Things I Like Right Now

I don't know what it is about this time of year, but I'm feeling especially greedy for ALL OF THE THINGS. Actually, I can identify the culprit: nesting mode is a very, very real thing and I'm totally succumbing to its influence.

From top to bottom, left to right:

1). A flutter sleeve top to dress the babe in next summer;

2). This braided up-do, because I'm trying to master how to appear stylish with my hair completely off my face & neck (humidity is no joke);

3). A sweet sentiment to hang in the bedroom, recently purchased from the MOMA store;

4). A new rug (and bold color palette!) in the living room. I keep imagining how much time we'll spend on the floor in the months to come and want to refresh the space.

5). This ceramic toast plate. Highly impractical, but adorable nonetheless.

6). Baby knits. Especially of the playsuit variety.

7). These woven placemats, because I'm tired of wiping the kitchen table down after every meal (shaking something out just sounds less arduous).

8). Chocolate espresso cinnamon rolls for when the temperatures dip and I can fathom actually turning the oven on.

9). A cozy, light-weight robe to curl up in this fall when nothing else in my wardrobe fits.

Connecticut Wine Trail

I spent the weekend participating in bachelorette festivities with my some of closest friends from high school. Alyson, that gorgeous woman in blue up there, is getting married this October, so we celebrated with dresses and plentiful wine-consumption at an assortment of vineyards in southern coastal Connecticut. I myself did not sample more than a sip or two of a delicious crisp white (ahem, pregnant), but let me tell you, the creamy camembert cheese wrapped in puff pastry and served with salted caramel sauce and poached apples & pears was divine!

For those interested, we went to Chamard Vineyard and Gouveia Vineyard: I'd highly recommend both, although Chamard gains a few bonus points for the gourmet menu, engaging staff, friendly dog visitors and live music.

Watermelon Bubblegum

It's that time of year when everything is watermelon, bubblegum and orange creamsicle: I don't hate it one bit. Here are a few favorites inspired by summer's boldest colors...

1). Citrus Art! I would hang an oversized version of this in my kitchen.

2). The perfect pop of red by Ilia Beauty (all natural, too).

3). Giant confetti balloons. Hey mom? Maybe we can incorporate a few of these into my baby shower this fall?

4). A polka-dotted children's ukulele just because it's adorable.

5). The most gorgeous set of building blocks...ever.

6). I'm quickly learning that baby rompers are my biggest weakness in life.

7). A favorite book for little hands by none other than Hervé Tullet.

8). This beet, avocado & fried goat cheese salad is what all my culinary dreams are made of.

9). Britt Bass Turner's original paintings on canvas and wood = happymakers.

Let's Talk About...Fertility

I always figured that when we were ready to have a baby we could do so according to our own desired timeline.

That timeline passed several months ago.

I've wanted to write this post for a while now, but couldn't quite muster the full resolve. Putting things on the internet is permanent and makes me feel vulnerable. Discussing something as private as fertility issues on a forum as public as a blog scares the crap out of me.

But, here we are. Let me start from the beginning.

About a year ago, Tiho and I decided we were ready to bring a baby into the world. I have irregular cycles, so we assumed it would take at least a few months of trying. We agreed to casually try for six months in order to avoid putting too much pressure on ourselves or the process. During that time, I was charting my cycles to track ovulation. Come June, we still weren't pregnant and I'd only had three periods since December 2013 (that means I'd only ovulated three times in a seven-month timeframe, and therefore, only had three chances to conceive).

I knew something might be wrong but was secretly hoping that traveling to Europe after a busy school year would help me chill out and jumpstart my cycle (my body/cycles are majorly affected by stress). Moreover, many well-meaning people who knew we were trying to conceive kept telling me to "just relax and it will happen." Lo and behold, I got my period on our last day in Paris. According to my charts, I hadn't ovulated since my previous period, which meant it was an anovulatory cycle: essentially, the past two months of trying were in vain (I never had a chance to conceive because I had never ovulated). I cried hard at that realization. It was one of the first times in the process where I felt that something could be legitimately wrong. I resolved to make an appointment to get checked out upon our arrival back in New York.

In July, I sobbed in my OB's office when I informed her we were trying to have a baby and it wasn't working. I tearfully told her that after a lot of online research and careful tracking of my own symptoms, I was pretty certain I might have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, commonly referred to as PCOS. After several blood and hormone tests as well as a sonogram to check my ovaries, it was confirmed that I did indeed have PCOS.

