100!

 Via

It has been a while since I raved about my favorite obsession/the best workout in the world [hands down]. If you haven't tried Pure Barre yet, let me convince you! :)

In celebration of completing my 100th class yesterday [woohoo!], I'm divulging 10 things I absolutely love about Pure Barre. [No, seriously. I never knew I could love a workout this much!!] These are 10 reasons why Pure Barre Wilmington has become part of my daily life -- my routine.

ONE | THE CORE FOCUS

Isn't everyone who works out told that it's important to have a strong core? I've heard that for years, but I never really did something that was so core-focused. Now that I'm a pure barre addict, I know that I am working on my core for 55 min straight each time I go to class.

TWO | THE TUCK

Speaking of focusing on your core, the beloved Pure Barre "tuck" works it so precisely. I've been known to tuck it up while driving when a commonly played PB song comes on. (If you're PB crazed like me, you know you have too!!!! Own it. :) I confess to tucking to this and this in the car.)

THREE | THE SHAKE

I also confess to this rule that I made for myself: I HAVE to "find the shake" during thigh sprints or I'm not working hard enough. And with that little rule,  I can get the shake every. single. class. Without fail. "Shaking means muscles changing!" Yeah, I agree with that. The shake signifies fat literally melting off of your body and your muscles getting stronger...or at least that's exactly how it feels when you're shaking like jello. ;)

FOUR |  MENTAL + PHYSICAL

I'm into "me time." Pure Barre is "me time." In those 55 minutes I'm generally not thinking about anything but whatever movement we're doing. "Hold your abs in, heels higher, seat lower, tuck harder, just an inch, don't come out of it, no, seriously don't come out of it!" Pure Barre is as much mental as it is physical. There's nothing dull or monotonous about it, and I love that.

 

FIVE | THE LOW-IMPACT 

I have zero doubts or apprehensions about PB being part of my everyday life. It isn't hard on your joints at all. More than anything, I'm strengthening my body by using small, isometric movements that make my muscles stronger, longer, and leaner.

 

SIX | THE DEFINITION

...but really. Not to toot my own horn, but I've truthfully never had this much muscle tone/definition ever. Like, in my entire life. Fo' sho'! In my arms and abs especially. And that's 100% Pure Barre. No supplemental workouts necessary. If it weren't weird and awk, I'd totally take a pic of my arms flexed like a wannabe muscle[wo]man to show you. Don't worry. I'll spare you and save the "look at my arms!!!" flex for Mark and my mama.

SEVEN | THE FLEXIBILITY

I have never considered myself to be a flexible person. I figured that out in ballet at 5 years old when I'm pretty sure all the other limber 5-year-olds could do a split but this girl (heyyyooo!). With that said, [and with the knowledge that my dance career didn't last much beyond that year either] I am more flexible than ever before. Stretching everyday during class just rocks. Plain and simple. P.S. I haven't mastered the split yet, but would I be crazy to say that I'm slowly getting there?! Maybe I'll have it by class #250. Crazier things have happened.

EIGHT | THE COMMITMENT 

Happy wife, happy life? Yes, I know people are quick to dismiss PB because "it's too expensive." Believe me, I'm Mrs. Frugal McFrugalson over here. But this is something I'm committed to. It makes me happy (Elle Woods knows what she's talking about with endorphins), healthy, and there are other things we can cut back on (cable tv, for instance!) to make Pure Barre a priority. And--lets be real--cost is totally a motivator to get your booty into class. Gotta get your money's worth, right?!

NINE | THE COMMUNITY

Can I just brag on the Pure Barre Wilmington team for a second? Because they're straight up amazing. All of the teachers are encouraging, motivating, friendly, and they make every effort to get to know their clients. It's a positive, happy environment for sure. The same goes for my fellow LTBers as well. We're in this together...especially when the third thigh sprint is that FREAKIN' wall sit like thing with the double tube. AHHHHH.

TEN | THE RESULTS 

This is obviously the biggest reason people quickly fall in love with Pure Barre. Combine the former 9 things listed above together and what do you get? Results. It's like your body's way of saying "thank you."

Via

If I don't have you convinced yet, come to a class with me! If you're not local, perhaps you'll vacay in WB or the Wilmy area someday soonish? :) I can bring a friend free any Friday. So holla atcha girl! Or shoot any questions my way!

And while you're at it, show my favorite ladies some love. Visit @purebarrewilmington on Insta and/or Facebook!

P.S. The two $25 winners of the eShakti giveaway are Emily S. and Katie K.! Congrats, lovelies!! I'll be emailing y'all shortly! [Winners were chosen and verified through Rafflecopter and random.org] xx

Cheers to 100 classes! (And hundreds more to come!)

