5 Things I Learned at Spin Class Today!

     


        After a weekend of hot dogs, mac salad, and every other sinfully delicious treat, my jeans were feeling a little snug! So this morning, I headed to a spin class at the local gym. I had tried to get into a routine of taking a few classes a week but really keeping any kind of consistent, non-kid related routine can be a major challenge when you're a mom! Luckily, our gym has a "playcare" center with really great and certified attendants to watch Jaxon and Sophia when we want to sneak in a quick workout!

      Leaving the class, I left feeling powerful, drenched in sweat, and a little bit wiser in spinning etiquette. Here are a few things I learned:

1) A change of clothes should be a necessity, not an option! If you are working at the level that the instructor has suggested, you will be absolutely drenched at the end. Spinning supposedly burns 600 - 900 calories in an hour workout and it shows by the ridiculous amount of sweat all over.

2) Gel seats make all the difference. "Ouch, that hurt" is probably going to come out of the mouth of a new spinner at some point. From top to bottom, muscles that have never been worked are DEFINITELY being worked. A gel seat can help with comfort, height, and any unwelcome soreness the next day!

3) Bring your Ipod just in case the instructor is a Kenny G fan. Depending on the age or style of your instructor, musical tastes are almost bound to differ. I've gone to a spin class where the instructor played nothing but Cher, Kenny G, and Barry Manilow. While that may be encouraging music for some, I prefer faster paced beats like Britney Spears, Rihanna, and Kesha bumping in my ears. I will sometimes bring my Ipod, safely secured in my armband with one headphone in and one out to hear when to "jump" and when to "sprint"!

4) Have a light snack before! Because you don't want to pass out from starvation mid cycle and fall off your bike, right? I like a chopped banana with a scoop of peanut butter or a Kind granola bar before.

5) Don't abandon your spin workout...even on vacation! An older gentleman in the class was visiting family in town and actively sought out a gym that offered spin classes close to his son's house. While enjoying yourself while away is a nice break from reality, consistently sticking to a workout routine is beneficial for mind, body, and soul. This man has inspired me to look out for hotels with gyms in our upcoming trip !

Overall, with the added benefit of a playcare in the gym, fitting in a workout at least twice a week is so much more convenient. Now, I really have no excuse to skip a morning workout... but I'm sure I will end up finding one (especially when it comes to NYC Fashion Week!)


For more spinning tips, check out this site!

Favorite Retail Rewards Programs!

Who doesn't love getting free gifts with purchases or even just free anything?! Adam loves to make fun of my bulging wallet, filled with every kind of club card you can imagine! Truthfully, I rarely use most of them... but I always sign up with the best intentions! What can I say... I'm addicted! Here are my top favorite rewards cards:

1) Gymboree Rewards: This kids store is one of my go-to places to pick out some casual basics for the kids! Durable and quality material make these duds look like they cost way more than they actually do! With this rewards card, you get a point for every dollar spent which can lead to member only discounts, a free class pass to Gymboree Play and Music, and early notice of major sales! (Free to sign up)

2) Sephora Beauty Insider: What red-blooded woman doesn't love Sephora? I don't think there has ever been a time that I have left that store without buying something! This program gives you a point for every dollar spent, which you can use on 100 point or 500 point bonuses, which are usually deluxe sized samples or kits. Also, in your birthday month, you get a free gift to celebrate your birthday! In the past, they've had a Philosophy full size body wash and a Benefit trial kit of their best sellers! (Free to sign up)

3) MyPanera Card: Panera Bread is without a doubt my favorite stop for a quick lunch! Almost every time I have visited there, I have a free SOMETHING waiting for me! From smoothies to bagels, I feel as though I'm constantly being rewarded just for setting foot in Panera! It's free to sign up with no minimum amount to spend to receive awards. 

What are some of your favorite rewards programs??

picture credit: http://mangoworldmagazine.blogspot.com/

New Recipe!

         Since becoming a SAHM, entertaining on the weekends has become a HUGE obsession of mine. I always like to try out at least two new recipes (1 appetizer and 1 dessert) to spice up each and every gathering. The 4th of July is coming up and that means that the snack table will be almost primarily dips because of the wide variety and ease of setup. I was browsing on Pinterest this morning and discovered this recipe and I CANNOT wait to try it. It's called "Green Chilli Crack Dip" (sounds dangerous, right?!) from SweetCsDesigns. It's a fairly simple combination of Stokes Green Chile sauce and Velveeta, so it seems like a quick and tasty snack. 

picture credit: www.sweetcsdesigns.com

 I might have to do a test run tonight (ok, not "have to" but still) for movie night with Adam. I picked up "The Call" and "Parental Guidance" (LOVE Bette Midler!) from Redbox this morning, so hopefully whichever movie we choose is as good as I hope this dip is!

