10. High Five for Friday #1

Rebecca Black? Sing it, girl.

It's Friday, gang. I couldn't be more thrilled.

Today I'm linking up with Lauren at From My Grey Desk (one of my favorite blogs!)

Lauren uses Friday's to reflect back on the past several days by listing her five favorite things from that week. 

Here are mine!

1. Saturday afternoon lunches with my love

hello scarf that is too warm for summer...

2. Barbeque Popchips. 

If these need explanation you may not be at the right blog. 

3. Wine, TV, and Lounging

Clearly I was protesting pedicures at the time of this photograph. 

4. Babies.

On Tuesday I babysat the most precious, sleepy, sweet baby boy. Words cannot express how cute this child is. 

5. HALF DAY FRIDAY! YAY! 

Leaving the office at 12:30PM today ;-) 

Let the long weekend begin!

9. I See You, Memorial Day Weekend

Let's all take a moment to realize that we're nearly half-done with Thursday. This, to me, means it's basically Friday. Even better than that is the pending three day weekend and following four day week. A long weekend is truly a gift that keeps on giving. 

My memorial day weekend is going to be filled with the following:

Girls Night

Shopping

Cleaning

Couple Friends

Day Beverages

Sleeping

Snuggling

(cue: "These are a Few of My Favorite Things")

Most important on this list (and most exciting!) is shopping. I've lost over 15lbs since last summer and none of my clothes fit. I'm going to spend my Saturday attacking the outlets to take advantage of the Memorial Day weekend sales. 

Here is my shopping list: 

Peach Cotton Chino Short from JCrew


A Gold, Breathable Summer Flat

-A few printed dresses that I can throw on in the DC heat
-A thin white blouse for work days
...and the dreaded bathing suit.

I'm looking forward to posting what I scoop up (and what I save ;-)!!)

axoxo
-A

8. Thou Shall Not Covet

I learned the 10 commandments at age 7; but this, I simply cannot stop coveting. 

I know about eighteen different people with some version of this watch, but I've never seen anyone 

with the Blair and it has been on my wish list for well over a year now. 

I've thought about just caving in and buying this no fewer than a willion (w intended) times, but it's never come to fruition do to a variety of haphazard life events - not the least of which is that whole "student loan repayment" thing. Blah. 

This weekend I'm heading to the outlets to cash in on the Memorial Day sales and you better believe I'm taking the time to search for this beauty in at the Michael Kors outlet. 

Until then, beautiful watch...

axoxo

-A

7. Why I Love Intervals

I don't know about you, but I am incredibly ADD at the gym. I cannot handle doing one task for a long time and I end up getting frustrated and bored and then usually leave the gym before I finish my intended workout. But last week, my favorite spin instructor told our class that interval training is not only one of the best things you can do for your body, but also one of the best ways to lose weight. 

After she mentioned this to us, I spent some time reading different bloggers and other information that I could find and everything supported this notion. Intervals burn more fat and are great for your body. 

Here is my favorite interval workout:

AG Interval FUN

Time: 40 minutes

Machine: Treadmill

Minutes 1-3: Walk at 3.5mph, taking long strides to stretch legs

Minutes 3-5: Run at 6.5mph for to get heart rate up

Minutes 5-5:45: SPRINT at 8.2mph*

Minutes 5:45-7: Walk fast at 4mph

Minutes 5-15: REPEAT INTERVAL!

Minutes 15-16: Walk at 3.5mph

Minutes 16-21: Walk at 4mph on 15% incline

Minutes 21-23: Walk at 4mph without an incline

Minutes 23-30: REPEAT INTERVAL!

Minutes 30-32: Walk at 4mph

Minutes 32-34: Run at 6mph at 9% incline

Minutes 34-36: Walk at 4mph

Minutes 36-38: Run at 6mph at 9% incline

Minutes 38-40: Walk at 3.5 and COOL DOWN

I have this printed out and keep it on the treadmill with me. It is the perfect workout if you're looking to shed some pounds and speed up a workout. This is 10x LESS painless than running at a constant pace for 40 minutes. 

Quick note: Go at your own pace. When I started committing a lot of time toward my health this past January, I was doing this much slower. My warm up run was around 5.7mph depending on the day and my sprint was 7mph. Do what feels right and watch yourself get stronger and faster. 

Time to hit the gym!

axoxo,

-A

5. Hump Day Heart List

People call it "Hump Day" because after Wednesday the rest of the week is downhill. Here are some pretty (and otherwise bizarre,funny or completely strange) things I am loving right now that'll help you over that hump. 

1. Cat on Two Legs

This video is undeniably hilarious/creepy as hell. One of my co-workers sent it to me yesterday morning and I caught her watching it on repeat several hours later. 

2. Essie Fiji

Kevo and I went to Boston a few weekends ago and I got myself all pampered up before. I had been relying on Essie Ballet Slippers as my go-to spring color, but they were at when I got my last manicure so I tried Fiji (somehow for the first time). UHM HELLO?! Fiji>Ballet Slippers. It covered my nails in 2 coats (I use FOUR with Ballet Slippers) and was the perfect light pink shade. You can't really see it that well in this picture, but trust me - it's pretty. 

Yes, that is an entire lobster. Yes, I ate the entire thing. No regrets.

Better picture here: 

3. Red Wine Sangria

I singlehandedly decided that my boyfriend is having a party at his group house this weekend. I plan on making lots of this stuff, sitting outside on a blanket with one of my best friends and playing yard games with Kevo and his roommates. 

4. This AMAZINGLY Adorable Ring

I've been looking for a dainty rose gold ring for a while. This ring is so cute and subtle and it will go with everything. Did I mention it's only $8?

5. This Blonde Girl

That's my best friend in the whole world, Sarah. Today his her 23rd birthday. This girl has been with me through EVERYTHING. Hap BD, Sar.

We're nearing the weekend, gang!

axoxo

-A