Yesterday I attended my first ever Orangetheory fitness class, and I LOVED it. While I am beyond sore today, and avoided all staircases, I can't wait to go again. The class incorporates rowing, weights, and HIIT treadmill exercises. 

With over 530 calories burned, and 30 splat points, I'd say the first class was a success. The HIIT was especially great for someone like me. I typically watch the clock on the treadmill, but with this type of workout, it went by so fast and I wasn't focused on the time at all. 

I will be doing another class soon, but I certainly recommend OTF for anyone looking to sweat and feel great! 
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-TS 

The new year is here, a new horizon! Every January I feel inspired for the upcoming year. It's a clean slate, a chance to work on myself, my goals, my dreams, and more. I find significance in reflecting on the past year and what I did or did not yet accomplish. I then like to mold those aspects into new resolutions by asking how I can accomplish them in the year ahead. 

This year, I have a few solid resolutions/goals that I hope to accomplish: 
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1. Finally finish that book! I am getting there, with more than half of the final version revised. With a few more months of revision, I am hopeful I will move this goal over to the checked box and begin my search for a literary agent. 
2. Have a short story or poem(s) published in a literary magazine/website. This goal is so exciting to me, and something I have already been working toward. 
3. Lose weight and get healthy in 2019! This one is always ongoing for me, but this year is a year for doing. As 2019 is the last year in my 20's it's the perfect time to trim down and work on my health, before I enter the next decade of my life. 

With 2019 already moving fast, good luck to those that set resolutions and goals for this year. And a happy and healthy New Year to all. I will be posting updates along the way!

Cheers! 
​TS 

Greetings from Rockefeller Center! The tree did not disappoint.
Jacket: Cartonnier by Anthropologie 

Hailing from the nearby state of New Jersey, you would think I've had plenty of NYC Christmas voyages to see the famous tree or the AMAZING Rockette's show. But in truth, I have only been to see the tree a handful of times, and at 28, this was my first ever Rockette's experience! 

My mom, aunt, cousin and I took a weekend trip to NYC this December for the holiday festivities. We had a blast. Our first stop, was 5th Ave shopping, of course. We spent some time in our favorite spots, before heading to the magnificent tree in Rockefeller Center. 

Myself, Colleen (mama), Michelle (aunt), and Gabriella (cousin)

We ate a delicious dinner at the Smith Midtown on 2nd street, complete with Riesling, Shirley Temples, Seabass, Short Rib, an amazing S'mores dessert, and the highly anticipated, mouth watering hot potato chips with blue cheese fondue. 

Our last stop on the trip was a matinee Rockette's performance, where our seats were so good I could almost reach out and touch the stage. It was an epic way to see them live for the very first time. 

Until next time, NYC...

Cheers! 
TS 

It's finally Fall, my favorite season! I love the cooler weather, the changing of the leaves, and of course, embracing my basicness with a pumpkin spice latte. This week in particular, I've noted two of my favorite style pieces that I have been pairing with many of my outfits. Check them out below! 

Mules: Sole Society at Nordstrom Rack.

Purse: French Connection at Nordstrom Rack. 

This has been a whirlwind summer, to say the least. A move, a new job, and meeting one of my favorite country artists of all time! 

A few weeks ago in Virginia, I had the chance of meeting Luke Bryan, courtesy of one of my dearest friends! I was so nervous prior to the meet and greet, but of course, Luke is just as nice in person as one would assume. 

And, without doubt, he put on one of the best shows I have ever seen!

This night is one I’ll remember forever!

Dress: Windsor Store
Sandals: Mindaliving

I have been really into pale green lately, especially with a nude sandal or heel! This look was comfortable and stylish and that’s what I liked most about it!

What a busy couple of weeks it has been! With all the weddings and events I have coming up, it’s only going to get busier. I miss the days when I could write all day and go to class at night.

It can be really hard to make time to write when you come home from a 9-5, but it makes it all the more worth it when the story makes progress! Thankfully, that is where I am currently at- making gratifying progress!

