Bright and Sunny Granola

My sister's recipe for granola has always been a favorite of mine. The oats are perfectly toasted, and just a touch sweet, from the addition of pure Vermont maple syrup. I've tried making several other renditions of this cereal, but few compare to Annie's. I'll have to ask her permission to give out the recipe in a later post!

Over the past few days, I've been on a tropical fruit kick. I think the long winter days are getting to me! So, I channeled this "desire for sun" to my breakfast. The result, a bright and flavorful combination of coconut oil, dried pineapple and sweet papaya. Sprinkle a little over greek yogurt... Tastes like vacation!

4 cups old-fashioned or quick-cooking rolled oats
3/4 cup unsalted raw sunflower seeds
1 cup walnuts or macadamia nuts, chopped into halves or quarters
11/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
11/2 cups assorted unsulfured dried fruits (try tropical fruits like dried pineapple and dried papaya), chopped
Grated zest of 2 oranges
3/4 cup raw mild-flavored honey
1/4 cup coconut oil

Preheat the oven to 300°F and set aside 2 rimmed baking sheets.

Combine the oats, sunflower seeds, walnuts, coconut, dried fruits, and zest in a large bowl. Heat the honey and coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat, whisk to thoroughly combine, then pour over the oat mixture and stir until everything is well coated.

Divide the mixture between the baking sheets and spread into a thin layer. Bake, stirring every 10 minutes, for about 40 minutes, until toasty golden brown. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Yields: 10 Cups

*Recipe from Heidi Swanson, Super Natural Everyday

Valentine's Day Baking Essentials

I can always justify a reason to bake, especially on Valentine's Day! While I'm still finalizing exactly what I'll be making for the Mr :) ... Rest assured, it will involve LOTS of chocolate. So, as I continue to ponder and flip through cookbooks, here are a few of my favorite kitchen tools for homemade and love-filled sweet treats. Enjoy!

Heart-shaped cookie cutters are essential for making these yummy treats: conversation hearts.

Who else loves red velvet cupcakes?

Share your recipes with a friend on cute cards like these.

Stay organized by pre-measuring ingredients into latte bowls.

There's nothing wrong with having an apron collection. 

How to write... on a cake, or plate.

Gourmet doughnuts make for a perfect Valentine's Day breakfast. 

Decorating desserts with sugar and sprinkles is the best part of baking!

Cookbooks from pretty pastry shops are charming.

Last but not least... Williams-Sonoma is my "go to" for all cooking essentials... Like my bright red spatulas.

Modern Workout Day 3:: Ballet Beautiful

Last week was SO cold and windy in New York. The gloomy, grey days made the work week seem endless and depleted my energy. All I wanted was to be at home in our warm, cozy apartment.

As there was no getting me to the gym, I had to resort to a workout DVD to maintain my fitness routine. I've never been a big fan these types of things because they're just awkward.

However, Ballet Beautiful is different. The philosophy is that you can really transform any body type int one looking like a ballerina: long, lean, sculpted and strong, but still very elegant.

Sound too good to be true? Let's give it a try!

Mary Helen Bowers, former member of the New York City Ballet, instructs the entire practice. She is probably more famous for teaching Natalie Portman the technique needed for her role in Black Swan.

The workout is divided into six 10-minute segments: Inner Thighs, Outer Thighs, Arms, Abs, Standing and the Bridge. The only equipment needed is a yoga mat. But, I'm sure if you had a carpet or a rug, that would suffice.

During each interval, Bowers teaches proper ballet form and pushes you to stretch and lengthen your muscles... Toes pointed, chin up, core engaged.

At no point over the entire hour did I break a sweat. But, I can assure you, I felt relaxed, confident and toned. The exercises were calming, yet vigorous in nature. And, I felt stretched, but quite sore the next day.

While this workout won't blast the calories like Soul Cycle and Boxing... That's not the intention. Ballet Beautiful provides the techniques to build and maintain the beauty, grace and strength of a ballerina.

For the days when you need a little extra time at home, Ballet Beautiful is the perfect solution.

*Images via Vogue

I can't believe this weekend is Superbowl Sunday. Fun with friends, little nibbles, great commercials... And, oh yah, the game!

Last year, I shared a few delicious Beer Cocktails. And this year, I highly recommend you make Party Mix... The Very Best Superbowl Party Mix!

