Tag Archives: picnic

Sharing The Love

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Earlier this month I received a Reader Appreciation Award from the lovely, Catherine over at “Sur les traces d’une gaspésienne gourmande…” Her blog is quite wonderful, and a place where she shares her various passions. It’s also a great blog to practice your French if you’re learning, or perhaps you already read it fluently!

1. Include the award logo somewhere in your blog.
2. Answer these 10 questions, below, for fun if you want to.
3. Nominate 10 to 12 blogs you enjoy. Or you pick the number.
4. Pay the love forward: Provide your nominee’s link in your post and comment on their blog to let them know they’ve been included and invited to participate.
5. Pay the love back with gratitude and a link to the blogger(s) who nominated you.

Les Questions:

1. What is your favorite color?

Hmm… somewhere in the green spectrum. For clothes I love off-whites and grays even though I know those technically aren’t colors.

2. What is your favorite animal?

Elephants! I don’t know why, but I’m just attracted to them.

3. What is your favorite non-alcoholic drink?

Right now? Infusing water with fresh herbs, ginger, and lime… and just letting it chill.

4. Do you prefer Facebook or Twitter?

Twitter. It’s a lot more conversational, and I use it as a digital notepad sometimes too. Still got my handy dandy journalist’s pad though.

5. What is your favorite pattern?

I like delicate patterns… like flower prints that are sparse, small polka-dots, thin stripes. And rather than varying colors they vary texture and are monochrome in color. But I don’t really have a favorite.

6. Do you prefer getting or giving présents?

Giving! I really like the energy of being the giver. I appreciate if someone gifts me something as well though.

7. What is your favorite number?

Seven is a number that has repeated itself in my life, and I really like the number 648.

8. What is your favorite day of the week?

Mmm… I don’t have one. Maybe Saturday or Sunday because people are enjoying the day more.

9. What is your favorite flower?

White and the sort of faded blue hydrangeas

10. What’s your passion?

Oh boy! I’d say that it is my passion to share the human experience, and an understanding and appreciation for the universe. I do this through my art, writing, sharing recipes, conversation, and soon-to-be by also being a holistic health coach. I sense my greater purpose in being a part of something that is helping to preserve the things that are timeless, although sometimes forgotten. Like love.

Now who to pass the award on to… Melissa, Brittany, Gillian, Lauren, Kristina, Alexia, Natalie and Emily

Speaking of love, here are a few things I’ve been loving as of late…

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Feels Like Summertime in New York: Part 3

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Finally we get to the part of my recap when it was my birthday!

I met up with my friend at a park near where she works.

There was a charming farmer’s market right outside of the park as well.

Yum!

I brought the same dish I had made the previous day--still delicious!

A little birdie wanted to taste some too.

She painted me these beautiful birthday cards! It was such an enjoyable lunch in the Tribeca neighborhood of the city. After enduring enough heat we sadly had to part ways. I was on my way to meet up with another special friend though! My phone had died and luckily I vaguely remembered what stops were along the way to where I wanted to go. I got off at a stop, found a Starbucks, and asked if they knew where Lula’s Sweet Apothecary was. They didn’t know what I was talking about so I decided to ask them where the nearest AT&T store was so I could hopefully charge my phone. So I walked two blocks down and found the store and charged my phone for about five minutes. Who knew how long it would last! I looked up directions to Lula’s on a computer. I was in luck because it wasn’t too far away. I was excited to meet up with Marina and enjoy some delicious vegan ice cream on a hot day. Ice cream that won’t upset my stomach–hooray!

I finally arrived, and look who I found!

Marina, there’s no way you can escape my camera mwahaha! This place was tiny but had tons of charm. I felt like I was transported to another decade. A decade where men wore suspenders, groomed their mustaches, and everything was served on a real spoon! They have everything from sundaes to shakes, sodas to malts, egg cremes, and even banana splits! Can I remind you that everything is vegan? I’m not vegan but I can’t really handle dairy ice creams, milkshakes, things of that sort. So it was nice to go to a place where I had choices and I didn’t have to worry about getting sick.

SO GOOD!!!

They make all of their ice cream on site and they use a base of either cashews, soy, or coconut. What to choose, what to choose? Want to sample some? Not a problem! The caramel ginger cookie flavor caught my eye, but they hadn’t finished making the batch yet. I waited around for a bit, but I could wait no longer. I got the cake-batter soft-serve with crumbled ginger creme cookies, coconut whipped cream, and a happy birthday to me with a cherry on top. I ended up not feeling like I settled for less, this was the best vegan ice cream ever–so thick and rich!!! ! I also couldn’t have asked for better company as well. Although it was my first time meeting Marina we hit it off right away and I felt like we’d known each other for ages!

A happy birthday girl, indeed.

On my way home my phone died again, but by then I knew where I was going. Funny story though–on the way home I was approached by a hottie, but as usual I am brilliant only once the chance has passed… when it comes to guys anyway. Anyone else have this problem? I need some tips!

Later on I met up with my friend and some other ladies to watch the opening of Sex and the City 2!

So much estrogen.

I thought the fashion was great, but where was the story? They seemed to just skim on the surface, and not really get into any of the stories. I definitely liked the first one better. After the movie we took the cab home and I just about passed out in my clothes. It was a long day!

The next day was a day of wandering around Williamsburg.

And perfect for riding around with the top down.

Then I headed over to my other girlfriend’s place for a girlie night!

A sleepover isn't complete without a sauna!

I love this part of her room.

And there's Theo again in all of his glory!

