So I’m posting from my friend’s apartment in New York right now. I swear, I feel right at home! Her new place is absolutely adorable and she actually has a backyard in Brooklyn. Lucky Liz!

I took the bus yesterday and the five minutes before my bus departed were insane. My departure time was 7:30 am. Kim walked into my room in the morning and asked if that was the time the bus was leaving, then she told me that it was 7:25. WHAT?! I rolled out of bed, threw some clothes, grabbed my food I had ready the night before and bolted out the door. I didn’t even say bye to Matilda! We definitely pulled a Little Miss Sunshine to make it to the pick-up spot on time. We were a bit late, but I still made it. Then I realized my shirt was on backwards. Now if you ever feel sleepy, this is a sure way to wake you up! The bus didn’t have a sink so I had to go almost the whole day without washing my face, brushing my teeth… nothing. I arrived in Chinatown and walked around for a bit with my luggage and yoga mat. It felt like I was starting a new life. Then I picked up a cab and it was a pleasant ride over the bridge into Brooklyn. The driver and I were talking about how nice of a day it was. We had the windows down and at one of the stoplights, there was a park right next to us and some people were laughing it up, then James Brown came on their boombox – it really felt like summertime. I told the cab driver that we stopped at the right time and both started singing along “get on up!”

I probably won’t be posting here, but who knows. My friend has a job, so I do have plenty of alone time. I sense lots of adventures in the very near future.

Moreover, thanks for all the compliments on my new place! It’s funny how I just moved in, yet I’m already out of town. I tried to get as much done as I could before I left. I can’t wait to get back either though to start decorating the common space. I’d also like to thank Holly for asking me to write a guest post on her blog. I seriously love this gal and she’s such an amazing person! It was so much fun writing it and reading people’s responses. I’m glad you guys enjoyed reading it, and I know I enjoyed reading the others’ posts as well.

The night before I went to New York, Richmond was having another First Friday. So I went with my roommate, friends, and Matilda to see what was going on in the galleries. I also ordered my bus tickets and packed my things!

The show I was mentioned in a previous post called Skull-a-Day: 365 days of skull artwork.

Check out that crazy, carved pencil!

Not only is there talent in the galleries, but on the sidewalks as well.

All girl band!

Some old guy said the word "titties" as soon as he saw this hahaha!

Cutest gallery called Quirk.

Super intense showing full of prints.

My favorite print: Be Blatent, Be Emotional, Risk Everything.

Here are a few things I’ve been doing in the new kitchen:

Fresh strawberries are so delicious! Especially with cream cheese.

Cinnamon raisin toast with various toppings. Yogurt with sliced strawberries and pumpkin butter.

My favorite combo with the toast was the peanut butter with extra raisins!

Now here are some snackies since I munch throughout the day.

A refreshing bowl of raspberries and pumpkin butter over yogurt.

My friend gave me a freshly baked scone.

So before I went to bed I had it with tea, and topped it with pumpkin butter, homemade blueberry jam and some vanilla fro-yo. Some more baked goods from a local bakery:

Half-eaten slices of zucchini and challah bread.

I LOVE coconut milk!

Some yummy cashews.

I tried some “exotic cashews” by Kazana Whole Foods. The flavors were Sweet-n-Sour and Himalayan Secret. Both are so good! I love cashews, but these cashews had some flavorful oomph to them.

I also tried some new condiments.

There’s this brand called Terrapin Ridge that makes some incredible sauces. I highly recommend their Carrot, Ginger, and Miso Salad Squeeze. The other day at the store I saw a bottle of their Brewery Mustard on sale, so I got one to try. Definitely tasted the beer, but I definitely did not mind! The jar of peanut butter for dipping my giant carrot in.

I was able to use the stove in peace as well and made one of my favorite things to go on top of pasta – lentil bolognese! I follow that recipe, but I didn’t add in the celery and I replaced the marjoram with tarragon.

The tarragon gave it an incredible sweet aroma.

Yum!

Boxes make for great impromptu tables, and kale chips make even better sides!

Leftovers are way better! I also added some coconut oil this time and it was awesome.

Some decorating I got done before I left for New York.

So my butt is sore from sitting, and I need to get my day started. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend and the upcoming week. Take care friends!