wake up san francisco

Oh look at that, just a little photo montage from my semi-recent travels to the fantastic land of San Francisco.  I was fortunate enough to get to spend almost a full week enjoying the hilly sidewalks and gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge (officially been around it on every single angle now), as well as  a much needed time with some good friends from my old neighborhood from my days in Hoboken. I am already counting down to the next outing.

three cheers for friday

Hip Hip Hooray!

This weekend is one I’ve been looking forward to for so long. It’s my friends’ annual pool party back down in New York. When the party date was announced, I knew I had to figure out a way to come down and see a good majority of my friends in one sweep. It’s so nice when you can see so many people in one place instead of trying to coordinate so many multiple side trips. Weekend trips are usually not enough time for me to get in everything I want to do.

This is my second time to New York since I’ve left, and I’ve got one more to go next week (I am definitely spending too much time at the airport – just so you know). I've been going quite a bit for work - the irony. It’s been good to go back, see some of the favorites – like my favorite gym class, lunch place and it reminds me it’s not too far to get back and visit from time to time.

Here’s hoping to a beautiful weekend, and no sunburns.

 

welcome to sweaty June

virtual high five for working out

Happy Friday (yes, I am not going to have regular blogging this month, let’s just apologize now and move on?) I hope you are ready for a June fitness challenge, because I agreed to attempt 30 fitness classes in 30 days – which will involve some double sessions – old school style.  A few of my friends and I are very into what I’ll call social working out, where instead of hanging out and getting drinks and dinners after work, we hit up a gym class together and sweat it out.  Sometimes we go to brunch after a weekend workout – those Bloody Mary’s taste that much better after sweating it out. 

The rules are pretty simple, 30 classes in 30 days, mediation classes count, yoga is welcome, and some insanity is always a good idea. So far I've been having fun, and find myself figuring out how to get to more classes (I'll sleep more in July).

Our challenge includes Instagram photos after all our sweats – so if you would like to follow along or play along look for #sweatyjune #30in30, or please follow me @jilli1982. As of last night I was 5 out of 5, and getting ready for a weekend of gym attendance and packing up my apartment. 

Have you ever attempted a workout challenge?

girls just want to have fun

 

Happy Tuesday everyone - I hope those of you in locations that had long weekends this past week had a great time. I was lucky enough to head out of town, up to Boston to introduce one of my dearest work colleagues to other dear work colleagues in the area, and spend part of the weekend with the family. There was lots of yummy cocktails, food and seeing a bit of the sites from the Top of the Hub (honestly the best place to have a nice drink with a great view in Boston). There was also some playing with the nephew and having a proper cookout with the family.

Looking forward to the next long weekend!
 

might as well drink in the sun

 I am too old for all day drinking, though I did enjoy day drinks over this past weekend. It was so nice to slide down to Florida for some warm weather and beach and pool time (please remind me this should be a yearly pilgrimage). I went down to celebrate a friend’s birthday and had a lovely time enjoying relaxing days and evenings outside in true summertime fashion.  Returning home to the below freezing temperatures on Sunday night, was less than pleasant- I am more than ready to leave my winter coat in the closet for at least 6 months.   Anyways, hope you had a fun Saint Patrick’s Day!

just because...

 

I recently wanted to get one of my friends a cute notebook for the next adventure in her life.  Originally a work friend, turned into an out of work friend (love when that happens), she and I both have a similar love for to do lists and having a notebook to jot down notes and other important details. I thought that a nice notebook that was purse friendly and a bit personalized would make a nice little gift. I fell in love with these notebooks on etsy that are embroidered with names or other words if you desire. I love personalization – and I love giving items with initials or names on them to people.  If you are looking for a nice little something with that extra thoughtful flair - I highly recommend you consider a personalized notebook.

 

(images via sensationery)