My Inner Shakti

finding strength in everyday things

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Restaurants
  • Recipes
  • Par’s Picks
  • Privacy Policy

Weekend Things and Thoughts

written by Parita 11 Comments

1.  Vishnu was on call Friday so I hung out with Robin.  We went to Vapiano for dinner, drank some wine back at the apartment, and settled in to watch American Hustle.  Of course, I fell asleep about 30 minutes into the movie (if that…).  Oops!  Robin said it was great though!

Robin and I have only known each other a little over a year now, but we’ve shared so many awesome memories and experiences in such a short amount of time.  She’s quickly become a close friend, and I’m so so so thankful we both attended a mutual friend’s baby shower and had the opportunity to meet!

This just proves that you don’t have to know someone for years to form a special bond.  With some people it takes no time at all, especially as you grow older and know exactly what you want in a friend.

Pretty Muddy 2013 143
We share the same goofy sense of humor!

2.  Vishnu and I decided that we couldn’t stay in on Saturday night.  Ok, so our empty fridge kind of decided for us, but we made the most of it!  We dressed up a little and went out to eat at Rosa Mexicano.  The food was just ok, but the company was great!

P&V
AND we got to catch the last 30 minutes of the Italy vs. England soccer game.  Even though I’m not a huge soccer fan, I love the World Cup.  Soccer isn’t just a sport in most countries, it’s a way of life, and that’s what makes watching the games so much fun.  And the fact that some of these guys are super hot doesn’t hurt either!

If you have a minute, check out this McDonald’s World Cup commercial.  It’s freaking incredible and Just goes to show how universal the sport really is!

And of course I had to end the night on a sweet note.  About halfway through our meal, I declared that we HAD TO stop by L.A. Sweets for some mini cupcakes.

LA Sweets cupcakes
I went with the Banana Chocolate Chip and Cookie Dough cupcakes while Vishnu went with the Chocolate Coconut and Cookie Dough.  Unfortunately, the Cookie Dough was just ok.  The Banana Chocolate Chip, on the other hand, was perfect!

3.  If you love the smell of sweet coconut, you MUST try Trader Joe’s Coconut Body Butter.  It has a creamy whipped consistency (looks like frosting actually) and is super moisturizing.  And a little bit goes a long way.  LOVE!

Coconut Body Butter

In the past few months, I’ve noticed that I can’t handle the smell of perfume/cologne.  Even the lightly scented ones.  The minute my nose picks up a strong perfumey scent, I feel like I can’t breathe.  As someone who likes to smell good, this poses a small problem!  That’s where this body butter is great though.  It leaves behind a light scent that doesn’t irritate my nose. Woo hoo!

4.  I knew I wanted to make the Blueberry Banana Muffins Jen blogged about last week, so I got to work on Sunday afternoon.  The verdict?  SO good!  Both Vishnu and I loved the texture and taste of these muffins.  They aren’t overly sweet, so I think they’ll be the perfect mid-afternoon snack.  I’m glad I switched up my usual chocolaty treats for something more fruity.  A very welcome change!

Blueberry Banana muffins
5.   I found this on Pinterest the other day and had to share!
funny pinterest

Even though we’re already married, I wanted to see what Vishnu’s reaction would be if I were to say this to him.  He wasn’t mad at me when I brought it up, so it’s probably not the same, but he laughed!  Phew!  I think his exact reaction was, “You would say something like that!”

Well that’s all, folks!  Have a great Monday!

Written on June 16, 2014 Related:random, Weekend

Just the Two of Us + a Giveaway

written by Parita 14 Comments

This was the first weekend in a long time where it was just me and Vishnu hanging out.  We went out to eat (twice!), we finished season two of House of Cards, we napped (totally Vishnu’s idea), we cooked.  Just the two of us!

Just the two of us
Groupon was offering an amazing dinner-for-two deal at Vapiano.  It’s not my favorite restaurant in the area, but for $29 we got an appetizer (Vishnu chose a meat dish since I said I wasn’t going to eat any apps), 2 drinks, 2 entrees (Spinach and pesto pizza and a creamy gorgonzola spaghetti with pistachios), and two mini desserts (chocolate mousse and tiramisu).

Just the two of us 3
When plans to meet up with friends fell through on Saturday morning, Vishnu and I decided to venture out and try a new restaurant.  We ended up at Bryan In the Kitchen in downtown Miami.  While there were lots of healthy options to choose from, we ordered two grilled cheeses and split them (Brie with Fig Chutney and Fontina/Apple/Sage).  Oh and we had juice as well (apple, cucumber and mint for him and orange for her)!  Yum!

