It probably seems weird that I’d want to write more posts while I’m on vacation. But actually, this is easier! These recap posts come together much quicker than my recipe posts, because I’m not doing photoshoots or trying to think up a story to go with the posts; I’m just recapping what happened in my day.
Fast as a Rabbit
Today’s game of Pass or be Passed proved more challenging than yesterday’s. I wanted to keep my unbeaten record but met another runner who was playing the same game. I spent about 5 minutes getting up the speed to pass him… and then another 20 or so trying to make sure he didn’t re-pass me. (I’m a really competitive runner and hate being passed.)
At one point, after he got close and then I sped away, he yelled out “D*mn it!” That’s when I knew I was in trouble because he was racing me. But in the end, we became friends. He thanked me for pushing his pace and told me I have a really good stride. It made my day!
For breakfast, I made Jess and myself Banana Bread in a Bowl.
(Yes, I am the crazy girl who brings her Magic Bullet on vacation. I had room in my suitcase, so I figured, “Why not?”) We quickly dressed and caught the subway to Greenwich Village, first stopping at Washington Square Park and the dog park, with its cute cute doggies! We also checked out the chess shops. (Did you know they make a fruit-and-vegetable chess set?!) Soon enough, it was time for lunch.
We walked over to Lifethyme Cafe for Pumpkin Lasagna.
Or, rather, I got pumpkin lasagna. Jessica bought the eggplant parmesan, which doesn’t really have any kind of cheese—dairy or vegan. It’s just eggplant, carrots, zucchini, tomato sauce, and other such veggies and spices layered in a lasagna:
With lunch done, we headed to 30th street and found The High Line, a public park built on an elevated rail structure that goes over NYC.
Isn’t it gorgeous?? Admiring the beauty made me hungry. And this peaceful retreat was the perfect spot for a snack. Luckily, I’d picked up a little something before we left Lifethyme:
A cookie the size of my head!
Over the years, I’ve not been too impressed with the taste of Lifethyme’s beautiful-looking desserts. However, there were free samples of the Chocolate-Raspberry Tollbooth Cookies sitting on the counter, and as soon as I heard “chocolate raspberry” my greedy hands reached for a taste. (Oh, let’s be serious: as soon as I heard the word “chocolate” I wanted a taste!)
The point-and-shoot photo doesn’t do these cookies justice at all. They were delicious! I was very stingy and didn’t offer Jessica a single crumb of my giant cookie. (It’s okay, though. She’d picked up a Crumbs Bake Shop cupcake on our walk.)
This reminded me of my Healthy Chocolate-Chip Cookies.
If you’ve tried that recipe of mine, you know I appreciate a little baking-soda kick in my chocolate chip cookies. Lifethyme’s cookies have this kick as well. They also are 100% whole-grain and include walnuts and raspberries. I’m definitely adding raspberries to my cookies next time I make them!
I want that cookie!
You look so pretty 🙂
Im so impressed with your running Katie! I usually run on the treadmil, but if I go out for a run anytime soon- I will try the game out!
Im on a huge raspberry kick at the moment, and chocolate+raspberries is so good! I know I would love that cookie!
I really am loving these recap posts. You have a fabulous sense of adventure, and I envy your easy-goingness (is that a word?). I always have to have a plan, and that means it’s harder to just take life as it comes carefree like you do. Some day, some day!
I love these life-recap style posts – you should add more in during your regular posts!
The lasagna just looks absolutely mindblowing – so many layers of veggies with Italian seasonings? Sign me up!
Looks like ur havin’ a blast! Just wondering, do magic bullets really work? The infomercial is so believable, but Consumer Reports says it’s a no-no! I need to ask an owner- does it work for you? wat are its pros and cons? Sorry for the barrage of questions i’ve been asking you( it was only the other day i asked u bout veganism)! Thanks!
Oh my gosh YES!!! Get one!!! Do it!!!
*Calms down* But seriously, I was on the fence before I bought mine. I shouldn’t have been. It’s one of the best investments I’ve ever made (and if you use a Bed Bath Beyond coupon, you get 20% off). I use it almost every day… even more than my vita-mix. It’s super-easy to clean (dishwasher!) and works for smoothies, soups, dressings, and even fudge babies!
Okay, do you think the company should pay me for this extremely positive endorsement? 😉
I love my vita-mix, but i feel there are some things it just can’t do ( like blend the chickpeas for the blondies good enough). I fell for the infomercial and begged my mom to get it, but she really doesn’t think it will work. And i can’t order it (must be 18 or older to call, must have money). But she DID say that if i can find a good review from someone who uses it often, she’ll consider it. Ha-ha mama! Thanks so much Katie. If the company doesn’t pay you, i will. When i’m 18 or older of course:)
Mmmm I want that lasgana! Oh, and that cookie for dessert since raspberries and chocolate are amazing things together 🙂
Ah I love the running story! 🙂 that’s awesome that you passed him! I need to try that game!
hey! i just got back from my Spanish vacay……i missed you so! yay for the run…..that’s a cool story! sounds like you’re super speedy!
ooo yay another emma!
Haha that’s so funny that you mention the “baking soda kick” at the end of a cookie! To be honest, I hadn’t really thought about that until I tried your ultimate chocolate chip cookies the other day. I was munching on one of the cookies when, lo and behold, my tastebuds felt this interesting (but not unpleasant) “taaaaaaaaang.” I was so startled upon coming to this glorious realization that I stopped chewing, and my mouth turned into a big, wide “O.” This was, of course, also followed by laughing with my mouth full…
True story!
Don’t worry though–the happy chewing quickly re-commenced 🙂
Hehe so cute!
Awww u r so pretty. And now I wanna cookie! I also wanna go to nyc!