There’s not a week that goes by that I don’t think about my college study abroad trip.
I day dream of the sailboats at the Gulf of Trieste. Which for the record, is where I’d love to go back for a concert… bucket list item… Pearl Jam in Trieste, Italy. Sometimes, I reminisce over my crazy courage to go white water rafting in the Swiss Alps (umm… a category 4? What was I thinking?). Other times, it’s the small reminders of fascinations like visiting Mozart’s home in Austria.
19
These days, I sit in wonderment over how my parents let me study abroad at 19 years young! I can’t imagine my soon to be 17 year old… gone from me, exploring the world alone…in just 2 short years. Then again, I feel like I’ve trained my kids well in travel. My study abroad experience was so defining for me, that I have made a study abroad trip a requirement in college for the wee three.
Of all the cool emotional experiences, like jumping off cliffs and crying at the German camps…I’m always asked… what’s your favorite part of all the travel?
My answer, is generally the same as it was when I was 19 years old… simply visiting food markets. The food!! It is consistently thrilling.
When I returned from that European study abroad trip…just a short 98 years ago…the hardest thing for me to adjust to back in the States, was no piazza foodie center, no side ally market, no screaming negotiations from vendors, no fresh cherries, and no gelato.
Mercado de la Boqueria in Barcelona
So. Every time I can get to a food market, I’m one happy traveler. This is where I can try to blend in with the locals and get a true taste of the culture. Probably, my favorite market I have ever been to was the Mercado de la Boqueria in Barcelona.
The variety of foods were insane. The bustling feistiness of the locals…All awesome. Here, in Barcelona is where I tasted paella, like for real real. Of course. Go to the source if you want the real deal. And ever since, I can’t stop with the paella.
I won’t claim that I’m a Paella expert but, I do claim that I’ve made all kinds of tasty paella and it’s ALWAYS loved.
Have guest coming over? Paella
Need a fancy dish? Paella
Comfort food? Paella
Too cold outside? Warm up with some paella.
To hot outside? Seafood paella will make you feel like you’re cooling off by the ocean.
Lonely? Paella
What goes with paella? Paella.
Ok, well what goes well with paella is pan con tomate and Spanish wine, olives and cheese. And a second helping of paella.
Head here for a basic veggie paella recipe. The sofrito is the most important part. Add broccoli, chicken, clams…You do you boo!
Last night, I did a quick vegetarian paella. I cooked shrimp on the side for the meat eaters. Delicious.
“Quick” paella 🥘
Cheers… and someone get me to a European market stat!
I am a sensitive one. Some say, I am fragile. Others, call me the princess and the pea.
It’s weird. I haven’t always been this way.
Growing up, I was consistently breaking things, clumsily stumbling around with my long giraffe legs, and unintentionally, I assure you, physically hurting everyone near.
Me? I was always fine. Like a steady cinderblock.
I have this memory of jumping waves at the beach with my mom. You all know I love to jump…
But this particular jump got me over the waves right up into my mom’s chin…knocking her to unhappy. That was the end of that well intentioned joyful jumping moment. I didn’t feel a thing, but poor mom sho did.
My dad used to joke around that anyone would know where I had been because my finger prints left an actual indention into door knobs, handles, and utensils. For some reason, that made me proud as a child. My family couldn’t have nice things… because of me. So proud.
Flippant, young, and dumb. This girl, never took a vitamin (those nasty Flinstones were left to sog away in a toilet somewhere). I avoided sun block at all costs, because what 8 year old has TIME for that!? And let me tell ya, no one pulled a better Mexican stand off when it came to me and eating…I could sit at the dinner table NOT eating my vegetables for hours…I was the worst, ever.
I’m not sure when the full transition occurred, but, I know that these days, an innocent fleck of dust fluttering onto my shoulder hurts me. I’ll hazard the guess that it all began when I became pregnant. Remember the, “is it a kick or is it a contraction” conundrum? You just become more self aware.
Today, I freak out when I forget to take my vitamin supplements. I count my vegetable servings. I have sunblock stashed in all purses and cars. I have journals for my feelings and apps for physical ailments. It’s fun getting old.
I’m not going to say I am less clumsy… maybe a little less… but I am extremely more careful in avoiding pain and I am ridiculously obsessive over self healing.
So…I thought I would gather my “fountain of youth” self healing tips. Seems like I am always traveling to or traveling back from one of these healing places. It’s the only travel I’ve had lately- and it makes me happy -that is all that matters. These are my steady and true favorite obsessions.
Acupuncture
About a year ago, I drove my Jeep into a light pole. Told ya, I am not less clumsy. I literally pressed the gas and drove right into a Harris Teeter parking lot light pole. In a complete brain fog, my only excuse was, I didn’t see the (bright yellow) pole.
I cried. Jeep was in the shop for two months
The light pole is still there, misshapen and leaning left. It is a nice monument to pass by every day reminding me to stay humble. The day of the accident, I departed from the scene with bad whiplash and feeling like I had the IQ of an ant. Luckily, my parents reminded me of their magic man.
