Favorite Hike Outfit

 

Into the woods I go to lose my mind and find my soul. I was never much of the nature type. In fact I used to hate being outside, that is until I went away to Northern Michigan University and really discovered myself and that collecting moments actually means more to me than collecting things. Anytime I get the opportunity to go hike, even if it’s a flat trail through the woods I take the opportunity, and I have come to discover that I have a particular outfit that I tend to wear. Let’s start with the pants, since baby got back up in here I love a yoga pant that actually hugs my booty. I discovered that Athleta yoga pants really hug my booty and prevent it from bouncing – which I love especially when running. Now let’s talk tops, lately I have been obsessed with wearing the Crane and Lion Racerback tank pair with the Waffle Crew. The long sleeve helps prevents my arms from getting scratched up when hiking through tougher terrain, and it’s so easy to just take off and walk around with a tank on. Both the tank and crew are super soft and very comfortable. Lasting I am obsessed with BEARPAW Gracie shoes, they take in ZERO sand, which I absolutely loved!

Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden

 

Step foot into what seems more like a fairytale than reality when you walk into the Peony Garden at the Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor. Over the weekend I took a little road trip to Ann Arbor to get lost in the enticing smell of peonies and colorful array of peonies. Here is a peek at my adventure….

27 Things to Do by the End of Summer

<!– /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} -In my mind Memorial Day is the kickoff to summer, that being said over the weekend I compiled a list of things that I want to do before summer ends. What’s on your summer bucket list?


1. Have a bonfire at the beach (Seriously cannot believe I have never done this!
2. Go on a spontaneous adventure
3. Try kayaking for the first time
4. Go camping
5. Watch a movie outside
6. Play bocce ball
7. Enjoy as many sunsets as possible
8. Visit a random garage sales
9. Take a workout class on the beach
10. Host a Sunday brunch
11. Watch a storm roll in
12. Pack a picnic and head for a park I’ve never been to
13. Standup paddleboard
14. Hit up a baseball game
15. Go pick fruit and make jam
16. Give back and volunteer
17. Discover nice new patio spot
18. Get lost in the woods
19. Go for a hot air balloon ride
20. Fall asleep under the stars
21. Take a boat out onto the lake
22. Hit the trails for a bike ride
23. Go to the zoo
24. Attend a baseball game
25. Get food from a food truck
26. Hit up a carnival and ride the ferris wheel
27. Enjoy an outdoor concert

Spin to Win: Common Cycling Mistakes

I have been taking spin classes for almost a year now, and have learned, these are just things I have found that help me. They may not work for you, and if you have questions it’s best to talk to an instructor.
1. Resistance is too low or too high
The torque knob (the one closest to your knees) controls the resistance (challenge of the ride). Instructor’s cues are designed to take you on flat roads and climb you up hills, but it’s not all about their cues it’s about your body. If your resistance is at an 8 and your RPM needs to be at 105 but you are hanging around 75 you need to drop your resistance and get to the goal RPM. If the class is in the middle of a climb and you aren’t struggling your resistance is too low.

2. HYDRATE
Drink water before, during and after class. I take my spin classes at CYCLEBAR and they even provide water bottles to ensure that you are staying hydrated.

3. Loosen that grip
For proper positioning, you want your forearm to fit between the bar and the seat, keep your fingers loose and your shoulders down. Check yourself out in the mirror whenever you need to make sure you have proper form.

4. Seat Height
I’ll be honest after MONTHS of cycling I only recently learned that my seat was at the wrong height, and once I changed the height it made a world of a difference. You want to aim to set your seat at “hip height.” You definitely want to sit too low (which is what I was doing). Once you clip in you want to have a slight bend in your legs as you pedal.

Restraunt Review: Iridescence

 

Iridescence is located within the Motor City Hotel and Casino on the 16th floor, and let me tell you the view of Detroit – which includes the ambassador bridge is absolutely amazing! When you walk into the restaurant the décor automatically will gain your attention, followed by the super neat wine carousel. This is definitely one of the most gorgeous restaurants I have ever been in, not to mention the food is amazing. Here’s a look at the restaurant, and how I got the evening started…..

 [Cucumber and Ginger Non-Alcoholic Martini]

 [Stuffed Squash Blossom]
 [Manhattan Clam Chowder]
[\”Wedge\” Salad]