First Day of Finals

It's officially finals week (brace yourselves)! This is the week for late-night studying, endless coffee refills, and productive music. I had my French final yesterday, hoping I rocked it! Since I take so many photos I wanted to share some with you guys! Step into my world...

Lorraine + iced coffee = happy — Lorraine + iced coffee = happy

Anny and her über adorable jacket. — Anny and her über adorable jacket.

Wishing you all good luck on your finals and here's to a wonderful weekend. Bon week-end!

x Yzabelle

#ifchic24

Hey guys! Recently I had the opportunity to shop on ifchic's site for their special event, ifchic24. It was fun, and definitely difficult to choose out my favorite items. I decided on two items, a striped dolman top and a button-up shirt. Of all the brands, my favorite was Cameo.

There's something I really liked about the event, you have to collect the ifchic coins that are scattered around the site. It's like a scavenger hunt! You can collect up to $6 a day in ifchic coins for 30 days. Perfect for collecting the coins before the event starts.

ifchic coin

As for the goodies I was able to pick up, scroll down to see what I bought with the coins.

J. Crew Cashmere scarf, Teen Spirit striped top

Pilcro and the Letterpress jeans, Acne Studios boots

Cameo formidable shirt, Pilcro and the Letterpress jeans, Superga Cotu Classic in white

I'm looking forward to their next ifchic24 event, how about you guys? Check out their site and other social media pages below. P.S.: I had to stop myself from reblogging every single photo on their tumblr.

Happy coin hunting!

x Yzabelle

PURE Thai Cookhouse

If I had to pick my top five favorite cuisines, Thai is one of them. With one of my fave Thai places closed down I'm still on the lookout for good, authentic Thai. I think I'll be adding PURE to my list... And the cheesy Thai pop music is a plus.

Green Papaya Salad with raw, salted blue crab

PURE Thai Cookhouse can be found between 52nd and 51st on 9th avenue.

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A Little Bit of Spain

Forever 21 moto jacket, J.Crew cashmere scarf, T by Alexander Wang cardigan, J.Crew long-sleeved shirt, Pilcro and the Letterpress jeans, Acne Studios boots, Vintage Dooney & Bourke bucket bag — Forever 21 moto jacket, J.Crew cashmere scarf, T by Alexander Wang cardigan, J.Crew long-sleeved shirt, Pilcro and the Letterpress jeans, Acne Studios boots, Vintage Dooney & Bourke bucket bag

The day after my birthday was truly a day for the senses. It was uber windy in West Village and before heading to dinner we spent a good amount of time at Anick Goutal, taking in all the wonderful smells. It was still a little chilly so I dressed up in layers. My outfit was simple, but I left it up to my accessories to add a little bit more oomph. I always pass this beautiful tiled mural when wandering Greenwich, the vibrant blue just evokes that rustic European charm. Definitely one of the hidden gems we have in Manhattan.

As for Spain...It's somewhere where I've always dreamt of going. And Salinas has brought a little bit of Spain to New York City.

When I walked in, I was overcome by the amount of flowers that they have in the restaurant. They're everywhere! The flowers were so fresh and so fragrant, I wished that I could take one (sadly, you can't). There's an additional fee ($15) for taking a flower, but that shouldn't stop you from visiting. These flowers are flown in once a week from Portugal, so they're pretty special.

View from our table. We were lucky to get a corner booth table.

For drinks we decided on sangria, available by the glass or pitcher. My brother and Siu ordered the sangria roja and I ordered the sangria seca rosada. The sangria roja was made with Spanish red wine, brandy, orange liquor, and peach liquer. The seca rosada was made with Spanish rose, black pepper infused vodka, orange liquer, and peach liquer. If sangria isn't your fancy they have a variety of cocktails and wines. Next time I'm planning on some cava.

For our appetizer, we ordered the plato charcutero which contained a variety of cured meats, served along with their eggplant-fig compote and bread crackers. In addition to this, we also ordered Iberico ham and a half-ounce of Manchego cheese. I couldn't name which meats were which, but they're all different. One was smokier, one was spicier...it was a flavor explosion. With the spanish guitar and lounge music playing, I was ready to book a flight.

