finola and the terrible twos.

I never did a half-birthday post for Finola.

I think that I was too tired to even realize when her half-birthday was.  I think last month.  Maybe the one before?  Anyway, the point is, I've been tired...

...and struggling, ya'll.  With the whole "momming" thing.

Lately I morph into "tired, cranky, angry mommy" more often than I care to admit.  Anytime there is an issue where I don't get enough rest this happens.  So that is most days lately.

For me, "rest" is not just sleep, but quiet time away for introspection.  Away from the chaos that is my children.  Nap time, while I rarely nap, is my "rest time" because it is quiet, I can write, or just get re-centered.   Now a huge chunk of nap time is de-stressing from putting Finola back in bed about thirty times.

I don't mean to complain.  I really can't.  It is just a hard season for me, compared to what I've dealt with thus far.  Finola, from birth, has been a pretty easy kid.  Sure, it took her ten months to "officially" sleep through the night, those 1-2 awakenings for food were not so bad, considering she went right back to sleep after.

And napping.  What a dream!  She settled into a sleep schedule pretty much at birth, all I ever had to do was lay her down and she gave me a smile and went to sleep.

Transitioning to the toddler bed?  Again - easy.  I could put her in bed and say 'good night.'  At least at first.

We are now going on a month of Finola repeatedly getting out of bed at both naps and bedtime.  We know she has had some nightmares that are making her afraid of her darkened room.   But even when we leave a lamp on, door open, she still creeps downstairs, or into her brother's room.  We have begged, bribed, threatened, yelled, calmly stated the consequences, tried to love her through it, given her a million second chances, given her zero second chances, done the "silent retreat" method, and let her cry it out.  Nothing has been too successful.

Hubby can deal with this okay, but for me, it causes a lot of stress.  It is as though I never get a rest from mothering, but it continues until I am so exhausted I want to cry.  On normal days I am mentally pretty much done at 7pm, ready for Hubby to come home and help and so I can pour myself a glass of wine.  Now it seems I am not really done until 9pm, sometimes 10pm.

So you can see why having a third baby at this point is kinda frightening for me!!!  I can't imagine getting up with a baby multiple times per night on top of Fin's refusal to stay in bed.

Anyhow, besides the recent sleeping drama, Finola really, honestly, is a joy to have around.

She has a very big personality.  She doesn't take ANYTHING seriously (opposite of Cormac, my over-thinker/over-analyzer) but rather laughs at everything.  She is not afraid to make demands and push the envelope until she gets her way.   She loves to dance, loves to sing, plays pretty well independently, and is a complete button-pusher.  She knows exactly what to do to torment her big brother, teasing him mercilessly when she knows what makes him mad.  I think she does it out of sheer amusement, not to be mean, but we are working on being kinder.

She doesn't let anyone push her around...in fact, she may be a tad too aggressive.  While other kids might cry if someone takes their toy (ahem, Cormac) Finola will give that other kid the stiff arm, possibly knock them down, stare them straight in the eye and state, "That's mine!" We are working on that, too.

She is a good listener for the most part, seeming to want to do the right thing, even thought every part of her two-year-old brain urges her to just do what she wants and see what she can get away with.   She hates when Dada reprimands her and he can send her into tears with even semi-disappointed look and stern voice.

Even still, she is very much a mama's girl.  Nine times out of ten only mama's snuggles will do.

The potty training is going AWESOME, much to my relief.  We did things a bit differently with her, but she has taken to it well and rarely has accidents, even in public.  Like I said, she wants to do everything herself, just like her big brother, so I think that has helped a lot...having him as a model. SO happy to be diaper free...just wearing pull-ups during sleeping time!

Lots and lots of energy.  I guess I just make really loud + energetic kids.

she is "roaring" here.  she is very much a lioness!

Favorite foods are fruit and ice cream with sprinkles.  Hates chocolate.

She is a pretty good conversationalist.  Speaks very clearly for her age, makes good eye contact, and doesn't beat around the bush.

Well, that is Fin, six months away from being three.  Supposedly that is worse than two, although I don't think I remember that being the case with Cormac.  It is possibly I am choosing subconsciously to forget.

I looked back on the post I did for Cormac at 2.5, and cannot believe I already had baby Finola at that point.  So fun to compare and see how very different they were at this age...and yet some things are the same.

I love having a girl, particularly you, my little Nola.   I hope we are best friends when you are older. I hope you love Jesus with a fierce passion.  I hope you never lose your tenacity and loud, joyous laugh!  I hope you always ask me to scratch your back and say things like, "Mama, I make you happy!" Because you do.  You really do.

