June 2011
2 posts
Un-natural labeling
There is yet to be a definitive system of rating what truly makes a product organic. California is attempting to devise a system for measuring how safe a product really is, by requiring any product labeled “organic” to be filled with at least 70% organic ingredients. This forces many companies who are greenwashing to properly label their products, making it easier for consumers to see what they...
Cleanse without Fasting?
I’ve tried the celebrity favorite Blueprint juice cleanse many times, and am still not convinced the misery of drinking only liquids for days is worth the end result. I’m skeptical of depriving your body of real food for that long, because it just craves even more when you are back to solids! I recently came across an interview in Self Magazine with nutritionist Nichole Dandrea where...
May 2011
2 posts
No More "Icing" New York →
Simply Mazzat
Reason #1,111,112 why SF is simply marvelous? Hayes Valley. While visiting this past weekend, my friend brought me to a newly updated Lebanese restaurant called Mazzat. When the waitress told me that 90% of the neighborhood was vegetarian so they had to cater to that, I knew I was in the right place.
We opted for the sampler platter, where we could choose from three hot appetizers and three...
April 2011
2 posts
Take my Pilates class!
To all my favorite Tweeps, and Facebook followers, I wanted to spread the word that I’ve been teaching Pilates Mat at the LIC YMCA! I have free passes for those of you that want them. I am currently teaching at 7pm every Monday!
The Great Spring Cleanse
Earlier this April, my co-workers and I signed up for Social Workout’s “The Great Spring Cleanse”. For those of you who haven’t visited, go there now! It’s a great way to create and log a fitness plan, share your acheivements digitally, and track your progress!
The Great Spring Cleanse is a great way to start “spring cleaning”. The components are fairly...
March 2011
1 post
February 2011
7 posts
EDIBLE dirt candy!
One of my favorite parts about about NYC is the ever-growing population of healthy restaurants. Dirt Candy, the newest on the block, recently opened in East Village.
There are only like 10 small tables so it is pretty hard to get a reservation, but it was well worth it! Every dish features a seasonal, fresh ingredient, and the website features stories behind how many of the dishes are made! We...
Vidal Sassoon.. the yogi??
After touring some of the most prestigious film festivals, the acclaimed documentary about famed hairstylist Vidal Sassoon was finally released in select theaters! I finally got to see the movie last weekend (at the East Village theatre in NYC), and was so inspired for his passion for using hair to create art.
One of the most shocking facts about the movie? He is an avid yogi and can twist...
Guilt-free brownies
Trader Joe’s never fails to impress, hence my newest sweet-obsession: “Reduced Guilt Brownies”. The mix is under $5, incredible simple to make, and the list of the ingredients is short and understandable. All you do is mix fat-free vanilla yogurt in, bake for 25 minutes, and you are done! There is nothing guilty about these brownies at all!
Mia in... Houston
While in Texas for work this week, I overhead someone say “Texans don’t care where you eat, it’s how much you’re eating!” and instantly knew there might not be much ambiance in the Houston area. Luckily, an editor I was meeting with suggested one of the most charming little coffee shops in all of Texas, Tiny Boxwoods Cafe.
From huge mugs of delicious lattes and...
Warm up with Lentil Soup
It’s still hard to believe that last month there was snow in EVERY state except for Florida! As snow days are becoming a component of daily life, they are the perfect opportunity to cook a hearty, health meal at home. My friend Steph and I made this delicious Lentil Soup last week. The picture doesn’t do it justice and looks like a mash of random things, but in reality it is chocked...
(pole) Dancing For Cardio
Having been a ballet dancer for the majority of my life, I am fully aware of the effects that leaping, piroutte-ing and pique-turning has on your heart rate. However, i never would have expected pole dancing to be as strenuous!
Saturday night, a group of girls gathered together for a private pole dancing class to celebrate my friend’s birthday. It was held at Shockra Studios which...
Park Avenue Blooms In February
Despite the massive amounts of snow, there are still some flowers blooming on Park Avenue! Artist Will Ryman is working with the Paul Kasmin Gallery and NYC Department of Parks & Recreation to “plant” huge flowers on the streets of Manhattan.
Ranging from 3 feet to 25 feet in height, nearly 40 flowers will be installed, as well as scattered petals along the sidewalks as well....
January 2011
4 posts
No more road rage... yoga for taxi drivers?! →
Feng Sui... your desk
I’ve always been interested in feng sui-ing my apartment, but it has seemed like such a hassle to reorganize a place that I spend so little time in. I recently read an article in Whole Living that taught you how to Feng Sui your desk. What a great idea! Considering I sit here for 9 hours a day, 5 days a week, I would like to make my area as calming as possible.
In the article, Feng Sui...
Snow bunnies!
This Saturday, my roommate and I went with the ski group Urban Sherpa to Hunter Mountain. What a great way to escape the city and actually take advantage of the tremendous amount of snow we have gotten this year!
I highly recomend traveling with Urban Sherpa. We paid $120 each which included round trip transportation, an all day ski pass, and rentals. The mountain was perfect for us- tons of...
