Lucy's new bag

Happy Week before Christmas...!

I was up in Burlington, VT this past weekend and went into the CUTEST store...if you're ever up there it's called Monelle, and it is right on Church Street.

I stopped in to see what was new and low and behold they were having a Kate Spade sale! It must have been fate!

Workout dog also happened to be with me...luckily...because a Kate Spade dog carrier caught my eye! And...It was on SALE!

Take a peek:



I am in LOVE with it, and more importantly, so is Lucy!

Although I must say, I took my time deciding on this purchase. I was with Matt so I saw it, tried it out, then left the store to think about it.

I thought about it for about 10 minutes before we went back in and Matt treated Lucy (and me!) to her new bag.

I am still coming up with more gift ideas so stay tuned...!

Benjamin

Tom Brady and wife Gisele finally named their baby: Benjamin. For how long it took them to decide, I was thinking it would be something creative. Don't get me wrong, I like the name Benjamin, but it was a letdown when I read that this morning on people.com.

Click HERE to read the article

If you had a baby boy tomorrow, what would you name it?

My top choices would be:
1. Jack
or
2. Carter

Let me know!

xo

Kelly Ripa Outs Anderson Cooper on LIVE!

I missed this part but apparently Kelly Ripa "outed" Anderson Cooper today on LIVE! with Regis and Kelly. Regis is out recovering from surgery so Anderson was filling in for him today.

Click HERE to see the clip

Also, If you are ever looking for a new "pop culture" site to visit, check out www.gawker.com

Great Finds

Okay, so this past weekend I went to Chicago! It was a great weekend full of lots of shopping, laughing and (maybe too much) drinking!

On my shopping expeditions I stumbled upon some great gift ideas, Check them out!



Don't you just LOVE kate spade.

Another one of my great finds also comes from Kate Spade...but it's a gift you can give yourself!

For those of you with poor vision (like me :( ) you know how expensive new glasses can be! Upwards of $400-! However, while browsing the reading glasses section at Bloomies, I stumbled upon some adorable reading glasses, for only $65. Then a thought came to me....why not buy those frames and have the optician put in the correct prescription lenses! It was my AHA! moment of month!

The frames I chose are similar to these:



try going to bloomingdales.com to check out a wider variety of styles.

Happy Shopping!

xo

Hamster in the City

As seen today on peoplepets.com



Click HERE to see the rest

just a mindless way to spend 5 minutes....

xo

What would YOU wear...To meet the Queen

This is what Lady Gaga decided to wear.



photo courtesy of gawker.com

Thoughts?

Holiday Movie

The Holiday is one of my most favorite movies ever....I'm watching it right now while waiting for fiance to come home.

Here's a sneak peek...

Adorable (and inexpensive) gift

I was perusing the internet today and found these adorable 'gecko-print' bracelets. I love the colorful combinations and think they are just a fun accessory...and the at $25.00, the price is right!



To see more color options or to purchase click here and scroll down

Great Holiday gift for your Mister

Boys are so hard to shop for...although I must say, I have the PERFECT gift this year for Fiance. I am pretty sure he's going to be obsessed with it!

However, I have found that you can never go wrong with a cute pair of boxer shorts...boys just seem to always needs new pairs!

Here are a few that are ADORABLE from J.Crew...

(Fiance if you're reading this...stop HERE or risk ruining one of your stocking stuffers)



or



I just can't resist a dog-loving man....

Christmas Outfits...

So I've been getting emails from an adorable dog-related Web site: www.trixieandpeanut.com. All of their stuff is TO DIE FOR

They have a lot of holiday outfits for dogs...I'm trying to decide which one is the funniest/will look good on Lucy.

Check them out and let me know:



OR



OR (even though Lucy isn't Jewish, or a boy)



To check out the rest of the costumes or to look at the adorable collars and leashes click here

Christmas Cards!

Today's item: Christmas Cards!

I found the cutest Web site for Christmas cards. You can pick your design template (they have a million cute ones) then add your own text and/or photo.

just visit www.tinyprints.com to take a look at all of their designs. They also have more than just holiday cards so take a peek.

Here's one card that I seriously considered ordering before deciding on a different one...



You'll just have to wait and see which one I chose!

Happy Hump Day

xo

Best Basic

The L.L. Bean is my absolute favorite basic item to give/receive. It is one of those classic staples that never goes out of style, and better yet - they literally get better with age (softer, more flexible and "worn in").

I bring this item up because in honor of the holiday season, I will be listing my top gift choices for this year.

The classic L.L. Bean tote is good for any occasion: baby shower (fill with baby goodies), bridal shower (monogram with new initials), bridesmaids gifts, new home gift (a realtor friend of mine has these embroidered with the client's last name as a housewarming gift), new boat...it can really fit any situation, and, best of all...It's inexpensive!

L.L. Bean has even updated the line to add more options:
-Zippers
-New colors
-Designs (argyle anyone?)

For more pictures and choices visit www.llbean.com

Hilarious...

It's 10:30 and I'm surfing YouTube...saw this and cracked up!

Elf Yourself

It's that time of year...to ELF YOURSELF!

I made one of me, Lucy and fiance...check it out then make your own and share!

http://www.elfyourself.com/

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Monday Monday...Wish it were Sunday....

Happy Monday-

I am officially and New Hampshire resident: I bought my first pair of snow boots...or rather, fiance bought me my first pair of snow boots.

They aren't super cute, but they are really warm....and I saw them in a J.Crew magazine picture (they're also available at jcrew.com).

I wore them all weekend in anticipation of snow...to no avail...there's no snow to be seen. I even went out and got a quote for snow tires thinking that it was already late for me to be ordering them, but NOPE, no need for them yet. (Thank goodness because I certainly didn't budget for snow tires, how booring...i'd rather have a new bag, or new shoes...or even a new coat!)

Fiance is actually freaking out a little bit because his business is skiing, as in you need snow! Who wants to buy skis and ski boots when there's no snow on the ground!

I must say that I kind of want the snow to come, it's so cozy and romantic to be snuggled up inside by the fire with the snow falling outside...

I'm sure I'll be feeling differently in April when there's still snow on the ground :)

Here's a pic of my new boots, let me know what you think:



I tried to find a pic of the J.Crew ad, but couldn't...they just looked so cute with a skirt, tights and a puffy vest!

Hope you all had a great weekend!

xo

Spinning FYI

http://www.self.com/fitness/2009/12/spinning-master-class

Check out this article for great information about Spinning!

A Cold/Rainy Weather MUST

Old School Workout Playlist

Okay, here is the playlist I created for my "old school-themed" Spinning class:

1. Dancing with myself (Billy Idol)
2. It's Still Rock and Roll to me (Billy Joel)
3. You Give Love a Bad Name (Bon Jovi)
4. Dancing in the Dark (Bruce Springsteen)
5. Summer of "69 (Bryan Adams)
6. Don't Stop Believin' (Glee Cast)
7. Love is a Battlefield (Pat Benatar)
8. Nothin' but a Good Time (Poison)
9. Start Me Up (Rolling Stones)
10. Rock You Like a Hurricane (Scorpions)
11. Life is a Highway (Tom Cochran)
12. Learning to Fly (Tom Petty)

this playlist is 48 minutes....I taught it in my spin class with an extended cool down. Let me know if you like it!

Check this out

Two DC "socialites" totally crashed an official White House State Dinner on Tuesday night....unbelievable...and kind of awesome at the same time.

Hope you all had a great Turkey Day!

Beautiful Day

So, it seems that the weather god decided to make me happy today, I woke up to an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day up here in no-man's-land (okay...New Hampshire). It wasn't too chilly (around 48 degrees) and there was blue sky everywhere!

Needless to say I was a little bummed about having to come in to work on such a nice day, but hey, workout dog can't feed herself...homegirl needs to make a living!

For those of you who don't know, I am now working at a local fitness club doing corporate sales and teaching a spinning class. It's a pretty fun job, I get to come to work in cute workout clothes and work out at an amazing gym for free!

If anyone wants to check out the gym the address is: www.rivervalleyclub.com

*Hint, you might find me somewhere on that site...not my best photo I have to say.

Another new thing going on is that......I'm Engaged! It's very exciting and I am having fun with the planning so far. I'll be sure to keep the blog updated with pics and other wedding info (but no worries, I promise not to turn into THAT girl...you know, the person who can only talk about her wedding. I swear I won't do that).

I also have some new great workouts...the benefit of working at a fitness club is the free personal training! I'm currently in a major struggle to turn my arms into "guns" so most of my workouts are geared to toning and strengthening the arms.

Toodles for now!

How would you feel about...

Themed playlists?

As I get ready to teach my first Spin class...I wonder whether or not people will appreciate a "themed playlist".

I'm thinking about starting out with an 80s theme...just because who doesn't love to jam out to the 80s!

The first song to start it off is..."I'm so excited"...(aka the song that Jesse Spano sings when she takes caffeine pills in 'Saved by the bell'...."I'm so, so, SCARED")

Any suggestions for the rest of the list? I want to have some fast songs for sprints and jumps as well as some moderate intensity songs for hills and climbs.

Let me know!

xoxo workout girl

Food Journals

Food Journals...a DO or a DON'T...

I am trying to decide whether or not to start keeping track of what I eat in a food journal but can't decide if I'm really ready to see what I actually eat! I know that it's going to be a lot more than I think...

Does anyone keep a food journal? I'm thinking that the first couple of days will be tough, but once I see some results I'll be happy. It's just the whole "getting started" issue that I can't seem to get over.

Then there's the question of where to get the journal. SHAPE magazine has a journal specifically made for food journaling, but is NOT cute. I'm thinking that I may just make my own from a cute journal. I'm going to play around with some formats and see what I come up with...

Until then...I'm going to go enjoy my last night of freedom eating!

New Playlist

Here's a new playlist that I came up with for my spinning audition:

Upside Down: Jack Johnson

I Gotta Feeling: Black Eyed Peas

Shake It: Metro Station

Forever: Chris Brown

SOS: Rihanna

All Summer Long: Kid Rock

If I Never See Your Face Again: Maroon 5

Come On Get Higher: Matt Nathanson

Just a Little Bit: Gina G

The Middle

Together: Bob Sinclair & Steve Edwards

I Don't Wanna Be In Love: Good Charlotte

Certain People: The Fray

I'm Yours: Jason Mraz

The playlist was designed to provide you with warm up and cool down time...the rest alternates between high and low energy songs!

Enjoy

total time= 53.4 minutes

Big things are happening

Well...sort of.  I got a job offer of sorts today-to be a Nanny.  Yes, you read that right, someone who I had previously interviewed with emailed me to see if I would be interested in being a Nanny for her two children.  All I can say is that she must be pretty desperate to ask me to take care of her children...I mean, I'm okay with kids but they freak me out a little bit.

I thought that signing up to be a substitute teacher was bad...now someone's asking me to take care of children for days, seems ludicrous if you ask me...I'm in no way qualified to care for anyone younger than the age of 21 (excluding workout dog...but sometimes I need help watching her too...last night that little bugger ate an entire reese's peanut butter egg...foil and all).

Speaking of substitute teaching, I have yet to be called to come in...I think that I may be blacklisted (could be because I spend many nights out drinking wine and teachers have seen me and decided not to ask for me...I wouldn't blame them for that)...

Okay, must run...going to the Dentist...have to bring flowers because workout dad stood them up yesterday AFTER asking them to come in at 7am so that he would be at work on time...not good press for the fam.

