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Brickell in Miami, Florida at night

See You Later, Miami!

written by Parita 7 Comments

After two amazing years of Miami living, Vishnu and I are saying “see you later!”  (I refuse to say goodbye because I know we’ll be back sooner than later.)  And while we’re embarking on a fun new adventure, I’m really going to miss this city and all the memories it holds.

Miami 
More specifically, I’m going to miss…

  • …all the wonderful friends we’ve made.  It’s crazy how close and connected you can feel to people you haven’t known all that long.  Although it’s been hard saying bye to everyone, I know our Miami peeps are lifelong friends, so it’s more like “see you soon.”
  • …our apartment.  We really lucked out with our place here.  It was the perfect size, in the perfect location, with the perfect view. 
  • …Miami weather.  More so the warmth and not the crazy humidity.  And because we’ll still be in sunny Florida for a year, it probably won’t hit me until we move to Chicago. 
  • …being able to walk EVERYWHERE – the grocery store, the post office, the nail salon, bars, restaurants, and most importantly, my office.  For two years, I had the BEST commute in the world!
  • …my runs along Brickell Key.  If you follow me on Instagram and have seen my beautiful sunrise pictures, then you’ve seen a part of Brickell Key.  It’s a small key located directly behind our condo building, and the perimeter is lined with the most perfect path for running/walking. 
  • …my hair stylist.  For the past two years, I’ve gone to the same lady for my haircuts and most recently my color.  She is amazing.  And we all know how hard it is to find a hair person.  Crossing my fingers that I can find someone like Jessica in both St. Pete and Chicago!  For anyone living in the Miami area, check out Philip Francis Hair Salon and book with Jessica.
  • …Giardino’s salads.  I know what you’re probably thinking but hear me out.  This place makes the BEST salads in the world.  They are loaded with fresh ingredients and topped with the tastiest dressings.  Most everyone who’s visited us in Miami had tried Giardino’s and loved it!

I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t a huge fan of the idea of living in Miami.  In fact, when I first moved down here, I was already counting down the days until our move out of here.   But now?  Let’s just say I’m going to miss this wonderful, chaotic, magical city with all my heart. 

See you later, Miami!  And thank you for everything!  We’re sure going to miss you, but we’ll be back soon!

Written on June 5, 2015 Related:Miami

Weekend Recap – Family Fun

written by Parita 10 Comments

We had such a great time with Niel and Neelam (my BIL and his girlfriend) this weekend.  I really wish we could go back in time and relive all the fun (and delicious food!).

After picking them up at the airport on Friday evening, we went to Nikko by Sunshine for dinner.  Neelam and I weren’t in much of a sushi mood, so I ordered Pad Thai while Neelam ordered soup.  Vishnu and Niel shared a couple of sushi rolls and my leftovers.  I’ve been looking for a decent sushi restaurant, and according to Vishnu, we found it!  We’ll definitely be back.

Niel in Miami 009
Just check out the presentation!

The next morning, we got up, ate breakfast, talked for a couple of hours, and slowly got ready for the day.  Not surprisingly, this involved more food!  Since Vishnu, Niel, and Neelam all love seafood, we drove to Joe’s Stone Crab in South Beach.

Niel in Miami 012
Thankfully, the salad I ordered was fresh and refreshing.  The server even recommended I try Joe’s dressing, which is award-winning and delicious!  The seafood eaters also enjoyed their meals.  Vishnu and Neelam said their crab cakes were pillowy and delicious (as evident by their perfectly clean plates!), and Niel said his fried oysters tasted “great!”  If you love seafood, this Miami institution is a must visit restaurant!

Since it looked like it was about to rain any minute, we headed home after lunch and decided to play Taboo.  We started off with the boys teaming up against the girls.  After the girls dominated and destroyed the boys, we changed things up.  Vishnu and I coupled up against Niel and Neelam and walked away with a narrow victory.  Note that the common denominator in both scenarios was ME!  I’m pretty much a Taboo wizard!

Later that night, we met up with a few friends for dinner at Batch.  Good food and good company!

Niel in Miami 015
Before heading home, we stopped at Area 31 to check out their rooftop bar.  The bar was actually closed but the view was still amazing.

Miami view
Sunday morning looked a lot like Saturday – woke up, talked, got ready, went out to eat.  Only this time, instead of lunch, we went to Fado’s Irish Pub for brunch.  The food was good, but the conversation was better!  We talked about everything from football, soccer, religion, movies, etc.  So much fun!

Niel in Miami 021
Brothers!

Niel and Vishnu were craving something sweet after our very savory meal, so we stopped at Amore for gelato.  I wasn’t planning on getting anything because of my whole dairy-free thing, but when I heard someone say vegan gelato, my ears perked up!  Apparently, gelato can be made with water and no eggs/milk.  After sampling it, I made everyone else try it too!  It was so creamy and chocolaty.  Love it when I’m not left out!

No visit would be complete without a walk around mine and Vishnu’s favorite spot…Brickell Key.

Niel in Miami 028

Niel in Miami 029
I think we successfully convinced Niel and Neelam to retire in Miami with us one day!

And just like that the weekend was over.  But because fun times were had by all, I think it’s safe to say that our visitors will be back sometime in early 2015!

I, for one, am really looking forward to the short work week and our trip to Houston next weekend.  One more 2014 wedding to go!

Written on November 25, 2014 Related:Family, Miami, Weekend

My Two Favorite Goofballs Are Here!

written by Parita 14 Comments

My parents are here for their annual Miami trip! 

The timing of their visit actually worked out really well since Vishnu’s in Chicago for his away rotation.  It’s been a little lonely over the past couple of weeks!  I miss my Vishnu a lot, but I’ll get to see him next week when I head to Chicago…and stay for about a month!  I’m SO lucky  my boss is incredibly flexible and is allowing me to work from Chicago.  More on my trip later!

This weekend has been all about spending time with my parents.  They got in around lunchtime on Saturday, and it’s been go go go ever since.  We’ve done so much in such a short amount of time and still have a little less than a week to go!

So far my three favorite things have been…

My mom’s food (obviously!).

Shak and Bakri
Evening walks around Brickell Key with these two!

M&D Brickell Key
And meeting Kiran!

Blogger meetup - Kiran 
This was a huge deal for both me and my mom because we both love Kiran’s blog and Instagram page!  She’s such a talented cook and photographer.  I was a little star struck at first, but after quickly seeing how sweet and down-to-earth Kiran is, I was fine! :)  The three of us ended up chatting for about an hour.  Both my mom and I left feeling like we’ve known Kiran forever – it’s kind of nuts how blogging builds such strong connections!

My parents have quite the week ahead of them – a day trip to visit my mom’s aunt and uncle, an overnight visit to Key West, and lots of fun to come with their favorite first born! 

While my days will be the same old with work, I’m really looking forward to hanging out with my two favorite goofballs as much as possible!

Happy Monday!  Make it a great one.

Written on August 18, 2014 Related:Family, Life

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