Winter in the city

Ahh, Christmas time in the city. Does it get any better than this?

It's my very first winter in the Big Apple and, so far, it's off to a freezing start. What used to be those "ridiculous, long puffer jackets" that I'd refuse to buy, have quickly turned into my second half. A beautiful invention. With temps dipping into the 20s and quite a strong wind chill, this Virginia girl is constantly chilled (and bundled). You know what frightens me the most? When making small talk with my local deli/coffee man, he continues to say "oh, this is nothing." Great. Looks like I'll be investing in a mobile heater this season. 

Aside from the chill, NYC has been a complete dream. I feel like I'm living in a real-life snow globe. During this time of year, the city completely transforms into a winter wonderland. There are Christmas trees being sold on every block, decorative storefronts, ice skating rinks and festive villages — it's all so exciting. The other day, I even heard carolers passing by. Who would've thought New Yorkers could be so cheerful? I'll take it! Since there's so much to do/see in the city at this time of the year, I figured I'd share a few of my faves (so far). With a couple weeks left until Christmas, and New Years around the corner, I'm sure I'll run into plenty more activities. For now, this will have to do. 

1. SantaCon. I'd always heard about NYC SantaCon and it's always been on the top of my list. What is SantaCon? Basically, the city turns into a population of Santa Claus wannabes. From full-fledged Santa suites, to festive sweaters and accessories, you're constantly surrounded by holiday cheer. Although this year's SantaCon has come and gone, feel free to still throw on a hat or antlers. Nobody seems to judge here. 

2. Rockefeller Tree. Even if it tends to be extremely crowded, how could it not make it on my list? The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is remarkable. It's huge and decorated perfectly. While you're there, look toward Saks for a surprise show on the building. I promise, you're never too old for this light show!

3. Rolf's. Once you've checked out the tree, head on over to Rolf's for some real holiday cheer. Pictures won't do this gem justice, you'll just have to see it yourself. Decked in endless hanging ornaments and lights, your face will light up as soon as you walk through those cozy doors. If you're a super Christmas elf, its beauty may even bring a tear to your eye (cough, mom, cough).

4. Christmas Villages. One of my favorite parts of the city right now are the villages that pop-up everywhere. Two good ones: Bryant Park and Union Square. Both are filled with gift-able crafts and yummy noms. If you're at the Bryan Park village, be sure to hit up the fried pickle booth for a pickle stickle. And the ice skating rink. But mostly the fried pickles.

5. Hockey. Never have I ever been to an ice hockey game until this month. Now, I can say I've been to two — Go Rangers! If you get a chance to make it to a game, do. They're a blast to watch (near or far from the ice) and the fans are amazing. 

6. Macy's. Can't forget about Macy's! Each year, they always have the most amazing and festive windows that tell a story. If you can brave the crowd to see the "Believe" sign, check out the storefront and do some mean shopping, be sure to add Macy's to your NYC trip list. 

7. Any coffee or diner. I love spending my wintry weekend mornings tucked away in a coffee shop - I try to test out a new spot each week. With that being said, I can honestly say that they're all great. Type in "coffee shop" on your iPhone Maps and head that way. Though I have yet to give it a go, try out Ralph's (above Ralph Lauren). It's known for it's cozy and totally Instagram-able atmosphere. After, take a stroll through the park — I still can't wait to see it all beautified in a blanket of snow!

It's a quick list for sure, but it's a solid one. According to my deli man, the season hasn't even really started. That said, I'm looking forward to the adventures to come (even if that means freezing-er temps). There's always something to get into in this city and I know the wintry fun has just begun! 

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Hip hop music + hot yoga

What do hip-hop music and hot yoga have in common? Absolutely nothing.

 

This past week I attended my first Y7 class — a workout class that combines the above polar opposites — and let me say, it was pretty darn fun. 

I've heard about this workout before, but was certainly unsure what to expect. Yes, I'm the first to bust a move to any dance music and I've always enjoyed hot yoga, still, the two together were hard to picture. Willing and excited (with an extra push from a trendy friend), I registered. 

