Run a Turkey Trot

The Holy Grail

I finally met Paula ... I still think she is awesome

I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of October 11th for a few months now.  I had been looking forward to it as the day I would attend a talk at 92Y and finally meet Paula Deen.

Let me first explain my fan-girl status with Paula.

I am coming from a place that is somewhere between tongue-in-cheek and 100%, off the rails, actual super fan.  I have no idea where it began, but I believe I found Southern solidarity in Paula during my early days in New York.  It's also no secret that I like food and I like to cook.  Being able to turn on the TV everyday and see this woman who reminds me of one of my relatives AND to be able to introduce all my city friends to the idea that butter actually makes things taste AWESOME has been highly rewarding all-around.  Additionally - she is just hilarious.  Did you SEE what she did to Matt Lauer this week?!?

'Sexy' Paula Deen gets flirty with Matt Lauer

During her talk, she spoke a lot about her past and her battle with agoraphobia.  As a person with high anxiety levels myself, it was surprisingly inspiring to hear her story.  The lesson was to make changes where you can but to accept that there are those things you CAN'T control (in her case, the early death of her parents).  Worry and fear get you nowhere and are a waste of time.  I will most certainly be reminding myself of this and take more fearless leaps forward in the future!

We weren't allowed to take personal pictures with her at the book signing which was a bit of a let-down.  The woman had been busy molesting TODAY show hosts since 5 o'clock in the morning, though, so I guess I understand. :)

She was gracious enough to talk with me for a few extra seconds, though, and my friend C was able to snap a side shot. (see above)

Overall it was well worth the time and money.  She is still one of my favorites, and I can't wait to make the first recipe from my new Southern Cooking Bible tonight!

"The way I see it, none of us is getting out of here alive and I don't wanna be caught dead with a piece of lettuce hanging out my mouth!!"  ~ Paula Deen, 10/11/11

Discover the Secrets of Lederhosen

A Swedish policeman showing me how many years he has served

Wait 6 Hours For the Most Amazing Exhibit Ever

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Dinner in BK

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Vesuvio Bakery

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I get the hint NYC

Home-Time

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Best Recipe EVER - Cake in a Mug

pilfered pic but I promise it works!!

As a general rule, I try to avoid keeping sweet treats around the house because I have no willpower when it comes to portion control and baked goods.  Unfortunately, this does not stop me from DYING for dessert after dinner most days.  On nights when I absolutely can't shake the craving, we'll take a walk to pinkberry or the supermarket, and I'll choose something single serve that I can enjoy and forget. 

Last night, I discovered what may be my new evening salvation (or a serious addiction).

YOU CAN MAKE CAKE IN THE MICROWAVE, IN A COFFEE MUG, IN 60 SECONDS.

I was totally skeptical - but it was the EASIEST thing ever, and produced a perfect individual cake!

Here's how you make it:

In a mug, combine 2 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, a pinch of salt and a few drops vanilla extract.  Whisk well.

Add in 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, whisk again.

Add 3 tablespoons sugar, back to whiskin'.

Finally, add 2 tablespoons flour, one more whisk!

VOILA!  Your batter is done.  Toss the mug in the microwave for 60-70 seconds depending on whether you like your baked goods "molten" in the middle or thoroughly done.  ENJOY! 

I must admit that a review I read described this cake as very "heavy".  She recommended a bit less sugar and a bit less flower, and I took that advice.  Mine came out great.

I would absolutely consider making these for guests.  You could dress them up by prepping in a small, microwave safe bowl and adding a little ice cream or caramel and nuts.

 Good trick.  Good day!  Till tomorrow...

Salted Caramel Pinkberry

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Celebrate Marriage Equality

"Cuomo Gets a Freebie" sign at the 2011 NYC Pride Parade

Saturday was a bit hectic due to some unexpected friend/family/travel issues.  I still managed to do one of my to-do's, however, by eating breakfast at Market Diner waaay over on 11th Ave.  It's the one you've probably seen from your cab headed up (or downtown) late at night.  It's all cute and stand-alone and chrome and looks like a legit diner from the 50s.  I have to admit that it was worth the buildup and will likely become the new go-to diner in my 'hood.  The food was all really good, AND they give you a free biscuit with any order.  Heaven knows that was the selling point for this Southern girl.

