Gilt City UNIQLO Free AIRism Product

 UNIQLO is probably one of my favorite stores in the city.  The very first time I went, I almost had a seizure from the bright lights, maze of never-ending floors and rooms, and vast options of contemporary casual wear.  But I soon got over it and now visit my Herald Square location on 34^th St and Broadway almost weekly.  I think I have the same pair of shorts in 3 colors.

I saw this Gilt City deal  for a free AIRism product drop on Facebook before I checked my email, so I was poised to click once it came through- I know anything free goes fast.  Well this went so fast that after I signed up, I emailed my roommate and she was waitlisted not even 5 minutes later.

Everything was prepackaged, but there were sample shirts out so you could compare shapes/sizes.

The AIRism product line is UNIQLO’s “inner wear that stays dry” collection.  Think lots of different undershirts in all cuts and colors.  Normally $12.90, these are on sale this week for $9.90 (but free for me!).  I don’t normally pay that much for an undershirt (Forever 21 has them for $3) and UNIQLO is not typically known for overcharging, so I gathered that it was high quality.

UNIQLO was on their game- they even had signs out for the Gilt City deal.

  I selected a white cami- you can never have too many- which I layered under today's outfit.  I have to say, it is probably one of the yummiest, softest materials I have ever felt.  It must be the cupro material- which I learned is a “cellulose fiber made from recovered cotton waster” (yay for recycling?).  I was comfortable all day- from my freezing cold office to walking around in 80 degree heatstroke weather during lunch.

"Put it on. Feel cool. Stay refreshed." It's true, I felt cool as a cucumber all day.

I never ever would have bought this shirt on my own- the undergarment section of UNIQLO is just too overwhelming and I’m usually in there to raid their stretch pant selection.   But I am rethinking this- camis in any color are good to have, and this just felt so nice on my skin without being too clingy or too tight or too loose.  Thanks Gilt City for the free threads!

Shake Rattle and Roll Piano Bar LivingSocial

The girls and I had planned this LivingSocial deal for Shake Rattle and Roll Piano Bar months in advance.  We’re from Boston, where we are used to the dueling piano bars like Howl at the Moon and the now defunct Jake Ivorys.  We needed a night of belting out some Elton John and strong drinks, preferably in buckets.

This place is not what we were expecting, but we were pleasantly surprised.  The show took place in the tiny basement of Soho Italian eatery, Brick NYC.  The room held the capacity of about 100, which is probably why we needed to wait months before securing a spot at the show.  The actual booking process was very smooth, and we were greeted and seated at our reserved table in a professional manner (there was limited standing/dancing space- rather, seats and tables).  It was nice to have table service and we were seated front and center.

Niki, Dianna, and Kate ready to shake rattle and roll.

The piano duelers walked around beforehand and talked to everyone at the show.  We chatted a bit about Boston, because it was the horrible week of the Boston Marathon bombings.  We were eager to hear a little Sweet Caroline that night.

This was my request. Dedication to Boston!

The show was decent- both guys were very talented.  In the beginning, they did a good job of engaging the audience and weaving all of the soundbites we gave them before the show into their bit.  I wasn't a huge fan of the pay to play system.  We were not in the mindset of shelling out $20 for a tune, however, many other people were happy to do it and there was a long row of $10's and $20s on each piano.

These dudes knew how to work a keyboard

As the night went on, the focus definitely shifted towards anyone with a large group, including bachelorette parties. There were drinking games and audience participation.  Some sing-alongs.
My absolute favorite part was when they played Sweet Caroline in honor of Boston without us having to officially pay for request it.  

One of the lucky brides got to help him play his harmonica

It was a fun night, but I think I would definitely recommend this activity to anyone looking for a large group outing for a special occasion- birthday, bachelorette, etc.  Those who were the loudest/drunkest were often rewarded with shots.  My group of 4 tried to keep up, but let's be honest, who can really compete with bachelorette parties, ever?

Artichoke Basille's Pizza LivingSocial Deal

Ok, I’m back! Sorry for the month long hiatus, I’ve been busy- vacationing, transitioning into a new role at my job, training for 2 half marathons, obsessively bikram-ing, eating, and working on some exciting side projects- deal related!  Stay tuned.  Now, I'm ready to share more of my deal experiences for the spring.

I also want to say a huge THANK YOU for reading. Since I started this blog in January, I've had over 1,600 unique page views. 

So, this Artichoke Pizza deal was about to expire.  I had just gotten into a gluten free kick so I was putting off using the deal.  Thankfully, vacation ruins all diets and I happily fell off that bandwagon.  After the 3 month mark of no pizza, I was having it for dinner almost every night that week.  And I decided to finish the binge at Artichoke.

This is the size of our leftovers. Gluttonous.

I had eaten Artichoke Pizza once before and I wasn’t impressed.  I know, everyone loves it.  Maybe I just didn’t like it because it was lukewarm the day I tried it.  I wanted to give this place a fair shot because I usually love all pizza, it's super popular, and the LivingSocial deal was solid- $23 for an entire pie plus two beers.

