The Bar Method

Pilates + Yoga + Ballet = a lot of leg shaking

I'll be honest, when I walked into The Bar Method in Brooklyn I was expecting a cute, fun little ballet inspired workout. Maybe there would be some light stretching against the bar. Ten minutes into the class I was already sweating. Twenty minutes in my legs were shaking and I thought, "I seriously can not be this out of shape."

In the following days, I could still feel the workout with each step I took. I'm telling you guys, it's not as easy as it looks...

It turns out, I wasn't. The Bar Method is just that intense. I'm used to quick paced cardio like Zumba, but the moves we did targeted specific muscle groups by holding exact form and making small, tight adjustments. It's a mix of yoga, pilates, physical therapy and yes, ballet, so for every muscle toning move, there was a relaxing stretch that followed, for which I was grateful.

In the following days, I could still feel the workout with each step I took. I'm telling you guys, it's not as easy as it looks, and even the girls in the class with me who'd been coming for much longer were shaking. That said, I think the shake is a good thing. It means your body is doing work, and that's what you want out of a work out, right?

See more on The Bar Method here. Sign up for classes at The Bar Method Brooklyn here. Use code Lululinden for 10% off!

The Bar Method Brooklyn provided classes for review, but as always, thoughts are all my own.

Moving & Making It Home

How to make the most of living out of an old room in Brooklyn

When I moved to New York, my main concern was getting here. Finding some where to live came next. I wasn't picky, and well aware of my budget, I jumped at the chance to move into my old family home. Correction: a small room in my old family home.

When I moved my most prized possessions to this old Brooklyn house, I was excited and, almost as immediately, overwhelmed. The room was tinier than I'd thought and much older. Paint was cracking, walls were marked up and fixtures were stained with age. Despite the impossibility of turning it into my dream space, I still wanted it to feel like someplace I could call home.

Despite the impossibility of turning it into my dream space, I still wanted it to feel like someplace I could call home. 

I dashed the Pinterest board I made for apartment inspiration and went with simple additions: my jewelry display, a fraction of my library and a few golden canvases. I even managed to turn a windowsill into an office desk of sorts. My closet is just a garment rack and a radiator takes up most of my free space, but the floors are wooden, a detail I find charming, and the room has large windows that lets light flood through.

It's these little details that make me forget the downsides and allow me to focus on the bigger picture, like the fact that I am an official New York resident, baby!

Snap, Prynt & Share

This gadget is all you need to make your phone more than a selfie cam

What were phones before camera phones? Just boring bricks to call people on. That's a plain fact. More often than talking or even texting, I'm snapping pictures on my iPhone to send, save or upload to some social media or other. But now I can print them straight from my phone, too.

Just being able to print pictures instantly reminded me of the fun of a polaroid (no shaking necessary).

I gave this Prynt case a go, and I expected great things. Just being able to print pictures instantly reminded me of the fun of a polaroid (no shaking necessary). There's an option to print existing pictures, so I wasn't limited to pictures I took within the app.

To my surprise, printing is not all this case does. Prynt's "augmented reality" allows you to attach video to a picture, so when scanned by another Prynt case, a video plays, a la Harry Potter's moving pictures. It's cool addition that makes it a great gift for a techie. Or for someone who just likes physical pictures a.k.a. me.

Prynt provided their case for review, but as always, opinions are all my own and not influenced by the brand.

Just Sit Down, Already

Fomo is very real & very dangerous

Thanks to my mom's handiwork, my immune system is top notch. I proudly dodge flu season like any daughter of a nurse would. That is, until this past month. While I'd like to blame it all on New York's super germ-riddled Subways, I know the real reason was my own damn self.

I spent my first month-and-a-half in New York working full-time, often coming home after 10 p.m., and commuting more than two hours a day. Looking for a city guide and grateful for company, I even entered the dating world. If I was invited to an art opening or rooftop after party, I was there. I missed nothing. It was thrilling. It was tiring.

I never once thought that I would move to New York to become a mum homebody, but I never planned on being out six of seven nights a week, either.

Then, the ultimate betrayal came. My throat started itching. Next: the sneezing and the aching. My voice turned raspy, and not the sexy Scarlett Johansson kind. I sounded bad and felt worse. As I was going through boxes of tissue and replaying my mom's warnings, I was thinking, "this could have all been avoided if I just sat the hell down."

I never once thought that I would move to New York to become a mum homebody, but I never planned on being out six of seven nights a week, either. There were days when I was only home to shower, sleep and walk my dog. FOMO is real, and it literally made me sick.

