Good Morning!
I feel as if I’m always writing from an airport these days, and I’m totally OK with it! I have booked my life up with a fun itinerary this spring and summer, so I’ll have to get used to it. Ironically, I’ll be blogging about my last NYC adventure with CVS, as I wait patiently for my next plane to NYC. This time I’ll be going for my half marathon, a race I’ve been working hard towards for a while now. My hamstring was pretty inflamed last week, so I stayed off of it. Crossing my fingers and praying that everything will “run” smoothly!
I left early for my flight to NYC last week. It has been a year or so since I’ve been to the big city, and I was excited to see it again. I didn’t have time to explore, but just being there is always exciting.
I went from spending my weekend in ninety-degree weather to fifty, rainy, and cold in NYC! Burrrrrr!
We stayed at the Dream Midtown. It’s such a pretty hotel with a lot of character! It’s a very chic and feminine spot. I loved the floral wall 🙂
I had a couple of hours before dinner, so I headed across the street to pick up a quick bite to eat and coffee. I needed something to hold me over until dinner since I only had eggs and a granola bar for breakfast.
I grabbed an avocado toast sandwich and a nonfat cappuccino at Le Pain. The gluten free/vegan grain toast had avocado, carrots, romaine, lemon zest, and sprouts.
CVS left me a box in the hotel with all kinds of goodies. Those Think Thin bars saved my sweet tooth! I also love the B12 supplements. I take them every morning with breakfast, so I was excited to see them in my box. The freezer dried fruit is also one of my favorites; if you get the chance to stop at CVS, try out the banana ones! They are so light and crunchy! I buy them all summer for the beach and pool. They’re also really good in citrus salads.
We all met in the lobby at six to get a head count and head to dinner at Jams. If you want a California style cuisine in New York, go there! The interior is so rustic and fun. I was stalking their breakfast menu, and I want to go back just for that!
We had a cocktail hour before dinner, and I had a glass (or two) of Chardonnay. I spent the hour chatting with Tina, from CNC, and catching up! We went on a trip to Canada together last summer, and it was so nice to see her again!
CVS & JAMS. put together such a lovely table for all of us.
SO MUCH FOOD & It was all fantastic.
I always take the menu with me and post everything just in case you’re curious!
Housemade bread & Vermont butter for the table.
Kale Salad-Anchovy dressing, pecorino, breadcrumbs, wild arugula, fava bean & English pea salad, black eyed peas, spring onion, chili, lemon, and Narragansett feta. (I’m so glad I didn’t pay attention to the “anchovy” part because it was so good)
Jams Chicken – Goffle road farms chicken with salsa verde.
Maine Sea Scallops – Fava bean English pea puree, endive, red miuna, Persian cucumber, and kumquat.
Pan Fried Potato Gnocchi– Asparagus, wild nettle pesto, and twig farms aged goat cheese (WINNER)
Sides: JW Potatoes, rosemary, pecorino & wilted greens with garlic and red chili flakes.
Dessert: Chocolate angel food cake with coffee creme and cocoa nibs.
This dessert was so good! I want to recreate the recipe ASAP. I will probably do it the lazy way by adding coffee and cocoa powder to a boxed angel food cake and top it with coffee whipped cream and cocoa nibs 😉
Coffee always.
It was pretty late when dinner was coming to an end. Tina and I decided to walk back to the hotel since it was only a couple blocks away.
I was sound asleep by 11 pm. Not even the hustle and bustle of the city could keep me from sleeping.
I was up bright and early to grab coffee down in the lobby.
I found this cute top at Julies, a cute little boutique in Charlotte!
We all headed to the CVS event around 8 am.
They completely transformed the Garage, a popular venue spot in NYC, into a pop-up CVS store. I was blown away by all of the work put into this.
Again, Coffee ALWAYS!
I was so excited to check out all of the new products that CVS is carrying and all the changes that they are making to turn their pharmacy into a healthy hot spot. I talked about how they took out ALL tobacco products from the stores, and now I want to share more healthy changes they plan on making! This is so exciting.
They made us little bites to eat with products straight from CVS! These little bowls are filled with Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, honey, and granola. Perfect way to start the day.
Peanut butter energy balls made with CVS products! I’ll put together a recipe for these if you guys are interested!
I made these protein peanut butter cups last year with CVS products! You can find the recipe here :)
Chia seed pudding!
And YES, all of those roses were real. They smelled so heavenly.
I’m not a beauty blogger, but I still love learning all about the products that they carry. I was excited to learn that they are expanding their healthy beauty & skin products. It only makes sense to pay attention to what we use on the outside of our bodies as well as on the inside. CVS has cleared their shelves of tanning oils and anything harmful to our skin.
