Juice, Juice JUICE (posted by Christina)

"Juicing" is apparently the new rage in NYC. My friends Jacky and Jimmy that I stayed with for a short period of time, introduced me to a new trend or should I say a healthy way of life! As a couple they have decided to improve their lives and learned about what juicing can do to help their body. Did you know that as an adults we should be having 3 servings of fruit and 4 servings of vegetables each day? I know that I don't!!! Well not anymore, this thing called "Juicing" is pretty fabulous! The concept is to intake all your daily fruits and veggies by just drinking them. My friends went out and purchased a juicer, I've done a little research and found that they range in price from about $80- to top of the line $400. The next step is to hit the grocery store, selecting only the finest fruits and veggies. They prefer organic, for the fact that if they are trying to better themselves why would they choose to intake pesticides and chemicals. The following ingredients makes their favorite recipe:

* 4 small Granny Smith apples (cut in half)
* 3 medium sized whole carrots (just peel and cut off the ends)
* 4 celery sticks

This recipe will make 2 full 16 oz glasses (you can also find other recipes online!)

The next step is to turn on the juicier and place each item in the juicing tube, using the push down tool, also be sure to have the container at the spout to catch all the liquid that your fruits and veggies are about to make. Then 1-2-3 you are done! Pour into your glass and enjoy, I know I am!

Falafel anyone? (posted by Christina)

Oh my gosh, I have been re-introduced to my old favorite food, falafel! My friends Jacky and Jimmy that I stayed with in Hoboken, NJ told me about the best falafel place and that I should go. Its called "Mamouns Falafel" which was established in 1971 and was written up in the book, "1000 Places to See Before You Die in the USA and Canada," by Patricia Schultz. It is absolutely amazing, but funny enough I found out they had 2 other locations in the city and literally was taken back in time, remembering eating falafel for the very first time when I was a freshman in college at the same place (but at their Saint Marks location)!!! Falafel is made up of chick peas that have been smashed up with spices and then deep fried. I prefer mine as a sandwich which is served in a pita with lettuce, tomato, onions and tahini sauce. Tahini sauce (which I'm addicted too) is made of: tahini (which is ground sesame seeds made into a paste), crushed garlic, salt, olive oil, lemon juice and finely chopped parsley. If you have never experienced falafel I really recommend doing so! You can enjoy it at either a Middle Eastern restaurant or you can actually make it at home. They sell falafel packets in the organic isle in the grocery store! Eat up :-) ... O0o0o and I forgot to mention, they make the best Mint Lemonade- refreshing, add it to your summertime drink list!