[Ny Minute Now]

I have yet to own a copy of the hefty 880-page read written by former New York Times food columnist Molly O'Neill, but as I've just found out tonight, my Milk Chocolate and Marshmallow Cornflake Cookie recipe made it on page 756! Here's a snippet from the Simon & Schuster website, describing the book and its author:

"Meticulously selected from more than 20,000 contributions, the cookbook's 600 recipes are a definitive portrait of what we eat and why. In this lavish volume—illustrated throughout with historic photographs, folk art, vintage advertisements, and family snapshots—O'Neill celebrates heirloom recipes like the Doughty family's old-fashioned black duck and dumplings that originated on a long-vanished island off Virginia's Eastern Shore, the Pueblo tamales that Norma Naranjo makes in her horno in New Mexico, as well as modern riffs such as a Boston teenager's recipe for asparagus soup scented with nigella seeds and truffle oil."

You'll find the full article here. And, my friend, Bianca Garcia—whose Pork and Chicken Adobo recipe is on page 502—blogged about One Big Table at Confessionsofachocoholic.com.

Will post my feature and recipe once I have a copy of the book!

Image courtesy of Simon & Schuster.

Labels: books, career, dessert, fab friends, food, New York

Budget limits and practical reasoning aside (at least for certain items), here's what's on my holiday wishlist:

1) An ergonomic chair
For my back. For my writing. Enough said. I did finally manage to buy a desk from Ikea. I went to the store twice: the first day, to get the legs; the second day, to buy the tabletop. Up until then I didn't realize how easy it was to commute to the store in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

The new Canon PowerShot S95.

2) A new camera
I'm not too thrilled to say that my new Nokia phone seems to take better photos than my six-year-old Sony Cybershot, at least for certain shots in low light. And, since blogging is part of my livelihood, it's probably about time to do an upgrade.

3) A TV
I do not own a television set. I can go for months without seeing live broadcast. In fact, the first thing I did when I moved to the Bronx was remove the TV and cable box in my new room. The Food Network is the only channel that I've consistently watched whenever I've had television access. And, I catch up on favorite shows like 30 Rock, White Collar, and Burn Notice via Hulu.com, the NBC and USA Network websites, and others.

Yet, if I want to eventually work in TV, I need to watch TV and have daily access to it.

4) A citrine ring
Just because. Well, ever since I'd dropped my faux citrine cocktail ring two years ago, I've been on the lookout for a replacement. I saw a real, precious one while walking home from the library, and simply got reminded of this bejeweled craving.

Bialetti 3-Cup Moka Express

5) A Bialetti Moka Express...
...That I finally got to buy on Amazon! I initially lusted after a Nespresso machine or any of those pod-ready coffee contraptions, however, upon giving it some thought, I realized I preferred the Moka pot's natural approach to good espresso. Hence, I gifted myself with the shiny silver brewer (it's much, much more affordable, too, than the former!).

6) A manual pasta machine
There is an attachment for the Kitchenaid mixer but I would actually prefer a good ol' pasta maker.

7) A new daytime, full-time job.
For me to actually afford all of the above (not counting the Moka pot).

A new daytime job, where I could work for at least a year. While working as a consultant and freelancer has been FUN—and my writing plate has never ever been empty despite the lack of an office cubicle/corner office—I now desire something more long-term. It reminds me of dating—that stage when both parties decide to commit and go for the long haul.

Born Champagne Metallic flats.

Hence, it's all (cyber) window shopping and wishlists for now.

(Speaking of online shopping, check out Zappos.com for cute Born flats, clogs, and women's Oxfords.)

Images courtesy of Friedchillies.com, Canon.com.au, and Zappos.com.

Labels: gadgets, holiday, home and living, New York, New York minutes, online shopping, pro-blogging, stuff I buy

Mini lemon pies from Go For A Bite.

Have you been to AllMySugar.com lately? Check out Go For A Bite—it's about this quaint little shop in Greenwich Village that sells delicious cream puffs (that are indeed, creamy AND airy!), and Orange Chocolate, my latest sweet indulgence from Target.

