Happy hour at the Barre (Bucktown)

I get so bored if I don't mix up my workout routine (like look at my watch and think "oh my gosh only 30 seconds have gone by??!! I could have swore it's been 30 minutes!!). A little dramatic? I don't care. I'm just the type of person that seriously needs to switch it up every week. I'm always looking for new things to try and well I found a cute little place that lift, tones, and burns && where I NEVER EVER watch the clock. This burn so good place is...drum roll... 

 

I swear when class starts I don't even think about what time it is until it's over, because it's such a fast pace workout that really tests my limits that all I can really think about is performing the moves correctly. Plus the staff at pure barre bucktown is amaze! I hadn't been in for 3 weeks because of traveling and both the person at the front desk and the manager remembered me right away. I felt so special :)

What is pure barre: So basically pure barre is a low impact way to lift and tone your bod. They focus on all of the problem areas (or at least mine) arms, legs, seat, and abs. The movements are very small and isolated so at first you wouldn't think these movements would do anything, but OMGGGG you'll feel it right away. I have been doing pure barre for about 5-6 days a week for the past month because they give all new clients a $100 for one month deal. But now that I have my base and my month client special is over with I'm planning on going 2-3 times a week and add cardio the other days to melt fat and let my pure barre physique show through. 

If you're ever in the Chicago area or if you live here go to pure barre bucktown. Trust me you'll love it! ~~~ and tell them Kari sent you ;)

Kale Chips

The other day I went to a local market right by where I live called Cermak. They seriously have the cheapest and best produce around (I'm talking a container for raspberries for $.99!) I was picking up some lettuce because I've started eating a big salad before each meal to cut down on calorie intake. While browsing I saw that there was a sale on kale and I've never tried it before (I know crazy, right!?) 

So I picked some up and decided what better way to use kale for my first time than to make kale chips. It's a healthy delish snack that's sure to satisfy any chip craving. 

*I ate mine with Trader Joe's salsa verde. 

                           

Kale Chips:

- 1 bundle of kale

- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

- 1 tsp low sodium soy sauce

- 1 or 2 shakes of salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350

 Rinse kale and pat dry

Rip apart into medium sized pieces and put into a large bowl

Add EVOO and soy sauce and mix

Place kale on a parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes or until brown at the edges. 

Sprinkle with 1 or 2 shakes of salt

Enjoy!

Random Rant and iPhone diary

I've been in a serious funk today. I'm not sure if it's just because it's Monday or hormones or what, but it didn't help that after my doctors appointment this morning the first thing that one of the assistant directors said to me at work was you're going to cover for Joan and then Cyndey. I was like uh hello to you too. They have this weird thing about people going to doctors appointments. I guess a lot of people have been taking time off. I clearly remember when I was hired that taking time off would not be a problem. Isn't it awesome when people lie? I start lead teaching this Friday, I'm hoping they won't treat me like their b*tch anymore. Doubtful. I said I'd give myself a year there (for the experience) but man sometimes it's a struggle.

Anyway, on a happier note Brian asked if I wanted to go out to eat tonight! He always knows how to make me feel better. I love him so!

Here are some photos of what has been going on in my life recently.

It makes my world go 'round

Hello guys!

My new snow hat from target.

Watching the super bowel at Kristi and Marks

Our super bowel party was off the hook. Braids all around!

At Honey Honey

My new heart sweater from target. Can't you tell I love target?!

This mint julep was seriously so strong. 

Mint julep at Q.

Brian bought me a rose 

Prost

Massive soft pretzel. 

           

At Piece Pizza for Mark's 30th

Happy Presidents Day!

My coworker didn't know how to use an iPhone camera. They all turned out like this.

Delilah and Joan. I love these ladies!

Pepper spray. You never know. 

Simones 

This is pretty good. I love the odd texture of it and it's suppose to be great for you. 

Playing around in our ikea shelves.

blue cheese

Hello all. Today has been a pleasant day. I spent most of it at work (my hours S.U.C.K 9-5:30) wah it makes me want to cry just thinking about it, but most of the kids are pretty wonderful so it makes the hours go by a little faster. 

After work to relieve some stress I went to spin class. I'm a little obsessed if you don't already know. This is the first time I had this particular instructor and let me just say it was awesome! She was playing great music (not techno) and I seriously was sweating buckets. Love it. Afterwards Brian took me out to this restaurant called Hackney's. They have really great burgers. I got the blue cheese burger. I love my burgers with blue cheese, I think it makes the burger that much more savory. 

Tomorrow is Brian's Christmas party. Let me tell you, those doc's know how to party. I'll take plenty of pics. 

Old friends (photo diary)

I feel like great friends are hard to come by and when you find one you have to hang on to them! I love when you haven't seen a good friend in a long time and you're able to pick up right where you left off. I have one of those friends. We've known each other since kindergarten and have kept in touch ever since. Even after I moved to Wisconsin after 2nd grade we still wrote to each other and whenever I visited Illinois I'd manage to see her. 

Now that I'm living in Chicago we recently hung out and played tourist for a day in downtown Chicago. We went shopping, got Mexican food at Blue Agave, and went to the signature lounge on the 94th floor of the Hancock building. I had such a great time chatting and catching up! 

Playing around at American Apparel

Outside the Hancock building