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January 2016

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NYC Event Alert: Macy’s Celebrates Black History Month on 2/3! #MacysCelebrate

by Nellie

This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency

Event Alert!

An amazing Black History Month event is coming to Macy’s in February! I had the pleasure of attending the Black History Month Celebration last year and it was so great with a beautiful ambiance, yummy treats and fantastic inspiring conversation. This year will be more of the same! Macy’s has aligned a great group of stars including Jurnee Smolett, R&B Singer Monica and cutie Terrance J. Howard.

Check out the event details below!

Macy’s Celebrates Black History Month 2016

Wednesday, February 3rd at 6pm

Macy’s Herald Square – 9th Floor

Join us “In Conversation” with award-winning actress and activist JURNEE SMOLLETT-BELL and multi-platinum Grammy Award-winning artist MONICA and actor and TV personality TERRENCE ‘J’ JENKINS hosted by Fashion Editor of Essence JOIEE THORPE! We will take an entertaining look at the next wave of African American cultural luminaries and tastemakers!

Following the discussion, enjoy a special reception with delectable hors d’oeuvres, lush cocktails provided by Cîroc Vodka, and live music. Plus, you can meet the talent and snap a photo with them! Lastly, enjoy a behind the scenes trailer of Jurnee’s new show Underground on WGN and with any $25 Macy’s purchase receive a copy of Monica’s new album CODE RED (while supplies last)! 

To RSVP – https://macysbhm2016.eventbrite.com.

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jurnee

Jurnee Smollet-Bell: As an actress, Jurnee has won awards for her role in The Great Debaters and has starred in multiple TV and movie roles. Meet her just in time to ask her about her new show, Underground, airing on WGN America this spring.

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Monica: Selling more than 25 million albums globally, Monica is a Grammy Award winning artist. Her new hit, “Alone in Your Heart,” and its respective album, Code Red, is a Billboard R&B chart topper and will be available at the event.

terrance J

Terrence J: Actor, Author, and Co-founder of Jenkins Entertainment Group, Terrence J has built an impressive career. Making a name for himself on BET as a host on 106 & Park, Terrence J has also starred in movies like Stomp the Yard 2 and Burlesque. In 2013, Terrence released his first book, “The Wealth of My Mother’s Wisdom.”

Hope to see you there!

 

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NYC Fitness Classes

CYC Fitness Times Square Spin Class Review

by Nellie

CYC Fitness Review-2965I’ve been meaning to try a CYC class since I’ve heard Kimberly’s high praises–and I since I trust her opinion I knew it was gonna be good.

I found myself with a bit of time before the EVEN Hotels event so I decided to make good use of my ClassPass and book a class with CYC Fitness. Since it was a Thursday at 5:30om I’d be taking a CYClift class which sounded super intense but I signed up anyway.IMG_6578 (1)

The Times Square location is a little bit off the super touristy area but still super close to all the trains.

I went downstairs and found a pretty wide open area. I checked in, signed my waiver and walked into a huge changing area. I was about to strip down to my underwear untili realized that boys were around and it was a coed changing area. Oops.

[Tweet “CYC Fitness Times Square Spin Class Review #classpass @cycfitness #cycsocial”]

I looked to the left and there was a changing room for women–and it was tiny. Imagine 20 women needing to change with one small bench and an area that could fit 3 people comfortably. I learned my lesson after bumping into everyone while trying to get dressed–come earlier or change at work beforehand.

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When I finally made it out of the lions den, my instructor, Jessica Kent, came right away and introduced herself. I felt right at home. I got to my bike and looked for my (complimentary?) water, it wasn’t there. I had to ask a staffer for one and it cost $2. I didn’t mind that but the worst part was that it was room temperature. For $2 it should at least be cold!IMG_6581 (1)

The class was really intense, I mean super intense. We were supplied with (2) 2lbs weights and we used them for every move possible–we did arm raises, push ups, dips and plenty other moves that I can’t possibly even describe. It was crazy. Another crazy thing was that the instructor was hitting on the drums during certain songs, I wasn’t quite ready for it and it threw me off but by the end I guess it was ok? It didn’t do anything for me either way.IMG_6580 (1)

When class was over, my legs were burning and I felt like I got a good workout. I would definitely return using my classpass and I would recommend one tries it out if they are a spinning addict like I am.

Have you ever been in a super crowded locker room? How do you deal? have you ever been to a CYC Fitness class?

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fitness fun

EVEN Hotels Puts Gym Equipment in Guest Rooms!

by Nellie

Even Hotels NYC Workout In Hotel Room-2966As a person that travels frequently throughout the year I esteem my share of hotel rooms and fitness centers. Some great, a lot that are not so much. EVEN Hotels looks to change all of that by putting workout equipment directly in your room!Even Hotels NYC Workout In Hotel Room-2979

In partnership with MindBodyGreen, EVEN Hotels threw a fun cocktail party/mixer at their Times Square South location right dab in the middle of Times Square and Herald Square.Even Hotels NYC Workout In Hotel Room-2968

There were lots of healthy snacks available as well as a open bar. The DJ was playing tunes and the room was pretty packed!! There were healthy living gurus signing copies of books all night and the vibe of the party was pretty great.Even Hotels NYC Workout In Hotel Room-2975

I waited patiently for a tour because I wanted to see what all the fuss was about when it came to the rooms! I was not disappointed.Even Hotels NYC Workout In Hotel Room-2985

First the rooms were beautiful. Normal sized for NYC hotel rooms but with one major difference, there is gym equipment already prepared for you in the room!

