Favorite Cold Weather Running Gear

Brrrr. It's officially winter, both on the calendar and on the thermostat. The past few weeks have given me plenty of opportunity to figure out my favorite running gear pieces, and since the Northeast is in the middle of a blizzard right now (at least according to the news), I figured it was a good time to share!

Note -- I was not given any of these items. I purchased them and would do so again. I just love them a lot and wanted to share!

(1) Brooks Women's Nightlife LSD Lite Jacket III - $85
(2) Oiselle Lesley Running Tights - $79
(3) Oiselle Lux Layer - $76
(4) C9 by Champion Women's Quilted Puffer Vest - $23.99

I wore this outfit for the Midnight Run on New Year's Eve, when it was "feels like 15 degrees" (I doubled up on running tights). The lux layer with a windproof jacket and vest on top kept me surprisingly warm, though, considering I wasn't wearing an actual jacket. I didn't feel like my range of motion was compromised, which is how I feel with some winter outfits.

Brooks Nightlife LSD Lite Jacket - This jacket is a great wind blocker. I haven't worn it in the rain yet, so can only attest to its strength as a wind jacket. Layered over a long sleeve top, it creates a pretty cozy set-up. When it's warmer but rainy, it would be great over a tee or tank top.

Funny story -- this jacket was ruined when I threw it in my parents' laundry, which has a cylinder in the middle. Somehow, one of the pulleys on this shell got stuck in the cylinder and the jacket was ruined. I liked this jacket so much that I decided to bite the bullet and repurchase it. It makes all my winter clothing that much warmer by keeping the bitter NYC winds out. (By the way, that purchase was the first non-essential I've bought for myself since starting my "don't buy shit" challenge. It's working! Woo!)

Stats from Brooks:

• Windproof and water-resistant shell
• Weighs just 4.3 ounces (medium)
• Packs into its own pocket
• Double back vents
• Easy-cinch hood
• Inner storm guard with zipper garage
• 360° of 3M™ Scotchlite™ retroreflectivity

Oiselle Lesley Running Tights - These tights are comfy and warm. They're also tight and thick enough to be flattering. I wore them alone in high 30s and low 40s in Washington over Christmas and was totally comfortable. I think if you were wearing them for below freezing temperatures, though, you'd want to layer up.

Stats from Oiselle:

• Smooth compression + new! light fleece interior
• 88% supplex nylon / 12% spandex
• Same fit and flattering lines as Lesley Knicker
• Ankle length with zip storage pocket
• Mesh behind knees
• Draw cord

Oiselle Lux Layer - I'm pretty sure I've raved about this before. It's my favorite long sleeve top of all time. Or at least up until 2014. The lux layer is warmer than your average long sleeved top, and it's also extremely soft. I love wearing it as normal clothing in addition to wearing it on cold runs (don't worry, I wash it!).

Stats from Oiselle:

• 89% brushed polyester/11% spandex
• Contrast flatlock stitching 
• Scoop neck, thumbholes
• Fitted but not tight

C9 by Champion Women's Quilted Puffer Vest - This is the best value item on the list. If it only lasts one season, at $30, it's still a great price. I wear it over a long sleeve top for 30 and 40 degree weather. I'll add the windbreaker if it's windy, or a second long sleeve if it's extra cold.

The vest has roomy pockets where I can comfortably stash gloves and my iPhone, with zippers so they won't fall out. I love the collar, which is high enough that I can keep part of my face covered. I've also worn it with a sweatshirt for chilly days when I'm running errands. It really does keep you warm!

Stats from Target:

• Water repellent construction
• Weave Type -- Ripstop
• 100% Polyester
• Poplin lining
• Midweight Fabric Construction
• Front full length zipper with front zippered pockets

What are your favorite winter running items? 

Holiday Stocking Gift Guide

'Tis the season for gift guides. And since I love and adore lists of any kind, I wanted to put together a guide, too! But this one is slightly different -- it's a stocking gift guide. If you don't do stockings, then I feel sorry for you, because my favorite part of Christmas is reaching into a stocking and pulling out random little gifts. So, here are a few suggestions for how to fill the stockings of your loved ones.

Oiselle runfinity scarf or rundies

Oiselle runfinity scarf - $22 (source)

I ordered the runfinity scarf because (1) it's made of wicking material so I can use it to keep my neck warm on runs, (2) it's an infinity loop so there's no figuring out how to tie it in a casual-yet-cool way, and (3) STRIPES. I love stripes. Who doesn't love stripes? I'm wearing the scarf right now. It's amazing. Stuff it into a ball then put in the stocking.

Oiselle rundies - $65
(source)

I think these are the cutest things ever. If you're a runner and you like cute undies, how could you not love these? Ball each one up individually to fit into a stocking.