PURE food (and wine)
Thanks to a Groupon special, I finally got a chance to try the unique raw foodie restaurant right down the street from my apartment, Pure Food and Wine. Famous for turning typically glutinous dishes into raw and pure versions, I had been dieing to see if the food would actually taste as good as their unhealthy conterparts.
The verdict? Well the food was definitely different (and expensive) but...
November 2010
1 post
a REVolution for PIzza
Pizza is one of my favorite guilty (and drunk) pleasures, so when I found out a new healthy pizza parlor was opening up in M Hill I was overjoyed. Rev’d Up Pi claims that each slice has less than 170 calories and is baked utilizing only healthy and natural ingredients.
There tons of pizzas to choose from, such as the “Mermaid Pi” topped with Shrimp and Scallops and the...
October 2010
3 posts
ABstract EXpressionism NYC
I’m going to start this post off by saying that the new ABstract EXpressionism exhibit at the MoMA is one of the best I have ever seen. There are many reasons why abstract expressionism is one of my favorite types of art- the fact that the painters are from NYC, the vibrant colors, mythical and yet somtimes politcal subject matters, and its direct influence on grafitti and street art. Here...
My first half-marathon!
I did it!
It ended up being a perfect day for running, mid 60’s and completely sunny. The race was in Central Park, which was the perfect setting. I ran with two of my friends, so it was nice having the support. I finished at 2 hrs 18 mins, which isn’t too bad for running 13 miles! I definitely want to run another one to improve my time, but am glad I at least ran this entire one...
NY Times: Is Rolfing the new Pilates for... →
September 2010
0 posts
C.R.E.A.M
One of my favorite Wu songs of all time, check out this spoof “Cookies Rule Everything Around Me”. Hilarious!
I grew up on the sweet side, the chubby cheek side Candy insides, ain’t no lie. At ice cream shops, with moms and pops Banana splits with cherries on tops.
Hungry youth, rockin a sweet tooth Only times I’m full’s when I’m asleep- truth! I’m all over the snacks like icin’...
August 2010
6 posts
Fresh Fro-yo On Tap
Imagine being able to mix and match 16 flavors of frozen yogurt…. well, you can do just that at the appropriately named “16 Handles” in the East Village. The sister location to the LA store which attracts celebrity clientele such as pre-jail La Lohan, the NYC shop is located on 11th and 2nd. After you make your custom fro-yo flavor, head straight to the toppings bar where you can...
You Are What You "Eataly"
The newest local-food inspired marketplace to hit NYC is opening today! Eataly, an “Italian Food Hall”, is located on W. 23rd and Fifth and was created by famous chefs Mario Batali and Joseph Bastianich. The 36,500 sq-ft space will have over 20 retail spots and include options such as antipasti, salumi, pizza, fresh pasta, crudo and other seafood, roast meats sold by the pound, panini,...
Summer Streets
Imagine a flock of bikes and runners on Park Ave. instead of dirty, honking cabs:
This scene actually happened on Saturday, and will happen next Saturday as well. The NYC “Summer Streets” is a government-sponsored festival where Park Ave. is shut down from Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, giving people a chance to enjoy the city without the usual smog and congestion. When I walked...
1,000 Ballerina's Descend On Central Park......
Did you know that there is a Guinness World Record for the most ballerinas standing on pointe at the same time? Well there is. And today at 6:30pm, NYC-based dancers will aim to break the record, which is currently 220 dancers.
One thousand professional dancers will all stand en pointe for one minute, at the same time. Joined by famed character (and my childhood idol) Angelina Ballerina, ballet...
July 2010
3 posts
Spiked Tea
Last week, I went to a party at the NYC office of Hollywood’s trendy Tea Room (often frequented by La Lohan pre-jail). At the party, we got to taste samples of all the different types of alcoholic tea drinks served at Tea Room, my fav was the “Cool as a Cucumber” because, I am cool, and cucumber is super refreshing in the summer:
Ingredients:
Basil, Mint, Fresh lemon, White tea,...
Viva la Pizza
After yoga yesterday, my friend took me to get food at a place that apparently is Bethenny Frankel’s favorite. Obsessed with her antics on “Bethenny Getting Married”, i couldn’t turn down the offer. Cafe Viva Natural Pizza is conveniently located in the East Village at 11th and 2nd.
The verdict? I’m officially hooked. Even the cheesiest slices were made with...
Hey, I like your Dressing...
Would you ever date someone who preferred Romaine Lettuce over Icecburg?! For those of you who are veggie-obsessed, the “genius” team behind Just Salad (a chain of fast food salad restaurants) decided to create a new website, SaladMatch.com, that matches you up with someone who likes the same salad ingredients. Simply list your favorite veggies, which Just Salad location you frequent,...
June 2010
9 posts
What is kombucha?!
Fermented food is the newest craze here in NYC, but consuming aged food may not appeal to the masses. Enter: Kombucha. My friends and I discovered ‘bocha when we were shambling at work all day long, and it somehow calmed us down. What is Kombucha you may ask? Basically, it is sweet tea that has been sitting out for weeks so good bacteria and yeast grows. If “good bacteria” is a...
