For those of you who have had the pleasure of visiting the state of Washington before, allow me to share that its breathtaking. When I was first asked to move to Washington, I was hesitant. I decided the best way to feel it out would be to visit for two weeks. My man picked me up from the airport in Seattle and from that very moment it was a nonstop adventure till the day I left. Just how I like it. We went camping directly on the Shores of the Puget Sound. We dug for clams and hiked the forest in Fort Flagler. I never imagined that I would see seals in their natural habitat and have the opportunity to go whale watching all while camping. I never got to see a whale, but I was definitely hoping to.
We went to Pikes Place Market and had a bread bowl of clam chowder. We enjoyed some brews in the beer garden while watching a Mariners game at Safeco park. I was entranced with it all. I had such a wonderful time that I didn't want to leave. I came very close to canceling my flight home because I knew that once I left I was going to have to embark on the moving process. And we all know that moving is absolutely exhausting. It's exhausting on the mind, on the body, and on the wallet. With the help of my parents, I moved from San Diego, California to the beautiful Northwest to be with my boyfriend. The three and a half of us, that's my parents and I with my little dog coco, drove all my furniture and car up the coast.
I just finished unpacking the last box of my things into our loft. I get it, moving sucks and can be grueling. The packing. The cleaning of the old place. The expenses of the moving process. Saying goodbye to your friends and loved ones that you have made so many memories with. It can be difficult and also sad. But for me, I love a new adventure to add to my bucket list. For those of you who don't know me very well, my favorite thing to do during the moving process is the "unpacking". Now don't get me wrong, I can absolutely see why people hate this step. But to me, it feels like it's my birthday when I open any and all of the boxes labeled, "kitchen". I cut that tape like I'm filleting a fish and hold my breath before I pull back that lid to reveal all those beautiful colored spatulas, and glass mixing bowls that I have acquired over the years. I lose myself in the excitement of finding new homes for my crock pots, kitchen aid, and wine keys. Establishing places for all my babies is my priority over any and all other items I've been lugging around my whole life. And believe me when I say that I am a pretty sentimental person, so saying my kitchen supplies go before all, is saying a lot.
I come from two very sentimental people who have raised me to be the same way. I have cards, letters, notes, pictures, and old recipes from the original giver because I refuse to just take a picture of them and load them into my iPad. I don't know why I do it, I just know that I'll be sad when I throw them away. So I don't. My parents are the sweetest people I have ever met. We will refer to them as Joe & Lola. I've never been one to call my folks mom and dad. And it's not out of disrespect in any way, it's just how I have always referred to them. I call my mom Lola. Her name isn't even Lola. Being away from them is going to be the most difficult on me. Joe and Lola are not just my parental units they are also my two most very best friends. There is never a dull day hanging with those two. They are definite foodies and taught me all about cocktail hour. I am appreciative of new places, foods, and people solely because of them. They taught me how to be social, how to network, and how to host a party. I am forever grateful to those social sarcastic butterflies.
I also have two wonderful siblings that also reside in Arizona. The oldest being my sister and second being my brother. We will refer to them as Doctor Mar and JP. My sister really is a doctor with a large family of her own who seeks the aid of a common sense expert often. And my brother really is an acronym who travels everywhere and also has his own adventures that are not for the faint of heart. I love them both dearly and miss them so much.
As much as I miss my crazy Mexican family, I am really excited to embark on this new journey in Washington. So far I am loving this weather. I live right on the waterfront so going for runs has been so much fun on the waterway in the little tourist pockets. We live walking distance from all kinds of restaurants, bars, and breweries. (That could be trouble). There are four main liquids in my life.
(1.) Being a good craft brew. Preferably dark. Although, and IPA will suffice.
(2.) All forms of wine with the exception of Moscato unless it's a Sunday brunch and they aren't serving champagne mimosas. Moscato is reserved for old ladies, and girls that don't know how to drink wine. All my foodie friends will laugh when they read that and nod their head in agreement. So put your big girl panties on and try a decent Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. You won't be sorry.
(3.) Dark roast coffees. Preferably French pressed or espresso.
(4.) Water. I am a runner so I have to stay hydrated. I try to drink about a gallon a day to aid in my running and alcoholic ventures. Unfortunately I'm not in my early twenties anymore and I just don't bounce back from a day of drinking like I used to.
I am quite amped to try out all these fun places and receive inspiration to add into my own kitchen. I cook 6 meals a week. Saturday is date night so dinner is dependent on the amazing chefs of Washington and wherever Drewzer and I decide to try. And Sunday is the biggest meal of the week where I go all out. I throw on a sun dress, pump up the volume to my Sunday Funday playlist and crack open a local beer. I usually make the most time consuming meals on Sunday with sauces from scratch and only fresh products.
I decided it would be fun to share my love of cooking and playing in my kitchen with the rest of the world. So I created this blog to ease you in to my crazy life and share what it's like to pour your love into the food you create. Something that I want to get across to all my readers is that cooking a magical meal that tastes better and costs less than going to a restaurant is something anyone could do. Feel free to ask questions, or even request specific meals that you are interested in creating and I will add them to next weeks menu. I do all my shopping on Sunday morning for the entire week with a set weekly meal plan which aids in cutting costs and time spent figuring out what to make for dinner. So stop by often to see what's on this Latina loca's menu.
Last night I made Shredded beef enchiladas with rice and beans. Recipe coming soon.
Today I am making a dish called "Hopping John". It will be my first time so I will tell you how it turned out tomorrow.
Besitos!
