New York City Goodbyes

By the title of this post you may make the assumption that it’s going to be a more melancholy writing. To better explain the title I will say this. Going to New York City can never be spent badly, for me any day spent there is full of happiness and Monday was no different. That part that has given me the blues is the fact that some of my closest friends who I’ve created a strong friendship and bond with are embarking onto a new journey and I have to say goodbye. They will meet new people but hopefully not forget the ones they left behind. This group of girls happen to be a year older than me making them all freshman in college. They have been my sisters for this past year and although I wish we had crossed paths in high school sooner, I am extremely grateful for the gifts of friendship this year has brought.
With the sappiness aside I want to share my recent trip to New York City, it’s just a 45 minute train ride from my home town. Once we arrived at Penn. Station we hopped onto the E subway to Spring Street. In Soho we shopped around to multiple stores and then made a pitstop to Soho Park an inside/outside restaurant with a woodsy interior and modern lighting. I chose Hungarian Kielbasa with caramelized onions and mustard, it was definitely a yummy meal!  After chatting and enjoying our meals we took another subway to 23rd street and walked along The High Line. Once we finished The High Line journey we walked to Penn. Station and took the train home. We all sat back and sunk into our seats as we continued home with not so subtle laughter that echoed throughout the train car. The day was filled with laughs, full stomachs and shopping bags laying on our arms. Sounds like a successful day to me. See you soon NYC! XX

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Healthy Taco?

Lately I have been all about the healthy eating. Now and then you’ll catch me indulging in my favorite dairy free treats like Len & Larry’s protein cookies (found here) or So Delicious Chocolate Cookies n’ Cream Ice Cream made with cashew milk (found here) but I try keeping it rather clean with my eating habits. When I scrolled through Pinterest for healthy meals, snacks and etc. I came across these yummy appetizers. As soon as I saw the image I thought immediately of P.F. Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps. I’m sure most of us have tasted how sweet and savory those appetizers are, definitely a favorite of my families.

One thing I love about these is that you can easily personalize them to your liking. You can add tomatoes, peppers, chicken and more toppings to enhance the taste of these healthy, filling appetizers. My suggestion would be to add seasonings. The ingredients consist of mainly vegetables and beans but I do believe seasonings would give a kick of flavor especially if you’re not into the plantish tasting foods, you know what I mean? It’s almost like a healthy taco…almost


Take A Stroll With Me

My heart is so happy when I’m in Red Bank, New Jersey. Nothing feels more like home. Shops, cafes, restaurants, a bay and more can be found scattered across this lively and thriving town. Broad Street is a favored area, where its cobblestone path can lead you to shop after shop. On this afternoon I was more relaxed then usual. The breeze captured me, with each inhale of air I felt at peace.  As perfect as this afternoon sounds there was one thing I needed as a cherry on top to this day and of course that “thing” was food. I would be crazy if I didn’t get food while in Red Bank, it has the best of everything! I am obsessed with Earth Pizza an organic and all natural restaurant. Ryan and I shared the Vegan pie (due to my dairy allergy) and we ordered it dressed up with multiple toppings to give our pizza some extra pizzazz. My tastebuds went straight to heaven as I crunched down on my first bite of pizza. The crunch of the crust and gush of the tomatoes made me crave each bite more and more. Being a girl who can’t typically enjoy her pizza loaded with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella, I finally found a place that made all my food dreams come true! I no longer envy all of the pizza eaters out there. Here’s pictures from a fulfilled day of relaxation and yummy food.

 

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Asbury Sun & Sushi

On a day full of endless sun and toasty weather we all just want to be outside. When I began to get tired of the same routine summer activities I decided I’d head just a half hour south to Asbury Park. They’re focusing on modernizing the space and creating a relaxed, slower paced urban area. A hotspot for older teens and adults to enjoy a nice bit to eat, the boardwalk, concerts at The Stone Pony and so much more. You may even catch Bruce Springsteen strolling around (that is if you’re lucky). I adore the atmosphere and relaxed vibes the area gives off. It reminds me a little of West Village in NYC based on its ambience.

I just can never get enough sushi! At this point I’m surprised I haven’t turned into some type of sushi roll. Is that possible? Technically no but at this rate you never know. My friend and I headed over to Taka, an adorable Japanese restaurant in Asbury where you can be seated inside or outside. The Japanese restaurant seemed very modern, young and hip with its vibrant colors and fun furniture. I went the basic route in all my sushi choices although, I dressed each piece up with a number of different sauces. My sushi rolls were constantly soaked in teriyaki, eel and soy sauce to kick up the flavor of my not so exciting choices. Needless to say I ended up in a food coma but it didn’t matter because I enjoyed every bite of my sushi, to the last slice of ginger. The day was filled with the aroma of salt coming off the beach and savory pieces of sushi being guzzled down. I think it’s time to learn how to use chopsticks!

xx

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I’m Kinda Vegan?

Can I say I’m vegan even if I stuff my face with burgers, hot dogs and pork roll? The obvious answer is no but my dairy allergy has allowed me to explore the world of being vegan. You’d think how gross coconut bacon, how could that taste like real bacon? I’m not really sure how it does but somehow it does taste like real bacon! So many obscure things you wouldn’t assume to be good truly are. Not only is being vegan a healthy lifestyle option it’s also extremely tasty. Some better than others of course you just have to find the best of the best in vegan cuisine.  A  few days ago I headed over to Seed To Sprout, the cutest place in vegan food. My tastebuds were in for a treat, I indulged in french toast and a yummy sandwich with cashew cheese. Who knew cashew cheese was a thing and that it was actually good?! I was in pure delight, Seed To Sprout is definitely a place I need to further explore. Just after having two meals I’m already hooked.

Seed To Sprout Website: www.seedtosproutnj.com

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