Can you believe that it's New Year's Eve?! I feel like the holidays, and year in general, have just flown by! Since my hubby and I just arrived back in Cali on Sunday night, we decided to be low-key this New Year's. I'm planning on making some fun grub and drinks, breaking out some games and music, making a fire, and lighting our tree for one more night this year. While I admit that I'm not big on New Year's resolutions, I do think that we all operate differently in goal setting and accomplishing those dreams. I say, if setting a goal for the new year is the motivation that works for you to achieve your goals, go for it! Regardless of whether you're in the midst of completing a goal or are planning on just getting started tomorrow on the first day of the year, remember to take it ... [Read More]
Archives for December 2013
Ladies’ Night in NYC
Hello, hello! After having an absolutely fabulous trip in Jersey, I flew back to California yesterday. Luckily my travels went nice & smooth (which is always appreciated!), I caught up on some sleep last night, and now I'm getting settled in back home today. With all of the plans, people, and excitement surrounding the past few weeks, I feel like we have some catching up to do! Today I'm recapping a fun night with my girlfriends in NYC. Whenever I'm back in New Jersey, I always make sure to fit in time with my friends. Catching up and spending time with my girlfriends is important to me. This trip, my friends from college, Meaghan, Danielle, and Marla, decided to get together in New York City (They may sound familiar because I was lucky enough to have all 3 of them visit me ... [Read More]
A Look Back at My Favorite Posts of 2013
Merry Christmas everyone!! My holiday was awesome - full of lots of quality family time with my father-in-law and his side of the family on Christmas Eve, and my family today. I can't believe that Christmas is already over, but even though the holiday is technically done, we still have one more holiday celebration with my hubby's mom coming up. Lots of fun times! More on that to come... but tonight, I thought it'd be nice to take a look back at some of my favorite blog posts of 2013 as the year comes to a close. It seemed like a fun way for me to reminisce, and for you all to check out any blog posts you missed that you're interested in! :) So here we go: Adventure & Life Happenings -- Lessons I Have Learned as a USMC Wife Venice: City of Dreams The World’s Largest Ice ... [Read More]
Tips for Fitting in Exercise
When life gets really busy, it's easy to let your workouts take a back seat to the many other things you've got going on. But to me, I feel best when I'm exercising on an almost daily basis, so I make it a priority to fit in it even when I'm crazy busy. I've been in New Jersey visiting my loved ones for the holidays for over a week, and although I've had a lot going on, I've managed to exercise 6 out of the 8 days I've been here. Here are a few tips that work for me for fitting in exercise during especially busy times (or just in general!): Schedule it out. Be a planner! Every night when I've gone to bed while on the East coast, I think about my agenda the next day and where/how I could fit in exercise. I make a commitment to myself to just do it, and then I make sure to follow ... [Read More]
Sangria Date at Montclair’s Cuban Pete’s
Hi friends, Happy Friday! Long time no talk. I've been super busy all week enjoying the company of my loved ones, eating good food, fitting in workouts and working. As I've talked about before, I telecommute for my full-time job. So my office has been my parents' kitchen all week, but I'm off all of next week for the holidays. Some of the things I've been up to this week include.... *A family tradition of baking massive quantities of Christmas cookies at my grandma's house: [with my mom, sister, aunt and grandma] *Going to a martini bar with my baby sister & cousin, both of who turned 21 this year: *A lunch date with my boss at Veggie Heaven, my favorite vegan restaurant: Every time I'm in town, getting grub from Veggie Heaven is a must. They serve vegan Chinese ... [Read More]
Apple Dapple Pancakes & My Favorite Breakfast Recipes
I think that one of the reasons why I'm always cooking and creating recipes is because I had my mom and grandma as cook role models growing up. Both of them have always enjoyed spending time in the kitchen making meals for the family to enjoy. To us, food is love. You still can frequently find my 80-year old grandma in her massive kitchen, complete with 3 ovens, 6 burners, and plenty of counter space to work, cooking up a storm. Her first questions when you walk into her house are always, "Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?" We've learned to never go to her house already full. She's a persistent little lady, and even if you initially say no, it's almost guaranteed that you'll somehow wind up with a plate in front of you. Today I'm guest posting on My Own Balance (a blog I ... [Read More]