They are also carrying really neat products like these shaving cream minis. HOW COOL IS THAT? The pharmacy is filled with all kinds of unique products. I could spend hours browsing.
One of the goals CVS has been working on is removing ALL artificial colors and flavors to their medicine and health lines. They also have the CVS version of your favorite brands, for much cheaper! I love the idea of removing the colors, I mean…I don’t care if my allergy medicine is white or pink; I just want the sniffles to go away.
These K-Cups caught my eye. How cool is it that you can take your cold relief cups with you on the go, or just run it through your Keurig!?
We learned all about the CVS app and the extra care reward program. If you’re not using either, you need to check it out. It’ll save you so much money, time, and I loved seeing all of the features it has. You can take care of your prescriptions, coupons, and shopping needs right on the app. I will explain more about the app in a later post.
One of the coolest gadgets I saw at the CVS event was the smart temporal thermometer. You can check your tempurature just by swiping it across your fourhead.
Learning about their health section excited me the most. CVS is my favorite post-workout stop. I usually go in there for Muscle Milk or a No Cow Bar, but they also carry protein powders and all kinds of dietary supplements.
I had a smoothie made with ingredients all from CVS! My smoothie had strawberries, banana, peanut butter, yogurt, chia seeds, flax seeds, and almond milk!
Sriracha & wasabi deviled eggs and blue cheese stuffed grapes!
I HAVE to recreate the deviled eggs. I ate like four of them! They were so good. I may try the stuffed grape idea with goat cheese.
They are also transforming the checkout area. Instead of offering candy bars and chips, they are incorporating healthier options too. You’ll now see granola bars and much healthier snacks next to the unhealthy ones. It’s one of those “nudge don’t judge” types of deals 😉
If you haven’t checked out the snacks and healthy eats at CVS, you’re missing out. They carry so many unique snacks to make your on-the-go healthy lifestyle so much easier and more attainable. Every time I go into CVS, there is ALWAYS something new and exciting on the shelves.
They carry a lot of my favorite brands as well. I was excited to see that they are removing trans fats from all of their Gold Emblem Abound brands. They are working hard to improve their stores every day, and I love how much effort they put into listening to their customer’s feedback.
We tried so many snacks, that I consider myself a CVS snack expert.
Later in the day, I headed over to one of their ears & eye stations for a check! Soon, you’ll be able to get your vision and hearing checked in all CVS stores. My vision wasnt perfect…
They have foods to fit and accommodate anyone’s dietary needs.
Later in the afternoon, they set up an avocado toast bar! How cool is this idea? I want to do this for a brunch with mimosas.
I added bacon, egg white, red peppers, cucumber, and wasabi peas on top of mine! Such a delicious snack.
I wanted to pack these in my bag 🙂
I loved learning all about CVS‘s upcoming changes. CVS has been a big part of my healthy lifestyle, travels, and fitness! I will be learning more throughout the year, and I can’t wait to share all of the exciting details with you!
Questions for you!
- Have you tried CVS’s Gold Emblem Abound products?
- What changes have you noticed at CVS?
- If you could change one thing about CVS, what would it be?
Carrie this fit chick says
Oh my gosh what a fun event! And your hotel room is gorgeous. I have tried their Emblem products– CVS is right round the corner from me, so I go there at least once a week. It’s my go-to pharmacy for sure. I would love for them to have more unique food products– not just the general brands… like cool new health foods and small mom and pop brands!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Carrie!
The GEA products are SO good and sometimes TOO good (can’t stop myself.) They are TOTALLY adding in more unique food products and I can’t wait for you to see what they’ve been working on! 😀
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
You’re living the dream! The snacks are making me drool nonstop. New York is an amazing location!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
New York is great. I can’t wait to explore it tomorrow!
Virjinia says
That’s so cool! I love seeing all the changes they are making. I would love to see more beauty products free of weird chemicals. I’m such a fan of their healthier snack options too.
Taralynn McNitt says
They are offering a TON of natural beauty products now. It made me really think about what I’m putting on my skin!
Angie says
This is awesome to know! I don’t have a CVS that close to me but great to know when traveling. Loved reading this post! (I been following your blog for years now but this is my first comment). Keep up the good work!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Angie!!
Hope you get a CVS next to you soon! & totally stop at one when you’re traveling! They have everything!
Alison Williams says
Wow, another great blog of putting info out there for all of us. I did know that CVS pulled tobacco products from their stores. Yay! I also knew they carried some healthy products. But I learned so much from your blog that they are currently doing or going to start doing.. that I had NO idea about! I live in a small town (Clover, SC) and we actually have a CVS. Really the only drugstore to turn to. I haven’t been in there in awhile. So I’m kinda curious to go in and check it out. I don’t know if ours is updated like some others might be. But if it isn’t, I hope it is soon!
