It's Fall/Halloween Time!!

Get Your Feast On!

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir & OOTD

A few days ago, my family and I visited a nearby BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Although the Hindu temple was still under construction, the Haveli as well as the gardens around were open to the public. We even enjoyed an authentic Indian meal! I'm not the most knowledgeable when it comes to Indian culture, but I was extremely delighted to have this experience.

Welcome. As you drive passed the gates, you're greeted by a magnificent spectacle complete with a horse drawn carriage underneath majestic hand carved pillars, a gorgeous fountain, perfectly groomed topiaries at every turn, and a white picturesque temple of the same hand carvings straight out of a movie set.

Haveli. Open to the public at the time of our visit, we were asked to take off our shoes and a guide was able to tell us a bit more about the place. It was when he mentioned there was Indian food being served when I found myself getting antsy from excitement. Still shoeless, we entered an area where wraps were provided to cover the shoulders and legs. Fortunately for me, I anticipated this and dressed accordingly beforehand.

OOTD. I went with a long colorful skirt that covered my legs (Costco of all places haha), a black tank top, and my favorite hat (Forever 21). I also brought a long scarf (Wal-Mart) I'd use as a wrap for when I was inside the temple as I wasn't aware that the temple provided wraps for the visitors! Better prepared than sorry! :o)


Mandir. We descended a few flights of marble stairs into a long hallway filled with large posters about the contributions of Indian culture as well Hinduism to the world. At the end of the hallway was an area where we could make a wish and pour water over a golden statue, which I regret taking a pass on! Just before that, however, is another set of stairs that would take you up to the  Mandir. Lights illuminated and ricocheted off more hand carved ivory pillars creating a scene from a fairy. It was just beautiful.  If only I had photos to share as I know my description doesn't do it justice at all, but unfortunately it was prohibited.

Bhel Mix

Shayona.  Finally we made our way to the Shayona, an Indian vegetarian cafeteria/restaurant. I ordered the Bhel Mix which was quite delicious, but a little on the sweet side for me. My brother ordered the Samosas, which were too spicy for him so I devoured them. My parents ordered Thali, which was also very yummy and for dessert we all enjoyed a nice cold Lassi.

After a delicious meal we exited the back where we were pleasantly surprised by a pair of peacocks just casually roaming the property :o)

Overall, my experience at BAPS in Bartlett was amazing. I felt like I was in another country. I was even thrilled to get quick glimpses at what looked like a traditional Hindu wedding where all the men and women, whether they were part of the wedding or just guests, wore the most beautiful colorful traditional Indian dresses/suits. The people there including the volunteers were all so nice. A definite must-visit in Chicago.

Get Your Feast On!

Celestial Humor & crepes!

Some Nutella art courtesy of Crayola Colored Pencils :D

I could never remember what the actual graphics are on the jar; I know there's a yellow flower and some leaves....hmmmm when in doubt, draw a cute beagle! :)

I tend to go crazy when it comes to crepes. But in this case, less really is more. The French know best and this has become one of my favorite snacks. There are tons of awesome crepe batter recipes out there, but mine is pretty easy and tastes just as good :)

Paris Streetfood: Nutella Crepe

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1 cup cold milk
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1-2 tablespoons Nutella (chocolate, hazlenut spread)

Cooking Directions

1. Whisk together ingredients until very smooth or use blender. Heat a skillet over medium heat. While tilting/whirling pan in a circular motion, carefully pour enough batter to coat the whole surface.
2. Cook 2-5 minutes, then flip once. Wait until crepe is golden. Repeat with the remaining of batter.
3. Spread Nutella all over crepes fold into quarters and sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for garnish.

 btw
You know you're having a good day when the sky does this.

LOL :D


If you liked this recipe, 

you'll love Hot Nutella Kisses!

 

Get Your Feast On!

Hello, 2013!

I'm a little late, but that's alright! I can't believe it's already another New Year! I tell ya, 2012 had it's highs, but also MANY lows. I think for me personally, I'm ready to start fresh with a new set of resolutions.

Shape Up.  Weight has never really been an issue and It's been a while since I've resolved to shape up, but last year unfortunately all I did was eat up! haha

Oh and it didn't help that I got sick more times than I've ever had too.  I'm not making any excuses, it's my fault but since this time last year, I've gained 35 LBS!!! Holy smokes!!

HOWEVER, I really do need to get back into shape.

