
LIFESTYLE | WELLNESS » By Jennie Wong
“Turn it up until you think it’s too much—and then turn it up.”
I’m back in the game! I started my job in November and promptly stopped going to the gym. But in February, I was tired of feeling stressed and guilty, so I started going again, and it feels so good. I’ve been consistently heading to spin 3-5x/week, and the mental wellness I’ve gained from it might be the greatest reward. Check your thoughts at the door—or bring them in with you and fight them.
A part of me loves that improvement is so quantifiable at the gym. Did you work harder? Longer? Faster? Can you turn the resistance higher than last time, can you stay with the beat, accelerate on the beat? What is your RPM, heart rate? Track and celebrate the small victories.
Are you also trying to get in shape? Record your workouts with me on myfitnesspal. Think stronger, get stronger. ☯


LIFESTYLE | PLACES » By Jennie Wong
A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Earlier this month my friends and I visited the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The day was blustery and sprinkling, leaving dewy water droplets on leaves and the ground springy with purpose and energy. Everything seemed bright and green against the wet pavement and grey skies. In a way, it was perfect.
As my friend Esther and I used to remind one another when we were in our teaching programs: mental wellness, mental wellness, mental wellness.
What are your escapes? How and where do you take time for mental wellness? ❖









LIFESTYLE | SOCIETY » By Jennie Wong
There is barely a day that goes by in NYC that I walk to work without being catcalled or jeered at, and I know this is true of my friends’ experiences too. We hate “that seedy walk” from the train to our office, and when I’m feeling particularly annoyed, I take a 2 block detour to avoid the clusters of men.

LIFESTYLE | PEOPLE » By Jennie Wong
We believe that some of the best inspiration comes from those around us. Every week, we’ll interview someone of interest with the Proust Questionnaire. Paula Wu will now take your questions.
This Mother’s Day, we asked friends and bloggers to tell us what they love about their moms. This is our tribute to the superwomen in our lives. Thanks, Mom. ❤
LIFESTYLE | PEOPLE » By Jennie Wong

“My mom stands behind me on my good days and in front of me on my bad days, and she always will. What else could I ask for?”
— Hillary Quinn Epperson, woolenspoon.tumblr.com; pinterest.com/HQEpps/

“I love my Mom because she’s the most interesting woman I’ve ever known. She embodies everything I want to be and hope to be. She is brave, a fighter, a gentle soul, a wonderful friend and leader. She is an incredible human being and I’m so proud to be her daughter!”
— Beverly Lwenya, http://www.theafropolitanshop.com/

“What do I love about my mom: Everything! I do, but I guess I should answer seriously. I love how she tells me like it is. She doesn’t shy away from telling me what I need to hear, no matter how much i try to deny it. I love how she knows me better than I know myself. I love that she is comfortable in her own skin. I love how she doesn’t apologize for the past and manages to keep everything in perspective and still stay positive. I love the fact that she looks 35. But most of all I love that she is my rock. She is the glue that holds me together when I want to break apart. And as I try to navigate this post-collegiate world, I know she is only a phone call away. I am blessed to be her child and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
— Paris W., http://backspacepen.wordpress.com/

“What I love about my mom is that she teeters between a tough love ‘tiger mom’ approach, and a ‘I am going to spoil you,’ approach. She expects a lot from me, but she also loves me fiercely. She tells me to push myself, but she also tells me how proud of me she is. She also always tells me to be a lady, because she is a lady, and that being classy will get you far in life.”
— Tiffany T.

“I love the fact that she has supported me in everything I’ve done. Whether performing or running a show, she always makes a point to come out and watch. She is my number one fan and couldn’t ask for a better mom.”
— Andrea P., http://atimeforeverythinginlife.tumblr.com/

“I love that my mom for her conviction that she can accomplish anything she sets her sights on, from redoing the basement to fostering great danes to designing her own crocheted stuffed animals. I love you for all that and more, Mama!”
— emma sullivan

“I love that my mom is the most selfless person I know. She gives so much of her time and resources to care for others without complaint. Also, she’s an amazing cook.”
— Jessie H.

“I love my mom’s strength, courage, and the ability to love selflessly. Also, she starts laughing before she finishes telling a joke. It’s quite adorable.”
— Karen H.

“To the woman who gave all that she has to her children. She is my superwoman.”
— Caroline S., Instagram: so_caroline

“I love her devotion to our family and the remarkable sacrifices she has made to grow us into who we are today. She is a strong and beautiful woman who has overcome so much and continues to strive for her best so that we are able to be our best, and I cannot thank her enough for it. Love you, 媽媽.”
— Dorothea

“I know that my mom will always love me, and even though we go through tough times in our relationship I am assured that she will always listen, be there and help in whatever way she can. That undeniable motherly love is what makes my mom so great.”
— Susan F.

“Mama is the testament to human resilience and the living testimony of faith. She loves as fiercely as she rebukes. Her gaunt shoulders have bore much tribulation but in spite of it all, she is the epitome of strength to me. And I love her for that and so much more.”
— Cherrie C., about.me/cherrie_chen
Thank you all for your submissions! Have a wonderful Mother’s Day. Check back soon for updates to the new Mama Said series.
LIFESTYLE | CULTURE » By Jennie Wong
This week, we love the Tumblr NPR: She Works Note To Self. As part of a series called The Changing Lives of Women, NPR asks women this question: What’s your note to self — a piece of advice that’s helped you at work?
Learn from the best, ladies; we are each other’s best.
We Love is a series featuring our favorite finds of the week. Want to share something you think we’ll love? Tweet @etrethegirls with hashtag #welove.
LIFESTYLE | QUOTABLE » By Jennie Wong
From The Ravenous Muse, a collection of writings by Karen Elizabeth Gordon
LIFESTYLE | MUSIC » By Jennie Wong
Lana Del Rey - Young & Beautiful from Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby soundtrack (in theatres May 10)
LIFESTYLE | SOCIETY » By Jennie Wong
Dove Real Beauty Sketches - Men. New Feelings Time reminds men that they are not as beautiful as they think. ☺
LIFESTYLE | SOCIETY » By Jennie Wong
Dove Real Beauty reminds us that we are more than what we see. [For more discussion: x]