Playing in the Dirt

After a wonderful double date at Ofrenda last night which included more than a few end of the week drinks, waking up this morning wasn’t easy.

In fact, it took me over 45 minutes just to get dressed and moving. Luckily, I had somewhere to be and people to see! This morning, Theodora and I volunteered at Sara D Roosevelt Park in the Lower East Side with the NYJL Playground Improvement Project.

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Over the past 20 years, the program has grown into a major effort and collaboration with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Parks and PIP partner annually to restore and rejuvenate parks throughout Manhattan, all of which require immediate attention and have the potential for the greatest impact on the surrounding community.

I decided to kill two birds with one stone and run the 1.6 miles down to the playground instead of taking a cab or subway. It was faster, easier, and helped me wake up.

When I arrived, I realized that a bagel and coffee wasn’t what my body was craving. Luckily, I was able to pick up my own breakfast, exactly what I was craving, from Whole Foods. I enjoyed an unpictured banana and coconut water. Both helped me recover from last night’s sodium filled dinner and the long week.

IMG_1835 (640x478)We spent the morning in destruction mode. Our challenge was to remove all the weeds, foreign plants, and debris from a large flower bed. We were also warned to watch out for glass, shredded cans, and needles. Luckily, no one in our group had to go to the lab after the park to get tested. 😉 Our group had a blast with this task and spent most of the time laughing in the dirt.

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IMG_1836 (640x478) IMG_1832 (640x478)  By the time lunch arrived, we had more than 15 large black bags filled with debris!

IMG_1834 (640x478) In case you were wondering, the Junior League doesn’t mess around with their box lunches!

IMG_1841 (640x478) IMG_1843 (478x640) I ate half the krinkle sticks, half the fruit cup, and 3/4 of the sandwich. I took off the cheese and as much mayonnaise as possible. This lunch was delicious but left me craving a nap instead of more gardening.

Our afternoon task was to rejuvenate our newly emptied gardens with new plants and shrubs! There were two flat bed trucks filled with over 100 plants!

IMG_1830 (640x478)This task was definitely harder than the morning destruction. Digging perfectly sized holes is not as easy as it looks; especially when you’re digging through trash, concrete, and sandy dirt!

IMG_1846 (640x478) IMG_1844 (478x640) IMG_1845 (640x478)Volunteering, spending time in the dirt, and enjoying fresh air with friends was a great way to spend the morning. It’s so rare that I’m able to garden in New York City since I don’t have a yard or any personal green space. If you’re interested in volunteering through the Playground Improvement Project, click here for more information!

Since I have a bridal shower dinner tonight at The Standard, I left an hour early. I ran the 1.6 miles back home up 2nd Avenue, taking in all the tourists, activity, and street fairs. The city was alive this afternoon once the sun came out! You can really tell that people are trying to summon Spring through their clothes and attitudes. Every restaurant was packed, even at 2:30, with people enjoying the fresh air.

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Stonyfield Organic Event

Last night, I was not in the mood to go to a special blogger event, even though it was being hosted by Stonyfield, one of my favorite companies.

I was exhausted after a long week, starving,  had a splitting headache, and all I wanted were comfies and my bed. Luckily, I had a partner in crime for the event which made it that much more appealing at 6pm. I met Theodora after a long work meeting and we headed downtown to Counter together.  I’ve actually been to Counter once before for a blogger brunch Melissa hosted right after I moved to the city. IMG_1824 (640x478)

As soon as we walked in, thirty minutes late due to traffic and work, I realized this was a formal event. I felt horribly, walking passed the very well dressed and poised speaker who had already begun. Luckily, we were only five minutes late and the group was very understanding of New York’s traffic and transit issues.

For the evening event, which attracted mommy and health bloggers, Stonyfield teamed up with Robyn O’Brien, the author of The Unhealthy Truth. The subtitle, One Mother’s Shocking Investigation into the Dangers of America’s Food Supply– and What Every Family Can Do to Protect Itself, describes last night’s speech perfectly.IMG_1826 (640x478)

Robyn made some great points during her conversation which each of us, students, wives, and or mothers alike were able to relate. She came across as very real and sincere. She admitted that even after she discovered the differences in America’s food supply, the changes didn’t come easy or cheap. She discovered, a few years ago, that Europeans don’t have the same health problems Americans do–because they don’t eat the same chemical-filled food many Americans do. Thirty-one percent of American girls, she said, are starting puberty at the age of 8 because of what they’re eating.

She pointed out that there are multiple ways to save money in your budget so you can afford organic foods. Here are a few tips she shared:

  1. Meatless Mondays is an easy way to save money since items like beans and rice are so much cheaper.
  2. You can find a great deal of deals on food staples in mass and club retailers such as Amazon.com, Target, and WalMart.
  3. Buy in bulk whenever possible.
  4. Frozen fruits are sometimes cheaper than fresh, especially when they are out of season.

