EATALY & ME | CHARCUTERIE, WINE

If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know that one of my most frequented places in the city is Flatiron. Mostly because that's where my office is, but also because I do love it! Most of our lunch outings are here, a lot of the cute little shops we love are here and just generally, I love this area.

There are some decent spots to eat around here, but the most touristy spot in what seems like ALL of NYC (food wise) is Eataly and it is located right here in Flatiron. I couldn't be happier about this because to be honest, I love it so much and for so many reasons.

RECENT FAVORITES | LIFESTYLE

Recently there has been a few things that have been getting me through the winter and I felt like I needed to share them. The weather has been insane lately. It goes from 40 degrees to full blown snowstorm, and then this weekend it was 55+ degrees on both days. You really never know what jacket or shoes to wear so you really always have to be on guard and on the weather app if you know what I mean. Here are a couple of things that have been rejuvenating me lately.

PHO-KING FRIDAY

Oooooh everyone.  There's a new Pho place in town called Pho-Tastic Vietnamese and it is right in Brick.  When I started hearing Cullen talk about pho, I knew I needed to try it and how convenient for something to open up right in Brick just in time.  Everything was so good.  Check out the pics:

WINE AND HONEY BUTTA

Celebrated my dads 55th birthday today!  Tomorrow is the actual birthday, but we celebrated with family today.  Can you guess where we went to eat from the tablecloth? I took some pictures and I look forward to sharing them with you tomorrow.

How was your Saturday?  Tweet me what you were up to!

MINI FRITTATA IN A CUPCAKE PAN | HEALTHY EATS

Probably every single time I open Pinterest I see a recipe for these.  I always find them and I always want to make them so FINALLY I set out to do just that.  Not only are they absolutely adorable and the perfect serving size, but they're delicious and healthy!  Check out these mini frittatas made in cupcake pans.

CURRENT CUISINE | HEALTHY DOESN'T HAVE TO BE BORING

Like I said in the title, healthy does not have to be boring!  I have been loving the colors of the food I've been eating lately and the dishes that I've been pulling together.  

SIMPLE CAULIFLOWER BITES

I've scoured the internet yet again to search for some different ways to change up the daily routine of what we eat here in my house.  It's so simple to get caught up in the mundane reality of eating literally the same shit, every single day.  Amirite?  I know, I know.  I found these delicious looking cauliflower bites with a light coating of breadcrumbs, a mixture of spices and a hint of Parmesan cheese.  I can't say it's the absolutely HEALTHIEST thing, but it's not terrible and it's an alternative to something heavier, like potatoes.  Here's how I made them.  

3 INGREDIENT, HOMEMADE GRANOLA BARS | NO BAKE

I had been scouring the internet looking for some recipes for healthy desserts because I am tired of the same old thing.  Can you agree with me?  I mean really, it does get kind of boring eating the same fruits and vegetables all of the time (even when seasons have just changed). Fall can get especially annoying because everything is about apples.  Don't get me wrong, I like apples, but I don't love them and I get tired of them very quickly.  

With that being said, I came across this recipe for homemade granola bars. When I found them at first, I thought it would be a great snack and what got me excited about it is that there were only three ingredients necessary.  Upon making them, I quickly realized that with the honey and peanut butter, they're a little sweet for me to consider them a granola bar and more of a dessert.  Here's how I made them.

LUNCH TIME | CAFE COLETTE

I recently stopped at Cafe Colette in Williamsburg Brooklyn for lunch.  I have to be honest, I don't get to Brooklyn often so as I was presented with so many lunch/brunch choices upon exiting the subway, it was a little difficult to pick something.  I was happy I chose Cafe Colette and here's why.

Healthy, Not Boring | Recipes to Try

If you're anything like me, you'll find it difficult to eat healthy when you hang out with your friends.  There's nothing wrong with that, but it's completely true.  Think about it, social eating and drinking is just that, very social.  Every trip out to the bar or night eating out at some new restaurant has to do with the one thing we hate most about life.. calories!  I've made a couple of things over the past couple of days to remedy that problem and here's how they came out.