Last thing...my new obsession is Love Quotes Scarves...check them out!

xo

Long time no talk...

Hello out there, it's been awhile.  I've been terrible about updating the blog...but I have actually been really busy lately.

Here's what's going on:

1. I have a JOB...well actually it's an internship, but it's paid-so I am calling it a job.  It's in Washington D.C. working to help fundraise for the National Mall.  That's all I know for now!  Also, I apparently need a full-length "gown" for a ball May 8.  More on that later

2. In an act of desperation I signed up to be a substitute teacher at Hanover-area schools. Can you imagine me as a teacher? Thank god I haven't gotten any calls yet!  If I get asked to do a math class I'm screwed...unless they are calculating percentages...in which case I'll just pull out my handy tipulator app on my phone!

3. I have been hanging out with a man-friend lately.  He is very adorable and that's all I have for you at this point in time.  (Here's one detail...Yesterday we went to some tiny town in NH to retrieve a motor...and I actually had fun! We rode in his vintage truck and held hands...it was cheesy and adorable...

4. I got certified to teach spinning...more on that later. I have some great new tips to make the most out of your workout.  

*Tip 1: if you don't already have one, Invest in a heart rate monitor...they are AMAZING...i recommend that everyone have one.

5. William Rast jeans are the bomb....I just got a pair and they are amazing.  You must go out and get some...they make you look so slim!

This post seems to have taken a selfish turn (It's not all about me-I know!) so I'm signing off!

xo

Spring!

Yay! Spring is here....FINALLY!

It has been sooo beautiful here for the past two days...I have been outside constantly.  Poor workout dog is so tired she can barely stand up (right now she's passed out in her bed).

I just can't get over how happy the weather makes me-I can't stop smiling!  It was so nice this past weekend that workout dad and I ran a 5k road race...which was my idea but quickly became a TON more intense than any road race should be.  My goal was just to finish in under 30 min (for 3.1 miles)...but BT had other plans.  He was super intense and even wanted to warm up and stretch...I was like, "Dad, we are out here with people dressed up as leprechauns (it was a St. Patrick's day theme), I don't think I need to stretch, warm up or wear my pacing monitor etc."

Workout dad is all about times, how fast you can go, what your pace is etc.  I don't care one way or the other but usually just go along with whatever he wants...It's easier that way.  So on Saturday he asked me how fast I wanted to go and I told him that any time under 30 min would be fine with me.  He decided from there that we would run faster than that...our first mile was 7:15...not what I'm used to, but I figured I might as well just go with it (to make it easier for myself the rest of the day...he's more agreeable if you do what he wants first)...needless to say, he didn't let the pace drop so we ended up finishing in 22 minutes...he even convinced me to sprint past someone before the finish line (I felt like such a jerk but BT was loving that...loves any sort of competitive streak).

After that lovely and low-key run (NOT) we went to the irish pub for some beers!  We had a great time and ended up getting free beer glasses for doing the run...don't know what we will do with them, but they were cool at the time.

After that we just hung out for the rest of the day.  Sunday was a lazy day spent at home cleaning the garage (another favorite thing of workout dad's) and lounging around...although it was mostly me lounging and him cleaning...:)

xox

Hope you all had a great weekend!  Happy early St. Patrick's Day!

Tough Workout

Hola...Happy Friday!

So yesterday I decided that I needed to step it up in the workout department.  I've been a little lax lately and decided that before my big trip this weekend (!) I would get one last strength session in.

I started off with 20 minutes on the Stairmaster followed by 10 minutes on the bike (changing positions and tension).  Both exercises were definitely leg-focused so I decided to continue to break my leg muscles down...so they can get toned!

Next I did  one-legged squats.  To do this, hold two dumbells (I use 15lbs in each hand), put one leg behind you and rest it on a bench.  Lower your body like a squat-making sure that you keep your upper body as vertical as you can. Try to keep your chest in line with your knee (it's a good guideline and will help you keep good form).  

10-12 Reps (depending on how much you can do) on each leg for 3 sets

In between the sets of squats you can either do a hamstring workout (getting a weighted bar and slowly lowering it to your toes and back) or you can do an ab exercise.

I did an abdominal exercise in between sets...and I am sore today!

Lay with a mat on the floor.  Take a medicine ball (I use 9lbs but they have all weights) and hold it above your head.  With your legs bent and your back flat on the floor, slowly raise the ball over your head until you come up to 90 degrees. (If you want to work your obliques-side abs-try raising the ball slightly to the left and right alternately).  The only thing to remember when doing this is to keep the ball above your head and make sure that your hips always remain on the floor....and avoid using momentum to raise the ball, you want to isolate your abdominals and momentum can render the exercise useless/ineffective.

Next, to complement the squats, I did weighted pliets...which I desribed a couple of posts ago...VERY EFFECTIVE, you can feel them the next day!  I do three sets of 10-12 while holding a 17.5 lb weight.

Lastly, I did some bicep curls on the bosu ball, followed by tricep dips on the bench.  

Curls on the Bosu...I put the "ball" part of the Bosu facing down and slowly stand on the flat part...I usually use 12 or 15lb weights and do 3 sets of 12.  Doing the curls on the Bosu is a great exercise because you are engaging not only your arms, but your whole core because you are trying to balance.

Tricep dips on the bench: put your feet out with your legs slightly bent (the more you bend your legs the easier it is) and your arms behind you.  Slowly lower your body until your arms are at 90 degrees.  Slowly push yourself back up and repeat!  Again, I try to to 12-15 reps for three sets.

Last bit of advice...Stretch!  I've read that stretching after each workout can help to lengthen and tone your muscles.

Enjoy your weekend!

I'm going to D.C. to see some best friends...I've been looking forward to the visit for months! I hate being away from all of my friends...we are all spread out all over the place...

