NYC Archives - Frolic Through Life

Pedal and Party!

June 6, 2013 16 Comments

This past weekend was one of the busiest weekends I’ve had in quite some time, the proof being that it took me until Wednesday to rest up to post about it. Even though I was on the go almost the whole time, I got my sweat on quite a bit and had an absolute blast in the process.

My Saturday began at Pedal NYC for a 30/30 class – 30 minutes spin followed by 30 minutes of TRX. It was my first time trying both spin and TRX, so I was a bit nervous. The event was hosted by my fellow Fitfluential Ambassador, Talia of Bite Size Wellness.

After getting a bit lost, I got to Pedal just in time for the spin warmup. After this spin class, I can’t wait to get to another one soon. The room was dark, the music loud and I was able to get in the zone and just follow Mr. Ray’s voice to push myself. My legs felt a bit like jello after we finished, but it was only the first half of the class.

We moved over to the TRX room where we split into two groups. While one group did the move on the TRX the other group did a move off to the side. On the TRX we did squat pulls, bicep curls and star jumps, while the people on the side did clap squats, held planks and mountain climbers.

After we were done with the TRX we went outdoors to do a few laps in the courtyard before posing for some group shots.

After the class, I rushed home, showered, grabbed some sushi and headed to the salon to get my hair cut. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that it had been almost a year since my last haircut, but I’ve been so busy that I couldn’t find the time to get to the salon. I love my stylist and she always does an awesome job cutting my hair. I’ve never been disappointed.

After my haircut, I rushed back home to get changed and ready for the party that Tommy and I were attending that night. The party was a work function with Tommy’s coworkers, and it was held on Ellis Island! I didn’t even know that the island could be rented for events before hearing about this party. The weather was perfect for a night on the island, and we had amazing, clear views of the city all night long.

The party was a blast and it was nice getting all dressed up. Especially since the next day I would be rolling around in the mud!

How often do you get your hair cut? Where’s the coolest place you’ve been to a party?

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: ellis island, NYC, party, pedal nyc, spin, trx, workout

#WIAW – Penthouse 808, Long Island City

May 1, 2013 12 Comments

On Saturday, Tommy surprised me with dinner at Penthouse 808 in Long Island City. The restaurant is located on the roof of the Ravel Hotel and has a gorgeous view of the 59th Street Bridge and Manhattan. Our reservation was for 6:45, perfect timing to enjoy the sunset over dinner. Even though the restaurant is on the roof, it is open year round. There is a retractable glass bubble, for lack of a better word, which they close up when it’s too cold to dine al fresco.

We started dinner with drinks. I definitely needed a drink after two days of studying. The Wasabi Margarita caught my eye right away. The margarita itself wasn’t spicy, but the glass was rimmed in sweetened wasabi which did had a bit of a kick.

We were pretty hungry going into dinner since we had only eaten breakfast that morning, so we started with some appetizers. Being a huge fan of tuna, Tommy immediately suggested the Tuna Tartare Tacos. This was probably the most interesting presentation of Tuna Tartare that I’ve ever seen. The tuna was served in a crispy shell and topped with Wasabi Guacamole.

We also ordered the Korean Style Chicken Wings. I had read in multiple reviews that the wings were great and I since couldn’t remember the last time I had wings, it struck a major craving. The wings were spicy, but not too spicy and hit the spot. The chili flakes on them make the eating process a little messy, but wings are always messy.

We also split a sushi roll – the Smoke Stacks. Spiced tuna, avocado, kani and oshinko in marbled seaweed topped with tobiko.

Finally, for my entree I went with the Pan Roasted Chicken Breast which was marinated in Sake Teriyaki and served with a side of Chinese broccoli and pineapple fried rice. I don’t usually order chicken when we go out to eat, and I was this.close to getting the salmon, but the pineapple fried rice caught my eye and I couldn’t say no. The chicken was very moist and the teriyaki gave it a great flavor. The rice didn’t disappoint either!

Tommy went with the Soba Noodle Stir Fry with chicken.

Overall, we had a great dining experience. The food was very good, the service was decent and the views were amazing. I definitely recommend it!

What’s the best thing/place you ate this week?

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: asian fusion, dinner, long island city, NYC, penthouse 808, restaurant, review, sushi, WIAW

First Taste of Summer

April 11, 2013 8 Comments

I want to start off by saying thank you to everyone who read and commented on my last post. It wasn’t easy for me to write and all the kind words made opening up like that a lot less scary. You are all amazing!