And. He is definitely a magician.
Acupuncture has changed my life and it is the one thing I could never give up. My acupuncturist healed my sore neck from driving into the pole with some needles, gua sha, and cupping. Within 24 hours, I was a brand new person. Since then, I have been going consistently every 3-4 weeks. Last week, I told him I was in this weird anxiety funk. I felt rushed and busy from everything opening up in this world (which is hard on an introvert). More gatherings, more people, sport schedules for three kids, not to mention, my oldest is starting his college journey.
Magic Man, stuck a series of 30-40 needles that put me into a fit of laughter. The energy that had been suppressed, was released soon as the needles were placed, and it flowed right through my laugh. I came out whistling and sleeping like a baby.
I know…looks horrible… but the healing is amazing!!!
Healing Crystals
Ok. I know this one is weird but I’ve got a bestie who is ALL into the healing crystals with me. MAYBE…this self healing tip is a huge thing for me partly due to the fact that I get to spend time with my bestie who encourages positive vibes in our thoughts and actions… but either way, we witches, together, we are brewing our oils and cleaning our crystals… it’s working for us.
Cathy and I have been really practicing mindfulness all year. We both randomly and individually took a chakras test that got us interested in balancing our chakras through crystals, oils, and meditation. We debated if we were just hippies or sorceresses. We took a trip to Raleigh and stopped at a place called… Dancing Moon Books and Gifts…look at our collection.
Mindful soul box subscriptions make me happy 😊
Maybe it’s crazy, but here are my reasons for why I like it.
One… I believe that a token, like a crystal bracelet, is a good reminder to check my brain and heart. Maybe a little placebo effect in there.
Two… Some people give you bad energy or take your good energy away. Some people are attracted to bad energy. You know, misery loves company. You can just feel it. My mission is to maintain my attraction to all goodness, love, and laughter… and keep it… whereever it comes from.
Yoga
Before Covid, I was regularly attending a hot yoga studio in Raleigh. I decided to go far far away where I didn’t know anyone (because that’s what introverts do). On top of that, dealing with SADs ain’t no joke. In the winter, when the sun don’t everrr come out, people like me, seek any heat source possible. 110 degrees is my kind of weather.
I’ve finally returned now that the pandemic is easing up. I’m back to the place where NOBODY knows my name (kinda) and it never felt so good. For the first time in my yoga practice, I am finally listening to my breath and quieting my mind. Those stretches feel so good to my knees… the knees that will need surgery one day. Probably because I jumped too much in my life time. And when those knees were young, those knobby knees… bumped into everything. They need a lot of hot yoga love.
Not known is blissful
Hot yoga completely detoxes me and resets my body and mind. I love it. I love a sweat. I love the heat. I love the core work out. I love the loud music. I’d love for you to try it…Just don’t come to MY studio.
IV Therapy
About 8- 9 years ago I was trying to understand why I felt so lethargic and anxious. I researched a lot and asked a lot of questions. My primary doctor gave me a “prescription for coffee”! Coming from a good place, she jokingly told me, “Girrrl, you’re a busy woman, drink more coffee or I can give you some anti anxiety meds!” I laughed, but it didn’t seem right. There was something else!! Long story short, I discovered I had silly SADs, and I found a place that heals using a hybrid of natural and traditional ways.
This IV is hit or miss for people. I think it’s miss if you don’t really need it. Me… I need it. My blood panel revealed that my levels were really low and getting this extra boost gives me the energy I need… specially during the cold winter months.
Drunk off magnesium and vitamin c! My daughter got the athlete IV recovery from all her gym fun!
Next month, Cathy and I are traveling to NYC to partake in a chakra crystal healing spa. The spa offers everything from acupuncture to salt rooms. I’ve looked into maybe adding a yoga class in there as well and combining all of my healing obsessions into one weekend. I should come out brand new, right?! We are so excited to get the good vibes going and share this experience with you soon!
Me, not making my son wear gloves because of the flu (several years back).
Eating Mexican food is my all time favorite hobby. I vehemently live by the cliche that tacos make everything better. Everything. There is not a dang thing tacos have not solved in my life.
I don’t remember exactly what day of the week it was, but there I was… eating Mexican food. Dipping the chips in the salsa and queso when my server, serves me my meal with big bright blue gloves. His little blue rubber thumb kinda touches the side of rice. I instantly flick the rice onto the floor (Did you expect anything less?). The server asks, “Does everything look good?”
With cheese dip dripping down my face, I forced a smile to reveal my satisfaction. “I am soooo good!” (I mean, I am eating Mexican food, I’m definitely good)
He waddled off with his big bright blue gloves to take (dirty) plates away from the the table next to me. And… something about that wasn’t right.
A few bites later, with his big blue gloves… here he shows up to pour me more water. As I always do, I said, “no thanks”, because the tip of the water pitcher has probably touched the tip of someone else’s glass. I, somewhat rudely, told him… “I’m good, I really am alll good!” My face definitely told him, “PLEASE, leave me alone!”