Sunday, by contrast, I had a full day of fun.  I went to support my good friends at Popchips by taking some pictures of the popmobile in the annual Pride Parade.  Coming off Friday's vote to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, you could feel the overwhelming positivity and happy energy in the crowd.  I didn't notice anyone out of control or riotous.  It was sincerely a feel-good atmosphere and I felt very proud to be a part of this historical weekend.

Way to be a leader, NY!

242 Days Left - Getting Back in the Saddle

Me enjoying Down & Derby Roller Disco!

Well gang, it would appear I have dropped the ball for the past month or so.  Rest assured that I have been quite busy with bucket-list worthy adventures, although I have skipped posting them here.  Some of the highlights have included:

• getting settled into a new apartment
• my first trip to the New York Aquarium
• making not one, but TWO awesomely stress inducing custom cakes
• taking in a Yankees game at the new stadium
• taste testing one-too many lobster rolls
• one weekend in Delaware and one in Montauk
• the Big Apple BBQ
• my first ever whitewater rafting adventure
• AND fulfilling a big personal goal by attending a roller disco (pictured above)

I know there are even more things I'm forgetting!  It has been a busy few weeks, without a doubt!

Just so you don't feel totally left out, below are a few of the pictures I WOULD have posted if I were keeping up.

I was OBSESSED with the Jellyfish tanks at the NY Aquarium

Red Hook Lobster Pound wins the "Honey's Favorite roll" contest by far!

The infamous plaid cake I made for @joeyhodges birthday

Best Dessert award goes to the blueberry cobbler from Blue Smoke Bake Shop

Team red prepping for a grown-folks field day in Prospect Park!

Opening of the Beekman Beer Garden in FiDi

A beyond beautiful weekend in Montauk!

I hope to do a better job of posting from here on out.  365 days are a lot!!  It makes me realize I have a lot of youth left.  :)

Till tomorrow... 

Witness History

Adios Bin Laden

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Run a 5K

People running faster than me at the 2011 Bronx Zoo 5K

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DH catch up marathon with roomie

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Biryani?

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Eco-Lunch

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Best Mole

Enchiladas Mole at Mexican Radio

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brooklyn, bowling, apt hunting

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#331 - Unsubscribe

Each morning, I wake up to the same thing.  A blinking red light on my blackberry beckoning me to read the 6 auto-generated emails that I received over night.  They come from Groupon, Living Social, Buy With Me, JCrew, Refinery29 and a slew of other miscellaneous shopping sites with which I've done recent business.

A few hours tick by and I come to work.  In my office inbox I find Daily Candy, Gilt Group, and RueLaLa.


Most days I do an immediate delete.  Other days I open (just to see!).  Then there are the days when I'll choose my favorite items and add them to my cart, just in case.  I mean - heaven forbid another user should snatch that paisley Milly tunic while I mull it over!!  In these cases I often get to the purchase page and have a moment of clarity.  Close the page, delete the email, move on with the day.

There have been many times, though, where I follow through with the purchase (thanks, Donna Karen, for the neon red trench coat with electric blue stitching). 

Well, I've had enough with the temptation and pressure!  Today I unsubscribed.

#332 - UWS Adventure

Soldiers and Sailors Monument at Riverside Park

Today was day one of the great apartment hunt of 2011. 

#333 - TV

So far this has been only my second uneventful day.  We were all in a little bit of recovery mode from the roomie's going away party.  It was a nice, relaxing evening of TV and homemade chili.

Till tomorrow...

#334 - Going Away

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#335 - Priscilla Queen of the Desert

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#336 - Snack Dragon

**This one should actually be 3/25.  I think about posting until my carriage turned into a pumpkin.

#337 - All Time High Score + Schnippers

Basically, I bowled a 196. It was awesome.