One of the best parts of our meal, even though I loved it all, was the paella. For all my paella lovers, it's one worth trying. The way it works at Salinas is that it's charged per person, about 30 dollars. This works perfectly so you don't get too little or too much. We ordered the Nuestra Paella with bomba rice, free-range chicken, sepia, sea scallops, head-on prawns, clams, mussels, and chorizo. They also offered an option to make it more authentic, by having the rice a little crunchy. The rice was still soft, with a little added bite-- the texture makes a difference.

From L to R: Chocolate Y Pistacho (Siu), Mousse Fundiente (me), Arroz Con Leche Con Membrillo (Anthony)

Can you guess which dessert was mine? The one in the middle was, even though the one on the left has the candle (oops). No worries though, all the desserts were delicious. If it's yours or a loved one's birthday, mention it if you make a reservation.

Their small desserts packed a punch, with the focus being flavor and presentation versus size; it felt much more special.

Salinas' coffee was not the typical machine brewed cup o' joe. Thick and frothy, their coffee is flavorful and strong; it made me want to get up a little early every day just to use my french press. The coffee was served along with milk and if you're not a black coffee drinker like myself. The fun part of the after dinner coffee: frothed milk. We had to scoop the milk out and plop it onto our coffees.

What Chef Luis Bollo has done is bring a little bit of Spain to NYC. If you're looking to take a trip for your senses check out Salinas. Plus, it's intimate and romantic; perfect for date night. P.S. I'm trying to convince my boyfriend to take me here (here's to hoping!).

Salinas can be found at 139 9th avenue

xoxo,

Yzabelle

*Photo cred to my brother and his awesome iPhone 6+ et moi.

Borrowed from the Boys

This post is a throwback, going way back to my brother's birthday. His birthday was in August, smack dab in the middle of summer. We trekked out on a hot and muggy day, definitely a day that called for comfort. But comfortable doesn't need to be boring, gone are the days when these two words were joined. This brings me to my outfit of choice on that day: comfortable, simple, and effortless.

Rag & Bone Tee, J.Crew jeans, Ray ban wayfarers, Ann Taylor snake stilettos, Vintage Coach belt, Michele watch, Zara bag — Rag & Bone Tee, J.Crew jeans, Ray ban wayfarers, Ann Taylor snake stilettos, Vintage Coach belt, Michele watch, Zara bag

Wearing something tight on an extremely humid day is a no-no, unless, you can bear it or already do (props to you). I steered towards throw-on pieces -- jeans and a tee, with a twist. Everything I was wearing was mine, minus the belt; it's my brother's. These two are closet staples and essentials; everyone has jeans and a tee. It's what you do with it that turns it into something okay, or something wow. Add your personality and make it your own.

Before I get to the birthday brunch, I have a little funny story to tell. First things first, ever watched The Wedding Planner with J.Lo? If you haven't, go and see it; it's a cute rom-com. But movie aside, I had an iconic Wedding Planner moment, i.e. getting my heel stuck in a grate. Even better, a worker with a trashcan, along with a huge crowd of people was headed towards me. Talk about adrenaline pumping! So, future note to self and readers: no stilettos when walking the High Line. Now, on to the food.

We had brunch at Cookshop, a greenmarket-driven restaurant that's not even a couple of blocks from the High Line. Starting off with drinks, they have a good-sized drink menu -- alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Siu and I opted for fruit mocktails, mine wasn't as sweet for a reason: jalapeños. Yes, you read that right, jalapeños. I've never had a spicy, fruity drink before, but it wasn't too spicy that it was off-putting. If you visit and they have it, give it a go.

Our appetizer was their lemon curd beignets. I've never had beignets before, real beignets from New Orleans. But, if they taste like these, I want more. Not too heavy, and still light and airy, these were little pockets of sunshine. The meyer lemon curd was tart and refreshing-- perfect for a hot, muggy day.