Katelyn and I had just put back a pitcher of some bourbon concoction at The Standard, and Artichoke Pizza was right around the corner in Chelsea.  We hadn’t eaten dinner and it was 11 pm, so we were starving and buzzed.  We found a table in the loud, mostly inebriated, crowded restaurant.

The one on the left looks like beer..but is actually ARTICHOKE beer

For our two beers, Katelyn ordered Magic Hat #9, and I got what is called Artichoke Beer.  I could tell our waitress was used to only serving drunk people, because she seemed surprised when I asked what was in the beer.  She then sent the manager over with the bottle- artichoke flavored liquor.   I was impressed.  I guess you can make liquor out of anything, even artichokes.

Cynar is an Italian bitter liqueur made from 13  herbs and plants, but mainly artichokes.

For our pizza, we chose the meatball parm.  And because we are crazy, we also ordered garlic sticks.

Our waitress said "good luck" and that we'd need these extra utensils

The crust was thick and crusty, the cheese was well done and bubbly, the sauce was perfect- not too much, not too little.  And the meatballs- handmade every day- savory and delicious.   I enjoyed every bite of the one piece I could finish.  The rest I enjoyed over the span of a few days as leftovers.

This photo does not do it justice.

I’m glad I gave it another shot, because if I had just ordered a slice to go, I wouldn’t have discovered the amazing artichoke beer.  Though I think next time I will be ordering only a “wedge” of pizza, or else I will bring 4 more people to help me share a full one.

A perfect piece of pie

Soapology Groupon

Mom and Dad were in town for the weekend and I wanted to give them a little treat after walking around the city in the freezing cold all day.  After a delicious dinner at Meatball Shop, we headed up the street to Soapology on 8th Ave in West Village so they could help me spend my $25 for $50 Groupon.

The inside of Soapology is like being inside an old fashioned apothecary, or atleast what I imagine one would be like.  Bottles of bath salts, lotions, perfumes, candles, scrubs, and soaps aligned the walls in every different color.  I am obsessed with nice things that smell good and make my skin soft, so I was in heaven.

I thought we were just going in for a quick stop to buy some candles and soaps, but this shop could serve as a mini spa as well.  Immediately after going inside, Paolo ushered us to the sink/bathtub so he could give us hand treatments.

Mom and dad picking out their hand scrubs

We got to each pick our own soaps to wash with, and then were handed globs of their popular coffee scrub and walnut polish- both best sellers, and all eco friendly and handmade in the US!

Dad loved the coffee scrub

Next was the soy candles.  I am a huge fan of soy candles because they burn much cleaner than wax, but I didn't know that once they melt down, the oil can be used on your skin too.

Who knew? It's a candle and body oil!

While we were browsing, Paolo told us that we could create our own custom lotions and perfumes, and that he could mix them up for us in the back.  Mom decided to go with the sweet and citrusy Yuzu lotion ($33), and I went for the yummy Southern Vanilla and Oak soy candle ($26).

As we were checking out, Paolo loaded us up with samples of the coffee scrub and lotions,"all of my customers get gifts!" he said.  This tiny shop has perfected the art of customer service.  I would go back for gifts or to create custom scents.  It is a little pricey but they often run deals on Groupon (they are running one right now, go here and use my referral link) and if you like their Facebook page, they run specials all the time.
In all, it was a fun experience, I got to show my parents a little NYC style pampering, and after that coffee scrub, my skin has never felt softer.

Bikram Yoga Herald Square Gilt City Deal

I feel like every month I find a new favorite yoga spot.  Well, this month is no different.  But it is my last, my absolute favorite.  It's not going to get better and I'm so ok with it.
After handing over $50 for a month unlimited Gilt City Deal, I took one class and never looked back.  When I need to sweat in 105 degree heat for 90 minutes and 26 poses, this is my studio.  I can say this with confidence because it's my 3rd Bikram studio in NYC.

Bikram Yoga Herald Square was opened by mother (Elizabeth) and son (Gregory) team from Poland in early December 2012, so it is super new!  I am probably going to cry when my deal is over, because it is pricey- $30 a class, or $160 for a monthly pass.   But, you get what you pay for here.  And, one very affordable option for yogis is to do a workstudy, where every hour that you work is paid in an hour's worth of class.

The doors to this Bikram sanctuary, tucked behind Herald Sq. on 35th and 6th Ave

There are so many good things here that I'm just going to make a list.
10 Things I Love About BYHS:

1. The facilities are brand new and its the largest Bikram studio in the city
2. The staff is amazing.  Gregory and Sam always ask how my day is when I check in.  During class,  all of the instructors are consistent, focused, attentive, and encouraging.
3. The ambience- lit candles, fresh flowers, faux grass on the ground, nice tunes in the locker room, and chalkboard walls make this a modern, comfortable studio

Chalkboard walls to display the schedule, special events,  and monthly Bikram  challenge- genius!

