The M Word

MARRIAGE

All this divorce and all this love in my life has put me on an emotional roll coaster lately. All the chaos in my family gets me so upset and then my boyfriend walks through the door and my emotions fly to the opposite side of the spectrum. I know first hand that love and hatred are complete opposites. Is it possible to hate someone after loving them and vice versa?

 Needless to say, I've had a lot of thoughts about the whole marriage thing. Having divorce so close to me has not made me second guess my personal relationship but it has made me think about marriage in general. You fall in love, wait until he asks you to marry him, and then you apparently live happily ever after. As if, marriage is the all mighty. It seems like so many people, especially girls, are waiting their whole lives to get married. Searching for their "prince charming" and then when they finally find him, they wait a certain amount of time and then expect a proposal, for marriage. There's also a time limit, in some cases, for how long one will wait for their significant other to pop "the question". If their boyfriend asks sooner than a year, is it too soon? Do you look at a couple sideways if they have been together for years and still haven't gotten married? Is it an ultimatum if your lover doesn't want to get married?

An activity in school many years ago comes to mind. Throughout grade school I was in an Extended Learning Program. A classroom where all the "smart" kids would go once a week. (My older brother always told me I only got into the program because the teacher loved our family however, that's beside the point).The agenda one day was to build a society. Imagine a group of third or fourth graders playing God or acting as "The Government". I was given the task to decide the underwater society's rites of passages. I think I finally decided on boys having to hunt some sort of fish or something along the lines. However, the relevance of the story is that I remember my teacher trying to provoke my thinking by asking me what the boys would wear and who would be involved. I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that I was deciding this. I just wanted to say, they'll do whatever they want to do, who am I to decide how they will act. I remember looking over at the table next to me and was extremely envious of the girl who had the wedding ceremonies. Again, I couldn't comprehend why they would do anything different than what we did for our weddings. No white dresses or flowers. No wedding parties and cakes. This is when I realized that we didn't do these things because that's the way of life, we did them because someone decided it for us. 

I currently work at a very high end hotel. The people I interact with on a daily basis are the elite and among the highest class in the world. I have seen the biggest and fanciest wedding rings. One certain occasion made me do a bit of self reflection. Two ladies came in. Beautiful in every way. They had model legs. They had long, perfectly curled hair, plump lips, gorgeous bathing suits and were ordering bottles of Rosé. All I could think about was how jealous of their wedding rings I was. I was jealous of how big they were. How great it must feel to place those "rocks" on their fingers every day. It must make them feel more confident, more beautiful. They probably flash it to everyone, every chance they get. Then I met their husbands. I'm not saying that they don't have great marriages or great husbands. However, after meeting these men and seeing the bigger picture, I realized I have everything they have, in regards to their wedding rings. Maybe I don't have a ring on my finger but isn't the ring meant to symbolize love? And love I have. The size of your diamond doesn't matter. I have an amazing man and amazing love in my life. Having a bigger ring doesn't make your love bigger or your man better. It doesn't make your life more fulfilling. We live in a society where a man is told to find the hottest wife possible and get her the biggest diamond possible. One of the first questions people ask a newly engaged woman is what size the ring is. 

Why are so many people just trying to do what society tells us to do? What the government tells us to do. What God tells us to do. Religion plays a huge part in the wedding ceremony. Many religions and cultures believe that you can't move in with your significant other until you are married. Why? Because that is what someone, the government, religion, culture, or belief system decided. Most people don't even question or begin to discover why. They just do and believe what they are told. Marriage has become a business. One again, the government and greed have taken over part of our lives. They control our perspectives of marriage. Marriage has lost it's beauty, it's love. 

I am not against marriage or anything associated with it. I am however against the reason why so many women are trying so desperately to find someone. I hope to, one day marry the man of my dreams, my best friend. (Yes, I have already found this amazing man). I love him so dearly and want to spend the rest of my life with him.  I want to marry him to celebrate our love and for our dear and true friends and family to celebrate it with us. I want to wear a ring on my finger just like I want to wear a smile on my face, so that everyone who sees me, knows how incredibly happy I am. 

