Weekending {8/3}

It is Monday. And I am not at work. I am off for two whole weeks before the wedding. *hallelujah*

So excited to finally link up with Biana and Meghan to share my weekend! Its been a bit since I regularly participated, so I am happy to be back.

Friday was my last full day of work. I was crazy/busy the last two weeks. I spent one week working from Chicago, and another weekend sitting in my office. But I got everything off my desk and done!

The bluebook = lawyer's rulebook

I left work early after saying good-byes and headed to the nail salon for some mani-pedi time. AR was working late, so I knew I have a couple hours. FYI, there is no line at the salon at 5pm on a Friday.

Saturday we woke up for an 8 mile run. I've had some rough runs lately... with wedding planning stress, Atlanta heat and humidity, and less cardio during the week (I've become a strength training queen), my runs have been tough. But the weather was beautiful and we enjoyed 8 sweaty miles together.

I showered quickly and went to what I thought was my last fitting. My sweet bridesmaid and bestie went with me to learn to bustle the gown and hold my hand. Seriously, so lucky to have this lady with me through this process. Sadly, this was not my last dress fitting. I had lost a bit of weight, so I needed the waist taken in some more and I wanted to make a change to the top. Thankfully, my alterations lady is incredible and so accommodating. If you are planning a wedding near Atlanta, let me give you her information!

That afternoon, we did AR's final tux fitting (he looks sooooo good. But I might be bias ;)). Then we headed off to Cirque du Soleil! We had tickets to their new production, Varekai. To be honest, I am not so sure AR loved it. The talent was incredible but he felt he needed more of a story line. We followed the show with dinner at Gypsy Kitchen and coffees at Corso in the streets of Buckhead.

Sunday was church, brunch, and lots of errands. AR's groomsmen gifts are complete and mine are just waiting on a few things to arrive in the mail!

Are you a post-dinner dessert or coffee person?

Have you been to Cirque du Soleil? Thoughts? 

x0x0, 

Hannah

Workouts: Barre Love

I've been obsessed with ClassPass every since I joined. I've taken 9 classes in 2 and a half weeks, which is amazing.

I've taken a variety of classes, but a lot of barre. Are you a fan?

Barre classes use a ballet barre and focus on core strengthening moves. I like that the moves are small and controlled, rather than super complicated. The moves include yoga, pilates, and dance. Often, weights are incorporated for a full body workout. 

Here are the classes I've tried:

Pure Barre (inman park location): Pure barre is done on a carpet, which was different to me. I am used to a wooden floor. I felt the choreography was a little confusing, but my instructor, Roxanne, was great about correcting people. I did not feel as sore from this workout, but it could be because I didn't understand the choreography.

Pink Barre (buckhead location): This class BURNED my outer thighs and butt. It was amazing. This was a small class and everyone was so friendly. I really appreciated how welcoming the class was and how small. The instructor cam ever to help me a few times and was so encouraging. This was done on a wood floor and required sticky socks.

Forme Barre Fusion (virginia highlands): This class is barre without the barre. Seriously, there is no barre. As a result, my core got an incredible workout because I had to do so much balancing. Some times this was tricky for me, but I loved how sore my sides were the next day - a sure sign that my muscles were working. I've done this class twice now and will absolutely be back.

Core Fusion Barre (exhale): Oh my gosh. This was the most challenging barre class I took. The class was backed (over 30 people) and we worked for 60 minutes. Each part of the workout was killer for me, but I loved it. I have already signed up to go again next week.

Barre 3 (south buckhead): I did not take this on class pass. This was my first barre experience several months ago and I have been maybe 5 times. I liked the workout, but sometimes the studio was a little crammed.

If you are considering your first barre class:

• Tell the instructor that you are new, so that she can assist you in getting into the poses. 
• Wear leggings and a loose shirt. You want to be able to move freely, but you also don't want to flash the class when you put your legs in the air. Leggings are a safe bet
• Consider sticky socks - many studios require them! I've been wearing my sticky socks that Kushy Foot sent me and I love them. Several women have asked where I received them. They are very inexpensive and have held up well through my many classes. I absolutely recommend them!
• Prepare to be sore! The moves may seem small, but the impact is significant. 
• Have fun! Unlike a zumba class, or other dance class, the moves are not choreographed to go with music. So find your rhythm and don't worry if it takes you a while to catch on. No one can tell :)

Do you do barre? What is your studio of choice? 

x0x0, 

Hannah

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