bff best friends friday

Welcome to our very first BFF Best Friends Friday! Starting today, Friday posts will feature a post we write together, a crazy memory from our friendship, or basically anything fitness foodie BFF related.. because there was a reason we started this blog journey together! Ya dig?! (Psst, we’d love it if you left us comments to let us know what you think, something you’d like to see in future Fridays, or even a story about you and YOUR BFF! )

BFFS in AC

Moving out of Jersey to begin careers in NYC (Courtney) and VA Beach (Jamie) was one of the best decisions we’ve made. The only downfall to this? The “Moving 15″…similar to gaining weight when leaving for college. New places, new rules (okay..no rules) and finally moving out of our respective parents’ homes for good. Here’s our life lessons learned 400 miles apart in regards to feeling a bit…”soft” after moving to a new place…and finding ways to get back on track with health and fitness.

Courtney

1. A new place means new food.

Coming from the suburbs to New York City my options became literally endless. I packed my lunch for work every single day when I was living at home and when I moved to NYC, I saw myself eating lunch out everyday. Shake Shack? (Anyone see Something Borrowed?) Yes, please. I discussed this before, but the shroom burger became my new obsession. And then one day I took the plunge and looked up how many calories it has. Let’s just say, I am no longer obsessed and I’m not even close to being a calorie counter.

okay look at that, maybe I'm still a recovering obsessor

It took a couple months to realize; yes – the food here is amazing, but I won’t miss anything if I don’t eat it every day. I’ve started balancing myself out by beginning to pack at least 3 days a week, and then gradually making it to every day! However, if I do go out – I make sure I’m picking healthy options. Schnipper’s has amazing mac & cheese, but they also have an amazing salad. If I’m with a friend we make sure to share fries instead of keeping them to ourselves, too. This is why they taught us to share in pre-school, my friends.

2. It’s hard to say no to happy hour.

Prior to moving, I knew a few people living here, but in a city this huge – it’s easy to get lost in the hustle. I felt the need to say yes every single time someone asked me to go out after work. I would then proceed to eat awful happy hour food even though I had a pile of fresh vegetables at home. While it is still hard to say no to happy hour – I know that there’s always tomorrow, or next week and it doesn’t have to be an every night occurrence. I’ve also learned that it’s incredibly easy to stay out for one or two drinks, skip the mozzarella sticks, and then go home to make my usual healthy dinner without missing too much fun.

3.  Getting back into a routine.

Moving to New York was a crazy switch for me. When I first moved here, it was quite an adjustment to start walking ALL the time that I couldn’t even dream of working out. (Also, these said happy hours were getting in the way ) It seemed fair because I was walking everywhere after all, but it truly did nothing for me as far exercise or keeping myself at my normal healthy “Courtney weight.” It took a while, but once I felt settled in, I promised myself I’d get back to working out every morning – and that I did! I try to wake up every morning before work and get to the gym so it doesn’t interfere with any of my after work fun and exploration of this amazing new city! Also, running buddies are a fantastic way to explore New York in a whole new way, too!

My boyfriend and I have weekly (unless it’s hot and he whines) Saturday runs around Brooklyn and it’s amazing how much faster you get around to seeing the scenery! …Not to mention all the zillions of classes you can take with your friends  instead of going to happy hour. My roommate and I took a gymnastics class together one night and had an absolute blast doing that, too!

Jamie

1. The Double Whammy.

For me, moving to VA Beach also meant moving in to my cousin’s home and falling disgustingly in love with his roommate…aka my now boyfriend, Danny. Oops? I’m a scandalous gal, what can I say? For the first few months this meant that the idea of leaving Danny (heaven forbid) in the morning to go workout sounded awful. I was in the phase of wanting to spend every waking moment with the boy, and lost much of my motivation to hit the gym. Danny works for UPS, therefore he basically works out for a living, so bringing him along to the gym was a no go. The solution? I signed up for my first VA Beach 5k. I’m a competitive girl, and knew I’d push myself to run more if I had a race to prepare for. I ended up PR-ing at 25:22 and earning third place in my age group.

Although we’re still in a happy committed relationship, I’ve passed through the newly dating-don’t even leave the room because we’re obsessed with each other phase, and now have no issue ditching him for a good workout.

2. Treating life…like vacation.

I moved to the beach. People flock here for vacation, and during the first few months of living here I treated my life as such. Out for ice-cream even though I just ate some homemade cookies after dinner? Sure. I’m on vacation. About seven pounds later (I’m only 5’0″, it makes a difference) I needed to get strict. SURE I allow myself treats (almost daily)..and I am in NO way trying to restrict my sugar intake (you only live once) but limiting it and not letting it get in the way of also enjoy fresh, energizing foods…is key. Moderation…not vacation.

beachy fit!

