Oh Summer...

As summer days are quickly coming to an end we should all hurry and enjoy the time that's left before we are all bundled up in our thick scarves and hats! Labor day weekend is here, grab your bestie and run off to the beach for a tan and the following day prep an unforgettable BBQ filled with laughs while snapping a hundred and one photos to share! Here are my top ten summer dishes, enjoy!!

1. Beef burgers with Caramelized Onions and Chipotle Mayo

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck or ground beef (80 lean 20 fat)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 ground black pepper
*optional swiss cheese (or any cheese you may like)
2-3 onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
6 buns
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
2 chipotle chiles from 1 can of chipotle in adobo
2 tablespoon freshly squeeze lime juice

Let's start on the sides first;

Chipotle Mayonaise:
Place mayonnaise, sour cream, chipotles and lime juice in a blender. Puree until it's all smooth and the chipotles are completely chopped. Pour in a bowl and cover tight, place in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Caramelized Onions:
Place skillet on medium-low heat, pour in oil and place in the onions stirring often. Season with salt and pepper until translucent adding in the sugar little by little allowing the onions to sweat, have patience with the onions and continue to stir for about 10-15 minutes. Set aside.

Burger:
Gently toss ground beef with salt and pepper, shape mixture into patties and place on grill

The finale!!!!
Place the buns on the grill toasting them a little, butter each bun then brush on Chipotle Mayo stack the caramelized onions and throw in a sliced tomato and few pieces of lettuce. Oh and on my burger I like to melt a piece of swiss cheese, but everyone has their own preference, either or burger is a slam duck!

2. Grilled Watermelon with Cheese

Okay so this one is quite simple, just a few ingredients you can throw on the grill and truly enjoy! Here it is; cut watermelons about 1 inch thick, you can choose either halloumi cheese or fresh mozzarella and throw those on the grill along side. Leave on there until there are grill marks, then place on a platter. Drizzle with extra oil, salt and pepper to taste and arrange some mint leaves. Bon appetit!

3. Caprese Salad

So besides the grilled watermelon I must admit my favorite salad of all time containing fresh mozzarella cheese is the Caprese Salad, so simple yet so light and incredibly delicious! You kinda can't get it wrong; ripe-vine tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Viola! How effortless is that!? 

Directions:

Layer alternating pieces of sliced tomatoes and mozzarella with basil leaves in between. Drizzle olive oil and season with salt and pepper. I'm telling you it'll be your new favorite salad!! Please go and try it...NOW! 

4. BBQ Chicken

What's a summer BBQ without the classic BBq chicken? It's one of the summer must-haves and a summer staple food. I usually take my chicken pieces (wings, breasts and thighs) and marinade it overnight in this sweet honey orange marinade.

Marinade mix:
1/2 cup of freshly squeeze orange juice (or tropicana if you have)
1/2 orange zest
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup olive oil

When you're ready to grill take out the marinaded chicken and allow to come to room temperature before throwing it on the grill. Turn the heat on medium-low and cover the lid on the grill, allow to cook for about 25 minutes or until it's cooked through. While the chicken is grilling get the glaze ready on the stovetop.

Glaze recipe:
4 tablespoon of butter (about 1/2 stick)
1/4 cup freshly squeeze orange juice (or tropicana if you have)
1/4 orange zest
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce


On the stovetop melt the butter and add in the glaze ingredients mixing well, once it all melts stir well and glaze on top of the chicken brushing each side flipping over every 3-5 minutes. Continue to brush the chicken until it's no longer pink.



5. Portobello Burgers

Now something for the vegetarians, but I promise you even if you aren't I bet you'll still love this recipe! I've found that I have actually prefered this versus the classic burger at times, truly satisfying!