Nutritional Shake Powder

Pro tip: get the individual serving packets. It'd be hard to fit the whole bottle into a stocking. 
(source)

This one seems weird, I'll admit it. However, if you're related to someone who works out a lot, then there's no way they won't love and appreciate this gift. Protein shakes are a delicious and nutritious post-workout snack/meal, and any dedicated sweataholic will appreciate this. Since some brands taste horrible, I highly recommend Vega. I've never tasted a Vega flavor I didn't like!

Justin's Nut Butter (Vanilla Almond)

$9.99 at Whole Foods
(source)

Random? Taste it and tell me it doesn't belong on every holiday list ever. Sadly, the Vanilla Almond Butter is only at Whole Foods, but I think the Chocolate Almond Butter is found in many places, and it's also crazy good. This would make an awesome stocking stuffer. Or just a gift to show a person how much you love them because after tasting this, there can be no question. These also come in $0.99 single-serve packets that are also perfect for stockings.

Magazine subscription

$19.99 for 1 year subscription (but look for deals!)
(source)

Magazine subscriptions are easy to find deals on, and you can often order an annual subscription for someone for $10 or less. I just started getting Runner's World and really like it, but there are plenty of other magazines for the health-conscious -- Women's Health, Self, Health, Fitness, Shape, Oxygen, Running Times, Women's Running, etc. etc. etc.

Run fuel

On-the-go nutrition products make great stocking stuffers. They're not that expensive so you can stuff quite a few in! Nuun is great for hydrating for long runs (drop a tab into water and drink before or during a run). Clif shot gels are another kind of running nutrition. I find they're great pre-run but I have a hard time swallowing them when my mouth is slightly dry during a run. The chocolate or mocha flavors are my favorites -- they taste like frosting! I'm a big fan of Lara bars since they have a wonderfully short ingredient list and are pretty filling for a bar. My favorite flavors are apple pie, blueberry muffin, and peanut butter chocolate chip (extra protein).

Fun hair accessories

Kitsch hair ties - $9.99 for 5-pack
(source)

Sparkly Soul headbands - $15 for 3/8 inch, $17 for 5/8 inch
(source)

I love sparkly, colorful things for workout apparel, and this extends to my head. I've mentioned my love of Sparkly Soul headbands before, but not Kitsch hair ties, which are also super cute. These would be extra fun to wrap around some other stocking gift, like a protein bar or nut butter.

Classes at a favorite studio

This sort of qualifies as a regular gift (especially at NYC class prices), but gift cards can easily go into a stocking since they're small. If you know your loved one likes taking group fitness classes, then look into getting them a class or pack of classes. This kind of gift is especially appreciated after the holiday season! Jen-approved studios include Uplift Studios and Refine Method for cardio-strength-circuit workouts (Uplift has workout+wine classes!), Flywheel Sports for spinning, and Physique 57 for barre work.

Erica Sara Designs Say It Do It bracelet

$18 for brass (currently sold out), $32 for sterling silver, and $40 for gold fill
(source)

I love, love, love these. I got an Erica Sara Designs SIDI bracelet to motivate myself to a sub-2:00 half-marathon in the next six months and I wear it every day. It really is inspirational to see a note to yourself carved into metal on your wrist. And you can customize the engraving, the strap color, the metal, and the font! It's not often that you can make jewelry quite so personal. Again, a great stocking stuffer for a family member who you know has a fitness goal or likes external motivation.

Running socks

$10 for 1 pair
(source)

Laugh all you want at putting socks on a Christmas gift guide, but if I receive running socks in my stocking I will be thrilled. (That might just demonstrate the depths of my run-nerdiness) Proper running socks can help you avoid blisters, blackened toe nails, and other running ailments. I have a pair of Injinji socks that I bought after Dori recommended them and I wear them for every long run. I haven't developed any running shoe blisters since switching to special run socks for long runs!

Do you love stockings? What are your favorite stocking stuffers?

Studio Review: Refine Method

I finally got around to trying my second Refine Method class today! I met Dori for a 10:45 AM class this morning to give it a go when I wasn't semi-paralyzed from just running a half-marathon.

I've taken two classes at the Refine Method's Upper West Side studio, and I've really enjoyed both. An interesting feature of Refine is that each class is different from the last, but they all incorporate props and the pulley system on the wall, and they all revolve around the same basic building blocks of foam rolling to start, circuit-style exercise, and stretching at the end. There's a reason for that: "First, we focus on large movements, stoking the metabolism and stripping the fat. Then we move to targeted finishers to activate and attack the smaller problem areas, leaving an attractive, balanced physique" (source).

Brynn, the founder of Refine Method
(source)

That means that all areas of the body are targeted in each of the circuits, which are repeated at least two times and sometimes more. Today's class involved rows, chest presses, planks, box step-ups (these scare the shit out of me -- I'm always afraid I'll fall off and kill myself!), box squats with kettlebells, planks, and lunges with kettlebells. For the cardio parts, we did jumping jacks, pretend jump roping, and sprinted with high knees in place.

the pulley system used in classes
(source)

Classes are not too large, since the number of students is limited to the number of pulley systems, which I think is around 20 or so in the room. That means the instructor can really get around and help with form, which I found necessary on some of the work using the pulleys since I was new to the class.

