Of the moment // 5.26.17
One of the reasons why I blog is simply to have the space to write: getting things “on paper” helps me to process my feelings and organize my thoughts. I also love having a record of my life over the past few years: a place that holds all of my stories, my photos, the ups and downs of travel. But sometimes, I also just want to remember and share the little things that brought me day-to-day joy. Every Friday, I’ll give you a peek into the book I currently can’t put down, a great restaurant discovery, a fun new product or an inspiring quote: a few things that I think you might enjoy before we all take off into the glory that is the weekend! 
One of my friends works at an incredible charter school in East Harlem (watch this very moving video to get an idea of their mission), and I had the pleasure of speaking at their Career Day this week. First of all, it’s quite a communications challenge to describe podcast sales and travel blogging to a group of (admittedly very well-behaved) seventh graders. But it was so inspiring to get to talk to these kids, all of whom are facing about a so many more educational obstacles than I ever had when I was growing up. Although the school is technically a lottery system, preference is given to kids living in public housing–and from day one, they make it a priority that every single student knows that their path leads to college (and 94% of graduates are accepted into college, which is awesome in a neighborhood where the average is closer to 36%). It made me grateful for the very pro-education childhood I had, as well as inspired to look for more places to give back in my community.
Blooms
For our wedding party last weekend, I opted not to get “professional” flowers done: instead, I borrowed a bunch of mason jars from my friend Kate and bought a bunch of flowers at Trader Joe’s! I was hoping for tulips, but when I showed up at the store, there were absolutely zero tulips and about a million irises. Irises it was! I threw in some eucalyptus and tied them with twine and it was so simple–and I loved it.
Gym Vibes
One of my favorite thing about ClassPass is that I can switch up my workout and try new studios and classes around the city. I have my favorite studios (coming in a future post!), but I still like checking out new places based on my meeting schedule (aka my last meeting of the day is in SoHo, where can I go for a barre class near there?). I tried out the Signature class at Physique 57 earlier this week, and it was INTENSE. One of the harder and more technical-based barre classes I’ve gone to in the city: definitely recommend if you want a challenge.
Reads
We read Commonwealth for my book club this week, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It took me a little bit of time to get into it, but I got very invested in the characters and really loved the plotline. Solid beach read option. Bonus: Emma Straub’s new independent bookstore opened in Cobble Hill! How cute is Books Are Magic? It’s so light-filled and friendly, and I love that the author of Modern Lovers decided to keep it so local.
Words
And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald
This weekend, we’re going back to the Berkshires! This is one of my favorite summer city escapes, and I’m looking forward to BBQs, canoe rides and waking up to the beautiful lake view.
