Of the moment // 4.29.16
One of the reasons why I blog is simply to have the space to write: getting things “on paper” helps me to process my feelings and organize my thoughts. I also love having a record of my life over the past few years: a place that holds all of my stories, my photos, the ups and downs of travel. But sometimes, I also just want to remember and share the little things that brought me day-to-day joy. Every Friday, I’ll give you a peek into the book I currently can’t put down, a great restaurant discovery, a fun new product or an inspiring quote: a few things that I think you might enjoy before we all take off into the glory that is the weekend!
Last night, I spoke at the TOMS store in Nolita: technically, it was “how to travel more” but it ended up being more of a conversation about travel and blogging and how to balance it all. First of all: the back patio at TOMS has to be the greatest secret in Nolita. It’s super cozy and adorable, and there is good coffee, and free wifi! Secondly, it was really fun to meet some readers in person and answer some of their (very good) questions. And lastly, it was one of my goals for 2016 to start doing more public speaking–so I’m happy to be making it happen!
Drinks
So even though Jillian has moved away (insert all the sobbing emoji faces here), I’ve realized that I still want to make it a priority to treat myself to a coffee one morning a week. I woke up early one day this week to bike into Cafe Henrie to enjoy an almond milk latte and a chapter in my book before work: such a nice start to the day (especially as a way to break up my 45-minute bike commute).
Eats
I’ve been a big fan of Bolthouse for a long time: I used to love it when my mom bought the Mocha Cappuccino drinks when I was in high school! Now I really like using their juices as smoothie bases: the Protein Plus Coconut is a particular favorite, since it’s a) delicious and b) more filling. But the real point of this is mostly to say that I actually took the time to make one of those very pretty smoothie bowls at home! I made this “green goodness smoothie crunch” bowl over the weekend, and was surprised at how easy it was: the base is just Green Goodness smoothie + avocado + ice, and then you can top it with anything (I went with frozen raspberries, granola, chia seeds and coconut flakes, all of which I had on hand in the pantry). Even though I’ll probably stick to less-photogenic-but-still-delicious smoothies during the week, this was a fun weekend treat.
Blooms
Everything is still blooming and it’s the greatest! I walked around East Village on a perfectly wonderful spring day: wisteria blooming on brownstone facades, cherry trees blossoming in front of Grace Church, plant shops overflowing with succulents and essential oils and gardening goodness.
Words
“If I were really really ridiculously wealthy, I wouldn’t buy a mansion, just tiny apartments in every city I love.” – Mara Wilson
This weekend, I’m mostly excited to catch up with a bunch of different friends. I’m going to a birthday dinner tonight, and a rooftop BBQ tomorrow night, and meeting another one’s new dog (hilariously named Vladimir!).