My first love for these kind of cardio-strength interval circuit classes is still Uplift Studios, since I know and love the ladies there, but Refine Method is going to be a wonderful option for me when I can't make it down to Gramercy. I bought a $80-for-4-class pack that's available for new clients, and I'm looking forward to the three classes I have left!

Length - 1 hour
Cost - $32 (50% off your first class)
Location - Upper West Side (117 W 72nd St between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues, next to Juice Generation). There are also locations on the Upper East Side and in Union Square, although the US location is closed for now due to Hurricane Sandy damage.
Skill Level - Anyone, the classes are measured by time not reps so you could do as little or as much as you're capable of.

My Favorite Things: Starbucks edition

Quick Weekend Update
I had a nice weekend of exercise and catching up with friends from out of town. I also got a glorious 11 hours of sleep Saturday when someone super sweet suggested that he sleep on the couch with the pets so that nothing could disturb me for an entire night (I'm a light sleeper, so our pets tend to wake me up fairly frequently, and it's been rough lately).

there was still snow on the ground on Friday!

After a gorgeous 5 mile run on Friday, I got myself gussied up and we headed down to meet friends from undergrad at a new restaurant on the Lower East Side, Cata. I was really surprised by how much is already up and running, since I know how many areas of Staten Island and most of the Rockaways are basically still a disaster zone. However, the Lower East Side appears to be mostly recovered, and restaurants there could very much use your support! Subways aren't 100% but it wasn't much of a hassle to get down there after we checked service alerts to know what subways weren't running normally.

(source)

If you like tapas, you'll love Cata, which has really great Spanish small plates. Also a huge range of gin and tonics (not my drink of choice so I stuck to a glass of cava). After a delicious dinner, we saw a stand-up show at the Upright Citizens Brigade, dropped by a bar to watch the last quarter of the Knicks win against the Mavericks (4-0 to start the season! Go Knicks!), then caught a late showing of the new James Bond movie, Skyfall. It's a fun action movie, and really beautifully filmed, but guys, the plot... I'll just point you to Vulture's attempt to break down the evil genius's plan. Obviously that's part of the whole Bond franchise -- ridiculously convoluted evil plots -- but this one especially was ridiculous.

dark restaurant = ghostly me

After too few hours of sleep, I met up with my friend Hana who was visiting for the weekend. Our plans were unfortunately changed because we couldn't get to the early class we planned on due to subways not running as we'd expected. Still, it ended up nicely since we got to have a long lunch at Le Pain Quotidien. We were seated across from some ladies talking about how lucky their friend was for marrying the man she did, because if she'd married some other guy she'd be pregnant with the baby of someone unimportant, and how terrible would that be? I just have to preserve that conversation for posterity, because... really? Really?

the interior of the Barry's Bootcamp Tribeca location
(source)

Anyway, after lunch we tried Barry's Bootcamp. My feelings basically mirror Hana's, which is why I'm just going to link to her review. I think I'd go back occasionally but don't see it being a major part of my fitness routine. I didn't have an "instantly in love" feeling like I did with Uplift Studios, Strala Yoga, or Physique 57.

My Favorite Things: Starbucks!
I love Starbucks. I know, a white blonde girl who likes Starbucks? How original! But I do, I love Starbucks. They have a magnetic pull on me. Whenever I'm out walking Mason with Sourabh and I see one, it's like a force field pulling me in to spend $5 on a cup of soy milk in a cute cup...

But seriously, I love Starbucks for more than their fancy drinks and holiday cups. In fact, I don't even like the fancy drinks all that much (but I DO love those holiday cups). My favorite part of Starbucks is actually the fact that I can reliably get something healthy there when I'm rushing around or traveling. Running errands and need a snack? Pick up a KIND bar and banana. Starbucks has really stepped up their healthy food options in the past year, and these are some of my favorite picks.

Starbucks Perfect Oatmeal

"hearty, 100% whole-grain oatmeal"
(source)

I love oatmeal. Starbucks has oatmeal. Enough said? Ok, well not quite... it's important to note that if you add all the toppings, the 140 calories quickly climbs up a lot higher. However, this is a great breakfast option because who doesn't have a Starbucks close by? Perfect if you're leaving for an early flight or slept past your alarm (because you totally budget in time to make yourself breakfast every morning, right??).

Protein Bistro Box

"cage-free egg, white Cheddar cheese, honey peanut butter, multigrain muesli bread, apples and grapes."
(source)

I always like putting together a plate of different items when I make lunch for myself, so this basically does the job for me. Lots of protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and some fruit make this a nice lunch option. And at 380 calories, it can definitely serve as a small lunch.