Thanks for all this info. It is really good to know. I will have to weigh my options on some things I currently buy online (supplements, skin care, healthy snacks, etc) vs going here to the local CVS.
Great blog! Have fun in NYC! Kickass!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Alison!
Thank you 🙂 They pulled them a while back and I love that they did! I know exactly where CLOVER is 🙂 Been there a couple of times! Totally go check it out!:)
& thanks for the kind words!!
xo
Juliette | Namastay Traveling says
This was so interesting to read. TBH, I sometimes just skim through products posts since I’m so stuck in my ways :-X..but I was so excited to learn about the steps CVS is taking to provide better products to their consumers. Getting rid of dyes in medicines? Something I’ve never even though of before! Thanks for some thorough insight and definitely going to be shopping there more often!
Taralynn McNitt says
So happy you enjoyed this post:) I’m so passionate about CVS and all the healthy changes they are making to the stores! I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Maddie C says
Oh my gosh hope you had so much fun! I live and work in the midtown area and Jams in my go-to brunch spot! If you need a coffee fix I highly recommend Fika! Its AMAZING.
Hope you have a fab weekend back in the city- you definitely got the best weather this time around 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Jams was SO AWESOME! We will have to check out FIKA!! thank you!
SO HAPPY about the weather!! 🙂
Jenn Cefalu says
I actually work right next to a CVS and was going to stop in at lunch to pick up photos for a bridal shower! Now I’ll have to check out some of these snacks for after lunch 🙂
GOOD LUCK on Sunday! I plan to be out there cheering for you guys! You might see my sign 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
OMG, so great you work next to CVS! You can stop in there for snacks or lunch! You’ll be HOOKED!!
Thanks for the luck!
xo
Taralynn McNitt says
I’ll look out for you!!!
Linda @ The Fitty says
How does anyone run in downtown new york?! Looks like streetlight traffic is everywhere. I run around hydropaths and parks and stuff here and it’s so much easier.
Also, I love the colour scheme of Dream Midtown. 🙂 Is their branding supposed to be very feminine? What about male guests?
Taralynn McNitt says
I don’t think people typically run downtown NY!
They usually run in central park 🙂
I don’t think they try to make it “feminine” 🙂 It’s for males too!
🙂
Meghan says
I’ve never been to a CVS, but this post is making me want to go ASAP!! I always stop at Walgreen’s because it’s closest to my house, but I’ll definitely be checking out the CVS up the road!
Taralynn McNitt says
Girl, CVS is where it’s at!!!
Hannah Lee says
My pharmacy is at my local CVS, but I have never tried the GEA products! I am going to the beach tomorrow, and I have been brainstorming snack ideas, so this post came right on time!!!
Thanks as always!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
OMG, yes! Go to CVS before the beach for run snacks! LITERALLY ALWAYS go there before the beach!
Lorissa says
I love the Gold Emblem products. I usually go into CVS thinking I’ll just grab 1 thing, and then I walk out with 20. Their salt and pepper cashews are the best!
I’ve noticed a lot more food choices and healthy choices at that. I used to just think of CVS as a spot to go for meds, but now I get all my beauty supplies from there, snacks and more. I really appreciate their regular coupons as well. 😉
Changing something..? I would love it if they would carry Boots #7 products since I adore those products. Then I would never have to go anywhere else for all of my beauty supplies.
Taralynn McNitt says
Literally the same for me. It’s actually worse than Target! I want EVERYTHING! & They have GREAT coupons!
I’ve never heard of Boots #7! I’ll have to look into that. & I’ll pass your suggestion on!
Tammy says
I will totally be going into CVS now!
Taralynn McNitt says
You won’t be disappointed!
Molly says
Who knew that CVS had so many healthy options!? I definitely plan on stopping in my neighborhood CVS soon to check out all the goodness! Thanks for sharing! I love NYC so much. You are going to do AMAZING this weekend at your half. I will be thinking about you and cannot wait to hear all about it<3 Also, you looks gorgeous in all of your pics. xo
Taralynn McNitt says
They literally HAVE THE BEST!!
Thanks for all the kind words!! xo xo xo
Kristin says
Oh my goodness this looks like so much fun. The wall of roses looks awesome! I typically haven’t shopped at CVS in the past because of location but one just opened up near my office so I just started shopping there recently.
Taralynn McNitt says
Was VERY fun! 🙂
Once you start, you’ll be hooked!
So happy to hear that one popped up near your work! woo!
Leianna says
What a cool event! I really enjoyed this post and learning about all th knew and exciting things CVS will be offering!
