Dough Loco!

In my hunt for the most killer donut, I have now been to Flex Donuts, Dough, Doughnut Plant and Dough Loco.

Walking to Dough Loco, I didn't feel like I was in the right place, and I didn't see it. Then suddenly, I could smell it. Sitting there, dangerously close to my apartment, on 97th & Park. 

Choosing between the Maple Miso and the Pineapple-Brown Butter from Dough Loco was a serious challenge. Had they not been sold out of the Banana Curry already, that would have put even more of a monkey wrench in the decision making process.  (Get it? Banana curry, monkey wrench?)

I ended up going with the Maple Miso and YUM- good choice.

The Maple Miso donut was pretty huge- it looked fluffy! I heated it up in the toaster oven before I had my first bite. Crispy and greasy.

The glaze was killer- if you’re ok with things being extremely sweet.  Which I am. I mean, it was maple after all. And this tasted like pure, maple syrupy goodness.  Not really sure where the miso came into the equation, but I didn’t really care.

Unfortunately, the cake part of the donut wasn’t my favorite. It wasn’t light and airy, was a little dry (although that could have been from me toasting it) but most disappointing was the fact that it had a weird taste.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Overall this was an enjoyable, yummy dessert. But I have been training my palette to critique donuts for a few weekends now ;) And this donut just didn’t stack up to my previous ones from Flex and Dough.

My review on Doughnut Plant will be coming soon. And just in case you want a full run-down- here are my overall rankings:

Flex Donuts, Dough, Doughnut Plant, Dough Loco. 

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All of the Thank Yous

I'm writing this as I drive up to Corning, NY to attempt running my first marathon. 

The past 2 weeks of training have been rough to say the least. I'll write about the lessons I've learned throughout this process later, but after 5 days of no running and talks of defferment, it's safe to say I've learned a lot. For now though, I want to take some time to thank the people who have helped me on my journey to tomorrow's starting line- and hopefully, the finish. 

Thank you to the friends who got used to hearing, "I can't, I have to run in the morning." 

Thank you to the friends who stayed over my apartment and hung around waiting to start their days while I ran from 9 a.m. to noon. 

Then there's the friend who stayed over my apartment and actually allowed me to drag her on an over 10 mile run to Yankee Stadium and back.  Morgan, you are amazing and I knew you could do it.  Thanks for being such a good sport as I then proceeded to drag you to Smorgasburg and the UWS for a barbeque when all you wanted was a nap. 

Thank you, and I'm sorry, to everyone who put up with my incessant "run talk" - and a special thank you to the people who willingly submitted themselves to it by asking how training was going and genuinely being interested in my response. 

To all the interesting people I've gotten to talk to on various group runs.  Our conversations helped to pass the time and keep running something I consider a fun social activity. 

To the strangers in Central Park who were unknowing participants in races.  And to the strangers who paced and pushed me- words may never have been exchanged but we knew we were helping each other out.  It's a runner thing. 

To the people who read these rambling blog posts and actually seem to enjoy them.  There's no greater feeling for someone who loves to write. 

Thank you to JackRabbit- the store that fitted me for my first pair of "real" sneakers and introduced me to the wonderful community of NY runners.  The fact that I owe so much of my social life, my feeling of belonging to NYC, my knowledge of running, and countless fitness opportunities to a store is crazy.  I owe so many thanks to my NYC Running Buddies.  If it weren't for each and every one of you that were a part of Tuesday night Union Square social runs when I first showed up, I honestly don't know if I would love running today.  

Nick- you amaze me with you speed and challenge me to push my limits. 

Paul- You have proved to be a spectacular running partner- many thanks for the early mornings in Central Park and for your appreciation for potatoes. 

John- I apologize for the recent crazed visits- "I'm not here to buy anything I just need advice!" Your calm, reassurance has helped my sanity. 

Patrick- Your leadership on Saturday morning long-runs has been great.  You led me to my first 14 miler, introduced me to my now favorite route around Randall's Island, and have dragged us to some pretty crazy (and awesome) destinations. 

