Teacup of Fun - #6a Bikram Yoga

This month I tried something I have been wanting to do for years. I bought a living social voucher for 15 classes, and attended my first of many, Bikram Yoga class.

Where I used to live I would drive by the Bikram Yoga studio every week, and think I would really like to try a class. I never went in because I thought I was not athletic enough or too big to participate. This was one of those moments where I had to tell the voice inside my head to shut up and just try it. The studio I attended was very welcoming, and I especially liked that there were people of varying sizes and athletic builds in the class. I always pictured yoga classes being tiny women with ponytails and super muscular guys. Granted there were a few of those in there, but the ages and styles of people were varied which made it more comforting. Also, the instructor was super nice and welcoming as well. She even came up to me after the class and asked if I enjoyed my first time, and hoped I'd come back.

Bikram Yoga is different then regular yoga as you do it in a studio that is 105 degrees. When I first got there they told me that since this was my first time the goal was just to stay in the studio the entire class time (90 minutes). I was really proud of myself because I not only stayed in the class for the entire time, but I also did most of the moves. At any time I felt like I was getting light headed or could not do a position I would sit down on my mat and just focus on my breathing. I felt like that got me through most of the class of just focusing on my breathing and not how warm it was.

I felt really great as I left the studio and walked to my car. I am one of those people that really likes to sweat because it makes me feel like I had a good work out. I had bought a special hot yoga towel from Target and I was really glad I did. Best purchase I made to do something like this. The towel was soaked, the hand towel I brought to wipe my face was soaked, and my clothes were definitely soaked. Sounds gross, and next time I'll consider bringing a change of clothes, but I definitely felt like I had sweated out some toxins and learned something new.

For anyone that is thinking about trying a Bikram Yoga class I highly recommend it. You have to like to sweat, no really... you have to like to really sweat. Once you get over the initial hurdle of how hot the room is and how how much you are sweating it is a really fun experience. I can't wait to go back again for another class.

Teacup of Kindness - Randomness #15-13

It is exciting to know that I am halfway through my year of challenges and random acts. In July I had mentioned in a previous post that I hit a few bumps in the road, but August has really refreshed my desire to keep the ball rolling!

#15- In July I put together little gift bags to give away to people as I passed through town. These bags consisted of crackers, sunglasses, rain poncho, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc. I also packed a big cooler bag full of water, and headed out to town. Andrew and I had brunch in the city, and then proceeded to walk from one end of the harbor to the other. I was hoping to hand the gift bags out to people who were in need, and if I saw workers out and about hand them water (police directing traffic etc). Low and behold we did not come across a single person. I was a little upset, but thought I'll do this another day (Andrew brought up a very good point that were not any events going on for there to be people out and about like I was expecting). I put the items in my car and drove around for a week hoping to give them out when I was stopped at a light. I'm pretty sure either every road I travel, or the times I am driving, people were avoiding me. I think it's just been poor planning on my part. I have since left the items in my car and given out a few bottles of water to people that I passed. I was not going to count the bags and the few bottles I've given out because it has been so few. But I think as long as I keep them in car, and distribute to those that need them, my goal has been achieved.

#14- I made myself a cheerleader this month for a local race. Andrew and I went to Centennial Park at 7AM one morning and cheered on those that were participating in the Iron Girl. We had two friends that were running, and I thought it would be fun to go early to cheer on everyone as they came through the finish. When we first got to the event we watched the racers come out of the water and run to their bikes. Then we watched some of the racers take off on their bikes and head to the road. After a bit we walked over to the finish line, and stood pretty close to the finish. As racers began to come through, we cheered for each one as they came through and clapped. A few of the ladies as we cheered held up their hands and cheered back as they ran through the finish. We screamed extra hard when our friends came through the finish line as well. When we were walking back to our car we continued to cheer on the bikers as we passed, and some even waved back. Every race I run I always feel more motivated when people are rooting for me to finish strong. I am glad I was able to return the favor to some awesome ladies!

#13- I did something I labeled "quarter-bombing". While we were on vacation a few weeks ago I left quarters in the pressed penny machines, and the binocular machines. As we were eating lunch by the lake I was able to watch a few kids walk up to the machine and get super excited when they could see to the other side of the lake! In addition I left quarters in the soda machines at work, and in the fish food machines around the lake. I thought this one was really fun because I imagine the people who came to the machines got a really nice surprise, and hopefully it brightened their day.