Off with the big bright blue gloves he went, and not 3 minutes later, he came back to take away my salsa platter.
Excuse me? Salsa is an ongoing event. No need to take away the half full salsa platter. So, I said again…”Listen, I am really good, I am going to use that salsa!”
Two more times this man checked in on me and I think I may have had the first Mexican meal that I did not enjoy. That meal made me realize, there are some things we immediately have to stop normalizing before we all get vaccinated and get back to “normal!”
A few tips…
Let’s NOT normalize glove wearing.
Wearing gloves to pick up dirty plates and then serving my fresh food with the SAME gloves on… let’s think about that. Good ‘ol fashion hand cleaning, really really works!
Wearing gloves while pumping gas, and then taking off the gloves and NOT washing hands isn’t helping. You literally just touched the dirty gloves as you took them off. Germs all over your hands. All over. Come on.
Wearing gloves in a grocery store and then touching your face with those gloves is like not wearing gloves, and touching your face.
Let’s normalize NOT checking in on me and removing my plate while I am eating.
Don’t touch my plates.
First of all, I don’t want to chit chat during my meal. I have no desire to talk to you with a mouth full of food. I LOVE eating by myself. I am not lonely. I am needing alone time with my food.
Second, I want to finish my meal. I may slow down, but that doesn’t mean you can swipe my plate away. OR MY SALSA! Saying, “take your time”, but asking me 549 times if I am done is giving me anxiety! (Note, I don’t overstay my time)
Second and a half… don’t take my plate to the back to box the left overs up. I got this.
Third, the more you check on me, the riskier it gets with you know… spreading stuff. Let’s get a thumbs up/thumbs down system going or a buzzer like on airplanes/hospitals. We will let you know if we need something.
Fourth, we use straws… so we don’t contaminate ourselves with pitcher to glass germs! Don’t let the pitcher touch the straw either!
Let’s normalize paper towels in bathrooms.
Hand dryers are blowing all the germs. EVERYWHERE.
And that piece hanging down, is just collecting who knows what. Be aware.
Let’s normalize colonoscopy selfies.
I think what would be way more entertaining than vaccine selfies and hash tagging “science”… is if we normalize colonoscopy selfies. You gotta hashtag “science stinks sometimes”…
Anywho. For those who care or not… or are otherwise judging… I am fully vaccinated and ready to party!! That is if the microchip in my head, completely controlled by the government and inserted by the second dose, will allow me to!
Come one! You gotta have some fun!
First dose: I wanted to throw my arm away. Slight headache.Second dose: 4 hours of pure misery and horrible night sweats. Makes me glad I didn’t have 14 days of it!
With some prompting from my psych class and some prompting from the pandemic, I have enjoyed reading the following books for supplementary “self help” knowledge. The hope is that some day, I can reference them to clients. I am relatively new to this genre. Either way, I’ve enjoyed these readings for myself as well!
Moody Bees: If you are at all into looking to more natural ways to heal, this is the book for you. I am not against medicine at all. I am just a sensitive soul… in which a tiny Benadryl can knock me out for 48 hours. I tried SADs meds last winter (for a month and a half), and that knocked me out for 6 months. I am not kidding. I don’t have recollection of what happened those weird months. I know I gained almost 30 pounds and THOSE meds are not for ME. This book is great for cheering on women and embracing who we are even when others put negative labels on us. Favorite quote; “Women’s moods are a strength, not a weakness”. Like, duh! Right!? We are moody and it is ok to be moody. These moods are what allows us to detect things for survival. Girl power!
You Are A Bad Mama Jama: I am reading this one for the second time. The first time I read it, it was a few years back and the book became inspiration to continue working on my master’s. There were moments that I got discouraged and enjoyed the “just get it done” attitude this book preached. I won’t say that this book is the best ever.. it’s got some cheesy one liners and it doesn’t address deep issues of mental illness, but something about it is very encouraging. If you need motivation… Just go do it. Sometimes it’s simply hearing/reading those encouraging words to get us going. This time around, I am going for my doctorate and this book has got me motivated again!
The Law of Attraction: This book is super weird. Like freaky weird. Not going to lie. However, I am all about surrounding myself with positive people and positive experiences. And this book is about positive energy and thoughts. Think it. Feel it. Expose it. Share it. It is what you want to attract, that you will attract.
Make Your Bed (And Clean Your Sheets Often): This is my all time favorite speech, followed very closely by Allen Iverson’s “Practice” speech. I am so glad it is a book too! If I ever get in a funk, this speech makes me snap out of it immediately. Making my bed is alway something I’ve done. Maybe it’s my amazing military dad that taught me and I love that. I do remember being made fun of my neat freak self making my bed every day in college! For me, it’s just a simple, yet great way to start and end a day. Everything you need to know in life is in this speech (book).
