The pace in New York City is energetic and undeniably alive, but it can make life a little blurry at times. We need to slow down every now and then to reevaluate our ideas. Whether that means subtle tweaks or massive changes that is up to you. As long as you are able to pass your ideas through people you trust and want to build with you, that subtle tweak will look and feel gigantic. The changing of seasons is a good transition period and that is currently what is happening behind the scenes. A new website aesthetic and recipe feature on the blog is being worked on. I am excited to share both with you as well as introduce the new faces of Oven Fresh Dreams.

SCRATCHbread: A Brooklyn Chef Creates Food from Scratch to Start A Movement from SkeeterNYC on Vimeo.

I would be lying if I told you I wrote (or baked) every day, but it is a goal I am working towards achieving. At times I think I get caught up with other aspects of my life; working in coffee and finishing my English degree are two major components. The third component would be my beautiful girlfriend – totally understanding, but deserves the world. There are times where I am dedicated to one aspect and struggling with others. Evaluating our priorities is important and it is simple. What I am writing now, what I have been thinking today should have be occurring a long time ago. Luckily, that will change sooner than later… it begins today.

We all have voices to be heard and when look forward to hearing your next stories it is great. However, sometimes our voices grow quiet as we live our lives. These are the times where we must stop and evaluate. Our lives are important and there many that we experience on a day to day basis – we should always have a story to tell. Our voices will be heard.

Jason Carne – Lettering Designer from Jason Carne on Vimeo.

Jason Carne is the man behind the latest “Collaborate & Dream” t-shirt and is a well respected designer.

My trip to Disney was an important one to me. It was the first time meeting my girlfriend’s, Beth, family as well as revisiting a place I held dear for many years. I was exceptionally excited about this trip, my girlfriend inspires me daily and being able to see her in her element was something to look forward to. The parks were filled with families from all over the world. It was hard to believe the amount of smiles I was surrounded by. I was particularly happy to see the employees give a 110% to uphold the Disney feeling: euphoric and whimsical. Between a number of tours and my girlfriend’s family, I learned a lot about Walt Disney and his vision. If you stop and think for a second how amazing his vision was, it is incredible. There are thousands of Disney cast members that are carrying out one man’s legacy. The idea of dreaming is often frowned upon by many realists, but this company and all its guests do not agree with them. Dreams are important for all of us to have and even if they don’t come true, it is better than not dreaming at all.

We would be foolish to think that world does not have it share of dark tales, but places like Walt Disney World gives us something to look forward to; a place of refuge. It encourages us to dream and follow our hearts despite the obstacles around us. While it may come off as cheesy or unrealistic to some, it means the world to others. The harder I dream, the more determined I become – every time I work on an O.F.D. project or look into Beth’s eyes I see truth in that. That is why dreams are important to me.

There are many things that good coffee delivers. It turns out the people is one of the them – New York’s coffee community is awesome. Yesterday was the first ever Knockbox Classic, thanks to Matt Banbury and Anna Utevsky. This event was too big for words, a great turn out and multiple events creating an overwhelming positive energy that brought out the best in the competing baristas. It was pleasant sight to see.

I have been researching and drinking coffee analytically for the past five years. There is a lot to appreciate the deeper you dig – there is a lot to learn, but you have a lot of fun while learning. And that is why the Knockbox Classic was so entertaining, the event was filled with a group of hard working, knowledgeable people having fun.

There are many things one can do to get the creative juices flowing. I personally like taking walks and planning day trips. Last week, Bethany and I decided to travel the city. We started our day in Williamsburg for excellent coffee/eats and ended at the Met. It was her first time in Williamsburg and I wanted to show her some of my favorite spots: Jimmy’s Diner, Toby’s Estate, Blue Bottle, and Sweetleaf.

The day was slightly chilly and our hands were interlocked. It is rather strange and rather amazing how a place, person, etc. can change your outlook on something you’ve been dwelling on. With the latest Oven Fresh Dreams release on the way it was hard to focus on my writing assignments, let alone concentrate on my day to day responsibilities – that quickly changed. There is nothing quite like a walk in New York City. We are surrounded by so many amazing things and interesting people. A clear mind is refreshing and it allows you to create.

It is easy for us to become blinded by consumerism, which is okay to a certain degree – just make sure to keep your priorities straight. As we wrapped up 2012 we should remind ourselves of all people in our lives that motivated and supported us. Not everyone is that lucky and with that being said, I am thinking of you. As long as you have someone thinking about you, you are never alone.

Merry Christmas to all!

Time spent with friends should always be treasured. This past Sunday my friends, Alexis and Louise, and I went to the Brooklyn Farmacy. New Yorkers with a sweet tooth take my advice and visit this establishment as soon as you can. While I was prepared for a sugar coated brunch, I was not expecting the sweetness produced by this little offshoot of heaven.

The Brooklyn Farmacy is the perfect example of good branding. Before you even get a chance to sit down and peruse the menu, you’re taken over by well furnished shelves and countertops. The staff fits right in with retro threads as they escort you to your seat. That is when B.F. takes your my mind and forces it to explode – the menu is short, but the choices are quality. Deciding what sweet and savory pairing you’re going to select can be tricky, but do not worry friends. I developed a selection method. Here’s the rule I think everyone should follow – if you see more than three types of ice cream sundaes on a menu regardless of what time of day it is you order a sundae.