12 Tuesday Jun 2012
Posted in Uncategorized
Womanista is becoming a grown-up blog! By grown-up, I mean it is getting a new, totally glam and professional look over at http://www.womanista.com. Make sure to check out the new site, comment, and subscribe over there! No new posts will be added to this site.
Check.it.out.
Happy reading, womanistas!
xo, the Womanista
28 Monday May 2012
Posted in Beauty Tips, Divine Decor, Fierce Fashion, Food + Drink, Travel, Womanista Music
Tags
As I type this, I’m sitting on a breezy beach, sipping an ice cold beer and quietly giving thanks for the military families who give up so much in order to allow me to be exactly where I am right now. I hope all of you lovely womanistas are relaxing today, spending time with your loved ones, and maybe eating a few hot dogs and imbibing in some fabulous beverages (speaking of, I have a new favorite beach drink! The Chaya Mojito! Details coming soon on that one…)
In the midst of your great day off, though, I hope you remember and are thankful for the military wife who is missing her husband today. The soldier whose kids are at the pool today, while she is in Afghanistan, unable to serve them a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and make sure that they are wearing sunscreen. The mother who is worrying about her son in combat, and praying for his safety today. The father who is spending his first Memorial Day without his son, who died protecting his country and your freedom.
If you happen to know any of those people – make sure to say “thank you” today. Because all of their sacrifices allow you to do exactly what you are doing right now. Living free. Without hesitation. None of us stand outside of the reaches of those who are burdened with protecting our freedom. Today, make sure you say a prayer for all of those people. Be thankful.
After that prayer, I hope you enjoy a hot dog, and maybe a cold beer. I know I will be doing the same.
Happy Memorial day, womanistas! And a sincere, grateful thank you to all of you service men and women and your families!
xo, the Womanista
24 Thursday May 2012
Posted in Beauty Tips, Food + Drink
I think it’s important to “check in” with your body every now and then – Are you getting enough sleep? Do you feel sluggish? Did you enjoy a few too many cocktails this week? Have you eaten anything other than spaghetti in the past few days? (ok, maybe I’m the only one who has to ask myself that last question…) But anyway, sometimes I have to regroup when it comes to eating right and taking care of myself. Recently, several friends RAVED about a cleanse from Juice Nashville and I decided to give it a try.
I’m no stranger to fresh, pressed juice. My husband and I love our Hurom slow juicer and regularly create yummy concoctions. I like to come up with practical blends (Apple, Kale, & Lemon anyone?) while my husband just throws a bunch of stuff in there (I think one time he made blueberry, strawberry, carrot, spinach, apple, lemon, ginger, and orange juice. It was brown. I mean!)
This cleanse though, is a more calculated juice experience. It consists of drinking six juices a day, for three days. The blends range from “I heart carrots” (just carrot juice) to the “c-ya” (ginger, grapefruit, orange, apple) to “oh yeah” (kale, apple, collard greens, lemon). I’m being serious when I say this too – they are all DELICIOUS. Juice Nashville will even deliver them to you in an iced down cooler.
photo courtesy of ashleyhylbert.com
The first day was the toughest. Not really because I ever got super hungry, but just because my mind started telling me “umm, hello? It’s dinner time! You should be winding down and eating something with a fork right now!” – but I pushed through on mental toughness and called it a night. The second day was easier. I woke up from an amazing slumber, felt lighter and less puffy. Day three I woke up feeling even better. Like, better than I have in forever! Honestly, if I could add wine and cheese to the juice cleanse (which, lets be honest, would completely negate the point of a juice cleanse) I might not eat any real food ever again. That’s how good it made me feel.
Seriously though, womanistas…this cleanse was the real deal. I am planning on doing it once every couple of months just to hit the “reset” button on my health and digestive system (and take a break from all that cheese I eat, sigh.) If you decide to try it, let me know what you think!
