Happy Sunday! I hope everyone is having a great weekend. I’ve been amazed at the response to the C9 Champion for Target giveaway! This weekend has been absolutely wonderful thus far!

Friday night I was able to meet Theodora for happy hour before heading uptown to the Essex House bar to meet my old friend Zach for drinks.  One of the biggest benefits of living in New York City is that so many friends come to the city for work functions throughout the year. It’s always fabulous to catch up friends when they’re in the city for a business trip! The bar was pretty swanky and the service was wonderful!

Yesterday, however, was all about the NYJL Winter Ball! My personal training session was very arms focused yesterday as my trainer new that my legs got a great workout during Friday’s long run and yesterday’s shakeout run. In addition, an arms and shoulder workout is always a great way to make you feel ball gown ready.

The best way to relax after a tough training session is definitely a manicure and pedicure date with girlfriends. Over the past few months I’ve really come to appreciate the hour of uninterrupted conversation that can take place during a manicure and pedicure. Yesterday’s date was a true treat as Theodora and I were able to witness Melissa’s first pedicure, EVER! I was amazed that this multiple marathon runner had never treated her feet to this luxury.

If you’re looking for a clean, reasonably priced large nail place in New York City around Hell’s Kitchen, I highly recommend Forever Young.

A few hours after getting our nails done, Theodora and I met a few other Junior League ladies for blow outs at Dry Bar! I am going to do a separate post with a full review of Dry Bar but for now, let it suffice that our experience was fabulous!

After an afternoon of primping, I was ready to get the party started at my committee members Upper East Side apartment. Nina was sweet enough to host over 20 ladies and their guests for an evening of bubbly and pre party fun since the Desserts & Dancing portion of the Winter Ball didn’t begin until 9pm.

Our contribution to the evening was Veuve- the best way to start any evening of fun!

The funniest part of the evening was when guests walked into put their coats down in Nina’s bedroom and saw this site. Bo’s tuxedo pants got caught on the taxi’s air conditioner vent as he was exiting the cab outside Nina’s apartment. While this could have been a tragic event, since the rip was about six inches long, beginning at his knee, my friend Camille was a clothing design and textiles major in college. Therefore, she was able to bring her sewing kit uptown with her and expertly fix his tux pants!

Maybe my next New York City blogger event will be Simple Sewing with Camille!

Around 9pm, Nina announced that it was time to head to the Pierre for the actual party!

Within minutes, we were entering the NYJL Winter Ball 2012, Moonlight in Marrakesh. I didn’t get many pictures of the actual décor, but Bo captured a few of the Pierre’s beauty while I was in the ladies room.

We snapped a few pictures while waiting in the coat check line, before the night got too crazy!

The committee took interpreted the theme, Moonlight in Marrakesh, by adding tapestries, bright jewel tones, and large beautiful floral arrangements including Elephant ears and vibrant flowers. The silent auction section, complete with baskets and ornate draperies, felt like a traditional Moroccan bazaar or market.  In fact, Bo and I accidentally won a 2 night vacation, including 2 days of golf, at The Cloister on Sea Island, thanks to my tipsy bidding! Oh well, at least it’s tax deductible and a great deal! There was also a henna station for those who were feeling a bit wild.

The band last night was wonderful, playing everything from Motown classics to Lady Gaga. I’m lucky that my friends and Bo all love to dance which meant my feet were screaming by 2am! Last night’s crowd was also a lot younger than last year’s which meant the dance floor was packed all night!  I ended up tearing the bottom of my dress due it’s length and the crowded dance floor. I loved my dress and am therefore considering having it shortened into a knee length dress for summer weddings versus repairing the tear. I actually only paid $89 for my gown as it was included in JCrew’s extra 30% off sale, on top of any sale price, during December!

Unlike last year, by 1am this year our whole group was exhausted. I think the fact that none of us ate an actual meal before the event and were too busy dancing to partake in the dessert bar, put us over the edge. I was more than happy to down a slice of pizza on the couch while watching Modern Family before falling asleep at 2am! If you’re interested in the Junior League, whether in New York City or another city, feel free to send me any questions. I’m a huge advocate as it has allowed me to make wonderful friends in both New York City and Philadelphia!

And in one final weekend plug, I’d be honored if you’d head over to Fitness Magazine’s first annual Fitterati Blog awards! While I have no expectation of winning, I’d still be honored if you’d head over to Fitness Magazine and vote for A Healthy, Happier Bear for Best Running Blog! I am so humbled and ecstatic to have been nominated, considering the other incredible runners who were nominated!