Pop on over and visit Nina -- because what girl doesn't love flowers in her hair? :)

Across the Pond: Making the Distance Work

We're baaaack! :) For two weeks in a row, so brace yourselves and get PUMPED.

In case you missed us before (here + here) the lowdown is that Tara and I are long lost twinsies on oh so many levels. Our lives, loves, and general life passions and priorities are insanely similar. Only twist? She's in England and I'm here in the States!

Today we're discussing distance. Not long distance relationships with our spouses -- though both of us know those all too well from our dating relationships. We're talking about being an ocean away from family and, in Tara's case, from home. You can read Tara's answers below, then...you know the drill...click away and fly across the pond to her blog to find my responses! Cheers, my dears! See ya across the pond...!

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What brought you + Stephen away from family & friends?

I'm from the Sunshine State and Stephen is from England. It was inevitable that someone would have to make the move and so we decided soon after we knew this was a forever thing that it would be me. Stephen's job is here and it's his calling + something he's always wanted to do, where as my job was take it or leave it. That, and, we felt like we were being called to reach the people here and although it wasn't an easy decision we both knew it was the right one. That certainly was and still is an important factor because we can fall back on that knowing for this moment & time this is where we are called to do life. 

How do you ensure that you stay in touch?

Once we decided that I was going to be making the 'big move' I started this blog. Originally this creative space was purposed for just that, keeping my family and friends updated on our journey abroad.

Another benefit is technology, what a saving grace that has been. To be able to pick up the iPad and FaceTime 'home' at any given moment is such a blessing. I never go a day without speaking to my mom and without fail every morning I get a 'good morning' text. It's those little things that make me feel as if the big pond isn't so vast and reminds me that we are never really that far apart.

Being away must not be easy, how do you cure homesickness when it hits?

Hop in the bath, turn on some tunes and soak. Maybe go shopping? Or how about downing a pint of Ben + Jerry's? Kidding. Although sometimes it feels good to throw a pity party it's definitely not the best coping strategy. Something that has helped me is to start fully considering this my home.

It's easy to keep yourself distracted and not face the fact that you are desperately missing home but that's not healthy either. I've learned to admit when I'm missing those who are far but at the same time being careful not to dwell on what would be/could be. It's a balance of embracing and still celebrating the best parts of 'home' while not hanging on to everything that's not like 'home' here.

Anyone who has been homesick knows that it can strike at any given moment but being armed with an incredible circle of friends and knowing I'm only an iPad, phone call or plane ride away helps.

What are some tips for establishing new friendships in a new place?

I touched on that a little above but I think one of the most important tips is to start to plant yourself within your community. For us it was finding a church home which opened the flood gates to a whole heap of friendships.

I think it's also important to try to say 'yes' although it can be very tempting to say no and go for that bath time scenario again. But by saying 'yes' you set yourself up to start friendships and get to really know + appreciate the people around you.

What's the hardest thing about being away?

The lack of quality + quantity time with those that I so desperately miss from 'home'. Although I do miss the sunshine it pales in comparison to not feeling those warm embraces and spending time sipping a morning coffee with my Momma.

There's always something positive in every situation - what are some of the positives in this one?

Knowing that this is where we are called to be for 'such a time as this' sets us up for happiness. We truly believe that this is where we are meant to be planted at this very moment and that is such a reassurance. Although we might not realize our full purpose yet we do know that we were called to love on the people in this city.

Another positive is that it's grown and stretched me. I never in a million years would've thought that I would leave my small hometown, nevertheless my home state, and move abroad, nor did I think I was capable. These past two years have really shaped me and, for that, I'm so thankful.

It also makes the reunions that much sweeter.

Oh and of course that I get to wake up and walk this journey with my best friend.  And that accent, oh that accent.

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Don't forget...we'll be back next Wednesday. Two couples have a two year anniversary coming up...! :)

Now time to head Across the Pond to Tara's blog...!

Across the Pond Index

1. Across the Pond

2. Stay At Home Wife

3. Making the Distance Work [what you're readin'!]

Pop on over and visit Nina -- because what girl doesn't love flowers in her hair? :)

Homebody in my Hometown

Last weekend Marky and I headed to Charlotte. The only thing on the agenda was for Mark and my brother to attend the AC Milan vs. Liverpool game together. Moi? I got some one-on-one mama time. And it was much needed and appreciated!

