First of all, Happy December 1st! Crazy! It is Christmas time full force! Break out the trees, lights, music, shopping, baking, peppermint, gingerbread men, and all around cheer and joy! I've got just two more weeks of school and then I am home! That is the only Christmas present I really want right now. But before I get carried away, let me tell you about our last holiday...Thanksgiving!
Everything on campus closed down Tuesday night (i.e. no dining halls, gyms, classes, no people really) until today, Monday. Not very good for us kids who stayed (seriously, what about the international kids who don't even care about Thanksgiving?). Luckily,my dad arrived down in DC Wednesday night. All we did that night was drive over to his hotel for him to check-in and then...we went to Trader Joe's!
This happened. Tea is my life...besides coffee. Side note, the Tahitian Vanilla is "spicy". It has black pepper in it. Not very good 🙁
Some more goodies! The veggie burgers are from Whole Foods, but I threw them in this picture as well! I am excited to try those chicken burgers!
These goodies are from Whole Foods which we went to the next day. Besides the obligatory produce, milk, hummus, and loads of nuts I got (you don't need to see...we all know what apples and cashews look like), I "splurged" on some new-to-me things. Yea, blue cornmeal, coconut milk (a first for me!), and vegan, soy-free chocolate chips! I have recipes brewing in my head, but they'll have to wait until I'm home for break.
Back to what we actually did. Thursday (Thanksgiving), my dad picked me up and we drove into the city for some morning coffee! Delicious. From there we proceeded to walk in the cold down to the White House. My dad had never seen it, or any of DC for that matter. I'm also convinced that DC stands for "dead-city". NO ONE was around. Everything was closed. Yes, it was a holiday, but DC is like that a lot of the time. Creepy if you ask me.
We should have went down to see the White House on Friday morning instead when they were delivering the Christmas Tree! (I watched it on CNN instead, haha!). Then we walked back to the car and drove over to the other DC monuments. Imagine us in our be Tahoe trying to find a good parking spot in the city. Let's just say we drove in more than a few "restricted" and "do not enter" areas. We ended up doing out sightseeing from the car, which was fine by me. We ended up getting hungry so we drove over to Whole Foods for lunch (did some shopping), and then drove around Dupont as I waited for my 1pm SOULCYCLE class to start! Yes! I signed up for my first ever SoulCycle class!
Since I wasn't doing a festive Turkey Trot, I decided to do a festive SoulCycle class instead! What is SoulCycle? "Two women, Julie Rice and Elizabeth Cutler, were desperately searching for some CARDIO that would make their hearts sing. Ultimately, they realized they would have to create it! Each SoulCycle ride delivers an intense FULL-BODY workout with a fun and energizing atmosphere. Not only do riders burn calories and get their hearts pumping, but using the SoulCycle Method, riders also work their core and use hand weights to tone their upper bodies. In all of our studios, we ensure that SoulCyclists are treated to the country's best instructors and staff, each trained to deliver unique services and personal attention to all levels of riders. Beyond providing an intense cardio workout, SoulCycle also incorporates a mental component of inspirational coaching. By keeping the lights low and riding by candlelight, SoulCycle creates a cardio sanctuary where riders can come to clear their heads."
Basically it is the greatest "spin" class you will ever take. I actually love spin, just don't have regular access to classes. But going into this class, I had somewhat low expectations. I feel most group fitness classes (especially studio classes like Barre) are too easy and really not worth the money. (Sorry, I'm a fitness snob), but SoulCycle blew me away. They only have studios in select cities right now, DC being on of them (but there is also one in NJ! Woohoo!). Your first class is only $20, so I used my own big girl credit card for the first time and signed up right when the classes opened (registration filled up so quick!). When I arrived to my class on Thursday, I signed a waiver and got special clip on shoes to wear. The studio was packed with people (everyone wanted a good workout before their dinner I guess!), but I was able to grab a locker and get situated. It was really clean and pretty though, with everything you could need. They opened up the actual cycle room and it was totally dark, with no lights, but a few candles. My class was actually being filmed for a special segment Channel 7 will be doing! Pretty cool! I got help adjusting my bike and getting my feet clipped on.
My instructor, Garret, was amazing. He is so talented and coordinated for what he had to do. We started up out of the saddle for the whole first part of the class, The music was super load, but it's supposed to get you out of your own head and just feel the energy. With in the first 10 minutes I was close to tears. No, not from pain, from this "yoga sense" of just power! It was amazing! I don't even know how to describe it. I was just totally lost in the amazing "SoulCycle" feeling. Garret had us cycling to the beat, using our body for some weird choreography popping our bodies all around, and using 2lb hand weights for the upper body portion later in the class. We ended by going all out and Garret asking us if we were happy and how much were we willing to give and push through. It was so amazing!
