Quote of the Week

Hope you all had a lovely weekend! I traveled up to Washington DC to visit some of my friends. We shared a casual bottomless brunch together, which consisted of Greek-inspired small plates and enough mimosas to drown a small village (which, in a way, we are). I love the brunch lifestyle. It’s so much more casual and lowkey than every other meal.

In that vein, this week’s quote comes from John Gunther and will put you in a Sunday sort of mood (even if it is a lame ole Monday).

All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.
–John Gunther

I think happiness is also dependent on avocado toast, but maybe that’s just me.

Happy Monday once again, dear readers! I stumbled upon this quote by my hero, Mrs. Julia Child, and I really connected with it, for many reasons. First of all, I often have a “what-the-hell attitude” toward many things in my life, especially cooking. This is great because I take more chances and get out of my comfort zone. On the flip side, it can suck because I’m winging things and not sticking to recipes, so even when things turn out awesome, it’s nearly impossible to repeat. Does anyone else have this problem?

“The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you’ve got to have a what-the-hell attitude.”
— Julia Child

So I’ve been traveling a lot in June (what is else new for me, right?), and I finally had the opportunity to be back and do some grocery shopping to try and cook at home more and not go out to eat as much. I made myself a meal plan and a list, and even had a snack before I went into the store (we all know grocery shopping on an empty stomach is a disaster waiting to happen), and yet somehow I still ended up with a whole bunch of impulse buys while managing to forget at least 3 things on my list. Such is life, I guess.

Anywho, this week’s quote comes from Erma Bombeck and pretty much sums up how I feel whenever I grocery shop (or enter a Target).

“The odds of going to the store for a loaf of bread and coming out with only a loaf of bread are three billion to one.”
–Erma Bombeck

While I know that Memorial Day has some serious roots (and trust me, I truly appreciate the sacrifice my fellow Americans have made in the name of freedom), Memorial Day Weekend is also the unofficial harbinger of summer. When I think of Memorial Day weekend, I think of sunny days spent at the pool, the smell of hot dogs and hamburgers wafting over from the grill.

So that’s why I chose this quote from Bobby Flay as this week’s quote. Hope you’re all enjoying your 3 day weekend!

“I love the culture of grilling. It creates an atmosphere that is festive but casual.”
–Bobby Flay

“Casual-but-festive” is my life motto.

So this is a very special week indeed! Contributor and blogger bestie, Sydney Turnquist is about to get a new last name! Not because she’s running from the law, but because she’s getting married this weekend! It’s going to be a gorgeous ceremony (and I am going to take full advantage of the open bar).

In honor of her upcoming nuptials, I thought this quote from Dora J. Arod was appropriate. I don’t want to get too sappy as that’s not my style (unless I’m drunk, in which case it’s 100% my style), but I just have to say that I’m so excited and happy for Syd. She’s been an amazing blog partner and friend, and there’s no one I’d rather go on food adventures with. I’ll eat the tomatoes off your burger any time (that’s not a euphemism; get your brain out of the gutter).

“My love is pizza shaped. Won’t you have a slice? It’s circular, so there’s enough to go around.”
–Dora J. Arod

Although I’ve been told that there won’t be any pizza at the reception.

So, I recently discovered (last week) The Great British Baking Show on Netflix and I have already binged like 2 seasons of it and am working my way through season 3 (side note: why are there only 3 seasons on Netflix when this show has been on since 2010?!).

Anyway, I’ve decided that I’m in love with Mary Berry and want to be just like her when I get older. So I’m dedicating this week to the queen of pastry herself.

“Cooking and baking is both physical and mental therapy.”
–Mary Berry

Side note #2: WHY HASN’T ANYONE EVER TOLD ME HOW AMAZING THIS SHOW IS?!

So this weekend is Mother’s Day. This is your heads up to frantically call up a florist and make sure mom gets some flowers before Sunday (you’re welcome).

This week’s quote comes from author Mitch Albom. It’s so true. I don’t know what black magic my mother possesses, but everything she cooks is amazing and 100 times better than anything I cook.

“I don’t know what it is about food your mother makes for you, especially when it’s something that anyone can make–pancakes, meat loaf, tuna salad…but it carries a certain taste of memory.”
–Mitch Albom

Although my mother has never made meat loaf or tuna salad in her life.

Since Mexican food is one of my favorite things to eat, I truly enjoy Cinco de Mayo. Everything from the food, to the music, to the festivities, to the margaritas (ok, that’s a big part of it) combine to make a wonderful excuse to celebrate.

This week’s quote comes from author Amy Neftzger, and it summarizes how I will feel this Friday (and every Friday, if I’m being honest).

“It’s 4:58 on a Friday afternoon. Do you know where your margarita is?”
— Amy Neftzger

This rings true for me every Friday, although it’s particularly poignant on Cinco de Mayo.

Well, it’s tax day! Be sure to take advantage of all those Tax Day Freebies while you can (I know I will).

This quote has basically been my mantra since I submitted my taxes (and every time I see my take home pay).

“When a man’s stomach is full, it makes no difference whether he is rich or poor”
–Euripides

Here’s hoping none of you get audited!

Wow, who can believe it’s April already? I just got back from my Chinaventure and I can’t wait to share my experience (and all my food pictures) with you guys! I already put a couple on Instagram, but I have about 1,000 more (and those only barely an exaggeration).

One thing I missed while I was in China was steak. So, in honor of that, I thought I’d share this quote with you!

“I think steak is the ultimate comfort food, and if you’re going out for one, that isn’t the time to scrimp on calories or quality.”
–Tom Colicchio

Then again, I rarely scrimp on calories.