Category Archives: NYC

Rewind It Back

Posted on January 9, 2013 by StephSnacks | 8 Comments

Hey, everyone! How have you all been? Things have been really busy over here lately — work, running around the city with my parents, chiropractor appointments, going out with friends, errands, the usual. Although instead of it just being ‘the usual’, I’ve been really tired. So tired, in fact, that I have not been to the gym since Saturday. For me, this is basically unheard of. I never, ever really go more than two days in a row without the gym.

But I’ve been dragging my feet, forgetting things easily, and just plain exhausted by the time I land on my couch. The extra hour of sleep in the morning has been priceless. As each day went by, I was more and more antsy that I hadn’t been to the gym. But it was just today that I kind of felt okay about it. In fact, I felt really good about it.

Recently my workouts haven’t been that great. Because to be quite honest, I haven’t had a spare second to really ‘write out’ a proper workout for myself. My body has been tired — if it wasn’t for the fact that my money has been going many (eeeeesh) other places, I would have booked myself a massage by now.

To be even more honest, the other day I was a blubbering crying mess because something happened that really disappointed me but I was also just tired. The gym has been the very very very last of my priorities. Luckily I live in New York City where I can basically get in thirty minutes of walking each day. Paired with my pretty okay eating habits, not much will effect me in four days time.

It’s just interesting to me to see how my priorities have shifted over the past year and a half of having this blog. When I first started StephSnacks, I was so vigilant about being the healthiest or being the most fit. Now, I just want to not start snoring on the subway home from work/errands/seeing friends and I want to be happy.

I’ve been way, way too tired lately and something needed to slip for a few days in order for me to kind of keep my shit together. So for now, I’m writing lists’ so that I don’t forget another damn thing and watching late night reality television so that I can shut my brain off for a moment.

And with that, I’m going to finish the People’s Choice Awards and watch the first episode of Washington Heights.

Night, guys!

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Posted in Guilt, Gym, Happiness, NYC, Relaxing, Rest, Self-Esteem, Thoughts

Foodie Weekend

Posted on January 6, 2013 by StephSnacks | 10 Comments

I can’t believe we are at Sunday night again! This weekend seemed to go by so quickly and while I’m a little bummed to get the week started, I’m feeling pretty okay since I took Tuesday off to celebrate my mom’s birthday! I am taking her around the city and then out to dinner.

I must admit, this weekend didn’t include much working out. My neck and shoulders are absolutely killing me. I’m not so sure why, considering I haven’t worked on my arms or lifted any weights in about a week — but I am a little concerned. I have been keeping heating pads on my shoulders and taking advil and am hoping the chiropractor can help me tomorrow. The only workout I did took place on Saturday morning and it included walking on the treadmill for 35 minutes and working on my legs but that was all I could do.

But onto the fun stuff! On Friday night my friend Kristin hosted the nicest dinner party for a bunch of our girlfriends. I have known all of the girls in the below picture since at least high school — some since grade school. How lucky is that?

Kristin made us her home made lasagna – which was amazing – and she also threw together her ‘signature salad’ which included avocado, walnuts, and strawberries. They complemented each other perfectly. The wine, food, and conversation made the night really memorable for me. It’s times like these I feel really lucky to have the people in my life that I do and recognize why I invest so much in my relationships with my friends.

After dinner, we all decided to go out to a bar called The Globe and I wound up getting into bed a little after 3:00 AM.

Once I finally got out of bed around 11:30 AM on Saturday, I hung around the apartment before completing the above workout at the gym. Prior to going to the gym I made myself a green juice and drank it alongside a granola bar but I was starving after my workout so I decided to take myself out to lunch! I’ve been wanting to try the Hummus Kitchen for so long and this was the perfect opportunity.

I sat down near a window and just enjoyed people watching and sort of being grateful for being able to live in New York City and do things like this on the weekend. I also enjoyed the free olives that my waiter placed on the table! Not sure about you, but I absolutely love olives.

