sans une cuisine

The kitchen in ma chambre de bonne = a mini-fridge, microwave, one hot plate, and a shelf. Yep, even the kitchen in my NYC apartment was more impressive.

So, I'm required to get somewhat creative. Breakfasts thus far have featured tea and muesli/multigrain flakes with yogurt/fromage blanc topped with market fruit.

Since I'm only shopping for one, occasionally I run out of one or all of the above ingredients. This time last week that meant I strolled up the street to my closest boulangerie for a fresh croissant and café crême. It was a delicious treat. You'll notice above that homework tends to join me at the table...

I'm often on campus for lunch and thus have been exploring the boulangeries in the 7th arrodissement, too. Sandwiches (like this one) are the perfect mid-day meal. On occasion though, I do have the chance to really sit down and dine. I usually take the opportunity to fill up on vegetables with a salad, but I've admittingly discovered a croque madame better than the one I ate in Strasbourg.

Adopting a French-style of eating has meant that I hardly ever have an afternoon snack. With that said, last weekend following our visit to Ikea, Marie and I were starving at 4pm. We each enjoyed a pain aux raisin and iced tea as a result. Fun fact about the beer that my iced tea resembles: it's swiftly becoming an even more popular happy hour drink than wine here; mostly because of the price point.

Lunches out mean dinners at home. The meal above was one of my favorites: garlic-pepper eggs, a fresh piece of baguette with hummus, and sliced market cucumbers topped with olive oil and salt. I haven't minded that few p.m. meals have strayed from this standard vegetarian protein, fresh vegetable, and bread with cheese or hummus equation though. I tend to "cook" simply anyway.

And when it comes to baking without an oven, I've embraced No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies. It's a good thing they turned out well on my first try, too! They were my contribution to my friend's potluck dinner party last weekend, along with a bottle of champagne.

Speaking of wine :) I'm fortunate enough to have another friend from school that lives in my neighborhood. Her and I have appointed Wednesday as our date night. A shared  carafe of vin rouge or ice cream cones paired with lots of girl talk is just enough to make up for any and all kitchen (or lack there of) frustrations.

disorderly conduct

Pst, I have a little secret to tell you...

tastes of the LES

Earlier today I was whining tweeting about much I want to go to this. Grand Street Settlement is putting on their annual glutinous event on April 28th: unlimited tastings from nearly fifty restaurants and an open bar of cocktails, wine and beer. It's conveniently located in lower Manhattan with outstanding dining, shops and the city's best nightlife. 

Ironically enough, it also happens to be located about a dozen or so blocks down and east from Union Square and a fabulously crowded Whole Foods Market. 

I've spent some quality time in this neighborhood at night, and a few hours in the morning for brunch, but never mid-day. Not really anyhow, until recently.

With all of my eclectic work responsibilities, I've also been spending a few hours visiting featured juice bars, bakeries, cafés, ice cream shops and yoga studios.

It's really quite fascinating how so many healthful (often overpriced) eateries are located here amongst the night owl attractions...

(My advice to you: get vegan ice cream here,)

(also, wherever it is that you get juice, choose wisely.)

Maybe one day I'll be able to afford frequenting all of them, and often, but until then, I think I'll stick with my free samples, coupon deals and prix-fixed/unlimited mimosa brunches (the best part of every weekend of fun.)

And then imagine just how wonderful it will be to get more than a Taste of the Lower East Side, you know, more like $150s worth of big bites. Yum. Don't mind if I (someday) do. Sweet dreams.

pure and simple

Hi, my dears! How was your weekend? Great, I hope! Mine consisted of a very welcoming three days of rest that were absolutely glorious. I had a chance to go to the bank, get my car washed (inside and out!), sunbathe, visit the Pleasantville Farmers Market, and catch up on freelance work. Speaking of the last on that list here are the link if you'd like to take a gander :)

• Seven Steps to a Solo Road Trip
• LG All-American Food News
• Your Holiday Matchmaker

I also spent some time in the kitchen, but not too much...

You see, for as much as I enjoy food, I have only mastered four things in la cocina: oatmeal, roasted vegetables, muffins, and soup. Friday night I decided to fearlessly make a plate of lightly sautéed veggies including summer squash, zucchini, carrots, and green beans alongside a generous serving of quinoa, spiced with parsley and onion. I know, I so crazy ;) 'twas delicious.