Now, get back in bed.  ;)

the tree - and traditions.

As a kid I distinctly remember trudging through knee-deep snow in the woods, following my dad with his saw, searching for our Christmas tree. 

There was no official "tree farm" but we were allowed to go through and pick out anyone we could find on the land of one of the church elders, free of charge.  We always found one, a big one -- tall, yet buxom with boughs of Balsam needles, the easiest for little hands to put decorations on.

The tree was put in the basement family room of our split-level home, which also housed a huge stone fireplace whose wide hearth was the stage for many a performance by one of the four kids in our family.

Lights on our Christmas tree were always blue, decorations hand-made by us or folks from our church.  Nothing super fancy; yet Christmas always felt magical at our house.  My mom always made sure Christmas was really beautiful for us.  In actuality, we were spoiled.  We always got the "big gift" we dreamed of each year, whether or not we could afford it.  And the smorgasbord of food on Christmas Eve, from which we filled up plate after plate to nibble on while opening gifts, was nothing short of amazing.  Mom was intent on making Christmas a holiday we would dream about all year.  She always made it happen.  Her efforts made the entire month so special.

I think it rubbed off on my sister and I, as we both have confessed to trying to do the same for our young families - create that magic.  Mom set the bar pretty high.  For example, I can't imagine not having a real tree, despite the lovely artificial ones that are out there.  It is tradition.  Others? We always open our gifts on Christmas Eve, after coming home from church and putting on our Christmas pjs.  I have special foods I make for that night.  Christmas Day is about relaxing and eating and maybe not leaving the house at all. Any family is welcome to come and visit us, and eat and be merry with us...but we will be in our pjs, most likely.

And there are a few new traditions...a birthday cake and singing for Jesus, Polar Express movie night, and cookie exchange parties with friends.   New and old, together.  Our Christmas.

This year, as we have every year since we got married, we went to a tree farm out in the country to chop down our tree.   A new place this year, but every bit as fun.

snuggling on a hay bale in the barn.

baby trees!

the wagon trail.

um, the kids were a bit cold.  forgot the mittens.

following dada, wearing his official, bright red, tree-chopping sweater he wears every year.

"wait for me!" 

even the trees look cold.

frozen spider webs.

collecting rocks for her pockets, per usual.

they look peaceful, though probably arguing.

winner?

this was the one.  WAY too big but we decided we could cut it down to size if necessary.

Yep, Hubby lugged that behemoth of a tree with his bare hands a quarter mile back to the barn.  By the time he got there he was in his t-shirt and no hat, sweating profusely.  Ah, memories.  :)

Meanwhile, I was with the kiddos getting warm with hot chocolate, homemade cookies and hot dogs.

It was a really nice morning; although, being from Minnesota a bit of snow would have been nice! You know, just in December...January 1st it can all melt... :)

+ + + + + + + + 

This season of Advent, roughly the month of December, is about preparing for the coming of a Savior for mankind.  Christmas Eve we celebrate that miracle birth of long ago.  A baby, yet a King.   However you celebrate, whatever traditions you and your family have,  keep that truth in your hearts!

thanksgiving at home

This year was my second consecutive year hosting Thanksgiving for our Kentucky family.  It went very well, and I just adore the commotion and love that fills up our home to the very brim for those precious few hours.

Growing up I never expected to host Thanksgiving (or probably any holiday for that matter.)  I never helped my mom cook anything (I never volunteered, and she will admit she was happiest being in control of what happened in the kitchen.)  I never dreamt about making the turkey, baking pies, or thinking up table decor.  I pretty much assumed I would always be a spectator and participant in the feast.

I remember my Aunt Phyllis hosting this event many times.  There were a LOT of cousins in our family so we got our own HUGE table, with the older cousins (the range was from toddler to adult) making sure the younger ones stayed in line.  We did a sit-down, family-style dinner, with everything being passed around.  The dishes were fancy, everything lovely.  I remember hoping I would not drop anything or spill on the white tablecloth.  It was all so beautiful!

With only four grandchildren (so far, with one in a high chair) our kiddo table is tiny and not-so-fancy.  I fully expected Finola to take everything off of this before the meal, and she did.

I remember exactly where the appetizer table was, because I was constantly grabbing cheese and crackers from it.  This is still my comfort food at holidays...so yes, my events will always have a cheese and cracker platter!

