Order has been restored.

I do love potatoes...

Up until yesterday afternoon, Dr. H and I had been living in our new apartment sans cable or internet. With so many areas impacted by recent storms* the earliest appointment FiOs could give us was 5 days after our move-in. Given our affinity for vegging out in front of the tv (serious love for our "programs") this was a pretty gaping hole in our ability to "settle" into the new place. We'd been meandering through our evenings, lost souls with nothing to do but unpack boxes, assemble furniture and bicker out of exhaustion about the placement of stuffed animals (Dr. H is not pleased that his Joe Montana Wrestling Buddy has been relegated to a closet). 

But with the television back in our lives, it's like we've re-located our center. Last night I cooked dinner, we watched some shows, Dr. H did the dishes and we snuggled, little productivity-less zombies on the couch. I sighed and thought to myself "here is our routine, order has been restored." Those night stands that got delivered and require assembly? Tomorrow. The fact that our hall closet is mostly a heap of shizz with a giant stuffed penguin on top? I'll get to it. Maybe it's ridiculous to allow the tv to play such a vital role in our home, but honestly, I don't care. Life requires so much doing and organizing and thinking, that sometimes the anecdote has to be mindless entertainment. So thank you Carrie Matheson, Ron Swanson, Dwight Schrute and Jon Stewart for bringing normalcy back to our home. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a week's worth of television to catch up on.

*Ed. Note: Dr. H and I feel truly lucky to be in living in a heated home, with electricity and no storm damage. I recognize that quibbling over cable is a blessing relative to so many other NY'ers in truly dire circumstances. Make a difference by clicking HERE.

Uhhh...

Snow. NYC. November. WHHHAATT!?

So things are officially freaky deaky here in NYC (and if a New Yorker says it's freaky, it must be reaalllly freaky!) After flooding and wind of epic proportions, last night we added snow to the list.

View from my apt, 9pm last night

Where do I buy tickets for the ark..? This shizz is no joke. I don't know if this is global warming or El Nino or just some seriously bad luck, but how's a girl supposed to get dressed in the morning when the forecast is hurricane with a side of blizzard and godspeed opening your umbrella in this wind pretty lady..!?

Since this weatherpocolypse (combined with moving, unpacking, decor shopping and organizing) has left me in a mental clusterf*kc, I'm going to default to one of my favorite topics today: FOOD. It's like I always say, when the going gets tough... eat something:

"Skinny Cheesy Potatoes"

I think my fellow blogger over at The Spotted Lamb is onto something. These potatoes may not be healthy per se, but they are certainly healthier. Made with no butter, no sour cream and no condensed soup, the new super-ingredient greek yogurt is here to delivery creamy, tasty goodness. Yum.

It's important for you to know that I DO actually eat vegetables... starch and cheese may have my heart, but my booty is on a strict diet of delicious greens (don't you wish it could work that way!?) Here are a few new veggie recipes I'm eager to take for a test drive:

Israeli Couscous w Chickpeas, Brussels Sprouts & Asparagus
Pinterest HERE, direct link to recipe HERE

Apparently this will be the "Best Broccoli of Your Life"
Pinterest HERE, direct link to recipe HERE

And of course, don't forget to save room for dessert:

Homemade "ice cream" sandwiches!

Plop some Cool Whip and pudding (exact recipe w combo quantities HERE) between two graham crackers, sprinkle some yummy/pretty treats on the edges (sprinkles, crushed nuts, mini M&Ms!!) and pop into the freezer for about 1 hour. Voiala! Low fat "ice cream" sandwiches.

Hump Day Distractions

One day a "Zach Morris phone" reference will draw
blank stares from my children. Sadsies.

I need this week to get a move'on it. I feel like every day has at least 25 hours (26 of which are spent at work). In my post-election day haze (a 1:30am acceptance speech Mr. President!? Really?) a mind-numbing few minutes browsing internet goodness is definitely in order. Happy Wednesday my friends.

* Cheaters never prosper (especially when your eyesight is as bad as THIS kid's).
* The most adorable game of Memory ever
* For once, I'm happy that the country is feeling blue:) 

* An awesome retro hairstyle for those of us with only moderate hair DIY skills (Pin it HERE)

* Ahhhhhh... *contented sigh* [via CupofJo]

* These people absolutely nailed "Halloween at work" 

* Kids are always good for a smile (#7 and #9 are personal favorites:)

* Lastly, NYC (as well as so much of New Jersey, Long Island, Westchester and Connecticut) are all still recovering from Hurricane Sandy. If you live in the city and want to help, click HERE for a great list of ways to aid in the recovery efforts.