Siu's peach … — Siu's peach pecan french toast

Siu and I went the sweet route, while my brother went with savory. Either way, you're bound to get something delicious. My pancakes were huge; I don't think the picture do them justice. If you're worried about the ricotta (cheese, in pancakes!?), you won't taste it. Think about it as a flavor enhancer, for both the lemons and blueberries. Like the drinks, the french toast was sweet and tart. Add in more depth with the pecans, giving the meal a nutty and roasty flavor-- perfect with the sweet and tart peaches. My brother's salmon egg hash was perfectly flavored with a variety of herbs, and they didn't skimp on the smoked salmon. The biscuit served with his meal was soft, break-apart, buttery goodness.

I love the greenmarket and rustic approach to Cookshop's food. You can just tell when something's made in a cast iron skillet or griddle. Not going to lie, a part of me felt like a cowboy whilst eating. Maybe it was the decor, music or cast iron but all of this evokes an American Western charm. So, I guess I'm calling this good ole' cowboy food, just taken up a notch.

Cookshop is located past the High Line at 156 10th avenue at 20th street

*Note: Cookshop changes their menus seasonally, some items may, or may not still be on the menu.

xoxo,

Yzabelle

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Café Visits: Café Grumpy

Grumpy is anything but. Tucked away from busy avenues, it can be hard to spot. If you're on the lookout, keep an eye out or you might miss it!

Grumpy could be considered a hipster or hipster wanna-be haven. It was more of the casual vibe that I enjoyed, other than their drinks. Like Stumptown, they had lots of pastries from other bakeries and retailers but they had some of their own as well. I was eyeing their banana bread but sadly it sold out.

My favorite drink of choice here has been their hot chocolate; the pretty design was a plus. Latte art isn't just for coffee anymore! Not your ordinary hot cocoa I'd say, it's creamy and rich without being too heavy. They also had a good selection of tea, the peach blossom tasted clean, elegant, and light; Perfect hot or iced.

Now, what makes Grumpy a little different is their approach to technology. They recently put a no laptop policy into action and this includes Wi-Fi. So my fellow writers and bloggers beware! If your work requires an internet connection you might have to look elsewhere. But I honestly think this adds to their charm. Without your tech you're forced to speak with your friends instead, but hey, good coffee goes well with good conversation. The music they play is mellow enough that you can still read your book. And it's pretty cool to see people actually talking rather than staring at their screens.

Check out Grumpy at W. 20th bwtn. 7th and 8th avenue.

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Café Visits: Bibble & Sip

Want the perfect latte art in the form of an animal? That's what I found here at Bibble & Sip. Tucked in-between a busy avenue and hoards of restaurants, my friends and I found this little treasure.

What caught my eye was their logo and slogan, cute and sassy? Count me in. Their play on words are ingenious, and we did BS the whole time (no, not that kind). When you walk in you're hit with a pleasant aroma-- drip coffee and baked goods. Everything is baked on the premises and a majority of their desserts are tea-infused. If you love earl grey and/or green tea you're in luck. Matcha or earl grey panna cotta, cream puffs, cakes... i.e. a tea lover's heaven. If you're not getting your treats to go make sure to come in at a good time, seating can be hard to find.

Definitely get their lavender latte and matcha jasmine latte it is worth the hype. You can really taste the jasmine and lavender in the drinks. Other than their signature drinks, they have an extensive menu of different types of coffee and tea. I could just hear the apple green tea calling me...

I was a little jealous of the girls next to us with their cute latte art. But I think they requested a specific design (bears!), so that's something I'm going to ask for next time.

Check out Bibble & Sip at 253 West 15th, bwtn Broadway and 8th avenue. Also check out their Facebook, twitter and Insta. They post up photos pretty often, and everything looks so delicious.

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Café Visits: FIKA

For those who know coffee I'm sure you know that New Yorkers run on the stuff. And even though there are about two Starbucks' on every block or so, my heart lies with the smaller, more independent coffee places. Referring to my very first post on my blog "Coffee Shop Vibes," I feel these coffee shops can provide a different kind of environment, one that I don't really find with chains. What I also really love is that because they're more independent, often times you won't get the same look or feel; these places really make it their own, with the customers leaving their mark on the cafe, whether it is the music or energy.

