New York City Marathon Archives

Happy Election Day! Fitness Tuesday: Running

November 8, 2016

Happy Election Day! It’s Fitness Tuesday and to honor the New York City Marathon that just took place this past Sunday, today’s fitness inspiration is running. I know that most people don’t enjoy running. My brother Ira says that he gets bored while running even with listening to music or having a tv on if he is on the treadmill. I personally used to feel that way too, but now I enjoy it from time to time. In the spring of 2013, I ran the Brooklyn Half Marathon which is something that honestly shocked my entire family. When it comes to running, the first thing that you need to do is get a great pair of shoes. Yes, I was one of those people that went into a running store and ran on a treadmill in front of a bunch of people to find the right shoe. Also don’t expect to find exactly the color you want in a running shoe. Mine are pink and teal and personally I would have preferred something not as out there, but at the end of the day they are so comfortable and that is really what matters when running. If you have the opportunity to run outside do it! I say this not because it is more entertaining and possibly scenic running outside, but for me I have noticed it is not as hard on my knees. When starting to run take it slow.and don’t worry about trying to have a fast pace. Also when running with your music put your phone airplane mode if you aren’t expecting any calls in order to save battery. I did that when I ran the Brooklyn Half Marathon and I am so thankful I did. Make sure you also stretch before and after running and it’s always a good idea to take an epsom salt bath after a nice long run. Hope to see everyone out there running the streets before it eventually starts to snow.Happy running everyone and I go out and vote! <3

If you don’t already please follow my dog Stella on Instagram @HowStellaGotHerWoofBack

Investment Pieces – Chanel Wallet On A Chain

November 7, 2016

Happy Monday! One of the topics I have discussed before on Just Jodi Style is investment pieces. They are certain pieces that aren’t only investment pieces because they are classic items that will never go out of style, but also because over time they will increase in value. I have seen numerous articles recently say that Chanel bags in black caviar are the best item to invest in right now. Why is that? They say that within 5 years they will increase at least 10 – 15% in value. That is crazy! This Chanel wallet on the chain bag in black caviar is my absolute favorite. I wanted this bag for as long as I can remember, but I always saw it in black and gold hardware. I am personally not a big gold person and I knew I wouldn’t wear it if it was black and gold so I put myself on the waitlist for the black and silver version. I was on the waitlist for over a year and it well worth the wait. Some pieces like this Chanel bag it doesn’t matter how large or how much you spent on the bag, but the actual versatility of the bag. This bag is so versatile that is why I believe it constantly increases in value. It is a great size bag for going out, but also in general if you just want a small bag for everyday. I am able to fit all of the contents of my wallet in the purse, my cell phone and pretty much anything else I need for my day. When you are thinking about investment pieces find a bag that you know you will wear not just for an evening out, but potentially during the day. Also do not pick one that is a crazy color. I always say with investment pieces stick to the neutral colors Black and Beige. Personally for all of my investment pieces they are all in black, but that is because that is what my closet mostly consists of. Another tip about investment pieces is do your research. Look at what other people are writing about the bag you are considering purchasing and also look at flash sale websites. It is always interesting to me to see how much my investment pieces are going for on those flash sale websites when they are considered “Lightly worn”. Remember it’s worth waiting for the bag you truly want because at the end of the day this investment piece is a bag you will have for your lifetime. You want to make sure it is something you will love not just in a month from now, but years from now. Hope everyone has a great Monday and congratulations again to everyone who ran the New York City Marathon yesterday!!

How To Keep Your Nails Healthy

November 6, 2016

Happy Marathon Day for anyone living in New York City! On Sunday’s I like to relax and take care of whatever I need to for the following week. One of the things that I am very diligent about is getting my nails done. My parents always told me that the next thing that anyone sees after your face is your hands. The last thing you want is someone who you are trying to get a job from looking down at your hands to see them not groomed! Some people would disagree with me, but even one of my teachers in college and graduate school told me that they 100% agree with this. My graduate school teacher told me he didn’t hire someone partially because their nails looked like they had been through a war zone and didn’t feel like the employee would be a good representation for their brand. Personally, I am a huge gel manicure fan. The day that it came out when I was college I was hooked. I was always that girl that would somehow ruin my manicure even before I left the nail salon so this was the best solution to that. However, over the years the gel polish has gotten better for your nails, but still it does wreak havoc on them over time. I personally wait 3 weeks in between my gel manicures, but a week before I get my gel manicure I take off my gel polish at home. This gives my nails a break from the gel polish but also time to get stronger. To take them off I buff them with a nail file and then I take aluminum foil which I have already cut into small squares and place one around the bottom of my finger. After that i use half a cotton ball soaked in acetone and put on the top of my nail. Cover up the nail and let it soak for about 10 minutes. If the gel polish is done right it will come off 1 – 2 – 3. After that I take it off with one of those sticks that they use when you get your manicure to clean off the edges. After this I wash my hands with soap and water and dry them and then I proceed to do the other hand. I only do one hand at a time so if I need to do something the other hand is free. After both hands are done I then buff and file my nails. After that I apply a base coat on that is meant to strengthen your nails. I personally love either the OPI or Essie base just depends on your preference. If you hate having no color on your nails find a pale pink that with one coat it will look like you have polish, but won’t be able to tell if it is not perfect. Then apply a top coat and let it dry for a while. Having a simple coat of polish until your gel will allow your nails to truly heal and I have also learned that it helps the next time you put your gel polish on. I also like removing my gel polish at home because nail salons, especially in New York City, charge an arm and a leg to do it. Hope you all have a great Sunday and for all of those who are running the marathon good luck and hope you all aren’t too sore tomorrow :-).