I haven't forgotten about this blog though. I've just been...busy, for lack of a better word. Over Thanksgiving break, I went home to Denver for a little R&R...where I actually got to make cream puffs from a recent issue of Martha Stewart Everyday Food. More on that in another post.

On the work and writing front, my plate is quite full these days, even if you exclude the mounting blog backlog (sometimes I wish I had one of those tiny, tiny Sony Vaio netbooks, so I can blog whenever, wherever. I do have an Acer that's pretty much portable so I essentially have no excuse). As for the search for a new writing day job, I've been applying here and there so for sure I will keep you all posted when I have exciting news to share.

Labels: career, dessert, holiday, New York, New York minutes, travel, work

The big shopping bag is by far my favorite part of the collection. It's cute enough to cut out, frame, and hang on the wall.

Alber Elbaz's new limited collection for H&M  hit stores today amidst wild anticipation from fierce fashionistas all over the metro, and dare I say, the world. The curious thing about this is that I don't consider myself an avid follower of fashion, as I tend to be "French" in my choices—as in keeping key pieces in heavy rotation and purchasing trendy pick-uppers and wardrobe boosters every season or so—and, I'm not exactly a fan of either brand. Lanvin, for obvious practical reasons; H&M, because of how items in the store seem to have dwindled in quality and overall Wow! that was so ubiquitous and unique of the brand back in 2006. [Afterthought: Well, Lanvin is French after all. So maybe eventually, when I can afford couture et. al., I'd have a better appreciation for the brand.]

Promising. (And yes, you do get a hanger when you buy a piece from the limited edition line.)

At a brand identity seminar I'd attended at my old job, words that came up to describe the store were "low quality," "cheap," with the speaker brazenly declaring that if it weren't for China, H&M wouldn't even be possible. In recent years, the store has cultivated such a bad reputation as witnessed by run-of-the-mill frocks so close to being actual designer knockoffs...or at least that's what people in New York have been saying, more or less. I for one, used to really like the store, up until maybe 2007, when I noticed that the items were, indeed, not so great anymore, and had a "cheap" and "plastic" feel to them, especially with the accessories. Gone was that whole Swedish-Euro vibe that first drew me in when I initially got to know the store on my first trip to London and a succeeding trip to Milan (I still have and wear H&M accessories purchased from back then).

You also get a cute canvas garment bag with your purchase of a dress, or in my case, a t-shirt. (Or, you can politely ask the cashier for one, which I did.)

By the looks of it, Elbaz's new line promises to bring back that sense of quality and quirky-but-accessible fashion it seems to have lost amidst the mass production and plasticky neon accessories. But then, by all means do not take my word for it; I am no official authority in fashhh...ion. Plus, walking to where the Lanvin pieces were, I caught a glimpse of the regular accessories section and things seem to be looking up. I may just go back for that ballet-slipper pink floral statement necklace.

All that said, I hadn't seriously planned on being at the store to witness the hooplah surrounding the Lanvin for H&M collection. Yet, I do have "fierce fashionista" friends—former/current fashion editors, fashion students, etc.—who keep track of these things, and as if by osmosis, I am easily and automatically updated because if it were entirely up to me, I would only concern myself with food and home-related accoutrements, such as Giada de Laurentiis's collection for Target, you know...those kinds of things.

The smaller paperbag for the smaller pieces in the collection.

So, this morning, I discovered how the folks at H&M figured out a way to manage excited crowds by issuing color-coded wristbands that corresponded to specific timeslots. You had to be there early to get a wristband, along with some freebies. Well, I wasn't there that early; my friend/cousin-in-law, Happy David, gave me an extra wristband, and I had about 10 minutes to look at everything by the time it was my turn. I'm not kidding, I'd barely browsed the merchandise—which by noon had dwindled to a skeletal few—when someone announced, "four minutes." I got a cute embellished t-shirt and that was it. I'd originally wanted the yellow dress my other friend Kat Dy blogged about here but upon closer inspection, it didn't feel worth the splurge (plus, I'm still technically jobhunting, so $199 for a dress is a major no-no at this point). The shirt was a reasonable $39.95, considering the whole Lanvin thing, the embellishments, and the handmade feel to it.