3. Making time for fitness.

Moving here and living on my own meant I needed to make some serious cash. I work full-time in marketing (from home……amazing) and part-time free-lance writer. I’m a busy, busy girl. I believe that there’s ALWAYS time to stay fit. If I can’t hit the gym, I “Shred” with Jillian Michaels on my lunch break. Luckily, my new gym is in walking distance and I can head over during lunch time, early in the AM, or at night if I’m not working. I don’t stress about making time, I figure out when I can workout (usually 4-5 days a week), and I DO IT. It makes me feel good, has helped me lose my “Moving 15″…or seven, or eight ..and keeps me happy!

:D

 

the beach equals

a little bit of this

spicy corn sauceeee

a little bit of that

skinny girl margs

college friend, Shannon!!

beer pong

and a lot of this. I mean….

make shift iPhone speakers

When everyone else left, my friend Lauren (since I was 5!) and I headed to Seacrets in OC, MD on Monday to lay in tubes and drink Rum Runners/Pina Coladas all day. It was a really tough life..

from last year! didn't want to soak my iPhone & camera this year!

Hrmph. Reality stinks. But at least reality is in NYC…? Danny & I brought our sneakers with all the intentions of running, but with sunburns and beers – it just didn’t happen. I’m not too worried though, it makes me excited to get back into the routine! (Especially since T-Minus 33 days until VA Beach to visit Jamie! )

monkeyin’ around

Hey yall! Jamie here..I am working away, writing and editing like a madwoman but it is SO HARD for two reasons.

1. I drank a Monster Energy this morning. I haven’t had one of these babies since college and I feel wild right now. I honestly feel drunk off the thing…I am so bouncy writing for three minutes then randomly clicking on a blog..then back so fast to work. I wish a chill pill were handy. Or healthy.

proof of what used to occur after drinking monsters in the college library.

Okay, so I guess I’m not aging quickly..energy drinks have always made me insane. On to the second reason of why I am so incredibly antsy:

2. Tonight I am leaving to camp (on a beach) in North Carolina for an entire weekend. AH! We are going with Danny’s friends (there are roughly 25 people going, we may just move there forever and start our own colony) and they are party kind of people. Aka, for the couple days I will be doing this:

serious bum

(In case you didn’t know, it’s the new trend to pull out a piece of your hair and lay it directly on your forehead. Just one strand now, don’t get wild with it. And yes- those are my real feet.. thanks mom.)

I AM SO EXCITED. I am really trying to power through work (obviously doing a great job of it) so that I can get in a workout before its time to shower and pack.

If I get in a five mile run today, I will be at 20 miles for the week! Feelin’ good. Courtie is headed to the beach today too, and I’m sad I won’t be with her for what has been sort of a semi annual trip for us until I decided to move six hours south.

from our delaware beach days...i currently have courts dress in my closet. sry girl!

Serious babies we were, and seriously awesome shot of my armpit. Now that I’ve severely grossed you out with pits and feet, have a fantastic weekend!

Any awesome plans!? And don’t worry Alyss, anything you text me this weekend you’ll get to tell me about on Monday all over again! (She loves that my weekends often mess with my memory.)

here i am, dun dunn

Oy. I’ve been seriously slackin’ on the postage lately. Here I am, back again! It feels good. I worked extra long and hard today (normal internet market job + a freelance project I picked up) + also got in a sweet workout with Alyssa (I ran three miles, ellipticalled for 15 mins, biked for 15 mins, and worked my abs) so when 8pm hit I was seriously craving a nice glass of pinot grigio.
(The first describes my feelings…the second..my day.)

Ask and ye shall receive..Danny came home from a 12 hour UPS day with a bottle of wine. I’m telling you, these southern boys really know how to do it right. Once a cook at my old job here said to me “You know these southern boys..they care about their women more than they care about themselves. That’s why you like your man so much.”

Hmm. I made D$ (Dannys new nickname as of late) a giant omelet& got the urge to bake for our friend Taylor since he was coming over to hang. I stalked PBF for Julie’s recipe for the easiest cookies in existence- PB cookies that require only 1 egg, 1 cup sugar (I used brown), and 1cup pb. Holler! When you don’t want to dirty your mixing bowl..you improvise.

do i always bake in the dark?

