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Weekend Recap – When Friends Visit

I was looking forward to this past weekend since May! That’s when my friend Jenny asked if we were going to be around because she was going to be in town for a conference and her husband Jimi was going to drive down for the weekend.

I’ve known Jenny since my freshman year at UGA. We quickly bonded during late night study sessions and continued to stay close over the years. Vishnu and Jimi actually met during Vishnu’s freshman year as well…way before I knew Vishnu and Jenny knew Jimi. Craziness!

It’s been a long time since the four of us have really hung out and spent time together. Of course, we’ve seen J&J at various weddings over the past couple of years, but those don’t count as quality time! I’m so glad it worked out for them to stay with us this weekend.

Jenny and Jimi got to our place late Friday night. Unfortunately, Vishnu was sleeping because he had work in the morning (the only crappy part of the weekend!).

On Saturday morning, we got up and lounged around for a few hours chatting about…pretty much everything. J&J love deep conversations as much as I do! Seriously though, we talked about everything from our childhoods to our take on healthcare. SO MUCH FUN!

Eventually, we got ready and made our way to the Saturday Morning Market in downtown St. Pete.

Horrible picture but you get the idea!

Jenny, Jimi, and I scoped out the different stalls and then got our eat on…literally! I tried a cheese stuffed arepa, a pineapple + strawberry smoothie, and a falafel wrap. Aside from the amazing food stalls, there was lots of fresh, organic produce as well. Can’t wait to make the Morning Market a regular thing!

After stuffing our faces, we continued on with our walking tour of St. Pete and eventually ended up at Kilwin’s for some ice cream! There’s always room for ice cream. I decided to go with a scoop of the chocolate peanut butter…my fav!

Since we couldn’t fathom anything other than sitting on the couch for the next few hours, we headed home after our ice cream break.

Quite a few hours later, after Vishnu got home from work, we headed to Taco Bus for dinner. Jenny and I decided to share a plate of nachos because neither of us was that hungry. Best decision ever (I was kind of sick of food by this time). We ended the night with funny YouTube videos and random conversation!

The next morning unfolded a little slowly. We got up and talked for a bit before showering and getting ready. We then made our way to Banyan Cafe for brunch (the same place Vishnu and I went for his birthday brunch). I decided to go with a breakfast sandwich this time (eggs, cheddar, spinach, and Cuban bread) and was happy with my choice!

And then came the sad part…saying bye to J&J! Even though I didn’t want them to leave, I was so glad we had the chance to spend good quality time together. Jenny and Jimi are so much fun to be around. I honestly haven’t laughed this much in a long time! Can’t wait to do it again soon (I hope)!

Until next time…

Have a great Monday and thanks for reading!!

Weekend Recap…

written by Parita 6 Comments

…that includes too many things to name in the title!

Another weekend, another recap! Also, as I mentioned in my no added sugar challenge post, I’m in Chicago for work this week. I love this city in the summer. There’s truly nothing like it!

FRIDAY

I only worked until lunch on Friday since Vishnu and I had our TSA pre-check appointments in the early afternoon. The “interviews” themselves took about five minutes each. Actually getting to the airport was the real pain because of an accident and onlooker delays.

Since we were already in Tampa, we went to the mall to see if we could find any good deals. Guess what…no deals! I did get a new-to-me BB cream at Sephora though (will share more once I’ve tested it out a bit). We also stopped by Nordstrom Rack where I found a beautiful woven dress that can be dressed up or down and will transition from summer to fall quite nicely I think.

When we got home from the mall, Vishnu asked if I would be interested in going to see the new Mission Impossible movie. Since Reshma gave it two thumbs up, I was not only down but kind of excited! Mind you, Vishnu’s been anticipating this movie for quite some time now. How do I know? Because he showed me the online trailer five times in the last two months!

If you’re looking for a fun action movie to end the summer with, this is it! I may not be the biggest Tom Cruise fan, but boy can he act! AND Vishnu told me that he did most of the stunts himself. Crazy! I also loved the humor that was mixed in with all the action, particularly any scene with Benji!

SATURDAY

On Saturday morning, I went to TJs per the usual except this time I didn’t come back with tons of stuff. Since I’m gone through the end of the week, I picked up a few prepared/prepackaged foods for Vishnu. Before most longer trips, I try to make him something to eat for the week before I head out (lasagna, chili, etc.), but I didn’t prepare the way I usually do so Trader Joe’s to the rescue. Tamales, chicken lasagna, and pizza will have to do this week!

Other to dos on our Saturday agenda included cleaning, a work out, de cluttering my makeup stash (i.e. throwing away a few old products that I held on to “just in case”), and packing.