I came out of that class totally renewed and wishing so much that I could go back. Problem is, I can't easily get there (just like the whole yoga studio problem I have) and it is really expensive! But I am so glad I tried something new and broke out of my fitness bubble! I am hoping to maybe go to the NJ studio when I'm home for break. We'll see 😉 But if you are in DC or near one of their other studios, you MUST try it out! You will not regret it, I promise! I'm hard to please on the fitness front, but man, I was pleased 😉
As you can imagine, when I got back to the car and my dad, I was rather sweaty, haha! But first, we drove to Georgetown, got some water at Starbucks, saw that everything was obviously closed, before we headed back to my dorm so I could shower and get ready for dinner. Guys, this will probably sound weird, but I blew-dry my hair for the first time with success that day! I needed my hair dry before I left out in the cold and the only way to do that was to blow-dry. Well it worked and I felt like a grown-up, haha! Plus I got all dressed up for our dinner reservations at 5pm at the new Cafe Deluxe - West End. They have 3 other locations, but this was the only one open on Thanksgiving and it was right in the middle of DC. (Plus they had a gluten-free menu! Score!)
It was really nice and our server and hostess were so helpful and quick. I ordered the Candy Stripe & Red Beets Salad with Arugula, Spiced Candied Walnuts, White Balsamic Vinaigrette and had them hold the goat cheese, but add grilled chicken! Haha! It was delicious (and allergy-safe!)
My dad got the Braised Boneless Short Ribs with Seasonal Vegetable Risotto.
We took some awkward Thanksgiving memory photos and out server took a picture of both of us together!
I ordered some shitty decaf coffee, before we finished up and headed back to my dorm. My dad dropped me off and would be back in the morning for some Black Friday shopping in Georgetown! Friday was cold again and it was randomly snowing just a bit off and on in the morning. It was weird. Now I hadn't planned on doing any shopping, but since Georgetown is right there and we had nothing else to do....We picked up Starbucks and went to H&M. I haven't bought new clothes in a very long time so why not splurge.
That's right guys, I bought TWO jumpsuits and a blazer! I've always wanted both so bad and they all looked amazing on! I am in love with the jumpsuits so much, haha! This girl is about to become a fashionista. Blow-drying my hair, wearing jumpsuits and blazers...crazy stuff! I also got a pair of new skinny jeans (thank god!), a comfy gray sweatshirt, and that cute cream sweater! I love it all! Yay for shopping and actually finding things that fit and look good. You all know those days where nothing you try on "works", well, everything worked here!
After that spending, I and my dad had no money left, but I did have some Lulu gift cards. However...they had no sales! Everything is just way to damn expensive in there and they didn't even open early. They opened at 10am! I basically walked in and walked out. I'm really not a Lulu fan I guess. I've only ever bought their headbands. Everything else is way to overpriced. :/ After that disappointment, my dad was going to hit the road back home so he dropped me off at my dorm and we said out emotional goodbyes. I loved spending time with my daddy. We never get to do that and it was even better since we hadn't seen each other since August. So it wasn't a typical Thanksgiving (I even missed watching the parade!), but it was different, a lot of nothing and a lot of everything! I missed the rest of my family, but I am so THANKFUL my dad came down and I still had family love all around. I'm even more excited to get home now; I just have to get through finals.
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and were able to spend it with at least one person you love! I hope you ate amazing food, got it an amazing workout (I ran another 1.25mi PDR on Sunday morning!!!!), and had just some amazing relaxing "nothing" times too! XOXO
So tell me:
+ Give me the deets on your Thanksgiving! What was the best part?
+ Did you go Black Friday shopping? What did you get? This was the first time I actually even went out on Black Friday! I can't really consider it full Black Friday shopping though since we went to the store at 9am...but hey, at least I bought some stuff 😉
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karissa
My Thanksgiving was relaxed and a good day. Thank you for signing up for My Motivational Monday linkup I hope you'll stop by again this Monday.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That's good to hear.
Patty @ Reach Your Peak
I have always wanted to take a soul cycle class but havent gotten around to it. I took a similar class at a spin studio near me and I am so not coordinated with cycling and weights lol. I also want to try Peloton in NYC (another spin studio). NJ Soul Cycle meet up over winter break? 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, it did take a bit of coordination! Kinda a shock the first time!