I wanted to keep lunch light but filling at the same time so I ordered some hummus with pita and their special soup — butternut squash with carrot and coconut milk.

All I can really say is that I am so glad I finally decided to go to Hummus Kitchen. Both the soup and hummus were fantastic, fresh, and flavorful (three f’s in a row, not bad). I loved that I could taste the coconut in the soup and how the hummus was topped with chick pea’s and some amazing green sauce-which I have no idea what it was!

On Sunday I went to another amazing restaurant, called Isabella’s, for brunch with my mom, dad, and room mate Brittany. I ordered grapefruit juice to drink throughout my meal and have actually been making it at home in my blender–love it! A bread basket was also brought to the table which included a loaf of raisin bread, a pumpkin bread, and a light but tasty strawberry butter. I had one piece of the bread because I really wanted to try the strawberry butter.

For brunch, my mom, Britt, and I each ordered the Egg White Omelette which included mushrooms, tomatoes, and low fat muenster cheese. A slice of cantaloupe and hash browns were served on the side.

I was really happy with my choice! The omelette was flavorful and the hash browns were perfectly crispy. I finished a little over half of the omelette and maybe half of the hash brows. I also tried a bite of my dad’s waffle and it was sooooooo good. I may have to get it next time just because it was so unbelievable. It was a lot of food! I have been full all day up until just now (7:00 PM). Now I’m off to watching some fantastic reality television and staying on my cozy couch for the night. Have a great evening, guys!

Question of the Night: When’s the last time you went to brunch? What do you usually order? I’m always one for an omelette!

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Posted in Eating Out, Family, Food, Friends, Memories, Night Life, NYC, Relaxing, Weekend, Workout

2012 Year In Review

Posted on December 31, 2012 by StephSnacks | 9 Comments

Well here we are everyone, ready to ring in 2013. I’m spending tonight with a group of friends at a club in the city – hope it’s fun. You never know with these NYE deals. But I do know that I had a blast last NYE so I am hoping this one is the same!

I’ve decided to do a little StephSnacks ’2012 Year in Review’. Sometimes I like to reflect on what I have been doing or what I’ve accomplished rather than what I haven’t done. Sounds a lot better to me Let’s get started.

Last January I rung in the New Year with a group of friends — including one of my best friends Alexis — at the Hoboken Beer Garden. We had such a good time and I am happy to spend this New Years Eve with Alexis again!

In February I went to Boston with my friend Rebecca. Even though I was over-coming a nasty virus, we were still able to walk basically the entire city and stop by the infamous Mike’s Pastry Shop!

In March, my friend Jenn and her sister came to visit NYC and we all had a really nice night out. I love seeing friends who I haven’t been able to hang out with in a while. It’s such a treat

(Jenn, my friend Analessa, a very dark-haired me, and Jenn’s sister Christina)

In April I tried and failed the Cooler Cleanse after a day and a half. I love juices, in fact I made one in my VitaMix yesterday, but there’s nothing like solid food people.

In May, I spent a long weekend at the beach with my friends Eva and Rebecca. We had such a nice time eating ,drinking, and laying in the sun. I hope we do this again in May! Trips to the beach are my favorite.

In June I went on one of the best vacation’s ever — to Aruba with five of my friends from college. Oh my gosh I can’t even get into how much I wish that trip never ended. Tropical drinks, amazing dinners, long beach days, nights out, and plenty of girl talk. WAHHHH!

In July, my room mate Britt and I held a 4th of July party on our porch filled with burgers, beers, and games and then a few of us went to see fire works.

In August I spent a weekend with Britt and her family and we went tubing! I hadn’t been tubing in so long so it was really nice to be on the water and get the shit scared out of me.

In September, I was lucky enough to be able to do the makeup for a long time family friend’s wedding. Marielle was a beaming bride and I was so happy to be able to partake in the day.

October brought a nice long weekend in Cape Cod with my friends John and Britt. We ate soooooo much food and I was basically in a food coma the entire trip.

