Book Worm

With a new year well underway, it's always tempting to peek behind the curtain of the past year- in what happened and what was learned. Regarding books, what happened was that I finished more than I thought I could, and what I learned was that it's always good to read a book, or take it with you during your day since you'll never know when you will need it to be your companion and friend for those 20 minutes waiting or wanting some needed inspiration. So finally I will share the finished books I read in 2016, and will specifically highlight the ones I read this Fall.

I have my favorites that I read this year, and that really put a spark in me. These included The Blessed Eucharist, The Pioneer Woman, When Breath Becomes Air, Start Something That Matters, Led By Faith, The Diana I Knew, On The Noodle Road, The Introvert's Way, Our Lady Of Kibeho, Traveling To Infinity, White Jacket Required, and Spiritual Lessons along the Camino. Whew. Great titles and books that stirred up inspiring juices that uplifted, encouraged and gave me a new perspective and world to look into. It's always a treat when books can do that for you. :)

Now for the ones that I read this Fall. My goal was to read 8, but I finished 7.
Looking back at the ones I read this Fall, I realized that most of them are spiritual books, which I also found to be helpful and inspiring:)

The Virgin Mary of Guadalupe

This little book was amazing. I learned a lot about the life of Juan Diego and more about the occurrence of The Virgin Mary visiting him. It was also an easy and quick read. Happens to be one of my favorite apparitions of Mary:)






India Calling: An Intimate Portrait of a Nation's Remaking
Right from the start, this book hooked me into a deeper and hidden perspective of the history of India. I found it to be very interesting, as the author was raised with two different cultures, and going back to India as an adult was an interesting and riveting experience for him. I would like to read more books like this.

Our Lady of Kibeho

A very, very engaging and uplifting book about Mary coming into the city of Kibeho, on the Eastern side of Africa. There was so much power and hope in this book, it was difficult to put down. This was also a fast read, and to be honest was a little sad when it was over. Now I can say that I've read all of her books (Immaculee Ilibagiza's). Such a strong, beautiful and inspiring woman.

The Name of God is Mercy 

Another spiritual read! This one was also quite short, and easy to flip through and read. I liked that I read it at the end of the year of Mercy, and overall an insightful and uplifting book.

Travelling to Infinity

I was so glad to finish this long, detailed and heart hooking book! I had been meaning to read and finish this book for sometime, and even bought it for my Mom for Christmas two years ago. I've seen the movie and really liked it. When my sister read it, I was more inspired to read it as well. Jane Hawking is such an amazing writer and storyteller, this too was a page turner. I recall reading 100 pages in a day practically fluidly. Highly recommended.

Make it Messy 

Aww, Marcus Sameulsson. I always enjoy looking at his cookbooks- I got one of them for Christmas this past year! I've also read his other memoir, Yes, Chef. This book was similar to Yes, Chef, a condensed version. It was also nice because I kind of forgot parts of the story, and what an interesting story he has. He's an interesting, creative and inspiring person and chef. 

White Jacket Required

I found this interesting book first at B&N and remembered and wrote the title down. I was inspired by the author's tenacity, passion and determination in the culinary and then later the pastry field. I could relate with some of those moments and situations of quarter life crises and uphill and downhill battles. She has an inspiring journey.

And lastly, right before Fall ended and Winter started, I finished reading Spiritual Lessons along the Camino.

This spiritual read, hence the title, was one I read in preparation for the Christmas season. She decides to go to Spain, to go on a personal and intimate retreat with herself and learns new things about herself, her faith and others along the way. It was a nice and enriching read when the gloominess of December stopped by for a visit.

So, those were all the books that I read this Fall, and this year. I'm excited for all the reading I will do in 2017, and want to read more this year, finding more time for it and covering more subject areas.

Till next time...

Reading By The Minute

This week...hmm should I say eventful, busy, reflective, and even peaceful at times. I try to savor the little moments, like reading a book for 15 minutes, or even learning Hindi or going for run- since these things can be hard to do at times with the rest of my schedule somewhat packed and tight. I've learned that this is just the beginning, since there will always be busy times in life, it's just how you use the time (perhaps minutes) you've got.