Ingredients:
4 portobello mushroom, caps off
2-3 teaspoon grill seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
2-4 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup of pesto (store bought will be fine)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
4 slices of provolone cheese
burger buns
handful of arugula

Rub the portobello mushroom with a damp cloth cleaning off excess, in a small bowl mix the oil, seasoning, garlic, Worcestershire sauce and vinegar mixing well and brush on the mushroom before placing on the grill. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes, after flipping for the final time top with a piece of provolone cheese. In another small bowl mix in the pesto and mayonnaise and spread on the buns, top with portobello, arugula and a thick slice of tomato.

6. Potato Salad
It won't be summer without some classic potato salad!

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds of red or white potatoes, peeled
1 1/2 cups of mayonnaise
1 tablespoon of cider vinegar
1 medium onion, diced
2 stalks of celery, diced
1 teaspoon of salt
1/4 black pepper
5 hard boiled eggs, chopped
*optional paprika


Directions:
Boil potatoes for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are tender, drain and set aside. Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle go ahead and cut potatoes into cubes. In a medium size bowl mix the vinegar, salt, pepper and mayonnaise. Add in the potatoes, diced onions and celery, stir in the eggs carefully tossing in the ingredients well so you won't crush the eggs. Cover with a plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 3-4 hours allowing the flavors to blend. *Add in paprika.

7. Hot Dog

A few years ago I roamed the streets of Copenhagen and on every corner it seemed there were these frank trucks versus the traditional kebab I was use to in the streets of New York. I passed one and found it interesting, passed the second and was a bit more intrigued and by the third I was pointing to the picture of which frank I just had to try! This was what it looked like:

So I opted for number 20, the ristet hotdog! Boy was it surely yummy!!! Here's an upclose look:

Messy to eat but a sure delight!! A ristet hotdog comes inside a bun and is topped with pickled cucumber, crispy onions, mustard, ketchup and remoulade (which has become an addiction for me). So before squirting on that ketchup try these toppings and I'm sure you too will be hooked. 

8. Smoked BBQ Ribs

One word: YUM! Who doesn't love a good piece of BBQ ribs!?

Ingredients:

2 pounds baby back ribs

1/2 teaspoon ground thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon chile powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

Directions:

While your grill is heating it's time for some finger-lickin' good ribs! Remove the membrane from the ribs if the butcher hasn't already (I ask my butcher to do so to save me a step). Combine the paprika, chile, thyme, salt and pepper. Rub the powdered mixture on the ribs massaging it in well. Place the ribs on the grill, brush on the BBQ sauce and close the lid. Cook through for about 25 minutes until flipping over brushing the other side and cook through for an additional hour or so brushing on and flipping over every 20-25 minutes. 

9. Corn on the Grill

Ingredients:
6 fresh corn on the cob
1/2 cup butter
1 tablespoon white sugar
1/2 lime, juiced
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cumin
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoon hot pepper

Directions:
Heat the grill putting it on medium-high and spray the grate with oil. While the grill is heating up grab a small saucepan and heat the butter and garlic on low for about 5 minutes, don't let it burn so keep fire on low. In a small bowl mix stir together the cumin, sugar, salt and pepper, mix well and slowly transfer in the butter mixture along with the hot sauce and lime juice. Stir well making sure it's evenly blended, brush the corn generously with the garlic butter. Cook the corn until it's hot and tender turning over every 10-15 minutes brushing with the mix until cooked.





10. Grilled Salmon

Last but not least my favorite recipe from Ina Garten, Asian Grilled Salmon. Here's the step by step!

Ingredients:
1 side fresh salmon, boned but skin on
2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoon good soy sauce
6 tablespoon good olive oil
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

Directions:
Brush the rack on the grill with oil to keep salmon from sticking, while the grill is heating up mix together the the dijon, soy sauce, oil and garlic in a small bowl. Drizzle half of the marinade onto the salmon and allow to sit for about 10 minutes. Place the salmon skin side down on the hot grill for 5 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish. Turn the fish carefully with a wide spatula so it doesn't break and grill the other side for 5-7 minutes, the salmon in the center will be slightly raw but it will cook as it sits so allow it to sit rather than immediately cutting into it. Transfer the fish to a plate skin side down and spoon some of the marinade on top, allow to rest for another 10 minutes, serve.