This recipe is from the kitchen of our dear relatives, Jan & Doug. They've been making this for family get togethers ever since I can remember. And, it's always everyone's favorite.

I made a big batch this past weekend and it couldn't have been easier to prepare. Enjoy and happy game day!

The Very Best Superbowl Party Mix 
6 tablespoons butter
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons Lawry's salt
4 cups Chex cereal
2 cups Cheerios cereal
1 cup small pretzels
3/4 cup mixed nuts (roasted, salted)
3/4 cup cashew pieces (roasted, salted)

Melt the butter, Worcestershire sauce and Lawry's salt on the stove until combined. Pour the melted sauce over the Chex cereal, Cheerios cereal, pretzels, mixed nuts and cashew pieces. Mix ingredients together thoroughly and place on large sheet pan or roasting pan. Bake at 225 degrees for one hour. Stir well every 20 minutes.

Modern Workout Day 2:: SOUL CYCLE

Finally, my body has stopped hurting from last week's AEROBARRE workout! While it was SO much fun and I can't wait to go back... This week had a new exercise adventure: SOUL CYCLE.

Now, don't get me wrong, I attend spin class often, as it's my favorite fitness routine. I guess you could call me a "regular", as I tend to go to the same place, with the same instructor, at the same time... But, no more!

At the Tribeca studio, some classes fill up almost the second they open for the week ahead. The 6:00PM session with Charlee falls into that category. This past weekend, I was lucky enough to score a last minute spot. I don't think I knew what I was in for!

The 60-bike studio was completely full (surprising to me being Saturday evening in New York). As I looked around, I almost had to laugh. There was some sort of memo I didn't receive: all the guys were wearing beanie caps and the girls, bandanas... Only during warm-up, of course. Was I at the gym, or a club?

All that aside, the second class began, I knew it was going to be awesome! The music was a combination of pop mixes, upbeat instrumentals and hip-hop. I had so much energy I almost forgot I was peddling (at a sprinting pace).

SOUL CYCLE has a way of combining a typical spin routine with an upper body workout of push-ups, weights and core exercises. What I loved most about this class was that every routine made me feel like I was dancing... Honestly, as I questioned above, "was I at the gym or a club"? It made the workout so much fun!

The ride was the most intense session I've had, since first attending the studio. And, no wonder there is a "cultish" following. At the end of this cardio party, I felt proud and energized.

*Images via Soul Cycle

DIY:: Eucalyptus Bath Sachet

Unfortunately, it's that time of year. Both the Mr. and I spent the weekend sick with some sort of never-ending cough/cold. After several days of rest, soup and lots of water, we're starting to feel better. Thank goodness!

During our Saturday of doing nothing, however, I spent time catching up on some recent magazines I hadn't yet read. In the January issue of Martha Stewart, I found this simple solution to help clear congestion and create a spa-like bathroom, in your own home.

The scent of Eucalyptus is energizing and refreshing; especially appealing when you're feeling a little under the weather.

To make the sachet, you only need a few items: fresh eucalyptus (available at Whole Foods), one coffee filter and small piece of twine/string.

Simply place the eucalyptus into the coffee filter and secure with a tie. Hang the sachet from the shower faucet. As the hot water runs, the healing essence of the eucalyptus will perfume your bathroom and clear your sinuses. Ah, it's a good thing.

*Image via Martha Stewart Living

Modern Workout Day 1:: AEROBARRE

Last week, I announced my need for a new fitness challenge. No longer will I simply "go through the motions" of my daily workout, but I will fully commit to new challenges, beyond my comfort zone!

This new exercise routine kicked-off Wednesday evening. My sister-in-law, Trish, chose the class and studio: AEROBARRE at AEROSPACE. AEROBARRE is an amazing ballet, boxing and sculpting workout that takes the grace of a ballerina and the grit of a boxer and fuses them together for an original workout that stays true to their arts and provides the most balanced workout you may ever experience.

Founders Michael Olajide, Jr. and Leila Fazel teach almost every class at this celebrity-packed studio, so it was no surprise that Leila started class promptly at 6:00 PM. 

Class opened with a 10 minute warm-up, composed of basic ballet positions and slow movements. We then grabbed a jump rope and weights, for 45 hard minutes of aero-tone intervals.  Jump Rope - Box - Ballet. Jump Rope - Box - Ballet. Jump Rope - Box - Ballet. The combination of these three rotations plays havoc on your muscles. My legs were literally shaking at some points!  

