apple cider vinegar | the verdict

Remember when I posted way back when about starting an apple cider vinegar regimen? Well, I'm not quite sure why it took a million years to share the results. I think I was waiting for some grand transformation of health, but that obviously never happened. That's not to say I still don't drink a glass of it every evening before bed. The results, while minimal, aren't nonexistent. 

Because I am an SAT nerd, I will give you an analogy: apple cider vinegar is to your body as wd-40 is to a machine. It can help things operate more smoothly but isn't a mechanic in a bottle that is going to solve any major issues. 

When I am taking care of myself, eating well, and running regularly, the ACV helps me feel like a better version of myself. My stomach was upset less, and my skin has cleared up slightly* (or I'm just getting old and finally growing out of my terrible teenage skin). If I wasn't making healthy choices, no amount of ACV was going to make me feel top notch.

So, even though it's not earth shattering, I think apple cider vinegar is a nice little hippie addition to my quest to live a healthier lifestyle. Plus, I've actually gotten hooked on the taste and look forward to my nightly ritual! If you're curious, I would suggest trying it out**, but don't expect any magic potions. 

*For a couple weeks I tried spreading diluted ACV (1 part ACV to 2 parts water) on my face with a cotton ball. I never saw any change and didn't keep it up. I have heard people rave about it though, so I'm sure it varies from person to person.

**Nightly, I mix two tablespoons ACV (the one with the mother!) in a pint glass of cold water. What, you don't measure water by pints?

the weather report | more than just cold

After over a week of sub-sub-freezing temperatures, we finally got some snow! I don't know why this makes the cold more bearable. It's just as frigid (if not more) and now wet and slippery, but a dusting of white on the ground gets everyone a little excited and warmed from the inside out. Somehow the cold is justified/vindicated by it. Regardless, I'm glad January is almost over.

ladies night

Earlier this week, Jenn and I had a little "ladies night" after work. No, there was no skeezy club involved. We just happened to hit up a couple lady-centric events and enjoyed a couple glasses of prosecco along the way. Not bad for a Wednesday night!

weekend recap

This weekend I learned that you can get so much done when you don't sleep in until outrageous hours on Saturday and Sunday. It's true: awake me is much more productive than sleeping me. Who knew? I'm not sure I'll be springing out of bed on my regular workday schedule, but I'm going to make an effort to squeeze as many waking hours into my free days as I can. Kurt is thrilled :)

Our friend Christian had the brilliant idea to participate in the National Day of Service on Saturday, so he, Kurt, and I signed up to help with the Sandy Relief Kitchen's Canned Food Drive. Our "dream team" was stationed in front of a nearby grocery store taking food donations. It was freeeezing and super early but I was astounded by the community support. 

virtual stoop sale

I'll admit it, I have a clothing problem. I don't go shopping all the time (and when I do, it's typically at Old Navy, Forever 21, and Target), but my wardrobe inventory has certainly started to outgrow its teeny apartment storage. A huge purge was in order, so I chucked anything I hadn't worn in a while or didn't fit quite right. A lot went to Goodwill, some things went to textile recycling, but I had too much admiration for some items to part with them easily. So I'm selling them online so you can love them too! Check out the eBay shop here.

There are lots of skirts and dresses and a couple pairs of shoes. Nothing is particularly expensive and everything is in good condition. Let me know if you have any questions and happy shopping!

(p.s.-To prevent such tragedies in the future, I've instituted a "one in, one out" policy, so I have to think long and hard when purchasing a new item. Let's hope it works!)

gcc winter festival

This past weekend, we attended the Gowanus Canal Conservancy's Winter Festival. It was held at this awesome art studio near the canal here in Brooklyn. As always, the food and entertainment were great!

27

Being a New Years Baby is an interesting thing. There are perks and there are drawbacks (like any other day I assume). One bonus of sharing my birthday with a national holiday is never having to go to work. Each year I am free to plan whatever activity my heart desires and drag my poor friends along with me :) Even though we were all suffering from the night before, Jenn and Kurt were troopers and took me to an art exhibit I'd been dying to see and out to a nice dinner. Thanks, guys! I might have been in bed by 9pm but I think 27 is off to a pretty decent start.

nye 2012

Happy New Year, everyone! After arriving back in Brooklyn from Alabama on New Years Eve, Kurt and I joined friends at Prospect Bar for an evening of celebrating. There was drinking and cheer and watching LSU lose to Clemson. At midnight, we rang in 2013 and I turned 27. There was a birthday shot (among others) and singing and a hug from the bartender. All in all, a pretty good start to the new year.

