Fly Me to the Moon

This past weekend I finally did something I’ve been wanting to try for a very long time – I took a spin class. A branch of Flywheel recently opened up near me so a friend and I went to check out a complimentary class. I must say I was very nervous going in because I’ve never taken a spin class before and I don’t think I’m in the best shape stamina-wise.

Of course, this newbie was assigned the bike in the front row, directly in front of the instructor! But (at least in this class) there was no yelling at or shaming of riders to try harder. The instructor was very positive and the room was dimly lit (so no one could see if I wasn’t pedaling as fast as them). Spoiler alert – I wasn’t! The music gets you pumping to the beat and it was a lot of fun. Even though the class was very rigorous, I got through it!

I’m not going to lie – I almost packed it in a bit more than halfway through though. My body was getting over-heated and I didn’t think I’d be able to go on. But then I thought, hey, I don’t want to be THAT PERSON that had to give up because they couldn’t take it! I fought through and somehow my body rejuvenated itself – and I finished the class feeling really good.

I would go back again if just to get my body more conditioned to the class. This location also has a barre class that I’m eager to try. I’ve taken Bar Method classes in the past, but haven’t done so since I was pregnant. So I think it’s time to get back into it. Flywheel was a good experience and I’m looking forward to trying it out again soon.

Images via Google and Pinterest

H&M’s Beauty Bar

I’m a bit of a magpie, I just can’t help myself. I’m always drawn to pretty, sparkly things. So I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into H&M and discovered they now have a full makeup line on offering.

Lady M and I had had enough of being stuck inside due to the snow, so I bundled her up and got her out. When we walked into H&M, we were greeted with a girly display of lip gloss, eyeshadow, glittery nail polishes and so much more. And the prices were too good not to at least give something a try. I ended up getting a shimmery nude lip gloss that is perfect on its own to add shine or as a top coat over a more saturated gloss. I’ll definitely be back to give some other products a whirl.

Hmm, doesn’t this remind you of something?

The gloss I purchased

 

Girl, I Like Your Style

As the mom of a little girl, I have become slightly obsessed with baby style. It’s just not enough for me to put her in Carters all the time (not that there’s anything wrong with that)! Bonus points if you get that Seinfeld reference. But there are so, so many great (and affordable) things out there these days for kids, and you can really have fun with their style. These are just a few of my new obsessions.

Mini Boden

It’s not completely inexpensive, but they have such great stuff. Their items are made of good quality materials and come in an array of fun patterns and prints that have a slightly British twist. Tip – you can find a ton of Boden items for less at places like Nordstrom Rack.

Rumm

Formerly known as American Eagle’s 77kids, Rumm is a great place for go-to, trendy styles that are both affordable and not too cutesy. I like their varied selections and some of their boys clothes can work as unisex clothing.

H&M/Old Navy

These stores are really great for fun and trendy styles without spending a ton. I may have already hoarded a few pieces from each that Lady M won’t even be able to wear for another year or so. But when I see something I like, I’d rather put it away now than her not have a chance to wear it at all. Right now I’m loving this summer dress from Old Navy.

Rockahula Kids

This British accessories brand just has some of the cutest hair bands. I love to change up the bows I put in Lady M’s hair. How long she’ll leave them in is another story.

Bloch Shoes

As a former ballet dancer, I’m a total sucker for these. Enough said.

Images via Boden, Rumm, Old Navy, H&M, Rockahula Kids, Zappos

Reading is Fundamental

I love to read but its taken a bit of a back seat lately. I usually like to read at night before going to bed but I’ve either been busy with work or just too tired to do very much of it lately. But I’m making a big effort to change that. I haven’t set any exact goals, but I definitely need to read more this year. Here are some books I’m looking forward to reading.

Jim Henson: The Biography, by Brian Jay Jones

Since I was little, I was a big fan of the Muppets. They’re a part of my childhood so it was sad when Jim Henson died (and I can’t believe its been over 20 years). Think of everything he might have accomplished. I can’t wait to take a look inside the mind of this fascinating man.

New York Diaries: 1609 to 2009

Written in chronological order over the course of one calendar year, this book spans the first 400 years in the life of the city, culling diary entries from a multitude of its inhabitants. Andy Warhol, Mark Twain and George Washington are just a few of the many voices writing about this great city.

The New York Nobody Knows by William B. Helmreich

The author took it upon himself to walk every single street that makes up the City of New York. Five boroughs, 6,000 miles in total. It took him over 4 years to complete this task and the book takes us along on his adventures and the fascinating people he met along the way.

Five for Friday

Happy Friday! We made it through another week and in celebration of that, here is what I’m looking forward to this coming week.

Three-Day Weekend

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day we have a three day weekend. The Husband will be home on Monday and we have a bunch of things planned for the weekend so it should be a fun and productive one.

Dinner with Friends

I’m going out tonight for a much-needed dinner with the girls. It’s always fun to go out and catch up on all of our busy lives.

Islanders Game

So they may not be the best team in the NHL, but they’re my home team. The Husband and I are headed to the Coliseum with some friends later in the week to watch our first game of the season. Fingers crossed for a win!

Working Out

OK so I haven’t to the gym in a few weeks – it happens. But I just noticed my gym has added a Bar Method-type class as well as a hip hop dance class. I plan on checking both out this weekend.

Working

I know this isn’t something most people look forward to, but I’m organizing my thoughts and sitting down to some serious work this week. This includes beautifying my work space as well. Perhaps I’ll have some DIY projects to share soon!

Have a great weekend!

Images via Google and Pinterest