JGIWC book club

Instant gratification is a very vital part of my existence. When I see something I want, I have on blinders until I get it. I am like a tenacious puppy. Though obtaining my desires may not always be instantaneous, but they are certainly all varying degrees of gratifying.

I have a nook, but I often browse the front tables of Barnes & Noble, looking at the new titles and leafing through paperbacks and hardbacks alike. Supporting the publishing industry is extremely important to me as I someday soon hope to be a part of it.

I look to books every single day for inspiration, reading inside jackets for synopses and skimming the outer bounds for one-line reviews and comments by other authors. Sometimes I'll come across a new book that intrigues me and I have to read it right then and there.

See also: instant gratification.

This happened twice recently; both books I came across inspired current projects from the get-go that I am currently working on. Hence my sudden insatiable hunger for the hundreds of pages in my hands.

The first book is 150 Pounds by Kate Rockland. I discovered it just before a weekend out east and downloaded it to my nook immediately. It's about two rivaling weight bloggers - one who is all about the "thinspo" and fighting the obesity epidemic, the other who embraces her curves (and Twinkies) and wants to help other women to, as well.

How interesting to read a book about blogging! I don't think I've ever known a novel that goes into the act of writing and operating a blog in such detail. Ah, 2012! How I love thee.

This is a fun read with little twists and turns that kept me on my toes. Women's weight and bodies and figures are always such a hugely controversial topic and I really liked seeing each side presented the way that it was. I think we each have our own definition of "healthy" (I know I do) and different ideas about what looks or feels right. It is on so many levels a serious subject matter but this book manages to keep it somewhat light. It's a quick read that I really enjoyed.

The second book is These Girls by Sarah Pekkanen. I stumbled upon it in the Simply Books store, Terminal D (the best terminal, I think we can all agree) at DFW during my layover this past weekend. I knew I had to have it almost immediately. I looked at the price and realized it'd be much cheaper to purchase it on my nook. I left the bookstore to do so but I couldn't connect to the free wifi. (Uh... What the hey, DFW?) I moved to another spot and tried again to no avail. My flight was taking off out of C no way was I leaving D without that book. (If you've ever flown through Dallas before, you know it can be a bit of a rigmarole to get from one terminal to the next.) I ran back to the shop and bit the bullet. I told myself that one day there'll be a gal in an airport buying MY book.

I can't remember the last time I spent a flight reading just one anything, but I couldn't put this book down! I was almost through by the time we landed in New York and finished it the next day. I should mention that I'm a slow reader and often flit around... A magazine here, a Divine Caroline article there. (Have you read my new one yet? Shameless plug!) This book is so good. So relatable. Constantly kept me guessing and wanting more. Even though I'm an ultra-sensitive person, it takes a lot for a book to make me cry. I teared up at the end of this (in public, no less). It's a story about three girls living together in New York. The plot lines are zoned in on their struggles, often showing how gritty life in this city can be, but Manhattan is merely a backdrop to the tales of these girls lives and all they must overcome. I often need a reminder of how far from perfect we all are. Everyone has their own crap simmering just beneath the surface, and we (I) shouldn't be so quick to judge because more often than not there is so much more than meets the eye. I would recommend this to any woman in her 20s or 30s, but especially to all of my fellow city dwellers.

Have you read either? What'd you think?

Travel Teddi = Savvy Teddi

I don't know if I've ever mentioned that I'm the world's worst packer. (False. I've blabbed about it here.) I hate doing it and put it off as long as possible. More often than not, I'll arrive at my destination, open my suitcase and think, "Huh?" One time I packed late at night, completely drunk and didn't have time to edit before my flight left early the next morning... that was a disaster.

When I got to LA, my stream of consciousness went a little something like this:

"I only brought one cardigan?"

"Forgot my sneakers... Guess that hike isn't happening. Remembered the socks, though."

"I suck."

But then I realized that sometimes limited resources force you to be creative, and that is a really good thing. The cardigan I did bring is beige and it went with pretty much everything, thankfully, because I wore it a few times. At the last minute, I threw a hot pink pashmina in my carry on. My outfit for the ride home was pretty plain and I wanted to spice it up a bit (I flew first class back to New York - you'll never know who you'll be sitting next to! First class is where Bethenny got her first big break!) so I tried wearing it a different way and it actually looked great. As in, real-life-outside-of-the-first-class-cabin great!

