Our Weekend...

About 3 months ago, I collected two garbage bags worth of clothes out of my closet and gave them to a co-worker so she and her sisters could take what they liked, and since one of her sisters had recently started her teaching career, it was great timing. But even after that, my closet still had some items that don't get the love they deserve and so I really forced myself to evaluate what I wear and don't wear. I decided to go through my closet again this weekend and I will be hosting a blog sale.

some of the items for sale...

I had planned to post the blog sale tonight, but it's not ready. I had to dig through my archives to find photos of myself wearing all of the items and I'm still working out all of the details. It will be up this week and I will announce it in advance on Instagram. It will be first come, first served, as always, because that's the most fair way of doing it.

Our Saturday started like it always does...

Then, I got my hair cut (thank God). My color doesn't look this blonde in real life, but believe me when I tell you the blonde is not good and really brassy (even my hair stylist commented on it, as she hadn't seen me since this happened).  I wanted to give my hair a break for a couple of months, so since that time has passed, I'm going back to my colorist for a second round of correction to try to get it back to the more natural and blended look I had before. I'm even okay with just going a little bit darker, especially on the ends, because this is just too solid and not what I wanted. The cut, I love though. My hair gets really heavy even 6-8 weeks after a haircut/trim so I'm trying not to go more than 8 weeks between trims, which is a vast improvement from the days I wouldn't cut my hair for 4 months. Ha.

Also, while I'm on the topic, you know how I always say "bring a picture to show EXACTLY what you want?" Well, when I originally went to get a little more blonde added to my existing blended ombre (what it was before this), this is the picture I showed the colorist (not my regular colorist, someone else):

So I guess it doesn't always work, does it? I just wanted a few lighter pieces around the front and sides�but I ended up getting my entire head re-ombred with a too-light blonde. Oh well. 

Saturday night, Megan stopped by for what is starting to become a weekly habit of tea and girl talk late into the night, wearing yoga pants, of course. Or, what I like to call "my weekend uniform," because after a week of skirts and dresses, I want nothing more than to wear yoga pants with reckless abandon.

On Sunday I started my day with my first Bar Method class (and workout) in over two years. Even though it had been awhile, I did NOT forget those burning, shaking muscles. A month ago I bought a promotion through Gilt City for 2 months of unlimited classes at Bar Method Houston. Some of my longtime readers might remember that I used to train with Rachel, the studio owner, back when she was teaching from her home before opening the studio. I'm so happy to see how her business has grown and how absolutely beautiful the studio is.

I haven't been motivated at all lately, but taking this class definitely put me in a place mentally where I remembered what it felt like to work my muscles, and I remembered how much I love that feeling. It's more than just physical- working out has always helped me to clear my mind and de-stress. I'd like to take class 2-3 times per week and do some mat work and YouTube videos at home in between.

After class, we all ate lunch and headed to the Children's Museum.

Then, we went to Trader Joe's to pick up some groceries. We don't shop there a lot (we mostly shop at Kroger or H-E-B) but I like a lot of their specialty items and it's fun to switch it up. 

When we got home, I decided that it was the perfect time to clean out our pantry and fridge. I always end up finding an item or two�(okay, or seven) that expired between one and three years ago. 

Harper was such a happy girl this weekend which was a welcome switch from the previous week's seemingly never ending tantrums and middle of the night wake-ups. We're pretty sure she was teething because she was chewing her hands a lot and overall not herself. 

This weekend we got lots of laughs and smiles�and lots of dancing (we are terrible parents and played "teach me how to dougie" for her and she did such a funny dance that I nearly choked on my own tears I was laughing/crying so hard! she was seriously inspired by that song y'all). Rachel and Ross played "baby got back" for Emma, so it's all okay, right? ;)

Hope your weekend was as great as ours!

Bar Method Houston---Holiday Giveaway & Interview with Studio Owner!

This post has been such a long time coming and I am thrilled to share it with you today. If you're been following my blog for awhile, you'll know that I was one of the first students in Houston to participate in Bar Method classes---back when the studio owner, Rachel, was hosting weekly classes in her home to prepare for the studio opening.

I felt so privileged to have been part of that first group and Rachel is even lending me the Bar Method DVD so I can learn all of the modifications I will need for pregnancy and be able to return to class soon, now that my OBGYN has cleared it.

I asked Rachel about what inspired her to open her own Bar Method studio---and she's also generously offering a special promo to my readers---read below for more details---and if you're in Houston, maybe I'll even see you in class!

Rachel Good - the Bar Method Houston Studio Owner 

When did you first learn about The Bar Method/take your first class?

I was living in LA at the time and went to Chicago for work in 2008.  I stayed with a friend who insisted that I try this bar workout with her while I was in town.  She and I worked out together a lot when i lived in Chicago, so I didn't even hesitate to say yes.  She explained that she wasn't going to tell me anything about the class except it was challenging and there was a ballet bar in room.   I remember that first class being the most challenging thing I had done in my life....and I couldn't quit giggling at myself and how bad my legs were shaking. No matter how many times I said to myself to stop shaking, I couldn't!!  Once I got back to LA I discovered there was a bar method 3 miles from my front door.  I tried the 30 day new client special, and I was addicted from that point forward.