While the cardiovascular intensity of the class was high, the most difficult aspect, being a beginner, was keeping up with the boxing sequences. When I got home, the Mr. had to show me the correct stance and tweak my jabs and punches because I struggled to keep up. I'm determined to get better, however, because the class was so fun!

While this was Trish's first AEROBARRE class, she has been frequenting the gym for over a year now (needless to say, her boxing technique stood out compared to mine, haha). Let's see what she had to say:

"First things first.....GREAT JOB ELLEN!!! You made it through your first class of AEROBARRE! And, despite your claim that your skills as a ballerina had long since faded, you handled the class quite elegantly….putting me to shame.

It’s been just over a year since my first visit to AEROSPACE, and like Ellen my visit was an effort to rejuvenate my workout routine, which had become mundane. You all know what I am talking about…. jamming in the headphones, lifting weights and doing all sorts of other ridiculous exercises to give your toosh a lift, like walking backwards on an inclined treadmill. All this just wasn’t doing it for me anymore.

But then I found AEROSPACE...

I won’t lie, starting at AEROSPACE is demanding. The classes require coordination, endurance and pure perseverance to get through them and the days that follow, as your body works to repair the sore aching muscles. No doubt you will hear the same voice I heard, whispering in my ear “never go back”, but you have to flick that little-horned-pitchfork-armed-demon off your shoulder and tell him to “never come back!.”  I’m glad that I did because after going to a couple classes plus some one-on-one sessions with Leila, it quickly became apparent to me that my previous routine wasn’t mundane but worse, it was motionless, breathless, it was DEAD, DEAD, DEAD!

AEROSPACE resuscitated my whole fitness routine. Even though the classes were challenging and frustrating, the encouragement of the AEROSPACE community kept me going back.  

The progress that I’ve achieved in my jump rope/boxing skills over the past year has been mentally rewarding and has spurred additional motivation to see these skills continue to develop, and not solely focusing on seeing my toosh improve…. although it certainly is a nice perk …….lol!"

*Image via AEROSPACE

A New Fitness Challenge

About a month ago, as I mindlessly climbed on the elliptical machine, I realized that I had fallen into a fitness rut! Who else has been there? 

As I gave more thought to my lack of motivation... The reason was simple. I've basically had the same gym membership and workout routine, since I graduated from college. My 45 minute, semi-hard workouts certainly had their benefits... But, I've definitely reached a plateau and my muscles have become used to the same repetitive exercies. Hence, I'm not improving my strengh, endurance or flexibility. Ah, yikes... No wonder I'm in need of a change! So, here we go... It's time to shake things up a little bit. 

Over the next few weeks, you'll find me exercising beyond my comfort zone; fully embracing the new world of gym classes NYC has to offer. And don't you worry, each class will be followed by a review, with commentary from not just me, but also my sister-in-law. We're in this together!

Our first class will be tonight at boutique boxing studio, AEROSPACE NYC!

Former middleweight boxing champ Michael Olajide Jr. and ballet dancer Leila Fazel (who also created Ian Schrager’s Agua spas), opened this sleek, industrial-looking fitness center in the meatpacking district in 2005. The studio offers a handful of total-body workout classes, all of which use a variation of techniques that stem from boxing, including the signature Aerobox class, the upper-body-focused Aerosculpt, and Aero3, which, like the rest of the classes offered here, is set to loud dance music and uses only free weights and jump ropes for equipment, focusing on footwork sequences that require not only endurance but quite a bit of coordination. Aerobarre, taught by Fazel, incorporates ballet moves like sautés (jumps) and is designed to give lean, dancerlike results. (NY Magazine).

*Image via AEROSPACE NYC

A Neat & Tidy New Year

While I don't usually make formal resolutions for the New Year, I do believe that January is a time of new beginnings and starting fresh. With the Mr. traveling on business, there was no better time to sweep, scrub and Swiffer our apartment this past weekend. So, today, I'm revealing a few of my favorite ways to achieve a clutter-free home for 2013.

