Happy Friday, my friends! I am ready for a relaxing weekend and hope your plans are filled with lots of St. Patrick’s Day weekend fun!
Since Fridays around here always feature a little list of things I’m loving each week, let’s move right along and get to the good stuff, shall we?
Things I’m Loving Friday
- Barre Workouts
After taking a Core Fusion barre class on Tuesday evening and experiencing a Ballet Beautiful workout that incorporated exercises that reminded me of barre workouts on Wednesday, I find myself feeling compelled to find a quality barre workout I can do at home in Ocala. My sister did barre workouts regularly leading up to her wedding and her arms looked so toned!
Some online/DVD options I found that I’m thinking of trying: Barre 3 online workouts, Ballet Beautiful Total Body Workout DVD (or the live class online option), Physique 57 online workouts (or the full body workout DVD). If you do barre workouts at home and love them, I’d love to hear any recommendations you may have!
- Beautiful Bridesmaid Gift
My sister was so incredibly generous with her bridesmaid gifts. She gave each of us a little bag packed with thoughtful items, but my favorite was, without a doubt, the framed verse she chose for each of us. When Leslie gave us our gifts, she explained that within the bag was a small picture frame with a Bible verse framed in it that she chose specifically for each of us. It meant so much to me and I thought this was such a unique and heartfelt bridesmaid gift. And the delicate picture frame she chose for my verse is gorgeous!
- Chocolate Cheesecake from Magnolia Bakery
After the Reebok Skyscape launch event on Wednesday, Gina, Heather and I spent all afternoon walking all over the city. We grabbed lunch with Theodora at Sweetgreen (add that spot to my list of “Things I’m Loving”) and had a wonderful time. Eventually we all decided we needed a sweet treat before dinner, so we stopped by Magnolia Bakery. I ordered a chocolate cheesecake that I assumed I’d split with my friend Merri when she met up with us later. I am apparently a terrible friend and polished off every last bite before I even saw her! I normally don’t love cheesecake, but this one called to me from behind the counter because it looked like chocolate mousse. I’m so glad I bought it because it was rich and fabulous. The perfect afternoon pick-me-up. (Levain Bakery is on my “must try” list for my next NYC trip!)
- A No Obligations Weekend
After Leslie and Ross’ wedding last weekend and lots of travel this week, I am so ready for a weekend with nothing on our agenda. I want to hike, hang out with Ryan and Sadie and enter into the next week feeling rejuvenated. I am seriously loving a no-plans weekend today!
- Tyler Candle Company
Guess who got a speeding ticket on her way home from Jacksonville yesterday? Womp, womp. I was pretty bummed when I arrived home and as I unpacked, I played a relaxing station on Pandora and lit a candle which surprisingly made me feel much better. My friend Merri gave me a Tyler candle years ago when I lived in Orlando and I fell in love with it immediately. The best scent? Sour cream coffee cake. So fabulous!
Past Things I’m Loving Friday Posts
Question of the Morning
- What is one thing you are loving today?
- What are you looking forward to most this weekend?
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I’ve been loving barre classes too. There is also nothing better than Magnolia Bakery!
Barre workouts are so deceiving! I always go in thinking it will be so easy, but leave with my muscles exhausted. I LOVE it!
Me too!! They are sneaky like that! 🙂
Hey Julie! I am in search of comfortable sneakers for our upcoming DisneyWorld trip, would you recommend the skyscapes?
Magnolia rocks!!
Thanks!
Definitely! I walked around NYC all day in them on Wednesday (prob 5-6miles) and they were super comfy. I wear them running around town in Ocala, too, and think they’re great. Have fun at Disney!!!
Your so sweet, Julie! Thanks so much! Do you know if they are offered at other retailers yet or just at Reebok?
I will ask and get back to you!!
No don’t worry! I just thought you knew off hand, I will find out but thanks for offering 🙂
That cake looks SO good. And I love weekends with nothing on the agenda too 🙂 Complete relaxation and “you” time. Enjoy it 🙂
I love the Pure Barre DVDs! I did them leading up to my own wedding that was 3 weeks ago. Great workout!
I’ll check them out! Thanks for the rec!
Aw, thanks so much for linking up Julie! YAY Friday! 🙂
GAH that chocolate cheesecake. Don’t hate me but I didn’t even finish mine. Around 2 a.m. Thursday I decided it was time to stop eating it because I was miserably full. I didn’t want to waste it though because it was that amazing… so I just sat there stuffing myself. Ha. Wish I just gave it to you!
Those candles look awesome! And don’t worry about the speeding ticket… I was a speeding ticket magnet back in Orlando. Whoops.
