Baby wearing tree pose
Category Archives: Around town: South Jersey
Pumpkin Patch
Endless pumpkins
It’s been seven years since I moved “up North” (from Florida) and this was my first trip to the farm in fall. We picked pumpkins, walked through a corn maze, went for a hay ride and drank frozen apple cider. Yum!
The patch
Have you done any autumn-related activities?
Filed under Around town: South Jersey
3 Ingredients To-Go
The other day I had to run a few errands super-early so I packed a quick breakfast to take along with me: So Delicious coconut yogurt in plain, agave syrup and cereal. I found a shady spot in a suburban parking lot to put it all together.
Eating out of a real bowl is so worth the dirty dish
New-to-me, suggested by a good friend
Great spot for breakfast
Filed under Around town: South Jersey, Dining in
A Day Late
Happy July 4th 5th! The holiday may be over, but it’s never to late to express love for America.
An all-American beach: Ocean City, New Jersey
The power’s still out at my place so I spent a few days at the beach. I discovered new (to me) shore spots that have tons of healthy, delicious options. Yianni’s Cafe on Asbury Avenue has outdoor seating, smoothies, oatmeal and other yummy choices. Red’s Jersey Mex Cafe is a cute little place a few blocks off the beaten track. It’s got everything I love: tacos, guac and surf pics.
Yianni’s Favorite: fresh oj & fruit
Oatmeal with sliced almonds and cinnamon
Mexican on July 4th~because we’re all dependent on each other
Veggie tacos with guacamole
I love that the U.S.A is a melting pot of world cultures. My perfect July 4th: Cali-style American breakfast, yoga (from India), Mexican lunch and Cuban for dinner (no pics of chickpea stew and fried plantains…but they were amazing).
What do you love about America?
Filed under Around town: South Jersey, Eating out
Cheers for Chipotle
How ironic… I dissed on fast food joints last week, but today I have to give a little bit of credit where it’s due. Chipotle‘s got it going on with (some) organic ingredients, yummy veg options and an eco-friendly bowl for tortilla-less burritos. I wouldn’t catergorize Chipotle as fast food, but since it’s a chain I was extra impressed by their efforts.
Rice & beans with plenty of veggies
A little crumpled...but still good news
So since starting this blog last year I’ve started to eliminate dairy most of the time. Some friends have asked me what it means to be vegan. Or actually, how it’s possible to give up cheese and still enjoy life. I’m not strict everyday, but I think Mexican is one of the easiest cuisines to eliminate animal products from. Here’s what was in my veggie bowl (and it was absolutely delish!):
- brown rice with cilantro (yay Chipotle for having brown rice and organic cilantro!)
- sautéed onions and peppers
- black beans
- scoop of mild salsa (chunky tomatoes) and medium (pureed roasted tomatoes)
- corn salad
- guacamole
- lettuce
There was enough flavor and texture to keep things interesting, and I promise you that I did not miss the cheese.
What’s your favorite veggie option at restaurants? What tastes delicious without the cheese?
Filed under Around town: South Jersey
Wind & Weather
Whew, what a weekend. Friday night my good friend Liz came for a sleepover and some sun at the shore. In the middle of the night we woke to a windy storm that we didn’t know was coming. Lighting flashed nonstop and M gathered us and Sophie (the dog I was watching for the week) into the living room to hide behind the couch. A tree fell through the roof in the guest bathroom and the power’s been out ever since. We’re all safe, but Mays Landing looks a little disheveled.
Our front yard
We’ll be sans electricity for a while….
Sophie in the backyard
Get it before it goes bad…coconut yogurt, granola, honey and bananas
Lots of thoughts…I’m happy this didn’t happen during the construction of our house, we would have had a huge mess. This must be nothing compared to what New Orleans felt like during Hurricane Katrina (actually that was Liz’s thought). On Saturday Liz and I only had one bottle of water each and all the stores within a 30 minute drive were closed. It was 95 degrees and we had to conserve. (Our house has well water that doesn’t work when the power is out. I had no idea.) The only thing we had to drink was almond milk and Perrier (which I usually mix with vodka and a splash of nonexistent juice). I should be more prepared. I felt real compassion for people that don’t have access to running water, particulary in third world countries. Most of all I feel thankful that no one was hurt and everything’s going to be okay.