The reasoning for me writing this is to hopefully make people think about why they want to get married. You are still the same person whether you are married or not. Your life may be different after getting married but the question is why it is different. 

From Wikipedia:

Marriage (also called matrimony or wedlock) is a social union or legal contract between people called spouses that establishes rights and obligations between the spouses, between the spouses and their children, and between the spouses and their in-laws. 

 It is often viewed as a contract.

Historically, in most cultures, married women had very few rights of their own, being considered, along with the family's children, the property of the husband; as such, they could not own or inherit property, or represent themselves legally (see for example coverture). In Europe, the United States, and a few other places, from the late 19th century throughout the 20th century, marriage has undergone gradual legal changes, aimed at improving the rights of women. These changes included giving wives a legal identity of their own, abolishing the right of husbands to physically discipline their wives, giving wives property rights, liberalizing divorce laws, and requiring a wife's consent when sexual relations occur. Many of these changes, however, remain restricted to Western countries.

In his book The History of Human Marriage (1921), Edvard Westermarck defined marriage as "a more or less durable connection between male and female lasting beyond the mere act of propagation till after the birth of the offspring."

Pickled Apples

Pickled Apples

1/2 Apple Cider Vinegar

1/2 Water

2 teaspoons salt

Bring to Boil. Pour over sliced apples. Add a few whole black peppercorns and a few dashes of cinnamon. Let cool, place in fridge for 24 hours. Enjoy with cheese and wine. : )

We recently went to a little wine bar fairly close to our house on Sunset called The Mercantile Wine Bar. After trying a few white wines (the boyfriend hasn't been able to drink red after getting sick off of a bad wine, it happens to the best of us) we finally decided on an organic Sauvignon Blanc. We planned on ordering a cheese platter as well until I discovered the grilled cheese. "YOU of all people want to order a grilled cheese". I knew that question was going through his mind by look he gave me. It's true, I usually stay away from menu items like this one. Not because of all the fat or trying to be a skinny "L.A. girl" but because of how unhealthy it is for you. White bread, processed cheese, oil, etc. However, this specific grilled cheese seemed like it was made for the two of us. I responded to his silent question by saying " babe, let me read the description to you and I know you'll have to try it". Of course, I was right. He could't argue. After ordering at the bar we sat down at our cozy table. Brick walls, candlelit table, mason jars, french style bistro tables, cheese and meat counter. The yelp reviews described the place similar to that of a West Village wine bar. Being from New York, this yelp review sold my boyfriend on checking the place out. Our plate of goodness came. Grilled Cheese w/ aged cheddar, gruyere, parmesan, roasted jalapeño, tomatillo jam, sourdough bread and tomatillo soup. It was Mercantile magnificent and everything we imagined it to be. Also on plate, which wasn't written in the menu description were pickled apples. We were both a little hesitant to try it since we had no idea what it was. It had a taste I wasn't expecting. It looked like either a pear or apple but tasted similar to a pickle. Eaten alone wasn't the greatest however, eaten with a bite of grilled cheese was the key. The flavors went so well together.

I recently blogged about my spicy pickles. The same day I had leftover "pickling liquid" and remembered these pickled apples we had enjoyed weeks prior. I sliced up some apples, poured the vinegar, water and salt liquid over them, added black peppercorns and a tad of cinnamon. They came out better than the restaurants version. Made me very happy and my boyfriend commented on how it seems like there isn't anything I can't make. This isn't true but I'm willing to try anything. The cinnamon made them more versatile in the sense that we would eat these with more plates than just grilled cheese sandwiches. Absolutely trying them again.

