ZUMBA !

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm7DyRjtWRc&feature=relate

This clip is from a zumba class. Not exactly the one I attended, but the moves are pretty much the same.

Ass shakin’, hip movin’, and lots of funky moves that keep you groovn’. Zumba is a fun class and definitely quite a workout! I attended class last week with an instructor who kept me laughing, moving, and sweating my ass off. He did a great job leading the class with his humorous faces and interpretive moves to the music.

As it was my first time at a Zumba class, he told me to just try to keep up and that I would get the hang of it. Of course being a newcomer, I stayed in the back row so that I wouldn’t make a fool of myself. Well, that still managed to happen! Since I was “that” girl in the back, there were some ladies who were blocking my view of the instructor. This led to much confused and messed up footwork. At some points I just started making stuff up or pretended to go along. After a little while, I began get the hang of it (and had to keep moving from side to side to see the moves).

The music was so entertaining and fun, it really got me in the mode. We “zumba”-ed to salsa, “Rollin’ down the river”, “The roof is on fire”, and some other zumba tunes I didn’t know. All the music played during the session was vibrant and exciting that it just kept me groovin’. I was really getting into the music and putting my own spin on the moves. Several of the moves were too funny that I laughed the whole time performing them, especially the Carlton fresh prince of bel-air move.

The vibe was energetic and made me yearn to go to a salsa club. Never been to one, and I may look like a fool, but hey- only live once, must make it worth it!

What’s my next fitness adventure? Hmm .. how about some dirty30 ?!

2010: FCC Full Force

Source: http://shahtraining.com/2010-fitness-predictions/

I promised last time that I would begin my Fitness Class Challenge (going to refer to it as FCC for short). Unfortunately, the December break caused a halt in my endeavors. The time off from work and school, plus the freezing weather and snow, got me into a lazy mood.

Now as the new year begins, I’m done with lazy and ready for action. With a positive mind ahead in this new year, an end to a decade, and a beginning of a new era I now PROMISE to take on this challenge full force. I promise myself to take this on with much motivation and determination, and hope to relay some videos throughout my journey (as i learn the video-making technology, hopefully with success).

Although I began the challenge with the kickboxing class last year, which was really only a month ago, I went again today for a fresh start keeping kickboxing as my first class in the FCC. The best part of the class is the force and strength I use to punch that bag. The assistant had to come over a couple times throughout the hour to adjust my bag to the correct spot. The pain felt through some of the moves was incredible, but loved it so much because I know this will make me stronger, leaner, and gives me a push to keep going. As I listen and watch the instructor, I begin to memorize the moves and am able to adapt quickly into the fast-paced environment. My legs were hurting me as I tried climbing my stairs coming home, but that just gives me more satisfaction that I truly put in my all in the workout and the soreness to come is only going to make me stronger and more motivated.

Pain = A job well done! Don’t you agree??

Next class to come: Zumba!

Kickboxing w/ John Magz : Class 1

To kick off my fitness class challenge, I attended a Kickboxing class at the Equal Balance Gym in Staten Island, NY. I arrived to the class a little bit late due to the rainy weather last Wednesday night. Plus, my bad eyesight didn’t help much.  Although five minutes late, I jumped right into it (but unfortunately missed the stretching).

The instructor, John Magz, did a great job of keeping his students on their toes and moving at all times. The class was exhilarating and fun, and definitely a great workout! The sweat dripping down my face felt so good (and nasty), but I knew I was burning calories and building my muscles. I think I might have gained muscles in places I never knew possible!

A mixture of punch, jab, hook, and kicks kept me moving and letting off steam. The best part for me were the punches and the ab workout at the end. When I was punching the punching bag I felt my anger and stress transcend from my body to my arms to the bag. Whatever I was feeling inside, I released it by concentrating on the exercises and motivating myself every step of the way to keep going. I felt myself getting tired after the first half hour because I exerted a lot of my energy in the beginning. To gain back my strength and endurance, I took a deep breathe, a big gulp of water, and hung back for a minute or two. Giving myself that two minute break helped me regain my stamina and determination to complete the class to my best potential.

I enjoyed this class so much that I may make it a regular class each week! Besides kickboxing, I think my next experience lies with the Zumba class. Stay tuned!

Fitness Class Challenge

 

Source: http://www.dietsinreview.com/diet_column/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/group-fitness.jpg

Always intrigued by the fitness class exercises, I never pushed myself to attend a class. Okay, once I went to a kickboxing class and could not walk up and down the stairs without this burning feeling in my legs for a couple days. Boy, was that fun! Besides this class, I have never taken part of the group routine since I tend to be a solo gym go-er with my pre-set cardio and weight-lifting routines. Well, I decided to take a different route for the next couple of months.

 

This is my challenge I am putting forth: The Fitness Class Challenge.

I challenge myself and others to attend as many fitness classes as possible throughout the coming months. Looking through some that are offered I am quite excited to get started! There are dance classes, such as Zumba and Hip-Hop, aerobics, Pilates, yoga, spinning, body works, boot camp, and the list goes on and on. My goal is to attend at least 1 class each week and report back to how it went. Starting with my own gym, LA Fitness, and then moving forward to other gyms and fitness centers (and hopefully not running up my credit limit).