In case you’re wondering, I’m at a Panera 45 minutes away. I have an appointment around here this afternoon so I’m taking advantage of wifi and iced coffee while I can. A little window shopping at Anthropologie doesn’t hurt either.
When was the last time you were taken out of your comfort zone?
Filed under Around town: South Jersey, Dining in
Hot & Cold Rice Bowl
Saturday afternoon I stopped by my favorite little produce stand on the side of the road by the campground. I couldn’t resist grabbing a few juicy tomatoes.
I used the tomatoes and cumber to make a summer veggie bowl. Here’s the basic recipe:
Hot & Cold Rice Veggie Bowl
Ingredients:
- sliced squash
- asparagus
- chopped tomatoes
- chopped cucumber
- leftover brown basmati rice
- pine nuts
- olive oil
Dressing:
- zest and juice of one lemon
- olive oil
- splash of apple cider vinegar
- pinch of dried oregano
- salt & pepper
- one small minced garlic clove
Directions: Heat a splash of olive oil over medium in a large pan. Cook squash and asparagus with lid on for about 5-7 minutes, checking and flipping as necessary. Meanwhile layer cucumber, tomato and cold rice in a bowl. Mix dressing ingredients in a separate container. Once asparagus and squash are tender and slightly brown, remove from heat and chop into bite-size pieces. Add pine nuts to the heated pan and cook for a few minutes until fragrant. Place everything in the bowl and give it a good stir. Yum!
The man-version on bread
His and her summer veggies
(I’ve decided to lay off the bread for a while… summer travels have contributed to a few extra pounds)
Jersey fresh
What’s cooking in your kitchen this week?
Filed under Around town: South Jersey, Dining in
Sunset in Marrakesh
Our house is well on its way to being a real home, so it’s time for us to plan a real party. I checked with friends to set a date and we all agreed on a Saturday in August. Until then I get to dream and plan away (which is half the fun). And right now I’m loving pinterest….
(All pictures are taken from Pinterest with credit whenever I could find the original source)
So simple, yet sexy
Mint + champagne + grapefruit = amazing
Don’t you love this dress?
White strawberry-lemon sangria
Do you like themed parties? Any ideas for sunset in Marrakesh?
P.S. I found loads of beautiful pics but I’m too tired to cut and paste any more links. Click here to see the rest.
Filed under Around town: South Jersey, Dining in, Happiness
Stone Harbor
South Jersey is full of cute little towns. Yesterday my mom and I explored a new one down at the shore (new to us that is). She’s visiting from Florida for a long weekend and we’re having fun as tourists together. We took a walk on the beach, shopped around town, lunched on salads and grabbed some fresh produce from a market stand on our way home. We finished the day with a homemade dinner of pasta & veggies loaded with plenty of garlic. Yum!
Two Florida girls can’t resist a walk in the sand
The Garden of Eden salad at Green Cuisine
Mom’s Middle Eastern Sampler
A dressing so delish I’ve gotta make it at home
Whole wheat penne with garlic, tomatoes, zucchini, squash, onions, asparagus and CSA bok choy (at least I think it’s bok choy)
I hope you are having a veggie-licious weekend!
Filed under Around town: South Jersey, Eating out
Bella Vida
Yesterday M and I brought our bikes down to Cape May for a day of leisurely riding and fun in the sun. We intended to visit our favorite little farm stand but found out it’s not open on weekdays this early into summer, so we stopped at a new place where I saw a sign for fresh carrot juice. Once inside, I was delighted to find a huge selection of vegan choices. The menu resembled a trendy California spot, but with offerings for picky eaters and non-veg loving friends and family, too. My veggie burger burrito was divine and M was happy with his breakfast quesadilla. Of course we both sipped on what drew us in, fresh carrot juice. This homey little place is such a great find!
What’s the most delicious thing you’ve had in the past few days?
This homemade veggie burger/burrito was the best!
Filed under Around town: South Jersey, Eating out