{top two images thanks to Pilar!}

alabama holiday wrap-up

Kurt and I still had a few days left in Alabama after returning from our mini trip to Atlanta. Some would say we were in the South too long. Granted, it wasn't my typical lounge on the couch and do nothing vacation, but we still had a pretty good time. Without further ado, the rest of the trip!

quick swing through bham

After our day trip to Atlanta, we drove through Birmingham on our way back to North Alabama. Kurt's camera is in the shop, so he stole mine and took waaaaay too many pictures of Railroad Park. It is a really awesome park, and he took some very lovely shots, so I had a hard time editing. Feel free to breeze through the photos, but there is a fun bit at the end!

they lie, it's cold-lanta

While in Alabama for the holidays, Kurt and I took a mini road trip over to Georgia. Kurt is considering Georgia Tech for grad school and wanted to check out the campus and city feel of Atlanta. I hadn't been there since my Auburn years (and a layover at the airport here and there), so I was due for another visit as well. Us New Yorkers thought the South would be warm and balmy, but man, we were wrong. It's not that it was colder than it is here in NYC, but we were woefully unprepared for the chill and the wind and the rain. And now we know why people drive everywhere in Atlanta. Our attempt to walk places left us grumpy and cold. So needless to say, it's not our favorite city but it was still pretty fun...well, the eating and drinking was at least! 

new year goals + an announcement!

{2011 NYC Marathon}

There is something so refreshing about a new year. It's nice to reflect on the past and learn from your mistakes and successes, but ultimately it's about moving on and making this year even better than the last. Some people feel new year's resolutions are silly, but as an avid list maker, I think there is something really valid in getting your ideas out in the world instead of just floating around in your head. A list is real, tangible, and ultimately attainable. Even if some things fall by the wayside come February, the opportunity for self-improvement is pretty exciting. So here are a few of my goals for this new start in 2013:

1. Run the Brooklyn Half Marathon in the spring. There, I said it. It's on the internet. No backing out now! In the same vein, I want to drag my butt to yoga regularly (if not weekly) and work up the courage to finally start swimming at the gym.

2. Get smarter about my money. Figure out a budget and actually stick to it. Build up some significant savings.

3. Be a maker and a doer. I put my creative endeavors on hold in 2012 to study for exams, but now I am so excited to tackle projects and explore, well, everything!

4. Grow/cultivate this little blog. It is a process I really enjoy, so if it is going to be something I spend a significant amount of time working on, I want it to be the best I can make it and a true reflection of myself.

5. Read things that you enjoy. Books, articles, magazines...you name it, I want to read it. I had forgotten how enjoyable it is. Plus, it never hurts to have extra conversation topics!

6. Approach everyday with joy, certainty, and kindness instead of fear, anxiety, and apprehension. I know this one is super vague but it's something I want to work on. Too often I find myself internally bogged down by doubt and worry and even anger. This is the year to let it all go and let love in :) If it doesn't come naturally at first, fake it until it does!

Good luck with all your goals and resolutions!

AND I can happily announce that I successfully completed my main goal of 2012. I passed all seven Architecture Registration Exams! Lookout world, I'm going to be an architect!

happy 2013! farewell 2012

bull riding / ohio string art / boy scout bathroom / meeting the pioneer woman

washington d.c. / north fork wine tour / glass house

fishing trip / raleigh

lots and lots of brooklyn bridge park / ohio (including pittsburgh and cleveland) / alabama / outdoor movie

storm king / fashion's night out / party@thecenter

bham wedding / west point

hurricane sandy / obama for the win / wisconsin / the holidays!

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you have had a great start to 2013. I love keeping this blog as a record of things I've done throughout the year and especially enjoy going back through the past 12 months, picking out some of favorite moments. I thought this year would be pretty lame because I have been studying for my architecture licensing exam, but I was blown away by all the fun that was had! Either I'm not a very good student or I'm extremely fortunate to have countless activities at my fingertips and wonderful people to share those moments with! Probably a little of both :) 2012, you weren't all that bad.

Now onto those resolutions...