Summer Bucket List

Guys and gals the summer is here. For some that means sun, beach, barbecues, and hoedowns. For me it means the last summer of my 20's. I'll have you know that I've completed numbers 3, 4 and 5 of this list of goals to accomplish before turning 30, and I'm about to head out to New York to check number 1 off the list. That's right, this summer is all about New York City baby!

Summer Bucket List: NYC edition
Inspired by Joy the Baker Podcast


1. A dozen on the half shell at an oyster bar. I'm thinking red lipstick and a little black dress will be in order.

2. Cocktails and art at the Met. I'll be sipping a martini on the rooftop bar and trying my best to be an art snob.

3. Take me out to a Met's game. Buy me some peanuts and beer. We'll root, root, root for the home team.

4. Enjoy an opera or ballet performance.

5. Snap my fingers to some jazz.

6. Glide through art galleries at SoHo's arts walk.

7. Explore New York's farmer's markets. Sustainable Sunday will not be put on hold!

8. Be "that person" at the cheese shop who has to sample everything.

9. Spend time with my girl Jessica. If I could go back in time and have a conversation with my younger self, I'd say something like, "Stop being so boy crazy and hang out with your friends more, you'll need them." Alas, this is not possible, but what's great about being able to reflect on those younger years is that I have the chance, right now, to do and be better. This summer is all about quality girlfriend time.

What's on your summer bucket list?

Buck It! Summer's Over & I'm Almost 30

I guess it is September already. Summer is officially over, although since we started back to school in the beginning of August, it already feels like a long time ago. Trips were taken, food was eaten, and this summer was, in general, a really good time. I'm so glad Joy and Tracy suggested creating a summer bucket list, it got me super pumped and I'm happy to report that I checked (almost) everything off that list.

As a kid, I always enjoyed having a September birthday. I got all the benefits of having a summer birthday, backyard bbqs or parties in the park, while also celebrating in school. There was something so special about classroom cupcakes and the teacher leading us all in song.

This year, I'd rather crawl in a very dark cave, eat an enormous amount of cake and champagne, and emerge without anyone noticing that I, Gwen Edwards, am 30 years old. And for those that know me, this just isn't right. You see, I'm one of those people that loves a good birthday party, would never pass up a chance to blow out the candles and make another wish. And I won't bore you with the usual cliches, "Oh, I feel so old!", "Geez, I can't believe my 20s are over!" No, you see, that's just not what's bothering me at all.

It's just that, damn, what happened to those 30 years? It's a shock to the system to think, really consider, how many years it's been since I played softball, rode a roller coaster, saw my aunts and uncles, or went fishing. Time. Time. Time. It jut goes and goes and has no feeling at all. It selfishly rolls on and over my 30 birthday wishes, never stopping to ask me how I'm doing, no.

I don't have a problem with getting older. I just have a problem with time. Stop time, please, I need to finish my book, call my best friend, plan better lessons, cook my grandma's chicken and dumplings. I need to travel the world, have kids, start a business, write a book. But time is unmerciful, moving past me everyday without even a word or a smile.

When will it be too late? Time is surely not waiting around for me. I've gotta do those things I need to do, whether time likes it or not. Can I keep up with time? Probably not, but I'll not wait around for time to keep passing me by.

Here's to 30 more.

NYC Foodie Highlights

One of the best things in life ever is finding a terrific meal for a great price. It's a win win. Fortunately this type of win win is found easily in New York, where there is amazing food for next to nothing (let's be fair, I'm comparing to Hawaii prices). I know what you're thinking, "but New York is expensive!" it is, so you need to do some research to find the deals, but thanks to competition, the deals are everywhere.

Oysters and beer. My first time eating raw ones if you can believe it. They were delish. Scratch that one off the Summer Bucket List!

Cannolis in the West Village.

Coffee and a cupcake = breakfast in central park. I love these coffee cups because you always see New Yorker's drinking out of them in the movies.

Bagel with lox cream cheese.

Chocolate egg cream at a real soda fountain. This place was seriously authentic, down to the soda machines, milk shake maker, old dude wearing a white hat behind the counter, chalkboard menu, diner-style waitress, and grandpa and grandson enjoying a milkshake at the counter.

Lamb and rice plate from a street vendor. I heart spinning meat.

They call this the "sloppy bao," it's like a sloppy Joe, only the Vietnamese way. I call it the bomb. Seriously, this was the best sandwich I've ever had. Meaty, spicy, saucy ground beef topped with marinated green mango and cilantro on a crusty baguette. Nom.

Brooklyn beer on the ledge at the apartment I'll be staying at in Brooklyn. Love this place already.

More to come. 

Sustainable Sunday: Kabocha Squash

Happy Sustainable Sunday everyone! I'm busy packing up for a trip to New York, working on my summer bucket list, and enjoying a little staycation with Dustin before heading out for a month. I've been loving all the feedback you've been giving me on Sustainable Sunday, the meals you've been cooking, your trips to the farmer's market, and even the baby food you've been making (go Patty!). Please keep it coming, I'd love to feature you and/or your blog in future Sustainable Sunday posts. Contact me if you're interested.

Below is a recipe and photos my friend Rosanne sent over using Kabocha squash. I'm not sure how common this type of squash is elsewhere, but if you are lucky enough to live in Hawaii, it's plentiful. And not to mention the BEST squash on the planet. For real. Thank you Rosanne, for sharing another recipe with us.

Little Slices of Orange (Kabocha squash that is)
by Rosanne

1 Kabocha squash
1 TBL oil
sea salt to taste


Preheat oven to 400. Wash the squash, cut it in half and scoop out the seeds, which can be roasted just like pumpkin seeds.  Cut the squash into 1/4 inch slices using a BIG knife.  Put the slices with a little oil in a pan with a touch of salt and roast in the oven for 8 to 15 minutes.  


These little slices are simple yet so delicious. Since the squash is sweet it doesn't require any added sweetners like most squash. Eat the skin and all. My husband and I ate them for pupus before our meal that night of roasted veggies with rice. The squash is rich in beta carotene and so much more. Enjoy!