Getting My Shop On at the Carlton Hotel

Remember that Made in the USA trunk show I told you about a while back. Well, it was the other night, and I went! It was honestly one of the better shopping events I've been to in a long time. To start, there's nothing better than a holiday event when it's [pretty] snowing outside and you get to gawk at a beautifully decorated tree in the lobby of a classy NYC hotel.

The entrance of The Carlton from the front door

Their tree

The event featured shops and designers hawking beautifully made goods, all crafted in the good ole' US of A. I fell in love with all of the bags at catrinka (ALL OF THE BAGS), which works with women all over the world to design totes, clutches, and satchels with textiles native to their region. What a great mission. I also checked out papabubble who were sampling their holiday assortments of custom candy. Check out the watermelon, salt, chili if you get the chance!

catrinka's table (sorry for the blurry photo!)

But by far my favorite table was the Pennsylvania-based shop basin and main, who had a long table of knit and crochet wear (socks, hats, sweaters, hand warmers, etc), handmade ornaments, vintage candle holders, and jewelry. To say that I was obsessed with everything at this table is an understatement. If I hadn't already done most of my holiday shopping, I could have bought items for almost everyone on my list there. But that didn't stop me from buying a super cute crocheted hat by mimi's hooks ($25) for myself :)

basin and main had the table with the lights

My new hat!

While we were shopping, singer Lisa Puccio Kobin and keyboardist Clare Cooper serenaded us with holiday music.

This even was a brand marketers dream. There were endless sponsors, which I of course loved because...freebies! The holiday flavored tic tacs were a big hit, as was the Elderflower Lemonade by Belvoir. I was also a big fan of the peppermint SO Delicious bar.

Before I left, I had to go upstairs and check out the Caravan Stylist Studio as I have an appointment to go back next week for "glam services" including hair, make-up and nail art. Will keep you posted!

While there I also got an amazing gift bag filled with samples from Simple Skincare, Tic Tacs, Cottonelle, Bullet, Zoya, bigsexyhair, and nextissue.

All of the shops I mentioned have online stores so be sure to check them out if you are still on the look out for gifts. Happy shopping!

Homemade Pasta for Your Pre-Theater Prix-Fixe

Anyone who has ever tried to find a delicious, non-chain, affordable restaurant in the Theater District for a pre-show meal knows that this isn't always an easy feat. Ninth avenue has some great options but storefronts change seemingly every week so you don't always know what to trust. Olive Garden is a definite NO. And Restaurant Row has become so overrun with tourists that you'd rather just avoid it altogether.

I was recently invited to try the newly-opened Torino Italian (1700 Broadway, entrance on 53rd Street) for my own pre-show meal (we saw Side Show...highly recommended!!), and it did not disappoint. A contemporary Italian trattoria open for a few months now, Torino is the vision of David Sasson, known for opening both Marseille in Hell’s Kitchen, Barbounia in Flatiron, and the new Pavilion restaurant in Union Square. At the helm is Consulting Chef Carlo Bigi, a Torino native who most recently worked at Il Principe at the Hugo Hotel and Sant Ambroeus.

Walking in, I was instantly intrigued by the decor. Unique chandeliers and light fixtures bounced ambiance off of curving wooden shelves lined with wine bottles. That said, the tables are arranged in a way that makes it very easy to plop a fellow diner on the head if you are carrying a large bag/coat (with my pack mule tendencies, that seems to ALWAYS be me). So just be weary of that.

For dinner, we started with two appetizers: Meatball Crostini served in a cast iron pan ($9) and the Insalata Torino with kale, ricotta salata, fennel, olives, and cherry tomatoes ($15). The meatballs were pretty perfect, and I loved how they were served, with plenty of melted parmesan and crispy bread to scoop everything up with. The salad was super refreshing. I recently learned from my boyfriend's Italian family that fennel has a special palate cleansing place on in a meal so it fit right into this delicious salad.  

