Time to get to work! I recently have been helping a friend redesign his office space, and in the process have discovered so many cool designs from catalog sources- at surprisingly affordable prices. Want to be a working goddess, a la Audrey Hepburn in "Paris When it Sizzles"? Whether it be for a home office or not, I've broken down my favorite office pieces in to easy steps below- and all pieces featured here are under $1,000.
The #1 New Years Resolution every year is to lose weight. Here in NYC, I have noticed my favorite workout classes are much more populated this month- which I actually love. I find I work out so much harder when I have other people around me to keep me motivated. Any step towards a healthier lifestyle is something to be proud of- even if the progress is slow and steady. Don't underestimate the power of even small changes, like going for a walk after dinner or making a doing some squats during your favorite TV show. I feel like over time, the small changes can snowball in to real results- at least, that's how it's gone in my own life. Once I start seeing an improvement in my endurance and body, that in turn motivates me to keep at it.
{A Barry's Bootcamp studio - I love the moodier red lighting over typical gym harsh bright light} In 2019, I discovered Barry's Bootcamp and have been addicted for the last 7 months. I never considered myself a "runner", or someone who could even stay on a treadmill and jog for more than a mile. Barry's combines treadmill work with strength work on the floor in 2 or 3 rounds each class- aka high-intensity interval training ("HIIT"). The instructors guide you throughout the entire workout, and it's impossible to leave the class without breaking an intense sweat. While on the treadmill, you are either jogging, at a running pace, a sprint, or recovering with a walk. My goal for the end of 2019 was to get to a consistent 10.0 mph sprint pace at Barry's. For 2020, my goal is to increase my sprint to 11.0 mph, but ALSO to remain at the higher end of the speed ranges for the other parts of the class (jogging, running, pushing). Seeing myself improve and get stronger in Barry's is very satisfying, because I have always just assumed I'd never be "a runner." I highly recommend anyone try a Barry's class.
{Barry's UES locker rooms selfie, since the taking of this photo I have started carrying my S'well bottle}
My other goal for 2020 is to incorporate a more regular yoga practice. I naturally gravitate towards intense cardio or weight-lifting workouts, but this year I want to make sure I also take care of my body by adequetly stretching and increasing flexibility. I have tried Lyon's Den yoga and Y7 yoga here in the city, and adore both. If you're a New Yorker, let me know if there's a yoga studio you absolutely love so I can check it out.
Today I also thought I would share some of the workout gear I love. Obviously, it never hurts to have cute althleisure when you hit the gym. My favorite buy of 2019 was this leopard set I purchased from Carbon 38- Beach Riot Piper leggings + Piper Twisted Top:
1.) S'well 25-oz Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle, $45(these designs are cute, too!)
I don't know what took me so long to finally invest in one of these insulated water bottles- but honestly, it's probably my favorite gym-related purchase of all. It really does keep your water extremely cold for up to 24 hours (and hot liquids up to 12 hours) and produces zero condensation. Plus, carrying a plastic water bottle is so demode. 2.) FitBit Inspire HR Fitness Tracker, $79.95(normally $99.95, currently $20 off at Best Buy) 3.) Carbon 38 Ribbed Cami Tank Top in Powder Blue, $78/ matching leggings, $98 4.) The Laundress Sport Detergent, $19 I swear by this stuff. With nice gym clothes, also remember to hang dry. If I get home and can't immediately wash my sweaty gym stuff (there's a washer/dryer in my building's basement but sometimes another resident has it occupied), I actually throw it in the freezer for a few hours. Sounds bizarre, I know, but it temporarily takes away the disgusting smell until you can get to laundry... 5.) Cable Long Sleeved Long Crop Top,$69 6.) Melany Sherpa Cropped Hoodie, $178/ 7.) MZ Wallace Quilted Large Metro Tote, $235/ My absolute favorite bag of all time- I actually carry this as both my work tote and my workout bag. It fits SO much, and the shoulder strap is soft enough that it doesn't chafe your shoulder. I've had the same one for over 2 years now, so it's also highly durable.
I'm a Nike girl through and through, and I love the pegasus running shoe. PS- if you haven't read the Nike founder's autobiography "Shoe Dog", it's worth a read. FYI, these are my absolute favorite socks for spin + running.
9.) Free People FP Movement Tie Dye Leggings, $88 10.) The LuluLemon 5 mm Reversible Yoga Mat, $78
Top 3 Favorite Group Fitness Classes (in NYC and other cities):
I do all three of these workouts regularly. Typically, Soul Cycle 1-2 times a week and Barry's 3-4 times a week. Then, I'll sprinkle in a Pure Barre once every few weeks. This year, I'd like to try and incorporate more yoga classes as I mentioned above.
New decade, new me? Doubtful- but that's okay, because things last decade weren't too bad. I ended the year in Miami Beach with three friends ringing in the new year at the W Hotel:
My blue dress was 32 bucks from Fashion Nova, my silver heels were 10 years old from Gianni Bini (I found some similar ones here), but I did splurge and get my makeup done by the Glam Squad. I can't rave enough about them- have you guys ever used their services for hair or makeup? They come to your apartment or hotel with all the tools and you book through their app. I've used them multiple times over the past 3 years and never had a bad experience. If you want to try them, you can use my link here to get $25 off your first appointment. I got paired with Yasmin Barroso in Miami and I was very happy with the results.
Now that I am back in NYC and it's officially the beginning of 2020, I'm loving faux furs, soft palettes, and delicate colors right now:
SAM LOVES: 32 1.) My favorite soft white blanket- I sleep with it every night. $70(with code SAVEMORE at checkout) 2.) Adoring every detail of Bunny Williams & John Rosselli's new apartment, as featured in Architectural Digest. Especially the chaise lounge pictured above covered in a Clarence House chintz.
5.) Madewell Acrylic Shape Stack Earrings, $32 6.) Adore Jeanette Friis Madsen in this monochromatic sweatshirt/pencil skirt combo at NYFW last fall. - Style du Monde 7.) Steve Madden Rookie Bootie in Bone Croco, $101.95 8.) Roxy Faur Fur Cowl Scarf, $39.95 (this is cute, too!) Anthropolgoie is currently offering 25% off all home decor, bedding, and bath. Loving this, this, and this.
