The Big Manzana Part 3

Hi guys!!! Happy Tuesday 😀 I love shorter weeks! Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day and took the time to think about those who have fought so valiantly to protect our way of life.

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We had such an amazing time in New York. The shopping (!), food, sights, drinks (heh) were all incredible.

We got to see two shows while we were in the greatest city in the world.

Avenue Q:

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And WICKED!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Avenue Q was HILARIOUS—its a show using puppets but they’re vulgar and profane. It was very light-hearted and the guys enjoyed it as well.

Wicked was outta control amazing. It’s the prequel to the Wizard of Oz and is about the two witches’ lives before Dorothy comes crashing in. I read the book when it first came out quite a few years ago –it’s my favorite book ever, hands down- and I’ve been wanting to see the show since I saw this performance at the Tony’s a few years ago. Seeing it on Broadway was a dream come true 😀 It was ever better than I imagined and I chills for most of it due to the girls’ amazing voices. The pilot got us AWESOME seats, too. *sighs* It was probably my favorite part of the trip.

I also got the chance to have lunch with a beautiful group of bloggy girls:

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We ate at Caravan of Dreams which has a huge selection of vegetarian and raw dishes. (The pilots ate with us…and had greasy New York gyros and falafel afterwards)

I wasn’t starving, so I ordered a mocha shake with young Thai coconut, almond butter and carob:

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I also had some sips out of the coconut Megan ordered:

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And some bites of the pilot’s Thai salad:

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Here’s a group pic:

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Melissa, Ashley, Megan, myself, Gena, Brooke, Megan and Katie

Lunch was delicious and I had such a great time chatting with the girls. We all have so much in common, which makes blog “blind dates” so much fun. Gena was just as kind, knowledgeable and gorgeous as she appears on her blog and Melissa brought me a bag of chocolate macaroons from One Lucky Duck

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I’m pretty sure I ate almost the entire bag throughout the course of the weekend 😉

We spent the day shopping in SoHo on Friday and had to stop at heaven on earth when we passed it.

This place was ENORMOUS. They even had an entire room, full of cheese. I could happily be locked in that room for a few days…and emerge 200 lbs larger and face full of pimples. But happy nonetheless, haha.

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I also had a little gazpacho and hot bar:

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I also got to take a class at Bikram Yoga NYC, which was amazing. The teacher was hilarious and didn’t follow the script exactly –like when he told us that eagle pose is great for our sexual and reproductive organs, so if we’re planning to procreate he would recommend an eagle pose beforehand- and gave an awesome class 😀 Other than that, I hit up the hotel gym for an hour workout one day and the rest of the weekend just walked and walked—we walked almost everywhere and I switched from flip flops to sneakers after the first day.

Well I still have a ton of pictures to share with you guys so I was thinking of doing 1 daily post and 1 New York post for the next couple of days. We’ll see what happens.

Also, I’m going to be making some changes with my eating. As I’ve told you all before, healthy eating is always a work in progress and every month or so, I like to make some changes and see what works and what doesn’t. Lately I’ve kind of been feeling like I eat things that I want everyone else to see rather than things I really want to eat. For example: the oat groats. I don’t really like them but eat them since I said I was going to do raw until dinner and need something more substantial than fruit or juice. Also, all of the nuts, seeds, maple and dates are going to go. Healthy fat and natural sweets are good for you, but too much healthy fat or sugar can result in a lovely spare tire.

 This change is going to be a little drastic, and I have NO IDEA how it’s going to work out (I’m not going on a crazy fast or anything, so don’t worry) but I’m going to roll with it for a week or so before I announce it to the blog world. I’m not going to post all of my meals for this reason, so if I decide I don’t like it I won’t look like a giant flake. I’ll still post at least 1 meal a day and will include the full recipe and will fill the rest of the void with fitness/nutritional tibs/stuff about my life 😉 Hope that’s cool!

I updated the Summer Shape Up post for this week to include the exercise links- let me know if you have any questions!

