Weekend Wrap-Up: Sizzlin' In The City!

Nothing makes me happier than spending the weekend with the people I love. This weekend was a whirlwind - from Friday night massages at Yan May to dinner outside at Peels (one of my ultimate NYC favs)... from an an intensive shopping expedition with the ladies to dancing to the 90's jams of DJ Fulltime Fun (yes, that was really his name)... from Mexican brunch at Rocking Horse Cafe to biking through Williamsburg with my love.

If every weekend were as great as this one, I'd be a very lucky girl.

Hope you guys had a great weekend too! Sending good vibes your way as you seize this fine Monday! 

And now for a photo wrap-up, with a hint of Instagram!

We started the weekend early with a lovely date night under the trees at Prospect Park...

...and a picnic to-go from our local market.

Then Saturday, we attempted (and slowly succeeded) in figuring out how the new Citi Bikes work!

Then we biked our little butts to Smorgasburg for some post-workout grub.

And because the People's Pops' line was WAY TOO LONG, we went with...

...Brooklyn Oyster Party instead!

Delicious... and perfect for the scalding hot weather.

We made a quick detour to the Artists & Fleas market before biking home...

...and stopped for a quick (albeit, sweaty) photo.

You know I can never resist a good graffiti pic, compliments of some mysterious W'Burg artist.

What's a weekend without a little Mad Men over homemade spaghetti?

Shopping ensued on Sunday - seriously, it couldn't have been more beautiful outside.

And the weekend ended with two of my favorite ladies over Mexican at Rocking Horse Cafe
 (clearly, we inhaled the guac).

Weekend Wrap-Up: Lights, Camera, Chili!

I had an action packed weekend. I accidentally ran a 5K on Saturday (oopsies), then spent the day shooting photos for my new blog with the lovely and talented Linda Peters. I finished the day by celebrating my friend Sarah's new job over cocktails at my favorite Park Slope wine bar, Wolf and Deer.

But Sunday was the true highlight of my weekend! I spent the day eating my heart out at NYChilifest 2013 at the Chelsea Market. This was clearly a splurge, but they must have known I was coming and made sure the beef was locally raised at Wrighteous Organics in Schoharie, New York. Each contestant was encouraged to use only meat from responsibly-raised animals, and the proceeds went to Food Systems Network NYC, an organization that works to ensure universal access to nourishing, affordable food that puts an emphasis on the regional farm economy.

So obviously... it was responsible splurging! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Get ready for a super fun post this week about making your own beauty products!

Accidentally joined a 5K on my Saturday morning run. Worst part? Getting left in the dust by an 8 year old with the legs of an Olympic sprinter. The best part? Getting cheered on as I crossed the finish line by people who clearly mistook me for an actual participant. 

Photo shoot for my new and improved blog... to be debuted soon!

Walter wanted in on the action.

NYChiliFest 2013 started off with the musical stylings of Super Bad Brad. A little 'Kung Fu Fighting', anyone?  I am now determined to have him perform at my birthday party this year. I WILL find you, Super Bad Brad.

They gave us our cups and it was on!

So many people, so much chili.

Oh yes, I'll take a little hot sauce, please!

Chili sampling heaven.

And what's a chili fest without a little country music courtesy of The Dixons?

Frito Pie... a Texas specialty!

Too much chili... yikes!

And because it's Monday and everyone needs a little 'pick me up'... 

here are some vids for your viewing pleasure!

Super Bad Brad

The Dixons

Weekend Wrap-Up: Farm-to-Table Style

On Saturday I went to the farmer's market in Brooklyn with Adam. It was 5,000 degrees in NYC this weekend (literally...not joking, people) so I have no idea why we felt the urge to leave the comfort of the A/C. But...

Good thing we did! I've walked through the farmer's market before but never really taken the time to look closely at the 'wares'. There were tons of fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, fresh fish and even the most gorgeous wildflower bouquets you've ever seen! HEAVEN!

We went a little crazy and bought enough food to make a few fantastic meals. Saturday night, we had sauteed tilapia with a zucchini and garlic scape saute, followed by vanilla icecream with fresh blueberries and blackberries on top (antioxidant city!).

Then Sunday night, we toted the mini-grill up to Prospect Park for a sunset grill out. Adam put on his 'Grillmaster' hat and threw some shrimp on the barbie....followed by grilled baby bok choy and a fresh tomato, basil and feta salad with balsamic. We ate at sunset and were surrounded by fiery pink clouds and the faintest outline of the moon overhead.

It felt good to support local NY farms and get the freshest produce, while still paying less than we would in the regular old grocery store! Yay for farm-to-table (or farm-to-picnic blanket, in this case)!

Check out your local farmer's market this week to load up on 4th of July goodies or give it a go next weekend to cure that post-holiday depression! A trip to the farmer's market is bound to make you feel much better!