Hellooooo sweet friends! Has it been a while? It’s been a while. I am back with a Joyful Eats, Faves & Movement post. I really do enjoy writing these, as it gives me a chance to look back on and record some of my fave things I ate, did, and enjoyed over the past week or so. Otherwise, it’s so easy to feel like every single day is identical and to forget the tiny little things that brought some simple joy.

Hopefully this post inspires you to do the same in your own life, particularly if you’ve been feeling bogged down by the repetitiveness of life right now. The practice of reflection and really truly being grateful for the little things that happen on a daily basis is so integral for me to stay afloat when the going gets tough. I couldn’t recommend it more. And now, onto those joyful eats!

Eats

Best Ever Lightened Up Cheesecake

Okay. Alright. Guys. You know I wouldn’t lie to you, right? This was the best cheesecake I ever laid mouth on. This is TRUTH. And I live in New York, which they say is where the very best cheesecake resides. I’ve tried the Junior’s and the tiny bakeries and what have you, and so far, this cheesecake made by mine own hand is the best I ever had. And yes I know you must be skeptical because it says Lightened Up there in the title, but honestly, I think that had something to do with why I preferred it. It lacked absolutely nothing in delectable flavor or creamy consistency, and felt just as decadent as the full-fat full-sugar thing, but it didn’t leave me with that gross overly full feeling that traditional cheesecake kinda does. Ya know? Anyway, this is up there as one of my favorite recipes I ever made, and you definitely need to try it. I did strawberries instead of blueberries because my mom’s favorite cake is Strawberry Cheesecake, and this was for her bday! 🙂

Greek Yogurt Pancakes

Truth be told, I totally forgot about these pancakes. Like I remember making them years back several times in a row because I liked them even then, and then for some reason I went through a dry spell with these for something like 6 years. Well, I am happy to report that these pancakes are back in my life for good because they’re seriously awesome. First off, they are stupid easy, requiring just a container of greek yogurt, flour, egg, and whatever add-ins you prefer (I did a tablespoon of maple syrup since my greek yogurt was plain) and added some vanilla and cinnamon. They’re wonderfully thick and fluffy, with a crisp exterior. Just the way pancakes should be. Also, the yogurt results in this super light, almost cloud-like interior that makes them super unique. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something novel, easy, healthy, and delicious!

Spicy Maple Glazed Salmon + Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts

This was my first time cooking fish in all of 2020, which gives you some indication of what a big fan I am LOL. I do really love smoked salmon, and I like fish in sushi rolls and such, but cooked fish and I have always had a complicated relationship. I almost never crave it, and it has to be prepared JUST RIGHT for me to enjoy it. I randomly picked up a filet of wild salmon last time I was in Trader Joe’s, and I decided to prepare it with Ambitious Kitchen’s guidance because girl never disappoints. Paired with the seriously best ever roasted brussels sprouts (the onion and garlic are a MUST), it really was delicious! But I’m good on fish for like another year. :p

Banana Overnight Oats in Almond Butter Jar

Nothing new here, folks. Just one of my fave “treat” breakfasts because it only happens when I reach the end of a nut butter jar. You can find the recipe I use in my Recipe Highlights on my Instagram. I was feeling particularly sweet-toothy this day, so I added a bunch of dark chocolate chips, and it was sublime.

Roasted Delicata Squash + Roasted Cauliflower

Yummmmm! Low-key one of the best things to enter my mouth in the recent past has been these veggies that came straight from the farm. I love how effortlessly delicious fall produce is, and how you really don’t need to do much to it because it’s already so flavorful. Still, highly recommend these recipes, as they are tried and true many times over. And don’t sleep on that delicata squash. It’s way easier on your knife than butternut and tastes dreamy. (I omitted the brown sugar in that recipe, and it was perfect.)

Brunch at Chez Ma Tante

This is such a lovely little European spot in the heart of Williamsburg. Georgetown Bestie and I split the famous pancakes (that are apparently a must when you come here), the chips with aioli, and the falafel with hummus. Everything was divine, and we had leftovers to take home (LOL I had a very random dinner that day, with leftovers from these things + leftover roasted veggies). Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in NYC, especially before it gets too cold for outdoor dining!

 

Favorites

Fall foliage

Just look how gorgeous. We went on a hike in Minnewaska State Park last week, right at the height of the fall foliage season, and it was absolutely breathtaking! I know all too soon all these trees will be totally naked, and I’m really glad we got to see them at the height of glory.

This inspirational video on creativity

Elizabeth Gilbert has always been my favorite person I have never met, and her perspective on creativity has been totally paradigm-shifting and liberating for me. Give it a listen if you feel called to.

Alchemist Kitchen virtual events

I think right now, many of us feel called to get away from the constant barrage of external noise and to find more stillness and truth within. Alchemist Kitchen is a wonderful portal for that. I recently attended a Zoom Breathwork class with them, and it was an incredibly profound and magical experience. They have tons of different offerings on their website, from the super woo woo to the more intro-level woo-ish. 😉

Farm fresh produce

Still obsessed with all the fresh farm fruits and veggies we’ve been getting at upstate NY farms lately. Deliciously juicy Honeycrisp apples, heirloom tomatoes bursting with flavor, sweet squash, and tender cauliflower. So good, and so much better than anything you can get in the store. I am well aware this is one of those good sides to the whole stay-at-home thing, and I am very grateful for it.

Pumpkin

I know, I know, pumpkin is peculiarly absent from this here post, right in the height of pumpkin season! What am I thinking? Truth is, I’m saving all the pumpkin recipes I’m making (and there’s a LOT) for a coming-soon Fall Faves Joyful Eats. So stay tuned for that because I am most definitely chugging along on that pumpkin train with no plans of getting off.

 

Movement

8 mile run – Okay I just have to acknowledge how huge this is for me because I never in a gazillion years thought I could run 8 miles. I’m not really a runner at all, and it’s not my favorite mode of cardio, but it has been a nice semi-regular thing over the past few months. My max was historically 6 miles, and I never ever thought I could do more, so when these 8 miles happened, it felt really cool. That being said, I don’t have a desire to keep going up, so until I do, I’ll keep running my 4-6 milers while it’s not yet too cold 🙂

My fave 38 minute hiit workout

This 90 minute power yoga that I am STILL sore from 3 days later (SO GOOD for the arms and back)

4 mile run + this best butt workout (w Tik Tok hits)

This yoga for self-discipline + yoga to gain perspective (I was having kind of a TOUGH mental day on this day, and this helped a ton)

TRUST yoga + RELEASE yoga + BE KIND yoga (I just layered the Yoga With Adriene videos that my body and soul were craving on this day, and it was lovely. Adriene always comes through with the yoga magic.)

 

And that’s a wrap for today! Got some new posts in the pipeline for you all because I am slowly but surely finding my groove with writing, creativity & inspiration again. More on that soon.

Lots of love. xx