Labor Day weekend is a time to relax, give yourself a break from work and have fun.  The federal holiday began in 1894 after workers in New York City started having annual parades the first Monday in September.  Other cities and states picked up the tradition and now Americans nationwide enjoy the three day weekend with cookouts, beach get aways and festivals.

Residents of Highland Pointe apartments can celebrate with a cookout at one of the many Little Rock city parks.   If you want to get out of town though, consider taking a day trip to Caddo Valley for some tubing or rent a canoe for a leisurely trip down the river.  However you celebrate, have a great Labor Day weekend with family and friends!

Relax on Labor Day at the river.

Working out and eating healthy is part of a balanced lifestyle that can lead to a fuller, more energetic life.  The new Bravo TV show, Thintervention with Jackie Warner begins on September 6th with new clients Jackie will train to develop a healthy routine of exercise and proper nutrition.  I’m really excited about the new season because I enjoy learning how Jackie motivates her clients through positive methods to lose the weight and rethink dieting.

You don’t have to wait till Jackie’s show airs because celebrity trainers have shared their tips with Health & Wellness.   Implement these into your workout and see what a difference it makes in your life.  Remember to balance your routine with strength training, cardio and stretching.  The three elements will lead to overall health.  Also, invite a friend or family member to join you in a new class or training program.  It’ll make the journey more fun.

Residents of Highland Pointe apartments have the benefit of a state-of-the-art fitness center in the community, making it easy for them to workout close to home.  Imagine how wonderful it is to workout and not worry about driving home; leaving more time to do another mile.

How fast do you run on the treadmill?

This Friday, August 27th, the highly anticipated movie, Takers, starring Matt Dillon, Paul Walker and Hayden Christensen opens.  Considering The Expendables, with the all star cast of Stallone, Statham and Li has dominated the box office for several weeks, it’ll be interesting to see if this new action film can topple it.

Takers is about a group of young bank robbers who successfully have pulled off several heist with one last big job scheduled.  Until a smart detective interrupts their plans.  This action packed movie looks full of high energy, amazing stunts and is loaded with a great cast of actors.  I’m a fan of Matt Dillon so it’s definitely on my must see list this weekend!

Residents of Highland Pointe apartments can check out the movie at Breckenridge Village 12, which is 10-15 minutes from the community.   Enjoy a great movie this weekend and let me know which action film you love more! If you haven’t seen the trailer, here’s the sneak peak.

I’ll admit I love technology and keeping up with what companies launch next.  I get excited over mobile phones that having more capabilities, making my life easier.  However I stumbled across this dress that made me think twice about how far I want to see technology to go.  Maybe it’ll grow on me but first impression is mixed.

It’s a little black dress by CuteCircuit, a London based company that creates wearable, functional fashion.  The dress is beautiful but here’s where technology meets beauty: it’s also a mobile phone.   With this design your ‘little black dress‘ IS your phone.  The SIM card slot is under the label and utilizes the same number as your phone.   To answer a call simply lift your hand to your ear and answer.  When you’re done talking, put your arm down.   I’m not sure if the dress rings, buzzes or vibrates but imagine being at dinner and having your dress ring?!?!

Now if you’re not ready to give up the mobile handset then stop by AT & T at Pleasant Ridge Towne Center.   The store carries a large selection of new smart phones and it’s less than 10 minutes from Highland Pointe Apartments.  If you decide you want to be one of the first to own the dress, you’ll have to order it from Selfridges department store in October.

Beauty meets technology in a little black dress.

Blue Coast Burrito has been bringing the flavors of Baja Mexican to Little Rock for a while.  However with so many restaurants in the area I thought it would be a good reminder to experience the fresh taste again.  Their fish tacos are made with fresh, healthy ingredients that make you feel as if you’re on the coast in Baja.

Also, don’t forget to check out the salsa bar.    I personally love the variety of salsas, ranging from very mild to flaming hot spice; offering something for everyone.   Their signature salsa, the pineapple salsa, is a must if you love a sweet, savory taste.

The cafe is conveniently located close to Highland Pointe Apartments and River Mountain Park, making it a great stop off on your way home from work or on the weekend.