One thing I do realize now is that one saying if it ain't broke, don't fix it! I strayed from what I knew worked for me and tried too many different diets and exercises that only got me overwhelmed and before I knew it, I started to go insane and just stopped. Fitness is different for everyone. For me, it's all about the basics. If I get too fancy and start doing a million different things, my body just shuts down lol. My idea of the basics was cardio cardio cardio! And my cardio of choice is jumping rope, running, and a little bit of dancing. Simplicity is the key thing FOR ME! I've read a lot about how people are the opposite; they can't do the same thing all the time or they'll get bored. That makes total sense, but I guess i'm not other people. I have to listen to ME! :)

So back to basics I go and I plan on blogging the entire way. Nothing better to hold me accountable than the interwebs! :)

Blog It. Another resolution I have is to start blogging MORE consistently! I'm looking back at my entries and every now and then there are 3 week even month long breaks where I just don't blog lol. I need to get inspired and start blogging again. I sometimes forget how good it feels to blog.

Edu-ma-cate. I'm going back to school this spring and I'm so nervous! It's been so long lol. If I want to start my own business, I need the tools and knowledge to do so! I really thought I was going to stick to my plans of going to culinary school, but the longer I thought about it the more I realized that it's more of a hobby than anything I want as a career at least right now. I've never been more excited to go back to school! but still nervous...hehe

 ^_^

So yeah, my 3 main resolutions. Of course, I'm sure other goals will pop up along the way. Don't worry, I'll make sure to share them!

Oh and just to be clear, I still will be posting delicious recipes that may or may not be the best for you. My next post will be my mom's coconut macaroons! The recipe was hiding somewhere deep in her memory, but she was able to extract it in time for the holidays. I helped her bake it and they came out delicious!

Happy New Year, world! 

I hope 2013 brings us all many more great moments!

Go Feast Yourself!

Hurricane Sandy: How We Can Help!

Photos Credit: slate.com

or make a $10 donation by simply texting 'REDCROSS' to 90999 

or call 800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767); for Spanish speakers, 800-257-7575;

The Salvation Army at this moment in time is providing meals and shelter.

Make a $10 donation by texting the word 'STORM' to 80888
 To confirm the donation, respond with the word “Yes.”

Checks may be made out to:
The Salvation Army Disaster Services Center
PO BOX 1959 
Atlanta, GA 30301. 

Please designate “2012 Hurricane Season” on all checks.

 
Many pet owners were able to take their pets with them, but for those who were not, the Humane Society's Animal Rescue Team is assembling staff and equipment to help rescue pets in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

Make a $10 donation by texting HUMANE to 80888
    

(Click here for more information on how you can help)

Ear Candy: Lindsey Stirling

I recently discovered this amazingly talented girl on YouTube and I can't get enough of her music!! Here's her most recent video featuring some epic violin playing and dancing zombies :)

Get Your Feast On!

7-Day Green Smoothie Challenge

I recently received an e-invite to do a Green Smoothie Challenge. My first reaction was "mehh" . Don't get me wrong, I love me some smoothies, but I never really got into the whole green smoothie thing. Not because I'm snooty...I definitely am not. It's just that I love greens and often include them in my meals or even as a snack, so when I enjoy a nice fruit smoothie, the desire or thought to add them in never really crossed my mind.

However, I get so excited when I find new blog inspiration. Not to mention, this challenge is the perfect way to rejuvenate my health/fitness goals.

So, I'm up for it!  Be sure to check out Katherine from Real Food Runner for more details if you'd like to join! It'll be fun!

Also, if you have any green smoothie tips, please help a noob out and leave a comment!!

Get Your Feast On!

[Insert Cool Title Here]

I don't know how I could've forgotten to share this, but for my birthday earlier this spring, I received this gorgeous set of milk glass plates/platters, and cake stand from my awesome sister. I've been wanting to get some for so long specifically for my blog, so I was very excited when I saw these in the gift bag and definitely feel more motivated to continue blogging on a more consistent basis. I'm most excited for the cake stand haha. I'm not much of a baker where cakes are concerned, but I feel more assured knowing now that even if a cake I'm responsible for comes out disgusting *knocks on wood*, it at least has something beautiful to distract you to sit on xD

And finally, since they'll be making my dishes look that much nicer, I strongly felt that my new friends deserved their own post :)

Thanks sis! 

Feast On!

Inspiration. Motivation.

Hope you had a great weekend! :)

Feast On,
Andrea

Monday Inspiration

 

Happy Monday!!

Feast On!

Andrea

Kitchens Inspirations