Girl, yes! Meet-up for sure! I will be there, just let me know when!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine
Looks like a great Thanksgiving, albiet untraditional! The restaurant looks great. Enjoy your coconut milk- I use it all the time! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It was!
I don't know what to make first! I'm thinking some warm creamy bowl of hot cereal 😉
Nicole
I always hated Thanksgiving break during college! I lived too far away to go home, especially with Christmas break right around the corner, but the campus became a ghost town for a a few days. Sounds like you had a great time anyway. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It was much better than I thought it would be! And knowing I will be home by the 12th now really helps!
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth
Your thanksgiving was packed! I didn't do any black friday shopping but I did get my new camera on Cyber Monday. So. Freaking. Excited 😀
p.s. Your recap made me wish there was Soul Cycle nearby but alas, there's none in Waterloo- which is a bummer. Ah well
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yay! What kind did you end up getting?
One day girl, one day 😉 I'm convinced SoulCycle and its greatness will taken over the world one day and be everywhere! Haha!
Rachel
It sucks that the campus completely shuts down for Thanksgiving, my college roommate was from Japan so I took her home with me for Thanksgiving. She was interested in learning about the holiday (and not being left alone!) so it worked out okay.
The cinnamon vanilla tea and the chicken burgers from Trader Joe's are amazing! Although maybe not together. We grill up the chicken burgers whenever my mom is visiting.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That's great and so sweet! I'm sure she really enjoyed it!
That tea is SO good, (even though it is rough on my tummy sometimes...I deal though!)
Hey! Have you ever made those burgers simply in the oven? They don't have oven cooking instructions...only broiler, skillet, and grill :/
EA-The Spicy RD
What are wonderful way to spend the holidays with your Dad! Love the photos of the 2 of you together 🙂 We did a family & friends hike in the morning then had a nice Thanksgiving dinner at my in-laws house (I baked pies) and my parents were there too, plus we celebrated my hubby's Grandfathers 94th b-day! No shopping on Friday. Then Saturday was my birthday so I enjoyed a relaxing day followed by dinner w/ my family and drinks w/ some friends. All in all it was a pretty wonderful long weekend 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
That does sound like a wonderful weekend! All those great things with family! Those times are always needed and cherished 🙂
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma)
Looks like you had a nice untypical Thanksgiving. I always enjoy your posts. I loved seeing all your teas! I need to expand my tea tastes!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It was NICE! And thank you Cindy 😉
I always find it so hard to stop myself from buying a new tea EVERY time I go to the store, haha!
Kristy @ Southern In Law
It looks like you had an awesome thanksgiving!
Soul cycle actually sounds like heaps of fun! I am fussy with fitness classes too and spin/cycling classes are usually a no go for me haha
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It was a lot more than I anticipated, that's for sure!
SoulCycle is great! (Next time you're in the US....go to one of the cities they have a location in! Haha!)
Kristen
Yay that spin class sounds amazing - I'm so jealous! And I'm also jealous you got to see your dad on Thanksgiving. I got a little teary eyed reading about it. I miss my dad so much, but at least we got to Skype on Thanksgiving! So excited for you to be going home in a few weeks. Congrats on almost being done with your first semester!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I told my brother we should Skype over the break when he was back home with my mom, but that didn't happen 😛
At least you still got to see him! Thank you technology! Haha!
And thank you Kristen! XOXO
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats
I need that blazer. Seriously, it's exactly like what I've been looking for!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Me too! Haha! That's why I knew I had to take the plunge and get it! It fit, looked good, and it was black friday!
kimmythevegan
Sounds like you had a fabulous time with your dad =)
Glad you get to home for Christmas soon too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It was great! Yes! Just less then 2 weeks! I am more than excited 😉
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie
All those teas <3333 I just bought a few of the holiday teas from celestial seasonings and can not wait to try them out soon! I am dying to take another spin class. Your class sounded like so much fun! They have free fitness classes during finals week at my school so I always take advantage of the spin classes since they are always a blast. I definitely know that feeling you get when you are in the zone during class!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
There are no Celestial Seasonings teas in any of the stores by me so thank god for TJs! Haha!
This was NOT a spin class though...it was SOULcycle....hahaha! It really was incredible! No normal spin class can beat it! I wish I could get to any spin class now though! But yea....we don't have free classes at GW either 🙁
HeidiDee @ Beauty by HeidiDee
Sounds like an amazing time! And OMG those teas!! I am also a tea groupie (Is there an actual name for us lol?!?) and that caramel one looks amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think we should create a name..... 😉
And yea! The caramel one is divine! So yummy!