November Project.  The accomplishments and bad-assery of the people in this group will probably be the reason I sign up for another marathon eventually.  I am surrounded by ultra marathoners, triathletes, crazy trail runners, and general fitness rock stars.  Seeing all of your commitment, dedication, hard work and accomplishments is beyond motivating.  But the paradox of NP is that is has simultaneously been a reminder that FITNESS IS FUN.  I had been losing sight of that and am so glad to have rediscovered it.  Among a group of 100 or so super competitive athletes, I have found myself smiling and laughing and just enjoying myself more during a workout than ever before.  I am so excited as more and more of these people go from fitness friend to real-life friend.  Cheers to more sweat and much more tequila! 

Modge and podge.  Although they may not understand my running addiction, they are always there with a hug and a "good luck." My real thanks to them is for keeping me grounded.  Although I am a cranky bitch whenever they tell me that I don't "HAVE" to run 16 miles on a Saturday morning- sometimes I need reminders that there are things more important than marathon training.  Of course, I know this.  But as someone who does things 110% or not at all, I sometimes need someone to grab me and say, "Don't risk serious injury because you're stubborn and won't stop running." Me?! I would never... 

The emotional support my parents have given me on non-running related things this past month is more than I could ever thank them for.  There is absolutely no substitute for the knowledge that you are unconditionally loved.  It's that love and support that will get me through ANYTHING- 26.2 miles is nothin'. 

Luciano, thank you for the running chats and lending me the torturous stick.  And Robert, for dealing with multiple 5 a.m. alarms throughout the week. 

Thank you Aunt Dawn, for joining me for 3 miles on my longest training run- the company was greatly appreciated. 

Thank you to everyone who has wished me luck and sent me positive vibes and well wishes. 

David, thank you for being the friend who I blame for catching the running bug.  There's far too much to write to you, so I'll stick to thank for lending me your watch, d00d. 

Claudia- from the moment I walked into your office I knew I was supposed to meet you. More than my first massage- you have already given me hope, guidance and knowledge. I know this is the start of a beautiful friendship.  Thank you for your trigger point foam roller, my car-ride reading, the tape jobs (so patriotic) and the words of advice.  I promise not to accuse you of yelling at me anymore! 

Tiffanie, you already know what we mean to each other and no amount of words could sum it up so I won't even try except to say that you, more than anyone else, will be right beside me every step of the way!  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Curly and Sam- thanks for being crazy, too. 

Lastly, I look to the front of the car and see my Nanny and Poppy.  Driving me to my first marathon.  The thought of seeing them at the finish line is making me tear up already.  These two people are, and always have been, my biggest cheerleaders.  My grandpa, who ran 2 marathons in his 50s, has sat behind the wheel going on 7 hours now to bring me to pick-up my bib.  

I don't know what I did to be dealt the hand I was given in this life.  I only know that I am incredibly, overwhelmingly, grateful. 

Legit, I am crying.

THANK YOU! 

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NP Sunday Funday

Sunday Funday is one of my favorite things. And lucky for me, NPers agree. 

Half the time I was running the Bronx 10-Miler on Sunday, I was contemplating what I was going to order at brunch with November Project friends after the race. 

(But first, we #EarnedBrunch)

When I got back to the UES after the race, I took a solo trip to Dough Loco to continue my hunt for the most amazing donut in Manhattan (more on that later). After picking up a Maple Miso monstrosity, I headed to my apartment for a shower before meeting up with everyone at Uptown Lounge & Restaurant for a good old boozy brunch- something that it has been far too long since I’ve participated in.

Not only is Uptown conveniently located 3 blocks and an avenue away from my apartment, but they have a GREAT deal. (Although you do need to walk the infamous 2^nd Avenue to 3^rd Avenue mountain to get there!) For $15.95 you get a breakfast entrée and 2 drinks (you can choose between a mimosa, Bloody Mary, Bud Light or Yeungling). There are so many entrée choices- including some quality shiz. I mean, Salmon Benedict? Salmon scrambled eggs? Banana stuffed French toast? 

There were no complaints about the food, or the drink. Service was eh but we were a large group at noon on a Sunday, so no one was expecting perfection.

(We are still unsure why our waitress took such a crooked picture. But instead of editing it, I am embracing it)

After brunch, we headed to East End Tavern for some beers and football. Next stop? My rooftop, after pit stops for beer and tequila, of course. 

My fabulous roommate made popcorn, the sun was shining, we alcohol was flowing, Kings was played and most importantly, Never Have I Ever was played. 

