book review: kitchens of the great midwest
For the first of my book review series, I had the pleasure of reading J. Ryan Stradal's first novel, Kitchens of the Great Midwest. I was just about to leave the library with a book I wasn't too sure about, when I looked to my left and spotted a section called "The Librarians' Recommendations." There in that section was Stradal's beautifully illustrated book, and I knew I had to have it.
This powerful story of Eva Thorvald, along with other characters from the mid westpulls you in from page one. At the heart of the story is Eva's passion for food as well as her exquisite taste buds. The other stories that generate from Eva's are just as powerful and enticing. Stradal made me fall in love with all of his characters. But the one I immediately fell in love was Lars, whose commitment for his family illuminated through his desire to cook his daughter and wife beautiful meals.
Stradal mixes the perfect amount of tragedy, hope, comedy and love into this tale. One of my favorite moments was when Eva was participating in local spicy food challenges in her cousin Baraque's college town. As a lover of spice myself, I could immediately relate to Eva. It was those tiny, little details to the characters that made their stories and their lives so relatable.
The unique thing about this novel however, is the technique Stradal uses for the narrative. Within Eva's story are about four or five others, all of which twist back to Eva's. From her parents, her first love, her first love's family, and her cousins, the chapters dedicated to their perspectives all intertwined back to Eva. For a majority of the novel we aren't even with Eva but the story eludes that time has passed and Eva has grown along with the story.
All in all, this story is a must read. It's the perfect cozy, yet suspenseful book that will be hard for you to put down.
Book of Byrd's Final Review: 8 Stars!
26
Ah! I did it! I am officially 26 years old as of November 10, 2015 (shout out to my Scorpio sistas!)
I am still absorbing everything that happened at age 25. I celebrated my one year in NYC, new job, trip to Australia, new roommate, sister's marriage and my engagement! It's all coming together. But 25 definitely presented challenges that made me question many things about myself. But, I firmly believe in the power of a fresh start, change and intention.
To provide some background, when I was a senior at San Diego State I had a part-time job at Lululemon Athletica. As a part of their employee training program, they ask everyone to draft a list of goals: one year, five year and ten year goals. We were also asked to draft a vision of what we wanted our lives to look like in ten years-- a completed vision of our absolute highest dreams for our futures. As someone who loves creating lists and daydreaming of the future, I thought this task would be easy. But it wasn't. It was intimidating admitting to yourself exactly what was you wanted. I hesitated because all I could think of was what if my dreams don't happen? I eventually completed it, and over the years kept it in the back of my mind.
I'm 26 years old and have completed quite a few of my major goals. I volunteered in Peru, moved to NYC and found the love of my life. Who truly knows the reason why things work out the way they do, but there is not a doubt in my mind that through my realization of what I wanted, I unconsciously and consciously created an energy and intention in the universe. Through that genuine burning glow, my life has unfolded the way I intended.
But there is still much to do! In honor of my 26th year, I wanted to create a new set of goals, dreams and intentions. Then set them free to the universe and see where it takes me.
26
Personal:
1. Daily meditation and yoga 2 x a week
2. Reduce sugar and sodium intake by 50 percent
3. Practice forgiveness and mindfulness every minute of the day
4. Master a pork loin recipe, and french onion soup recipe (low sodium) ;-)
5. Drink more green tea
6. Read one book a month
7. Blog every week
8. Take more beautiful photos
9. Buy more quality things
10. Thoughtful: buy more cards and little gifts for family and friends
11. Go see an American in Paris on Broadway and The Nutcracker, by George Balanchine
12. Commit nothing but goodness and strength to all relationships
13. Plan a beautiful, simple, chic and meaningful wedding weekend.
Career:
1. Promoted to Account Manager
2. Dedicate myself fully to learning the ins and outs of the digital health industry
3. Explore and find my personal brand.
4. Freelance as a contributor/journalist for an outlet ie Birdie
5. Maintain my blog, instagram and twitter account.
6. Research yoga certification programs
Disclaimer: this list is subject for updates :)
xoxo
Ani
october treasures
When it rains, it pours and when it shines, it shines bright. October was a month for shining. Two of the most wonderful things in my life happened last month beginning with my baby sister, Carly getting married at our childhood home. It was an absolutely breathtaking wedding that was so simple, unique and genuine. In other words, perfect.
No one will ever be able to replicate it. It was an absolute masterpiece.
The second best part of October: Matthew proposed!
Matthew proposed October 17 in Costa Mesa in the bar that we met at. I knew the minute that I saw Matthew from across the room at the Wild Goose (haha) that he was the one. Our love has been an adventure in which both of us traveled across the world to visit and stay committed to each other. Matthew is Australian, and currently still resides there. We have been doing long distance for a year and a half. We are in the process of moving him to New York, so stay tuned to our next chapter!
I never in a million years thought this would happen to me, but it has. And the best part is it happened organically and naturally. It's hard to remember life before him and especially without him.