I am also loving everything on this list! After getting married Saturday…I am definitely looking forward to a weekend full of relaxing…and maybe some of that cheesecake you talked about 😉
Congratulations!!!!!!!!
I like they Pure Barre DVDs as well. If you look on line certain packages also come with pieces of the equipment.
Hi Julie!
I love barre workouts as well, but living in a big city, they can be quite pricey. 🙂 While it’s always fun going to a good class, I’m loving my Physique 57 DVDs that I got for Christmas this past year – they included a “playground ball” as well! I use the weights that I have at home for the arm portions and have really been enjoying them. I highly recommend this option if you can’t find a barre class nearby. 🙂
I am loving the beautiful sunshine and warm(ish) weather we’re having today!
Aaaand I’m excited for my first half marathon tomorrow in Moab! Eeeek! Exciting and nerve-wracking all in one! 😉
Good luck Ashley! You will do amazing! 🙂
I love the Tyler Candle Company’s “Warm Sugar Cookie” scent. I just can’t use it when I’m trying to eat healthy because it really does make me think sugar cookies are in the oven!
Oooh I will look for that one!
I’m normally not a cheesecake fan either, but I think I could make an exception for that one! It looks too good to turn down! 😉
Is it weird that I am most looking forward to having time to do laundry this weekend? Eek! I like the personalized frame with verses that Leslie gifted.
I’ve never tried a barre class, but just stopped in one yesterday to give them some KIND bars. It looked like they were having a good time (well, while grimacing 🙂 haha)
Today… I am loving the fact that winter is almost DONE!
And don’t worry…. no one in their right mind would be able to NOT eat that whole cheesecake slice. Looks amazeballs!
sometimes NO plans are the BEST plans! 🙂
That cheesecake looks amazing!! Here are a couple of at-home barre workouts that someone recommended to me!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KKGmP5htkE
http://www.fitsugar.com/Miranda-Kerr-Ballet-Barre-Workout-24259194
(You may have already seen the second one since Miranda Kerr is your new bestie!) 😉
Oh yeah total BFFs 😉
That is such a thoughtful and unique bridesmaid gift. I will have to remember that!
Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes are always on my favorite thing list. I normally am a chocolate cupcake person, but their vanilla is my absolute favorite.
Let us know which DVD you choose and how it is. I have always been interested in this type of workout!
I’m looking forward to a date night with my husband at Chipotle tonight 🙂
I love Barre 3. I haven’t tried any of the online workouts, but I love the classes. I found this Barre 3 workout online – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_IUHHdm7-Q – so you could try it out first before you actually paid money for it to see if you like it. I am going to have to try out some Ballet Beautiful online workouts. I found a few on You Tube, but as a former ballerina, I am always looking for a good barre workout to bring me back to my ballet roots! (BTW, I HATED Pure Barre…)
I purchased a set from Physique 57 which included 6 DVDs (2 60 min, 2 30 min, 1 arm and ab workout, and 1 lower body workout). I’ve always worked out – run, swim, spin, weight lift, yoga – but these barre workouts changed my body in the best way. I bought them to use before my wedding, but several months later, I’m still using them without getting bored!
That was such a thoughtful gift that Leslie made for all of you! How creative 🙂
I live right by Levains! I have a “one cookie per month” rule, otherwise the sugar high would be outta control!
You mentioned candles and I’m a HUGE fan of Gold Canyon candles. They last forever, and have amazing scents. I ordered a sugar cookie candle and it makes my house smell like I’m baking cookies 🙂
Please post your favorite Barre workouts from home once you’ve tried a few. I’m in a small town, and have NEVER tried a class. I’m intrigued! Curious! And since you’ve done them before, I’d like to know which at home are effective. I tend to get REALLY bored during at home workouts, so hopefully there’s a couple good ones out there 🙂
HAPPY FRIDAY!
OH – another Things I’m Loving Friday – NICE people! I work in customer service / social media for an ad agency, and mean people need to find a happy place! I love nice people 🙂
I’m excited for a low key weekend too!
The nothing weekends are the best! Such an awesome gift from your sister, so sweet!
chocolate cheesecake!?! looks awesome!! i am excited to meet baby itz’s pediatrician tomorrow!!
That chocolate cake looks delicious! Today I am loving Trader Joe’s peanut butter cups!
What a sweet gift from your sister! I love gifts that have a personal flair! Also, I’m obsessed with Bar Method (that’s what our studio in CA is called) workouts. I’ve totally changed my gym routine to incorporate bar classes 5 days a week. I LOVE them!
Check out Suzanne Bowen’s barre workouts! She created the BarreAmped class (which I love) and recently released a DVD: http://suzannebowenfitness.com/products/. She also offers streaming workouts through her website.
