Feels Like Summertime in New York: Part 3

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.

New York Recap Part 1

Ladies and gents, and now what you’ve all been waiting for!

I took a break from posting any entries on my blog, but I’ve been trying to keep with all of you guys! So many things going on. Especially since my semester starts tomorrow. Ack!

Anyway, let’s get to the nitty gritty of this post, shall we?

On the way to New York, stopping in DC.
On the way to New York, stopping in DC.

So as I mentioned in my previous post, my trip started off on a crazy foot. Crazy indeed! Luckily, I was able to refresh myself when I finally arrived at my friend’s, Liz, place. After that, her loverboy came over and we just walked around her neighborhood in Brooklyn – Williamsburg.

Liz is very lucky to have a backyard in Brooklyn - and its big!
Liz is very lucky to have a backyard in Brooklyn – and it’s big!
We walked to a nearby bakery.
We walked to a nearby bakery.
Buying some bread to break with friends.
Buying some bread to break with friends.

As we were walking around, we just tore pieces off the loaf of ciabatta. So good!

Talk and eat at the same time.
Walk, talk, and eat at the same time.
Oh heyy!
Oh heyy! Check out the juggler to my right.

We walked through a couple parks and decided to sit by a softball game. Liz is in love with every dog in the world, so she was having a great time at the park. If anyone knows of any pet adoption agencies in New York, please let me know!

Theyre so cute!
They’re so cute!

After walking around and just hanging out till there was no more sun, we came home and Liz got to working on dinner. She’s Italian so of course she made pasta!

Looking at Shaun.

Looking in love!
Looking in love!
Stirring it all together.
Stirring it all together.
Sangria and a Jollyrancher!
Sangria and a Jollyrancher!
We had dinner in the backyard.
We had a candlelit dinner in the backyard.
Penne with vodka sauce, broccoli, and cannellini beans.
Penne with vodka sauce, broccoli, and cannellini beans.

After dinner Liz invited some friends over and we played this game called for Botticelli literally 6 hours. It’s this crazy guessing game, but we didn’t play it the “real” way. We didn’t use personal pronouns at all, but it could pretty much be any word we could think of. Later in the night, Liz’s friend – which she claims to be her hottest friend from the batch – came over. Oh my!!! He was so good-looking and reminded me of a hot pirate. I actually flirted a bit, which is unusual for me. I usually have a hard time even looking a guy I’m interested in, in the eyes.

The next day we headed to a free concert out by the Waterfront. But before I left, I whipped up something really fast.

IMG_6865
I added some Kashi cereal for some sweetness and crunch!

And I used this bomb-ass dressing from Trader Joe's.
And I used this bomb-ass dressing from Trader Joe’s.

Liz and Shaun working it.
Liz and Shaun working it.
Uh oh!
Uh oh!
We stopped by this place called Pennylicks.
We stopped by this place called Pennylicks.

You get a scoop of ice cream for $1. They have vegan flavors as well! I tried the vegan chocolate chip cookie dough since it’s Liz’s favorite. It was so good and the place’s decor was endearing. They had little funny signs everywhere.

The Waterfront.
The Waterfront.

It was kind of annoying getting into this place. I had to dump out my water and we all ate our apples. Luckily, I was able to hide my bar at the bottom of my bag. When we went to get in again, one of the security guards swore he recognized me from somewhere. I told him I wasn’t from New York and then he introduced himself. Sounds like he was just trying to pick me up!

Sitting by the water with the cityscape in front of us.
Sitting by the water with the cityscape in front of us.
Being cute once again!
Being cute once again!
Meet Shaun!
Meet Shaun!

We played Botticelli for another couple of hours. Shaun got us hooked! After we were over sitting, we went to get $1 pizza slices.

At the pizza place.
At the pizza place.

Later on we went into the city and walked around Union Square. Of course we made a stop at Trader Joe’s. I’ve never seen a Trader Joe’s that was as busy! And I was also surprised that the prices were just as low as they usually are. So after we each got out groceries we headed back home.

So guys, that’s it for the first two days of my stay in New York. Trust me, it got more exciting as the week progressed. I did my fair share of exploring, and by the end of this trip I was ready to call this city my home! Thank goodness it’s not too far, so I can visit more often. That is… if school doesn’t get too crazy. Stay tuned for Part 2!

By the way for all you ice-cream lovers out there. Check out this vegan ice cream!

p.s. Zoe’s Food has a discount on Amazon

p.s.s. Checkout Katie’s amazing Spiralizer Giveaway