Hooping!~

A couple of you have expressed interest and asked questions about hooping, so I thought I’d do a quick update and give you a little bit of info.

The most important thing to know is that the hoops we use are not the ones that you played with in childhood and are not available at the toy store. Those are much more lightweight. The hoops we use are weighted, about 2 pounds each. You can get them online several places, like Etsy (just search “hula hoop”) and Sassy Hoops ( http://www.sassyhoops.com/Gallery.php) and they run from around $20.00 to $35.00. The more expensive hoops collapse into ¼ of their normal size (I live in a tiny house, so this is what I have).

Hooping is great exercise. It’s entertaining, challenging, engaging and creative. For the average size person, hooping can burn up to 100 calories every 10 minutes. It also helps you build a strong core and tones your arms, back and bum. There are TONS of tutorials on you tube, if you can’t find a hoop group or class in your area. At my Monday group, we put on some music and everyone just hoops for an hour. There are beginners (like me and Tina) and there are old pros who can sow off as well as help the new kinds learn how to get started. I’ve even started trying a trick or two.

And the most impressive thing of all is this. I find it fun. I find exercising fun. I hate exercise, and I have tried it ALL. I cannot encourage you enough to give it a try. If you are in Dallas, you should totally drop me a line and join us on Mondays. If you are not, see if you can find a group or class in your area, and if you can’t just order a hoop and use the you tube tutorials. It is the most fun!


(These hoops are both by Sassy Hoops, they are not mine, but they were really easy to use.)

What I Wore Before Hooping with Tina

My co-worker Pilar took my pictures yesterday because I forgot my tripod and I was going to change before I left work for hooping. Even though she reads my blog every day she was giggling at my poses. She said that seeing them on the blog was one thing, but watching me actually DO it was another. I can see that. As a result, I have a super goofy grin on my face in half the pictures because I am laughing at Pilar laughing at me.





I’m gaining some control in this next shot…



And I’ve almost got it…



This dress is OK. It’s such a pretty print and flattering fit, but it pulls my slip all day and it’s a little too long, but not quite long enough to justify having it tailored. (Oh how I wish I could sew, but I am alarmingly bad at it, trust me).

I made a couple new things this weekend!~ (And am wearing them in the above outfit) Let me know if you are interested in them. I am not adding them to the shop just yet, the wings and the key and just base metal components and I try to use only gold-filled, sterling silver and brass in the store. How important to you is that? It doesn’t really change the COST that much, but it does make some elements a lot easier for me to FIND.



I think one of the most important elements of this is the chain. I think the long squared off shape just works really well with the key.



These are just a simple hoop and bead combo, I have some more design-y earrings I am wearing today that I am totally excited to show you. I designed the hoops for a friend at church who thinks she can’t wear big earrings. I made her these as a sort of bigger earring that remains simple and neutral for every day wear.

AND THEN…I met Tina. Jealous? You really really should be. I picked her up (mere blocks away from my own house, so convenient!) and we drove to hoop group. I felt at home with her right away, and she didn't seem to think I was too crazy.

Here we are working it!

“Oh hey! I’m Tina and I’m the cutest beginner here today!”



Don’t let her tell you any lies, she did really well for a first timer!

And here is me, being a cheeseball and showing my midriff…



And…DOUBLE HOOPING.






Double hooping is so awesome that once I got the hang of it I immediately ordered a second hoop, which means if you come visit we can totally hoop dance in the back yard.



Dress, Target
Bracelet, Ruche
Boots, Arturo Chang
Earrings and Necklace, www.loveerindesigns.etsy.com