Tucson’s new lulu

If you’ve been following the blog for a while, then you know I used to work at lululemon. I LOVED working at lulu, but it wasn’t in my long-term goals. Also, I would joke that I made negative dollars – that discount was oh-so glorious. As a military wife, unless you’re a teacher or nurse, it can be challenging to find and keep a job since you’re constantly moving. but lulu was something I was able to maintain from Orlando to Tucson. after I quit, I’ve been working at the resort two years. While I’ve worked a variety of different jobs, they’ve all been things that I enjoy, and for that I feel very fortunate.

When I transferred to the Tucson lululemon, it was a small showroom. When they open a showroom, it’s a way to start a presence in the community, determine products that might suit that location (for example, in Tucson we need pieces for the hot climate and we have a huge running community) and decide if there’s a need for a full store. You may notice if you have a showroom that they’ll get some colored product, but a lot of it is black, and there is an emphasis on all of the classic pieces. Now, the Tucson store has transitioned to a bright, shiny, full-sized store:

Lulu  1 of 1

with all of the beautiful spring colors and fun new product.

Lulu  1 of 1 3

They’re hosting a variety of opening celebrations this weekend -and a yoga flash mob that I’m going to miss, but it sounds amazing- and to kick things off, there were treats, teas, coffees, mimosas and fruit at yesterday’s debut.

Lulu  1 of 1 2

A few of my friends are ambassadors at the store, and it was so cool to see their photos on the walls. The store reminds me a lot of the Jacksonville lululemon at St. John’s.

Lulu  1 of 1 4

Before shopping, we had met Michelle and Levi for bagels, then met up with some more friends and their babies to check out the new store. After lulu, I had to get a couple of little things for the bride-to-be’s shower, then came back home so Liv could be a nap ditcher 😉

Instead, we had lunch and played with her water + sand table:

Water table

(waiting for the play-safe sand to arrive, so just doing water for now)

and spend a lot of the afternoon outside.

Later that day, we met Michelle and Levi again for playtime at MyGym,

Mygym

(the only non-blurry photo I got- the girl moves FAST!)

dinner on the AJ’s patio, and back home for bed for the little one,

Downton Abbey and hot cocoa for me 😉

Hot cocoa

The Pilot was delayed coming back, so I can’t wait to see him later today <3

Hope you’re having a lovely weekend!

xoxo

Gina

Something to think:

Source: hplyrikz.com via Gina on Pinterest

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40 Comments

  1. Veterinarianess on April 20, 2013 at 4:11 pm

    I’m always jealous of people who work at Lulu because of their discounts! If this veterinary thing doesn’t work out maybe it can be my back up career 😉

  2. Alissa on April 20, 2013 at 4:12 pm

    That is so exciting!! I will have to hit it up when I visit my in-laws in Tucson next time we go!

  3. Ann on April 20, 2013 at 4:12 pm

    I love you water/sand table for Livi – what kind is it? Where can you get play safe sand? Thanks!

    • Fitnessista on April 20, 2013 at 4:14 pm

      i got it at costco! they had a ton, so maybe yours will have them too? the play safe sand can be ordered from a few vendors online.. it doesn’t contain silica and is pure, clean sand

      • Michele on April 20, 2013 at 5:31 pm

        this was forever ago, but my preschool actually used cornmeal instead of sand- easily available, and apparently hurts less if you get it in your eyes?

  4. Ali @ Peaches and Football on April 20, 2013 at 4:14 pm

    I finally finished season 3 of Downton – luckily a co-worker had it on DVD otherwise I’d be stuck a long time waiting for it to be on Netflix!

    We don’t have a Lulu anywhere near here. They have super adorable stuff, but it’s $$$$ and seemed (to me) like it didn’t cater at all to larger/plus sized women. I like to shop at stores that sell cute clothes for both. Maybe we’ll get one someday. 🙂

  5. Sarah on April 20, 2013 at 4:14 pm

    I just got the Splash & Scoop Bay by Step 2, for my baby too! At Costco, right? What a great price for it! We haven’t broken it in yet though (no down time.)