What inspired you to want to open your own studio?
I took class literally up until my last day in California.  As I was leaving, I asked one of the teachers if they knew of any studios in TX.  She was excited to report one opening in Dallas.  When i told her I was moving to Houston, she casually suggested that I open a studio there. When I returned home to Houston, I was staying in shape by running and doing the Bar Method dvd's.  And though the dvd's are challenging, it's nothing like being in a classroom. After being back for two months I quickly realized that Houston was ready for the Bar Method and I was going to give it to them!!

Tell us about the certification process.
The certification process to become an instructor is just that, A PROCESS!!  First you attend a training that consists of 6-7 hours of classroom time a day for seven days and that's either in San Francisco or any studio in other cities that is hosting a training.  The classes include learning from an extremely large manual that teaches you the setups, hands on training and anatomy lessons.  Once you return to your home studio, you immediately start to apply what you learned by teaching community classes. You are then evaluated by headquarters and must teach an entire class and pass within 6 months of your 7 day training.  You have to be motivated and dedicated as the process is all about how hard you are willing to work.

What was it like running a mini studio from your home?
The studio in my living room seems like such a long time ago!!  I was teaching classes in my house for over a year.  And everyday I had to move my furniture from my living room to the kitchen...so exhausting!  But, it was fun to have these small classes and really get to know a handful of individuals who came to class week in and week out.  My teachers and I gained a great deal of knowledge and the flexibility to practice when we wanted was also nice. To say I miss those days would be silly, but we made some life long friends/students and it was a necessary step to get me where I am today.

What was the most exciting part of designing your Bar Method studio?
The most exciting part of designing the studio was picking out my colors and figuring out a way to bring my personality into it, while maintaining the feel of every Bar Method studio you would walk into across the country.  I love the clean look of modern, but I also adore the idea of repurposing something old and making it new again.  I think you can see how I brought the old vs new together right when you walk into my reception area. The Tiffany blue and gray color scheme is modern, fresh and relaxing. There are lots of modern accessories surrounding my reclaimed wood front desk and chic distressed retail piece.  My studio turned out better than I imagined....which is fantastic considering how much time I spend there.

Why is the Bar Method such an effective workout?/What changes have you seen in your own body?
The Bar Method is a one-hour total body workout comprised of muscle strengthening and stretching techniques partially performed at the ballet barre, strategically choreographed and executed to music. The system is designed to create a uniquely lean, firm, sculpted body by combining the muscle-shaping principles of isometrics, the body-elongating practice of ballet dance conditioning, the science  of physical therapy, and the intense pace of interval training.  From my own personal experience, the biggest change I have seen is an increase in muscle tone, I have great posture without even thinking about it AND I have carved abs....which I never thought I would have in my thirties.

What do you love most about teaching?
What I love most about teaching is getting to know the students, pushing them through some incredibly hard exercises and helping them celebrate their achievements.

Can you do Bar Method during pregnancy? 
Yes you absolutely can do Bar Method during pregnancy!! The Bar Method worked with a team of OBGYN's  to develop pregnancy guidelines and modifications. We believe it is important to remember that in a normal,  healthy pregnant women, exercise is the best way to achieve a successful pregnancy and avoid the blues in the postpartum period. Pregnancy is not a sickness and we should empower women to feel strong and in charge of their bodies during pregnancy.

What is the most rewarding part of achieving your goal of opening your studio?
On a personal level, the feeling of accomplishment after months of hard work is something I can't even put into words.  Most rewarding of all though is becoming a part of the Houston community and working to change peoples lives.  Aside from great classes from some amazing teachers, in the very near future, I want to offer students goal coaching and nutrition seminars in hopes of giving them a total life enhancing experience. 

SPECIAL PROMOTION FOR VERONIKA'S BLUSHING READERS!!!
The early bird special is running right now (until Dec 31st) which is 40 days for 100$.  All Veronika's Blushing readers will get 10% off of this special! What better gift is there to yourself this holiday season than to get 40 days of fitness and one of the best workouts I've ever done.  It's also the perfect way to start the new year---ladies, when I was doing Bar Method classes my body was toned and tight and strong---you will not regret it!

The code is:  VSBLUSHING12  visit http://houston-montrose.barmethod.com to buy your package!

You can also purchase a special after the the new year---the new client special is generally 30 days for 100$.

Rachel is also generously giving away one week of unlimited classes---a $110 value to ONE of my lucky readers. Please only enter if you are in Houston and can attend classes in the studio located at: 503 Westheimer Rd, Houston TX 77006.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you for entering and if you decide to start taking classes---please let me know how much you love them (because, you will) on my blog or Facebook page!  You can visit the Bar Method Houston at: http://houston-montrose.barmethod.com

FTC: I am not being compensated for this post. I took Bar Method classes with Rachel and they are phenomenal so I am sharing my experience.