What’s got me thinking this week:
Burnout is real - in personal projects, workouts, relationships. Taking a break to reset and center isn’t a failure but a win-win for everyone. And yeah…don’t be ashamed to hit DND.
THIS WEEK’S EDIT:
I needed to get “wedding ready”…this is what actually worked
I started thinking about getting “wedding ready” about 3–4 months out…not to do anything extreme, but to actually give myself time to feel good without rushing it.
And honestly, this applies to anything — summer, trips, events, or just wanting to feel like yourself again.
What worked wasn’t anything crazy. It was consistency.
I trained for a half marathon with my then fiancé (now husband 🥲), which gave me structure and kept me accountable. But I also made sure I wasn’t just doing cardio — I added weight training so I didn’t lose shape along the way.
Nutrition-wise, I focused on protein first, then added in smart carbs (especially with training). Nothing restrictive, just intentional.
And sleep…underrated but probably the biggest difference.
I also naturally drank less (minus bachelorette moments lol), but having a goal made it easier to stay consistent without feeling like I was missing out.
what actually helped (and kept me consistent)
Having a routine (training plan = no overthinking)
Weight training + cardio combo
Protein-first mindset
Sleeping as much as possible
Giving myself TIME (this didn’t happen overnight)
extras that worked for me (do your own research!)
A few supplements that helped kickstart it all:
These helped with cravings and portion control, especially when eating out.
But real talk…this took months. I started in September and didn’t see real changes until January.
quick reminder
You don’t need to starve yourself or do anything extreme.
Consistency > everything.
At the end of the day this routine is something that carries on long past the wedding date and just has become a habit!
And it actually stuck with me…!
WHAT I WORE
This week was a little chaotic (stomach bug energy lol), so not a ton of outfits — but sharing a couple I’ve been reaching for on repeat.
khaki / neutral fit
Jeans & tee but make it cute.
Neutrals just make everything easier but these beige flare jeans just hit different. And an affordable perfectly fitted brown tee can’t be beat. You can mix, match, and rewear without thinking.
All black (my current uniform)
Easy, comfortable, but still feels styled — which is really the goal lately.
Spice it up with a pop of color like this red leather jacket!
NYC ITINERARY
If you’re planning a NYC trip (or saving this for later), this is a super easy, actually doable lineup.
STAY
Grayson Hotel → central, stylish, easy location
Conrad Downtown → more spacious, great if you want a little breathing room
The Dominick → full NYC energy + unreal views
The Beekman → historic, stunning interiors, feels like a moment
👉 pro tip: book through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts when you can — you’ll usually get perks like late checkout, upgrades, and a property credit (makes a difference)
EAT
Lucky’s → classic brunch, always hits
Sunday Morning → go for the cinnamon rolls, trust
Mama’s Too → square pizza, actually worth the hype
Deux Chats → perfect dinner that turns into drinks
👉 save this: this is your “no bad meals” lineup
VISIT
The Met → pay-what-you-wish if you’re a NY resident (still worth it either way)
West Village walk → brownstones, coffee, peak NYC energy
Soho shopping → easy afternoon plan
Central Park picnic → especially when it’s nice out
Brooklyn Bridge walk → touristy but still worth it
DRINK
Clemente Bar → martinis, elevated, a little more refined
Sip & Guzzle → fun, slightly chaotic in the best way, good bites
5th & Mad → local spot, sports bar
Las’ Lap → smaller, vibey, great music, for late night and cocktails
Show off the hair!
WHERE I WENT
Pizzaiolo
Pizzaiolo (worth the wait)
We waited almost 2 hours… but honestly? worth it.
They comped our drinks (iconic), and everything we ordered hit.
Rigatoni bolognese → looks simple, unreal, I really think it’s the noodle shape TBH
Arugula + prosciutto → fresh + balanced
Broccolini → because we needed a vegetable lol
Asparagus + egg → also comped, also amazing
And apparently… the sticky toffee pudding is THE thing to go back for. So we are planning our next visit.
Pizzaiolo
A Few More Spots To Add To Your List
SF / Bay Area
Lobalita
I’ve only been for drinks so far, but it’s already on my list for a full girls night. Fun energy, easy to stay longer than planned.
The Cavalier
This is the kind of place where you order for the table and don’t overthink it.
Chicken nuggets, burger for the table, tempura maitake mushrooms…just trust.
The Brazen Head
No reservations, but worth the wait.
Strong martinis + lobster ravioli = the move.
NYC
Bobo
Cozy, fireplace, feels like you’re in a little cottage in the middle of the city.
Mussels and risotto are so good — perfect for a slower dinner.
Rule of Thirds
Japanese spot that does everything right.
Also…their brunch wagyu cheeseburger?? insane.
Sailor
Dinner: burger + pork chop = must.
Brunch: french toast + ginger cake = also must.
One of those places where you just can’t order wrong.
LA
Bar Etoile
Wine + steak frites + really good bread.
Simple, classic, and always hits.
Hatchet Hall
You can go for dinner, brunch, whatever — just make sure you get:
cast iron cornbread, cinnamon rolls, or the sourdough pancakes.
Muse
A little more elevated, but worth it.
The brioche + Bordier butter alone is enough, but everything here feels special.
Menu changes a lot, which makes it even better.
HIS EDIT
PAAK’S PICKS
The kind of look you can wear to dinner, drinks, or a night out and always feel like the best dressed in the room.
The formula is simple: strong outerwear, clean base layers, and a few elevated accessories.
Grey overcoat (H&M)
The piece that pulls everything together. Structured, classic, and instantly elevates the look.Black turtleneck (Zara)
A go-to. Clean, minimal, and always polished.Grey trousers
Keeps the look tonal and relaxed while still feeling sharp.Black leather Chelsea boots (Steve Madden)
Sleek and versatile — easy for dressing up without overthinking it.Silver chain (Jaxxon)
A subtle detail that adds a little edge.Silver watch (Bulova)
Classic and timeless — ties everything together.Black scarf (Zara)
Adds texture and makes the look feel finished.Black leather gloves (John Henric)
A small detail that makes a big difference.
The vibe
Effortless, elevated, and easy to repeat.
This is one of those looks that doesn’t rely on trends — it’s just good styling.
Perfect for:
date night
city dinners
events where you want to feel put together but still comfortable
What I’m Loving
CLOSING VIBES
A few things I’ve been loving lately — random but elite lineup:
Barry’s (aka what’s getting me summer ready)
Okay I finally get the hype. This is what’s been keeping my workouts consistent and actually fun — which is rare lol. My new Tuesday 7am ritual.
It’s intense but in a way that keeps you coming back, and I’ve definitely noticed a difference.
Shoutout to BFF Darnell for putting me on 🤍
👉 If you’ve been wanting to try it, use my link for a free class:
https://share.barrys.com/gabbysep15!4ba0f95fc8!a
Vehicle Motion Cues (life changing)
If you’re a motion sick girlie pop (or boy!)…this one is for you.
I used to not be able to look at my phone at all in the car without feeling sick, and this actually helps so much.
It’s built into iPhone settings and adds little motion dots to your screen so your brain doesn’t freak out.
Lowkey one of those things you didn’t know you needed until you try it.
Running Point — Season 2
Sometimes you just need something easy, light, and a little funny — this is exactly that.
Perfect background show, easy binge, and the fact that the whole season is already out? Say less.