Good morning and Happy Wednesday! Hope you’re enjoying a great week so far. This is one of those crazy-busy times of year for a lot of us, so I hope you’re taking a little time for yourself. One thing I’ve found myself doing is literally blocking out “me” time on my calendar so I don’t accidentally give away a blank space of time I need for my own work or for those basic human things like sleep, exercise, food prep, or laundry. #selfcaresunday what up?

Social time is actually very important too, though. Connecting with others is a key part of self-care, as it helps us avoid feeling isolated or like we’re stuck in “all work, no play” mode. Surrounding yourself with people who make you feel great and whom you can laugh with and learn from benefits all parts of your life.

Earlier this month I had a great weekend like that where I got to recharge and catch-up with friends as well as meet some new people. Rather than show you a “what I ate working at the hospital on a gloomy Saturday,” I thought it would be fun to share a few highlights from said recharge weekend.

That Saturday night, I went out with a group to a Peruvian restaurant in the East Village called La Cevicheria. We shared a variety of things for the table, including ceviche, fish tacos, lobster guacamole, and this amazing fried cauliflower dish that had lemon, lime, and orange zest in it. I didn’t snap any photos, but I had a great time!

Sunday morning I took a walk in the park. It was gorgeous out, if a bit cold. Somehow, despite the freezing temps, I found myself craving a pumpkin pie green smoothie. Why the hell not?

Later on I met up with some friends in Astoria at a lovely little restaurant & wine bar called Vesta. How could I not order the Eggs in Purgatory? This is easily one of my favorite food combinations ever. Tomato & eggplant sauce with poached eggs and cheese on top? Yes, please! It came with some potatoes on the side, which I dipped into the dish instead of the bread. It if feels right, do it! This is one of my favorite-ever brunch/lunch dishes.

After lunch, I spent some time getting a few things done and then had a cup of yogurt mixed with cocoa powder before going off to yoga.

By the time I got home, I was super-hungry again. I made a batch of this Vegan Macaroni and Cheese with Banza chickpea pasta. It totally hit the spot.

As a bedtime snack, I enjoyed one of my fall snack obsessions—A chopped apple with tossed with cinnamon and microwaved until soft. I added a teaspoon of peanut butter on top.

Do you have a favorite brunch dish? 

To see more WIAW, check out founder Jenn’s blog Peas & Crayons or visit hosts Laura and Arman‘s blogs.