(Good lookin' bunch, don't you agree?)

Honey pretzel twists, guacamole chips, queso, hint of lime Tostitos, pretzels, Ranch dip and salsa were a sufficient dinner. 

(This is proper marathon nutrition, right?)

Somehow, it was suddenly 9 p.m. and we all had work in the morning.

(I'm pretty sure we all Instagrammed Sunday night's rooftop sunset- STUNNING!)

It was such a fun day/night and awesome getting to know people from November Project. 

Even more awesome? These people are my neighbors. So let the good times roll!

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10 Miles in the Boogie Down Bronx!

I spoke about the Bronx 10-miler a little bit in my previous post, but let’s talk about it some more, shall we?

Packet pick-up on Saturday at NYRR was easy breezy as usual and I just love me a small women’s tech shirt! The Bronx 10-miler shirts were pretty snazzy- I like the deep maroon color, it’s different. But SO many people wore them to the race. What’s with that? They also threw a Gu in the packet- with caffeine! Perfect, considering that’s what I plan on fueling with during my marathon.

I went to bed fairly early Saturday night and was up bright and early to foam roll and stretch. I pinned my bib on, and threw a throw-away long sleeve shirt on over my tank top. I didn’t feel like freezing all morning. I ate half a banana and some dry cereal and headed to meet friends from November Project at the subway. As usual on a race morning, the subway was crawling with runners. We accidentally got onto a 6 train instead of a 4, waited 15 minutes at 125^th Street, but eventually, made it to Yankee Stadium. It was a quick walk to race day central where we jumped in the pretty massive porta potty line.

I had really overdressed with the long sleeves- it was a pretty hot and muggy morning and luckily a friend was checking a bag so I threw mine in there and didn’t have to toss it in the garbage.

New on my radar? Energybits. Has anyone else tried them? I think I need to give them a whirl.

Anyway, as I said before, this race was really just about practicing running through the aid stations and drinking water for me. As usual, I hated the weaving in and out of people at the start of the race- I’m really hoping my marathon is less crowded. The first 4 miles were on the highway, 1 or 2 hills but nothing crazy. My calves were tight and my shins were hurting but, like I do, I ignored it.

When I came up on the first mile marker and aid station, I grabbed a cup of water, went to take a sip and immediately started coughing and choking. OK. This was going to be fun.

Second mile went better because I saw the people around me bending their cups into a funnel and that made drinking a lot easier. Throughout the race, I stopped at all but one aid station. Around mile 5 my stomach started sloshing around because it was filled pretty much with all water. Time to practice nutrition!

I had brought a “That’s It” bar with me and nommed on that slowly for about a mile. The consistency was fine for chewing although it still messed my breathing up a little. I definitely think I’m going to stick with GUs for the race on Sunday.

The course from miles 4-7 were through a park and was kind of a weird loop thing that was clearly just to make the mileage. I never felt like the course really cleared up all that much, which was frustrating.

I thought I was going a lot faster than I apparently was, which was also frustrating! But I know that was probably due to stopping 9 times for water. Around mile 8 my legs were finally numb/not in pain anymore and I hit a nice pace that felt good. Then, I was crossing the finish line and Coach John was there for a high five which was great!

I got my medal, an apple, a banana, a sparkling water, and a bag of pretzels. Ate the apple, saved the rest for my stockpile at the apartment. I caught up with Laura, Patrick and some other NPers and we headed back to the subway.

I liked this race because it was easy to get to, easy to get home from. The weather was absolutely beautiful. Wasn’t a fan that it was so crowded, had long bathroom lines, and the volunteers at the aid stations weren’t the greatest. Overall, it was a race I would definitely consider doing again next year- I like the 10 mile distance and it wasn’t too hilly.

Finish: 1:23:56

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Shi(n)t!

Well, crap.

I think it’s time to admit that a combination of overtraining, under stretching, and under eating have put quite the damper on my marathon goals.

The Sunday after my 14 mile run with Nike+ two weekends ago, I was hurting. I ran 6 miles in the park, but they weren’t pretty. 

(And I was WAY over dressed!) 

And Monday after work when I headed to the park? Forget it. I was limping, my calves were hard as rocks, and pain was radiating up and down my shins. I’ve felt this before- and when I ignored it, I got myself a stress fracture and weeks on crutches.