I became concerned that I wasn't finishing as many books as I wanted this Fall. Yes, I have a pretty busy schedule, but it wasn't impossible. I also had a difficult time actually sticking to a book. I have an easy time finding some but once I flip some pages, I no longer feel that this book is for me. But I recently did stick to a book, till the end and made time to do so. I figured I didn't have to rush home with all the traffic. I could sit on a nice, inviting bench and read for about 10 or 15 minutes. I don't have to rush from activity to activity, instead I can slowly transition which will lead to less heart pounding, minute ticking in my head and just lead to more peace all around. I found that by reading on this nice bench at school, I was able to observe more- to enjoy my surrondings, not rush through life without appreciating all the things that are around me. I was able to watch passerbys and hear some of their conversations (such as the Presidency), and live in the moment, catch my breath. I noticed how much reading I could do in that short yet productive amount of time! It's all about being innovative with what you have, whether that be tangible or intagible goods.

The cherries behind me. I wouldn't have notcied them if I walked right by them and didn't stop and sit on that bench.

I saw this tree, and I my mind immediatley thought of these long branches, and so many of them- of all of the ideas and inspirations that our minds can imagine. This was inspiring to me, and so I decided to stop at this nice bench:)

I am excited to share the books I have finished this Fall. At this point, I still have at least 5 to finish before December 21st, which is the first day of Winter. There are also still many things I would like to do and accomplish, and crazy to think that this year of 2016 is fastly approaching to an end. Some of these include finishing the sewing project that is soon to be done! I also want to get back into knitting again, keep up with my language studies, organize my tutoring materials/notes, and try out more new recipes to post on Plum Tree, as well as my own cookbook archive:)

While on my run, had to capture this beautiful pink undertone sky!

Nice snack while tutoring! I gave my student a cupcake for an early birthday (homemade by my mom from wedding reception), and I got two in return! Ha

It's November! Which means Family, Turkey and Cooking! Had to get some new recipes from this cooking food magaize:)

Coming up: I am planning to make a Turkish dish, just want enough people to enjoy it, and Friday night can leave people to scatter. Also, favorite books from 2016, favorite words from all the languages I have and am studying and some creative projects!! Till next time..

Summer Books and October Color

Summer is becoming farther and farther in the background. While looking back, some days feel all clustered into one, over one hundred days smudged, in a good, bright and fun kind of way. Some things stick out more than others, and some days I miss more than others. I wanted to write about the books that I read and finished this past Summer. My goal was 12 and I reached 12, up until the last day, so that was exciting and rewarding.

I'll start from mid June to late September, when my Summer started and when it ended. A few of the books I had picked up prior but then finished them with a good and hard determined mind, and made the finish line. Others, I had picked up at the library and fell in love from the first page, became hooked and knew I wanted to finish it and see how it ends, but even better, to enjoy the journey.

This book was the first book I finished this summer. I hadn't read anything like it, and was even searching for more books that she had written, but so far no luck. This is a cooking memoir, Persian cooking and the author's expereince getting into cooking school- the same one as Julia Child. I liked this one, especially since I love cooking memoirs but also because I learned a few things about Persian/Iranian food and culture! 4 stars

I started this book Spring 2015, but I never finished it. I came back to it this Summer, and wanted to expereince the ending. This book is about a young woman experiencing the peace corps in Africa. It was so interesting to me, to expereince another world, expereince and culture, through her eyes. While reading, I couldn't help thinking about my friend who is doing the Peace Corps now in Ecuador, and all that she is expereincing. 3 stars

I was always aware of Frida Kalho. I only briefly knew about her and wanted to know more about her. This book gave a thorough view of her life, her struggles and journey through art. She is such a unique person, a creative and original soul. This book was very informative, and feel that I know more about her life and her art. 4 stars

I finally read and finished a Willa Cather book. This one I also picked up about 2 years ago, but never finished. This Summer, I was determined to give it a whack. What an interesting read. It goes back to another time, in another state, the hardships of life come into hand, and the dynamics of characters come into play. Cather makes the 1800's come to life, with her rich descriptions of scenery and emotions. I plan to read her other classic works! 4 stars

My sister picked up this book before me, read it and enjoyed it. I was convinced that I would like it too. It was such a quick read, engaging, interesting, yet suffereing was the main theme. I also got to learn more about Diana, the likeable Princess from all around the world. This book was not only about her life but it delved into her personal encounter with a life long friend, with the woman whom she nannied her son. I learned that Diana was a private person, she kept a lot of her pain to herself, so it was interesting to know that her friend didn't know much of her deep turmoils. 5 stars for me!

