Those were my first words upon arrival at Living Room Soho, the bright, airy Gyrotonic studio on Broadway founded by a gorgeous Greek former ballerina named Angeliki.

From white-washed brick walls to fluffy towels in Neopolitan shades of cream, pink and chocolate, it’s heavenly.

Influenced by gentle, flowing movements like those in ballet and using a special piece of equipment with weights and pulleys (made by a company called Cobra), Gyrotonic can help build strength, increase flexibility and maybe even teach you how to sit up straight.

Until last week, I always thought that meant arching my back, stretching myself up, up, up–all the way toward the ceiling.  But, I was wrong. Sitting up straight actually means shifting your weight back so that your head, neck and spine are in perfect alignment (no arch or curve of your spine, whatsoever). Why does it matter? Well, if you find that after a few hours at your desk, you suffer from lower back or neck pain, you might want to examine how, exactly, you sit.  You’ll likely find that a few ergonomic tweaks make all that time at the office more enjoyable (though I can’t do anything about your boss!).

Besides feeling a little taller and much more relaxed, after our session, I got busy with Angeliki’s amazing collection of floral scented bath products, lotions and oils by girly brands like Cath Kidston.  Yum!

A big thanks to NYC’s ultimate Greek goddess!

Book a class or private session at Living Room Soho here.

But, a reasonable breakfast that combines a mix of both complex carbs and protein will give you a quick shot of energy (raising blood sugar to get you going), followed by a slower-processing energy boost from high fiber (which slows digestion and keeps you from feeling totally famished/slightly faint by 11 a.m.).

This doesn’t have to take a lot of time, planning or even any cooking.  And, it can also be portable (sorted into small plastic bags at home and mixed in a bowl kept in your desk drawer–remember, it’s chic to DIY).

One of my go-to favorites is a yogurt parfait made with a mix of satisfyingly crunchy, ever-so-slightly sweet cereal and fresh fruit, layered over low-fat plain or fruit-flavored greek yogurt.  Here’s one that I had today at a delicious, fancy brunch downtown, plus, the ingredients that I always keep at home to enjoy it every day.  Tomorrow, rise AND shine.

Adore fresh, mixed berries.  And, beautiful presentation.  Ate the whole thing, no problem.

I’m the ultimate Kashi girl.  I love all of their cereals, snack bars, everything.  Chobani is also my favorite brand of Greek yogurt.  Apparently, other New Yorkers agree–Chobani now has a yogurt bar in Soho, where they custom-mix yogurt concoctions like Peanut Butter + Jelly and Toasted Coconut + Pineapple while you wait!