Covering: A few weeks ago, I was asked to read an excerpt of this book for my psych class. I immediately became so wrapped into this man’s story. Initially, I thought I was reading about a man going through the process of finding his true identity, when it turned out he had many identities, some suppressed, achieved, and others foreclosed. It got me thinking about all MY identities. (Think, “social media identity” or “race identity”) I made a list of identifiers and then asked some people close to me to make a list of their own describing me. It was amazing to see words I never would have thought of for myself and other descriptors that matched my thinking! I adore how this man writes and ended up downloading the entire book. This book can be connected to any of us. Since the pandemic, we have all been impacted on the way we identify in some way. Great read!
The Science of Social Intelligence: So… Here’s the thing. We were not meant to be in fully engaged tribes/villages/groups made up of millions of people. Yet, here we are on social media interacting with too many dang people. It can become overwhelming and not good for our mental health. On top of that we’ve all been hit hard socially with the pandemic (and the politics). We can find our selves alone or needing REAL social interaction. Getting back out there is going to be hard on some of us. I thought it was a refreshing book and I have made my kids read it because social media is here to stay. (Encouraging them to take a “sm” break)
This is the most requested meal in my house by a long shot. It smells amazing and it’s rare that I don’t have all these ingredients on hand. This is my own one pot, “easy week night” twist to … Arroz Con Pollo! No one makes it better than my mom and this is not super fancy… but it’s absolutely delicious. And. When you can’t be in Panama and you NEED a fix fast… Here it is in, 30 seconds. Enjoy!
Arroz con pollo
Arroz Con Pollo
*Heat up dat oil
*Place chicken to cook. Add salt and pepper to taste.
* I love garlic so I add about half a tablespoon. Add more if you are riding public transportation this week.
*While the chicken cooks, chop onions, peppers, black olives, and tomatoes.
*When chicken is cooked, take the best kitchen utensil ever, scissors, and chop the chicken. This relieves stress btw.
* Add the chopped onions, peppers, black olives, and tomatoes. Remember, recipes are just a starting off point. I love green olives so much better than black olives, but the kids don’t. So, mix it up!
* I was blessed with the “cilantro is super refreshing” gene, so I add it to everything. If you think it tastes like soap, just add parsley.
* Let all that chopped stuff cook and simmer together. (About 20 mins) In your rice cooker, make rice. (About equal time for rice to cook)
*When everything is looking good… Mix together. Add water, or my fav, strained tomatoes for more flavor or juiciness. Add extra spices if needed. Sometimes some red cayenne pepper is everything.
* Close your eyes… pretend you are in Panama.. NOT in 30 degree weather in boring Cary!
Pet peeves are alive and well and I feel the need to complain.
Starbucks Cups
Dear Starbucks Chief, I thought the pandemic would teach you. I cheered for you. I believed in you. I thought you’d change your ways. But, after visiting many different Starbucks stores, it is clear… ya’ll are nasty! So I have to call you out. Why in the H, E, Double Hockey Sticks, is it acceptable to deliver a drink with your sausage fingers wrapped around the top rim of my cup? That’s where I put my MOUTH, to sip. Did you know that? You realize, your window people are taking payments with them hands, wiping snots with them hands, and handling all kinds of other things with them hands? Seriously. Deliver the drink from the bottom. Whoever is placing tops on cups should not be touching anything else but drinks! In fact, there should be a top cup placer. I will do the job.You have no idea how amazing I’d be at this… just like I Love Lucy at the candy factory!
While we are on the subject of cup toppers… are we saving turtles? Or, nah? Every time I order my sippy cup drink, I am offered a straw to go with it.
Yes 👍🏾 No. 👎🏾
2. Do Not Disturb
Recently, for a gymnastics meet, I had to travel to VA beach. At check in, the lady stated all the important information from room number to restaurant openings. Towards the end of the transaction, she suddenly lowered her voice as if she was going to tell me a sad secret. So very solemnly, she revealed that because of the pandemic, house keeping would no longer be able to clean up my room during my stay.
Oh, the catastrophe! Can you imagine my anger!? (please, sense my sarcasm)
This same lady, then cheerfully asked to take my car keys so she could give them to the valet driver.
Um, excuse me. House keeping can’t go from room to room, but valet drivers can go car to car?? This is how this whole pandemic has been. No sense.
To describe the scene… the valet driver could barely keep his pants up. I could see his tighties. Yep. The wind was whipping so hard that it made his tiny rain coat fly all over the place, causing him to tear up and snot out… he couldn’t wipe his nose fast enough.
Obviously, if you know me, I declined. I would say I politely declined, but that would be a blantent lie. I tried to decline, politely, but my face always says it all. Even with a mask on, you can see it in my eyes-I was totally grossed out. My pretentious demeanor most definitely caused reactions of their own. I am sure they were thinking far worse things than, “Who does this woman wearing a puff coat, a fake Louis Vuitton school messenger bag (that didn’t fit my laptop, at all), and purple clown Uggs, think she is?”
The valet man came at me with, “You realize if you turn down valet, you will have to go find your own parking, possibly in the parking deck far away, which will be way more expensive, AND, you’ll have to WALK back in the COLD to the hotel??”
