That Time of the Year

It's that time of the year...

Where people wonder where the past 2 months have gone while they prepare for the holiday season

Halloween costumes are planned out...or not

There is an excuse to eat plenty of sweets...from Halloween up until New Year's Day

People are making plans on where they are spending the holiday season

Pumpkin, Peppermint, and Gingerbread are all the rage

Sweaters, Scarfs, and Boots are everyone's fashion statement

Where giving is more important than receiving

You are already searching on Pinterest for holiday treats

You can have 4 generations of women under one roof

The holiday season brings back memories and makes you realize how many years have actually passed

You can always go back home and pretend you never left

It's that time of the year where the holiday season is on everyone's mind

Too Early?

Foodies

Ahh the weekend...is there is anything better? 

This past weekend, my newly married friends sailed back into Miami from their honeymoon cruise and spent the weekend with Guillermo and I.

      Pisco Sours                                                                                                                     Ceviche Sampler & Causa 

We took Lauren and Nathan to one of my favorite Peruvian Restaurants in downtown Miami called Ceviche 105. 

Peruvian food is delicious  if you haven't had it then you are missing out!

Saturday night we decided to  cook instead of going out. While we were cooking we snacked on a sourdough baguette,  rosemary & olive oil cheddar cheese, honey goat cheese and grapes.

Our dinner was pork loin stuffed with basil & sun dried tomato pesto, potato cakes, and a fresh garden salad (picture didn't turn out).  Sorry to disappoint, but most of the cooking was done by Lauren and Nathan, but I did make the potato cakes!

Can't you tell Lauren and Nathan are foodies? This is why our entire weekend consisted of eating :)

Tea Me

I have a confession...

I drank a coffee last weekend and I haven't had coffee in like a year...let's just say it was a bad idea because it gave me one of those nauseous migraines. Another reason why reliving the past is a bad idea...read about my breakup with coffee here.

Moral of the story, if you let something go...don't go back to it. (This includes old habits, old relationships, and maybe certain fashion statements.) 

Anyways, while everyone is obsessing over pumpkin spiced lattes, I am obsessing over tea! No... not southern sweet tea but hot tea, occasionally sweetened with honey.

What are my favorites and what are the health benefits?

My absolute favorite tea that I drink everyday is green tea and Tazo Zen is my favorite.

Health Benefits:

A powerful antioxidant

Provides a natural energy boost and caffeine

Good for your waistline

I love a hot mug of Chamomile tea with a teaspoon of honey before I go to sleep, my favorite brand is  Celestial Seasonings. 

Health Benefits:

A natural sleep aid

Has antibacterial properties, which help fight colds

A natural stomach soother

I am a dessert person, no doubt. But drinking a cup of hot peppermint tea after dinner helps to curve my sweet tooth...seriously it works! My favorite brands are Twinings and Celestial Seasonings. 

Health Benefits:

Digestive aid

Relief from nausea and motion sickness

Fever and cough relief

In the mornings, sometimes I drink Yerba Mate instead of Green Tea. It doesn't have the best flavor but I sweeten it with a little bit of honey. 

Health Benefits:

Rich in antioxidants

Natural caffeine

Improves blood flow

Reduces fat accumulation

Increases mental energy

Dandelion Tea is a great natural detox for the liver and is used for weight loss. 

Health Benefits:

Gets rid of toxins

Flushes out the kidneys

Helps to shed excessive water weight

Helps to remove skin impurities

Good source of vitamins A C & D

My Mom use to give me Sleepytime tea when I was little and well that started my love for tea. These are the main teas I drink, but I love just about any flavor...and the health benefits are an extra bonus! And you can even embrace the holiday flavors...

So why wouldn't you drink tea?

Amor

Many of my friends have asked me what it's like dating someone from a different country...well I've always had a thing for any guy who wasn't American and my fantasy became my reality.

There is nothing wrong with a good ole Southern boy who drives a truck, opens my door, and calls me "darlin' but I've always liked guys who look different than me and have a cultural that I can experience and learn from.

It all started with this Latin hunk...

While the rest of you were crushing on Zack... I was checking out the biceps on Slater. heyyyy

Anyways, enough about the main reason I watched Saved by the Bell...and still do occasionally. 

Dating anyone isn't easy, but when you throw in some cultural differences...it gets interesting. Here are some things I've learned while dating my Peruvian:

You gotta relax and enjoy your life

Family is the most important thing

Learn a new language while you have the opportunity

 "Mi Princesa" is probably the cutest name to be called

It's important to experience other cultures

If your friend needs you, you drop what you're doing

As an American, I know we are selfish people and work is our life, but dating my Peruvian has taught me to slow down and enjoy life and to do what makes you happy. I may still be uptight and a super planner...but I've learned to relax and know that everyone does need some order in their life. 

Wedding Procrastination

One of my best friends is getting married this weekend and I've been running around like a crazy person, my boyfriend even had to remind me that I'm just a bridesmaid..not the bride. I may be exaggerating but being in a wedding 3 states away...and procrastinating is a little stressful. But this week came so fast and I didn't realize how much time I had left.

I hate to admit that I am picking up my dress from the alterations place today and flying out tomorrow night. And I am still not sure how I will fit everything in a carry on...stupid checked bags! While I'm sitting here stressed about basically nothing, my friend is probably not sleeping and freaking out about the fact that she will be married in 4 days!

Getting married sounds like too much work, maybe I will just do the whole Vegas thing (just kidding Daddy!).

While we are on the marriage subject I cannot believe that my brother will be celebrating his 1 year wedding anniversary this month! So happy for him :)