tick tock, tick tock

Good morning sunshines! It's that time again. Those few days in which my hunger reaches new heights, my cravings take control, and my moods are unpredictable. Zippity-do-da, right on time... ugh. Anyway :) as a result, I haven't been that same green-loving goddess that I strive to be.

For instance, take Friday morning's breakfast. Oh yes, my dears, that is cinnamon toast, with real butter and sugar. Talk about a throwback! It was fantastic, but obviously not filling at all so I had greek yogurt and blueberries on the side.

Or how about we look at the spot Leslie and I chose for this week's wine tasting? Coincidence, I think not... 'twas more like fate ;). Upon being seated (al fresco, I might add) we were immediately served complimentary sangria tastings that were enjoyed to the melodies of the live jazz band playing behind us.

Soon after, since we were provided with free glasses of wine (un-photographed Syrah), we also decided to order the White Bean Spread appetizer. The spread itself was delicious and we scooped it up with the limited-time-only pita triangles and a few pieces from the bread basket.

Then, just as we promised to come back here for a full out dessert, (because it is, after all, a chocolate bar), I chimed in with a double chocolate square suggestion before the check. We ordered Martine's King Tut (dark chocolate filled with gianduja--hazelnut paste & chocolate) and Jacques Torres' Grand Cru (fine red wine complimented by dark chocolate). Both were absolutely incredible and ingeniously served on a small wooden cutting board alongside a warmed knife. For the record, Ayza is quite the find.

As I walked the ten blocks to Grand Central, following a sweet Monday ending, I couldn't help but feel happy, and lucky to have spent an evening with a good friend, good wine, and good chocolate. Life's small pleasures like these are as vital to a healthy life just as much as nutritious foods and ample exercise are, agreed?

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Not to mention travel, at least to me. Oh, my dears, although I have been living quite well, I have to admit that I'm restless with my stagnant and familiar location and ever so slightly overwhelmed with my ambitious summer responsibilities. Considering that I've already somewhat accomplished a Euro Trip, and part of a South American one, I have set my eyes once again on fulfilling that cross-country road trip dream... solo. As of now, the tentative departure date is September 6th and it will close with Homecoming weekend at my Alma mater (October 14th-17th). On the map above you will see most of the 25 stops I have chosen. A few include a stay with family members but most will be spent on the comfort of strangers' couches, unless one of you would like to host me ;).

Be still my heart. Perhaps I should be appreciate those few things that I can count on every month, even every year, because most opportunities only come once in a lifetime. Never again do will I have the independent freedom to travel across the United States and back. And on that same token, the probability that I will be able to walk into work with only a small salad in hand to find that the office had gotten bagels and I had forgotten a veggie burger in the freezer the week before, is slim to none. Behold, yesterday's lucky lunch ;).  Au revoir.