1. European Sponge Cloths - So much better than paper towels... Extremely absorbent and reusable.
2. Smarty Dish - One capsule = Clean, shiny dishes, every time.
3. Wine Glass Cleaner Brush - The rounded shape eliminates all red wine spots and stains.
4. Pretty Dish Soap Bottles - Pour dish soap into pretty bottles to display on your counter.
5. Acrylic Cosmetic Organizer - Arrange cosmetics neatly in an acrylic organizer.
6. method All Purpose Cleaner - Great for any surface and the scent is nice too.
7. Casabella Water Stop Gloves - Always wear glove to prevent dry skin.
8. 1-Litre Shampoo & Conditioner with Pump - Stock up, and use a pump to release the exact amount.
9. Miele Olympus S2121 Canister Vacuum - The BEST vacuum - Perfect for hardwood floors!
10. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser - White walls demand a Magic Eraser. I use mine once per week!
11. Elephant Bank - Have a place to save loose change... It adds up.
12. Vase of Fresh Eucalyptus - A fresh, hoom scent in the winter is invigorating!

Pineapple and Mint Infused Water

Clearly, I over-indulged throughout the entire month of December (and maybe the second half of November, too... Shhh)! The chilly weather called for warm mugs of hot chocolate, apple cider and eggnog... And, festive holiday parties had to be celebrated with Champagne.

But now, as we welcome the New Year, I find it hard to say good-bye to all those delicious cups of yummy goodness (so quickly), and hello to just plain water. To ease the transition, I'm going to make this essential beverage a little more fun.

I love to put fruit in my water to make it sweet, yet very low in calories. One of my favorite combinations is Pineapple and Mint. It's extremely flavourful and refreshing. And, only takes a couple minutes to make. The fruit and herb essence develops over time - The longer the water chills in the refrigerator, the better. 

Pineapple and Mint Infused Water
1/4 Pineapple, peeled and sliced thin
8-10 Mint Leaves

Place 8 cups water in a pitcher or large bowl. Add pineapple and mint leaves. Refrigerate at least 3 hours before using for best taste. Keep refrigerated up to 2 days. Strain before serving, if desired. 

Happiest of Holidays

I'm a little late in wishing everyone the happiest of holidays... So, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The Mr. and I just returned from a ten day trip celebrating the season with our family and friends in both Minneapolis, Minnesota and Calgary, Alberta. We had a wonderful time, filled with festive treats, company and cheer!

Today, as we all say hello to Two Thousand Thirteen, I want to wish you, and yours, the very best in the new year! Enjoy, and see you back on the blog!

Lussekatter:: Saint Lucia Buns

The day of Saint Lucia is an essential part of a Scandinavian Christmas. Each year on December 13, Saint Lucia is celebrated widely with candlelight in the home and traditional candle-lit processions at church. Lucia herself was Christian martyr, recognized for secretly providing food to persecuted Christians.

Today, the eldest girl in the family portrays Saint Lucia. She puts on a white robe in the morning and wears a crown full of candles, often times made of Lingonberry branches. She serves her parents, and family, Lucia buns and coffee or mulled wine.

The night of Saint Lucia was known to be the longest night of the year (winter solstice), which was changed when the Gregorian calendar was reformed. During a long winter in Scandinavia, the idea of light overcoming darkness, and the promise of returning sunlight has been welcomed by the locals for hundreds of years. The celebrations and processions on Saint Lucia Day are illuminated by thousands of candles.

Celebrating Saint Lucia day has been a family tradition for a very long time! As far back as I can remember, my Grandma would wake up early to serve breakfast at the Scandinavian smörgåsbord held at church. She always wore her traditional Swedish attire, to make the day even more festive!

Because my Grandma looked forward to this day so much every year, I wanted to try my hand at making Lussekatter, or Lucia buns. I followed THIS recipe (and highly recommend). These golden rolls taste rich, from the essence of saffron, but also sweet, from the golden raisins. Serve them warm with a touch of butter and jam!

As many would say, including my Grandma, it just wouldn't be Christmas without Saint Lucia Day!

DIY:: 'Thankful for Leftovers' Takeaway Boxes

I always look forward to Thanksgiving leftovers because I never seem to get my fill of turkey, stuffing and all the sides from just one meal.

So guests don't miss out on the extent of the feast, Camille Styles, hostess to one of my favorite lifestyle blogs, had this wonderful idea! DIY:: 'Thankful for Leftovers' Takeaway boxes.

Click HERE for the free printable download. And, Happy Thanksgiving!

*Image via Camille Styles

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Sundays are slowly becoming my favorite day of the weekend. The Mr. and I met some friends for a relaxing morning brunch and then enjoyed a long walk in Central Park. The rest of the afternoon was spent at home, preparing for a busy few days ahead.