Meatball Crostini ($9)

Insalata Torino ($15)

For the main course, I opted for a classic. Cacio e Pepe ($16) is one of my favorite ways to have homemade pasta prepared as you can really taste the quality of the noodles without having to fight through a heavy sauce. This version was perhaps a little heavier than I would have liked (more like an alfredo sauce), but I enjoyed every last bite of the al dente pasta. My friend had one of our waiter's favorites, the Lasagna di Melanzane ($19) with eggplant, tomato and provola. Talk about decadent! This dish came out steaming hot--and remained that way throughout most of the meal due to the insulation of the serving dish--and had a great balance of richness (cheese) and flavor (tomato).

Cacio e Pepe ($16)

Lasanga di Melanzane ($19)

We had to run to our show so didn't get to sample dessert (although honestly I was so full, that was likely a good thing). However, if you leave a little bit more time and room, try their newly launched prix-fixe menu:

Lunch: 11am-4pm (includes 2 courses for $24 or 3 for $29)

Appetizers:

• Insalata Torino (Kale, ricotta salata, fennel, olives & cherry tomatoes)

• Meatball Crostini (veal & beef, tomato sauce, parmesan & toasted ciabatta)

• Soup of the day

Entrees:

• Oven Roasted Rosemary Chicken (lemon caramelized stuffed with rosemary, spring vegetables)

• Fusilli Pesto (string beans, potatoes, toasted pine nuts)

• Salmone Scozzese (asparagus, mache farro salad, pickled red onions)

Dessert:

• Choice of dessert from the regular menu

Dinner: 3 courses for $39

Appetizers:

• Insalata Torino (Kale, ricotta salata, fennel, olives & cherry tomatoes)

• Meatball Crostini (veal & beef, tomato sauce, parmesan & toasted ciabatta)

• Crispy artichoke

Entrees:

• Hanger Steak (sautéed broccoli rabe, polenta & pepperoncino)

• Oven Roasted Rosemary Chicken (lemon caramelized stuffed with rosemary, spring vegetables)

• Fusilli Pesto (string beans, potatoes, toasted pine nuts)

• Salmone Scozzese (asparagus, mache farro salad, pickled red onions)

Dessert:

• Choice of dessert from the regular menu

For reservations call 212-757-2233 or visit torinoitalian.com.

Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary dinner for 2 in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own.

Join Argo for a ChariTEA event in Flatiron

Nothing beats a warm cup of tea on a cold day and our friends at Argo Tea want to make sure you have your fill! All company-owned cafes will be hosting host special holiday fundraising events benefiting Habitat for Humanity with live music, passed drinks and treats on Wednesday 12/17 from 7 - 9pm. The Flatiron location (949 Broadway) will be hosting a flagship event featuring tea cocktails and exclusive giveaways. Tickets are $20 and all proceeds go to a good cause!

In addition, Argo will donate a portion of net proceeds from its seasonal signature drink (White FrosTea Chocolate -- rich white chocolate, mint and white tea and steamed milk) to Habitat for Humanity. Other winter specials include: 

• Snowflake White Tea – heavenly blend of white tea, apple, sweet pink pepper, and seasonal spices
• Winter Spice – featuring orange flowers, cassia, cocoa shells, orange peel and almonds  

Argo is offering special gift sets for all the tea lovers in your life.

Real Broadway Magic

I saw a magical show the other night. No, literally there was magic in it. Lots and lots of mind-defying magic! The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible opened it's six-week engagement at the Marriott Marquis Theatre (1535 Broadway) last week as part of a 30-city U.S. tour.

Photo courtesy of The Illusionists

This show is way more than simple pick-a-card-any-card tricks (though you will be shocked at just what these illusionists can do with a simple--or not so simple--deck of cards). The show’s seven stars, each a master in their own field, are Yu Ho-Jin (The Manipulator), Dan Sperry (The Anti-Conjuror), Jeff Hobson (The Trickster), Andrew Basso (The Escapologist), Kevin James (The Inventor), Aaron Crow (The Warrior), and Adam Trent (The Futurist).

