Thank you all for sharing your insight on hormones, and how some of you are also becoming more attuned to them. It’s funny how in the Western world many just pay attention to the symptoms rather than the root–the foundation. In the end, I believe that everything is connected anyhow, so it’s important to be good to yourself overall. For instance, when I was in New York there were some nights I was falling asleep as the sun was rising. I usually wake up at a certain time no matter how late I fall asleep. That was the case some nights and I’d get a couple hours of sleep. Then one day I slept till noon, which is very rare for me. About as rare as finding a wedding band over by the shopping carts at a grocery store (happened to me once when I was little). Anyway, I’ve been trying to get the rest my body needs. Surprisingly, if you’re body is functioning efficiently it won’t need that many hours of rest. Maybe rest isn’t a good word because our minds are very active while we sleep. How else can we come up with those crazy dreams?!
- Dreaming of Green Tea Kit Kats
These were so delicious! I normally don’t like Kit Kat bars, but my friend brought these back from Japan and offered a pack for me to try. These were creamy and reminded me of white chocolate.
- She also brought back red bean rice cakes, which were also very tasty.
The next day I went out for a run and got to know Brooklyn a little better. One thing that I love about running is that I discover a lot of neat spots, and helps me orient myself when I’m traveling. My sense of direction no matter where I go is something I am thankful for. The Katharina-model comes with a GPS built inside!
- For dinner I went to Blossom with two mystery guests…
- Guess who I got to have dinner with!
Maya decided to take an impromptu whirlwind trip to New York City, and luckily we were both in town at the same time! I also got to meet her good friend Max! I was definitely in great company that night.
- I ordered the Porcini Cigars.
These were “hand-rolled phyllo filled with porcini mushrooms, almonds, and ground tempeh, served over a cashew pesto, finished with pomegranate seeds.” I don’t think I saw pomegranate seeds, but they did have sliced almonds. Maybe they were out of the seeds? The filling for the phyllo rolls reminded me of sausages, but I thought the dish was a tad too salty for my taste. Although I did enjoy biting into the flaky phyllo crust and spooning on as much of the cashew pesto as I could into one bite.
- I took a picture with flash just to capture how awesomely green the cashew pesto was!
- I also ordered the Field Greens salad
This was a salad of “greens tossed with candied walnuts, tofu croutons, and grilled pears in a shallot vinaigrette.” I did like how the salad was dressed and the tofu croutons were a nice addition. I don’t know where the candied walnuts were though. Maya ordered the same salad and she also noted something about the missing candied walnuts.
- After dinner we walked Maya to the bus station after dinner.
- The first day already filled with excitement!
Later on I went bar hopping and ended up at a place where they do karaoke. The list was full by the time we got there. Alas, I couldn’t relive my last karaoke moment all the way back in high school. For the record I sang “Fat Bottomed Girls”.
- While I was in New York I was able to use a kitchen and whip up tasty salads to help beat the summer heat.
There was always a supply of kabocha at the nearby market, which is open 24-hours! Actually, my first night in New York I went grocery shopping at 4 am.
- I’ve also warmed up to tofu recently.
It is possible to make it tasty, and there’s no denying its convenience.
- Spotted a crazy bike lock that looked like a giant clock mechanism.
- Ricotta cheese for breakfast
Remember the ricotta cream pillows I’d top my oatmeal with? That morning I just toasted some bread and topped each slice with ricotta cheese, almonds, cinnamon, and honey.
- Something else I spotted at the nearby market.
Reunited with a childhood favorite (these were on sale for 99 cents!)!
- Fourth of July was spent on a rooftop overlooking the west side.
- Fireworks!
- They were so beautiful.
- Everyone looked like ghosts.
I love seeing how each city in America has their own way of celebrating the Fourth of July. I’ve seen fireworks over beaches, parks, fields, lakes, and now skylines.
- Eventually we made our way to a bar… specifically for their tacos!
That night was also when I met fellow food blogger, Mike! It was so awesome talking to him and hearing his thoughts on things. It’s not often that you can talk about things you think about with blogging with someone in real life that actually knows what you’re talking about. You guys should check out his blog! He had so many food adventures in New York. Not to mention he’s a blader. How awesome is that?
- They ordered different kinds of tacos.
- On another day we headed to Rockaway Beach, and stopped by their famous taco hut.
- It was such a nice day!
- With all these taco trucks and huts around I decided to make some of my own.
Let’s take a breather, shall we? I could keep going, but I’ll give your eyes a rest. So stay tuned for the next recap of my stay in New York!
Do you think dreams have a deeper meaning?
I made wraps inspired by 
