Zucchini Noodles with Fried Egg

Pretty simple meal that was pretty tasty! Zucchini noodles topped with jarred spaghetti sauce, a shallot, and wilted spinach, finished off with a fried egg.

College Care Package

I read a really touching article about a teenage boy who has been homeless since he was 11, yet still managed to graduate high school and start college (with the help of some great mentors). I got permission to send him a care package and was determined to cram as much into the flat rate box as possible. Not bad, and I hope it helps him get settled in as he approaches this next step in his life.

Fried Okra with Italian Salsa

Okra is just not a fun vegetable. I've never been a fan. But I can handle it fried (covered in egg and almond flour, cooked in coconut oil) with lots of salt and a tasty little salsa (tomato, olive oil, shallot, basil, salt, pepper). It makes it almost taste good (almost).

NYC - Day 4

Our last day was a short one, but we managed to clock over 30+ miles while we were there. We slept in a bit, then walked past the Flat Iron building to get lunch (John got a sandwich from Eataly, I got more shawarma and fries from the ilili food truck), then on to the airport for a quick two hour flight back. Can't wait to visit again!

NYC - Day 3

This is going to be a tough birthday to top. A walk through Times Square, 30 Rock, and Central Park, then on to Chelsea Market for killer vegan sushi (so pretty) and chocolate covered honeycomb (OMG). I also had the best gluten free cupcake I've ever had in my life at Sugar & Plumm. It's a good thing they're not in Charleston or I would eat one every day. Dinner was Lebanese food at ilili near our hotel (best fries EVER...and duck shawarma). Then it was on to Brooklyn Bridge Park for some really cool views of the Manhattan skyline.

Near midnight we joined the crazy long line to the top of the Empire State Building, where we saw the city from a new perspective. Then it was a late night stop in Little Korea for some bibimbap. And our hotel room was upgraded to an incredible suite because of water damage--over 700 square feet with a record player, claw foot tub, and king sized bed. Too cool!

NYC - Day 2

The second day we ventured past Eataly down Park Avenue, where there was a summer street festival going on. We ended up in a cool comic store and then at the amazing Strand Bookstore. After grabbing some juice we headed to the Union Square farmer's market, where there was lots of cool produce and vendors. Then it was on to Jennifer's Way bakery for some gluten/dairy free treats.

For the final leg, we hiked through Little Italy and China Town before heading over to the West Village for tasty gluten free risotto and bread sticks at Risotteria (heaven!). Dinner was in Little Korea, where we wandered around before calling it a night.

NYC - Day 1

I love New York like no body's business and when plane tickets dropped to the low 100s I jumped on the chance to make it up for a birthday weekend. John and I checked into the awesome hipsterish Ace Hotel in mid-town, then headed to Ravagh for some Persian food. That evening we walked through the Highline ( a cool railway turned park) on the way to Chelsea Piers for a super fun adult gymnastics class.

Final stop was Wild in Greenwich Village for some gluten free pizza with vegan cheese. Very tasty. I slept like a baby that night...even with the travel we logged about 10 miles total!

Burgers and Tater Tots

Yum, yum, yum. That pretty much sums it up! Easy little grass fed burgers cooked on a cast iron skillet with some frozen sweet potato tots fried in coconut oil.

Curry Laksa

My awesome friend Laura just moved to DC (boo) and was back in town (yay!) for a work conference. We headed over to Co, where I tried the much-hyped curry laksa. It's worth the hype :). Missed my Laura time but looking forward to visiting her and Adam in October!

Artichoke Veggie Shrimp Stack

I went a teensy bit overboard with the artichoke tapenade from Trader Joe's (along the outside of the plate), but otherwise this was yum-o. Quickly sauteed some diced zucchini, fresh spinach, roasted garlic, and diced cherry tomatoes with lemon juice and salt. Topped with some freshly steamed shrimp. Easy weeknight meal!

Steak, Brussel Sprouts, & Butternut Squash Puree

I don't usually brag about my kitchen skillz, but this was AMAZING. I got the idea from my friend Kristin, who is currently doing Whole30, and man it was good. The idea of pureeing vegetables is so simple yet brilliant. In this case it was butternut squash with coconut milk, salt/pepper, roasted garlic, tumeric, and a little cumin hit with the immersion blender until smooth. The brussel sprouts were just chopped and tossed in olive oil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and garlic, then roasted at 425 for about 30-40 minutes. The steak was cooked on the stove top in ghee with thyme, salt, and pepper. I am so doing this again soon!