Miss you all

xox

The Bachelor

WOW

I cannot believe what happened last night.  Are you KIDDING me! Jason (the bachelor) dumped fiance (Melissa) on National TV and then had the nerve to tell Molly (the rejected woman) that he actually loves her!  It was better than any soap opera  I have ever seen!

Another thing that really bothered me was the amount of crying on the show...by Jason! What is his problem, why is he so emotional-I was embarrassed for him.  Workout dad came down and watched 5 min of the show with me and couldn't understand what his problem was....Even one of the anchors on GMA (we turned GMA on just because we wanted to see their segment on the bachelor...otherwise I am strictly a Today Show girl) said that her husband who is a Marine...called Jason something that couldn't be repeated  on air...

Also-if you were Molly, and you had been rejected on tv, would you take him back that easily?  I would have used that opportunity to say "SEE YOU LATER SUCKER!"  I really liked Molly too, she seemed like a confident girl who doesn't get jerked around by guys...maybe she's a sucker for tears.  My guess is that tonight on "after the final rose" part 2, she gets her act together and dumps him.  (or maybe Jason will propose...with the same ring no less...I can totally see that happening)...

I also really hope that they have Melissa back on the show...she was SOOOO mad, which made for great TV! (calling him a bastard....so great)!

Everyone watch the "After the Final Rose" episode 2 tonight...I want to hear what everyone thinks!

xox

Adventures in Snowshoeing

Hello All!

So yesterday, in an effort to get out and enjoy the winter weather (and make the most of m last months at home) I went snowshoeing...yes, snowshoeing...it's very big up here.

It turns out, snowshoeing is quite the workout.  The scenery was very beautiful and I had great company.  I went with Amy, her two dogs Gus and Willet, her neighbors dog (aka Spawn of Satan) and workout dog.  Lots of dogs...but they love the snow! Oh if you could have seen them...they were just so happy running around and putting their faces in the snow...Adorable!

If only workout dog was a better sport...while all the other dogs were having a great time Lucy was hanging in the back and lagging behind. (perhaps she was embarrassed that she was the only one with boots and a coat on...)!  So after walking for about ten minutes and having to stop every so often to call to her to catch up I finally had to pick her up and carry her the rest of the way...(picture me carrying a dog against my chest in a makeshift "snugli")...very pathetic sight. Check her out...can you see her in my vest?!  

In her defense, the "spawn" (Amy's neighbor's puppy) didn't play very nice with workout dog.  He must have thought she was some sort of live toy. He kept beating her with his paws and trying to trample her...had I been in her shoes (or boots!) I probably would have wanted to be carried too.  She totally rode the rest of the way in style...although twice we had to stop and "adjust" her because her boots would stick out the bottom of my vest and she would start slipping!

Check her out...Pathetic!

  

When we finally got to the end and all of the other dogs were in the car...workout dog decided that she wanted to run around.  That's right...she ran all around and I had to chase her down...NOT COOL....what a little devil.

Needless to say, workout dog will not be invited to snow shoe again. Her loss! I'm going again on Sunday!

xox

Cold Weather Stinks

Can I just tell you how tired I am of cold weather.  It's almost March...I haven't seen grass in FOREVER!

I am so freaking tired of wearing the same brown L.L.Bean coat every day (but it's the warmest one I have!)...I even got in a fight (gasp) with workout Mom because I bought a new fleece.  (she said I didn't need it and I finally cracked...I told her that YES I DO need that new fleece, because if I have to keep wearing my freaking brown coat I was going to light my hair on fire!

She must have realized that she had opened up a can of worms that she did NOT want to deal with because she just nodded and walked out without any sort of response.  

It's been two weeks since that incident and I mellowed a little bit about the cold...until Monday. Monday would be the day where we got 9" of snow. Yes, 9"...almost a foot!  Usually we use workout mom's car, but since her big car is in the shop-we are using my little VW Passat.  Mind you, there was 9" of snow on my car...when I walked outside the only thing I could see was the tires-Everything else was COVERED in snow.

It took me 30 min to dig my car out.  Imagine me, a person who hates snow, digging out my car in 15 degree weather.  I got madder and madder by the second.  By the end I was hacking my car with the snow-removal brush like it was a punching bag. (I'm sorry for that now, sorry car)

Let's just say that me and snow are in a little bit of a feud right now.

Okay, I'm done venting about the weather.

Now, on a lighter note...Guess who got some snow boots-Workout Dog!

check her out:

  

ahhh! I wish that I had taken a video of her running around in her boots!  She was a little wobbly at first but then ran around like it was nothing.  The only thing about the boots is that they make a "Thump" noise whenever she walks...you can hear her little feet walking on the pavement (I couldn't stop laughing for like an hour)

*sidenote* the adorable dog in the picture next to Lucy is her boyfriend Gus! (and yes, they are very happy together).

I'll try to take a video of her in the boots tomorrow!

xox 

The funny thing about small dogs.

Happy Sunday!  Are any of you sore from the workout I listed on Friday...I definitely am...especially in my back and shoulders.

Someone I know who isn't sore...workout dog.  She has had a great weekend of leisure (as opposed to her weeks of leisure).  She pretty much goes from room to room to lay in her beds (yes bedS...plural, this little chick has a bed in almost every room).  One thing about workout dog that has me thinking (besides her penchant for undies...little sicko) is her size.  When I got her the breeder said that she would be on the small side, as in 15-18lbs...Cavaliers are typically 20-25lbs.  

Workout dog is now tipping the scales at 10lbs (she's 8 months old). Now, I am no dog expert, but I'm pretty sure that dogs don't grow much past age one...and five lbs. on a small dog would be like a human gaining 60lbs-or at least that is how I picture it.  You would think that with all the money I plunked down for my little bundle of joy, they would have told me that she would be a MINI-as in she is tiny! I had someone ask me if she was a teacup puppy-to which my friend Amy said, "yes, she is a teacup Bernese Mountain Dog.." (snicker snicker).

