Birthdays and Bluegrass

I am sorry that things have been quiet around here the past couple of days but I worked late on Friday night and yesterday was jam-packed – not a second to sit down with the computer! We’ll just skip over Friday because other than working 11 hours, there’s not much to report.

I had to teach a strength training class at 8 a.m. Saturday so I had a 6:30 wake up call. I reviewed my class plan while I ate a bowl of banana oatmeal and then headed to the Y. My class went well although I’m still adjusting to teaching these new classes that aren’t BodyPump. After teaching solely BodyPump for two years (which is pre-choreographed and very regimented), it’s challenging for me to “go freestyle” in these classes. But I’m enjoying the flexibility and I know it will get easier the more I do it!

It was a beautiful fall day here in Charlotte on Saturday so despite the cupcake project that was looming, I couldn’t resist taking Sullie for a quick run.

This is what happens when you try to get Sullie to pose for a picture. I was laughing at her! We ran three miles at a comfortable sub-nine minute mile pace. I have not run since last Saturday due to this nagging cold and I couldn’t believe how much better my legs felt today. I think I am finally recovered from the marathon! Speaking of which…

Brandon bought me this fun hat after the race! I’ve definitely been rocking it on my runs and to teach some of my classes! 😀

All I wanted for lunch was GREEN.

I made an awesome salad with spinach, sprouts, avocado, carrots, pears, dried cranberries, feta and pumpkin seeds with homemade balsamic vinaigrette (I just mix honey, dijon mustard, balsamic and olive oil – easy!). A slice of Great Harvest Whole Grain Goodness on the side.

And then Brandon and I got to work decorating the cupcakes for my niece’s first birthday party.

And voila! Piglets and frogs!

We were pleased with how everything turned out. Thank you to Brandon for all of his help! I am so lucky to have a creative husband. We packaged up the cupcakes for transport to the party (the most stressful part!) and hit the road. My sister in law had a fun cupcake tree to arrange them in and I think they looked great.

The birthday girl was out in full force cuteness.

While she played with all of her fun new toys, I did lots of snacking. I hit up the cheese plate pretty hard. Cheese and crackers with grapes is one of my all-time favorite appetizers.

And then it was cupcake time. The birthday girl wasn’t too sure of the cupcake at first.

But after her mom broke her off a little sample she was all about it!

My older niece went with the frogs. Right before she took a bite she said, “ribbit, ribbit.” It was hilarious.

Brandon and I saved our cupcakes for a late night treat because we had to head uptown for a concert. We saw Steep Canyon Rangers at the McGlohon Theatre.

Sorry for the terrible picture but I didn’t want to use my flash in the theater. This was our second time seeing Steep Canyon Rangers this year – they are incredibly talented. The fiddle player could easily play in any major orchestra in the country. If you like a folksy/bluegrass music you MUST check out this band.

After the concert we came home, ate cupcakes and crashed. It was a wonderful but busy Saturday! I’m off to make breakfast, write a plan for the class I’m teaching this afternoon and do some more work on the blog. Hoping to get a home yoga practice or run in too.