summer fun

My favorite season is finally here, and I'm taking full advantage! Let's see, last Saturday I ran a 10K in Shelter Island in the Hamptons. The scenery was breathtaking. On Sunday, I went with my coworkers to Far Rockaway beach to help out with the Surfrider foundation's beach cleanup. I jumped into the ocean; the water was cool and refreshing. Finally, on Tuesday, I trekked up to Central Park for what was supposed to be the largest yoga session ever (we're talking Guinness Book material here, folks). It was such an only-in-New-York experience: An hour-long line dotted with semi-celebrities, then yoga mats as far as the eye could see. Unfortunately, the skies opened up about two sun salutations into the practice, so hordes of Lulu Lemon-clad yogis rushed for the subway. Too bad, but that's okay...still have a lot of summer ahead!

farm fresh

A few months ago, I joined my local CSA in spite of my deep-rooted fear of commitment. This Saturday morning, I went to pick up my first share: turnips, potatoes, bok choy, spinach, mixed greens, cilantro, garlic scapes, rhubarb, and strawberries. Exciting! I've already gorged on ruby red strawberries, mixed spinach into my omelet, and whipped up a batch of scrumptious rhubarb muffins. Tonight's menu: Roasted potatoes and turnips with buttermilk chicken and salad. Here's to saving my health and the environment.

the holidays in June

Today I went to a really cool holiday dinner sponsored by the Canola Institute. We feasted on turkey roulade with cornbread stuffing, baked cranberry and apples, and pumpkin flan, all whipped up by a James Beard award-winning chef (and nutritionist). Yum!

I also learned some neat tricks from the cooking demo, like you're only supposed to add garlic at the very end when sauteing veggies because it goes bitter when it browns. Plus, porcini mushrooms blended with a roux of flour and oil tastes a whole lot like fatty gravy. I also drank a glass of red wine at the event, which explains why I missed my subway stop on my way home. I got off on a exit that I've never used before, and passed by cool new (to me) streets and bars. I love learning new things.

happy home

Erik and I have a saying: Our house is paradise! Even when we're hanging on the beach in Puerto Plata or lounging in a fancy suite at the Plaza, one of us usually whispers to the other that we miss our apartment. There's nothing particularly fancy about it. It's a floor-through in Williamsburg furnished by IKEA. But, no matter how crazy my day is, I can think about our warm, fun, cozy home and smile.

the bridge at dusk

Today was a sluggish Monday: Snooze button, deadlines, etc. I couldn't bear the thought of hitting the gym, so I walked home over the Williamsburg bridge. The sun was setting as bikes whizzed by and buildings started to light up. Postcard perfect. Sometimes, you just have to appreciate the little things in life.

brunch and board games

It's hot and muggy in Brooklyn, the kind of weather that leaves you sweaty and grumpy as soon as you step out of the door. This morning, rather than face the humidity, we hosted a casual brunch at our apartment. In New York City, we so rarely have people over (so much easier to meet up at a restaurant or bar than a shoebox-size apartment), so it was a nice change of pace to linger and play board games without a long line, impatient server, and $18 omelet. Since three of the group are vegan, I whipped up these delicious pancakes with soy milk, flaxseed (in place of egg), and Smart Balance. Deelish.

movies in manhattan

Last night, I was cuddled up on the couch in my beat-up tee shirt, watching Bachelorette reruns, when Erik suggested we head to the movies. After some hemming and hawing (on my part), we jumped on the L train into Manhattan. The humidity of the day had finally broken, and a light summer breeze ruffled my dress as we strolled, licking a tiramisu ice cream cone, through the laughing groups on the East Village sidewalks. The movie (Get Him to the Greek) was fun and silly, and we giggled over the highlights as we passed pulsating bars and drunk, yelling dudes on the way home. After such a draining week navigating dramas and deadlines, it was the perfect Saturday night.