For dessert, I broke out the most delectable of all simple desserts, a Pure Chocolate Brownie raw nut and fruit bar. With only seven ingredients, it's amazing that they could make one little bar so nutritiously satisfying and sinlessly chocolatey. As Pure advises on their website, "Take a bite of the best brownie your body has ever had." Done and done, and I am so eager to taste the other flavors that they so generously sent me to sample.

Moving on to Saturday. Looking at this picture, you might assume that yesterday's lunch was on the light side, am I right? I beg to differ. Although I have been attempting to up my vegetable count like none other (thanks to my healthy detox) I am not willing to feel hungry nor deprived. I served up a mega Farmers Market salad with spinach, mixed greens, radicchio, dandelion sprouts, shaved carrots, celery, avocado, cucumber, and a flax oil dressing.

As for Sunday, the most exciting part of my day was spent at a bar, Guinness in hand, watching the World Cup. Did you know that stouts, like Guinness, actually have some health benefits? In 2007, a study found that these dark beers functioned like a low-dose aspiring in prevention of heart clots that raise heart attack risk. Anyway :) I would have personally preferred that the Dutch, the underdog, win but I am certainly happy for the Spaniards. Although not a beautiful game (yellow card mania, anyone?) the Spanish had a nice goal and earned their first ever championship standing.

To clarify, I am not a big soccer fan, or sports fan for that matter (as in I don't follow teams,) but I will root for global camaraderie any and every day. Four years to go 'til Brazil :). Tonight I whipped up yet another plant-centric dinner with asparagus, carrots, zucchini, radicchio, cauliflower, leeks, and parsley quinoa. Eater cleaner has demanded more attention on my part and has proven to be more than worth it; I feel better in every which way. And, I am so ready for the week to begin with not only  more fresh and local veggies, but a few juices from Andy's as well. Mmm, I love me some green lemonade. 

Q for you: Are you a fan of vegetable juices?

it's good for you

From the time we are young, we are told to do all kinds of things that are "good for us" - brush our teeth, take our vitamins, eat our vegetables, wear a seat belt, go to the doctor's - and as we grow up, it's not only our parents advising us, but our teachers, our friends, and the millions of salespeople/advertising trying to push unhealthy products. Most of the time though, it's all subjective. And so at this point, a lot of what is good for me is not based on any fact other than I've learned that it, or they, help me to feel my absolute best. 

For instance, after a long day in the office, a nutritious plate of vegetables and whole foods (yes, whole, it's a Sunshine burger) is just what I need to pep myself back up for a heart to heart with a friend, an editing session at Go Backpacking, a movie marathon, or a little indulgent blog reading.

Then again, other times it's not the food that matters but the company. My parents often cook dinner meals that aren't quite as green-centric as I'd like, and still, I partake in it's enjoyment. My mom makes a mean baked mac & cheese.

Another example? Exploring new museums. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I love 'em. Yesterday I went to the Brooklyn Museum a.k.a. took a stroll through the the various regions of the world and a walk back in time, and just because it may have all been an accident, does not mean that I did not fully enjoy it. Learning can be a beautiful thing.

But that's not even the best part. I didn't wander aimlessly alone, rather I had the lovely (and modelesque) Kailey by my side. It took us the entire four hours to catch each other up on our fabulous lives and eventually we did find the exhibit we were looking for: an incredible showcase of approximately 85 dressed mannequins and hats, shoes, sketches galore in American High Style. Each piece was amazing.

We also were able to tour one of the most female-empowering dinner party place settings that would be perfect for the biggest blogger meet-up of all time ;). Hell, yes.

Afterwards we went out for lunch, at which time I realized how vital discovering new eateries is to me. Snackface and I walked through Prospect Heights a while until we came upon RawStar, a small, quaint, and colorful café with a laid-back Caribbean vibe.

We ordered salads, mine of the sea variety, and two appetizers - falafals in a cashew sauce over greens and the chipotle spring rolls. I loved the raw balls of chickpea wonder, (Kailey could have done without,) while she tore apart yet nonetheless enjoyed the spicy insides of the rice papered creations, (they failed to impress me). Honesty is a very healthy thing, my friends.

