The food, the friends, the margaritas! About 20 people visited the transformed IM=X Pilates Blue Bell studio Tuesday evening for the first ever Happy Hour party, the IM=X Blue Bell Cantina. The pilates machines were moved aside, and decorations brightened up the walls and ceiling. We almost ran out of room on the tables in the cardio room, so many people brought food! Lots of fresh fruit, chips and dips, veggies, and a fantastic hot dip from Karyn were thoroughly enjoyed (and the recipies would be welcomed by many!) And then, dessert. “If it tastes like buttah, that’s because it IS!!”- and, ooh, Kathy R’s Mexican Wedding Cookies were buttery. Jen W brought cupcakes- Margarita cupcakes. Did any of you realize they were vegan? Those dense, moist, absolutely delicious cupcakes made with the drink of the evening were vegan?? Yup!

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A giant cheer and thanks from EVERYONE there to Amy, who got us started with her homemade margaritas. Even the beer-and-wine fans enjoyed a glass. We had several donations of tequila, triple sec and mixers that didn’t even get opened, so we’re set for another party!

Early on, the group sat on the floor by the margarita table in a big circle and chatted. As more food arrived, and the crowd swelled, people stood in groups or pulled a few chairs together. We heard quite a few “I don’t know you! We must work out at different times.” Friends caught up with each other, new connections were made, and lots of conversations that normally would get cut short in a pilates class were had in full.

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A handful of people paid their “cover charge”- they were asked to describe, in 2 or 3 words, what is IM=X Pilates and what do we do here at IM=X Pilates Blue Bell. Here are a few of the answers we got:

“Classes are fun and challenging”

“Fun Fitness Friends”

“I feel: strong & lean   Instructors are: motivating & personable (& AWESOME) :)”

“Invigorating Strong Sexy    That’s how I feel”

This is great! It’s so exciting to hear what you think and how you feel. Leave a reply or send us an email if you want to contribute- it’s never too late. You can let everyone know what you thought of the party, too!

A very warm thanks to everyone who participated, even those who couldn’t make it. We hoped to create a buzz and get everyone to mingle a little. Thanks to all of you, the first Happy Hour party at IM=X Pilates Blue Bell was a success!

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