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Ah finally we made it! I hope you go ahead and try some of these mouth watering recipes! Share your favorites, take a picture and leave a comment. Better yet, why don't you tell me some of YOUR summer fav's! I want to wish you all a fun, safe and amazing labor day weekend!!!! :) xo

Let's talk Emmy's!!

The Emmy awards are always a big deal, besides seeing who goes home with the famous winged woman hold an atom, I think the most exciting part would be 'who walks the runway!' Here's a look at some of the best-dressed down the red carpet.

Let's start!!!

Okay so can I say Julia Roberts will always be a pretty woman! Usually we see the long gowns on the carpet and I love how she took a risk and wore something short showing off her great legs! She's wearing a dark blue beaded dress designed by Elie Saab. I love how everything else was minimalist allowing the dress be the focal point. On the other hand, Kerry Washington is rocking something you either love or hate. At first glance I wasn't too crazy about it but the more I look at it I'm leaning towards the thumbs up! I feel like Kerry Washington MAKES the dress, she's totally owning that Prada!! But then again, there's nothing that would look bad on her! 

Another stunning beauty is Halle Berry, she's another woman I look at and wonder what the secret is as she obviously does not age! She looks amazing in her mauve colored chiffon gown designed by Elie Saab. The high slits showing off her killer legs was just the extra-peep of sexiness! The alluring form fitting dress Alexandra Daddario is wearing is by designer Reem Acra, I love how her make-up was movie star glamour, what gal doesn't love a bold red lip? The whole look was pulled off incredibly well.

Sofia Vergara's crisp Roberto Cavalli is definitely a show-stopper! I love how it hugs her curves showing off her va-va-va-voom bod! Go Sofia! Another woman who caught my eye was actress Uzo Aduba also known as 'Crazy Eyes' from my favorite show, Orange is the New Black. The red Christian Siriano gown was a sight to see, she looked absolutely ravishing!! I love her entire look, hair up, gold jewelry and plunging neckline made this exquisite beauty unforgettable.

Can we just take a minute and say how cute is Sarah Hyland!!! I love how this 23 year old played up her look and made it more fun. She's simply adorable in her white spaghetti strap crop top and orange skirt, the bun and clean makeup pull off this look making it young, classy and fun. Michelle Dockery was another one who came looking youthful and fresh! I love how she kept her look simple and pulled her hair back in a bun showing off her pretty face, she let the Prada dress do the talking as it showed her midriff yet staying chic and elegant. 

Claire Dane's is a classic beauty and as many times as we have all seen her on the red carpet I feel like she really can't do no wrong especially when taking on a risky creation. This Givenchy proves it again! I feel like not just anyone can pull off this red sheer lace dress with cutouts at the waist and paired with a belt. The necklace gives the dress a little oomph and overall she gets a big round of applause! Lizzy Caplan also gets a hearty applause in this gorgeous Donna Karen gown. She really must be a 'Master of Sex' as she can choose what compliments her body and make heads turn! It's sophisticated yet sexy at the same time, oh Donna Karen will you please make me one in my size!?



Last but not least, the couples who rocked the red carpet together! Zooey Deschanel and boyfriend Jacob Pechenik are all smiles, Harry Hamlin with wife Lisa Rinna look quite dashing and of course the dazzling duo Matthew McConaughey with elegant wife Camila Alves.

I've shared some of my favorites with you, now tell me who was your favorite on the red carpet? ;)

Turkish Lentil Soup

Tonight I was feeling for something light and delish, so I opted to make some Turkish soup! Real quick and easy, try it and tell me what you think. :)

All you need:
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 cup of lentil
1/2 onion diced
2 cloves of garlic minced
1 lemon (juiced)
1 tsp cumin
handful of cherry tomatoes, cut in half
4 cups of chicken stock
*optional hot pepper flakes

Directions:

In a pot on medium high add a tablespoon of olive oil, garlic and onions. Cook until the garlic is soften and onions are translucent. Add in the cumin and tomatoes, allow to cook for about 8-10 minutes. Throw in the lentils, stir well and pour in the chicken stock. Allow to simmer for 45 minutes giving it some TLC every now and then. Squeeze lemon and sprinkle a few pepper flakes and voila! Le diner est servi!!! Jouir!!! 