Lunch Time | Windward Tavern

I had the chance to visit Windward Tavern for the first time recently and I was so happy.  Formerly called Craigs, Windward Tavern is just down the road from Windward Beach on Princeton Avenue in Brick, New Jersey.  It is safe to say we were pleasantly surprised with everything we ordered.  The food was delicious, here's how our visit went!

Lunch Time | The Cabin

The Cabin has been one of our family favorites for a while.  We've been there for lunch, for dinner.  With the family, with our friends.  I've tried so many different things on the menu and many different drinks as well.  We visited for a late lunch yesterday after the orchard, here's what I had!

Lunch Time | The Crooked Knife

I had lunch recently at The Crooked Knife's 30th Street location and I was excited to finally be giving it a try.  Honestly, I had heard about it in conversation from people who said that it was a great brunch place, but I am NEVER in the city with time to have brunch.  Needless to say, I never get a chance to have brunch anywhere.  Lame, I know.  The city is the best place for brunch.

Anyway.  I was stoked to finally try out The Crooked Knife and it felt like a homey place as soon as I walked in.  There's a small outdoor seating area that's really nothing special.  My favorite part about it was the orange chairs.  Nice pop of (my favorite) color. It basically looks like every other sidewalk seating arrangement in New York otherwise.  I chose to sit inside, it looked more adventurous, more enjoyable.  Boy was I right, there was about a million things on the walls.

Light Flatbread Sandwich for End of Summer

As I mentioned, one of the reasons I love the late moments of August so much is because local summer is just around the corner and guess what?  Local summer is FINALLY here.  This is easily one of my favorite times of the year for so many reasons.  I love the calm, dedicated nature of the year.  Everyone seems to be going back to school or work, the weather seems more manageable to everyone and attitudes are just all around better for everyone. 

Because we are still left with 80+ degree days in September for the most part, I love taking advantage of summery meals, the fresh produce that's still growing in my fathers garden, and easily constructible meals.  

This is just a super simple wrap that absolutely anyone can pull together and make.  It is actually perfect for work or school lunches and the ingredients are so simple to adjust should you or your child like something better.  Here are the ingredients and how I made it.

The Happy Moments of Late August

What a beautiful summer it has been.  I have been so happy with the weather later on this summer because as it began, it seemed like every single weekend it was raining or something.  

A Christmas Performance! #blogmas 25, 2014!

Merry Christmas everyone!  The day was full of awesome family, food and a special Christmas performance from my cousin Alec.  Although he performs whenever you want him to, he got a ukelele for Christmas this year so he was switching back and forth between guitar and uke.

My uncle and dad have to of course have to make the most obnoxious faces ever while cutting the prime rib.  Look at that HUGE piece of meat holy shiiiiiiit.

I just wanted to include this photo of my glittery Christmas slippers that my dad bought me.

How much of a cutie bear is my little cousin Jessica?  Here she is loving life and playing Minecraft.  She is also wearing a 'Hipster Cat' shirt and smiling with those baby blues!  We are birthday twins. :)

Here's a glory shot of that crazy insane prime rib.  Are you kidding me right now!?

Here's a quick pic of some of the weirdoes at the dessert table.  Notice almost all desserts at the OTHER end of the table.  I don't know why that happened.

From afar I had to get a photo of my dad, uncle and great uncle STRETCHING it out on the same couch.  The three biggest people in the room on one little section of the couch.  Gotta love.

Aaaaand this is how it ends.  With this picture, lol!  I love my uncle he's hilarious.  At this particular moment in time we were talking about his job and emojis.  Such a RANDOM mix. 

I hope you guys really enjoyed your Christmas!  I ate and drank a ton and just relaxed.  Tweet me photos or tell me in the comments how you celebrated!  Thanks for reading.  -Brit.

Crafting, NYC and Snow! #blogmas Days 4-8, 2014!

Hey everyone!  So lets face it, life gets in the way sometimes.  I'm pissed because to be completely honest, I didn't want to miss a day of uploading in December, but things just happen.  I'm so excited to show you what I have been up to for the past couple of days so lets get started!

