Reflection 2014

As I drink my coffee on this morning of New Years Eve, I'm reflecting on this year. Of course, there are always things I could have done differently, relationships I should have repaired, time I would have given, decisions I should have made, but I realize those journeys have lead me to where I am today. Had they not occurred, I would not be ready for the new year. That's the gift of reflection. It's the ability to take a look back and realize how far you have come.

Everything in life is worth every step along the way. It's the beauty of life. We only get one shot at it. Make it worth it! Count your blessings each and everyday. Devote time for spiritual healing and scripture reading. Enjoy the little things of each day. Start new adventures. Begin a new chapter. Become a better version of yourself. I believe in self transformation. A New Years resolution isn't always about weight loss or quitting a bad habit. It can be about growing ones self and working towards a self improvement goal. I'm giving more time to God.

Now to enjoy the hours left of 2014 and let the journey begin to 2015... Happy New Year!

Thai Curry Noodle Soup

I suspect that the cold weather is the inspiration behind all of the tantalizing bubbly hot bowls of Asian noodle soups I have been obsessing over lately. Especially this one! 

Deep down I want to do things like make homemade Pho Broth and scratch Ramen, but the truth sadly is that I am just too tired after chasing a toddler, too short on time and desperate for immediate gratification. And that is what this soup will give you. Almost immediate gratification. In 15 minutes you have a broth with depth of flavor that will confuse you into thinking that it was simmering away all day. And the instant cook rice noodles saves even more time and have the most wonderful texture ever.

The pile of fresh toppings cuts through the rich broth and makes the whole soup sing. While I loved that this was such a fast and easy meatless meal, you could certainly add some shredded chicken or thrown in a handful of shrimp for the last 2 minutes of cooking to make it even more hearty.

I hope this leaves you feeling cozy and all warmed up! It is working for me as I am having a bowl while I write this. I also forgot to tell you that I thin sliced an onion and sautéed it in the curry-coconut paste before adding the broth and that was an excellent addition- try this for sure!!

To make this Spicy Thai Curry Noodle Soup:

Combine the 3 cloves of garlic, 1/2 inch skinned fresh ginger and curry paste in a small food processor (or mince and mash together in a small bowl). Add 1/4 cup  coconut oil and combine everything well.

In a large pot, heat the curry-coconut paste over medium heat, frying the paste gently.

Add the 2 cups of chicken broth and deglaze the pot. Add one can of coconut milk and bring the broth to a boil. Season to taste with kosher salt.

Either place the noodles in the boiling broth, or pour the boiling broth into a bowl of dry noodles and let the soup sit while the noodles cook and soak up the hot broth.

Garnish with fresh cilantro, thai basil, red chili’s and green onions.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

It never fails- every single holiday, I put things 

off until the last minute. You ever see those
bloggers who are majorly on their A-game and
have all the Christmas decor up, presents wrapped, and recipes planned before the end of November? Yeah, I'm not that kind. I Wish! I'm working on blogging everyday. This is my New Year's Resolution. This is my "Me" time, just for me, after my mommy duties are over.

Even though I had every intention of posting an in-depth how-to today, I'm holding off until next week. I'm going to enjoy the rest of this holiday season.

For today, I'll be a crazy woman running around my house trying to tick off every task on my to-do list and squeezing in a DIY redo on my lamps and picture frames.(Eeek excitement! And oh Lord, prepare to clean every surface off and chase a toddler around...Totally worth it.)

Here are a few pictures from our Mexican-American Christmas Day get-together here in Southern California.

(Photo credit: Mother-in-laws tree)

(a variety of tamales) 

(My son loves a buffet lol) 

I truly wish for you a lovely holiday season filled with laughter and the embrace of loved ones.  Whether your tree was overflowing with presents or you are opting for simple time together with family and friends, I hope you can find many things to be thankful for.  Blessings are always around- you just have to take the time to look.

“Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It means you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections"

My life doesn’t always look exactly like I want it to. I spend many days exhausted from caring for a toddler all day long and managing my eleven year old with his Type 1 Diabetes along with his schoolwork. The way I feel about myself, how much I open myself to new people and experiences, how often I choose to smile simply because I can... Well, they are all on the back burner. I have learned to not think about the to do list! I just do when you have so much responsibility your focus can’t be on complaining. Your focus and energy has to be on making shit happen!

Here are some things that I have learned along the way that can help you!

If you always look toward tomorrow for happiness, odds are you will do the same when you attain what you’ve been dreaming of. As strange it sounds, the ability to appreciate what’s in front of you has nothing to do with what you actually have. It’s more about how you measure the good things in your life at any given time.

Practice wanting what you have and it will feel even sweeter when you eventually have what you want. Look around—what’s in front of you that can enjoy?

I used to be obsessed with wanting to be perfect. Loose the weight, have a high end luxury car, travel and so on those things are nice don’t get me wrong but its nicer when you can enjoy it with the people you love. If I wasn’t the best at something, I couldn’t sleep at night. Becoming great never felt as good as I imagined it would be …because there was always room to be better. I was constantly dissatisfied and disappointed in myself.

I now look at the things I do as opportunities to get better from one day to the next. It’s more satisfying to set and meet an attainable goal, than it is to obsess about perfection. 

By focusing on small improvements and mini-goals, you’ll naturally move yourself toward your larger dreams. And you’ll respect the way you’re doing things.

I don’t think happiness is so much about what you have. What you have changes; your “blessings” evolve. Happiness is about how you interpret what’s in front of you. How proud you are of the way you live your life. How willing you are to enjoy simple pleasures, even if things aren’t perfect.

My life is amazing and I am blessed to be present in this moment, today I choose to focus on the good—both in the world and myself—to feel happy right now!

How will you find  happiness today?

In love with monograms

As I start my day on the iPad, with coffee in hand, I come across the monogrammed gifts which I've been looking for. What a cute gift this would make for anyone on your Christmas list. Now to just decide on which one to purchase and for whom... I'm sure I'll be purchasing one for myself. Here's the link to Monograms by Anthropologie They say, buy a gift for others that you would like for yourself!

Inspiring a new beginning

It's time for myself to find a place to share and inspire. What better way than to blog, Right! It's far more interesting to share the fun stuff in life through blogging. I've enjoyed reading other lifestyle blogs and I've decided it's my turn. Let the fun begin!