Hopefully some friends will join me for this challenge, but either way- stay tuned for the exciting and adventurous reports I will have in store for you. My crazy self can get caught up in some wild situations!

Have you ever set a fitness challenge for yourself? If so, what was it and did you accomplish your goal successfully?

Fall Fashion Finds

Source: http://www.ardenb.com/assets/ab/product_images/4124228540_lg.jpg

Fall is here and boots are the hottest new trend around. This year – the slouchy boot is in!

Ranging from tall to short, heels to flats, these boots come in all sizes, colors, and shapes. Don’t be afraid to try out the new style and hit up the town.

I found some great boot deals on Glamour Shopping:

http://shopping.glamour.com/browse/boots?fl=p7&fl=p8&fl=p9&fts=boots#

These on the left were my favorite and would look great with skinny jeans and a casual top.

Macy’s is another great retail outlet for deals on boots (especially with Macy’s Rewards card!):

http://www1.macys.com/campaign/social?campaign_id=75&channel_id=1

-They have a shoe/boot finder to help you narrow down on exactly what style, color, size you need or want; it makes the browsing just that much bit easier.

What are you favorite fall finds this season?

Trick to Tummy Trim

It is the oldest and most common question in the book, “What are the best exercises to trim the tummy into a sexy set of abs?”

The stomach is one of the most difficult areas to lose the fat that builds up on top of the inner muscles. In order to trim the fat off, cardio exercises are the way to go. By building your stamina and performing cardiovascular exercises, you not only help your heart beat stronger but you lose body fat and trim the tummy fat.

One of the best exercises (and the one I must push myself to do) is running. It is the healthiest and most productive form of weight loss you can ever encounter.

An important factor to keep in mind is that in order to lose a pound you must burn at least 3600 calories. This means you will need to combine running with a healthy diet; try choosing smaller portions of high-fat high-calorie foods and consume more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Below you will find some motivational and health tips to a running routine.

Running:

• Set a goal for yourself, weekly or daily (how many miles you want to run in a specific day or week, the amount of weight you would like to lose, or my personal one- I will run for at least an hour 3-4 times this week)
• Make sure to maintain a healthy diet with a balance serving of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
• Do stretching exercises beforehand to prevent injuries (calisthenic stretches, lunges, hurtles, etc)
• Drink eight glasses of water a day
• Keep a health journal (diet, exercises, etc.)
• Put on your workout gear, iPod, and running shoes to an energizing song that will pump you up  (I jam out to “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga)

What are some tips you can offer to maintain a steady running schedule? (I’m always in need of extra motivation!)

Bye Bye Hyundai … Hello Toyota!

My heart was beating so fast I could have sworn it was going to come out of my chest. Nerves racing, palms sweaty, and a panic running throughout my body, I felt hopeless and scared. Cars were honking behind me, but I could not move – my legs were numb and my body was still; i just sat there, motionless . My car had altogether stopped and just wouldn’t budge. My first experience, second, third, fourth …

The problems I suffered with my ’07 Hyundai were no joke. My parents had bought me this brand new car in November 2006, a new black sleek and shiny Hyundai. I loved it in the beginning, but then as the problems I arose, I was afraid each and every day to drive it, or more or less brake.

The first day it happened I was on my way back to my sorority house from a long day of classes at the State University of Buffalo. I came to a stop sign and braked, but for longer than normal. As I braked, I felt my car shake and turn off. I freaked, not knowing what my next steps were. Calling my mother in a panic, she comforted me and directed me to call AAA. They came to my rescue, but the best part was that when they came my car was working fine. Just my luck! This unfortunately happened to me way too many times. After a number of instances it became common to me and I knew the tricks around it. I learned to just shut off my car, leave it off for a couple minutes, then turn it back on and keep going. The car was brought to the Hyundai dealership about 5 times and they found nothing wrong with it, but there was evidently something VERY wrong. As I was just about to claim it a lemon, the 6th time I brought it in they found the problem- my transmission! New transmission and I thought I was good.

Two years later, 2009, I again feel something fishy going on with my car. This time driving home to SI from Philadelphia, I felt my car jerking. Again, my heart was racing and hands shaking. I pulled over, turned off my car, and tried to cool myself down as well as my car. I arrived home safely, but my nerves were shot; I was so sick and tired of this feeling. Bringing my car into the dealership, they found it to be my transmission- AGAIN.

Toyota is running some great deals right now with 2.9% financing. My parents’ lease was up so they exchanged their leased car with a newer 2010 Toyota Rav4. Wanting to keep me safe and out of danger’s way, they considered a trade-in with Toyota. The salesman offered a pretty good deal for my Hyundai as a trade-in offer, so my parents and I jumped for this deal.

2010 Toyota Corolla and I love it; the drive is smooth, car sleek and shiny. It all happened so fast and so suddenly, I still can’t belive it’s true!

Hopefully my car horror story can now go down the drain and be a memory of the past.  It’s time for a pleasant change with no panic, no worries, and only smooth sailing from now on in my Toyota!

