Run for it: tips on how to get started

Since I’ve been training for a half-marathon and running multiple times a week, a couple friends have asked me for tips on how to get started. I was never much of a runner but these are the things that helped me get through the initial stages, and continue to inspire me now:

1. Have a running buddy for the beginning, if possible. Sometimes its easier to run with someone else because you have a sense of commitment and support. I first started running in Greece last summer with one of my friends from the trip and I’m not sure I would have been able to push myself enough without her.
2. I think it’s so important to set a weekly running schedule, write it down, and stick to it no matter what! Even if you aren’t looking to train for a marathon, act as though you are. If you’re just starting out, maybe plan to run 1 mile on Tuesday, 2 miles on Wednesday, 1 mile on Thursday, and then 3 miles on Saturday–whatever you feel comfortable with. Do that for a couple weeks, and then maybe do 2, 3, 2, 4 for a couple weeks, and so on. Make it a priority.
3. Run in the morning. As difficult as it is to wake up, once you do you’ll feel sooo amazing! Then your run is out of the way, you’ll feel great all day, and you don’t have to dread running later after a full day of work, class, meetings, etc. Trust me, this really works!
4. Make sure your eating the right way before your runs to maximize energy. I’ll have a piece of wheat toast with peanut butter and sliced banana at least an hour before longer runs, and maybe just a banana or small granola bar 20 min before shorter runs in the mornings.
5. I’ve found so much inspiration on Pinterest (check out my fitness and motivation board!). I even go so far as to set pictures that I find motivational as my iPhone background so that I am constantly reminded of my goals.
6. If possible, get yourself some new, fun running outfits that are super cute and make you feel awesome. Looking and feeling great is a huge motivator for me.
7. Finally, look to people you know who are doing it. If I can do it, you can too, right? It’s really a mind game you play with yourself. You just have to want it bad enough.

Now get out there and run like the wind! ;)

xo, B

Tadasana with style

Of course I am going to follow up my recent post on yoga (Namaste) with a list of some chic favorites that inspire me to keep working on my chaturanga…

And what better place to shop for cute yoga clothes than Lululemon Athletica? Some people think that  loyal Lulu shoppers somewhat resemble a cult–I just think they make awesome apparel that you can look and feel amazing in… plus, its a total fact that Lulu butts are the best-looking of them all! ;)

Here is some of my favorite yoga apparel right now:

No Limits Tank, Flash

Wunder Under Crop *Denim (not actually denim), White

Centered Energy Bra, Black

Cool Racerback *Mesh, Rose Quartz

Dhanurasana Crop, Wee Are From Space Coal Fossil (I actually have these in the "Flash" color but it's no longer available online)

Daily Tank, Beachy Floral White Fossil / Wee Stripe

Dance Studio Jacket, Black

Pure Balance Tank, Eggplant

Since I am also training for a half-marathon, here are a couple great pieces made specifically for running:

*Don’t forget if you’re registered to run anything above a 10k you get 15% off all running gear at Lulu!

Run: Swiftly Tech 1/2 Zip, Ultra Violet

Run: Swiftly Racerback, Wild Lime

Run: Speed Short *Nakedseam, Wee Stripe Printed White Fossil / Flash

Enjoy!

xo, B

Namaste

If you follow me on social media, you are well aware of my recent love affair with Vinyasa yoga. While I used to be a regular practitioner of Bikram yoga, I have found that Vinyasa is much more enjoyable and beneficial to me.

