Friday Favorites #157: Week of 9/2

Good morning! It’s Friday, and we’re almost ready to dive into a (hopefully) long holiday weekend to celebrate Labor Day here in the US. Are you excited?

As many of you know, I started my job this week! It has been a five days filled with information, workouts, and learning, and I’m loving it. Things are looking pretty slow for the weekend, so I’m loving that as well. I’m due for some rest!

Per usual, today we are discussing Friday Favorites, and you’ll see what I have been loving this week below. How has your week been going? I’d love to hear about your favorites in the comments and link-up sections, too.

Thanks for checking in!

 

Friday Favorites #157: Week of 9/2

 

• Talde

Okay, so let’s just put this out there. My strategy for dinner planning that I shared Monday barely happened this week. Ahh! I had every intention of cooking, but things just kept popping up. Such is life, right?

After visiting our future studio’s site (yay!), I was able to walk home on Tuesday. I was messaging Scott on the way and asking if he would help me cook when he suggested that we go out to dinner to celebrate the job instead. I wasn’t about to argue!

We had walked by Talde on Fifth Avenue (Brooklyn) dozens of times and finally went in to try it that night. It’s an Asian-American restaurant that is a very popular spot in the Park Slope neighborhood, and the menu features new and interesting combinations of flavors.

Our friends suggested that we start with the Pretzel Pork & Chive Dumplings as an appetizer, so we did, along with a Watermelon Margarita for me and Lychee Martini for Scott.

We split two entrées and had a hard time deciding on just two things: the Chow Fun Noodles and Korean Fried Chicken.

Both were fantastic! The chicken came smothered in a tangy sauce, and I wasn’t expecting the blackberries at all. The noodles came together similar to a slice of bread from a loaf and tasted out-of-this-world delicious. Seriously.

We almost opted out of dessert, but I had to give it a try when I heard it was Haluhalo. It was a giant bowl of matcha green tea shaved ice/ice cream topped with coconut shavings, lychee, Captain Crunch cereal, and more. Scott wasn’t a big fan, but I enjoyed it. If you ever stop in and order it, just be prepared for it to be bigger than your head.

Our entire dining experience was wonderful, and I really can’t wait to go back again soon!

 

• Orangetheory Fitness workouts

I haven’t written much about Orangetheory workouts yet because I think it deserves a post on all its own. I’ve learned so much about the science behind the workout this week, and I’m only falling more in love with it as time goes by.

For now, I’ll briefly explain that it’s a one hour total body workout that is always broken down into 30 minutes of strength and power and 30 minutes of cardio and endurance. You spend the hour working hard on treadmills, rowing machines, and at weight stations that include dumbbells, TRX straps, benches, BOSU balls, and more.

Work is going so well! Since the studio I will be managing doesn’t open until late-fall, I’m spending my days bouncing around the other Brooklyn studios and diving into the world of sales. I’m excited to share more soon!

 

• pumpkin spice coffee

If you’ve been reading the blog for more than a year, then you probably remember that I have a strong love for pumpkin spice coffee. My favorite coffee always comes from The Fresh Market, and since we don’t have one nearby, I always ask my mom to send me the seasonal flavors when they come out.

Yesterday was the first day of September, so I celebrated by busting out my beloved pumpkin spice coffee. It’s time, my friends. Call me basic, but give me #allthepumpkinthings.

 

• “me time” on commutes

There are two kinds of commutes via subway or train. Hot, crowded, sticky, and uncomfortable cars during peak riding hours, or calm, cool, quiet, and easy rides most other times. I guess it all depends on what subway or train you take, but the last month of rides for me (at reasonable times) have been relatively pleasant.

I don’t miss driving, but I do miss the time that I used to have to myself in the car. I used to play whatever music I wanted or even listen to a book on tape. Now that I don’t drive, I use my time on commutes to listen to music, podcasts, or (gasp!) read a book. I just started Me Before You, and I’m into it. Have any of you seen the movie?

You don’t usually get service on the ride, so it’s nice to unplug and get away from screens during the day!

 

• Chipotle!

Yes, the exclamation is necessary. Because Chipotle!

After a week of getting used to working long hours outside of home and a killer workout, I was more than ready for a hearty dinner last night. I had been craving a burrito bowl for weeks, so Chipotle was on my mind. What do you know … as soon as I searched for the nearest location on my phone, I looked up and it was literally right across the street. That’s amazing and scary at the same time!

Trying not to consume a week’s worth of calories, I stuck to my normal order of a salad and loaded it with all the goods. Pictured above is the salad with brown rice, black beans, chicken, mild salsa (love the tomatoes!), corn salsa, and a little bit of cheese. I always skip the dressing and sour cream and opt for a side of guacamole instead. Also, chips. Always chips!

Ahhh, I don’t have it often, but when I do … yes. Love this restaurant!

 

• SALUTE Pop Up Yoga NYC

An exciting part of moving to New York City for me was to be close to so many fitness and blogging opportunities. I just got an invite to attend SALUTE, a Pop Up Yoga NYC event next week, and it sounds so fun!

Next Thursday, September 9th, SALUTE will host a variety of fitness classes at Primary including HIIT, dance, barre, yoga, and meditation. They’re celebrating all the different ways New Yorkers can be fit, healthy, and well with tasty snacks, drinks, and massages. (<- um, yes.)

It starts early at 6 a.m., but I’m excited to start my day with classes from Tone House, Pure Barre, I.AM.YOU and more, alongside Ashley and hopefully more blogging buddies. If you’re interested in joining the event, make sure to get 10% off your ticket by using the promo code SaluteNYC at checkout. Hope to see you there!

 

• favorite LIL posts

» Weekend-ing, Weekly Workouts & Meal Planning

 

» Mast Brothers Chocolate Factory Tour

 

And a throwback to kickstart the season of pumpkin … hehe.

» Healthy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

 

• Friday funnies

source

source

source

 

Your Turn

<div align="center"><a href="https://lifeinleggings.com" rel="nofollow" title="Life In Leggings"><img src="https://lifeinleggings.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Friday-Favorites-Button-Life-In-Leggings-Link-Up-2.jpg" alt="Life In Leggings" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Have a great holiday weekend!

 

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. Friday Favorites is a series of posts that features items I genuinely want to share with you, and affiliate links may appear from time to time. As always, your support is much appreciated! <3