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This is a big deal because sometimes when you are a female that travels alone you might get a bit weary about going to a fitness center that may or may not be deserted. With the equipment located in your room you can workout at your leisure (and in your underwear if you want!) with the peace of mind of being in your own room.

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For guests desiring a great workout, the property features a natural light filled 1,200 sq. ft. Athletic Studio which wraps around the ground floor level. Spin and yoga classes are offered in addition to morning runs off the Hudson River led by the property’s Chief Wellness Officer.  For those who prefer to work out on their own, guest rooms feature an In-Room Training Zone which includes a foam roller, yoga mat, yoga block, core exercise ball and the EVEN Hotels Trainer, a mounted fitness wall which includes resistance bands. The brand also developed 19 fitness videos and a robust in-room training guide which shows guests different ways to use the equipment.

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How cool is this? EVEN Hotels are opening several new hotels all over the city including one on Nevins street in Brooklyn! Next time you are looking for a place to stay in the city, this one is a winner!

[Tweet “Did you know that @EvenHotels comes with gym equipment?! #EvenHotelsNYC”]

Do you use fitness centers when you travel?

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Friday Fitness Check-in

I Got My First Tattoo

by Nellie

Happy Friday!!

Friday Fitness (1)

How are you guys?! If you are in the NorthEast are you ready for snow? I am. In fact, I welcome it–sure the kids drive me nuts but I am so far behind on all my shows that I don’t mind a weekend of catching up!

Its time for Friday Fitness!!

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It was a really good week fitness wise. Because of the long weekend I was able to go to a Peloton Cycle class in a Sunday! Not only that but it was a NFL themed 60 minute ride that was just extraordinary. The class was packed and our amazing instructor was recapping games for us while we pushed on the bike.

It was two of my favorite things spinning and football coming together in perfect harmony. I am officially obsessed with the Peloton Cycle life. I am putting it out there in the universe that I will get a Peloton bike in 2016 so that I can tap into a live class or on demand class anytime I want. Peloton Cycle = Bae.

Workouts of the Week

On Monday night I completed my first at home workout of 2016! While watching my favorite hip hop soap opera on VH1 I picked up my Kettlebells and put in work!!

 

Warmup

1 minute running in place

1 minute high knees

1 minute ankle touches

(By this time my heart rate was up!)

The following was done with a 15lb kettlebell

  • 20 goblet squats
  • 15 lunges on each leg
  • 15 swings with both arms
  • One leg bent over row (balance tester!)
  • 15 single arm shoulder presses

 

I repeated that 3 times — it was tough!!

On Wednesday I was feeling pretty crappy but I went to workout anyway because the training miles for the race in 4 weeks has been minimal. I was able to get in a few miles and do some leg presses for the strong leg project.

Thursday I took my first CYC spin class. Review coming soon!!

I got inked!

So remember a few weeks before the marathon when I told you guys that I would get a tattoo to commemorate all of the blood, sweat and tears of my marathon? Well, I did it!26-2-tattoo

It was super easy! It didn’t hurt nearly as much as I expected and I love it so so much! I actually want one more tattoo and then I’m done. I think. 🙂

Wins of the week

  • Worked out at home for the first time in a long time!
  • Been super conscious about my sugar intake
  • Worked out 4 times so far!
  • Felt pretty great about my body all week.

How was your fitness and wellness week? Do you have any tattoos? If you were to get one what would you get? Don’t forget to share your wins of the week!!

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Sweet-Science-Restaurant-Brooklyn-Review-Brunch
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Best Restaurants In Brooklyn: Sweet Science Restaurant

by Nellie

It’s been a super long time since I’ve written a restaurant review in this space but Sweet Science Brooklyn in Bushwick Brooklyn has fired up my restaurant review fingers once again!

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I originally heard about the restaurant from a really cool link featuring some of the most awesome Black Owned restaurants in Brooklyn. For some of you that may not realize, Brooklyn has become incredibly fancy in the last few years. I don’t even recognize it most days. Constantly I am always hearing about new restaurants and neighborhoods on the rise in Brooklyn but I never really have the time to explore, but last weekend I did!

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My best friend Erin and I decided to grab a bite at Sweet Science in celebration of getting my first tattoo (more on that in another post!). We got on the increasingly popular L train and got off at Montrose Ave. We passed a ton of cute little shops including a Mac & Cheese bar and a hip Doughnut Shop. The walk was short–only about 4 blocks, but the Sweet Science Restaurant was easy to see it was all black on the outside, and we immediately knew we were gonna have a good time.

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When you walk in you see a beautiful bar with several levels of top shelf liquor. To the right, there is a classic framed photo of the Notorious B.I.G. The restaurant is super spacious and divided into sections by tall glass walls with black shades for privacy, if needed. The restaurant is perfect for birthday parties or any other celebration. The crowd was young and chic. Brunch is definitely the cool thing to do

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We were seated within 5 minutes and I chose the 6oz burger and fries and Erin chose the eggs and oxtail hash. We ordered 2 biscuits on the side because…biscuits!

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The food did take a while but that just gave us ample time to catch up. When the food finally arrived we were starving!

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We both loved our dished equally, the burger was made with fresh ground meat and the fries were seasoned to perfection! The biscuits were super soft and flaky. Erin ate all of her oxtail hash! I had a little, and it was yummy!

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I would love to come back to Sweet Science for another meal, perhaps dinner? To see more of the menu. In the meantime, if you are in Brooklyn, take the time to visit this gem in Bushwick, it’s totally worth it!  

When is the last time you had brunch? What did you have? Any great Brooklyn restaurants that I should try next?

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