(That was fun commuting to NYC...NAHT)

You would think I had learned my lesson, right? Maybe not so much. I DID immediately go to JackRabbit for a new pair of sneakers, hoping that that was the issue. A fresh pair of Saucony Guide 7s will fix things, please? 

(They didn't have them in blue and pink! I was sad at first, but these black and neon ones have really grown on me!)

I knew I needed to make some other changes to my routine too. Up until then, I really hadn’t been foam rolling and stretching the way I knew I probably should be. It hurts to foam roll, and I was feeling fine-  I didn’t need to take preventative measures right? Ugh. Idiot. So I got new sneakers and vowed to up my time spent foam rolling. I bought ice packs and Ace bandages and starting icing every night. I cracked and bought a $60 pair of CEP compression socks and they were pretty magical- within a few days I was feeling better and keeping up with my training schedule. I thought I was in the clear.

(Ready to roll!)

Sure, I wasn’t 100%, but I was marathon training, and my legs were supposed to feel a little shitty.

I decided that I would take the recommendation I had received to get a massage from a woman named Claudia, even though it was going to set me back a nice chunk of change. This could be my only marathon- I am not messing around!

So this Saturday morning I laced up my sneakers and ran the 4 miles to my massage appointment in midtown.

(Seen on my run Satuday morning. Beautiful, Central Park)

Claudia yelled at me for running there. Claudia took one look at me and told me to eat more fats (almond butter instead of peanut butter she said, blasphemy!) Claudia gave me career advice. Claudia gave me a great message. She taped me, showed me some stretches, and even let me leave with her trigger point foam roller. I had incredibly high hopes as I walked out of the office.

('MERICA!)

Sunday morning dawned and I set off for the Bronx 10-miler. I was not there to race- I was there for an easy 10 miles and to “practice drinking” from the aid stations. My legs didn’t feel great and they didn’t feel awful. I was extremely disappointed when I saw that my average pace was 8:25- considering my ultimate dream to qualify for the Boston Marathon would mean maintaining an 8:12 pace throughout my marathon. But I also know that the water stations slowed me down A LOT. The volunteers weren’t handing out cups, they were just standing behind the table!

Regardless, I tried not to think about the race and my time. Then, it was Monday. I had 6 miles scheduled and ran 3 miles on the treadmill during my lunch break. Then, I set off after work for the second half of my mileage and at around 1.5 miles I had to stop and walk. 

Excuse me, limp. My shin splints were the worst they’ve been in over a year and I came so close to breaking down and crying in the street. I just paid over $100 to make this go away and now, I was feeling worse than before! But in the end, I couldn’t expect that massage to be miracle. For weeks now, my body has been warning me to slow down and take it easy and I stubbornly refused to cut back on my scheduled mileage. “I need to follow the plan!” I insisted, even though more experienced runners than myself told me it was OK to take a day or 2 off.

But seriously. Why is this happening now? One week away from my first marathon, that I have been training for for months? It’s so frustrating. I’ve decided that I am going to take the rest of the week off. Instead of 5 miles tonight, I’m going to a spin class. The rest of the week, I am resting, eating, stretching, rolling, icing and PRAYING that the break means fresh legs on Sunday. My dream of breaking 3:35:00 is all but gone at this point. I’m just hoping I can run the entire 26.2 miles.

(This really really sucks)

I’m worried that the time off will be detrimental to my training, but everyone I’ve talked to says it’s better than making my shins and calves worse than they already are.

Anyone out there have any more advice? 

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Nike+ NYC

Last weekend, I switched it up from my usual JackRabbit long run on Saturday mornings and decided to try out the Nike+Live run leaving from their Upper East Side store (3^rd Avenue between 66^th & 67^th Streets).

(Hello, random bike)

While I love my JackRabbit runs,  I highly recommend checking out a Nike+ long run if you are cracking down and getting serious about your marathon training (‘tis the season!)

I’ll tell you the main reasons why I say that.

1)        The Nike+ runs start at 8 a.m. Usually, I’m all for a 9 a.m. start time on a Saturday morning- a little extra time to sleep in after Friday night never hurts, after all.  But when your mileage starts increasing, and you’re spending upwards of 3 hours on a long run, finishing after noon can put a monkey wrench in plans for the day.  This particular Saturday, my parents were coming to visit, so I knew I needed to be done running by 11ish.