I didn't have time to admire this embellished tee at the store, but when I tried it on at home, I found it to be quite fab. It can be dressed up or down; worn both in cold and warm weather. Now, how to wash it...

Labels: career, fab friends, fashion, home and living, New York, New York minutes, something French, stuff I buy

When I got laid off from my job as a copywriter last week, I didn't feel as distraught as I'd had in the past when I'd experienced the loss of a job. For one, this was an honest-to-goodness, budget-related layoff—no boo-boos, no office drama...at least that's what I'd like to believe and what I've been reassured of.

In the 12 weeks/3 months I was working for Avon, I've come up with memorable taglines, emails, and collateral copy for the trend brand that is mark. I've met beautiful and amazing people in the course of my time there—so no regrets, more or less. I only wish I'd had more moments to grow and blossom within that environment, but I believe that the time one is given in a place, is the time one has in that place, like I've said in this post.

And, unlike in the past wherein it took me months, or even more than a year to pen my thoughts, this time I'm speaking out while it's fresh. It was such a very pleasant conversation that I'd had with my boss, that I now have fond memories of the office and of mark. Plus, I still have the eBoutique I'd put up for research, so maybe now I could actually market it; or at least finally shop for items online.

The photo above was taken over the weekend at a friend's birthday party. I love it because it speaks a thousand words: the mark. outfit and lipstick; the genuine smile and excitement that comes with the anticipation of dessert; the way my stacked rings were captured in the photograph; the delicious banoffee pie a friend of mine made (a recipe that a former colleague shared), and more. And just like how newlyweds cut the cake as a symbol of their new life together—or, as I've learned from an elderly, soft-spoken painter I'd met at the party, how stomping on a wine glass in Jewish weddings signifies "getting the first disaster out of the way"—I welcome this change with the same sheer anticipation of all great things to come.

Labels: career, fab friends, faith, inspiration, life musings, New York, New York minutes, work

Yahoo! I'm one degree less separated from one of my favorite people in the world, with the recent feature of our beautiful/wonderful/fun/exciting wedding in Martha Stewart Weddings Philippines. Special thanks to editor-in-chief and my good friend, Tata Mapa, who had requested for the exclusive 'rights' to be the first to feature our wedding in a publication—print or online. Now, I'm not one to say no to anything Martha, so, here we are! Tata had actually met her in New York City and later on received a handwritten note from the domestic diva and kitchen maven herself. Love the gracious gesture and manners.

So now I can really share our photos with the rest of the world. You'll find some in my blog posts, "I got married!" and "Talking about suppliers," and of course, the YouTube slideshow below that I doubt I'll ever tire of viewing (and listening to) by photographer Pat Dy and team.


(Music by Jon Schmidt, "Love Story Taylor Swift meets Viva La Vida Coldplay Piano Cello" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfH2BY5pdLw.)

Labels: fab friends, love Manila, magazines, New York, New York minutes, wedding

Earlier this afternoon the paralegal from the lawyer's office called, asking for my birth certificate. I'm in the process of renewing my green card, which expires every 10 years (only the card itself expires, not the permanent resident status, FYI). It's routine paperwork, but with immigration, you never know. Fortunately, I've kept a scan of the document on my computer so I immediately dashed home to get to it and send it over.

Now, remember how I said before that I would never want to live in New York City again, and then eating my words by moving back? (No regrets, by the way) Also, haven't I been heralding more than ever the importance of staying positive? The universe has a sense of humor, I believe. It occurred to me on the way home that I do have to follow my own advice.