Moving on, Spring has finally arrived in New York and we have been soaking it up. On Monday morning, I got an e-mail from my professor saying that class was canceled. It was like a first day of Spring miracle (even though it wasn’t actually the first day of Spring)! I texted Tommy and we made plans for a picnic and baseball at the piers. We grabbed takeout from our fav place, San Loco, and headed down to the piers. I got my usual Guaco Taco, a hard shell taco wrapped in a soft shell with guac in between. So good, if you’re a guac addict like myself.

The boys quickly ate and headed off to play ball. It is so fun to watch Munchkin and Tommy play together, and I think I can’t say he’s a baby anymore.

He looked like such a boy running around in the grass, catching and throwing the ball. I’m not sure when this happened. I’m pretty sure he just learned to walk, like five minutes ago. Since I still had my second class on Monday, we had to cut our game a bit short, but it was an amazing way to spend the afternoon.

On Tuesday, I got to spend the day outdoors, once again. I headed to Crossfit, while my guys headed to the park down the block from the box. Since we all have been having cabin fever cooped up in the box, we spent basically our whole WOD outdoors. We started out with tire flips and Continental bar deadlifts and finished off with burpees, kettlebell swings and sprints.

I’m still getting over a pretty yucky cold, so the WOD was extra challenging, but it felt so good to run around outside in the sun.

It also helped that I had my guys there cheering me on at the end – so motivating!

The temps are supposed to be dropping again today after last night’s thunderstorms, but it was great to get a little taste of summer. Then again, at this point, anything is better than snow!

How’s the weather in your area? Have you gotten a taste of summer yet?

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: crossfit, mexican, munchkin, NYC, piers, WOD

Saturday Scenes

February 18, 2013 14 Comments

This weekend was a lot more fun that I’ve had in a long while. For the first time in weeks, I was able to spend a weekend with both my guys, doing nothing special, but having a blast. On Saturday, we were on a mission to spend the day in Manhattan. Tommy and I are both in Manhattan on a regular basis for school and work, but going there for pleasure is a rarity for us. We had made plans to get brunch and spend some time in Central Park, but when we got to the restaurant, we were told there was an hour and 45 minute wait. After recovering from the initial shock, we got some Chipotle and headed over to the Central Park Zoo.

We had a ton of fun visiting all of the animals. We also went over to the Children’s Zoo where you get to feed the farm animals. While Munchkin was busy feeding the sheep when the llama in the same pen got a little peeved and tried to eat his hat instead. That, or he was just a fan of Angry Birds and wanted a sweet looking hat.

After the zoo, we were all pooped. We headed home and all took a nap, which is highly uncommon for me. I woke up feeling refreshed and hungry. When my two gentlemen finally awoke, we decided on Chai for dinner. Chai recently opened up in Williamsburg and was filled to the brim when we got there. There was a bit of a wait, but we got to sit next to a little reflecting pool with super cute decor. Munchkin kept trying to blow out the candles which kept him occupied for a long time, since they were battery powered.

We knew what appetizers we wanted as soon as we were seated because we had looked at a menu while we were waiting. I went for the Thai crab cakes with lemongrass mayo and Tommy opted for the Crispy Spring Rolls with homemade plum sauce. Both apps were spot on, and I really enjoyed the flavor that the lemongrass mayo gave to the crab cakes. I also enjoyed a drink, whose name I cannot remember, nor find on their website, but it was tequila with champagne. It was strong but very tasty, and made me a little giggly.

For my entree I got the Vegetarian Duck with Mushrooms in Garlic Sauce. I usually go for noodle dishes when we go for Thai, but I was very pleased that I decided to try something new. The sauce was delicious, and the “duck” tasted just like the real thing.

Another plus of Chai was the price-tag. We all enjoyed our meals and drinks and the prices were very reasonable. Chai will definitely be thrown into our rotation of dinner places, but I think we will be frequenting it during off peak times to avoid the wait.

What did you do this weekend? What’s the last new restaurant you tried?

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: central park zoo, dinner, munchkin, NYC, restaurant, thai

A NYC Christmas

December 24, 2012 15 Comments

Since it is Christmas Eve, I thought it would be fun to share some of the Christmasy things we’ve done over the past week, to make up for lost times.

On Wednesday, we headed to the city to see the Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center.

Rockefeller Center kind of hold a special place in Tommy and my hearts because over two years ago, Tommy asked me to be his girlfriend on the Top of the Rock, overlooking the big tree being put up.

