Wow-wee! It’s been whirlwind day already! 
After breakfast, I hit the new gym for a quick 45-minute elliptical workout. I pushed myself for the entire duration and left dripping wet in sweat, but feeling energized for the day. Even though I felt a bit rushed after my workout, I still took a solid 10 minutes to stretch my legs. I rolled my quads and hams with my Tiger Tail and then used my Tune Up Balls on the front and side of my hip. There’s one spot on my left hip that is soooooo sore ALL of the time, so the balls really help to focus in on it.
Silver Spoons
Ok, so I bet you’re wondering why I am going to New York City today. Well, late in the day on Friday, I was invited to the Citymeals-on-Wheels’ 25th Anniversary event “Silver Spoons: 25 Years of Chefs & Celebrations” to honor James Beard in Rockefeller Center. Sounds amazing, right?! I’d be crazy to turn down the invitation, so I weighed the pros and cons of a last-minute trip to NYC. A roundtrip bus ticket was just $30 and I have a free place to stay overnight. Really, what did I have to lose? So, I decided to go.
This quick trip, however, posed one major problem for me: I’d have to pack everything I needed for the trip in one bag and carry it with me all day and night. But, this wasn’t a problem; it was a challenge! 
So, yesterday, I took an “emergency” trip to Target and bought this baby:
And, this little number:
I swear I can’t leave Target without spending at least $75. 
The other “challenge” that this trip presented was finding an outfit that “jived” with the event’s suggested “summer cocktail attire” and that would also be comfortable on a 5-hours bus ride. I finally decided to wear the above hot pink frilly top with dark trouser jeans and black heels. I’m not sure jeans were the best option for this fancy-schmancy event, but, for me, comfort usually wins over style. Plus, I think the top, the heels, and my new earrings really dress-up the outfit.
Here’s what I packed (minus my laptop):
Somehow it all fit in one bag!
And, of course, I packed snacks for the trip: peanut butter and honey on whole wheat bread, cherries, and a Cranberry-Walnut Lentil Bar.
I’m taking the Bolt Bus down to NYC, so when I arrived at South Station, I grabbed an iced, non-fat latte from Au Bon Pain.
Here’s a little more about the event tonight:
A constellation of culinary stars will create heavenly haute cuisine at the year’s most anticipated gourmet extravaganza – the 25th Chefs’ Tribute to James Beard, on Monday, June 14, 2010 in Rockefeller Center to benefit Citymeals-on-Wheels, a non-profit co-founded in 1981 by Beard and food critic Gael Greene. More than 40 of the greatest chefs ever to cook at the event will reunite at Rock Center to, once again, create a spectacular feast that is expected to raise nearly $700,000 for the preparation and delivery of nutritious meals, hand-delivered to frail, homebound elderly New Yorkers. Food & Wine’s special projects director Gail Simmons – who delights audiences as a judge on Bravo’s smash hit Top Chef – will emcee the event. Mayors Ed Koch and David Dinkins, who both made important contributions to the organization, will be on hand to cut a giant ribbon to kick off the event.
I’m excited! See ya in the Big Apple!
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That sounds fun!! You seriously have such a great job; travelling to so many great places!! I’m raaather envious
Have a great trip!
fun fun fun! what a fabulous event! i can’t wait to hear more about your whirlwind trip to NYC
Enjoy New York! Have a bagel for me! I miss living there sometimes… like, when I think about pizza, or bagels… but L.A. wins the veggie wars, for sure!
I swear by Target. And you’re right- it’s a place where my wallet goes to die.
Love the top. I own a few Merona sundresses at the moment…
I am so impressed by one bag packing. Have a fun time!
Sounds like a fun event! Have a great time!
You get invited to tons of fun events – enjoy it!
I’m thrilled to hear you are participating in Citymeals on Wheels…love what they do…
Target is so dangerous! I can’t remember the last time I made it out of there with just what I “needed” unless I really “needed” those new flip flops.
Have fun in NYC! I definitely think trouser jeans can be dressed up and I’m sure you’ll look great!
what an amazing opportunity! You are so right not to miss it- and such success on your challenge! Have fun!
Wow, you’re life has been so exciting lately!
Enjoy!
Man that sounds like such fun!! You get invites to all the greatest events.
so jealous! i love top chef (and gail simmons!)
Sounds like a great event (so worth the trip)! Have a great time in my favorite city
Sounds like a blast!
