Get Fit In A Trim Economy

So you don't want to shell out the cash for a monthly gym membership? Neither do I.  Here are a few tips for staying fit on a budget.

1) Exercisetv.tv has over 100 free full length videos.  Even if you want to buy a few videos, they'll still likely cost you less than a single Pilates class and you'll be able to work it anytime you want without having to feel self conscious.

2) Get together a group of friends to go in on a training session.  You'll split the costs, while maintaining all the results.

3) Take advantage of a community yoga class - Free yoga classes in Chicago 

Although this is only my second winter in Chicago, I’ve lived through wintry weather my whole life. Still, every time winter comes around, it makes me want to migrate like the old Jews to Florida or Arizona. Sorry to kvetch.

According to a study in USA Today, yesterday I’m not alone in my wanderlust. Almost half of the people in our great country would like to move somewhere else, preferably down south or out west. Denver, San Diego, and Seattle are apparently all the rage right now. And they say that more than half of people living in cities would like to move.

So I’m wondering, do you lust after the fresh air and slopes in Denver, the beach in San Diego, or are you at home in sweet home, Chicago?

USA Today Article

Winter Weather Got You SAD?

If getting up during the week has become harder and harder and dark and dreary days have you feeling depressed and lethargic, you're not the only one.  It's the time of year for Seasonal Affective Disorder and 70 to 80% of those affected are women.  Whether you have SAD or just a bit of the winter blues, there are a few things you can do to brighten your outlook.

1) Take a walk outside: You probably don't want to go for a stroll when temps of -30 make you check your address to make sure it doesn't say 222 Arctic Circle, but on those hot and sweaty 20 degree days, taking a walk can lift your mood.

2) Replace the vitamin D you're not getting from natural sunlight with fish--cod, salmon, mackerel, or tuna are all high in D.

3) While you're at it, eat plenty of proteins, whole grains, fruits, and veggies too.

4) Get a few friends together: Yeah, it might involve leaving your apartment, but you'll be glad you did.

5) If you're still down, try talking to a doctor about light therapy.

Taking Shelter From The Snow

I woke up to a downpour of snow outside my window this morning. That was more than enough to keep me tucked away all day.  I spent the day doing laundry, working out, cleaning, reading, watching TV, and drinking lots of hot tea.  While I generally enjoy being out and about, it was good to relax.

So I want to know, what do you do when Chicago's long, cold, windy winters make the great outdoors less than inviting?

Awards Season

This award season, I'm actually tuned in.  That's because there are so many good movies out right now, and I still haven't seen all of the flicks generating buzz.  Here are my thoughts so far.

So far my picks for best films of the year:

Slumdog Millionaire - I was engaged the whole time.  I rooted for the protagonist and was drawn in by the movie's beautifully drawn characters

The Wrestler - I cringed, I cried, and felt compassion for "The Ram"

Over-hyped -

Benjamin Button - Overall, a good movie, but definitely can't touch the previous two.  For all the hype, an hour should have been cut and it definitely had the potentially to be a deeper, more thought provoking movie.  The scenes with the old dying woman didn't seem to fit either.

When in -

Doubt - You can't go wrong with Meryl Streep, even in her cheesy movies.  And, Philip Seymore Hoffman does a terrific job with his role as well.  But, the story itself was stagnant and rather boring.

Still on my list:

Milk

Revolutionary Road?

The Reader?

Any other suggestions?

Happy New Year

I went to an event tonight with a friend who's a part of a social club.  To be frank, it was a pretty lame event.  The event coordinator spoke for an hour about how to register for events.  Then we played a game where you put a sign on your back and try to figure out who everyone else is. But one good thing I took from it is that it reminded me that I need to start finding and doing more things I'm passionate about.

I don't usually make resolution, but this year I may be making one too many.  In addition to my goal of living a healthier life (I started that one a month before the new year, and have been working out for five days a week for the past month-plus), my other resolution, is to get involved.  

I want to start going to French club meetings again, or take a refresher French class, take a yoga class (there are free classes I'm going to try to take advantage of), take another salsa class, see more plays, and put my self in situations where I can meet new friends. Hey, it may be too hefty of a resolution to stick with, but I'm going to give it a go.

I want to know, what are you New Years resolutions?

Inspired Scarfs From Chicago's Felt Inspired

I've been awfully bored with the scarf selection that I've seen in stores this season. 

Felt Inspired's Etsy shop quickly ameliorated that boredom.

                        Felt Inspired's Shop