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i stumbled across some beautiful photographs taken by stephen mallon of old new york city subway cars being dumped into the ocean. i spot old C train cars that i used to ride to school. kind of nostalgic in a way.

i was somewhat dubious about the idea of discarding these cars in the ocean, but after i read the article about the purpose of doing such a thing, my thoughts changed.

after several years at the bottom of the ocean, the train cars become a part of the ecosystem, serving as an artificial coral reef system for sea life. 

at first glance, stephen's work seems to reveal an act of pollution, while in truth it is something more beautiful.

have a happy thursday, everyone. 

* credit to my best friend a-rad (alex) for the punny, yet relevant title.

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photograph by luise from green kitchen stories

it's raining in new york city today. really rainy. rainy and cold and nice and it's inevitable that i feel absolutely unproductive. but it is on these days that i really need a set plan to figure out what i'm going to make and/or do. for all of you who are experiencing boredom or are stuck inside because of the chilly weather, follow this short guide (for a very foodie experience).

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1/ start your day with porridge

porridge is one of my favorite breakfasts of all time. it also just so happens to be a fantabulous way to start a rainy day. as i've talked about in previous posts, oatmeal is great because of the variety of toppings you can add to it. luise tops her porridge with raspberries, sliced avocado, and hemp seeds for a hearty breakfast meal. if you're not feeling so adventurous, you can top your oatmeal with more tradition toppings like berries, bananas, granola, or thick coconut milk.

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2/ bake something sweet

baking really warms my heart (as you can probably tell from reading this blog). jessie is the author of one of my favorite blogs faring well. her recipe for coconut macadamia biscotti is actually brilliant. dipped in a cup of tea, these little treats will surely brighten your dark day (too cliché?). also, who doesn't love baking cookies in the winter?!

3/ explore

if you live in new york city, you live in one of the most vast cities in the world. so explore it. explore wherever you live. take a camera. capture the rain. visit new restaurants. visit new shops and parks. take a friend and just walk until you find something extraordinary. explore.

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4/ grab a coffee. and a snack

because we all know you're still hungry. while you're wandering around your neighborhood or city, pop into a coffee shop. sip a warm (almond milk) cappuccino or latte. nibble on a muffin, talk to the people around you. take more pictures. always take pictures. 

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5/ make a nice dinner for yourself (and others)

cooking for yourself is always so great. you can season according to your individual taste and can make whatever you'd like. did i mention that jessie is an awesome blogger? yeah... her recipe for this beautiful asian bowl with wild rice, roasted beets, and broccoli is not one to miss. holy yum.

i hope you survive the winter, wherever you are. (especially you australians with your warm weather).

have a great weekend everyone!