What are some of your favorite dip recipes?

How Was Your Weekend?!

Rolling out of bed this morning, I realized that it doesn't matter if you're a SAHM or a woman in the working world... Mondays are always tough, especially after a great weekend! 

I usually reserve Saturdays as a day to get all of my errands out of the way. Adam watches the kids and always plans something for their "Daddy and Me" day. If it wasn't obvious enough by the pile of chocolate and sprinkle covered laundry, yesterday was a trip to the park and the local ice cream stand a few blocks from us. 

With this few hours of freedom, I was able to get done what I needed to get done with two free hands and a chance to wear my new wedges from Saks! (I'm usually in my Tory Burch flats or sandals because let's face it... chasing after toddlers with an extra 4 inches underneath you isn't as easy as they make it look in the movies!)

picture credit :www.saksfifthavenue.com

(ADORABLE RIGHT?!?!)

I started out at the grocery store around 9 and it was actually not as busy as I anticipated. The last time I went this early was Memorial Day weekend and it was a madhouse! After that, I was able to pick up Adam's dry cleaning, take a quick trip through the car wash, check out some shops in the local plaza and stop at Starbucks. Next time you are there, stop in and get a grande Java Chip Frappacino with whipped cream! Trust me, you'll thank me later! 

Sunday, we spent in the backyard and by the pool. It was the perfect weather for it and I was so glad I could spend the day lounging with my family!

Fun Parenting Find: 

picture credit: www.toysrus.com

This "Shade Shack" is Jaxon's new favorite hideout! It is so light and easy to handle with no assembly. It just pops right up and is a nice little spot to take a break from the sun! Definitely will be a necessity during this humid summer!

How did you spend your weekend?

Oh and P.S. Adam and I finally came to an agreement for our next trip... San Diego it is! :)

Fun Summer Activities!

I was browsing on a few sites for some fun activities for Jaxon in this warmer weather (finally!) and these were some of my favorites:

1) Drive Through Car and Bike Wash

2) Tornado in a Bottle

3) Marble Painting

4) "Moo Glue"

5) Invisible Ink

6) Homemade Ice Cream

The "Drive Through Car Wash" sounds absolutely adorable and like a fun way for the little ones to stay cool! I'll let you know how it goes!

And P.S. Adam is still working on his vacation list. Why do men make things more difficult than they have to be?! ;)

Dusting Off My Negotiation Skills!

Today, during a free moment as the kids were enchanted by Dora the Explorer, I emailed Adam a list of possible locations for our next couples vacation. We are looking to go somewhere for a 4 day weekend, so we are trying to stay in the US.

A snippet of our conversation.

Me: "Hawaii?"

Adam: "Too hot and I don't know how to hula."

Me: "Las Vegas?"

Adam: "Smells like Kim Kardashian and vodka." (oh, the things that come out of his mouth!)

Obviously, after this brief exchange, I realized how "not in the mood" Adam was to talk about this. How can someone not be in the mood to talk about ice cold margaritas and laying on the beach with absolutely no business meetings or play dates to run off to?!?

So, I nicely asked (or ordered) him to come up with a list of his top five choices of vacation spots and hand it over by tomorrow morning. So far my top spots are : 

-Tampa

-Las Vegas

-Hawaii ( most preferably Honolulu or Oahu )

-San Diego

-San Francisco

I will be very interested to see what his list is as he has already X'd two of my choices. I am fully open to negotiations... as long as sun, a beach, and a frozen, fruity drink is included.

What are your 5 top vacation spots???

I'm back!

Hey there!

Sorry for the short absence! May was a crazy month in the Pierce household but luckily, things have settled down finally! I was recently scrolling Pinterest and found this cute idea for our next outdoor get togethers!

I love the color combination as well as the use of mason jars as a drinking glass! I think it would give a cozy feel to any outdoor gathering! I'm hoping I would be able to find a kid friendly plastic version for the younger ones. 

Can't wait for the warmer weather (and less of this rain!)!