See you tonight and have a great day!

xoxox,

Gina

I forgot to tell ya’ll that I have a Twitter 😀 If you’d like the follow me, check it out yo

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45 Comments

  1. The Pilot on May 26, 2009 at 1:25 pm

    NY was a blast, babe. We’ll have to do it again, sometime 😉 Love you!

  2. mel on May 26, 2009 at 1:33 pm

    i say eat what you want, when you want!! Whatever makes you happy Gina! no worries! NYC looks fab! I’m glad you and the pilot had a blast!

  3. cassi rash on May 26, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    I LOVE Wicked. It’s my favorite Broadway, hands down! It looks like you had a wonderful time in NYC. We’re planning a trip for the fall and I can’t wait!

  4. Red Head, Yellow Dog on May 26, 2009 at 1:46 pm

    new york sounds like so much fun!! I might go in august to visit a friend starting grad school at NYU! Perfect excuse 😉

    I completely agree that eating is always a work in progress. I definitely have to make changes and go through “phases” that help me figure out what works for me. Life’s too short to spend time eating stuff you don’t like..especially when there’s so much delicious and nutritious eats out there!!

    have a fab day 🙂

  5. Brandi on May 26, 2009 at 1:49 pm

    oh, I want to see Wicked SO bad! I love seeing your pics of NY – I’ve never been but hope to get there some day.

  6. The Novice Berker on May 26, 2009 at 1:49 pm

    Oh my gosh!! Avenue Q AND Wicked?! I am amazingly, thoroughly jealous. What a fun trip! 🙂

    P.S. The chocolate macaroons look miiighty tasty. 😉

  7. seekinghealthybalance on May 26, 2009 at 1:54 pm

    Looks like you had a fab time in NY. I love Avenue Q, I have seen in a couple of times in the West End, London. Wicked is on my list of must see shows too

  8. K from ksgoodeats on May 26, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    Wicked!! I’ve wanted to see it forever, glad you guys enjoyed yourselves!

    That mocha shake looks fantastic! Eat what YOU want not what other people think you should be eating 😉 You’ve got this!

  9. Erica on May 26, 2009 at 1:59 pm

    So glad you had such a nice trip! The blogger meet up looks like it was a lot of fun! The that mocha shake sounds like the perfect way to start a meal. I haven’t seen wicked but have heard such good things.

  10. Andrea of Care to Eat on May 26, 2009 at 2:04 pm

    Glad you liked Wicked, and I’m jealous that you saw Ave. Q – I’m waiting for it to go on tour!
    I commend you for keeping it real. It’s hard to find that line between influence and expectation.

  11. jocelyn on May 26, 2009 at 2:19 pm

    one lucky duck! NICE i love the macaroons.very easy to eat a bag over a weekend! 😛

  12. Lauren on May 26, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    I LOVE WICKED! I saw it about a year ago, I still listen to the soundtrack, so great! So cool you got to meet everyone. I met Gena and Melissa last week, they are so sweet! When I first started eating raw I noticed I was eating a ton of fat, I watch my intake now as well.

  13. L. Elizabeth on May 26, 2009 at 2:29 pm

    OMG. I love Avenue Q and Wicked. They seriously. Rock. I have both soundtracks. Let me know if you want me to burn you copies!

  14. Bec on May 26, 2009 at 2:37 pm

    wow looks like so much fun!

  15. fittingbackin on May 26, 2009 at 2:38 pm

    NY looked like so much fun! And your Wicked share made me want to go see it ASAP!! Glad you had a great visit and got to meet up with so many blogger girls! I’m intrigued by your new eating – can’t wait to see what’s up!

  16. seesaraheat on May 26, 2009 at 2:57 pm

    Yes, I agree you shouldn’t eat something you don’t really like! I’ve seen that a lot of others don’t like the oat groats, so I’m almost positive I wouldn’t, haha. Good luck with your new plan, can’t wait to see how you shake it up 😉

  17. Kailey (SnackFace) on May 26, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    AHHH!!! I’m so jealous right now! Haha, no just really excited that you got to see Avenue Q and Wicked! The theatre nerd in me is totally geeking right now. I love all the NYC pics!

    I’m so behind you in eating what you want! Sometimes I think, “well what would my audience like to see?” But that’s not why they started reading in the first place. We love you and your blog because it’s YO STYLE!