Garnish with a few slices of lemon and truly enjoy! 

Chicken Stir Fry!!

Hello there beautiful peeps! So today I wanted to go ahead and share another one of my recipes with you. Yeap as you see from the title above it's 'chicken stir-fry!' I have a dinner gathering so I'll be cooking for about 5-6 guests. Let's get started:

Ingredients:

3 boneless chicken cutlet cut into thick strips 

2 cloves of garlic minced 

1 large onion 

A small piece (about 1 tablespoon) of minced ginger 

1 red pepper cut into strips 

2/3 cup soy sauce 

1/4 cup brown sugar 

1 tablespoon of corn starch 

1 tablespoon of sesame oil

1 head of broccoli cut into pieces 

1 cup of carrots peeled and sliced 

**for a slight kick you can add some hot pepper flakes or siracha**

Directions:

Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar and corn starch in a bowl until it's smooth, mix in the ginger and garlic and mix in the chicken making sure it's covered well. Marinate for at least an hour (I did mine the day before).

Heat the sesame oil in a pan of medium heat and sauté the onions until translucent, throwing in the carrots and peppers after. When it's semi-cooked put on a plate & set aside. Pour another tablespoon of sesame oil adding in the chicken strips cooking well turning over to cook each side. When it's nearly cooked throw in the broccoli and cover for about 1-2 minutes so that the broccoli still has a good crunch to it and won't be soggy. Add in the other vegetables and pour in the liquid from the marinade and allow to simmer for 10 minutes before serving making sure the chicken is no longer pink. 

Serve on top of rice and dig in!!! 

Mediterranean Dinner

A friend of mine came to visit and so off to the kitchen I go...

To start off with I had made some delicious bruschetta which is a total fav of mine! I topped them off with some tzatziki sauce, sweet plum tomatoes and cilantro which was paired next to the arugula watermelon salad (mixed with cucumber and fresh mozzarella) drizzled with raspberry walnut vinaigrette.

The main course was a Turkish chicken stew mixed with peppers, carrots and eggplant! Oh how delicious!!! 

This was how everything was set-up:

Now of course this was washed down with wine infused with strawberries and mint! 

And for dessert, it was home-made walnut brownies with chocolate and butter pecan ice cream topped with whip cream and fresh raspberries!! 

Complete dinner! Stuffed bellies and biggest smiles! Work well done, to see the happy faces I'm completely satisfied! 

Random Late Night Thoughts

This so called 'dating' why is it so complicated when it can truly be so simple? The chase, the game, feelings, words, the play of it all? Doesn't it come to a certain time when all the bullshit games come to a stop? I mean I do get it, don't be too available, don't show you care so much, let there be some mystery, yadda-yadda...but can someone tell me when does it come to a halt? The one thing we as all humans want, free of cost, something so satisfying we all fight so hard to get yet seem to somehow complicate, the four magic letters formed in some hush-hush reality word; L-O-V-E. 

I'm not going to lie and say I've made it all so easy myself, but there's always reasons on why I am the way that I am. It's not like I want to, but I feel I put the wall up because of the actions I see. Words are important but what if the actions don't back them up, then what was said holds no value, right? Just like everyone else in the world I hide behind what I feel so that I don't endure that feeling of being heartbroken, so that I won't be vulnerable to someone who may misuse my emotions to their advantage, sometimes when I'm alone I can't help but daydream of my own fairy tale like the movies! Just like Carrie Bradshaw said "I'm looking for love. Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love!" It's just that simple, I have high hopes and believe in it, I have to! I see it like this; there were some wise, hopeless romantic directors out there whose produced some love stories that will forever live centuries to come, some will forever be known as ingeniously produced known as the classics, (what girl didn't fall for Audrey Hepburn?) and if there are other individuals out there who magically thought of these wildly insane heartfelt tear-jerking stories then that must mean people like that really do exist, and if there are people who can imagine a life filled with passion then just maybe we all have some hopes we can grasp onto, no?