Each has his own unique personality, whether flamboyant and sparkly, creepy and "alternative," mad scientist, or boy-next-door, but all are unequivocally skilled. There was tons of audience participation, so if going on stage is something that scares you, I wouldn't advocate sitting on the aisles. When the woman behind us got picked for a particularly freaky trick, I couldn't help but laugh along with her friends and feel like I knew her. She was a really good sport.

My favorite was probably Basso who recreated Houdini's water-torture chamber trick, making my heart pound incredibly hard as he was lowered into a locked vault filled with water with his hands in cuffs. Talk about something that your mother wouldn't want you doing!

Tickets start at $67 for performances through January 4 and are available here. Although some pyrotechnics are used, this show would be great for older kids!

Because Everyone Needs A Light-Up DIY Ornament...

RadioShack is getting into the holiday spirit and wants to invite you to a workshop experience at at their 1565 Broadway on Saturday 12/13 from 10am - 10pm. In conjunction with littleBits--an open source library of electronic modules that snap together with tiny magnets and make music and light (for kids of all ages!)--they will be offering complimentary drinks and holiday treats, while also giving you a hands-on tutorial on how to build your very own littleBits holiday ornaments!

The first 100 attendees will walk away with a special RadioShack stocking stuffer, as well as be entered into a raffle to win a variety of holiday items.

Deets:

• What: ​RadioShack + littleBits Customer Holiday Workshop
• When: Saturday 12/13, 10 am - 10pm
• Where: RadioShack 1565 Broadway (7th Avenue @ 47th Street)

Bust Our Your Wallet for this Holiday Craftacular

Holiday shopping season is in full swing and we're here to remind you that nobody wants that awful smelling pine candle you've been storing in your coat closet with re-gifting plans in 2014. Instead, why don't you head on over to the BUST Magazine Holiday Craftacular happening this Saturday and Sunday at the Brooklyn Expo Center in Greenpoint.

BUST, the magazine "for women with something to get off their chests," designed the event to include over 200 vendors selling handmade crafts, delicious foods, gorgeous vintage finds and more. There will be a DJ and free goodie bags for the first 300 attendees. Make-and-take craft workshops and artist demonstrations will spark your creativity and give you the chance to make a gift for yourself or someone else. Wrap your gifts in style at the wrapping paper station, handcraft a card for someone special, and don't miss the Ugly Sweater Selfie Booth.

Last, but certainly not least, there will be a cat cafe. A CAT CAFE! Take a little break from shopping with adorable, adoptable cats and a nice cup of tea all while benefiting a number of great animal rescue organizations.

Tickets are $3 and available at the door.

Deets:

• When: Saturday, December 6 + Sunday December 7 (11am - 7pm)
• Where: Brooklyn Expo Center (79 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222)
• How much?: $3

Dance Party = Fitness (Plus, a Giveaway!)

The idea of "working-out" used to bore me. I'd wander aimlessly around a giant gym surrounded by machines, gadgets and all sorts of weights but have no concept of what to do with them. Thankfully, the concept of boutique fitness has exploded throughout NYC within the past year, and there are so many unique options from me to choose from to stay fit.

I was recently invited to try the latest studio on the block, ((305)) Fitness, a self-proclaimed underground cardio fitness experience. Well it was literally underground (yay basements!) and definitely an experience (a really, really fun experience).

All images courtesy of ((305)) Fitness

Their website says: "We turn your workout into a party." What kind of party, though, I wasn't initially sure. In fact, when I first arrived at 9:45 on a Sunday morning with my guinea pig friend, we were a bit confused if we were in the right place as the only signage was a neon pink "GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS" ominously hinting at what might be in store for us downstairs.

The front desk

But the gal at the front desk had our names on a list and we were directed past several really neat art pieces to the super clean and colorful locker room to store our belongings before we boogied on downstairs. The 305 Goddess showed the way...