Farrah
SoulCycle sounds like a really fun class to check out! :]
I love that blazer you found! <3 I also love your tea collection, haha. I've tried about half of those and loved em' all! Very curious about the candy cane green tea! Let me know how that one is! :O
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It so is!!!
I'm so happy I finally own a blazer! And girl, that tea rocks! It literally tastes like Christmas and cheezy Hallmark movies...no joke!
Farrah
Oh em gee, I'm gonna need to convince my friends to send it to me, haha. *-*
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment
Great weekend! So nice you got to spend so much quality time with your dad. No shopping on Black Friday for me!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It was! I'll always remember this one!
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet
It sounds like you had an awesome Thanksgiving! I shopped on Black Friday for the first time ever too (at running stores, so it was actually less crowded than normal). I don't know if it counts, but I got capris for 75% off, so I'll take it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That's awesome! 75% anything is a rockin' deal!
Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel
really enjoyed reading this post. thank you!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well, thank YOU for reading! XOXO
Kim
What a fun holiday! Your pictures are lovely.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Kim!
Kat
look at all that yummy tea!! I literally stock up on peppermint teas in the winter. They are my absolute favorite! I even cook my oats in it, add cocoa powder, and enjoy chocolate peppermint oats 🙂
No black Friday shopping for me, but while shoppers were hitting stores at 5am, I was in my gym getting my sweat on 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I have a recipe for that! But using quinoa flakes 😉 The possibilities with tea are ENDLESS!
That's how it's done! Time well spent! I got my workout in at 4:30am too!
Linda @ Veganosity
What a fun post Rebecca! I LOVE the clothes you bought!!!! I'm a stylist/personal shopper (at least I was until my blog took over my life), and I promise you that you could wear those six things a hundred different ways. Those jumpsuits are fabulous! Good luck with your finals!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You are!? Be prepared for me to come to you with all my style questions then 😉 Haha!
And thank you! I just have to get through 3! Should not be too bad 😉
Linda @ Veganosity
I'm happy to help, although I don't think you need any. 🙂
Nikki Vergakes
Everything in this post looks sos good and made me so jealous! Your food shopping, dinner, and new clothes. Looks like it was much needed!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It WAS need and so appreciated! I am so full of love and gratitude right now! Just what Thanksgiving is all about!
Elsie @ Sharing Healthiness
I love when "nothing" becomes "everything"! Sometimes you only need good company, that's it! I am dying to try Soulcycle! Eveything I read from it is just fitness on another level! I think jumpsuits are the perfect comfy/classy combo..they work either way...:)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Right! It may seem "ho-hum" to some, but it was actually just what I needed!
I can't say enough good things about SoulCycle! It rocked!
I ALWAYS wanted one, and then I finally tried it on too see if it would even look good and BAM it did!
Lou @ Mommy Sanest
Sounds like a fun holiday! We started our long weekend with a Turkey Trot, and then I hosted Thanksgiving for 9.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well that sounds awesome! Full of fun and love I'm sure!
Jenn Alex Brockman
I found you through Motivational Monday link up. I've never been to DC and never really wanted to go, either.
The soul cycle class sounds interesting, but I've never done a spin class, so I don't have a reference.
I spent my Thanksgiving at home, in the quiet. My girls went to their dad's family for two days.
It was great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Glad you enjoyed your holiday!
genevieve @ gratitude & greens
Girl, prepare to get some tea in the mail from me! Doing that this week 😉 Sounds like you had a fab Thanksgiving with your dad! I've never been to a spin class but it's definitely on my to try list. I have so many friends who love it! I was with my boyfriend and his family for Thanksgiving, and had such a wonderful time with them! Skipped the Black Friday sales for a few extra hours of sleep 😛
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ooo I can't wait or thank you enough 😉
This is spin AMPED! Haha it is the best!
Any time with loved ones is just so good, isn't it! Glad you had a beautiful holiday friend! XOXO
Jennifer
Wow! Sounds like you were super busy! What a great day though. Glad you had some Dad time. Great pictures! A walk to the White House! Very cool! I am also a HUGE fan of tea! YUM! 🙂
Guess your right, time to break out the Christmas decor now.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It was a good couple of days for sure! Totally got me in the holiday spirit!
Elizabeth @ Enjoy Every Bite
What a fun weekend! I love trying new healthy foods and exercise routines to keep things exciting! I find it helps motivate me too.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yup! Totally fun to spice things up!