My mom would always bring her famous fruit salad...a recipe I keep meaning to have her talk me through it so I can write it down. (She cooks completely from memory, so getting her recipes takes some effort!) This year I tried to make her apple pie...and my husband's great grandmother's sweet potato casserole.  There is something really  idea of learning family recipes and passing them down through the generations!

I now like to sit and wonder about the time and effort my Aunt (and others!) went through to host these big family events.  She had four children, yet she always seemed so calm and collected. All the adults did.  But that was the way with my Dad's side.  They all worked together calmly, helping each other prepare the feast. That quintessential, dutiful Midwestern work ethic.  Things were quite formal...until after dinner and they started playing cards.  Then things got loud and fun! :D

I wonder what my kids will remember of our family events.  Thanksgiving at our home, then Christmas at each of the grandparents (all three sets this year!)   I love that we are in the midst of establishing traditions.  Different than what I grew up with...yet in many ways the same.  A delicate and joyful blending of both my Minnesota upbringing, and my husband's in Kentucky.

I wonder what dish Cormac and Finola will think of as "mine."  What will they someday ask me for the recipe of?  (I assure you, I will have it meticulously detailed on a recipe card.  We all have our ways.)

So, I never did imagine these things growing up - too busy exploring every corner of my relatives/ homes and stealing more cheese from the app table...but as I watch my tiny family grow, and our extended families get larger, I realize we are in the midst of it - creating memories and traditions for our children.

I am grateful to open our home and host.  It might not be perfect, heaven knows there is always some "Turkey Drama," but still, we are all be together, sharing in the imperfection.

layering the sweet potatoes for the casserole.  this is by far my favorite dish!  

ready to bake.

the "adult" table

Thank you, Lord, for family, friends, and all things beautiful in this life You give us.  And thank you for the not-so-beautiful, too...so we can appreciate the rest all the more.

Happy Thanksgiving!

stitch fix : thanksgiving fix!

My latest Stitch Fix arrived a couple weeks ago, and I've been slow in posting only because it seems like everyone in my house was sick for an entire week after I received it, and it was hard to find a time to take any photos.  Despite all that, I really enjoyed this Fix, and am super excited to wear all of my keeps!

Have you tried Stitch Fix yet?  If not, click HERE to get started.  Still on the fence?  Keep reading!  Don't want to take my word for it?  Check out the Stitch Fix Reviews page for other experiences.  I love reading the reviews, personally...and seeing what everyone else is getting in their Fix!

Without further ado, here is what I received this time around...

#1 Leandro Plaid Print Split Neck Top (by Honey Belle)

#2 Marson Wide Leg Denim Trouser (by Dear John)

So, if you can't tell from my photos, I am not a tall woman.  5'3 without heels.  Also, even at my most thin, my body shape is one that definitely veers towards curvy/muscular.  Which I am totally fine with. However, it makes certain trends harder to pull off.  Like high-waisted denim.  I think of super tall lanky supermodels in the 1970's rocking this trend...not me.  Out of the box I pretty much dismissed these flared trouser pants because I saw the high waist.  Then I put them on, and gave them a chance. I realized the high waist was sorta nice.  First, they are super comfy - and you never have to worry about your booty showing when you bend down (which mamas of toddlers do a lot of!) Second, a pair of high waisted flares can actually elongate your bottom half!  Plus, you also can wear a longer or untucked shirt and you don't even see the high waist!

I wore flares in high school (late 90's) - loved the trend then, and love it now.  So these were a KEEP! You can see I wear them in every photo of this post, because I wanted to pretty much live in them they were so comfy.

The bright teal plaid shirt was just what I was looking for.  It is actually a really soft and light weight material, so it feels dressy, not lumberjack.  The split-neck falls perfectly and is flattering.  My favorite part about it is the vibrant color, though.  In a sea of gray this really stands out in my wardrobe, and some days, especially blah winter days, you just want something bright!  Teal has always been one of my absolute favorite colors to wear, as it brings out the blue-ness of my eyes (which often look more gray and less blue.) I say if you find a color that looks flattering on you and makes you feel confident - roll with it!

#3 Tacoma Double Tassel Necklace (by Nakomol) 

I requested to my stylist a minimalist layered necklace, and while this is not my vision of minimalist (tassels!  sparkly things!) I was willing to give it a chance.  I certainly do not have any other necklace like it.  I had fun trying it on and twirling the tassels.  Finola loved playing with it and hiding it in our new built-in cabinet because it is "special."  Not exactly my style, but fun all the same.

