Chasing the Sun

Because I don't want to sit at my desk all day. And the sun is out. And it's summer. And it's (throwback) Thursday--please enjoy pictures of three of my favorite New England beach spots that I wish I was again at today.

Block Island, RI

Cape Cod, MA

Martha's Vineyard, MA

Humpday Afternoon: How I like to get out there and get inspired

There's not much to be said about the middle; it's neither here nor there. Today is Wednesday, the rut of the week. Monday was a fresh start. Tuesday can be tough, but still pretty  positive. Thursday is like Friday's eve. Friday is...well...Friday. Wednesday means you're smack dab in the middle; the most hopeless day of the week, by far. For this reason, I've tried to get in the habit of breaking my Wednesdays into two distinct parts with two opposing aims:

First, I try to stride into Wednesday morning as if it were Monday; I'm going to murder it with productivity. Me at 8:00am on Wednesday: "I came here to do two things; slay some tasks and drink some coffee, and it looks like I'm about out of coffee."

Then comes Wednesday afternoon: STOP. BREAK IT DOWN. Hold my calls, because this is me time. Wednesday afternoon for me is a time to reset, to find myself, to get inspired, and whatever other righteous phrases I can think of to describe what is basically shirking. Whatever you call it, I've gotten pretty damn good at it.


Searching the internet, you can find tons of advice on getting inspired. But it's mostly all different versions of the same generic advice or sappy quote.

Live. Love. Laugh. Barf.

The key, I find, is to GET OUT. Take a walk, run an errand, or disappear entirely. But turn off your email alerts and forget about that spreadsheet you were supposed to have done, at least for a while. It's all about what you can reasonably get away with. But you must get away with something, for the love of God, because it's Wednesday, and you've had enough of your office and your coworkers.

I'm sick of your face.

Here's a few ways I might realistically achieve this:

For those of us who share office space, or for other reasons can't enjoy music or our favorite podcast at work, these tools become essential:

15 Minutes or Less:

Some might think that if you can only get away for 15 minutes or less then it's hardly worth getting away at all. Those of us with a needier urge for inspiration know that you take what you can get. So, when time is limited, I head for my go to getaway spot: Top of a Parking Garage.


What? A dirty parking garage? Really? What's so great about that?

I'll tell you what's so great about that. For starters, they are usually devoid of human life at mid-afternoon on a Wednesday. Secondly, they are everywhere. If you work downtown, like me, there are lots of parking garages within short walking distance to escape to, each offering a new perspective on the city around you. I could probably do an entire post on parking garages. Don't threaten me with a good time.

Taking in West Rock to New Haven Harbor on the Crown Street Garage

On the flip side, if you work in the burbs, most of your basic industrial parks have some sort of parking structure to escape to for a reflective glimpse of the world around you.

45 Minutes or Less:

Meetings cancelled, deadlines pushed back, responsibilities procrastinated. Now we're talking. There's a lot you could do in any city with half hour to 45 minutes to forget about how crappy your week has been. Usually, I'll take advantage of a prolonged disappearance with a nice 1-2 combo.

First, I'll head to my favorite spot (or, wherever fits best geographically into my journey) for an iced coffee (in the winter I might sub this for a hot coffee, or a mocha if I'm feeling young and wild and free). In NHV, my favorite place is Koffee on Audubon.

Artsy stuff, funky curtains: totally inspiring

Bev in hand, I like to get the blood flowing with a nice walk:

New Haven's section of the Farmington Canal is like New York's High Line, only low...and empty.

1 Hour Plus:

If you're truly lucky on this Wednesday afternoon of yours, you've got all the time in the world. In which case I recommend any of the above coupled with shot of culture, and a pint of beer.

After a walk about or some passersby gazing, I might head to an art gallery. Locally, the Yale University Art Gallery is open Tuesday-Friday, and free to the public. It's a great place to let the mind and the eyes wander, with rooms as inspiring as the art.

Art, Babes, and 2 of America's Famous Paintings

If you don't have the advantage of a free, awesome art gallery nearby, then you might try an independent bookstore. Browse the shelves, admire some interesting cover designs, read a few jackets.

Explore layers

Now that you finally got the brain going, let's think about bringing it back down to a slow coast. I can't think of a better way than some day drinking. After all, you've worked, what, 2.5 work days? You deserve it! Every town as at least one decent Irish bar to crawl into and warm up on a winter day. If it's a nice summer day, you might choose somewhere with an outside space or nice opening walls like at Rudy's on Chapel Street.

See you tomorrow!

NHV Summer

I'm not usually a big fan of summer in New Haven, mostly because we don't have central air and the heat makes me miserable. But with the mild summer we've been having, I'm currently obsessed and want to get out and enjoy every second. If you are feeling the same way, here are some things that you absolutely must do before Labor Day passes.

• Grab a Fresh Tomato Pie at Pepe's. They are only available from July 1st-Labor Day and truly optimize summer in the Elm City.

• Head to Dive Bar for drinks on the West Haven beach. Great beers and a beautiful view.
• Grab some friends for a day of tubing in the Farmington River.

• Overcaffinate with iced coffees at Koffee on Audubon.
•  Buy fresh produce and people watch at one of the city's five farmers markets.

•  Spend your Saturday night enjoying a free concert on the green. Choices this year range from The Temptations to Salt-n-Pepa.

•  Take Metronorth to Milford for a night out at the outdoor bars including Stonebridge, Archie's, and SBC
• Walk the beach at Lighthouse Point

• Grab a six pack and a sandwich as you enjoy an evening with friends at the outdoor tables outside P&M

What are your summer must-dos?

The 7 Stages of Brunch

#brunchfriends

1. Excitement

We get up, maybe a little early, with the greatest idea a Sunday morning has ever known:we will go to brunch. To that place, the one with the awesome pancakes, or the really good coffee, or the crazy creations that always straddle perfectly the border between savory and sweet. Yes, that's the place. We'll get there just in time to swoop into a nice table, maybe even a booth. Some of us are showered, some of us are putting that off until later in the day. Some of us have put ourselves together quite stylishly, some still a little shabby, some look downright rough, but none of that matters; we are breakfast-chic. As we're out the door, the mind--and the stomach--reel: What will we eat? What will the specials be? Is this a boozy brunch? Pulling the car around the corner, or walking down the block, we can almost picture it in all its glory.

2. Disappointment

Just like that, our dreams are dashed. We didn't anticipate the popularity of this idea, and we certainly did not anticipate having to wait with, like, 40 people that we don't know. If I'd have known I'd have to stand on the sidewalk, baking in the hot sun for an hour I definitely would have showered.

3. Resolve

We're not giving up, though, because we have a vision. Those weaker than us will audibly scoff at the line before moving on to the nearest Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts. They might even laugh at us as we stand in our resolve, but the jokes on them because we've been paying attention, and the line seems to be moving faster than usual. Just, like, five minutes ago we were way back there by the parking lot. Now we're all the way up here by the window. I can see people eating waffles.

4. Boredom

We've gone through all the apps on our phone. We've talked about everything we were planning on talking about at the table. Now it's time to just stand in silence, ignoring how hungry we are, convincing ourselves that this was, in fact, the right decision.

4. Despair

Everyone around us is an idiot. Everyone who gets sat before us is an asshole. OMG WHY IS IT TAKING SO LONG.

5. Elation

They called our name! This is it! It's really happening! The table is...smaller than we pictured...but that's fine, we're best friends, BRUNCH FRIENDS, in fact, which is closer than family.

6. Brunch

This is the shortest part of the whole process. Did you enjoy it? Because it's over.

7. Glory

We are full with pride and syrup. We are fat with victory. We rise from our table. We emerge into the sunlight which washes over us and cleans our smiling faces. And, as we make our way down the sidewalk, probably destined for a nap or the john, we do our best to gloat at all these losers, waiting like sad sacks in their line of infinite sadness, clinging desperately to their delusions of grandeur.

don't worry, we saved you some bacon

Snacky

Hangry: adj. When you are so hungry that your lack of food causes you to become angry, frustrated or both.

 

Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, but for me, it barely keeps me full until 10am. That combined with my love for sugar and generally unhealthy things has led me to Graze, a company that sends me healthy snacks via mail. Boxes of all varieties are very popular right now, from beauty samples (Birchbox) to dog toys (Barkbox), so why not snacks?

Every week I receive a box from Graze, that has four snacks in it. Snacks vary from the super healthy (dried fruit) to the semi healthy (pretzels with chocolate sauce), but they are all tasty and portioned so that I don't go too crazy. I love how portable the snacks are and it's fun to get the boxes and see what  snacks they have picked out for me. Also, if you receive a snack that you think is gross you can tell them that you don't ever want to get it again and also mark things that you'd like to try. If you're like me and get hangry when you go without food for a few hours, give it a try. If you use my reward code below your first and fifth box are free, and with boxes only costing $6--why not give it a try?

Go Outside

Unless you work at Google, or something, chances are your office lunchroom sucks pretty badly. Gray, windowless, weird stains on all the furniture, questionable smells coming from the microwave, that one coworker you never want to make eye contact with lurking by the coffee maker...you get the point.

everything the body needs.

One of the nice things about working downtown during the summer is having the opportunity to escape the office on my lunch break; food trucks, delis, cafes, restaurants...all a short walk away. Recently, as talked about in this NBC News story, the city has been taking some interesting steps to help me escape that sad pit that is the office lunchroom.

Some eateries have started reserving parking spaces to place outdoor seating in which you can sit back, relax, enjoy a sandwich or slice of pizza, and let random passersby take pictures of you. It started last year with Meat & Co.

And this year, similar spaces have popped up at Tikkaway Grill, a quick-order Indian spot on Orange Street, and Costa Pizza on the recently traffic-adjusted Whitney Avenue, which otherwise has pretty much no seating.