    Have a great Tuesday!

  18. Gena (Choosing Raw) on May 26, 2009 at 3:40 pm

    I never got into the raw oats, my dear! I think they taste too starchy. I’d rather have some sprouted bread — it’s a lot lighter and tastier, in my mind!

    I loved meeting you and hope I can visit you soon for a Disney excursion!!!

    xoxo

  19. Kristi @ Sweet Cheeks on May 26, 2009 at 4:00 pm

    Awww, looks like SO MUCH FUN!!! I’m so glad you had a good time! 🙂

    I will be interested in how your new eating plan will turn out. I know I probably need to cut down on the nuts and natural sugars.

    Hope you are enjoying your tuesday!

  20. kirsten on May 26, 2009 at 4:12 pm

    I’m glad that you loved NYC! I thought you would like it!! I really want to see both wicked and ave q, I’ve actually lived within 45 minutes of the city my entire life and have never seen a broadway play, that is sad haha. Can’t wait to see the rest of your NY pics!

  21. Veganissexy on May 26, 2009 at 4:18 pm

    Awesome trip! Can’t wait to see your shopping goods….You are sharing right? A fellow fashionista needs to get inspired 🙂 It looks like you had a blast….ate yummy food, and got to meet some fabulous ladies 🙂 Fun times! NY is def on my list of must visit places 😉

  22. just me on May 26, 2009 at 4:35 pm

    I’m so glad to hear you had such a blast in NY!!!

    and jealous of the blogger meet up! the girls sound great and so does the dinner!!!

  23. Leila on May 26, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    So happy you had a great time in NYC. I just went last weekend and saw Avenue Q as well. Was super hilarious!

    Good on you for eating what you want, not what you think people should see.

  24. peacelovepb on May 26, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    wow im so jealous of you seeing Avenue Q! I have one song and it sounds hilarious.

    can’t wait to see what your eating 🙂 I totally agree though, eat what you want when you want. its the only peaceful way to live!

  25. Samantha on May 26, 2009 at 5:05 pm

    Wicked sounds great! I need to add the book to my pile of “to reads during mission”. NYC looks and sounds amazing! It’s been a long time since I was there.

    Interested in seeing what your food changes are. Its a process eh?!

  26. glidingcalm on May 26, 2009 at 5:05 pm

    you are so gorgeous Gina! and I love that da Pilot commented! ador.

    gosh. so much to say. FIRST OF ALL, that blogger meet up is freakin HUGE! how fun to have met SO many bloggers at ONE meal! awesome

    and umm…ya know I gotta shout out to the WF hot bar!!!

    hurray for bikram too! my teacher today was sort of funny……some girl left early and she totally was like “FALLEN SOLDIER. COMON GIRL. YOU CAN’T LEAVE WITH A SMILE.” and 10 min late….. “she must have had a date”.

    love you G! did you get my card btw!?

  27. Gina on May 26, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    em- i got your card today! (haven’t checked the mail in a week, haha)
    i LOVED it. so much. thank you- you know i love you and thanks for brightening my day!

  28. Lauren on May 26, 2009 at 5:24 pm

    I LOVE wicked 🙂 excellent choice of shows!

    p.s. on the Today show this morning someone had a big sign from Valdosta (i’m guessing you were home already,right 😉 I was excited to know where that place was.

    Eat whatever you want, who cares, you’re fabulous and you know it!

  29. jenngirl on May 26, 2009 at 5:32 pm

    I am so jealous of your trip!! I so hope to make it to a Broadway show one day. Glad y’all had such an amazing time!! 🙂

    Best of luck with tweeking your diet. I know you know what is healthiest for you, and changes every now and then can be good for us.

  30. Stacy on May 26, 2009 at 5:40 pm

    I’ve always wanted to go! I just wanted to say that I’m new to your blog and I love your philosophy. I have been trying to eat a bit more raw, so it is nice to see someone else who mixes it in without going whole hog! I’m also new to blogging in general and I’m now considering running a daily blog of my food like yours. I’m also working on getting my certification (I’m an engineer by day) and I just wanted to mention that all your fitness stuff added is fantastico!

