a houston family photo

saturday night, we had one last get together before we started packing.

the last few years have brought us such sweet friends and fun memories,

and we wanted to have everyone over one last time.

of course we had to take a family photo.

#teammomforthewin

when i first came to houston, i remember wondering how i would ever have the type friendships i had in college.  the Lord provided friends so much sweeter than i could have ever imagined.

i'm so blessed to call these people forever friends.

and i can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us in our new city. 

training update: weeks 5 and 6

i finally feel like i'm reaching the point of "not dying" at the end of my runs.  looking  back, it's crazy to think that my regular daily runs are longer than my first week's long run! progress is definitely a fun achievement!

during one of my runs last week, i got caught in the middle of a mini-rainstorm.

at first, i felt a little bummed, and a lot stressed that my iphone was going to be ruined,

but then i realized that there was nothing i could do about it, except enjoy the refreshing surprise!

so i just kept running till reached my goal and made it home.
what a blessing from the Lord. it was just the cool down i needed.

slowly but surely we are getting there!

i'm a bit nervous about next week's 5 miler, but fingers crossed! :)

#justkeeprunning

training update: week 4

one more week of training in the books!

even though the miles are not exactly a breeze, i can feel myself getting stronger. 

here is what this week looked like:

the training schedule calls for strength training on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. since i'm not exactly good at self-motivation, i've loved attending classes, especially body pump.

body pump is a fantastic strength training class that is offered at my local YMCA. i really love this class because i'm able to get my strength training in without the boredom of circuit training on machines.

also, being surrounded by people who are working hard definitely serves as a great motivator. it's harder to work away when you have a room full of hardworking people holding you accountable.

i would definitely recommend checking out a body pump class. 

how do you stay motivated during a work out?

are you a self-motivator or do you prefer group classes?

training update: week 3!

this week, our training schedule was pretty similar to last week,

we just moved a few things around for the holiday.

the miles are getting easier!

i just can't wait for this heat and humidity to settle down so we can do more of our runs outside.

last weekend, bub-hub and i took a trip to luke's locker and invested in some new gear!

i ended up with a pair of ghosts by brooks.

so comfy.

i can definitely feel the difference already. 

one week closer! but we still have a long way to go.

fruit pizza for the fourth of july!

happy fourth of july everyone!

i hope you have plenty of sunshine and relaxation on your schedule!

recently, i've been loving fruit pizza! 

just in case you're looking for a last minute sweet treat, 

i highly recommend this yummy one!

deep dish fruit pizza

[adapted from the pioneer woman]

what you need:

one roll of pre-made sugar cookie dough

handfull of strawberries

handfull of blueberries

half a nectarine

8 oz of cream cheese

1 jar of marshmallow cream

what to do:

place the sugar cookie dough into the base of your pan. you can use a pie pan like i did, 

or you can roll it out flat, or just make cookies like normal!

bake the dough according to the package directions, or, until it's golden brown. 

set aside and let it cool down completely.

while the cookie is cooling, cut up your fruit!

in a mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese and marshmallow cream.

be careful not to overmix!

spread the cream cheese mixture over the cookie, and then top with the fruit!

see? easy!

what are you making this fourth of july?

beep beep!

i am excited to introduce my new toy!

last weekend, bub-hub and i traded in my SUV for a fiat! :)

it's tiny and cute and it makes me feel like i'm racing around in mario kart.

i absolutely loved my suv, but this car was just too fun to pass up.

new cars are so fun. i am one lucky girl!

and in case anyone was worried, raider loves his new ride. :)

am i the only one who picks out cars based solely on their appearance?

training update: week 2

we have officially survived our second week:instead of a plain jane long run on saturday,

we participated in the electric run!

guys, houston is hot.

it was 9 at night, completely dark and 107degrees.

i was sweating buckets.

#notevenabitcute

but it was so fun! and all the hot, sweaty running was worth it because at the end, 

there fully air conditioned dance party!

how was your weekend?

any fun 5k races to recommend??

wilderness weekend

hello monday, here so soon??

this was such a great weekend. 

so much fun, adventure, and relaxing.

and just like that, it's monday again.

friday afternoon, bub-hub and i played hooky and snuck away from responsibility to go see monsters u! we might have been the only ones in the theater over the age of 8 without kids. #noshame

too cute to handle. 

saturday morning, we headed out to woodlands lake for some kayaking.

bub-hub and i are adventurous and we love sunshine! but we not outdoors-men by any means.

this little 1 1/2 hour trip down the waterway was the perfect amount of exploration for us.

about 15 minutes in i was already looking forward to lunch and a margarita. 