Happy juicing, womanistas!
xo, the Womanista
21 Monday May 2012
Posted in Beauty Tips
I am sad to say that there was a time in my life when I was a total sun goddess – I recklessly laid out on the beach WITHOUT SUNSCREEN! (THE HORROR!) but now that my skin is officially aging, sigh, I never leave the house without sunscreen…especially on my face. Melanoma need not apply for a position on this womanista’s skin!
The bottom line is, protecting your skin from sun damage is a really big deal. Just 20 minutes out in the sun without the proper sunscreen can cause damage that can set your skin back years (and add wrinkles…no thanks!)
No one wants to look like “tanning mom”! Protect your skin!
I did an unofficial survey on the top facial moisturizers containing sunscreen (and by unofficial survey I mean I asked my friends with pretty skin what products they use) and I got some really great suggestions! I tested them all, and came up with a winner: L’Oreal Sublime Sun with SPF 30.
L’Oreal (sorry, I don’t know how to add the accent to the “e”!) really hit it out of the park with this one. It goes on super smooth, and is light-weight and not greasy. You can wear it under makeup without feeling like you have a layer of goop on your face, and it’s jam packed with antioxidants and vitamin E to keep your skin its healthiest! It’s also dermatologist-tested and won’t make you breakout (which is a mega concern for me! I once asked my dermatologist when I would be “too old” to break out and he said he has clients in their 60s…so I digress…) On top of all that, it’s available at your local drug store for $9.99.
This summer, make your skin a priority and give it the protection it deserves!
Happy sunscreening, womanistas!
xo, the Womanista
17 Thursday May 2012
Posted in Beauty Tips, Fierce Fashion
One of my favorite dates is a “daytime” date – whether it’s a trendy and delicious brunch at Marche in East Nashville, or spending the day sipping wine while gazing out on a vineyard (Arrington Vineyards in Tennessee is a fave!), there is something relaxed and fun about planning a romantic rendevous during daylight hours.
Just because it’s sunny outside doesn’t mean you can skimp on putting together a fashionable ensemble! Once again, the lovely and talented Claudia Fowler from Haven in Franklin, TN lent her expertise to Womanista and put together the perfect “daytime” date outfit.
Claudia played up the fresh spring trend of lilac and lavender to create a pretty, laid back look with just a touch a glam bling.
This breezy, boho lavender and cream dress by Gryphon is super-flattering and easy to wear. The sequin bib accent glams it up (and I am a woman who always appreciates a little bit of bling! No matter what the occasion, sparkle is my favorite color…) It’s available at Haven for $379.
Protect your face from the sun with some sunscreen (50+ SPF!) and this hand-painted watercolor, woven hat by Bonamano & Ferrari. It’s available at Haven for $129.
Add a pop of lilac and texture with this suede, fringed “Cheyenne” bag from Antik Batik. This carry-all will take you from day to evening with everything you need.
Pair this feminine outfit with some metallic wedges or gladiator sandals for the perfect daytime date outfit. Keep your hair and makeup “beachy” and natural.
Blake Lively sports beachy, casual waves with braided accents and keeps her makeup natural with pink tones and a little bit of shimmer on her eyes
Happy day-dating, womanistas!
xo, the Womanista
16 Wednesday May 2012
Posted in Beauty Tips, Fierce Fashion
My husband and I have been married for almost 3 years, but we still take our date nights pretty seriously. You know that cheesy cliche “If you want to have a great marriage, never stop dating?” – well, it’s cheesy, but true. Whether you are going on a first date with a guy who makes your heart skip a beat, or out to dinner at your favorite restaurant with your husband of 20 years, it’s important to look your best. Because when you look great, you feel great, and you can focus on what really matters: that hottie sitting across the table from you!
I enlisted the help of celebrity stylist, Claudia Fowler, and her fabulous store Haven in Franklin, TN to put together some perfect date ensembles that any womanista can rock. The first frock is perfect for a night out for cocktails, an art opening, or a glammed-up event.
