Step Up Your Game

With the NYC Marathon coming up this weekend, Uptown Girls are inspired! We're not saying we're going to train for a marathon anytime soon, but lately we have been motivated to push ourselves more during our work outs. Its important not only for health reasons, but also to know what you are capable of. Gym routines can get boring and played out pretty quickly and your body gets used to a certain level of exercising. Switching up the speed, intensity, and length of your workouts can save your muscles from boredom! So instead of slogging away on the elliptical while reading a magazine, crank up that resistance and get moving. You should feel somewhat out of breath (as in, unable to really maintain a conversation). Another great way to challenge yourself is to try a machine that you always avoid! Because your body is not used to working those muscles in that particular way, this can be a very beneficial workout. The key is to keep "surprising" your muscles so that they are constantly being worked in new ways. Download some new songs to get you motivated and you will see your hard work pay off.


photo courtesy of nyc.gov

Your Cold Weather Uniform

As the cold weather rolls in, you'll find yourself reaching for your trusty old winter coat and snuggly boots yet again. This is what you will wear on a daily basis to keep you protected from the biting winds, so its important that you love your look. Whether you spend a good deal of the day walking around or you just face the weather on your way to work, this is your chance to show off your great style! Instead of looking like a huge garbage bag, why not take this opportunity to create your own winter uniform? A sleek (yet warm and functional) coat, a great pair of boots, and a scarf can all work together to create a signature look that is all your own. Imagine leaving your house in the morning looking chic and put together even if underneath, you are wearing something simple. If you can, swap out the boots or scarf to switch up the outfit on occasion. Or purchase a statement coat that can work with a variety of accessories as well as pants, jeans, skirts, or dresses. This year's ruffle detail is popping up on coats everywhere and is the perfect option for creating a sophisticated and lady-like appearance. Another great option is a form fitting puffer jacket that not only keeps you warm but also looks neat and polished. If you cannot purchase a new coat, pick up a cozy knit scarf that will make you feel instantly glamorous! Whatever you choose to do for your outerwear this season, make sure it is something that you feel comfortable, confident, and warm in!


photo courtesy of jcrew.com

Spooky City Celebrations

It's almost that time of year again. Actually, Halloween is only a few days away. For some reason, the holiday that is catered to children dressing up and asking for candy is still an adult favorite - calling for wild costume parties, bar hopping, and other wicked events. Living in New York, or close to it, is a good thing at this holiday. There are a few things you can do in the city that are fun for celebrating this festive night. The Village parade on Sixth Avenue is the biggest attraction the city has to offer and obviously it's free. (Costume price not included). Check out the parade to see what whacky costumes people come up with this year, or join in and create an original one of your own. Also, a lot of local bars are having Halloween themed nights and drink specials, so check out your own neighborhood if you would rather steer clear of the crowds and just hang out with friends (and still be in costume). Halloween parties are also another fun and fairly inexpensive activity to participate in, just bring your own bottle and you're set. We're tired of all of the run of the mill costumes, so if anyone has any new and fun ideas, we'd love to hear them! 


photo courtesy of ecorations.com

How-To Hair Dos for Any Style

Whether you know the Uptown Girls personally or not, something we spend a lot of focus on is our hair.  Fortunately, our hair is pretty versatile, meaning we can wear it wavy (natural), curly, or straight with ease. Sometimes there are issues with determining what are the best type of products to use to achieve a variety of looks. Believe us, we've spent years experimenting with different products! We don't go the fancy salon brand route for economic reasons, so we like to stick to drugstore brands. Here, we'll provide you with our favorite products for achieving wavy, straight, and curly styles. 


Wavy: Any shampoo will do, especially ones that say curl enhancing or have ''wave'' in the title. Sunsilk's Waves of Envy works great, and you can buy this brand for under five dollars an item. Their combination gel/cream works wonders on creating dreamy, cascading waves in your hair. 


Curly: Our new favorite curly hair product is the Toussle Me Softly line from Herbal Essences. The smell is refreshing and the formula is lightweight so it doesn't feel like you have a ton of goop in your hair. We use the mousse and spray gel together. Want even bigger curls? Flip your head upside down, blow dry with a diffuser on a low setting, scrunch as you dry, and voila, your hair will have tons of volume.