And, I'm not having difficulty doing so. I know that whatever time I have and am given to be here, is the perfect amount of time that I have to be here. If it's until next year, it's until next year; if it's another 10 years, then it's another 10 years. It's as simple as that. I've always let God hold the steering wheel of my life. I've kept this quote on my phone that goes, "A man plans his way, but God directs his steps." The note says it's from Proverbs. I must have picked it up from a homily at mass.

Now, funny when I was thinking about the possibility of no longer getting to live here in New York City, or Denver, or in any city in America down the line, my foremost concern was that I now really, really had to make the most out of my trips to Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Maoz Falafel, Lobster Shack, Tokyo-san Bowl, Serafina, the taco trucks, Halal food stalls...and all the palate-pleasing opportunities this country has to offer!

Image courtesy of http://moviejunkieonline.com.

UPDATE 10/12/10: My new (renewed) green card is here! So, onto this American journey.

Labels: faith, food, life musings, New York, New York minutes

Tuesday and Wednesdays were rainy days here in New York. Out came the rubber boots and umbrellas, and, if you ask me, I love it when it's wet out. But, the guy on the elevator was right in saying that it's only fun when you get to stay home in bed.

Speaking of puddle-friendly notes, two things:

1. I have another job online as managing editor for Studio One Networks, publishers of the TheStyleGlossy.com that now features a spin-off microsite catering to readership in Manila, Singapore, and Malaysia. I'm tasked to write two full-length articles every month (strictly editorial content!), as well as assign two bloggers who ideally can write very well and also have their own blogs (share the link love!). Of course, it was only natural for me to tap into my immediate circle of writer and editor friends. The latest post, "Shopping for Rain Boots" is written by former Cosmo fashion ed, Kat Dy, whom I've also blogged about here. You'll also find my "Rain-ready Wear" article here.

2. If the above piqued your interest in rain-footwear-shopping, check out Jildorshoes.com, where you can buy boots from Juicy Couture, Stuart Weitzman, as well as pricey leather Thierry Rabotin shoes, if that's your kind of thing. Of course you can't go wrong with a good Hunter Wellington boot, and the Canadian brand, Kamik (mine have stood the test of time for the latter). Personally, I'm still happy with what I have collected over the years and have no plans as yet to go shopping for new ones. But, with shoes, you never really know.

Labels: fab friends, New York, New York minutes, online shopping, pro-blogging, work

Today, this question beckoned: "Why are you always in a good mood?"

I got reminded of 30Rock with Jack Donaghy addressing Kenneth Parcell. For the purpose of illustrating this post, I don't mind the association with the perpetually perky studio paige.

So, I thought, why not write down my answers? Here they are:

1. I'm happy because I've been through a lot of pain to get to where I am now.

2. One week in a month, I'm on glass-half-empty mode. So, I have to do my best with the three other weeks wherein I'm not bloated and cranky.

3. Happiness is a decision one makes. I can choose to fixate and stress myself out (I'd mentioned this as well in this post), but whats the point? However, I do stress and fixate…in private.

4. I'm working on an article on Botox. I do not recommend it, have not tried it, and have no plans to. But, if I start frowning now, that might change and I wouldn't want to have to make that decision.

5. Life is good! Come on, there are plenty of reasons to CELEBRATE. For one, I left my country and loved ones for a shot in the Big Apple. TWICE. And, things are indeed better the second time around.

With that, I close the 30-Day Blog Challenge for the year (whew!). It was a little tougher this time around, but invigorating overall. Now I just want to shut myself out of the blogging world for a while…I'm kidding! (More on those thoughts, tomorrow.)

So, cheers everyone and thanks for reading!

Image courtesy of DenverPost.com.

Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, life musings, New York, New York minutes, work

I've been going to the Vanity Fair website a lot lately—from leisurely browsing to finding inspiration for a work-related task. I also recently bought the September (printed!) issue featuring Lady Gaga on the cover. Before I get into some super-cool photos, I'd like to share this snippet from the celebrity profile written by contributing editor Lisa Robinson. I'm not exactly a huge fan of Ga-ga-ooh-la-la, but I particularly liked what was written here:

It was a low point . . . when disaster struck, Gaga “went home.” She tells Robinson, “All I will say is I hit rock bottom, and it was enough to send a person over the edge. My mother knew the truth about that day, and she screamed so loud on the other end of the phone, I’ll never forget it. And she said, ‘I’m coming to get you.’” Gaga says they went to her 82-year-old grandmother’s house in West Virginia. “I cried. I told her I thought my life was over and I have no hope and I’ve worked so hard, and I knew I was good. What would I do now? And she said, ‘I’m gonna let you cry for a few more hours. And then after those few hours are up, you’re gonna stop crying, you’re gonna pick yourself up, you’re gonna go back to New York, and you’re gonna kick some ass.’”

(Source: http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2010/08/lady-gaga-september-issue.html)

That's definitely good to keep in mind whenever sadness strikes.

Now, onto those photos: VF had asked 52 experts to weigh in on the five most important works of architecture created since 1980. The magazine received a total of 132 names of buildings and uploaded photos of the top 21 on the website. And, here are my own faves.




Images sourced from VanityFair.com, published by Condé Nast Digital. Photographers are credited within captions. For copyright concerns and clarifications, please email me at mariel.chua@gmail.com.

Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, celebrities, magazines, New York, New York minutes

I've had the chance to work with Sara, the creative intern at mark., these last few weeks and I'm posting a special shout-out her way because not only did she just hand me this super cute card (from Papyrus), but she also helped me get acclimatized to my new job. Her bubbly and energetic self was such a welcome treat and I'll truly miss her (it's her last day at work today but she'll most probably be popping by every now and then).

Many of you may not know this, but mark.—Avon's younger trend brand—has "a world class internship program," in the words of mark. president Claudia Poccia. And I'm not saying that because I work here; I know this much is true because I've recently just managed an internship program, and what I've seen in only a few weeks has been amazing so far. And, duh, I started out as an intern myself, so it's safe to say and acknowledge that I have a soft spot for anybody who's new in the biz.

What I'm also discovering and liking about the company right now is how positive the environment is, how people are open to doing things in new ways. And, for someone who has worked in different places and in different stretches of time, it's a refreshing reminder of how working in an office again can be fun and exciting.

Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, beauty, New York, New York minutes, work

Oops, I did it again.

So last night, yet again, I fell asleep in front of the computer while attempting to write a blog post for the day. I was supposed to talk about Cupcake Day—what essentially yesterday was.

Around lunchtime, I had a craving for the red velvet cupcake sold at a nearby deli. I have a feeling that it's the same one sold at Crumbs Bakeshop, which I actually prefer over the famous Magnolia Bakery.


Speaking of the latter, we were called to the conference room in the afternoon to celebrate someone's bridal shower. Scattered all over the large table were an assortment of Magnolia Cupcakes! Vanilla, chocolate, chocolate and vanilla frosting.... One word: Sweet!

On the kitchen front, my baking life seems to be more and more stalling in the backburner these days. Ever since I've moved to New York, I haven't made any dessert. Hopefully—while I'm still shopping around for a good and affordable yoga studio and/or gym membership—I can get around churning out sweet things of my own.

Image courtesy of http://www.paklinks.com.

Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, chocolate, dessert, fitness, New York, New York minutes, work

Kat Dy is the former fashion editor of Cosmopolitan Philippines, who also is now based in New York City, studying even more fashion! What I like about Kat's style is that she mixes high and low with ease, and she always looks effortlessly styled and never contrived (even when she's wearing piles and piles of necklaces on a regular day). She's also practical: meaning, she know when flats make better sense (hello, NYC) and when sky-highs are in order.

She was also very generous enough to let me stay in her apartment for two weeks when I just got in while she went on holiday for her birthday.

Which brings me to...her blog! Kat has just started KatDyFinds.com, a blog about stuff for a girl with "champagne tastes on a beer budget." And, here's how she describes herself: "Well, I'm more like the girl who gets an $8 bottle of sweet white wine that everybody likes. It's not champagne, it's not beer, it's somewhere in between yet just as lovely. Here is where I share all the amazing finds, bargains, deals, tricks and everything else in between that I chance upon."