In November I wrote one of the most important posts’ of my life. See here. It was an honest look into how an eating disorder can effect someones life during the disorder and what takes place post-disorder. I wanted to shed some light on how painful this can be.

In December, I finally took the plunge and cut my hair! I absolutely love it and am so glad I decided to cut it.

So tonight, as I ring in 2013 with friends I have a lot of hopes for the new year. As for resolutions? I’m not sure. My top two are volunteering (I still haven’t found the exact place I want to volunteer yet) and to seriously consider getting my certification in Personal Training. I’ve flirted with the idea here and there but I need to think about it more seriously.

I hope you all have a beautiful, fun, relaxing, safe New Years Eve and I hope all of your wishes come true in 2013!

Steph

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Posted in Friends, Memories, New Years Eve, Night Life, NYC

Indulging and Cleaning

Posted on December 29, 2012 by StephSnacks | 10 Comments

Hey, there! How’s your weekend been so far? I’ve been trying to get some things done but between the snow and having to watch Spanky for my parents, it’s been a little tough. It’s okay though — I love spending time with Spanky and I need to chill out a bit. I was happy, though, that I was able to clean my room and go to my favorite workout class, Power Strike, this morning!

Most of all, I was really happy to indulge in a deliciously bad-for-you meal last night at my all time favorite Mexican restaurant, Gabriela’s. I’ve been eating pretty healthy all week and knew I would be taking Power Strike today so I didn’t feel too guilty sipping on a skinny margarita (which was quite strong may I add), chips with salsa, and a shrimp quesadilla.

Since it was Gillian’s last night in the city, I knew she’d love to go somewhere fun with good food and amazing drinks. I highly recommend Gabriela’s for anyone looking for amazing Mexican in the city — if it’s a Friday or Saturday night, make sure to make reservations!

As soon as I left Power Strike this morning, I walked into a beautiful Winter Wonderland. NYC truly looks picture perfect with a fresh coat of snow.

The snow and slushy weather sort of forced me to clean my room today – and not only that – but to do nice things for myself like make a home made body scrub for the shower. The scrub consisted of some olive oil, sugar, and honey. And boy was my skin super soft afterwards. I need to make it a point to do this more often!

I also finally received some prints of photographs I have taken throughout 2012. My sister and mom were having a conversation about how annoying it is that people no longer print actual pictures, and instead, upload everything online. I have to say I kind of agree, and am also going to make printing out pictures more of a requirement in 2013. Just like a book, there’s nothing like holding an actual photograph in your hand.

Hoping to purchase a photo album soon to store all of my pictures in!

Tomorrow’s agenda includes church, gym, picking up my New Years Eve ticket, and hopefully dropping by Bed Bath and Beyond and food shopping. I have hardly anything in the apartment.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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Posted in Dinner, Drinks, Eating Out, Family, Food, Friends, NYC, weather, Weekend

Christmas Eve Eve Eve

Posted on December 23, 2012 by StephSnacks | 7 Comments

Hey all! Are you busy getting some last minute things done before Christmas Eve tomorrow? I actually can’t believe Christmas is already here. I’m looking forward to eating some good food and spending time with my family! I’m actually going to my favorite workout class, Power Strike, tomorrow morning to get my metabolism going before the Christmas feasts begin. The gym is always crazy on the morning of Christmas Eve so I am hoping that the class isn’t too crowded!

Um.. and before moving forward with my post.. wanted to let you all know that I actually took the plunge and cut my hair. I’m still getting used to it, but I absolutely love it. The color is a beautiful light caramel and the cut is so sleek. Very happy with the turn out.

Onto the party I want to tell you all about! Ryan is my friend Jenn’s boyfriend and he always hosts’ an annual ‘Christmas Eve Eve’ but this year it was a ‘Christmas Eve Eve Eve’ since the party had to be a day earlier. We made tons of appetizers, drank wine, played beer pong, and had a great time hanging out. It was great to spend time with some old friends and to also meet new people.