And of course I needed to sample the batter.

we don't do cardio for nothin'

Perfection. Tomorrow I can say “tomorrow I’ll be in Boston!” My plane takes off Friday AM…I’m so excited to see the city!

gym romance

Can I rewind to Friday, and relive this past weekend? 5x Maybe?

First. I have a boyfriend (who is also a roommate) and a roommate Mark who are both obsessed with this song. (P.S. Mark caught the blogging bug and created his own. Mark, feel free to defend your love of cinema in the comments section below.)

It’s rare that I don’t hear this six times before noon, and on Saturday night Danny was shouting to the DJ, “PLAY CINEMA AGAIN!!” All I can say is, please boys. NO MORE CINEMA.

our dub-step loving household

Second. Living three blocks from the beach is a dream. Living just blocks from wild bars, also a dream. I accomplished a 3 mile run and 30 minute elliptical stint on Saturday morning, but my most favorite form of exercise came in to play later on Saturday night. DANNNNNCE.

stolen photos

And third. I am so excited that Alyssa has decided to join my gym! YEAH! So exciting to have a treadmill buddy to get some serious mileage in with. It’s been way too hot to run outside lately and it’s only going to get worse.

You’d think we’d get enough exercise dancing up a storm and climbing into fountains at 3 am.

normal.

Time to finish up some work before my hot gym date. I also have another date tonight, with this guy:

OBSESSED. I wanted a beach book/book to read during my flight to Boston next weekend…but it looks like my traveling book will wind up being Baby Proof?

EDIT: Courtney forced me to start reading Something Blue. She wanted me to read Something Borrowed but I accidentally saw the movie first…

perfection

….is Spring in New York City, when you are in love with the idea of eating and drinking outside.

Wednesday night it was at Uva with friends on the Upper East Side.

And in the theme of Fleet Week here in New York City, I bring your Carrie Bradshaw: “That’s another reason I love New York. Just like that, it can go from bad to cute.”

Enjoy your memorial day weekends!! I’m staying in the city, but still so excited about my plans! xoxox

not yo cheese

Aside from a lil harsh self-talk lately, I feel like I have been living the past two weeks as a master of life. Seriously. I mentioned that Danny and I moved in to a roomy house just three blocks from the beach (we also live with his long-time buddy Mark) and I am absolutely obsessed with this life so far.

Anyway- reasons why I’ve been mastering life lately.

1. I’ve found the best nachos on the planet. Seriously. Actual fresh grilled chicken with tons of guacamole? Oh. My. God. Does it make it healthier that I eat all the good stuff with a fork and leave only the chips for Danny? Boys like, chips..right?

not. yo. cheese. remember when i was going to avoid dairy? oh..

2. I’m mastering the art of parking illegally at the beach. On Saturday Danny, Mark and I all went out for Mexican food and I suggested we park at the local Wendy’s. Seemed brilliant and fool proof. The best part of this? Post lunch Frostys!

please avert your eyes from my hairy legs

I explained that I’d feel like a horrible person if we used their lot and didn’t purchase anything, and that I really wanted only a baby sized frosty. Danny and Mark decided they wanted baby frostys too, so the convo went like this:

Wendy’s Lady: What can I get for ya’ll?
Mark: Hi, we’d like three baby frostys, please.
Wendy’s Lady: You want three chocolate junior frostys?
Mark: No, we’d like three baby frostys please.
Wendy’s Lady: You want the junior frostys?
Mark: Are junior frostys baby frostys?
Wendy’s Lady: Yes, junior frostys are baby frostys.

SUCCESS. And because all good lists come in threes…

3. Everywhere I go lately, I’m cheesin’ HARD. I can’t help smile when all I see is beach, sunshine, and a boy who makes me ridiculously happy.

could my smile get any bigger?

VA Beach, you have my heart.

mamma’s day

How was everyone’s Mother’s Days?! My mom requested I come home Saturday to celebrate, so her & my sister picked me up in Philadelphia in the early afternoon and we headed to Cheesecake Factory for her Mother’s Day lunch. Typical day in the Jersey suburbs, much? Jusssss kidding.

My sister and I split the avocado egg rolls as an appetizer. This has happened often in our life. We are just obsessed the dipping sauce.

I rolled with the lunch pizza and salad combo. I can’t remember the last time I got something other than this at Cheesecake Factory.

After lunch, my mom, sis, and I went to visit my grandma. It’s always funny to hear my grandma’s stories and I was glad I got a chance to see her. The bag I found for her presents is officially my new motto and oh so blog appropriate.

