Boomtown Hoops Fall Fitness Hooping Class

If you still think that hooping is only for gals of the Hula or child-size variety, then you, dear reader, are out of the loop--the hoop loop if you will.
                      
Hooping (often called hula hooping) bosts a multitude of health benfits from buring calories to improved digestion, to just making you feel happy. If you're already thinking, "yeah right, I can't keep up a hula hoop to save my life" that's probably because you, as a grownup, have been trying to use a kiddie-sized hoop, which is exteremely challenging. Just as bicycles come in sizes, so do hoops: adult hoops are adult-sized and often heavier, which acutally make them MUCH easier to use. As a kid I couldn't hula hoop for more than 2 seconds, but with an adult hoop I can easily hoop my way through multiple Sex and the City episodes without dropping it once!
                            
So how does one go about getting into the hoop loop? Luckily, the Eastern Panhandle is home to a nationally renowned hoop troupe, Boomtown Hoops, who happen to be hosting hooping classes this fall! Classes are $5, and they'll have hoops available for you to borrow. See below for more details and be sure to "Like" Boomtown Hoops on Facebook to stay in the loop for upcoming events.

Still not sure about this hooping business? Stop by the Boomtown Hoops tent at Pickin in the Panhandle and take a hoop for a test spin!

What

Fitness Hooping Class

When

September 1, 2011

6PM - 7PM

Where

War Memorial Park

Top of the Hill by the Playground

Cost

$5 

Pickin' in the Panhandle 2011 -- Are You Ready for Some Smoke & Grass?

                                                 

In two weeks, I'll be loading up my Mini Cooper with all of my music festival essentials--tent, check;  hulahoop, check; fiddle? Maybe next year.

         
The 5th Annual Pickin' in the Panhandle Bluegrass and Barbecue Festival will run September 9-11, 2011. Whether you go for the 'grass, the smoke, or perhaps a little bit of both, Pickin' in the Panhandle is a fun, family-friendly festival, that's practically right in your own backyard.  Held at Lazy A Campground in Hedgesville, WV, (and less than 10 miles from Interstate-81) it's close enough for a day trip, while the mountain scenery and creekside camping, make it an ideal spot for a weekend get-a-way. Pickin' in the Panhandle was also featured in Panhandle Magazine's summer issue as one of 100+ Best Things about the Panhandle!

This year's festival will feature over 25 bands on 3 stages and will serve as the official West Virginia State BBQ Competition.  My Pickin' picks?

1. Fitzmaurice Band: They're young, fun, and incredibly talented. Fitzmaurice has previously performed with some names you may know like Trace Adkins, Miranda Lambert, and Dierks Bentley. I am ECSTATIC they'll be at Pickin' 2011.
2. Midnight Ryde: These local boys were the winners of the 2010 Pickin' Bluegrass Competition, and the talk of every campsite during last years festival. I may have missed them last year, but I will definitely catch them this time!
3. Shannon Wurst: Love, love, love her voice. This will be my first time seeing her live, but she's played with some of my favorites like Robert Earl Keen & Yonder Mountain String Band, and I totally trust their taste.
4. Marty Stuart: You may be familiar with his "Hillbilly Rock," but did you know that he spent 6 years playing with the Man in Black himself, Johnny Cash?
5. Conferderate Railroad: They may like their "women on the trashy side" but even if your clothes aren't tight and your hair isn't dyed, this is sure to be a lively show.

Tickets are available by phone (304-264-8801 or 1-800-4WVA-FUN), web, or click here for a list of places to pick them up in person. You can purchase day or weekend passes, and don't forget you'll need a camping pass if you plan on overnighting!
              

What

Pickin' in the Panhandle

                         

When

September 9-11

                 

Where

Lazy A Campgrounds

Hedgesville, WV

               

Cost

$50 for a Weekend Pass*

                                                                    

*Check out Grab Great Deals to snag a weekend pass for only $24!!! Offer is for a limited time only, so snag your passes now!

                                         

Shepherd University's First Fall Shepfest

                                 
Hip-hop band Gym Class Heroes will headline Shepherd University's first fall Shepfest. The event, sponsored by Program Board, will also feature a performance by Shepherd's own rising hip-hop artist Travis Dupri. In addition to music, Shepfest will feature a large waterslide, extreme air trampolines, food, free beverages from Pepsi, and more.

Tickets are required for this event and are available through the Shepherd Bookstore in the Student Center. Current Shepherd students may pick up one student ticket and one additional guest ticket for free in advance while supplies last. A limited number of $20 public tickets are also available now through 4 p.m. on Friday, August 26. Gates open at 2 p.m. and live music begins at 2:30 p.m. Gym Class Heroes will take the stage at 4 p.m.

Please note that Shepfest is an alcohol-free, drug-free event.

Shepherd University's Shepfest

What
Shepfest
                                                              
When

Sunday, August 28, 2011

2PM - 4PM
                        

Where

Shepherd University's Midway
               

$$

20

 

For tickets, please call the Shepherd University Bookstore at 304-876-5219. Shepherd students who wish to volunteer at Shepfest should contact Nicole Tashner at ntasch01@shepherd.edu. For more information, contact Rachael Meads at rmeads@shepherd.edu 

Lotus Skincare & Wellness of Shepherdstown

"At Lotus, our main focus is on organic skincare and wellness and restoring harmony between your inner and outer health. Experience true relaxation and healing through Ayurvedic techniques, essential oils, and pure organic ingredients. Enjoy complimentary herbal teas including our Lotus Signature Blend with your treatments."