I think he thought he had me with the whole, “AND, you’ll have to WALK back in the COLD to the hotel” thing. Which was a good play! I’ll give it to him. I am certainly a wimp to the cold. But, that didn’t matter. I could’t fathom living with myself knowing that his white underwear with grayish tones, would touch my driver’s seat.
Let’s just say 2 blocks and an extra 5 bucks was totally worth the pain and specially not a big deal with this covid mess going around. Thank you, thank you very much.
As far as the house keeping is concerned, my mamá taught me right. You ALWAYS bring a travel pack of lysol and wipes. Never let strangers in your room, pandemic or not. Ain’t no reason you need someone making your bed and taking that germy pillow off the floor just to put it back on your bed. The Do Not Disturb sign goes on for the entire duration of the trip.
Expert tip: Throw it all away after your trip. You think I’m joking. I am not. Throw it away. Burn it.
Travel Ninja out. Trying not to be disturbed.
Never let your face touch the pillow. Hoodie on tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite. Dress the part. Disturbing on every level. 😂
Every time I order pizza, I think of the Pizza Town SNL skit with Aziz Ansari.
It haunts me. If you ever see me laughing for what seems like no reason, I am thinking about this skit! Click here
Here’s the next round of pizza stops we’ve had in the area.
Primo Pizza
I was introduced to this pizza a couple years ago. A few of us teachers from Centennial would stop here occasionally. We tried the calzone after a workshop one day and it was delicious! During the pandemic, it became one of my favorites simply because it has a perfect drive thru situation. This is solid NY style pizza. I love the crust.
Cary’s Primo Pizza
Raleigh Pizza Times
This might be my favorite pizza in the area. Definitely, top 5 or sure. Roman and I went here for a date night a couple nights ago. We couldn’t stop eating it. This pizza might be the reason I love Raleigh so much.
Maybe I should move to RaleighRaleigh Pizza Times: My Raleigh go to
Di Fara Pizza
Gonna give this newly opened Cary Pizza joint another chance. I think it was because it was opening week or maybe it’s the NY filtered water… we thought the pizza was sloppy. I loved it when I was in NY many years ago so hopefully it will be better next time we try it.
Cary’s Di Fara Pizza- great outdoor seating
Of course, we had Ricci’s pizza this week as well. That is a given. I tried their white pizza for the first time and thought it was great! While taking Gi to her gymnastics meet this weekend, we ate what we thought is the second worst pizza we’ve ever had. I won’t even mention the name of the place because I’d like to forget that experience all together. Plus, it was in Virginia Beach…and we’re not making this a national pizza thing.
We ARE continuing our national donut tour, however. We stopped at Sugar Plum bakery for this Texas Glazed donut.
I ABHOR waiting in line, but I did, for this huge donut! 😊
Hi! It’s February and I am still going strong with my New Year’s skin resolution. Yay, me!
My daughter and youngest son joined me in my skin self care today! They are such good sports and we had a blast! My daughter is epically better at this skin care thing than me and has taught me a ton. I love how she researches products that are good for her. Wish I was that dedicated when I was her age!
My skin issues are hyperpigmentation and sensitivity responses. I’ve tried washes and exfoliates that cake on and are hard to scrub off. Some washes dry out my skin. Others, leave residue. Too much moisture makes me break out. Then there is the issue of that one summer that I had a dose of antibiotics and went in the sun without the block…a case of the regrets followed when it resulted in a hyperpigmented mustache and random dark spotting. I’ve tried a lot of stuff over the years and will continue to try more during this skin journey. Please send me your favorites at any time! Right now, I’m on a Youth to the People kick. It’s at a good price point for me and I love the glass containers! No plastic and cruelty free! Here’s what’s up!
Wash: Kale Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Wash Y2TP
Best wash I’ve ever ever ever used in my life. I’m talking squeaky clean, no drying out, it smells fantastical and it lathers and washes off perfectly! This one is a keeper for sure.
Best Superfood Cleanser. Can purchase direct online
Toners: Kombucha Toner by Y2TP and Even Tone Correcting Serum by Skin Better Science
I’ve been using the Skin Better Science Toner for about 4 months now. It’s a slow process with this product, but I do see improvements… mostly the texture, not pigment. The price is high so I’ll be using every last drop. We will see if it continues to do it’s job.
I bought this at Lorena and Luca Spa in Raleigh
The Kombucha Power toner is tingly and makes me feel like it’s working hard. It goes very well with the Superberry Hydrate Dream Mask. I am not totally in love with this toner yet. I could see trying others.
Vitamin C by Luzern
Another hefty price tag, but I am in love with its results. It’s not light like a lot of Vitamin C that makes me wonder if I’m just dropping water on my face. It’s thicker, but not heavy. I am hoping this is a fine lines preventative. My skin feels nourished and never dull after I use it.