    Where are you getting your “play-safe sand?” I didn’t know there was such a thing. I was just gonna use plain old-fashioned sand 🙂 Do tell…

    • Fitnessista on April 20, 2013 at 4:16 pm

      YES! costco! i was so excited, because it’s been wanting to get her one and the price was awesome
      if you use sand from your yard it should be fine, but if you buy sand at low’s or home depot, it may contain silica or small particles that shouldn’t be inhaled by kiddos. there are quite a few vendors if you google “play safe sand”

      • Sarah on April 20, 2013 at 4:44 pm

        Good to know. There’s so much to be aware of these days, as a parent, opposed to how we grew up (old school.) God, remember the old plastic, put-on-your-lap – don’t-even-seatbelt-in carseats our parents used for us??!! Holy cow, it’s amazing we made it out of the 70’s alive, lol!! Funny memories.

        I’m planning on using the Splash & Scoop table as a sensory table, once the Spring & Summer’s over (I know, I don’t even want to think about another long, cold winter again, just yet 😉 I’m going to use rice, measuring cups, bath toys, noodles, etc. All of course, under my supervision… I know that stuff can be ingested too, without proper supervision. Just ideas 🙂

  6. Andrea on April 20, 2013 at 4:35 pm

    What a gorgeous LULU store!! Now i want a mimosa 🙂

  7. Rebecca on April 20, 2013 at 4:36 pm

    haha – I chuckled at your “unless you are a teacher/nurse” comment – opposite here in Ontario. If you are a teacher and move, you will not be able to get a job – so you end up working at LuLu. Seriously, I have a few teacher friends who ended up working at Lulu because they couldn’t find a job 😉

    Although there are a few malls here in Ottawa that have a Lulu, it is good that the ones near me do not have a store – better for my wallet 😉

  8. Corinne on April 20, 2013 at 4:45 pm

    Hey Gina!

    I’m a med student here in Boston. I’ve been loving on your blog for a while now and I just wanted to say thank you for your updates this week. Reading your blog while we’ve been stuck inside on lockdown has brought me a comforting sense of normalcy – even with all the helicopters, sirens and gunshots. Also, a big thank you to you, the Pilot and all the other military families out there.

    Peace & lots of love!!!
    Corinne

  9. Danica @ It's Progression on April 20, 2013 at 4:54 pm

    I don’t know why I ever walk into Lululemon…I love everything and I hate having to make myself leave because there’s just no room in the budget to get all the pieces I want! 🙂

  10. Astacia on April 20, 2013 at 4:54 pm

    Hey there! Just wondering your thoughts about the recent Lulu pants scandal? They had an issue with quality control and the pants were see-through aparently. The story goes that Lulu blamed it on the Taiwanese manufacturing people, but it was brought to light that Lulu signed off on the pants though. Lulu has since lost 20 million dollars in sales, and it has had 4 quality control issues this year that were in litigation. No one brought up that scandal and the questionable quality, so I just wanted to know what you thought. I know you worked for them, so maybe you’re not able to be unbiased? I only know that the clothing is pricey, and while I don’t mind splurging, I want quality when I do. Thoughts?

  11. Kim on April 20, 2013 at 5:01 pm

    Isn’t amazing how important little things like naps and bed time become?
    Sorry the pilot was delayed getting home – hopefully he is home now.
    I’ve never been to a Lululemon (none in the area) – hopefully one day!!

  12. Katie @ Talk Less, Say More on April 20, 2013 at 5:04 pm

    Oh man, I have two Lulu gift cards burning a hole in my wallet…I’ve been trying to figure out what I want to get with them BEFORE going into the store. I’m trying to practice self-control. 😉

  13. Mari on April 20, 2013 at 5:16 pm

    so glad you gave Downton Abbey another shot! hope you’re enjoying it!!

  14. april on April 20, 2013 at 5:27 pm

    wow, what a beautiful lululemon store! can you believe that i’ve never been to lulu? we have one nearby (LA area), so i will definitely be changing that VERY soon!

  15. Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat on April 20, 2013 at 5:34 pm

    Oh that gorgeous sea of luon!! I love it!! So true about the negative dollars. I’ve never worked there but I have a feeling that the majority of my pay would go right back into the company!! Also, absolutely love that pinned image. So, so true.

  16. Lisa @ Lisa the Vegetarian on April 20, 2013 at 6:00 pm

    That Lulu looks great! There really isn’t one nearby where I live, so I don’t get to experience that cool stuff that they have.

  17. Jelena@FabLifePhD on April 20, 2013 at 7:12 pm

    These things look so pretty and colorfull. Too bad they don’t have them in Europe 🙁

  18. liz kaczmarek on April 20, 2013 at 8:56 pm

    I have that same purple keyboard cover! My laptop is really obnoxious, the hard cover is bright pink and my keys are bright purple. I feel like Elle Woods.