Over it !

Source: http://blog.itechtalk.com/2009/make-a-sore-throat-tea/

Last week, I felt it coming on. The headache, the sniffles, the itchy throat, the chills over my body. All I could think was “Oh, no! NOT NOW!”, figures I would get sick before a fun-filled Halloween weekend! That’s just my luck.

I quickly ran to CVS and stocked up on my Echinacea, Vitamin C, Wellness Formula, Traditional Medicinal Teas, and some throat drops- a nature addict (if you can’t tell already). Doing my best to get better before the weekend creeped up because I didn’t want to miss a fun night of being a Secret Service Agent! Girls love to dress up, especially on Halloween- it is one night you can be whatever and whoever and no one can say a word about it.

What I found to be the best soother of my ailments was the Traditional Medicinal Tea made specially for sore throats (lemon flavored) added with a slice of lemon and honey- hot, refreshing, and soothing. And before I knew it, I was getting better right as Saturday night approached!

Gear on, puckered up, and body all better, it was finally time to enjoy the weekend!

What are some natural ways you fight off a cold?

Nature & Skincare Come Together

(I found this video when I typed in Dermify in YouTube- it’s pretty rockin’)

Acne, blah! How much I hate it and how much it can ruin my day, evening, mood and on and on. The mysterious thing about acne is that it tends to come at the worst possible times- like that date I have been looking forward to all week, or how about that party I was planning for my friend’s b-day. It loves to creep up on me and then that ugly red protrusion screams “HAHA” in the mirror at me. Oh, how I itch to pop that sucker and its evilness, but that is the WORST thing you can do.

Due to these frustrating instances, I have tried some various over-the-counter (OTC) products. None of them really helped me the way I thought they would. The commercials sound so fascinating and make me believe that each and every product is the BEST one. But that’s a joke, especially the celebrity-endorsed ones (ahem Proactiv). Puh-LEASE, what gibber jabber!

I never went to the extent of even purchasing Proactiv because from stories I have heard, it just may be one of the most horrendous products out there. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are the main ingredients found in treatments like Proactiv, but what most don’t know – is these ingredients cause more harm than good to the skin! They cause dryness, redness, itchy skin. Like acne isn’t bad enough, who really wants to deal with THOSE side effects??

Well, lucky for you, I just came across this really cool and all-natural, legit product. It’s called DERMIFY. It is made of entirely all natural and organic ingredients, and the coolest thing is . . .  the main active ingredient is FDA approved! I decided to give it a try and cannot begin to tell you how amazing it works! Check out that video above- it’s inspiring!

It recently came out so it is being offered at an introductory price of $19.95, plus you get a FREE bottle of hydrating lotion!

Check it out; I promise you won’t regret it!

Find it at www.dermify.com or click on DERMIFY above.

Their support team is fabulous and they helped me with all my questions. Give it a try and let me know your thoughts.

Please let me know how it works for you! I would love to hear your experiences, or for that matter, any miracle product you have recently tried.

Teddy Bear

Is that a toy stuffed animal or is that a real puppy?!

Haha, hope I didn’t fool you, but it for sure is a real live puppy (MY puppy)! Oh, how much joy this little bundle brings me is incredible and indescribable. The story behind him, Brody, is a tale I shall never forget.

My friends and I decided to throw a little Christmas party for the holidays. Although I am Jewish, and do not celebrate Christmas, it was more or less a holiday gathering. We all get together at my best friend’s house, Rachel. A group of 5 and including me, 6 gather around the dining room table and are enjoying treats brought from each of us. I made these delicious cheese biscuits (received the recipe from a Costco food vendor). Coco, a puppy of my friend Stef, was jumping around as I was playing with her (or so I thought). Out of nowhere, my friend asks me, “Oh, you like Coco right?” I respond excitedly, “Ofcourse, she is too adorable!”. Next thing I knew, my friend grabs the pup holds it up and says, “Oh, well it’s yours! Look, it’s a boy!”. Confused, baffled, and in awe – I start crying with tears of joy. Angry at my friends for spending so much money on me, but so overwhelmed with joy of this cute precious pup I couldn’t help but cry and thank them for a lifetime.

This is him that first unforgettable night,

Look at Coco and Brody- don’t you think they are mistakable for one another??

My crazy friends not only made me the happiest person alive, but they made things easy and simple as they gave me presents for all my puppy needs- bed, leash, collar, food, treats, and cutest clothes! I could never thank them enough for bringing this joy into my life and my family’s life as well.

I was terrified to bring him home because I begged for a puppy so long, and my parents consistently told me “When you get your own apartment”. Wrapped up in his blue blanket and underneath my jacket, I creeped up into my house. My parents were confused and wondering what was moving around in my jacket. And revealed was this baby boy. They couldn’t be happier since. Sometimes, I even get the feeling my father loves Brody more than me!

Puppies keep you alive and energetic with their constant need for attention, but I don’t mind at all. Brody cuddles with me, licks my face, and is the first one excited and wagging his tail to greet me when I come home. The love he gives me and the love I have for him is the most amazing feeling in the world.

Any pets of yours that give you the best moments in life?