New Years Eve

I'm not sure where this year went but I can for sure say it flew by. There were ups and downs, amazing moments, sad times and so much in between. While I'm bummed for another year to be over, I can't wait to see what 2015 is going to bring. 

In honor of it being New Year's Eve, here are 15 things that happened this year and 5 I'm looking forward to next year.

1. I moved, twice. 

2. I got to run the NYC Half Marathon and PR'd at Staten Island. 

3. I met some amazing new friends, and got closer with old ones.

4. Went to Boston for the first time and got to stand on the marathon finish line.

5. Successfully celebrated my birthday and Mother's Day (which were on the same day) without any major fighting. 

6. Finally made it up to Lake George for a girls weekend with Heather and Meg.

7. Partied with Lauren Bush Lauren and Taryn Manning.

8. Signed my first lease. 

9. Began writing for a local magazine. 

10. Finally resolved things with my best friend of 16 years (who also just got engaged!!). 

11. Made some bangin' crockpot meals.

12. Got a new job.

13. Landed my first WSJ placement.

14. Cooked a Thanksgiving dinner for 8 people (with a ham not a turkey!).

15. Volunteered in the medical tent for the NYC marathon. 

For next year, I'm looking forward to:

1. Making more memories with my friends and family and staying connected to everyone. 

2. Seeing where my blog goes and launch my ezine. 

3. Seeing where my career takes me. 

4. Running a sub-2 half marathon.

5. Taking time to slow down and enjoy my life. 

Have a wonderful and safe New Year. See you in 2015!

Xo,

Lynette

Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Who knew Christmas was only 10 days away! Maybe 9 now. If you've somehow gotten through your major gift list and are just looking for a few stocking stuffers, you've come to the right place. And you've gotten further than I have.

Here are 3 last minute gifts for anyone on your list:

Bombas athletic socks are your new best friends. Not only are they stylish and comfortable, for each pair purchased, one pair is donated. The team learned that socks were the most requested thing at homeless shelters and knew they needed to do something about it. If you know me, I'm all about giving back. So get on this purchase. 

[Photo Credit]

Pukka teas are organic and delicious. One of my favorite blends is the gorgeous earl grey. I usually drink it in the morning at work and it keeps me alert all day!

[Photo Credit]

Lastly, sneak a little morning treat in someones stocking. I've been obsessed with Pretzel Crisps Peppermint Dark Chocolate. So much in fact they were gone in 2 days. Goes perfect with your Pukka tea!

Xo,
Lynette

Tone It Up Tuesday: Hip Thrusts

My legs have always been muscular but that doesn't mean that I don't need to make an effort to maintain their strength. Hip thrusts engage your thighs, glutes and abs for a quick yet efficient workout. 

If they become too easy for you, there are so many variations to mix it up- from putting one leg in the air to adding weights. 

Here's what to do:

[Photo Credit]

Lie flat on the ground then bend your knees so that your feet are about hips distance apart and flat on the floor. 

Keep your head, neck and upper back on the group. 

Using your core, press your thighs and glutes up towards the ceiling and squeeze all of your muscles. 

Slowly lower to starting position. Repeat 15 times. 

Xo,

Lynette

Holiday Gift Guide: Food

As much as I love going out and trying new restaurants, I'm a huge fan of being in the kitchen. If  you're shopping for a foodie, here are a few things to consider:

[Photo Courtesy of Bed Bath and Beyond]

I have been dying for a Kitchen Aid. The recipe possibilities are endless- from muffins to mashed potatoes to spaghetti (with the use of an addition).

[Photo Courtesy of Sur La Table]

After sizzling my meat thermometer this past fall, I've got my eyes set on a new one. I'm always trying new turkey or pork chop recipes and like to make sure my food of fully cooked.

[Photo Courtesy of Sur La Table]

After having paella for the first time last month, I can't wait to make my own. Or anything else on a skillet really. Maybe a mac and cheese treat?

[Photo Courtesy of Sur La Table]

I think this little fondue set is the cutest for a date night. Whether it's cheese and bread or chocolate and strawberries, it's perfect for a night in. 

What are you getting your foodie this year?

Xo,
Lynette

Holiday Gift Guide: Fitness

It's only natural that my first gift guide for the season is focused on fitness. It's chilly outside and training in the winter isn't too much fun if you aren't dressed appropriately. Here are a few things I hope are under the tree this holiday season:

[Photo Courtesy of Lululemon]

For me, a cold head can put a damper on my run. I am all about this black and grey Run with Me Torque hat from Lululemon. Perfect for long winter runs to keep my head warm! Or it can be worn slouchy for brunch or if you're having a bad hair day. 