After finishing my first draft of my Young Adult novel years ago, putting it in the “drawer”, and bringing it back out to revise, I am thrilled to say that I am making strong headway on the revision. My original manuscript came in at 55,000 words. The revision process is one of the hardest parts of the writing process for me. I get so excited to write a story, get it out on paper, and give the characters life, that when the first draft is finished, I get lost in the editing process.

I like to make a revision calendar to hold myself accountable. It doesn’t have to be exact, but giving myself a goal for editing 5, 10, 15 chapters, is a huge help! In the last few months, I’m happy to say that I have revised the first 20,000 words! I’ve re-written, perfected, fact checked, and edited close to half of my novel, which feels amazing.

In sticking with my calendar and my planned timeline, my debut novel should be completed by the end of the summer. No matter how slow you go, progress is progress, and finding that balance has definitely been a journey for me. I’m so excited to see where it takes me!

xx
​-TS

It may have taken me nearly the whole time- but I finished the race! And most importantly to me, I ran the WHOLE thing. I'll back track a little: Sunday, May 6th was the annual Broad Street Run, and for the first time ever, I was a runner!

Last year, my boyfriend, Dan, decided to train for the Broad Street Run, the largest 10 miler in the country that takes place right here in Philadelphia. I was so proud and happy for him when he crossed that finish line, that I said, "Tiff- put down the mimosa, and do this next year."

To my surprise (I've never been a runner), with the support of my family and friends, I began to train for the race in mid February, 2018. I began my training journey with what seemed like the best idea- putting my jacket over the treadmill screen and running until I needed to stop. When I removed my jacket I was at 2 miles! For me, this was a victory in itself.

After this initial run, I began to go for runs at least 4 times a week, practicing in hilly parts of the city to prep me for a flat Broad Street. In mid March, I completed my first 5 miles, and in the second week of April, I ran my first 8.25 miles in under 2 hours. I was thrilled. Knowing I could do the distance without stopping was the biggest relief. I was asked about my training plan, which, in my case, was listening to my body and running almost every day. Even if I came home from work exhausted, I pushed myself to do at least one mile to keep conditioning.

The day of the race, I was amazed at how training with hills had paid off. The flatness of the route was much easier than I had anticipated and allowed me to comfortable jog the first 4 miles. Around mile 7 I felt the tiredness kick in, but I stayed hydrated, and of course, motivated by those lining the streets to cheer us on.

My favorite part of the whole entire race, was mile 9, when I saw my mother, brother, and his girlfriend cheering me on and waving as I ran by. When I finally crossed that desired finish line, I felt accomplishment, pride, and was grateful. Until next year, Broad Street!

Did we die and go to jumpsuit heaven? It sort of feels that way! If you’ve been in the mall lately then you’ve seen them: on the hangers, delicately draping down to the floor, seemingly saying “buy me.” Jumpsuits are the rage this year and I’m shouting “hallelujah!”

As a romper lover, it only makes complete sense, that I too, would favor the jumpsuit. Standing at only 5’2 I wasn’t positive I would be able to pull off the chic, effortless jumpsuit look. To my surprise, I fell in love with the look on me, which is always a plus.

In the above photo, I paired a flow-y grey suit with block heel Rampage shoes for an evening dinner. The small heel kept the allure of the wide leg while adding a stylish finish.

I couldn't be happier with this popular and timeless trend. The more jumpsuits the better! Hopefully my bank account agrees!

​-TS

Mum and I revisited Fort Myers Beach for our 2018 mother-daughter trip. Once again, we stayed at the Diamondhead resort, a beach front hotel with amazing views, a fantastic pool and outdoor bar, and a relaxing Spa.

One of my favorite pastimes-eating-was happily satisfied with the abundant restaurants and seafood eateries. My favorites were Doc Ford’s, Sanibel, Matanzas on the Bay, and Fresh Catch Bistro. We focused on healthy options as I am a bridesmaid in a June wedding, and didn’t want to gain any unneeded weight on my vacation. We split a shrimp cocktail every dinner, mostly said no to breads and wines (😩) and enjoyed fresh, grilled or broiled seafood with a double side of veggies.

We were sure to start every morning with a quick jog on the beach, and some strength training. By the end of the trip, my rompers were looser and I was tanner. Definitely a win! I couldn’t have asked for a better trip with the best gal, my mama!