    Thanks again,
    Stacy!

  31. Mari on May 26, 2009 at 7:03 pm

    wow it sounds like you had a great time…I need to start taking advantage of the fact that I live in NYC. I guess when you are born and raised here, we take it for granted.

  32. Annabel on May 26, 2009 at 7:56 pm

    Gina, i loved this post. there’s nothing that makes me happier than seeing a person reflect on the reasons propelling her decisions. I hope your new eating habits suit you better and can’t wait to hear about them. you rock!

  33. Christina on May 26, 2009 at 8:29 pm

    Omg, I need to go to that Whole Foods. I didn’t realize it was so big! Glad you had a great time in NY:)

  34. Erin of Care to Eat on May 26, 2009 at 8:38 pm

    What a wonderful time! That WF looks SIIICCCCKKKKK! I’m really happy you’re doing what you need to do with your eats. I feel much better not posting my meals. I’ve been eating raw till dinner for a week and I LOVE IT. I rely do have more energy. fb message me if you want to talk! I’m interested! But I respect your privacy too. 🙂

  35. brookesballbuster on May 26, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    It was sooo great meeting you! You are truly inspiring. Again, it was so wonderful meeting you and your cute hubbie. You are so sweet and just remember always that you are helping so many people to change their lives for the better. I don’t think I would have started my blog if it weren’t for you and your amazing blog! Thanks Gina!! So glad you got into Wicked and Avenue Q!! Come visit soon:)

  36. lilveggiepatch on May 26, 2009 at 9:21 pm

    I’m glad you got to the shows! And I LOVE that Whole Foods… I always go in and ask for cheese samples!

  37. ttfn300 on May 26, 2009 at 9:36 pm

    wicked rocks 🙂 did you read son of a witch, too? i didn’t like that one as much…

  38. HangryPants on May 26, 2009 at 9:47 pm

    I am glad you enjoyed NYC and so happy you had nice weather too! I am so sad I couldn’t make lunch!

    Definitely eat what you want girl! I feel like that’s a blogger theme lately! Good luck!

  39. Fitnessista on May 26, 2009 at 9:55 pm

    brooke- thanks so much for the sweet comment. i LOVED meeting all of you girls. i’ll definitely be back- the pilot said we can make it a monthly thing if i want 😀 i’m thinking YES

    shannon- i have son of a witch and have tried to read it a few times.. i’m having a rough time getting into it. i’ve read all of the other gregory maguire books though and love them. check out confessions of an ugly stepsister if you haven’t read it yet!

  40. melissa. on May 26, 2009 at 10:44 pm

    so glad you had fun! I really need to see wicked now. I have seen ave q twice, and loved it, but it’s been a while since I have seen a real musical! I am play girl.

    ciao bella!

  41. Kristen's Raw on May 27, 2009 at 1:27 am

    WOW! Sounds AMAZING! So glad you had a blast 🙂

  42. Tracie on May 27, 2009 at 5:23 pm

    you and your pilot are adorable, thanks for sharing your vacation pics.

    I love your blog, this is my first ever comment but I’ve been reading for a long time. Anyways I need some advice, I work out intensely 4-5 times a week, eat very healthy, and watch my portions. I’m not overweight, just very health conscious but I still have a lil’ belly and am pretty self conscious about it. Maybe I need a new approach, any ideas??

    Keep up the great blog!!–Trace

  43. Tammi on June 8, 2009 at 6:51 pm

    Longtime reader delurking here,

    Okay, I know that I'm way late on this, but I go to school in NY- I know exactly which Bikram NYC teacher you're talking about! For the one week that I went there (they had a special) I always went out of my way to take his classes. :]

  44. Dana Marie on September 9, 2010 at 8:14 am

    aw how cute, it’s home – the Bowry WH is nice, and Tribeca is too— when I auditioned for Wicked they had a live band – how awesome it that?! I guess the percussion is integral to the show’s movement – “Dancing Through Life” !!!

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2010 at 9:52 am

      you auditioned for wicked?
      you are my hero 🙂

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