2)        The Nike+ runs get up there in mileage- this past weekend there was an option to run a 4 mile route, 12 mile route or 18 mile route! I had been wanting to do 16, but ending up settling for the 12 mile group and adding my own 2 miles on the way home to make sure I was back in time for my parents. The different options definitely helped- and there aren’t many free, organized running groups that I’ve come across that go 18 miles!

3)        The group was definitely geared towards people training for upcoming marathons. One of the Nike+ staff members gave a little speech on the megaphone before we set out, reminding us that with the weather changing, we should start getting using to running in capris and other warmer clothes since that’s what we’ll be wearing for our races.

4)        For each mileage group, there were pacers. So for the 12 mile group, there was a <8:00/mile pacer, an 8:30-9:30/mile pacer and a 10:00+ “sexy pace” pacer. They were dressed in neon green and it was my first experience running with a pacer and super helpful! Although I do find that whenever a runner sets out to run a specific pace- they end up going faster.

5)        The group was very organized. You checked in when you got there, could check your bag inside, use the restroom (although the line for the one stall was insane), and then head outside to your specific group. They took a group photo of each group and we left pretty much on time, which was impressive for the number of people there (my guess is around 150 for the 3 different mileage groups).

6)        At the half way point, and along the run for the 18 mile group, there was a stop where you could pick up water, Gatorade, Kind bars, Cliff bars and Gus!

7)        Because the group is broken up into different paces, there is no stopping and waiting if people fall behind.

8)        They have pre-printed, legit, running route cards- so again, if you fall behind, you know where the group is headed and we don’t have to stop and wait for you or be worried that you’re lost forever.

9)        There are photographers that follow you out on the course and then they email you the pictures the next day, which is pretty cool!

Saturday I set out with the 8:30-9:30 pace group but ended up running with the front group. The 8:00 pacer was a great guy named Fish, who I had some great conversations with and soon we realized we were cruising along with 7:45-7:50 miles. It was a pretty great run. At the end of it, there was more coconut water, water, Gatorade and chocolate milk to grab and then I ran another 2 miles to home to make a nice solid 14 mile total for the day.

The only real con I can come up with for the Nike+ run is that you need to register for it online, and they do fill up. But I mean, technically, there is nothing stopping you from walking by the store and hopping into the crowd (shh, I didn’t tell you that!)

Here’s the link to sign up! 

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Restaurant Review: Farm Country Kitchen

While I was home for Labor Day Weekend I got to go to a restaurant I’ve been dying to try. Located right on the Peconic River in Riverhead, Farm Country Kitchen is the prettiest little restaurant that you would completely pass by if you didn’t know to look for it. 

(Keep your eyes peeled, or you could drive right by this cute little restaurant!)

Luckily, people know it’s there due to the great press they’ve received for their fresh and tasty meals. That, combined with the view, beautiful landscaping, and the BYOB aspect, made it the perfect place for a sunny lunch when we didn’t feel like fighting the traffic to make it to a vineyard over the long weekend.

(Precious, right?)

If you live on Long Island, specifically in Suffolk County, you may have heard of Savino’s Hideaway- a staple Italian restaurant that is beloved by many. There is a family connection between Savino’s and Farm Country Kitchen. You go Sguera’s!  

(Such a pretty view!)

(BYOB is lovely)

As an appetizer, my parents and I decided to split the longstem artichoke hearts prepared with a lobster stuffing and garlic aioli and served over a Caesar salad. Wow. 

Not only was this appetizer HUGE (it easily could have been an entrée) but it was BURSTING with flavor and most impressively BURSTING with lobster! The lobster stuffing wasn’t what a restaurant would typically serve you- breadcrumbs with a hint of lobster flavor. No. This lobster stuffing was LOBSTER. It was phenomenal.

Another impressive thing about Farm Country Kitchen? Their menu changes every day! 