We love to watch Sunday night television. So, I prepared a few simple dishes in advance, so we could enjoy a nice dinner, rather than takeout. Our favorite show is Homeland, I look forward to it all week!

I made Baked Crispy Hot Wings (which I will share later this week) and served them with delicious shaved brussels sprouts. This is the perfect fall salad because it combines sweet and savory. It's healthy and extremely addictive, a good thing!

12 brussels sprouts, washed and dried, woody ends cut off
4 ounces Pecorino Romano, grated fine
4 ounces walnuts, toasted and broken into small pieces
1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
4 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
kosher salt and cracked black pepper

Slice the Brussels sprouts thin on the slicing disc of the food processor. A mandoline or sharp knife also works well.

Put the sprouts in a large bowl. Add the cheese and walnuts. Combine the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and mustard into a small jar, along with the salt and pepper. Put on the lid and shake that jar until the vinaigrette has come together. Dress the salad with the vinaigrette. Toss and serve.

*Recipe adapted from Shutterbean

Heirloom Tomato Tartine

The MAC Cosmetics corporate office sits in a beautiful brick townhouse on the corner of Prince and Wooster, arguably the prettiest stretch of cobblestone in New York City.

Therefore, without a doubt, one would think that working in SoHo is a dream come true. While there are a many, many, many more Pros to this location than Cons, there is one major Con: What's for lunch?

I know it sounds unbelievable, as almost every renowned chef has a restaurant within one square mile, but it's true! Finding a cup of soup, half sandwich or mixed green salad in this neighborhood is like finding a needle in a hay stack. While I wish it were the case, Jean-Georges can't make me lunch everyday.

To alleviate the stress of deciding what to eat at noon, I've opted to bring my own snacks. I've never been good at packing meals in the morning. Instead, I keep a few easy-to-prepare items in the fridge at work.

My favorite thing to make is an Heirloom Tomato Tartine. It's quick and easy, as well as healthy and inexpensive.

1 Slice Whole Wheat Bread, Toasted (I use Ezekiel 4.9)

Hummus (I use Whole Foods Original Hummus)

1/2 Cup Baby Heirloom Tomatoes, Sliced

1 Teaspoon Olive Oil

Salt/Pepper

Italian Parsley/Basil (Optional)

Slice a handful of Baby Heirloom Tomatoes and place in a small bowl. Toss with Olive Oil, Salt and Pepper, to taste. 

Spread hummus on a toasted slice of bread. Scoop tomato mixture onto the hummus and top with a sprinkling of fresh herbs.

Enjoy!

Wedding Wednesday:: Jewelry Insurance

Over the past several weeks, so many friends have announced engagements! And with the Holidays approaching, I'm sure there will be a few more! While the occasion certainly calls for big celebrations, a little time should also be set aside to think about protecting that gorgeous gem on your finger.

Both sentimentally and monetarily, your engagement ring and wedding band will always be your most prized possessions. And, there are a few simple steps to take, sooner rather than later, to ensure they last a lifetime.

The very, very first, and most important 'to-do' is: GET THAT SPARKLY DIAMOND INSURED! And in fact, it's pretty simple to get started.

• If you own your home, simply add a jewelry rider to your current insurance policy. Even if your current coverage states that jewelry is included, most likely it is for a minimal amount, much less that the value of your rings.
• If you're currently renting, I found that adding a rider wasn't the best option. Rather, taking out a policy with a specialty insurer, such as Perfect Circle Insurance proved to be easier, more cost effective, and provided the broadest coverage.
• With any policy, it's important to read the fine print, looking especially for 'accidental misplacement' coverage.

When applying for insurance, it's essential to have a current appraisal of each item. An appraisal describes the Cut, Clarity, Carat Weight and Metal of your ring/rings. A picture is also very helpful to include, and sometimes required.

The cost of insurance is primarily based on the value of your jewels and the amount of the deductible. Although, other factors come into play, such as: home location, residence type, jewelry storage, frequency of wear and permanent security systems.

Once coverage is in place, be sure to check your ring regularly to ensure the diamond is situated tightly in it's setting. Your jeweler will be more than happy to do this sort of inspection for you on a regular basis. Also, it's important to clean your ring frequently to prevent buildup from soap, lotions and dust. Professional cleanings are best. But, any sort of jewelry cleaner will do a fine job at removing residue.