Love barre workouts! I have 3 dvd’s from Physique 57 and love them! The pack includes the 57 full body workout, and two 20 minute workouts, 1 for your upper body and 1 for your lower body. It also came with the ball! I am sore for days after I dod the dvd!! There are many studios in Chicago that offer the first class free or at a discounted rate, some even offer the first week free, so I am always trying new classes. The Nike store on Michigan Ave also offers a free barre class during the week at the store! Next time your in Chicago you will have to check it out! They also have Nike Training Club classes, very similar to the app!
I’ve done the Xtend Barre DVDs. My legs were shaking 1/2 way through.
I am definitely more of a cardio person myself, but I’ve tried Physique with my best friend, who swears by it! I completely recognize the benefits, but I just can’t get myself to fall in love.
I am however, becoming close to “liking” yoga which is a big step for me, because I’ve always hated it. Vinyasa is my yoga of choice right now.
Love Magnolia Bakery – have you ever tried the bananas pudding?? Try it next time you’re in NYC – you’ll thank me later 🙂
Currently, I’m loving running outside in spring-like temperatures. Fingers crossed winter is long-gone here in the midwest! I’m also loving holiday-themed treats 🙂
I have the Barre 3 DVD set and I love them. I’m also a HUUUUUGE fan of Body Bump. Come visit Vero Beach, we have plenty of classes 🙂
My husband got a speeding ticket in tampa last week 🙁 282.00 love the bridesmaids gifts!!!
Love Tyler candles!! So sorry about your speeding ticket, whomp whomp indeed! I’ve had 4 or 5, and each of them I’m still not sure if I was reallllly speeding enough to warrant a pull over 😉
Julie
You have to try PureBarre-they have 200-300 locations nationally so see if there is one near you or where your travels take you. I have tried various barre studios and it is hands down the best. They also have DVDs available for purchase.
http://www.purebarre.com
I wish we had one near me! I took Pure Barre with my sister in Jacksonville and loved it!
I purchased the set of The Bar Method DVDS a few months ago and do at home a few times/week. I love them!
http://shop.barmethod.com/
PS Check availability at your local library – that’s where I first got one of the DVDs to try.
That’s a fantastic idea!!! Thanks!
I took a week a Pure Barre and it kicked my booty (and shaped it). No joke I saw a difference that quickly. Barre workouts are so deceiving.
My weekend is going to be spent packing for Hawaii! We leave next week. I can’t wait!
Have fun! Hawaii is so incredible. <3
I absolutely love love love that verse. That frame is beautiful. Definietly a keepsake.
So in love with barre workouts – – I discovered exhale’s classes 2 years ago and LOVE them! Even though I’ve moved further from their Boston location, I still try to go at least once a week. They leave me feeling so strong, proud of my body, and relaxed! I know you can buy some of their DVDs online, but they also post classes on Yoga Vibes (http://www.yogavibes.com/pages/partner-revive-with-exhale-mind-body-spa/).
I know Bar Method has tons of DVDs as well – – they are similar to Pure Barre.
I love barre! I’ve. Been going to Pure Barre and it’s wonderful. It’s been 5 weeks and my legs are arms are noticeably more toned! I’m obsessed.
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that is such a sweet (and meaningful) bridesmaid gift! =)
i hope you, ryan & sadie have a fun and relaxing weekend!
That is such a beautiful gift from your sister what a great idea! I love having no obligation weekends, especially after a busy week.
I live in NYC & actually live right around the corner from Levains. Admittedly, I’ve never tried their famous cookies but I tried their cinnamon rolls and was not a fan. I think you made the right choice by going to Magnolias! We frequent that place a little too much! Ha!
You must try the wafels & dinges food truck in Lincoln center on your next visit. It is the BEST!
Loving my new, stained concrete on our patio. I blogged about it today. Check it out if you’re interested. Really great, inexpensive upgrade to your home that you can DIY. Have a great, relaxing weekend!
HI! I absolutely love your blog! I like hiking too! do you have any hiking trail recommendations in florida?
Most hiking I have done is in Orlando and Ocala. Are you close to either? Weikwa Springs in Apopka is great!
Thank you for the recommendation! I’ll be going that way soon 🙂 I would love it if you wrote something about outdoors activities that you do! I’m always looking for ideas to get out of the house and I’m sure some of your followers feel the same way. Have a great weekend!
I love Barre workouts…I have a studio just a couple miles from my home…excellent! Also, I am loving the fact that I am off tomorrow and get a whole day with my husband!
Hey Julie! I’ve been wanting to try barre classes and this is the only place I could find in Ocala that offers it, have you been here? http://kineticmotionfitness.com/about-us/about-our-classes/
Knowing your appreciation for all things do dog-humor related, I thought you’d appreciate this as much as I did…
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