Our love has truly conquered distance, obstacles, and all in between. To say I adore him is an understatement. He believes in me more than I have ever known anyone to do so. He is the love of my life, and I'm so thankful I found him.
xoxo
Ani
little, good things
Summer of 2015 was a challenge. NYC showed me it's true (humidhot) colors and being away from home really had an impact on me. But with fall is just around the corner, my absolute favorite time of year, things are looking up. As is a much needed trip home for my little sister's wedding and a reunion with my koala.
Look forward to my list of things to do in NYC for fall! Yay!
For now, here are some little, lovely things inspiring me at this moment.
xx
this quote.
these jeans by madewell
slowly converting over to the minimal tennis shoe game
a lovely, floral fragrance at the right price
Molly Guy of Stone Cold Fox tells it like it is through these seven beautiful elopement stories.
life cleanse
I always thought my college apartments in San Diego were small compared to others’. That was until I moved to New York and into my first city apartment.
Then I realized how wrong I had been before.
To sum up my current living arrangement, there is no living room space. It consists of a kitchen, with a little nook for a tiny dinner table that comfortably sits two. My roommate has the master room with a closet, and some upper shelves for storage and my room is the smaller version with no closet, or any type of built-in storage space. Then there is the bathroom. With no sink.
Essentially, our space is small but it has granted me with a blessing which is the power to eliminate of the unnecessary belongings I hold on to. Space is precious in my humble abode, so if I don’t have a deep rooted attachment or obsession with it, then I don’t need it.
I can’t even begin to describe how enlightening the process of cleaning out my closet has been. At first it was a little difficult letting go, but once I saw the glimmer of light, I knew I’d never go back.
If you are looking to downsize your load, here are 4 tips to help you achieve true minimalism.
1. Clothes can take up a lot of room. So ask yourself: If you wouldn’t feel confident and sexy wearing that jacket or blouse you own to meet someone important, why do you need it in your closet?
Enough said.
2. If paperwork/ birthday cards are a year old, chuck it.
I’m all about sentimental notes/cards, but I’ve learned there is a difference between year old birthday cards, and love letters from your boyfriend or words of encouragement from your mother. Some things are worth the save, and then others aren’t. You’re friend will still be your friend even if you threw about the birthday card she sent you last year. If she won’t be, well then, throwing it away may have been a good idea.
3. In order to add, you need to subtract
Something that is fantastic about my hanging rack closet is I can only fit so many things on it. So, my rule of thumb is if I HAVE to have something i.e. new jacket or blouse, I have to get of rid something to make room for it.
You have several fantastic options when you are getting rid of clothes, especially nice designer things you once loved and spent a lot of $ on, once upon a time. I am a big fan of the app, Poshmark. You upload images, a description and your selling price to your “closet” and buyers can purchase with a click of a button. The app sends you a pre-paid shipping label, then you package it up in a free box, courtesy of the USPS, and ship it to its new owner! You can set up direct deposit so your earnings go straight into your bank account and you didn’t even lift a finger.
4. Why stop at just your belongings?
Clear our all of those toxic relationships and people weighing you down. Meditate on who brings you joy and happiness. Even if you can only name 2 or 3 people, that's all you need. Once you let go of the bad and accept the good, you will attract positive energies. You will refill your "soul closet" with beauty.
xo
Ani
white bean delish dip
i'm not a big hummus person, but i am a big time bean lover. i literally could live off of bean salads for months (wait, i already do that!).
beans are full-on packed with fantastic fiber, so i let myself go all out. i normally just eat them as is, until my sister whipped up some fantastic white bean "hummus" that showed me two things were possible:
1. maybe hummus is yummy
2. beans were meant to be eaten more than one way
it involves three simple ingredients of white beans (which i just buy the canned version from trader joe's), olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar.
pour a can of white beans into a food processor or magic bullet, drizzle a healthy couple of tablespoons of olive oil, splash in some vinegar and poof!
the yummiest white bean "hummus" that ever was.
xo
Ani
australian holiday
I must be honest. On my list of top places/destinations to visit, Australia has never been mentioned. I am not quite sure why I have never had a desire to visit the land down unda, which makes me a tad bit sad because I adore traveling to new countries.
Well, good news: that has changed quite drastically since last July when I met an Australian by the name of Matthew, and to put it simply we fell in love. And I fell in love with Australia as well.
I arrived in beautiful Sydney for a 10 day holiday. Matthew and I stayed in an adorable Air BnB apartment in the heart of Bondi Beach, and just a few steps away from the famous Iceberg pool.
We met new friends at Taronga Zoo (even a koala!)
Had a beautiful dinner overlooking the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge.
Then popped over to Darwin, Northern Territory to visit Matthew's mum and see where he lives.
One of my favorite parts of the trip: camping in the outback!
It was an unforgettable trip, and I am happy to say I am no longer saying Australia isn't on my to-do list--it's on my let's go back list!
xo
Ani