Knowing that new experiences were just a few subway stops away from me made it hard to accept that I could not simply spend nine hours at work, commute an hour home, do a rushed change and head back out for the night. But since being sick reduced me to a sniveling sob, I've come to terms with it.

For the sake of my health and well-being, I'll be saying no to more things. I won't try to squeeze a date in after work and before doing laundry, no matter how great that little restaurant in Park Slope is. I'll have to pass on that open bar, even though free alcohol is just what I need after work. And I won't, for the love of god, get that sick ever again.

One such night: Still sick, I'd worked all day, went to a concert and had dinner, getting home at 2 a.m., only to be up for 8 a.m. 

Let's Talk About Love, Baby

No romance? No problem! Celebrate love on your own terms.

Valentine's Day is the notoriously pink and red holiday that celebrates l'amour, amore, L-O-V-E, baby. Only, it seems the kind of love that gets all the attention is romantic love, which is a real shame, because there are so many other types of love out there. As I've gotten older, I've realized that these are the loves that are just as worthy of celebrating.

1. Family Love

I am a firm believer in telling your parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and so on that you love them as often as possible. So why not in a special way on a day allotted just for loving? I'm sending a card to my mom back home this year since I won't be there with her.

2. Food Love

More faithful than any romantic partner is food. Take Valentine's Day to enjoy one of your favorite meals at one of your favorite restaurants or splurge on that one spot you've been wanting to try for forever. Either way, you won't be disappointed.

3. Friend Love

In all honesty, Galentine's Day is the only reason I get excited for Valentine's Day. The relationships I have with my friends literally get me through some of my toughest days, and I love having this day to celebrate with them.

4. Self Love

And, the greatest love of all, as Whitney Houston put it, is learning to love yourself, and I'll be using this Valentine's Day to do just that. For my #selflove day, I'll be treating myself to a new book and fresh manicure.

So, girlfriends, what are your Valentine's Plans?

Making It Here

It's electric, it's brash, it's the city that never sleeps – It's New York, Baby.

I spent ten southern years plotting my way back to New York, and by god, here I am. I've had a few Mary Tyler Moore moments walking through the city, popping into my favorite bodega for fresh flowers and actually making my way around without getting on the lost on the subway.

But just beneath those really great moments is this: a pestering voice asking, "So you're here. Now what?" That voice, though condescending, has a point. I don't want simply moving here to be my greatest accomplishment. I want to do more. I came to do more.

It just seems that more is taking its sweet ol' time to get to me, or rather, me to it.

"I don't want simply moving here to be my greatest accomplishment. I want to do more. I came to do more."

Moving to New York was instant gratification. I wanted to do it, and with one plane ticket, I did – no depending on luck or time. It happened as soon as I decided I wanted it to happen. For someone who is as horribly impatient as I am, it was perfect. I'm only now processing that everything else about being here won't be that way.

New York is a hard city for many, and I try to remind myself of that whenever the voice gets too loud for comfort. I have a more than affordable place to live and a job – that's more than a lot of people can say for themselves when they first come here.

Since time seems to be my biggest enemy, it helps to look at things this way: I've been a college graduate for a month and I've only been an official New York resident for about a week. A little patience would do me some good.

2016, We're Ready For You

A no-stress guide to plotting, planning & scheming your plans for the new year

Last year, I made an ambitious list of resolutions. This year, I'm not even bothering. It's not because I don't believe in resolutions or even that I didn't accomplish any of mine, which for the record, I did. 

In 2015 I learned that planning your life out on a grand scale, say, over an entire year's time, is not only intimidating, but really impractical. You never know where life will take you. This time last year I thought I'd be living in California. I can only laugh about that as I pack my final bags for New York. 

"This time last year I thought I'd be living in California. I can only laugh about that as I pack my final bags for New York."

That doesn't mean I'll stop hoping, dreaming and planning, though. It just means that I'll be adjusting how I do those things.

1. Grab the cutest planner you can find

Writing onto the crisp pages of a cute new planner gets me excited. Opening it makes planning feel like an event – a special daily ritual, even.  I keep one main planner and a few supplementary notebooks for life's to-do lists, my blog and journaling. And yes, they are all adorable (I got mine from Sugar Paper L.A. for Target).

2. Plan a little now, plan a little later 

Planning too far and too specifically into the future gives me anxiety. When my family asks me to make plans for 2016's Christmas with them, I silently freak out. I mean, how am I supposed to say yes to going on a cruise in December? January JUST started. Instead, I plan in monthly or seasonal intervals. Plans that don't seem so far away become less intimidating and more tangible.