This long ramble brings me to FIKA. Not only are their products good, but they also have aesthetics to a tee. Boy, am I happy that this location opened up. I love this one, more so than the others because of the space, cool jams, and industrial modern design. Cue a combo of 90s Eric Benét, J-pop, and chill lounge music. With the changing weather (hello sunshine!), the space will be even more gorg with their wide-open windows.

FIKAs are popping up around Manhattan, with another location a few blocks away from this one. If you visit, I recommend the Swedish cinnamon bun- one of the things that they're known for.

What kind of café settings do you guys seek out?

This FIKA location is located around West 15th and 6th avenue, directly across the street from Think Coffee.

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Island Beauty

Nars Monoi de Tahiti oil, Josie Maran hair mist, Desert Essence Coconut hair lotion

Nars Body Glow II, Josie Maran Coconut Water cheek Gelee, coconut hair lotion

Coconut watercolor cheek gelee in poppy paradise.

What do you think of when you think of balmy nights, bright and sunny days, doing things simply? Things such as these remind me of Summer and island life. With Summer being my favorite season and my lust for tropical locales, I love that my beauty products help evoke the mood . It's one way to channel the warm weather, especially with the harsh Winter in New York. As I write this I'm daydreaming about lazy days on the beach.

Products:

1. Nars Monoi Body Glow II ( here, here ): I received this as a present from my brother for Christmas. I've wanted it for a while, and I love the variety of things I can use it for. What you see in the bottle is the monoi de tahiti, or the tahitian gardenia. The oil itself is coconut oil. I love using it in place of my body lotion as well as on my hair. It smells amazing and I feel like a tropical goddess when I put it in, the smell is beautiful and intoxicating. If you get the chance to visit French Polynesia, there are various monoi beauty products. But make sure it has stamp of authenticity on the back, this proves that it's real monoi de tahiti and coconut oil.

2. Josie Maran Bohemian Waves Argan Mist ( here ): This gives you those mermaid waves you get from being at the beach all day, but what I like is that my hair remains soft. It not only contains various oils to help nourish your hair, but the sea salt as well.

3. Desert Essence Coconut Shine and Refine Hair Lotion ( here ): If I don't put the monoi oil in my hair I use this instead. This one is definitely for coconut lovers with coconut oil being the first ingredient.

4. Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee ( here, here ): This is my second one, the first one being Berry Bliss. Poppy Paradise is one of the limited edition colors (from what I remember) so I'll be a little sad when I run out. But like the monoi oil, I love the versatility. It can be used on your cheeks as a stain and on your lips as well for a light flush of color. You can control the intensity, with it being as light or intense as you want. I love the natural ingredients; the first ingredient is coconut water!

5. Alba Botanica Hawaiian moisturizer ( here ): I use this as my daytime moisturizer before putting on my sunscreen. It smells like the islands, with a coconut-y and pineapple-like smell. It's a moisturizer that reminds me of a variety of tropical fruit.

What do you nourish your skin and hair with? I'd love to know!

And as always, thanks for reading xo

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Relax, then work: Easing into the day's agenda

Apple Macbook Pro, Marc by Marc Jacobs case (similar), Apple headphones, Russell+Hazel mini binder — Apple Macbook Pro, Marc by Marc Jacobs case (similar), Apple headphones, Russell+Hazel mini binder

With finals approaching, it's been difficult to take some time out for myself. I was lucky to have a quiet and lazy morning spent in bed, and I think moments like these are amazing. It sounds so simple, being alone in your room surrounded by silence-- but I think that's where the beauty in it lies. The usual rundown for finals week is to work straight and the next minute you find yourself a little stir crazy. The solution? Relaxation. Here's a list of a few things that help me start off the day:

1. Treat yo' self

I try to wake up slowly and let my body adjust, if I want to lie in bed for a bit while on my phone I let myself. The more I hold off of looking at it (tumblr is addicting!), the more it's going to distract me later on when I'm working. Before starting breakfast I like to drink water to rehydrate and kick-start my metabolism; it's refreshing and it helps wake you up, especially if it's cold!

Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day it's important to eat, don't skip it! I like making whatever I've been craving or what I'm in the mood for. On days like these, I put in extra effort to make breakfast. And I think at this time you should really "treat yo' self." Make some waffles, pancakes, french toast-- something that makes you feel good. When you feel good and start off the day right, it sets the motion for the rest of your day. Enjoy your breakfast and don't rush it.

2. Lie in...for a bit

It may sound counterintuitive, but I think it helps. After breakfast, if you want to watch/do something-- a show, the paper, a book... let yourself do it. Take some time and enjoy your tea or coffee, maybe reflect on what's the day's itinerary.

3. Set the environment

If where you plan on working/studying is not already set, then now is the time to do it. I like to open the blinds in my room to let in natural light. Turn-off the tv, make sure it's quiet and set up what you need. At this time I like to get another cup of coffee or tea for when i'm studying. Get yourself comfortable; if you work best in fuzzy socks then wear them! It's whatever works for you.

Set up your laptop, notebooks, pens or whatever you'll need to complete your list. Speaking of which...

4. Make a to-do list

This can be done at any time during the beginning of your day! I like to make the list either the night before or after setting up my books. To keep yourself on track write exactly what it due and what you would like to do. Something as simple as writing 'workout' or 'fix bag' helps me. They are simple actions that we often forget, and when I find my work piling up I tend to forget some things. It's one less thing on your plate. It's also very rewarding crossing off things on your list, especially seeing the amount you've done. So no more procrastinating while thinking what you should be doing, or want to be doing! (i.e. I need to sweep, I really want a vacation, etc).

5. Jam it out

I like to have music in the background when working or studying. Depending on what I'm working on there won't be any music at all. Have a work or study playlist ready, studies have shown that certain genres help you focus and concentrate. I find that I'm more focused when listening to classical music or my favorite scores.

6. Break time

Be sure to take breaks and stretch. When working we tend to stay in the same position for an extended period of time. It's good as a quick breather for your brain and If your stomach starts growling it's also perfect for a food break. If you want to quickly look at something online, a short show or youtube video let yourself. Give yourself a good break before getting back into the grind.

These are just a few things that work for me; they might not work for every one. But personalize and tweak it to your needs/wants. I hope this helps. Whether it be finals or work-related, good luck to you guys!

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Downtown Hangouts

This past week I've been downtown for my food cravings. But the wonderful thing is that you don't know what you'll find; and that's what downtown left me with. A lot of people have their usual hangouts- coffee shops, bars, restaurants, etc. The usual for coffee downtown is The Bean, but due to the freezing weather (we're at 20 degrees now!) it was packed. My boyfriend and I checked out other ones within the area with no luck. But luckily, we found Everyman Espresso with one table to spare.

It's one of the quieter coffee shops I've been to (maybe off hours?), but I definitely enjoyed it. We managed on: one ham and cheese croissant, soy cortado, and a café mocha. An hour or so later, we wondered why we've never discovered this place before. I loved the addition of the various playbills and papers on every table- they acted as the perfect props for my photos. They know us bloggers and instagramers so well!

But we can't all survive on coffee alone (though it does help). I finally paid a visit to Beyond sushi, somewhere where I've been dying to go.

*Spicy mango roll with baked tofu and seaweed hand pieces*

*Might mushroom roll with enoki and seaweed hand pieces*

La Fiesta roll with baked tofu and seaweed hand pieces — *La Fiesta roll with baked tofu and seaweed hand pieces*

I've been meaning to get back into my healthy vibe for quite some time, and I thought some vegan sushi would do the trick. Now some are skeptical (including my friends)- "What is vegan sushi?" and "Is it even good?!" It was good boy was it good. I wanted something tropical/beachy and decided on the spicy mango roll. My friends had the La Fiesta and Mighty Mushroom roll.

