February 1, 2014 - Brooklyn Active Mama

Weekly Wednesday Workout: Dead Lifts

by Nellie February 26, 2014

Weekly Wednesday Workout: Dead Lifts

Today we are working on the hammies!

httpv://youtu.be/o7Aj7Bq8Kos

I love this move, but honestly I never see a lot of women doing it at the gym. I really don’t see a lot of women strength training in the gym out side of the machines, but this is a really great move for us. This move is especially great for runners because those quads get so much love and development and the hamstrings barely get any love. Personally, I use 40lb barbells when doing dead lifts, but you can use any weight or none at all. This is great for the hamstrings as well as the lower back. Pay close attention to the form, this is a perfect way to do it without injuring yourself!

Have you ever done dead lifts?

29 comments

Easy Home Decor With WeMontage

by Nellie February 23, 2014

Prior to purchasing my home, I was obsessed with HGTV, buying my home was a long brutal process (a story for another post) but what kept me focused was the light at the end of the tunnel. I would get to decorate my own house!

Except it is NOT as easy as it looks on TV. I have done major repairs on the house but decorate? Not so much. I am ashamed to say that three years in and I have LOTS of blank walls. When I was contacted about trying WeMontage I was so excited! I will ~~finally~~ have some much needed Wall Decor!

I can’t deny, I was a little intimidated. I had seen my bloggy friends Tamara and Michelle do such an amazing job with their collages. If you follow their blogs (if you don’t you should!) you know that they are excellent photographers. I mean, stunning, heart grabbing pictures consistently. I like to take pictures as a small hobby but I know I am no where near as talented as they are! I quickly realized that this wouldn’t be a problem as the WeMontage collages make my pictures look pretty amazing too!

I got the change to speak with the Owner and creator of WeMontage, James Oliver. He is extremely nice and ready to help at every turn (though I didn’t need much assistance because the software is very intuitive). This is his creation below and he has the most adorable twins ever!

Choosing the pictures

I knew the pictures would be of my boys. That was a no brainer. Choosing the pictures on the other hand? Hard. I have a bazillion pictures of these kids, how would I pick??

I decided to go with a couple of pictures of them together as well as a several pictures of them on their own. The WeMontage software was extremely intuitive. I added my images, and it automatically put my pictures in a really beautiful collage. I wanted move some pictures and all I had to do was drag and drop. Crazy easy!

Getting the finished product

When I got my collage in the mail I was so excited to unwrap my new wallpaper! The size that I got was 3 feet by 2 ft. Perfect for one of my bare walls, particularly the one next to my dining room table. My husband and I installed the collage and it was super easy to peel and stick. (Make sure you have that level handy!)

And here is what it looks like on the wall near the dining table. I love it! I think what I love most about it was how easy it was to fill up an empty space, I didn’t have to worry about multiple prints in multiple sizes, and don’t even get me started on the frames, and holes in the wall! This is a very simple, easy, beautiful, eye grabbing collage that is easy to install and perfect for anywhere in the house! Now I want one for the boys’ room!

When picture frames fall short and leave you with lifeless spaces, the WeMontage website easily transforms your memorable and inspiring images into removable photo wallpaper. WeMontage empowers its customers to “live beyond the frame.”While not all spaces or moments call for WeMontage, there are undeniable WeMontage moments when: 1) There’s a physical space in which frames fall short (e.g., high traffic area, or kid’s rooms), and 2) There’s a vulnerable moment in which inspiration or comfort are needed (e.g., seniors in a nursing home).

WeMontage is all about emotional connection and inspiration.

Want even more awesome? Use the code “brooklyn” to save 20% off your order!! How cool is that?! Hurry! Offer code expires March 2nd, 2014.

I was provided with a WeMontage product for review, no other compensation was involved.

Are you good at Home Decor? Where would you put your WeMontage collage?

26 comments

Weekly Wednesday Workout

Weekly Wednesday Workout: Side V-Ups

by Nellie February 19, 2014

Weekly Wednesday Workout: Side V-Ups

Today we are getting back to the obliques!

httpv://youtu.be/gxBOxA2OMgU

I feel like I might have done something like this before so forgive me if I am getting repetitive! 🙂 I like this move, it is perfect for targeting that muffin top! If you notice, in the video the woman has a little towel under her hip so that would be good for hard floors. I have carpet in my living room so no towel worries here. Everytime I do this workout I feel super sore the next day so based on that its a good one for the obliques. Side V-Ups are also perfect for TV time! 🙂

Have you ever tried Side V-Ups?

