Girl Boss on the Go

This is a sponsored post in partnership with HBO. Keep reading to the end to see a great contest they’re doing and see if you qualify for free HBO GO at your school. All opinions are 100% mine.   

I am FINALLY back from California and Iceland and back in my normal routine.  But let me tell you, even a normal day for me is go-go-go. Often people ask me about what a typical day in my world looks like and I thought today would be a perfect opportunity to give you a glimpse.

6:30 am   Get Up.  I hate mornings, doesn’t everyone?  Coffee helps, as do cute workout clothes! 

6:45 am  Leave for Exercise Class.  I try and start every weekday morning out with a good sweat and I alternate between strength and cardio centric classes. Usually I like taking my bike to the studio or gym, but after daylight savings it is pre-dawn and quite brisk so I have started hopping on the subway instead. 

7:15 am Spin: Take Care of my Body.   As a busy working professional, a hard spin class gets my endorphins pumping and keeps me from succumbing to the sedentary nature of desk life. Even though it is early and my caffeine has not likely kicked in, it really is the best way to start the day. (I also have NO idea how I used to do 5am swim practice multiple times per week.) 

8:00 am Commute: Mentally Prepare for my Day.  Shower, get ready for work, and catch my breath on the subway with HBO.  This is key because this is my time to unwind – post-workout. Post workout and pre-inbox overload, HBO GO gives me unlimited and instant access to so much content!  That includes all of HBO’s shows and movies including every episode of every HBO original series (West World, anyone!?!) I use my massive wireless headphones, tune out the world, and can get in at least a good 20 minutes before my real day begins! And now I’ve taken care of both my physical and mental health.

9:00 am Arrive at Work.  As you may have seen from fleeting social media posts my “real job” in advertising is located only a few blocks from the famed Grand Central in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. I work in an open concept agency with more than 300 colleagues on my floor alone and every day is a new challenge.  Not a lot of quiet time to let my mind relax.

1:00 pm Time for Lunch  After a hard workout, I am usually starving by mid-day and I try bringing a protein rich lunch but about half the time will go to one of the dozens of spots within walking distance and in New York City, the world is at my finger tips. 

630 pm  Leave the Office.  I work tirelessly all day with very few breaks so I try and create some seperation between work and play and by scheduling plans with friends, it has really held me accountable to finding that much coveted work / life balance.  

7:00 pm  Drinks and Apps with Friends. I love trying new spots to eat when I am traveling but NYC also has an abundance of options. My friends and I  are likely to grab a glass of wine and split an appetizer after work – anything from oysters to a charcuterie board. In college , we would stay out on a “school night” for hours but now that we are grown up, just an hour of catching up is a treat! 

8:30 pm  Arrive Home and Make Dinner. Finally home! It is my quiet time but since I live by myself, I choose to turn to the TV for company and will watch at least an episode of whatever show I am binging while making dinner.  This is my only real down time of the day and depending on how it went, that show could be anything from Sex and the City to Ballers.  On the weekends when I have more time,  it is likely to be the latest just released blockbuster movie, also available on HBO GO. Most recently, I indulged in True Detective. I also have a few documentaries on my watch list – I can’t wait to watch Everything is Copy and Project Nim.  As many of you commented on this post, yes, I know I need to watch Game of Thrones, I just have to commit to sitting down and watching it without distraction – so busy for a girl on the go! 

10:30 pm  Bedtime!  It is hard to avoid the temptation for just one more episode and to hit the hay but I know my body will thank me the next morning when I really do get that eight hours of sleep. 

And because I always want to be completely transparent with you, this post is sponsored by HBO and Her Campus Media. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Sparkles and Shoes possible!  Oh, and if you are one of my lucky readers who is still in college,  you can visit HBOGo.com and use (these instructions) to see if your school has access to free HBO GO on campus – NYU here in New York City does! 

But before I leave you, what’s even better? HBO will be giving away two tickets to a NIGHT OF TOO MANY STARS: AMERICA UNITES FOR AUTISM PROGRAMS next weekend in New York City. The all-star benefit will be hosted by Jon Stewart and show live Saturday, November 18th at 8pm EST with l featured appearances by Louis C.K., Stephen Colbert, Abbi Jacobson, Jordan Klepper, Hasan Minhaj, John Mulaney, Olivia Munn, John Oliver and Adam Sandler.  And now you have the chance to be in the room with too many stars, live from The Theater at Madison Square Garden, by sharing a photo of the “too many” in your life. Too many shoes, too many laughs, too many shows to catch up on? Let HBO know on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtags #NightOfTooManyStars and #Contest like I did here.

Does your day look like mine?