TGIF

I like things and have always been a collector but try not to put stock in inanimate objects. I'm not usually one to freak out when said thing plummets to it's impending doom. Like say my coffee mug. Last week my trusted coffee mug broke for the second time, super glue was no longer an option, I was due for a replacement.

It was easy to find a replacement at Anthropologie, I'm really liking the easy breezy watercolor pattern. I like to think this special morning mug can send me off into my work day with good vibes, but really I know that while balancing work, evening classes, and a social calendar, it's my daily 5 minutes to gather my thoughts and give myself a pat on the back. Perhaps even say "Go get em tiger!" or "You go girl," (insert your favorite mantra here) before venturing out into the big city. I guess this is my morning ritual in a hectic world that I didn't even realize I had.

Any other curious morning rituals out there? Any zen "omm" chanters? Any Full English Breakfast eaters? Calories permitting, I would totally join the Morning Bacon Wakers.

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 {happy mornings start with french press coffee}

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 {Ziggy purrfers coffee}

Food Parade

In case you were curious I went with a "Devil's Advocate" black pedicure last Friday. All in the name of trying something new - and I surprisingly really like it.

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 {weekend ready with my first black pedi}

The rest of the weekend was comprised of many drinks and food. My sweet tooth led us to a pre-dinner Waffle & Dinges food truck I know far too well parked at the Central Park Zoo entrance. Then onto Tacos which were good but did not compare to Barrio Chino's... We finished the evening at my favorite creperie, Creperie.

The next afternoon we met up at The Meatball Shop, which I recommend to anyone (veggie balls are an option). I was lucky to have gone here before as an accomplice food taster for my friend's Opening Ceremony blog review and we got to meet the owner. He was outstanding and told us he wanted to "spread his balls around town." Hey, at the time they were expanding to two new locations... Sheesh. 

So, despite one food-photo-taker protester at the table, I was able to sneak some pics as evidence that I was there. Also despite a lack of colorful garnish, my meatball/sauce/side combination was a wonderful afternoon-after-late-night-out meal. It should be noted that the menu comes with a marker to make your selections so your food fate is in your hands, and lethally so - we all ordered way too much.

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 {the DIY menu}

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 {fresh milled polenta, spicy pork meatball, and parmesan alfredo sauce}

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 {brownie walnut cookies sandwiching fresh mint ice cream}

It was a great weekend of catching up, although I was unable to convince my dear sister's boyfriend to quit his job and focus on the band. So, that was a miss.  

To recap the food festivus + clickable links for your own food parade:

 - Wafels & Dinges

- not Barrio Chino's but tacos none the less... 

- Creperie 

- The Meatball Shop

Now onto packing up the apartment to take with me on vacation... I hope to capture some beautiful photos to share with ya'll. 

xoR

pear basil cocktail

A light + refreshing beverage to end a hot Tuesday in July...

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 {the toolkit}

You'll need:  

*Fresh Basil

*Pear Vodka (try with Pear Juice for a no booze alternative + let me know the results!)

*Lemon San Pellegrino (a mix of lemonade + soda water works too)

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 {the back of a knife works great for muddling}

1) Tear/crumple/muddle 3-4 leaves of basil in the bottom of each glass to release the herbal aromas. 

2) Add ice, pour 1-2 shots of pear vodka in + top off with Lemon SanPellegrino to taste.

Voila!

You have a refreshing herbal cocktail perfect for any summer meal. 

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 {your herbal concoction awaits}

xo.