Girls Night "Out"

Sometimes I feel guilty about living in the city.  As a married woman, I feel pressure to move as quickly as possible out to the burbs.  Babies, painting, yard work, and interior decorating beckon. Yet, there is something beautiful and calm about denying that urge: Saying that just because one is married does not mean one has to follow the 1950s standard.  Instead, David and I are going on with our days as usual.  And, what is so nice about this is the spontaneity of the daily.  Staying in the heart of Boston means endless opportunities for filling a cold, rainy evening. Yes, one day we will be more rooted down to a home or townhouse.  At least we will own some type of property someday.  But, I am in no rush to end the fun of the city yet.  I have not lived enough of the cosmopolitan life and David agrees.  We live in the "Paris" of America and to leave now would be a mistake.  An evening in Cambridge playing dress-up with Skye confirmed all of this. Bounding into American Apparel, we gawked, laughed, and played around in the endless spandex, lace, and unisex designs.  Donning crazy outfits of velvet and heather we laughed and giggled our way through the store.  Then we were off to Anthropologie to be immersed in a boutique a la France.  We were too late to aimlessly wander the store but were able to sneak in a few purchases before closing.  The workers were super gracious and kind as we pushed the limits of closing time, while trying to indulge ourselves in unique patterns, 1960s romantic cuts, and eclectic designs. To end our spontaneous Cambridge evening, we sipped the best cup of Hot Chocolate Boston has to offer: Burdick's.  Deliciously warmed and slightly hyper we ended our Friday night already planning the next day. It was so nice not being "settled" the way standard requires of me.  And, yet I was still able to come to the apartment and settle in next to David.

Chia

Chia seeds are an ancient seed full of healthy nutrients, fiber, and omegas. After a sample of a drink, Mamma Chia, in early January I have ingested these seeds in some way, shape, or form every day. These little seeds can top any meal sprinkling extra vitamins and energy into your life.  Since starting my addiction to chia seeds, I have noticed something amazing: Energy.  Each day after school, exhaustion was not enough to describe the sleep, fatigue, and weariness that combined to bring me to bed by 9:00PM.  The antidote is Chia Seeds.  Indeed, from zero to sixty my energy level has completely changed since this little seed became my friend and I am super thankful for this adjustment.  Up early and to bed late it is like being a teenage again. These seeds can be added to any juice to create a delightfully surprising beverage.  Or add them to almond milk and make "rice" pudding.

Recipe: Chia Pudding
2 cups of almond milk
2/3 cups of chia seeds
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
chopped dates
coconut flakes

Process: Pour almond milk into an air tight container, pour chia seeds in.  Close the lid firmly and shake-up the mixture. Refrigerate overnight.  Next day throw in some dates and coconut flakes and enjoy!

Whole Foods

I am obsessed with whole foods. Living so close to one, I visit it everyday.  I am delighted by the whole experience. Walking through the front doors, I am greeted by an array of colors.  Pinks, oranges, reds, purples, and a whole lot of greens from the produce section assault the eyes. While cooking is something I  need to continue to improve upon, whole foods is inspiration. Some lucky nights as you walk through the various departments from produce through cheese to meats and finally prepared goods one is greeted by samples of the stores tasty delights.  "Tapas" at whole foods always helps kick start a good evening. Tonight's tapas were a cold berry soup, pecan coated tofu, and cous cous.  While perusing these stations, I happened upon the sushi section and struck up a conversation with the chef.  I never got his name but while about to pick up a prepared and refrigerated sushi roll he stopped me and asked, "What can I make you."  I never knew we could order sushi fresh from whole foods and now that I know this I am super excited for my sushi future!  The chef chatted about the benefits of brown rice and multigrain rice.  He also mentioned how he wants to make more inspiring rolls.  He is tired of making california rolls, salmon avocado rolls, and shrimp rolls.  So he made me something special and it was delicious.  I simply had such a wonderful time food shopping this evening which is not surprising. Sushi may be the main course again soon since the sauce on this roll is addictive. And well it always feels good to eat fresh food.