After walking up about four flights of stairs, we arrived at the kingdom itself, Y7. The studio was outlined with lit candles and exposed brick walls. Immediately, I was obsessed. We claimed our spots with our mats and chatted about life until the instructor arrived. Soon, Drake was blasting through the candlelit, 90 degree studio. Ahh, here we go. 

The class consisted of three vinyasa flows. After we learned one flow, we went through it three times at different paces: slow, quick and to the music, and freestyle (at whatever pace we wanted). A few downward dogs in, I was drenched. Still, I managed to be that girl singing along to the music. Shockingly, I even laughed a few times — Drake songs are funny, y'all.

All in all, it was an awesome class. Even after a long day of work, when I didn't think I had anything energy left, the class was able to wake me up. 10 out of 10, highly recommend. 

Benefits of Hot Yoga + Music: 

1. Hot yoga & strength/flexibility. Holding challenging poses in a heated room increases your body's heart rate, making you work harder. This results in increased muscle strength. The heated class room temps also loosen muscle fascia, thin tissue encompassing the muscles, allowing the body to enter a deeper stretch and increase overall flexibility.

2. Hot yoga & detox. Something I learned from a previous instructor is that full-body twists not only increase blood flow (once you detangle), but allow your body to detox. What is "detoxing?" Detoxing means to cleanse the blood - expelling impurities from blood present in the liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs and even the skin.

3. Hot yoga & clear skin. A hot yoga class makes you sweat. A lot. But! As you sweat, you're getting rid of unwanted toxins from the pores of your face. This leaves your skin feeling refreshed and crystal clear. 

4. Music & dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that regulates your emotional responses. Also known as the "feel good" transmitter. As music starts to play, dopamine is triggered and released. The result? A happier you (who is ready to break it down).

5. Music & cortisol. While dopamine levels rise, cortisol levels lower — both are great results. Cortisol is commonly associated with stress. Boo. So, no, you don't want it increased. Luckily, it's been found that music helps to lower this hormone. Turn on some tunes and get ready to relax.

6. Music & workout endurance. I'm sure you and your iPhone have figured this one out already. Music boosts your overall workout endurance. Vibrations from sound waves flow through your ears and into your brain's nerves, turning pulses into movement. Because of this, your body naturally changes pace based on a song's BPM. To maximize your workout, pick songs with the appropriate BPM — check out this chart for reference. 

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Rainy day reads

It's another dreary day here in NYC and, honestly, I don't mind it one bit.

I've been fairly productive this rainy weekend. Catching up on some overdue workout time, working on self-projects, and running errands to beautify my cozy apartment — all things I keep brushing aside. Yes, I've also made sure to schedule some extreme lounging/Netflix sessions (new New Girl episodes are up, guys). Sometimes you really need time to relax and regroup — this is one of those times. 

Other than completing those common weekend tasks, I made time to dive into a new book, "Power Your Happy." It's a wonderful read for us ambitious individuals and will certainly fuel your fire. Because I've always enjoyed researching/planning my next career steps (even if it's way far out on my timeline), stumbling across this book was perfect for me. I love learning about different career paths and how current CEO's, as well as my other "#GirlBoss idols," got to where they are now. It's inspiring.

"Power Your Happy" was written by Lisa Sugar, the founder of the super fun and well-known site called POPSUGAR. The tone of the book is very real and down-to-earth. It's as if Lisa and I are having a coffee-mentor-sesh every time I flip open that front cover. (Lisa, if you're reading this, I wouldn't be against a real life coffee meet up.) Lisa's words are very wise and promising — making me feel that with an undeniable passion and a strong work ethic, anything is possible. While she writes an overview about her life and her company's background, she also includes great career and life advice — "work hard, play nice" and "never be above learning and gaining experience" are just a couple. Bottom line, "Power Your Happy" is a great read. One that'll likely hit home, especially to my twenty-something readers. There's happiness all around us; learn what powers your own.

Enjoy your day!

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Life + Adulting 2.0

Is it really October already?

It feels like just yesterday I was walking across that college graduation stage. Never would I have imagined I'd be where I am right now. A full-fledged New Yorker. Since my last life post, I've settled in a little bit more. My apartment is coming together quite lovely, my sense of city direction is getting better each day, and I've become a pro at the subway (don't quote me on that). 