    I am very jealous of your lulu store. We don’t have one where I live which is really sad for me, but really, really good for my bank account!

  19. Emily on April 20, 2013 at 8:56 pm

    I applied at Lululemon last year (before I got my current job) and realized really quickly that it wouldn’t be very beneficial for my bank account. That discount is just too tempting! haha.

  20. Erin @ Axell's Kitchen on April 20, 2013 at 9:11 pm

    Can you believe I’ve never been to a Lulu store!?

  21. Courtney @ CardioQueen on April 20, 2013 at 9:41 pm

    Although you probably couldn’t get some planned things done because of the lack of a nap, I’m sure you had a great time with that sweet girl! I got so excited reading this post because I work at My Gym here in LA! Isn’t it awesome! 🙂

  22. jen on April 21, 2013 at 12:07 am

    LOVE lulu. I just bought the vinyasa to vino bag today and am loving it.

  23. Emily on April 21, 2013 at 1:03 am

    Lulu gets me in sooo much trouble 🙂 Love.

    Livi’s blurry photos are just like when I try to snap the Squish. He’s either running like a maniac or grabbing for the camera.

    Bummer about Pilot’s delay. Hope he’s home soon!

  24. Shaina Anderson on April 21, 2013 at 1:14 am

    We were just looking at water/sand tables for Tripp’s birthday next month! Does she love it?! I’m having so much fun buying him stuff that he actually plays with now (instead of stares at like the first few months haha).

    • Fitnessista on April 21, 2013 at 12:13 pm

      livi loooooves it

  25. CourtStar @ StarSystemz on April 21, 2013 at 1:46 am

    Lululemon has found a place in my heart, it took much convincing and my own mother buying me a full outfit but once I tried it, I have a hard time wearing anything else. I even got my hubby addicted which is crazy because he was Mr Nike! Liv is too cute, love seeing her pictures! Sending you a fun Sunday! Love + Shine CourtStar

  26. Lucie@FitSwissChick on April 21, 2013 at 6:11 am

    Such a nice store! Here in Switzerland no one has even a clue what Lululemon is 🙂 So sad!!!
    I can not handle the cuteness of your daughter – her hair got so long!!

  27. Heidi on April 21, 2013 at 8:57 am

    That lulu looks beautiful! I have never been to a store- I have to find one around me! Or, maybe it is better that I stay out- ignorance is bliss 😉 haha.

    I love that you had hot coco from a snowman mug! 🙂

  28. Jen on April 21, 2013 at 10:30 am

    I also worked at lulu! Love that place, they still seem to steal a great part of my paycheck…

    I’m debating getting the same table for Evan (he is a little young for it..), from Costco!

  29. Amanda on April 21, 2013 at 4:51 pm

    Speaking from my experience.. and that of the military spouse community I’m in where many are educators.. It has been EXTRA tough to find and keep employment while being a military spouse and a teacher.. States require their certification, which can take up to a year, and since we move every 18 months to 3 years it is impossible to set up an entire classroom only to tear it down again a short time later.. And THAT is if you’re lucky enough to PCS at the end or beginning of a school year, not mid year.

    Just saying.. I think a retail job would be MUCH easier to find and keep.

    • Fitnessista on April 21, 2013 at 4:53 pm

      i guess it’s varies. a few of my friends are teachers and have had no problems finding new jobs when they move

  30. Liz on April 21, 2013 at 10:18 pm

    Have been dealing with a breakup this week and that quote was exactly what I needed!

    • Fitnessista on April 21, 2013 at 11:47 pm

      <3
      thinking of you.

  31. Melissa on April 22, 2013 at 10:29 am

    Oh I am obssessed with Lululemon just spent a small fortune on gear for two spring half marathons.

  32. christina on April 22, 2013 at 12:33 pm

    do you know anything about the process for becoming an ambassador? i always thought that you would make a great one since you’re so active in the internet fitness community. sorry if i’m weirding you out by suddenly commenting when i never comment. i’m such a lurker, but i’ve been reading your blog for years.

  33. cait @cakesandbeans on April 22, 2013 at 1:00 pm

    Ive been reading for awhile and never knew you worked there!

    Ive been contemplating if I should, I think it would be fun to do it at least once a week! I love lulu!!!!
    I love the outside of the store, so pretty!!

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