Purchased at Canyon Ranch Spa in Vegas after one of my best facials
AprilSkin Peel
This Korean peel had me drooling. I’ve been watching the AprilSkin Instagram videos for a while, but, I didn’t know if it was worth it for my skin. I read it had a lot of alcohol in it so I was hesitant it might dry my skin out. My beauty queen friend, and greek goddess, may I add, bought it a few weeks ago, and loved it so much. I thought I’d give it a try. It is now my favorite addition to my self care…skin Sunday. It is not to be used everyday, but I wanna use it everyday because the peeling off is so addictive. It has calendula in it which aids in killing off bacteria and healing damaged skin. Once I peel, my skin is sooo smooth.
I bought this off Amazon because the shipping was faster
Gleamin Vitamin C Clay Mask
THIS is my absolute favorite product right now. Instantly, it brightened my skin and decreased my hyperpigmentation. This product has done more for my dark patches in a week than any other product. I’ve already ordered my next container. Love love love this!
I saw it on Instagram first. I purchased from Gleamin
Moisturizers: Superberry Hydrate Mask AND Adaptogen Soothe and Hydrate Mist both by Y2TP
The fact that my cleanser isn’t drying me up is a great sign. I only need a little moisturizer and I’m obsessed with these two, together. The Adaptogen contains ashwaganda and hyaluronic acid and it smells so good!
Laneige Lip Mask
Here is another Korean product that has helped my skin tremendously. Wearing masks everyday in this cold weather has dried my lips out. Thankfully, my high school bestie, also a beauty queen, gave me this recommendation. What I love about this product is it works immediately. I love the berry smell with no berry taste!
Purchased via Living in Yellow affiliate link
Light Therapy
I do not love this particular face light. It hurts when I wear it actually. However, the results are great when I use it consistently with my products. I have to sit in an awkward angle so it doesn’t hurt so bad. Consequently, I’m in the market for a more comfortable and convenient light therapy face mask! I do love how I can use all the lights… from hyperpigmentation to lymphatic drainage.
Foleto LED Face Mask Light Therapy purchased from Amazon
These are my favorite products right now! Self care Sunday was much needed after a very botched up hair appointment this week. At least my skin is clean and smooth. I gotta work on the mop next week!
All I’m saying is… Watch out Big Dom’s…Cause Big Chanti made a dozen bagels and they were a huge hit! I promised a few of you the recipe. Please share if you enjoyed them as much as we did!
Just going to drop the NY STYLE BAGEL recipe here!
Follow it! I was a bit impatient, so, they’re not super pretty but they were super delicious!
Daaaang, Chanti!
Toppings:
Eggwash/Salt/Pepper/Garlic
Eggwash/Cinnimon/Sugar/Butter
Eggwash/Salt/Pepper/CheddarCheese/ParmesanCheese
Butter/Salt
Salt and Pepper & The CheesesCrunchy Chewy Cinnimon Sugar
Our busy schedules resurrected this week! We had everything from a travel gymnastics meet to an inauguration! There was some stress eating and some pleasure eating. Overall, an amazing foodie week!
Pizza Stops
As my ninja turtle friends would say, “truth, justice and a slice of pizza”. The inauguration brought some truth and justice (issues) to the forefront, and I ate pizza 4 times this week.
I accidentally left my wallet at home when we went out for lunch one day, so that led us to plan B… an online order from Pizzeria Faulisi in Cary. There is nothing but love for this wood fired pizza. With a mix of local Raleigh and authentic Italian ingredients..the flavor is fantastic. You’re going for more of a Neapolitan pizza here, and it is definitely worth the try!
The next pizza stop occurred when I almost ran out of gas (this would the 4th time running out of gas in this Jeep) and I noticed we were close to a pizza joint called Vicinos in Morrisville. You can’t just pass by a place that has a 4.8 google rating. We savored the crust and the NY pizza style. I’ll definitely have to do a side by side comparison of a couple pies with this one included.
Another night this week, I didn’t feel like cooking because of a massive headache, so the kids picked up a pie from our go-to place, Ricci‘s. Ricci’s is a mile away from our house and it really is top notch. We are so lucky to have it… from service to food, you can’t go wrong. Their garlic rolls (with cheese) are on another level. Ricci’s is an at least once a week stop.
The last pizza stop was at Trophy in Raleigh. I was passing by from Wye Hill and I thought… Why not? This pizza is the epitome of great bar pizza-feel good, crunchy, gooey, and cheesy!
Cary got some love this week! I was excited to start some readings for my grad class and nothing goes better with readings, than a hot cup of coffee to accompany. Brew, is an all time favorite and the place I stop at before hitting up Dom’s Bagels. DoNUT underestimate their doughnuts either. I order a dozen bagels each week because I just can’t go very long without Dom’s!
With drives back and forth to Stretch Lab and gymnastics this week, I discovered Esteamed Coffee’s location and it was the highlight of my week. I fell in love with their mission to support those with disabilities as they seek employment. Such a great place with great hot chocolate!
