Do – Page 2 – same new song

back to the barre

Posted on January 28, 2016 by samenewsong

With all of the health kicking going on around here, it was about time I reconfirmed my love for the barre. When I was training years ago to be a Dailey Method teacher, I had recently had Weez, and had not really been very fit in the years I had spent in Utah as a mom. Matter of fact, I couldn’t even do a push-up, a real one. This was also a stressful time in my life, taking the leap into business ownership isn’t for the weak. I was also working with the Junior League to develop a cookbook, like a real cookbook, and it had some serious deadlines and stress that came along with it as well. By the time we opened our studio doors, I was in the best shape of my life. I loved (and lived for) exercise!

Shift to today, I now live far away from the wonderful studio my partner and I built. Thankfully, a studio opened in Napa shortly after we moved here. It is a lovely place that I taught a lot at when they first opened. Teaching is such a passion of mine, but making the time to do so is challenging. Taking a class is something that I love to do too, but finding time to fit in an hour of “me time” is even more ridiculous and often feels selfish. But if I think back to when I was in the best shape, it was when I was dedicated to the barre. It was that simple. Considering how much effort I put into eating clean and avoiding alcohol, you’d think that adding exercise to that would be obvious.

I have set a simple goal of three classes a week. If I can’t get into the studio, I use the barre 3 online classes, which are great if you only have 10 or 15 minutes. After 26 days of eating within the 30 Clean guidelines and drinking wine on the weekends, now that I have added in the barre classes, I have seen and felt a major difference. Without the barre, I looked the exact same. The same spots were there, annoying me. I have recommitted to the exercise I know works. If I can squeeze it in, I may even start teaching on Wednesday evenings. I love feeling good, and I finally do.

milestone

Posted on January 22, 2016 by samenewsong

We have let sports work their way into our lives as organically as possible. Weez hasn’t had the itch in any way at all to dance or do a sport. We tried soccer, and that was just okay. Dance was also just there, not a real passion. For Harry, he has played basketball, soccer, golf, and baseball. He is good at all of the sports, he loves playing on a team and isn’t particularly competitive. Something with baseball is different. He has a personal part that relates to his overall team’s performance. It is the perfect blend of individual skill focus, to communicating and working together out in the field. Of all the things he plays, he is best, from a skill to like ratio, at baseball.

Napa has a bonafide, American baseball program. There’s a park with three fields, it has a concession stand with sunflower seeds, metal bleachers to sit on, and all the local businesses sponsor the teams. The younger kids play on the playground while the parents hob nob and cheer. We have loved being involved.

This year, Harry has to “try-out” for his spot on a team. Everyone makes a team, but they do the try-outs to balance the teams out. This weekend, all the little kids will go out and show their stuff, nervously hoping they “make it.” I have explained to Harris that he will make it no matter what, but the nerves are absolutely there. To help him get back into the swing (literally) of things, we went to the batting cages. Being the only mom there, it was obvious that the cages were a manly event. But I learned, smiled coyly at the staff, and by the second bucket of balls, I was a pro. Harry made excellent contact. He seemed to settle back into his form and gain confidence with each swing.

By the end, I had purchased him a membership, so he can now hit balls whenever he’d like. He puffed up his chest as we walked out, high fiving the guy coming in as we walked out. Moments like these are milestones, for all of us. Confidence, satisfaction, excitement and achievement. I am so happy to be a part of it all.

favorites

Posted on January 14, 2016 by samenewsong

Alterna Caviar Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner. This stuff makes my hair feel younger and less damaged. It smells awesome too. Shop around online, because it is a little steep at full price.
Origin Chardonnay. Everyone knows my alliance to Three Sticks, but their unoaked Origin Chardonnay is fantastic. I never thought I would say no to Sauvignon Blanc, but this is my go-to. It is so delicious and light. It absolutely captures California in a glass. Not that I am enjoying it this month, but in case you are!
Jo Malone’s Mimosa & Cardamom. I think I like it because it smells like Datura Noir by Serge Lutens. It is fresh and soft, but not floral or typical. There’s a hint of spice that butters up the subtle orange scent. I am pairing it with Lime Basil lotion for an extra layer of warmth.
Dr. Rhea Zimmerman Komarek. I went to high school with Rhea. She has always been a beacon of light and beauty. The way she expresses it now with her work in chiropractic healing is just amazing. What she and her husband do is remarkable by finding the blocks and releasing them. I absolutely believe her touch is magic, and I am so lucky to know her.
Hi*Ball Energy. I can’t live without the grapefruit sparkling water. Especially when I am booze free. Just the right amount of caffeine and bubbles. A perfect boost to my afternoon when I usually reach for another latte.

getaway

Posted on January 14, 2016 by samenewsong

Over the holidays, our little family stayed close to home. So close, we rarely left! There’s a challenge to living in a place that most of the world would like to visit for vacation. Why getaway from the ultimate getaway! There were definitely a lot of people that did just that. Napa was absolutely crowded to the limits. So we stayed home, a lot, which at first was fine. We spent time with family and friends, made delicious food, and just took a breath.

After the new year, many of our friends were off to Mexico, or Tahoe, or Hawaii. During the three weeks the kids had off, it finally sunk in that we had literally no plans. Cabin fever infected us all, yet we really didn’t do much to satisfy the urge to get out beyond a trip up valley for lunch. During that time, I should also note we found termites in our ceiling, and our oven broke. Once the tree and decorations came down, the place really started to fall apart and the new year had seemed to start with more of a thud than a bang.

With the holiday weekend here just in time to compliment the righting of the ship, we’ve decided to get out of the house and up to Sea Ranch. I love the ocean with all my heart. Having spent my early years in San Diego, with a father most comfortable on the water, the ocean is just as beautiful as it is nostalgic for me. My go-to memory of my childhood is in/on/near the sea. The sounds and smells will never tire. Add in the potential for whales, sand in toes, despite the warmth of the sun, and I am in heaven.

My kids love an adventure; we have started giving them little hints about the place we are going, they love packing up their special stuff. The weather is supposed to be terrible, so we’ll bring our favorite games, we’ll bake cookies (oven works there!), pop up popcorn and make fires. If we want to go for a soggy hike, then we will do it. The hot tub will warm us back up. The place we rented has huge windows that look out to the waves, I will curl up with a blanket and binoculars. Even the championship game can be watched on TV Sunday. I am smiling about it all as I type.

about me

Posted on January 8, 2016 by samenewsong

I was born in San Diego. My parents retired in Napa. I went to college in Stockton. I worked hard in San Francisco. I raised children in Salt Lake City. I am here now.

Things you should know: