Changing Your Life

It has been a while since I wrote in either of my blogs; the reason for this is well… I’ve been busy.

After all my travels (Florida, Texas, Italy, NYC, etc), I went straight into busy season and simply trying to improve my life even more.

Some of the more recent life changes for a healthier body, mind and spirit:

• I’ve implemented a strict budget and have restricted my outings, trips and unplanned purchases
• I’ve started to work out every morning before work
• Prior to working out I do my usual coffee and reading
• I’ve attempted to do this coffee and reading without checking my phone, but it is harder said than done
• I have began a strict meal plan and in order to move on to a healthier meal plan, I’ve resolved to consume everything on my pantry/fridge by the end of the month (which is also why you haven’t seen very many new recipes)
• I’ve incorporated an afternoon green tea into my routine; this sorta breaks up the day and allows me to relax even while I’m at work and stressing

As I believe I wrote about on my other blog, I started seeing someone and I should probably write a post on that story alone because it is very romantic and sweet. His love has made me completely forget about everything that happened before and I am very much in love. Not much else to say on that front; distance is the only struggle, but the attraction and our feelings are there.

The Spotted Pig

So this is another restaurant I went to in New York. My friends are real big foodies (just like me) so I can always count on them for a good treat!

The burger was definitely the show stopper, but everything else was really delicious too! The meats were incredibly tender and not overcooked. The fries were incredibly addiction so don’t worry about your waistline here!

The price range was very much New York; as in there isn’t anything below $20 and you have to just accept that, but I think this one was well worth it.

 

 

 

 

Eggs in Purgatory

This one is a regular at my weeknight dinner table. Nothing easier than poaching an egg in red sauce after a long day at work. It has all the right flavors from a red sauce that has been cooking for hours, but in just a few minutes. Plus – it has cheese… what else can you want out of life? Serve it with toast or rice and you have dinner.

Always Laura’s recipe for this! Eggs in Purgatory

What do YOU want today?

I am back from visiting my family and my niece; life is sort of falling into place and getting back into its own rhythm.

I am sad about how I left things with my sister, but my family is strong and we love each other dearly so I am not too concerned. Right now the most important thing is that lovely baby that stole all our hearts.

Being back is a struggle and my heart aches at not being able to hold her whenever I want anymore. I feel the need to bring up the birth and baby pictures to anybody I encounter, which I should really stop doing.

Aside from that, I am soon hosting a dinner for 20+ of my friends, which has me a little bit on the anxious yet excited side. I will be making a bunch of recipes from the cookbook I am trying to finish on my other blog (Laura in the Kitchen) plus some other authentic Puertorrican foods.

This dinner has me nervous for a variety of different reasons, but primarily because I see it as a way of mending ties with my ex-boyfriend and I’s common acquaintances. Common friends is always a gray area as I’ve mentioned on some of my previous posts, but I figured I’d set up the opportunity to open the lines of friendship. Not like I can think of anything better to do and if all else fails, then at least my own friends will be there too to have my back!

Aside from that, there is a possibility that I’ll be going on assignment to Argentina for two months later this year!

Being positive for me is a constant choice and when things like these happen, it just helps to strengthen my belief that good things come if you truly put yourself out there and try. Let go of negative influences and focus on yourself! If something feels wrong for you, then don’t do it. Realize that you can get through any tough time on your own and that you can also make wonderful things happen.

Although I wish to mend things with this circle of friends, I also realize that their constant presence in my life isn’t necessary. I do my best to foster relationships and focus on friendships/family because I’ve chosen that those things are worth it, but ultimately what I wish to focus on is myself and my goals! I want to cook, study and travel; there will always be people along the way as long as I am willing to invite them in.

Every day truly boils down to a simple question – what do YOU want right now?

 

Banana Nut and Chocolate Chip Bread

Hi guys!

Recently tried making this for my housemate and his friend. They were going to an anime convention that lasted all day long so I figured I’d leave them a hearty breakfast; I also made a quiche, which I’ll post about later!

Like many others, I found this recipe on Pinterest and just added about a cup of chocolate chips.

Not complicated at all! Incredibly flavorful (specially when just out of the oven!).

The recipe is called Copycat Starbucks Banana Bread (Link in name) and it was posted by My Frugal Adventures.

Caring Too Much

It is odd; it’s been a while since I write a sad post.

I guess I’ve been so focused on being positive and trying to move my life forward that I’ve been trying real hard not to feel sad, but… today is my last day with my family.

My niece was born a week ago and I was fortunate enough to be at her birth. I left work mid day because my mom told me my sister was in labor and I could make the birth if I hurried.. so I did. I changed my tickets, ran home to get my bags, ran to the airport, finished my work at the airport and hopped on the plane. Then the birth lasted 3 more days so that was a bit crazy, but I don’t regret it at all because I got to watch the most wonderful baby be born and it came from a significant person in my life (my sister).