It all started with neon.

party . yoga . love . neon | glowing yogis light up Copley Square

At the end of March, Lululemon Athletica hosted a stellar event called “Party. Love. Yoga. Neon.” to celebrate the grand opening of their new store on Newbury Street. More than 500 neon-clad yogis (myself and my friends included) gathered in Copley Square to participate in the hour-long Vinyasa flow led by the lovely Goldie Kaufenberg, Back Bay Yoga teacher and Lululemon ambassador. A live DJ blasted top 40 music while glowing yogis floated beneath the city lights in perfect 70-degree weather.

party . yoga . love . neon . | Goldie Kaufenberg

That night made me realize how truly valuable yoga is to my mind, body, and soul – and I’ve been hooked ever since! I’ve been trying out different yoga studios around Boston, including Back Bay Yoga Studio, Baron Baptiste Power Yoga (where I just did an awesome “Yoga for Runners” workshop!), and Open Doors Yoga Studios. The next place on my list to try is Sweat & Soul Yoga, which also offers indoor spin classes. Then I’ll have to decide where I want to practice regularly. I’m thinking its going to be Back Bay Yoga Studio because I LOVE Hip Hop Yoga with Goldie… but we’ll see ;)

One of my best friends and dedicated yogini Mandy is about to begin her 200-hour yoga certification training. I am so thrilled that she is pursuing this passion and I can’t wait to become one of her first students. Good luck love, you will be amazing! <3

What brings you to the mat?

Namaste.

xo, B

Public Relations 101

 

Hi everyone!

This past Saturday I attended a regional PR conference hosted by Boston University’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) called PR Advanced: Unleash our Generation. The conference featured a keynote presentation, various breakout sessions with established speakers, lunch, a career panel, a career fair, and plenty of opportunities to network throughout the day. I found everything I learned that day to be so valuable and resourceful that I wrote an article summarizing the key takeaways for IDEA‘s BostInno channel. While the article focuses on how entrepreneurs in particular can use the advice to their advantage, it can all be applied to any industry and further offers great tips on personal branding for individuals. Here is a short excerpt from the piece:

BU’s Dean of Students, Kenn Elmore told attendees that no matter your industry, you need to be ‘eloquent, hip, bold, and persistent.’ People want to know what you think of the world, what you’re reading and listening to, and how effectively you can tell your story. In order to be interesting, likeable, and relatable, you have to know about culture, fashion, and lifestyle. ‘It isn’t frivolous stuff. It’s how culture pushes itself forward,’ he said. New social media is the perfect platform to share these ideas with the world and let them get to know you as cultured individuals.

Click here to read the full article. I hope you find the advice as insightful as I did!

xo, B

Updates galore

Happy Monday!

I haven’t been posting consistently lately so I thought I’d give a few updates on what’s been going on in my life. For starters, I have my first post-college job working in Digital Advertising for The Boston Globe/Boston.com–yayyy! Also, I have been writing about various aspects of entrepreneurship for IDEA‘s BostInno channel so you’ll start seeing more posts from that (like the last one on Tory Burch!).

Now onto the fun stuff:

• Fitness – One of my good friends and I are starting to train for Boston’s Run to Remember half-marathon on May 27. It will be my very first half-marathon and what I hope is the first of many. I am so excited! We decided to follow Hal Hidgon’s Novice 2 12-week training program in preparation for the race. We’ll also be doing some hot yoga and other cardio workouts 1-2 times a week as part of the training. #Bringit
• Health - My new favorite healthy dish is a tuna melt made with tomato and avocado — it is ah-MA-zing! Just put 2 pieces of low-fat cheese on whole wheat bread and place in the toaster oven. Once toasted to your liking, add tuna with fresh avocado and tomato and voila! You’ve got yourself a delicious, healthy and satisfying meal. This sandwich is also delicious prepared as a panini, like in the photo below (taken from this fellow blogger). Pure genius.

• Fashion – I haven’t gone on any major shopping trips lately since I’m trying to save some money (ohhh, student loans…:-/), but here are a couple things currently on my most-wanted list:

• Beauty – There are sooo many fab beauty products to choose from, but here are some of my favorites this season:

And finally, did you all watch the Oscars last night?! Thoughts on Best/Worst Dressed?

xo, B

Startup America Partnership Celebration with Tory Burch

Tory Burch

Last week I was lucky enough to hear Tory Burch speak on entrepreneurship at Northeastern University in celebration of the one year anniversary of the Startup America Partnership. I was also lucky enough to write an article summarizing the experience for IDEA Northeastern’s BostInno channel.