I got this burgundy sweater in this Fix one year ago...and I still love it!

#4 McQue Solid Lace Sleeve Blouse (by 41Hawthorn)

I had requested a top with lace detail, and this pretty gray number is what I was sent.  I like it because it can be dressed up or down.   I have nothing else in my closet with lace, and the delicate sleeve detail is just enough without feeling too"lacey."  I really needed something like this for the holiday season - parties, going out, church events.  It is modest enough for Sunday mornings and the fun enough for Saturday nights.  The slate gray hue is one of my favorite neutral colors to wear, as it is flattering with my skin tone. (Is 'pasty pale' a skin tone?)  All in all I was happy with the top!  Might be a good choice for hosting Thanksgiving?

There are those high-waisted flares again - post-wash so they shrunk up a bit (in a good way!)

#5 Abbot Cowl Neck Elbow Patch Sweater (by Evolution by Cyrus)

I love, love, love this sweater.  My last fix I was sent a similar cream cowl neck that just didn't fall right on my frame, so I didn't keep it.  This one, a cozy, heavier knit, is exactly what I was looking for.  (It helps to give your stylist really specific feedback!)  The black faux leather elbow patch sends it over the edge. It pairs well with my go-to leather pants and pointy toe pumps for a dressy look, or pretty much ANY jeans for more casual.  I especially like with my skinny jeans and ankle boots.

So what did I keep? The jeans and sweater I LOVED so those were keepers for sure.  Since they happened to be the two most expensive items, and I really liked both the teal plaid shirt and gray lace sleeve top, it made the most sense to keep all the items.  Basically, with the 25% buy all five discount I ended up the two least expensive items for FREE.  The necklace I wouldn't have kept in a normal fix, but hey, for free I will make it work.  So...my first ever "keep all" fix! 

If are a busy mama who'd rather not hassle with the malls, love getting "surprise" clothes in the mail, or simply want to try a new trend but don't know where to start, you might want to try Stitch Fix!  Simply fill out an online style profile, schedule your Fix whenever you want it, write a note to your stylist as to what items you might want to see in your Fix, and see what she comes up with!  The cost is $20 for the styling fee, which will be applied to the cost of any item you choose to purchase. Anything you don't want just put back in the provided shipping envelope and put back in your mailbox for free/easy return!  You don't even have to leave your house.  Kinda awesome.  Unless you love crazy malls, cramped fitting rooms with weird lighting, and having to drive back to said store to return the item once you realize the item just isn't what you wanted after all.  With Stitch Fix you have three days to decide.  (Mine came early this time so I had an entire week!) Try on all the items with everything else you own.  Go nuts.

I do it for all the above reasons, and because it is just plain fun.   I get nothing from Stitch Fix for blogging about this fabulous service, but if you have been inspired to try it at all from this post, click on this link or any of the above links to use my referral code.  Anytime you refer someone you get a $25 Stitch Fix credit!  Yay!  So if you have a good experience and liked it, tell your friends.  I recently had a sweet friend who tried it with me as her referral, she loved and kept EVERY item in her first fix (what????!!!!) and then her neighbor signed up and she got a referral credit herself.  Love it.

Another tip : Schedule your Fix for a Monday!  Because what better way to brighten a Monday?

And with that...

 Happy Monday!

food love : pumpkin banana muffins

Sorry if you hate this word moist, but recently I made the most moist and delicious pumpkin banana muffins that I simply had to share the recipe!

These are made with apple sauce, no butter, and wheat flour...so they are reasonably healthy...as long as you don't slather butter all over them.  Oh, and they were enthusiastically approved by my two and four-year-olds!  (Believe me, when my picky son loves something, the recipe is worth sharing.)

Oh, and as with any banana bread recipe, they are better the next day!

What you'll need: 
1 1/2 ripe bananas
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup applesauce (I used natural, no sugar added)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 TB baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla or maple extract (maple gives it an interesting twist)
1 egg

To make : 
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Mash banana in large bowl.  Add pumpkin puree and sugar and mix together thoroughly.  Add the rest of the the ingredients and stir until just combined. Pour or spoon batter into a 12 muffin pan, either greased or lined with cupcake liners. Bake for twenty minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.    
(Recipe adapted from here.)

Makes 12 muffins.  Calories : 94  Fat : .5g Carbs: 21.1 Protein: 1.8g Sugars: 11.1g

Can you believe it is almost Thanksgiving?   I feel like I should already be in Christmas mode.  We are hosting the turkey feast again this year, and I am so excited (and slightly stressed, of course!) 