Goat Cheese and Garden Veggies Bistro Box

"vegetable medley served with goat cheese, tzatziki dip and cranberry almond crackers"
(source)

This one is better as a snack than the protein box, given that it's 220 calories and wouldn't be super filling. I generally don't eat much dairy, but I make an exception for goat cheese because, well.... if you like goat cheese, that's self-explanatory, right? (And if you don't, who are you??)

Spinach & Feta Breakfast Wrap

"a wheat wrap filled with cage-free egg white, spinach, feta cheese and tomatoes."
(source)

I got roughly four hours of sleep last night because I was up reading Gone Girl. Crazy addicting (also, crazy people). Good vacation read for sure. Anyway, I just wasn't up for making myself lunch, so I grabbed one of these on the way home from my morning class. I love these as a warm, filling small meal. At 290 calories, it's perfect paired with a piece of fruit.

Roasted Vegetable Panini

"roasted zucchini, eggplant, and red peppers with baby spinach and provolone cheese on focaccia bread"
(source)

This is probably my least favorite of the things on this list, just because it's white bread and the cheese can feel a tad bit gummy. However, it's still tasty and is filled with veggies, so it's a good option for when you're craving a sandwich for lunch. And at under 350 calories with 13 grams of protein, it should keep you pretty full!

REMEMBER TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY FOR SANDY RELIEF!!

What's your favorite Starbucks food or drink item? 
Have you tried Barry's Bootcamp? What'd you think?

Cheribundi Review & Giveaway + Sandy Fundraiser

I am SO excited to announce my first giveaway and fundraiser! Read on for a review of cheribundi's delicious tart cherry juices and a chance to win a 12-pack -- and to help victims of Hurricane Sandy!

Cheribundi
After my half-marathon, my quads were very sore. Two loops of the Central Park road and its many, many hills left them destroyed. I tweeted at cheribundi, asking where I could find their cherry juice, and they were very helpful, telling me exactly where in my local Whole Foods I could find their products. I snagged one, loved it, and thanked them for their help.

The reason I was looking for tart cherry juice was that, according to health studies, tart cherry juice is "an excellent and natural way to help minimize muscle soreness." (source) For particularly strenuous exercise, it should be taken both before and after the event that is likely to cause soreness.

A few days later, cheribundi reached out and asked if I'd like a case of all their flavors to review. Um, free delicious cherry juice? Yes, please! About a week later, it arrived at my apartment. Unfortunately, I was still stuck in Washington State due to Hurricane Sandy, so I couldn't get my hands on the juice until I got back on November 1.

I immediately started trying out the different kinds of juices. I've mentioned before that I don't like to review things that I don't like. If I am offended by a shop's service or find a workout to be dangerous in some way, I would likely mention it, but I'm not going to dedicate a post to putting down a product, gym, or store simply because I didn't like it.

With that said, I was so happy that I honestly liked all of the juices and could happily write a review of cheribundi's products.

Here's what cheribundi has to say about its products:
Our proprietary juicing process, which was developed with Cornell University, bottles all of the good nutrients of tart cherries rather than boil them away. The phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals in cheribundi will keep you feeling great and living life to the fullest. After our cherries are harvested, they're processed gently so that when you drink cheribundi it's like eating the cherries straight off the tree. Our juice is never from concentrate, cheribundi is all-natural and orchard-fresh tasting.

Our Tru Cherry juice packs fifty cherries into a short 8oz bottle. (We know because we counted them.) From there we add just enough water and apple juice to make it palate-perfect. Of course, to create the benefits of Skinny Cherry we decrease the cherries slightly and sweeten with natural Stevia. To get the benefits of Whey Cherry into a bottle, we add whey protein.

Our tart cherries are harvested at the peak of ripeness to capture as much of the bright cherry color as possible. They taste better and have more powerful phytonutrients than other superfruits. That includes the trendy pomegranate, the acai berry, grapes or blueberries. Rich with nutrients, tart cherries can help you recover from exercise, sleep better, and in general, live life to the fullest because you feel better. The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity rating for cheribundi is higher than other juices - that means our juice has a better ability to absorb and neutralize free radicals.

The Review

This is my favorite of the cheribundi flavors. It's 130 calories of deliciously sweet and sour tart cherry juice. There's a bit of apple juice to cut the sourness of the cherries, but it's purely cherry and apple juice.

I also really liked the Skinny Cherry, although its taste is not quite as intense; it's 65% juice because it uses stevia to naturally sweeten and water to cut the calories to 90.

 

I love a good ginger kick in my juice, so I also am a big fan of the ginger cherry juice. Again, it's 100% juice -- cherry, apple, and ginger juice. I love the spicy edge that the ginger adds to the normal tang of the cherry juice.