Not that I have anything against little dogs...I think that they are adorable.  It's just that I would have liked a little warning that my companion will never be able to jump onto the couch without help, or never be able to climb on my bed and comfort me if I'm sad.  No, now I have to lift her up at her whim and  put her down when she's tired of sitting with me. 

Another funny thing about small dogs is that sometimes those suckers just slip right by you.  Sometimes I'll be in the bathroom brushing my teeth etc. and I will catch a glimpse of her on her cute little bed just resting.  I think, "she is so good, I love her"...I turn my head for a second to finish whatever I'm doing...turn to look at her again and BAM...she's gone.  I then look around the room only to realize that she is sitting 2 steps from me just gazing up at me.  Because she is a dog (and really cute) I don't mind it that much, but if she were anyone else I would think she was totally creepy.

Another fun thing about her evasiveness is that she can get out without me noticing! Yesterday I opened the front door quickly to feel the temperature...the door was literally open for 3 seconds.  I shut the door and looked around for workout dog...that sneaky thing had managed to slip right by me and was playing in the snow.  Playing in the snow may sound innocent enough, but with small dogs there are two things to worry about with snow;

1. Are they warm enough...workout dog gets very chilly without her coat, so I have to make sure to keep the shivers at bay by dressing her accordingly (on warm days she can get away with just a little t-shirt...)

2. How high is the snow. If the snow it too high small dogs can get stuck...I know this because it happened to workout dog earlier this year.  I let her out to potty by herself while I warmed up my coffee inside in my pajamas...a couple of minutes go by and I realize that I haven't heard her scratching at the door to come in.  I look outside and sure enough, I hear a little whimper coming from a couple feet outside the door.  Workout dog had climbed into a snowbank and coudn't get out! (I had to run out in my pj's to quickly rescue her!)

I must say that for all the funny/annoying things that can happen with small dogs, it doesn't get any better than one of them curling up on your lap and falling asleep while you're typing...big dogs certainly have that against them.

I hope that you are all going to watch the Oscars tonight! I will be curled up on my couch with a certain alleged "mini" dog happily snoozing on my lap.

xoxo workout girl (newly minted small dog owner/lover)

Friday Workout

Hi All!

Hope that you are all having a great Friday...

Here are some great workouts that I tested out today and really liked!

1. Assisted pull ups...Most gyms should have a machine that where you can adjust the weight (I take off around 15lbs but you can play with the dials and figure out what works for you(if you can't do a pull up with your full weight...I can't)

2. Assisted Dips...same thing, you can adjust the percentage of weight you are actually lifting.  The only thing to remember is to lower your body all the way down until your arms bends at 90 degrees.

For both exercise I recommend doing 10-12 reps.

3. Center "pliet" with  15lb weight.  To do this start with feet shoulder width apart and feet facing outwards.  Then, while keeping shoulders back, bend your legs and slowly lower your body into a squat position (to make this exercise more difficult you can add a calf raise while lowering into the squat position)

-This is a great leg workout...works your quads and the inside thigh (bonus!)

4. Leg-ups...scientific name i know...Do this exercise by stepping up onto a bench or "step" (the height is up to you, but keep in mind that you will get a better workout the higher the step).  Lead with one leg for 10 then switch to leading with the other leg of 10 reps.

I alternated the pliet's and leg-ups (doing three sets of reps on each.)

Lastly I ended with an abdominal exercise on the bench. (lay down on the bench with your hands behind your head..slowly lower your legs until they are even with the bench then bring them back up and lift your hips off the bench....slowly lower and repeat)

Let me know if any of you have questions! Happy workout

xox 

Long time no talk...

Hello out there...what has everyone been up to? I have been trying to stay busy looking for a job!  Yes, a real job where my boss isn't my dad...any suggestions?

Apparently Dartmouth finally figured me out...they said that with all the budget cuts they couldn't pay me anymore to sit around and answer the phone (please, we all knew that was coming).  However, they made sure to tell me that I could come into the office any time I want and work for free!  Ha ha, yeah right-even I am not that desperate!  

So now my job hunt continues...I have a little bit of fire under me for this new job hunt because I have no more disposable income coming my way and I think that the parental units are about ready to have me move on and up...I got that feeling when they told me they were going to be moving my bed to the new house in FL and that from now on I will be sleeping in the guest room.  Talk about pulling the "rug" out from under me...if I had a rug in my room that might be gone as well!

Now my days are filled with searching the web for job leads, writing and tweaking coverletters and resumes and trying to bleed BT dry of all his potential contacts.  I know, I'm living the life!

Not that I have no time for some fun, last night (after a minor time confusion) I went and saw Confessions of a Shopaholic! It was fantastic...I have developed a crush on Luke Brandon (aka Hugh Dancy, aka Claire Danes' fiance), he is absolutely delicious! 

Hope everyone has a great day!  

xoxo workout girl (ha ha...like gossip girl! I crack myself up!)

p.s. no workout tip today-sorry!

Will You Be My Valentine?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Can I just say how happy I am that Valentine's Day is on a Saturday.  I am so freaking pumped that I don't have to see all the happy "coupled" people getting all of their stupid Valentine's Day crap (don't get me wrong, last Valentine's Day when I had a significant other I was psyched for it, coudn't wait for V-day)...this year however, I am happy to see it go.  I don't need to see all the flowers on desks etc.  If I never see a single red rose again I'll be happy...

