Do Something Every Day That Scares You

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This is my new motto I am trying to live by–– you might wonder how the hell to do this, especially when you're in a set routine. Routines are super nice, don't get me wrong, but getting out of your comfort zone is so SO SO important for personal growth. One of my favorite quotes is: "A comfort zone is a nice place, but nothing grows there." I really buy into this, because whenever I do something that does scare me and isn't something I would normally do, I feel amazing after (well, usually).

You don't have to go doing boldly crazy things to get out of your comfort zone. One of my favorite things to do is trying out a new workout class/studio. I get super intimidated when I don't know exactly what I am getting into, so walking into a new class with new instructors FREAKS me out. I tried Barry's Bootcamp recently, and although I used to do OrangeTheory for months (they are similar), the word "bootcamp" sent shivers down my spine. As I walked into the studio and saw all of these perfectly fit bodybuilders and modelesque women surrounding me, I took a deep breath and realized that even if I don't have a 6-pack or perfect form, it was ok, because I showed up. Simply to be there is the most important part of the practice (this is my friend Ashley's Instagram bio and I think of her every time I say it–– she's so strong, and so are you). I crushed that workout class, and I am so glad I faced my fear of trying it instead of just going to one of my spin classes I have in rotation.

Even if you're not someone who likes doing hardcore workouts, there are other ways to push yourself to be better. Doing new things can give you more confidence and it may make you feel more accomplished, which can lead to higher levels of productivity. Here are some things I would like to do to push myself in the future:

• Climb another major mountain. I did Kilimanjaro this summer, and it was the best thing I have ever done in my life. Summiting made me "zoom out" on my life and reconsider my goals and dreams.
• Trying to cook more. I want to learn healthier recipes instead of just heating up frozen Trader Joe's meals.
• Train for a 10k. Right now, I can run for maybe 2 miles and then I feel like death has come over me. I want to become physically and mentally stronger.
• Do something that sounds totally ridiculous, like trapeze yoga. Antigravity yoga is a huge craze in NYC, and although I feel like I would feel absolutely stupid upside down, maybe that's exactly what I need.
• Volunteer for a new organization that I have never heard of. Volunteering is an amazing way to give back to the community while also meeting new people that you usually would not cross paths with.

What are some ways you have pushed yourself outside of your comfort zone? Did it work or make you feel better? Share below so other readers can be inspired by your efforts! I'd also love to read them for myself to get new ideas on how to shake things up!

Something to Yale About

Sweater | Similar Jeans | Booties | Similar Shirt | Bag

Yale is something to yell about, I tell you (I am terrible with puns). This past weekend, I went to visit my friend Marlee in Connecticut. We made a day trip to New Haven and made sure to walk the Yale campus–– it was incredibly gorgeous, and the weather outside was unreal. I had always wanted to walk the historic campus, and it definitely did not disappoint.

29Rooms Photos + Video

Since last year, I had been freaking out over the prospect of going to 29Rooms–– every Instagram I had seen of it was magical, and while it was pretty cool, it most definitely had its downfalls in my opinion. I was so excited to attend that I bought a ticket in July before I was even positive that I was moving to New York. I decided to spend the whole day in Brooklyn exploring and then headed to the event 45 minutes early (my ticket said to come 30 minutes early, so I thought 45 would be overkill but I was wrong–– the line snaked around 3 blocks).

When I was in line, a Snapchat rep came up to me and gave me a pair of Spectacles to document the event. Good marketing move, Snapchat. After pairing my glasses with my phone, I headed into the 29Rooms warehouse for a few hours of magic... Except I made it through less than half of the rooms in 2 hours. Wow, guys, every single popular room had at least a 20-minute wait, if not longer. This was kind of a buzzkill, as I did not get to see the snow globe room or walk through the human car wash. There was also minimal AC, which got to be annoying as more bodies came into the warehouse.

So many girls were pushing and shoving for Instagram photos, and you were only allowed a small amount of time in each "room." I should have anticipated this, but I was wishing and hoping that the event would be filled with art lovers like me that really wanted to appreciate every room instead of turning the whole thing into a photo op. Yes, I snapped some photos (see above) but some girls were trying to go to rooms multiple times to get the perfect shot, which probably led to the insane lines. One girl screamed at a 29Rooms volunteer because the volunteer got a bad angle of her in a photo. Yikes. The redeeming quality of 29Rooms was the free ice cream I got afterward. Although it was not the fairytale experience I was hoping for, I am still glad I attended, and if I do go next year, I will drag a friend along with me so I don't have to read a book while waiting in lines. Also, maybe my vlog will be less boring because I will have learned patience by then!

What Do You Wear When You Have Nothing To Wear??

I was in a panic last week–– I wanted to go to SoHo for lunch, but it was Friday of Fashion Week. I knew everyone out and about was going to look absolutely fabulous (Joe Jonas was the first person I saw when I got off the subway; it's fine), but I had no new clothes that made me feel good about myself, and on top of the clothes dilemma, I had strep throat and a fever. And I realized that was completely ok. You don't need new Vince pants or Gucci loafers to feel good. Dig into what you already own, and wear stuff in different ways than you have before. I have owned the velvet tee I am wearing above (it's hard to tell it is velvet but it is, and it is decadent) since 10th grade and I have had this bag since the 9th grade. Sometimes, I tuck stuff away and forget I have it. When I find it again, it's like a random present being thrown at me.