This protein-enhanced juice is a great post-workout drink since it adds protein for muscle building to the muscle recovery benefits of tart cherry juice. The drink is slightly grainy tasting because of the whey protein, but the tastiness of the cherry juice compensates for it.

Confession: I don't love chocolate. Don't get me wrong, I can get down with a great flourless chocolate cake, and I'm never going to turn down a fudgy brownie (I will, in fact, inhale it), but chocolate isn't my favorite flavor ever. So I just didn't love this drink. The cacao adds a nice depth to the juice, but it still has that slightly grainy taste that the whey cherry has without the benefit of 8 grams of protein. If you're a chocolate lover I'd try this one out, but for me it just wasn't my favorite.

I have definitely noticed less muscle soreness since I started drinking these. Call it the placebo effect, but it seems to be working! Plus, they're a great natural dessert because I love the sweet and sour taste as a close to my meal.

The Fundraiser
The recovery from Hurricane Sandy is ongoing. The destruction was horrific and very, very real. I know we tend to think the news media overplays things in order to gain viewership, but having seen candid photos from friends and fellow bloggers, the devastation in many areas was absolutely terrible. If you've read posts from bloggers like Megan or Ashley, natives of Staten Island and New Jersey, respectively, then you know how bad it is. Our fellow citizens need our help.

I've donated to a local organization and the Red Cross, but I would like to give more to support Hurricane Sandy victims. I feel so incredibly lucky that my little New York family escaped Sandy unscathed.

After speaking with Megan and Ashley, I settled on two local organizations to which I'll donate the proceeds of this giveaway. I am going to donate half of the total amount raised to the Stephen Siller Foundation, a local Staten Island organization, and half to the New Jersey Relief Fund.

The Giveaway
Cheribundi has generously offered to give another pack full of their delicious juices to the winner of my giveaway, so you can taste the different types and decide on your favorite as well. Here's how the giveaway will work:

• (1) You get one entry simply by commenting on this post and answering the question, "do you have a favorite pre- or post-workout snack or drink?"
• (2) You can get one additional entry if you tweet about this giveaway and comment with your tweet and Twitter handle here.
• Please tweet: "I just entered a #giveaway to win a 12-pack of @cheribundi from @jensbestlife and helped donate to #SandyRelief http://bit.ly/YL8M4m"
• (3) You can help, too!! You'll get extra entries for donating to my fundraising page!
• 1 additional entry for donating $5
• 2 entries for donating $10
• 3 entries for donating $15
• 4 entries for donating $20
• 5 entries for donating $25

Here's how you're helping just by leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!

• I'll match each entry dollar for dollar, up to $50 for the first 50 individual entries. 
• My parents have been kind enough to agree to match this amount, for a maximum donation of $100 from us. 
• REMEMBER: you can still enter if there are more than 50 individual entries. I simply won't match your entry with $1.

Please note -- the beneficiary is "me" because I cannot split the funds between two organizations otherwise. Rest assured that I will donate half the funds to both organizations and will post a screen cap of the donation receipt once I make the donations so you know nothing shady is happening.

The winner will be randomly chosen after the giveaway closes on November 14, 2012, giving you a week to enter!

Question: do you have a favorite pre- or post-workout drink or snack?

I was not compensated for this post by Cheribundi. I received only a free pack of their juices to review. All opinions are my own.

My Favorite Things: Skin Care Products

Inspired by Oprah, I've decided to do a list of my favorite things. I know y'all hang on my every word just like you would Oprah's, so I expect sales of these products to skyrocket.

First up: skin care. I care a lot about taking care of my skin. It's your largest organ! My mom has terrific skin, which makes her look a lot younger than her 62 years. I've been taking care of my skin since I was about 13, but it's even more important now that I live on the East Coast given how cold and blistery New York winters can be (and New Hampshire winters, where I went to undergrad, were even worse).

see? great skin! 

I tend to buy clothes from a combination of Joe Fresh, H&M, J.Crew Factory, Banana Republic sales, and Ann Taylor Loft. Nothing too expensive (I covet the full price J.Crew sweater I bought a year ago). But when it comes to my skin, I try to invest in good skincare products, even if they cost a bit more. So here's what I use on a daily basis, with the caveat that for the best skin, perhaps the most important thing you can do is eat a healthy diet!

from left: Philosophy's Purity face wash and Hope in a Jar for Dry Skin moisturizer, Dermalogica's Skin Prep Scrub exfoliator, Clinique's All About Eyes Rich eye cream, Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock (SPF 55) and Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Moisturizer, and Almay's Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover pads

I've used all these products long enough that I feel 100% confident in recommending them, although obviously different products are best for different skin types. With my dryish skin, living in Northeast weather, these are the products I like to use.

Mornings
After consulting with the wonderful Front Street Spa back home in Lynden, WA, several years ago, I was told to wash my face less. I have dry skin, so washing it too frequently causes too much oil production and clogs pores that are tighter because my skin is dry. So, I wash my face at night and just rinse it with cold water in the morning.