3. Break big goals down into smaller, specific ones

I'll be honest: to me, big, vague goals like "save money" or "be healthy" don't seem real. Last year, I wanted to "move more". Then spring came, and I realized I hadn't gotten any closer to making it happen. I needed to give it specifics. I wanted to take a burlesque class. After I looked up dates, times, prices and locations, it became real and pushed me to finally get my shake, shimmy and body roll going. P.S. I highly recommend taking a burlesque class.

So, girlfriends, how do you plan? Or are you just done and over with New Year's Resolutions completely?  

Gold Words, Bright Lights

I'm a sucker gold anything, so it's no surprise that gilded canvas prints hold a special place in my heart and on my walls. Besides the sheer prettiness of these Ankit canvases, their messages have come at just the right time.

A lot has changed in my life in the past few months, from my newly single relationship status to my exciting, yet very scary plans to move to New York after I graduate. I'd be lying if I said it didn't all overwhelm me to the point of tears sometimes.

"As long as I can surround myself with the dreamiest twinkling lights and words to keep me going, I should be just fine."

When I need a break from it all, I turn to a good book. I'm slowly but surely working through my stack. In a mason jar, these vintage lights make a charming bedside lamp for my late night reading.

As long as I can surround myself with the dreamiest twinkling lights and words to keep me going, I should be just fine. No, better than fine – fabulous.

 Ankit provided the canvases (1 & 2) and Vintage Lights for review. As always, opinions are my own.

Hello, September

Ready or not, here fall comes, and the best thing to do is just embrace it. Instead of mourning the loss of summer, I'm making grand plans to welcome September — a to-do list, if you will.

1. What better way to start fall than with a little treat yo'self action? My girlfriend and I already have the appointment booked here for next weekend.

2. Binge watch season 4 of The Mindy Project the minute Hulu releases it on September 15th. I can't wait to catch up with my fictional best friend, Mindy Lahiri.

3. Finally grab one of those must-have Shake Shack burgers everyone's been going mad for. One opened in Atlanta not to loo long ago, and I have to see if it's worth the hype.

4. Banana Walnut Bread is one of my favorite fall comfort foods, and this month I want to try this recipe. It might be dangerous if I do learn how to, though. I'd make one every week.

5. I've finished my light summer reads, and I want to get into something a little darker. Broken Monsters has been on my list since last fall, so I'll be curling up with it this month.

6. Wine lips, here I come. I love pulling out moody make-up for fall, and I'll be looking for a new burgundy color to play with this season. Maybe this one?

What do you want to cross off your list this September?

Packing For Los Angeles

Today I'm boarding a plane for the west coast, carry on in tow. I never, ever check a bag because I've had bad luck with losing luggage and being stranded clothes-less. It's a very traumatic experience, trust me.

I've only recently started packing my carry on methodically, though. Before, I would just stuff every cute outfit I owned into a bag and pray it would fit. Spoiler alert: it usually didn't.

Now, my game plan, inspired by A Pair & A Spare, involves 1) a color theme, 2) limiting the quantity of items and 3) bringing mix-and-match items. Only time will tell how my new method will keep me dressed through this next week. I'm hoping for magic with this one.

Color Fun Fest Atlanta

What better way to spend a weekend than being showered in colorful powder from every direction, all while getting the best cardio of your life? Well, last weekend was my first experience and I've got to say, it's up there with some of my favorites.

I went to Color Fun Fest, my first race of the kind, and it was a hot, sweaty, colorful good time. If you ever get to go to one of their races (they're going to 3 more cities), here are my tips: bring lots of water, wear sunscreen and come ready for a bright, messy day party. And also be prepared to dedicate the following day to washing your hair 3 times.

Guide To A Perfect Weekend

I've been dreaming of the weekend since this week started. I'm always going these days, so the possibility of starting my day, staying in bed browsing and pinning sounds like heaven.  

After you finally get out of bed, make yourself a short stack with a side of fruit (or bacon), and indulge.

If you make it out of your house for the day (totally optional) experiment with fun hair/makeup inspired by the morning's Pinterest session.

On your errand run, stop at to the nearest bakery and take home all of the pastries. All of them.

Or say screw errands, grab a blanket, head to the park and lay out. With iced coffee, of course.

 

Before you head back home, buy yourself a bouquet to brighten up your place during the week.