So what is PCOS? It's tricky to explain because it manifests differently in different people but accounts for infertility issues in 1 out of every 10 women. A big part of the problem with PCOS is insulin resistance due to endocrine abnormalities. Resistance to insulin increases the body’s blood sugar (glucose) levels which effects normal ovulation by preventing the body from releasing an egg, or, limiting the maturation process of the released egg. This directly affects fertility and the ability to conceive. You can read more about PCOS here, here or here, but what I just explained is pretty much exactly what's happening in my body. The good news? It rarely results in untreatable infertility, meaning it is very likely I can get pregnant on my own without the assistance of fertility drugs: it just will take awhile (my doctor told me that for my specific case, it really all comes down to timing. If a "normal" couple typically conceives within six months, my timeline may be double or triple that).

What happens now? Since August, I've drastically changed my diet (cutting out gluten & refined sugar) to help regulate my blood sugar abnormalities. I also stopped eating dairy to decrease any inflammation in my digestive tract. My doctor put me on a low-dosage of a medication that controls the presence of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It is commonly prescribed to women with PCOS who present with insulin resistance like I do. Maintaining my stress levels goes hand in hand with all of this, which is why I've placed emphasis on regular yoga, meditation and a decreased workload. For me personally, over-scheduling and/or lack of sleep is a significant stress trigger. I just had my first acupuncture session this week to explore whether alternative medicine can play any part in treating my PCOS (I believe it can). I am not opposed to modern fertility drugs and will certainly embrace them if I'm unable to regulate my cycles and conceive naturally in the next few months.

I am doing my best to remain optimistic and enjoy life. 95% of the time, I'm at peace with everything and in a good mental place. Of course, there are bad days plagued by sadness or anxiety, something I'm sure anyone dealing with infertility or other medical issues will understand.

The thing is, I know in my heart that we will conceive: I've never for a moment doubted that. I now believe that this baby will come when he or she is meant to come. It's not going to be within our "perfect" timeline, but I'm learning that I need to be okay with that. I don't have ultimate control over anything: none of us do.

I choose to share all of this here because I've found tremendous support from people in my personal life who know what's going on. Keeping it all inside isn't healthy, and part of the journey for me is learning how to rid my body of toxins (both physically and emotionally). Especially now, I find it cathartic to talk about my own struggles openly instead of battling them privately.

Thank you, as always, for listening.

A Good Day

Our friend Ina, who lives in Bulgaria, spent six weeks of her summer working in Boston providing her the opportunity to drive down to stay with us for a weekend earlier this summer. In honor of her visit, I planned a jam-packed Saturday to show her some of our favorite spots. I always have fun selecting activities that are catered to visitors' individual interests. If there's anything true about New York, it is this: there is something here for everyone.

We began in Williamsburg, where we sampled craft beers and toured the Brooklyn Brewery before walking a few blocks over to Smorgasburg, where we lounged on the riverfront and stuffed our faces with lobster rolls, donuts, coconut milk, truffle fries and oysters.

After the gluttony, we rode the L back into Manhattan and walked the entirety of the Highline, exiting on Gansevoort to stop by Bubby's for snowballs (I recommend the lemon/strawberry combo or sour cherry).

As the daylight tapered off, we headed back across Manhattan to catch improv comedy at Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in the East Village. By the time the show let out around 10 PM, we were hungry again, but satisfied shortly thereafter with falafel from Mamoun's on St. Marks Place.

It all came together to create a quintessential NYC summer day that left me feeling extra appreciative because this city is just so good when it wants to be. And for now, in this season of life, I'm grateful to have that.

All In The Details

I don't really photograph food that often anymore, and truthfully, I generally don't enjoy doing so as much as I like photographing people. But, give me a room packed to the brim with impeccably styled displays of colorful food & flowers, and I will gladly walk around for hours taking pictures of lobster, cheese and macarons.

That's what I did last Saturday night, and let me tell you, it was a lot of fun. I photographed the people in attendance at the party too, but the details of the event stole the show this time. (I can attest that it was all delicious. I obviously sampled everything).

Not pictured here, but worthy of a mention: dark chocolate-covered strawberries, trays upon trays of every hors d'oeuvres imaginable, a giant glass caviar station, Italian meatballs, and an orange Hermés cake.

Eating Whole 01

Last week, I decided to begin documenting my adventures and progress with "whole eating"on instagram.

For the most part, Tiho and I follow a clean eating regime when it comes to our diet. I've become more serious about this since January, and now, at four months in, I can honestly say it's changing the way I feel, both physically and mentally.

I've never believed in fads for the sake of dieting, especially those that adhere to the "all or nothing" mentality; for example, paleo, atkins, vegan, alkaline, etc.). I totally support those who follow these, but I recognize that they're not for me. I like food too much to cut out entire groups of it from my diet.