This morning I woke up with a bit of a headache… ahem. But once we got to the diner for breakfast I felt so much better. Once back in the city, I completed a quick workout and now I’m just hanging out with my sister watching some Christmas movies!

I’ll catch you all later

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Posted in Christmas, Drinks, Exercise, Family, Food, Friends, Holiday, NYC, Weekend, Wine, Workout

Looking Forward

Posted on December 20, 2012 by StephSnacks | Leave a comment

There are so many things right now that I am looking forward to. I’m itching to get through today (Thursday) and tomorrow. My Saturday will consist of getting my hair done and going to a Christmas party and tonight I am supposed to be seeing the tree in Rockefeller with my family! This all makes the work day seem that much longer and the week is practically dragging on.

On another note, I know that I haven’t really shown you guys what I’ve been eating lately or how much I have been working out. This blog has more evolved into a space where I can be open and honest about certain topics, and maybe shed some light on certain situations that have happened or that are happening in my life. From what I’ve gathered over the year and a half I have been blogging, it’s that people respond positively to honesty and truth.

Here’s the truth – I love cooking and I love preparing healthy meals, but I haven’t exactly had the time to be in tip-top healthy mind frame over the past month. I know that December is a tough month for everyone to be scarfing down salad’s over cookies and stuffing, but for me, it hasn’t exactly been that. It’s more been packing soup for lunch instead of preparing a salad, ordering sushi instead of making eggs for dinner, and maybe sleeping a little bit later instead of forcing myself to work out.

It took me a long time to accept that lifestyle’s change depending on the time of year. I used to think that ‘normal’ was when you were so steadfast in your diet that you would never cave into a treat. This just isn’t the case. Life fluctuates, diet fluctuates, weight fluctuates — and as long as it’s not fluctuating in an unhealthy or dangerous way, you know the ‘frame’ you should be in. I have always been someone that can go up or down 5-7 pounds. Like legit every other two months I always feel different. But – the clothing that I own fits me regardless because it’s within my healthy range.

This is the first week in a long time where I am only going to make it to the gym two or three times. I always strive for at least four or five. But you know what? I had other priorities this week. My life was crazy. If I haven’t been at work I’ve been at an appointment or getting last minute things done for Christmas or visiting my parents at their new place. Exhaustion has officially set in and I need to chill out.

I’m trying to concentrate on enjoying the next five days – that’s all we really have left until Christmas. My gym membership is there – and it’s not as if I’m not going. The recipes are all online – and its’s not as if I’ll never bake chicken or cook again. But I’m letting it go for now a little bit. Just for the next week or so. I’ll always try to be my healthiest, but I’m not going to beat myself up in the process. Neither should you.

Aside from last year where I was basically fully recovered from an eating disorder, this is the first Christmas where I have felt like an actual adult. My priorities aren’t new – they’ve just shifted a little. I’ve realized how fragile life is and how important I am. There have been Christmas’ past where everything was blurry because my mind wasn’t right. I wasn’t in the right place. I feel like right now I am in the ‘right’ place but the ‘right’ place is going to get even better.

As 2012 comes to a close — and I’ll definitely be posting before Christmas and the New Year so don’t you worry! — I want to take a second to thank all of you for reading. Everyone who has ever read any single post. It’s the only reason I keep blogging. It’s been my source of comfort in knowing that maybe someone can kind of sort of relate to what I’ve been through. Maybe I’m helping. Maybe sometimes I blabber and don’t make sense.

Everything I’ve ever been through as a person has shaped me into who I am right now. My eating disorder, the friends I lost along the way, the guys who broke my heart, the hearts I broke, putting my family through hell, trying to make it in LA, now trying to make it in New York City, making new friends, discovering how much I love fitness and health, thinking about writing a book at some point in my life. It’s all sort of wrapped up in who I am.