#338 - Remember the Dogman

Borrowed from Tri-Cities.com

 

I lived a pretty charmed life as a kid.  Southwest Virginia no doubt has it's share of issues today, as I'm sure it also did in the 80s and 90s, but I barely noticed.  Things seemed squeaky clean, and there was never fear of danger or crime.  My friends and I would chase the mailman each day in the summer.  He always had treats for children and was just a very nice old man.  Nobody blinked an eye.  Today I'm sure we'd look a bit differently at a stranger who regularly lured our kids to his truck with the promise of bubblegum and "Sugar Daddy's".

Another thing I was never exposed to was homelessness.  So much so that the one "homeless" man in our town became a bit of a local celebrity.  My cousin and I deemed him the "dog man" because of the companions he was never without.  Rumors were rampant about him all over the city.  Some said he was homeless and a crazy, disabled vet.  Others said he was secretly an eccentric millionaire who preferred to live simply.  There were many reports of dog man refusing shoes and other charity.  The one thing that everyone seemed to agree on, though, was that he was harmless.

Today a facebook friend posted this article from my hometown paper: Goad: 'He chose the life he wanted to live'

It turns out that a little piece of each story may have been true.  The dog man, whose real name was Lu, sadly passed away this past Monday from cancer.  He did have a bit of money, but not millions.  He was a vet, but not crazy.  Above all, Lu did prefer to live simply.  He was not a burden on society or our environment and, perhaps best of all, he was completely and utterly free. 

Thanks for the lesson, Lu.  You'll be remembered by us all.

**date on this should actually be March 23, 2011

#339 - SoHo Park

Don't judge!  These are not mine!

Today the BF was in my neighborhood around lunch time, so I took an unplanned meal out.  There really is something about a fully realized lunch adventure that makes a day so much more tolerable.  As you have seen here, I have been pushing myself outside the usual three block radius and the rewards to my taste buds have been plentiful.

I guess I'm a bit of a junior foodie.  I can't say that I have the most refined palate.  I mean - I have an unhealthy obsession with Paula Deen and grew up putting ranch on basically everything.  I have no delusions about the sophistication of my choices.  But I do enjoy cooking and baking and pretty much anything that tastes delicious.

One neighborhood spot that always satisfies this passion is Soho Park.  It's basically a back-yard barbecue dropping squarely on Prince Street.  They serve burgers, fries, sandwiches, and beers.  Best of all, they are one of the few places in the area where I can get a properly executed iced tea.

BF ordered the amazing looking onion rings shown above, and I miraculously restricted myself to just one. 

Today's lesson: a work life balance and fried things are the key to Honey happiness

**date was actually March 22, 2011 - I was slow uploading the picture!

#340 - Forget to Take a Picture of the Spa and Post One of this Ugli Fruit Instead

Ugli fruit at Food Emporium

 Today I had my first every laser experience at skinNY medspa in Manhattan.  Then I went grocery shopping. 

While my spa experience was certainly "new" enough to count toward blog days, I don't feel especially compelled to detail the experience.  It was quick, unremarkable, and I'm sure nobody's trying to read about hair removal.  It was also a groupon.

Dinner was grilled chicken with broccoli and, oh yeah, my leftover concrete from Shake Shack.  Next week's mission is the gym.

#341 - The "New" Cottage

I don't know what this means but it's weird.

Tonight we had a long overdue group Cottage outing. 

The tradition of cheap Chinese food and all-you-can-drink complimentary boxed wine has been in place with this friend group since long before I moved to the city.  For more than 5 years now we have shown complete loyalty to The Cottage located at 77th and Amsterdam.  I think I knew the cross streets for this restaurant before I knew where I lived.  It has been, at minimum, a bi-monthly event and my friends from out of town have all begun including it on their list of "places to see".

Sadly, word has gotten out about THE Cottage.  Apparently many people want free Franzia and an amazing tasting meal for less than $15 per person.  Lately, this has manifested itself in the form of lengthy wait times, abrupt service, and a direct proportional relationship between total spend and number of wine carafes received.  These are wholly unacceptable developments for those of us who consider ourselves old-timers.

Solution: the NEW Cottage.  (aka Sunny Chinese Cuisine)

This place has all our favorites from the original, with smaller crowds and less attitude.  The only drawback is location.  It's waaaay on the Upper East Side which is a virtual no-man's land for those of us who don't live on the 4,5,6...  or have a driver. 

