Today has been the definition of madness. We started our Saturday at 6:00am, packing up our apartment (more on that in a few days, promise!) giving a ridiculous amount of stuff to Housing Works thrift shop, (which arose the question, yet again, “how on earth do I have so much stuff?“) and moving all our remaining possessions to my mom’s. (Again, more on that soon.) We did manage to fit in a fantastic workout before the day became ridiculous.

Workout of the Day:

• 8 minutes elliptical
• 50 crunches on stability ball
• 50 bicycles on floor
• 30 side crunches (15 on each side)
• 30 double crunches (knees lifted, chest to knees)
• 30 reverse crunches
• 3 sets of the following:
  • 30 step ups (15 each leg) with 30 lbs
  • 15 Chest Press (15, 17.5, 20lbs weights, going up each set)
  • 30 kettlebell squats (25 lb kettlebell)
  • One Legged Tricep Dips (Bodyeight)

We finished by stretching each other out on the table, which felt A-MAZ-ING after the workout. Highly recommended whenever possible.

Anthony and I are so very lucky to be able to work out at a beautiful, modern gym that makes every workout feel enjoyable. It has floor to ceiling windows with views of Manhattan. It has state of the art equipment from every major manufacturer. It has a beautiful community feel with great classes, and an easy-going staff.

It’s also across the street from a friendly, elegant wine store, Pour, that has free tastings every night. And what better reward for an evening workout than a sip of vino to celebrate the burnt calories?

Owner Tres Meyer, inside his domain

Have you ever seen You’ve Got Mail? Remember the charming bookshop Kathleen ran, called The Shop Around The Corner? Pour is the same idea, only exponentially better, as they have wine instead of books and tastings instead of readings. (Not that I don’t adore literature, but let’s be real here – books don’t get you buzzed in quite the same way.) Pour is a lovely little wine and spirits boutique on the corner of 75th and Amsterdam. The owners,  husband and wife team H. Tres Meyer and Christine Beattie, have created a gem of a shop, with a retail space as well as a tasting and demonstration bar. Their staff is a shining example of why independent stores are so essential to a neighborhood’s vitality; friendly, incredibly knowledgeable, and down to earth.

Meredith with our wine of the evening

They not only know their wines intimately, but during working hours seem to live to share their information with you. They also conscientiously keep they collection small (around 175 bottles at a time) to keep the shop filled with variety  but not overwhelming. It may not be the cheapest wine shop in the neighborhood, but being able to go in and talk to someone with a great deal of knowledge, warmth and personality, and walk out with the perfect bottle for whatever your occasion makes all the difference in the world, and is worth every penny.

The night before Thanksgiving, they were having a special food and wine tasting, and Ant and I couldn’t resist stopping in for a treat after a tough workout.

Thanksgiving sampler

Catered from Citerella, they served a generous small plate of turkey breast, sage and sausage stuffing, cranberry sauce, and butternut squash bisque. (Anthony enjoyed my stuffing and cranberry sauce, of course.)

Along with the food, we had the privilege of sampling six varietals, all of which highlighted elements of the holiday feast. The were exquisitely chosen to enhance the flavors of each nibble, and showed the staff’s obvious attention to detail and care of the palette. By the time we walked out (with a bottle of Villa Sparina Gavi di Gavi in hand) we were warm, giggly and once again cooing over how lucky we are to live on the Upper West Side, and shop at such a beguiling place as Pour.

Pour

Amsterdam at 75th St

212-501-7687