*Photo Credit: PMG Images

Sweet Treats for Thanksgiving Day

I think I have a tendency of saying this every time November rolls around, but this year, I'm really in the mood for the Holidays! In fact, I even asked the Mr. if we could put up our Christmas tree last weekend. He kindly suggested we wait until after Thanksgiving. Fair enough, I suppose.

With that being said, I'm equally as excited for Turkey Day. A great meal, quality time with family and friends and a nice long weekend... Not much is better than that!

We'll be staying in the city this year and I have full intentions of cooking, and baking, up a storm. Dessert is the easiest part of the menu for me to finalize and I plan to make several items. Here's a preview of the tried and true sweet treats we'll be enjoying come Thanksgiving Day.

Okay, okay... Of course I'll bake a few extra pies, but only because you insist!

To Ella Modern fans in the New York area, simply reach out via email at: ellamodern@gmail.com to order/discuss. Thanksgiving treats would be delivered/ready for enjoyment on Wednesday, November 21, 2012.

{Maple Pecan Pie}

{Pecan, Bourbon and Butterscotch Bread Pudding}

{Salted Caramel Pudding}

{Warm Apple Cobbler}

{Pumpkin Pie with Rum Whipped Cream}

*Images via Barefoot Contessa, Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Joseph Leonard, Food & Wine

Recharging Battery Park

Hello, hello! I'm happy to report that the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy has finally come to an end in New York City. The Mr. and I are home sweet home and both Tribeca and Battery Park are still standing. We have heat and hot water (yay!) and Whole Foods across the street is finally stocked with more than chips, canned soup and paper towels.

We are so grateful for the outpouring of thoughts, prayers, messages and phone calls over the past couple weeks. You guys are the best!

As you know, we lost power on the first day of the storm. So, needless to say, for the next several days, it seemed that our family and friends were much more in tune with what was going on around us. Every brief conversation I had with people outside the Big Apple sounded more like a news broadcast of what was happening right in my own neighborhood, and I had no clue!

Because I wasn't able to keep in touch with everyone, here's a brief play-by-play of how we lived through the "Frankenstorm".

{Ideally, this would have been posted as "live coverage", but lack of power obviously prevented that from happening.}

Day 1:: Sunday, October 28, 2012:: I woke up early, ready for my morning coffee at Kaffe 1668 and a workout at the gym. As I gathered my things, I turned on the news to find more talk of the weather, which had been going on for days. Then, 'Breaking News', Mayor Bloomberg announced that in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy, mandatory evacuations had gone into effect for Zone A in New York City. Our Tribeca apartment happened to be right in the center of Zone A.

The Mr. was still in Calgary on business when the evacuation was announced. His plane was scheduled to depart for New York early afternoon MST. We thought he was going to make it here just in time, until Air Canada cancelled all flights to the East Coast. To our later learning, it was for the best, as the high winds started to roll in that evening.

Thankfully, my Brother-In-Law, Tim, and Sister-In-Law, Trish, also live in the city, outside of Zone A. They graciously said I could stay with them, a place we coin 'The Schneider Hotel'. I arrived around dinnertime. We ate, watched the news and waited for Sandy.

By this point, The Estee Lauder Companies had closed all offices for Monday. It was nice to know I didn't have to work on my birthday, but strange to think about being in the path of such a severe storm.

Day 2:: Monday, October 29, 2012:: It was my Golden Birthday. And, the day the Hurricane would strike. The weather was fairly calm when we all woke up. But, the forecasts for later were getting worse because the storm's speed had picked up.

The biggest concern at this point was loss of power. I can't even remember the last time I didn't have power in the city. I don't think it's ever happened to me! So you can imagine the surprise when we heard that all of Manhattan should prepare for days, even up to a week, of no electricity. It made me a little uneasy.

Trish and I filled up huge buckets, pitchers and plastic crates with water, enough to last about a week. And, Tim bought a few large bags of ice to keep in the freezer. We also went to the grocery store for more non-perishable items. Many stores were already closed at this point, and the ones that were open were low on everything. Luckily, we got a few things and Tim and Trish had a big stash of flashlights and candles from the year before.

Around mid-afternoon, we went for walk, just to get a little fresh air and see what it was like outside. The rain had started, but it wasn't overly windy. The calm before the storm, I guess.

To my surprise, when we returned home, Tim and Trish had a bouquet of flowers for me to celebrate my birthday! They were beautiful.