Best food day of the year!

What is your go-to dish to bring?  

Favorite to eat?

I'll confess, I'll always be a mashed potatoes and gravy kinda girl on Thanksgiving.

Hubby likes cheap-o store-bought pumpkin pie.

So as long as I go out and buy one of those, we are golden.

Have a fabulous weekend!

30 days of...trying to make it to group fitness.

Week two of my November challenge - 30 Days of Group Fitness - hit a major snafu.

You see, I had awesome intentions, I was feeling pumped to dive into another week, and then...

...life happened.

My son got sick Sunday night.  The icky, sad, pathetic kind of sick that makes your heart ache as a mama.  Thankfully it only lasted the night, and Monday morning he was feeling much better, but obviously we were in for the day.  No school, and definitely no trips to the gym.  I managed to do an online video workout during nap time - which was actually an awesome alternative!  (I did this sixty minute Ladder 10 workout on SkinnyMom.com!)

Tuesday I made it to an early morning Body Works + Abs conditioning class, Wednesday I did a mid-morning spin, and Thursday was another awesome Barre class.  (I am addicted to Barre, ya'll!)  I wrote about these classes in last week's post if you want my take on any of them.

Friday, though, whew.  I woke up completely sick.  Nauseous, body aching, exhausted.  Then my two-year-old, usually a boisterous whirlwind of blonde curls, yelled sadly from her bed, "I'm sick!"

So went our day.  Lots of "getting sick," to put it politely.   I don't think I moved from the couch except to do the absolutely necessary "mom duties" and to run to the bathroom.   Hubby was out of town on business and I have no family in town to help last-minute, so it was a rough one.  My son was super patient and seemed to have no problem spending the day watching movies and playing independently while the two sick ladies of the house struggled through.

Saturday we both felt much better, but I wasn't gonna push my luck and go to my scheduled Body Works class.  Sunday Finola was sick (again - this time with congestion and stuffy nose) and since I had planned this as my rest day anyway, I took it.

I think we all have those kind of weeks.  We have the best of intentions.  We tell ourselves we are going to work out every day, or maybe three times that week, and then - boom.  Life.  As a somewhat intense, type-A person this kind of thing bothers me more than it should.   That loss of control.   The changes in plans that happen unexpectedly.  I'm working on it -- being kinder to myself.

I am thinking of buying this etsy print and carrying it with me wherever I go.

Plus, I think God was telling me my body needed a break...because He knows I wouldn't have taken it unless forced!

This week I plan to take it a little easier.  Ideally I plan to try to do: boot camp, body works, spinning, barre, yoga, rowing, and a beginner Crossfit...but I'll be happy to make it to 4-5 of those, prioritizing the new ones.

Thank you to everyone for some awesome suggestions of new classes!!!!!  Keep them coming! Despite the difficulty this week, and re-charged and really enjoying seeing what my body can do, and what my mind actually enjoys doing!

Prayers for everyone's good health this week!

30 Days of Group Fitness : Week One Recap (aka I Can't Zumba)

Ow.  I am feeling sore.

And strong.

Last week I did seven classes in seven days, and feel AMAZING.

Sunday : Hot Yoga
What I expected : Yoga in a hot room.
What I got : Yoga in a hot room, but much, much sweatier than I expected.  I highly recommend bringing a large towel to put over your mat, along with another smaller towel for mopping off the sweat that will pour off your body. (Or maybe I am just especially sweaty?)  I loved the heat - the tropical humidity of it all.  The class was packed which was pretty cool.  Had a very spiritual vibe. And let me give a shout out to my friend Rebecca.  She came with me to four of my seven classes this week!!!!!!!  Group exercise is way more fun if you have a friend there.  Just sayin'.

Plus, then there is someone to take selfies with in the bathroom...

post- hot yoga.  sweaty hot mess.  but feeling SO good.

