Instead of Cake Class…

…This week I did Zumba! It is a class that is offered through the Lincoln Center/Adult Ed and I have to say it is AWESOME! I’ve never had so much fun working out, except for high school when I was on the dance team and we had 6am practice 3 times a week. I mean we are talking a total blast! I never knew just how fun it could be until I tried it. 

For those of you who may not know what Zumba is, it’s a workout that incorporates dancing. You basically dance for an hour, or however long your class is, and it is a total blast. Don’t worry about making an ass out of yourself, everyone does at first. I’m not perfect by any means and I have a dance history, but as long as you have fun with what you are doing, that’s all that matters! Seriously, give it a try, you won’t regret it. You can also modify the moves to your level. Our instructor is really good about showing us different variations of the moves for beginners and for those that have bad knees or hips, it can be modified to fit you. I think that makes it even more awesome. I try to do the levels they are at but I’m still trying to get the basic footwork down, but as a goal is to be able to do the moves flawlessly. That would be awesome.  

I will warn you however, the class is addicting. I wish I could do it every day, it is seriously that fun. I also have this need to blast music when I’m at home, good thing the roommates haven’t been home when I’ve been getting back, because it’s so good to feel the music even after the class is over. I feel like I have found a brand new me with this class, a person who isn’t afraid to have fun and be herself in front of a bunch of strangers. I don’t feel the need to be perfect and put on my game face when I’m doing Zumba. I think that is one thing that has greatly helped me as well. It has also given me a confidence boost, and for that the class is irreplaceable.  

With the Zumba I have also noticed I want to workout more, even if it’s just running on the elliptical. I find myself starting to crave the workout and the satisfaction that comes from working hard. I’ve been addicted to Pintrest lately and the Fitness section, so many motivational quotes and pictures on there. They inspire me daily to get my butt to the gym and work for what I want. If you haven’t checked out Pintrest you definitely should, get inspired! 

Now my challenge for you is to try something new! Whether it be Zumba, yoga, Pilates, kick boxing or whatever new challenge you want to take on! I really want to try yoga as well.  

XOXO,

Course 3 Class 1: Fondant Bow

Last night we had Wilton Cake Decorating class at Michael’s and it was pretty fun. We played with fondant and made a bow. The bow looks a lot more complicated than it really is, I mean we are talking super simple. You make all the loops and allow them to start drying and then you assemble. It is seriously that easy! However, taking the time to color the fondant, roll it out, cut it into strips and assembling the loops takes quite awhile. Not to mention how long it takes that stuff to dry! 
Here is a picture of my finished bow last night: 

As you can tell there is something in the centers of my loops. That would be paper towels to help the loops hold their shape while it dries. I will pull the paper towels out this afternoon after work, and then the bow will continue to dry and be ready to place on the top of a cake.  

I will miss class next week due to travel for work, however, I will go out to my parents house and have mom teach me how to make the gum paste flowers that they will be learning while I’m away.  

On another note I have to tell you about my latest addiction. Pintrest. I’m totally obsessed. I can spend hours and hours on that website. It is so inspiring, motivating, and a total time suck, but I love it. I’m finding tons of recipes, craft/DIY ideas, workout inspiration, EVERYTHING! It’s amazing. If you haven’t already checked it out and become addicted you definitely should! It’s awesome. If you do join, follow my pins, at skylerae of course!  

How are your New Year’s Resolutions coming? Did you make any? I made a few, mainly wanting to save money for a down payment on a house and paying off my car debt. I did a few health/fitness ones as well such as working out 3x a week and only eating out once a week. Let’s see how well I do this year! Let’s make 2012 awesome! 

Hope everyone is having a great first week of 2012! 

XOXO,