You know what you have to do...

...but Will Ferrell is here to remind you. Voting is a privilege, voting is important, voting is your duty. Go! Vote!

* To find your local polling place, simply Google "find my polling place", plug in your address and let the magic of the internet do the rest. HAPPY ELECTION DAY!

Creativity Overload...

New 'hood

After several days' delay (thanks Sandy) Dr. H and I have made a triumphant return to lower Manhattan living. Proud residents of Greenwich village once more, we are in the process of unpacking, organizing and decorating our beautiful new home. I am in Pinterest/crafting/organizing/decorating heaven. The downside of all this creative energy going towards my apartment however, is that a blog post for today was a bit of an afterthought. Oopsies. (Also, no internet in the new casa until Thursday). I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me... To hold you over until tomorrow, I am officially bribing you with this:

Yes, that is a baby Koala... in a mug... sipping a bottle!

awww... bunny...

THIS link packs in enough beauty to have you in awe for at least a few minutes...

... and THIS is a terrifyingly hysterical prank/ad campaign.

And one final wish...

bum. hehe.

Gimme the beat boy and free my soul...

Concrete jungle where dreams are made of...

What better way to send you off into the weekend than with a few great musical selections? Here's hoping these new jams give you a little something to groove to in the days ahead.

* Passion Pit - Gossamer

Gossamer

Passion Pit's first full length album, Manners came out in 2009 and has been a favorite on my iPod ever since. Their electro-pop sound with funky vocals and excellent beats is usually uplifting and perfect for the occasional impromptu dance party. Their latest effort, Gossamer doesn't quite rock my world like Manners, but it is no doubt worthy of your ears. The first single "Take a Walk" is super fun (that's right, I said "super fun") and kicks off an album that is "infinitely effortless in its pop arrangements and flicked-off soul ruminations". In other words, it's a winner.

* Ellie Goulding - Halcyon

Halcyon

If you don't know Ellie Goulding's music yet, drop EVERYTHING and download her albums now. Ellie is a total star across the pond (she played at the freaking Royal Wedding!!!) and is  currently one of my top "gotta see her live asap" artists. Lights, came to my attention last winter and Goulding's breathy voice, complex melodies and slightly electronic sound was unlike anything I'd ever listened to. Her newest album, Halcyon, is just different enough to be new, but stays loyal to the uniqueness that made me love Ellie instantly. Favorite tracks: "Anything Can Happen", "Joy" and "Explosions".

* Mumford & Sons - Babel

Babel

I discovered Mumford at the Grammy's of all places. In 2011 they sat beside the great Bob Dylan (and the awesome Avett Brothers) and brought down the hhhousssse with their song "The Cave". I've been hooked on their banjo-infused folk rock sound ever since. Their sophomore album Babel is so perfectly just more of their awesomeness, I can barely stand it.  It's third track, "I Will Wait", literally moves me. To quote Billboard: "Babel reveals a band happy to remain entirely Mumford - although a larger, smoother Mumford, offering fresh nuances and textures while emboldened by the promise of the initial mission." Get it, get it NOW.

Normal(ish)

Hey Sandy, NY has a message for you...

Today is going to be a normal-ish day. I'm back at the office... but the majority of my colleagues are not. I'm packed and ready to move... but my new apartment is not able to welcome me (powerless). My family is safe and mostly unscathed... but my city and so many friends, are not as lucky. It feels a little strange to act normal-ish. Yesterday I went on an exploratory bike ride:

Even where there's power, it ain't safe in the street

Our neighborhood crane is still dangling

...and downtown, is a ghost town (Meatpacking Dist)

Pumps in the West Village are working overtime

You no longer need scuba gear at the
Brooklyn/Battery tunnel 

Thankfully, NYC has not lost its sense of humor:

"Bill Clinton" & a lady friend attempt to hail a cab
on First Avenue yesterday afternoon

Tomorrow we will shoot for "normal", but today I think it's ok to settle for "normal-ish".  Once again, I quote my favorite poet:

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I'll rise.