The 305 Goddess and stairs going down to the studio

The studio is basically a club. It's decked out with all sorts of colored lights, giant images of lips and mouths, positive mantras along the front mirror, and...wait for it...a DJ booth. Our instructor, JJ Montell, started the class with so much positive energy and he did something that I really appreciated and haven't seen at other studios. It was simple. He said, introduce yourself to someone you don't know. The fun in this was that we were all about to be dancing together for an hour, so it's way more fun if you at least know another person's name.

JJ Montell

We started with a Zumba-like warm-up, but the choreography quickly escalated to more advanced dance moves, sports drills, and various squats and lunges. His direction flowed perfectly with the music and the lights curated by our DJ that I was able to let loose and really feel like I was at a party. At three points in class we stopped for what he called our sprints, which were basically high-intensity drills of high-knees followed by push-ups or crunches. It was also arms day, so we did a few minutes of small-movement arm drills (ie, arm circles, holding arms out in a T, shoulder presses). 

I was sweating buckets and almost every muscle burned by the end of class, but my endorphins must have skyrocketed. The music was a perfect mix of new and old, the latter taking me back to my days in middle-school hip-hop dance classes (what what!?!).

My friend, an avid soccer player who tends to stay away from dance-based workouts, said she had a lot of fun trying something new. In her words, even though she couldn't follow along all of the dance moves perfectly, some of the more traditional conditioning sequences were natural for her to follow and that's where she pushed herself the most.

I would highly recommend this workout to everyone. Classes are $32 each, but they have an intro offer of 3 classes for $36. The locker room is well stocked with all the products you need to get ready (and self-locking lockers) and has 2 showers. Towels are available at the front desk.

Good news! We're giving away a free class for one lucky reader and a friend. To enter, use the rafflecopter form below and enter before midnight on 12/10. Best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Some Chamber Music With Your Meal?

Every so often I hear about an event concept and think, "well, that's unusual." It isn't until I actually experience the final product altogether that I'm amazed at not only how well it works, but how much I want to share it and let others in on the action. Tertulia is just that.

Helmed by Artistic Directors Julia Villagra and James Austin Smith, Tertulia was founded in 2007 as a way to bridge the delights of chamber music, good food, and unique venues. The organization plans a monthly series of concerts--with changing musicians--planned around a 3-course menu at a variety of NYC restaurants. We were invited to the most recent event at Harding's NYC, which featured clarinetist Todd Palmer with violinist Jesse Mills and pianist Rieko Aizawa.

Todd Palmer with Jesse Mills and Rieko Aizawa at Harding's

The "itinerary," as my program described, was planned around an amuse bouche, main entree and dessert. Your ticket price ($80-$140) includes food but not drinks, but "bar only" tickets are available for $25 that do not include dinner. What a steal!

First course was pumpkin soup with Stravinsky's 3 Pieces for Clarinet Solo and Milhaud's Suite for Violin, Clarinet and Piano Op. 157b. The soup was adorably served in a mini shot glass, but it was so tasty, I could have had a whole bowl. The music pieces in this course were perfect kick-off choices. The first featured Palmer skipping among the tables in a curious manner. I think everyone was entertained with what he would do next. Whereas the second piece, a bit more traditional (ie, no skipping), really said "you're in for a treat because these musicians are more talented than you even realized."

Pumpkin Soup

For the second course, I opted for the beef medallions with sauteed asparagus and fingerling potatoes and my friend had the Atlantic branzini grilled whole with herb oil, lemon zest, white beans and green garlic. Both entrees were solid and sophisticated. The music choice for this course was the longest overall--Harrison's Grand Duo for Violin and Piano. I kind of loved that the piano and violin players were husband and wife. I pictured them practicing together at home for this concert and thought that must be a nice life. Listening to lyric-less music often sends me into deep daydreams like this and I kind of love it. Note to self: go to chamber music concerts more often.