We also met up with one of Vishnu’s co-interns and his girlfriend for dinner at Stillwaters Tavern. Apparently the restaurant just opened a month or so ago. I can tell it’s going to be a go to place for a lot of people because the food and the beer selection were both on point.

I stuck with water as my drink of choice and ordered a house made vegetarian burger and fries as my main. For some reason, I was craving a veggie burger all day, and this one delivered. The patty itself was full of flavor (I think the main ingredient was black beans), and the toppings included feta, tzatziki sauce and pickled onions. I honestly could’ve ate a bowl of just those onions. They were perfectly sweet and tangy! And the ketchup that came with the fries was a little spicy and added the perfect kick. Craving quenched!

As an aside, the chicken dish Vishnu ordered came with jalapeno cheddar bread pudding. Um, how good does that sound!? Too bad it was wedged between two pieces of chicken. Sad smile I really wanted to try it! Next time I may get it as a side.

After dinner, Shaz, AJ’s girlfriend, asked if we wanted to stop by the gelato place next door. No worries, I didn’t cheat on my challenge. While every got a cup of gelato, I sipped on a no sugar added latte. But you better believe we are going back to this place in 20 days! Some of the flavors looked and sounded absolutely delicious.

SUNDAY

Our Sunday started way earlier than we wanted at 4:15 am because of my crack of dawn flight. I promised myself (and Vishnu) that I won’t book early morning flights anymore unless absolutely necessary.

Anyway, we got to the airport with plenty of time for me to check my bag and get through security. Or so we thought! The security line was unbelievably long. At one point when I looked back, it had started to wrap around the back of the airport! I couldn’t help but wish that our pre-check appointment one week earlier! It was so bad that they closed the regular lanes where you go through the normal TSA process and opened up three pre-check lanes where you keep your shoes on and don’t have to take out liquids or electronics. That was the only way to get everyone through. Luckily, I made it to my gate with a few minutes to spare!

Once I arrived in Chicago, I quickly unpacked/settled in to my hotel room and got ready for the day. Unfortunately, it was drizzling, so I couldn’t go very far. Vishnu wanted me to check out potential neighborhoods since we’re going to start hunting for our next home soon! I guess the rain followed me here.

At 1:00 pm, a group of us staying at the hotel headed over to my coworker Toni’s parent’s house for dinner. Toni’s family is Italian, and her dad just so happens to have a wood burning brick oven in his backyard, so we had an Italian pizza party! So much delicious fun!

And finally, I ended the day by meeting up with a very good business school friend of mine! Mariam and I hadn’t seen each other since my wedding, so this was a long overdue reunion. I love it when one trip fits so many different purposes!

I’ll share more about this trip in Friday’s post – lots of delicious restaurants on the agenda along with a Cubs game, fireworks, and more!

Have a wonderful Monday, and as always, thanks for reading!

Have you ever been to Chicago before? Favorite US city?

Weekend Recap–Food and Comedy

written by Parita 13 Comments

MIS will never be a lifecasting blog. My day-to-day life is way too routine for that. And to be quite honest, I don’t enjoy writing about my daily happenings. I tried that for a while when I first started blogging, and it just didn’t stick. I do, however, enjoy sharing weekend recaps because that’s when the fun/different stuff happens (for the most part).

So here’s a peek into my weekend…

FRIDAY

Vishnu and I have decided that since we’re only going to be in St. Petersburg for the next ~~year~~ 10 months (time is flying!), we want to try as many new restaurants as possible. As I’ve mentioned before, there are tons of options in the St. Pete/Tampa area.

On this particular Friday, we were craving Mexican/Tex Mex food. Vishnu did a little bit of research, and we ended up at Casita Taqueria for dinner.

We started with an order of the guac and chips. I loved the seasoning on the chips and the flavor of the guac. Vishnu…not such a fan. He did enjoy the tacos he ordered – a grouper taco and a spicy chicken taco. Since there was only one veggie taco on the menu, I decided to order a rice and bean bowl. It was good but had nothing on Chipotle!

Not the best meal we’ve had in St. Pete but glad we gave it a chance!

After dinner, we headed to one of Vishnu’s co-intern’s apartments to hang out. Once everyone else got there, we went up to the rooftop deck. Fun times!

SATURDAY

A late Friday night made for a late Saturday morning! Not necessarily a bad thing since the rain still hadn’t let up. We cleaned and watched a little TV before getting ready to go the Side Splitters, a comedy club in Tampa.

Another one of Vishnu’s co-interns invited a few of us to his uncle’s comedy club. There’s nothing like stand up, so we were totally on board.

The main comedian ended up being Jaime Kennedy. For those of you, like me, who find that name vaguely familiar, he’s the guy who played Randy in the Scream movies!

