Last year I went to NYC and it was a true dream come true. It literally was as awesome as I hoped, with so many delicious bites. When I left I remember thinking “will I ever be able to come back?” and feeling sad that it might be a one and done type scenario.
New Opportunities
I have been long watching ALDI’s Grand Opening announcements. I’ve been to 8 other Grand Openings throughout the years, but they’ve all been in Michigan. Fast forward to this May ….I silently have been anticipating the first ever ALDI in midtown Manhattan. Since visiting Manhattan & Times Square last year I couldn’t imagine an ALDI there – I see an ALDI with outdoor carts and parking lots… how does the fit with the bustling city and no parking for any of the stores?! And the prices… how would they look in NYC?! Also, if ALDI is hyping it up, I bet it would be a one-of-a-kind Grand Opening. When I finally saw an official date – June 19, I told Matt (hubby) that I would really like to go. And with his support, I got to setting my travel plans in motion!
Mom on the Loose
For the first time in my entire life, I traveled solo…. by myself… meeting no o
ne, doing exactly what I wanted the entire time! It was amazing as one might expect. (NOTE: I did travel solo to Austin a few months back, but I met a friend there, so solo only half the time, but I was happy to have her as company!!) I didn’t have to consult, consider or include anyone else’s preferences. Wanted Pizza for dinner? I got it… Bored at this store?! Let’s move on… Want to linger longer?… well sure Jackie – whatever you want!!
One of the places I went was Mood Fabric. Incase you’re unfamiliar, this is widely known from Project Runway. And OMG it’s so amazing in person, too. Something pretty everywhere you look. My favorite was the shelves of buttons.
And I went to MoMA (Museum of Modern Art). I got to see a Van Gogh in person… actually two! And Monet, Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol… whew! AMAZING 🤩
Best of Both Worlds
This trip was a culmination of both my YouTube focuses – joy of food & ALDI grocery shopping! In simple terms – it was an amazing, personally fulfilling trip!
What it really highlights for me – and I hope to share with you – is how this Intermittent Fasting lifestyle has given me SO MUCH FREEDOM & PEACE!
I can travel and enjoy eating while in NYC – shorter fasting hours, longer eating windows. Simple. Delicious.
I can enjoy buying new ALDI finds – without determining if they’re “good or bad”. Simple. Fun.
Fasting has allowed me to enjoy my natural love of food without the burden of dieting or feeling ashamed as I have in the past! This trip could have still been epic with dieting, yes! I know people travel and still diet. BUT, I know myself and if this trip were while I was dieting, there would have been a cloud over the joy. And I am so grateful that doesn’t exist anymore.
Food Shots 📷
To prove I enjoyed my time in NYC please enjoy some photos of a few of my favorite foods while visiting!
Bear Donut – 🤤 a favorite from last trip… a favorite this time, too. Their Bronut (brioche donut) has a heavenly filling. I already want another!
Capizzi! This was a fun find for me. When I was walking from Mood Fabric to my Pod (think tiny hotel room), I passed Capizzi. I thought it looked established and cute… and bonus very close to my Pod. So I looked it up and instantly knew “this is dinner!” Wonderful reviews, and Jerry Seinfeld said it’s his favorite pizza in the city! If a New Yorker says it’s a favorite, I’m listening! I got one with Arugula (SO GOOD ON PIZZA!!) and Prosciutto – it was the perfect choice and I ate it all!
From their website: ” Prosciutto & Arugula Pizza margherita pizza topped with prosciutto di parma, arugula, shaved reggiano, & olive oil”
This was an amazing sundae from the famous Serendipity! I read about Serendipity while researching for my first trip to NYC. We didn’t make it in then, but I loved it this time. I ate lunch there and though I knew I couldn’t
eat it all…. I had this amazing pecan pie sundae with…. maple walnut sauce 🤤 (NOTE: I did request no hot fudge)
From Serendipity’s Website: “The Insanity Sundae… Go Nuts! Southern Pecan Pie with Hot Fudge, Butter Pecan Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce, Maple Walnut Topping, Whipped Cream and Toasted Almond Slices”