Beef Tenderloin

Atlantic Branzini

Dessert was something special. We tried one of each--pumpkin pie with whipped cream and chocolate cake. As it was the week before Thanksgiving, I was thrilled to have my first taste of pumpkin pie for the season, but the chocolate cake was something decadent, super rich and creamy. The music accompaniment, Weber's Grand Duo Concertant for Clarinet and Piano, was the perfect finale. It featured each of the musician's individual strengths and combined them harmoniously as well. 

Pumpkin Pie

Chocolate Cake

The program said the evening would consist of about 60 minutes of music, but the whole event was about 3 hours. I left with a whole new appreciation for chamber music and would highly recommend this to everyone from the novice/scared classical music listener to the most experienced. Sometimes it's nice to just disconnect from your life (cell phone) for a few hours and just enjoy good company, food, and music. Tertulia will definitely help you do that. Check out their calendar here for 2015 concerts--next up is the Dover Quartet at Tarallucci e Vino on January 11.

Belay and [Adult] Beverage

Now here's a fun event combination for you. Flavorpill is taking over the Tuesday night group belay class at Brooklyn Boulders next week for some rock climbing followed by partying with Mike's Harder Tea + Lemonade and Mike's Harder Tea + Peach Lemonade to cool down.

You must be 21 to participate and RSVP here as space is limited (they'll confirm attendees via email).

Deets:

• What: Go HAM with Flavorpill & Mike's Harder
• Where: Brooklyn Boulders (575 Degraw St, Brooklyn, NY)
• When: 12/9, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
• Price: FREE

See Stars at the Bryant Park Tree Lighting

Bryant Park never does anything small, so why would they just light a tree at their tree lighting ceremony tonight? (The tree is a 50-foot Norway Spruce decorated in over 30,000 white and red LED lights and 3,500 starbursts, balls, snowflakes, and icicle ornaments, by the way).

Starting at 6pm, check out the festivities including performances and appearances by AINY favorite Ingrid Michaelson, indie Singer-Songwriter Catey Shaw, and 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist Evan Lysacek. You can also watch professional synchronized skating routines from The Haydenettes on the rink. All of it will be hosted by New York Live and LX TV’s Open House front woman, Sara Gore.

The entire event is supporting the humanitarian aid charity, (RED), and raising awareness and support for the fight towards an AIDS-free generation.

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park’s Tree Lighting Ceremony is open to the public, free of admission. Skate rental fees are $19 for children and adults during public skate windows during the event. Locker usage is free with locks available to purchase for $9.

Stuff Their Stockings at a Made in the USA Designer Trunk Show

So say you didn't get all your holiday shopping done on Black Friday. That's cool. In fact, we prefer online shopping and specially-curated holiday markets instead of braving the Bloomingdale's masses at 7am.

Speaking of holiday markets, the Carlton Hotel (88 Madison Avenue, between 28th and 29th Streets) is hosting one full of Made in the USA designers next Wednesday 12/10 from 5:30-7:30 pm.

The hotel is partnering with Caravan Stylist Studio to celebrate the holidays with a festive event and trunk show. Guests will enjoy LaMarca Prosecco, holiday bites by SO DELICIOUS, and a vocal performance by Lisa Puccio Kobin with keyboard accompanist Clare Cooper. Featured designers include: Beau & Ro, Samuelle Green's Basin & Main, and Catrinka. RSVP here.

A Winter's Foodie Eve

In the event your Thanksgiving feast tomorrow night doesn't keep you full until Monday (or even if you just feel like gorging yourself twice in one week), Lincoln Square wants to ply you with all of it's best culinary offerings this Monday 12/1 for the 15th Annual Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square.

Photo credit: Filip Wolak for the Lincoln Square BID

From 6:00 to 8:30pm, 35 of the Upper West Side's best restaurants will line the sidewalks around Lincoln Square (from Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle, along Broadway between 62nd and 64th Streets and at Richard Tucker Park on Broadway between 65th and 66th Streets) to serve mouthwatering bites and small plates, hot drinks and hearty soups all at nominal costs.

