I turned 21 & I'm making healthy choices!

Yay! These past two weeks have been insane, as anyone who follows my blog can tell. But I will hopefully be focusing more on "me time" in the upcoming weeks, which will include blogging!

I turned 21 on September 12th and that was fun! Except I went to the liquor store and they didn't card me!!! Unlike all the other times when I went in trembling with a fake ID. I was angry. But then I got carded later when my friends from the ballroom dance team took me out for wings and beer. Not the healthiest of things, I know.

I've been doing the "Insanity" workout, which is a lot of fun. Some of my apartmentmates are doing it with me, which I love. They are great with supporting healthy habits. The only problem with "Insanity" is that it makes me HUNGRY. But, if I'm not fit by the end of this semester, there will be issues. Here's why:

Healthy Decisions I am Making This Semester
1. Taking a "Healthy Weight, Healthy You" class on campus (for a grade--so I'll have to stick to it). The class is run by this great and very encouraging instructor. We do workouts and talk about nutrition. It's a weight management class so there is good reason to believe that it will help me with my weight.
2. Doing "Insanity" with my apartmentmates. The workout is crazy and I am ALWAYS sore. But I absolutely love it.
3. Taking a jazz dance class (also for a grade)! So far, we have been doing nothing but the warmup, which is basically stretching, ab work and a bit of cardio. So that's been good. We're doing combinations starting Wednesday, so it'll get even more active.
4. Continuing to do ballroom dance. It's a great workout for the mind, body, and soul. Honestly. I love it.
5. I bought a gym membership. It hasn't been of great use yet, but I am determined to go tomorrow.
6. Swimming class--I am possibly taking a swimming class every Saturday, because I'm not a very good swimmer and I would like to be. And pool exercise is great.
7. Eating more in my apartment and less in dining halls or restaurants. I'm really trying hard to keep healthy foods and snacks in the apartment, especially with my appetite as of the moment I started doing Insanity.

So, if I don't feel great at the end of this semester, I am going to say there is something wrong with the picture.

I'm currently studying for my LSAT's and trying to keep up with work, so I'll have to go for now. But I will catch up with all the blogs I follow tomorrow!

Back at School

I'm back at school and the past couple of days have been crazy, crazy, crazy! I will definitely update the blog sometime tomorrow. I've been taking photos and deciding what parts to write about, as to sum up my "Welcome Back Weekend".

I made an important decision a few days ago. I am taking a year off before going to law school. It's a huge decision for me and one that I know will not go over as well with some family members as it does with others. But, in the end, it is my decision and I have to believe it's for the best.

So before I do an update for the weekend, I decided I should write up some goals for the semester.

1) Get straight A's

I know it's possible and attainable--I just have to work really hard. And I think I can do it.

2) Get above a 170 on my LSAT's

Although I'm waiting a year to apply to law school, the LSAT is still an extremely important test. It basically decides what school you end up getting into and that decides what kind of summer internship and job you can have. So it's got to happen.

3) Remain organized

I tend to get lazy 1/4 of the way into the semester, with my notebooks, the state of my room, my chores, my workout schedule, etc. I want to really remain organized and prove to myself that I can be a responsible adult.

4) Lose 20 lbs.

I have 14-15 weeks. This is totally doable. That would put me at about 145 lbs, which I would really love and be really proud of.

5) Make the most of my senior year

Even though I have my LSATs, my ballroom life, my gym membership, and my classes...This is still my senior year. I still want to have an incredible time that I will remember forever. So that's why this is my last goal. Let's do it to it!

Wednesday/Thursday Social?

I know it's almost next Sunday, but I'm a new blogger and I just found this and I can't sleep and it looks like too much fun to pass up! Please don't hate me D:

http://www.acompletewasteofmakeup.com/

1. What is the first website you log on to each day?

Changes between Gmail, Twitter, Facebook. Depends on the day!

2. Give us some funny websites you visit that we need to know about

http://whatshouldwecallme.tumblr.com/ I have no idea why this is funny. It just is.

http://www.betcheslovethis.com/ Again...I just don't know.

http://www.cracked.com/ THE BEST

3. Pinterest or Facebook? Why?

I'm getting less into Facebook, but I'm not getting more into Pinterest, so I guess it's still Facebook. Pinterest is great for the fake parties that I keep planning in my head, though! I might be more into it when I get back to school.

4. Twitter or Instagram?

This is a toughy, because I actually love both! I think Twitter takes the gold, though. There's so many celebrities, my horoscope, funny tweets. Instagram is a bit camera whore-ish. Though it gives me an excuse to be somewhat of a camera whore.

5. Favorite youtube video...post it!

This.  I laugh legitimately every time.

Also this. I don't know why it makes me laugh. But it really does.

