Barre at Fit Girl Studio

I've been hearing so much about this popular barre workout. It's been the latest craze for women wanting to get in shape. This type of workout is ballet inspired based on the conditioning done by ballerinas. It's supposed to help create long, lean strong muscles like that of a dancer. Yesterday was my first attempt to see what all they hype is about at Fit Girl Studio in Lincoln Park.

There are just three things you need to know from my experience.

1. I never realized how out of shape I actually am.  
2. The conditioning reminded me of some of the things we did during my days in gymnastics and are very effective from my past experience.
3. It was the hardest workout I've ever had!

The hour consisted of focusing on each part of your body including; strength training for arms, legs, lower back, and abs. With slight adjustments and repetition, each part of my body got an insane workout. My legs were shaking and at many points I found myself having to stop. Doesn't sound like your cup of tea? If you're not into really pushing yourself and being in slight pain for most of the time, it may not be the right choice. It reminded me of Pilates but on steroids.

Although it was pretty tough and very expensive (a month unlimited access can run about $150), I do plan on finishing off my new member week trial. While my pockets won't allow me to sign up for a membership, one thing is certain... I have to get in the gym.

Photo found at www.fitgirlstudio.com

Song I'm Loving

I just had to share this song. I first heard it yesterday and thought it was such a beautiful song. It brought tears to my eyes. Just what every woman likes: compliments. Enjoy!

Skinnygirl White Peach Margarita

I'm spending my Saturday night relaxing with some Madeline cookies, BET's The Game marathon and a glass of Skinnygirl White Peach Margarita. 

As the brand's latest cocktail, it's a pretty good combination of sweet and sour. It offers a sweet smell of peach as you pour it into a glass but is also a little deceiving since the drink isn't as sweet in taste. However knowing that every sip has less calories that the average cocktail, it puts your mind at ease while you drink and relax. 

Overall I'm not crazy in love with the beverage but it has a nice subtle taste. If you're in the mood for a drink that offers less calories, a touch of sweet and sour with a light taste, then this drink will deliver. What drinks do you like relaxing with? I think I just might stick to a glass of Riesling. 

Soap Making Class

I saw an introductory soap making class featured on Groupon and of coarse I had to purchase it. The class lasted about two and a half hours and was a unique experience. As a class (of four) we were given a history of soap and educated on each ingredient. There are different processes of making soap. But to me the most authentic is the cold process where the soap base is made from scratch.

The instructor walked us through each step and allowed us to choose the scents. We poured the soap mixture into a mold and allowed it to set for the remainder of the class. As we left we were instructed to let the soap sit in the mold for another twenty four hours. Even after the soap is removed from the mold, it can't be used for a couple weeks. I think this class sparked an interest in soap making for me. I purchased a starter kit that includes all the essentials to get started. I look forward to start my new habit and perhaps even have some giveaways in the future!

Black Bean Soup

This crockpot recipe turned out perfect and really quite simple. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.

Ingredients:

1 package dry black beans

6-8 cups chicken broth

1 tbs cumin

10 stalks of cilantro (Approx)

1 tbs salt

1 yellow onion, chopped

5 bacon slices

What you will need:

crockpot

food processor or blender

Bring beans to a rolling boil in the broth for three minutes. Transfer mixture into crockpot and set to low. Add bacon, chopped onions, cumin, cilantro and salt. Allow beans to cook for about 8 hours. Remove the bacon before continuing.

Make sure the beans are tender then scoop beans into blender (what I used). Be sure there is more liquid than beans. The liquid should be about two inches or so above the beans. Blend until smooth and transfer into separate bowl. Make the mixture as thick or thin as you'd like. Keep in mind as the beans cool and set, the mixture thickens. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and cilantro.

Something Old for Something New

Save the twist ties that come on bread packaging. It makes a useful space saver for lengthy cords.

Peanut Butter Banana Cupcakes

This recipe is absolutely one of my favorite desserts. This recipe is moist and the banana and peanut butter are surprisingly not overpowering. The inspiration came from a fabulous muffin I tasted in Austin. I then embarked on a journey to get ideas to work into my own from the web. I started with a recipe I saw on kevinandamanda.com and made my changes. Like all my recipes, tweak the ingredients for your taste buds.

Ingredients: 

1 box of yellow cake mix

1 package of banana cream pudding

1 c. sour cream

1 c. vegetable oil

4 eggs

1/2 c. milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 large banana 

Frosting Ingredients:

1/2 c peanut butter

1 8oz package of softened cream cheese

1 cup powder sugar (add more or less to your taste)

1 stick of softened unsalted butter

1/4 c of milk (add more for creamier frosting)

Makes about 24 cupcakes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line cupcake pan with your choice of cupcake wrappers. Mix ingredients for cupcakes with a mixer until smooth and fill each liner 3/4 full. Bake cupcakes for about ten to fifteen minutes or until tops are golden brown.

In a separate bowl combine frosting ingredients and stir until smooth and creamy. I like a creamier frosting so I tend to add a little more milk. I also don't use quite as much powdered sugar. Frost the cupcakes when they are cooled. Serve and enjoy!