The greatest feeling (asides from eating well) was that my friends thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm happy to share with others that healthy food can be delicious too. Beyond Sushi has become an instant favorite, I'm thinking about it right now! Their sushi is definitely a culinary inspiration and I'm looking forward to giving it a shot. Maybe some recipes in the future?

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Color Blocked

*Vince turtleneck sweater, BDG high-waisted jeans, Frye Sabrina lace-up boots, Moon Angel Jewelry moonstone ring, Vintage ring, Satya pearl studs.*

With me finally getting over this cold I spent Friday with close friends. My friend's sister flew in from the Caribbean this weekend and she wanted to have an all-out food day. It was an Indian food kind of day, spent with multiple dosas, lassi (yogurt drink), and kulfi (ice-cream).

I didn't want to risk another cold and made sure I bundled up in this 30-degree weather (brr!). Not an ordinary turtleneck sweater, I love the color blocking elements and how it's a high-low cut. I'm really digging statement sweaters and how effortless they can be. I love color blocking in the Spring and Summer time, and I vowed to myself to continue with it during Fall and Winter.

Do you guys like to color block? What's your fave color combo?

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Blue Smoke

Hey guys! I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween and weekend. Sorry for being MIA... my Halloween plans left me exhausted and with a slight cold. It's been a tea and Emergen-c kind of weekend. I think it's the constant change in temperature; right now it's hard to decide on what to wear. But I think the best solution is to dress in layers.

*3.1 Phillip Lim sweater coat, Club Monaco button-up, H&M jeans, Acne Studios boots, vintage clutch, J.Crew gloves*

Blue smoke is not only the name one of my favorite restaurants, but it's also the color of my coat. It's something I immediately reach for when it gets nippy. It's not only warm, but also a statement in itself. I love the extra edge it adds to whatever I'm wearing.

After the photo shoot with my friend I headed down to East village to meet my boyfriend for lunch. He took me to Weschler's- a place known for their beer and brauts.

We didn't get beer, but we did try an assortment of what they had to offer. I got the platter that comes with two brats of my choosing and two sides (pretzel and sauerkraut). My boyfriend decided on a pork and veal sandwich, fries, and pretzel on the side. No sauerkraut for him (he hates vegetables). The place was intimate when we went, but my boyfriend said it can get pretty packed in the evening. I'm looking forward to trying one of their dark beers and their famous currywurst next time around.

Before ending the day, we spent a good amount of time at The Bean. Every time we head over to The Bean it's always full, there's only been another instance in which we actually got a table. We considered ourselves lucky, especially since it was Halloween.

Other than Starbucks, if a Bean is in the area more often than not you'd find me going there instead. They really know how to make a mean cappuccino. Since it was Halloween everyone was dressed up, including some of the workers. Children also came and went trick-or-treating, alas no coffee for them! The cherry on top was the dog dressed up as Chewbacca.

What did you guys do on Halloween?

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Before the sun sets

Hey guys! I hope everyone had a good Monday. I'm usually not a Monday person, we all dread heading back to work or school; but I tend to psych myself out, thinking about fun things that'll happen later in the week. The weather so far has been consistent with chilly days..it's finally getting dark around 6PM, but the lighting is so beautiful right before sunset. One thing that excites me about the way the sunlight grazes something is that good lighting = beautiful photos. The light definitely creates a certain mood, and it's perfect if you're aiming for a nostalgic, soft, magic hour kind of photo.

Since I don't have traditional Halloween plans this Friday..I'm looking forward to another fun photo shoot with my friend( get ready for a new blog post sometime this Friday!). And since I'm not trick-or-treating, a trip to Economy Candy (heath bar heaven) sounds like a fun way to spend my Halloween.

Do you have any fun Halloween plans?

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En Promenade

After a few days of rainfall it was finally nice enough to head out for a walk. Iman and I headed straight for the park after a Starbucks run, midterms have left us drained and we needed the quick caffeine boost. It's kind of surreal that a place like this is in the middle of a fast-paced city, once you step inside time slows down. When I visit Central park I find that I'm more focused on the journey rather than the destination; it's one location that I don't really mind getting lost in. And Central Park is always beautiful, especially during crisp Fall afternoons.

