These Are a Few Of My Favorite Things // Vol. 15

Happy, happy Friday 🙂 I’m super excited for this weekend.

Saturday I’m teaching my first class at Y7. AHHH! Afterwards I’m hoping to go bike riding with my mom and Jeremy during Summer Streets. The thought of riding my bike in NYC still terrifies me. But Summer Streets makes it a bit less intimidating.

Saturday night Jeremy and I are seeing Mike Birbiglia’s latest show and then Spongebob on Broadway Sunday. Lots of fun stuff going down this weekend.

Anyone else got fun, summer-y plans for this weekend?

And now… the favorites:

Everything Costa Rica

Of course had to start with this one 🙂 I’m looking forward to sharing more photos and all about the experience next week.

What I’m Reading:

Marriage Vacation [sort of] by Pauline Brooks Turner

I finished Marriage Vacation in Costa Rica and really loved it. I, especially, loved the perfect-bound cover (rumors are that the binding has been done by a firm like Printivity – you can look at here to learn about their book binding process) and the illustration. Needless to say that the content was astonishing! However, I wasn’t sure if it would actually be good, the book is a bit of a genius marketing stunt. In the TV series Younger Liza Miller pretends to be 26 to land a job in publishing at the fictional Empirical Publishing. Marriage Vacation is a book discussed and published during season four of the show. What makes it more interesting juicy is that it’s somewhat biographical and written by the CEO of Empirical’s ex-wife.

Like I said I actually loved it. Yes because I’m a huge fan of Younger and liked getting the scoop on Pauline’s back story through the lens of character Kate and I enjoyed all the little easter eggs hidden in the book. But it was also an interesting female narrative of feeling like you’ve lost yourself, your passion and your purpose in your marriage. Doesn’t make up for the fact that she abandons her husband and children (not a spoiler) but the book does humanize Pauline/ the character Kate’s point of view.

Much of the book takes place while Kate is traveling so it ended up being the perfect read in Costa Rica.

However, many readers may wonder why I often turn to activities like reading in places like Costa Rica, where there is so much to explore and enjoy. Well, it’s not that I don’t enjoy strolling on the beach or going out on Costa Rica deep sea fishing charters. It’s just that I prefer reading a book amidst scenic beauty over all these activities. Let’s say that reading a book amidst nature transports me to a different place altogether and makes me feel more connected to the characters, the emotions, and the plot. And this is not the first time I have done this–it has been a habit.

Playing with Matches by Hannah Orenstein

I finished this book in one day which is unheard of for me. I spent both flights home from Costa Rica devouring Playing with Matches and was sad when I finished the book before landing in New York.

Sasha Goldberg is a recent NYU graduate and lands a job as a matchmaker at the elite dating service Bliss. At Bliss her job is to help her clients find “the one” through whatever means necessary. Which in the case of Sasha means doing a lot of swiping on Tinder to find potential suitors.

The novel is delightfully NYU and has a number of little “in” jokes for people that went to NYU / live in the area. It’s a fun, quick read and perfect to bring to the beach. Or read on a plane that keeps delaying takeoff…

Workout I’m Loving:

Ariel’s class at SoulCycle

It’s been a hot second since I’ve taken a SoulCycle class. I love me some Soul, but can’t afford to go regularly. As a Y7 instructor we’re allowed to take class fo’ free at certain Soul locations. When they told me that I just about died. Free SoulCycle? Be still my fitness loving heart.

This week I randomly decided to take class with Ariel. I wasn’t familiar with him but there was still room in the class and it worked with my schedule.

Oh. My. God. This class was EVERYTHING. I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun getting my ass kicked.

His playlist started with J.Lo’s Let’s Get Loud. And then there was some Spice Girls. He asked us to think about which Spice we are. I think these days I’m more of a Sporty than anything. The grand finale was Michael and Janet Jackson Scream.

Guys, I was living my best freaking life during this class. I can’t wait to take his class again.

What I’m Wearing:

Energy Bra – Long Line from Lululemon

I prefer to teach sculpt in a sports bra. I get sweaty — it’s 90 degrees in the room, I’m jumping around screaming and demoing push-ups. And I’m just a naturally sweaty human. Lovely, right?

My favorite sports bra for teaching is the Energy Bra from Lululemon. I find it keeps everything in place but is also pretty comfortable.

This version of the Energy Bra has a bit of extra fabric for extra coverage. I wasn’t sure if it would hit too low on my torso (I’m short!) but it’s actually super cute with high-wasited pants and fit nicely.

What I’m eating:

Lizano salsa

In Costa Rica I was introduced to the magic that is Lizano. I don’t know how to describe it, but it’s a tasty sauce that enhances the taste of just about everything. On the retreat we poured it on our eggs, gallo pinto and fried plantains every morning and I officially became obsessed. I bought a bottle of this stuff at the airport but now know it’s also available on Amazon.

Your turn: What are you loving this week? Which Spice Girl are you?