The Bar Method.

For the past few weeks I have been trying a new exercise class, The Bar Method. 

Normally, I am a boot camp kind of girl - lots of sweating, running, squats and feeling like I might pass out.  The Bar Method is definitely a calmer form of exercise, which is a welcomed change for me.

So what is it?  The Bar Method is interval training with muscle training isometrics.  Each class is an hour long and starts with warm up, free-weight exercises and push-ups focusing on the arm and moves on to thigh work (a killer!), tush toning and abs. Lots of stretching is in between each section to elongate the muscles you just worked.  It really goes after all those "problem areas" that women typically complain about - arms, abs, thighs, tush. 

After 11 classes, I think I can tell a difference.  I do feel tinier and think my legs are looking less jiggly.  I also really enjoy going to class.  I feel challenged during the workout and exhausted after.  I can really tell that I am fatiguing my muscles.

Locally, The Bar Method is at Park Place.  There are also studios in other major cities or you can purchase the DVD's to get your bar on at home.

Anyone else doing Bar Method?

Homeland.

If you aren't watching Homeland, you need to be.  One of the better shows on in a while.  It's on Showtime, which is odd that I am watching given that I had no idea we even had Showtime!

It follows the story of the return of a MIA Marine Sergeant (Damian Lewis) and the CIA Agent (Claire Danes) who doesn't quite believe his story.  (She actually believes he's been turned and is working for Al Qaeda.)

It's INTENSE.  I can't watch it right before I go to bed because I get so freaked out!

Anyone else watching?

The Bookworm Party.

Books.  They are a prominent part of our household.  From my crazy late night reading, The Texan's constant rotation of library books and The Bug's ability to (still) sit in my lap for hours on end reading, we are a household of book worms.  Which is why we wanted to celebrate it at the 4th Birthday Bash - the Bookworm Party. 

I had the most amazing time planning and executing this event (seriously should have been a kids party planner in a previous life).  But the best part?  Going through all the pictures and seeing a smile on my little man's face.  I truly think it was the time of his life. 

A big thanks to all the amazing people who helped me pull this off and look crafty (and Etsy for existing.)  The cupcake toppers and door signs were from Pinwheel Lane; the pom flowers from PomLove, the pinwheels from KlipsNscraps and of course the beautiful photography is by Ever Ashley Photography. 

And for those local people, I highly recommend Jo Ho Storytelling.  Every single child loved her!

For more images of the special day, visit Ever Ashley Photography. 

Now - on to next year!  Anyone have any good theme ideas?  I gotta admit, RHOBH Taylor had a pretty good thing going with her County Fair party....

J.W. Hulme

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  And one of the more wonderful parts is the "gift guides" most retailers put together.  I love them.  I love getting ideas for friends and family and also just seeing what cool things are out there.

Like these J.W. Hulme Co. bags. 

Mini Excursion Satchel

Linwood Bucket Bag

Based in the good ole U S of A, they have been hand-making leather, purses and accessories since 1905.  Found these while exploring the Anthropologie gift guide.  Two of my favorite things about these bags?  They come with a lifetime guarantee and they can be monogrammed.  

Legacy Shoulder Bag

With Monogram

I am beyond obsessed and thinking about calling an audible on my Christmas list and requesting one of these gorgeous bags.

Their website is really worth checking out.  Anthropologie's collection is only the beginning - many more styles and amazing colors online.

Have you heard of J.W. Hulme Co.?

Moscow Mule.

We had drinks and dinner with friends over the weekend and I was introduced to a new fave drink.  I am normally a Vodka Gimlet kind of lady.  (But only one or else the wheels come off.)  I now have a new drink in my repertoire - the Moscow Mule.

It's made with vodka, ginger beer and lime and is quite refreshing - sweet, but not too sweet.  I could probably have a couple without getting a stomach ache.   At the restaurant we went to, they garnish it with a lime and a fresh slice of ginger.  Delish!

Thinking I may have to whip up a batch of Mules to celebrate Thanksgiving....might result in a wild night!

Try it.  You'll like it.