Tikkaway Grill

Costa Pizza

Or, if you're the BYO type, the city and Yale have upped their lunchtime livability efforts in the form of some colorful seating areas for the public to enjoy otherwise barren spaces. The lower part of the New Haven Green now has public tables surrounding the fountain. There is a sign welcoming all to use the space and enjoy, and asking that you not partake in any illegal activities. So, if you're planning spray painting graffiti or committing securities fraud, maybe take that action elsewhere.

New Haven Green: so New Haven, so Green

Likewise, a couple spots at heavily foot-trafficked University locations now offer a place to sit and enjoy a PB&J or quinoa salad. I've spent a few iced coffee breaks watching passing students and making faces at tour groups in the shade of the Beinecke Rare Book Library on Wall Street.

Or, if serenity isn't your thing, Market Island at the center of the constant wooshing of Broadway has a spot to chill and contemplate which of the city's dozen frozen yogurt bars you should head to after lunch.

So, now that you're done reading this, and you've wasted enough time clicking around the internet, get up, stretch your legs, get out in that summer sun and ask yourself: Why so many frozen yogurt bars?

Having a Moment: Rosé

While I traditionally stick to white wines year-round, especially in the summer, it has been hard to stay away from rose wines that are clearly having a moment. Recent visits to The Wine Thief and area restaurants prove that I'm not just imagining the rose influx. Not that I'm complaining. As someone who doesn't really like red wine, this is the perfect excuse to mix things up and embrace this trend wholeheartedly.

Rose wines get their color from grape skins and range from light pink to darker red depending on grape varieties and wine making techniques. I have found them to be light, fruity, and the perfect accompaniment to a summer in the Elm City. Read more about rose wine on my go to for wine knowledge, Buzzfeed. And remember, there's no shame in drinking pink wine (unless it's Boone's Farm)!

3 #NHV Instagrams We Never Need to Post Again (bonus: 3 things we should post more!)

Disclaimer: While there is a clear level of snark to this post, I must acknowledge that it is posted knowing full and well that yours truly is as guilty as the next when it comes to any of this.

 1. Pizza

Look, I love pizza as much as the next person, and New Haven does have the best. As a long-time Wooster Sq. resident, I'm reminded of this every single day by the pizza oven air that wafts in through my bedroom window right around dinner time. That being said, this city has way more to offer food-wise than the dish of choice for drunk dorm bros and divorced dads nationwide. I don't care what you put on it, how you angle your camera, or what filter you use; when all the hashtags are placed and all the locations tagged, it's still just a photo of some pizza.

2. The view from East Rock

It's a great view. I've seen it. We've all seen it. All the time. Next time you're up there feeling slightly winded after conquering the stairs, and you pull out your phone, take a second and look to your right and your left. See all those people around you, facing the same direction as you, with their phone cameras aimed at exactly what you're about to aim yours at? Maybe next time go to West Rock?

3. Gothic Yale architecture

Granted, it's challenging to point a camera in any direction in this city without hitting Yale. But it's a challenge I'd like to see us take on, because not doing so is just lazy. Hard to avoid=easy to do.

BONUS: 3 Things We Should Post More!

 1. Places to Drink

Not drinks, mind you, but places to drink. Where are you? What are you doing? It looks fun! I want to go to there.

2. Thought Provoking Things You See

Is it funny? Is it punny? Maybe it's kind of sad, or truly meaningful. We all like all of those things. Give us more.

3. The Locals

Because social media is all about being social. Because none of us live in a vacuum. Because the people are no small part of why #nhv is the #gscia

Seasonal Eats

Although the weather has been somewhat mild, we are truly in the thick of the summer. One of my favorite summer activities is to head to the Wooster Square Farmers Market and peruse all of the fresh produce and people watch. Honestly, I love trying all of the food samples too! After walking through this past weekend and seeing all of the fantastic summer tomatoes, I was inspired to make a breakfast frittata. I am certainly not a chef, so thanks to Pinterest for coming to the rescue with this fabulous and super easy recipe.

Heirloom Summer Herb Frittata (By Julia Gartland)

•     9 eggs
•     1/3 cup milk
•     2 garlic cloves, minced
•     1 lemon, zest
•     1/2 medium red onion, sliced
•     4 oz. soft goat cheese, reserve a tablespoon or two for topping
•     10. oz heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved
•     1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
•     3 tablespoons fresh dill, roughly chopped
•     Sea salt to taste
•     Freshly ground pepper
•     2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, almond milk, lemon zest and garlic. Fold in red onion, cherry tomatoes, goat cheese, dill and basil. Season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

2. Using a 10-12 inch pyrex or cast iron skillet, grease the pan with olive oil to coat. Carefully pour in frittata to pan. Top with dollops of goat cheese, more s+p to season. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until puffy and cooked all the way through. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Welcome

Welcome to tenthsquare. Sit back and enjoy as we bring you our experiences in New Haven, whimsy, food, fun, random thoughts, pictures, drinks, and more.

Thanks for stopping by.... Cheers!