What you should bring: lots of water, a large towel to put down on your mat, a sweat towel, your own mat
Monday : Boot Camp
What I expected : A slow moving rotation with a partner through different strength exercises (basically like a different boot camp I had gone to at my gym.)
What I got : More like a real boot camp!  Another packed class.  The first thing we had to do was grab a weight and run around the track with it lifted over our head.  That was awkward!  I love to run, so I was one of the faster people, but I kept worrying I was going to drop the weight on my head (or trip.)  After about five laps we headed back to the room and the coach led us through non-stop moves with the free weights and without, including burpees and lots of hopping about.  It was hard, ya'll...but I really liked it and fully expect to attend this class regularly from now on!
What you should bring : water, good shoes for high impact

Tuesday : Zumba
What I expected : Good music and dance moves, which I would do awkwardly.
What I got : Well, truthfully I only stayed five minutes before I realized I would not be able to follow the instructor of this class.  She launched into a series of salsa moves that, well, left me standing there dumbfounded.  I laughed and tried to keep up but I am exceedingly uncoordinated and putting together all those moves made my brain hurt.   I have no natural rhythm.   Everyone else in the class seemed to be able to follow, even my friend Rebecca who had only done Zumba once before.  So I bailed after the first song, afraid of distracting the poor girls behind me with my giggling and lack of ability to keep up with the teacher.  Also, I knew I was not going to get the good cardio workout I needed (because I couldn't follow well enough) and I absolutely needed to break a sweat that day.  (Hard day with the kids!!!!) So I retreated to the treadmill upstairs and ran a hard-core Fartlek.  So the day was not a total loss, and I learned a very important thing about myself : Zumba is not for me.
What you should bring: all the coordination you can muster, no worries about looking dorky.

Wednesday : Spinning
What I expected : Well, this is the class I attend regularly, so I got an awesome ride with a fun instructor.  The class is always full, the teacher is talkative and engaging but not in a distracting way, and she plays awesome music.  Just what I need at 5:45am!  :)  However, every spin class and instructor is different.  You get a different "ride" and different music, so it is worth it (and fun!) to go to multiple per week.  Oh, and if you are a newbie your booty and other areas of your nether region may be really sore for about a week when you first take a class...but if you go on a regular basis this goes away.  Fun times!
What I got : (see above)
What you should bring : a full bottle of water, a sweat towel, and I usually wear a hat or headband.  There is a lot of sweating.

Thursday : Body Works Plus Abs
What I expected : An intense workout using free weights and the riser.  I had done this class once before with a different instructor, so I knew it would be challenging.
What I got : All of the above, but even harder.  I don't know if it was hard because I was already pretty sore from Monday's boot camp, or because the teacher talked non-stop about that evening's football game, which, combined with the music made my head ache....but the class was not super enjoyable.  I don't mind a teacher that talks, and she seemed really sweet, but I totally don't relate to "sports obsession" and she repeated the same comments about that night's professional football game over, and over, and over.  I found it kind of distracting and odd.  Also, there were many of the moves that we did for so long that I had to keep stopping.  Maybe a long week?  Maybe I am weak?  It was rough, ya'll.  If you do this class, expect lots of repetition of moves, working every body part.

Friday : Yoga
What I expected : A calming, non-intense yoga class full of lovely older women.  You see, I go to this class every week, and I am usually the youngest one there.  The women that attend have been doing so for years, and are all very sweet and love their yoga.  They are totally what I want to be in my retirement : fit, and filling their time with healthy things.  Anyway, I like this yoga class because I don't really break a sweat, so I can wear cute "yoga garb" that also is worn to Target afterward.  Plus, it is really nice to be able to find balance right before the weekend.
What I got : All of the above.  And more 'fire breathing.'
What to bring : If you really want to do yoga on the regular, I would get your own mat.  There are also lots of fun "extras" to get, if you have the money to invest.  Also, please don't think you have to be really "zen, hippie, crunchy" to love yoga.  I am none of those things.  I am the opposite of those things.  Therefore, I think I might benefit from regular yoga practice more than most!
Saturday : Barre workout
What I expected : A super hard pilates/yoga mix done at the barre (as in, the ballet barre.)
What I got : Pretty much that, but not quite as intense as I expected.  Any beginner could do this class, as there are lots of variations of each move that the instructor talks you through. It was fun, packed, and a great workout!
What to bring : This place provided all the goodies!  So just bring water.  I didn't get super sweaty, but expect to be sore afterward!

It was a pretty intense week!   But this challenge really has me working different muscle groups and pushing myself...and I am seeing great results!

This week's lineup...who's joining me? (I am doubling up a couple days since Sundays I have too much going on to go to any classes. Declaring that my day of rest!)

Monday : Spinning
Tuesday : Body Works Plus Abs
Wednesday : Spinning + Kickbox Cardio
Thursday : Barre
Friday : Yoga
Saturday : Body Works Plus Abs + Rowing

I am also thinking of a beginner Crossfit class!?  Open to suggestions about others!  

What classes do you love?