So not too long ago I ran to the store to grab a couple of crafting materials to make a variation of the DIY quote on canvas craft I saw on Lauren Elizabeths YT channel.  It was back in August when she uploaded the video and I've had this project on my mind since then.  I don't know why I waited this long.  I mean one of the queens of DIY (Brooke Mahan) is involved in this so how could I hate it?  Needless to say I couldn't find absolutely everything I needed (the things listed here) in the store so I have to wait to pick things up but hopefully next time I'll be able to get everything I do need.  I might actually pick up the materials when I'm in the city because they always have like everything I need in the Michaels on Avenue of the Americas.

You know I had to include a quick snapshot of my commuting shoes.  I always do this because it is physically impossible to walk like 10 blocks in heels.  If I was living in the city and just hopping on and off the subway I would be 100% game to do that, but now I'm on the train for hours commuting and walking longer distances, so sneakers are my jam for the commuting process.

I hopped off the 14th street subway station (sans cute little girl dancing) and had some time before my meeting so I headed to Coffee Bean.  I always get a Caramel Latte when I'm here because they literally make the best ones.  My all time favorite coffee drink that isn't just black coffee is a Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks but this would be my second choice.  Well done Coffee Bean!

Before my second meeting I decided to pop into Forever 21 because I had about a 1/2 hour and I was already where I needed to be.  I wanted to meet a friend for lunch but there just wasn't enough time so I figured I'd shop (naturally).  I saw this adorable sign hanging up in the corner of the store.  I always wonder why they don't put the cute stuff like this front and center.  I just love it.  

When the day was over I was ready to head home.  The photo on the right is me in stealth mode chilling in Penn Station waiting for my lines platform to be announced.  I was inside but had the sunglasses on.  Typical diva moment.  

Over the weekend we got healthy and unhealthy.  It was a pretty relaxing weekend and I had a ton of laundry to do.  I have been re-watching Desperate Housewives on Netflix again and I FINALLY finished it this weekend, haha.  #Goals.  How adorable is this clementine on the left with the Cuties Rule sticker!  Ugh, my heart melts.  I then classically had to have a BEC on a jalapeno bagel from Barons.  The bomb, don't judge me.

Then finally.. today!  IT SNOWED.  This is the first time it actually stuck to the grass this year.  This is the only type of snow I like, the picturesque type.  I hate it otherwise, lol.  I actually had a conversation the other day with my friend though about how I'm starting to like the cold weather more now.  This is an extremely rare statement for me to make though because normally I am WARM weather only.  I didn't hate seeing the snow fall from the sky today though.  I just hate when it ruins commuting plans so you just have to be careful!

How has your blogmas been going?  Are you ready for Christmas?  Have you gotten all of your gifts?  I cannot believe how fast the month of December is already flying.  Send me a tweet or leave a comment below and let me know the answer to my qUeStiOnzZzZ* -Brit.

Light Spring Lunch with Avocado!

Along with my wishful thinking that spring weather would actually come back and the rain would stop, I decided to eat something light/springy today for lunch.  I can't lie, I was a little apprehensive about the bread being too heavy, but it was so delicious the way all of the flavors mixed together.  This was actually the second day that I had this for lunch and I thought it was a great mix.  Yesterday I had it with a hard broiled egg on it but I have no more of them, must get hard boiling!  

I want to say that I HAVE spoken about my undying love for avocados here before.  I think I posted another sandwich very similar to this one (but with an english muffin) last year.  As you can see, I have decided to go with 7-Grain bread, avocado, American cheese and tomato.  What you can't see is the light (very light) layer of some honey dijon.  

All of these flavors just mix so well together.  Yesterday when I had the egg on the sandwich as well, I tasted a tweet bit and there was no honey dijon so I think the bread has a slight sweetness.  

Who doesn't love a nice bowl of fruit with their sandwich?  Not only was this delicious, but it's a healthy alternative.  Having something crisp and delicious is also something that reminds me of the spring.  I'm over the apple pie, bring on the watermelon!  For now until watermelon starts appearing in stores around me, I have opted for a pear and some strawberries.  Strawberries always remind me of the start of spring and into summer so inherently it just makes me happier!