We had to leave at 6am on Sunday morning to get me to the airport and I didn't get into the bathroom until about 5:43. I had 17 minutes to do my makeup and hair. My hair fell in an odd reverse side part but I was too tired to fight it, so I clipped the combover side back with a tiny tortoise shell claw I found in my toiletry bag. It actually looked cute! I decided to keep my eye makeup really soft - just a little lavender eye shadow, brown eyeliner and some mascara. I paused to review and realized that I actually didn't need to fill in my eyebrows. I have to when I wear my black liquid eyeliner because that pairs so much better with a bold brow, but this lighter look actually works well with them natural. Huge sigh of relief. This is going to save me valuable time on weekday mornings - my brows can take up to a good 5 minutes when I fuss with them! No more.

It seems that being a crappy packer has finally worked in my favor! I learned and realized a lot of other things on this trip, but I only feel like sharing the shallow stuff for now.

Weekend out west

This past weekend, I traveled to California to visit my Birthright BFF, Jules. We had the best time and I'm really sad it's over.

Wouldn't be me if we didn't start with a food photo! Crab cake grilled cheese. Will definitely be recreating this!

A fella (that's what Nana calls 'em) we met at Chateau Marmont suggested a place called Sweet Butter for breakfast. It was phenomenal! I am STILL dreaming about that latte.

Zuma Beach. Just stunning.

With my back to the ocean.

Me + J! We love our white jeans.

Artsy. Typical.

THE BEST grilled shrimp I've ever had in my life (and I'm from Florida!) at Malibu Seafood.

We stopped partying at Drai's at the W Hollywood just long enough for a bathroom break and pic! One of the bouncers pulled us out of the crowd and put us at a table with some other girls and a free bottle of champagne. Neither of us even really like champagne, but no complaints here!

We had afternoon tea at Gordon Ramsey's restaurant, Boxwood Cafe, at the London Hotel. If you're in the area, I highly recommend it. The food was great and the hotel is spectacular. Lately I'm in the market for design inspiration, so I snapped this little area right outside the restroom. Loved the gold.

Ladies who lunch.

J (+ A!) I miss you already. Thank you for being the best hosts and friends a gal could ask for!

Another Thankful Thursday

Escaping the city for a few days. Have a great weekend + don't forget to read the last line!

P.S. Wishing the happiest of birthdays to my best friend AEG! I love you!

Falling for fashion

As I mentioned the other day, I won't have much cash to blow in the stores come fall. Which got me thinking, what do I really need, anyway?

These days, shopping for me is looking, touching, trying on, and ultimately leaving the store empty-handed. It helps me get a better feel for what works best on my body, which is invaluable knowledge to possess when I am able to shop 'til I drop again.

From about September of last year until about April of this year, I lived in my J. Crew Pixie pants and my Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses. Both have endless shoe options, which is always nice, and frankly, they make me feel good. They show off my body (not too much!) and they're comfortable. I always feel confident in these staples. Having a bad day? No clue what to wear? I throw either on. Instant pick-me-up.

However - I own four dresses and only two pairs of the pants. That's not even a full week's worth of outfits! I count on skinny jeans, chic tops, classic sweaters and playful dresses to fill in the holes. I did buy a pair of Michael Kors raspberry-colored denim skinnies that I'm really excited about, and I will absolutely be getting one more pair of Pixie pants. It would be completely unrealistic to say that I won't buy anything new for fall, but my purchases will certainly be limited. I need to make every bit count.

I'm fortunate enough to know some people in the fashion industry. In turn, I have access to very generous discounts at a number of designer shops, which I'll be extra thankful for in the coming months. I am in need of new black boots, and though it's not necessary I would love a new camel-colored coat. Same goes for a new fall bag (I want green). I'm hoping to get my hands on another DVF wrap - I've been incredibly lucky in scoring the ones I do own.

What are you after this fall?

Look Good...Feel Better

Last week, I attended an event at Saks Fifth Avenue for Look Good...Feel Better, an organization dedicated to improving the self-esteem and quality of life for people undergoing treatment for cancer. For a donation of $30, attendees got 20 minutes of face time with a magazine beauty editor and a mini-makeover. If you know me at all, you know that this was up my alley in so many ways and I was on the phone making my appointment within minutes of learning about this event.

Editors representing 32 different books were on-site, and though I read and subscribe to a LOT of magazines, I ultimately chose Fitness, which was stationed at the Erno Laszlo counter. Although I'm a new subscriber to Fitness and have only started reading it within the past year, I absolutely LOVE it. It's always a happy day when I open my mailbox and see a glossy new issue waiting for me.

First thing's first - the editor I got to spend time with was beyond amazing. Her name is Heather and she is the new beauty director at Fitness. When I walked up to the counter, she greeted me warmly and told me she loved my eyebrows right off the bat. Can you believe that?! A BEAUTY DIRECTOR loves my eyebrows! I win!

