Field Trip! Lululemon Outlet and Summer Lovin’ Tote Review

A member of my Moms Run This Town so graciously informed us last month that a lululemon outlet was opening at an outlet in the Phoenix valley.

Now I’m not a die hard lulu girl; I only own one shorts from there. In fact, I’m not particular to any brand. If it fits the way I like and the fabric seems legit, then I’m good.

But I love shopping and getting a deal, so when the news came out a lot of us got excited about what we might find.

The catch? It’s a 30 minute drive.

You see, Phoenix is huge. And there’s a whole bunch of other huge cities surrounding it. It’s basically divided in halves. You live in the West Valley or the East Valley. The outlet is on the westside and guess where I live? Yup, the east side.

We thought it would be fun to take a MRTT field trip out there but unfortunately, when the day came, everyone got caught up with life and couldn’t make. So yesterday I decided to go solo–I mean, my curiosity had been piqued; I had to go see what the hype was all about.

Traffic was flowing and I made it there pretty quickly considering the hike.
I was on a mission and didn’t go to any other stores (I actually live close to an outlet mall on the east side) and went straight to lulu. Except I didn’t know where it was at lol! I finally asked a girl carrying a lulu bag and sure enough, I had walked pretty much the whole mall and had to go back lol! Luckily, I didn’t mind since I needed to meet my 10k steps goal anyway 🙂

Then, I saw it.

You had me at outlet....

Thankfully, I missed the grand opening craziness

I was a little underwhelmed as it was a small store. At first, I thought it was bigger than what it was because there was a huuuuge mirror at the back wall reflecting the shop so I totally thought there was more store in the back. I ALMOST WALKED INTO THE MIRROR. I’m not even kidding. Luckily, I saw my reflection and was like, “Wait a minute? I know her!”

The store was organized by size so they had a 4 section, a 6 section, etc. Most of the stuff was winter gear–long sleeves, jackets, capri pants–and because of the 112 degree heat outside, I couldn’t even fathom purchasing any of those things. Tanks and shorts selections were slim….

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… and then I saw it.

My bag.

It was the only one hanging and it looked so lonely. I decided right then and there to give it a home.

Gorg.

Summer Lovin’ Tote=Gorg.

It’s such a great bag. It’s got a yoga mat/towel holder, a plastic zip case inside for wet gear, an extra inside pocket, an outside water bottle holder, and an outside pocket for your phone/keys. The bag itself is deep and roomy enough for running shoes and clothes. Oh, and it comes with a shoe bag!

I love it.

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Towel/mat holder

Left: Inside clear plastic zip case; Right: Inside pocket

Left: Inside clear plastic zip case; Right: Inside pocket

Left: Shoe bag; Right: Water bottle holder and phone/keys pocket

Left: Shoe bag; Right: Water bottle holder and phone/keys pocket

So even though the store was on the small side with limited selections in my opinion– there were only two bag styles and mine was the last one of one of the styles; there were head band accessories but not as many options, and really there were no better deals than what the clearance sections in regular stores have. Yet, despite all of that I still considered the lulu excursion a success — I mean c’mon, didya look at my bag 😀

I hope everyone is having a Terrific Tuesday!! ❤ , helly

–Do you have a favorite gym bag?

–How far will you drive to go shopping? lol!!

–Are you a lululemon lover?

When Two Groups Collide

This weekend was one of the funnest I’d had in a long while. I mean, every weekend has elements of awesomeness but this Saturday and Sunday it just was overflowing–so much so, I’ma have to split it up 😀

Saturday I woke up bright and early at my usual 5 a.m. This is nothing new as it’s my start time during the work week. Today though, I was going to be meeting up with two of my fave groups, Run Eat Tweet AZ and Moms Run This Town.

I’ve talked about both before. I used to be a RETAZ ambassador but had to step down because of life commitments. That hasn’t stopped me from still being involved in other ways though. And then I started a local chapter in my city for MRTT last year that I still lead along with my buddy, We’re Running a Marathon?.

Run Eat Tweet AZ wanted to host a group run for all Phoenix valley MRTT chapters and we all of course jumped at the idea. My city MRTT meets weekly but we don’t often meet with other neighboring cities in the valley.

I was prompt at arriving at 6 a.m. for the start of the long run, 10 miles. I wasn’t going to run the 10 though but just do a quick out and back and meet up with the second group, the 5 milers, that would start at 6:30. I wanted to be there to greet all of my MRTT ladies.

My group is the newest MRTT chapter at barely over a year old but guess what? We had the most of all the chapters! I was so proud of my girls! Six arrived at the 6 a.m. start and then 3 more at the 6:30. 🙂

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But first, a selfie. (I'm horrible at these--can you tell?)

But first, a selfie. (I’m horrible at these–can you tell?)