My philosophy with eating pretty much boils down to these very basic guidelines, with the first as principle:

Eat real food.
Stop when you feel full.
Listen to your body.
Drink water, and lots of it.
Indulge occasionally, and enjoy it.
Fruits & veggies are your friend.
Eat seasonally whenever possible.

When I share my experiences with eating whole, I'm referring to the idea of eating mostly non-processed food. I still consume dairy, wheat & sugar, I just stick to limited quantities that are comprised of healthier varieties; whole grains, raw brown sugar, honey, etc. I avoid white flour whenever possible and perhaps surprisingly, I don't buy low-fat products. As I mentioned, I mostly stick to eating "real food," which includes full-fat butter, yogurt and cheese, because that's how it comes in its purest form.

I'm not a vegetarian, but try to base my meals around vegetables and healthy grains, with meat as the supplemental element. I don't eat red meat or pork anymore, and occasionally consume seafood and chicken/turkey (less than 3 servings per week) . We buy our poultry from a local farm.  When purchased from the supermarket (cold cuts for example), we always buy organic & hormone-nitrate free.

In general, people like rules, so I'm listing the accepted definition of whole/clean eating below. For the most part, this is the approach we follow:

1). Eat foods that are "whole" or real: product of nature and not of industry.
2). Plentiful fruits & vegetables, bought organic whenever possible (we follow the dirty dozen & clean 15 rule).
3). Dairy products (milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt) should be organic, whole (not low-fat), unsweetened & pasture-raised.
4). 100% whole-wheat and whole-grains products (no white flour).
5). Seafood, preferably wild-caught.
6). Meat (chicken, beef, pork) should be humanely-raised, hormone-free & consumed in limited quantities.
7). Sweeteners should be natural and consumed in moderation. Avoid artificial sugar replacements.
8). Approved snacks: nuts, seeds, dried fruit, popcorn, whole-grain crackers, veggie chips, etc.).
9). Beverages: water first and foremost, with milk, natural juice, coffee, tea, wine & beer all okay in moderation.
10). A few general rules of thumb: avoid eating something out of a box/bag/can/package/bottle that has more than five ingredients. Become a label-reader! Also, when indulging in "junk" food, make it yourself. (i.e. baked goods).

Whew. Clearly, I have a lot to say about this topic and am excited to delve into it even further soon, but for now, I want to encourage you to follow along on instagram (@exquisitebanana) where I'll occasionally share my progress, setbacks and select meals & snacks. I've become really inspired from following other like-minded individuals there, and hope at the very least, to provide you with some fresh ideas for healthy eating.

In the next post on this subject, I will explain a bit more about why I choose to eat this way (it gets personal!), as well as give you a selection of additional resources and reading material.

[Images of recent meals, clockwise from top left: Farro & roasted veggie bowl // Zucchini pizza boats // Yogurt with mango, pineapple & granola // Whole-wheat naan with hummus, goat cheese, cucumber, tomato & green onion // Healthy(ish) nachos // Breakfast staple: eggs + avocado.

Breakfast (+ A Few Links)

This is my current favorite breakfast, usually savored on the weekend when I have more than three minutes to prepare it. However, thanks to Passover and Easter, I have two random days off this week and was able to enjoy it yesterday morning alongside a cup of coffee and the howling rain-wind outside. Scrambled eggs, multigrain toast, avocado and sautéed leeks: so simple, so satisfying. I didn't butter my bread because I like having the flexibility to pile everything else on top.

Also, I truly don't understand how food bloggers operate. I was so eager to eat this that I literally took a single photo and hoped for the best before devouring the entirety of my meal. Doesn't the food get cold while they set up and style the perfect shot(s)? Do they throw it out afterwards? Do they actually plan on eating whatever recipe they prepare, or do they prepare the recipe solely for the purpose of turning it into a blog post? Eggs taste the most delicious when consumed as close to exiting the pan as possible (everybody knows this, right?), so these thoughts remain baffling to me.

And now, here's some unrelated mind fuel to accompany the palatable pleasure:

30 Things in 30 Years; "I would rather be in a room full of kings than be king of the room."

A Short Guide to a Happy Life; a particularly lovely excerpt:

"You cannot be really first-rate at your work if your work is all you are. So I suppose the best piece of advice I could give anyone is pretty simple: get a life. A real life, not a manic pursuit of the next promotion, the bigger paycheck, the larger house....Get a life in which you notice the smell of salt water pushing itself on a breeze over the dunes, a life in which you stop and watch how red-tailed hawk circles over a pond and a stand of pines. Get a life in which you pay attention to the baby as she scowls with concentration when she tries to pick up a Cheerio with her thumb and first finger....Get a life in which you are not alone. Find people you love, and who love you. And remember that love is not leisure, it is work."

