rain or shine

Despite my weatherly optimism, the beginning of my spring break has chosen to go the rainy route. Ah well. Maybe it'll be enough to wash away any post-breakup sadness and post-midterm stress? Let's hope so, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for bundles of sun this week ;).

The first thing I did to kick-off this vacation was make myself a stovetop breakfast. Unfortunately, it was nowhere near photogenic enough, so I've replaced it with this amazing one by les jumeaux de légume's. Banana oatmeal, almond butter & coffee = just what I've always wanted.

I spent most of my day researching for my Communications Law paper, so by three, I knew I deserved a treat, (I'm so proud of myself for saying this), a run. But despite my best fitness intentions, Mother Nature was not having it. Instead of heading outside like I'd hoped, I bravely drove through the storm to my mom's gym for a treadmill workout with this fun-loving soul. This guy is too fabulous :) as was the run.

Before I left I had the carbalicious roasted vegetable wrap pictured to the left and upon my return, ate the crackers and hummus as a pre-shower snack. Afterwards, came primp time.

And one bowl of soup and train ride later, Chris and I found ourselves in broken umbrella land, Harlem.

Bianca's 23rd celebration plan was to go bowling, but that outing had to be rain-checked in exchange for a house party. Either way, I was so happy to meet so many of my cousin's friends.

Following a few glasses of wine, I found myself hungry again (surprise, surprise) and snacked on some cheese and French bread. The photo above was the end result :).

Then came the cake and champagne. I truly hope my cousin had the happiest of birthdays!

I know I had such a wonderful time! Earlier that day, I was looking at my former internship site, Modelinia. In a recent blog post, the staffers included a quote by model Filippa Hamilton, "Above all, [when traveling] go into a place and try to be as open as you can to every kind of culture, try not to think of what you left behind but try to be as present as you can in the moment." I found this true in travel and in life, and thankfully, no matter where either has taken me I've been embraced with open arms by everyone I meet.

A little less satisfying, on the other hand, was the wait at the Harlem 125th Street Station. Chris and I missed our train back by 10 seconds and ended up having to wait forty-five minutes for the very last one of the night... with the time change, I wasn't asleep until 5 a.m. Oy vey.

Needless to say, I woke up half past noon today. Although I was quite hungry, I knew that we were having company over soon for my great-grandmothers birthday so I kept breakfast light.

All it took was some green tea, a slice of toast, smidgen of almond butter, half a banana, and a sprinkling of flax seed... I can't get over how lovely when it's broken down like that, yum :).

And within a few hours, as in an hour and a half later, I was already onto lunch. Haha.

Since we had never really had a family birthday part for my sister, we sung to her as well. I really don't think I realize how much I miss the fam until I'm back home with them again. But did this good day end there? Ha, oh no, Chrissie and I had still some business to attend to: 

Planning our summer road trip! It's obviously in the very early stages but these are our destination spots so far. If anyone finds their own home on there please let me know. We'd love to meet you!

Finally, for dinner tonight I just had this eggy microwave creation, and after a quick yoga sesh, will be sleeping soon. I'm so exhausted and have a big city day ahead of me! The beginning of spring is breaking down quite nicely. Hope you'll stay tuned!

P.S. Oh shamrock cookies and Irish soda bread... who's excited for St. Paddy's Day? I know I am!