Author: Elena

Food: Why microwave at all?

Cooking, Life

When we were registering for wedding gifts everyone assumed that one of the first things we were going to register for was a microwave oven but to there surprise that wasn’t the case.  According to this 75% of people with lower income to 93% of people with higher income have microwaves in their households.  Wow! Those numbers are high.  So, why don’t we own one? Is it the cost? Our health? Environmental reasons? No not really its simply because we don’t need one.  There has been a couple of times that it seems that it would come in handy but for the most part its not a necessity for us.  When we have friends or family members come over for the first time they are usually shocked not to find one in our kitchen and are surprised when we tell them we don’t plan on buying one. My mother-in-law has even offered to buy us one and we turned it down.

The reason we don’t need one is because I usually do all the cooking at home so why would we need to reheat something in a microwave oven when we could use the pot/pan I cooked it in.  For leftovers we bring from restaurants it might come in handy but since I like to jazz things up a bit the food ends up tasting better being reheated on the stove.

The reason I bring this up today is because earlier tonight my hubby was looking for a snack in the pantry but since we don’t really have “snack” like food in there (no chips, no cookies, pretzels, etc…) he asked me if I could make some popcorn.  The normal American would simply throw a bag of popcorn into a microwave oven, set it, and take it out when the house begins to smell like butter and the kernels stop popping.  Since I just mentioned we don’t have a microwave I do it the old fashioned way my mom used to make it.  We had a microwave in my parents house when I was growing up but my mom always made it the same way.

Popcorn Recipe

  • 3 tablespoons of cooking oil
  • 1/3 cup of popcorn 
  • Salt to taste
  • Put the oil in a 3 quart or larger pan with a lid (make sure it has a lid that fits)
  • Pour in the popcorn making sure its only one layer in the bottom of pan
  • Cover pan and place it over medium high heat
  • Gently shake the pan allowing all kernels to get coated with oil
  • Keep shaking pan and slightly let some of the air get released from pan so that the kernels don’t get soggy
  • Once the oil gets hot enough you’ll begin to hear a symphony of popping coming from the pan 
  • Keep over heat and gently shaking (With all the shaking I’m sure your arm is tired)
  • Once the popping begins to slow down remove from heat
  • Don’t open the lid until it sounds safe
  • Once you’re sure they stopped popping place in bowl and add salt to taste and enjoy
If you want a similar recipe but a different technique please go check out this recipe.  I haven’t tried it for myself yet but next time I definitely will.  Her followers have also made suggestions on toppings that are worth a try.
Here is another site dedicated to popcorn or just google it.

The best part about homemade popcorn is not only the cost but that you can control how many calories it has depending on the toppings you add.  

Everyone tells me that once I have a child I will definitely get one but until now we haven’t had a need for it so I doubt we will ever have one.  I’ll keep you guys posted if we ever do.

      
My question for you today is do you have a microwave and if you do how often do you use it?  If you don’t why not?  How do you make your popcorn?

Life: Falling far from the tree

Health, Life

My mom was in town a few weeks ago for a trip I had been planning for her that she had no clue about.  I told her that for spring break I wanted her to come visit us so we could spend some time together. She relished at the thought that she was going to come to Southern Cali to spend time with her only daughter. Throughout my life my mom had mentioned that she had always wanted to go to the San Diego Zoo but never had the opportunity to.  I had recently spoken to my hubby about my mom’s desire and since his vacation didn’t get approved he thought what a wonderful way for me to spend my spring break.  He insisted that I take my mom not only to the zoo but somewhere else she might enjoy.  (See I told you he’s pretty wonderful.)  Once I went to pick her up at the half way point my dad and I had agreed on I told her that the following day we were going to go on a special trip but didn’t mention to her where we were going.  Once we got closer to our destination she began to get teary eyed as she told me once more that she had always wanted to go there.  We had a great time on our special mother daughter getaway.  I took her around to the zoo and around San Diego and we stayed at one of our favorite hotels.  The next day we came home but before we got here we stopped at the San Juan Capistrano Mission somewhere where she had never been to but she truly loved.

In the few days that we spent together I realized that as much as I say that my mom and I are nothing alike I’m only lying to myself.  I have always seen my mom as a very charismatic, intelligent, classy, elegant, and for lack of another word a true definition of a lady.  I mean I’m not the only one that believes it since that’s all I’ve ever been told by others.  Whenever I go visit my mom’s hometown in Mexico everyone attest to her fashionista ways, her grace, and her beauty.  I on the other hand have always lacked a sense of style, I’m heavier set (than she was at my age), I hardly wear makeup, I’m blunt (depending on the situation), I speak my mind, etc. etc.  How on earth can someone like me be related to someone like my mom?  I mean how far does the apple really fall from the tree? Well at least that’s what I thought until I began to look deeper.

