STRENGTH+Sole » activities

Fun & Games {Part II}

Rachel — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 02:05:45 +0000

Tomorrow is the last day of July, which means…only one more “official” month of summer before Labor Day, New York Fashion Week and fall leading into pre-holiday madness in the media/fashion industry (my day-to-day world). They say that good things happen in threes, so, I’m setting these three goals for August:

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…

Save the Dates: Summer Streets

Rachel — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 00:44:46 +0000

From smoking to soda, the city does its fair sharing of meddling when it comes to our collective health and well-being. I see the argument from both sides: on one hand, you have biological and nutritional fact, and, on the other, we do still reside in the good ol’ U.S. of A. Where I say a resounding “yay” to the mayoral agenda is: Summer Streets.

On three Saturdays in August, runners, bikers and rollerbladers rule the road from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park (East 72nd Street) on Park Avenue. This year’s events are August 3, 10 and 17 (mark your calendars now, 7am-1pm), and, in true New York City fashion, the DOT will up the ante with a host of artsy new features and sporty activities:

For the first time ever, the Park Avenue Tunnel will be open to pedestrians via Voice Tunnel, an interactive light and sound installation. Spotlights within the tunnel will be influenced by the volume of people’s voices as they pass through from 33rd to 40th Streets.

In Soho, there will be a rock climbing wall as part of REI’s Adventure Zone.

And, in Midtown, fitness classes by Reebok and CrossFit demos.

A few of my favorite photos from past Summer Streets…

Remember the container pools, right outside Grand Central?

And, of course, no Summer Streets is complete without a full-on feast at Whole Foods’ City Picnic at 25th Street. Any opportunity to eat gelato…I partake.

This summer, I’m most excited about the Zip Line downtown at Foley Square. My last one was exactly five years ago in Mendoza, Argentina with two of my best friends. It was both kinda crazy and crazy fun. I’m a little afraid of heights (as you know from here), but, hey, ya only go around once. Who’s with me?

If you’re in, let’s do it together. Comment here or email me: strengthandsolenyc@gmail.com.

Fun & Games {Part I}

Rachel — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 11:59:04 +0000

I admit it: I love malls, big, voluminous hair, and mini golf.

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.