[Photo Courtesy of Nike]

In the recent years I've gotten more into patterned running tights than I've ever been. These Epic Lux Printed leggings from Nike are at the top of my list regardless of how ridiculous I might look in them. 

[Photo Courtesy of Life's Better in Yoga Pants]

Music is essential for me and I'm not a fan of holding my phone or iPod in my hand. And sometimes I don't have pockets to stuff it in. The Armpocket is great for runners and comes in a variety of colors, styles and sizes. 

[Photo Courtesy of Asics]

What runner doesn't want new running shoes? I'm obsessed with these Gel-Kayano 21's from Asics and I really hope they are waiting for me under the tree this Christmas. 

What's on your list?

Xo,
Lynette 

Disclaimer: I am an ambassador for Armpocket. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Wednesday! Life's Better In Yoga Pants is heading back to Long Island for the long weekend. Posts will resume on Monday. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Xo,

Lynette

Doonya

A few weeks ago I was invited to the grand opening of Doonya's first NYC studio. They held pop-up classes throughout the city but this is the first time they have had their own location. 

I arrived just in time and changed in one of their chic dressing rooms. The class started promptly and they wasted no time getting us right into it!

Doonya is a Bollywood dance fitness company, for those unfamiliar it can be compared to Zumba. A combination of instructors hosted the hour long upbeat class. There was a combination of pop, hip hop and traditional Bollywood music. Each routine targeted different parts of the body such as abs, arms, legs, calves, etc. It was easy to follow along and I never got bored. Definitely the perfect after-work dance party. 

Afterwards there were drinks from Veev Vodka, snacks from Bhagvat Life and a beauty station from Shobha Spa and BrideGal Multicultural Beauty. 

I highly recommend taking a Doonya class if you haven't already!

Xo,
Lynette

Armpocket Ambassador

About few weeks ago I was contacted to see if I was interested in reviewing an Armpocket and learn more about their ambassador program. I thought why not- I rarely use an armband and the one I have is falling apart so there was no harm in trying out a new one. 

They sent me one of the multi-colored Armpocket's and although I wasn't too fond of the color (I asked to exchange for a different color) I am a big fan of the product. So much so that I applied for the ambassador program and got accepted! 

A few of the things I really love about the Armpocket include:

• You slide your phone into the front pocket, that has a little strap, so your phone stays put, making it easy to use through the protector.

• Fits snug around my arm. Although I've only worn it a few times, it hasn't stretched out at all yet. That was a big problem I was having with my previous armband. 

• Since it's snug, I can't fit much in it but it holds my phone with a case one and my keys pretty comfortably.

I don't put music in my armbands for races so I'm intrigued to see how it does holding my shot blocks and how easy it will be to access them. 

I look forward to being an ambassador for Armpocket and sharing so much more information with you!

Xo,
Lynette

Tone It Up Tuesday: Squats

Doing cardio in a second floor apartment isn't exactly easy. And I'm 110% sure my downstairs neighbors would be banging on my door in a heartbeat. So to switch things up with yoga, I made a little strength circuit with squats, abs and arms moves. I alternate squats and other parts of my body until I'm done. I usually do the below sequence minus the sumo squat because I'm skeptical that it does anything. I also don't follow the reps on the side. Some weeks I do 12,15 or 20 depending on the time I have. 

[Source]

What are your go-to apartment workouts?

Xo,

Lynette

The Holidays Have Arrived!

After a wonderful week of new workouts, I ended it with some fabulous friends by hosting a friendsgiving/housewarming party. It has been a whirlwind of a year and I am so thankful for each and every person who trekked out. I had the best time and loved being able to cook for everyone!

With that being said, not a damn thing was made with being healthy in mind. And that's OK! A few ingredients were organic but A LOT of butter was used and you know what? I didn't care. For the most part, I eat healthy and workout during the week and the holidays have the best food that I'm just not willing to give up. 

I spent the better portion of the day cleaning and cooking. I made sweet potatoes, stuffing cupcakes, mashed potatoes, a green bean casserole, a ham, crostinis and roasted mushrooms. Everything was super easy to make and used many of the same ingredients. 