The experiences I've had these past four months have been unlike anything else I've ever done or seen. From New York Fashion Week, the Hamptons, and my first Yankees game, to breathtaking rooftop views and just soaking up the city's bustling energy — It's been a crazy-cool few months. Not to mention, I've met some wonderful people along the way. Friendships that I'm extremely grateful to have and who make the transition 10 times easier.  

I still tend to be homesick often and always miss my loved ones. It's tough starting a new chapter, especially in a big city. Thank goodness for FaceTime. Luckily, my weeks keep me busy, leaving little time to focus on being away. The best part? Getting to show family and friends around my city when they come to visit.  

Like this weekend. My momma flew up and my brother took the train into NYC. It was a very fun-filled weekend. Together, we knocked off a few items from my bucket list, including trying local eats, running a half marathon in the city, and finding new shopping areas in SoHo. En route to our semi-pre-planned agenda, we stumbled upon plenty of unplanned gems too. It never fails to be a great trip when the family is in town!





I'm excited to see what the next four months will hold and where my adventures will take me. I'm up for anything and have a long NYC bucket list to complete. In the meantime, I'll continue to stay true to myself, while I reach a little bit closer to my dreams.

Thank you for reading! 

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13.1 Tips for running a half marathon

Today was the quintessential New York Saturday.

The day began around 10:00am. If you know me, you know this is late and highly unusual. From there, the Keurig was revved and my morning oats were berry-bedazzled. Sure signs of a great day ahead. After lounging in my cozy studio for a bit, I threw on my Asics for a little seven miler. While running has always been my favorite form of exercise, this run was mostly in preparation for a half marathon next weekend. It's my first NYC half, y'all. The best part? My brother is taking a train into the city to run it beside me! 

While I've completed a few half marathons in my day, I'm most excited for this one. It's cheap, simple, in the middle of Central Park, and for a wonderful cause — to beat cancer. Not to mention, perfect timing. Hello, Fall. 

If you've always wanted to run a half marathon, why not do it? You may even find 13.1 to be your new favorite distance...

13.1 Tips for running a half marathon:

1. Register. This is the first and most important step. While it's easy to talk about one day running a half, it's more efficient to go ahead and click that "register" button. Time to make your running dreams come true. 

2. Recruit. Grab a buddy and sign up together. Now, you can train with and motivate each other all the way to the end of that finish line. 

3. Plan. Pick a training plan that fits your skill level. From beginner to intermediate, there's a million plans to pick from on Pinterest. Here are a few of my fave. 

4. Switch it up. Maybe you have a main running route — I know I do. Try to mix it up. Keeping your routes fresh will allow your body to experience different terrains and prepare you for any race day course.

5. Hydrate. Be your own hydration station, but not just on race day. Be sure to fuel up on water for long run days, as well as the days leading up to the race. Keeping your body hydrated is key.

6. Test run. Practice running with anything you plan to use on race day. If you're running with a water bottle belt, compression socks, energy gels (yes, Gu!), or even a new shirt, it's best to try it once before the big event. This will ensure everything goes as smooth as possible at the race.

7. Body Glide. This is your new BFF. To prevent painful chaffing on race day, buy Body Glide and apply anywhere/everywhere — you'll be thankful you did. Key spots to apply: underarms, inner thighs, waistband. 

8. Prepare. Since races are usually bright and early in the morning, set out everything the night before. SPIBelt, clothes, shoes... pack any of your must-haves for the race to ensure you don't rush out without something. 

9. Pasta party. Ahh, the infamous pasta night. Carb up the night before for extra energy in the morning. Make it a party. Treat this night as a pre-celebration for all that you've accomplished. You're pretty awesome.

10. Don't rush. The amount of people (if it's a large race) and the energy of race day will make you want to start off fast. Don't. Fight the urge to speed off; instead, stick to your normal training speed. You don't want to run out of energy by mile three.