Here is an excerpt from the article:

As the CEO and COO of a business that began in her Upper East Side apartment eight years ago and has since flourished into a worldwide fashion phenomenon, Manhattan designer, businesswoman and philanthropist Tory Burch knows a thing or two about entrepreneurship. When asked about her seemingly overnight success, she muses, “overnight was a really long night for me!”

Tory recalled years of gathering, sketching, and working hard to get to where she is today. “Where she is” refers to an international network of 60 free-standing boutiques, 500 department and specialty stores, Oprah endorsements, Forbes lists, CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) awards, and the trendiest Hollywood celebs sporting her gear. However, like most success stories, Tory has paid her dues. She spent two years working night and day out of her apartment, catering to 16 employees and 2 small children. While the idea of cold-calling invokes fear in the hearts of many, Tory highly encourages the practice despite how many times you might hear the word “no.”

Now, Tory strives to keep the culture of her high-fashion brand down-to-earth.  She has found that interdepartmental interaction is important for culture and innovation, and often uses culture surveys as a means of hearing from her 1500+ employees. In terms of hiring, Tory advises that young entrepreneurs “go with [their] gut” on hiring that first employee. “It’s also about necessity,” she says. When she realized she needed help sketching and translating her thoughts to paper, she hired someone that she knew could do just that.

To check out the entire piece, click here! :)

xo, B

Channeling Old Hollywood

Thinking about past trends and the various decades of fashion, I came to the conclusion that I am absolutely a twenties girl. When most people think of that decade, the classic “Roaring Twenties” image of a woman in a flapper dress puffing away at a long cigarette holder comes to mind. However, twenties fashion was much more than that–it defined classic femininity and bold, elegant fashion. Modern designers have captured the essence of Old Hollywood glam, making it easy to add a little 1920′s flair into your wardrobe. Some of my favorite vintage-inspired pieces include scalloped hemlines, retro silhouettes, and a whole lot of sequined glam!

I am obsessed with this embroidered New Romantics sequin button-down by Free People.

FP New Romantics sequin button down

This champagne sequined miniskirt by Victoria’s Secret features a scalloped hemline and a classic 20′s pattern.

Sequined skirt, victoriassecret.com

I am loving all the glam dresses found on AllSaints.com, like the two below. While most of them are out of my price range, they are still fun to look at for inspiration when shopping :)

AllSaints Scala minidress

AllSaints Eagle dress

I absolutely adore this lace and feather dress by Sue Wong (Bloomingdale’s)

I also love this feathery fringe minidress found on TopShop.com.

TopShop tinsel fringe dress, $120

You can always choose to add a touch of retro glam to an otherwise ordinary outfit to up the “wow” factor… ohh, the power of accessorizing :)

Headpieces were a major trend back in the ’20s, and they continue to thrive in the world of fashion today.

Free People headwrap

Tasha head wrap, Nordstrom

Forever 21 envelope clutch

Forever 21 beaded fringe clutch

FP Mary Frances pearl crossbody

Taylor Armstrong, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, looked stunning at her Roaring 20′s party in a dress by Sue Wong.

Q: Which is your favorite fashion era?

xo, B

DIY pampering

Ever feel like heading to the spa or salon and getting pampered, but can’t really afford to? Well, I am here to tell you that there are plenty of “prettifying,” feel-good things you can do in your very own apartment that will make you feel like a million bucks (and cost you less than 20!).

1. Try this at-home glaze on lackluster locks for instant megawatt shine.

John Frieda Clear Shine Luminous Glaze, $10

2. Who needs to pay for a spray tan when you can get a long-lasting, healthy-looking glow  without stepping foot in a tanning salon? I love Jergens Natural Glow Foaming Daily Moisturizer. The mousse texture is less streaky and feels lighter than other tanning lotions. Plus, it’s a self-tanner mixed in with a regular lotion, which creates a more natural looking glow over time.

Jergens Natural Glow foaming daily moisturizer, $8.50

3. While lash extensions cost hundreds of dollars, why not get a pair of glue-on false lashes for a glam night out? They are super cheap and you can wear one set on multiple occasions.

