Breakfast + Lunch = Brunch

I think most people who know me understand I am a sucker for brunch (for any meal of the day really). But, there is something so perfect about brunch. Maybe it's the lackadaisical attitudes Saturday's and Sunday's bring about or maybe its the idea of a couple of deliciously concocted mimosas next to a foaming cappuccino. I like brunch as a rare treat. I enjoy it as a reward every once in a while to remind myself to take time to enjoy the relaxing parts of the weekend.

This weekend I caught up with old friends and brunched on both Saturday and Sunday. Although the weather outside is still a bit chilly (a whopping 10 degrees) it was nice to get outside, get some fresh air, and cozy up in a cramped brunch spot. On Saturday I met up with my friend Anthony in the West Village to grab some lunch. I enjoyed a very tasty vegan minestrone soup paired with perfect slices of bread (I am a sucker for drowning my bread in the soupy broth).

On Sunday I went to The Cleaveland, a little cafe in SoHo that I have been eager to try out. I pass the Cleaveland every day on my way to work so when I finally got the chance to take a seat and scan the menu I knew I was in for a treat. My friend Jake and I both ordered the kale and poached eggs with a vegetable lakte. It was absolutely delicious. Later that evening I found myself dreaming of the flavors and I am certainly ready to go back soon. I took a few glances at their lunch and dinner menus online, which are both mouthwatering. Their lunch and dinner menus bring in seasonal ingredients and flavors that I am looking forward to trying.

In a Runners World, There Are No Limits

In honor of Steve Prefontaine's birthday I thought it would make sense to share my love for running in writing.... (this piece was written back in high school). 

Running

“She’s got the pipes”, the coach excitedly exclaimed to my mother when she pulled into the lot to pick me up. “Now we just have to see if she has the rest!”

“The rest? “ my mother asked quizzically.  She had dropped me off at a cross -country practice that humid August morning.  Less than 24 hours earlier, in that same lot, I had been cut from the soccer team. 

“Time will tell.  It takes determination, commitment and passion to succeed in this sport. We’ll see”, he said.  “See you tomorrow at 8.”

Who was this man, and why was he questioning my character?  Little did I know that I had just taken the first steps of a long and important journey in my short life.   

I embarked on a grueling regiment of training.  It wasn’t long before I realized that this was not a one-season thing.  What started out as one cross- country season, mushroomed into a four year, year round commitment.  What did I get myself into?  Pride kept me going back in those early days, but I was pretty sure pride couldn’t carry me for four years.

There were some early successes; medals won, first place finishes, state championship races; which only served to lure me in further, fueling my commitment and determination to do better.  With success came its share of obstacles; a notable hospital stay, the sinister “gut bomb” during an otherwise fantastic race, shin splints, stress fractures, or simply those days when “the wheels just fell off” for no discernable reason. I was surprised that while the successes lured me in, the obstacles did not deter me.

Running  a cross-country race is a lot like living your life.  There are long flat treks with soft footing, where the going is easy.  There are bumpy patches where you can easily lose your footing.  There are arduous uphills, and frightening but exhilarating down hills.  There are rollercoaster paths where the ups and downs are constant but by no means consistent.  There is a lot going on, and that doesn’t even begin to address the competition.

I don’t know when the switch was flipped; when, exactly, the lesson was learned.  It happened when I realized it wasn’t about the running at all.  Running was simply the vehicle in which I learned one of life’s most important lessons.  The coach knew all along.  He also wisely knew that he could not just tell me.  He had to show me. He coached and I ran.  He coached and I learned.

I learned that my destiny belongs to me.   I own it.  With commitment, dedication, determination and passion, combined with an open mind and the willingness to learn I know I can go far, go anywhere perhaps. 

Running has been and I hope will always be a huge part of my life. It keeps me calm by clearing my mind. It centers me and connects me with the world. I like to run because my legs can literally take me anywhere, places I wouldn't dare to go if I weren't running. Running has proven time and time again that there are no limits, there is no such thing as a comfort zone. With running you have to push yourself, push yourself to get faster and stronger. Here's to an amazing 8 years of running and many, many more to come. 

Yogurt & Berries or Scrambled Eggs?

It's a decision I usually make around 7:15 am, as my internal clock wakes me up and dares to pull me out of bed to begin my morning routine. It doesn't take me long to get out of bed though,  because every morning around 7:30 am the quiet whisper of coffee calls my name. While the coffee is brewing, I make my final breakfast decision and begin assembling the parts. There is something so peaceful about the morning. Maybe its the smell of the coffee, or the idea of a new day, but I always feel at peace in the morning. I keep my breakfasts simple, but delicious (always). It's either yogurt with my homemade granola and some berries or two scrambled eggs with fresh herbs. I like to alternate between the two but sometimes I favor one over the other.

Here are a few snapshots from my latest breakfast adventures. Feel free to comment more breakfast ideas, I am always up for suggestions.

So it's been awhile...

I'll be the first to admit it has been far too long since I have written a blog post last. You could say I was a little busy last fall. From September to December of 2013 you could find me running around NYC like a crazy lady on a mission. I was finishing up my last semester at NYU and pursuing career opportunities at possibly one of the best internships I have ever had. I used the little time I had for myself to keep together my pathetic social life. What kept me sane (most days) was short, but needed, talks on the phone with my mom who constantly explained everything would work out eventually, it just had to work itself out first. On a good day, my anxiety levels were at an 8.5 (give or take.) But, despite the stress and anxiety, I would have to say the end of 2013 was a pretty good year. I was introduced to many new experiences and opportunities that I never dreamed of before. I explored new foods, new places, and I think I have gotten a little bit more creative.

Now that I have finished school and am currently applying for jobs I have a little more time on my hands (more than I had hoped). Although the extra time seems a bit daunting, there is a sort of relaxation that comes along with it. So, while I am a little less busy I want to take the time to explore new things and get even more creative.

Stay tuned!