Bee Pollen

Yes I am obsessed with honey. Everyone who knows me knows this. However, I'm not sure if they know why I'm so crazy for it. It's not the taste of honey that I love so much, even though it is very yummy, it is what honey can do for you that I'm am so fascinated with.

I'll have to write a blog about honey soon. This blog happens to be about bee pollen. I need everyone to put my honey obsession aside and realize that I'm not eating bee pollen for any other reason except that it is insanely healthy for you. It has an acquired taste that I'm not too fond of but the benefits outweigh the taste bar-none. My boyfriend's friend came to Hollywood to visit us recently. He is extremely health conscience. After fighting cancer a few years ago he was determined to get his health under control. With my health background we started talking about everything from dairy to nutrients to cheese and meats. We talked briefly about honey and he mentioned bee pollen.

My boyfriend and I were at the Farmers Market over the weekend and of course stopped at the honey tent. Bee pollen was the first thing I noticed and I remembered our friend mentioning it so I thought I'd give it a try. As soon as I got home I started researching how to use it. I thought I was looking for tips and recipes and didn't anticipate the information I would find. The back of the jar states to take 6-8 granules twice a day and increase each week until you are taking about a 1/2 teaspoon twice a day. Because of it being a food product and contains fat, it also needs to be refrigerated.

Everyone needs to start buying bee pollen. I repeat, start buying bee pollen. If you want to be healthier, buy it. If you have a health issue and haven't been able to cure it, buy it. Name a problem and bee pollen will cure it. These tiny little nuggets have so many positive benefits to your health. In case my credentials aren't convincing enough, click on the link at the bottom of the page to read more. There is also more information in the article that is not mentioned in my blog. If this blog, that I randomly decided to start, doesn't do anything for anyone except this single post convincing a few people to start eating bee pollen, I'll be satisfied. I'm a giver. I genuinely love knowing that I could make a difference in someone's life. No matter what it is, I've always been one to try to help people or make their lives better. Start eating bee pollen. Buy it for yourself, your grandma and your dad. Russian scientist, Naum Petrovich Ioyrish, chief of the Academy of July 26, 1997Vladivostok and author of Bees and People reported "Long lives are attained by bee pollen users. It is one of the original treasure houses of nutrition and medicine. Each grain contains every important substance necessary to life."

Studies after studies have shown proof that this "gold" can heal you."Bee-gathered pollens are rich in proteins, free amino acids, vitamins, including B-complex, and folic acid," writes Dr. Jospeh Mercola on his article "The Use of Bee Pollen as a Superfood."  Scientist have tried to imitate the pollen, but after giving a bee the fake nutrient nuggets, they died shortly after. Humans, with all the technology and science available, cannot duplicate what the bees can make. We have proof that it works so everyone should take advantage of this knowledge and improve their health. No other vitamin or single food item can do for you what bee pollen can.

It will help you lose wight by correcting your nutrient insufficiencies and thus stopping your cravings. It will also help you gain weight if needed. Bee pollen with increase athletic ability by making you stronger, taller and even help you live longer. Yes, bee pollen will make you taller. Yes, bee pollen will make you live years and years longer. Bee pollen will also treat allergies and stimulate ovarian function. The benefits are endless.

Bee pollen. Buy it, use it, share it, love it.

http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/10-amazing-health-benefits-of-bee-pollen



Mercola, J. "The Use of Bee Pollen as a Superfood." Retrieved June 2, 2013, from
http://www.mercola.com/article/diet/bee_pollen.htm

Spicy Pickle Recipe

My boyfriend and I absolutely love this recipe. I made them the first time after making a greek dinner (hummus, falafel, tzatziki, yogurt dressing) and had leftover ingredients. I didn't know what to do with my extra dill and cucumbers except make pickles.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Water

Salt

Cucumbers

Fresh Dill

Whole Black Peppercorns

Jalapeños and/or Serrano Peppers

Garlic cloves, cut in half

Fresh onions, chopped

First measure how much liquid you need by filling up your container half way with vinegar and filling the rest with water, leaving room for your pickles, about 3 inches to the top. Note: it's better to be left with too much liquid than not enough. Try to measure about half water and half vinegar but don't worry about being too exact. After measuring, pour the liquid into a small pot and add about 1 Tablespoon of salt. A little more or less depending on the size of your jar. Place on the stove and bring to boil.