Afterwards my mom and I of course went to the mall. Can’t remember the last time I was in one of these things! I was on a mission for some Phillies Pink gear since I was in town. My mom also wound up getting me some Sperry’s that are on their way to me as we speak. CANNNOT WAITTTTT. She’s the best

When we got home my dad made me a snack before I went out with my friend since I was five years old slash college roommate!

like father like daughter

When I came back, this guy was asleep on my bed his bed that I have to sleep in.

"what are YOU doing here?"

glamor shot

Sunday, after a run in the sun (and INTENSE ALLERGIES) – I came back to the big city (where THANK GOD we don’t have too many of those things called trees ) in time for dinner with mah boyfriend and…. to see AZIZ ANSARI!!!!!!!

We stumbled upon a completely random and empty wine bar so we decided to try it.

Completely amazing find!!

i'm down for any appetizer that comes with almonds

perfect amount of mushroom ravvv

After dinner, we headed the comedy show where one of the comedians was Aziz Ansari, who I am obsesseddddd with. It was so good!!! Definitely need to go see him again now that he is living in New York. Even though Christina already put this up on hers after Jamie linked it to her, it’s just the best video if you keep blogs in mind.

the verdict

I’m sure all you fellow Something Borrowed fans are dying to know “how was it?!?!” Well, I’ll assure you there are no spoiler alerts here.

The PopSugar ticket warned us they overbook premiers and to arrive early, around 6:30. My roommate & I both left as early as we could around 6 pm due to unfortunate Wednesday crazy busy work lives. We got there a little after 6 and were content with our spot in line. With a little less than 40 people in front of us, we were positive we’d get in. Over an hour of waiting and one Vin Diesel sighting (!!!!!!!!) later, they started letting people in groups of 15. Two groups later, they were full. SAY WHAAAAAAT?!!?!?! I may or may not have been the girl who shouted “what, was it a 20 person theater?!” Only to get the response, “No, 200 person theater, but there were employee reserved seats.” I appreciated her honesty, but maybe this poor movie theater woman who had no affiliation with PopSugar should have lied because that just caused an uproar. We waited around and she wound up giving the few of us that stayed free movie passes. Way above her call of duty and very much appreciated, especially in a city of $13 movie tickets.

However, our anger did not subside and we were hungry and in need of some adult drinks. Max Brenner’s is right across from the movie theater so it seemed like a fiiine choice.

Dessert and martini’s were mandatory.

Pomegranate martini and banana chocolate “egg rolls.”

In the end, all we have is a bookmark to show for ourselves. And PopSugar isn’t to thank for that, either! They will definitely be receiving some lovely emails in their future. (I’ll save your ears )

Hopefully I’ll be seeing it this weekend with the rest of you because I am still literally DYING to!! (Unfortunately my roommate & I’s schedules are tight so we’ll see. ) Our poor wasted heels!

kids meals in bryant park

It has been one crazy week in New York City. I’m no expert, but warm weather and celebrity sightings are good for the soul. Monday started with a lunch time viewing of Glee being filmed. Don’t get confused – I’m not a Glee fan in the least; however, I’ll never turn down a good celebrity stalking so I went along for the ride walk.

Tuesday was another gorgeous day, so Krista and I had plans to ride bikes in Central Park after work, but once we got off the subway we just so happened to stumble upon the red carpet of the Time 100 Event. We stuck around to see some celebs like, Aziz Ansari, Carmelo Anthony, Blake Lively, Mark Wahlberg, and Martha Stewart (lol!) By the time we were bored with our celebrity stalking hobby – Columbus Circle looked like this…. Oops? There’s always next time for bike riding

After all the celebrity excitement in our lives, lunch time today definitely called for some relaxation and Bryant Park was the place to be.

AHHHH, and look what we found today. (This time it’s actually not a celebrity…) I cannot wait for this to start. Free?! Lululemon?!? Outside?!?! and I repeat, FREE?!?!?!!

Wichcraft is right in the park (three spots??) and their menu hit the spot.

You know why? Truth: I love kid’s meals. I’ll give you an example of one of my favorites – Chipotle kids meal: one taco, a side of rice, a side of black beans, and a juice box.. aka, my heaven. So naturally, a PB&J (except the J was actually apple butter!) kids meal from WichCraft that comes with a side of fruit and drink sounded perfectttt for enjoying outside. Not to mention the drink I got was san pellegrino limonata. Mmm, mm – tastes like summer.

(Side note: there was another half to that sandwich.)

So, thanks New York for the beautiful days and celebrities – keep ‘em comin.