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Friday Favorites – November 18th, 2016

Oh friends, do I have a story for you today to kick off this glorious Friday. Last night, I had the pleasure of hosting six friends in our home for a Fall Potluck dinner. The cool, Fall weather inspired me to make chili as the main course while the other ladies contributed the wine, appetizers, salad and s’more ingredients for our fire pit dessert.  Even though I’ve been told hundreds of times to never try something new for a dinner party or when hosting, I fell down the Pinterest trap and tried a new recipe last night. Not only was this a new chili recipe but it was also very unique and nontraditional. I almost collapsed in tears when after an hour of prep and cooking the final product was horrible. Luckily, Bo came to the rescue with the suggestion of laughing about it and ordering pizza for everyone.

pizza-for-the-win

friends-get-together

So now that we’ve had our Friday laugh and I’ve reminded you guys, in advance of the holidays, to never make a recipe for the first time when you’re hosting, let’s dive into this week’s edition of Friday Favorites, including recipes, articles, posts and other things that caught my eye this week.

  • As I mentioned, last night’s dinner was saved by a local pizza restaurant, Table 87. The group couldn’t stop raving about the pizza because it was seriously delicious. If you’re in NYC you should definitely order or visit one of their two Brooklyn locations.
  • After a stressful week, sometimes a simple image is all it takes to cheer me up. Luckily, Theodora introduced me to Meddy Teddy, a yoga-practicing, meditating teddy bear. The brand has a great Facebook and Instagram feed that will brighten even the worst of days.

meddyteddy

sorel-slippers

  • I tried Orange Theory when it first opened in New York City a few years ago but due to a less than stellar experience, never returned. Heather’s Orange Theory post this week inspired me to sign up for a class after the Thanksgiving holidays. Have you tried Orange Theory? Thoughts?
  • I remember watching Beauty and the Beast in the movie theater with my mom and while it will always be one of my favorites, I can’t wait to see the updated version, starring Emma Watson. Did you see the trailer that they released this week?
  • I’ve read Kath’s blog for years and consider her a blogging friend and mentor. Though I remember many of her posts, this post on balance is one of my favorites. Balance is something that I believe I’m only starting to find and this post articulated so may of the thoughts I’ve had over the past six months.

Okay, with that friends I’m out! I have a busy work day ahead of me and then Bo and I are heading up to Vermont to spend a relaxing few days with my aunt. Hopefully the weekend will include a lot of sleep, delicious food, reading by the fire and some snow!

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and instead is a list of the things of my favorite things this week. As normal, it includes lots of beauty and fashion items which means there are a few affiliate links via ShopStyle. It takes time and money to maintain a blog so I thank you for the support and few cents that come from clicking through the links!

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Tips for Running in the Dark and Gear to Keep You Safe

brooks-half-zip

Jacket – Crops – Shoes

Now that the time change has happened, it’s virtually impossible to squeeze in an evening run after work before the sun goes down. Even though Heather and I met for our Prospect Park jog earlier than normal, it was already pitch black when we entered the park.  It is so important to not only use the buddy system when you are walking or jogging in the dark, but also to ensure that drivers and cyclists can easily see you.

ashley-and-heather

The experts at Brooks shared the below infographic and helpful tips so you all can ensure you are safe when working out in the early morning or evening hours.

run-happy-in-the-dark

In addition to the above tips, Brooks has also expanded their high visibility and reflective collections this year to include multiple items for men and women alike.

 

brooks-reflective-gear Brooks makes it easy to run safely, regardless the weather. The below are a few of my favorite bright, reflective items that I’ve been wearing this Fall, even on warmer days.

  • Brooks Drift 1/2 Zip – Perfect for colde runs, this jacket has a soft, fleece lining, reflective detailing on the side and back and is wind-proof. I own this in two colors including the neon yellow with blue accents.
  • Brooks 5 inch Chaser Short in Reflective Gray –  I’ve shared my love of Brooks 5 inch Chaser shorts multiple times due to their wide leg openings, wide waistband and lightweight material. But, until last month I had no clue they also had a version with reflective detailing. I have been wearing these on early morning or evening walks and runs when it’s warmer and love that the reflective detailing helps ensure cars and cyclists can see me.
  • Brooks Dash 1/2 Zip – This flattering, cozy pull-over is perfect to wear throughout Fall, Winter and Spring. There is reflective detailing at the wrist and back on the neon yellow color which makes this a great option for outdoor workouts.
  • Brooks Run-Thru Hat– Perfect for both male and female runners, this lightweight hat will ensure that you’re safe year-round while protecting your face from the sun during the day and from the icy elements during those cold, frigid morning or evening runs.

Your turn – Are you team AM or PM? If you’re running or walking in the dark, how do you ensure you’re seen? 

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Finding Your Happy Place

All day today, I was looking forward to this evening’s workout date with Bo. While we rarely workout after work, this morning the snooze button won and instead, we decided that we’d find a class on Classpass that worked for both our schedules and make it a date. I know guys, we’re so romantic sometimes but seriously, when you’re working long hours, sometimes it’s nice to be together even if it’s sweating  in a class and then commuting home together.
classpass-schedule

Unfortunately, as soon as I sat down on my bike I realized the vibe of the class wasn’t what either of us wanted. The teacher we were excited to try, whose classes were called challenging and inspiring on the ClassPass site, was out sick. Instead, the substitute teacher said that his goal was to make us dance on the bike and have fun with new moves. After a long day, I wanted to zone in and just sweat out the day’s stress. I didn’t want to focus on choreography moves. I wanted a class that would push me physically. Within a few minutes of class starting, I was tempted to leave. While I’m sure some people love this teacher, his constant reference to the co-ed class as “ladies” and “girls” annoyed me and his focus on fun choreography just isn’t my style.

During the warm-up song, I tried to look past my disappointment and frustration, instead, taking a moment to focus in on why I came to class.

  • I came to class to sweat out the knots in my back, the stress in my head and the tension I was holding after work.
  • I came to class to feel strong physically.
  • I came to class to spend time with Bo.
  • I came to class hoping I would leave feeling the endorphin high.

Instead of leaving, after the warm-up we moved from our front row bikes to empty bikes in the back row. In the anonymity of that back corner, we were able to spend the next 45-minutes zoning out and focusing on what we each needed and wanted from the class.  We didn’t change the vibe of the class or stand out since no one could see us. I ignored his complex choreography cues and instead did mini sprints during the bike dancing. During the climbs, I pushed the tension on the wheel, progressively making it harder until reaching the top. Changing my mindset allowed me to enjoy the 45-minute class and even find myself smiling and nodding my head to the final song of class,  Evanescence’s, Bring Me To Life.

Sometimes it’s important to remember why you walk through doors of a workout studio or class. While the teacher may be one aspect, it most likely isn’t the only reason. So next time you accidentally end up with a teacher or class that isn’t your style, take a few deep breaths and find your happy place. Then spend the rest of the class doing your best to make the time meet your needs – whether that is physically or mentally. After all, it’s your workout and your time, right?

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