89iversary Number 5!

I'm way behind here; we celebrated our fifth 89iversary in July! We had a really fun, long weekend of celebration.

 

 
Since it fell on a Saturday, we started it off with our fave event: Vegan Shop-up at Pine Box Rock Shop.

I was too slow to catch Maresa's rabbit ears.

Per usual at VSU, 89 (and I) ate all the vegan things with our vegan buds (some of whom made the vegan things).

Orchard Grocer's Bowery sammie with a VSU spin for breakfast.

 

 

And an empanada from our pals at Freakin' Vegan for lunch. What 89 lacks in self-control, she makes up for in cuteness.

 

 

In case anyone is keeping track, 89 was sporting the crown we acquired at Sprig & Vine a few months ago- now heavily embellished with glitter.

89's pal, OMJ, stopped by. Her adoptaversary is only a few days (and 1 year) different. No idea why they're being so stoic in this shot; more pics here.

We made a new pal in Dodger, who later tried on 89's crown but wasn't feeling it.

 

The uber talented Rachel Naomi attempted to professionally photograph the sweetie pie she once painted, but 89 was all about the side-eye. RUDE!

 

A great big smooch to my friends who provided and sported tiaras all day long in honor of my nerd's day.

Then it was off to VM & OD's house for a family celebration. There was some napping in the car on the way.

 

I'd gotten 89 these awesome sparkler candles.

And baked her a banana cake from You Won't Believe it's Vegan. This is my go-to banana cake and it was great. The sparklers were glitchy.

 

OD bought her some watermelon because it's her favorite.

 

And VM got her a watermelon napkin because she's a messy eater.

 

We were out the door early on Sunday to spend the day with a pal.

Stopped at Confectionery NYC to share a Sweet Maresa, churro, macaron ice cream sandwich.

 

And got some of her dog treats to go as well.

Then we went to Dog & Co at Turnstyle. A lot of 89's coolest duds are from their online shop, so it was especially nice to try some things on in person. While I was setting up 89 to get this photo, a random lady walked up and took her photo. That's what I was trying to do!

 

Later that day, 89 finally got to meet one of her favorite vegan chefs in person for the first time. Since there was veritable shrieking from both parties, I think it's safe to say that it was mutually thrilling. Despite this incredible vegan possibly being the absolute sweetest in all the land, 89 was feeling a bit anti-social and wouldn't exactly snuggle in for a good pic (there are probably some funny attempt photos tho). HOWEVER, she had no problem whatsoever scarfing down the delicious homemade mac & cheese that was presented to her. I hope they get to hang out again soon so that 89 can redeem herself with her true lovable personality.

We had such a great weekend celebration that we decided to take the next day off to spend some time as our best selves.

I'm so lucky to have this dog named 89 in my life. If you're thinking about adding someone special to yours, please remember to adopt; never shop!

 

Galentine's and Valentine's Daze

Galentine's Day coincided with a Vegan Shop-up this year; WHAT COULD BE GRANDER?

Because I'm a Vegan Shop-up professional, I generally arrive at Pine Box and try to buy as much as possible before I hand my card over to the bartender for the day and commandeer a stool amongst my pals.

First pass-through: a coveted chocolate raspberry cake from Sweet Maresa, new subway rider handwash from The Fanciful Fox, and mudslide numero uno (highly recommend).

For breakfast, I started off with a rainbow cookie macaron, also from Sweet Maresa: rainbow cookie professional. I expected it to be amazing, but it was actually astounding.

Next up, my Gone Pie buffet.

It was hard to decide, so I chose a couple of things that I'm sure you'll agree were irresistible.

For starters, this:

Nope, I'm not kidding. That's a real, edible, vegan, "loaded Valentine brownie heart." Gluten-free fudge brownie filled with marshmallows and salted peanuts, topped with peanut butter fudge frosting with a layer of pretzels, dry roasted peanuts, more vegan marsmallows, more frosting, and chocolate hearts. #veganscanteatanything

Also snagged a Gone Pie Mexican hot chocolate brownie topped with marshmallow and hearts...

And, finally, a Gone Pie nut buster pecan cluster.

 

I also picked up this chocolate/strawberry heart specialty from PonyCakesNYC because it's one of VM's favorite combinations.

 

And just like that it was time for lunch! Thankfully, Sean was there repping Riverdel Cheese. He made me this phenomenal sandwich that a certain numbered dog thought was for her. Then she stole her pal's orange garnish to wash it down.

 

Pic of said garnish alongside mudslide #2 before it was stolen:

Unpictured, the Freakin Vegans broccoli cheddar empanada and mac & cheese 89 and I devoured per usual.

She conked out somewhere around  mudslide #3.

And then it was Valentine's Day!

Candy! Rose City Chocolates all hazelnut collection:

Flowers! Sterling roses.

This nerd.

Aaaaand, more grub.
Here's that beautifully wrapped Sweet Maresa cake- even more gorgeous up close. 89 thought this was for her as well.

Also:

Some poorly lit, but delicious Vegan Treats cookies.

Aaaaaaaand, more cake. I have no idea what specific flavors they were, I can only tell you they were beautiful and chocolatey delicious: both.

For dinner, we went out for more Ethiopian food at Desta where I finally had some of their lentil sambusas and they were the best I've ever had.

Entree one:

Entree two:

 

I shared a little.

Of course I brought some injera home for 89.

She got a V-day present.

Aaaaaand, tried to eat my candy. What else is new?

Here's hoping your Gal/Val weekend was great!