I've been really busy...

But aren’t we all super busy? I feel like as I’ve gotten older, moved to a new city away from my best girlfriends and family, I have heard this phrase more often than not. While I don’t doubt that everyone has things they have to take care of on a daily basis that are all high priority, I’ve found that the phrase “Sorry! I’ve been crazy busy with XYZ” has become some sort of excuse or cop out from friends, family, and even myself. I am left feeling puzzled, and looking for answers and reading into this phrase more than I ever have before. We’re on the leading edge of technology that allows us to FaceTime, text, call, Uber, browse the internet in less than 5 seconds, but it seems like despite all of this, we are more distant than ever from those from who once felt so close.

While I am by no means suggesting sitting at work for 8 hours texting everyone in your contacts, we all know deep down that we have at least 10 minutes of downtime/free time a day to make this excuse of “being too busy” less of a regular occurrence. When I reference “downtime”, it isn’t exactly what you think. This downtime I mentioned doesn’t necessarily mean you’re just sitting around twiddling your thumbs, it could be anything from browsing Facebook, watching a TV show, or even cooking. I think if we have time for all the things I just listed (heavy emphasis on social media), why are we still using the excuse that we’re “too busy” to reach out to others, reply to a text in a reasonable amount of time, or commit to plans?

Why can’t we spend 10 seconds of our downtime to shoot a quick text, write an email, grab a quick coffee or even call someone we haven’t talked to in a bit that we miss?  

We need to remind ourselves that it’s not always about having time, but making time. 

Maybe I am speaking from frustration because this phrase is getting thrown around way too much nowadays (and I am guilty of it), but I want people in my life to know that I do care about you and I WILL make time to show you that I value you. We make time for things we value, so take a second to remember what you really value in life… Is it that 45 minute scroll down your Instagram feed? Or is it catching up with your best friend in LA to hear about her new job promotion in New York? I’ll let you choose what you value in life, but just remember that our human connections influence us, evoke emotions, and remind us about the beauty of life.

My Favorite Simple, Clean Eating Recipe!

Simple, fast and healthy…oh did I forget affordable? These are four key words that make me ecstatic when I’m cooking or looking for new recipes to try. The meal I am about to share with you has become a staple in my meal planning, and was inspired by my roommate, Renee. Let me introduce you to Cauliflower Fried Rice.

Now I am not sure about you, but I tried food processing cauliflower florets one time, and it created the biggest kitchen mess of all time. Thankfully, my favorite grocery store, Trader Joe's, now has Cauliflower Rice already pre-chopped and ready to go. The other great thing about Trader Joe’s is that it has pre-cut mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, onions etc.) saving you from extra dish washing and time spent chopping various veggies to put in your rice mix. The only other ingredients you need? A little sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic and of course, eggs, to get some protein in the mix. Just imagine this recipe as the healthy version of Benihana’s fried rice. 

This is one of those recipes where I just wing it. First, I get a large pan and put it over medium heat with some sesame oil (about a tablespoon), chopped garlic, and then dump in the mixed veggies. I cook the veggies down for about 5 minutes and then I dump in the bag of cauliflower rice. While those cooking, I grab another pan and scramble about 3-4 eggs. Once the eggs are cooked I mix it in with the cauliflower and veggie mix and cook it for about another 5 minutes, while adding a couple tablespoons of soy sauce. I wouldn’t recommend dumping the whole bottle of soy sauce on the mixture, but rather adding it in stages to see if you like the taste/flavor. If you add too much it’ll be soggy. After a little taste test your cauliflower fried rice is good to go. Bon Appetite!

P.S. If you’re not in a daring mood and are looking for a little more guidance, just click this link to find a great starter recipe as a guide for your first time around!

Daily Inspiration: Steve Jobs

“How many of us have jobs we hate? How many of us live our lives in misery because we’re too scared to take risks? The greatest joy comes from living a life outside of our comfort zones, where we live vulnerably and authentically. We are called not to live sheltered lives but to boldly live our purpose.”