What do you guys normally snack on/have for lunch in the spring?  Do you change up your eating habits drastically to calm your mood?  I mean, isn't that the point of 'comfort food?'  I love being able to make whatever I want, whenever I want it so this is really good to me.  April showers will hopefully be bringing May flowers and some warmer weather and this meal has certainly made me believe it a little bit more.  Send me a tweet and let me know what you're thinking!  Thanks for reading.  -Brit.   

Fun Links on Friday, 3/14!

via Cosmopolitan 

16 Ways Twentysomething Women Rationalize Spending Money via Cosmopolitan

So this story gives me life.  There are always times in your life when you feel like you just must spend money on something.  We all have to admit it.  For example, my ex-boyfriend has always been one to not spend any money on ANYTHING but even when he sees something come out, he spends the money immediately because he feels like he MUST have it before anyone else.  Everyone has the passion for at least one concept in their life that they feel is so important and thats where spending money often comes in.  While I admit that I do share that same passion for clothes, shoes and money, I don't always muse about why I should get said top or pair of jeans, I quickly rationalize and just make the purchase.  While a lot of these examples aren't exactly thoughts of mine, some of them make connections with the way I make my purchases and I couldn't help but share it with you guys.  After all, I did just have the busiest week at work EVER, so I do deserve $100 shopping spree at H&M, sign me up.  How do you rationalize spending money?  

via Buzzfeed

Sexiest Gif of Joe Jonas Ever via Buzzfeed

So everyone that knows me knows that while I was in high school I went through the hugest Jonas Brothers phase that you ever did see.  I skipped Senior Prom to get to a concert, I watch the live streams that they did, I learned as much has possible about the Road Dogs, I tried finding out everything there was to know about them living in New Jersey and a whole bunch more.  I wish I could say that I was embarrassed but I most certainly am not.  Being that they held such a soft spot in my heart for so long, I feel like at least Joe will never leave that spot and that's why I couldn't help but include this beautiful gif of the boy, ugh I love him.  Who was your favorite high school band?  

via Leaf tv

Rose Water Pudding via Leaf tv on Youtube

So what better way to welcome Spring than with trying out the recipe for something as magical as freaking Rose Pudding.  This video makes me want to go out this weekend and get the ingredients to make this ASAP.  Not only is the presentation of this adorable, but I feel like it will taste SO AMAZING.  I love anything rose flavored.  I remember when I tried Rose Water Macarons from Le Maison du Maraon in New York this summer I almost fell over they were so delicious.  

via a Fab Life

What To Do With Broken Jewelry via A Fab Life

I mean, let us be completely honest.  How much $2 jewelry have you purchase from Forever21?  I cannot tell a lie, I have way too much.  Granted, some of it is still holding up but a lot of it doesn't really last long especially if it's more statement-making or costume jewelry.  Leah and Mary always make 'Tipsy Tuesday' videos explaining some tips for random things in your life that you may not think to do and that's what sets them apart.  I love learning new things from them especially through their adorable storytelling videos and illuminating personalities.   They are adorable so go check them out and subscribe to their channel!

Chanel's Supermarket Chic via NY Times

Of course I can't let this go without talking about some of Chanel's latest.  I mean, as already a huge fan of everything Chanel, I can't really get over the fact that everything they do is perfect to me.  With this though, I felt fashionably touched.  Being that I used to work at a supermarket (most ridiculous, traumatizing seven years of my life), I felt like Lagerfeld reached deep into my soul and pulled out this fantastic connection.  Ugh, let me just sigh for a minute because even though I felt the connection, there are just more clothes that I probably will never be able to afford.  Strangely, I am still 100% okay with that.

What have you been loving this week?  Anything good?  You know I would love to see so feel free to share with me in the comments below or send me a tweet!  I hope you guys have an awesome weekend and I will talk to you soon!  Thanks for reading as always.