Lululemon "sweat-a-thon": A Recap

Since I have finally recovered from my marathon workout weekend: 5 classes in 24 hours, 4 classes in ONE (yes, you read this correctly, ONE day), I figured it was time to recap all the different workouts I did this past weekend.

You may ask, WHY in the world I would do 4 workouts in one day. Well, the simple answer is: lululemon. Lululemon Los Gatos put on an event where you could try a variety of classes for free this past Saturday.

Link: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=134718946593711

Summary of Classes:

7:10-8am: Run at LGHS Track
8:30-9:45am: Hot Tapas at Breathe Los Gatos
10:15-11:45am: Foundations of Flow at YogaSource
12:30-1:30pm: Pure Barre at Pure Barre Los Gatos
2-3pm: Daily Method at Daily Method Los Gatos
3:30-4:45pm: Transformational Yoga at Yoga Center
5:15-6pm: Kick Boxing at Studio Kicks

Since I only had to do 4 classes to receive a FREE lululemon gift (woo hoo bring on the free socks!), here is a recap of the 4 workouts I tried.

Workout #1: "Foundations of Flow" 

@ YogaSource in Los Gatos

CLASS DESCRIPTION:  

Created at YogaSource, this class sheds light on a particular technique, followed by a flow of poses that illustrate the topic. You will find simple poses become more challenging when performed with new insight. LIGHT HEAT 

REVIEW:

The only other yoga class I have ever tired was Bikram yoga (eeewwww). I swore after that experience I would never try yoga again. However, many people rave about Yogasource and this class wasn't "hot" so I figured I could try it. This class was a mix b/t pilates and yoga. I felt like my weight was being supported by my arms and legs during the entire class. Also, the pose of the day was "Crow" (see above). Let's just say I could not do that pose after only one yoga class. The "light heat" was nice as it was freezing and pouring rain outside.  I actually would try this class again. Clearly when "crow" is not the pose of the day!

Workout #2: Pure Barre Los Gatos

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Pure Barre is intelligent exercise. The technique protects your joints as it does not involve any bouncing or jumping. Each strength section of the workout is followed by a stretching section in order to create long, lean muscle without bulk. The workout launches a full blown attack on the areas of the body all women struggle with: abs, hips, seat and arms. It defies gravity by tapering everything in and lifting it up.

REVIEW: 

One word: "OUCHIE!" (ok, maybe TWO ouchies on this one). Out of all the workout classes I tried, this was BY FAR my FAVORITE CLASS and the most painful. The class starts with some exercises lifting small weights for rapid reps. By the end of the 5 different arm exercises my arms were BURNING! Next was ballet bar work where you put a small ball in b/t your legs and do plies while on your toes. My legs were SHAKING after this. After the ballet bar, we moved on to some floor exercises for the legs, then last, and of course, not least about 15 minutes of abs. It was probably one of the HARDEST ab workouts I've ever done and I've done some really hard ones! I would DEFINITELY recommend trying this class. I plan on going again within the week!

Workout #3: The Dailey Method Los Gatos

CLASS DESCRIPTION: 

The Dailey Method® is a one hour full-body workout that was created over 10 years ago. It combines core conditioning, stretching, orthopedic exercises, and ballet barre work. 

REVIEW: 

I was not a huge fan of the Dailey Method. Maybe this is because it was my 3rd workout of the day and I had just fallen in love with Pure Barre, but I was completely BORED during class! Some of the ab exercises and arm exercises felt like they were doing something to my muscles, but other than that, I really didn't feel like I was doing much. I would try the Dailey Method one more time just to give it another chance, but that's probably about it. 

Workout #4: K1 Kickboxing with Sam 

@ Studio Kicks Los Gatos

CLASS DESCRIPTION: 

This is a non-stop, intense cardio workout for all levels where students learn basic kickboxing skills and movements set to the rhythm of high energy music. K1 is a “non-contact” class and does not require gloves or special equipment. 

REVIEW:  

Not sure I should even review this workout as I have been kickboxing for almost 8 years now and it's the only workout I've ever stuck to on a regular basis. I think the reason I've stuck with kickboxing is that I NEED someone to motivate me (aka the instructor), the music is always great, and it tones all your muscles in 45 minutes. The fact Sam taught on Saturday is the reason I went. (Hint: Sam TEACH MORE!) His class always has the BEST music and he does a really hard workout that seems over super quick. Two HUGE PROS in my book.

So after completing 4 classes, I promptly fell asleep at 8:45pm, only to get up again and go to Studio Kicks again on a Sunday morning for my favorite class of the week, K2 with Nick. 

Workout #5: K2 with Nick 

@Studio Kicks Los Gatos

CLASS DESCRIPTION:  
This high energy class is the next level up from the K1 Cardio Kickboxing class with an increased element of power and focus. K2 requires boxing gloves and involves light to medium contact kickboxing movements with water-filled wavemaster bags. An excellent complement to the K1 class and a great stress reliever!

