Match Day

Photography: Ella B Photo
Sweater: Free People (40% off!) / Jeans: AG / Boots: Frye (old similar here and here) / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff / Necklaces: Shane Co c/o + Baublebar c/o / Lips: Pucker & Pout - Caramel Apple

Hey blogging fam. I have to apologize for no post yesterday, but Monday was so emotionally draining that I couldn't think about anything besides planning for the future. 

Yesterday was THE day we have been waiting for, and found out where we are moving to in June. Todd got matched to the oral surgery residency program in Danville Pennsylvania, and we will be in Pennsylvania for 4 years. I always thought match day was going to filled with joy where Todd and I would go celebrate over an over priced meal, and have a sense of relief that our future is set. Match day in reality turned into an emotionally draining day on my end because there's no Pure Barre close to the city. I've been teaching almost 6 years, and it has become such a huge part of my life. The thought of not teaching scares me. Pure Barre has become one of the best things for me during our whole moving process because I get to do what I love, be able to meet other women with similar interests, make friends within the community, and gave me a purpose. 

I'll be the first to admit that I took on the selfish mind set all day, and kept thinking of scenarios on how I can benefit from moving to a rural city. Being a dr wife has become one of the biggest challenges in my life because you sacrifice so much for so long. 

After waking up this morning my mind felt clear, and ready to let go of any resentment that was built up yesterday. One of the biggest things I've learned throughout Todd's schooling and moving is that I have the choice to be happy. I choose to have a positive outlook on our current situation, I choose to be content being poor, I choose to have a good day, I choose to be happy with moving to Pennsylvania. 

I'm so proud of Todd and all of his hard work he has put in to get into a Oral Surgery residency. This move is essential for our family, and it's going to be the last step in this crazy adventure. 

Tis the Season For Color

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Pink X Pink

Photography: Ella B Photo
Top: Shein (only $11 and comes in 6 colors!) c/o / Skirt: Chicwish (only $37!) c/o / Sunnies: Quay / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (similar here and here) / Shoes: WHBM c/o (sold out similar here and here) / Lips: Pucker & Pout - Dark Pink

Here in Dallas we've been hitting pockets of warmth throughout the week, which gets me giddy for spring!!!! While I love all the layering that comes with winter fashion my heart sings for spring color!!!! I feel like I fell in a fashion funk this winter, and I think the reason why was there was no color on trend this season. I have such a big personality, and my colorful wardrobe matches who I am. #givemeallthecolor

This week I got in this skirt and top, and knew they would be so cute together. I had every intention of getting a spray this week to rock this skirt, but hey, life gets in the way #ghostlegs. What I love about these new pieces is that they are perfect to transition out of winter into spring. 

Can we please talk about the quality of this skirt?? The fabric is beautifully woven, and easily looks like it's over $80 when its actually $37!!!!!!!

Petite Review for Shein bell cuff rib knit, and Chicwish tweed flap skirt: I'm OBSESSED with this top, and now want it in every color. I got it in an xs, and it fits me perfectly. This means you definitely want to SIZE UP!!! The material is thinner, which is perfect for going into spring. I got this Chicwish skirt in an xs, and it was too big for my waist without alterations. I would say that the skirt would be true to size for someone who has a regular build. 

Workout Wednesday: My Current Workout Routine

Top: Lululemon / Pants: Pure Barre / Shoes: Nike / Lipa: Pucker & Pout - 1x Godess 1x Bella 1x Godess

Last week I asked my Instagram followers what they wanted for this weeks post. The options were either me naming my top 5 studios for Class Pass in Dallas or my current workout routine. The verdict was in, and you guys voted that I talk about my current workout routine. 

I'm actually really happy to talk about this today because my workout routine has changed this month since I have stopped doing Kayla (click here to read post). Here's my weekly workout routine that I've been sticking with for the past month that is a combination of cardio, strength training, and yoga for muscle recovery. 

Monday

If you follow my Insta stories daily then you probably figured out that I've become obsessed with Soul Cycle, and kick off my week with a 45 minute cardio session. I love SC not only for the workout itself, but for what it offers me mentally. Since I've been doing SC regularly I get asked if my thighs have gotten bigger from spin? I know that spin making women's thighs "bigger" is a common "claim," but honestly I haven't seen a change in my thigh shape. I have definitely noticed that I have been leaning out a ton in my upper body since doing spin. My upper body is the first thing to lose weight most noticeably in my breasts. 

