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and didn’t murder anyone. But I can’t walk very fast right now, and sitting for too long results in me swearing a lot once I try to stand up. So yeah, I’m pretty sore, as you may have guessed, and I fully expected this. I haven’t been all that great with my fitness regime this past year, and have been wanting (actually, NEEDING) to find something that I liked enough to stick with and hopefully tone up and lose a little weight because… if I am being honest, my pants don’t really fit me that well right now. That something is Barre. What is barre anyway? It’s not the kind that you drink at, which is probably one of the things (wine) that got me into this situation with my pants…. also, pizza. Barre is a class that uses ballet inspired movements as well as some exercises with light weights and some Pilates, to tone and strengthen your entire body. Using a series of high repetition and small isometric movements, you WILL want to say all of the swear words. Some of the class is done at the barre and some of it on your yoga mat. And at this particular point in my life (40) I really feel like this class is just the right amount of resistance and movement while still remaining low impact, that I want/need (and I also probably like it because I really wanted to be a ballerina when I was a little girl.) You don’t need any prior training or experience with ballet or dance, and even if you think you may be the most uncoordinated person around, you can do this. Trust me. It wasn’t scary at all! Nor did it feel awkward… even the part when we did these up-down bridge booty squeeze moves while laying on our backs with our feet on the barre to Pony (Real talk: it was my favorite one so far. Thanks Channing Tatum!). I have committed myself to three months of classes and plan to go 4 times a week at least. I should probably lay off the rosé and pizza as well. Stay tuned for updates.

UPDATE! It’s been three full weeks since I started writing this post, and I’ve been sticking to my plan of going to barre 4 times a week (I’ve been going 5!). Firstly, I feel great mentally. Not having a regular fitness routine was making me kind of crabby, I now realize. Though I am still sore every week, it’s a good sore…. the kind that lets you know that you are definitely making changes to your muscles and body (not the swearing kind of sore) And, I see results! My arms are showing more definition, my clothes are fitting better and I can actually tell that I DO have abs (come through abs!) I have yet to lay off the rosé and pizza. Baby steps. Additionally I should add that I have now committed myself to a year membership! Is barre right for you? Find a studio and give it a try. It can’t hurt, right? (ummm…. Yes…. it can…. and it will….. but in a good way!)

I am an esthetician, so naturally, skin care is really important to me. I am also a product junkie. Glossier has been a brand on my radar for quite some time now, so I pulled the trigger and ordered a few products. First of all, I should comment on the package itself. If you want to get something delivered on your doorstep that makes you feel girly and sophisticated and just really special all at the same time, stop reading and go order immediately. You won’t be let down. Now, as a self described product junkie, I’m sure you can guess that I did not *need* a new cleanser, but none the less I was compelled to add their Milky Jelly Cleanser to my shopping cart (all in the name of research, of course). Best decision ever. Packed with a bunch of healing and moisturizing ingredients, the stand out is poloxamer, which is the same ingredient found in contact lens solution. Which is what makes this cleanser super gentle (and really special), so it’s totally safe to use on your eyes. And let’s face it, at the end of the day I pretty much want to get my makeup off and my sweats on ASAP, without having to try too hard. Simply put, Milky Jelly Cleanser removes all of your makeup like a boss, but most importantly, your eye makeup, which is gold if you don’t like to/can’t be bothered to use multiple products (unless you’re wearing something waterproof on your eyes, then you should probably use an oil cleanser on that first)! Use it in the morning on wet skin, or in the evening on dry skin, to melt away dirt and makeup. The scent is light and pleasant and rosy. I am in love. Oh hey, and here’s a link to get 20% off your first order! http://bff.glossier.com/dPZ4T You’re welcome!

PS. As long as you’re ordering, you may as well add a Coconut Balm Dotcom to your cart. Unless you don’t like satisfyingly thick, moisturizing and soothing multi purpose balms that smell like a beach vacation. The answer to that is yes. Yes you do. And you need this in your life.

I don’t know much about wine. But I DO know I like it. And in summer my wine of choice is rosé. This summer I plan to try many different rosés and you’ll get to hear what I think about them. Let’s enjoy a glass together!

EAT DRINK LOVE is a rosé I picked up at World Market. They were having a sale, and who am I to argue? If I am honest, the label and name are really what sold me on this one. This beauty is bottled by Mouton Noir Wines in Dundee, Oregon and it is delicious! It tastes like strawberries and tart rhubarb, but it’s not sweet and not too dry. Pretty great on a steamy, humid Friday night (I opened it on May 27th, and the weather was steamy. Not normal for May in Wisconsin.) And it is the prettiest pale salmony pink, you know, like the color of the bathroom at your grandmother’s house. The label says only 34 barrels produced, and I’m not sure exactly how big a barrel is, but you might want to move on this on this one asap. I’m planning to go get more… sale or not. Cheers!

Do you have any favorites Rosés? What should I try next?

*Hey party people, please drink your rosé responsibly.