Now, I've spent a good chunk of time around this industry. I interned at Vogue and I worked at a high end shelter publication and I know how cutthroat it can all be. (I was the "fat" girl at Vogue. I was a size 4/6 and liked to eat. And I asked a lot of questions. Everyone hated me.) I will say that I can easily be intimidated by women in publishing because of my past experiences. Heather, however, was wonderful. She was so incredibly personable and kind. I was very chatty and barely let the poor cosmetic rep put anything on me, but she was sweet and didn't seem to mind too much. I had the best time talking to Heather (we were kindred spirits a little bit) and am so glad I did this. $30 very well spent and for a cause I truly believe in.

Now - about Erno Laszlo. I was only mildly familiar with this brand before spending any time at their counter. I knew it's old-school and high-end - two characteristics I always appreciate when picking my products. I was surprised with a parting gift - their Phelityl Cleansing Gel. JACKPOT. I am now actually excited to wash my face at night. This has the loveliest, lightest smell and feels just perfect on my skin. I can't wait to go back to the counter and see what else I can test out and apologize to the sales associate for being so rude the first time around. It reminds me of my grandmother and I mean that in the best way possible. Classic glamour.

Thank you to LGBF, Saks, Fitness Magazine, Erno Laszlo and of course the lovely Heather for such a cool, unique experience. I hope they'll do it again!

What I learned this weekend

I learned that I love morning workouts. I think I already knew this, but I started Friday, Saturday and Sunday each with a great class and felt so good about it. I look forward to the day that my lifestyle allows me to begin each day with exercise.

I learned that I must be head over heels for a three year old if I jump at the chance to take her to the bathroom!

I learned that I will probably never like barre classes. And that's okay. And I really give myself credit for going back and trying again - more than once.

I learned that hummingbird cupcakes (banana, pineapple, pecans, sweet cream cheese icing) are heavenly.

I learned that I love New York City on weekend mornings. Weekday mornings, it's all about the hustle and bustle and I am always in a rush to get somewhere. After I left the studios Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, I got to enjoy the quiet and stillness of three different neighborhoods. It was really lovely.

I learned that alcohol is far better priced in big box liquor stores in the suburbs than here in the city! Also FINALLY found a brand I've been searching for here all summer long to no avail. Bought four bottles!

I learned that I probably won't be doing much clothes shopping this fall. Too many other expenses - all of which are completely worth skimping on my seasonal wardrobe for.

I learned that I have a couple of really amazing things happening in my near future. Can't share here quite yet, but hopefully soon!

A little Friday fun

Was inspired by this Matchbook Magazine questionnaire (above is from their latest issue - questions answered by Lisa Salzer of Lulu Frost) & wanted to share my responses with you. Happy Friday!

TEA OR COFFEE? Lattes. Sweet, cinnamonny, skim milky lattes.

I COLLECT... Jonathan Adler home decor.

FAVORITE CITY? Miami

SPRING OR FALL? In New York City - either! Both!

BLOOM OF CHOICE? Roses. Pink or white.

STYLE ICON? My little sister

LINENS? Lilly Pulitzer

CHINA PATTERN? kate spade Larabee Road

I'M LUSTING AFTER... an Ippolita pendant

MOST PRIZED POSSESSION? My Cartier LOVE bracelet

GIRL CRUSH? Sophia Bush

BOY CRUSH? Bryan Greenberg

ON WEEKENDS... Working out and sleeping in. Lunch with my parents. Drinks with friends.

Now tell me your answers!

Another Thankful Thursday

I wish I could tell you I do these just for fun now, but again I started jotting down this list amidst a rough patch and felt compelled to share it with all of you. It's heart-on-sleeve and a little silly... Just like me. Here's hoping that next week's list is spurned from a happier moment!

What are you thankful for this Thursday?

I've come a long way, baby

I wrote an article for Divine Caroline about the ten life lessons I've learned about living in the big city since moving here five years ago. Last night I got an email that it was going to be featured on the front page of Style on DC, which was absolutely thrilling being as it's the first (of hopefully many!) that I've written. I hope you'll check it out and press the "like" button if you haven't already!

Last night, I was also going through some old photos while working on a project and came across this gem. It was one nostalgic evening!

College Teds. Oh, to be this young and carefree again!

Come a long way and have a long way to go. So much happening and on the brink right now that I can't wait to share with you all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming along for the journey. I couldn't do it without ya. Mean it.

Evening out

I just love it when a great weekend makes up for a crappy week, don't you?

