Barre at the Bar

Location: Lenny Boy Brewing

One of my favorite ways to try new things on a budget is brewery fitness classes.  Charlotte has a crazy huge brewery fitness scene.  One way I find out about all the different classes is from Work For Your Beer.  They list all the classes going on at all the breweries around town.  They even host various events.  I only wish I would have thought of this concept first because they are huge now and it's fantastic.

It's not in my budget right now to join a gym so when I am not doing Tone It Up at my apartment I love to try new workout classes.  One of my new favorites is Barre.  This workout is no joke y'all.  Work For Your Beer hosts Pure Barre classes at a different brewery every month, it's amazing. I love that I can take a fun but ridiculously tough Barre class thanks to this!

What are some fun ways you like to switch up your workout routine and try new classes?

Date Night Ready

Outfit: Top [not online] | White Jeans | Sandals 

I think white jeans are my favorite way to be causal and dressed up at the same time.  In Charlotte though it's just too hot some days to wear jeans at all so I will definitely be breaking rules so I can get some more wear out of these jeans after labor day when I can wear pants again!

This outfit to me just screams date night.  Or maybe it's me saying Mike I think we should have a date night and I'll wear this to feel cute and pretty! This top is off the shoulder and actually a little bit of a high low crop feel.  These jeans fit so perfectly but #shortlegproblems I have to cuff them so they are not dragging under my heels.

We are still trying to save for nice furniture items and decor in our apartment so date nights lately have been on a budget.  My favorite way to save money but still feel like we have the opportunity to go out is to just do drinks and appetizers! Apps are often overlooked but really they are my favorite foods on the menu sometimes.  We still save money, get to share and sample a few options, and have a wonderful date night in the process!

What are your favorite ways to have a date night on a budget?

Building a Business Wardrobe [on a budget]

One personal goal I have for this school year is actually with my wardrobe.  I want to really focus my spending on purchasing quality timeless items that can be worn many different ways.  I also want to wear nice clothes that tell people "I am a professional" and "I care" Working in a school is a little interesting because the work wear requirements are more business casual and some teachers really bend the rules and don't even consider that business part of the phrase!  It frustrates me to no end because I am constantly trying to advocate for my job, my role, and fighting against the system - we can't do that if we don't look at ourselves first and start to take our profession in the schools seriously.
I truly believe that what you wear can make incredible statements.  I also am a huge advocate for the saying when you look good you feel good. I like putting time and effort into my outfits in the morning - it sets me up to have a successful day.  A caveat to clothes and wearing quality items is the cost.  My budget is pretty tight [thanks to student loans & being a school employee] But when I started researching ideas for building a classic business wardrobe I couldn't find any information on how to do it with little to no money to spend on tons of new clothes! So I thought of some tips and tricks that I have been taking into practice as I get my wardrobe ready for another school year.

Take Inventory: Literally take all of your clothes out of your closet! You will be surprised at what you find in there.  Take note of the items that you have already.  This would also be a good time to clean out anything that doesn't fit correctly, you absolutely hate, or is just so worn out.

Get Ideas: My favorite place to get outfit ideas is on Pinterest.  I go on with the mindset of getting an idea then go back to my closet to try to make an outfit with what I have. Or I had a friend tell me once that if she wants to wear a certain item but is struggling with how she will search on Pinterest "purple pencil skirt outfit" and see what comes up! Comparison and getting suckered in to the "I want/ I need" this exact item serves no positive purpose, not for your wellness or your budget.

Buy the Basics: Now if after you have taken inventory, you have brainstormed with the clothes that you already have and you find you are lacking specific basic items that are crucial to building outfits, now is the time to go shopping.  Set a budget. Go shopping with those specific needs in mind.

Mix and Match: This one is a hard one for me.  I am such an outfit shopper.  Or even an event shopper.  You know you buy that dress for that one bridal shower and then can't wear it again because it was for that event.  Or I even create an outfit out of many items I have, then fall in love with it, and proceed to wear that set of items the exact same way each time.  I then feel like I wear the same thing over and over so I have nothing to wear!   But it is so important to mix and match. Switch it up.  Try something new.  Give yourself a challenge to not wear something the same way twice and see what happens.

Remember the Rule of Threes: I just learned this rule and it has made all the difference. Basically when you think you have an outfit made ie: shirt & pants for the most basic of examples; the rule states; an outfit is never truly complete until a third item is added. For that third item think; jacket, statement accessory, scarf, vest, etc.  Once I started putting this into practice [when I remember] I truly do feel more complete and satisfied with my outfit I made.  It just pulls everything together so nicely!

