I don’t know about you, but I am super particular about my sunglasses! Of course, we are our own worst critics, but it’s so hard for me to find a pair of shades that doesn’t make my face look ridiculous! If you have a shorter, round face like me, then maybe you can related with me when I feel like everything always takes up all the space on my face. I love aviators, but I can never find a decent pair that don’t feel like they’re going to snap right away. I also love the bigger sunglasses, but like I said, my face disappears when I put them on.
I decided to look into Oakleys because I figured they’d have a few good sizes since they are an incredibly popular brand. Their signature line is really the only style that I think of when I think of Oakleys. They’ve always been too narrow and seem to only look good on guys, though.
So, I decided to think a little more subjectively and do some research about what else Oakley has. Come to find out, the women’s section is loaded with many pairs that I was actually considering.
Click on the picture for more info on Oakley's Beckon series!
The Beckon series caught my attention the most. They had cool colors that I normally wouldn’t pick out for eyewear. The Beckons in Grape Juice/Black Violet were the ones that I liked the most. And guess what? I ordered them! I’m pretty excited about my selection. I feel like I finally found a good size for my face, a good color that isn’t totally common (but isn’t totally weird at the same time), and something that’s obvioulsy sturdy because, well, Oakleys made them!
You’ve probably heard of it before, but there is a hot new workout that is making a lot of people talk. It sounds like a type of African soup, or even a wild fish specie off the coast of New Zealand. However, it’s simply just a dance. Or more specifically, it’s not just a dance. It’s an exhilarating, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party that is moving millions of people toward joy and health. Zumba is expanding all across the country in dance studios, fitness centers, and even in the comfort of homes. And if you have never heard of it before and you have no idea what I’m talking about, consider yourself warned.
When I first heard of the Zumba class, my first assumption was that it was some sort of tribal dance. Similar to a belly-dancing class, I thought instructors were teaching the students how to perform some sort of African cultural dance. A few of my friends were going, but I had been content with not Zumba-ing at the gym.
Then, I kept hearing about it. More and more and more were people raving about the intensity, interesting, and very entertaining dance class. That being said, I finally caved. I went to my first Zumba class!
When I got there, I felt a few different things. One was that I was horrifically nervous; I figured everyone knew this routine except for me and I would look like a very big fool. Two, I still had no idea what kind of dance this was. I felt uninformed and inprepared for what was about to come next.
Then, the music started. Over everything, I heard stringy acoustic guitar that was quickly being picked at, I heard a drum with excellent rhythm, and finally, I heard a man’s voice speaking Spanish.
The Zumba class, people, is a Latin American dance inspired workout class.
Despite the insanity of the rhythm, the lack of instruction for each move, and the embarrassment I carried throughout the entire class, I can’t deny that I had a very, very good time. Nothing is funnier than seeing your best friends make fools of them self while pretending they are Latina princesses from Spain, then realizing you look the exact same way.
I go to Zuma twice a week now. I finally feel comfortable with most of the moves, I’m getting comfortable to go to the class alone, and I’m actually finding myself mimicking the moves at home to show my boyfriend what I’ve learned. (That last one can be considered moot since my boyfriend never has any idea what I’m talking about with this dance.)
If you’ve heard of Zumba but have been hesitant to try out the class, DO IT! It’s a little ridiculous at first, but you really just have to let go. I can honestly say that I’ve toned up and become more active because of this class.
If you’ve never heard of Zumba but want to learn more, visit Zumba.com to find out more about the class, where you can find classes, and more.
If you have or haven’t heard of Zumba but you are completely uninterested in the class, well, fair enough. But you’re the one missing out on this taste of the spicy, fun Latino culture . 
The past couple if weeks has proven to be the busiest I have been in the past year at my job. Coupled with recent knee pain, and I am a little worried that I am not going to be ready for this race once in Sunday. 
I don’t know about you but I love to dance! Four years ago in August I was at my sister’s reception and she had the most awesome Portland wedding Dj! His name was Shawn Whittemore and he kept us dancing all night long. In fact it was that night that I met my now…soon to be husband! Thank goodness Shawn kept the party going all night long so that I could dance my heart out!
Dancing is a great form of exercise. You can burn an average of 300 calories an hour if you are consistent with it! Also when you are dancing you don’t really feel like you are working out - but guess what you are. Which in my opinion is why dancing is one of my favorite exercises. It is a lot of fun and it burns extra calories.
Another great thing about dancing is you can do it anywhere! From wedding receptions to dance clubs if you are moving you are dancing. I love to dance. One of the reasons is because I love to be creative and with dancing you can be as creative as you want to be!
One of my favorite places to dance is at weddings. The next wedding I am going to is my own and I will be sure to dance the night away!
Hello all! Last week I was going to write this great post about running in the blistering cold in NY, and then about the fact that I ended up dancing at a subway station in BK at 1am just to keep warm, but I have had no internet for the past week, so I was unable.
Did you know that it is officially HIP to live in Portland?!? I was at my favorite drinks for cheap bar last night and met this skateboarder that let me hold onto his skateboard for half the night, and told me of his dreams of moving to Portland in the next year.
I ran yesterday twice around the reservoir in the park, and have to say that it is probably my FAVORITE run in the city in the evening. Soft ground, water all around, and amazing views of the city. Anyways, when you all come to visit we will have to run it!
Hi Kids,
It’s the loveable (and currently slightly disgruntled) T-Mac. Well, I might as well jump in with my workout results for the weekend. Friday, Kitri and I hit the gym. I ran approximately 2 miles and finished with some lifting. The same can be said for Saturday. Although, my run was slightly interrupted by Andy Oldenburg, who told me the Irish nearly lost to Navy…again. The happy couple is hopefully off to Bally’s (or the BTF as I call it) to run and watch Brady Quinn carve up the Bills. Let’s hope a) Brady becomes the second comming of Joe Montana AND b) I make it the full 30 minutes without wanting to quit. Will I do it…stay tuned.
Hello Team- I am happy to report my toe is feeling much better! I took Friday off because of my toe. Saturday I ran for 27 minutes 3 minutes running at 5.5 and 2 minutes recovery at 3.5, I also took Sunday off. I plan on going to the gym today so I will keep you all posted on how that goes. Hope everyone had a good weekend!
am a little disappointed to see that no one has writen this weekend. But no worries, since I am three hours ahead of everyone else, I will start us off. I took Saturday off and watched the following movie instead for motivation . . .
Click on the link for the trailer, it was pretty funny. Anyways, Yesterday I ran outside for a quick 1.5 mile run for 10 minuets, then back to the gym where I did the Precore for 25 minutes, and then arms, sholders, and back.
I thought it might be fun for us to all share our favorite music/artists/bands that we like to listen to when we run. Because I get bored easily, I am always looking for new music to add to my playlists.