Once I've rinsed in the morning, I use Neutrogena's Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Moisturizer for my face and neck (the neck shows your age typically because we forget to take care of it). I then dab on the Clinique All About Eyes Rich eye cream. I love how creamy it feels, and I credit it with my lack of dark circles under my eyes despite my pale skin. Once my moisturizers are on, I apply the sunscreen. I am extremely vigilant about wearing sunscreen and try to remember to apply it to my decollete as well since that's another area that can easily burn, leading to sunspots later on in life (or worse, cancer).

Evenings
At night, I take off my eye makeup using Almay's makeup remover pads, which I love. They're a recent discovery, but they do a great job of taking off eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara. I then wash my face with Philosophy's Purity.

I'm currently using a Clarisonic Mia brush to wash my face with the face wash at night, which I bought using credit card reward points to Sephora. However, I've only been using it for three weeks or so and I'm not 100% sold on it yet, so I can't recommend it fully. I like the way it feels, but I've also broken out a bit. I've heard that this can happen in the first few weeks, and it's also changing seasons in New York, going from humid to dry, which can cause breakouts. Since I'm not sure what exactly is up with my skin, I'm going to reserve judgment for now and report back later.

Twice a week I exfoliate after washing my face, using Dermalogica's Skin Prep exfoliator. Exfoliating is very important for dry skin since it gets rid of dead skin cells (gross, I know) and prevents breakouts while keeping your skin looking glowy and fresh.

Finally, I spread on my Philosophy Hope in a Jar Dry Skin moisturizer as my night cream and then dab on eye cream again for the evening. I much prefer the smell of the dry skin moisturizer; both the boy and I dislike the smell of Philosophy's regular Hope in a Jar moisturizer (to paraphrase him after kissing my cheek once: "ew.")

What skin products do you use and love? Are you a skin care fanatic, too? 

Anniversary Weekend Recap & Weekly Goals: Post-Half-Marathon

Today is my boyfriend and my four year anniversary! We've been dating since our junior year of college. We became friends when we were both on the debate team -- obviously we were the coolest kids around -- and started dating a few months later. It's been a really great four years. I both can't believe that it's been that long and can't believe we were never together! We both feel so lucky to be with someone who inspires us to be our best. (Sappy, I know, I promise I'm not normally so gooey)

Last year, we found deeply discounted tickets for a flight to London online and did a whirlwind 4 day long weekend there to celebrate.

on the London Eye

It was so much fun, but not something we could repeat this year since he's now in his first year of law school, which is a crazy busy time. Instead we decided to do a traditional "dinner and a movie" date night.


Dinner and a Movie

Mexican is my favorite cuisine. I love Indian and Middle Eastern food, but I could literally eat Mexican every night for the rest of my life and be happy. Sourabh suggested we go to one of my favorite Mexican spots in the city, Hecho en Dumbo. They mainly do small plates, but they also have a five-course "Chef's Table" prix fixe menu for $60. If you live in New York, then you know that a $60 prix fixe five-course menu is actually a steal. 

The Chef's Table prix fixe menu sets you up at a bar looking into the kitchen so you can see all the food being made. I thought this was so fun since I like to cook. The kitchen is pretty quiet, so it's not like you can't have a conversation, it just makes for a fun added feature to your experience.

the chef's table bar
(source)

I didn't take pictures because the dim lighting in Hecho en Dumbo, which makes it a great date spot, also makes it impossible to take a good picture!

Besides the main five courses, the prix fixe menu also included four little dishes "compliments of the chef," including tacos, corn with queso fresco, and delicious truffles.  The tacos were practically a course by themselves! The chef's table menu emphasizes "fresh seafood, local meats and seasonal ingredients." The menu changes seasonally, but right now it's made up of crema langosta (lobster soup), an avocado and chickpea salad, a seared jumbo scallop, quail with a mole poblano sauce (I gave my quail to Sourabh), and a sour cream panna cotta. Again, those were just the official courses -- there were also four extra mini courses!

see? perfect for a date night!
(source)

The typical small plates are composed of tacos, sopes (corn masa medallions with black bean puree on top and then various toppings), and melted cheese dishes. I love their small plates since they have a lot of vegetarian and seafood options in addition to the typical beef and pork, but it was great to try their fancier menu. We were both really happy with our dinner.

We wanted to see Argo after dinner, but the 9:00 PM showing was sold out so we bought tickets for 9:40 PM and decided to make a detour to an ice cream shop I've been wanting to get to forever: Big Gay Ice Cream Shop on East 7th.

the menu and a giant unicorn mural

Oh man, this place was SO good. I was pretty stuffed from dinner but couldn't say no to splitting a fabulous Monday Sundae (twisted fro yo in a Nutella-lined cone with dulce de leche, sea salt, and whipped cream). If you're in the East Village and looking for an indulgence (or to scandalize some visiting relatives) then this is a great spot.