What I lack in my mom’s fashionista ways I make up in other things I’ve “inherited” from her.  I am giving, caring, loving, unselfish, appreciative, kind, resourceful, creativity, patient, and have a passion for helping others. These are all traits that I believe I either learned from her or “inherited” from her.

Since I’m trying to “keep it real” here I’ll also tell you about things that I’m not so proud of getting from her.  Spending time with my mom has made me realize that a lot of my bad eating habits come from the way she eats.  Although she spent most of my childhood telling me to watch what I ate because it was going to affect my weight, she did not followed what she preached.  Another thing is the amount of excuses she makes for not exercising which up until recently I had done the same.  Now that I have learned that my eating happens to not have to mirror my parents I can begin to change them.  It was invigorating realizing that I might have learned these bad patterns from my mom but it was up to my to do something about it.  I may not be as fashionable as my mom would like me to be but I am truly grateful to her for all the other traits that I have learned from her and who knows maybe one day I’ll exchange my chucks for some stilettos.

If you want to read a great story that made me think about my mom please read this and let me know what you think. 

Argroves Manor Coffee Cake (Cake 7)

Baking, Cakes, Sweets

I’m going to begin by saying that this has been my least favorite cake so far.  

Things new to me: 
Stewing fruit  

What I learned from baking this cake:
When it looks like you’re mixing in too much fruit with the batter it probably is too much, I learned that the hard way. 

Like I said before I really didn’t care for this cake and neither did my hubby.  I think that the taste was affected by the amount of fruit it called for.  It made the cake soggy since everything sank to the bottom.  I was hoping that this blueberry cake would be tastier but I was disappointed. I didn’t share this cake with any of my family or friends since I did’t like it. 

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Money: On sacrificing

Life, Money, Savings

You might be wondering why I mean by sacrificing and you’ll understand it by the time I’m finished with this post.

As soon as I got engaged I began to plan (in my head) what I thought would be the perfect wedding. I began to dream about the cathedral veil, what cake flavors would be served and the flowers that I would see as I walked into the church.  With all the dreaming going on in my head I never gave much thought to what it was actually going to cost to accomplish all this.    My parents are of very modest means and could not help us in any way.  My in-laws are in a better situation than my parents but we couldn’t see ourselves asking them to finance our wedding either.  I hated the idea of asking any of my family members for money for our wedding like most of my cousins have done in the past.  There was no way I was going to have sponsors or padrinos for our wedding no matter how much my mom told me that they would help me.  If I couldn’t afford it then I felt that we didn’t need it.  Okay, the truth is that I didn’t realize that until much later when I became more financially savvy and put things into perspective. 
So why am I rambling on and when I’m I getting to the point? 
I’m rambling on because I want you to know that the hubby and I do not come from families that are financially well off but have worked hard for everything we have.  
The point is that if you really want to get your finances in order then you should be willing to do the work it takes to do it.  I’m just so tired of hearing people complaint that they don’t have the money to do things as they are sipping their cafe mocha from a fancy coffee shop and carrying their designer purse.  Come on people get it together.
I’m not asking people to be as frugal as us but simply to either stop complaining or do something about it.  It’s not about the amount of money you make but how much you are able to save.  People just need to be smarter about how they use their money and what they are willing to give up and sacrifice in order to achieve their goals.  
Looking back on the planning process one thing that I will never forget that my hubby told me as we were going back and forth about the wedding budget was, “If wedding are so important for women then why don’t they start saving up for it since they begin dreaming about them.”  When my hubby said this to me it floored me.  I began to think about it and I realized that as I sat there planning my perfect wedding I never took the cost into consideration something which I think we as women should start doing.   
Oh and by the way I didn’t have a cathedral veil, cake or flowers in the entrance of the church but what I do have is more money in the bank and a loving husband by my side. 