Start with a sexy, yet comfortable cocktail dress. You want the fit to be slimming, but not tight. This one from The Eternal hits all the right places for a figure-flattering, gorgeous fit and is available at Haven for $405.
Pair this printed dress with some layered necklaces for a glam element of texture. These necklaces are from French designer, Catherine Michiels. Her designs feature precious stones and lots of muted colors and texture. The blend of earthiness with fine jewelry is so gorgeous! Her jewelry is available at Haven and a few online retailers.
Add some “icing” to your garb with a bold cocktail ring and a pair of embellished, sexy heels. These heels are by House of Harlow 1960 and are available at Haven for $279.
Finish off the look by pulling your hair back in a sleek, low-slung bun and give your face a glow with bronzy, smoky eyes, peach cheek, and a neutral lip.
Beautiful Diane Kruger flaunts the perfect date night hair and makeup
Whatever you choose to rock for your hot date, make sure you wear it with confidence! There is nothing sexier than a confident smile and a kind heart.
Happy dating, womanistas!
xo, the Womanista
11 Friday May 2012
Posted in Beauty Tips, Divine Decor, Fierce Fashion, Food + Drink, Travel, Womanista Music
Tags
I consider myself a very lucky lady. I have some amazing women in my life who have, at different (or the same!) times, guided me, encouraged me, supported me, laughed or cried with me, uncorked a great bottle of wine and just talked with me, helped me organize a closet, turned up the radio too loud and sang along in the car with me…you get the picture. I am surrounded by strong, smart, wonderful, fun female role models & friends. My mom and my grandmother are definitely two of those women (Hey mom & Mimi! Hope you are reading!)
This post is a love letter to them, and to all of the amazing mothers, grandmothers, aunts, stepmoms, and to every woman who has made a difference in a child’s life at one point or another.
I asked some readers and friends to share something special about their mom. Knowing what special people THEY are, I know their moms have to be equally amazing. Getting these responses left me with one thought: There is no other person in the world like a mom. And there is no love in the world like a mom for her child!
Here is what each had to say:
Meghann: She has always taught us that women can do it all! Be smart, successful professionals, AND kind, loving mothers!
Claudia: It’s impossible to say what being a mom means, it’s more a feeling. Total and unequivocal love when you first see your baby’s face followed by constant joy and pride, a sense of protection, and this feeling doesn’t go away!
Kimmy: My mom is the most selfless person I have ever met in my life! She gives, gives and gives and just when you think she can’t give anymore she’ll give again!! Even now as a grown adult, she continues to give my brother and I her undivided attention and love no matter what. She has made me the strong woman that I am today because she believed in me even during times I couldn’t believe in myself. She always inspires me to be a strong and loving wife. I hope if I’m lucky enough to become a mom someday, I hope that my children will love me half as much as I love her.
Kelli: The thing that I love about my mom is that over the years she has become my best friend. Really, we became friends when I was in middle school! We have such a unique relationship, and I feel so blessed by it. She’s my hero. She took care of my dad for the past year and a half until he passed away in February, and as our family has walked through this difficult journey, I believe we have become even closer. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!
Casey: It’s crazy how just a hug from my mom can make everything better. Literally. Everything.
Dre: Where do I start? My mom taught me to love no matter what. Period. To turn the cheek 70×7. That Faith shines brightest in the dark.
Sarah: My mom sacrificed so much out of love for her kids. I didn’t fully understand that until I had my own kids!
Kelly: My momma is the bravest and kindest woman I know. She has always set an example for me, my brother and sister on how to treat people and how to put 110% in everything we do. I hope that one day I’m half the woman she is and as good of a momma for my kids as she has been for us. She’s the best!