Emma @ em-poweredwellness
I hate cycle classes but soulcycle sounds incredible! Looks like you had a great Thanksgiving 🙂 I'm totally with you on Lulu being way overpriced
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ypu have to try this! It is NOT your typical spin class!
Heather @ FITaspire
Looks like a VERY full day!! We did the dinner the night before and went to see the sandsculpting championships on the big day. And Hunger Games in the theater (I never go to the theater!). Good day! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Awesome! Switchin' up from tradition is always fun!
Susan Mahlburg
I stayed on campus my first year of college. Ahh, the memories. I was so alone and hungry that I raided my roommate's snack drawer.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, that's why my dad HAD to come down! I needed food!
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For WHAT?!
Thanks for the positive recommendation for Soul Cycle last week when we were chatting - it was just what I needed on Friday! I'm glad you loved it and broke out of a fitness rut, it's so exciting to find something new that energizes me. I wish I could go back but like you said, it's pricey!!! Thanksgiving with your dad sounds nice, some quality time one on one.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You are so welcome! We will have to make it a blogger meet-up some time 😉
Thanksgiving was great! It was nice to spend time with my dad!
Betsy Moats
What a fun weekend! I am so jealous you got to experience SoulCycle! I first heard about it when I went to Oprah's THe Life You Want Weekend and it sounds amazing. I hope they open one near me eventually!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think as more people hear about it, they WILL expand! They have to! It is so great!
Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits
I KNEW they were going to open a SoulCycle studio in DC. There's such a huge spin studio scene in DC. Too bad it wasn't open when I was still living there. It's true, the town is very quiet and even eerie around Thanksgiving weekend. We're usually gearing up for finals around Thanksgiving, so I actually appreciated that everything around me was less hectic. Looks like you had a fun Thanksgiving!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O man! It is so awesome! I reminded me of how much I do enjoy spin, although this was so much more!
I wish DC was a little more festive 😉 Hopefully they will be for this Christmas season? Haha!
Amanda
Your weekend looks SO FUN!! How nice to spend quality time with your dad. That tea looks soo good too, especially the candy cane one!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It was great! We don't get to spend much time together so it was appreciated!
Get those teas girl!
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections
Wow nice finds for Black Friday! I got some good finds too but all were gifts for other people. Also, I've had that tea before and HATE the flavor as well. But all the other TJ's one are awesome!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Any thing that says vanilla I have to try...but this was bad! I love spicy things, but not in my tea!
Yes! All of TJs teas are fabulous!
Paige c
Love love love the candy cane tea from trader joes! I have a box at school with me too. Would love to try soul cycle out! I didn't know there was a studio in DC, I move back to Annapolis in 2.5 weeks!! Which is only 45 minutes away and my mom works downtown dc
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I love seasonal teas! They all just make me feel so festive and happy!
Girl! If you get a chance, definietly check out a class! Totally worth it!
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating
Sounds like a great weekend! I love those chili lime burgers from Trader Joe's. So good! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O great! I think I'm going to try one tonight!
Shashi @ runninsrilankan
I am one of those International ones who even now really don't celebrate Thanksgiving - unless I go to a friends place or something - it's a low key meal at my home. Sounds like you had a great weekend with your dad - love y'alls eats! I cannot wait to see what you make with that blue cornmeal. And I wish we had a SoulCycle here in Georgia! Happy Monday!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, all American holidays are blown way out of proportion 😉
There are going to be some awesome creations coming out of my kitchen once i get home!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
I feel like Lulu only puts their not-good stuff on sale! I agree the prices are insane but unfortunately I can't find run gear that beats it for me. I justify it by the fact that it sells really well on ebay, so you make a lot of your money back, if you want to.
Looks like a nice thanksgiving, and makes me remember the days of my parents (really my dad!) buying me things! When you're young it seems normal, and now I miss it!! Now I'm the one buying for my kids, of course 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, I just joke how the $50 gift card I have is only going to buy me one leg of a pair of pants!
He totally should NOT have bought me anything, but it's all from too much love, haha!
Megan @ Meg Go Run
The picture of you and your dad is so cute. 🙂 I am with you on Lulu... I am just not into paying high prices for stuff when I can get it for so much cheaper at places like Marshall's or TJ Maxx. All my running clothes end up smelling like permo sweat soon enough anyway. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Haha, yea! I love all my Old Navy clothes and random old tanks for working out! A few expensive pieces is nice to have, but I could care less!