Life: Small steps to a healthier me

Health, Life

Remember this and this when I told you that I was committing myself to living a healthier lifestyle.  I had been doing a good job up until this past week when I had spring break.   I didn’t gain any weight but I lost very little and I didn’t exercise much, which throws off my training for the half marathon.  The great thing is that before I would have just given up and called it a win since I have managed to lose some weight, but this time I feel really pumped up and I’m looking forward to exercising harder this week to make up for last week. Wow, isn’t that crazy that the girl that hated to exercise and made up every excuse not to do it is actually taking matters into her own hands.  That’s right meet the new and improved me the one that is actually looking forward to jogging with the hubby this afternoon.

Another thing that I’m trying to improve on is my caloric intake.  I was trying to find a site that would help me keep track of my calories and I stumbled upon Fit Day.  This site is awesome because it’s helping me keep track of my calories, my weight goals, and my activities.  You should seriously check it out when you get a chance too.  They also have a very supportive community group that has different types of discussions ranging from exercising to nutrition.

Now that I’m watching my caloric intake I have to tell you some bad news, I’m only baking a cake once a month instead of once a week.  Yeah, I know it’s terrible news but I think in the long run it’s better for our overall health. Don’t get me wrong I’m still going to be baking some delicious treats,  I haven’t turned into a health nut completely, I’m just toning it down a tad.

One more thing that I decided to do is join the Pound for Pound Challenge.  I feel that this might motivate me even more to exercise.  There you go folks that’s my update on trying to live a healthier lifestyle one day at a time.

Do you know of any sites you can share with me to help me live healthier?

Life: Just the two of us

Kids, Life
Since we’ve gotten married it seems like whenever anyone sees us the first question they ask is when are you guys having kids?   I have the same generic answer for everyone which is not until I’m done with school.  Lately the pressure to have kids has intensified since three of my cousins are pregnant.  Two of them got married within three weeks apart from us.  Oh man did I feel the pressure this week when my mom was here for a visit.  She kept asking me and making comments about children.  

Yesterday my hubby and I got to hang out with our goddaughter and her mom, my hubby’s aunt.  We had a great time walking around with both of them.  My hubby was playing around with the 3 year old and all of a sudden I saw a twinkle in his eye which I first thought was just his allergies but upon careful observation I think my hubby has come down with a serious case of the baby fever.   Does anyone have a cure or a remedy for it I can get my hands on?  

I don’t want to sound like the bad guy here but I hope I don’t catch the baby fever that is going around well at least not yet. Its not that I don’t want children but more like I’m happy where we’re at right now.  I’m enjoying spending time with my hubby and really loving the married life.  I was never one of those girls that set an age to be married by or has a specific age to have children by.  I don’t hear a clock ticking like a lot of my friends and I think when we are both ready to have them it will be magical.  I love children and can’t wait to have them one day but for now I’m happy just being the two of us.    

Do you feel any pressure to have children or are you the one pressuring someone?

Sweets: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking, Cookies, Sweets

Once a month I try to bake something for my hubby and his co-workers especially on those days when I know they have a deadline. I’m all about rewarding their hard work.  I realized last year that if I was going to be sending baked goods to work with my hubby it needed to be something that required little effort for him to distribute.  I decided that cupcakes and cookies work better in an office setting since they don’t require plates, silverware, or any cutting.


My hubby’s favorite cookies are chocolate chip so this week I made him a batch from a new recipe I found.  My hubby loves my default recipe but I’m still on a quest for the perfect chocolate chip cookie so I’m try new ones.  Along with the perfect recipe I’m also reading up on different techniques that might help my cookie overall.  I have found out that letting the batter rest at least 24 hours before you bake it helps to create a chewier cookie.


Here is the recipe I used:

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

INGREDIENTS

1 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (8 3/4 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
14 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 3/4 sticks)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (3 1/2 ounces)
3/4 cups packed dark brown sugar (5 1/4 ounces) 
1 teaspoon table salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips or chunks (I used a mixture of milk, white, and semisweet chocolate chips)
3/4 cup chopped pecan or walnuts, toasted (optional) (I didn’t use the nuts)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. 1. Place the rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.  Whisk flour and baking soda together in a bowl and put it  aside for later.
  2. 2. Heat 10 out of the 14 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until its melted. Stir the butter with a wooden spoon constantly until butter is dark golden brown but don’t burn it.  Take the skillet off the stove and pour butter into a heatproof bowl. Stir the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter into the hot butter until completely melted.
  3. 3. Add both sugars, salt, and vanilla to bowl with butter and whisk until completely mixed. Add egg and yolk one at a time whisk until mixture is smooth with no lumps.  Let mixture stand 3 minutes, then whisk for 30 seconds. Repeat process of resting and whisking 2 more times until mixture is thick, smooth, and shiny. (I know it sounds lame but seriously make sure you give the batter time to rest.)  Stir in flour mixture for about a minute until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts (if using) but don’t over mix.
  4. 4. Cover batter and let it rest for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator.