…And my dynamic friend, Annie, is celebrating her first mother’s day this year. She shared these sweet sentiments about becoming a mom: My mother-in-law told me that ‘nobody will ever love you as much as your mama’ – and now i’m starting to understand that. I didn’t expect my heart to get bigger than it was before I became a mom, but it has. There is nothing like it. It’s like there’s a living, breathing extension of me who makes me smile all day long. It’s the best feeling in the world. I can’t think of any other reason I would be willing to go sleepless for weeks at a time! It’s the first time I can truly give my heart and expect nothing in return.
My husband also wanted to chime in for one (wonderful!) guys perspective on his mom. He said, “some of my favorite memories of my mother were when we would sing along to the radio to every song on whatever road trip we were taking at that time. We always tried our best to harmonize to the singer. I think that’s when I first started really singing.”
So thank you, to all the amazing moms who created each and every one of you, womanistas! I wish you a special, special weekend celebrating the great women in your lives!
Happy Mother’s Day!
xo, the Womanista
10 Thursday May 2012
Posted in Food + Drink, Travel
I recently returned from a Caribbean island where the locals refer to their home as “paradise” – and womanistas, let me tell you. Paradise, it certainly is…
My friend and I decided we both needed a relaxing vacation a few weeks ago and dreamt about some fabulous place with glistening turquoise water, white sandy beaches, and someone bringing us a cocktail while we lounged. Once we saw pics of The Viceroy in Anguilla, there were no other options. The property looked chic, glam, relaxing, and fabulous! Plus, we found an amazing rate online and knew we couldn’t pass it up.
A view of the Viceroy Anguilla from the beach
I will also say this about the Viceroy…photos do not do this property justice! It is uber fab and gorgeous.
We flew into St. Maarten and then took a quick (18 minutes, precisely) boat ride over. The boat captain served us each a cup of rum punch for the journey and we relaxed in the sun and salty air while being chauffered by sea.
Upon arrival in Anguilla, we breezed through customs and took a taxi to the Viceroy, checked in, and immediately headed to the “sunset” pool – an infinity pool that overlooks the caribbean. One mojito later and I was in heaven.
My view at the Sunset Pool. Yes, this place actually does exist in real life.
The Kelly Wearstler designed rooms at the Viceroy are equally glam and fab. Most rooms feature a sitting area, a ginormous bathroom, and a furnished balcony with your own plunge pool. There are also insanely fab villas on the property that include a butler at your service.
The Sunset Lounge is the perfect spot to sip a world-class cocktail and watch the sun sink below the horizon. The open-air bar serves up delicious drinks and fresh sushi as a mix of vibey, chill tunes echo through the bar.
relax and sip a cocktail in the sunset lounge
The array of dining options are all incredible, but a favorite is their signature restaurant, Coba. Grab a table by the edge of the restaurant and you can hear the waves crashing and see fish swimming by. Coba serves up freshly-caught seafood (the Anguillan crayfish is to die for!) along with classic Italian dishes. The wine list is varied and extensive. We enjoyed a juicy, velvety rioja that I am still thinking about! The servers are also super-knowledgeable and keep a perfect pace to your meal.
The Viceroy beach area features plush loungers and prompt service. It’s also adjacent to the Bamboo Bar and Grill, so if you need to take a break from the sun or get a bite to eat, you only have to take a few steps from the sand. I munched on some perfectly grilled jerk chicken and washed it down with a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc for a chic, beachside lunch. This isn’t your typical hamburger and hotdog beach grill.
Not that you will ever get bored lounging around on the beach and sipping rose, but should you want to fit some physical activity into your vacation, there are so many options. Tennis, bocce ball, volleyball, a rock climbing wall, a putting green, and a full service gym with a personal trainer are all on property.
Lounge in style in this glamorous poolside nook
If you are planning a trip to the caribbean (or any beach for that matter!) consider the Viceroy Anguilla. I take my vacations pretty seriously, and this one exceeded my expectations. Fabulous beach, glam pool, chic accommodations, and delicious cocktails.
