Happy (rainy) Friday! It’s my first favorites list of the new year. I’ll be honest, I’ve been dreading 2013 for a while, as it is the year I turn 25 (January 16). Don’t get me wrong…I don’t think 25 is old and I’m not afraid of getting older, it’s just that 25 seems like such a life milestone. I can’t believe I’ve already lived a quarter of my life (yes, I’m living to AT LEAST 100). What have I even done in 25 years? I can’t tell you that BUT I can give you a sneak peak of what I’ve done in the past few weeks.
I rang in the new year in the Crescent City with friends and family at Jackson Brewery Bistro Bar. I’m on board for any event that requires me to put on something other than yoga pants. The food was great, the service was quick and efficient, and the music provided the perfect anthem to bring in 2013.
Carnival Season started January 6 and you know what that means: KING CAKE. Mardi Gras has been one of my favorite things about living in Louisiana. Bring on the parades, balls and even more King Cake! To celebrate, my husband and I made a homemade King Cake and it was DELICIOUS (recipe to come)!
I discovered the most convenient and fabulous place recently: Glo Beauty Bar. While it may seem like your average nail salon from the outside, they also offer spray tans, lash extensions and facials. The best part of being a member at Glo is that you have access to their “beauty bar.” This area has straighteners, curling irons, brushes, make up remover, face wash and a seemingly infinite amount of high-end makeup. It’s such an awesome place to stop by and freshen up after a lunch workout or after work before happy hour. I could waste hours trying different hair and makeup products.
Recently, it hit me that I’m signed up for a half marathon NEXT WEEKEND. To say I haven’t been training would be an understatement. Last weekend my husband suggested we run the Varsity Sports Wilderness 10 Miler. I begrudgingly agreed knowing that I had to get a long run in before the half. Plus, they were giving away awesome sweatshirts at the end! I went into the hilly run thinking that I’d be happy if I just ran three miles. In a push of mental toughness and endurance, I actually ran all 10 miles, which wouldn’t be THAT impressive if I had run at all since September. I guess it’s safe to say that I’ll be fine for the Louisiana Half Marathon next weekend.
My last and most favorite for the week is my puppy. She has not been enjoying the rain and being cooped up all day, every day. I won’t lie and say I haven’t enjoyed snuggling with her, though.
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I hear you about the running. I’m 35 weeks pregnant now, and haven’t really run since my marathon back in May. I’m excited to be rid of the middle weight (AKA Baby) and such, but I realized that I signed up for races already. Oops. I hope the fact that I’m still teaching spinning will help me at least retain some sort of endurance.
Cassie, I’m SURE spinning will help! I’ve honestly never been a “spinner” but I have friends who live and die by it and I’ve always been too nervous to try! Also, some gyms are investing in anti-gravity treadmills that a lot of pregnant women use for training. If there is one near you, you should give it a try (just for the cool experience, if nothing else)!