This Christmas I just want to be thankful that I have my health, the means to get places in this life, and for the people around me.

Thank you guys for always reading and sharing in StephSnacks. You’ve made my 2012 more honest and true and for that I am really thankful.

-Steph

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Posted in Diet, Eating Disorder, Faith, Family, Fears, Friends, Guilt, Happiness, Health, Holiday, Love, Nutrition, NYC, Peace, Peace of Mind, Relaxing, Rest, Self-Esteem, Weekend

Whatsup!

Posted on December 16, 2012 by StephSnacks | 4 Comments

Hi, guys! How was your weekend?? Busy, relaxing, or a mix of the two? As I had mentioned in my last post, this past week and this upcoming week have been and are going to be sorta’ bananas. You all can relate to the craziness of this time of year but I wanted to fill you in on what’s been going on.

Working out has managed to continue making it’s way into my life. Somehow. I really don’t know how. I was able to get to the gym Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and today (Sunday). But on Wednesday, not only did I go to the gym, but after work, I took a trampoline workout class with my room mate Brittany! I had discovered that Groupon had a deal including three trampoline classes for $29 at a place called JumpLife and I signed up right away.

Not only was the class challenging (really working the legs) but it was so much fun I can’t even explain. Awesome music, club lights, and motivating instructor took the class to a whole new level. And I loved every minute. It was refreshing to workout in an environment that was as much about fun as it was about burning calories. It pays to switch it up every now and then, people.

Friday night I decided to hang in after getting some errands done since I wasn’t really able to do anything outside of work for most of the week. Saturday morning brought my favorite workout class, Power Strike, followed by finishing up my Christmas shopping. And then, somehow, I got suckered into Santacon which is basically a big Christmas bar hop here in NYC. Everyone dresses up as santa, christmas tree’s, Jesus (yes the man himself), reindeer, you name it.

Since I didn’t know I’d be attending Santacon until the last minute, I just wore a red cardigan and called it a day. Hey, it happens. I did have a lot of fun though and am really glad I wound up hanging out with some of my friends!

And today I went to mass, completed a great workout, and went to my friend Hattie’s for some delicious Christmas appetizers. I mean, really, what other time of the year is it acceptable to have a few glasses of wine almost every day with some crackers? Urrrmm….. yeah.

I had a fabulous weekend, and while I feel ready for this week, I am just so ready for Christmas Eve and Day. Now I’m off to wrap some gifts!

Question: What have you been up to lately?! I’d love to hear what’s going on with you guys!

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Posted in Drinks, Exercise, Food, Friends, Happiness, Holiday, Night Life, NYC, Weekend, Wine, Workout

Christmas Cookie Party

Posted on December 9, 2012 by StephSnacks | 5 Comments

Hi, everyone! How was your weekend? On Saturday night, Britt and I held our 2nd annual Christmas cookie swap party. We had such an amazing swap last year that we knew we wanted to host one again this year! We made sure we had snacks, wine, and plenty of cookies and Christmas cheer to go around. And now, I am officially in the Christmas spirit

For the party, I decided to make the Pillow Cookies by the lovely Bakerella. Pillow cookies are basically chocolate chip cookies with a brownie stuffed inside. I must say they were a success! Britt made Red Velvet cake cookies which everyone really enjoyed, too. All of the girls put such an amazing amount of effort into their baking that the results of the cookies this year were amazing.

We hung out at the apartment from 9:00 until midnight laughing a ton, drinking ~~quite a bit~~ a little, and tasting all of the cookies. I felt so happy being surrounded by all of my friends during one of the most special times of the year.

After the party, we decided to keep the night going and went to a bar for some drinks, chatting, and laughing. It was such a fun time.