Have Fun: Fashion is fun! Let it be that way.  No one is perfect all the time.  Take some risks.  Remember how amazing it was to play dress up when you were little? Don't lose that joy in your current closet just because you are on a budget.

What are some ways you build a budget friendly wardrobe? 

Topgolf | Charlotte

Location: Topgolf Charlotte 

Outfit: Tank: Target [Similar] | Jean Shorts: Abercrombie & Fitch | Sneakers: Target 

Details: 5$ lifetime membership [needed for every person], $25 - $45 per hour depending on the time you go, + cost of food and drinks.

Topgolf just opened up in Charlotte at the beginning of June. It has been a huge hit so far.  A friend who lives over by the location said every time she drives by there is a line out the door! For Fathers Day I told my dad I would treat him to a day at Topgolf this summer.  He decided to use his gift on my Mom's birthday this past Sunday, so it was like a double gift from me for both my parents.

We were prepared to wait when we got there so we put our names on the list and wandered around to check out the place.  For those of you not familiar with Topgolf the best way I can describe it is a driving range with the idea of bowling.  Your balls have trackers so you can play various types of games and you get points if you hit your ball in one of the targets by the flags.  For those super serious golfers beware if you are simply playing the "topgolf game" you could have an amazing shot but not get it in the target and not score any points at all!

We decided to get some food and drinks while we were waiting.  There are 3 levels here all with various seating and bar areas you can hang out at.  There are also lots of fun games around like pool and table shuffleboard to play while you wait.

The music was very loud in the whole place.  Be prepared for a "bar scene" vibe as a result.  This is not your quiet, serious, country club driving range at all.  I thought it made it very unique, but even our server wanted to lower the music because she couldn't hear us!

The overall game once we finally got to our corral was so much fun!  You chose your club and then wave it over the board so your ball comes out to the tee.  Then you try to hit the ball to one of the targets! I love going to the driving range; although I have only been a handful of times, this was exiting to actually get points and see where your ball landed right away.  If you make it in the targets your screen shows where the ball landed, the distance you shot it, and gives you points for that.

I had been saving up for this day for a while because as you can see there are a lot of little costs that do add up quick.  Everyone needs the lifetime membership card; this covers your "club" rentals and keeps track of your score.  You can also load money on your membership before you even go which can pay for the corral rentals. If you are going with a group of friends you can split everything evenly on the computer very easily though to keep costs down.  Be prepared to drop quite a bit of money - drink prices were high, the food was delicious but expect about 10 dollars per item.

We all had such a blast.  I ended up beating everyone but my dad in the second game! Maybe I'll start to pick up golf more regularly now. I would go again but I think I might wait until the novelty wears off a little bit and my bank account bounces back.  We had to wait for a long time [2 hours] and spending so much money doesn't exactly pass for living well on a budget in my book.  A bucket of balls at the driving range is a whole lot cheaper and still a ton of fun to do - you can even go out for drinks after to celebrate.  All in all it was a great experience and I am so glad they are here in Charlotte!

Do you have a Topgolf in your area? Or have you been to the one in Charlotte? What do you think?

Letter to My College Self

Dear College Amanda and all those heading to college at the end of summer,

It's been five years since you graduated undergrad and a full year now away from graduate school.  I have had some time to reflect on those times.  I have learned many lessons along the way.  While I don't regret anything because I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, there are definitely some things that I learned and wish I would have done differently.

Create a budget & stick to it.  Or better yet save money in an account that you block access from.  Paying off loans is no fun.  Plus once you graduate your car is going to break and you will have to buy a new one so add another monthly payment.  Rent anywhere else besides your college town is crazy expensive. Have fun but be mindful and disciplined with your money. I think this past year was the year that it really clicked for me, but I wish it were 7 years ago!

Go out with your friends.  Taco Tuesday.  Thursday night events.  Saturday afternoon adventures and tailgates.  Practice good time management and spend some daytime in the library to get your work done.  This is the time in your life that you will be closest to people.  Don't skip being around them, say yes to things with people.  The moments with friends will become your most cherished memories.

Learn to meal plan. Fast food is not your friend.  Prep food with some lovely fresh and healthy ingredients, your body will thank you.

