Veggie Art

I recently visited the Union Square farmers market on a rainy day and took these shots. Inspiring, don't you think?

erica sara designs

When I was a child, I used to spend hours in a fabric stores. While my brothers & friends would beg to buy toys, I couldnt wait to walk into those stores full of beautiful colors, textures, endless creative opportunities.... I've been creating ever since. When they were popular in 7th & 8th grade, I would sew scrunchies for myself and my friends. For holidays & birthdays, I would designs pins out of leather scraps and rhinestones. Hey, it was the 80's and early 90's- leather, scrunchies & rhinestones were hot.

So it's about time that I put my creations out there and hope that someone enjoys using them as much as I enjoy sewing them. Introducing erica sara designs!

This week, I designed my logo & labels. What do you think?

Rosemary Polenta with Mushrooms

I'd like to take a moment to thank myself for the lovely dinner I prepared and enjoyed tonight: Thank you, me.
I've been dreaming of polenta lately. Creamy polenta with a hint of parmesan and rosemary. So tonight was the night. And lucky me, I just happened to have some shitake & cremini mushrooms I picked up at Chelsea Market yesterday. Here's the recipe and some pictures. As my grandfather used to say, "May you have a hearty appetite"

Mushrooms
olive oil (I spray mine from my handy Misto)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
8 oz mushrooms (I used shitake & cremini, you can use which ever you like), cleaned & sliced into even pieces
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
dash of sea salt

Heat a nonstick pan over low heat. Add the garlic & saute about a minute until it just begins to soften. Add the sliced mushrooms & thyme, stirring for 2 minutes until the mushrooms begin to release their juices. Cover the pan, turn off the flame, and allow to sweat while you prepare the polenta.

Rosemary Polenta

2 cups water
dash of salt
1/2 cup Polenta
1 tbsp chopped rosemary (more or less according to your taste, & how much you love rosemary)
1/4 cup freshly shredded parmesan

Salt the water and bring to a boil in a saucepan or pot. Once it's boiling, slowly add the polenta and rosemary, stirring with a wooden spoon to avoid lumping. Turn the heat down to low and continue stirring until the liquid is absorbed. Mix in the parmesan, season with salt & pepper, and relax with a delicious meal and beautiful glass of wine.
Serves 2.
Since I have to get up to run tomorrow morning, I didnt indulge in a glass of red. Instead I added a simple green arugula salad with a splash of balsamic vinegar. Yum.

Running to the music

I went for a great run last night which was totally unexpected. It's been a rainy few days here in NYC and the weather report called for strong winds and downpours. I dont usually mind running in the rain. In fact, I love running in soft rain with a light breeze- keeps me cool & relaxed for some reason. But downpour in the dark? Not a huge fan. With my first half marathon only 10 days away, I couldnt really skip last night's run so I motivated myself to conquer the weather and when I stepped outside, it was beautiful! A bit chilly and still really windy, but no rain - just clear & crisp.
I popped my headphones in my ears, turned on my running mix and headed out for a four mile tour of the Upper West Side. It felt incredible! The crazy wind & the music blasting in my ears- such incredible energy. Here are just a few of the songs that keep me motivated, on pace, and focused when I need that extra push to get my feet pounding the pavement:

Desert Rose- Sting
Silent in the Morning- Phish
Friday I'm in Love- The Cure
Mr. Brightside-The Killers
Sing for the Moment- Eminem
Radio Nowhere -Bruce Springsteen
Holding out for a Hero-Bonnie Tyler
Footloose-Kenny Logins
Sexyback- JT
Sweet Child of Mine- Guns n Roses
Alive- Pearl Jam
Eye of the Tiger- Survivor
Long Way Home- Dixie Chicks
Man in Motion -John Parr
Disturbia- Rihanna
Jerusalem- Matisyahu
It's a New Day- will.i.am

Any songs that get your heart pumping?

happy hump day

yay it's wednesday! enjoy it
the weekend is almost here ;)

12 days ...

in 12 days i'll run my first half marathon & i am so ready. i never thought running would be my thing since i've never been much of an athlete. and i cant seem to remember what possessed me to put on a pair of sneakers, step outside and go for it. but i am so grateful that i did.
when i run the whole world disappears. it's like meditation- just me & my breathe- my head is clear. and no matter how great or bad my day is, i always feel incredible after a run.

and running in nyc is incredible! the energy, the scenery, and the other runners with encouraging smiles as they pass you by. makes you feel part of something special in this crazy city.

here are some pictures of the NYC ING Marathon from Nov 1st, 2009

welcome

happy birthday blog & welcome to my world!