#mexicanfoodmotivation

how was your weekend?

any fun adventures to share?

training update: week 1

bub-hub and i have signed up to run first half marathon together.

#seemedlikeagoodideaatthetime

the race is in october, but considering neither of us are regular runners, we decided to start training now.

our first full week of training looked like this:

i'm not sure if we picked the best time of year to start this endeavor.

with temperatures climbing higher and higher every day,

and humidity averaging 60%,

we might die before we hit the end of week two.

#powerofpositivethinking

but we're pretty competitive people.

i definitely won't be the first one to quit.

back to reality

today, i am officially reentering the real world.

am i the only one who feels a down the first few days after vaca?

the last ten days have been full of fun, laughter, and celebration.

two beautiful weddings, time with family, sleeping on the beach in cancun,

eating too much guacamole and sipping yummy margaritas.

o mexico, you are the bomb[dot]com.

the real world is pretty fantastic too though.

i'm excited to start fresh and see what the week will bring.

bring it on houston.

 

 

dear friday,,,

dear friday, 

welcome! please don't be offended, but i'm ready for you to be over so the weekend can be here!

dear weekend,

please go by slowly and last a long time.

sincerely, 

you're best friend.

[1] i may or may not have spent my labor day watching the hunger games 3 times. i told bub-hub it was twice, and now he knows the truth.

[2] my name is sarah grace, and i watch honey boo boo. no shame.

[3] i've been taking a few pieces of the left over candy from the bachelorette party with me to work every day as an afternoon  snack. i'm keeping my fingers crossed that my stash never runs out...but it's inevitable.

[see the party wrap-up post here!]

[4] i don't know what i was thinking, but i started insanity this week. holy moley. today is day 5. i'm dying all over.  pure barre was really hard, but this is just a whole new level of ridiculousness.

[5] september has arrived which means summer berry season is almost over. i bought a giant box of strawberries at the grocery story on monday, and i've been devouring them like a berry-eating machine.

a cool front is coming through town today...high of 89. holla!

maybe bub-hub will go play with some puppies at the park!

what do you have planned for this lovely weekend??

pinteresting wednesday: fall fashion

is it terrible that i'm feeling bitter sweet about fall?
i am 100% pumped for cooler(ish) weather, pumpkin and spices, and football.
i'm 100% sad for the short sleeved shirts i'm going to be wearing until january.
i'm not a pessimist, i'm realistic, and i live in houston.

luckily, my office is always 20 degrees cooler than it is outside,
so i'll be able to get away with sweaters and boots during the work week.
yay!

this fall,
i'm looking forward to animal prints, gold accents and lots and lots of scarves.

what fashion pieces are you looking forward to for fall??

Source: someecards.com via Courtney on Pinterest

Source: ambrosialbee.tumblr.com via Sarah Grace on Pinterest

Source: sperrytopsider.com via Sarah Grace on Pinterest

Source: mizzfashionista13.tumblr.com via Bree on Pinterest

Source: bittersweetcolours.blogspot.com via Jessi on Pinterest

high five for friday: weekly wrap up

favorite exercise
another week of pure barre,,,,owned! :)

this week was pretty rough,

not gonna lie. 

but i just keep giving myself little pep talks between sets and pray i make it through. one day at a time...

[you can read my post about pure barre here!]

favorite radio station
thursday, i discovered olympics sports radio.

i can't believe i've gone the entire olympics without knowing about it.

i feel like i've missed out on so much.

better late than never right??

favorite bub-hub quote:
the bub-hub's wise words of the week-

"never get on 610....ever."

if you live anywhere near houston,

you should definitely agree. 

if you're ever late for a meeting...like i was on thursday...just tell them traffic was terrible, and they will understand 100% and forgive immediately. ugh. 

favorite piece of mail
last week, bub-hub and i became advocare distributors!

we have been using the products for years and are super excited about becoming more involved with the company.

i can't wait to share more details with you guys soon! so keep an eye out! :)

my not-so-favorite thing

my favorite pair of work-pumps died this week.

i know they were only from target,

and i know they were over 5 years old,

but they were super comfy.

they've been needing to go for a while,
but it took a one inch long hole that appeared on the top of my right shoe for me to go through with tossing them.
you will be missed.

how was your week??

link up with posts below and share your favorite highs and lows! :)

my obsession: pure barre! :)

ladies,
i have a little confession....
i'm obsessed with my new workout...pure barre!

i've talked about it so many times and i've gotten so many questions about it,

so i thought i'd share a little about pure barre with you all! :)

pure barre is a combination of pilates and dance that focuses on small isometric movements using tiny weights, a ball, and a ballet bar.  between each strength set, there is a stretching set which helps create long and lean muscles. 

the four strength sets focus on 4 key areas: arms, thighs, seat, and core

their key phrase is "lift, tone & burn",

and they own it.

instictively, you'd think that small movements have small results, but no....tiny movements are key. the smaller the movement, the bigger the results, the greater the burn. 

in one of my classes, the instructor encouragingly said "if your legs are shaking and you feel like you're about to fall, push through it, and sink a little lower."

heh...if you say so...

each workout is done in socks on a studio floor. they offer 2, 3 and 5 pound weights, which sounds like nothing, but i promise you, even using the 2 pound weights, your arms will be burning!

you don't have to be in great physical shape to start, but you have to be mentally prepared to work hard.  this is definitely not for the faint at heart. you have to be ready, willing, and prepared for a booty-busting working.



i love that pure barre is low impact. 

i have terrible joint problems and so many exercices like running or weight lifting, leave me in a lot of pain. on the other hand, low impact exercises, like yoga, leave me feeling like i didn't work hard at all. there is minimal cardio: there's no running around or jumping, it's is very low impact and easy on the joints.

i love that pure barre requires focus.

i've mentioned before that i'm making a big effort to slow down in life and focus on one thing at a time.  in pure barre, each exercise requires intense focus.  i get sucked in to making sure my hips are tucked and my shoulders are back, and that i'm doing each exercise correctly.  the instructors help correct your position and adjust to give you the best workout possible.

i love the results.
after one month of pure barre, i already feel stronger and can feel a difference in the way my clothes fit.



i'm not crazy about the price.

one weekend, my bestie told me about pure barre, and just like magic, the next monday morning, i got an email from Houston Tibits for a $50/month deal!meant-to-be!

so that was a great start. they have new-member deals, $100/month, $40/4 classes, but a standard rate of $165/month is a little steep for me. the bub-hub might have had a minor heart attack when i threw that out there in a casual convo.
oops.
needless to say, i might not be able to do it forever, but i'm going to enjoy it while it lasts! :)

i've completed my first month, and i can already feel a major difference. 

i wanted to find a video clip to show you guys, and the best i could find was this clip:

if you're interested in trying pure barre, i would definitely recommend checking out a class.
[purebarre]
also, i've noticed a lot of pilates studios offer barre type classes, but under a different name, so if you do some digging, i'm sure there is a class in your area! :)

they also have dvds, which i'm sure are great, but because the technique is so important, and it is so much easier to focus on your workout when you don't have any distractions around you, i'd recommend taking a few classes before making that investment.

what do you think??
would you be up for trying it out?

high five friday! :)

well hello there friday,

how you doin?

i have completed my first week as a working wife! :)

i knew going back to work was going to be rough,

and boy,

it has been rough indeed.
[i miss the beach. and vacation. and hanging out with my friends.]

luckily, i have a super stud of a hubby waiting for me when i get home!

holla!

[1]

our first homemade meal in our newlywed apartment! :)

turkey tacos with black beans, peppers, and hubby-made guacamole.

can i just say, the heb-tortilla-makers are my fav.

so yummy.

[2]

in an effort to try and be a perfect wife and make my husband dinner all by myself, i sliced my finger open.

that's what i get for being prideful and refusing to be gracious and accept help when offered.

bryce was sweet and took care of me anyway.

what a sweet hubby i have. :)

[3]

this is what our apartment look like when we got back to our apartment monday night.

we've made some progress and are slowly but surely getting moved in,

but it is quite the task.

bryce has been an unpacking-breaking-down-boxes-machine.

having lots of stuff is great and we feel so blessed,

but my apartment is tiny,

and this is going to be an adventure fo sho.

[4]

this weekend is the first friday arts market in the heights.

i've been wanting to go for quite a while,

and i think we might finally get to go!

[5]

what's better than a lunch date with a super cute fella?

a lunch date at chick fil a and a chocolate chunk cookie.

yummm!

happy friday yall!

i hope it is more than fabulous. :)