Croque Monsieur

With Paris a mere 61 days away, David and I are consumed with thoughts and dreams of the city of lights. I have started to learn the language and will be taking an introductory course starting on Wednesday nights. Our little maisonette has been booked in the 3 quarter of the city and we are thrilled to be embracing this experience whole-heartedly.  Even our meals tip a hat to the delights of Parisian cuisine.  Today's menu item: Croque Monsieur.

Preheat the oven to 350.  In a small saucepan on the stove-top melt 1 tablespoon of butter until it is foamy. Add 1 tablespoon of flour and whisk in continuously until smooth for about 2 minutes. Slowly add 3/4 of whole milk to mixture, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken.  Remove from heat and season with a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, a pinch of sea salt, and pinch of pepper.  Stir in 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and 2 tablespoons of grated Gruyere.  This is your bechamel sauce.  Lightly and evenly butter two slices of french  bread. Toast these slices of bread in a pan over low heat until lightly browned. Spread one side of one piece of bread with a thick dijon mustard. Place a few slices of thinly sliced ham and about a half a cup of grated gruyere cheese in between the bread (making a sandwich!) Spread your decadent, delicious bechamel sauce to cover the top of sandwich making sure to coat the crusted edges of the bread too. Sprinkle the bechamel spread with a bit of gruyere. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. The place under the broiler for 3 minutes until cheese/sauce is bubbling and lightly browned.  Then prepared yourself to be whisked to a Parisian Cafe as you bite into your glorious Croque Monsieur.

Resolutions

I have never been one for resolutions. Yet this year, I felt compelled to make a few promises to myself.  As the sands of time ended for 2011, I felt a nostalgia wash over me. The year had been so good. My niece was born, traveling occurred, professional growth, and a marriage are some of the marks of the year. It was bittersweet bidding au revoir to 2011.  However, I know 2012 will be equally special (minus the fabulous wedding celebrating my love for my husband and his for me). Paris is on the horizon, along with further travels to family across the country, and who else knows! So to ensure that I am prepared for this coming year, and prepared most importantly to pamper myself, here are my promises: Be fit, be positive, and get stuff done.  So how am I doing so far a mere 5 days in....

Be fit:  I have gone to the gym twice and have every intention of heading there again this weekend.  David and I have a renewed appreciation for home-cooked dinners.  Healthy, simple meals during the weekday and no cheating at work have made these first five days accomplished.

Be positive:  The students at school can be quite demanding. After two full weeks of only talking to at most four people in a day, I am catapulted into a room of 17 voices each with their own needs, demands, and constant questions.  However, I am keeping my cool and reminding myself to be present, kind, and interested in all of them and all that they do.  By being their cheerleader, I find that they are very receptive to later more critical feedback. At home, I am out and about and working on finding/making the time to be personally fulfilled. Tonight, I will be reading a book for pleasure, a true luxury.

Get stuff done: Paris is 65 days away.  In response to this fabulous event, I have started taking classes through an adult education program to learn French and each night I am working on French skills, grammar, vocabulary, and lots and lots of flash-cards on quizlet. Lastly, I am cultivating my pipe-dream of attending a graduate program at Stanford and preparing to take my GREs this year.

Now that it is out on this blog being read by, my hope is, someone other than myself these promises will have to stick!

Happy 2012 everyone.  May this be a positive year in your life too!

Holidays

It is always bittersweet.  The holidays are built up in our minds to be the best time of the year.  And, because the bar is set too high it often falls flat when we are right smack in the middle of it. Yet, if you can be happy in the moment then these will be the holidays you look back on and say "Those were the good days." Memory has the ability to gloss over the brown spots of any holiday season.  I love my family very much. Yet, I say this with a big sigh. Every time I arrive home I feel true happiness and pending anxiety.  Having a mother with depression leaves me with this sense of having to be the adult when she is not able to.  This dilemma can tarnish my holidays.  Yet when I count up the days spent at home and place them on the scales they weigh more positively. Sitting in my little gnome apartment now I miss my parents dearly, particularly my dad. But given the opportunity to return there this instant, I would hesitate.  It is not because I don't love them but rather because being home can be a chore while it is also a joy and I need a break from that push and pull for now. I send so much love, support, and kisses home to my beloved family.

 Christmas Card Shot

 Wedding Ornament

 Antecedent

 Birthday

 Snuggles & Snores

Return Dinner