lavenderlilac dream

Besties and I had to make those getaway plans we always talk about happen before two out of us four parted for the summer. Since there was only a small time frame available, we were able to squeeze in a 2-night 3-day trip to Bear Mountain State Park (just a 1.5-2ish hour drive from NYC). I forgot how we concluded to doing something naturey but it was a much needed break for all of us regardless of where we were going. I think most city folk usually go to Bear Mt. for just a day-trip. But we really wanted to get away without being that far since it was our first trip together. Plus there is always the whole family-worrying issue.

Although we toyed with the idea of staying somewhere through AirBnB, we ended up booking a room at the Overlook Lodge at Bear Mountain. It wasn't too bad price-wise and it was where we wanted to be. Our plan was to hike until we were all hiked out (at least that was my plan for the trip).

In the end we didn't get to climb all the way to the top or hike the longest trail. But...the point was we did something we don't normally get to do. It didn't help our plans when the weather decided to be gloomy and rainy during our stay. Ehh, what can you do about mother nature? Next time! I'll get to the top, just you wait.

Palisades Mall

There really isn't much to eat at or right by Bear Mountain so we made a trip to the nearest (I think) mall to grab dinner. Sure, go and call me a city girl but this was the biggest mall I have ever seen. It had amusement rides and everything!

The Cheeesecake Factory

Palisades Mall Cheesecake Factory Steak Diane Herb Crusted Salmon

Palisades Mall Cheesecake Factory Chicken Costoletta

Palisades Mall Cheesecake Factory Pasta Da Vinci

Steak Diane and Herb Crusted Salmon, Chicken Costoletta, & Pasta Da Vinci First time at the Cheesecake Factory! I have heard of the name here and there before but was never too interested in it, except to try their cheesecakes. The meals weren't too shabby. I wished there was one in NYC...

Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Bloomin' Onion & Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Soup, stuffed potato, & a porterhouse Eating at Outback is also another first. Even though there is one close to where I live, I never had the chance to go. I don't remember the meal being anything extraordinary. Probably was one of the better steaks I've had. But this doesn't mean much since I haven't many steaks before. All that I remember is this meal was ~~very~~ too filling, even after a day of hiking. Oh my poor stomach! It always has to handle whenever I overestimate what I can and can't eat.

What...? It's been 3 months already?!
Anyway...let's just say excuses are the same ol' same ol'.
I am determined to get back into some kind of a routine!

Let's begin from where I left off at way back in May/June.

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I finally made it to see the cherry blossoms this year. Woot woot!
They are just as pretty as I thought they would be. Even though I am not usually a fan of pink-colored anything, these are definitely an exception.

It seemed that towards the end of the day the Botanic Garden was preparing for some sort of event. There were white folding chairs being placed under the cherry blossom trees. Perhaps there was going to be a wedding or something of the like there? What a great idea if it was!

repurpose Hurricane Sandy Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Built out of the debris from Hurricane Sandy

Black Hero Tulips

I can never get over how cute bonsai trees look!

Has anyone had terrariums before? I've seen a few terrarium DIYs here and there lately and am slightly interested. The problem is I seem to not have much luck with greenery...at all. Even the cacti and succulents I had last year didn't make it past the one year mark in my house.

This post is very late... But here are a few mini "adventures" I had the last 2 months.

A friend and I made an overnight trip to Stony Brook University during our Spring Break. We decided to take the LIRR there. Although neither of us were familiar with that train system, we managed to make it in one piece. Hurray!

I was pretty excited as it was going to be my first dorming experience (even if it was just for one night). Since I hardly ever travel, I looked pretty overpacked; now I know better, right?

Even though Stony is infamously known to be a party-school, I thought it was rather calm for a Thursday night. (Not that I went looking to party :P) I love the convenience of the college I go to...but nothing can really compare to an actual campus and all it's openness & culture.