6. Biggest online pet peeve?

Pointless emo Facebook statuses make me crazy. Also, trolls. Except my brother. I think he's funny.

xoxo, Gossip Girl

Brazilian Keratin Treatment & Dos Caminos

This morning, I woke up bright and early at 10am (haha?) and ran off to a hair appointment. I know--two in one week: I am a lucky gal! This appointment was to do a Brazilian Keratin treatment! For those of you that don't know what that is, I'm going to explain it in the shortest way possible: it makes your poofy hair straight for a few months and then makes it easier to deal with for the rest of the year until you become a poofball and go back to the salon. At least that's the way it works for me. So, now I cannot perspire too much, wash my hair or put it up in a ponytail for the next 48 hours--but the more the better.

Here is what I wore:

 Shirt: Nine West, Black, Crocheted Back

Jacket: White Denim, The Gap

Jeans: American Eagle, Skinny, Size 8

Boots: NO clue. Found them in my mom's closet one day. They're super old but I love them.

The salon I went to is called "Serenity Salon" and it's on 458 W Broadway in Manhattan. It's an adorable place and clearly for the very chic and--I'll just say it--rich! Which is why I can only afford to go once a year. The reason I go to this specific salon is because Logan works there and Logan is actually incredible. I once got a Brazilian Keratin treatment and felt like I paid $150 to get my hair relaxed for a few weeks. When I went to him, I paid twice as much. But damn, did it work. I'm hoping today's process will be the same effect.

Here's Serenity Salon:

Isn't it chic?

AND a great magazine selection!

After I was done there, I walked to Union Square, past NYU and its welcome week. 3 different welcome week people thought I was a freshman and tried to point me in the right direction or get me to sign up for something. I'm a bit flattered that they think I'm 18 years old--chopping 3 years right off me--but come on, people. When I got to Union Square, about a 1/2 mile walk, I sat down in Whole Foods and did some LSAT work. I had a delicious and healthy salad. Mostly greens and other veggies, but there was also an egg, about 1/4 of a roasted potato and some couscous and pasta in there.

My Salad:

Delicious but expensive. Damn it, Whole Foods.

I then went to meet my friend Liz at Baruch College. It's so weird that all my home friends are back in school and I'm still cruising! Liz is a new friend that I made this summer. We had always been acquaintances from work, but really bonded this year and I'm glad--she's an amazing friend. We decided to go to Dos Caminos in the Meatpacking District, where we would meet Alla (who has been my best friend since the 7th grade). Danny was supposed to come too, but he had kind of a busy day so I think he was too pooped to travel all the way there. For us, it was about a mile's walk. On the way there, we passed this AMAZING block in Greenwich where we made a pact that we would live one day. 2 Perry Street is the townhouse where we would love to live and would also be the name of my sitcom (which all my friends have decided I should have).

Liz, in front of 2 Perry Street, where we will someday live when we find rich husbands!

Alla was late, so Liz and I walked around The High Line, which is an incredibly gorgeous place in New York City. We walked around a bit and then just sat and enjoyed the view.

Here's a picture of the view from The High Line

I <3 Instagram

Liz and me, lounging around!

Dos Caminos was really delicious, but not helpful to my diet. I controlled myself and didn't ruin much, but I could've done better. We all shared guacamole and nachos and I tried to have as little as possible of the nachos. Then, I had vegetable quesadillas with a tiny side salad. I skipped dessert and grabbed a coffee with skim milk and Splenda when we were walking to the train station to curb the sugar cravings.

Here's my food:

Sooooooo good. I gave always a piece of my quesadilla and most of the dressing.

Overall, great day--tomorrow should be busy! Almost time to go back to school.

Friday, Sunday, Monday && New Plans!

Hello there!

I've had a Pretty Little Liars marathon going on in my house for the past two days. I watched one episode and now I can't stop. I'm almost caught up! But that's not what my post is about...I think.

Friday was an interesting night. I made plans to go see a movie with a friend, but she cancelled last minute because she had a scheduling mix-up. But I ended up having a good night anyway! My mom made me a salad and a homemade pizza and my dad put Casablanca into the DVD player. I think they're trying to get me to stay home a little while longer, hah. Watching Casablanca is one of those things I feel everyone should do at least once--just to say they've done it. But it's also a great movie. So, if you haven't seen it, GO!

Saturday had a whole blog post dedicated to it, so you can read about it there: Shopping, Highway Rolling & Alligator Bites.

Here's what I wore: 

Sweater: Forever 21, Medium, Knit, Ginger

Bag: Thrift Shop by school

Jeans: American Eagle Skinny Jeggings, Size 8

Hair: Untidy

Sunday morning I did some packing and then went to dinner and a movie with my old friend Dana. We've been friends since high school and she is an absolute sweetheart. We went to a Japanese restaurant where I had some chicken teriyaki and an avocado roll. Later, we went to bubble tea and then we went to see Premium Rush.
The reviews for this movie were absolutely dreadful, but I honestly loved it. I thought it was funny, action-packed and had a great plot. PLUS Joseph Gordon-Levitt is real easy on the eyes. Especially in that movie.
Afterwards, I dropped off Dana and then went to Dolly's with Danny. There's a serious "D" trend happening here. Dolly's is an ices place I used to go to as a kid and then recently rediscovered. Danny and I have a serious weak spot for Dolly's, so we had a good time.