Sephora false lashes, $8

So glam :)

4. Nothing feels more beautiful than radiant, healthy-looking skin. Proactiv Solution promises just that with its Refining Mask product, which contains a 6% concentration of antibacterial sulfur. This face mask always leaves my skin feeling soft and velvety–and yes, super radiant! Plus, it costs way less than a spa facial.

Proactiv refining mask, $20

5. Give yourself a classic mani/pedi. You probably already have everything you need lying around your apartment, but if you don’t, a complete kit like the one below costs less than $10 at most drugstores.

Ms. Manicure Tips & Toes mani/pedi tool set, $8

Now all you have to do is pick your favorite shade of nail polish and you’re good to go! I am loving bold shades of blue this season, like this black shade with cobalt blue pearls by NARS.

NARS Night Series nail polish in "Night Flight," $17

So go ahead, pamper yourself :)

xo, B

Halloweekend: Celebrity-style

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Even though today is the official holiday, celebs were spotted in elaborate costumes all weekend long. From Heidi Klum’s annual Halloween party in Las Vegas to star-studded bashes in NYC, Hollywood got a head start celebrating the spookiest (and most fun!) holiday of the year.

Here are some of my favorite celebrity costumes:

Kim Kardashian manages to make poison ivy look appealing at the Midori Halloween party in NYC

Alessandra Ambrosio & her friend celebrate as characters from last year's darkest movie, "Black Swan"

Gwen Stefani channels her inner-Disney Princess as Cinderella for Kate Hudson's Halloween party in L.A.

Topher Grace pays tribute to a childhood favorite, Mr. Rogers, at Kate Hudson's Halloween bash

Snooki got wilder than usual as a sexy cat for Halloween

Nicole Ritchie went as "Jenny from the Block"

Scott Disick says his prayers for Satan's favorite holiday

Nicky Hilton rocks a purrfectly sassy cat costume

Katy Perry ditches her signature girly frills and pastels in the true spirit of Halloween

Heidi Klum shocks everyone at her annual bash in Las Vegas dressed as a skinless corpse

Holly Madison hosts her Vegas party as Rapunzel from Disney's "Tangled"

Ciara dons a "Stormy" X-Men costume to celebrate Halloween and her 25th birthday

 

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I felt like a celebrity on Friday night when I went out to Gypsy bar in Boston as platinum selling recording artist, Nicki Minaj! Then on Saturday my friends and I went out together as characters from The Wizard of Oz–SO much fun!

_

Q’s: Which celebrity costume is your favorite? What did you dress up as for Halloween?

xo, B

Biking in Boston

Looking for a fun, recreational way to exercise? Try biking! Since today turned out to be yet another lovely fall day, my boyfriend and I decided to rent bikes through the New Balance Hubway bike sharing system.

Here’s how it works:

• Join – Visit any of the various Hubway stations located throughout the city and follow the directions at the kiosk. Use your credit card to join the system for 24-hours or 3 days; your fee depends on how long you keep the bike.
• Take – Print your unique unlocking code provided upon the completion of payment, enter the code at any bike dock, and when the green light appears pull the handlebar toward you until the bike releases.
• Ride – Enjoy your trip!
• Return – Return the bike to any Hubway station by pushing the front wheel into any empty bike dock. Be sure to wait until the green like appears to ensure that your bike has been properly returned and your rental is complete.

I am a runner, but my boyfriend hates to run. After hopeless attempts to get him to run with me, we have finally figured out that biking is the perfect way for us spend time together and get some exercise. We chose to ride along the Charles River so we could enjoy the beautiful weather, scenery and atmosphere. We ended our trip with a stop at Red Mango for a healthy frozen yogurt snack–does life get any better? :)

Here are a few more suggestions for recreational exercise:

1. Hiking
2. Rollerblading
3. Skiing
4. Yoga
5. Kickboxing

It’s all about mixing up your work outs to keep them new and exciting. What are some other fun activities that keep you motivated and active?

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xo, B