Unfortunately for me, that means I can’t go back and look up exactly what I ordered- oops! Luckily, I had instagrammed a picture of my lunch that day (because look at it, it was beautiful!) and my caption informs me that what my salad was packed with was: duck (not just any slice of duck. The duck was tender, juicy, and so full of smoky flavor!), baby spinach, pineapple, strawberries, blackberries (I, unlike my mom, am a huge proponent of fruit in salads!), almonds, carrots and the best cheese of all, goat cheese (OK, I can’t actually pick the best cheese of all, that’s far too hard, but goat cheese is up there).  The dressing was sesame ginger and also delicious.

My parents split a panini for their meal that was like an explosion of happiness in your mouth when you took a bite. In keeping with the artichoke theme, they ordered the Maria Panini- breaded chicken, breaded artichoke hearts, basil pesto, and fresh mozzarella on a rosemary roll that was one of the best rolls I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating. The panini came with a Sun dried tomato pasta salad, again, not skimping on the main attraction, the sun dried tomatoes. Everything about this sandwich was killer. The combination of flavors and textures is something I can still conjure up on my taste buds. 

I can’t say enough about this place, and I can’t wait to go back to try more of their fresh, flavorful, inventive meals! They serve dinner too, and deliver to the local area.  513 West Main Street Riverhead, NY 11901.

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The Most Wonderful Weekend

Sunday was one of those nights where I could curl up with my polka dot blanket and think, “Damn. Life is good.”

And that’s exactly what I did, in my apartment that is starting to feel more and more like home (I’ve lived here 8 months, it’s about damn time!)

I drank this sparkling flavored water that’s white grape flavored and it’s weirdly delicious. Except I think normal people would find it gross and artificial tasting and probably say something like, “Oh my God that’s disgusting it tastes like medicine!” I think the reason I like it, is because I used to ask my mom if I could have the grape Dimetapp cough medicine as juice in the morning. So this water is like a liter of Dimetapp-flavored nostalgia in a bottle. To answer your question, yes that is the proper spelling of Dimetapp and yes, I needed to Google it. The fact that to “Google” something is pretty much a legitimate verb in the English language is fascinating to me.

I have a million things that I should blog about that are long overdue- restaurants I want to review that I ate in months ago.  But instead, I feel like reliving this weekend and putting it down into words so ya know what? That’s what I’m going to do. I’ll catch up on the other stuff eventually, right? Yeah…

The end of last week/last weekend/the beginning of this week were absolute craziness with work.  By Friday I was SO excited to come home and clean my apartment and absolutely NOT go out. It was one of those cleaning sessions where I started and got really into it- like going through every single tank top and putting them in color order. I was doing all of this to prepare for my parents coming to spend the night Saturday, and to fool them into thinking I have my shit together (just kidding, Mom and Dad, my shit really is together!) but the problem was- I started at 6 at night and all of a sudden realized, “My apartment looks like a bomb went off because I have taken every inch of it apart and now it’s already 9 p.m. and it somehow all needs to get put back. Oh, and I still need to clean the floors and dust. And I’m waking up at 6 a.m. to run 14 miles before my parents get here in the morning. Crap.” Somehow I pulled the cleaning off and sat down to eat dinner at around 10 with my roommate and his boyfriend.  It was nice sitting and chatting (despite the fly that had Elephantitis that was flying around) but I needed to get to bed.

Tiffanie and I had signed up for our first time at a Nike+ NYC Live run. Conveniently, this weekend the run started at their UES store. I’m going to write a whole entry on the Nike run experience (like I said…eventually, right?) so for now I’ll just say that I ran 14 miles- sweet! 

(Hello, random bike!) 

I got back to my apartment, showered, let my parents in, helped them up with a few things, and then set out to meet my professor and friend from graduate school for brunch.  Except that I wasn’t brunching- since I was going to do lunch with my parents afterwards. 

I interrupt this blog post to bitch about the subway on the weekends. SO AWFUL. After waiting 15 minutes for a 6 train, it decides it’s going to go straight from 42nd Street to 14th Street. “We’re sorry for any inconvenience.” Inconvenience? You are literally skipping 4 stops. On the local train. What even? Ok, bitching over. 

When I finally got there, it was so nice to sit outside at Sarabeth’s and catch up with them. The graduate program in Corporate Communications at Baruch was seriously an amazing experience. I owe so much of where and who I am today to the short year and a half I was apart of it.


