Mad Men Inspired

I'm finally caught up on the Mad Men series! I'd love for Don Draper to fall in love with me so I can become the actual Meghan Draper.  The TV version has a worse voice, terrible teeth and spells our name wrong, so I think I have a good chance.  In order to really make him swoon though, I have to dress the part.  I love the 50s & 60s costume design on the show and, like many great fashion trends, I'm sure it's bound to make a comeback. Here are some ideas for when it does:

Mad Men Inspired by meghan-haynes featuring underwire bathing suits

Stars and Stripes

There are stories circulating that Star Jones is extremely upset by Sarah Palin's guest hosting duties on The Today Show yesterday.  I noticed something was going on because throughout the entire segment Star barely spoke, which is not like her and I don't blame her for the hostility.  I find Sarah Palin to be extremely irritating and cringed every time she said "lamestream media", disrespecting the very show that she was appearing on.  I can't wait to hopefully catch "Game Change" OnDemand this weekend, based on the lovely LW's recommendation, and conjure up even more reasons to dislike the Alaskan governor.  Check out the sour look on Star's face below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Tuesday Tunes

It's actually Wednesday but I forgot to post my new jams yesterday! Without further ado...

1) All You Need is Love @ Ultra Music Festival 2012 by Avicii (a.k.a. my #1 man)

 

2) Take You Higher (Club Mix) by Goodwill & Hook N Sling

 

3) I Follow Rivers (The Magician Remix) by Lykke Li 

 

4) Some Nights by FUN.

And in honor of seeing the Hunger Games last week...

5) One Engine by The Decemberists

Veggie Restaurant Review

Being a vegetarian can be limiting here in NYC, pretty much in any city really, but I try to be flexible by finding something in any restaurant that my friends and I venture to.  However, my inner food lover jumps for joy when I find a restaurant that has more than three or four options, usually only consisting of salad or pasta.  Here's a review of my three favorite vegetarian restaurants in the city. 

Last week I went to dinner with LW and Shay at what has quickly become one of my favorites, Gobo (West Village Location: 401 Avenue of the Americas; Upper East Side Location: 1426 Third Avenue).  This was the fourth time I've been to the restaurant, and it has yet to disappoint.  Gobo has a sweet and sour "protein" that brings me back to my favorite vegetarian Chinese restaurant in Atlanta that me and Vlad frequented every summer in college. Each entree I try is better than the next.  The restaurant promises a zen experience, focusing on all the five senses in their preparations, and that it is.  I always leave with a satisfied pallet and all. Star dishes:  Sweet & Sour Protein, Mini Veggie Burger Slides (with a magic sauce), Grilled Oyster Mushrooms & Asparagus

It's been a few years since I visited Dirt Candy (430 E. 9th Street), one of the more well known upscale vegetarian restaurants located in the East Village, but I dream about it often.  Executive Chef and Owner, Amanda Cohen, opened up her first restaurant back in 2008 with a stellar resume that included Pure Food & Wine, Teany, and Heirloom.  We went a few months after it opened and diners now have to jump on reservations a month before planning to go.  It's a fairly small restaurant, which can make it some what awkward when you can't help but eavesdrop on the couple on their first date beside you, but worth the work it takes to get in. They have certainly left the vegetables up to the professionals.  Star dishes:  Jalapeno Hush Puppies with Maple Butter Sauce, Coconut Poached Tofu

Located a hop, skip and a jump from my apartment, Pure Food & Wine (54 Irving Place) offers so many different, delicious choices that even meat eaters find themselves flocking to the restaurant.  The ambiance in the restaurant is serene with a garden in the back, the food is flavorful and artistically presented, and the wine is plentiful.  Though some diners squander at the prices,  the quality of the food and the experience is worth every penny.  Star dishes: Zucchini Tomato Lasagna, Sweet Corn and Cashew Tamales, Natsu Maki 


Honorable mentions:
Angelica Kitchen (300 East 13th Street, at 2nd Avenue)
Dang Lai Palace (180 3rd. Avenue, between 16th & 17th Street)
Gust Organics (519 Avenue of the Americas, at 14th Street)
Quantum Leap (West Village location: 226 Thompson Street; East Village location: 203 1st Avenue between 12th & 13th Street)
Tamarind  (Flat Iron location: 41-43 East 22nd Street; Tribeca location: 99 Hudson Street)

And These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Happy Friday!  In honor of this beautiful day here in NYC and being that the weekend is upon us, I thought I'd share my top ten things that make me smile and lift my spirits. Not in any particular order...

1. Soul Cycle.  I know people say that it's a cult and if so, hand me the cool aid.  The reason why I love working out so much is because its an opportunity to take time for yourself, listen to music, and let everything go.  Soul Cycle takes all of these to the extreme.  There's nothing like it.  For 45 minutes you put the pedal to the medal and rock out.  Soul Obsessed is right.

2. Coffee Bean Chai Tea Latte. Over the last year I've gotten really into chai tea.  Most recently I tried it from Coffee Bean's new location on the UWS and it definitely makes me smile.  Whether in winter or summer, hand me a steaming cup of this sweet treat. 

3. Breaking Bad (and by extension Aaron Paul). Thank goodness for Shay for introducing me to this show.  There is no better show on the planet.  Aaron Paul is pretty nice to look at as well.

4. Running on the West Side highway. I usually only get to the make the trek once every other week or so but when I do, its worth every step.  The views by the water and landscapes along the path are beautiful, and nothing makes me love NYC more than when I get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park.

5. Reading in Union Square.  It's no secret that I love me a good book and become easily engrossed.  Union Square during the spring/summer has a wonderful ambiance, and, more importantly, phenomenal people watching.  The West side highway is also a good second option.

6. Live Music.  Whether it's jumping around to the tunes of Avicii on NYE or having a glass of wine while listening to the lesser known talents of Mikey Wax with Jess,  no matter the show, I'm ready and willing to hit up a concert with friends.  It's likely that I will be obsessing for weeks. Or at least until the next concert.

7. St. Simons and Spanish Moss.  Pretty much just being in St. Simons, Georgia, where my parents have a house, means that I'm already in my happy place. Driving down Fredrica Rd. and being surrounded by all the gorgeous spanish moss really brings it home.

8. Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding. This. is. the. best. dessert. ever.  Since there is a location in Grand Central across from my office, we have it at nearly every work function.  It also comes in a dangerous individual size.  A perfect combination of my favorites, bananas and vanilla wafers.

 9. Grey Dog Cafe.  In a city with so many restaurants, I don't often like going to the same place.  Grey Dog's is probably one of my very few exceptions. With four locations around NYC, you can often find a line out the door on Saturdays and Sundays.  Trust me, it's worth the wait.  The menu is vast, the coffee is delicious and the atmosphere yields an uncanny relaxation and homey feel that can't often be found in such a busy city.

10. Lululemon.  It may sound weird that a clothing company could be one of my favorite things but their innovative ideas have no bounds.  Their clothes are all expertly designed, flattering,  and comfortable.  Their stores offer free yoga classes and massages.  Their blog offers limitless advice on running, meditation, and self help.  I love Lululemon's emphasis on the importance of positive thinking by exercise.

It's quite often that on a Saturday afternoon you can find me leaving the Lululemon store after my Soul Cycle class, having worked off last night's Magnolia banana pudding, walking to Grey Dog's with chai tea in hand. Hope your weekend is filled with all of your favorite things!