Nevertheless, the raw food lunch was exactly what I needed. It was satisfying yet light and energizing in a way that only sun-powered veggies could be. 

But, you see, needs are not stagnant, and following one of the most prolonged and crowded subway experiences of our lives, a frozen yogurt duo was exactly what felt good to us. So what if it went against every raw philosophy there is? Sometimes rules, even raw ones, are meant to be broken. As such, you may not be able to photograph your cup of original and chocolate frozen yogurt with toasted almond slivers because you've savored it's refreshing qualities at an alarmingly fast rate, and in these rare occasions, a simple borrowed picture will do.

Or how 'bout this one? My body is a pretty darn demanding temple. Case in point: after I had the chance to meet and get to know the wonderfully generous Muffin, I wanted pizza. But not just any greasy slice, oh no, I wanted a spelt crusted quarter of a pie with a walnut-pesto spread and topped with spinach and feta. I sure hope two of my favorite Ohio girls enjoyed their gourmet dinners as much as I did mine.

Furthermore, there are cases, although rare, when a fratty college bar calls out to me. And I prefer to answer it with a visit, complete with dancing, drinks, and blogalicious babes.

Twelve hours later, on the morning after a night like that, nothing sounds better than a big bowl of oats pumped up with almond milk, cinnamon, flax seed, banana, mixed berries, a touch of plain yogurt, and almond butter.

Oh, and a hearty cup of black coffee. No matter how much of a tea girl I may be, sometimes a bit of hard-core caffeine is just what I need to get me up and at 'em, all while enjoying yet another beautiful summer day.

Alrighty then, I'm off to watch the US v. Ghana game at a bar with friends. And just for the record, I refuse to apologize for drinking a couple of brews at two in the afternoon... it's good for me, somehow, I promise ;). Peace out, cub scouts! 

P.S. Two questions: Did you know a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down? (I really want to see Mary Poppins on Broadway, just sayin'.) What unconventional things are good for you?

lovely bunch of coconuts

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh... I am so excited right now! Life is good, life is great, and it's getting even better. In addition to the various wonderful things I shared with you yesterday, I am now an official editor at Go Backpacking, the independent travel website and community that I've been contributing to for the past few months, AND I've landed a fabulous freelancing position as a trend blogger for a certain newspaper located in New York's summertime playground. More details to come :).

Do I sound too braggy? Gosh, I hope not. It's just, I've worked really hard, and everything seems to be falling into place all of sudden, and I am just thrilled! Whew. Bring on the food-ish news: As I have the past few mornings, I once again started my day with some delectable coconut water. If you've never tried the real kind, I highly suggest it. It's incredibly creamy and refreshing and amazing. Not to mention that it's also supposedly a hangover cure. I believe I can get back to you on the truth to that one following my Saturday night birthday celebration ;). Spring Street Naturals and the surrounding Soho nightlife, here I come!

Until then, I may very well make a stop at this fresh produce stand in the new Yankee stadium when I pair up with Leslie for our umpteeth reunion :). Side note, I hope that our "twin power" brings some luck since my lovely Yanks didn't exactly pull through yesterday. Fingers crossed! And, wow. Can you say random thoughts and run-on sentences? I think I'm overexerting my own writing. Before I get too carried away, I will bid you adieu, and probably until Monday because...

• Friday: Lunch date, Yankee game
• Saturday: Family time, Birthday dinner & drinks
• Sunday: Relaxing day at the Lake House (boat included)
• Monday: Blog, Read blogs, Unplanned fun, etc. 
• Tuesday: First day at Quirky! 

Have a spectacular and safe Memorial Day weekend, my darling friends! See you soon! I promise to hype down beforehand ;).

a medley of bffs

Hello :) I think I'm loving this whole blogging thing all over again. I was talking to my roommate about best friends last night. Do you realize how much that definition has evolved? In elementary school, best friend was an inclusive word and heaven forbid the person who held that title changed. Now, it has become all too common of a label. Oh ridiculosity. 