Her recent post is about these "LOVE" shoes—I've already seen her wearing them and hadn't noticed that the cutouts spell the word out! So amazing! Read more about them here.

Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, fab friends, fashion, New York

A couple of weeks ago, in the car ride back from the airport, this thought came to mind: "Oh my gosh. What I am doing (alone) here again?" A wave of nervousness washed over me, but I didn't have time to fixate—East Hampton was waiting.

And this time around, it felt different. True, I was still concerned about establishing a career, finding an apartment, and being able to pay rent, but, Lily Pond Lane proved to be the breathtaking and inspiring welcome back to the city was once tough and brutal yet also brimming with opportunities and possibilities….. When I moved to New York the first time around, my first few days were marked with the stress of 1) Finding a decent bed without busting my budget; 2) Finding a job ASAP—that aforementioned 'budget' was definitely NOT going to last until next month's rent is due, and 3) Adjusting to being away from my then boyfriend (now husband) after seeing each other almost everyday prior to moving.

The difference between then and now is that I no longer feel so small in this big city. I have higher expectations around me and of people, which in turn, pushes me to step up and pick up the pace (I have to deliver!).

And, of course, change happened when I decided to PRIORITIZE and TAKE A BREATHER—which I've written about in my Time Out, New York post.

Image courtesy of Vanguardist.org.

Labels: career, life musings, New York, New York minutes, vacations

mark. is the younger trend brand of Avon and I'd recently started working for the company as a copywriter. (THAT's actually what I've been so excited about lately!) The products are soo cute and I just keep getting reminded of being (back in) Seventeen again!

So, it was only natural that I opened my own mark. store (click on that cute icon on the upper lefthand side of this page). It's one way for me to get to know the brand even better AND actually have first-hand experience of being a Rep—both hopefully helping me become a better writer for this fun brand. And, as a general rule, I only endorse products that I actually use or have actually tried. As in the case of when I signed up to do a project with Pond's as a director and spokesperson, I tested the Flawless White 7-day clear-skin-claim on the week leading up to my wedding—with favorable results (whew!).

Let me know what you all think of the store, and of the products. Sorry, mark. currently doesn't ship outside the U.S., but I'm sure there's a Balikbayan box being assembled somewhere—a few cosmetics will be a cinch to squeeze in!

Happy shopping!

Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, beauty, career, New York, work

Around 5pm at work today, small cupcakes (not the one pictured, by the way) were passed around and my coworker started talking about Sweet Revenge—a bar in Greenwich village that has a CUPCAKE(!) and WINE Happy Hour.

Now, I'm not big on post-work cocktails (I'd rather go home and recharge via a nap), but for this one I would definitely make an exception!

Now, who's with me?

For more info, visit the Sweet Revenge website here.

Image courtesy of Thevoguecity.com.

Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, dessert, food, New York, work

In the TV series and now, movies, Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw makes freelance (and novel) writing look so easy. In her fashionable frocks and Manolo Blahniks, she seems to breeze through her assignments with minimal stress.

Now, I'm no Carrie. While I read, write, and edit for a living, I don't exactly hop, skip about town meeting girlfriends for brunch or go shoe-shopping on a whim. I am more inclined to purchase a $400 camera than a $400 pair of stilettos. And, speaking of sky-high footwear, I can't imagine going up and down the subway stairs and maneuvering Manhattan's city blocks in them. In fact, I've just recently considered buying a pair of FitFlops—those cushioned sandals that are supposedly good for one's feet. My friend says she walked in them for days on a recent trip to DC.

Anyway, my biggest, biggest, most ardous challenge has got to be time management and deadlines. And, I realized [when I’d written this] that I'm too old to be stressing about something that should be easily manageable. Also, stressing about deadlines goes against my new mantra of being in the moment. When I postpone things on my to-do list, that's not being in the moment.

