Cardio Day

7-26-16

Running On Treadmill

6.0 mph
30 Seconds On
30 Seconds Off
For 10 Minutes

Yoga. – 20 minutes

Today’s workout was pretty intense. I felt pretty good running on the treadmill until about four minutes in- then I was fighting leg cramps. Especially my right calf. I’m not sure why but I’m super inflexible. Yoga is going to be a life saver while running and lifting. Cory and I finish each workout with at least twenty minutes of yoga and stretching. It feels amazing to just breath and relax.

Alexandria

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.

Colossians 3:15

July 30, 2016

Workout

7-25-16

Two Sets

Dumb Bell Chest Press- 20 pounds – 12 reps
One Arm Cable Row- 12 reps
Two Arm Alternating Row – 16 reps
Dead Lift – 95 pounds– 8 Reps

AMRAP – 15 – Minutes– As Many Rounds As Possible

50 Battles Ropes
40 Toe Touches With Med Ball
30 Split Jumps
20 Body Squats
10 Push-Ups

Yoga – 20 Minutes

Today was my first day training with Cory at Ignite Fitness and I was pretty sure that I was dying when we were finished. It made me so mad and frustrated. (might have teared up a little.) It just makes me want to fight and do better next time. The hardest part of the workout was definitely the second part. It was really awesome because it challenged me cardiovascularly. I made it through three rounds. I kept trying to hold my breath and power through the battle ropes. Cory had to keep telling me to breath. The push-ups were the hardest for me to do. My upper body is much weaker than my lower. I’m excited for the next workout and to see improvements.

Alexandria

Be Strong

Joshua 1:9

July 30, 2016

Treasure Hunting

Annie Laurie’s Antiques

Sitting here I’m really regretting not buying the big Ginger Jar. It would look so gorgeous with white hydrangeas spilling over the top!

I loved this material. Someone crafty should buy it and turn it into pillows!

Of course in order to do proper treasure hunting you must always have a partner in crime. It just seems more fun to have someone there to laugh over the finds with.

I might have enjoyed this one a little too much.

Don’t worry. I made sure Camille had one too.

This chair made me think of my Mom. She loves Shabby Chic and of course Mary Engelbreit.

Things with a story are so much more interesting. Don’t ya think???

And while your out, don’t forget the man in your life

Antique shopping or Treasure Hunting as I like to call it is one of my favorite things to do. It’s so much fun shifting through things and thinking about the possible stories of each item. I especially love things like that top hat. That was at one time someone’s treasure. Maybe it was worn to an epic New Years Eve Party or an engagement party….. Who knows but it’s so much fun putting a story to an item. That’s the book worm in me. Have a great day guys!

Alexandria

Then the One seated on the throne said, “Look! I am making everything new.”

Revelation 21:5

May 25, 2016

Floral Maxi

I enjoyed spending some time with my sister at the park and getting some outfit shots for the blog. Dress is from Charlotte Russe. My watch is Michael Kors Lexington.

I love the watch because it goes with gold and silver. You’ll be surprised how often you reach for it because it does go with both metals.

Alexandria

Indeed we have all received grace after grace from His fullness, for the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 1:16-17

May 25, 2016

Farmer’s Market

In the Summer every Saturday from 8am-1pm Cape Girardeau has a Farmer’s Market in the downtown area. It’s full of fun things to see, eat, and listen to.

The best honey I’ve ever tasted.

The homemade lemonade stand was being mobbed. It was insanely busy the entire time I was at the market.

So many yummy flavors to choose from. I had the strawberry.

Mennonite Donuts- Reason enough to come right here. THE BEST!

One stall was selling fresh flowers. I grabbed a bouquet for my Mother’s Day gift from here.

Alexandria

He’s after your heart.

Hosea 6:6

May 12, 2016

Biltmore Grounds

One of the most impressive things about Biltmore is its grounds. They are so lush and intricate. The house was built on an estate that was 8,000 plus acres. The scope and planning of it are mind boggling but the results breath taking.

The drive up to the house is full of switch backs and curves. The lush landscape makes you feel secluded and like you are somewhere else entirely. Our guides told us that back when the home was built of course everyone road in horse drawn carriages. The drive to the house was so long that it would take guests a hour just to reach the house.

Cory on the steps outside the library.

Azalea Garden

15 Acres

Walled Garden

Two Arbors totaling 236 feet serve as its spine- Biltmore Guidebook

The Conservatory

It was sweltering hot in here. (For obvious reasons- exotic plants.)

The Biltmore is a beautiful and breath taking estate. Everything is well planned and so well done. All of the staff are very accommodating and make the trip fun and enjoyable. There is also horse rides, bike rides, a winery, a hotel on site and many other fun things to do on site. Cory and I weren’t able to do any of the other activities due to time constraints. We will definitely have to make another visit. 🙂

Alexandria

Be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead.

1 Peter 1:6

May 6, 2016

Biltmore

Built by George Washington Vanderbilt in 1895 in Asheville, NC.

It’s the largest privately owned home in the US.

It was so huge and incredible. The detail of everything was amazing.