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Cutting Board 53 Bayard St New York, NY 10013 b/t Bowery & Elizabeth St in Chinatown

Fried Calamari w/ 3 sauces, Sweet Potato Waffle Fries, Pancetta Cream Pasta

I rarely go to Chinatown nowadays. There seem to be many new restaurants that aren't the typical Cantonese cuisine-fare. I hear there are also some good ramen places in the area now as well. (Next on my to-try list!)

Cutting Board offers an Asian fusion/Italian selection. I remember seeing many Facebook posts from Cutting Board last summer and they all looked pretty tasty. I can't attest to all their dishes but the ones I had weren't bad. Portions are big for one person but not quite enough to share among two people.

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory 65 Bayard St New York, NY 10013 b/t Mott St & Elizabeth St in Chinatown

Red Bean Ice Cream & Waffle Cone

I've heard of this place and walked pass the store many many times before but have never tried their ice cream. The lineup for Chinatown Ice Cream Factory was really no joke. When paired with their narrow store space, it can get pretty overwhelming and fast. I would suggest taking a look through their website and/or Yelp first. As with other ice cream stores they do offer taste testing but it may be a little difficult get the busy employees' attention.

They had many flavors that I wanted to try but ended up playing it safe and getting the red bean flavor. I was a tad disappointed because there wasn't that much red bean flavor. But...if I ever feel like lining up again I would definitely go back to try some of their other unique flavors.

Melt Bakery @ Madison Square Eats

Mango Sorbet w/ Cardamom Cookie

Spot Dessert @ Food Gallery 32

Smoked Coconut Cheesecake

Bestie C's surprise treat after Finals week. She didn't really like this but I thought it was pretty tasty. Then again I don't think she's a big fan of coconut and I am quite the opposite :P

Sundaes and Cones 95 E 10th St New York, NY 10003 at 3rd Ave in East Village

Thai Ice + Hazelnut Ice Cream & Waffle Cone

I think this has to be the best ice cream I have ever had. They had many interest flavors but Thai Ice (tea) and Hazelnut was calling my name this time around. I really should have only gotten one flavor but I don't know when the next visit will be! The ice cream was oh so creamy and full of their namesake flavors. Deelish!

I wish they still had a storefront in Brooklyn...only just found out that they were originally based in the Bay Ridge area ;(

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Ah I think skirts and dresses are really starting to grow on me. I'm still not very confident in wearing either of them often but that can't stop me from trying them on in store!

Does anyone think the chambray/denim top + floral skirt combo look weird? I showed me Aunt (who's the most 'fashionable' in the family and she thought it was strange and an ugly combo...)

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How could 2 months possibly go buy without me doing something in the kitchen :P

Banana Flax Walnut Muffins

I remember trying this once when I was volunteering with a bakery a few years back. That was also the first time I've ever heard of flaxseeds. After finals were over I took to the internet to find something similar online. After making a couple of batches, I think I have it down! I will try to share the recipe soon (after a few more tries).

Black Sesame Bread

My first time making bread! It was exceptionally easier since I have the help of a KitchenAid mixer. But a family friend/Auntie wanted to learn (from a newbie) so I had to figure it out via hands as well. It was definitely a fun and stressful process but experience nonetheless. Apparently I cannot replicate the same results because each batch of dough worked out differently each time. Alas I am no bread expert... As long as it is edible, right? Not sure if I want to tackle bread making again anytime soon but it is on my list to master.

Typical Lunch
Rice, Boiled Chicken Breast, Corn, 2 Soft Boiled Eggs, Good Food Tableside Greek Yogurt Guacamole

I had my first taste of Chipotle rice bowls a few months back and loved it. So many textures and flavors... Now I can see why so many people rave about it.

Since I can't buy it too often (pricey & high-calories!) I decided to figure something out at home. I guess this could be considered a "skinny" and "light" version, although the flavors are very much different. It is still very filling and of course you can vary it as you wish. The possibilities are endless in a rice bowl.

Wandering Tales | Bear Mountain

Wandering Tales | Brooklyn Botanic Garden

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