Here's what I wore:

Shirt: H&M Basics, Medium, Black

Shorts: The Gap, Hadley (on sale for $10, bam)

Monday, I got a quick hair cut, spent all day watching Pretty Little Liars and then went to dinner with my friend Steph, who just graduated from school and who I am going to miss terribly when I go back. We went to a place called The Blarney Stone on 46th and 3rd Ave. $5 burger with fries, $5 GIANT beer. Can't go wrong.

Here's my Hair Cut:

And Here's What I Wore:

Shirt: Forever 21 Basics, Medium, Wifebeater, Turquoise

Cardigan: H&M, Medium, Black with tan outline

Shorts: Target, lol

Shoes: Macy's in Miami, Gladiator, Black & Silver, Size 8, Sale rack

And Here's My Burger:

Omnomnomnom. So good.

With that, I am officially back to healthy eating. Pause for dramatic irony. I'm counting calories to keep to 1200-1400 a day, with exercise (as soon as I'm allowed to sweat after my Brazilian Keratin treatment). I know that there are days that I will not keep to this diet, as my birthday and Jewish New Year are coming up. But I've always had this problem. Solution? Don't go nuts. I'm not planning on cheating. But even on so-called "cheat days" I can put in extra time at the gym and not "cheat" quite as much as I want to. So that's that. I have 46 days until I go to my one wedding of the season and I plan to look smokin' hot, thank you very much.

And for some inspiration, here is a photo of me at my heaviest:

Fun. - Some Nights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY9uaUYJNhY
Awesome song. Give it a listen.
Blasted this in my car today while driving home.

Happy Sunday!

Shopping, Highway Rolling & Alligator Bites

Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a shopper. I love to shop, but I don't have a full-time job so I don't often have the money to do it and I hate making my mom spend the money. But today was something altogether different. I bought so many things.

Places I shopped: Forever 21, The Gap Outlet, Aerosoles Outlet, Converse Outlet, Burlington Coat Factory

Favorite Items

Burgundy corduroy skirt (The Gap)- I've never bough anything corduroy. And it's a size 8, which makes me super thrilled!

White denim jacket (The Gap)- Good denim jackets are hard to come by. This one was $40 and is super cute I also think it was the last one in the store.

Skinny jeans (The Gap)- They are very similar to every other pair of skinny jeans I own. But they are a size 6. And they button :)

Cute little sneakers with no name (Forever 21)- I bought them for $6.50. Yes, you are reading correctly. Shoes for $6.50. 

Winter coat (Burlington Coat Factory)- It's burgundy and it's awesome and I love it. I used to have to work incredibly hard to find a winter coat for myself that was even slightly fashionable because of the size I would need it in. This jacket is a size medium and it's adorable and looks great on me. And it's not black or grey, so that's a plus!

Fall coat (Burlington)- I have to make fun of myself for using that term. It reminds me of this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gspaoaecNAg&feature=relmfu But it's a really cute bright red peacoat and I'm excited about it!

Ginger-colored Knit Sweater (Forever 21)- I have been trying to find a picture of this thing online, but I can't seem to find one so I'll have to take one myself eventually. It's not just a sweater--it has these open things at the shoulders. Anyway. That's still not making any sense. I'll post up a picture.

The exciting thing about getting to the Jersey Gardens mall is that I got to drive there! As a Brooklynite, I have never needed to drive on the highway. Since I'm driving up to school in less than a week, I figured it was time to start. I drove all the way to Jersey and back and I was fine!

Later, I drove my family to Bayou, a restaurant in Staten Island, for my brother's birthday. The cuisine was "New Orleans"! It was un-surprisingly yummy! We all shared a bunch of appetizers. I had some salad, a bit of nachos, some hummus, some delicious baked bread AND--wait for it--ALLIGATOR! I can't believe I actually tried it. It was surprisingly delicious--and now I can say I've eaten alligator.

For my entree, I had chicken jambalaya (called "Jammin' Jambalaya" in case anyone goes there). It was chicken, rice, Andouille sausage and veggies tossed in some sort of red sauce. It was a little spicy, but really great. Then, we finished off with fried ice cream. I have to say--the Japanese do it way better. I hung out with my brother, made some old jokes (he's 11 years older than me so I like to poke fun), hugged the heck out of my nephew and then we drove home.

Now I'm sitting around, reading blogs and watching Mean Girls/The Time Traveler's Wife. Rachel McAdams is popular on tv today--The Notebook was on earlier. Tomorrow, I'm going to start packing to go to school, go to Bikram yoga and I'm planning on going to see Premium Rush. Hope everyone else is having a great weekend!