So before I share some scenes from the weekend, I have a question. Have you moved away from your hometown...and when you go back you feel like there are 491941 people you want to see/catch up with/grab coffee/go on a walk/generally visit, whatever! I grew up in Charlotte and moved back after college. There are so many people that I truly love in that city. Old friends, new friends, church family, former students and their families...not to mention a good bit of my own extended family. All that to say: How do you balance time at home when you visit your hometown? Because truth be told: I have a really hard time ever wanting to leave my mom's house when I'm there. Owning it.

I feel like if I were in Charlotte for a long span of time--like a week--it would be easy! I could schedule little catch up sesh-es over that span of time! But those quick weekend trips back to Charlotte, I never want to leave "home." Thoughts? Ideas? Tips? Am I cray-cray?! :) I'd love any insight! 

My mama had a couple of these in the fridge...watermelon + lime + coconut water. Helloooo yum.

 

We grilled out on Friday night. Steaks for the men, Fresh Market salmon for the gals.

(Best salmon marinade ever = maple syrup + dijon mustard!)

 

I couldn't help but smile walking downstairs on Saturday afternoon to these two twinsie bros.

I snapped this pic and sent it to my pretty bridesmaids. I tried on my sister's MOH dress from my wedding...and I can't wait to wear it to a wedding I'm singing in next weekend! I mean, how cool. I'm wearing one of my bridesmaids' dresses! Eeeee! Can't wait. :)

After a day of mama daughter time, we capped off the night at Fahrenheit. 

Mom was semi embarassed by my drink choice and said it looked like a man's drink. Which it did. 

But I'm always a sucker for anything with 0 syrup and lots of muddled fruit!!! (Blackberries and basil in this one!!!) Cheers!

Balcony decor

QC view

The mama

Crowder's Mountain way in the distance. How cool!

Walking around Phillips Place after a D&D lunch on Sunday.

My newest light crush from Restoration Hardware...

Dreaming of eventually splurging on this one for above the kitchen table!

Tiny pup, big farm. 

The best way out of town/back to the beach is a stop through my Mimi and Papaw's house in Waxhaw!

Monday morning necessities...

...that make a Monday of spilling milk not so bad at all. :)
Pop over here for your last chance to enter the EShakti giveaway!   

Pop on over and visit Nina -- because what girl doesn't love flowers in her hair? :)

Monday Life

Via

These words my prayer this morning. Help me see life and the world as you see them, Lord.

It's another rainy one here in Wilmington. But I do love the coziness of a rainy morning, a hot drink, and some time with the One who gives us life. I'm reading She Reads Truth's "Breathe" and busting out the prayer journal gifted to me by my sweet sissy.

Will you join me in starting your week of with this sort of quality time too? Please do. :)

P.S. She Read's Truth's series on Hebrews starts on the 6th. Read along with me? I'm pumped!
P.P.S Don't forget to enter this two winner giveaway before it ends so soon!

Oh happy day to you, dear friend! 

Pop on over and visit Nina -- because what girl doesn't love flowers in her hair? :)

Bits of Life No. 2

Since documenting with pics is one big, happy slice of my life, I give you Bits of Life Vol 2. 

I love having the "in-between" moments documented on the blog too.

Today the theme seems to revolve around food and a certain tinypup. 

Sounds about right. :)

Art inspiration. Marky and I would love to have a large peace of beachy artwork to add to our home.

I swoon over these two pieces. They definitely epitomize what I want!

 Twins and summer rainstorms on the back porch. (Oh, and popsicles too.)

 Afternoon nap on the patio after some daddy-doghter kayaking in Mount Airy. Tiny but adventurous.

 This is what we do sometimes when we're excitedly waiting for Mark to get home from work.

This one in particular made it on to Mark's Tina's Instagram.

I mean.

This pup loves a good headrest and her Big [Bad, whateva] Daddy's burger.

 And in further reference to awesome places to eat in CLT...the Steve's Sandwich at Laurel. Oh dear goodness. 

On whole grain, add cukes.

 Human pup.

 I am straight up addicted to watermelon this summer. 

And I enjoyed adding some pineapple into the mix thanks to my girlfran Heather! :)

 On the way to dinner pic [that Mark is really happy about ;)].

A pup asleep on the kitchen table? Who would alllow such a thing.

And pupparently I can't get enough of the pup pics this time around. :)

 2 miles from home to get here. Wow.

 Dinner last Sunday...garlic naan pizza is my jam.

 And dinner Monday night. MexiMondays.

 My latest obsession: organic French press from PCJ!

More pup in the bed pics. Always in the middle, that tiny girl.

If you conquered this pic overload, bless your heart.

Thanks for bearing with me.

The in-between moments can be just as sweet as the big ones. :)

Happy Friday!

Pop on over and visit Nina -- because what girl doesn't love flowers in her hair? :)