No life is perfect so before anyone out there thinks I live in lala land let me stop you now. I know there are ups and downs, it's normal, the differences and hardships is what makes a relationship or breaks it and from there you can decide if it's really worth it...BUT I'm talking about that kind of relationship where you are each other's best friend, where love really does conquer all and there's a respect, a devotion, a bond, a solid connection where nothing can break you two apart. When your face is the first thing he wants to see in the morning and the last he wants to kiss goodnight, where he brushes your hair out of your face and stares at you a minute longer and you realize you're the luckiest girl! 

I have to believe that it's possible because if I do then in my world it WILL happen...I have to believe in it...if I don't then what's the purpose, right? We all can't go on living by just being obsessed with work and making money, hanging at bars with friends looking for those coping words of 'it's okay, it'll happen,' bumbling through life without a partner who makes us feel completely alive. We can definitely survive without someone by our side or perhaps even just have 'a' someone by our side, but then what's the whole point? In my perfect world of love there's no games, he says what he means and means what he says, he tells me how he truly feels and when I look in his eyes know without a doubt it's true, he makes my heart beat fast and slow all at the same time, he's spontaneous, thoughtful and surprisingly fills my apartment with peonies, calla lilies, roses that are red and white, calls me to tell me he misses me, texts to let me know how much I've been on his mind, he's dependable always, he always comforts me, supports my every desire, holds my hand and kisses them, we travel through the excitement journey of life together and  I'm swept off my feet by his grand romantic gestures...sigh...where are you? 

I dream of him often, I pray to God on a man I don't know or maybe I do, at this point I don't know where he is or who yet, but I feel he's close. I have faith in that whoever he may be, he's out there waiting to find me and he too is willing to take a chance and run away with me on our fairy tale and I promise from the bottom of my heart I will love you always and forever like no one ever has before.


On that note, it's late and I'm off to bed to dream of you, whoever you may be...

Curried Coconut Chicken

Curried Coconut Chicken!! Yummers!! Let me share this delicious recipe!! Must try (well if you love coconut!)

Here's the ingredients: (4-6 servings)

2 pounds of chicken breasts cut into cubes 

1-2 teaspoons of salt and pepper (taste*)

3 tablespoon of sugar

1-2 cloves of garlic diced

1/2 onion thinly sliced
1-2 chopped potatoes 

2 tablespoon of vegetable oil

2 tablespoon of curry powder 

1 can of diced tomatoes 

1 can of tomato sauce 

1 can of coconut milk

  

I get mine at the Asian market but any kind will do :)

Directions:

Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper and set aside. In a large skillet on medium high heat pour in the oil and curry powder, add in the onion and garlic. Stir well. Add the chicken tossing in slightly to coat with curry oil. Allow to cook for about 8-10 minutes, making sure there's no pink in the chicken and then throw in the potatoes.

Pour in the coconut milk, tomato sauce, tomatoes and sugar. Mix well and lower heat to medium low allowing the ingredients to mix and simmer well. Stir occasionally and allow to simmer for about 40 minutes. 

Give it some love and check on it every 15 minutes adding salt and pepper to desired taste. Top with white rice and enjoy!!! 

My Absence

In a moment life takes a turn and we somehow feel lonely, confused, frazzled and simply empty. A chain of events happened in a three week span in my life leaving me vulnerable, angry filled with questions only to have open responses with no definite answers...another year passed in my life where there should be laughter, champagne and a bright eyed girl cheering in celebration blowing out the candles on her cake, instead I felt the complete opposite, I sat in a room still, the silence seemed to be my only friend as I fought hard to keep the tears from drowning me. I felt lost as if my last breath was escaping me, my vision blurred by the waterfalls pooling in my eyes pouring from my soul as this was the day that my dad was buried...a final goodbye I can't say...