Happy relaxing & beaching, womanistas!
xo, the Womanista
09 Wednesday May 2012
Posted in Beauty Tips, Fierce Fashion, Food + Drink, Travel
Tags
blue ribbon sushi, Catch NYC, equinox, Hotspots, Il Cantinori, John Barrett Salon, meatpacking district, New York City, Sakura, Scoop NYC, STK, the cabin down below, The Greenwich Hotel, the highline
Ah, New York. It’s definitely the “concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do” which is said best by the wise sages, Alicia Keys & Jay-Z. I happen to have a little history with New York City.
My love affair with the big apple began when I was 5-years-old, pounding the pavement with my mom during the summers trying to make it as a model (and not to brag on my 5-year-old self but, ahem, I graced the covers of national magazines and booked some serious ad campaigns…so let’s hear it for kindergarten Womanista on the catwalk!) Unfortunately (or fortunately, however you see it) that modeling prowess ended at about age 7, so…the pretentious bragging about my illustrious modeling days ends here.
Here’s a pic of me at age 4, just before my modeling career took off:
Sweet nightgown!
It was enough, though, for Manhattan to creep into my heart and never really leave. Every time I get back to the city I’m inspired to try new restaurants, check out timeless shops, and experience the essence of New York. So, with the help of some seriously fabulous NYC friends (and my own experiences) I compiled a list of the “Best” of New York City. I share with you my favorite, womanista-worthy hotspots…
Best place to spend the afternoon Shopping/Lunching/Being Fabulous: The Meatpacking district. You can easily wile away an afternoon cruising the chic streets of the meatpacking district and picking up showstopping pieces from Stella McCartney, Yigal Azrouel, Diane Von Furstenberg, Jeffrey, and Alexander McQueen. Once you’ve quenched your thirst for fashion (or maybe your credit card just needs a break…) stop into the 5 Ninth bar & restaurant for a glass of vino. 5 ninth is located in a gorgeous townhouse right in the middle of the action. During the warm months, you can grab a seat in the garden. If it’s chilly outside, curl up next to one of the six fireplaces to warm up.
Best place to get the perfect highlights & blowout: John Barrett Salon at Bergdorf Goodman. When I was living in New York after college and literally had $4 in my bank account (on a good day!) I desperately needed some highlights and decided to hit up the sketchy looking hair salon from which i had a coupon. I walked out with orange hair and called my mom crying (yes, moms are the best at receiving teary phone calls!) She told me to head straight to John Barrett and she would pay for some serious hair repair. I have loved it ever since. I have never left John Barrett without perfectly coiffed, bouncy, shiny hair. I’m not sure how they do it, but it’s perfect every time.
The entry at John Barrett Salon at Bergdorf Goodman
Best Place to have a sunset cocktail: Jimmy at the James Hotel. You can catch a perfect sunset over Manhattan from a perch high above SoHo. The rooftop bar features floor to ceiling windows, creative, handcrafted cocktails, and an amazing view of the downtown city skyline.
Best place to have a fun dinner with friends: Catch in the meatpacking district. This multi-level bar and restaurant has some of the best seafood in New York, and a chic yet relaxed, vibey atomosphere. Order some fresh oysters on the half shell and a glass of champagne and let the fun begin!
The dining room at Catch
Best place for a romantic italian meal: Il Cantinori in the West Village. When I lived in New York after college, this was one of the first real “meals” I had in the city. My best friend Abby raved about it, and her boyfriend at the time (now husband!) was kind enough to treat us to dinner since (see John Barrett post…) I had about $.50 to my name. It.was.and.still.is.incredible. There are so many great, authentic Italian restaurants in New York City, but there is something about Il Cantinori that tops my list. The Food. The quiet village street. The candlelight. The Italian waiters. The wine. Just go, trust me.
Best place to “sweat it out”: Equinox Soho. Since I hate working out (remember my post about Flywheel?) it’s probably a little surprising that I’m listing a gym on here, but womanistas have to stay healthy…sigh. This gym is also the antithesis of what probably comes to your mind when you think of a gym. It’s cool, clean, features great classes, and is fabulous. Plus, I once ran on the treadmill next to Jake Gyllenhaal here! (Ok, I didn’t. But this gym is super cool and that probably COULD happen!)
