made your day to get a two-fer. I kid. 

We made it to Friday! This week has actually been pretty nice at work.  I supposed I am still feeling stressed since I am not sleeping well lately, but I'm making an effort to try to get back on track -- its just harder than I thought with all this awful weather.  Part of me doesn't want to look at it at all and the other part of me is obsessively stalking weather reports.  THREE snowflakes on my weekly people. THREE! I seriously drove to work in my Ugg boots Thursday.  Anyway, on to "the five". 

1. This is for Matt.  

2. Random fact - Matt and I watch friends re-runs daily.  It's a problem. 

3. Who wants a haircut? Me. When to go though? I like this one - it seems like a realistic idea of my actual hair texture. 

4  I had a lot of wine therapy this week.  I haven't been a pleasant person for my husband to live with. I'm trying to do better .

5. Dying to try this new coffee place near work. 

Happy Friday! 

Weekend Review

We wrapped up a long weekend and I actually took advantage of a big, cold rainy day Monday that allowed me to relax. I actually caught up on a few items that I have been wanting for myself I just haven't felt like I've had enough time or the desire. Matt and I have been busy bees trying to combine bills and accounts and other married administrative items -- slowly. If I try to do them all at once I'll lose my mind. 

Anyway, here was a bit of our weekend! 

Friday I ate 3 donuts with icing and sprinkles. Then we went to cheap Mexican for dinner and stopped by our local Starbucks to participate in the World's Largest Starbucks Date. I guess everyone came earlier but it was a nice change from our regular dates and we had a really nice time sitting, chatting and listening to music before getting in bed at the shameful hour of 9 pm on Friday. 

Saturday I ran a 5k with my neighbor - it was really cold but I was very interested to race a short distance and see what my time would be. I wanted a 27 flat. I got a 27:45. Pretty good for me but I definitely think I can improve! 

Our Valentine's Day tradition is Waffle House. From waaayyy back to our first go around at a relationship. It remains a romantic spot for us and we had a lovely meal complete with a heart shaped waffle and a trip to PINKBERRY for dessert. Then we went home and caught up on New Girl episodes. 

Sunday Elise and I had budget friendly brunch at her house (I was over there for 6 hours...oops) and I at least thought to prep a giant crock pot of chili. I had never made this "Biggest Loser Turkey Chili"that I found on Pinterest but it's definitely a winner. We behaved and skipped cornbread Sunday night but I definitely made a Monday batch. Rain and ice deserve cornbread, yes? 

I also tackled my crazy disaster of a closet. I've had that project on the list for weeks. While I worked on that Matt hung up our beautiful new light fixtures in the master bath! I love them! I'll try to get some decent pics soon!! 

Monday, Monday...

I actually get some super random holidays off with my new company (is it still my "new company"?).  So Happy President's Day to all since I am at home enjoying a really slow morning.  It's very cold here in Georgia and we have a winter weather advisory out so in true February fashion I'll probably continue my gym hiatus and be a sloth until March. Or at least the rest of this week. 

I've had the best time catching up on my internet reading this morning and had a few things I wanted to share.  

Found a link to this article in the New Yorker about 6 women and their jewelry.  Really exception jewels, photos and interesting blips from these women.  My favorite is below -- I love Patricia's statement about her wedding ring: "It never comes off. I've been wearing it for 42 years. It represents my family. My life."

*photo from the New Yorker*

Today I've been listening to...

Milo Green - Control 

Matt gifted me Erin Gate's lovely book - Elements of Style and I've been trying to pour through it over the last week (finally).  I am really enjoying it! I'm trying really hard to focus on some spring home projects and updates.  Some wedding gift cards are helping but otherwise I'm working hard to comb Goodwill and flea market shops.  It's hard but you can definitely find some good stuff.  

Happy Monday! Hope you are having an easy day even if you had to go to work today.

~the married gal~

Fly Barre Review

So they recently opened a Fly Wheel/Fly Barre studio at our new fancy development Avalon. I really jumped a the chance to take the free preview class they offered - everyone talks about this place and how much they love it.  Go me. Trying new things!   Shortly after my preview class I received a promotional email that was about 40% off a set of 5 classes so I thought I would delve into the boutique fitness arena.  I really wanted to try something new and especially a new place - I've been a member at my gym for 7 years.  

Still though -- $25 per class on the reg? I'm not sure if there is anything out there that is just THAT amazing.  Even if you buy in bulk they only go down to about $23 or so.  I already pay $67 a month for my gym membership -- you know, the place where they have classes AND weights and cardio and yoga studios.  With that being said I was willing to spend $75 on a pack of 5 sessions to see what all the hype was about. 

I definitely liked it a lot.  Cute, pretty and very new studio.  Lockers that don't need keys.  Fancy soap and lotion in the locker rooms! Filtered water up front to put in your water bottles (3 different temperatures!).  Great instructors.  I actually just finished my package and had several different instructors - all were really great and really nice -- and actually very personable.  All great, great qualities -- but the price.  I just cannot get over the price.  I just don't see the value of the class to be that high.  If it could cost me  upwards of $200 a month -- I better look like Giselle. (I don't look like Giselle.)

I think the real deal breaker for me was taking a Barre class they offer at my current gym last Saturday.  It was fantastic! And already included in the price of my membership.  I can vary my workouts and classes SO easily at my current location at my current price.  I really wanted to just be obsessed with Fly Barre and love it -- but I never got there.  

