I spent much of last week sick with a cold, and therefore wasn’t very much fun at all–although, on the plus side, I am now “caught up” on Gossip Girl (quotation marks because I watched six episodes on mute) and Once Upon A Time (quotation marks because I am not sure I want to associate myself with the show quite yet. It’s so bad. But everyone is rather pretty, and I’m a sucker for magic).

On Thursday, I spent the day working from home and went to see a specialist about my sinuses. While I usually cure pesky illnesses with antibiotics, DayQuil, and sleep, she prescribed me olive leaf extract and performed my very first acupuncture, on my face! I was absolutely horrified by the idea but felt like it would be rude to decline, and am so glad I didn’t. Within hours of the treatment, I felt significantly better. I’ve been taking the supplements ever since and am fairly certain I can proclaim myself cured. I only made one real New Year’s resolution this year–to live more productively and purposefully–and though it was very much by accident, taking a new, holistic approach to my health really made me reconsider my usual routine.

Miraculously cured by facu-puncture, I had a low-key but super fun weekend with my friends and boyfriend.

Highlights:

[Homemade pizza party with the boyfriend on Friday night! We got Whole Foods whole wheat pizza dough, sauce, and toppings, and loosely followed these recipes from Bon Apetit. We made 4 ‘zas, one of which didn’t survive the transition from oven to mouth, and had a blast]

[Taking advantage of the 60 degree weather on Saturday (Hello, global warming? It’s me, Nikki. Stay a while, why don’t you?) with a stroll down the Bowery and through the Village…]

[…with several stops to shop, of course. Loved this display at C.Wonder in SoHo. (Me: “This store is so cute!” Boy: “There is absolutely nothing of any utility sold under this roof.”)]

[Saturday evening: a fun night out at the Blind Barber for one of my best friend’s birthdays]

[And a subsequent delicious brunch at Saxon+Parole, complete with DIY Bloody Mary Bar (mouthwatering food pics and review of Saxon+Parole to come this week)]

[A relaxing Sunday complete with a My Week With Marilyn matinee and Indian food dinner with the girls, a fun mani-pedi, and a second dinner (the roommate brought home fresh pasta from Eataly. What’s a girl to do?) over Sunday night Showtime (Shameless, House of Lies &  Californication) with my two favorite boys. Nail polish: Essie Trophy Wife, Skirt: H&M]

I hope 2012 continues to progress similarly–full of good friends, good food, and mini-adventures in my own city. Happy Monday!