This weekend, I saw New York City go quiet and hit the ‘pause’ button for the first time in a long, long time. The winter storm, Jonas, swirled in and dressed New York in a beautiful, fresh snow blanket. Kids cheered, adults groaned, couples snuggled and all remaining souls seemed to hit ‘pause’ with the city as well.

Here’s how I enjoyed the weekend with snow in my lashes and fuzzy socks, and how my friends still buried in the snow can live it up too!
 
Let it Snow

As I watched those special snowflakes fall from the sky, I knew I had to get out there and play! Remember when playing in the snow was FUN? Like, actually FUN? I forgot how beautiful and special that first snowfall is, so fresh and romantic before the gray slush makes an infamous entrance. Jump around in the snow! Go sledding at the nearest park! I ran out to Prospect Park in Brooklyn and felt the electricity that comes only from the excitement of the first snow. At the very least, get out there and take an Insta pic.
 
Work it Out

Cabin fever is REAL y’all, and if you only stay in and Netflix (which IS on this list) you will grow so bored and hate the snow. My gym was closed, so I opted for a Jillian Michaels yoga session on YouTube and a few jumping jacks.
 
Press Refresh

The best part of a snow storm? We’re all in it together. Forget FOMO, we’re all stuck inside with bathrobes on. Take advantage of the slow day to enjoy a face mask, massage, homemade dinner or conversation with your roomies. We all need to hit the ‘refresh’ button and sometimes Mother Nature has a unique way of reminding us.
 
Netflix

Netflix was made for terrible weather situations! I watched the entire first season of Aziz Ansari’s “Master of None” and my God, that show is ah-mazing! If it wasn’t for Jonas, I wouldn’t have ever fallen in love with this incredible production.
 
Cheers to the fricken’ weekend y’all.
 
 

As BK the Busy Bee, I can have my busy bee moments, minus the honey. In a world that glorifies "busy" it's so easy to stop creating hobbies, saying hello to neighbors and maintaining old friendships. 

This MLK Weekend, I reached out to old friends and watched our relationships come back to life instantly. There's no better friendship than those that allow you to pick off right where you left. We caught up on life updates, revived memories and made future plans. 

It's vital to evolve and meet new people, but Drake and DJ Khaled may be right when they advise us to keep our circle small. My friends from middle school and college know me in a special way. I trust these friends with my heart and soul, they are the ones I want by my side as the New Year unravels.

All it takes is a text to bring a bond back to life.

I always make a lot of New Years resolutions and this year is no exception. I am striving to return back into the kitchen with curiosity, adventure and passion by aiming to explore 50 new recipes this year.

My first recipe came to me while reading my beloved NY Metro newspaper on the slow R train. I followed the Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta, Spinach and Walnuts recipe and proudly lost my butternut squash virginity (I am ADDICTED now!).

This easy, healthy meal warmed my entire apartment with a sweet, soulful feel which is exactly what we need on a Sunday night. Above all, this recipe is good for you body, mind and Insta. Trust me.

Here's how to enjoy this dinner in your home too.

1. Cut two butternut squash in half (buy two so you have lunch and dinner leftovers!) and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Pop in the oven face-down for 15 minutes at 450 degrees.

2. Once the squash is tender (they should look beautifully golden after 15 minutes) fill them with brown rice (any type of grain works), feta cheese, spinach and chopped walnuts. Throw them back in the oven for 5-7 minutes.

3. Insta and eat!