Friday started nice and early with breakfast at Maialino. We sat at the bar and my pal B is chummy with the bartender so she treated us well. I pigged out on an olive oil muffin, a blueberry crumb cake and a ricotta pancake... and barely touched the eggs I ordered. And drank the most delicious, beautiful latte.

Then Perri and I spent the rainy day at Alice's Tea Cup and Bloomingdale's.

That evening, I did a Kanye West themed ride at Soul with my favorite instructor, Lori... and you know what? I think either Lori reads the blog or we have exceptionally good taste in Kanye songs, because she played TWO of the songs from my dream spin playlist (E.T. + Ni**as in Paris)! A little early prep for #teddieight?! That's me on the left!

(photo courtesy of SoulCycle)

Here we after the ride... I cropped this photo because I don't know the other ladies well enough to post post-ride photos of them. But I do love you all enough to show myself, Lori and JG! The entire room was covered in fake money (now I ain't sayin' she a gold digger!) and we got glow stick bracelets, too!

(photo courtesy of SoulCycle)

That night, I did BYOB sushi and 16 Handles with my pal K. We split a bottle of Lobster Point Sauv Blanc and talked for hours. I think we both really needed it after a tough week. 

On Saturday, I went to a birthday party at the Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey. I had never been there! Hey, you put me in front of an open bar pretty much anywhere and I'll be happy as a clam, but in an air conditioned room in the middle of the summer with lots of fun people and horses?! Now that's a party! We bet on one named "Hot Beach Babe" because it was the one that sounded the most like me. We did not win.

Here I am being a babe on the beach. I did not take a picture of the horse.

On Sunday, I had lunch with Perri at David Burke, went to SoulCycle in the evening and got into bed early.

Doesn't Perri look pretty?

How was your weekend?

Friday Fancies

Today I am guest blogging over at Blair's Head Band. Check me out!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

What I am thankful for this week

Whenever I am having a rough week, I make myself write down all of the things that I am thankful for despite the crap. It's a good way to keep things in perspective. Life ain't so bad after all, and it's sure to get better soon.

What made your list this week? Big thanks to all of those who are on mine.

Wedding Wednesday: Last Supper

Am I the only single chick who participates in this? Whatever. I don't care. I love weddings and weddings love me.

Last Wednesday, my best friend asked me if I would stay with her the night before her wedding.

(She didn't have to ask, of course, but she's very well-mannered.)

Sleepovers are our thing. After all, we've each lived in one another's home at one point in time. The number of nights we stayed up late, giggling in bed is one I cannot count.

So in a way, this is kind of a Last Supper for us... the very last night we're both still single ladies.

I have to pat myself on the back for how well I've held it together through all this. Okay, I cried a bit at the engagement party, but other than that, I've really kept the boo hoos at bay. I'm a pretty emotional person and The Best Friend Getting Married... that's a pretty big deal. I answered quickly - YES OF COURSE I will stay with you the night before your wedding - and promptly went to go do something else because I knew if I dwelled on it, I'd lose it.

And I didn't... until that night at spin class. I sobbed through the entire last song. Thank God it's dark in there. I cried tears I've been holding in for a very, very long time. My best friend is getting married. It kinda seems like just yesterday she was the yappy yellow-haired girl in the back of the Chapter Room who always had her hand in the air, always had something to say. If you'd told me back then that we'd become best friends and I would one day be her maid of honor I surely would have rolled my eyes and said, "That blonde? No way."

Sometimes life surprises you in the best of ways.

And so we will have our Last Supper. We will watch Sex and the City reruns and split a pack of Peanut M&Ms. We will laugh about days that have gone and dream of ones to come. We will lie in bed and giggle until the wee hours of the morning. And probably cry a little bit too.

AEG really is like part of the family, and appropriately so she has made sure each one of us is involved in her big day, which means more to us than she'll ever know. My mom will host the bridal shower, Lil' P will be a greeter at the church, my dad will make a speech at the rehearsal dinner and yours truly, of course, will make the MOH speech at the reception. I've been mentally composing it in my head for years but I know that getting it down on paper won't be easy.

We have raised our glasses to one another many times over the course of our friendship, but I do believe this will be my favorite toast yet.

P.S. One of these photos was taken the night AEG met her fiancé. Can you guess which?!

Currently...

devouring... Mile Markers: The 26.2 Most Important Reasons Why Women Run

imbibing... lots and lots of iced caffe lattes

test-driving... Core Fusion Cardio at Exhale Spa

sporting... lollipop by essie

coveting... Mini Lotus Necklace

Packing my practice

I woke up very early Friday with debilitating back pain. I took Advil and fluffed up some pillows behind me but ultimately decided it was best to cancel my spin class that morning. I went to the chiropractor and he told me that I'm really fit but not flexible, and the muscles in my back are doing extra work as a result. The truth is that this isn't a surprise and even though I stretch on the bike and do yoga at least once a week, I really need to work harder on this. My hamstrings are so tight. Blah.