I could not have asked for a more perfect, fun, care-free, amazing night with so many people who take up so much space in my heart <3

Now I’m ready to kick this weeks bootay! Have a great night

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Posted in Baking, Christmas, Cookies, Food, Friends, Night Life, NYC, Weekend, Wine

WIAW

Posted on December 5, 2012 by StephSnacks | 16 Comments

Um. Yes – I have finally decided to join in on another What I Ate Wednesday. I have to say it’s at least been a month since I participated in a WIAW — but here we go! Today you are seeing yesterday’s eats — so it’s really ‘What I Ate Tuesday’, but you catch my drift Thanks, Jenn, as always for throwing this together!

Yesterday morning started off with a great workout at the gym. I completed a leg workout that was put together by Bess while breaking it up with five minute spurts on the treadmill. Left me quite schweatyyy and hungraaayy.

I decided to have egg whites sprinkled with a little parmesan cheese along with two of those pumpkin ‘cookies’ I made on Saturday. I spread a little sunflower butter and fig jelly on top of the pumpkin cookies. This meal kept me full for almost five hours. Score

Once lunch time rolled around, I knew I really wanted a salad so I walked over to a local deli to create my own salad. Romaine lettuce, some chicken, edamame, and olives drizzled with a bit of low fat raspberry dressing. It really hit the spot and I loved that it came with half of a whole wheat pita. Exactly what I wanted.

I always need something to cure my sweet tooth after lunch and was so lucky that Hershey sent me a bag of their Bliss dark chocolates. I usually have two – because obviously I can’t stop at one. I really love these chocolates, guys. They are so flavorful and it’s a nice way to have a little treat without going overboard – especially around the holiday’s.

Since I ate lunch around 1:00, I needed a snack around 5:30 because I was going to be running errands after work. Luckily I had an (unpictured) 120 calorie granola bar with me so that held me over until dinner, which I ate around 7:30.

I decided to do something I never do — but may make more of a habit. I took myself out for sushi! I’m not one of those people who likes to go to eat alone, but I needed thirty minutes to just chill and relax by myself. I had been wanting to try Planet Sushi for a while, so that’s where I went! To start, I ordered the miso soup:

For my main course, I went with a special cucumber roll filled with crab, eel, and salmon roe eggs. I also had four pieces of sashimi. Heavenly.

The fish at Planet Sushi was so fresh – it was exactly what I wanted and I will definitely be going back. I would say my eats for yesterday were amazeballs!

Question of the night: Do you ever go out to eat by yourself?

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Posted in Breakfast, Dinner, Eating Out, Food, Gym, NYC, Restaurant Review, Sushi, WIAW

A FRIENDly Weekend

Posted on December 2, 2012 by StephSnacks | 6 Comments

Hello hello hello and how is your weekend going? Mine has been pretty busy but has also allowed for some workouts and downtime which I love. Friday night was one of my best friends, Alexis’ birthday. Every year I always look forward to Thanksgiving and I also know that Alexis’ birthday is right after the holiday which is always fun.

Saturday included a great workout at the gym (um, ten minutes on the stair master is enough to make me feel like I haven’t worked out since 2001-but that’s for another day) and baking some pumpkin ‘cookies’ that were thrown together with some random ingredients I had on hand:

I mean, I have to say, for such a random mixture, I think these ‘cookies’ turned out pretty well. I like how chewy they are in the center — but if you like really sweet cookies, these probably aren’t for you. They’re more like pumpkin biscuits with a little hint of honey. I used wayyyy too much flour. So until I perfect these, I don’t think posting the recipe will do anyone any good!

Saturday night included a get together at my friend Tina’s before going out in Queens for the evening. It was so nice to spend time with some girls I hung out with regularly in high school and we all had so much to catch up on that we didn’t wind up ordering our dinner until 10:00. It was SO worth it.

One of the luckiest parts of my life is that some of my best friends are still my friends from when I was little or in middle school/high school. I think that’s pretty rare.

Now I’m off to get a quick workout in before heading to see The Nutcracker with my friend Analeesa! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday

Question: Do you still have friends from childhood or high school? Do you keep in touch regularly?

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Posted in Friends, Gym, Memories, Night Life, NYC, Rest, Weekend