I hear ya on the Target thing…I was just saying the same thing! I go in for one thing and leave at least $50 poorer!
I bought that same shirt in navy! We must have good taste!
Is that a little paisley colored planner on top of your bag, or is it your wallet? It is ADORABLE!
That is awesome that you made it a challenge! Way to go completely kicking its butt! For me I need to have a mix of comfort, but style too. I need to feel like I fit in just enough, but also stand out–if you get my idea.
I love how you can just get up and go for a last minute trip! That sounds like serious fun.
Oh, I’m totally guilty of the Target thing. I’ll stop in for shampoo and maybe one or two other essentials and find my wallet 100$ lighter afterward and my cart brimming with DVDs and new cosmetics. xP
Sounds like such a fun evening, I can’t wait to hear all about it!! That top is adorable, but I agree about Target being a money hole. I went in yesterday for Tupperware containers and came out with two extra DVDs that were on sale a few Clif bars. Gah!! Enjoy your time in NYC!
Just to show you how old I am..I thought you were talking about the 80′s show “Silver Spoons” with the young Ricky Schroder as the child star..geez..
my sister’s first crib was also a dresser drawer! we always make fun of her for that but it also reminds us of how little you really need to take care of a baby (we even wore cloth diapers back then!)
woops I commented in the wrong post!!!
Have fun in the city lady. Those bolt busses are so convenient!
Do you use a cherry pitter? I bought one at Williams-Sonoma this weekend and it literally changed my life!
Somehow, my Target trips always result in a $100 bill without fail. Saturday I went in to pick up tupperware, water filters, a few grocery items, dog bones, and kitty litter. $100.36 WTH???
what a cute top from target! nowadays when i go there, i go with a list and avoid the clothing section.
sounds awesome! and that is a great challenge. I swear, every time I manage to NOT overpack (its a challenge, even though I am in the Peace Corps) it makes my entire trip SOOO much easier. I am trying to adopt the packing mentality “when in doubt, leave it out” but my other main mentality when traveling (“be prepared!”) tends to contradict…
My favorite dress for traveling is one that is pre-wrinkled.
I can ball it up and stuff it wherever and no one will know the difference.
Sounds like fun. You’re hard core, toting all of that stuff around all night. I’d have made an emergency pit stop at my hotel/friend’s so that I could unload.
Good luck! Let me know via gchat (ashdiamond83) or Twitter if you need anything when you’re in town. That event sounds amazing!!
I’m so excited for you!!! You are going to look stunning in that pink, and way to go Packing!! You are my packing inspiration
I love that top! Target is really stepping its game up!
This event sounds awesome–enjoy! I’ve taken Bolt Bus a few times from Manhattan to DC, and have had good experiences. (You’ve got to love free WiFi).
Hope you have an excellent overnight stay in my personal favorite city
Can’t wait to read your recap!
Sounds like a fun trip, and that top is so cute, love the color!
I’m getting excited for my Vegas trip this weekend, hopefully I’ll take your cue on the packing light so I don’t end up with a ton of stuff I won’t use (like I always do)!
That’s awesome!! and a free night in/near NYC’s a big deal. I remember staying there once and paying a ridiculous amount for one night..and the room was the size of a normal walk in closet with two beds not even a foot from each other. Ahhhh you’re so lucky!
I love the bag you got from Target, it makes a great travel bag. Also the top you got is beautiful, I love the colour. I hope you have a great trip.
What a great trip! I’m wondering did they just choose some random people/ordinary citizens to attend? Or do you have some tie to the event? Ah…to ride the bus to NYC…what a dream!
That’s so cool that you get invited to all sorts of events like this! Have a great day
Wow! That does sound like an amazing opportunity. I wouldn’t pass it up either. I can’t wait to hear more about it all. I love that top btw!
ugh Target has my heart <3
love the bag from target! super cute….good luck
Um, no, you could not turn that down! I love Target too, especially Super Target! Enjoy your trip! Can’t wait to hear about it!
That event sounds awesome, can’t wait to see the recap!
I actually work in Food PR and a couple of my friends will be attending that event! It’s quite a VIP affair (wish I had been invited), have fun!!!
Cute top! Good choices all around
Have fun!
How fun. Your life always sounds so full of glamour.
Safe travels!! Love that new bag
sounds like an amazing event! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
That event sounds like fun! I can’t wait to hear about it.
What resistance/incline do you do on the elliptical? I can never seem to work up a good sweat on it!
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