However-I will say that workout mom has always made Valentine's Day a fun and special holiday (ever since I was little)...we have decorations, cards and always get some cute little prezzies (this year I got an adorable tank top with bow from J.Crew-coincidentally very similar to the one I got her for v-day...like mother like daughter I suppose), she definitely makes the most of Valentine's Day.  I can remember opening my lunch box to find an entire Valentine-themed lunch and there were the times when she would order little monogrammed paper bags that said, 

"happy valentine's day love, lindsay" 

for me to fill with candy and pass out to my class...so adorable!

This year for my valentines I sent out cards to my love friends and handed out nerds (the candy) Valentine's to people at worky.  I also got workout dog a cute t-shirt that she is sporting right now!

here...isn't she precious (she even has her valentine's collar on)

I hope everyone has a very happy v-day-whatever you are doing...xoxo

P.S. I have some funny relatives in town (4 kids under age 7) who are trying to hold workout dog hostage...she has been hiding from them all day...more on that later!

Twitter

FYI...I just discovered twitter (well actually my friend Jenna did and then told me about it)!

The thing is-I don't really know how to do it.  Is there a twitter code or etiquette?  What are the rules...or are there no rules?!  

I guess I'll just have to slowly figure it out...let me know if you have any twitter tips!

(Oh, and my name on twitter is lteevens)

Great Arm Workouts...

So my little friend "bride-to-be" was looking for some tips on getting toned and in shape (especially her arms) for her upcoming nuptials (which I'm totally psyched for)...I gave her some ideas and then realized that maybe some other people might want to hear these ideas too!

Here they are:

Cardio: Spinning v. the Stairmaster

-The stairmaster is different than spinning because it keeps you in a "fat burning" mode rather than a purely cardiovascular mode.  It keeps your heart rate down so that you are burning fat more effectively...high intensity cardio like spinning or running keeps your heart rate up so that you are improving your cardiovascular endurance but not necessarily burning fat.

-A great exercise that does both is alternating running and walking on the treadmill.  Make sure to have at least a 1percent incline on the treadmill (otherwise it is an unrealistic flat road the whole time)...start by warming up then run for 5-7 minutes at a relatively rigorous pace followed by 3 minutes of fast walking...repeat the pattern for at least 30 minutes!

    *You can also try walking at a steep incline (6+) with handweights for 30-35 minutes (works your upper and lower body...bonus!)

Arm Toning exercises:

1. bicep curls: simple, straightforward and effective.  Try doing one set with arms regular, one with arms out to the side at and angle and the last set holding the dumbells like cans of soda (up and down)...these three slight differences will help to tone your biceps by using slightly different parts of the muscle...the trick is to keep your body guessing, that way it will work hard rather than simply falling into a routine where muscles can become 'lazy'.

-If you think you need to change something up, try a heavier weight.

2. Dips: legs out, arms supporting you...bring your arms down to 90 degrees then slowly bring them back up...great triceps exercise because it engages your core as well as your triceps.

3. One arm shoulder press:  Stand with feet shoulder width apart, one arm by your side and the other out to the side above your head with a 10-12lb weight.  Bring arm down to 90 degree angle then slowly push back up...try to do 10-12 reps per arm.

4. Bent over rows (10-12lb weight with 12 reps)...kneel with one knee on the bench and the other leg out to the side.  Place one hand on the bench and with the other bring the weight up to 90 degrees then back down (make sure your back is flat and your shoulders are square to the bench)

Also: push ups are great for arms...try to do them sporadically throughout the week...I like to do them while my shower is heating up (I try to do 10-15)

Another great arm exercise is the chest press on the balance ball because it works your core, arms, shoulder and chest!  (The best exercises are the ones that engage more than one muscle group!...2 for 1...always a winner)

Stretching:  Stretching after workouts is important for your muscles and can also help to lengthen and tone them as well...by stretching every day (even on days when you don't workout) you can help develop leaner looking muscles.

Lastly: I like to do weights twice a week...you can do up to three but I wouldn't do any more than that because your body needs time to recover.  The other days I try to mix up the cardio...spinning one day, the stairmaster, running/walking etc.  I also like to dedicate one day to be a "slow day"...usually a Saturday or Sunday where the only workout I do is take workout dog for a long walk.

Enjoy and let me know how you like these workouts!

It's a Dogs Life

Did anyone watch the Westminster Dog Show last night?  I only managed to catch a few minutes but did get to see the all of the "workout dog dogs"...so did she.  Actually workout dog had a great time growling at all the dogs except for the two that looked like her...those two she wagged her tail at and barked?! (apparently she's a little narcissist)

Anyways, I woke up this morning to see that the winner was Stump! He's the oldest dog ever to win the show (10 years old...I can't even say what I was doing at ten-probably thinking boys were gross-definitely not winning big stuff like that!!!). The old guy managed to beat out nearly a thousand other dogs to take home the title.  

Another amazing fact about little Stump is that he nearly died a few years ago...he had to be rushed to the hospital and put on some sort of ventilator.  Nevertheless he made a miraculous comeback and last night won Westminster (what a comeback kid, he's like the Lance Armstrong of dogs)

According to Stumps' owner, he now gets to live the rest of his life in pure luxury; case in point-he rode home to Michigan in first class seats (do you think he got Champagne to celebrate?)! Hopefully Stumps will enjoy retirement and have a long happy rest of his life.

I am now wondering whether or not Stumps made some money from this big win?  I know a certain 9 lb bitch (ha ha get it) who loves her some older men...could be fate!

Here's the handsome boy...what a doll!

Here is another pic that I thought merited some space on the page...

What a little prince...I didn't dare show workout dog this picture for fear that she would make me blow dry her hair after baths too.

..As for the workout tip for today...take the day off.  Every once in a while your muscles need a break and by taking time off you give them time to recover so that the next time you workout they will be more effective! 

 

Great Spinning Tip!