Since it wasn't too windy I finally got the chance to wear my hat; I bought it during the Summer anticipating for the moment when I could finally wear it. Even though it's my only floppy hat, I love the way it looks and how it pulls my outfit together. I decided on a simple outfit with my outerwear being the statement pieces. As for my jacket, it has quickly become one of my favorites, not only for the style but for the price as well. I also really love how it's a combination of a moto and bomber jacket, I think that's what makes it unique. When it's not too chilly this outfit is my go-to for Fall, but I'm looking forward to breaking out the chunky knits when it gets colder. What's your go-to outfit for Fall?

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Down by the Bay

Kettle corn stand. The original had the perfect balance of sweet and salty.

My brother and Siu surprised me with a trip to Oyster Bay for the 31st annual Oyster Festival. We took the LIRR and it was an about an hour ride. It felt like Summer all over again-with carefree days spent with good company. I consider this the last hurrah for Summer even though it's gotten pretty chilly and it's already fall. Oysters and fresh seafood just scream Summer. There were various family friendly rides, but the main attraction for us was the food. We started out with Wild Bill's Olde Fashioned Soda. Their sodas are homemade and made with pure cane sugar. When you buy the mug you get unlimited refills throughout the day, we purchased the insulated mug to ensure our drinks remained cold. The flavors included orange soda, birch beer, root beet, sarsaparilla, diet root beer, ginger ale, and vanilla root beer. The sarsaparilla and root beer were my favorites. The mugs are quite big but it makes for a good souvenir. Lots of people at the festival had them, and more than once was I asked whether it was alcohol (not here folks!). I believe drinking was allowed but only off the festival grounds, but there were other non-alcoholic beverages available if soda's not your cup of tea.

The kettle corn was so good I forgot to take a picture! They had samples of each flavor available but I enjoyed the simplicity of the sweet and salty. As for the pretzels, the pictures don't do them justice. They're huge! I'd say as long as a person's face, and the pretzel was bigger than my brother's. They made the pretzels throughout the day and had them grilled before handing them out to customers. This is what I wish a NYC style pretzel would taste like.

They oysters were served with cocktail sauce, but there was a wide variety of condiments. I enjoyed them the best with a squeeze of lemon, yuzu sauce, and the spicy Korean cocktail sauce. These were definitely worth the hour and a half wait (eek!), I could have eaten WAY more than five (you can't just have one). We were tempted to get back on line to get more oysters, but the line got even longer towards the end of the day.

There were two adorable Alpacas, and I only got one of their names (Bella). I got to pet her and they were very friendly and sweet. Initially Siu and I had thought they were toys, they were so still-then they moved! Lots of blankets, vests, and other clothing items were sold by the farm. We also ended up seeing lots of unique things such as handmade lace and artisanal cooking and baking mixes. The handmade lace was all made by this sweet woman, who not only made doilies, but shawls, hangers, and anything you could imagine. We didn't get to try the English pastries but they were selling out pretty quickly (missed out on the black currant cake). But I ended up purchasing a few cheesecake mixes and dip mixes that I plan to make soon. The booth that sold the mixes are based in Vermont, they have their own Inn which has outdoor and indoor activities. If I ever get to go I was to try kayaking and their cooking classes. If their mixes were delicious I could only imagine what the food at the inn tastes like.

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Coffee Shop Vibes

I love coffee shops. There's something about the intimate setting that can spark unexpected conversation. Earlier this week I had the opportunity to finally visit Rex; I've been wanting to stop by for quite some time. Rex is small compared to some Starbucks', but makes up for it with the music, atmosphere, and coffee. My friends and I tried their cortado as well as their cookies (chocolate chip and peanut butter). Their cookies were flavorful and moist and I'm looking forward to trying their other baked goods. As for their cortado, it's one of the best ones I've had other than Abraço's in East Village.

When the Starbucks or my favorite café is crowded I'll definitely be stopping by for some good coffee with a book intact.

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