Friday Favorites – April 1st, 2016

cherry blossomsphoto

I can’t believe it’s April 1st already. Where did March go? How have we been back in New York for nine months already? It’s crazy how fast life is moving. April is one of those months I have mixed feelings about. The weather in NYC is either amazing, sunny Spring weather filled with pollen, flowers and sunshine or it’s rain. In addition, I accidentally overbooked myself this month. As in I’m traveling EVERY single weekend this month and even though the destinations and reasons are fun, it still leaves me a bit stressed. Sometimes a girl just needs her downtime, am I right?

As promised, in regular Friday fashion, here is this week’s version of Friday Favorites. So, as you count down the hours until the weekend begins, let’s dive into this week’s edition of Friday Favorites, including recipes, articles, posts and other things that caught my eye this week.

There’s a good reason I didn’t ask you guys to click Turn on Post Notifications this week on Instagram. Get in the know on all the Instagram changes before you push that little alert button.

Oatmeal has long been a breakfast standby in our house but it isn’t something I’ve thought about eating for dinner until I saw this delicious, savory oat recipe.  As soon as I shared with Bo he immediately responded with “Why don’t we have that for dinner one night next week?” Done and done!

Inspired by Carly, I immediately added this top to my shopping basket.  The loose fit, navy pom-pom detail and thick material made me fall in love immediately! Now, is it too early for me to slip into these jeans and these wedges for my client meetings today?  (Don’t forget, 25% off Spring styles at J.Crew and an extra 30% off sale styles!)

As if I needed any further inspiration to fully embrace the athleisure craze, Infatuation shared a list of 19 restaurants where you can eat in your gym clothes, comfortably, without getting that judgmental side eye from your table neighbor.

As if Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, needed to something else to impress us, this week he showed off his wicked strength with a peacock pose. Really, what will this guy do next?

Say what you want about self help books but over the past few weeks, Bo and I have read The Five Love Languages together. While part of it seems a bit like those Chicken Soup for the Soul books, that seemed to multiply on the bookstore shelves faster than bunnies back in the 90s, it’s been a very helpful read so far. Without getting into too much detail, we have different ways of showing love and it has been helpful to understand these differences. The book has multiple versions so you can even apply the material in a work or friendship situation.

beyonce-ivy-park-01 Source

Queen B has proven that she knows how to inspire women in American and that anything she touches, surely turns to gold. Therefore, I predict that her new active wear line, Ivy Park, will sell out on April 14th.  My wallet appreciates the fact that the line will be priced from $30-$200.

Available today, this year’s limited edition Brooks Nantucket Adrenaline GTS 16 is inspired by Nantucket. Featuring whales, vibrant plaid and anchors they are so adorable and I’ve already received compliments on them after just two wears! If you’re in Boston for the marathon you can snag a pair at the expo or online!

boston2016 shoe

A good reminder, In case you forgot, you can’t exercise yourself to weight loss. It’s about balance and your time at the gym can’t balance out what you put in your mouth the other 23 hours of the day.

Looking for some running inspiration in your Instagram feed? This round-up includes, Michelle, one of my favorite runners as well as other recreational and pro runners who will leave you wanting to lace up your shoes.

Your turn: What are you loving this week?

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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Instagram Fashion: March 2016

Insta Fashion March

 

“Where can I buy that shirt? Who makes those shoes? Those tights are awesome, who makes them?” 

It’s time for this month’s edition of Instagram Fashion workout gear round up! Since so many of you enjoyed last month’s first Insta-Fashion post, inspired by Jenna’s monthly Instagram fashion round up, I wanted to keep things going by making this a monthly post. The weather in March was almost always a little chilly, therefore causing me to repeat a lot more outfits than usual for my outdoor workouts. Even though I’m not excited for the heat and humidity that comes with Summer, I am looking forward to breaking out the shorts and tank tops.