Do what makes you happy. This lesson is the one I really wish I would have taken more advantage of.  I had a weird complex that I built up in college that revolved around other people and what they thought.  It's a difficult thing to break. I am still finding myself and what I love but I wish I would have jumped at more opportunities that my college campus offered that peaked my interest. Who knows if you try something that makes you happy and go alone you might meet some really great friends.

Be open. This is kind of a continuation of the previous.  Colleges are constantly having events and opportunities.  Go. Try something new.  Don't judge before you try.  These years are so formative, so be open to learning new things and trying something different.

Don't cling to people who don't bring positivity to your life.  I spent a lot of time on people who didn't serve me well.  I kept trying to make things work in various friendships and relationships and unfortunately suffered a lot from it.  I lost big pieces of myself in other people.  You will always find new people so don't be afraid to walk away from something that is bringing you down.

Go to church.  Better yet get involved with a campus Christian group.  Jesus is number one. Spend time with Him & like minded people.  Those will be the true friendships.

Journal. Writing is the one way that you truly figure out what you are thinking and feeling.  Invest in yourself.  Go to a fun coffee shop, bring your journal, sip a latte and reflect on this once in a life time experience.

Ask questions. This is your time to learn.  Don't be afraid to admit that you don't know something.  Try out various jobs and internships.  Learn learn learn and soak it all up.

Explore where you live.  Your college town is so much more than your campus.  There are actually people that live and work there year round.  They matter too.  Support local.  Learn about the towns history & people.  You will miss that life when you are gone.

Choose your girlfriends over that boy. Seriously.  He isn't worth it.  If you don't think you are good enough to ever find someone; stop that negative self talk right now!  You will find a fantastic guy.  BUT first you need to love yourself and spend time with your girls.  Boys will always come and go but if you choose them over your friends slowly the most cherished girlfriends will fade too.

Make sense of money. Do your research. Set some life and financial goals.  Remind yourself of those financial goals often, especially when debating spending some cash on something silly.  Invest in quality and your future.

Make the most of it. College is seriously unlike anything else. It's difficult and challenging sure but it's also so much fun.  Be brave. Take risks.  Be present and enjoy this special time in your life.

What would you tell your college self?

Summertime in CLT

This is the first summer I will spend in the Queen City since 3 years ago when I moved back to Boone for grad school.  So much has changed in Charlotte recently.  It's growing right in front of my eyes.  There are so many new cool places or events to check out; I feel like I can't keep up.   I am fortunate enough to have my summers off [minus a few trainings here and there + babysitting and swim lessons I do for a side job] with more time on my hands I can't wait to explore my city.  I compiled a list of all the things I hope to get to do this summer in Charlotte, I'm sure I will constantly be adding to it as I find out about more as well!

Country concerts: To me summer and country music go hand in hand.  We already have tickets to Brantley Gilbert and Luke Combs this July.  Bring on the tailgates with friends, good times, and good music.

River Jam + Outdoor Yoga at the USNWC: Every Thursday evening a different band puts on a free concert at the Whitewater Center.  Bring a chair, your blanket, and your friends!

Ice Cream dates: There are some local ice cream shops that I just haven't had a chance to go to yet.  What's more perfect than supporting local, ice cream, and a hot afternoon?

Rooftop cocktails: Same as above.  There are some fun rooftop bars around the city with amazing skyline views.  I will definitely go at some point this summer for that insta worth cocktail skyline photo ;)

Pool Days: Enough said. Get some La Croix, a fun floatie, and your bestie to relax by a pool and get some rays.

Rock Climbing: Sometimes on a rainy day I don't want to have netflix marathons and clean I want to still feel like I can have an adventure.  So going to this indoor rock climbing center is definitely on my list.

Brunch: My favorite meal of all time.

Cheer on the home team: I haven't been to a Knights baseball game in years.  Now Charlotte has a fancy stadium in uptown, plus summer and baseball games go hand in hand.

Check out some farmers markets: Charlotte is definitely growing in the local green movement and I am so proud.  I have heard about a bunch of little farmers markets all over the city that I plan on spending some Saturday mornings exploring.

Hike Crowders: The closest thing to the mountains we have here is Crowders Mountain about 45 minutes outside the city.  It's a fun little day hike and perfect for those times I am craving mountains and hiking but can't make the whole trip to Boone!