We all get up every morning stretching as we yawn wishing for just ten more minutes in bed, slapping the dreading sound of the alarm as it goes off, rubbing our eyes, wobbling down the hall to the bathroom proceeding with our human duties. Some of us brew a pot of coffee and prepare breakfast as others don't seem to learn as they always remain running around crazed in the apartment rushing out the door hoping not to be late, today. We continue on our daily routines glancing at our watches making sure 'all is on time' so we can have everything done on a timely basis, the tricky part is there is never enough time in the day! (how many of us said that?) As the sun sets and bellies are full from the hours spent in the kitchen or the quick pick-up delivery bags we finally snuggle in our beds to only do the same thing tomorrow. But here's the thing; what if we didn't see tomorrow? How would we live our lives today's? Our right now's? 


There's this mysterious question to life we all strive in depth for the perfect response, hoping to get 'IT' right missing the point...

In my opinion, what I have learned from this experience is that I don't live enough, I always say I'll do this or that next time, or wait until I have a certain amount of money saved up, I ponder what if I get injured? What if I look silly, what will people possibly think? I take on the stress and headaches for my boss yet don't see compensation in appreciation. I can't jump in the leap of faith in love because I always wonder 'what if' and not having the answer or solution seems to drive me away because as humans in the end it's all the same, fear of opening yourself like a book you can read and the person who turns the pages are in control. Geez a mountain of things I don't do because of fear, and if I'm afraid how can I fully live?

So I'll end it like this; I don't know who it is that reads this or if anyone has or will but I'm genuinely saying this from my heart, be kind to others, spend time with the people who value and appreciate you, treat yourself with so much love, forgive, ask for forgiveness, laugh until your stomach hurts, kiss with passion, love like your hearts never been broken and don't hesitate to pick up the phone even if the only thing that comes to mind is 'hello' action speaks volume and what my dad has taught me is to live it! Don't watch your life pass you, let go of grudges and do what truly makes you happy. We only have one life to live...

Ready for the V-day love

So, it's the countdown to Valentine's Day! Some either LOVE it while others hate it. Whichever way you're feeling I say celebrate it! Whether you’re in a relationship or not grab your sunglasses, put on your shoes and head out the door! If you have a significant other do something with a little more oomph of romance! If not that’s okay too, share your fabulous dazzling-self with friends, siblings, your mom or take it as a day off! Enjoy and treat yourself, you’re totally worth it!! No matter what your status may be I've listed some fun things to do to make your February 14 entirely pleasurable!!!

For Couples:

• Since Valentines Day falls on a Friday, why not make a weekend of it? Plan a romantic getaway, a small trip a car drive filled with you two singing all classic love songs (can I suggest, 'Can't Get Enough of your Love Babe' by Barry White.) Experience a new place together, create new memories and fall in love all over again. 
• Cook a romantic dinner! That's a classic favorite of mine!! I mostly do the cooking so when I'm being catered to in the kitchen it's a sweet treat, it doesn't matter how 'good' of a cook you are; thought and presentation is key!! Don't try anything fancy if you have a hard time in the kitchen, (can I suggest spaghetti and meatballs?) remember it's the thought that speaks volume! As the night settles in after a great meal and some wine has been devoured just imagine what's next! ;) 
• A day of Pure Romance: sometimes we all get so caught up in our busy lives that we forget to take a minute out to appreciate, admire and take a moment to truly show affection. Wake up with your sweet darling by your side, look at them (don't stare in a way that might scare them first thing in the morning) caress their face and place gentle kisses on them. IF they wake up greet them with 'why you love them' or 'what made you fall in love with them' IF they don't wake up quietly make them breakfast with a rose aside or something just as sweet and unexpected. After cuddle up in a fuzzy blanket and allow the heat between you two arise. 
• Make an exotic lunch together, both partaking in the responsibility. Take a stroll in the neighborhood, park, beach, somewhere where more memories can be created together. Hold hands, kiss her forehead, embrace him tight, whisper sweet nothings, have your breath brush against the nape of her neck, stare deep in eyes and kiss his nose. Show appreciation, its the kindest most sweetest gesture, when you love someone you do all sorts of things from the heart and sometimes we forget to genuinely show our love in return. 
• Reenact your first date if it's possible go to the same place, reminisce the early days of your relationship, capture the magic that made you two fall in love. 