Once you're home, it's time to get back to reality (boo!) and plan for the week ahead. 

Happy Weekending! 

Ten Questions

Last week blogger girlfriend Charnele tagged me to answer a few Q's about myself, and since I love shamelessly blabbing, here are the answers. I tried to keep it short -- key word try. 

1. What's your worst habit?

I always underestimate how long it'll take me to do something. In my head I can do any given task in 30 minutes, which is often not the case. 

2. What do you put on your froyo (frozen yogurt)? 

Okay, I have a go to recipe: cheesecake froyo, strawberries, graham cracker crumbles and and a little whipped cream. It tastes just like a strawberry cheesecake!

3. If you had to choose between traveling 5 years into the past or 5 years into the future, which would you choose and why?

I would say the future. I have high expectations, and I'd be curious to see if 28 is what I'm hoping for.

 

4. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Why?

I don't think I would. I've grown to like Audrey, and I especially like that it's a classic name. I used to hate it when I was younger. I thought it sounded old compared to the Ashleys and Brittanys in my classes.

5. What song do you have on repeat right now? 

I am binging on Ariana Grande right now! They're just great pop songs to sing along with. Better Left Unsaid & Piano are my jams. 

6. What cause or issue in this world are you passionate about? 

I'm finding that as I get older I become more concerned about how children, especially girls, are taught and treated. Children will become adults with habits and beliefs formed from what they learn from us. Even the smallest actions can have a big impact on how they function and I want adults - parents, siblings, teachers, babysitters - to be more conscious of that.

7. Online shopping or in-store shopping?

In-store! I love the instant gratification. My patience is horrible. 

8. What style trend have you tried in the past that now makes you cringe? 

I used to be big on belting everything. Belt every sweater, every dress, every shirt. And oh, the elastic belts. The horror. 

9. What is one thing that turns you off about a guy? 

A bad ego is a huge turnoff. Guys who take themselves too seriously are the worst. Loosen up! Laugh at yourself! 

10. If you had to pick one fashion designer to be loyal to for 1 year, who would you choose?

So, a designer and not a store...hmm. My style is all over the place, and I rarely buy things based off the designer name. I love Christian Siriano's designs. He makes such feminine, colorful and downright pretty clothes. 

2015 dreaming

I don't know when making New Year's Resolutions became a thing to make fun of, because honestly, I like them. The possibility for positive change is exciting. Who doesn't want to become a better person?

This year I'll be 24. That's one year away from 25, which is what I believe to be the true, bonafide age of adulthood. In anticipation for that, I need to get my s**t together. 

These resolutions (fingers crossed) will get me closer to that goal. Cheers 2015! 

                          2015 Resolutions, Goals & Dreams                          

career | graduate college  

Once I graduate this year, I feel like the world will open up to me. Maybe it's naive with all the poor job market talk, but I feel like my career is out there waiting for me.

health | regular check ups  

I am making it my goal to set up regular doctor's appointments, and not just go if something seems wrong. Our health shouldn't be taken for granted. 

health | better diet 

In 2014 I made it a goal to cook more and eat out less, and I did it. This year, I want to cook with more fresh and nutrient rich ingredients. 

 life | exercise classes 

Hands down, I feel better when I moving. I've taken a few Zumba classes, but not regularly. This year I want to try a cultural dance class, a yoga class or a burlesque dance class. Maybe all three!

life | move to cali 

I've always been open to moving after college, I just always thought it'd be back to New York. After visiting L.A., I can see a chapter of my life being there. 

travel | cruise & New Orleans 

Oh, to be out at sea, getting my tan on, sipping a mai tai with friends. As you can see, I'm ready for a cruise. I've also wanted to visit New Orleans for as long as I can remember. It's so rich with history, and let's not get started on the food.

life | general goals

These are some that I have every year: read & write more, have better time management, explore Atlanta with my friends, spend less & save more. 

_______

Overall, I really just want to see growth within myself. I don't want my life to be a passing of days. I want to have something to show for every day, month and year I'm out here in the world. I mean, if I'm going to have get older, I might as well be getting better, right?

photos by Kaye McCoy

happy happy new year

Ain't no party like a New Year's Eve party, 'cause a New Year's Eve party is filled with tons of sparkle! 

 I hope you all have a rip-roaring good time ringing in 2015. Mine will include this sequined dress from H&M, lots of sweets and a round of champagne. 

Here's to the New Year, ya party animals! May yours be magical and full of sparkle! Cheers!