Taralynn McNitt says
So glad you enjoyed it Leianna!
Michaela says
What a great post!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks!
Dana says
I didn’t realize CVS had all of those healthy products. I look forward to checking out the store.
Taralynn McNitt says
You’ll love it! I am hooked on all of their healthy products and they are adding new ones almost daily!
Nicole says
I loved this post! I am a CVS pharmacist and I am so excited that they are taking all these steps to help people down their path to better health! I’m especially excited because I work very long shifts and it’s so comforting that I can grab some really healthy snacks to fuel my day. It’s been a while since I’ve wanted the aisles. I definitely plan to look around the store a little more.
I am a huge advocate for our app! It has so many cool features! And you get the best coupons on it. It just has so many benefits.
Thanks for making such a great post!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Nicole!
That is so great and you are SO LUCKY to work with CVS! What a great company.
I would be eating those snacks all day haha
It’s one of the BEST apps and reward programs out there!
xo thank you for reading!
Jenn says
My daughter loves CVS’s dried fruits. I love their almond & pistachio nut mix.
I love that CVS got rid of their cigarettes. I always hated selling them when I work there.
Honestly, there’s nothing I’d change. I love the self-scan kiosks in some of their stores. I love that I can load all my coupons on through their app. It was always a pain having to hang on to the receipts, remembering to cut the coupons and bring them in or they’d print and I’d lose the reciept and there was no way of getting that coupon back. Plus I can stack their coupons and manufacturers coupons? Love, love it.
Taralynn McNitt says
The dried fruits are SO GOOD. I love the banana ones. & yes, that is such a great mix! I sometimes eat that with dark chocolate chips for dessert.
It’s great that they got rid of them! 🙂 Agreed X 1000
Great you are taking advantage of the app! It’s great for saving 🙂
Rita says
I love CVS’s vitamin selection. Their brand is very affordable for our family.
Taralynn McNitt says
So happy to hear that!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I love your recaps, your food always looks so good!
By the end of summer, I want to have caught up with all my backdated blog posts. Hopefully it’s possible!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Charmaine!!!!
Blogging is always possible. You can do it 🙂 start organizing them now!
Anonymous says
Great post!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks!
Stan & CC says
Hey Taralynn! We’re Pacific Shaving Company, the family/business behind the Shaving Cream Minis you saw at CVS. Thanks so much for including us in your blog post. Can’t tell you how much it helps to get the word out! #ShavingIsNoWayToGiveBlood!
Hope you crushed it at the half marathon!
Stan & CC
Founders, Pacific Shaving Co.
Taralynn McNitt says
How cool! Congrats on your success and coming up with an extremely cool product! I’m excited to give it a try 🙂
Thanks for the kind words!!
Taralynn
Anonymous says
Those will be so awesome for traveling! I can never fit and entire mini shaving cream bottle in my liquids bag.
Ella says
Love CVS!
Taralynn McNitt says
Me too!!
Carrie says
I will say having you go on this trip and blog about it was great work by CVS. We have them all over where I live but never stepped foot in one! I am excited to go in and check out all they have to offer!! Good post!! Thank you!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Carrie!
I am so happy to hear that!! 🙂 Please let me know what you think of the stores!!!
candace says
I live right across the street from CVS and have tried numerous of the gold emblem products. However I despise CVS – the prices are outrageous and their coupons are so unclear and have so many restrictions
Taralynn McNitt says
That is strange. I actually think their prices are incredibly cheap! What products did you find too expensive? I can forward that information on to them.
Amie says
It’s because you are paying for convenience.
Katie L says
Love all of your photos from the trip!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks 😀
Shanna says
I just looked and the only cvs near me isn’t all that close. And it’s in a target! How dangerous is that?! I really wish there was a more convenient location. I love what they are doing. I wish more companies would change their operations to accommodate the wishes of their clientele. Like healthy snacks at the register! Omg, they are impulse buys, they don’t have to be full of sugar and totally unhealthy.
Taralynn McNitt says
They are popping up in more places! so dont worry!!! & they really listen to their customers well! LOVE the changes too!
Jen says
I had no idea that CVS had made such strides towards supporting healthy lifestyles. Time to dump Walgreens! #teamcvs
Taralynn McNitt says
WOOOHOOO!!!
Hillary says
I am obsessed with CVS. My six year old eats all of the gold emblem abound products for lunch.
Taralynn McNitt says
Those products are GREAT for the lunches!!
Ana says
Love the jeans you’re wearing! Where did you get them?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Ana!
These jeans are my FAVORITE!!
They are from J. Crew!
http://bit.ly/2pIqqvy
Anonymous says
cool post