Next, it was off to meet my parents at Chelsea Market because as is par for the course whenever my parents grace NYC with their presence, it was raining. By now, it was after 2 o’clock and I had only eaten half a banana and a Gu and run 14 miles. We immediately walked to the Los Tacos No. 1 line and ordered two carne asada corn tacos with guacamole and demolished them. For some reason, they weren’t as delicious as I remembered them being (some of the pieces of meat were a little big and tough/chewy for me), but were still damn tasty, especially given my hunger levels.

(Los Taco No. 1 x 2)

We started walking around and hitting up all the possible free samples. My dad was in awe of the seafood market, and I was again obsessed with sampling all the different balsamic vinegars. After we did a lap, it was time to decide what we were going to eat. Winner? Num Pang. We decided to split two sandwiches, which I’ll feature, you guessed it, eventually. All you need to know is they are delicious Cambodian sandwiches on baguettes and we ate every last bite.

(Guess what's on this? You'll find out when I review Num Pang ~someday. Hope you can sleep at night.)

We decided that 3 p.m. was an acceptable time to start drinking, and my mom and I were both dying to check out the Standard Biergarten. Determined not to let the rain spoil the day, we headed over to the Meatpacking District. It never stops being crazy to me- how put together and rich and well-dressed everyone over there is. The Biergarten was packed despite the rain and SO LOUD because everything echoes in there. It looked like a Quinnipiac Greek Life reunion. Perfect preppy guys and girls in their twenties with way too much of their parent's money to blow, drunk at 3 p.m. It was kind of great. I will definitely be going back with my friends- despite the fact that my cocktail cost (my parents) $14 and you have to stand on a line to buy beer and food tickets and then stand on a line at the bar. But there’s ping pong and more impressively, FOOSEBALL!

Next, we hopped in a cab and headed back to my neck of the woods. I thought my dad would appreciate the beer list, so I brought them to Pony Bar. I ordered a margarita that came in a draft glass- heavy on the sour mix and made with OJ. Not ok. Probably the first (and hopefully only) time I refused to finish a margarita.

(EW)

Much to my dad’s dismay, I had us walk from Pony Bar back to my apartment. We took some time unpacking and organizing all my fall clothes and my dad made my mom and I one of our favorite cocktails- St. Germain, gin and grapefruit juice. Yum! I felt like I was back in college, getting dressed and doing my make-up while drinking and listening to music. Except I was with my parents! It was kind of cool to realize we could do that together.

Before we knew it, it was time for our 9:30 reservation at Flex Mussels. Full review to come- but all I have to say is DONUTS.

After dinner, we tried to rally and go out for one last drink, but I just wasn’t feeling it. So instead, we went back to my apartment and I put on the Final Broadway Performance of RENT and we all got comfy and before I knew, I was asleep on the floor and my mom was yelling at me to go to bed. It was a weird experience having my parents stay over at my place for the first time- we were saying that now it officially feels like I live there, and not with them on Long Island. I’m a big girl now!

Now for Sunday- which I’m happy to say was one of the most productive days I’ve had in a loooong time!

I woke up to the sound of my mom stirring downstairs and texted her to make herself some coffee and that I would be down by 9 for a walk to the East River. She had been dying to see where I go for November Project and get all my amazing sunrise pictures! I made myself a cup of delicious homemade coffee (I must say, better than my usual McCafe) and although we certainly didn't catch the sunrise, my mom enjoyed the view of the water and it's was a brisk but beautiful morning for a walk. 

(Don't go away summer!!!!)

When we got back to my apartment, my dad had followed his orders and was ready to go for breakfast. I took them to Effy's Cafe, a place where I have been twice now for coffee and blogging. Finally, I was able to order some of their delicious sounding food. I'm a sucker for Greek/Mediterranean food- so a ton of their options were appealing to me. I finally settled on the Shakshuka! "The shakwhatta?" you ask. 2 poached eggs with a tomato stew on top, served with Greek salad, hummus and pita. 

Look at the presentation! Phenomenal. Everything at this place seems super fresh, looks amazing, and tastes great too. Did I mention the prices are totallllllly reasonable? They are. They have two locations, and I think you should check them out! 

I was being a baby and dreading my run due to the colder temperature. I know, I know. It was perfect running weather. Well what is perfect for most people, is slightly chilly for me. 