For Friends:

• Craft time!! Go to a painters workshop and BYOB! They have some in the city (if not create an event at your place) paint a canvas, or even a little piggy bank. Tons of fun and definitely entertaining! 
• Chow down at a favorite restaurant, think about it you can eat as much as you like without having to be worried if your ruined your lipstick or if it's on your teeth. 
• Go to karaoke and enjoy some cocktails and perhaps even find a new favorite on the menu. 
• One of my favorite things to do is exchange a DIY gift, have a few bottles of  red and white, a stack of romantic-comedy, a delicious meal prepared at home along with sweet treats homemade of course! 

For Mommy Dearest:

• Book a mani and pedi! Just spending the day together is quite special, there's nothing like hanging out with mommy dearest.
• My mom and I are MAJOR sweet-addicts so we enjoy taking a stroll around the city, having a cup of coffee finding hidden gems of mouth-watering bakeries that have the most delectable pastries!
• Shows! There's nothing like a good Broadway show and a great meal to follow.
• SHOPPING!!! My mother is my most favorite person to shop with! 

Self-Date:

• If all else fails and you're all alone that's more than okay too! Take a day-off and relax, treat yourself, this is YOUR day. Indulge, dine, unwind...
• Book a one hour full body massage 
• Treat yourself to facial at the spa 
• See your stylist and get a cute 'do
• Get lost in a inspiring novel, while you do all the above! 

February 14th Valentines Day or not, we should all express love. It doesn't matter what kind of relationship you're in just show gratitude of appreciation, spread positive attitude and remember as cliche as it is, 'love' conquers all. When it's true and genuine hold on to it because when 'one' loves you fully it's something much more magical than you imagine. Happy Valentines Day and go live life, laugh until your stomach hurts and fall in love like you've never been hurt!!

I'll try my best to post some yummy dishes and treats very soon before the V-day! Sending you all so much love!

xo,

Em

Roast Beef anyone?

So besides the obvious things all women love in regards to fashion, I am a total foodie at heart! Whipping up recipes or trying to invent new ones is not only a way I totally relax but something I do quite love especially when it's time to chow down!! The looks on my loved ones faces is what makes all the hard work worth it!! So the menu consisted of just peoples 'cravings' and so I went...to the kitchen I go!

Round Beef Roast! 

Baby Potatoes!

And something with Spinach!!!

Let's get started:

I ended up taking my roast & searing all sides after generously seasoning it with salt and pepper, then inside the 325 degree oven it went uncovered for 2 hours. 

While that was cooking up I made some  onion and mushroom gravey which I love!

That was rather quick and I still had so much time to spare, on to the next craving...baby potatoes!! Since these are much faster cooking wise I figure I would toss them in some fresh minced garlic, thyme and rosemary with a touch of butter (as butter has a magic way of making everything taste better!) I joined that with the roast and let that sit roughly for 40 minutes. I'm obsessed with garlic and roasted is my fav! 

Lastly my spinach! I decided I would go ahead and make some spinach pies, I already had the phyllo dough handy. I sautéed some onions until they were translucent, squeezed as much water out of the spinach as I could and joined the two ingredients together. I transferred the mix in a large bowl adding one egg and 2 tbsp of Parmesan cheese giving that a really good mix! As I set the bowl aside the phyllo dough was my next task, which to be quite honest was a bit frustrating (here and there). It's been awhile since I made spinach pies and I forgot how fast phyllo dough dries, with that said you must move rather quickly. Peeling off one sheet at a time buttering it all down lay five-six sheets on top of each other before placing the spinach mixture on top. Fold to your desired triangle shape and as you guessed, in the oven it goes! It worked out well really because all items were temperatured at 325 degrees so didn't need to adjust, it's just the timing you need to keep an eye on. The pies took an hour, I dalloped some sour cream next to it on a plate and kept it rather simple. 