Deanna Segrave-Daly (@tspbasil)
I'm probably your dad's age too but so fun to read about your weekend with him (BTW -in regards to your dad's shirt - Cape May is my happy place - we go to West Cape May each year and heading down there this weekend for the Christmas parade 🙂
Need to check out those Trader Joe's chicken burgers!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
We go to Wildwood and Cape May EVERY YEAR in September for the Fireman's convention! I love it down there too! So many wonderful family memories! I'm jealous you're going down this weekend!
Deanna Segrave-Daly (@tspbasil)
I grew up going to Wildwood Crest so we do both each year - what a small world 🙂
Sonali- The Foodie Physician
Looks like you had a great couple of days! That SoulCycle class sounds awesome, I hope it comes to Fort Lauderdale soon!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope they expand too! It really is such an experience!
Andrea Mitchael
What a fun and unique Thanksgiving! So strange that DC was so dead 🙂 lol -- I can totally relate on the hairdryer thing, by the way -- I'm asking for one for Christmas because I don't even own one! hehe! We had a beach-side Thanksgiving this year, first time in my life! It was soooo relaxing! I loved it 🙂 EVERYTHING was gluten free, which was a delight -- we have celiac disease in our family. <3 So glad you had a lovely day full of joy! I didn't get out on Black Friday except to get some groceries, maybe next year I'll plan a Black Friday route 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
DC is always dead! It;s sad, because it is such a cool city!
I need my own hairdryer now too! I just used some cheap one my roommates had in the bathroom, haha! Score!
A beach-side T-Day sounds AWESOME! Yay, for making it celiac friendly too! That's great to hear!
Grocery shopping counts as Black Friday shopping 😉 Haha! It is the best shopping regardless!
Natalie
That sounds unconventional and quite fun! My Thanksgiving was simple. All I really cared about was getting to be home with my parents for a few days (can't wait for these next two weeks, especially exams, to be done!) I have never been Black Friday shopping, no one in my family will agree to go with me, and I don't really want to brave it alone 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You and me both girl! Just push through exams and then let the peace and love flow full force!
Haha, one year I hope to do REAL Black Friday shopping at like 3am...even if I don't buy anything, I just want to experience the CRAZY!
Carrie Ann Tripp
Dropping by from the Motivational Monday linkup.
Awesome memory recording! I live an hour and a half from the nearest Trader Joes, but make that drive frequently. 🙂 However, I've never tried Whole Foods. I know where a few are, but since falling in love with Trader Joes...I would feel like a traitor.
We didn't go Black Friday shopping this year, but I did make a run to the closest Victoria Secrets Saturday for some necessities while they were still on sale.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Whole Foods had so much MORE, obviously since it isn't only a single brand store, but it is SOOO much more expensive!
Grabbing any sale is a good sale!
Mattie @ Comfy & Confident
Sounds like a nice weekend with your dad! I have only done Soul Cycle once, but loved it. I need to get there more often, it's just a trek from my house.
Your Black Friday buys are great but it's mostly black! Add some color to your wardrobe, gurl!! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I wish I could continue going to SoulCycle...but really, it is way to expensive! I need my fitness free!
I wear tons of color, lol? You don't know what the rest of the clothes I own look like!
Ali the Skinny GF Chef
Rebecca, I read the whole article and loved it! So well written and heartfelt. Lovely memories for you both. Thanks for sharing. xo
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Ali!
Emily @My Healthyish Life
WOW! What an awesome week. First, I'm SO jealous that you went to SoulCycle. I've only heard great things...and that it's super expensive. I would love to try it once at least. I didn't go shopping on Friday but my mom and sister did and said it wasn't too crowded. I'm saving up for Cyber Monday today 🙂 And I didn't watch the parade either- first year I missed it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Why are the good things so expensive 😉 Haha!
I think I might check out some deals today too...with my own money...but I don't know!
I missed the parade so much 🙁 I love seeing Santa at the end! Haha!
Jennifer F
Aww, it looks like a great weekend. No black friday shopping for me -- but we do have a new Trader Joes, I need to hit it (never been)!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Do it! And I'm tellin' you...buy ALL the seasonal teas!
Coco
Hah! I feel the same way about Lulu, but I do like their headbands! Glad you had a good weekend!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's crazy! How could they have no sales...?
Thanks! I hope you had an awesome one too! XOXO
Carla
ok so I may be your dad's age 🙂 BUT I LOVELOVELOVELOVE that piece of your post most of all 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You and my dad are both YOUNG!!!!