Nonetheless, it has become a viable option for those days when our group is large or we aren't up for a wait.  I don't think we'll be fully forsaking the original any time soon - it's become a far too deeply ingrained ritual - but the alternative is pretty comparable if not better.

The real focus of these meals is not food, anyway (though I know the boys would argue this point).  It is about our "New York family".  It has become a staple get-together, and these days is one of only a few.  Our lives are all taking their own direction, and it's nice to come back together once in a while.  We have helped each other navigate the awkward waters of the post-college years, and I think that's grounds for relationships that will last a lifetime. 

Here's hoping that at some point during that lifetime we'll wise up, drop the 8 bucks on a box of wine and just order in. 

#342 - Ultimate Pancakes + Super Moon

What I looked at for an hour and a half

 EPIC New York day.

I keep a running list of restaurants in the city to try.  I work on New York magazine, so I often see dishes that pique my interest or new "it" spots where the crowd is the attraction.  I will never never never make it to all of these places, and the list is constantly changing. 

Lately, I've been focusing a lot of attention on places that make serious business of biscuits.  Growing up in the south, it was a real adjustment to accept bagels and english muffins as the carb of choice in the morning.  I like both, just fine, but they certainly weren't the dominant breakfast items of my youth.  

I had read about, and was dying to try Peels, but a 2+ hour wait time was too intense on the day we dropped in.  Today, however, we sucked it up, did the brunch wait, and were handsomely rewarded.  Today we went to Clinton Street Baking Company. 

Naturally, I got the inspiration from my dear Ms. Paula Deen who had recommended one of their cakes the week prior.  The place is somewhat "old news" for foodies, and I really didn't think the crowd would be so intense.  It is very small, though and while people may have known about it for a few years, the food is still AMAZING and naturally attracts the masses.  They are famous for their pancakes, which we all tried, but I must say I did not put one thing in my mouth that was not amazing.  I'll definitely be back.

We followed brunch with a nice long walk over to the West Village.  I had great intentions for my day, and winding up at Johnny's (our "Cheers", if you will) was not one of them.  Unfortunately, we have become good friends with the bartender (henceforth to be called "Cakes") and my friend (who will now be called "DaddyO") is a terrible influence.

Before I knew it, hours had slipped away with BF, DaddyO, and myself playing the jukebox and meeting strangers.  The cast of character's in Johnny's never ceases to amaze me, and it really is unusual to find a spot where such an instant bond is forged between customers.  I think we came away with a boatload of new best friends and certainly some new stories.

The only thing that really bummed me out was that I pretty much missed the stupid SUPERMOON!  I was plotting viewing points all day and was determined to use my fancy new camera to capture the event.  Unfortunately, all I got were a few glimpses, coat-less and freezing on 7th Avenue. 

Ahh, the price you pay for an amazing and spontaneous NYC day.

*date should be March 19, 2011

#343 - Celebrate the Spring

Blockheads at World Wide Plaza (aka Heaven)

Anyone who attended our little happy hour this evening can attest to the fact that Blockheads is one of my favorite favorite all-time favorite New York City past times.  I LOVE it.  Moreover, I love that VERY first warm-ish day that the weather allows us to be there.  This is the day I force my friends with flexible jobs to head there at 3pm to fight for tables and secure a spot.  This is the day I spend hotly anticipating the first red-nosed bulldog of the year.  This is the day that everyone stays on lunch break just a little too long, and leaves the office just a little too early.  If I haven't adequately pressed my point, this is one of my favorite days of the year.

I have to say that 2011 was an exceptional success.  Thanks to the hard work of some great guys, we had just enough room for our MASSIVE party.  Most of my favorite people in the city were there, and it was just a great way to kickoff the Spring.  We also managed to rack up a collective tab of $500+, which I previously would not have believed possible at a place known for $3 margaritas.

This is one of those traditions I think I'll be hanging onto into my 30s.  I can't give up everything!! 

#344 - Observe Major Drinking Holiday

Guinness

It's funny.  Hoboken St. Patty's is one of those things you can feel in your bones you are getting too old for.  I went this year, my last hoorah, and ended up having a fantastic time.  It may have had something to do with being at a house party, with friends, and free of miscellaneous youngsters making me feel past my prime.

