Monday, January 30, 2012

Cajun Sauteed Shrimp

Last night I made this awesome recipe and served it over basmati rice. It has already earned a spot in my arsenal of favorites due to the easy prep, loads of flavor, and low fat content (you've probably noticed by now that these factors apply to most of the recipes I share on my blog.) Next time I might consider adding a little more garlic powder, and possibly a little white wine or tomato sauce while sauteing to add some more liquid to the dish. I used coconut oil to saute since I didn't have vegetable oil.

I was especially excited to make this shrimp because it called for almost half of the spices in my awesome new spice rack!  My sweet sister and her boyfriend made me a magnetic one for Christmas since they know I don't have a whole lot of counter space in my apartment. It's so cool! My sister picked out "Tiffany blue" magnetic containers from Cost Plus, and had them filled with organic spices at a local shop where she lives. Her boyfriend hammered the edges of a piece of sheet metal that now hangs happily in my kitchen. I think it's genius.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

New York, New York!


Tonight I'm taking a red-eye to this magical city. Its been a little over 3 years since my last visit to NYC, and browsing pictures on pinterest just got me extra excited. I can't wait for the sights, the food, the people, the energy, and even the cold weather. Hope you all have an awesome weekend! Follow me on instagram @hi_im_jess for the weekend pictures!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Coachella 2012


Sooooo... the Coachella 2012 Lineup was announced on Monday and I don't think I can resist. With some of my favorite bands like Radiohead, Florence, Fitz and the Tantrums, Bon Iver, The Black Keys, Mazzy Star, Santigold, Miike Snow, Kaskade, Feist, and more, I think I'm going to have to justify the splurge.

Thank You 2011/Hello 2012!!

The holidays came and went in a festive blaze, as they always do, and here we are at the beginning of 2012. I like to think that I'm always working on growing and figuring out ways to be the best version of myself, but I always love the energy and momentum that presents itself on January 1st with new years resolutions. I have several intentions for the new year that I'm excited to share and hold myself accountable for, but first it seems appropriate to acknowledge what a great year 2011 was. For starters- I feel like I'm the healthiest and fittest I've been possibly ever and I owe that largely to my newly discovered regular yoga practice and (mostly) healthy eating habits. Secondly, my life is filled with people I love and adore and they reciprocate that and have supported me in many ways. Third, my job has been going really well and after over 2 years with the company I feel very content and appreciated in my position and there is talk of a promotion in the near future. Last year I was also finally able to move to an area that I love with a roommate who's been awesome! To top it all off, I was able to do so much traveling last year which is always so fulfilling and exciting for me. I've been so grateful for the wonderful gentleman in my life who appreciates me and misses me when he's away for work and always makes time for me to come and visit. So basically, I'm super excited about 2012 because I know it will be as good or better than 2011 and I can't wait to see what's in store! Here's a little 2011 recap of some of my favorite snapshots from January through December.

January: Beach hiking in San Luis

February: Random shot of my sweet kitty

March: Sipping cocktails at a friend's gorgeous wedding
April: Scenic snapshot from the drive up to Paso Robles for work
(a trip that was made many times in 2011)


May: Red Rocks in Denver, CO (bucket list check)

June: Fun with mustaches at another awesome wedding

July: A very patriotic Independence day weekend spent in Texas
August: Moving fun and apartment decorating

September: A fabulous Labor Day Weekend in South Beach

October: Some of the girls and I in Newport Beach

November: My first authentic cheesesteak in Philly

December: My Sister, Mom, and I on Christmas