She also stressed that change won’t happen overnight, even if you are single. Instead of stressing out over the process, focus on what you or your family eats most often. If you have drink two glass of milk a day, switching to RBGH or organic milk is a great start.

Also, focus on going organic with the dirty dozen, or those foods most likely to be contaminated.

  • Peaches
  • Apples
  • Sweet Bell Peppers
  • Celery
  • Nectarines
  • Strawberries
  • Cherries
  • Pears
  • Grapes (Imported)
  • Spinach
  • Lettuce
  • Potatoes

On the other hand, these foods are the 12 least likely to be contaminated.

  • Onions
  • Avocado
  • Sweet Corn (Frozen)
  • Pineapples
  • Mango
  • Asparagus
  • Sweet Peas (Frozen)
  • Kiwi Fruit
  • Bananas
  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Papaya

I should also note that while we were listening to her conversation, we had the opportunity to enjoy some delicious food. The tamari almonds and roasted portabella and onion sandwich put my hunger at bay during her discussion so I was able to focus on her content and enjoy myself.

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Thank you Stonyfield for including me in this very informative event. It was great to hear a new perspective into organic food from a very informed mother. In addition, it was great to catch up with Katie and Theodora, as well as finally meet Lindsay!

I look forward to reading Robyn’s book!

Question: Do you eat organic? Which foods do you tend to buy organic?

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Personal Training Check- In: A Month Later

As you all may recall, a month ago I took the plunge and started a relationship with a personal trainer. The decision to begin was a tough one. It’s like starting a relationship with a bad boy or a new dessert. It’s something you know you shouldn’t do, but you just can’t resist. You know it’s going to be addicting, it’s expensive, and it requires dedication.

Luckily for me, a trainer comes with far better benefits than a new dessert obsession or bad boy.

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A month ago, March 30th, Lauren and I met for the first time at the Equinox on 19th and Broadwa. Our first session was a bit awkward, as I was nervous and worried about what the future held. Would I bulk up like Hulk Hogan? Would my body be so exhausted after our sessions that I wouldn’t be able to run? Would she make me cry or push me too hard? Would she be worth the money? What if I embarrassed myself and couldn’t finish a set or an exercise, or looked like a fool completing an exercise. (See example below.)

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Luckily, looking back on this first month, I have nothing negative to say. Sure, it’s an expensive addiction, but in my experience, it has been well worth it. I’ve increased my strength, decreased my body fat, and lost weight in the process. In fact, I feel more confident today, than I did the day I finished the NYC Marathon. I think the reason for this is because I feel like the circle is complete. I could run a marathon, with proper training, even better than before since I’m including strength training. In fact, earlier this week, I shared this thought with my Twitter  followers:

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Today, during our session, Lauren and I talked about some of the many benefits I’ve enjoyed over the past month. In addition, I took that one step further by making a list which captures these benefits for readers who may be apprehensive or wary.

  • A trainer pushes me to attempt exercises I wouldn’t try alone.
  • A trainer prevents injury by insuring my form is correct.
  • A trainer can push me to lift that last rep when I thought I was done.
  • A trainer can point out results that are naked to the common eye such as improved balance, form, or strength.
  • A trainer can become a friend and therapist, with whom you can vent, laugh, and bitch.
  • A trainer ensures you don’t get bored with the relationship by trying something new every time.
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Since many people have asked, I wanted to also share a few examples of our workouts. Right now, we are meeting twice a week, for an hour each time. Each session includes 5 minutes of dynamic warm-up, 45 minutes of working out, and 10 minutes of stretching. The stretching has been a very important component, helping ensure that I recover faster and prevent injuries.

  Set/Reps          Exercise
  3×12   Suitcase Dead lift
  3×12   Push Up
  3x30s Decline Hold
  3×12   Reverse Diagonal Lunge
  3×12   Bent Over Row
  3×12   Leg Raises (Decline)
  3×12   Step Up
  3×12  MB Russian Twist
 

  Set/Reps          Exercise
  3×10       Squat
  3×10       Alt Latt Pull Down
  3×10       Alt Lunge
  3×10       DB Reverse Fly
  3×10       DB Fly
  3×15       Straight Leg Sit Up
  3×10       Leg Raise
  3×15       Superhero

  Set/Reps          Exercise
  3×10       Deadlift
  3×10       CG BB Curl to Press
  3×10       F-B Back Lunge
  3×10       Alt Shoulder Press
  3×10       Front DB Squat
  3×12       Cable Rotation
  3×12       Moving   Plank Hold

Feel free to email me any questions you may have about my Equinox personal training experience or any questions you may have for Lauren, my trainer.

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