I had wanted to read and finish this book for so long! Although it took a few months, I finally finished it! Wow, what a treasure. Some of it was dense, but overall very interesting. This was my spiritual reading for a while, and there were a lot parts that I gained some deeper understanding about St. Josemaria's life, as well as the history of that time. 5 stars!

This book I had found through a blog, a language blog- even better! I can't take the priveldge of finding this interesting read, my sister did again actually. But I read the book, it was a pretty thick book, maybe close to 400 pages. I read this one in the middle of August, when I had long days to read a good, enticing read. I liked this book, yet didn't love it. I thought it was interesting but felt that she gave up on studying Chinese and Arabic, and kind of delved more into Spanish. Her goal was to study in the country of that language, and luckily her husband is pretty chill, because he kind of just went along for the ride and she went with it, her ideas leading her through it all. 3 stars

I recieved this book as a Christmas gift this past year. Again, I started it but didn't dig deep enough to pave my way through this one. I always knew I wanted to read it, just not now I thought. But I eventually got around to it, and enjoyed it. It was a simple cooking book, talking about various forms of cookig and food. This author has another book, a sequel to this one. I plan to read that one, when I feel ready to pick it up again. 3.5 stars

I had heard about her, and people had read this book. I knew that I had to go back and finish this, again one of those books that I put down for a while, but then felt called to continue on. Her story is very interesting, and you really feel that you get to know and understand her. She's such a unique person, she really shares her story, and am glad I decided to finish this one. I also learned more about Ballet. 4 stars

When I think of reading this Summer, my mind goes back to this one. I really liked this one. I checked it out once, and didn't touch it, but felt compelled to give it a shot. I was hooked once I started. From the prologe, I knew it would be a good one. I'm also the type of person who really likes maps in books. I'm a visual person, so I guess that's why I enjoy viewing maps and seeing the distance and relationships between various geographical structures. I really enjoyed the process of reading this book, and learned more about the places she went. I am thouroughly interested in Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Asian countries, and her journeys went to some of these countries. I was peeled to the page. 5 stars

I read this one directly after Noodle Road, which is actually the prequel to this one. I can say that I didn't like this one as much. It was good, but not as interesting to me as Noodle Road was. Serve the People has to do with her studies of Chinese cooking while she studies in China. I think she is a great writer, so I knew I had to keep reading! 3 stars

And lastly, this one. A quickk yet very informative read! I learned a lot about myself ( an introvert), as well as fellow non-introverts, or extroverts. This one was way easier to read and more enjoyable than the book, Quiet in my opinion. I liked this author's realizations, writing style and information given. I hope she has more books! 5 stars

Now onto other books! I hope to finish 15 by the end of this year, and hopefully 8 of them during this Fall season. Sometimes I just want to snuggle up woith a book and read all day, at the library, a cafe or on a nice bench in some park where there are nice,beautiful trees.

My Mom got this for me when I got my wisdom teeth out this past Summer. I finally started coloring in it during my long break at school. Something nice to do other than reading a textbook!

I like these directions! It's soothing just reading them:)

Ginger Pork with Peanut Sauce

I want to delve more into Chinese cooking, since I know so little about it. Sure, every one knows about egg rolls, orange chicken with rice and fortune cookies. I too enjoy the American version of Chinese food. I remember one of my teachers saying that the Chinese restaurants with the red lanterns with dragons and Happy Chinese New Year on them, and other cultural embellsionments are not the real Chinese restaurants. The more I realized it the more I noticed how many restaurants resembled this. Of course, I do enjoy the all American Chinese food, but I'm always up to a good challenge, so I've decided to become better with my Chinese cooking!

Looks like an interesting book about Chinese fortune cookies!

This time I made a good and simple recipe that in all only took about an hour to make. I like those kind of recipes, they're pretty fast and easy but it also still feels like you're cooking and not just throwing something into the microwave. I always feel better when I find a good, solid recipe rather than vouching on a quick pasta that goes into the boiling water with little to no effort.

But hopefully I will keep being inspired, and the quick pasta can wait. So without further ado, here is the latest Chinese recipe!

The main ingredients in this dish are ramon noodles, pork, spinach, green onions and some spices. Altogether, making it a dish with a good variety of flavor! The main lesson I learned from cooking this meal, is how to cut green onions. I know that sounds kind of elementary but I hadn't used them before. Use the white parts because they have the flavor! You can point out the green onions from the picture above, they do add a nice touch!