29 comments

Weekly Wednesday Workout

Weekly Wednesday Workout: Double Leg Kicks

by Nellie February 12, 2014

Weekly Wednesday Workout: Double Leg Kicks

Time to work out those hammies, glutes and lower back!

This move is very interesting, seeing that its a pilates move it may not get your heart rate super high but it will be pretty good at toning the legs and the glutes! I rarely have moves that have you lie on your tummy but this one is pretty great. The breathing is a little weird for me but I trust the Pilates process. You start to feel the burn pretty quickly in your hammies and buns. I suppose if you wanted to be adventurous you could put a weight in between your feet! 🙂

Have you ever tried Double LEg lifts?

25 comments

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An Inspirational Workout with Billy Blanks + A Fabletics Review

by Nellie February 3, 2014

Yesterday morning I got up bright and early to head all the way Uptown to Harlem to workout with the legendary Billy Blanks. This was a free event that I signed up for that was being hosted by Celebrity Sweat in conjunction with the Super Bowl Weekend.

I really didn’t know what to expect! I actually kinda like it that way ;). I put on my new Fabletics outfit (more on that later) to see how it would hold up against the Tae Bo master himself.

The ride from inner Brooklyn all the way Uptown is long, but on a Sunday? I might as well have walked! It’s a good thing Billy (yes, we are totally on a first name basis now) made the travel worth it.

When I exited the station I asked someone where City College was because I had never been. They pointed to very top of a hill. There was an entire park and about 15 flights of stairs between me and Billy. By the time I reached the top I was exhausted! I consider my fitness threshold to be pretty high but man, that was tough! I can already tell that I will be back in the spring to get some work in. Besides, it is one of the most beautiful breathtaking parks I’ve seen in New York City.

There were lots of folks there when I arrived. We got a quick stretch warm up then we heard a motivational message from Evander Holyfield. I totally wasn’t expecting him but it was a very pleasant surprise.

After that Billy Blanks came out to begin the workout. It wasn’t very long or very hard but it was intense! There was tons of the classic moves like jabs, kicks, hooks etc. But what I really liked was the actual instruction, he didn’t stay in front of the class and give a show, instead he was on the floor with us individually showing us how to engage our core and get the most out of each move.

When it was all said and done I burned 400 calories which is nice because I never workout on Sundays and I am sticking to my goal of switching up my routine every week.

The best part though? Billy asked the entire class to sit Indian style around him as he dropped some knowledge. He told us to be strong in our will and in our mind and the rest will come naturally. He encouraged us to use the power that we have inside ourselves. He was extremely genuine and real. I taped a portion of his the with us and you can listen if you have a moment.

httpv://youtu.be/_gPnlcEo_Gw

I have all the respect in the world for this Fitness guru now, and I am now a believer. *runs to download Billy Blanks Workouts*

Fabletics Review

I purchased Fabletics with my own coins. Since the first workout outfit is only $25 (my normal range for outfits) I decided to take the plunge and fork over my cash. Kate Hudson designed the line, and I Love her so it didn’t take much. 🙂

I love the outfit. It stayed up pretty well against Billy! I never had to pull my pants up (a constant problem for girls with big booties like myself) or adjust my shirt. Both pieces stayed put.

I really loved the pockets in the top which I would imagine could be good for runners. The colors are great and the airy mesh in the back is fantastic for when your body starts to heat up.

If this sounds appealing to you, you can sign up here for your $25 first outfit, free shipping, no commitment. Just note that this is a subscription service so after the initial month, you will be charged $49.95 per outfit, but you totally have the option to skip a month. Each outfit can be two to three pieces all with free shipping.

If you sign up with my link, You get me a free outfit. Did I mention it’s my birthday week? *cough, cough* 🙂

Have you ever done a Billy Blanks workout? How often do you purchase workout clothes?

46 comments

February 2014

Weekly Wednesday Workout: Dead Lifts

Have you ever done dead lifts?

Choosing the pictures

Getting the finished product

Are you good at Home Decor? Where would you put your WeMontage collage?

Weekly Wednesday Workout: Side V-Ups

Have you ever tried Side V-Ups?

Weekly Wednesday Workout: Double Leg Kicks

Have you ever tried Double LEg lifts?

Fabletics Review

Have you ever done a Billy Blanks workout? How often do you purchase workout clothes?