The REAL day, by contrast, was pretty underwhelming.  I hadn't planned on celebrating - but I have a really hard time resisting a holiday.  I made plans to grab a Guinness with a girlfriend and we ended up with a bigger group on the Upper East Side.  I can't say anything was "bad".  It was just... meh. 

I'm not sure if this is a tell-tale sign of impending "grown-up-ness", or if the stars of fun just were not aligned.  Either way, part of this blog is getting things out of my system.  There are probably going to be a lot of "lasts" discussed here.  I can't say for sure if this will really be my last day of Guinness and green, but I do think I'll put less pressure on myself to be everywhere all the time.  Sometimes it's ok not to partake.  I won't necessarily be missing anything.  I'll be gaining whatever I choose to do instead.

Countdown #345 - Push the Season

The Chef's Special from Urban Lobster Shack

As a kid I think most of us had minimal awareness of "appropriateness".  You don't yet know that some people will take issue with you wearing white after Labor Day or hammering a peanut butter sandwich flat.  You also think the first 65 degree day is fair game for wearing shorts even if it is the Northeast in February.  The latter phenomenon is what my mother calls "pushing the season". 

I have been hardcore pushing the season since returning from Florida 14 days ago.

I have purchased a new bathing suit, left the house on multiple occasions without a winter coat, and perused the internet for new sandals.  Today, at lunch, I trekked FOUR SUBWAY STOPS to South Ferry for a lobster roll.  I'm pretty sure this is a symptom of seasonal affective disorder.

The little gem pictured above came from The Urban Lobster Shack at 15 Stone Street.  Before 2:30 you can get a roll, cole slaw, and chips for $10.  That's one of the more affordable rolls I have found, and it was 110% worth it.  I got the chef's special which I was warned was very garlicky.  They were not kidding.  Just a little something to keep in mind if you are not a fan of the flavor or have a hot date later in the evening!

Luckily my only date tonight is with the Boss, and it's via internet.  I'm so glad we have kept up with the skyping.

Till tomorrow...

#347 - Veg

My TV & an Episode of Nip/Tuck

As much as I won't be able to go 100 miles a minute someday - I may also not have the time to just... chill.  Today was nothing spectacular.  I went to work.  I came home.  I watched a marathon amount of Nip/Tuck Season 4.  I feel like it was an ok way to spend one of my oh-so-precious days.

#348 - Watch a Guiness World Record Attempt

Pouring 1003 unique drinks in an hour @ Empire Room

Today my friend FattyNoFriends came to bowling with a proposition for us all.  He was going to spend the afternoon as witness to a Guinness Book of World Records attempt.  In a lounge below the Empire State Building, a bartender would attempt to break the record for most unique cocktails made in one hour.  What was to be done with all these drinks, you might ask?  Why, distributed to onlookers, ofcourse. 

Only in New York.

You can get a more thorough picture of the attempt here, but I will try and sum it up.  The rules were that no two cocktails could be the same, each had to have at least three ingredients, and it all had to be done it 60 minutes.  The bartender, Sheldon, had a swarm of helpers clearing drinks and wiping sweat.  It was all very choreographed, and he obviously had a pre-determind strategy.  I was surprised at how exciting it all was to watch.

In the end, Guinness confirmed the previous record (900-ish) was shattered.  We had witnessed the pouring of 1003 unique cocktails in an hour. 

I'm sad to report that what seemed to be the best part of the deal (free drinks!) turned out to be the low point.  Because of the ingredient requirements, you really had no idea what you were getting and all of it was not good.  Coffee syrup, orange vodka, and sour mix??  NO THANKS.  The novelty wore off more quickly than our sugar high, and we gave up the taste test.

This is still one of my favorite adventures to date, and definitely one to check off the bucket list!

#349 - Urban Campfire

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Countdown #350 - MANGIA!

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#351 - Skype Date with the Boss

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#352 - Create A Family Tree

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#351 - Banh Mi Lunch Adventure

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#352 - An Empanada Adventure

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Countdown day #353 - Bowling League

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