4. Eco friendly everything, including all of the dark wood, which is recycled from barns in Kentucky
5. HUGE locker rooms, with REALLY nice soap

Taking a shower here alone is worth the $50 since they use MALIN + GOETZ products.  Rum hand wash, peppermint shampoo, and cilantro conditioner make me forget that I am soaking wet with sweat, not actual water

6. Complimentary unlimited towels and mats
7. Lockers, with locks, and enough for everyone

I never have to worry about my stuff getting stolen during class

8. A filtered water system
9. Soft, carpet-like floor in the studio, which I think absorbs any bad smells. I almost never smell sweat here!
10. The heat in this studio is different from other places. It's very dry and clean, and I can wear my glasses the entire time without them sliding off my face.

This studio is truly beautiful. Thank you to Gregory for taking these photos during class!

Tonight, I took a class with visiting instructor, USA Yoga Gold Medal champ Cynthia Wehr. The class was packed, and there was a juice tasting before and after class.  With perks like learning from a master, free juice, and this being the week I COULD FINALLY LOCK MY KNEE, my entire day was made.

Over 50 yogis do bow pose with USA Yoga champ Cynthia Wehr.  I'm hiding next to the far left mirror!

So, Bikram Yoga Grand Central, you are where I first fell in love with Bikram, and coconut water.  Bikram Union Square,  even though Otto picked on me for 78 of the 90 minutes one day, I still love you and the fresh rose petals on the ground. But you all have to step it up, because Bikram Herald Square is a game changer in NYC Bikram studios.

Asanda Aveda Spa Groupon

My ends were split, and I needed a haircut.  It had been maybe 6, 7 months since my last trim (gross I know) and I was overdue.  I grabbed this Groupon for a cut, blowdry, and Botanical treatment for $39 at Asanda Aveda Salon in SoHo.  There are tons of haircut deals out there, but the botanical treatment is what sold me on this salon.  My locks were dry and desperately needed some attention!

The salon is on the 2nd floor of a walkup on the corner of Broadway and Houston, and while the hallway getting there is a little scary, you are transformed into a modern sanctuary when you walk in.  Good mellow tunes, soft lighting, modern decor, and candles instantly relaxed me.

Every hair product imaginable. 

This is a full service salon, and they use and sell Aveda's line of all natural products (which perfectly complemented their holistic vibe).  The staff was professional and courteous while checking me in, and one girl offered me hot Aveda tea (and then a refill!) while I waited.

This was so yummy-peppermint and licorice flavored

My hairdresser was Remi, who is sweet and confident.  I liked her instantly because she promised my hair would shine when she was done. We chatted about my hair, how ombre is unfortunately going out of style, college and careers, and living in NYC. I then blacked out until she was done because I automatically relax/fall asleep w my eyes open whenever someone touches my hair.

I love the couches they use for chairs, it was very comfortable

The botanical treatment, part of Aveda's Botanical Therapy line

They have been getting a lot of business since running the haircut deal, and they are also running a LivingSocial deal now for 3 more days on massages, so if you're going by my review, I give it 2 thumbs up!

Happy with my shiny hair!

KIND Snacks Groupon

I’m not usually passionate about granola and fruit bars.  They can be boring, they crumble in your purse, they are often unsatisfying.  Usually I just wish I’d eaten the chocolate bar or cupcake instead of going the healthy route.

HOWEVER…KIND bars are amazing.  Have you ever had one?  They are often found by the register at Starbucks or your local bodega.  The flavors are delicious and complex, like apricot macadamia, or blueberry pecan, or my new favorite, dark chocolate nuts and sea salt.  Throw them in your purse while you’re traveling and they will NEVER crumble, they are too resilient!  Because they are yummy, gluten and dairy free, and made from all natural ingredients, I feel good about eating these. 

They are kind of expensive as far as snacks go, usually $2-$2.50 each, so I typically only buy them as a treat.

This Groupon was $10 for $25 worth of goodies.  Now, one thing to note is that most of the items you can buy on their site are in bulk, so 72 or 36 bar cases.  Since I don’t have enough room in my pantry to store all of these bars, I chose one of the gift options: The KIND Cube.  It was $36 for 16 bars, plus $6.60 for shipping.  With the Groupon, I paid about $1.68 per bar.

I LOVE the branding on this box

The day my cube arrived, I was in a foul mood.  This cheered me up in 2 seconds. And, it came with a KIND Card.  Do an act of kindness for someone and then pass the card on. 

Delving even further into their website, I learned that each month, if you pledge to do an act of kindness of that month’s theme, KIND will make an even larger act of kindness.  So, in February, if you send a picture or video to someone who has inspired you to reach your goals,  KIND will “send refugees to school to reach their academic goals.” I did send a pic-to more than one person- who inspired me to start eating healthier this year.  I also followed their "Do the KIND Thing" campaign on Facebook to see what else they will do!

I'm still deciding on what my act of kindness should be.  Any suggestions?