I found this article online just now and found it to be helpful...check it out!

www.shape.com >> Articles - How to Spin Like a Pro

Posted using ShareThis

So I May Lose My Job...

Ok, that title was depressing but I'm just being realistic.  Dartmouth has to "trim" its budget by $72 million dollars by June of 2011 to help compensate for the $700 million dollar endowment loss (Thank you Valley News...you have proved yourself useful for more than just lining the recycle bin)

Because of this loss the College has to find ways to eliminate costs etc.  So far they are laying off around 60 employees and cutting way back on spending (aka: I am not allowed to order any more pink post-it notes-or anything else fun from the Staples catalogue).

As some of you know...I work from 9-3 Monday through Friday (unless I have something better to do like go to spinning with workout mom or get my hair cut or walk workout dog etc.)  Bottom line: I get paid to sit at the front desk and answer the phone.  Not to say that I'm unproductive...I am online at work doing random tasks for my boss (aka dad) as well as applying for jobs and staying up to date on current events (people.com and perezhilton.com).  I also keep BT's calendar and help manage his email...so yes, I do serve some sort of purpose.

Nevertheless, I fear that my days of killing time between workouts and lattes may be coming to an end.  I don't know how much longer it's going to be until people realize that I don't serve that big of a purpose...I do however think that should I "leave", people would miss my humor and ability to cheer up BT (that takes serious skill and finesse).

I just really hope that the economy turns around soon so that I can get a real job.  I think I would be great at a real job!  I'm very organized, upbeat and a quick learner. (that was my plea for a job...and that's all your getting...)

So, for now I will resume my usual routine of perusing the Internet (which has been down at home...hence the lack of recent posts) and waiting for someone to email or call me to tell me that the love of my life is going to sweep me off my feet and marry me...

The Red Hot Incident

Okay, I'm just going to come out and say it.  Red hots are the devil's candy.  They look all cute and innocent in their little pink package-some are even heart shaped...but once you start to really enjoy them BAMMM...they burn your tongue.  I'm serious, last week I had a lot of red hots when I was at work and before I knew it I couldn't feel my tongue.  I think that I literally burned the taste buds off of my tongue.

I know...it sounds crazy...but it took a few days for my taste buds to recover.  My tongue was burned by those little suckers!  

Moral of Story: BEWARE when buying red hots for your Valentine...you are much better off with conversation hearts or, my personal favorite, Valentine's nerds, oh yeah or chocolate I guess (I'm not really a chocolate person)

Now that the red hot incident (which will now be referred to as RHI) is over I can give a little workout advice for tuesday/wednesday...since I didn't write anything yesterday!

Ladies and Ladies, I would like to introduce you to....The Stairmaster 

*Believe me, I hate it just as much as you all probably do...I dread Stairmaster workout days...but it is a great workout that works different muscles than running or the elliptical (which gives a false calorie count btw)

What I do: I typically use the Stairmaster at least once a week for 30-35 minutes.  I put it on the "fat burning" workout and use level 11.  I have found this setting to be the most comprehensive...it varies your pace, resistance and distance of climbs.  It is also a good toning workout for your legs!

Now I know that 30 min seems like a long time on this machine, but I am going to let you in on a little secret that helps me get through the workouts in what seems like no time (yes I'm serious)

Secret of the Stairmaster: 

Have 30 minutes of good music on your iPod AND (most importantly) have reading material...either a book or magazine, just something to keep your mind focused on something besides the time on the screen.  Most of the machines I have used have a handy little book shelf right under the screen that holds your book in place!  If you do this simple thing I guarantee your workout will go by much faster and you will be very happy with the results at the end!

Now...to leave you with a cute picture of workout dog (who has become my sidekick and now likes to sit on my lap as I type)

FYI: Today it was a balmy 0 degrees when I walked to my orthodontist appointment (I'm using Invisalign..)...needless to say, I will be inside for the rest of the day!

xox

To Bootie or Not to Bootie...

Today I am faced with a pretty big decision...do I buy workout dog some booties?!...This may sound funny to warm weather peeps, but up here in the frozen arctic it gets a little too chilly for workout dogs' tiny feet.  I realized this when she began doing a little "chilly dance" of sorts.

The "chilly dance" consists of workout dog wiggling around and alternately lifting up one of her legs (she tries to lift them all up at the same time but seems to have finally figured out that that doesn't work)...it's really a pathetic sight...must get some video to show what I'm talking about.

Another reason I'm considering doggie booties is because the salt that gets spread on the sidewalks (to do something with ice...I'm a little unsure of the purpose-I'm a complete winter virgin)..anyways, the aforementioned ice and salt get caught in workout dogs' little paws and causes her pain.  I know whenever she's stepped in too much salt because she refuses to walk and starts doing the chilly dance, which means that I have to pick her up and carry her back home (her little paws get my coat VERY dirty...not cool)

It seems that I have no choice but to get her some booties...hopefully there will be some cute options (I'm very big on cuteness, probably because there is a serious lack of it way up here in no-man's land...aka NH)

Here's an example of some booties...

  By the way...workout dog is barking at this picture as I am typing...she must not like this style...

TODAY'S WORKOUT: Spinning!

Spinning is one of my favorite workouts...it kicks my butt every time, it is also relatively low-impact, which is great if you have an injury or just want to give your joints a break.

If you don't have time to take a spinning class you can always hit up the gym and do your own spinning workout.

Here's a few suggestions to get your heart pumping (and burn more calories)!