We got to the theater early and snagged great seats for Argo, which we both liked a lot. The film is set during the Iranian Hostage Criss, and it's about the rescue of six U.S. embassy workers who escaped from the U.S. embassy then hid in the Canadian ambassador's home. Without being very violent (the R rating is really for language), the film managed to create a palpable feeling of tension and really made a 30-year old revolution seem real. The film is even more relevant given the recent protests and storming of embassies in the Middle East. It was a great date night movie!

Tonight I made us a nice dinner at home since it was our actual anniversary. We sat down to a later-than-expected dinner after cheering the Patriots on to an overtime win over the Jets. I know, I know, the Patriots? Sorry guys, the boy is a huge Pats fan, and he needed the win after the loss to my Seahawks last week. Too bad the Seahawks couldn't have beaten the 49ers on Thursday, especially after I wore my Seahawks jersey to school and taught a TA session in it...

just got the flowering chinese lanterns -- so pretty and fall-like! 

Anyway, some delicious hard apple cider complemented crab cake-stuffed mushroom caps (courtesy of Whole Foods) and roasted fingerling potatoes and brussels sprouts. It was a nice Sunday meal and a sweet little celebration after last night's night out.


Recap of last week
I didn't post any goals for last week because I really wanted to take it one step at a time and see how I felt since my quads were SUPER sore after my half-marathon. I still got in several great workouts: I did a fun Refine Method class hosted by Dori at their new Upper West Side studio, worked out with my trainer Amanda, tried a 30/30 class of spinning and TRX at Pedal NYC, got stretched out at Ashley's second yoga for runners class (this time taught by Sarra Morton), and ran almost 5 miles today.

On my run today, I bumped into Abby in Riverside Park. Since I was just trying to get out and run with no goals in mind, I turned around to run a few miles to head back uptown with her at the end of her long run. She helped me push my pace on the last two miles and it was great to run with someone on such a gorgeous day.


This week's goals
Ok, enough of the gooey anniversary talk. Let's talk exercise! Now that my half-marathon is over, I don't have a structure to my weekly workouts, and I'm just looking to include strength training with some short and longer runs. I also want to continue to make yoga a priority and finally commit to speedwork to increase my pace in future half-marathons (which I'm still on the hunt for).

I'm flying home to Washington State on Thursday to visit my family, so I'm going to be doing some different things, like a trail run! I'm so excited since I've never done one before. I just hope the weather is clear enough that I'm not doing a mud run.

- 3 runs, including a trail run in Washington and a race up in Vancouver, BC
- 3 strength workouts
- 2 yoga classes, including one taught by my Dad (he's a part-time yoga instructor!)

Any suggestions for half-marathons I should consider running? What's your favorite race you've ever run?

Class Review: Warrior Fight Club at Uplift Studios with Amanda

(source)

I am not cool. I am never the first to know about the best new band and half the time I don't know what people on Twitter are saying (seriously, there are too many acronyms out there people). The fact that I had heard of Arcade Fire before they won a Grammy was a rare brush with being "in the know" that has rarely been repeated.

Well, today I got to feel like I was in on an awesome secret before anyone else. I headed down to Uplift Studios (remember, that place I'm obsessed with?) so that I could take a demo class of Uplift's new Warrior Fight Club class taught by Amanda Rose Walsh. The class is a blend of yoga and boxing and it is fantastic.

Class Format
Since it was a demo, some things will change, but the basic form should stay the same. The class starts with roughly 15 minutes of yoga to warm you up and open your shoulders. Since it's a yoga class by Amanda, it involves a lot of chaturangas (yoga push-ups), warriors one and two, and down dogs. The fact that your muscles are warm and limbered up is great because it means you're much less likely to over-extend on one of the many punches you'll be throwing later on.

Amanda was the 2008 New York Golden Gloves Boxing Champion so she has some serious boxing experience (source)

For the next 30 minutes, we boxed. Boxing occurs in rounds, 2 minutes each, with short 30-45 second rest intervals when you can grab some water, wipe away the waterfall of sweat pouring off your forehead, or pass out on your mat. The boxing portion started with shadow boxing without gloves while facing the mirror, so Amanda could demonstrate and correct form as she circled the room. Next, gloves came on and different punches were called while Amanda circled with boxing mitts for us to hit.

The class then broke into stations, moving from one to another after 2 minute rounds, involving a shadow boxing station where women touched gloves (going for speed rather than strength), a core and jump rope station, and a punching bag station (going for strength).

After the break-out intervals, we went back to facing the mirror, alternating punches with burpees, jump squats, push ups, etc. By the end of the boxing session I was dripping sweat and my mat was drenched (thankfully Uplift has a mandatory clean-your-mat policy post-class!).