Just the two of us 4

Just the two of us 2

I headed out for a long run just as the sun was setting on Saturday night.  6.5 miles done and done!  This is the most I’ve run since my last half marathon in 2011.  I’m hoping to make it 7 miles next weekend.

Our Sunday was very relaxed – just grocery shopping, laundry, food prep, and a little bit of work.  The usual.

Well there you have it – a snapshot of our “just the two of us” weekend.

*****

And now for a delicious giveaway!!

My friend and fellow blogger Dixya recently (as in this past Friday) released her very first e-cookbook called 27.  We’ve been reading each other’s blogs for a couple of years now, and I am so proud of her for taking on a huge project like this!  And it turned out beautifully.  All 27 of the recipes are simple and unique and will make your mouth water.  From a breakfast burrito to a number of different kinds of salads to even a few of her mom’s specialties, this e-cookbook has a little bit of everything.

Dixya was kind enough to gift me my very own copy of 27.  And since I love it so much, I am gifting three lucky readers their very own copy!

All you have to do is leave a comment below about your favorite kind of cuisine. In her book, Dixya mentions her love for Japanese and Mexican food.  I would have to say Indian and Mexican cuisine are my top two.

The winners will be announced on Wednesday!

Written on March 10, 2014 Related:Food, Restaurant, Weekend

The Randomest Post Ever

written by Parita 3 Comments

For the sake of this post, let’s just say that randomest is a word.

So, it’s Friday. Woot! And of course, I have a bunch of random thoughts floating around in my head that need to be shared. 🙂 You’re welcome!

1. It has been brought to my attention several times now that readers are no longer receiving email updates when I publish a new post. I looked into it, and it seems that I did in fact go from ~150 subscribers to exactly 3. Gah! Really sorry about that, guys!

The fix I am about to propose will take a little bit of effort on your part because I tried to solve the problem on my own with WordPress but had zero luck.

So, IF you are interested in receiving updates whenever a new post goes live, I suggest you sign right back up the way you did before (under where it says “Subscribe to Blog via Email”). OR you can follow me on Twitter, where in addition to new post updates, you will get an up close and personal look into my inner thoughts. OR you can like my Facebook page and be privy to even more fun updates. It’s your choice!

2. In my last post, I asked the question – what book should I read next? I then went and picked out something all on my own. Go figure! I am now reading Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. In all honesty, I am only 10 pages in but so far so good.

unbroken

In fact, according to its Amazon page, Unbroken is a #1 New York Times Bestseller, Hailed as the top nonfiction book of the year by Time magazine, Winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for biography and the Indies Choice Adult Nonfiction Book of the Year award. So yeah. I think it’s going to be pretty good.

3. Vishnu and I are officially obsessed with Season 2 of House of Cards. This show is nuts! So many twists and turns – and we’ve only watched six episodes. I have a feeling a marathon House of Cards session is in our future…as in this weekend!

4. Miami sunrises are the best.  So happy I’m a morning person and able to capture these shots.

Miami sunrise

5. Tonight is date night at Vapiano. Pasta and pizza here we come.

6. I have to talk about a few of my new favorite snacks. Because I pretty much live to eat.

So these Jalapeno Cheddar Sweet Potato Puffs were gone in exactly two days (and Vishnu did not help). Vishnu has, however, enjoyed handfuls of these Sweet and Spicy Nuts (I use half almonds and half cashews). I love Lindsay’s recipes because they are made with real ingredients, come together in no time, and taste delicious.

I am also slightly obsessed with these Banana Bread Muffin Tops by Angela at Oh She Glows. MAKE THESE ASAP. So freaking good.  I added walnuts to my second batch (~1/4 cup chopped).

banana bread muffin tops

Well, that’s it for the randomest post ever! Happy weekend!

Written on March 7, 2014 Related:Book, Food, random

Welcome to My Inner Shakti! This is my little corner of the internet where I explore and share more about the things that give me my inner strength. I hope you stick around! Read More Here...

MIS gives back!

All advertising proceeds from this blog will be donated to a different charity every month!

Subscribe to MIS

Sign up now to receive all the latest from My Inner Shakti straight to your inbox!

Follow me on Feedly!

follow us in feedly

LOVE my blog!

Follow on Bloglovin

Web Hosting

categories

Archives

Top Posts!

  • Marriage Advice for My Little Sister
  • DIY Diaper Pail
  • My Experience with Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Vidhi
  • Drunk Elephant Daytime and Nighttime Skincare Routines
  • Acne Update: Jojoba Oil + Tea Tree Oil
  • Do Not Forget Your Parents
  • Homemade Wax Recipe
  • The 3 Things I Am Not
  • Our Indian Baby Shower!

Follow me on Instagram!

Copyright ©2022, My Inner Shakti. All Rights Reserved. Custom design by Pixel Me Designs