I made the above picture in Instagram without a filter. True story. Tell me that isn’t the definition of talent in 2015?! Anyway …
I love putting together these monthly favorites posts. They take me roughly 700 hours to do because there’s always so much to include, but they always leave me in a good mood. Here are some highlights from June:
Favorite Products
YBC Mantra Subscription Box
I got the chance to check out my friend Candace’s new subscription box service (she’s the yogi behind Yoga By Candace) and I loved all the goodies! The box was full of items from small businesses in the health & wellness industry (well, TOMS isn’t exactly small, but the rest are haha) and you also get a letter from the YBC team that talks about that month’s mantra. June’s was all about saying “yes” more–to things that both scare and/or inspire you. Love that.
You can tell the YBC team had high standards in picking the products included in the box. Some of my favorites included soap from King and Bride made with locally-sourced, organic and natural ingredients (smells SO good), body oil from Erbaviva (I love essential oil products!) and macaroons from Emmy’s Organics (ate the whole package in about 5 seconds). 
Keep an eye out for the next Mantra Box to become available–I loved everything in mine, and you get coupon codes for some of the brands included in the box–score!
True Tank II from Fabletics
I got this muscle tank in red as part of this month’s Fabletics outfit and loved it so much that I immediately went back online and ordered it in white as well. The fit, the material, the style–I love it. And it’s a great transitional piece to wear while working out, running errands or even grabbing drinks (pair it with a fun necklace and lace bralette).
Forever21 Necklaces
I’m probably too old to shop at Forever21, but whatever. I went in the other day and their necklace selection right now is AWESOME. Highly recommend you check them out if you need some cheap jewelry to spice up your summer wardrobe. I got this statement necklace that I’ve been wearing any time I’m doing something that won’t allow me to wear yoga pants and a longer necklace to wear with bikinis (I’m really into that look these days). In true F21 fashion, they’ll probably break in a couple months, but whatever, they were $4 … you get what you pay for.
These Potential Wedding (Guest) Dresses from Revolve
I have a ton of weddings this summer, and while I’ll definitely just borrow for some of them, I can’t pass up the excuse to buy a new cocktail dress or two! These are three I have my eye on and I’d love your opinion–is the orange one too risqué for an outdoor summery wedding? From the front, I say no. But the back has me on the fence. I think the floral skirt would be amazing if I could find the right top to go with it!
These Athleta Sweats
I know I already professed my love for these sweatpants in this post, but I seriously don’t wash them because that’d mean I couldn’t have them on my body for like two whole hours and that’s just crazy. I’m gross, I know.
Favorite Eats/Drinks
Last Night’s Dinner
Yesterday was Joe’s birthday so I made us a big healthy dinner of king crab leg & chilled corn soup, roasted brussles sprouts and a big spinach, sweet potato, shaved apple & quinoa salad. The soup is a recipe I posted years ago, but I’ve since tweaked a few things to make it easier to make and dairy-free so I’ll have to update the post soon. It’s SO GOOD.
Cafeteria
Joe and I have been on a SERIOUS Cafeteria kick. They recently added a quinoa salad to the menu that I’m obsessed with and Joe’s go-to is the taco salad topped with salmon. The shrimp ceviche is also bomb. Doesn’t hurt that it’s only a block from our apartment.
Adding Chia Seeds to Juice
I can’t remember if I mentioned this in last month’s favorites post, but if you regularly make juice, you should try letting chia seeds soak in it for several hours before drinking. It gives the juice an awesome gelatinous texture. I’ll do this if I’m making a big batch of juice to be refrigerated and consumed later.
Cocktails with an Edible Flower Garnish
How pretty is this bellini from my friend’s bridal shower?!
Dinner at Chesca’s on MV
I spent the night on the Vineyard before heading to my friend’s wedding shower on the Cape so my mom and I went out for a nice girls’ dinner at Chesca’s in Edgartown. I got the Pear Bibb Salad and Thai Chili Grilled Shrimp–so good!
Favorite Workouts
Opening Ride with Keoni at Cyc
Pic from party, not the studio (as I’m sure you guessed by all the booze bottles haha)
Cyc (an indoor cycling studio) just came to Boston, and I was invited to a class and cocktail party at Liquid Art House to celebrate its opening. Keoni, who created the Cyc method, taught the class so as I’m sure you can imagine, it was awesome. It’d be like taking a Lagree Fitness class with Sebastein Lagree. If you haven’t tried Cyc, I’d say it’s similar to Soul Cycle if you were to replace the spiritual mantras with more of a party vibe. And there is a lot more upper body incorporated into Cyc (instead of just one song using weights like at Soul, you use weighted bean bags several times throughout the class). It’s VERY high energy and you spin to the music–at some points Keoni even gets off the bike and starts playing the drums (seriously haha).
Now of course classes all come down to the instructor and I’m assuming Keoni won’t be moving to Boston, but if the other Cyc teachers can bring that same energy, I’m sure the studio will be a success. It’s located in the new David Barton Gym in Back Bay.
WANT TO TRY CYC FOR FREE? I was given three passes for first-time riders to go for free in the goodie bag they gave everyone at the opening party. Leave a comment on this post if you’d like one–I’ll send them to the first three people. They only work for the Boston studio, and you just bring it into Cyc to redeem.
Booty by Brabants @BFX
I’ve wanted to try this class for so long! People rave about Kelly Brabants’ Booty class, and she just started teaching it at the BFX that opened close to me in Back Bay so I went to check it out. It’s so fun! Using resistance bands and sliders, the class is choreographed to the music (don’t be intimidated–it’s not overly complicated at all), and while it (obviously) focuses on your glutes, you do exercises that work your whole body. Some portions have almost a cardio kickboxing feel to them, so you’ll get your cardio fix. Kelly’s energy is awesome and I’ll definitely be back for more.