Serrano pepper: spicier than
a jalapeño. 

While your liquid is heating, add everything else to your jar. You can either cut your cucumbers into spears or into slices. If I have a skinnier jar I cut slices but if I'm using a large pickle jar I cut spears and top with round slices. The amount of your added ingredients depends on how you like your pickles. I added one whole serrano pepper, about 5 black peppercorns, 2 cloves of garlic, about 1 Tablespoon of chopped onion and a handful of dill. You can't really mess it up. J If it's too spicy or garlicky for you, next time use less.





Once your liquid is boiling, pour the hot mixture over your cucumbers leaving about one inch. Tap the bottom of the jar to the counter to release any air pockets. Continue tapping until little or no air bubble are being released. Secure the top tightly and let sit for about an hour or so.


Once the jar is cooled, place in fridge for 24 hours. Do not open and let any air in for the next two days.

 After two days of patiently waiting, open your pickles and enjoy. : )

Our Love Story

The love story. My story. His story. Our story. 

We met at a bar. We met where everyone tells you it's impossible to meet your prince charming. I get it. However,  I seriously fell in love with this guy that I met at a bar. Our love story doesn't prove that you can meet someone in a drunken and horny environment. It proves that love is blind and love can happen at any time as long as you recognize it and allow it to enter your soul. I could have easily blown him off by listening to the little voice in my head lecture me about meeting someone in Old Town Scottsdale. I felt something different with him by the way he smiled at me, looked me in the eyes, and made me laugh like no one ever has. I can't remember what he was saying. Maybe it was the amount of vodka-waters in me, or that I had no reason to remember his words. However, I do remember how much he made me laugh. I remember the way he made me feel. We became engulfed in each other and the noise around us diminished.  In those two hours, on a crazy Wednesday night in Old Town, nothing else mattered. 

People are constantly interacting with each other. We meet so many strangers. Every day we encounter someone different. Even if it's just a smile given across the room, we all give off an energy and a feeling.

Love is when your soul leaves your body and become attached with another. Even when we physically leave each other, our souls are still dancing somewhere in the distance. When we can recognize this, we know we've met someone special. However, our souls can only thrive for so long before we focus our attention elsewhere. In order to maintain that special relationship, our minds and souls need to be intertwined so the relationship can flourish. Falling in love required a lot of faith and belief in ourselves and each other. 

After two weeks in Arizona, he flew back to home to  New York with only a phone number and a memory of a girl he met at a bar. We talked every day. Three months later I flew to New York to spend the weekend with him. I trusted myself. I trusted him. I knew that this weekend in New York would be like no other. My expectations were met. I experienced a new, exciting city, and discover a whole new world. The question was whether we would become great friends or fall in love. In those three days, I experienced both.  

I went to New York a week before his birthday. I wanted to show him I cared but couldn't think of any traditional gift that would do justice. I decided to buy him a card and expressed my feelings inside. I wrote that if he was reading the card, it meant I had fallen in love. On the way to the airport, I pulled it out of my bag and told him he couldn't open it until his birthday. I knew right then and there that I had fallen in love. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous to give it to him but I was confident that sharing my real feelings was exactly what I wanted to do. I gave him my heart for his birthday. 

After a nine month long-distant relationship we moved to Los Angeles and found an apartment together. We had faith and believed that this love was everything we both wanted and needed in our lives. We sacrificed a lot for what may seem like crazy circumstances. We are together today because we both equally believed that we should be together. It wasn't always easy but we always knew the importance of letting each other know how much we cared. We will continue to do so each and every day.  