[Window sill bar]

[Appetizers]

[A cute picture of me taken by NYC Living]

[The aftermath]

Are you hosting any friendsgivings this year? What are you making?

Xo,

Lynette 

The Monster Cycle

[Photo Credit]

I've been in the hunt for fitness studios in the new neighborhood I work in, which would be SoHo. After searching for the 47364th time I've accepted there's no Flywheel in walking distance. So I Googled and this place called The Monster Cycle appeared. I'd never heard of it before, it looked like it had a creepy yet super cool vibe and the first ride was only $13. So I signed up for a Tuesday evening class.

The studio is quite spacious. The first floor is check in, retail, a juice bar and a lounge area. For the second time this year when I was new somewhere, no one showed me around. I was told the changing rooms and spin studio was downstairs but wasn't even told where the stairs were! Really? This goes for all fitness studios and gyms- if someone is new please just ask if they'd like a tour or something. 

[Photo Credit]

Anyway, I went downstairs and went to the locker area. Things I liked: my locker corresponded with my bike number so I wouldn't forget which locker I picked. What I didn't like: There was no lock! After that realization, I got changed in one of the bathrooms, each of which had a shower in it.

The spin studio is small and has 2 flat screen TVs. You have your choice of clips or cages on the bikes but please take note they do not have shoe rentals. 

[Photo Credit]

I loved they play music videos. I never know what to look at sometime and the person in front of mes ass is usually not sufficient enough to keep me entertained. Each song obviously had a video although I only knew one or two songs so that was a bummer.

And apparently the instructor only knew sit or stand. We did hill climbs standing and sitting and occasionally a sprint. I would have loved for him to switch it up a little more, add a jog, 3 part jump or anything more. 

Something I think is important is that the instructor didn't talk too much. Sometimes I have trouble getting lost in a song during a climb if the instructor talks through it. He also shared a motivational quote at the end which was nice.

Overall it was an OK class. I'm not sure I would pay full price for it but it was worth the $13 and if someone offered me a class I would probably take it.

Have you been to The Monster Cycle? What did you think?

Xo,

Lynette

Thursday Three...is back!

So many posts this week and so many fun things in the works. I can't wait to share with you all! But until it's time, here is what's inspiring me lately.

These are 2 of my amazing friends who also happen to be bloggers who I am also working on 2 pretty rad projects with. Check them out at NYC Living and Megan at Home.

After watching the NYC Marathon up close and personal, I finally got inspired to get back in my workout groove. Can't wait to see what my 2015 running seasons have in store for me!

This is one of my favorite times of the year. The holidays always inspire me to be a better friend, person, publicist and writer. 

What inspires you?

Xo,

Lynette 

Much Needed Time Off

[Photo credit]

I've been an athlete my entire life and towards the end of a season, I start getting an itch for a little break. After a mixed emotions spring race season I bounced back with an amazing fall season and gave myself well deserved time off.

[Staten Island Half smiles]

And you should too. All of us athletes spend most of the year turning down long nights with our friends for practice or a race the next day. It's second nature. After I ran an extremely well race at Staten Island, I took time to see my friends, party, catch up on work and apparently gain 8 pounds (good thing my little break is over). It was so refreshing and now I'm ready to ease back into working out and gear up for spring. Remember, even Shalane gives herself a little break!

[Out on a Friday night!]

This weekend, I'm hosting a housewarming party/friendsgiving and next weekend is a good friends birthday and another friends post-marathon "I have a life again" party.

What are you doing during your downtime? 

Xo,

Lynette 

Tone it Up Tuesday

Since I've been doing a lot more strength training at home, I thought I'd bring back Tone it Up Tuesday and each week share a new exercise I've been trying.

One thing that I never did and recently found on Pinterest was the dolphin pose. I think I had bad form when I was younger and thought that it didn't work. Lo and behold, it definitely does!

It not only works your abs but also your arms. And feels great. 

How do you do it?

Start in plank position. Make sure your spine is neutral- no butts in the air or sagging down! Abs should be engaged the moment you start.

[Photo courtesy of Fitness Magazine]

Next, using your engaged abs, pike your butt up towards the ceiling. 
Hold for a moment then slowly return to your plank position. 

[Photo Courtesy of Real Simple]

Depending on what my workout is for the day, I do about 12 as an ab move in between squats. 

Do you practice dolphin pose? Do you do any variations? 

Xo,
Lynette