This morning, as planned, I met Miss Laura for brunch at Funk n' Waffles. Friday, not Sunday, brunches have always been a regular thing for me; I've never had class on Fridays, I love the sound of going out on a Thursday night, and I believe that there is nothing better than catching up with best of friends over delicious food. This is not my photo, as I had their vegan buckwheat waffle with banana, but I wanted you to literally get a feel for the place. It's a musical venue with a chill vibe and garage sale finds... basically wonderful.

About a month ago, I dined with a best friend in the blogosphere and two other bloggies, Ada and  Jamie. It was spectacular, really. I've come to befriend most bloggers I've met, some of us are closer than others, and to be perfectly honest, there are a few of us that don't even quite click. 

Although I am more than happy to be nice to everyone, I've accepted it all as fact; we're all just real people with unique personalities and interests outside of healthy food, it's bound to be a hit or miss to a certain degree. Yet , eating at Blossom (always a pleasure) with these three was a one of the best blogger meet-up meals to date. Leslie and I shared the raw sweet potato rolls as our appetizer, followed by individual salads. I had the arugula salad, mainly because I was craving avocado, and wine, for no particular reason... at no surprise here I'm sure ;).

It makes me happy sad when I think of how many people I truly consider my best friends. One is Liz, my European traveling companion whom I think about as often as nostalgic memories of studying abroad come up (all the time). I don't know if she realizes how much I appreciated her thoughtful New Years present to me, an original headband by Mad Madam Mimi. 

I've never been a headband girl, I don't own any collared shirts, and I would not consider myself preppy. Still, I wore my new hair accessory with a new outfit (which I so awkwardly display in this picture) on my last day at Fitness (that would explain the sad face). And just like my best friendships with Laura, Leslie, Liz and others (who's names do not necessarily begin with an "L"-case in point, the visiting Courtney) now I can't imagine my life without it.

P.S. I officially got the Medley Magazine Web Editor gig :)

best of the best

The New Year is right around the corner, almost 36 hours from now. Wow. Have you gone over your Top 10 in 2010 yet? It feels great and a little bit crazy seeing my resolutions/goals written out so clearly and thoroughly, and then sharing them with the whole wide blog world. I hope ya'll are ready to keep me accountable ;).

To prepare I've been staying active and eating well. As I mentioned yesterday, I've been waking up every morning to strength exercises. Beyond yoga, and Sagan's guidance, I have discovered Exhale's Core Fusion Pilates Plus. It was a gift from Fitness at the end of the summer and I'm only now discovering how valuable it is with 10-minute ab workouts and upper-arm & body-sculpt thigh bonuses; Quick, challenging, and just what my body needs to be in tip-top shape for 2010. This is my favorite workout DVD to date.

Then there are the pure foods that I've been enjoying like none other, all from Andy's Produce in Rye, NY. As you may recall, I participated in their juice cleanse over the summer.

This time around I'm  doing a variation of a synergy cleanse with plenty of juices and raw foods. I've been feeling amazing and oh so very clean, especially after a few days of holiday indulgences.

Last night, I had dinner in parts. For my first small meal I shredded a handful of red lettuce and topped it with a pan-seared Sunshine burger. This is my first time trying these spectacular blends or organic ground raw sunflower seeds, brown rice, carrots, herbs and sea salt.... and oh my gosh! Veggie burgers are great every once and a while because they're so satisfying but I like to limit my soy proteins so these are perfect and delicious in every which way. Get your hands on these asap!

When our company arrived, I also picked a little at our cooked vegetable selection with a splash of wine (although from this angle it looks like a hearty glassful, ha) and then I was off to spend time with an old friend of mine. All we did was sit in her room, drink wine, and talk... and I crawled into my own bed at 3:30 am this morning. Don't you hate love it when that happens? We've been friends since we were six and there's never a boring moment when we're together :). 

At the moment I'm sipping on the refreshing water from a cute little coconut and catching up on blog-reading before I head into the city for the night. The plan is to dine with a lovely & familiar bloggie and then meet some abroad friends on the lower West side. It will most definitely be fun but I've already decided that it won't be too crazy of a night... I have to save that for New Years Eve after all ;). Do you have plans yet? I'm spending mine in Manhattan, as will the ball, haha obviously, so I'm hoping it will be the best one yet. See you in 2010!