Homemade Face Mask

I've never had an issue with acne before. Every now and then I'll have a zit or two while "Aunt Flow" is in town (I hate that "see you next Tuesday") but overall I've had pretty good skin. Then, I move to L.A. and bam, black head city! I'm not sure if it's the extra pollution in the air, the humidity, or the universe just f'ing with me, but I do know that I need to get it under control.

I wondered how many posts it would take for my honey obsession to be exposed. The answer is two.  I hate spending money on products that don't work. I hate buying products that have 20 ingredients no one has ever heard of. I am very frugal and very cheap. I hate chemicals. I am environmentally friendly and creative. I was raised by hippies. Home remedies are a must. And I have a honey obsession.

 HOMEMADE FACE MASK

HONEY

CINNAMON 

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Mix all three in a small bowl. Make sure it's apple cider vinegar and use very little. 

You want the consistency to be mainly the honey. Not enough vinegar will be too sticky but too much will make it all run down your face. 

Put about 5-6 coats on. Just keep applying it to your face until it's thick. You can't have too much.

Leave on for about 30 min. then rinse with warm water.

Don't get too close to your eyes. The vinegar burns.  

1. Honey is a natural antiseptic. It's also a humectant which means it will help keep you moisturized. The antibacterial components of honey will kill the bacteria while soothing and softening at the same time. 

2. Cinnamon will exfoliate your skin. Apply the mask in a circular motion and you will feel it gently scrubbing the dead skin away. Like honey, cinnamon also has anti- microbial properties that can stop the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Honey & Cinnamon together are unstoppable and have so many health benefits. 

3. Apple Cider Vinegar contains malic and lactic acids which help to soften and exfoliate your skin, reduce red marks and treat acne. It also tones your skin by balancing the proper levels of pH.

Keep the leftovers. I usually apply it to my face in the morning about once a week or when needed. You will notice a difference in your skin immediately. Lack of water intake is also a huge reason for acne so drink lots of it. 

My first post.

I recently moved to L.A. and am absolutely loving it. I've been here for only two and a half months and have already learned so much about myself. My personality and who I am is thriving here. It's a new life that I could have never imagined. I left all my friends, family and city behind. For what? I didn't really have an idea of what to expect I just knew that I wanted the chance to find out. I have found new energy on what life is about and how to enjoy it at it's fullest. I'll admit, I don't always have this much optimism.  There are days when I feel tiny in this face-paced city and I have to push myself back onto the conveyor belt. I often wonder if it's possible to make the same type of friendships I had back home. However, since being here, my passion for cooking has takin off; my design guru inside of me has come out to play; and I am in love. Life couldn't be better. 

I wanted a chance to share my life experiences with everyone who cares to follow. I'll share recipes, photos, school struggles and achievements, and of course, love stories. <------ yet not too invasive since "The" boyfriend prefers to keep everything private. 

As silly as it may seem, this first post idea came about because of an tasty and fun drink I just discovered. I've wanted to start a blog, since the move, in order to for my friends and family back home to follow my adventure. I tasted this drink and wanted to share it with everyone. Instead of sending a crazy text (I've been sending out a few too many) I thought it would be a great opportunity to start my blog. So enjoy every little post/story about my L.A. times including this watermelon, strawberry creamsicle drink :)

I bought a blender yesterday. The Ninja (post coming soon). Last night I blended watermelon, strawberries and a little mint. Very refreshing. Today after being at the school all day I came home starving and this juice was the fastest thing to save my stomach before turning into the hunger monster. So I added soy milk just to make it a little more filling. This is now my favorite little gem, at least for a day until I discover a new favorite. It tastes like a watermelon and strawberry cremesicle. And it's good for you! Trust me and try it! I'm sure it would taste good with any other milk but soy is my "go-to". Besides a homemade Breakfast Buzz, this is now my favorite thing to drink. I must try with other blended juices.