We continued to watch the news well into the evening. High tide arrived at 8:00 PM. And, by 9:00 PM, we were without power. From this point forward, my perception of the storm is completely different than what all of you heard. I felt like I was in a little bubble, isolated from any news and outside communication, just trying to get by until we had electricity and running water again.

Day 3:: Tuesday, October 30, 2012:: Today was the hardest day. My phone didn't work and email wasn't coming through on my Blackberry. There really was no way of knowing how bad the storm actually hit Manhattan and the Northeast. All I knew was that we were all fine and there wasn't any significant damage to Tim and Trish's apartment. All good things.

About 30 minutes after I woke up, Trish returned with a small cup of coffee. The greatest thing ever! She laughed as she handed it to me, saying it was vanilla flavoured and cold, two things I greatly dislike in a cup of joe. However, today, nothing could have tasted better. It was coffee. Trish said the streets were extremely quiet. Some people were walking around, but the rain continued, so it was pretty barren. Power was out everywhere, which also meant that all streetlights and traffic signals were out. The sidewalks were covered with a lot of debris, but all in all, things looked okay.

Back at the apartment, we sat on the couch, read magazines and cookbooks, and pretty much hoped the time would pass quickly. By dinner time, we realized the best way to make something would be to light the propane grill on the roof to cook sausages and rolls. That we did, and called it an early night.

Day 4:: Wednesday, October 31, 2012:: Okay, we're approaching two days since I've had a shower and I'm starting to feel a little unsettled. Downtown Manhattan is still completely dark and without power. However, parts of the city above 39th street are up and running.

We have one working phone in the group, so I was able to chat with the Mr. for a little bit. He received an update from our apartment in Tribeca: Over 11 ft. of water filled the basement, the car packade was completely flooded and there was over 2 ft. of water in the lobby of the building. There was no word yet on power restoration or when residents would be allowed back home. Ugh, hmmmm...

On the bright side, Tim successfully arranged for Trish and I to use the locker room at his office. We showered, watched a little TV, charged Trish's phone and then headed back to the darkness of downtown.

Public transportation was still shutdown. Some buses were running, but they were packed tight like sardines and the line to get on stretched for blocks. We walked over 4 miles to get to/from, but certainly couldn't complain!

Oh, and on the way, we bought a puzzle. A 2,000 piece puzzle of Time Square at night. We thought it was fitting for the state of utter darkness we're experiencing.

The Mr. was thinking about flying into the city the next day. However, that idea got scratched when we heard that all tunnels/bridges/access to Manhattan were blocked. He was forced to reschedule, once again.

By 6:00 PM, it was dark and there wasn't much to do. Even with all our candles and flashlights, it wasn't light enough to start our puzzle (sigh!). So, Trish and I poured ourselves a glass of wine.

When Tim got home, we debated which bottle to open from their recent shipment of Williams Seylem Pinot Noir. It was very hard to decide, so we figured the best thing to do was obviously a vertical tasting.

We selected three bottles (only to have a few sips of each, of course), tasted, enjoyed and discussed the different varietals. Who does a vertical wine tasting during a blackout? The Schneider's!

{Trish and I enjoying our own wine tasting during the 2012 Blackout}

{Playing pieces from the game Sequence identified the different wines}

{The three bottles of Williams Seylem Pinot Noir we decided to taste }

By the way, the two winning wines were the Williams Seylem Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast and the Williams Seylem Pinot Noir Russian River Valley.

Day 4:: Thursday, November 1, 2012:: The only thing to say about this day is that we still don't have power. Trish and I started the puzzle around 9:00 AM and that's all we did until the sun went down. Yep, eight straight of 'puzzling'. Haha, and I'd be lying not to mention that the temperature started dropping dramatically in the apartment. We sat a the kitchen table, bundled in Trish's ski gear, trying to stay warm!

Day 5:: Friday, November 2, 2012:: I think I forgot to mention, but work was closed all week. It's hard to believe, I know! My Blackberry still had no service. I felt completely out of touch with the real world. And, downtown was still completely eerie and dark.

Again, Trish and I ventured uptown for a shower and lunch. We all tried to make the best of this situation... A little bite to eat at Fig & Olive definitely helped. Trish and I walked another 4 miles home and worked on the puzzle again.

For more light, we hung a flashlight from the ceiling fan with cooking twine. Yes, it sounds crazy, but it really made a difference in the brightness... We continued our puzzling until at least 8:00 PM!

We made a lot of progress on our 2,000 piece puzzle, don't you think?