Fortunately, both Jaime and the guy who went before him were pretty funny. They definitely got some laughs out of the audience!

SUNDAY

I woke up to the sound of pouring rain on Sunday morning. By the time I rolled out of bed, brushed my teeth, and figured out what I needed to buy at TJ’s, it stopped, so I quickly got ready and headed to the store.

Other than grocery shopping, working out, and sorting through my clothes (i.e. purging a whole bunch of stuff), our Sunday was super relaxing. Just the way I like it!

Well, here’s to another week…make it a good one!

Happy Monday!

Three Things Thursday (20)

written by Parita 14 Comments

I can’t believe this is my 20th Three Things Thursday post. Time flies when you’re having fun!

Well, aside from this week crawling by at a snail’s pace, I don’t have much else to say. So, let’s get to this week’s three things…

(1) The Poisonwood Bible

I created a summer reading list a few weeks ago. I even managed to finish one of the books on that list. Then, right as I was about to start my next book, Vishnu asked me why I haven’t started The Poisonwood Bible when I promised him I would (years ago!).

You see, this is one of his all time favorite novels. And once upon a time when we first started dating, he highly recommended that I read it. I promised I would, but it’s now been almost 10 years and I haven’t made it past page 10. I just keep getting distracted by other books. Ah the life of a book worm!

Anyway, I’m starting The Poisonwood Bible this week! It’s over 500 pages long…wish me luck!

(2) St. Petersburg, Florida weather

I’m going to let this 10 day weather forecast do the talking because no one likes hearing people complain about the weather.

But seriously, WTF?!

(3) A simple cooking hack

Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite red wine to any bottled pasta sauce and allow to simmer on low heat for 10ish minutes. What you’re left with is a delicious sauce that tastes anything but store bought!

That’s all I have for this week. Thanks for reading!

If you’re a blogger, write a post and link back to one or all of the hostesses: Raj from Pink Chai Living, Nisha from Love Laugh Mirch, or Salma from The Write Balance. Then share a link to your post (not your blog’s home page).

Have you read The Poisonwood Bible? Thoughts?
What’s the weather like where you live?
What’s are some of your favorite cooking hacks?

Three Things Thursday (18) – Me, Myself and I

written by Parita 13 Comments

I’m not sure if it’s the fact that I just came back from a weekend at home or if it’s because Vishnu’s schedule is insane or if it’s because I don’t have any upcoming travel plans to look forward to, but I’m definitely starting to feel like life right now is pretty much me, myself and I… all day long!

Don’t get me wrong, I feel so incredibly lucky to be able to stay with the same company and work from home for a year. And I’m so glad that Vishnu’s program is a good fit for him despite the crazy long hours.

Of course, all of this is temporary. This time next year, we’ll be in Chicago! But that doesn’t keep the occasional feeling of loneliness away! However, I’m determined to not let it get the best of me. I try to do little things each day to change up my routine and make each day feel different.

With that, I’m using this week’s Three Things Thursday post to share the little things I do to keep the loneliness and monotony at bay!

(1) I step away from my computer for a full hour and take the time to make and eat lunch. It’s never anything fancy, but by doing this, the day feels a little shorter and it gives me something to look forward to (obviously because food is involved!). And if it works out timing wise, I watch Chopped, my favorite Food Network show, at this time as well. Lunch is a real highlight these days!

(2) More than ever before, I’m on the hunt for fun/creative/new dinner ideas. At about 6-6:30 pm every day, I shut down my computer and head into the kitchen with my iPad to whip up a hopefully delicious meal. This is something I’ve always enjoyed doing, but it’s taken on a new meaning right now. With Vishnu coming home at 8-8:30 pm every day and me not having any plans in the evening, I have more time to cook and experiment in the kitchen. And the iPad? Well, that provides ongoing entertainment in the form of music and podcasts.

(3) I’ve always been pretty good about keeping in touch with friends, but I’m trying to be better about scheduling phone/FaceTime dates a couple times a week. This reminds me that just because I don’t have any friends in St. Pete yet doesn’t mean I don’t have friends! #sadbuttrue

I know this post is a bit of deviation from my usual happy topics, but this is life right now. Even though I’ve moved a countless number of times over the past few years, this move is a bit different in a few ways.

But like I said, it’s temporary, Vishnu’s schedule will get better, we have friends/family visiting over the next few months, and come August the St. Pete Junior League (an organization I joined in Miami) will start it’s meetings and events. Also, now that I’m not travelling as much, I’m going to do some research and look up yoga/fitness studios within walking distance of our apartment (we only have one car). Even if I go once a week, that’s still something!

Like my mom said to me when we moved here almost six weeks ago, I need to give myself time to adjust. Not an easy thing to do for someone with a “it should’ve happened yesterday” kind of attitude! But I’m trying my best to let time do its thing.