Teacup of Trendy: Foodie Review

Restaurant: The Pit

For this little ditty I thought I'd make note of a really good restaurant in the south. We first went to Raleigh, NC two years ago for my boyfriend's godson's birthday. This was our first time in Raleigh, NC and we were trying to find a good place to try BBQ. So what does anyone do when they are in a new town? Check out the Man vs. Food and the Diners, Drive-ins, and Dive websites for dining choices of course!

In fact, it was so good, I went back again this year when I was in Raleigh, NC.

The restaurant is tucked away in the southern part of the city on Davies Street. When you first arrive you have the option of valet parking or finding metered parking on the street. The first time we went we parked on the side of the street in a metered spot, the second time we did valet. Either way it is pretty easy to find parking at this restaurant.

When you walk in the decor and atmosphere are really one of a kind. It is upscale classy mixed with warm colors and down-home cooking. You have the option of hanging out in the bar, or sitting in the dining area. A neat feature of their restaurant is their wine cellar in the middle of the restaurant that you can look through to view their selections. It looks very high tech, but I'm sure it involves a step ladder.

All of the staff that I have encountered are very friendly, and knowledgeable about the area. Our server was very attentive, and gave us just enough space that she didn't feel like she hovering (which is one of my biggest pet peeves). Each time that I went we were able to be seated immediately, didn't have a wait. I imagine on the weekends the wait time is pretty long, but it is well worth it to enjoy the food.


The first time I went we shared a plate of fried green tomatoes, which did not disappoint. For my main course I enjoyed the chopped pit turkey with sides of mac n cheese and sweet potato fries. I do like my carbs. This was probably some of the best BBQ I have had in a long time.

The second time I visited we shared the pumpkin skillet cornbread. If you go, please order this, it is delicious. For the entree I got the fried chicken with sweet potato fries and mac n cheese. These two sides were so good I had to get them twice. The fried chicken was so fresh, and the skin was very crispy. Both dishes I have ordered from here were not rushed, and tasted as if thought was put into them.

Most of the time when we go to new cities I like to try new restaurants, but we will be going back here again. This is a restaurant that provides a new experience each time you go!

Rating: FULL CUP OF TEA

Teacup of Fun - #6b Food Fight!

I think my favorite thing about Livingsocial or Groupon is that they always have a great list of fun things to do. I wish I could buy them all up, but I do have to be picky. That is where I stumbled upon this little gem... Tomato Bash. This is a giant tomato food fight at the Frederick Fairgrounds where you literally turn yourself into a giant ketchup packet.

My boyfriend and I got tickets to this event, and I found out that a few of my high school friends were going. Super fun time full speed ahead!

We got there a few hours before the event started to enjoy the pre-fight festivities. I'm pretty sure we could have just walked in without paying as no one was regulating the gate, but I am glad I could contribute to the tomato purchase for the day. There was a DJ playing music, a costume costume (and there were some pretty hilarious costumes), a beer garden, and of course a foam machine. It rained the entire time we were there, and luckily it stopped right before the fight started.

We got into the arena a few minutes after the tomato fight began and it seemed like all of the tomatoes were already gone. It was basically scooping up chunks of tomato or tomato sauce and throwing it at people near you. Because the tarps on the ground were so slippery they were turned into a slip n slide. I tried going down them a few times but ended up doing a belly flop the first time, and then only slide a few feet the second time losing my shoes in the process.

This was an awesome event, and I was able to check something off my bucket list... participate in a giant food fight!

Teacup of Fun - #7 Paddle boating

When coming up with an idea of June, I originally planned to donate blood. When I arrived at the Red Cross I went through my pre-screening assessment, and turned out my iron count was too low! Feeling disappointed that my plan did not work out, I headed to Target to buy iron pills. I hope to try again later this year, but what can I do on such short notice?

I am blessed to have a supportive boyfriend who not only inspires me through my tasks, but also has great ideas. He says to me, hey you haven't been paddle boating before... so that is what we did!

There is a local park near our apartment that has a lake. We headed down to the dock to purchase a rental for a half hour, and were handed our life jackets. I won't sugar coat it, I was quite scared. After my boyfriend climbed in the boat I stood on the dock shaking my head and saying it was a terrible idea! After some encouraging, and one of the staff members promising there was no way we would tip over I finally climbed in.

