Summer, can you slow down… please? As always, summer is going by way too fast. It’s August, which makes me a little bit depressed. Since I was a little kid spending my summers at camp, summer has always been my favorite season. I’m just 100% happier when I’m wearing sandals and a sundress, it’s a fact.
With the blog redesign I didn’t end up getting around to writing up June’s favorites… which is probably for the best because the month ended up being yoga, yoga and more yoga since my main focus was Yoga Teacher Training. So here we go with a massive recap for both months!
Hands down my favorite thing from June + July? Relaxing weekends by the pool. I’m proud to say I’ve spent most of my weekends this summer floating in a cliche instagram-worthy donut or swan float. I will say, not only does the donut make for a great instagram photo, but it’s also pretty comfy.
Workouts I’m Loving…
The Bar Method – Soho.
I’ve been loving Bar Method lately and am so happy they were added to Fitreserve. I’m not usually drawn to barre workouts, but have REALLY been enjoying Bar Method. The Soho location is super convenient for me and I just always leave in a great mood.
Check out my full Bar Method review here.
Fashion I’m Loving…
Rompers
I cannot get enough of cute, summery rompers and was super excited to find the above one at the Banana Republic Factory store in Woodbury Commons. Similar rompers from Banana Republic Factory here.
I love this athleisure take on the romper from Athleta, still available here. Photocredit to Diana Zapata.
Reverence Apparel Tanks
I had seen photos of a few other bloggers wearing this cute tanks from Reverence Apparel. Apparently I’m a sucker for influencer marketing because I couldn’t resist purchasing my own tank.
I also purchased a tank that says Good Vibes Only and one that says Straight Outta Savasana. I might be obsessed 🙂
Foods I’m Loving…
The Return of Organic Avenue
Organic Avenue had closed down all it’s shops a few months ago, but now they’re back and better than ever. I was super impressed with their healthy and vegan lunch-time options. Perfect for when you’re on the go and need to pick up something FAST. Above is the asian salad, colorful and tasty.
Urban Space – Vanderbilt
New-age food courts are my JAM. They’ve become one of my favorite places to meet friends for dinner after work– everyone gets what they want, or you can get a few dishes and share. I’ve already talked about my love of The Pennsy and Brookfield Place, so I was super excited to check out the Vanderbilt (nearby Grand Central!) location of Urban Space. It did NOT disappoint.
I ended up sharing a lobster roll (Red Hook Lobster), sushi burrito (Hai Street Kitchen + Co), fish tacos and chips + guacamole (La Palapa) with my friends. Oh my god, EVERYTHING was so good.
Be aware that it can get REALLY crazy after work and we couldn’t find anywhere to sit. We ended up going to Bryant Park which was perfect and had plenty of tables with chairs.
Kite Hill’s Vegan Yogurt
When it’s hot AF, yogurt hits the spot. I’ve been a fan of Kite Hill’s vegan cheeses for awhile now and also REALLY love their vegan yogurt. It’s the best dairy-free option I’ve been able to find. My favorite flavors so far are the vanilla and peach.
At this point in time their products are only available at Whole Foods.
What I Read…
Wealth by Jacob Wachob
I’ve always loved the website mindbodygreen so was curious to read this book by the founder and CEO. It felt like the perfect time to read this book since the philosophy behind it is similar to things I was thinking about when I decided to relaunch this blog.
I really loved and agreed with Jason’s approach to success and what defines a fulfilling life. I do think that he has an certain perspective as a white, middle class male growing up in Long Island. He harped on things like not getting into his dream school and treated Columbia University as a consolation prize (LOL), how much he partied when he was younger and how an attractive female complimenting him made his day.
While I didn’t always love his personal anecdotes and didn’t necessarily relate, the actual meat of what he was talking about I definitely enjoyed and the timing felt right both with relaunching my blog as mentioned above and the transition I’m going through right now before grad school.
The Wild One by Gemma Burgess
The Wild One is the third book of the Brooklyn Girls series. I would hardly call them intellectually stimulating books, but the whole series is a fun and fast read following 5 girls living in Brooklyn who are trying to figure shit out in the year after graduating college.
I recommend reading all of them in order so you can really get a sense of each character since each book is from a different person’s perspective.
Side note: I could’ve sworn I read more books than this in June and July… but maybe not?
What I Watched…
On the theater front I saw The Color Purple, She Loves Me and Runaways. Unfortunately She Loves Me finished it’s limited run last month, and Runaways was a one weekend only experience– both were phenomenal.
I’ve actually never read the book or watched the movie of The Color Purple so went in sort of blind besides having seen the Tony Award performance. I didn’t love the show, but am really happy I got to see it with the current cast because holy crap are they talented. So so so talented.
A great round up of favourites! As much as we have great plant-based options in Vancouver, the ones in NYC sound unreal! I’ve heard a bunch of interviews with Jason and his book… thanks for sharing.
Let me know if you end of reading, curious to hear other people’s thoughts.
Although I’m not vegan, I feel lucky that there are SO many amazing vegan options in NYC. Makes being dairy-free so easy.