11. Envision the end. We've all heard of the phrase "hitting a wall." Basically, you think you can't go any further. You can. Keep positive vibes flowing through your mind and envision yourself finishing strong. You've trained for this and CAN do it! 

12. Embrace the cheers. There's nothing like the spectators cheering you on during the race. Use their signs, smiles, and WOOO's as that extra boost of energy to help you power through until the end.

13. Congrats & relax. You did it — pat yourself on the back! Now, it's time to relax. Stretch, ice, refuel (water, food, electrolytes), and take it easy the next couple of days. Take an Epsom salt bath. Your body needs to regain all of the energy it expelled. 

13.1. A latte of love. My favorite post-run drink would have to be a latte. It's the perfect pick-me-up. Don't forget to treat yourself for all of your hard work! 

Stay tuned for a recap on my first New York half. As always, thank you for reading!

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10 Reasons why you should write a letter

Letters are one of the most precious forms of communication.

There’s something about a handwritten note. Maybe it’s the unique handwriting. You’ll forever be able to decipher your mom’s writing from your dad’s, and you’ll always be able to recognize your grandparents’ penmanship. No two handwritings are the same. Or maybe it’s the amount of thought that goes into it. While some letters are short and to the point, others are lengthy and filled with wonderful memories and thoughts. Regardless, both were given time. Time to reach out to a loved one and let them know that they’re own your mind. A sweet, sweet thought.

When I think back, handwritten letters have always been part of my life. It never failed to excite me when there was an envelope address especially to me in the mailbox. In fact, I frequently wished to be an adult just to receive more of these “letters” in the mail. Kids, turns out they weren’t the fun kind of letters. Seriously though. From keeping up with pen pals and turning classroom cubbies into mailboxes, to writing back-and-forth with relatives and receiving special love notes… there’s never been a letter I haven’t admired.

But where have all of these handwritten notes gone? It seems as though growing older means less time to send out thoughtful messages. Letters have been booted out by Facebook comments and quick texts. While these are both great tools for keeping in touch, they lack the personal, emotional element. Don't you agree? Together, I think we should vow to bring back old school communication. Reach out to old friends from school, send your family members a kind "thank you," or even spark a love interest with your secret admirer. Ya never know.

Before diving in, let me back track a bit. I recently stumbled across a company that sparked this entire blog post idea, Earl Grey & Polka Dots. If you know me, you know that the name of this company alone sounds like my kind of shop: tea + Pinterest-y patterns = love. And it was. EG&PD sells the most adorable stationary, promoting heartfelt and handwritten communication, all while being 100 percent environment friendly. After connecting, the owner was excited to send you all a little perk to help kick-start writing letters: free shipping on any of her products with the code CarolineMeg. *Code is good until the end of the month


10 Reasons why you should write a letter:

1. Writing a letter is personal and very thoughtful. You know that someone spent a good amount of time thinking about you to fill that page with such beautiful words!

2. There's so many cute cards and stationary to choose from — like the ones in my pictures. Click here to make a purchase from Earl Grey & Polka Dots.

3. You can put those ever-forced elementary and middle school cursive lessons to use.

4. Writing about memories (current or old) will put a smile on your face by simply reminiscing. Trust me, if you're smiling, the recipient will likely smile too.

5. It's one of the easiest and the cheapest surprises.

6. You can always SWAK (seal it with a kiss)... which is better than a kissy emoji face, right?

7. There's something about the knowledge of a letter traveling around to get to someone that makes it even better. The letter has been on a little adventure.

8. Letters can be saved forever. In a scrapbook, memory box, or under your pillow... that sucker is here to stay.

9. It's so romantic! Send a letter to your loved one to remind them how you feel about them.

10. There's no maximum characters allotted. You have as much space as you need — add an extra sheet of paper to continue writing until your heart is content. There's no word count on friendship (awwwww)!










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New York Fashion Week

Was it all a dream?

Last night I attended my first New York Fashion Week show, Tadashi Shoji. The whole experience was too amazing not to share on the blog. Let me start from the very top. 