The newest restaurants and eateries to participate this season include:

• Gina la Fornarina: crispy focaccia robiola for $3 and porcini mushroom ravioli for $4
• Tavern on the Green: fennel and oyster soup for $4 and cinnamon oatmeal raisin cookies for $1
• Whole Foods Market Columbus Circle: local mulled hot apple cider with gingersnap cookies for $3

Other AINY favorites include:

• Asiate: Smoked Chestnut Chowder with duck confit, pickled cherries and foie gras emulsion for $4
• Bouchon Bakery: Chocolate Bouchon for $1
• Telepan: Mushroom Bisque for $4 and Coconut Cupcakes for $1
• Bar Boulud: Frenchie Burger Sliders for $4, Lobster Bisque for $4 and Duo of Macaroons for $3

The celebration begins (rain, snow or shine) at 5:30 pm with the Upper West Side’s Tree Lighting ceremony at Broadway and 63rd Street.  Food Tastings officially begin at 6:00 pm.

Better Than All The Rest

The best. It's what everyone strives to be, right? So would a celebration of the best be, well, the BEST thing ever? 

Join Thrillist in toasting to the Fest of the Best, a tasty event featuring the best of NYC restaurants in 2014. Participating restaurants include: Bacchanal, Blenheim, BLT Fish Shack, Blue Water Grill, Crave Fish Bar, Emily, French Louis, Margaux, Monarch Room, Randolph, and Seoul Chicken.

It's al going down ​on Saturday, ​December ​6th from 1-​4​ PM at Villian (50 N 3rd St between Kent and Wythe, Brooklyn). ​Samsung will be on hand to host a "Food Porn Lounge," complete with food stylists who will teach everyone how to properly style their #foodporn shots. Guests will additionally enjoy unlimited specialty cocktails provided by Grey Goose. At the end of the night, one restaurant will be crowned with the People's Choice Award for "Best of 2014."

Early bird tickets are available at this link for a discounted rate of $55 (for a limited time)​. General Admission tickets will then go on sale for $65.

Free Coffee To Keep You Shopping on Black Friday

With all the shopping you plan on doing this Black Friday, sleeping in is not an option. Lavazza wants to make sure you stay awake and wants to help you fight the effect of the copious amount of tryptophan you are bound to consume alongside your cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie the night before.

Starting on Friday, November 28 from 5:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday, November 29 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, the Lavazza mobile café will be posted in the Meatpacking District and hand delivering their coffee from Lavazza branded Fiat 500’s to everyone in need of a pick me up. Tired shoppers in NYC will also be able to receive a complimentary coffee delivered right to their doorstep by tweeting @LavazzaUSA using the hashtag, #LavazzaDelivery.

For additional delivery details and product discount codes, follow @lavazzaUSA on Twitter.

Calling All Holiday Shoppers! (And Free Cocktail Lovers!)

Headed to the Renegade Craft Fair this weekend? More than 200 indie vendors will be hawking their handmade wares at the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 W 18th St) on November 15 and 16 and it's never too early to begin holiday shopping!

Even better, when your feet get tired and you begin craving a complimentary cocktail, head on over to the Ace Hotel on Saturday 11/15 from 6:30-8:30 pm for the official afterparty sponsored by Flavorpill and Sprout by HP.

RSVP here.

Make Snack Time Awesome

It's 3pm. You're turkey sandwich has already been digested but you're still hours away from your steak dinner at Benjamin's. Your stomach is growling. You have two options: spoil your dinner with a sugary purchase from the vending machine, or reach into your desk drawer for a healthy, filling snack.

Naturebox was created to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner (or breakfast and lunch for that matter!) while still keeping your diet wholesome and delicious. I was recently invited to try a monthly subscription box full of fall flavor and here is what I got:

How my box looked when it first arrived

I was pleased with the packaging, as the cardboard box ensured that my fragile snacks wouldn't be crushed or crumbled in the shipping process. I also appreciated the slip of paper explaining all about my different snacks.