And going back to Carrie, if I'm on top of deadlines and all that, I can actually have more time to hop, skip, and brunch my New York days away. And, who knows, I might even consider stilettos once again.

[Update: I never got to purchase those FitFlops and I’d recently taken to wearing heels again.]

Image courtesy of Thesun.co.uk.

Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, celebrities, freelancing, movies, New York, TV shows, work

So, I finally was able to do some decent grocery-shopping. By 'decent' I mean buying good olive oil, salad greens, eggs, and so forth. The newly opened Trader Joe's branch in Chelsea proved to be a fulfilling stop.

The original Trader Joe's in Union Square (steps away from Whole Foods) is known to be quite tight with long lines leading to the registers. But, most people and TJ fans claim that the queues move quite fast—and I agree. However, the new bigger branch was a breath of fresh air: One could linger and ponder purchases without having to go elbow-to-elbow with other shoppers, or feel the pressure to move along quickly because somebody has to pass through the narrow aisle you're in.

Ironically, I'd never gone to Trader Joe's the first time I'd lived in New York. Perhaps I was a Whole Foods purist, up until recently when a friend told me how much cheaper everything was at the former. AND SHE COULDN'T HAVE BEEN MORE SPOT-ON! This evening I had a limited budget, yet, I'd managed to squeeze in said good bottle of olive oil, some cooked lemon pepper chicken fillets, milk, body wash, etcetera. Amazing.



Photos courtesy of dnainfo.com and besenretail.wordpress.com.

Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, food, New York, stuff I buy

At my new job, I've noticed that everyone seems to eat healthy—which is not unusual in a city where one could buy fresh strawberries, cherries, and blueberries on the street while walking home; and where delis have salad and sandwich bars that cater to the most discerning lunch crowd (low fat here, soy there).

My seatmate (who was actually my boss at another job) shies away from dairy with the exception of ice cream and cheese every now and then. My new boss packs her own organic salad for lunch (an excellent reminder to start organizing and planning my meals to bring to work), and another coworker has the physique of a longtime runner (or regular gym-goer).

It's actually easy here in New York to get fit and fab. Not counting the daily commute wherein one rushes for the trains and constantly watches out for traffic lights when crossing the street, it's hardly ever a challenge to get moving out here. Come winter time, one would rather be huffing and puffing rather than stay sedentary, frozen. As for fitness opportunities other than walking or running, do a quick Google search of "yoga in mid-town Manhattan" and watch multiple balloons come up on the map.

The only challenge probably is cashflow—organic food tends to be pricier—but then again, exercise is free, and buying fresh produce, going to the supermarket, and making one's own meals is still far less expensive than takeout.

Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, fitness, food, money matters, New York, New York minutes, work

I love how in Manhattan you could be having breakfast at a quaint cafe, and by afternoon you're enjoying a five-dollar late lunch on a street as buses and cars whiz by.

I was pesco-vegetarian during the whole time I'd lived here before this second move. So, I totally missed out on New York street food, only discovering (vegetarian-friendly) falafel late in the game and around the same time I was leaving the city.

Since I've moved back again and have long reintroduced chicken in my diet, I've gone to a handful Halal food stalls: the one across the Diamond District on Sixth Avenue; the post-work dinner haunts near the Hilton midtown; the one on Third Avenue near the Rodale office. And, my favorite one so far was the one in Chelsea, the cart on 18th St. beside Bed Bath and Beyond. I ordered my usual half chicken and half falafel over yellow rice, lettuce, drizzled in yummy garlic sauce with hot sauce on the side. And, this particular one came with a side of chickpeas in some thickened brown sauce (a first among all the stalls I've tried); it was good.

Tip: The servings are pretty large, so save the rest for another meal by transferring leftovers in a sturdy plastic container that you can refrigerate without spilling. Note that the sauces and spices may cause said dish to spoil rapidly. If it starts smelling funkier than it's supposed to, DO NOT EAT.

Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, food, New York, New York minutes