A cat that likes to snuggle? I love!

It was so nice to just wind down and be super lazy. I don’t get to see my friend very often, but it never feels like we’ve lost touch.

I have one more recap before the New York adventure is over. There’s much to catch up on while I’ve been back in Florida! You better believe that I’ve gone on many food adventures while I’ve been down here.

Say Hello to My Little Friend

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Guess what guys? I’m now back in Richmond and typing this post out in my bed in my home away from home. And in 2 weeks I will be moving to a new home away from home. I’m so excited about this! I have been dying inside from excitement for over a month now and I can’t believe it’s really going to happen – so soon!

Before I forget. There’s a song that I insist all of you download. Here’s the link. So just listen and enjoy!

My weekend has been busy busy busy! I wanted to make the most of the time I had left down in Florida. In my last post I mentioned that I met up with my mom for a lunch date. A triple date! But first let’s start with breakfast, shall we?

I woke up not knowing what I wanted to eat. Usually I’m in the mood for something, but today I was just feeling… whatever about it. So I figured, “hey, I’ll just try out another Zoe’s granola.”

Cranberries Currants over yogurt with a sliced banana and almond butter.
Cranberries Currants over yogurt with a sliced banana and almond butter.

If I had more thumbs, I’d be putting them up! As far as granolas go, Zoe Foods can do no wrong!

Then it was time to get ready! I steamed the kabocha and packed some other things. Then I got dressed.

A no-fasten belt!
A no-fasten belt!
I like accessorizing with little surprises.
Sometimes I like accessorizing with little surprises.
And I was out the door.
And I was out the door.

Oh gosh. I was having a total off day… or maybe it was just those couple of hours. I normally have a good sense of direction, but that day I just kept getting lost. I hate when streets just cut off then start again somewhere totally different. This happens a lot in Boca. Blah! I got really frustrated and my mom decided that I should just stay where I am and she would meet up with me.

Mom saves the day!
Mom saves the day!

Despite the crazy temperatures outside we decided to bear with it and have lunch outdoors.

Mizner Park
Mizner Park

Mizner has this neat ice cream parlor called Sloan’s. The bathroom is transparent until you lock it. Then the windows sort of fog up! I think it makes first timers very hesitant of using the bathroom. And the decor is funky and endearing, I love it. They’ve got a few other shops, and each one is different.

Happy we are finally sitting down for lunch.
Happy we are finally sitting down for lunch.
I just at the kabocha from the container.
I just ate the kabocha from the container. I even packed some cinnamon hehe.

I tried to pack convenient foods so I opted for crackers (Dr. Krackers cherry semolina – delish!), cheese, avocado, and the star of the hour!

My mom likes using my camera now, so she had to snap a picture while I was serving myself.
My mom likes using my camera now, so she had to snap a picture while I was serving myself.

Despite us melting from the heat, we were able to enjoy our gumby selves. The hot weather kept the kabocha warm, but I think the sun was microwaving all of us that day.

Walking by stores = Air conditioning!
Walking by stores = Air conditioning!

After our date my mom dropped me off back at my car. Then my sense of direction came back to me and I headed to the mall. I made a couple of purchases, but I’ll share my most adored one with you guys!

Awesome necklace!
Awesome necklace!
Detail shot.
Detail shot.

I love this necklace! I go through phases with things. For awhile I was going through a belt phase, then a hair accessory one, and you get the picture. The phase I’m going through now is the “statement necklace”  phase. I came home a very happy girl!

For dinner I wanted to make something special – to celebrate my new necklace! Just kidding! But I did make something special.

Vibrant peppers.
Vibrant peppers.
In to the pan they go!
Into the pan they go!

I cooked these peppers and onion with Key Lime Honey Ginger sauce, a bit of lime juice, and some smoke sauce.

IMG_6075I made wraps inspired by Jess! Hers always look so delicious. Inside mine I cooked some tofu slabs that were seasoned with a mix of cayenne, white pepper, onion, garlic, and oregano. I wanted to make a sort of blackened tofu. I also whipped up a quick guacamole to go with our meal.

Cheese, tofu, and peppers.
Cheese, tofu, and peppers.

This meal was very delicious, if I may so myself.

After our meal we wanted to try out a new tea I found the other day.

This was very very good!
This was very very good!

Did you guys know that drinking very hot beverages can increase your risk of getting esophageal cancer? So wait a couple of minutes for your drink to cool down.

Last but not least. My third use for my new friend, Mr. Kabocha. Mister or Misses?

Make this bowl last forever!
Make this bowl last forever!

Into this bowl of creamy oats went some steamed kabocha, frozen bananas, cinnamon, coconut oil, and almond butter. This was a satisfying breakfast for sure! Not just fullness-wise, but my tastebuds can attest to that.

During my last couple of days at my parents place, I milked my time for what it was worth. So remember how I said I was going to stay in Miami after my vacation? I decided not to because I’d rather spend my last week in Florida with my parents. Next time though when it’s not my last week, I hope to stay there. Miami is so much fun! Anyway, my next post will be a recap of my -sniff sniff- final hours. Just thinking about part of it makes me want to dance. I’m even listening to a dance tune right now! But then again, I’ve always got the urge to dance.

I hope you all had an incredible weekend. Don’t let Mondays be the rain on your parade. Take care, all!

p.s. Lauren is hosting a generous giveaway! So I encourage you all to check it out and participate. You could be the winner!

p.s.s. In case you missed my vacation recap here you go:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 17 (Sike!)

Part 4