REVIEW: 

I have added the bag class to my fitness rotation this year. My favorite instructor is Nick. He is a personal trainer/body builder and he has SO MUCH energy for a Sunday morning. He always motivates me to push myself harder. My favorite part of his class is the end, where he tells you to breath in, take all the bad energy from last week and release it, breath out. Then he says take all the good energy for the week to come and breath out. It's my favorite way to start a new week and it's AWESOME for toning your arms and upper back! 

**Funny note to conclude this blog:  The above picture is titled on Google Images "Attractive woman kickboxing using red punching bag."

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This post is dedicated to Linds whose stomach flu prevented her from attending on Saturday. You were missed!

Celebrity Sighting in Los Gatos! (queue Jaws music and Shark mouth)

After reading L's blog yesterday about her celebrity sighting: Phil Mickelson in Pebble Beach, I thought, hmm....it's been a while since I've seen a celebrity I've actually wanted to see. Sure I've seen my fair share of celebrities:

Kelsey and Camille Grammar (15 years ago in Maui),

Jessica Simpson

Paris Hilton

Pierce Brosnan

Jason Alexander

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Joe Montana

Ronnie Lott

Jerry Rice

Brent Jones (note the 49er theme)

Tiger Woods

and now I can add to the list.......................

JOE THORTON!!!

As most of you know, Joe Thorton is my favorite Sharks player. There was even a ridiculous rumor in law school I was dating him because I always had posts about him on my facebook page.

Alas, my first sighting of my favorite hockey player did not go as planned. Here is a recap:

I walk into Aldos in Los Gatos and go up to the hostess desk to get seated. Naturally, I turn to the left to see who is at the bar as it is always packed. I turn to the left casually, turn back, then think OMG, is that Joe Thorton?!?!?!?! As I clearly do a double-take, Joe picks this time to stare in my direction and we lock eyes as my mouth pops open and my jaw drops. (Hmm, think he noticed??). Then, I sheepishly turn to the waitress and say, yes, I'm ready to be seated while simultaneously getting my cell phone out of my purse to text my Mom and brother frantically.

Sadly, my first meeting with Joe Thorton did not go as planned. However, he has now become my favorite celebrity sighting to date! (And of course Kelsey and Camille come in at a close 2nd...haha NOPE!)

Little N

As most of you know, I am smitten with M's nephew, little N. Over this past weekend, I was lucky enough to hang out with M, a good friend of mine who lives in NY who I rarely get to see. I was also lucky enough to spend time with little N at Fort Funston (aka "the dog beach").

After spending a morning with little N at the beach, I realized how much I forget to appreciate the little things in life. Little N's favorite words are "YAY!", "YUM!" and "WOW!." For little N, his first trip to the dog beach was new, exciting, and beautiful.

Little N's happy mood was infectious as I found myself smiling and in a great mood the rest of the weekend.

I think this pic says it all. M and I walked uphill for about 10 minutes to reach the point where this pic was taken. Little N's strategy for getting up the hill: sit down on the ground and wait for his Dad to carry him. You could hear him giggling and saying "yay" the entire walk up.

I dedicate this blog to M and Little N for bringing giggles into my life this weekend.

Goodbye 27.............................Hello 28!

In honor of the fact I turned 28 yesterday and LT surprised me with my FAVORITE CUPCAKES EVER: Banana Cream with Cream Cheese frosting from Icing on the Cake........

The topic of today's blog is:

"What I learned when I was 27"

Lesson 1:  "Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." ~ James Dean

This lesson is dedicated to my godmother, Abby. I miss you every day. You taught me to always see the positive in people and in difficult situations. I will always remember your love and laughter.

Lesson 2: Love is not a fairy-tale, it's hard-work!

This lesson is dedicated to my parents. I hope they both find happiness in themselves and with each other.  I learned this year that you have to work on your own happiness before you can fully commit to someone else.

Lesson 3: Always put your friends first!!!

This lesson is dedicated to all my wonderful friends who got me through this year. Through their support, I have learned to be a better friend. Thank you MP, JM, JL, JS, LT, EK, KT, SR, and GW.

Lesson 4: Working out = Happy Lauren

This lesson is dedicated to Studio Kicks, R's boot camp and Andre's 24 Hour Strength Training class. This year, I have expanded work outs to include: running, punching bag kickboxing classes, and R's boot camp. As Elle says in Legally Blonde, "Working out creates endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't kill their husbands."

Lesson 5: Taking things personally never helps!

I have always been sensitive. Maybe it's b/c I'm the oldest child, but I have ALWAYS taken things more personally than necessary. This year, I have learned that taking things less personally is much more fun = )

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Here is to 28!!! Hope it's a good one = )

I could really use a lava flow right now...Maui here I come?