And then FINALLY... Around 11:00 PM, the kitchen lights flashed on! We were all silent for about 15 seconds until it registered that the neighborhood of Chelsea regained power. Then, the celebrating started!

By this point, however, Tribeca was still in the dark. My fingers were crossed that lower Manhattan would be up and running by the morning, but who could know for sure?

At least the Mr. would be on his way to the city bright and early!

Day 6:: Saturday, November 3, 2012:: Power was restored at 200 Chambers Street! There wasn't heat, but who cares! After a full week's evacuation, I was headed home sweet home.

It's unbelievable to think that the magnitude of this weather system could completely shutdown a city the size of Manhattan! I'm happy to say that everyone we know is safe and sound and survived the storm without much damage. There are many relief efforts still going on around the area and it's amazing to see how people will go out of their way to help out complete strangers. I'm so thankful to Tim and Trish for taking me under their wing for an entire week. In such extreme circumstances, it's wonderful to have family so close and be in such good company!

For future guests at Tim and Trish's apartment, a.k.a. 'The Schneider Hotel', our puzzle will be framed on the wall in the guest bedroom with a plaque signifying 'Hurricane Sandy and the New York City Blackout of 2012'.

My Golden Birthday

Today is my 'Golden' birthday, and I can assure you, it will be something to remember. Not for grand celebrations, but due to severe weather approaching New York City. Hurricane Sandy is predicted to arrive in full-force by mid-day.

Sunday afternoon, Mayor Bloomberg ordered a mandatory evacuation of Zone A in Manhattan. You guessed it, our Tribeca apartment is situated right in the heart of that area. When a city of this size declares a state of emergency, you know they're not joking around... It was time to pack up and move out! We're lucky that our brother-in-law and sister-in-law live in a part of the city slightly more inland from the Hudson River. And thankfully, we'll all be together, making the storm much more bearable.

But, leaving our neighborhood did feel a little eerie... Sidewalks were lined with people carrying grocery bags and luggage, while cars and taxi cabs were at a standstill on the West Side Highway waiting to escape downtown, and yet the city was very quiet. As the saying goes, the calm before the storm.

I laughed tonight because growing up in Minnesota, a late-October birthday usually meant snow. And sometimes that snow amounted to arctic blizzards. Never did I think, however, I would have to evacuate my home, prepare for a hurricane and turn another year older, all in one day! My Grandma used to always say, "You can't control the weather". And, boy was she right!

The bright side in all of this? The Mr. is now saying it's 'Birthday Week'. I'll take that over just one day any year!

Creamy Pumpkin Breakfast Smoothie

When the weather starts to get chilly, I tend to crave everything pumpkin: soups, scones, pies and lattes... The list goes on and on! While wonderfully delicious, the unfortunate issue associated with this seasonal craving, is that often times the above mentions are mixed with cream, butter and sugar. (Insert big sigh... Ugh). Unhealthy to the utmost extent!

Over the past couple weeks, my Mom and I have both been trying to exercise a little more and eat a little better. Something that's easier said than done, for sure! (Insert another big sigh... Ugh). Remotely, we are holding each other accountable!

At one of my Mom's recent morning workout sessions, her instructor passed along a recipe for a healthy, pumpkin breakfast smoothie. As soon as I heard the basic ingredients, I couldn't stop thinking about ways improve the flavor and texture, while at the same time, maintain the nutritional benefits.

After a few attempts, I'm ready to share my favorite rendition. High in protein, low in sugar, and packed with everything healthy. Beware, you may never crave a Thanksgiving pastry again!

Creamy Pumpkin Breakfast Smoothie
6 oz. Vanilla 0% Greek yogurt (I like Chobani)
1/2 Banana, frozen (using a frozen banana will always improve the consistency of the smoothie)
1/2 Cup pumpkin puree, frozen if possible (be sure to use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling)
1/8 Teaspoon cinnamon, and just a pinch of nutmeg
2 Tablespoons applesauce
1 Scoop whey protein powder (I like Tera's Whey in Bourbon Vanilla or Plain Unsweetened)
1/3 Cup milk (Almond, Soy or Skim)
2 Tablespoons apple cider
1/8 Teaspoon agave nectar
3 Ice cubes

Mix all ingredients in a blender to desired consistency. If more liquid is needed, use apple cider or milk, depending on taste. This recipe should yield one large smoothie. Enjoy!