Best place to find the perfect last minute date outfit: Scoop in the meatpacking district. Scoop is one of my top 5 favorite boutiques anywhere. They feature awesome lines like Helmut Lang, Rag & Bone, Missoni, and Zac Posen. What I love about the store is that you can find everything (clothing, accessories, shoes, bags, etc) and only make one stop! Plus, you can find an amazing t-shirt and perfect pair of jeans here just as easily as you could walk out with a dress for a red carpet. Plus, the staff is always friendly!
Some fabulous finds at Scoop
Best place to close a business deal: Salon de Ning at the Peninsula. The rooftop bar at the Peninsula in midtown is a spot for power players. The lounge features two terraces with insane views of the city (you can see all the way to the hudson river from one side, and down fifth ave to central park on another) as well as a cozy, candlelit bar enclosed with floor to ceiling windows. This is the place to be to impress your clients, have a great cocktail, and enjoy the views.
Best place to spend a pretty afternoon in nature: The Highline, followed by The Biergarten at The Standard. Ok, so I realize this isn’t that “naturey” – but in a concrete jungle like NYC, being able to walk through a “field” (and by field I mean elevated walk way over the city that is actually a park and gorgeous flowers are growing…) on a pretty day, that’s about as close to nature as you can get! Plus, following it up with an ice cold beer at The Biergarten will make you feel like you are in a vast German field! Or not. But it’s still a great way to spend the afternoon.
Flowers along the highline. Aren’t they gorge?
Best place for a totally NYC mani/pedi: Sakura. For the most part I stick to regular ol’ pretty manicures in “normal” colors like “Bubble Bath” by OPI or “Sugar Daddy” by Essie. But sometimes to feel like a New Yorker, you have to take a fashion risk. And the easiest way to do that is with a fab 3D manicure! My fabulous friend Ali always has some sort of crazy/awesome/cutting edge nail art (in fact, once when she was visiting Nashville she asked the nail salon for a 3D design and was met with blank stares…I told her to stick with something more “regular”…) But in NYC, Sakura is her place for all that fabulousness. Check out some of the amazing stuff they do on their Facebook Page.
Best place for a drink after a long work day: The rooftop bar at STK. Clearly there is a running theme with some of my favorite NYC bars – many of them are on rooftops! After a long day at work, sometimes you just need to see the sky and unwind. STK is super-hip, always spinning cool tunes, and the drinks are inventive and strong. Just what you may need after a long day at work!
Best hotel that is actually relaxing in NYC: The Greenwich Hotel in TriBeCa. Some hotels in New York can be anything from restful, with loud hallways, busy street corners, and a scene that is more “scene friendly” than guest friendly. The Greenwich Hotel is an upscale boutique hotel with only 88 rooms and is everything that those other Manhattan hotels are not. It is quiet & serene, yet still superbly decorated for a superior, relaxed stay. Plus, it features both a spa and a gym so you can still have all of the amenities you expect from a top-notch property. Wake up and enjoy coffee in the morning by the fire in the drawing room and you will swear you are in some cozy village in the English countryside and not New York City!
The drawing room at the Greenwich Hotel
Best place to hang with the “Ladies who Lunch”: Fred’s at Barneys. Fred’s is pretty much an institution with the Upper-Eastside fashion crowd. After a full morning of picking up designer staples at Barneys you can people watch and enjoy a great salad in the store restaurant, Fred’s. The best part about it? The food is actually awesome!! And the service is friendly!
Best place to celebrate a milestone with some bubbly: The Bubble Lounge in TriBeCa. Tucked away in TriBeCa, the Bubble lounge serves up more than 300 Champagnes and sparkling wines – perfect for celebrating a birthday, a promotion, a fabulous date, or just being in New York. The decor is warm and relaxed but still feels luxe. It’s also unpretentious, which is awesome for a lounge that specializes in champagne.