We’ve visited the tree every year since, and every year we get out of the subway and I lead us in the wrong direction. It’s kind of a tradition now, a tradition that proves I lack a sense of direction.

I love all the decorations that get put up all over the city. These huge red ornaments are one of my favs and we check them out each year too.

Last year, we went on a search for the best Christmas lights display in NYC and found a really cool looking house in Whitestone. This year, we went to check out the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, and they blew last year’s display out.of.the.water!

There were blocks of houses decked out to the nines, with every house having something completely different from all the others.

There were also people dressed up as different characters. Alex loved the reindeer!

We had an absolute blast.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: christmas, christmas lights, dyker heights christmas lights, NYC, rockefeller center

Sweat Every Day C.A.M.P

October 8, 2012 21 Comments

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to get my butt kicked by a celebrity fitness trainer, and let me tell you, he delivered the butt kicking.

The event was hosted by Under Armour to celebrate their What’s Beautiful campaign and was held at Modell’s in Manhattan. A whole corner of the store was cleared out and decked out with Under Armour so that we could get our sweat on.

After checking in and chatting with the trainer, Curtis Williams and the UA What’s Beautiful Campaign Finalist, Sharon, the music started pumping and it was time to get moving.

The workout itself was over fairly quickly, but holy moly, was it intense. It consisted of lots of plyometric moves combined with squats, lunges and pushups. The whole workout was different drills in succession, with just a few seconds in between each move for Curtis to demonstrate the next.

I had to stop a few times to catch my breath. After the workout was done, Curtis called us all into a huddle and we all yelled Sweat Every Day, which just happens to be the newest Under Armour slogan.

Afterwards, we all sat down and listened to a Q and A with Curtis and Sharon. We heard Sharon’s story and how she got through the What’s Beautiful campaign. We also got some Under Armour swag, which I love. Can’t wait to wear my new tee!

Overall, I had a blast. It’s funny how getting sweaty and gross can really bring people together!

What was the last workout that kicked your butt?

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: camp, NYC, under armour, workout, workout gear

WIAW Picnic at the Piers

August 15, 2012 15 Comments

Yesterday was one of those days where everything came together and turned a regular evening in the perfect summer night. Clearly no summer is complete without a picnic, so it is only natural that I share our eats and view for this weeks WIAW.

We picked up our noms at the Food Celler, one of my favoritest supermarkets in our area. Not only are they a regular supermarket with tons of organic goodies, they also have a hot bar, salad bar and brick oven for yummy thin crust pizza.

Since we were hungry we got a bit of everything, and everything was so yummy!

Margherita Pizza. The crust was thin, crispy and delicious. It wasn’t even a little bit greasy, which I loved!

We split two pizza dough flat-bread sandwiches. I chose the ham, brie, arugula and tomato, and it was so good I didn’t want to share. (but I did!) I know I will be going back for this baby!

Last but not least, fresh mozzarella, cherry and sundried tomatoes and lentil balls. I have been kicking myself all day for not writing down what was in these lentil balls because they were incredible and I need to recreate them.

Where’s your favorite place for a picnic?

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: dinner, lic piers, munchkin, NYC, park, pizza, WIAW

Can’t Stop Us

July 30, 2012 16 Comments

IS the weekend really over? What is it about weekends that makes them fly by so quickly, while the workdays draaag on forever. Such is life I suppose. It also doesn’t help that I’ve basically got every weekend from now until mid September planned. It feels like I don’t have time to relax, but I can’t complain because it is a blast.

This weekend was my block’s annual block party, and basically like every other year, the weather wasn’t looking good. It was cloudy, raining on and off and the forecast showed that storms were on our horizon. Luckily, a little rain can’t stop us!

Tables were set up, tarps and tents went up, and the party got started!

We jumped on the trampoline…

…and we blew bubbles. And we’re even going to be featured in the local paper! Once it got a bit darker, the dancing began, but by that point no one was thinking about taking pictures. We partied until almost 2AM, which I think is a block record. The police usually come around at midnight to shut the party down, but they never showed up.

Sunday was a pretty lazy day. We woke up, watched some Olympics and cleaned up. In the early afternoon, we set out to go to Sports Authority because I had a 20% off coupons and I really, really wanted to buy a jump rope so I could practice double unders. We had also planned at going to Brooklyn Bridge park for a walk, but the rain ruined those plans, so instead, we headed over to Greenpoint to get some ice cream.