As a fall-flavor nut, I was super appreciative of the thought that went into my box. First up were the apple pie oat clusters. Think of these as a cross between your favorite crunchy granola and a sweet, crisp apple. I definitely appreciated the cranberries also!

Apple pie oat clusters

Next up were the praline pumpkin seeds. I could eat these by the handful so I had to be careful to portion them out instead of continually shoving my hand in the bag. I mostly ate these on their own, but they would be great in salads! A nice mix of sweet and savory.

Praline pumpkin seeds

The pumpkin spice nom noms were, well...nommy! This snack is a limited edition (through December only) based on Naturebox's well-liked blueberry, peanut butter and dark cocoa varieties. Think of it as a healthier cookie.

Pumpkin spice nom noms

The harvest rice sticks (also limited edition--through November) were the first of my snacks to disappear. They had the perfect amount of salt and a great crunch (think Fritos). I also loved the bits of puffed wild rice that collected at the bottom of the bag.

Harvest rice sticks

What the rice sticks were salty, the cranberry pepita crisps were sweet. I'll liken these to a fall-flavored Stacy's pita chip, except the pepitas gave the crisp more texture, which I loved. These would be good on their own or dipped in hummus or even a sweet dip.

Cranberry pepita crisps

Naturebox starts at $19.95 a month for 5 full-size snacks (including shipping), and discounts are available if you commit to several months up front. It's a great deal if you like to snack healthy, and I love the convenience of having something tasty and wholesome at my desk when I get a craving. If you'd like to see if Naturebox is right for you, click here for a free trial or $10 off your first box!

Naturebox provided me with this box free of charge but all opinions listed here are my own.

Free Indoor Cycling Classes at Peloton Next Week

Ever since joining ClassPass, I've become a bit of a fitness class nut. It's like I can't workout without at least 4 other people sweating alongside me and a peppy, muscly, designer fitness clothing-clad instructor telling me exactly what to do. But I'm perfectly ok with that. 

After a couple of months of this craziness for 5-6 times a week, I've definitely discovered "favorite" studios, which I visit as much as they will possibly let me (3 times a month if you were interested). Peloton Cycle is one of them. Their patented belt-based bikes will give you a 100 times smoother ride than the typical chain-based bikes installed at every other indoor cycle studio. They are also equipped with super high-tech screens that display your speed, resistance, and position on the class leader-board (extra motivation for me!). Plus the facility is immaculate and you get free Jack's coffee and a piece of fruit after every class. 

Peloton announced today that they have teamed up with the Garmin-Sharp Pro Cycling Team to bring you a full day of free special rides coached by Team Garmin-Sharp pros Alex Howes and Tom Danielson on Wednesday, November 12th.

Catch a ride with Team Garmin and Peloton at any of the times below: 

• 8:15 a.m. - Alex Howes (45 min) 

• 10:30 a.m. - Alex Howes (45 min)  

• 6:30 p.m. - Tom Danielson (45 min) 

• 8:30 p.m. - Tom Danielson (45 min)

Immediately following each class, Alex and Tom will have autograph signing sessions in the Peloton lounge. To sign up for these complimentary rides, email teamgarminsharp@pelotoncycle.com with your name and desired ride time. Don't delay, I'm sure these spots will fill up fast!

AWESOME ALERT: Free Workout Class and Outfit

Fitness wear brand Sweaty Betty, known for their fun and flirty printed leggings, is pairing up with modelFIT (212 Bowery, 2nd Floor) for an epic event on Thursday November 20.

When you sign up (FOR FREE!) you not only get to sample one of modelFIT's much talked about body sculpting circuit classes (because don't we all want to look like a model?), but you also get to take a full outfit from Sweaty Betty home with you. Free treats and juices too. Say what?!?! Yes, I said it. Now go sign up (click on the events tab for more info). Several classes are available, but as you can imagine, spots are extremely limited.