Highlight on Giving: Hurricane Sandy

Image courtesy of mlssoccer.com

My blog hiatus turned out to be much longer than expected, as I was stuck in Atlanta because of Hurricane Sandy. Considering the alternative (facing a raging hurricane in Brooklyn), I had no complaints about being on extended vacation in Atlanta. I hadn't been home since last Christmas and the visit was much needed. I was able to celebrate two very special occasions... my brother's graduation and my dad's birthday. My vacation was spent surrounded by family and friends, and I am so revitalized from my time at home.

But I find myself feeling guilty for having such a lovely time when my fellow New Yorkers were being hit by one of the worst storms that the Northeast has ever seen. I spent most of my vacation glued to the news, and it was very hard to see photos and videos of places I knew, places that now are barely recognizable because of the devastation. I was particularly overwhelmed with sadness when I saw the 110+ homes in Breezy Point, Queens that were ravaged by fire. I can't imagine losing my home, especially at this time of the year when the weather is turning bitter and the holidays are right around the corner.

Image courtesy of cnbc.com

Many people across New York and New Jersey are still without power, water or heat. They are facing food, water and gas shortages. As much as FEMA and the state are scrambling to respond, there will still be many people who do not feel the reach of their help.

Image courtesy of upi.com

If you do not live in New York, I come to you today to ask for something very simple... your prayers. In addition to your prayers, if you are in the position to donate, please do. The Red Cross is taking donations on their website or you can donate $10 by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999. The donation will be added to your monthly phone bill. Donations can also be sent by mail to your local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, PO Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

If you live in New York and have the means to volunteer, there are many places that need your help. Evacuation shelters in particular could use your assistance. Click here for a comprehensive list of ways you can volunteer.

Thank you for your prayers and donations! New York is one of the most resilient cities around and I have no doubt that we will pull through this much stronger than before!

The blog will be back to normal next week so stay tuned for more healthy recipes, music mixes and inspiring stories! Next week's guest contributor has a lot to say about fighting cancer and I promise you that her story will touch you in a special way!

Stay strong, New Yorkers!

Saturday Splurge: Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

I only have eyes for the Braves. I grew up in Atlanta and was a HUGE fan back in the days of David Justice, John Smoltz and Deion Sanders (aka. Neon Deion...Yes, he played baseball too!). I still wear my sacred 1991 World Series Champs t-shirt. While not as sparkly as it was 21 years ago, it's still pretty awesome and (now) vintage. It also makes me feel really awesome and totally vintage (ie. 'old') when I wear it.

Even though the Braves will ALWAYS be my team, it's hard for me to pass up free major league baseball tickets, even if it is the Mets, I have to schlepp it to Queens and our seats are in the nosebleeds. There's just something so comforting and familiar about a baseball stadium. They're all basically the same. Fun pregame activities for the kids, good 'ole American comfort food, a beer or two, and the sights and sounds of a packed out stadium cheering for their home team. It all adds up to an ideal summer evening.

Citi Stadium takes the experience to a whole new level in regards to the food though. Of course you can find your typical hot dogs and burgers, but you're also presented with a variety of eating options that are uniquely New York, including Shake Shack, Blue Smoke BBQ and Box Frites. They also have an 'Around The World' pavillion where you can order imported beers and other food items that you rarely find at other stadiums. It's a food lover's heaven.

We splurged on chipotle chicken wings and spare ribs from Blue Smoke, with a side of fries with rosemary buttermilk ranch from Box Frites. Talk about YUM and also 'hand me another napkin, please...in fact, keep 'em coming!'.

The Mets ended up losing by an ungodly amount of runs, but that's the beauty in being a Braves fan at a Mets game... no sweat off my back! I was able to spend a beautiful evening outside, experience the underlying comradery that comes from being a baseball fan and do something out of the ordinary to nourish my spirit.

Yes, baseball is good for the soul.

...And so is watching all the awkward couples caught on the 'Kiss Cam' between innings! Hehe.

Weekend Wrap-Up: From Coney Island to Rockapulco

Yesterday, my friend Marissa, Adam and I had a long (but rewarding!) biking adventure through Brooklyn. We left Park Slope at noon, cut through Prospect Park and proceeded to bike 38 miles to the beaches of Coney Island, Sheepshead Bay and Far Rockaway.

New York never ceases to surprise me. As we were biking along the beach, we turned around to find the Manhattan skyline still visible along the horizon. I would have never guessed that you could see the concrete jungle from the beach!

Coney Island was our first stop. Coney is great because it's only a 40 minute ride from my apartment in Brooklyn along a separate bike path (so you're not worried about getting run over every 5 seconds... biking in NY is scary!). The beach is huge, there's a great amusement park along the boardwalk (you've heard of the Cyclone and the Wonder Wheel) and of course, there's lots of food (including the very first Nathan's Hot Dogs which opened in Coney Island in 1916).

Next up was a beautiful ride through the Sheepshead Bay area, which is full of sail boats and yachts (and seafood restaurants). For a moment, it felt like we were in Florida.

Going over the bridge in Sheepshead Bay

Last but not least, we rode over the Marine Parkway Bridge to the Rockaways, a long stretch of peninsula just to the southeast of Brooklyn, but technically in Queens. The Rockaways have been a popular beach resort area since the 1830's and it's no surprise why. The sand is sparkling white and the area is beautiful. It was hard to believe we were still within the reach of New York City.

After a late lunch of seafood and a much needed break at a picnic table, we headed back to Park Slope feeling very proud of ourselves. Not to toot our own horn, but... Beep! Beep!