We decided to stop at Van Leeuwen’s because it’s a place that I’ve passed by a million times, but haven’t had the chance to try.

I loved all the unique flavors they had like Cinnamon and Earl Grey Tea, but I finally decided on a Hazelnut with caramel syrup.

It was pretty darn good, but also a bit pricy. We paid $18 for three small ice creams with one topping each, so it’s definitely a once in a while type of treat.

Luckily, this guy isn’t very picky when it comes to ice cream. He prefers quantity, and loves to answer ice cream when you ask him what he wants for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

After our bellies were filled with ice cream, we headed home. Since the weather had cleared up, as it usually does as soon as we arrive home, I decided to give my new jump rope a try.

It took me a bit of practice to find my groove and the right spot on the sidewalk to jump, but once I did, I banged out 35 minutes of jump roping. While my double under record still stands at two, I was getting two in a row a lot more often than before. Baby steps!

I can’t wait for Crossfit tonight to see what else I get to learn!

What did you do this weekend? Have you ever ordered something without looking at prices, only to be surprised later? Can you do double unders?

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: block party, crossfit, ice cream, munchkin, NYC, workout

Getting the Proper Running Shoes

July 20, 2012 15 Comments

I got new running shoes over the weekend. But I didn’t just walk into Sport Authority and pick the prettiest ones off the shelf like I did last time, I went to the New York Running Company and got properly fitted for a new pair of running shoes.

The fitting is done through a gait analysis, which determines if you’re a pronator, supinator or have a neutral step.

I was pretty sure that I was a supinator from the way that my old sneakers wore out, and I told the guy helping me that, but he made me jump on the treadmill anyway, so that he could record my running to make sure.

Turns out I was way wrong. The sneaker wear actually indicated a mid-foot strike, which is muy bueno, but I am actually a pronator! When you pronate, your foot rolls inward as you run and you need a more stable shoe to correct the pronation. A stable shoe provides more medial support and keeps your ankle from turning. If you’re the opposite, a supinator, you need a more neutral shoe with midsole cushioning to provide extra shock absorption that the lack of pronation causes.

You can see how my foot rolls inward when I run in shoes that don’t provide enough stability. The salesman (whose name I forgot! :/) told me that even though I had no trouble running in my neutral shoes for now, as my millage increases, I could be more prone to pain and injury because of my foot rolling inward. He also told me to save my old shoes for gardening because they were way too worn out to run in. Oops!

I had my foot measured and even though I wear a 9 1/2 or 10 in normal shoes, he told me it was important to size up in running shoes to ensure that your toes aren’t repeatedly being crushed into the front of the shoe and so that there is room for your foot to swell a little when running longer distances.

The shoes in the store are set up by type, so once you know what kind of shoe you need, you just find the right row and choose. For me it was between a pair of Brooks Adrenaline and Nike Zoom Structure+ 15. In the end, the Nike’s won out because the Brooks were a little too wide in the toe and I felt like my foot was moving around in the too much.

I’ve run about 10 miles in the new shoes and they feel great! I will be tracking the mileage on these shoes so I don’t wait too long to get new ones like I did with my old ones. It is recommended that you should switch out your shoes every 300-400 miles, so once these babies hit around 300, I’ll start looking into some new ones. Hopefully these will give me lots of good miles!

Have you ever had a gait analysis done? What kind of running shoes do you use?

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: gait analysis, new york running company, NYC, running, running shoes, workout

Picnic in Central Park

July 16, 2012 10 Comments

On Saturday, we headed out to the city to enjoy the day in Central Park. Central Park is a place that is sooo close, but we do not go there often enough. It was a great and relaxing day in the middle of the hustle of New York City.

We started off with a picnic…

We got sandwiches from a little deli called Hana next to the subway in Brooklyn. I found the deli on Yelp and the reviews sold me. People called the deli the best sandwiches in NYC, so I knew I had to try it. All the sandwiches have really funny names – mine was called the Crazy Bitch and was so so so so good. I don’t remember all the things that were on it, but it did have prosciutto, avocado and alfalfa sprouts. We also got a seaweed salad to share and some chips and guac to munch on.

Munchkin fell asleep before we got to the park, so he enjoyed a nap while Tommy and I relaxed.

Soon the little man was awake, and it was time to get moving. We started off by playing ball. We ran up and down the hill a few times and saw lots of horseys going by.