This week in nature.......and a little food ;-)

This week was quite chilly and it even snowed a few times! Nothing stuck around long enough by us, but the mountains are snowcapped and looking lovely. I actually really like this time of year....the chill in the air makes me want to bundle up and walk for hours in complete silence; sit by the fire and drink endless cups of tea; be in the kitchen tending to soups and stews; start new knitting projects and begin a 9 month long session of reflection. Painful at times, but so cleansing and rejuvenating for the soul. I like that and really need it. <3

This week in food.....

We are back in Vermont, and how! We didn't skip a beat and got right to our gardening, harvesting, cooking and baking ways. :) The weather is definitely getting colder by the day, and there are hardly any leaves left on the trees. The garden is slowing way down and being prepared for a long winters sleep. This means more time to develop and test out new recipes, yay! .....but not till after all the leaves are raked, sigh. ;-)

Maple Sweetened Zucchini Gingerbread 
(Vegan/Gluten Free, optional)*adapted from realkidseatspinach.com*

Makes 12 muffins or 2 loaves

preheat oven to 350 degrees. grease tins well with coconut oil

In a large bowl mix:
3 tbs. ground flaxseeds and 1/2 cup of water till thick and creamy OR beat one large egg
2/3 cup coconut oil, melted
2 cup grated zucchini, unpeeled
1 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
1 cup rolled oats or almond meal
3/4 cup dried cherries or raisins
1/2 chopped walnuts or flaxseeds
1/4 cup robust molasses
1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup REAL maple syrup
1/4 cup milk of choice (reg or almond/soy)

In a separate large bowl mix:
1 1/3 + flour of choice (regular or GF) *you may need to add up to a 1/4 cup more if batter seems too wet*
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 heaping tbs cinnamon
2 tsp ground clove
2 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Add wet ingredients to dry and mix well.

Fill muffin tins about 3/4 of the way, and bake for 25-30 mins or fill loaf pans 1/2 of the way and bake 45-50 mins. *test with a sharp knife or toothpick to make sure it comes out clean and not wet*

ENJOY!!!

A Taste of New York, Part 2

Run around time, in costume (Pippi, of course) with daddy in Madison Sq Park

Taking Mr. Leroy and his beloved golfball for a walk on the Chelsea Piers 

A cruel (and welcomed) sight in the store front of our favorite neighborhood book shops: Wonder Books on 18th street

Morning cuddles 

Olive and Joon playing dress up at Scandinavia House

Now that's a rack! ;) On display this month at the Coming Together, Surviving Sandy show in Industry City, BK

We had the honor of seeing Chuck Close in front of his own Chuck Close portrait at the opening of the Coming Together, Surviving Sandy show. It was a wild scene of celebrities, artist, hipsters and kids! :)

New tattoos from bestie, Emi Lou <3

Olive and I take high tea or fika (in Swedish) very seriously. ;) On this particular afternoon we made a raw almond butter and chocolate pie. It was killer! PS: recipe is a few posts down! ;)

Happy Birthday, Michael!

Olive has been obsessed with Pippi for a year now and insisted on wearing her Pippi hair around town. She blended right in! ;) PS: Highline in the background.....

Walking home on a rainy night in the glow of The Empire State Building

The view from Olive's bed: Roofs, the iconic water tower, and of course the new Freedom Tower in the morning fog

New to us is the Highline Hotel with an Intelligensia truck parked in their court yard! Perfect for us strolling Mamas! 

Loved these colorful "shoes" at the Coming Together, Surviving Sandy show

Another yummy creation made in our mini kitchen: Coconut Curry with LOTS of kale, lime and cilantro. BAM!

Taste of New York-- part one

Gorgeous sunset (it was THIS neon!) coming into the city on MetroNorth  

BEST espresso drinks in the city at Cafe Grumpy, which is conveniently located three blocks from us on W 20th Street btw 6th and 7th Ave.

Olive really wanted to hold one of these pigeons, but I told her they are really just rats with wings. She didn't seem to mind. 

Classic NYC birthday party in the park with pony rides! Olive was in heaven. 

We've been members at Scandinavia House since before Olive was born cause we are wannabe's like that. ;) They have the BEST playroom for kids. It's so magical and full of beautiful, high quality toys that evoke imaginative play. 

Olive LOVES her green juice with extra ginger in it. She's had it that way since the womb. PS: she is wearing a vintage number by Blu Pony Vintage, one of our favorite children's brands. 

Michael and I splurged on tickets to see First Aid Kit (our favorite Swedish sister duo) and Rodriguez (Searching for Sugarman). It was AMAZING and highly recommend seeing both bands on stage! 

Olive is loving being back in her "New York Home." I have to say my husband has made it a very cheery place with his awesome interior sensibilities! 

Enjoying my new travel mug from FIKA, a great little Swedish inspired cafe on Park Ave. In the background is a fantastic sculpture exhibition and, of course, the Flat Iron Building. :)

I was thrilled to see Doris at Washington Sq Park today. She and her sidekick "Stix" have a wonderful story and have been recently featured on Humans of New York. 

"Ideas of Stone" by: Giuseppe Penone on display NOW at Madison Square Park. 

Chelsea Market is one of my favorite places to shop and people watch. The space and the lighting is just stunning.

These two have been friends, well, since they were born! Matteo is the sweetest little boy you'll ever meet. <3

Still cooking even in our TENNY TINY kitchen. This was a yummy lentil salad with loads of veggies, garlic oil and cilantro! :) 

We just adore this little raincoat from Pale Cloud of Oslo. It's pretty, stylish and PRACTICAL! Unfortunately this will be the last fall it will fit. :( 

Treelined streets are my favorite in New York, and I thought they went particularly well with my hair the other day. ;-)

This has been my talk and walk for many many years, and I was thrilled to see HU on 5th Ave and 14th Street verbalize for all the world to see.  

Nibble, nibble mousekin...

Dreamy

Entrance to Washington Sq Park