We paddled around the lake for about a half an hour, and it wasn't until about 20 minutes into the ride I finally felt at ease. It was fun to see the park from a different angle, and it was quite relaxing. Well, relaxing after I calmed down. There was a lot of why aren't you controlling the rudder, you're aiming for that canoe, there is a fisherman there watch out!

We had enough time to paddle from one end of the lake back to the dock. I am glad that we did it at the park where there was not a lot of traffic and no motor boats. I could not imagine doing that at the Inner Harbor, or a busier park. It was just us and a few other paddle boats out on the water. I would be interested in doing it again, but maybe in a bigger boat!

Teacup of Trendy: Foodie Review

Restaurant: Galway Irish Bay Irish Pub

I’ll admit, the draw for going here was definitely the fact that it was Diners, Drive-Ins and, Dives. And I will say it did not disappoint!

Parking is always a challenge when going to Annapolis as it is all metered street parking or garage. I am starting to get bitter in my old age about having to parallel park or pay for parking. Why should I have to pay to go to your restaurant when I am already paying for the food? That’s my old lady rant for the moment.

The inside of the pub reminds me of being in Ireland. It is old wood, with an old world feel. The restaurant is divided into sections as you walk in. If you go to the left you are in the dining room, when you go to the right you are in the bar. We opted for bar seating. Mainly because I thought it would be more relaxed with great ambiance.

We crammed into a booth and marveled at the different options. The friends I was with ordered some traditional Irish ales and ciders, and I took the dive to drink a Guinness. We started off with some oysters (which were yummy) and the Killarney Cabbage Wraps.  The wraps were so tasty, and something I had not seen anywhere else. It was corned beef and potato wrapped in cabbages leaves, drizzled with a mustard sauce. I would go back again just to eat these. For my main course I ordered the fish and chips. A few of my friends had been there before and were raving about this dish. Again, did not disappoint! If I ever get a craving for fish and chips I will drive us back down to Annapolis for their food.  Everything tasted fresh, not frozen, and had a lot of heart in their traditional Irish

fare.

Overall, I would highly suggest checking this place out. It has a fun and upbeat atmosphere, and the staff were super friendly. I am hoping to make it back again soon to check out some of the other menu options, as I went straight for the fish and chips. If any of the other lunch or dinner options tasted like what I got, they’ll have a repeat customer for life out of me!

Rating: FULL Teacup

Teacup of Fun - #8 Animal Adventures!

This post is a tad delayed as I have been away for over a week. I wanted to write about my June new challenge/fun before leaving for Maine, but best laid plans...

I bought tickets for a special event at the Baltimore Zoo called Breakfast with the Chimps. I have been eyeing up these events for years now always wanting to go, but never just picking a date. My boyfriend loves monkeys so I thought this would be the perfect breakfast to go to (even though I would have preferred the elephants haha!)

This was the greatest experience at the zoo! We arrived before the zoo opened and took the shuttle to the top of the gate. Zoo staff personally escorted us to the Monkey House where tables were set up next to the glass where we would have a great view of the monkeys. As everyone was seated they opened the exhibit and all of the monkeys ran out giving us an up close view of them! We enjoyed a breakfast buffet and watched them eat their breakfast and play in their enclosure. After hearing about the chimps and asking our own questions, we were led out onto the walking path next to the open air enclosure. Kids and adults were able to make enrichment treats to give out to the chimps. We all waited patiently next to the glass and then the chimps filed out one by one into the large play area. This was interesting to watch, and we were able to take great photos as we were the only guests within the park!

After the park opened we got to wander around the rest of the zoo and enjoy the nice weather. I thought this would be a perfect time to continue to do other activities I always wished to do, but never did. I jumped a board a camel and took a five minute ride. We also waited patiently three times to feed the giraffes who never came to our side of the fence. I did appreciate that if the giraffes were not on the feeding side of the fence the zoo staff would not sell you the stalk. Sadly we did not get to feed the giraffes, but standing their watching them was a lot of fun! Hopefully the next time we venture to the zoo I'll get to do that one last thing there, and feed them.

Additionally, this did not happen in June, but since this seems to be animal based post and it applies... I held a baby gator in March when we were in Florida! I thought I would throw this in there as I debated for about 5 minutes whether to hold it or not, and ultimately got too excited not to!