YMCA Spring Expo

Eloise (Left) and I at the Spring Expo

I'm afraid that I may be single handedly responsible for putting my favorite cocktail lounges out of business because of my lack of patronage- I stayed in on yet another Friday in order to be fully energized for an action packed Saturday with Eloise and her kids at the David D. Hunting YMCA. 

The Y was hosting a spring expo that we didn't want to miss which featured vendors from local businesses, and we thought that the kids would enjoy spending some time in the pool (girl's day under the guise of kid's play date).  Spray tans, manicures, and massages were all being offered!  Eloise jumped at the free massage (she is still sore from yoga last week) while her daughter and I got our nails painted and her 4-year-old son was entertained by a balloon. 

In the Fitness Center

I had never visited the Y before so Eloise gave me a tour.  I was very impressed- the building is both beautiful and designed to meet environmentally friendly standards.  My favorite part is the glass walls which offer a view of downtown Grand Rapids.  I also discovered that the Y is a great place to socialize (aka buff men everywhere)!  I think I made good impressions in my colorful Tory Burch tunic and jacket and Vince shorts.  Eloise was also cute and practical in a Workers for Freedom skirt and Plenty by Tracy Reese top  

 

By the Pool

Our final stop was the pool.  We hung out on the deck while the kids splashed around, but I did end up dipping my feet in.  The heated water gave me a preview of my much anticipated spring break vaca!  Fortunately Eloise and I are both able to get away for a bit next week- to separate but equally warm spring break destinations. 

I'm glad I got to check out the Y!  I am seriously considering becoming a member so I can work out with Eloise!    

Seva Yoga

Lola (Right) and I

      To my surprise Lola has been sustaining her healthful lifestyle choices (and relationship with new boy toy) of regular yoga practice and limited alcohol consumption. When I told her I wouldn't believe it until I saw it, she invited me to join her for a class at her favorite studio, Seva Yoga, in Gaslight Village.
   

We matched the paintings!

      On Friday I met her and her Yogi boyfriend at 8 AM for my first ever vinyasa yoga class. Kudos to Lola for sticking with it!  Yoga is not easy and she made sure to let me know.  Her smart comments about my lack of flexibility revealed her not-so-secret vindication.  But at least I looked cute when I was falling out of tree pose onto my butt. I had on my green Solo Moda jacket, Tribal pants, and Michael Stars tank. Lola wore a Tribal ensemble purchased at Leigh's of course.

      Although it was a challenge I enjoyed the experience.  I am definitely going to incorporate some yoga stretches into my training for the 25K 5/3rd Riverbank Run.  Which gives me an idea- I think I'll turn the tables and invite Lola to go for a light 9 mile warm up with me one of these days.

      I also found out that Seva Yoga is stopping by our favorite place! They will be at Leigh's this week for Beauty and Wellness Week.  Michele our instructor will be discussing topics such as aromatherapy and detox as well as teaching gentle yoga and restorative yoga sessions.  Hope to see you there!

Lunch at The Green Well

On Friday Eloise and I went out to lunch at our favorite East Hills eatery- The Green Well Gastro Pub.  The laid back atmosphere, eclectic menu, and vast beverage selection made it the perfect place to recap our busy weeks!

Our new friends John and Susan

Eloise (Left) and I

Eloise had on a cute 3.1 Philip Lim cardigan and pleated See by Chloe trousers which she accessorized with a Sarah Calender necklace and her practical Lilly Pulitzer flats.

I wore a striped Vince shirt, 3.1 Philip Lim pants, a Kenneth Jay Lane necklace, and my favorite Venezia-Milano ruffle-front trench.  I completed my outfit with strappy Cole Haan sandals which, as Eloise pointed out, revealed my eagerness for the arrival of spring (she may have been suggesting that they were not appropriate to wear in February in Michigan when its 35 degrees but I think she is just jealous of my new purchase).

Our baked goat cheese appetizer

My seafood platter

Eloise's pad thai 

For our appetizer we shared the baked goat cheese (from a local farmer of course- I love their emphasis on sustainability!) that was served with tomato salad, bacon, and pesto.  I ordered the seafood platter for my entrée paired with an Albarino from Spain, the featured wine of the week.  Eloise decided on the pad thai and a "dark and stormy" to drink which is a dream pairing of dark rum and home-made ginger syrup.  As always our dining experience at The Green Well was outstanding.  I can't wait for summer so we can enjoy cocktails on the patio!