Sometimes, when you’re in Cary, you just have to stop at the old soda fountain shop for ice cream. Ashworth Drugs is our little old town pharmacy and is known for it’s hotdogs too. I can’t do hot-dogs tho. You know, the whole vegetarian thing and all.
Speaking of vegetarian, my all time favorite Apex restaurant is Provincial because NO one does a better vegetable plate. I was so happy to make it here this week. The veggie plate is superb every single time I have it. The plate is seasonal and rotating! It has been over a year and it was so good to be home! Be sure to order the kid’s Mac n Cheese. No shame.
Brew, Vanilla Latte with Almond MilkDom’s upside down donuts, Cinnimon Sugar and Asiago bagels with cream cheese… and always a plain bagel with butter Esteamed Coffee: 4 hot chocolates please!Mint Chip from Ashworth DrugsProvincial: Broccoli, Whipped Potatoes, Zucchini, Brussel Sprouts, Rice, Carrots, and Kids Mac N Cheese 😋
Raleigh Rants
The best food I had this week was at Wye Hill Kitchen and Brewing. I kid you not, you must go for the most delicious BBQ fries and beer cheese you will ever have. I know, you’re suppose to go for the beer and the views, but I urge you, ALSO go for the fries and their amazing sangria too. The outdoor seating was impeccable, with several heaters, so this cold wimp, was just fine. I can’t wait to go back again! Maybe I’ll get my Raleigh Beer Trail passport stamped next time!
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Thanks to my daughter’s gymnastics meet, I got to travel to a South Carolina beach, in January! I have to admit, my Covid fears are mostly centered around being in an inclosed space, CLOSE to many unknown people not wearing masks. Being a spectator to this meet gave me the chills. Fortunately for me, I was encouraged to drop her immuned-self off with her coach, while I kept a virtual eye on her from the hotel. This is the kind of gym mom I was meant to be. She had a great time, receiving several medals, and I provided donuts and views. This cute donut shop called Peace, Love and Little Donuts had really funky fun toppings.
North Myrtle, SCPeace, Love, and Little Donuts (oreo, salted pretzel, fruity pebbles, chocolate sprinkles, Banana split, m&ms, strawberry cheesecake, coffee cake, Reeses, Samoa, apple pie, s’mores)
That was quite a foodie week! Now, I have to detox…but Triangle Restaurant Week is upon us! I better get to running laps!
Let’s take a virtual culinary trip to France. Pour a glass of Shiraz and grab your Le Creuset…
Trader Joe’s Pacific Peak and whatever is clean and ready to use will do the trick too.
Palais Longchamp 2019
Confession: I rarely ever follow a cooking recipe.
The down side to not following instructions, like we were taught in 1st grade, is that I have never been able to rate a recipe online…. because I didn’t actually follow it. I also can’t really share recipes because I’m always like… Here’s my FAMOUS MEATball recipe, but DON’T put meat in it. (It’s not that bad, but kinda!) Nevertheless, there is a good thing about recipe rebelling. I am super flexible in the kitchen so I can whip up just about anything and…I can make most recipes deliciously vegetarian.
I am not willing to declare myself an AMAZING cook. What does it even mean to be a great cook? Heck, if I know. We’ve all been to restaurants that others LOVED but we hated it. It all comes to personal taste, I guess. What I do know, is I love food and my family’s consistent requests for me to keep on cooking, is flattering. When the kids voluntarily cook WITH me so they can learn their favorite meals…that means I am doing something right!
So.. I share my menus, occasionally, only for inspiration and a little escape. I don’t think I would ever enjoy recipe blogging. I am very, very, very, bad at giving out FOOD instructions. My poor kids will tell you how true that statement is. So many times they’ve asked questions like, “Mom, how do I cut the potatoes?” And my answer is usually… “The way you’d like to eat them!”
For me, the written recipe is the jumping off point. I adore those who can give recipe instructions so beautifully and eloquently. Thank you!
Menu:
Sometimes, we cook to escape.. and so we escape to France for a mostly meatless Monday menu.
Ratatouille, Veggie Quiche, Ham and Swiss Quiche, French Bread, French Cheese Board, Soufflé, Red Wine
Ratatouille:
This is my base guide for ratatouille. It is described as creamy and smokey because of the heavy cream and paprika. I am very visual, so seeing pictures and videos helps me envision recipes. I love that this recipe includes both!
Recipe Rebel Edits: I didn’t have any eggplant, so that’s not part of my dish. Instead, I doubled upped on the zucchini and yellow squash. Wine was subbed for the sugar… I adore a tomato/wine sauce. I didn’t use heavy cream because the parmesan was enough creaminess I craved.
Vegetables vibrantly served!
Quiches:
Anytime we have guests over, I make quiche. It’s a little fancier than just scrambling some eggs for breakfast. This recipe is a great one for after the holidays so you can use some left over ham. Sometimes, I make individual quiches from the recipe by putting the mix in muffin tins. The kids love this personal take! Here is the base guide recipe for both quiches I made for our French night.