This is a look at the grand staircase from the outside.

Winter Garden

Billiard Room- each of these tables weighed a ton- literally. (Pool and smoking taken seriously here.)

The library. The house has over 28,000 books and Mr. Vanderbilt selected every book himself. (According to the tour guide.) I could have definitely been friends with someone who loves to read that much. The house had books scattered all over it. In the hallways of the guest room areas there were bookcases and shelves of books. I’ve got something in common with the Vanderbilts. We take our books seriously and like to decorate our house with them

The Chariot of Aurora by Giovanni Pellegrini. This is made up of multiple paintings and hung on the ceiling. The center piece weighs 500 pounds. Mind boggling engineering and amazing feel. It gives the library a three dimensional effect. It’s absolutely perfect. Best place to be inspired the library. Read a book and believe that anything is possible.

Looking down the grand staircase. Pretty cool shot.

Banquet Hall

Seven story high ceiling.

Organ Loft in the Banquet Hall. Mr. Vanderbilt was a huge opera fan.

The red flag with the stars in the right of the picture shows exactly what kind of man Mr. Vanderbilt was. The stars represent all the staff members who fought in WWII. The black stars are the people who made it home and the gold are lives that were lost. All people who left and fought Mr. Vanderbilt made sure that they had their job when they returned. George Vanderbilt was a class act.

Bowling Alley

Indoor Swimming Pool

The lights in the pool are original. THIS IS CRAZY!

They didn’t have any chemicals so the pool had to be filled, party thrown/swam in, and then drained.

One of Cory’s favorite rooms was of course the gym

The Biltmore was big, gorgeous and lavish. So of course we loved it! Next post I’ll show you guys the grounds and conservatory. It’s crazy and beautiful!

Everything is so well done and all the staff are very courteous. If you’re ever in the area it’s a must stop and see. You will NEVER see anything like this again.

Alexandria

Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing

Psalm 34:10

May 1, 2016

Arrington Vineyards

This past weekend Cory and I met up with friends at Arrington Vineyards. This was my first visit and I was blown away.

Two large wine barrels flank the front entrance to the winery.

Winery Gates.

Jess and I.

The Picnic Tasting was Cor's favorite. We each got one and had so much fun trying all the different wines.

The Picnic Tasting was Cory’s favorite. We each got one and had so much fun trying all the different wines. ( Cory looks pretty serious about his picnic)

Main Building

I definitely had my eye on this cute picnic basket. Maybe next time I’ll get it to go with my picnic wine selections 😉

The wine has won numerous awards. My favorite were the dessert wines- esp the Blackberry and Raspberry. I’m not a serious wine drinker.

The winery is co-owned by Kix Brooks a member of the country band Brooks and Dunn. I was hoping to spot him….

It was so much fun getting together with Greg and Jess

Arrington Winery is a must on anyone’s vacation list if they are in the Nashville, TN area. The food and wine were great and the atmosphere top notch. I really enjoyed the peaceful scenery and being able to relax, eat, drink and have a few laughs with friends.

Alexandria

A sweet friendship refreshes the soul

Proverbs 27:9

April 28, 2016

Socials Cafe and Coffeehouse

Socials is an adorable and delicious cafe in downtown Cape Girardeau.

One wall is decorated in vintage seed bags. Very unique interior.

The front was all glass doors that can be opened on a pretty day.

Socials was really unique and fun but the best part was hands down the food.

Strawberry Salad with Turkey Croissant

Grilled Cheese with a cup of Gumbo. This wasn’t just any grilled cheese. This was a three cheese grilled cheese. This was one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches ever!

Turkey on wheat with Chipotle Mayo.

CUPCAKES!
Not just any cupcakes but works of art on a plate.

If your ever in downtown Cape Girardeau and are looking for a fun, unique and delicious lunch spot Socials is the place for you. It’s easily going to be one of my favorite spots to sit down and have fun with friends.

Socials Cafe and Coffeehouse

31 Main Street

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Hours 9 am- 3 pm

(573)651-4601

Alexandria

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.

Jon 8:21

April 23, 2016

One Hour Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash

What You Need:

Spaghetti Squash
Jar of Spaghetti Sauce
Garlic Salt
Frozen Meatballs

Cut Squash in 1/2 and scrape out seeds and discard.

Lie the halves face down onto foil covered baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Scrape out inside of squash and discard rind. Be careful it’s smokin HOT!

Next have a jar of your favorite sauce and add that to the squash.

Grab some frozen meatballs and thaw in the microwave per the directions on the bag. Add a few of them to your squash. Add as much or as little as your want.

Sprinkle on a dash of garlic salt for taste.

Grab a glass of your favorite wine…..

and if you were over at my house settle in for an episode of The Fixer Upper!

Easy and healthy dinners are my favorite. I like nothing better than to make something that satisfies my stomach and my waistline. Making good choices that taste good and are nutritious gives me a major sense of accomplishment. I hope this version of Spaghetti Squash is something that you guys will use in your own homes in the future! Have a great night!

Alexandria

But He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Matthew 4:4

April 14, 2016

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