Specs and the City
Things are getting quite serious with us.
Me and New York that is. I can actually see myself calling this city my next home after several months of sheer travel.
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them – that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”
Create the bubble. Perceive. Manifest.
Do you think the people of New York are ready for some Zen Kat chronicles?
A down dog for the concreted jungle of New York.
And I don’t even mind the maddening traffic.
On Friday evening, we were heading to Brooklyn for dinner when we suddenly find our cab stuck in stand still traffic that looked like it would never let up. One of the girls suggested I do a little exploring, so off I went. I literally got out of the cab and met some bikers because why not.
Liz rom (Hebrew for go with the flow).
Dress: Free People; Shoes: Tobi
After my temporary distraction of entertainment, our group began stressing and worrying over being late. The anxiety was palpable in the cramped cab, so I brought a little zen to the group, calmingly asking them how they could change the situation and drawing attention to the feeling of anxiety as something that you don’t necessarily have to bring to action.
Watch the anxiety and instead of deny it. Understand it.
We realized the situation was out of our control and discussed the emotions and feelings that come with being late and letting others down.
Serenity began to melt away the stress. Within a minute after this conversation, we were out of traffic. Just like that, we created our surroundings through energy output.
We made it to dinner, albeit an hour late, but the night was an impeccable success nonetheless.
The next day, I slept in until 11:00 in the morning. That’s rare for me. I told Melanie it was a sure sign I felt right at home. Her family stocks the fridge with the best fruits that I enjoyed for breakfast along with a homemade latte.
Once I was refueled, we went on a walk through Central Park. Mel is a true New Yorker and showed me all the best spots.
Knowing my affinity for desserts, she guided me to this tiny little bakery called Levain Bakery for the most amazing chocolate chip cookies.
We went with the signature chocolate chip walnut cookie. A crunchy exterior with a freshly baked warm center and the slightest hint of dough. Chocolate chips instantly melting on your tongue.
What an art. Explore the cookie.
See the different layers and how it tastes and feels. Slowly eating it. Feeling it in your hand. Noticing your actions around the cookie and with others. Om. Yum.
Quite tantalizing, isn’t it?
Witness the glow in others.
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
Is sugar really that bad? #moderation baby
From Strawberry Fields to chocolate chip shields.
Levain is French for a natural leavening agent made of flour, water and wild yeasts, also known as a sourdough starter.
That’s one way to start the day out right. From tantalizing delicacies to eye candy, we headed to Lincoln Center to oogle and ahh the Fashion Week spectacles.
Top: Express; Shorts: Forever 21
I could have stayed here all day just observing.
Labels and love.
After perusing the fashion clad streets, we met up with some friends from our Israel trip.
Drinks and food, drinks and food through avenues.
Laughter ensues as spirit continues.
Following the next day with Sunday brunch. Such a thing.
I ordered the Huevos a la Mexicana, eggs scrambled with tomato, onion and jalapeño guacamole, black beans and warm corn tortillas on the side with fruit and a fresh frozen lime margarita.
Que bella.
“Mix a little foolishness with your serious plans. It is lovely to be silly at the right moment.”
So fruity.
That evening, I grabbed dinner with two of my sorority sisters in the Upper West Side at The Meatball Shop where I ordered the Kitchen Sink Salad with veggie meatballs in a pesto sauce. Too busy savoring the moment, I didn’t have a chance to capture it.
Before dinner last night, I hit another fashion show at Pier 59 Studios’ Fashion Palette show featuring leading Australian designers. Between the fashion, food and culture, I can’t help but wonder why anyone would want to live in any other city.
It was a fabulous weekend indeed and I’ve got two days left here before flying to Virginia.
“They say life’s what happens when you’re busy making other plans. But sometimes in New York, life is what happens when you’re waiting for a table.”
~Carrie Bradshaw
What’s your favorite borough in New York City?