The night began by rushing out of work and heading straight to my apartment. Becca, my NYFW sidekick, arrived shortly after. The primping was now in full force. A glass of wine and a couple Snapchat pics later, it was time to call a cab. "Toward Penn station, please." We sat in the back seats anxious and extremely giddy. It's not everyday you get to attend Fashion Week! 

The taxi ride threw us a bit of a curveball. With heavy traffic and blocked off streets, we were cutting it pretty close to start time. The driver took us as close to the venue as he could, but we were still a few avenues away. Yes, those are the long blocks. So we did what any girls trying to make it to their first NYFW show on time would do: we ran the avenues in our four inch heels. Relief, we made it. In fact, we were early. I guess 8:00pm means 8:45pm in fashion world... Thank goodness.

Arriving at the building and seeing the NYFW sign lit up gave me immediate chills. Chills that stayed with me throughout the rest of the night. After letting out an excited squeal, we headed inside and took our seats. Four rows back... not too shabby. I sat down beaming from ear-to-ear and taking it all in. The energy of the room was already amazing and the show hadn't even kicked off. Photographers everywhere, people being interviewed, beautiful outfits — I pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. 

Everyone scurried to their seats as the lights began to dim. Everything was pitch black, except for two screens at the front of the runway. Here we go! Funky music started playing and the models started strutting. Flashing lights were everywhere, just like you'd imagine. Or maybe more so. Dress after dress passed by and I wanted them all. I even found myself Ooo-ing and Ahhh-ing at the designs like I was at a 4th of July fireworks show. Definitely a newbie to NYFW!

      

The show felt like it was over in a blink. I wanted an encore! While many people quickly fled the scene, Becca and I took full advantage of the empty runway. Twirling, strutting, and snapping pics, we soaked up every last drop of the moment. What an experience. Definitely a New York night I'll never ever forget. After the show, we continued to channel our inner Carrie Bradshaw and headed to 230 Fifth, a rooftop bar with the most beautiful view of the Empire State Building. We claimed our seats, ordered strawberry champagnes, and admired our city. New York, you'll forever inspire me.

    

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Sunday Inspiration

Good morning, readers!

Sunday is one of my favorite days of the week — especially this week. Today, I get to spend my Sunday morning in beautiful Virginia, with my two faves. How lucky am I? We have a semi-lengthy to-do list before I fly back to the Big Apple; regardless, nothing quite compares to just being at home and hangin' with the ones you love. 

While Sunday is wonderful, it can also be a bit saddening. Ahem, Monday... Or this week, Tuesday. To prepare for the weekdays ahead, I created a little Sunday inspo board. Hopefully this Pinterest board will help motivate you to conquer the week and be unstoppable.
Make today count!

(Click board to see all of the pictures & follow me on Pinterest)

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This old remedy is back and better than ever

What goes around, comes around.

Like all quality fashion trends, it seems as though popular health and wellness movements trickle in and out of the spotlight too. Making its way back around (at this moment) is a ye olde remedy that goes by the name of "Epsom salt." Say that three times fast. 

There's a good chance you haven't heard of this so-called "salt." There's a better chance your parents have. And your grandparents, they're 100 percent in the know. G-Ma for the win! So, what is it? For starters, this salt gets its name by being present in saline springs throughout Epsom — a town in England. Although I keep saying "salt," these crystal-like bits are unlike the flavoring we love and adore on our soft pretzels; instead, it's a pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. When flushed with warm water in a tub, this dynamic compound is broken down and said to seep through the skin and into the body.  

Now, the why. Why should we want magnesium and sulfate soaked into our body? Sounds daunting and harmful. First, both minerals are needed in the body — and note that their levels are commonly lower than they should be. While magnesium regulates enzyme activity, sulfate helps with the formation of tissues and joint proteins. Both are necessary to keep the body running smoothly. Because of the presence of this combo, Epsom salt is said to work wonders. Especially if you have aches, pains and sore muscles. Soaking in an Epsom bath is supposed to leave you feeling relaxed and loosey goosey. Perfect for a post-workout detox. That's not all! Epsom salt helps remove splinters, relieves stress, rids dead skin through exfoliation, clears blackheads, soothes skin, etc. It can even serve a purpose in the garden or through household chores. Magic. 