How spicy do you take your salsa?

Have you heard of this fitness workout, Nia, that combines T’ai Chi, dance and yoga?  It’s a group workout that allows free forms of expression.   It is said to be an excellent workout for young and old, athletes or elderly.   I’d never really heard of it until I saw Little Rock Athletic Club had classes several times a week.  Nia is a gentle way to add in cardio while increasing flexibility.

The Little Rock Athletic Club is located on Sam Peck Road, only 5 minutes from Highland Pointe Apartments, making it convenient to schedule a class before or after work.    If you’re curious what a Nia workout entails check out this video.

This weekend the Arkansas Travelers are in town playing against the San Antonio Missions.    Romine and Moore are on fire with hitting right now so come out and support our Travelers.  They have promotions and giveaways during each game, including the chance to win an Acura during the post game ball toss.  On Saturday live entertainment will include a performance by Hookslide Corner.

The stadium, Dickey-Stephens Ball Park is only 20 minutes from Highland Pointe Apartments.  Since it’s a 7:10pm game on Friday and Saturday, stop by Riverfront Park for a picnic or some outdoor fun.  Enjoy a game this weekend and go Travelers!

Been to a Travelers game lately?

The local food blog, The Eat Blog, posted earlier guidelines for making iced coffee the right way.  Karen explains how dumping hot coffee over ice doesn’t create the perfect cup, it simply gives you watered down coffee.   In fact, you need to let it sit chilled for 24 hours to get it just right.

But maybe you’re craving that iced coffee with the temps soaring above 95 degrees and waiting 24 hours isn’t an option.  So where do you go in the local Little Rock area?  If you live in or near Highland Pointe Apartments on Highland Drive, you have several options.  One of the closets Starbucks is on Cantrell, approximately a mile away.   They always have a pitcher of fresh, iced cold coffee.   While you’re there ask them to add a splash of caramel sauce to it for a little sweetness.

If you choose to brew your own iced coffee, try Guillermo’s Coffee on Rodney Parnham.  They are locally owned and roast their own beans.   They offer several house blends, single origin coffees and decafs.   They also have an extensive selection of flavored coffees.  Try brewing up their Orange Seville for a refreshing, fragrant cup of iced coffee.  There are a variety of ways to get your iced coffee but if you choose to make it at home, follow the tips from the Eat Blog and enjoy!

What's your favorite way to enjoy an iced coffee?

I’ve always wanted to do an outdoor overnight trip during a meteor shower but never managed to schedule it in time.  Now we all have the opportunity because on August 12th, 2010 the the Perseid will fill the sky with approximately 50+ streaks per hour.   The Perseid Meteor is named after the constellation Perseus and according to Meteor Blog, the best time for viewing will be after 12:01pm.

I know that means staying up late but I found a great opportunity to view the Perseid meteor shower at Pinnacle Mountain State Park.   A pontoon boat will be out on Lake Maumelle, allowing visitors to view the shower in the dark, night sky.  The park will have an guide on board to discuss meteors and answer questions.  All you need is your camera because the show will be visible to the naked eye.  You need to make reservations but it’s simple to do over the phone.  Simply call the park at 501. 868.5558 to book your space.  It’s $10. for adults and $5. for children under 12 years.

Picnics are a fun activity to plan in the summertime.  If you’re looking for something that doesn’t run on a schedule but allows you to be as lazy as you want on a Saturday afternoon, then here are some great ideas from Self Magazine for some healthy foods to pack in the basket.   Some of the ones I really enjoyed discovering were the Tuna and Sun Dried Tomato Wrap and the Banana Raspberry Bread.    Both would travel easy in the heat, be a light refreshing meal and provide lots of nutrition.

Now the question is, where to head once the basket is packed?  Why not visit War Memorial Park near the zoo and golf course.   It’s only about 15 minutes from Highland Pointe Apartments, making easy to transport your picnic, blankets and more for an afternoon of fun.  Just don’t forget to bring a Frisbee for a light workout after your nutritious meal!

Relax at War Memorial Park with a picnic