After I get my teaching and blog work done for the day I'll head downstairs to my apartments gym. I'll do gym time for about an hour or more that is a mixture of cardio and weights. Recently I've had to step back from running, and will hop on the elliptical for 20-30 minutes with little resistance. I do this to get my muscles warm. After cardio I'll do an ab workout for 20 minutes followed by arms for 20. Once my strength training is done I'll stretch for about 10 minutes.

Tuesday

On Tuesday mornings you can find me again at SC for another sweat sesh to start off my day. Since my cardio is done for the day I head to the Summit climbing gym where I go do some bouldering. Before I got married I was a die hard climber, and once I got married we were too poor to buy me a membership to train. Fast forward 7 years later, and I am finally in the position where I can afford to train. My training will last from 60-90 minutes, and follow up my training by doing 20 minutes of core work. Climbing is not only about upper body strength, but requires a lot of strength in the core to keep your body stable. 

If I get climbing done by the afternoon I'll go hit up Pure Barre for a 1:00 pm class.

Wednesday

I normally teach early in the am on Wednesday mornings, and will hit SC for their 8:30 am class or try to attend in the evening with a friend. Can you see a trend that I love cardio ;) ?

Once the afternoon hits I'll either go climbing or try out a new studio with Class Pass. When I use my Class Pass I normally go to studios that are pilates or cardio based depending on my mood that day. 

Thursday

Thursdays are my day off teaching which means a full day of fitness!!! Since I am a creature of habit I kick the morning off with another SC sesh (surprise surprise). By the time Thursday roles around my body is feeling a little tight, and use my Class Pass to go take a yoga class at Uptown Yoga. I've never been a die hard yogi, and go through phases where I do yoga consistently. One of my goals for the new year was to attend a yoga class at least once a week. I'm hoping that with doing yoga consistently every week can help loosen up my left hamstring. 

After yoga I'll head back home to do the same gym work that I do on Monday. 

Friday

Fridays are usually busy with teaching, and skip doing SC on this day. Once teaching is done for the day I head over to Summits for 60-90 minutes of training. After I go climbing I head home, and do elliptical cardio for 45 minutes. 

Saturday

Once Saturday hits I keep the workout light by doing my gym time at my apartment complex. 

Sunday

Rest day.

I know it might seem like I do a lot, but it's what I love. Fitness is so fun for me, and I love to pack my day with the things that bring happiness to my life while doing something good for my body. What's your favorite way to workout?

Pinafore Dress

Jumper: Topshop (petite version here) / Top: Halogen / Tights: Target / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: J.Crew (old similar here) / Hat: Free People / Boots: Hm (old similar here) / Bag: Target / Lips: Pucker & Pout - 1x goddess 1x Bella 1x goddess 

For the past month I have been loving on the pinafore dress trend. 

So chic... so put together... and so on trend!

I've been scouring all over the internet to find one that I know would fit my body, and work with my petite proportions. While doing a collage for a Thursday post I came across this pinafore dress on TopShop, and it even came in petite. SOLD! What I loved about this dress that you could dress is up with heels, or dress is down with flats and a motto jacket. I'm all about versatility when it comes to adding pieces in my wardrobe. 

When I finally got it in I wore it the next night for a girls date with my SoulCycle girl Anne Elizabeth.  I paired it with this light weight turtleneck, and tights to keep me warm that night. I of course had to add the hat to give the outfit a bit of an urban vibe ;)

Would you rock a pinafore dress?

Petite review for TopShop heritage checked pinafore dress: I ordered this dress in a petite 0, and it fit perfectly in the straps! Normally I get the waist taken in for dresses, but this fit narrow enough that no alterations were needed. It does run a tad short, and thats why I've paired it with tights. 

Finding Gratitude and Self Love

Photography: Ella B Photo
Blouse: WHBM (ON SALE!) c/o / Jacket: Zara (ON SALE FOR $30!) / Jeans: AG / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff / Rings: Free People / Boots: Gianni Bini (ON SALE and comes in three colors) / Lips: Pucker & Pout - First Love

All week I've been going crazy with taking SoulCycle, and riding in class has become exercise therapy to me. Pedaling my legs to the beat of the music mixed with inspirational talks has me coming back everyday for more. This week my favorite instructor Hayes talked about gratitude, and finding something you grateful for. We think about so much about what we don't have in our life that we forget about the amazing things that we currently have. 

This really struck home for me because I find myself comparing my life to others whether it be financially, my body, progression with my businesses, my photography, my marriage, and where I am in this stage of life. 2018 is going to be a big year for me, and made it my mission to do some soul searching to better me as a person. My first step in my self help mission is to write down everyday on my calendar a) what I am grateful for, and b) a characteristic I love about myself. 