  1. There is no better cure for the Sunday blues than fresh air, a great run and neon workout gear! I’m wearing Brooks head to toe including these kicks, this long sleeve running shirt and these crops. How fun is this pink and green neon watch? It’s part of the new Timex Ironman Colors collection!
  2. New gear can make any run feel faster, right? This speed workout in Prospect Park was fueled by neon kicks, these awesome, new tight stuff crops and an old favorite top.
  3. This beachy look included a lightweight aqua top, these tights and my new favorite sunglasses. Seriously, if you’re looking for fun sunglasses for Summer, check out Vira Sun!
  4. Even though the half marathon didn’t go as planned, my running attire was perfect for the blustery, chilly morning! I ran in this Nike top, these tights, these shoes and this bra.
  5. It was an awesome feeling to finish the first shorts run of the season! I’ve had these shorts (similar here) for years and always receive compliments on their vibrant colors. I paired the shorts with my Nike Berlin Marathon top for one very bright Friday morning run outfit.
  6. Spring running is all about layers that will keep you warm without over heating. When Ashley and I headed out for a 10-mile training run in Central Park the sun was shining but the breezy temp still was in the 30s. I paired my oldest pair of running tights with this Brooks vest and turtleneck to ensure I wasn’t freezing the entire time. Luckily the turtleneck is lighter than most Under Armour gear, making it perfect for warmer Winter weather or cooler Spring days.
  7. I’ve worn this Sweaty Betty combo at least once a week over the past few weeks as it’s perfect for the windy, cool weather we’ve had in New York City. The pants have vents behind the knees which allow them to breathe and the top is flattering and bright, aka perfect.  You can use code SB16RE03AC07 to get 20% off and free shipping on any Sweaty Betty order this week!
  8. This picture is from late October when I shot photos for the blog with the talented Nick Ortega. As soon as I posted this snap I immediately regretted chopping my hair. Also, it should be noted, that five months later this is still a favorite outfit choice for HIIT workouts as this Nike tank (sold out but similar found here) breathes and is the perfect length to be tied back, the tights are funky but flattering and the bra doesn’t let anything bounce around.

Due to lots of travel in April, I have no doubt that there will be a few tank tops and shorts in next months round-up!

Your turn: What was your favorite look last month? What is your favorite piece of workout gear right now?  

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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Art of Yoga with Faith Hunter

Over the past three years I have focused on making yoga a regular part of my health and wellness routine. This focus has helped evolve my routine from something I dread, but include because I know it’s important, to something I crave each week.  I carve out at least 60-minutes in my schedule each week to spend time on my yoga mat either in a formal class or at home. While I most often practice yoga in studios, I’ve also had the opportunity to practice in unique spaces such as New York City rooftops and from the tallest building in London, the Shard.

Brooklyn Museum

Always excited to practice yoga in new ways, I joined my friends Melissa and Katie for yesterday’s Art of Yoga event at the Brooklyn Museum. The event, hosted by Flavorpill and Groupmuse, provided 300 yogis with the opportunity to spend 90 minutes flowing into the weekend surrounded by beautiful art, classical music and vibrant yoga mats.

Art of Yoga sign

Line for Art of Yoga

Manduka helped set the stage with a rainbow of color by providing colorful yoga mats while the gorgeous chandelier in the center of the Beaux-Arts Court and skylights provided a feeling of warmth, light and openness.

Yoga atrium

The instructor, Faith Hunter, is an inspirational and well-known yoga instructor who combines her warm personality and Southern roots with a relaxed and welcome yoga style. She did a great job making every single student feel welcome yesterday, regardless of their shape, size or ability. In order to make sure everyone gained the most from the practice, there were four of her friends walking around the room making adjustments during the class in addition to Faith who never stayed in one place for more than a minute.

Assisted Warrior 3

She led the group through a 75-minute yoga class including both heart warming and restorative poses before leading us through a 15-minute meditation and savasana. The most unique part of the event wasn’t the space, but the beautiful, classical music we flowed to during the class. Groupmuse provided a string trio for the event, which played an array of classical pieces which paired perfectly with the flow Faith led.

Flavorpill picture
Photo source

Katie, Melissa and I left the event feeling relaxed and restored, wishing a similar event took place on a monthly basis as it was a wonderful way to kick off a Spring Saturday and relax after a busy week.

 

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