Finally, class concluded with 10 minutes of restorative yoga poses and a shivasana. Concluding such a high energy class with yoga was a great ending because it allowed for a bit of reflection post-sweat session that you don't normally get, in addition to feeling less tensed up than you normally would after punching things for an hour!

Random Notes
The energy level is super high and infectious. I'm not much of a cheering person, but by the end of the boxing portion, I was woot-ing it up along with the other women, cheering on whoever was hitting Amanda's mitts.

I love the feeling of empowerment that boxing gives me, and that's only multiplied by boxing at a women's studio where the focus is on women and strength-building. During shivasana at the very end, as we were winding down, Amanda reminded us to keep the feelings of confidence and empowerment we felt while punching as we exited the studio. Being forced to reflect on the strength we'd just demonstrated in the last few minutes of class felt like bringing the class full-circle.

Bottom Line
I cannot recommend this class enough! It combines the kick-ass cardio and strength workout of boxing with the strengthening and lengthening of yoga to achieve feelings of calmness and empowerment that I don't feel after most classes, even if they're otherwise totally awesome. Go now (and be the one bragging to your friends about how you totally knew about the new fitness trend before they did).

Facts:
Class - Warrior Fight Club
Site Description - Warrior Fight Club is the only class in NYC that combines a kick-ass boxing workout with strengthening/toning yoga poses. Taught by our amazing instructor Amanda (did we mention she's a Golden Gloves boxing champion?), the class will move you through a challenging vinyasa flow, followed by high-intensity boxing-style cardio with heavy bag training, focus mitts, core work and calisthenics. Class finishes with a closing yoga sequence to give your burning muscles an amazing stretch and ensure a proper cool down. 

Instructor - Amanda Rose Walsh
Length - 55 minutes
Cost - $32 (newbies are half price for their first class)
Location - Gramercy (23rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues)
Skill Level - Open to all! Amanda will help you perfect your boxing form and none of the yoga poses are difficult to get into.

Studio Review: Uplift Studios - Get Uplifted!!

Confession: I am in love with Uplift Studios.

Located on West 23rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues in Gramercy, this women-only fitness studio has amazing instructors, killer classes (seriously, 3 days later and I'm still sore from Chelsea's Uplifting class), and a wonderful female-empowerment atmosphere. The whole philosophy of Uplift is that fitness and fun go hand-in-hand. The studio is set up so that you can hang out before or after a workout, chatting over complimentary snacks and beverages with other students and the studio founders.

space for personal training or pre-/post-class workouts (source) 

I first heard about Uplift through my trainer, Amanda, who was teaching yoga classes there. Since the studio had just opened, they had some great deals on classes, and I decided to try it out. I'm so, so happy that I did. Every class I've taken has been wonderful and, even better, each time I go there I feel like I'm entering a community of fun, fit, awesome women.

"You're only one workout away from a good mood!" SO TRUE. 

Uplift has inspirational quotes written on glass and mirrors all around the studio. It's the kind of girly touch that makes me smile as I get ready for class and shower after. Oh, and did I mention the gorgeous locker room that has complimentary Malin & Goetz products, dry shampoo, mouth wash, and everything you could possibly need to make yourself presentable for work, a date, etc.??

everything you need to make yourself presentable after sweating enough to create a small lake on your mat (source) 

And you need those products since the classes are HARD. Seriously, I am in good cardio and strength shape, and I am always sore after an Uplift class. The 55 or 30 minute classes are mostly a mix of cardio and strength training intervals, with some pilates, yoga, barre, and other options mixed in. Word on the street (AKA weekly email from Uplift) that even more options will be added this fall. Classes are small enough that you feel motivated to not be the slacker and instructors can provide individual attention and adjustments.

I've taken various classes with four of the instructors and all of them have been wonderfully encouraging and tough. Not to start on body image issues or anything, but I have to say that one thing I love about Uplift is that the instructors are all really strong, toned women. No fear of strength-training here! Muscle tone is sexy and clearly Uplift's instructors know it.

Uplift's Raise the Bar workout+wine classes featured in Self Magazine! (source) 

A lot of the press Uplift has gotten is about its Raise the Bar classes, which consist of a regular class followed by wine tastings, visits to a neighboring bar, etc. These classes are the embodiment of Uplift's overall philosophy: balance in all things, including fitness and socializing. Plus, it's a great way to meet other professional women who are into fitness. On my first visit, I found out that one of the founders, Helena, had spent two years as an attorney at the law firm I'm going to be working at once I graduate law school. She put me in contact with some friends there and it was a great introduction to my new firm.

the gorgeous founders of Uplift: Katie, Helena, and Leanne (source) 

Ok, yes, maybe I have a girl crush on the entire studio, one of those "I want to be like them when I grow up" feelings, despite technically being grown up already. If you're looking for an awesome workout (or a great yoga class) and a different fitness experience, you have to get to Gramercy and try out Uplift Studios. I think it adds something new and wonderful to the New York fitness scene for women.