What I'm Reading

Check out the latest issue of Boro Mag  to see what Astoria is reading this sum. Bet you can tell by the pictures which one I'm working on. 

Chaise-ing Our Dreams: City Fun With Healthy Bunhead

My friend Jordan, Healthy Bunhead, invited me to her friend Anna's test out class at Chaise Fitness. It was a good combo of pilates, dance, and strength training. Chaise was started  by a former NYCB dancer and her former competitive figure skater mother. The studio was in the building I used to live in during college and I hadn't been back in that area since I graduated. During class we used this adjustable chair, overhead bungees, and a ball. It didn't seem as if we were doing anything too crazy, but my arms and abs were shaking. I really liked that it felt like I was getting a good workout and sweating but at the same time we didn't hold anything too too long. I can't wait to feel my obliques tomorrow. That's a muscle I've always wanted to work on and surely if I kept this up I would have Victoria's Secret abs. I was a little sweaty in that post-workout pic, but that's how you know it was a good workout. 

After class, we walked the UES and got some fruity goodness from Juice Gen. Jordan is a friend I need to hang out with way more. The girl loves to take class, discuss dancer things, and is always up for a spontaneous photo shoot. Today was a good day. 

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And Sparks Will Fly In The Summer Air...

If you know me at all, you know that I am completely obsessed with 3eb. This year they toured to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their self-titled album. They played every song from that album in addition to a few other favorites. Apparently it's the last time they will be playing that entire album at a show. I've met and hung out with the band twice before thanks to social media, but this will forever be my best concert memory. Prior to the show we got to watch their sound check, received autographed Third Eye Blind albums, and took pics with my two favs, Stephen Jenkins and Brad Hargreaves. Later on, after watching Silversun Pickups (awesome as well), we were taken backstage to an area at the side of the stage to watch from behind the scenes with our own couch and drinks. We even got to use and keep some badass Wearhaus bluetooth headphones.  

3eb has and always will be the soundtrack to my life. To see them perform from that viewpoint to a crowd full of other adoring fans screaming all of the lyrics was unbeatable. Stephen even gave us a little wave from onstage. We got invited to the after party which was different than the bonfire I had with them in Cleveland 2 years ago where he taught me Kung Fu and talked about the Rockette audition with me, but still cool. There were so many people, but Stephen came over and sat with me and asked our opinion of the show. Can't wait for the next tour, but I don't think anything could top this one. 

Two Piece: Urban Outfitters | Sneaks: Converse  

Coney Island

 Ever since I saw the movie Uptown Girls, I've wanted to check out Coney Island. We spent 4th of July there. The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest was happening that day. I had seen it on TV in the past and it was even more gross in person. Gross, yet impressive. The build up to the main event is so dramatic and funny. I thought eating one hotdog was enough. I can't imagine having 72 in ten minutes... After the contest, we went to the beach and then went on some rides. My favorite was the famous Cyclone roller coaster. We tried to see the fireworks from Williamsburg after, but we were pretty far away. We ended up staying at The Williamsburg Hotel. It's a newer hotel and I love the design. Their breakfast is good too. I never thought I would say this, but I could for sure live in Brooklyn. 

RSI #8

Last week, I participated in my 8th Rockette Summer Intensive. I guess it was technically my 7th, because I was an assistant at one in the past. It was a physically and mentally demanding week, but it was probably the most rewarding. A lot of my friends were there which made it even more fun since we worked toward our goals together. While I was not one of the lucky ladies to be hired onstage, I felt like I had a great performance and will continue to work toward my dream. I even started tearing up onstage, because I have never felt closer to making it a reality. My mom was in town for the showcase so I got to stay in a hotel with her.  When we got to the hotel room, my boyfriend had sent my dream roses that can last an entire year! 

After my showcase performance, my mom and I went to see my friend in War Paint. I LOVED it. She was a total star and those costumes are to die for. We were able to go onstage and take pics after and we got to say hi to Christine Ebersole. I left the theatre feeling inspired and definitely recommend the show. 

During my mom's time in the city we met up with my boyfriend and went to One World Trade Center. I thought The Empire State Building was amazing, but this was incredible. We had a little wine as we took in the best view ever. Then I made everyone go to Black Tap for those insta-worthy shakes. I believe we had the Sweet N' Salty (a peanut butter lovers dream). The food was way too good as well and I love the atmosphere. 

On her last day in town, we had brunch at The Loeb Boathouse in Central Park. It has the sickest view and yummy food. I can't really have dairy so I just sample stuff the people I'm with order. That mac n' cheese...if I could I would eat ALL OF IT. We walked it all off as we explored the absolutely perfect Conservatory Garden.