I laced up my shoes and headed down to load up the car with my parents- I knew if I didn't just get it over with while I was outside with them, it wouldn't get done. My legs/feet/ankles were feeling a little funky after Saturday's long run and I was sleepy. And did I mention it was cold(ish)? 

(I need this jacket, right? Wrong.)

With big hugs, I sent my parents off and told my mom to send me a To Do List for the day. Then, I headed to the park. 6 miles- CHECK. (Ok, so maybe it WAS perfect running weather and maybe I WAS completely over dressed...) Live and learn, live and learn. 

While I was out in the park, my momma sent me my to do list for the day and when I got back to my apartment it was time to get crackin'! Luckily, the fresh air and endorphins had given me a little oomph. First thing I did was put nail polish on one of my keys so I can tell the key to the building apart from the key to my apartment- FINALLY. Then, I hand washed 3 shirts and hung them up to dry. Cool. Took my recyclables out. Awesome, save that environment. Walked down the street to the farmers market where they were giving out free samples of delicious carrot noodles with sauteed kale and red onions. And there were free samples of baked goods. 

My purchases were proof that fall is here! An apple, peach, some corn on the cob and a cup of apple cider. YUM! 

Next it was off to the 92Y Street Fair that ran all along Lexington Avenue from 96th Street to 81st! I walked the whole thing, and wanted to buy EVERYTHING! Like this tank top with a monkey. How great? 

Highlight of the street fair? The kettle corn samples, obviously. I mean, half the people huddled around those tupperware have absolutely zero intention of buying a bag of kettle corn. After all, you can totally fill up by asking for a sample of each flavor- which I shamelessly did. Uhm, caramel popcorn smothered in cheddar? Died. 

The number of free samples I had was a little insane. Sadly, there was no option to sample the fried ice cream- but I did stand there creepily and watch how they made it for like 5 solid minutes. 

After sampling the Mamma Chia squeeze bags- I bought 4 for $5, one of each flavor.  They took my picture, but it hasn't popped up on social media yet what a shame. It must have been too good or something. 

(You can find some interesting shit at street fairs...)

I also got 4 books for $1! And my FAVORITE Essie color, Bikini so Teeny for $5 instead of the usual $8.50! Score! And then the fateful moment- just about to be on my way home when BAM! 

DOUGH. 

Not, not a fried dough stand. I had passed a million of those already. Dough, the bakery from Bed Stuy had a stand set up on 82nd Street. And after my amazing donuts at Flex Mussels the night before, I was craving more donutty deliciousness. I couldn't say no- I had heard way too much about these donuts. After a quick perusal of the internet to try to figure out what they were best known for, and being saddened to see that their oft-praised dulce de leche donut was already sold out- I went completely rogue and chose a Cafe au Lait donut. 

IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! I was so not expecting this donut to live up to the ones at Flex Mussels. And while it wasn't AS incredible, because it wasn't filled (I'm a sucker for anything stuffed) it was still incredibly delicious (although somewhat greasy).  The icing had the perfect subtle coffee taste and the donut was light and airy becasue Dough specializes in yeast donuts. I threw it in the toaster oven for a few minutes to get it warm again which was a good call on my part if I do say so myself. 

On my way back from the street fair I stopped at the store to pick up a lasagna tray to place my NEW PALM TREE in so that when I water it the water doesn't leak everywhere.  The palm tree used to be at my grandma's house, so it means a lot and I will be doing my best to have a green thumb and keep it alive!!

(I think I might need to name it. Thoughts?)

I dropped my purchases off at my apartment and gave Mr. Palm Tree some water (Mr. Palm Tree just isn't cutting it for me, I need something better). 

(Me in a nutshell)

Then I walked right back out the door to the gym, where I suffered through an hour of yoga. Yoga and I will never be friends. At least, I can't see it happening.  I've given it a fair number of chances to reel me in and it just doesn't. I am not a fan. And it hurts. So that was an unenjoyable hour, unfortunately. 

(Pretending yoga is something I do...)

No- I still wasn't done being productive! On the way home, I stopped and got a manicure with my new Essie polish and took some pretty pictures of the sunset on my way back. 

(Damn NYC, not bad)

Dinner was delicious leftover Thai mussels with kale, carrots, asparagus, mushrooms and race thrown in the broth for good measure. 

Sunday, I must say, I rocked you. Hard. 

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