    5. Spoon out about 3 inch balls unto cookie trays and bake 1 tray at a time for about 10-12 minutes.  I baked mine for 10 minutes and turned the tray 1/2 way through the baking process.  Bake until the cookies are golden brown and still partly soft in the middle.


    6.  Let them cool before serving but not completely because they are yummier warm.  Share with a loved one and with a nice cold glass of milk.


    Adapted from Cooks Illustrated.


    This recipe came out great and the cookies themselves came out perfectly.  The consistency of the cookies were a tad crunchy on the outside and chewy in the inside.   My hubby’s co-workers devoured the cookies and were asking for more.  I suggest you take a look at the original recipe because they give you great tips on how to make the perfect cookie.

    What’s your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe?    
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Life: Est. 2001

Life, Love

9 years ago today a boy took a girl on a date…

On March 26, 2001 a boy, who I thought was only my friend, took me on an unbelievable date.  We where both 19 years old at the time and working together at the “Happiest Place on Earth.  Little did I know at that time that this very quiet and shy boy would end up being my husband.  I should have known he was a keeper when a dozen long stem roses arrived at my house before our date began. The best part was that they weren’t cheesy red ones, in fact I don’t think he’s ever given me red roses.  When he arrived I was extremely nervous and I could tell his nerves were worse than mine.  We ended up going bowling first at a really old bowling ally that no longer exists. Once traffic died down (remember that we live in Southern Cali where traffic is horrible) we headed off to the Santa Monica Promenade where we walked around getting to know each other.  At this point I was completely intrigued with him and the manner in which he made me think.  We made the usual small talk but somewhere in between it we realized that our political ideals, values and morals were very similar.  This boy really made me think and I love that about him.  With the night fast approaching we headed off to Long Beach where he said he was going to give me a tour of the city.  He took me to Signal Hill where he showed me the spectacular view from up there, I was completely swoon. I was falling fast for this boy and I hadn’t realized it before. When he took me home I hesitated to go into my house because I was really enjoying talking to him.  Once I knew I had to go in my heart began to palpitate faster as I began dreading the kissing question.  Should I or shouldn’t I kiss him on our first date? Well needless to say I decided not to.  He gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek as he said good night.  This made me want to kiss him even more.  He later told me that he regrets not kissing me on our first date because he really wanted to.

Fast forward to 9 years later…
We are still completely in love with each other and he still makes me think.  In fact I fall in love with him more with every passing day and I’m glad that the boy took the girl on the date.  

Where did you and your significant other go on your first date? 

Life: On blogging

Life

Lately I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out what to post about next and haven’t found an ounce of inspiration. Not only do I lack inspiration but I have begun to question who exactly I am writing for?  I began this blog as part of an application for weddingbee and that didn’t get me anywhere.  I never heard anything from them so I just assumed that I was rejected.  Sadly to say I began to model my blog around different ones which had a lot more followers than I did. I’m grateful for those that follow me but seriously does anyone actually read my blog?  The last giveaway that I had flopped.  So, I have decided to do things differently around here. I’ve decided that having more followers is not what’s important to me but being myself is.

So, what’s going to change around here?

Me of course.  I’m not going to try to please a specific audience as much as I’m going to try to write from my heart.  I think this will work  better than attempting to figure out what people want to read about.  If I lose some followers along the way so be it as long as I’m keeping it real.

Hi my name is Eleyn and I love to blog.      

Life: Art+Online Shopping = Cute Stuff

Art, Life
One of my favorite wedding photographers, Max Wanger, has taken his passion for photography into a new direction.  About a week ago Max launched his new online shop where and uses this wedding photography to inspire t-shirts, prints, and postcards.  I swoon at the sight of his work and I’m sad that he wasn’t available to do our wedding.  You should really stop by and check his work out because he is only producing limited quantities of the shirts and for $35 (+ s&h) I think they are worth it.

Another noteworthy site you should check out is Poketo.  If you’re a fan of art and want to support upcoming artist you should check out the cute things they have on their site ranging from wallets, apparel, stationary, to homeware, etc.

Quantities are limited so check it out soon.  The wallets start off at $20 and shirts at $15.