Am I missing something? Is there something else I should try? Where are you working out right now? I need to know.  

~the married gal~

     

Monday Obsessions: Shoes

I don't know what has gotten into me lately but all I can think about when I'm shopping or even not shopping are shoes.  I added some really great stuff to my closet this fall -- I thought it would satisfy but I just want more.  Clearly this doesn't jive with my new simplistic 2015.  But dream with me here. 

Sole Society - Suede D'Orsay

Gimme all the heels. All the time. These seem so sexy yet so practical to walk in to me.  Especially at $69.95. Please note these are currently out of stock...but let's get hopeful that they will be back soon. 

Joes Jeans - Pete Pointed Toe Pump 

I know. Another heel.  It can't be helped.  I wish the price point were better ($134.95) but I bet they would last a while.  And could be worn to work or out. I did find similar style here at Forever 21 at a much better price. 

Forever 21 Metallic Loafers

These are super cute and a great price point for something a little more trendy.  $22.90 and they may as well be J.Crew anyway.  

Happy shopping fellow shoe lovers. 

~the married gal~

Looking to 2015

Being that it's February 1st, I'm hoping this isn't setting the tone for 2015 -- because this is really freaking late but if I'm being really honest, while I clearly am not someone who believes or wants to "stay in the same place" mentally or physically, I would probably be okay with a really lean year of change. Work is still stretching me as I am always learning new things or suddenly tasks I have been doing for months start to make a whole lot of sense - but overall I just want to hone everything I went through last year.  I'd be okay with that.   We had some really big vacations last year.  I'd be okay with some small beach trips or little adventures this year.  Fitness-wise I'm going to aim for two half-marathon races this year but since I'm a really active runner already, this isn't really a "big" goal.  

So, with that being said I do have a few goals in mind.  Just simple stuff. Maybe that is a good theme for this year -- simple.  

The Wheat Field

print via etsy

1. Spend money with intent.  

I want to be a more diligent shopper.  No fluff items. Make sure I'm buying items at the best time for the best price. 

2. Investments. More money into my 401k and a quarterly Roth contribution.

I already completed the first step -- I immediately upped my 401k contributions when we got back from our honeymoon.  I also want to make sure I'm contributing quarterly to my other fun. This is focus on the big picture and simple steps. 

3. More time for cooking real meals at home. 

This is just making more time for simple things that will keep us healthy and something fun to do.  I'd like to also buy a few new cookbooks to read and try. 

4. Make sure I'm being the best friend, daughter, wife, sister, etc. that I can be. 

I want this to be an exercise in love, kindness, and a stark reminder that life is not just about me. 

Seriously though -- how boring am I? You don't need to tell me.  But if the last few weeks have told me anything (I've been 3000% exhausted) it is that I was going a million miles an hour during 2014 and I really just need to step back and just be.  

How is your year going so far?

~the married gal~

2014: In Review

2014.  I can't even put into words how much I have loved you -- and how much of a roller coaster your were.  It has been one of the most agonizing and incredible rides of my life.  Truly.  2015 has big, big shoes to fill.  In reality so much happened that I'm just going to dive in.  We cried many tears.  We laughed and smiled harder than we ever have.  The stress was unreal.  The joy was fierce.  Love abounded.  Doors were shut.  Opportunity knocked.  I went places I never thought I would ever go.  

January

Matt and I got engaged.  I was absolutely not expecting the proposal at all.  It was the greatest surprise of my life. 

February

Paris!!! Scotland!! 

Lost my job. Made my first (and hopefully last) trip to the Unemployment Office.

March

Decided to make a career change since I had no job anyway. Lots of job applications. Time at the gym with The Housewife. 

Sold the car I had for 12 years.  Purchased a new (well, new to me) one. This was a big deal for me. 

Had two really big interviews. Accepted a dream job at a large insurance broker. 

Started some of the big wedding plans. 

April

Had to sell my Masters tickets to pay bills. 

Our Hogan was diagnosed with throat cancer.  We spent many worried, sleepless nights and all our time making him comfortable. Eventually begging him to eat twice a day. 

Found my wedding dress. 

May

Sad, dark month for us.  Lots of change and growing pains at my new job.  We lost our Hogan on May 2.  

June - September

Turned 31. 

Summer.  Lots of lake days.  We made a hard effort to get to SAV a lot.  Matt begged and begged me and we decided to adopt another boxer from Atlanta Boxer Rescue and brought Arnie home. 

Had a small vacation to St. Simons Island.  

Ran a lot.  Had a lovely wedding shower.  Had a super Bachelorette. 

October - November

I FINALLY start to feel like I know what I am doing at work.  Lots of college football.  

Became really good friends with two of our neighbors! 

We may have had a few wedding arguments.  But not many.  Birthdays for my sweet nieces. 

Half Marathon! Not my best time but a great effort. 

December

12.13.14

Our wedding day was perfect to me.  We had a ton of family in town.  Our first married Christmas. London.  Scotland. 

A hand to hold mine forever. 

I suppose we should get around to changing the blog name.  And the fact that we are not "twenty somethings" anymore as part of our 2015 goals. I'm sure we can come up with something! 

~the married gal~