Today I am grateful for my body. Through physical activity in my everyday life I allow myself to block out time dedicated to only me, and not focus on the everyday stresses of life. My body has become the vessel that allows me to not only work on being physically stronger, but mentally as well. 

Today what I love about myself is my ability to go above and beyond for those who I love. I consider myself to be a caring person, and will be there for a friend no matter what. My big heart has allowed me to build so many strong friendships, and let so many people into my life.

I challenge you to write down these two things everyday, and try it out for a month to see how it improves your perspective on life. What are you most grateful for today, and what do you love about yourself?

Tap It Back In Style - Favorite Spin Wear

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Workout Wednesday: Brand Feature Splits 59

Photography: Ella B Photo
Sweater: Splits 59 c/o / Leggings: Splits 59 c/o / Shoes: Nike / Hat: Nordstrom (similar here and here) / Bag: Pure Barre / Lips: Pucker & Pout - 1x First Love 1x Cappuccino 1x Bombshell

If you have been following me on my Insta stories then you have noticed that I have been traveling all over Dallas to try out different workouts. I'm usually a create of habit with my workouts, but for some reason I have been enjoying mixing things up. I'm thinking about doing my top 5 studios in Dallas that are on Class Pass as a "Workout Wednesday" post. Thoughts?

With trying out so many different studios this has been my daily uniform. I've never been one to buy crops, and I am all about the full length leggings. I go for the full length to not only keep me warm, but to also make me looks taller (yes it makes us short gals look longer #shortieproblems).  Since Splits 59 is one of my favorite activewear brands I was thrilled when they sent me these beautiful merlot leggings. If you have never tried Splits 59 then girl you are missing out because I'm obsessed. Did I mention that these have a high waist.....

When high waisted leggings became the dominate waist style in the activewear industry I hated it at first. My initial distaste for the high waist came from my waist looking too bunchy when I wore a normal tank over it, or tried to do a front tuck with a muscle tee. The more I wore high waisted leggings the more I fell in love with them. Whenever I go take class at Soul Cycle you can't catch me without my high waisted leggings while dancing on the bike. 

Another piece that you'll see me constantly in is the pull over sweater. Since it's been so cold in Dallas I've been working out and teaching in the pullovers to give me that extra sweat and calorie burn. I honestly wish this pullover from Splits came in more colors because I would buy them all! It's the perfect length for a high waisted leggings, and is so soft against your skin. 

Keeping Busy With Girl Dates

Photography: Ella B Photo
Top: Caslon / Sweater: Gifted (similar here, here, here, and here) / Jeans: AG / Bag: Vici (similar here) / Boots: Frye (old similar here) / Hat: old (similar here and here) / Rings: Free People / Choker: Baublebar c/o / Lips: Pucker & Pout - Caramel Apple

Happy Martin Luther King day everyone!!! Hopefully you all have the day off work, and can be enjoying a three day weekend. Unfortunately I'm going to be working all day, and Todd is pulling another 36 hour shift. 

January is going to be a rough month for the hubs since the Oral and Maxillofacial department is going to be understaffed this month. This means that he is going to have to do three 36 hour on call shifts a week on top of his normal work. With us being 6 months into his program I've learned that I need to keep myself busy on the days when he's gone.  Recently I've been getting really into trying different workout studios on the days he's gone, and inviting other Pure Barre girls to attend to make it a "girl date." 

When Todd was on call over the weekend I went out to dinner with a friend on Saturday, and then we did another girl date on Sunday where we did back to back sessions of Pure Barre then Soul Cycle. 

Grey x Grey

Photography: Ella B Photo
Dress: HM / Jacket: BLANKNYC (also here) / Bag: WHBM (similar here and here) c/o / Hosiery: Commando / Boots: Marc Fisher / Lips: Pucker & Pout: 1x First Love 1x Cappuccino 1x Bombshell

The weather in Dallas has been so crazy lately. One week its 18 degrees, and then the next week it hits upper 60s. On the weeks where it has been freezing I've been living in sweater dresses. Sweater dresses are a) so warm, b) flattering, and c) so easy to throw on and go. My dad got me this dress from HM for Christmas, and it's so cute to wear around town. To give the dress a little more edge I paired it with this suede motto jacket that was another Christmas from my dad. 

I want to add some more sweater dresses to the wardrobe. If you have bought one recently that you love drop the link in the comments :)

V Day Date Night Ready

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