Located upstairs at 121 West German Street, in Shepherdstown, WV, Lotus Skincare & Wellness offers a variety of treatments from facials to massages to makeup application. Licensed estetichians Chrissy Lewin (proprietor) and Chelsea Eyler live up to their mission statement from the moment you enter the spa and are offered a cup of their signature herbal tea.

              
Whether pre or post treatment, clients are encouraged to take time and enjoy the full relaxation of the spa experience. If it's a pretty day, take your tea outside on their beautiful balcony where you'll be surrounded by lovely flowers and aromatic herbs--similar to those used during your treatment.
                              
For my first visit to Lotus, I received the Rejuvenating Facial which promised to "reveal toned, glowing, and revitalized skin with the help of the finest organic ingredients" --I'll take all three please! Between sun, gardening grime, and life's daily stresses, my skin has been less than fabulous this summer. Let's just say the closest my skin has come to glowing is when I'm sweating (girls don't sweat, they glow!).
             
Sixty incredibly relaxing minutes later, Chrissy was through with the treatment and my skin looked fresh, revitalized, and I do believe I even saw a glow!
                               
Confession: Prior to my visit to Lotus, the closest I'd come to a facial was sitting around with my girlfriends sporting some green goop on my face and cucumber slices on my eyes. For someone who loves any form of pampering, I have no clue how I managed to miss out on what just might be my new favorite spa treatment.

                                
Whether it's you're 50th facial or your first, like me, the ladies at Lotus will put you at ease from the moment you set foot on their lovely antique hardwood floors. Even as a newbie, there was not one moment when I felt awkward or unsure of what I should be doing. Relaxing is not something I do very often (I'm that girl in Yoga class who gets fidgety during Corpse Pose), but a facial with Chrissy certainly seemed to do the trick! The sixty minutes flew by, and I left feeling like a new, glowing gal.

I still can't quite believe I waited 28 years to get a facial, but I can promise you I won't wait that long 'til my next one!

Lotus Skincare & Wellness

121West German Street

Shepherdstown, WV

304.874.1900

http://www.lotusofshepherdstown.com/

Open:

Mon 3:30-8

Tue-Fri 10-8

Sat & Sun 10-5

P.S. Be sure to checkout the Everyday Wellness tab on the website for tasty, healthy recipes! 

Sagittarius Salon and Spa to Host "A Night of Beauty" -- Spaces are Limited so RSVP Today!

Saturday, October 8, Sagittarius Salon and Spa in Hagerstown, Maryland will host A Night of Beauty. This event will give attendees a special preview at some of the services soon to be available at Sagittarius as well as a chance to receive a service. The demonstrations for the evening will include:

        
“The Art of Hair Extensions and Thinning Hair Solutions.”
Megan Myers, Janelle Ausherman and Marsha Knicley-Masood

“The Secret to More Manageable Hair.” Loree Wesley and Brandon DaSilva

“The Revolution of Make-up.” Jordon Knicley

“Prevent, Treat, Correct. The 3 Ways to Ensure Beautiful Skin.”
Sophia Huluta and Bergan Cole

”Detox and Wellness” Jessica Bender
     

Tickets for this event are $35 and include champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and a fabulous gift bag.  All proceeds from A Night of Beauty will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, so you're sure to leave this event feeling beautified from the inside out! You must RSVP by October 1; however, spaces are limited, so I highly recommend you reserve your spot today! To snag your ticket, email rsvp@sagittariussalon.com with your name and tele number.
      

What

A Night of Beauty
   

When

October 8, 2011

5:00PM - 8:00PM
    

Where

Sagittarius Salon and Spa

1136 Conrad Court

Hagerstown, MD  21740
   

Cost

$35

Posh Pets Boutique to Host Grand Opening August 5

                                           
Friday, August 5, Posh Pets Boutique of Winchester, VA, will open their doors for the first time,  with a Grand Opening celebration of Great Dane proportions, that's sure to be simply paw-velous.
                                                                
The Grand Opening festivities on Friday will run from 4PM to 8PM and include a petting zoo complete with a pony! There will also be PawPaint for rescue, where for every paw print placed on a poster, $1 will be donated to the Winchester SPCA. Speaking of the Winchester SPCA, they will be on site during the grand opening with some "posh pets" who are in the market for forever homes.
             
Boutique owners Lanette Orduna and Rebecca Miller will be there to meet and greet everyone and will be handing out treats for pets and people! Vaccinated and leashed pets are welcome, but watch out, you may find you have a furry fashionista on the end of your leash ;)

What

Posh Pets Boutique Grand Opening
     

When

Friday, August 5, 2011

4PM to 8PM
           

Where
16 S. Loudon Street

(conveniently close to Scarpa Alta)

Winchester, VA

Posh Pets mission is to find food, treats, and products that are better for the animals we love, get involved in more eco-friendly products and natural and holistic foods and treats. All treats are home-baked and they will be carrying Lotus brand food, which is a baked food that is prepared and shipped to be super fresh when it hits stores.