• Review

    Let Me Help You Celebrate the Holidays With Hallmark!

    Oh my gosh, do I love Hallmark. I always have: not only did my mom manage Hallmark stores for years (I helped out over some of the holidays, too), but also the quality of their products is unmatched. In general, there’s something about greeting cards that is magical to me. I’m always amazed to find cards that say exactly the right sentiment for whatever occasion I’m celebrating. And of course, when I want to say it in my own words, in my own hand, I can always choose a card that’s blank inside. Here’s one my favorite Brian Regan clips of all time. Watch. Trust me, it’s hilarious. Anyway, back…

  • Review

    Get In The Game…And Win!

    Over the past few years, there has been lots of talk about making cuts in programs which, in my opinion, are very, very important for growing kids: sports and music. Due to institutional budget cuts as well as the state of the economy itself, which causes families to have to make some of the same budget cuts in order to keep food on the table, organizations are looking for more help than ever to ensure survival. Our lacrosse club is an expensive venture for anyone who wants to be a part of it, and I’m not just talking about the equipment. (Have you SEEN the prices on lacrosse equipment? Sheesh!)…

  • Review

    Naked Fitness Workshops (Trust Me, It’s Not What You Think)

    As someone who is not only interested in fitness but also an ACE-certified group fitness instructor, I am always on the lookout for information or products that are new or helpful to either my own health and wellness goals, those of the people in my classes, or both. After meeting Andrea Metcalf, a fitness expert based in the Chicago area, at the Blogher conference in August, I’ve been keeping an eye out for information regarding her upcoming book, Naked Fitness (which is about “stripping off all of the excuses” and not exercising with no clothes on, as you might wonder). The book is coming out on December 28 (just in…

  • Review

    Review: Keeping Fit With Andrea Metcalf

    You probably already know that working out is one of my favorite things to do. Even though my ability and desire to make time for workouts in addition to the classes I teach regularly varies widely according to the rest of my schedule in any given week, once I do make the time, I really enjoy it. One of the changes I’ve made over the past couple of years is less driving to the gym for workouts (when I’m not teaching, of course) and more finding at-home ways to get my heart rate up. (I’m talking about exercise: stay focused, people!) I find that I often get much more enjoyment…