Lighthouse Adventures and Magnificent Maine

#TossBackTuesday

I've never seen such beauty quite like the one possessed by Maine. I've visited some gorgeous places, but I don't know what it is about this state that has captured my heart...

Hope you are enjoying your day!

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!

What I've Been Eating: Key West Edition

 Key Lime Pie

 My new favorite, Cuban Bread!!

 Conch Fritters

SUPER Fresh Oysters

Cuban Sandwich

Get Your Feast On!

AFOMFT: Tulips & the Dutch

 AFOFMFT= A Few of My Favorite Things

As I mentioned in a previous post, my family and I recently spent a short weekend to celebrate the coming of spring by checking out Tulip Time Festival in Holland, MI, the largest tulip festival in all of the United States.  As it has done all of April and May, fickle weather plagued much of the trip, but the sun was able to sneak in a few rays for at least a full day allowing us to see the gardens and enjoy the rest of the city even if we were kinda robbed (boo you, Mother Nature). The usually abundant, sea of tulips that you'd normally get to experience at the festival this time of year eluded us this time around so a visit back in the future is definitely a must :)

 Thank you to the Dutch for bringing tulips to America!

The next set of pictures aren't of tulips, but they were beautiful enough to share!

Feast On!

Andrea