Dessert Times Two? A Good Day

In the shadow of the Empire State Building...


I went the Macy's Herald Square.

Why? It was free cone day at Ben & Jerry's! Strawberry kiwi sorbet for me.

Why is New York City called the Big Apple? Here's why.

Two hours later, I ate dessert again! The week's Tuesday tea break at work sponsored by - moi. I picked up a blueberry pie and cherry pie (both vegan-friendly) at Old Hook Farm. I didn't have time to bake over weekend or Monday night. Instead, I was proud to give my money to hard-working, family farmers.

Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for some added sweetness.

What better companion to tea than a good book? We used tea time to spread the word about Kathy's book swap.

Speaking of reading, I have a confession. I miss getting The New York Times delivered during the week, and have been debating re-subscribing. I miss reading an actual paper. You just miss so much online. Catching up a week's worth of reading at the library would take hours.

I think it's vital to stay on top of current events. I cannot understand that so many people simply don't care to turn on the news or even check one of the multiple online news outlets.


A final few thoughts on dessert. I keep hearing from women, "swimsuit season is coming up!" Frankly, I don't care what New Jersey shore beachgoers think of my thighs. I just have fun reading a book, taking a stroll at the water's edge, and a refreshing dip in ocean.

I recently saw a news story that eating sweets (particularly the sugar) will speed the aging process. I'd rather have a few extra wrinkles than no sweets in my life.

A woman in the piece was 38 years old and already getting Botox injections. Why? Why are so many obsessed with a youthful appearance and a quest for vanity, and not enriching their minds or making the world a better place? Is the number of wrinkles going to matter at the end of their lives?

Imagine if the money spent on Botox treatments and cosmetic procedures was instead donated to a children's hospital, animal shelter, or other worthy cause?

Here's vowing to age with grace, dignity, wisdom and gratitude. And with many more desserts to come.

Frugal Friday Night: Pizza Edition

Parents with kids after a soccer game. Teenagers. Couples. Hungry workers. All enjoying a night out at a local pizza parlor, Tony D's. I was there with my mom after a very thrifty shopping spree. More about that in a future post.

A Sicilian with fresh tomato and onion, $2.50. Similar to bruschetta. So yummy!

On an unseasonably warm night, I enjoyed an Italian cherry ice, $1.75.


Visit Tony D' Pizza, 71 Center Avenue, Westwood, NJ.

Frugal for all: Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day! I get refreshing sorbet every year. It's this Tuesday, March 23rd, from 12 to 8.

Happy first day of Spring!

Who Says Nothing in Life is Free?

If I'm needed to show the corporate world that there's a market for vegan products by boosting demand, I'm there! After work, I hit the Ben & Jerry's on the 4th floor of Macy's on 34th St.

Lines were surprisingly short, maybe because of the location. When I went to the now-closed location on Eighth Ave. near Times Square last year, there was actually a scoop shop 'bouncer' handing out napkins and demanding we all make our flavor decision before getting to the counter so not to hold up the line.

Tah-dah...isn't it a thing of beauty? Price, free! There was only one sorbet flavor available here, but luckily it was a good one...mixed berry. Yum!

I asked about the sugar cone's ingredients, and the counterperson showed me the box. My eyes glared over looking at the long list of ingredients, but I didn't see anything animal-derived. The boxed was marked "Contains Wheat, Soy" but nothing about dairy or eggs (both allergens to some), so I think they're safe. Phew, I didn't want a wasteful plastic spoon anyway.

Thank you Ben & Jerry!

Get Your Sorbet Fix (Free!) at Ben & Jerry's Today

It's here...Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's. Yeah! Vegans need not be deprived on this day. They offer several refreshing varieties of sorbet, all of which are vegan. Find a Scoop Shop near you, then wrestle internally with which flavor to choose...Strawberry Kiwi, Jamaican Me Crazy (pineapple sorbet with a passion fruit swirl), Berried Treasure (blueberry, blackberry and lemon sorbet), or something else?

I'm unclear if the cones are vegan friendly, and I'm awaiting a response to my e-mail, so when in doubt, ask the counterperson, or go with a cup.

Write to Ben & Jerry's, and tell them how great it would be to have a non-dairy ice cream. Soy Cherry Garcia or Chunky Monkey, anyone?