Lake lovin: Charlotte is situated so nicely in between 2 lakes - one of them now has a public beach.  What I am really hoping for is some very nice friends to invite us for a few boating outings **wink, wink** 

Explore Parks + Greenways: Walking the dog is one of my favorite mindful self- care activities.  There are so many fun parks and greenways to walk around Charlotte.  There is even a plan to connect all of them around the city eventually.  How cool is that?!

Coffee Shop Adventures: I have a feeling this will be a fun little project of mine.  Blogging from new coffee shops.  I just love the atmosphere in coffee shops and this summer I will be on the hunt for my favorite!

Beach Trip: Charlotte is situated literally a days drive from adventure.  2+ hours to the mountains and 3+ hours to the beach. We are going to the OBX one month from now.  I talked here about what I am already planning on packing for this trip that I am bouncing with anticipation for.

Is there something you know about in Charlotte I should check out? If so please share and tell me what your summer plans are too! 

OMB Yoga On Tap

photo credit: Yoga On Tap

One of my favorite things to do here in Charlotte is attend yoga classes with friends.  Not just any yoga classes, because I am not in a position in my life or my budget to join a studio, free or cheap yoga classes at breweries are my thing.  I talked about the classes I love in this post.

I wanted to delve a little deeper today into OMB's yoga classes.  OMB is a local brewery here in Charlotte that is really paving the way for the local beer movement but more than that they are always looking to give back.  Their yoga classes recently have really brought people in the community together and given me a little more exposure to some non-profits here in Charlotte.

One class I attended all the proceeds went to the local hospital to benefit the heart and vascular unit.  Other classes they do bring local instructors from all over the city to give them exposure.  Then the other week we went to a class benefitting the Metrolina Association for the Blind.

This class was phenomenal in so many ways.  We were completely blindfolded the whole time, which took my yoga practice to a new level.  Suddenly poses that I feel are so typical and easy became a way for me to topple over and lose my balance.  I always feel so strong in my body during yoga but never realized how much I depend on my sight during a full class.

Think about it.  The instructor says something and you might not catch it so you peak over at your neighbor to make sure you are doing the right thing.  You are in a pose and need to make slight adjustments so you glance down at your feet to check the positioning.  When you are in tree pose and the instructor says now close your eyes - forget about it - timber goes the tree.

It took one class of being blindfolded to have me realize how much I take for granted the privilege of sight.  P.S. I wear contacts because my vision is so bad [my glasses don't fully correct my astigmatism] but I have the ability to have my vision corrected so I am privileged. I was uncomfortable with myself, unsure of if I was doing everything correctly, and the blindfold kept falling down my face as an extra nuisance and something to worry about during class.

I am so grateful for OMB Yoga On Tap for bringing these types of classes to the brewery, friends who are willing to take risks by my side, and the chance to truly reflect on how blessed I am.

What have you done lately that reminded you of a simple privilege you have? 

Yoga in CLT

photo credit

"Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self." - The Bhagavad Gita

I have touched on my love for yoga a few times now.  When I was in grad school one of my professors had just received her yoga teacher certification and taught us about the benefits of using yoga in our daily life as well techniques as with clients.  I have always loved the way I feel after a good yoga class.  Learning more about the theory and research behind it made me love it even more.

When I moved to Charlotte, again, I wanted to find a yoga studio to join so I could keep up the practice more frequently.  Eventually, a goal of mine, is to get my teacher certification as well so the regular practice would be beneficial.  Then, the reality of my budget hit, and yoga studios are all out of my price range!

A friend invited me to a yoga class at a brewery in Charlotte over the summer and I was hooked.  I was able to get a good yoga class in for little to no cost out of my pocket! There is something about going to a class vs doing a yoga video online that pushes me to have a better practice. Plus being an extrovert I get to be around people instead of just my dog in my bedroom!

Actually in Charlotte, the whole fitness class centered around a brewery thing is blowing up! You could probably find some sort of free or cheap workout class that covers the class and a beer for the price! Work for your Beer has done a fantastic job of rounding up all the classes that you can attend to in Charlotte for the various prices and locations.

My particular favorites are OMB Yoga on Tap on Tuesdays.  5 dollars gets you a yoga class and a pint after the class [the picture above is actually of me there; I'm on the orange mat!] This class gets crazy crowded so you have to get there early to get a good spot.  Thursday's I go to Free Range Brewing for their yoga class.  This class is free. Also crowded but a little bit smaller and not as crazy popular as OMB. Typically I will stay after and support the brewery because it's one of my favorites in Charlotte.