I dedicate this blog post to:

 

The Lava Flow

I am seriously contemplating driving to SFO and hopping on a plane to Maui right now. Yes, it's official, I've hit burn-out status at work. The fact it's over 70 degrees outside may be the driving factor in this burn-out.

While I'm not a fan of "girl-y drinks," the Lava Flow is definitely an exception. There is something about being in the hot Maui sun and cooling off with a frosty lava flow that's just been blended in a bar on the beach that says paradise.

Lava Flow Recipe:

*Courtesy of Emeril 

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~ HAPPY BLENDING!! !~

Ingredients

• 1 ounces light rum
• 2 ounces pineapple juice
• 6 ounces pina colada mix (coconut cream and pineapple juice)
• 1 ounce strawberry puree
• 1 small chunk pineapple, for garnish

Directions

Blend rum, pineapple juice, and pina colada mix with 1 cup of ice. Next, take a glass and coat the inside with strawberry puree. Pour in colada blend. Finally, use a spoon to drag the strawberry puree up through the colada drink, creating a pink stripe. Garnish with a pineapple chunk, and serve.

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I end this blog with a picture of my favorite place in Maui: The Grand Wailea Hotel. Here's hoping I'll be there again soon!!!

B-a-n-a-n-a?

After watching "Despicable Me" this past weekend, I fell in love with the "minions" depicted in the "Banana" short film below:



The minions are really cute and hilarious and got me thinking about what kind of minions I'd want in my perfect* world. So here goes...
 

1. Money-making Minions: as most of you know, my job is akin to being a call-center rep. I would have a minion do my current job while the other minion worked as a lawyer to bring home a more lucrative paycheck.

2. Personal Trainer Minion: In order to get in shape for bathing suit season, my personal trainer minion could provide daily workouts to ensure prime bathing suit body potential. In my perfect world, my personal trainer minion would look like R, my current boot camp instructor (aka J's personal trainer at Club One).

3. Personal Chef Minion: In order to not negate personal trainer minion's work, I would need a personal chef minion to make me healthy, portion-controlled meals. I imagine my personal chef minion to be a cross between Giada de Laurentiis, Tyler Florence and the Barefoot Contessa.  

4. Personal Shopper Minions: In order to be fashion-forward, I would need some personal shopper minions. One minion would be devoted strictly to "lululemon" (lululeminion?) wardrobe duty. The other personal shopper minion would be in charge of all other purchases. 

5. Chauffeur Minion: In order to relax during my ridiculously long commute, I would call on the services of Chauffeur minion. Of course, this would be during the times I relieve my money-maker minion of duty and choose to go to work. Otherwise, the Chauffeur Minion would be available for nights out and trips to SF or wine country.

*DISCLAIMER: I realize this blog is completely ridiculous and narcissistic. However, I assure all you readers that this is purely in fun and I'm not serious whatsoever. (Ok, but can I just have 1 money-maker minion? JK!)

It's Friday Night (almost) and the mood is right...going to have some fun, show you how it's done...TGIF!

In honor of today being...FRIDAY, I thought I'd write this blog about all things Friday.

As many of you know, I <heart> Happy Hour on Friday. In fact, I love it so much, I refer to it simply as "HH." I usually get off work early on Friday so I can enjoy HH at it's normal time, around 3-4pm.

However...before my love of HH on Fridays, there was TGIF programming on TV.

I remember many nights spent watching Family Matters, Boy Meets World, and....Step by Step. It's funny how growing up, Friday was about staying in. Now, as an adult, Friday night is all about going out and blowing off steam after a long work week.

In keeping with my favorite things theme, here are my Favorite Friday afternoon HH places. Enjoy and HAPPY FRIDAY!

1.  Enoteca Wine Bar in Los Gatos

I went to Enoteca last Friday for the first time and LOVED it. Not only do they have a great wine list, but yummy apps as well. When you're at Enoteca you feel like you're in Europe in a small, neighborhood wine bar. However, yummy food and great wine aside, the people watching is pretty amazing here. (Gotta love Saratoga/Los Gatos).

Favorite Drink: Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc

2. Sino in Santana Row

If I actually motivate and workout at Club One on Friday, my favorite HH spot is Sino. Sino has a great HH menu with appetizer and drink specials. I think the reason I like Sino for HH is that you can sit outside and people watch everyone that walks by you. (Notice...people watching is a common theme lol)

Favorite drink: Lychee Martini
Favorite Appetizer: Lobster Potstickers

3. Vintage Wine Bar in Santana Row

 
During spring/summer, Vintage Wine Bar is my HH destination of choice. It is the best outside HH spot in the Row and it's usually packed any time the weather is nice. While it is a little over-priced, the wine selection is great here and they are constantly changing the wine menu.

Favorite drink: The Champagne flight

I'll leave you with one of my favorite songs to start a weekend. These is something about this song that gives me energy and puts me in a good mood: