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3 ways you can do less to do more

October 12, 2015 by Lara Leave a Comment

Think about it for a second. If you’re like me, you’re never just doing one thing. I actually started writing this post as I was waiting on an elevator. It’s a problem! Even when I’m “relaxing” on the couch at home, I’m trying to catch up with my husband from the day, pet my dog, eat dinner, and watch TV. It’s a problem. If you work in a space like social media, then interruption is your reality. Nonstop. All day.

It’s not easy. I’m no pro. I’m far from it. Today I made myself shut down on the earlier side for some yoga this evening. By stopping the other things you’re doing for a bit and focusing on one thing to mix it up, you give yourself the balance you need to be effective during your day job and with all of the millions of other things people depend on you to do daily. These are three ways I’ve found to strike this balance along the way, and the struggle to mix these into the week is persistent – but it’s worth fighting the good fight.

Pause for the cause. Disconnect in some form or fashion. At least for a 30 minute to an hour window once a week. Maybe it’s walking to the subway without your headphones in for once – instead taking time to smell the fresh warm bagels mingled with brewing pots of coffee in the morning. Maybe it’s waking up early to spend a bit of uninterrupted time writing (I’m a big fan of The Artist’s Way and fabulous writing prompts like NaNoWriMo).

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the quick scoop: think pink

October 9, 2015 by Lara Leave a Comment

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a cause that hits very close to home for me. There are a number of restaurants running special promos for the cause, including NYC’s Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beers, Fig & Olive, Scarpetta, Greenpoint Fish & Lobster, The Polo Bar, The Bar Room, and Corso Coffee. Read more here on their specials and to view restaurants in other major metro areas. If you’re looking for a fancier way to support, next Friday is The Pink Agenda’s Annual Gala (tickets are still available here).

Lara Ziobro - NYC Lifestyle Blogger - Food Photographer - Food Blogger - Grits in the City

The Empire State Building lit up pink on October 1st

If you see someone wearing a costume this weekend, it’s likely because ComicCon is underway (rather than them just being really early for this year’s Halloween festivities). If you’re looking for a spooky spot to hit up as we approach Halloween, check out Ear Inn – an unassuming spot with some interesting history. Fodor’s even lists it on their listing of “America’s Most Haunted Bars”. [Read more…]

one sweet collaboration

October 9, 2015 by Lara Leave a Comment

Bubbles, cupcakes, and Kate Spade. What else does one need for a lovely Thursday night to boost you across that work week finish line? [Read more…]

bridal bling

October 7, 2015 by Lara Leave a Comment

Photo credit: Amber Marlow

The reality is that there are so many elements to bridal accessories that I never thought about pre-planning, but none are as important as the ring. It’s the physical symbol of everything – the all-important token you will be walking around with indefinitely. Though it wasn’t the case for me, it’s pretty common for guys to get a sense for their lady’s taste (sometimes via friends) to help make this decision. I feel a bit lucky that I didn’t have to provide input, as there are so many things to consider in selecting a ring. Pinterest is a great place to scroll through some visuals to get a sense for your style. Here are some things to contemplate in advance so you’re ready if/when you need to know what you’d prefer. [Read more…]

happy 8th anniversary, grits in the city!

October 6, 2015 by Lara Leave a Comment

8 years ago, I made the decision to move to New York City. I had a shiny new job, a crush on a guy I knew I was no good, and my sister who I knew I could count on. For some people, getting to NYC is a dream they’ve had as long as they can remember. That wasn’t me. I never thought I’d end up here, but sometimes life has other things in store for you than the plans you’ve been constructing. In the time I’ve been here, I’ve held three different jobs and lived in five different apartments between two different boroughs.

When I moved here, I switched from my old DC blog (District Belle) I started back in December 2005 to start Grits in the City. Over the years, Grits and the City has published over 1,020 posts. This site was more than overdue for an overhaul, so I figured there was no better time than the week of my Big Apple-versary to celebrate the update!

The new site, now located at http://gritsinthecity.net, still has a heavy food focus, but I’ll also be sharing some fashion and general lifestyle posts, including my content series going behind the scenes on NYC wedding planning. Let me know what you think and (shameless plug), if you haven’t already, sign-up via the link on the right to receive updates every time new content goes live.
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the quick scoop – 10/2

October 2, 2015 by Lara Leave a Comment

Pass the cider – fall’s here, y’all!