If all else fails, I have my sister’s wedding planning to keep me busy! Smile

As always, thanks for reading!

Have you ever moved to a new city and now known anyone?

Give It A Little Time

written by Parita 23 Comments

We’ve officially been in St. Petersburg for over a week. And in one week, I’ve gone from thinking that this place will never grow on me to actually enjoying myself while exploring our neighborhood.

I had a mini meltdown early last week while talking to my mom. I’ve never been the best with dealing with major change, so couple that with pure exhaustion, and you’re left with a very emotional Parita. My mom, doing what she does best, gave me the best advice she could – give it a little time.

It’s no big surprise, but she was right. I needed to give everything a little time to settle down, as well as give ourselves some time to adjust.

And after a full weekend in our new city, I’m already feeling more at home.

On Friday, we had plans to go for a walk after I got done with work, but as soon as the clock hit 5:30, the rain started to come down. And it didn’t stop for most of the night. So we ended up watching a Bollywood movie at home.

Vishnu’s not the biggest fan of Bollywood movies, but we both enjoyed this one and highly recommend it!

We woke up bright and early on Saturday and decided to go for a run. I’m not quite sure how many miles we covered, but we managed to get almost 8,000 steps each. Always a good thing!

Next up on our list of things to do on Saturday – go to the beach! Even though it was super crowded, we really enjoyed ourselves. Unlike the east coast of Florida, the beaches on the west coast are seaweed free. This in and of itself makes the experience so much fun. Can’t wait to go back!

After coming home and showering, we decided to keep the good times rolling by visiting Costco. You guys! This was probably the best Costco experience I’ve had in…well, forever. You weren’t forced to play bumper carts in every single aisle, people were really friendly and nice, the checkout process took no more than five minutes, etc. As we walked out, I looked at Vishnu and said, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but that was actually fun.” Haha.

We ended our day with dinner (my first Pho experience!), ice cream, and another movie at home.

Sunday was a little more low-key – gym, Trader Joe’s and the outlet mall. I snagged a cute jean jacket at Loft, and Vishnu got quite a few things including work pants, shorts, and workout clothes.

The rest of my day was spent napping and watching the last half of the NBA finals.

A great weekend overall! My mom’s advice was on point – give it a little time and everything will be alright. In a weeks time, I’m already feeling better and ready to make the most of our year here!

Happy Monday and thanks for reading!

How was your weekend? What was the last movie you watched?

All Moved In

written by Parita 10 Comments

We survived our move this weekend! And not only are we all moved in, but we’re 95% unpacked as well. It took a lot of work to get us to this point, but we did it!

When we moved from Fort Lauderdale to Miami two years ago, we hired a moving company to load, drive, and unload all of our stuff. This also included breaking down our bed and putting it back together and other tasks like that. And while all of our stuff got to Miami, it was such an ordeal on so many levels. So this time around we went with a slightly different option.

For this move, we rented a U-Haul truck, bought all of the packing material off the U-Haul website, hired loaders and unloaders, and did all the grunt work ourselves. I mentioned packing on the blog several times over the past couple of weeks, and while we did pack here and there, the majority of our stuff wasn’t put into boxes until Thursday and Friday. We also wrapped all of our furniture in industrial sized saran wrap, which sounds like a lot of fun but is literally a pain (my back hurt for days!).

Packing chaos!

But I think all of our hard work was worth the effort because the move itself was relatively smooth. The loaders and unloaders arrived on time, the weather cooperated, the U-Haul didn’t break down on Vishnu, nothing was damaged, etc.

As far as unpacking goes, we pretty much used most of Sunday to do just that, as well as organize all of our stuff. My goal was to get the bathroom, the kitchen, and our bedroom in working order, and we did that plus a little more!

My favorite spot in the new apt!

Something we definitely could have done better is meal planning, and I don’t mean home cooked meals. I wish I had researched options in our neighborhood so that at any given moment when either of us was hungry something could have been done about it. We pretty much ate 1.5 meals on Saturday and 1.5 meals on Sunday. Oh well, you live, get hangry, and learn!

To ensure that the aforementioned scenario doesn’t happen again, we also fit in a quick Target and Trader Joe’s trip (less than a 10 minute drive away!!) on Sunday in between the unpacking mayhem. No one is going hungry around here anytime soon!

Well, that’s all for now! I’ll share more about our new city in upcoming posts!

Thanks for reading!

Weekend Recap – When Friends Visit

Weekend Recap…

Weekend Recap–Food and Comedy

Three Things Thursday (20)

Three Things Thursday (18) – Me, Myself and I

Give It A Little Time

All Moved In

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