The importance of Building a Good Name.

This made me cry (especially that last one, with the horse): The Five Days I Fell Hardest For My Wife.
"She is here. She is with me always. I will be alright."

Story time: I Am a Pizza (very wise words from a five-year-old).

//

Happy Wednesday, my friends. Hope you have a terrific day!

Exotic Fruit-Tasting At Home

Our grocery bill at Whole Foods was a solid $50 higher than usual this week because Tiho lingered in the produce aisle and proceeded to pluck every single fruit he's never tasted before into our cart. I was skeptical but intrigued: we usually stock up on apples, bananas, mango and an assortment of berries.

After unloading the bags at home, I retreated into the living room to settle in with my usual time-wasters when I heard Tiho say, "Hey, come back in the kitchen! We're having a date!" 

An exotic fruit-tasting date in our kitchen at 4 PM on Sunday afternoon. Yes.

We tasted everything before declaring Passion Fruit the unanimous winner (even though it marginally resembles boogers when sliced open). While I nibbled (and documented), Tiho basically pounded, resulting in plenty of residual juice and seeds all over his facial scruff. Sexy!

Dragon Fruit (below) was deemed the prettiest and tasted milder than I'd imagined...sort of like a lighter variety of kiwi. The biggest surprise was Rambutan (above). It looks like a sea urchin/spiky tropical bug but contains a sweet grape-like fruit on the inside.

^^Remnants^^

While I'll still choose a strawberry any day, I had a lot of fun on our spontaneous at-home tasting date.

For reference, the fruits we purchased include: Rambutan, Pear Cactus,  Kiwano (horned melon), *Cherimoya, Dragon fruit, Passion fruit and *White Thai Coconut.

*We haven't yet sampled the Cherimoya or Thai Coconut because they need a few more days to ripen. I'm sure we'll find some time to crack 'em open later this week!

Things I Like, V.17 (February Favorites)

1). Pretty soap (for making constant hand-washing feel a tiny bit luxurious).

2). Polka-dot booties (for all the sweet new babies making their debut this spring).

3). Cheerful flower bouquets (for brightening up this final month of winter).

4). Fun decorative pillows (to bring an unexpected smile).

5). Delicious tea (for warming up and winding down after a long day).

Brunch at Bleu Evolution

...What the very best Saturday mornings are made of. I'm now fantasizing about moving to my sister's neighborhood and making this a regular weekend tradition.

Can we all take a minute to raise the roof for that orange knit hat? I stole it from Emma with the promise to return it tonight ('Cause she's in a show! And we're going to see it!).

I'm taking a break from "Scenes From the Weekend" because I feel like it was becoming stagnant. Maybe in a few weeks I'll feel differently. For now, let's shake things up a bit.

Happy Monday. Go get funky. (Or not. Whatever floats your boat).

For The Love

I go to bed at night thinking about my morning cup of coffee. Waking up at 5:30 AM every weekday is a certifiable form of torture as far as I'm concerned. If I were totally on my game, I'd plan for an extra ten minutes in the morning to be able to brew a to-go cup for the commute. Alas, I am never on my game.

You know those annoying people who take pleasure in making claims like, "If you'd just cut out your habit of buying that overpriced cup every day, you'd save a thousand dollars a year?"

I hate them.

So, I decided a long time ago that the $10 a week it costs to buy a cup from my favorite local shop each morning is well worth the investment. $2 a day is a small price to pay for my sanity.

P.S. I knew I had it bad when I started performing a tap-dance jig whenever a Folger's commercial come on tv. And I don't even drink Folger's.

P.P.S. How do you drink your coffee (if you in fact, do)? My perfect cup includes a splash of cream and one cube of raw sugar.

P.P.P.S. I'm somewhat of a purist when it comes to coffee. The "pumpkin spice/gingerbread latté" thing is so unappealing to me. Sorry to yuck on your yum if that's your thing, but...yuck.

How 'Bout Dem Apples

The best part of this outing was when Tiho climbed up a tree in an attempt to reach the prize Granny Smith beckoning to us from the topmost branches. He perched several feet in the air in a straddle position and got the job done. I was laughing too hard to photograph it, but I assure you, it was a sight to behold.

We are now up to our ears in apples. I'm thinking; apple butter, cake, sauce, crisp, pie...throw some other suggestions my way, please.