It was the perfect setting to have some fun in relaxed pieces by Nancy Rose, a former nationally ranked elite gymnast turned Parsons graduate. Having studied design in Rome, Rose’s collection focuses on high quality fabrics, not flashy prints, combined with fit and flexibility. It’s a fashionable toast to excellence–at the barre, on the treadmill and in our favorite yoga poses.

Keyhole Short Sleeve Tee in Sea, Odyssey Tank in Scarlett and Plank Crop in Black, all by Nancy Rose Performance.

Product provided by Nancy Rose Performance.
All thoughts/assessments are my own.

1) Run hard at the 100 on 100, my (quickly upcoming) 100-mile relay race through the heart of Vermont on 8/17.
2) Challenge myself in semi-scary, new ways: starting with the Zip Line at Summer Streets this Saturday, it’s time to go big or go home.
3) Beat the “30-day countdown” birthday blues.  I share my big day with Beyoncé, so, this year, I’m trying to rock it with her same sense of confidence and gratitude.

A last look (for now) at the jewels by RAGEN.

That birthday list just keeps getting longer…

Even though I’ve lived in Manhattan for 10 years, I’m kinda still a Jersey girl at heart.

One of my favorite places to spend a summer afternoon is the mini golf course on Pier 25 in Tribeca.  As a West Chelsea resident, I’m a HUGE fan of Hudson River Park–it’s where I run, walk my dog and mellow out from the sometimes overwhelming hustle and bustle of the city.  This is one of the park’s little-known sporty treasures.

My jewelry is from a new collection called RAGEN.

Founded by a friend and finance girl turned designer, the pieces range from super sparkly and attention-grabbing (her Luscious Lips ring is a favorite) to delicate, ladylike and layer-able.

Necklaces from the Miles collection.

Crescent Moon necklace, from the Celestial collection, and Arrow Ring.

Pin your favorites directly to Pinterest (hover your mouse for my new Pin It! button).

And, stay tuned for more.

Dress: Mossimo for Target.  Heels: Vintage.  Nails: Essie Rose Bowl.

Jewelry images by Shante Carlan.

Twenty minutes before the photographer arrived for this shoot, I realized that I forgot to pack it in my tote, as I sprinted out the door for work.  So, like with any tough client meeting or training run that’s not going as well as expected, I made the best of it.

Here, I go from my desk to posing in the park with just a few accessories and a quick change of shoe.

So, the next time something like this happens, don’t worry.  Take a deep breath, smile and shake it off.  You can do it, too.

Heels: vintage; Sunglasses by Michael Kors (similar here).  Sperry sneakers by Milly.

Images by Shante Carlan Photography.

I fully realize that it’s, essentially, just an old railroad track with some well-thought-out landscaping, but, like most New Yorkers, there’s something about it that I find endlessly enchanting.  It’s not nearly as manicured as Central Park and there’s no Shake Shack, like Madison Square.  But, when the sun is shining, it’s completely packed.  And, I understand why.

Lush, quirky flowers and amazingly colorful trees against an urban, industrial backdrop.

A place to sit and chill with a friend or a book, plus, lots of space to stretch out.

The High Line takes me from my apartment building straight to Equinox.  Here, I emptied out my gym bag to show you a few of the things that I’m loving right now.

Ouidad Wave Create Sea Spray, for a blowout-free weekend.  Aviators, funky scarf and sparkly bangles (similar here) for layering (and going incognito while super sweaty), post-workout.  Katy Perry–because no workout of mine is complete without her.  And, Tracy Anderson is a fitness inspiration–she may be tiny, but, who doesn’t want to look like that?!  Got a few cool, new moves to mix up my routine from her piece in SELF.

Because, as they say: sometimes, you just have to stop and smell the roses.  Even on the way to the gym.