I managed to get in 2 quick miles before the second group started and then I went back out for another 3 to make 5 miles total. It was an easy going run where I wasn’t at all concerned with my pace–just hanging out with everyone and chatting up a storm.

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Having a blast…as usual 😀

Afterward, all the chapters took a group photo along the bridge where we had met up.

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Such a great turnout!

It was such a beautiful Phoenix day–cool and cloudy and just the right amount of cold 🙂 Run Eat Tweet AZ even had coffee and breakfast for us!

Best. Weather.

Best. Weather.

They also had hooked up with some vendors who gave away neat prizes–free race entries, jewelry, t-shirts, running fuel. It was just an awesome good time.

I’ve mentioned before how life-changing it was for me not only as a runner but just as a person to get involved in local running groups. There are three that I’m actively involved in and it really gives me the motivation and support I need to keep me going. It’s impossible for me to ever get lazy (not that I ever would anyway 😉 ) because my friends are constantly inviting me to run or workout!

At first, it was tough for me to branch out and get out of my comfort zone. But, getting involved and being a part of a group has helped my running so much–I’m faster, stronger, and smarter. The latter being the most important in my opinion.

I really can’t praise it enough. There’s absolutely nothing I regret about joining a couple of running groups. My wallet begs to differ–because my races have increased, but I’ve acquired some pretty amazing friendships and experiences that make it ALL worth it. So if you’re on the fence about it, just do it!!! (And if you’re not sure where to start, here are some tips!)

Hope you all have a great Monday!!

❤ , helly

–Do you have a running group?

–How many running friends do you have?

Feelin’ Good!!! {link up}

Happy Friday!!! I’m linking up with the DC Trifecta ladies Cynthia, Mar, and Courtney for today’s Friday 5 Good Things.

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And thankfully, there’s a lot of good going on 😀

1. Drugs

Whoa, whoa, whoa, before anyone gets the wrong idea, let me remind you that I’ve been sick forever for a long time. I finally made my way to a doctor who prescribed me some medication and YAY!! I’m finally feeling better.

2. My first run back

Because of the aforementioned good thing, I was finally able to go out for a run after a 10+ day hiatus. It wasn’t the best run ever, but it felt sooo good to get back out there. My husband joined me so it made the run even better.

Totally feeling like I'm starting over here....

Starting over..

3. MRTT

I’ve mentioned that I’m a part of several running groups, but right now I’m especially happy with how the Moms Run This Town group I lead is progressing. I started our local chapter about a year ago and picked up my buddy Jennifer@We’re Running a Marathon along the way to help co-lead. And despite still being relatively new, we’ve grown our young group to almost 100 members!

And it’s not just about the numbers. There have been several meet-ups and group runs and great conversations and it’s just been awesome. Starting something and having no idea how it will turn out only to see it going well is def a GOOD thing 😀

Check out the main website for an MRTT group near you! (sorry dudes, girls only)

Check out the main website for an MRTT group near you! (sorry dudes, girls only)

4. A surprise in the works

I’m so pumped!! I’ve mentioned I think a while back, how my brother has picked up running. Last year, my brother, sister, and I ran our first (and my brother’s first) sibling 5k.

Family 5k fun!

Family 5k fun!

Since then, he’s been a running machine!

Like for real. My (former) 300lb, 6’2 brother has lost 50 pounds!!! FIFTY!! He’s been running and cross training and most recently, almost exactly a year after his first 5k, he ran another one and finished in 27:56. YOU READ THAT RIGHT. He freakin’ rocked that 5k beating his previous time by 5 minutes!!

He has his sights set on running a half marathon and has been training for it the past couple of months. He sends me pics of his long runs–5 miles one week, 6 miles another week, and I’ve seriously been the most proudest sister ever.

I have to see him run this half.

Soooooooo, my awesome, amazing, I’m-so-freakin-lucky-to-have-him husband bought me tickets to go see him run!!! In Ohio!!

I have no idea if my brother reads my blog. I don’t think he does. He doesn’t know I’m going!

I did call my sister though, to kinda help with logistics, and she suggested I run it too! She’s running it, and she said it would benfun for all of us to start together and give my brother a sibling send off.

You guys, I’m so insanely excited about this.

We'll be running the half! :D

We’ll be running the half! 😀

5. Birthday girl

Finally, the best good thing…

my daughter turned 3 yesterday ❤

Threeeee!!!!!

Threeeee!!!!!

Her party is tomorrow and seriously, I can’t believe how fast these 3 years have gone by. I have a 3 year old and this summer, I’ll have a 2 year old as well!! Gahh!!!

I hope everyone has a great weekend (with great weather!)!!

❤ , helly

–Share something GOOD with me!! What’s going on your awesome life right now??

–Have you participated in the Flying Pig Marathon? Tell me everything.