1. Make sure to get a good warm up (3-5 minutes should do it...think of it as the length of a song on your iPod)

2. Alternate between high speed/low resistance and low(er) speed/high resistance.  

3. Try interval training...say you are doing high resistance/low speed...start at a moderate amount of resistance and up it every 40-45 seconds...up the resistance at least 3 times...(using a longer song helps...when a song cuts off in the middle of an interval it always breaks my concentration)

4. Move your hands around, that is, don't stay in the same place.  Get rid of boredom by moving around on the bike.  

1st position= sitting regularly on the bike

2nd position= standing up straight but using the handlebars only for balance

3rd position= hunched over with your back straight and your butt hovering over the seat

*each position will enable you to focus on certain specific body parts (while also changing up the workout to prevent boredom)

5. When pedaling for speed, make sure to put enough resistance on your bike-otherwise it's very bad for your knees!

Happy Workout!

You know you live in New Hampshire when...

1. You are excited to see double digit temperatures

2. Layering becomes an art form

3. Death by icicle seems like a very real possibility

4. You are the only person in town with blonde hair and believes in using a straightener

5. You are familiar with the "Ugg shuffle"...the sound that everyone makes while wearing them...

6. Women have more body hair than some men

7. People look at you funny when you bust out your own coozie at a bar

8. Said bars close at 12:30

9. The biggest story in the newspaper talks about ice fishing...yes, ICE FISHING...are you freaking kidding me...where's the story about oh I don't know, the SUPER BOWL???!!!!

10. You master "upper valley chic"...jeans, boots and some sort of fleece...

11. Dogs outnumber people

12. The saleswoman looks at you funny when you ask a question about bronzer (you then find yourself giving her a lesson in the art of bronzer)

13. Everyone and their mother drives a Subaru

14. You can buy natural or organic anything...including toothpaste, shampoo, soap, toilet paper, cleaning products, water bottles...believe me when I say everything...

15. You cannot locate a Starbucks for the life of you

16. Grocery workers send you outside to get your reusable grocery bags (One actually gave me a dirty look when I said I didn't have any...needless to say I was quickly suckered into buying 4)

17. LL Bean wearers outnumber J.Crew wearers...at least 20:1 (me being the one)

18. People look at you funny if you wear a dress...or heels...or...God forbid-BOTH!

19. You ask for sweet tea and they bring you tea and a side of sweet-and-low...NOT THE SAME

20. Bars close at 12:30...did I mention that already?...that one really gets me...

21. PerezHilton.com is a foreign concept...as is personal hygeine...

22. No one values a great tan

Snow and Ice are my Bitch...

So check this out...some genius people invented a contraption that you can put on your shoes that enable you to walk through slippery snow and ice.  They are the greatest thing invented for winter (besides coats and mittens).  I walked workout dog today without busting my face on the sidewalk! 

-Note...even if I had taken a tumble on the ice I probably would not have felt it because my face was completely numb...yeah, it's that cold here.  I couldn't feel my face for about 10 min. after I got back inside...If you ever wanted to get a facial piercing I would highly suggest coming to Hanover and walking outside for five minutes before you get it (you wouldn't feel a thing).

Here's a pic of the YakTrax...

 I also had a very interesting workout this morning.  Workout mom took me to a class called "Body Combat"... I don't know what I was expecting but it was definitely not this...

We walked in to the gym and there were strobe lights, a smoke machine, a temporary tattoo station and lots of camo.  There were probably around 75 people there to take the class...most of whom had NO idea what they were getting themselves into (I was DEFINITELY in that group).  The class itself was hard...and very confusing.  I'm certainly not one for choreographed "moves" so let's just say that I was at least 2-3 steps behind for the entire class.   At one point CASCADA came on the speakers so I just jumped around and danced by myself...much to the amusement of the people who turned out to watch from the balcony.

I'm sure I will be immobile tomorrow, so let's hope that no one tries to mess with me because I'll be too sore to defend myself...I would be the easiest kidnap ever.

***click here to buy your own YakTrax***

Friday Playlist

What kind of workout would it be without a great playlist...

1. Love is Free...Sheryl Crow

2. High School Never Ends...Bowling for Soup

3. Poker Face...Lady Gaga

4. Right Now (Na Na Na)...Akon

5. Single Ladies...Beyonce

6. Let it Rock...Kevin Rudolph

7. Just Dance...Lady Gaga

8. All Summer Long...Kid Rock

9. If I Never See your Face Again...Maroon 5 feat. Rihanna

10. What's your Name feat. will.i.am...Usher

11. So What...P!nk

12. Fighter...Christina Aguilera

13. I don't Wanna be in Love...Good Charlotte

14. Music is My Hot, Hot Sex...CSS

15. What Hurts the Most...CASCADA

16. Forever...Chris Brown

17.  American Boy...Estelle

18. The Remedy...Jason Mraz

*starts slow and ends slow for warm up and cool down

Baby it's cold outside....

Wow today is chilly...currently it is 10(!) outside. Poor workout dog had to wait until I shoveled her a place outside to use the restroom.

As per usual on chilly days, I will be working out inside today...something that I am getting VERY tired of...spring weather where are you! Anyways...here is my workout for today (in case anyone wants a good Friday workout)

Warm-up...Run 1 mile on treadmill...level 6.5

Workout:
Legs
1. Lunges: alternate legs while simultaneously doing bicep curls (20 total, should be ten each leg/arm)...3 sets
2. Dips...using a machine that allows for resistance adjustment (do 12-15 reps)
3.Take a minute break in between sets
4. Squats (12 with a 45 lb weight)
5. Hamstring/lower back: hold on to bar with feet about shoulder width apart and slowly bend down (while keeping legs slightly bent) and bring bar back up to standing...(bar should go from your waist to your feet and back, no higher)
6. Take a minute break in between sets (3 sets of each exercise)

Arms
1. Bicep curls (done with lunges)
2. Triceps (done with lunges)
3. Overhead press...take dumbells and push above head (12 reps)
4. Rows (bend one leg on bench while other leg supports body...go from arm down to 90-degrees and repeat)

Abs:
Throw-downs or sit ups on ball...
(3 sets of 50)

Stretch and relax!!!!!