Today is supposed to be 91 degrees in my part of the world, which all but guarantees that I will be spending the day at the beach (catching up on emails and pondering blog topics, of course!). As another summer week seemed to whiz by, I’m left with a certain satisfaction of all that I have accomplished in the last few days. I finished each day with a checked off to-do list, new goals in place, and a decent sense of direction for the remainder of the month. So, I deserve a beach day, right?
Here’s a short breakdown of my week:
The week started out a bit rocky. After performing an upgrade on my iPhone, my beloved Calm meditation app (which I have been using daily for over two months) suddenly wasn’t free anymore. I loved my nightly guided meditation, so you can imagine how upset I was when I tried to use the app before bed one night and it was locked. Fortunately, I found another meditation app to take its place. I’ll soon be sharing more about my meditation journey and the apps I use!
I changed up my routine a bit and went to a Tuesday evening kickboxing class. Why is working out at night so much harder? Anyone else feel this way?
By Wednesday I was beyond sore, but mustered up enough energy to make friends with the new lawn mower, a Honda purchased from Home Depot. I admit, mowing the lawn is one of my least favorite activities (or it became one years earlier, when I was attacked by yellow jackets who had burrowed in the ground and were on the defensive after I mowed over their home! #grownupproblems). But this time, I felt a certain sense of achievement after mowing the lawn.
On Thursday, in an effort to reward myself for performing said manual labor mentioned earlier, I stopped at Ulta (you know where this is going) and picked up a new foundation and skincare products. Since I’m still hunting for a lightweight summer makeup, I did a little research before heading to the store. With reviews in hand, I made my decision and can’t wait to try my new liquid foundation. Look for a preview on my Snapchat and Instagram (@livinginsteil). A review will come to the blog soon.
And here we are at last — it’s Friday. I hope you all have a great weekend!
Thanks for sharing your week! I hate working out at night too. I have no energy by the end of the day. Have a terrific weekend Vanessa!
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
I feel the same way, Kathrine! Morning workouts are much better for me.
I used to work out at nights when I was going to school and my schedule didn’t permit for any other time of day and didn’t like it at all. By the time I got there, I was exhausted and wanted to be home. Plus, it was always super crowded, since everyone was working out after work. Now, I go early in the morning around 6:30 and it really helps kick my day off to a great start, so maybe you can try mornings? I hope you enjoy your time spent at the beach and how do you manage to get service? I never have service. Also, what beach to you suggest up there? We used to go to Jones and stopped because it’s SO crowded! Now, we got to Robert Moses, but I wanted to know if there’s maybe one we don’t know about that’s better! Thanks for sharing, beauty, and have a great weekend!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
I wish I could be as motivated as you are, Jalisa! I don’t think I could handle working out at 6:30 am. I’m not a morning person, and my 10 am kickboxing class is probably as early as I will ever get. As for the beach, my service has been spotty in the past, but recently it’s been much better. Perhaps they put new towers up? I haven’t been to Jones Beach or Robert Moses in years. I find them too crowded, and you need to get there early to get a spot. One of my favorite beaches is at Target Rock in Huntington. It’s actually a wildlife preserve, but if you take the beach hike it will lead you straight down to a beautiful beach. It’s not a long hike and it’s a very peaceful place. Other than that, I go to two other beaches, but you need to be a resident and have a sticker on your car to get in. If you’re looking for a day trip, the beaches in Montauk are very nice, or Ocean Beach, Fire Island. I like Ocean Beach because it is a short ferry ride and they have lots of places to get food when you need a break from the sun! Hope this helps!
Thanks so much for all your suggestions, I’ll definitely be sure to check them all out! I know, they’re both SO crowded and you do need to get there super early, which is no easy task when you’re driving about an hour! Thanks again, beauty, and have a great time at the retreat! xo
I have never heard of meditation apps, but I am definitely interested in trying one now. Let us know what you find…that’s free! Lol
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Will do, Candace! I’ve been using a few goods ones, so I will be sharing soon.
When I workout early morning I feel energized the whole day, but late night workouts are just not for me! Have a great weekend:)
XoXo,
Tamara – LoveOfMode.com
I agree, Tamara! I don’t love the evening workouts — unless it’s something soothing, like a yoga class.
Look like you’ve had a great week in all! I’m impressed at you using a lawn mower, I never dared to use one. These things look dangerously vicious, as if no matter how cautious you are, you’re still guaranteed to lose a toe.
As to working out, I never really feel exhausted afterwards (it’s more before, when I’m not feeling the motivation to exercice). But I only use the elliptical.. I don’t know what it would be if I did kick boxing!
Glad to have discovered your blog!
Love,
S
French Girl In DC
Thanks, Sophie! I’m so glad you found my blog, and I can’t wait to check your site out. When I use the lawn mower, I always make sure to wear my Dansko clogs. They are pretty sturdy, and just in case the mower decides to have a mind of its own, they will protect my feet. As for working out, I like to get it done first thing in the morning — especially when it’s a workout as grueling as kickboxing!
I hear you about the change in workout schedule. We all have our Circadian clocks and biorhythms. When you exert yourself when your body is telling you that it’s time to chill … what would you expect?
Thanks, Vlad. I’m just not an evening workout person. I like to get it done in the morning.
Sounds like such a productive week! I’m lookin forward to hearing more about your meditation journey!
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
Thanks, Heidi! I’ll be sharing more about it soon.
I’ve always wanted to try kickboxing! I’m more of a night person but exercise is easier for me in the morning before my brain knows what I’m doing!
Chelsea
Chow Down USA
Instagram
You should definitely give kickboxing a try, Chelsea. It’s an incredible workout!
Oh no, I’m always terrified to upgrade or update my iPhone for that very reason…it seems like something important always gets deleted or messed up in some way. I hope your new app is working okay for you! I’m so impressed you took on mowing your lawn. That had to be my LEAST favorite thing to do back when I had a yard.
This is precisely why I am not a fan of doing updates, Kasie! The new app is okay, but I much preferred the old one. Mowing the lawn has to be my least favorite task — ever!
great post x
Who Will Call
Soph
Thanks, Sophie!
Thats so annoying when an App suddenly isn’t free anymore! Same happened to me 🙁 Kickboxing sounds like a good way to get rid of the frustration though ;-)! Tell us all about the liquid foundation, looking forward to it!
xx
Selina | SelinasInspiration
Finding out that my favorite app wasn’t free anymore was definitely a bummer, Selina! That’s why I always resist doing the upgrades. I’ll definitely be sharing more about the foundation after I use it a while longer — but I can tell you, so far, I’m loving it.
I love working out at night 🙂 we usually reach the gym just before 6.30, but then again, I also do my cardio sessions in the morning. Evenings are typically reserved for lugging as much weights as my old body can mustre GRIN
You go girl! After dinner, I’m just ready for some couch time. I love your determination to make it to the gym, Sheela!