Zoo Date

My boyfriend and I went on a date to the zoo.  I wasn't having a great camera day.  My pictures continued to be blurry. 

 

We got there at lunch time, haha

 

This baby was too cute!  Swinging all over the place and continued to cuddle up to mom and dad.  At one point he hid behind dad and dad hugged him.  Oh my gosh, so cute!

 

I love swans!  And there were baby animals all over the zoo!  I think its the season to be twitterpated!  haha

 

After the zoo, we went out on the boat my boyfriend and his friends share.  It was so great to spend the night out on the boat.   Especially with views like this...

 

 

I never thought I'd enjoy being out on a boat so much.  But I'm looking forward to this summer and taking advantage of one.  So beautiful.  It's also relaxing being out on the water.

 

What type of things or activities are in your life that make you happy in an unexpected way?

 

"Keep Moving Forward"

 

Yellow Roses

I always loved yellow roses, especially since they remind me of my grandmother.  My boyfriend gave me this beautiful bouquet.  I couldn't resist taking pictures.

 

Surround yourself with what makes you happy.  Flowers make me smile.

 

What makes you smile?

 

"Keep Moving Forward"

Side Show

I am beyond excited and proud of my best friend, Jordanna James!  She is playing a character in a broadway show called Side Show.  It's being performed in Washington, D.C.  She is playing a Cossack woman and her friend Josh (who is amazing!) is playing her Cossack husband.  I couldn't resist sharing these photos.  At the bottom I have a link for more information about the show, if you're interested.

 

Jordanna and Josh as the Cossack couple

 

The cast of Side Show in costume

 

The Cossack couple again!

 

Meet the characters: http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/STAGE-TUBE-Behind-the-Scenes-of-Kennedy-Centers-SIDE-SHOW-Attractions-Photo-Shoot-20140606

 

My best friend continues to inspire me every day to be grateful for what I have and to always reach for my dreams.  She is finally living one of her dreams.  So incredible.

 

What dreams can you make a reality today?

 

"Keep Moving Forward"

Disney Archives

I got to go see the Disney Archives exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry.  I loved every second!  I'm a huge Disney fan!  It was the last day it was open and it was worth waiting months to go.

 

I learned how to draw Goofy!!!

 

My dad got me this amazing Disney Animation book!  It's beautiful!  And I'm hoping to learn how to draw more Disney characters.  I'm teaching myself how to draw Mickey.  So much fun!

 

Always do what makes you happy.

 

"Keep Moving Forward"

Thai Peanut Pasta

My boyfriend and I had a movie date night.  I made Thai Peanut Pasta and we tried a new beer: Dirty Bastard.  Such a nice night in, especially since we watched The Hobbit (one of my favorite movies).  I didn't like the beer we tried, but that's how you find good ones...taste testing.  The pasta came out delicious.  Definitely a repeat meal.

 

I got some daisies.  One of my favorite flowers.

 

I got this recipe off Pinterest, which was linked to Shape.com.  I couldn't find tamarind paste so I substituted with cumin.

 

 

Ingredients:



12 ounces linguine

4 cups water

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon tamarind paste

1 tablespoon soy sauce (and/or fish sauce, if desired)

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2-inch piece ginger, sliced into 1/4-inch slices

1 large carrot, peeled, cut into 2-by-1/4-inch pieces

1 red bell pepper, cut into 2-by-1/4-inch pieces

3 green onions, halved lengthwise, cut into 2-inch pieces

1/2 cup roasted peanuts

2 tablespoons peanut butter

Salt

Pepper

1/2 cup dried cilantro (or flat-leaf parsley)

Juice of 2 limes

  

Directions:

1. Place first 12 ingredients into a large stockpot. Cover pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes.
2. Cook for 5 more minutes on medium-high heat until pasta is al dente and almost all liquid has evaporated. Season to taste with salt and pepper, stirring pasta several times to distribute liquid in the bottom of the pot. Remove ginger and stir in cilantro and lime juice.

 

This recipe was so yummy!  I loved every bite!

 

"Keep Moving Forward"

Flowers and Pizza

In March, my ex-boyfriend came back into my life.  We dated for a year and a half before it ended last year.  It's been challenging the last couple months, but well worth it.  I believe in second chances especially when it comes to love.  Never run from love.  Unless it's hurtful to you, embrace it. 

One night we had a date night in.  He brought me beautiful red roses.  And then we made homemade pizza!  He has been very supportive of my vegan diet.  While we were apart I had dated other men who weren't very supportive and that doesn't feel good.  Anyone else find that difficult?  Dealing with people who don't understand?

The pizzas we made are super simple and lots of fun to put together! 

 

We sautéed some mushrooms and onions.

 

These were delicious!  We baked these first before putting on the toppings to make a crisp crust.

 

We put on all the toppings and cheese we wanted and baked them until the vegetables were soft.

 

I added arugula on top of mine.  This was so delicious!  I even made another one the following day.  So yummy!

 

Finding new ways to play with food is so much fun.  Be creative!

 

"Keep Moving Forward"