Celebrate and sip bubbly at this jewel in TriBeCa
Best place for good, legit sushi: Blue Ribbon sushi in SoHo. This tiny sushi restaurant on Sullivan St. is a darling in the city. Not only is the atmosphere cool without trying too hard, but the sushi is totally, 100% the real deal without trying too hard! Just fresh, delicious fish. The menu is extensive and I never worry about what to order because I know it will be good, because everything there is good.
Best place to go when you want to hang with the locals (and maybe some celebs): The Cabin Down Below in the East Village. This chill, candlelit, hole in the wall speakeasy plays host to one of the toughest door guys in the city…and you would never know it when you walk by the pizza joint facade. The entrance is secret, and only “in the know” New Yorkers will venture to this place for a cozy, late-night hang. The last time I was there, I was allegedly in the presence of some A-list celebs. But even if I had known they were there, I wouldn’t have been able to see them due to the almost sheer darkness that this basement bar embraces. It’s a super cool place to go when you want to be in the scene, without being in the scene.
The “secret” entrance and interior of the Cabin Down Below
What about you, womanistas? Do you love New York City as much as I do? Have any insider tips that I should know about for my next visit?
Happy living fabulously in New York, womanistas!
xo, the Womanista
02 Wednesday May 2012
Posted in Beauty Tips, Travel
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Let me just start out by saying i’m not one of those people who “like” to workout. Not only do I not like to workout, I pretty much have to be dragged kicking and screaming to the gym, and once there have to be coerced into mildly lifting my heart rate to the point where it’s actually not pointless to be there. But, with all that said, I like to feel healthy and look good. So, the gym is (whether I like it or not) going to be a necessity in my life until someone comes out with a miracle pill to keep us all healthy and in shape! (Hopefully a few of you womanistas are brilliant physicists working on that pill right now!) Sigh.
When it comes to working out I have more excuses than Lindsay Lohan during her 900th court appearance! (Sorry Lindsay, but seriously...)
Recently my fabulous friend Ali invited me to join her at this class she has raved about for a few months – Flywheel! Despite my disdain for working out, I begrudgingly agreed to join her because she said the music was fab and I would sweat out toxins and have glowing skin afterwards. To sum it up, Flywheel is a spin class…but this type of “spin” offers so much more!
Flywheel offers "stadium cycling" which makes seeing the instructor way easier for those of us (me!) who like to set up shop in the back of the class
You can sign up online for flywheel, at a cost of $30 per class (which includes your cycle shoes and water). If you buy classes in bulk, the price goes down a bit.
Flywheelers kicking booty during class!
Our instructor started us off with a brisk cycle, and worked up to butt-kicking intervals. There was no yelling, intimidating, or annoying banter – just awesome motivational interludes on occasion. Our instructor even said a few times “If this was easy, everyone would be skinny! But this sh*t is hard! And you are awesome for doing it!” Finally! Someone who understands that working out.is.so.hard.sometimes! The music is so fab, too. I heard everything from Rihanna to Taylor Swift!
One of my favorite parts of flywheel is that the room is dark – aka, no one can see you red-faced and dripping sweat while barely hanging on after your fourth “climb”. There is also a “Torq Board” that shows your power level, so if you feel like having a little friendly competition with your cycling neighbor, you can! (side note: womanistas, you can also opt out of having your stats plastered on the torq board! I did. No friendly competition here!)
The Torq Board lists your power level during class
After the 45 minute class, I left feeling exhausted, but also strong, accomplished and rejuvenated! It is actually a class that I would attend again (and that is a BOLD statement for this workout wimp!) Flywheel has locations in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Seattle, Florida and North Carolina. Try to check it out if you can. Trust me, if I can do it and like it, so can you!
Happy flywheeling, womanistas!
xo, the Womanista