Clementine's, an inspiration through time

Having lunch out is always a treat. And going to a place that has good food and nice memories associated with it is like adding an extra douse of sugar. The fact that I like this place so much doesn't seem to surprise me. I would pass by it every time I was on my way to work, cringing that I was actually working where I was, and wanting to turn right and go to that nice New Olreans restaurant on th corner and just sit in a booth and not have to worry about all my fears flooding into my mind. I came across this place, thinking about it for a while and never seeming to make the trip there.

So finally, after a year in half my Mom and I had lunch at Clementine's. It's known for it's New Orleans ambianence, style and influenced food. My stomach was growling and was becoming sloshy and loud and annoyingbeforehand but the food seemed to cure that almost immediately.

What drew me to this place this time wasn't the uncrowed tables, the quick service or even the nice decorations, instead it was more about remebering what was happening in my life the last time I was here. I had just changed my major from English Literature to International Studies, unsure of where it would take me and all that I would learn, overall I was excited and filled with encouraging thoughts and inspiration. It was the time close to Spring, and the onset of Easter Break, with much to look forward and a week off never seemed better. Going to that nice and enticing book store nearby, I stocked up on ideas, adventures and books and couldn't seem to get enough of books and inspiration from the World History section, nonfiction and memoirs disperesed from different parts of the world, I was captivated.

This free and enjoyable time with my Mom never seems to add up to enough, as well as these Summer days. One after another goes by, and I will look back knowing what a good time I had.

Cook, Bake, Read

Lists, goals, jotting down ideas. I seem to wander into this realm often throughout the day. I also like to make challenges for myself for the year. One of them having to do with challenging myself to read more. This may sound kind of funny for those who already know me well, I'm a book worm so naturally I already like to read, and read a lot for that matter, But would you still categorize me as a book worm if I find more books than finish reading books? I would say it's debatable too.

So, ever since whenever, I stole the idea from my sister to write down all the books you've read in a year, but I've made it more of a challenge to see how many I can actually finish in a year's time. A year is a long time, but it also goes by fairly quickly when you have a hard time deciding which book to read next, (if you're anything like me). Overall, I feel pretty proud of myself. Sometimes it can feel like there's too many books and so little time. I would hate to feel how it's like with too much time, so few books.

Without further ado, here are my lists from last years finished books (2015), and books finished so far in 2016.

I've finished more books this year, without the year being over yet, compared to last year! I think it's cool to look back on the books you've read, and it brings you back to that time of year, and even remember what you were thinking when you read that part, or why you even chose to read the book 

in the first place. I looked back specifically on the cooking memoris that I read last year, since I read a good amount of them. (They're one of my favorite genres:)) And I decided to pick the ones that I would read again.

I absolutely love this book! If you have seen the movie, Julie &Julia I think this book depicts Jukia Child's life so well, it really makes you so engrossed and encaptured in her life. I love her, and love her story!

I would for sure read Molly Wizenberg's book, A Homemade Life again. Not only is she a writer that makes your mind melt like chocolate when reading, there are also great recipes she shares as well! I love her Orangette blog as well:)

What can I say about this one? Only, that she is an inspiring young woman who lives her dream while quitting her office job, goes to Le Cordon Bleu and learns how to cook. She makes internatonal friends along the way, marries the love of her life and leanrs more about herself. So yes, I would read this treasure again:)

Here is the sequel of Molly Wizenberg's memoir. This one named Delancy after the restaurant she opens with her husband and all that involves. This is almost too fast of a read, her writing glides do easily, but even still I would definately read this page turner again.

Since these memoirs are all involved with the art of cooking, I got thinking of my own cooking, and how I want to challenge myself and improve my cooking. Here are some cookbooks that I have cooked from, and want to cook more from, or just an inspiration for me,

Love his cookbook, his old TV show The Taste, and his cooking memoir Yes, chef. He has other cookbooks as well, overall they are easy to look at ,aesthetic and creative as well as original.

Fell in love with her cookbook, it's so easy to look at! She too has a memoir that I read this year. Want to look more at her cookbooks and what she brings to the art of cooking.

I really like Maryknoll's International Cookbook. Not only is it Internatonal, which is a plus, but also that it's easy to come from. I've only made two recipes from here, and I would gladly make them again, but also want to look more through it and see what else I can cook up:)

This is Nadiya Hussain, and she was the winner of the Great British Baking Show. I didn't see the whole season, but I what I saw of it, I knew that I liked her and her baking style, and was rooting for her. Now she has a cookbook and I'm eager to find and look through it!