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~

Winding Down

I use the phrase "winding down" loosely because I'm not sure this household ever winds down....more like wine down. In the Single Gal's absence I will say the wedding was beautiful and wonderful, in case you were wondering. She can fill you in on the rest. 

There are so many cookies in my house right now and I cannot stop eating them. Whoopsies. 

I just finished my Christmas shopping and nay a gift wrapped at this point. 

My Christmas present was expediting myself a new passport so I can meet up with Turtle on his trip to London in January. A four day trip to London. Pray for the kids when I get home because I *may* be a little bitchy if I'm jet lagged. Also, what did people do without cell phones because I have to get myself to The Waldorf and wait for him to arrive from some fancy chateau where he is staying prior. 

The twins are really just not there with the Santa Clause concept. Let's hope they don't expect to wake up to new toys in the living room every morning. Lord help me if they fight over everything. I'll take it straight to Goodwill. 

It's pretty rainy and cold here in Atlanta. I'll pretend I'm not about to get in my pajamas at 2:30 in the afternoon. I need to bake some banana bread and wrap gifts once the kids go to bed. 

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas. Bring on the red wine, champagne and cheese plates. 

Xoxo

The Housewife 

Wedding Wednesday...Sort Of...

I just felt like I had to do one of these because hey -- we are almost out of time.  A few weeks ago I was feeling really wound up about finalizing our last few items but a legit calm has descended upon me. I'm seriously just not that stressed about any of it at this point.  I really credit this to us sticking with a small, simple, event.  This is when everything pays off because the only other items I have on my list are really easy -- like stuffing favors while I watch the SEC Championship game this Saturday. Oh, and shout out to Amazon for all my last minute needs. They have everything.

Matt and I are winding down -- even though the wedding is next Saturday his parents will arrive on Monday followed by his sister and brother-in-law Wednesday night.  So we have planned some fun dates this weekend and I'm going to do my best to relax and prepare for guests.  Oh -- and pick up my wedding dress since they are steaming it this week.  

I wanted to write more...but I'm exhausted! This was really just a wow-I-can't-believe-I'm-prepped-and-not-popping-xanax post. 

Little Things for Monday

Mostly this weekend I was thankful for time at home, for having a home to decorate for Christmas, the simple pleasures of book, my sweet dogs, laughing with Matt. Here are a few things that caught my eye -- we will go with some pretty light fare for Monday after a holiday weekend. 

I found a link to the cutest video -- and I don't even really like videos.  However, the New York Times treated some second graders to a tasting menu at a Michelin star restaurant and I got really sucked in.  It's long -- but worth the time. 

I don't know why I am seemingly obsessed with the color red lately but these pants are in my head and they won't leave...

JCrew Tailored Wool Pant

The wedding is close. Less than two weeks.  (!!!!!!)  When I start to get worried about small details I want this to be my mantra: 

See -- short and sweet.  I've got 5% battery power and my charger is so far away I'm not getting up to drag it over. 

Happy Monday! 

~the engaged gal~