I wanted to wish a happy 15th birthday celebration to the organization Recycle-A-Bicycle.

Recycle-A-Bicycle is a community-based bike shop and non-profit organization that partners with New York City public schools to provide education and job training programs to NYC youth.  Through programs such as Earn-A-Bike, Ride Club, Cycle Craft, and the Summer Youth Employment Program, RAB teaches young people the importance of cycling, recycling and more.

To celebrate their 15th birthday I have donated three framed bike series photos that will be auctioned at their Annual Benefit Auction

Monday, December 14th 200, 6:00pm – 9:00pm

at Superfine: 126 Front Street in Dumbo, Brooklyn

If you are in the market for a bike, twelve orange NY400 Batavus Bicycles were generously donated to Recycle-A-Bicycle by the Government of the Netherlands and will be auctioned and raffled off at the benefit.

I won’t be in New York for the event but I encourage you to attend and kick start your holiday shopping with the purchase of a bike or bike themed artwork, as jewelry, lamps and more.

Admissions start at $20 and all proceeds directly support Recycle-A-Bicycle’s youth and environmental programming.

Enjoy and Happy Shopping!

Leslie

There is always a first for my blog and this is a very exciting first.

Cocodot.com has offered The L-List readers a special promotion.

By using the promotional code:

cocobeta

You will receive 1 free event and 5 free cards!

A $24 Value.

Take advantage of this special offer.

Enjoy!

Leslie

A long time ago, during another life, I worked at a beauty company called Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.

I worked with a small group of talented people.  And like myself, most of my colleagues have since left the company.  Some are still involved in beauty but others have developed their careers in new directions.

One of these persons is Laura and she has just launched cocodot.com.   A service of beautiful, ad-free, online invitations and greetings for all occasions.  Cocodot allows users to save time and money on printing, postage and design.

Invites can be customized with photos and text and a personal dashboard allows you to manage events, addresses, RSVP’s and more.

So before you select your next set of invitations or greetings visit cocodot.com for some very beautiful, very green stationary options.

Enjoy!

Leslie

In a previous life I exercised almost daily.  I ran, swam and sometimes did yoga before arriving at the office.   But during a period of exhaustion, from too many flights and not enough rest, the exercising stopped and I never went back.   The thought of working out was like a child eating broccoli, yuck, no way, hate it, you can’t make me do it.

But last December, during an extended period of I think my pants shrunk at the dry cleaner, a friend recommended pilates.  Normally I would have ignored the suggestion but this friend likes to eat as much as I do and hates exercising (almost as much as me).   She said her trainer Monica was the best and would really kick my $%@^.  Getting my butt kicked was of no interest, but I made an appointment for an initial try.

To my surprise, I loved it.  Pilates combined deep stretching with a focus on strengthening using machines or props that force you to focus on each move.   But a good trainer is key and Monica gently keeps you working, while watching and checking with precision your alignment.  When I’m done with a session I’m more relaxed, stand taller and often feel like I’ve just had a massage.

Monica teaches in New York at Chelsea Movements, located on 7th Avenue between 20th and 21st Streets, four days a week including Saturdays.  The studio is small but welcoming and offers a mix of private and group sessions.

But in addition to Chelsea Movements Monica has recently opened Bird on a Perch in Jersey City.  A home sun filled studio, in walking distance of Exchange Place, with pilates equipment and props by Balanced Body.

Bird on a Perch hours are Monday through Saturday by appointment and the Introductory Pack at $65 (2 sessions for the price of 1) is a steal.  As at Chelsea Movements, Bird on a Perch accepts cash, checks and major credit cards.

So if you are ready to loosen up and strengthen up while trying something new, I highly recommend Monica for pilates training.  You won’t be disappointed.

Enjoy!

Leslie

Chelsea Movements - 175 7th Avenue, New York, NY  Tel  (212) 414-1103

Bird on a Perch - 194 Washington Street, Jersey City, NJ Tel (646) 549-1663