I felt incredibly frustrated at not being able to work out (I'd had a VERY indulgent and gluttonous evening prior) so I decided to wander around the city and walk a few miles. Every so often I stopped in a store to escape the heat and humidity. Sure, that's it!

I found myself in Lululemon but had no purchasing intentions. I'd already bought running shorts at Athleta a few hours earlier (I know, I know - I swore off clothes shopping, but I think athletic wear and gear is a fair exception!). Lulu updates their product assortment so often and I like to be the first to know everything, so I'm honestly in there at least once a week.

Often I'll find myself having to run around after a class at Soul or a yoga practice. I have a very small duffle that I use for my spin shoes + essentials and a mat tote that I use for yoga. Neither bag fits an extra pair of clothes or shoes or cosmetic bag. I inevitably end up carrying two bags and it is endlessly annoying. For months, I have been searching high and low for the perfect hybrid, to no avail.

Enter Lulu's Pack Your Practice Bag. This thing is going to change my life. I can already tell.

It's lightweight and water resistant. It has a removable zipper pocket on the inside. The bag itself can be folded up and tucked into the pocket for easy travel.

It cinches at the sides so you can easily change its shape and size. When un-cinched, the bag is really deep and a yoga mat would only stick out a little bit. 

Or, you can store the mat at the bottom of the bag like shown here. I think I'll use this bag for spin more often than I'll use it for yoga. The studio I go to is right near my apartment, so most of the time my Namaste Yoga Tote is fine because I'm just traveling a few blocks. But for the times I meet a friend or head to the tanning salon after class, this will be so nice to have.

Have I sold you on this bag yet? I'm so excited about it. Working out is so much more fun when you have cute clothes and accessories to exercise in and with, don't you think?

Dream spin playlist

I don't listen to the radio. When I moved to NYC Nana got me an iHome (okay, my dad bought it and Nana sent him a check) but it was possessed and turned itself on at 3 in the morning all the time so I threw it out, and I don't have a car. I like to learn about new music via other outlets. I used to depend on TV (namely Entourage and One Tree Hill) to introduce me to new songs but that's not really an option anymore. I now discover many of my favorite tunes - you guessed it - inside the spin studio.

Now when I'm listening to music I'll think to myself, "I wonder if this would be good to ride to?" and if it is, or if I've already ridden to it, I will start bouncing around as though I were actually on the bike, even though I am really in the car/at a restaurant/on a couch. This drives Perri cuh-razy.

Which got me thinking... What would be my dream playlist/if I were an instructor what would I play/what would I want to hear at my birthday ride? So, without further ado...

E.T. - Katy Perry featuring Kanye West (one of my favorite songs to start a ride to... drop the beat)
Cinderella Man - Eminem (my other favorite song to kick off a ride/drop a beat)
Talk That Talk - Rihanna featuring Jay Z (the perfect song for tap back/push up combo)
Pursuit of Happiness - Kid Cudi (push ups)
Ni**as in Paris - Kanye West & Jay Z (more tap back/push up combo... It's my favorite)
Where Have You Been - Rihanna (sprints)
Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jespen (weights - I do reps to this in my apartment all the time!)
All The Things That I've Done - The Killers ("I've got soul but I'm not a soldier"... perfect to cool down after weights)
Marry the Night - Lady Gaga (more sprints)
Don't Drink the Water/This Land is Your Land Live at Radio City Hall - Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds (cool down)


I'm far from a DJ and I'm not even sure a playlist would work in this order, but I'd be one happy camper during this ride!

What beats do you love to pedal to? Inspire me!

July update and August goals

RABBIT RABBIT!

July turned out to be pretty good. I just can't believe that I haven't sent Nana that damn gift yet.

Photo a day was super fun, save for a few I chose not to do. (Upside down? Stranger? Just... no.) I read a book and a half... Argh! Plank for two and a half minutes was over ambitious... maybe 90 seconds for  August. I actually did clean out the bottom of my closet and felt SO much better afterward. Getting back into the swing of yoga and really happy about it. I bought the coupon for the Central Park bike rental; I just haven't ridden the bike yet... 

Hmmm... Let's see. A lot of this is fitness is based because I'd REALLY like to be in better shape the next couple of months. I really do want to go to the Frying Pan as summer will come to a close before I know it (I cannot). I need to keep cleaning my apartment so that it's much easier if and when I move. Haven't decided what new thing I'm going to try. Any suggestions?

Happy August!