Save the NYC food trucks! →
The Lion appeases growling tummies
Somehow, we got reservations to the new and uber trendy The Lion for my bff Kelly’s birthday. From the same genius behind Waverly Inn, this n is already impossible to get in to. When we got there, there was a bouncer standing on the street to ensure you had a reservation. If you aren’t on the list, you can’t even walk in the restaurant!
The interior resembled a home of a New...
Join the revOILution and stop the tar sands! →
The best cook ever: my grandma
I may be bias, but I don’t think anyone can make better potato pancakes or kugel in the whole wide world. Since I’ve been a veggie, my grandma tweaked her famous kugel recipe and it is DELISH (and healthy).
Vegetarian Kugel
4 grated onions
6 grated carrots
6 stalks celery diced
6 eggs
Matzoh Meal
1/2 Cup Water
Salt & Pepper
Directions: Saute veggies, let cool. Mix together...
General Motors diet... normal or creepy that a... →
Fashionable Smoothies
I’m really digging all the new quirky-named staples (think of “The Comfy” viral video from Kell On Earth) from DKNY. Just like the delicious healthy treat, the new DKNY Smoothies make you look good:
They are perfect to wear underneath short dresses (or flowy dresses that fly over your head in the summer breeze), AND double as shapewear (slims your tummy, thighs). Not to...
shots shots shots shots shots
When I was in Palm Beach for the holiday weekend, I discovered a resteraunt that NEEDS to migrate north: Seasons 52. Based on the trendy foodie concept dominating NYC eateries recently, everything at Seasons is made with seasonal food and each dish is under 475 calories. Love at first sight.
And if my low-cal Salmon/Potato/Asparagus combo wasn’t enough, the waiter brought out a tray of...
May 2010
11 posts
Dead or Alive?
This new exhibit at the Museum of Art and Design is probably one of the coolest things I have ever seen. Showcasing over 30 works of art made primarily from organic materials including feathers, bones, dead plants, and bugs this unique installation is not to be missed. The whole idea of bringing dead organisms back to life is eerie yet fascinating, it also explores the idea of Shaminism and that...
Wash Smart, Give Smart
Take a nice walk down to Soho today or tomorrow (it’s nice out!) to see the special Method truck parked on Broadway between Prince and E. Houston. This is a joint project between Method home care and Goodwill to encourage folks to donate clothing — well, clean clothing — to Goodwill. Yesterday, Kelly Bensimon from Real Housewives was hanging on a colorful mobile laundry truck,...
STOP WHALING
If you haven’t seen the academy award winning documentary “The Cove”, then rent it tonight. It exposes the horrible truths of the Whaling industry, and what brave people are doing to stop it. I thought this was only an issue for the Japanese (since it is legal there and this is where most whaling is done), but now the Obama administration is spearheading a proposal to reopen...
Gothamist explores the "Bodega Diet" →
NYC Gallery Week
May 7th kicked off the official NYC Gallery Week. Of course, there are always plenty of galleries to explore in Manhattan, but this week is all about educating the public on modern art. There is typically a stigma with galleries that the only reason for visitation would be if the viewer was interested in purchasing artwork. This week removes the stipulations that gallery browsing is only for the...
(veggie) Boneless Buffalo Wings
Vegan/Veggie restaurants are popping up all over NYC, but how do you know which ones can accurately recreate a hearty meat dish such as boneless buffalo wings without tasting like meat?
Enter: Red Bamboo. I was extremely overwhelmed reading the menu, because as a veggie usually i have limited menu choices. Here, there were pages and pages of international dishes ALL made of soy....
Promote Peace
I might sound a little hippyish, but i am all for promoting peace and love for ourselves and the enviroment! Earlier this week, I took part in a peace march with some co-workers. It took place in Times Square the day after the car bomb attempt, and the sun was blazing hot, but it was really inspiring to see how passionate people from all over the world were about the issue. We are facing many...
Give It A Tri!
I’m training right now for a 10K race, but of course I am always thinking 10 steps ahead and am curious as to what it would be like to train for a triathlon. Can a former ballerina who can barely run 5 miles complete something as athletic as a TRIATHALON?
Enter “Triathalon For Girls Like Us” by Gloria Safar. When Gloria was training for a triathlon, the teacher told everyone to...
Butter London (buy) 3- (get one) Free
I love America, but some of the best stuff comes from the UK. Butter London 3-Free nailpolishes are formulated without harsh chemicals found in most nail polishes: Formaldehyde, Toluene and DBP (hence the 3-free). This makes the brand high up on my “healthy beauty” list! Just in time for summer manicures, Beauty.com is actually running a buy 3, get one free for Butter London (well...
Whale Wars!
Sea Sheperd is a conservation society that is committed to saving ocean life by using direct action such as dismantling whaling ships at harbor, ramming into ships in the ocean, cutting loose nets that were intended to strangle animals, etc. If you don’t know, now ya know. LUSH has made a huge contribution to Sea Sheperd through Charity Pot sales and two campaigns (Save The Seals in Canada...