This past weekend I found myself with nothing on my 'agenda'. It was truly the first time all year where I didn't have a looming deadline, a class to teach or choreography to create. And I wasn't on a plane either. Wow. What was I going to do with myself? Friday afternoon found me exhausted. All I wanted to do was collapse. So I basically did. I ran a bunch of errands, trying to get my life back in order from a long trip away and wondering how I was going to clean up this apartment? That's it, I decided. Taking care of me meant not only taking care of my career and my nutrition, but taking care of ALL of me. Including my home, my personal space and my spirit. I needed rest. So I downloaded "Up In the Air" (which I haven't watched yet), cleaned up my work station and found an organization that would recycle old electronics in the city on Saturday, as I've been trying to dispose of two archaic dinosaur-like televisions without wrecking havoc on the environment. (By the way, if you are in NYC and need to do the same, please check out the Lower East Side Ecology's Center for dates and drop off locations!) A good start.
My Saturday morning started out like any other for me. Meditation, latte, breakfast, computer work, etc. Someone came by to pick up a huge piece of furniture I've been trying to get rid of (YAY!!!! Cleaning up shit!) and then it was off to drop off the televisions. Check. I even had time to stop at my favorite chocolate store in the Village, Pure Dark, to pick up dessert for the Paella party I was co-hosting later in Brooklyn. (Wait, did I say nothing was on the agenda for the weekend? Apparently, I lied. I forgot I was to help with a dinner party. Small detail.) They have a new variety that is darker and richer than any of the others. I think it's called their "SERIOUS" chocolate and if I'm not mistaken it's straight up 80% cacao. We all know how I love my chocolate! I dropped off my friend's car back in the Village and thought, wow. Only 12pm. What am I going to do with myself? It was a beautiful day so I decided to start walking. I stumbled into an AMAZING smelling coffee roastery, Roasting Plant, remembering I needed some more of that tasty bitter goodness that saves my life every morning. I added a latte and thought a morning of espresso and dark chocolate could lead to nothing but good! Where to next? I figured I would drift east and head to the Union Square Greenmarket and see what delicacies I could find there. But lo and behold, directly in my path lay a lululemon store. Well, well. Isn't that convenient? Convenient for my style, but no so convenient for my wallet. Whatever. I must say, this sea green runners top looks smashing on me  and I need headbands. Very functional. But I had to pull myself out of there before any other products sucked me in! Across the street to the Greenmarket where I found a lovely Manchego cheese for the Paella party, a perfect Spanish accompaniment. Somehow, a homemade oatmeal carrot raisin cookie also found it's way into my basket. But when it's made with nothing but all natural ingredients that I can pronounce, I never concern myself! Quite a yummy addition to my latte and chocolate brunch! As I wandered through I decided to walk all the way home to prepare for the trek to Brooklyn to help my friend with the dinner party. The best laid plans . . . . somewhere at about 18th and 5th Ave., my friend from L.A., Ken, called to inform me he was finally free from the morning's Bat Mitzvah obligations and could we meet up. Sure, I said, but I swore I only had about a half hour as I had to go home, clean up and get my ass to Brooklyn. Well, Ken happened to bring a friend who, let's just say, made it much more compelling to share beers and head to Brooklyn in what I was already wearing. Yes, two hours later, my new friend, sans Ken, and I hopped on the 4 train over to Cobble Hill. Sweat pants, grubby t-shirt and sweatshirt be damned. I didn't care what I looked like (although a shower would have been nice) as I had an unexpected afternoon of great company, laughter and good conversation. Which, in my book, trumps appearance any day of the week and twice on Tuesdays! After his initial annoyance at my tardiness, my co-host seemed to forgive me as I brought along an extra pair of hands to help chop and prepare. (Thanks, James!) As the guests began arriving, and raves for the food began to flow, along with the sangria, I forgot all about what I looked like and found myself marveling at how wonderful my afternoon, and now my evening, had turned out to be. And I hadn't even planned it that way! And I certainly didn't plan on staying out until 3am, but I didn't seem to mind my later than normal bed time much either. I was smiling and laughing more than I had in a long time and was reminded, once again, how good it can feel to let go and be spontaneous. You never know who you'll meet and what you'll find. I found inspiration, new friends, and great food. Plus, a new recipe to share! Here is the fresh salad I made for the Spanish style fiesta! Totally off the cuff!

Hearts of Palm Salad:

1. 3 jars hearts of palm (I found Trader Joe's to be wonderfully tasty with a great consistency. Not too firm or too mushy!) 
2. 2 avocados
3. 1 red onion
4. 2 Vine Ripened Red Tomatoes
5. Bunch cilantro
6. EV Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar
7. 1 lemon or 2 limes
8. Sea Salt
9. Black Pepper

Slice first 4 ingredients into nice bite size chunks, not too small. Chop Cilantro. Toss 1-5 in large serving bowl with the juice of lemons or limes, and the remaining ingredients to taste. You won't need a lot of balsamic as the citrus will provide enough 'bite'. SUPER EASY, SUPER HEALTHY AND SUPER TASTY!