Here's the results:

I hope you guys try it and enjoy! Eat well and please share some of you favorite recipes or 'cravings' at the moment. 

Chilly day, let's have some Beef Stew!

On these fine wintery days I always say a nice hearty stew will do the trick! Come try it out! Let me know how you enjoyed it :)

Ingredients:

3 pounds of Chuck Roast cut in cubes

1/4 flour

3-4 tablespoon of olive oil 

1-2 pounds of Potatoes peeled & cubed

4 Carrots peeled and cut in fairly same size of meat and potatoes 

2 Onions cut into fairly same size of veggies and meat

1 cup of mushrooms 

2 medium sized Plum tomatoes diced

1/4 Tomato Paste

2 dry Bay Leafs

3 cups of Beef broth (keep 1/2 cup on side if need more)

3 stems of Thyme

1 cup of Red Wine 

1 cup of Baby Peas, thawed

Salt & Pepper for taste

Directions:

1. Dry the meat in paper towel before frying in the pot with olive oil, here's a tip* allow the oil to get really hot, if you see smoke that's a good sign, put the meat in but don't overcrowd. Season with salt and pepper. Sear each side allowing it to get to a good brown color, then set aside on a plate.

2. To the same pot add in the onions allowing them to a get a little color, then the potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, mushrooms, salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables get some color.

3. Stir in the flour, mix very well, add in the tomatoe paste, stir getting all the bits in the bottom of the pot, add in the wine. Next is the beef broth, bay leafs and thyme, bring to a boil. 

4. Next add in the browned meat and reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and cook for 2 hours, but check on it every now and then giving it some love, stir around in pot.

5. After the 2 hours remove the lid and turn up the heat to medium, taste it add in salt and pepper if needed or if you would like more beef broth. Adjust to your liking! Then add in the peas cook for about 2-3 minutes. 

6. Serve with white rice or fresh bread! Delicious!!! Enjoy and eat well! :)

Great Deals on Cashmere/Foods!

So MLK weekend and there's always tons of great sales around! If you keep your eyes and ears open you can get the best deal! This is no time to wear those fancy pumps but a pair of comfortable uggs and get ready to dig in with the crowd of crazed women who are getting their hands  on these lovely cashmere sweaters!! Lowest price at $108 to $298 and get this: this weekend there's a whopping 70% off!!!!!! Where is this grand sale happening you ask, nowhere else but: Bloomingdales!!

And if that wasn't enough take advantage of the additional 15% off!! I'll attach the coupon barcode below: 

I hope you all have a great time shopping! Don't forget to stop on the 7th floor at 40 carrots for some of their delicious low-fat yogurt that's just totally addicting! Happy shopping!!! 

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Now here's the second part of the good deals! Where's the place to go for fresh seafood, sweet treats, Horlick and bubble taro tea? No other place but Chinatown!! Not only is Chinese New Year coming up but they are having all sorts of special goodies and beautiful decor that's astonishing to just even look at and explore! China town if you haven't been is definitely a 'must' to stop by. You can have lunch for less than $5.00! Want dessert on the go? You have tons to choose from starting at just .80 cents!! Grocery shopping is always fun (smelly a bit) but you do get your money's worth! Salmon fillets, flounder, fresh crabs and lobsters and if you really want there's even shark available! (To each it's own! 😐) the butcher is there ready to serve you, pork, chicken, beef and everything else in between. But don't worry there's also cooked meat if you're no chef or just want to eat it now! Check out the photos below: 

A place for sweet treats, sandwiches or just a quick bite, stop by Tai Pan Bakery! 

Hope you're all having a lovely weekend! All smiles! 😁