Straight: It's quite a task to get your hair to cooperate and straighten when you're naturally a curly girly. However, use the right combination of products, and your hair will behave itself. Make sure to start out with a frizz fighting serum (we love Garnier Fructis shine serum), and a straightening cream or balm. When you are done blow drying/flat ironing your hair, make sure to use a shine spray to give your locks extra shine. 


All of the products we mention above cost under $7 a piece, so it's not too difficult to be able to test out a variety of different looks with your hair. 


photo courtesy of artlaundry.com

Wok This Party

We love the idea of quick and healthy meals, especially when it can all be cooked in one pot (fewer dishes, less of a mess!) That is why a wok is a kitchen staple - throw all of your ingredients into this Asian-style cooker and you'll get a dinner that delights. It may seem like a daunting task, but its actually easy. First, make sure your vegetables are cut to roughly the same size; this ensures that the cooking will get done evenly and quickly. Heat up the wok, add vegetable oil and spices, then your protein, then vegetables. We like to marinate tofu in an Asian inspired glaze, such as sesame ginger. This gives the dish a flavor-packed kick that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. (But don't go crazy, a serving size is only one tablespoon). Try your hand at a variety of combinations, sampling different flavors and styles. Soon you'll be a pro!

Top 5 Ideas for Fall Fun

We compiled a list of our favorite fall activities that are cheap, fun, and capture the festiveness of the fall season! 


1. Pumpkin or apple picking : You will probably have to venture out to Jersey or Long Island to do this, but nothing says autumn like picking a round, orange pumpkin to take home and enjoy! Definitely inexpensive, fun, and a great date activity.
2. Union Square Market: The farmer's market in Union Square, which we have mentioned before, is a great place to pick up produce, mill around, and experience the nice fall breeze. Our favorite stand carries the most delicious apple cider for only $2.00 a cup. Enjoy!
3. Scary movies: You think fall season, you think Halloween! What better way to celebrate Halloween season than by going to watch a horror flick with your friends! Or go on a date and have an excuse to cuddle during the movie when you're scared...
4.  Fall Foliage Stroll: Bundle up and head to Central Park, where you can view some great fall foliage as the leaves start to turn. Sip on a hot drink as you walk, and take in the view. This one is totally free!
5. Fall Season Bargain Shopping: Head downtown where you can browse cheap stores, flea markets, and vintage shops for cheap finds. Accessories are our answer to being versatile this season, so stock up on big wrap around scarves, big earrings, cuff bracelets, and funky purses. Don't be afraid to ask for a lower price. Allow yourself to spend $50 and see how much you can buy with sticking to a budget. 


photo courtesy of http://www.limoexpressnj.com

A Sweet Easy Treat

One of our favorite meals/snacks is so quick and easy and fills you up! It's something you're likely to already have in your kitchen, so no need to go out and buy ingredients. Just take a whole wheat english muffin, toasted, and add peanut butter, cinnamon, and honey. This delicious sweet snack is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon/evening snack. The honey and cinnamon will provide your taste buds with the sweet flavor you crave, and the peanut butter fills you up with its protein power. A whole wheat english muffin is also a delicious way to get in some whole grains. This cheap, easy snack is something you can enjoy without worrying about packing on the pounds or racking up your Visa bill!


photo courtesy of http://img4.realsimple.com

Fresh Fall Fragrances- For Your Home!

Uptown Girls can't think of anything that's more welcoming to the fall season than making their apartment smell like  fall. We are obsessed with anything that's pumpkin scented and other autumn favorites. Currently, we love the new Yankee Candle fall collection which includes sniff worthy scents such as Autumn Leaves, Spiced Pumpkin, Farmer's Market, Autumn Wreath, and several more. These candles can run up to $20 in price, but our tip is to buy the small sample size votives for only 99 cents each. Bed Bath and Beyond also sells miniature glass votive holders for only 99 cents as well, perfect to fit your new sample size candle in! Your house or apartment will smell inviting, fresh, and comforting as you enjoy the cooler fall weather that is moving in. If you want to get creative, decorate a fall-scented potpourri basket with your own unique decorative touches to display in your kitchen or living room.