Day in the Life of a Staten Island South Shore Sweetheart

Twenty years ago, “it girls” such as Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie showcased on the covers of gossip magazines with Juicy Couture tracksuits and stripey highlights. Today, the “it girl” has evolved into the enviable “that girl” who only consumes green smoothies and lives at the Pilates studio. I always try to keep my posts fun and uplifting because I would rather spread positivity than discuss heavy topics that may incite discomfort. However, the “that girl” trend has not sat well with me from the moment it swept through the internet and into the conversations of impressionable young girls. Whether it be the “it girl” or the “that girl,” I find it worth noting that social media has enabled toxic diet culture and rigid beauty standards to persist and metastasize. While the “that girl” may project the importance of self-care, she also sells an impractical and dangerously romanticized lifestyle that makes many feel inadequate. This archetype is known for waking up at the crack of dawn, having a 50-step skin-care routine, and living each moment as if it were an aesthetic Instagram image.

I had the bright idea to document the “Day in the Life of a Staten Island South Shore Sweetheart” to poke fun at the unrealistic “that girl.” Staten Island, in many ways, feels frozen in the past. We don’t have a glamorous SweetGreen or a luxurious Equinox gym. However, we have an LA Fitness with broken treadmills and enough Starbucks locations to give you a caffeine rush. I won't let perfection get in the way of appreciating what gets the job done.

Morning:

I attend college full-time, so you won’t see me taking my sweet time to get ready in the morning. However, if you know anything about Staten Island, you know traffic on the 440 is an abomination. Get ready to blast your music and pop on some sunglasses.

I start my day at 8:00 am to finish some homework and have enough time for my laborious commute. In honor of this piece, I wore a t-shirt with “basic” plastered across the front and a classic 2000s velour tracksuit. For breakfast, I picked up a sfogliatella from the bakery because carbs are not the enemy, and a classic Strawberry Acai.

Afternoon:

After class, I came home and completed a 30-minute workout. I previously discussed my love of yoga, but today I wanted to do a quick and simple full-body exercise utilizing weights. I opted for a low-maintenance routine that can be done 3 times a week since some days I don't have the time or the energy to work out. Sue me, I’m only human. I’m not a personal trainer; however, I thought I would share my routine if you were interested. Remember that everything can be adjusted for your personal skill set and physical capabilities. Our health journeys are entirely individual.

For lunch, I made a spinach salad with fried eggplant, goat cheese, and roasted peppers. I picked up all my ingredients from one of my favorite South Shore delis, Bruzzese’s. I also made a quick and easy protein coffee since I already went to Starbucks once for the day.

Night Time:

After completing some hw, I dressed up to go out for dinner with my mom, who is also my best friend, at a cute local restaurant, Eat Italian. We shared grilled octopus for an appetizer, and I enjoyed a delish bowl of homemade pasta alla norma for my main. And, of course, no South Shore Sweetheart’s day is complete without Ralph’s Ices.

I ended my night watching television with my parents like most nights. I read enough as an English major, so I like to indulge in outlandish reality tv before bed.

Instead of trying to replicate an idealized image of health and beauty, seek a routine that adapts to your circumstances. Do you know what's better than being “that girl”? Being 100% yourself. Whether you are a south shore sweetheart or a downtown darling, you are perfect just the way you are.