Rebel Recipe Edits: Since I don’t eat meat, I made two quiches to accommodate. I don’t ever add the Italian seasoning from this recipe. For the meat eaters, the ham and Swiss quiche recipe was followed pretty closely except I added Gruyere cheese (and no Italian seasoning). I indulged in a veggie quiche which was made of left over ingredients I used from the ratatouille. For my veggie quiche, take out the ham and Swiss cheese, (and Italian seasoning), then replace those ingredients with double cheddar cheese and about a cup of zucchini, spinach, and tomatoes (combined).
They say they are meat eaters, but my veggie quiche is always the first one gone!
Soufflés:
Opposite to cooking, I don’t ever waver from baking recipes (unless I am doing a testing or comparison). Don’t mess with the sweets!
In 2008, I spent Christmas with my family in Versaille, France. We had the privilege of eating at Gordon Ramsey’s Au Trianon Restaurant. I instantly became obsessed with his soufflé and chocolate fondant recipes. There have been many many winter nights that I have whipped up one of the two recipes for comfort. These treats are always a perfect end to any meal and any day! Several years ago, someone gifted me Gordon Ramsey cookbooks, where I get these recipes from. I found them online, picture-less, but they are spectacular.
Gallivanting around Sir Walter’s city usually takes the edge off of my wanderlust itch and makes me feel great about supporting local. Raleigh is near and dear to my heart because I spent the greatest college days at both Meredith College and NC State. Seeing my city flourish and consistently recorded on “Best Places to Live” lists, makes me proud. This city has gone through its fair share of struggles during the pandemic but, it is still thriving. This week, I took the 20 minute drive from Cary to continue discovering new gems and revisiting old favorites. A few highlights…
Stop For A Drink At STIR
Stir it up, little darling, and satisfy your heart’s desire with amazing craft cocktails and a side of ceviche. It’s a laid back scene so you’ll find a diverse assortment of comfort foods to warm you up during these cold days and maybe you will hear Bob Marley playing in the background. They offer food and beverage kits to-go and provide a heated patio, so, overall, it’s a win win!
Whiskey Bramble
Pizza at DeMo’s
Staying true to my resolution, pizza reviews have commenced. All reviews are based on a plain cheese pizza. If you can’t get the basics right, then what’s the point. This Raleigh pizza joint will be high on my final list. I am in love with the tangy but sweet sauce and crunchy but chewy crust combination. I’m all about that New York attitude and DeMo’s shines with it in every slice. Also, have you tried their cheese fries?!
Raleigh’s North Carolina Museum of Art
If you’re feeling bored or get “kicked out” of the house, like I did, the NC Museum of Art is a cool place to hang… by yourself with 7 security guards. Guess it’s just me that gets kicked out of the house.
I love this museum venue for many reasons. It’s got an artsy walk path outside, the Iris Restaurant has fancy food, and the museum hosts awesome movie nights and concerts at the outside amphitheater.
Obviously, many of those events won’t be happening for a while, but it was a nice change of scenery to take an art walk this week. If you go, reserve a free timed ticket for entrance. Be sure to buy those Golden Mummies exhibit tickets that begin in March.
Not. A. Soul.Maybe my favorite piece. Deception. Humanity.A mirrored light show!
Coffee Comparisons
This summer I read, The Tea Girl Of Hummingbird Lane and it made me give up my coffee addiction and jump into tea sipping. It was a good 5 months of being coffee-free. Then, I went to Panama. It was café con leches all day, everyday. When I got back to the negative 900 degree weather of NC, I found that just ordering a Panamanian bag of coffee and making it myself was exponentially better than searching for satiation elsewhere.
Still, there is something comforting about ordering a hot latte and secretly comparing it to a Panamanian cup when I’m out and about. While I was Raleigh roaming, I couldn’t help but warm my hands up with a try from these two yummy coffee shops. (Meeple’s Brew in Morrisville and Iris in downtown Raleigh)
Service is 💯 A teacher knows best.. I am sure a teacher decorated and instilled the 6 feet apart rule perfectly!
I thank my kids for kicking me out of the house and making me step away from my Brigerton Binge! How does one even have a conversation these days without talking about Brigerton!?
The word on my scandal papers is that as the the 1st semester of school came to an end this week for my kids, they got down with catching up on work. My daughter informed me she had a 26 in Spanish class because she couldn’t turn in her flip grid videos due to the terrible WiFi in Panama. Umm, excuse me?! My youngest revealed that he had missed 7 days worth of math lessons. Yep. Imagine my mood. So, in order to keep my calm and not be on top of the children like a pestering mother I am really good at being…I gladly took that drive up to Raleigh.
I am happy to update that I got a good little adventure while the kids caught up. My daughter recorded all those flip grid videos, including her Rachel Ray quesadilla recipe in Spanish, and sent them to her teacher. She bumped that 26 to an A. Littlest kid, well, he pulled some late nights, but he got it done and got it done magnificently, also earning an A.
A happy ending to our scandal papers! (Signed-Travel Ninja, not Lady Whisteldown!)
Travel Ninja 