Speaking of the class, Kelly also makes workout leggings that girls in Boston OBSESS over. The Booty by Brabants leggings are so popular here that they’re even part of the uniform bartenders and bottle girls wear at a nightclub downtown (for real). Kind of hilarious, but apparently they’re THAT flattering. I just ordered my first pair (you can buy them here) so I’ll let you know how they work out.
Resistance Band Workouts
Resistance bands have been my go-to piece of equipment this month. I posted a couple workouts using them here and here, and actually just came home from a killer Barry’s class using them this morning. Gonna be sore tomorrow!
Favorite Reads & Watches
Yes Please
I’ve been wanting to read Amy Poehler’s book for a while now, and was really excited to get it in a goodie box from the kind peeps at Google Express. I’d never heard of Google Express, but apparently you can now shop for items from local stores (anything from toilet paper to books) online and GE will deliver it to you that day. Have you guys ever used it? Pretty cool.
But back to the book–I’m about halfway through it and while it’s definitely an entertaining read and I do really like it, it’s not really what I expected. I need to wait until I finish to fully form my opinion, but right now it feels very random. I’ll update you guys when I’m done.
Articles/Blog Posts
I Went Paleo and Now I Hate Everything via The Everywhereist | So funny.
How I Got My Awesome ****ing Body via Elephant Journal | Great read. We often don’t appreciate what our body can do, instead focusing on how it looks. Only when your health is taken away from us do we truly appreciate the former.
Jon Stewart Made a Brilliant Point about Caitlyn Jenner That Nobody’s Talking About via Mic | Is Jon Stewart not the best??
Getting Criticized: 7 Ways to Stay Positive via Hello Fashion Blog | Good read–especially for other bloggers, but really for everyone.
Netflix & Movies
OITNB Season 3 | I loved season 1; thought season 2 was boring; and am kinda on the fence with season 3. I do however have a major girl crush on Ruby Rose (like every other basic betch in America) so that made this season worth watching. And is it just me or is Piper THE WORST in season 3?!
Jurassic World | I went to see Jurassic World with Joe this past weekend and while I was definitely entertained, I didn’t think it was as scary as Jurassic Park. Then again, I was 5 years old when I saw Jurassic Park. ALSO couldn’t the wardrobe team have put the main chick in flat shoes?! Anyone else think her running through the woods in stilettos and KEEPING UP WITH THE GUY was totally ridiculous? I’m hating on little things though–overall loved the movie and got all sorts of nostalgic for my childhood. Tyrannosaurus Rex > Indominus Rex ALL DAY ER’Y DAY.
Favorite Social Accounts
Instagram: @bo_xox
If you don’t feel like working out today, just watch one of this chick’s videos on Instagram. Holy sh*t. If she’s not in the circus, she needs to be. Girl crush alert! Also, I am obsessed with the @drpimplepopper Instagram account but it is disgusting if you’re not a total sicko like me, so I won’t include a link. But just putting it out there, if you get a strange satisfaction out of popping zits … you should probably be following the account.
A video posted by Samantha Hall (@bo_xox) on
May 13, 2015 at 7:24pm PDT
Facebook: Natalie Jill Fit
I get so many ideas for bodyweight and at-home exercises from the videos she posts to her Facebook page daily. It’s a good follow if you teach group fitness classes or just want some ideas for making up your own workouts at home.
Favorite Moments
My Friend’s Bridal Shower on the Cape
Like I already mentioned, the first weekend in June, I spent the day on the Cape for my friend’s beautiful wedding shower. Perfect weather and so much fun!
Weekends in Boston
I really enjoyed spending the majority of weekends this month in Boston as a sort of calm before the storm. Once July hits, it’s weddings and weekend trips nonstop, so it was nice to take advantage of the fun local stuff there is to do in the summer here. The other weekend we checked out the new rooftop bar at the Envoy Hotel and the views are amazing! If you’re in the area, definitely check it out.
Btone Staff Party/Lip Sync Battle
The Btone staff party was the other week, and if you’re familiar with the studio and our owner Jody, you’re probably not surprised to hear there was a lip sync battle involved. I strategically aligned myself with Emily (who I quickly renamed Abby Lee from Dance Moms) and together with Jenny we brought home the gold for our rendition of Mickey. Fun night with a great group of people!
THIS.
Favorite Deals & Sales
15% off ALALA for P&I Readers!
I’m really excited to be able to offer you guys 15% off any order at ALALA! I did a roundup of some of my favorite pieces from ALALA here and wore the two items I own in this workout on the blog. To get the discount use code PUMPS15 at checkout.
2 Free Meals from Blue Apron
I’m not sure if 25 have already been claimed, but if not, you can still get two free meals on your first Blue Apron delivery by using THIS LINK. I wrote about my experience with the service last week here.
Cory Vines Summer Sale
Cory Vines has sent me some of their gear in the past to wear on the blog, and I’m a huge fan of their everyday tops. Right now if you spend $50 you get 15% off your order; $100 gets you 20% off; $150 gets you 25% off.
So let’s wrap up:
If you’re in Boston and want to try a free Cyc class, let me know in the comments (first three will get a pass).
What are some of your favorites from June?
Have you read Yes Please? Thoughts? Also, curious–how does it compare to Bossypants? (That’s next on my reading list)
Did you binge watch season 3 of OITNB? Thoughts? Did you dislike Piper this season as much as I did?