sweetgreen Boston opening

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I heard about sweetgreenback in November 2012 from a friend of mine who was obsessed with it when she lived in DC. When she heard it was coming to Boston she made sure to email me and tell me that it will become my favorite salad spot in Boston, and I think she is right!

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After teaching a fun and sweaty dance class I met up with my friend and photographer Lucie Wicker for a sneak peek tasting at sweetgreen!

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I might have been the happiest customer in the history of sweetgreen and kept cheering after everything. What? I love salad!

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Salad:

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I opted for the guacamole salad after three different people told me that it was the best. After my salad went through the assembly line they asked if I wanted any more toppings. EEEK. I said yes! How could I say NO?  So, I added raw beets, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and spicy quinoa. I guess with that many "add on's" I did NOT get the "guacamole salad".

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Let me tell you I was SO full from that salad. It was delicious, and they really give you a good amount of each topping. I was most pleasantly surprised by the dressing. I asked for it on the side (as I always do) but after trying it I realized I would have been just fine with it mixed in the salad already. It felt light and fresh and after talking to some of the sweetgreen employees I found out that all of their dressings are homemade! SCORE.

Dessert: froyo. I had to stand up and stretch a little before dessert time. But after a few belly taps I was ready to go!

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 I love crunchy things in my ice cream and froyo. Whenever there are graham crackers or waffle cone pieces I always get that! So yes, that is what I got this time too. I had them throw in 2 little candied pecans because someone said they were "amazing". Normally I would not have asked for the pecans. But yes, they were quite awesome.

I love this place and will go back for sure. If you are in Boston GO CHECK IT OUT! 

Dance lessons for your wedding and a cool bachelorette idea

Being a dancer I wanted something special for my first dance. My camera man (AKA my fiance) and I are on two opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to dancing. Our ballroom teacher and owner of Ballroom in Boston asked us to pick a number on a scale of 1-10 on how much we want our dance to be like "Dancing With The Stars". I said 10, camera man said 1. We met half way with a 5.

Some people like to wing their first dance and just feel the moment. I 100% repspect that. It can be a lot of pressure on a couple to perform a choreographed dance on top of all other things you need to worry about, but taking lessons can also relieve some of that pressure. If that makes sense?

My camera man and I took some group classes, and then started on private lessons. I think the lessons helped us connect on a different level. We had to work together in a way we never had. In the beginning I took control, too much control. It is the mans job to lead the dance, and I had a hard time letting him do that. I would pull him around like I was in control, he did not like this :) Now I let him lead, and he is SO GOOD! (YAY)

We took about 3 private lessons and practiced on our own. Our wedding is in under three weeks  (EEEEK!!!) and we both feel pretty good about the dance. I will be sure to show you the full dance after the wedding. (We picked a short song, only 2 minutes 30 seconds).  I recommend taking lessons even if you are NOT going to perform a dance or even if you are already married. It is exciting, and different, and I really mean it, you will leave smiling and learn about your partner and something new will spark. Keep your eyes open for special ballroom dancing deals and packages on coupon type websites.

This past weekend I taught an 80's themed barre fitness class for a bachelorette party! It was a blast!!! All the girls dressed in 80's gear and I blasted some awesome 80's music. What a unique way to start out your bachelorette party! After their workout they got themselves showered, dressed and ready for a wine tasting the rest of their night festivities.

Check out this Video on my Facebook page for a 10 second snip of the class.

Ask your local gym if they can hold a private party. I know Boston Equinox does this for FREE!  It is a great way to expose the gym and instructor, and something a little different and for sure FUN.

Day after Marathon Monday 2013, Boston MA

I had a hard time going to sleep last night, still in shock of the events that happened only minutes walking from my apartment.

I left early this AM to teach class and the city felt different. Everyone moved slower, cars were not beeping and it felt as if we were all unified without saying one word.  I took the picture below at 5:50am.

Police officers, SWAT team, soldiers, camera crews, photographers, and marathon runners in their gear are covering the streets of Boston. I snapped a few shots today to give you a feel for what it has been like:

It was hard for me to teach my classes today. Hard for me to listen to happy music and hard for me to put on a cheery face. Things feel different and I am sure it will take a little time to be put back in place. But Boston is strong, no doubt.

I emailed my boss and told her how I was feeling and that I was not sure if could do it. I was not sure I could teach a class and be genuinely happy. Her response:

"Remember people need your smile and inspiration. Times like this can be hard and people look to you as a leader. Dancing, good music and your positive energy is needed more than ever. Share your love and your ability to lift the spirits of those that need it."

My heart aches for the families and friends effected by yesterdays tragedy. Please send your positive thoughts and prayers. XO