Not sure about you, but today I waved the white flag, and opted for not only tall rain boots but also a thick, fluffy sweater. The weather outside in NYC leaves much to be desired, but there are still some great things in store this weekend in NYC, if you don’t mind braving Joaquin to get there!

Since we’re at the start of October, this weekend of course means it’s time for Target’s First Saturday at Brooklyn Museum. Free entrance to a museum might be just what the doctor ordered this Saturday. If you haven’t been yet to the new Whitney Museum, this weekend might also be a good one to check out their current Frank Stella exhibit, which looks to be amazing. Weather is looking more promising for Sunday, just in time for the annual L.E.S. Pickle Day. The event kicks off at noon and runs through 5pm. For something completely different, there’s also the Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park. Turkey leg, anyone? [Read more…]

all about that dress

September 30, 2015 by Lara Leave a Comment

I have a confession to make – my dress was the first thing I figured out in the whole wedding planning process. Yes, even before the ring. Assuming you aren’t set on only one venue and aren’t buying off the rack, the dress will honestly set your timeline – so I like to think this was a wise move. The dress I chose ended up taking five months to be made, so definitely a factor.

I made an appointment around Christmastime last year, wanting to take advantage of my parents being in town for the holidays. My sister had such a wonderful experience at Lovely Bride that I always knew that I wanted to check them out. I honestly didn’t really think about trying other places. I’d read the staff is amazing there and the selection extensive, but dabbling into the realm of “more reasonable”. [Read more…]

pumpkin squares

September 29, 2015 by Lara Leave a Comment

I absolutely love pumpkin. So much so that I get super bummed when the cans start to disappear off of the shelves (pro tip: it’s usually available longer at Whole Foods). When I came across this recipe floating around our apartment, it seemed like the perfect choice for the first homemade pumpkin treat of the season.

This recipe is super easy to make, and only takes around 30-35 minutes to bake. [Read more…]

bourbon meatballs

September 28, 2015 by Lara Leave a Comment

There’s only a few days left to September, but there’s still time to squeeze in creating something in line with this month’s theme – bourbon. They make a great appetizer or a perfect snack for Monday night football. I made these bourbon meatballs back in May for the Kentucky Derby, and they were quite a hit. When it comes to making these, we didn’t go with anything off of our fairly extensive shelf. Definitely don’t recommend using the finest of anything to prep these. They’ll turn out just fine with less fancy stuff.

Meatball Ingredients

3/4 lb ground beef
3/4 lb ground pork
1/2 cup (1 sleeve, finely crushed) Ritz Cracker crumbs (you can use plain bread crumbs)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
lots of fresh cracked pepper
1 egg
2 Tbsp olive oil (for browning the meatballs)

Bourbon Sauce Ingredients

1 jar apricot preserves (about a cup, give or take)
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 Tbsp hot chili sauce (use mild chili sauce if you can’t take the heat)
1/2 cup bourbon
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup water

Preheat the oven to 350°. Place all of the meatball ingredients, except for the olive oil, in a large mixing bowl. You want to break up the meat as you add it in. Mix everything together with your finger tips so you won’t compact the meat as you mix. Form into 1″ small balls, and set to the side.

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the quick scoop – 9/25

September 25, 2015 by Lara Leave a Comment

If you’re seeing this and you’re in NYC, then that means you’re surviving Pope-a-palooza (or, as I’d be inclined to think based on the ghost town AKA our office, hiding out in the comfort of your own home), and all the street closure craziness that comes with it. Don’t let it keep you from getting out and seizing the city this weekend.

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

If you’re looking for something in theme with said visiting guest, there are a number of local area pizza spots featuring Pope-inspired pizzas. Yep, you read that right. Out of the line-up, I’d suggest Paulie Gee’s. If you aren’t feeling the papal theme (their $15 “Papa Frankie” is only available through today – it’s a white pie, topped with a cross of yellow and red cherry tomatoes to represent the Vatican’s colors, as well as a ring of basil), go with their Hellboy, which features my favorite – Mike’s Hot Honey. Speaking of spicy, this weekend is also the Chile Pepper Festival out at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Tickets are still available here. On Sunday, Atlantic Antic is back! Should be perfect weather this weekend for roaming up and down Atlantic Avenue checking out all of the various vendors. [Read more…]