1 1/2 ounces vodka
3/4 ounce lime juice
4 ounces ginger beer

Have you had a Moscow Mule?

Hooray for H&M.

Well the day all of my local fashion friends have been waiting for has arrived - our local H&M has opened!  I've been hearing mixed reviews on the store.  Some are loving it, some are underwhelmed.  Regardless, I hope to stop in soon (clearly NOT on Black Friday) and here's what I have my eye on....

Lace Jacket, $24.95

So darling for the holidays with jeans or black pants.  Could be cute for my planned New Year's Night In.

Suede Platform Shoe, $34.95

These could be the answer to my bootie debacle. 

Long Knit Cardigan, $29.95

So cozy.  I actually think the whole outfit is cute...but don't think I will be attempting the winter short look.

Striped Jersey Top, $14.95

I'm a sucker for a stripe and I love the drop shoulder.  This could easily be my new go-to tee. 

Local readers - have you been to the new store yet?  What did you think?

The Laurens.

Have you seen these images of Lauren Bush Lauren (try not to laugh about her name...what are the odds??) 

She wears Ralph Lauren (duh) and so does he.  I'm not crazy about his attire, but that wedding dress is crazy good.  And kind of surprising for her (to me) and for Ralph.  Much more intricate and over the top than I would have imagined. 

Antique tulle hand embroidered with Swarovski Elements, beads and pearls.  I also kind of dig her head piece too - very hippie meets haute. 

And I'm sure we all saw the Oprah episode that she filmed at the Double RL Ranch in Colorado...so we know the setting of their recent nuptials was insane too. 

Makes me want to hop on a horse and ride west....

Glitter is Good.

In college, when we would get ready for a big night on the town, it would usually involve an eyebrow wax and a new coat of nail polish.  And if we were feeling extra special, glittery nail polish.  Clearly, we were waaaaay ahead of the time back in the late 90's as the glitter nail is back en vogue.

Back in the day, I preferred Revlon's Nail Glitter Top Coat.  It was a PAIN to take off, but it was cute and sparkly - perfect for a bunch of gals in their 20's.   

(And actually, I still think Revlon  makes a pretty good, cheap polish.  Vixen is a fave.  Mine always stays put for a while.) 

But today, it seems 10 fingers of glitter is overkill.  Just one finger, preferably the ring finger, will do.  Loving the subtlety here...

...and the statement making finger here...

I think it's all pretty fun - and festive for the holidays.  Have you tried ring finger bling yet?

Boys Bow Tie.

With the Holidays just around the corner, it's time for me to start thinking about what to where when.  Thanksgiving Dinner...Family pictures...Breakfast with Santa.  We have a photo-op event almost every weekend. 

I always like to start by planning The Bug's outfit and this year, I think it's going to involve a bow tie.

Brooks Brothers Stewart Bow Tie, $34.50

It's an easy way to add a festive feel to his every day khakis and button down look.  Plus, it's less of an investment than a new shirt or Holiday sweater. 

Ralph Lauren Tartan Wool Bow Tie, $29.99

It's a big look for a little boy, but I know mine can pull it off.

Crewcuts Derby Plaid Bow Tie, $22.50

I'll make it less formal by pairing it with cords and if he's feeling fashionable that day, a denim shirt. 

What will your babies wear this Holiday season?

Bootie-licious

I've discovered that I need a new "going out" shoe.  I ran in to a fashion emergency when dressing for a night out over the weekend.  I wanted to wear something with height and none (seriously NONE) of my heels were appropriate for the weather we are having - too much skin showing,  too open of a toe, too uncomfortable, etc. 

I ended up wearing my go-to shoe (J. Crew Alecia Suede Pump, for those interested) but decided a bootie needs to be in my future. 

Stuart Weitzman Wrapitup Bootie

Michael Kors Leslie Bootie

While these two are definitely in the lead for me, I'm still on the fence.  I already know The Texan will HATE this style of shoe.  Many of them also have too much of a sky-high skinny heel as well.

Any great pairs I may be missing?  What are your thoughts on the bootie?