By April, Sunny and Wendy
It’s time for another round up of a few random items the Looks and Leaps sisters think are fantastic. See our previous post here.
April loves
Cellar Door Chocolates – Louisville, KY chocolatiers opened this shop in 2007 and their products, ranging from handmade truffles, chocolate barks, bars and caramels are my go-to for all sorts of gifts from birthdays to hostess presents. The truffles are amazing – the wide selection of flavors including traditional combos like dark chocolate raspberry and more unusual flavors like green chili coconut guarantee there is something for every palate. Although not officially listed on the city’s Urban Bourbon Trail, I think they should qualify as honorary members for the widest selection of bourbon balls I’ve ever seen (mint julep, espresso, pumpkin, bourbon and coke, and baked apple just to name a few). Everything I’ve tried has been delicious. It’s not surprising that they have received attention nation-wide and the business continues to expand with new locations. You can check out the selection (just warning you, the photos alone may trigger a chocolate craving!) and order online at www.cellardoorchocolates.com. If you overindulge, don’t worry Sunny and Wendy have you covered below with a workout suggestion and a tummy-calming recipe…
Sunny loves
502 Power Yoga. After a year of hit or miss yoga classes at my gym, I was feeling bored and unmotivated. While the instructors were kind and patient, the classes were no longer challenging or motivating . Yoga can be beneficial in all of its forms, but I was ready for something new. I wanted to try new poses, get a good stretch, work in some cardio and strengthening, and challenge my mind and body…and I wanted it all in one hour. Too much to ask, right? When one of my students excitedly approached me with a 502 Power Yoga business card and explained that her mom had just completed yoga teacher training, I was intrigued. It took me a few months to finally have the time to go, but once I did my excitement and enthusiasm for yoga returned. Power Yoga is actually Power Vinyasa Yoga, inspired by the Baptiste Methodology. Each class is inspirational in that it encourages every yogi to challenge themselves both on the mat and off the mat in everyday life which is a core component of the Baptiste Method. I know a lot of people are turned off by the idea of “hot” yoga, but I have found that the warmer temperatures make my muscles warm up faster allowing for deeper stretches, not to mention the amount of sweat produced during class makes me feel like a workout rock star. Some of the practice is fast-paced and sends my heart rate soaring while other parts, like the balancing poses, are slower but equally intense. And while learning to breathe steadily, sink into new poses, and maintain focus are all important parts of the 502 practice, the sense of community and empowerment at 502 Power Yoga are unparalleled. The instructors are upbeat, positive, and encouraging. Newbie and veteran yogis practice side by side leaning on each other for support (sometimes literally!), giving each other hugs and high fives, and laughing. When you are ready to see what you are capable of, visit 502poweryoga.com or baptisteyoga.com to find an affiliate studio in your area.
Wendy loves
Aromatic bitters – You may know it as an ingredient in a cocktail, but it can also work as a home remedy for nausea, queasiness, or plain old stomachache. Please note: 1) this does contain alcohol and 2) I’m not a doctor so use at your own discretion. I learned this tip from a kind fellow waitress working late-night shifts with me in a busy bar many years ago. Take a carbonated beverage – club soda with lemon, flavored Perrier, or even ginger ale – and add a few drops of bitters. They should really make a travel-size version of this that I can carry around in my purse.
La Tienda – Are you feeling homesick for Spain? Trying to assemble a tapas plate and frustrated by the options at your local grocery store? Take time to browse La Tienda’s online retail store for an amazing assortment of Spanish products. The website will also tell you about the American family who run the company and their love of Spain (Jack and I know the feeling). The jamon, cheese and olives selection is awesome, and you can stock up on things like La Dalia paprika, Padron peppers, Paquillo peppers, Bonito tuna – and even paella and churro kits. La Tienda is a great site to shop for gifts, and their customer service is helpful. When we had an issue with an order, they sorted everything out and were very accomodating.