I decided this all sounded too good to be true. So, after my evening workout, I strolled into the nearest Duane Reade and picked up a hefty bag o' salt for myself. You can find plastic bags of Epsom in most any local drug store, as well as the grocery store. Yup, me, myself and my Epsom. When I got back to my apartment, I quickly filled the tub with hot water and added the recommended two cups of Epsom salt. I sat, soaked... thought about the day/remainder of the week... all with a cup of hot tea in-hand. After 12 to 15 minutes, I hopped out. It may have been the relaxing atmosphere or I could've just be extremely worn-out; regardless, it's now out with the bubble bath and in with the Epsom salt. The bath felt great. Not to mention, the salt I picked out had a lavender scent. Mmmmm.

After a single soak, it's hard to tell if all the mentioned magic (above) took place. That's to be expected. From my own investigation, articles state that if you really want to feel the soothing benefits, you need more frequent Epsom baths. About two to three a week. Still, after bath numero uno, I feel relaxed already – I'll take it.

Have you ever tried an Epsom bath? If so, comment below with your thoughts!

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I used a meal delivery service for a week and here's what I learned

Guys, making time for yourself in this "new" working world is tough.

After a long day of work, the last thing I want to do is run home and make a glamorous dinner for one. Especially when cooking isn't my biggest passion to begin with. While I can make a mean turkey, cheese and lettuce wrap like the next guy, the truth is, it gets old fast. There, I said it. 

It wasn't until the second week in my studio apartment, that I found a company who could potentially solve all my bland cooking problems. And boy did they succeed. Fast, healthy, little to no effort (on my part)... and bon appetit, dinner is served. Did I mention they deliver? If you're salivating at the thought of all this ease, let me save you some effort. The company's name is Munchery. And boy will you munch. 

So, I decided to order a week's worth of meals... Because I'm wild like that. I hopped on the website, picked out my very non-Caroline-made dinners, chose the deliver dates/times and hit the order button. Making dinner has literally never been easier.

To keep things on the edge, I tried a new meal each night. From salmon with veggies and rice to Sriracha chicken and quinoa, I was certainly eating well this week. No doubt. Each meal arrived right within the time frame I chose and the delivery service was extremely helpful. Opening my apartment door to those beautiful, bright orange bags gave me life. Dramatic, but true — thank you, Munchery!

Reasons to Order from Munchery:

1. Money. Everything was very reasonably priced. Varying between 7 and 15 dollars, you really can't beat that. In fact, I started wondering if there's even a real need for grocery trips. Especially if you'll spend more money on food that will either A. expire or B. not be as filled with variety and yumminess as a delivered meal from Munchery.

2. Time. This was one of my favorite parts about the week. Being short on time means you run home and throw something together, only to try and get in bed at a decent time. Knowing that a freshly cooked meal would arrive at my door allowed so much more me-time. Before dozing off, I'd catch up on my favorite websites, scroll through social media and even FaceTime the fam. Doesn't get much better than that!

3. Portions. A week of Munchery is like a week of meal prepping, minus the time commitment. With so many healthy and protein-packed options available, it's a win-win. The size of the meals were perfect for me... not too much, but not too little. I never felt uncomfortable or stuffed once *insert praising hand emoji.* Perfect portions, perfect week of "meal prepping."

4. Ingredients. Each meal I ordered arrived noticeably fresh. Folks, what you see is what you get — which I love. The ingredients listed on the label are plain and simple. No insane words that you can't pronounce, no unnecessary additives. They even package the dressings and sauces separately, giving you the option to pour as little or as much onto your meal.

5. Variety. Lastly, and most important for the easily bored, there are so. many. options. Just take a look at their menu. They're constantly adding new meals to the list and recycling through different choices for different days. Try a shrimp salad one day and a pan seared salmon and rice bowl the next. Heck, you can even splurge by adding a sweet ending for only a couple extra bucks.

All in all, my week of delivered meals was a success. I highly suggest it. Now, BRB, need to place my orders for next week. 

Copy & paste the following address into your URL for $20 off your Munchery meals: munchery.com/invite/3B7TB4DC

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