So while my budget doesn't allow me to go to a studio for my yoga fixes, Charlotte breweries have made it possible for me to get a great class in with friends for a fantastic price.

Have you been to any brewery yoga classes? Have a yoga / workout class you think I should check out? Let me know! 

Brown Paper Packages

Confession.  My dog is a toy destroyer.  I am talking within ten minutes of having a toy my apartment becomes a war zone and the only thing that remains are bits of fuzz.  I obviously love my dog, want him to be entertained, and feel loved by getting toys; but I just couldn't afford buying new toys all the time for them to be chewed up for scraps every day.  Dog toys are expensive and the durable ones are even more so.  Ain't nobody got that kind of money.

Then I found Bark Box.  For 20 dollars a month I get a few toys and bags of treats that Finn loves - the toys last longer than most and then once they are destroyed a new box comes in the mail.   I stopped spending money on toys and treats all together once I subscribed because we just don't need it.  I do buy him nylabones that last months because he is a stress chewer but really 20 dollars a month vs 20 dollars a toy every few days really helped out my wallet.

Finn, loves BarkBox too.  He knows when BarkBox gets delivered every month and will wait by the door for the mail man to drop it off.  I swear he knows it's a package for him when I bring it inside too.  Finn is hilarious, he literally will not do anything else except stare at the box until I let him open it.  He drools too because he knows there has got to be something good in the box.

The toys are always themed each month in such a humorous way.  They are funny, cute, and like I said before durable [which is my number one priority] The treats he gets are full of real, wholesome ingredients.  Finn has some weird allergies so feeding him good food is important to me.  BarkBox makes it easy - when you subscribe you can select if your dog is a heavy chewer [yes!] and has allergies [yes!] so they will customize the box based on your needs.

Finn got BarkBox for a birthday one year and I have loved it so much that I just keep renewing every single year. I love the joy that it brings my dog to receive something for him in the mail.  [Yes, my dog has very human like qualities lol] Plus, it saves me money, and honestly the hassle of going to the pet store all the time to buy more toys just to make sure Finn is entertained and happy.

If you would like to check out BarkBox, which I highly recommend and Finn definitely agrees, you can click here.  When you click this link it will take you to the BarkBox site - and if you sign up using this link you will get a FREE month of Bark Box. Your pup will thank you and give you so many slobbery kisses.

Disclosure: This post was not sponsored by BarkBox in any way.  I have been a paying subscriber for many years and truly love it.  However, if you do click on the link and use my referral code I will get a free box to add on to my paying subscription as well as you getting a free month! Win win :) 

Riverwalk Days

This weekend the weather was absolutely gorgeous.  There was no way we could stay inside.  My Aunt was in town visiting for my birthday and we wanted to have a fun family day on a budget! WE headed down to Riverwalk.  A fun community in South Carolina, right across the border, with some awesome outdoor adventures.

Riverwalk has a greenway that follows along the Catawba River.  This is my favorite place to walk around Charlotte because of the water alone.  There is something about being by the water in the sunshine that can make any day be a good day.  Here, at riverwalk you can also utilize the Kayak launch and kayak the river.  There are also mountain bike trails that intersect with the greenway at certain points.  Whatever your outdoor adventure you choose; this is the place to explore!

My sister and I decided to walk a little faster than the rest of the fam and got in a good 5 mile walk while we chatted about life and everything in between.  We really haven't had many chances to talk like that in a few years - long distance face time and all.  Sometimes all you need is a wonderful conversation with someone you love.

After our walk, we met back up with the family at the Pump House.  A restaurant / rooftop bar right by the river.  There are also other shops and fun places I want to check out next time by the river - including a coffee shop/ wine bar! We all got a fun drink and enjoyed the view with more lovely family time and conversation.

All in all, this weekend was a good one for the soul.  Family time, sunshine, great conversation, drinks, and time spent being active outside.

Riverwalk details: 
Location: Rock Hill, South Carolina ~30 minute drive from uptown.
Budget: Free for me! [thanks Daddy] but if you purchase your own after walk drinks ~$10 a drink + depending on how many you have and if you add food as well.
Time: 3+ hours.  Really it's up to you - how far you want to walk - what shops you want to see - how long you spend at the pump house. You can even get a free book set up a hammock between some trees and read all day if thats what you wish!

How would you spend your time at Riverwalk?