Currently Loving + A “Fast Food” Dinner Idea

Greetings!

This past weekend was super fun because I had a good friend visiting me for a few days. We walked around my favorite NYC haunts, drank ALL the coffee, and generally had a grand old time catching up.

Here’s some of what we did that I love love loved this past week.

 

Phantom of the Opera

I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this before, but The Phantom of the Opera is my all-time favorite Broadway show. I’ve definitely told you I’m a Broadway fiend, though, right? This was the first show I watched more than once because this friend who was visiting is a huge fan of Phantom too.

I was a bit apprehensive because it’s been years since I’ve seen the show, and I really really hoped it would still measure up to its very very high bar in my mind. It so did. I was totally mesmerized for 2.5 hours and couldn’t stop singing the songs for several hours thereafter (sorry not sorry).

And then we went to Junior’s for cheesecake because that’s how you do a Broadway night RIGHT. Classic for me, strawberry for him.

Laughing Man Coffee

A new find! I’ve been to one of this coffeeshop’s locations in the past, but this one was right on the water in Battery Park and was absolutely lovely. I had an oat iced latte that was divine, but my friend got an iced cinnamon vanilla latte, and I def had major drink envy after trying a sip. So subtle and not too sweet and just perfect. I know what I’ll get next time I’m there. Also, this coffeeshop was apparently opened by Hugh Jackman?!! So, like, I love it by default :p

 

Friends

Like the show. Let’s be clear. :p

Guys you know Friends is my all-time favorite TV show. Ever. But it’s been quite a few years since I was consistently watching it like I am now. I don’t know, I think I’ve just been craving the comfort and nostalgia of it, and I love enjoying an episode or two as I have dinner or wind down for bed. That show will always be a cure-all for me, and I still laugh like a hyena at those jokes I’ve heard hundreds of times 😀

Also! The 25th Anniversary of the show is coming up, and some select movie theaters are doing 1 hour and 40 minutes worth of episodes on a few nights of September. You better bet I bought those tickets the moment I spotted the ad. 🙂

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

My goal for this summer was to nail down some of my top favorite pancake recipes, so that I have my classic go-to’s in a pinch. This one is absolutely one of them. They’re so thick and fluffy and go PERFECTLY with some caramelized bananas, almond butter, and of course maple syrup.

For the caramelized bananas, I just sauté a thickly sliced banana in coconut oil on low heat, with some cinnamon and a bit of maple syrup. DELISH!

 

A Dinner Idea

The friend that was visiting me is a big fan of pretty much anything fast food (thank goodness friendship compatibility is not based on food preference compatibility is all I will say). And since I wanted to cater to my guest’s tastes but am not really one to really frequent those kinds of establishments, I got a bit creative.

As I combed through my Bookmarked recipes, I was thinking about some classic fast food meals from his faves McDonald’s and Chipotle. The Chipotle part was easy enough; I have my favorite guac recipe that I could easily whip up and serve with Trader Joe’s corn chips (the BEST), snow peas, and carrots. As for McDonald’s, Ambitious Kitchen pulled through with the most perfect paleo chicken tenders with honey mustard dipping sauce recipe that I knew would be a hit.

And a hit it was. Served with some roasted broccoli and cauliflower, Trader Joe’s fruity rosè, and enjoyed with a side of Rent.

 

Workouts I’m Currently Loving

Just had to highlight a couple that I did this past week in case you’re looking for some workout inspo.

This 40 minute bodyweight HIIT + total body toning routine that gets you SWEATY and the perfect level of tired in just 30 minutes (10 minutes extra of warm up and cool down)

This TOUGH but super feel-good power yoga routine for when you want to sweat out the negativity (awesome movement meditation!)

 

That’s it for me, loves. I’ll see you soon for a post that will be a bit of a tone shift. Have a super fun Monday! <3