My family makes me feel happy more often than not so I truly shouldn’t complain that much, but sometimes I get so caught up in the happiness that I forget that happiness can’t come from anybody. Nobody will be the sole provider of your happiness, self-esteem and stability unfortunately.

My daze came to a subtle pause when my mom told me I should let go of the people I used to hang out with because they clearly chose my ex-boyfriend and didn’t value me. Those words struck me hard as I felt like I had not been bad to them or unworthy of their affection. Further, those words concerned me because they decreased my pool of resources significantly and left me wondering “who do I even have then?”.

I must’ve reassured myself at some subconscious level that I still had my family to support me or build me up because the next screeching halt came a few days afterwards.

The real hit, however, came when my sister made it clear that I wasn’t thought of as a suitable candidate to take care of her daughter or to be a mom really.

So you see… I am finding it a bit difficult now to believe in myself and be positive. Good news is that I bought a book called The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck; hope it teaches me something because there isn’t anything I’d like more than to not give a fuck.

There is truly nothing reassuring I can say except for – there is a certain peace in understanding how truly alone we are and accepting it.

Lilly’s Craft and Kitchen

So as I mentioned on an earlier post, I went to NYC a couple of weeks ago and I stayed near Times Sq. I did a quick Yelp search and found a brunch place near my AirBnB with good reviews!

My friend and I were literally the FIRST people to walk through the door and were STILL asked if we had a reservation. I found this odd, but we were immediately seated anyway.

We were the only ones there for a good half an hour in which we enjoyed our coffees and chose our meals. The place also offers bottomless drinks, but we weren’t in the mood. We were actually a bit hungover from the night before, which was also strange because we only had like 3 beers.

I got something that I think was called BBQ pulled pork eggs Benedict and he got breakfast quesadillas. The menu had other things, but these eggs were definitely one of the more out there dishes and, therefore, were something I wanted to experience.

I love going to restaurants with friends I am comfortable with because they allow me to be basic and take pictures of their food :).

I don’t truly remember how much we spent on all of this, but I feel like it was less than $40. I do recall thinking it was a bit overpriced, but this is New York after all.

Rosemary Focaccia Bread

I haven’t written a post about my Single Life in a little bit, but I feel like I must insert here somewhere that I am actively avoiding men. Not saying I have a line around the corner either (not that boastful), but the men that have approached me have swiftly been rejected!

That being said, a girl needs to flirt right? Some harmless flirting.

We shall call this my flirtatious focaccia, because it traveled cross country to serve my flirtatious ways. Distance is the only way to ensure safe flirting ladies so do yourself a favor and make some focaccia.

I found this recipe on Pinterest by Ali Martin. Here is the link – Rosemary Focaccia Bread .

Truthfully no huge secret here. This is just like making any other bread and it lasts (as I discovered) almost a week if stored properly!

P.S. Activating yeast gets me super excited so it was incredible to watch all these things fall into place. Here are some bonus pictures so you can join in on my excitement!

 

Grill 23 and Bar

It was restaurant week a couple of weeks ago here in Boston; restaurant week happens (I believe) twice a year and it last for two weeks. This is a big tradition for me as I try to go every day of one of the weeks, which can be pricey, but it is no surprise that this is my type of indulgence.

I wasn’t able, however, to go every day for the latest restaurant week as I was busy working long hours; such is the life of the tax accountant.

Thankfully though I was able to go for one of the days with my lovely housemate and his friend.

Now, for those of you that aren’t familiar with restaurant week, it is a week where a lot of the high end restaurants in Boston and the greater Boston are serve a 3 course meal at a fix price. It is naturally a limited menu, but nonetheless it tends to be a good bargain.

This 3 course meal came out to around $50 per person with tax and tip. As before, I’ll try to caption everything.

BRANDT BEEF FLAT IRON

Bread for the table

PAN-SEARED CHICKEN BREAST

FRIED OYSTERS

GRILLED SALMON

MACADAMIA NUT RUM BLONDIE

 

CHOCOLATE PANNA COTTA

Everything was spectacular, service was prompt and attentive, the atmosphere was very upscale and fancy; there are no complaints here!

yes – we ate every single dish in its entirety.

Fried Rice Variation

 

Ingredients:

-1 cup of cooked rice

-1/2 a red bell pepper diced

-1 small onion diced

-1 garlic clove

-1/2 tbsp minced ginger

-2 large eggs

-3 tbsp soy sauce

-1 tbsp sesame oil

-1/2 chicken thighs chopped

Steps:

1. Heat up a couple of tablespoons on medium high heat on a wok or skillet
2. Drop in the chicken and cook until golden on the outside. Set to a side of the skillet.
3. Drop in your veggies along with your garlic and ginger
4. Cook until just a bit translucent
5. Drop in your cook rice and mix with your veggies and chicken
6. Set to a side and drop in the eggs
7. Scramble the eggs a little bit and let them cook (about 1 or 2 minutes)
8. Once cooked, mix with the rest of the ingredients
9. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil

Note: You can add more soy sauce and sesame oil depending on your taste