Go... where? When you think of "new" Brooklyn-- cool and hip and fun-- Gowanus might not be the first place that comes to mind. It might not even be the fourth or the fifth-- but that's OK, because like an aged wine, Gowanus has ripened from an industry-heavy area to a haven of arts and artisans, vibes and value. There is SO much more to do there than you might imagine, and a lot of great kept secrets. Adventure on a Saturday? Here is a plan that will woo you over to Gowanus, too.
Read moreCalifornia Cool: Neutrals
Californians say the west coast is the best coast, and I might have to agree when it comes to interiors. My design soul is Californian. I love any room with lots of white, black, natural wood and linen. I loved a relaxed vibe. I love a cool outdoor space.
Read moreI scream, you scream: Where to get the best ice cream in New York
Give me ice cream or give me death. My palate may have stopped maturing in 1994, but honestly, to me there is nothing better than a melty cone. And I get it-- the city gets cold in the winter. Like, find-alternate-routes-so-I-don't-walk-through-the-astor-place-wind-tunnel cold. But don't tell that to my tastebuds, because I'm craving it year round.
Read moreThe Best Yoga Studios in NYC
It took me a little while to figure out where to get my Om on... every studio has a different vibe, and let's be honest, there are so many out there. On the checklist? Not uptight. Cool community feel. Great teachers. And actually being able to get into a class. [Yes, these seem simple, but I'd rather go to a chill place than get some very un-zen stare downs from my yoginis if I'm a minute late]. Here are four great studios that fit the bill:
Read more5 Cool and Cheap Home Decor Boutiques in NYC
After making it my mission to find some home boutiques fit for a twenty-something (and braving the wild jungle that is Soho on a Saturday) I ended up in Nolita. I found so many off-the-map cool stores with great goods. From beaded pillows to bar carts to serving trays to wall art, I probably could have bought enough to turn my apartment into a home decor store.
Read moreBlack and White Bombshells
Mini Popovers with Whipped Strawberry Butter
So I made a batch of these for a dinner party I was heading to this week. Everyone loves popovers, and everyone loves mini things, so I had a hunch these would be a crowd pleaser. Because I'm into delicious happiness, I made some easy whipped strawberry butter to go with them. I didn't anticipate how freaking loved/ devoured these would be.
Read moreVegan Thai Salad with Spicy Cashew Dressing
Once upon a time I didn't have an Instagram. It was a simple world of image-less bliss, but an uninspiring one. And then last December, I made an account (@platektonics, whatup), I became a food porn obsessor, and lived happily ever after. The end. Except not the end-- the beginning.
Read moreHealthier Front Porch Lemonade (Spiked!)
My family is made up of lemonade drinkers. My mom's after-hours drink of choice is always the Front Porch Lemonade down at the Cloisters in Sea Island. Now, I'm not a lemonade person, but this drink is actually the bomb. Just sweet enough, super fresh, and it gives you a nice buzz.
Read moreHoliday Detox: Banana, Fig & Chia Smoothie Bowl
Hey there, holiday excess... so we meet again. To counter all that celebratory flour, dairy and sugar, this vegan banana smoothie bowl recipe uses anti-inflammatory ingredients to balance your omega 3 & 6 levels. It's easy to digest, light on your body, and just enough to fuel your food hangover (and whatever other hangover you're nursing). Win all around.
Read moreWinter Salad: Simply Grilled Romaine with Warm Lemon Vinaigrette
Winter is here, and it's coooold. And when it's cold, I crave warm and warming foods. But sometimes, I want to curl up and eat something warm and light (re: not pasta). Enter this salad.
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