friday

happy friday! i've been back in portland for a few days, eating incredible pizza with friends and starting my new job at a local community college. now that i'm not a student anymore, all the excitement (and terror) surrounding my future has impeded my ability to catch up on sleep -- hopefully i can kick this jet lag soon!

black bean tacos

my family requested that i make my shrimp tacos for dinner the other night, but a last minute problem with the shrimp resulted in a slight menu change. i swapped the shrimp for black beans and no one even missed the meat (a sign of a successful vegetarian meal)!

black bean tacos (serves 4)

12 organic corn tortillas

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

juice of 1/2 a lime

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp chili powder

2 cups shredded green cabbage

pinch salt

juice of 1 lime

avocado, chopped
cotija cheese, crumbled

white onion, chopped
cilantro

mash black beans in a bowl with lime, garlic, and chili powder. in a separate bowl, toss cabbage with lime and salt and let it "marinate" for a bit. before serving, warm tortillas in a pan over medium heat with a little bit of olive oil. spread black bean mixture on tortillas, top with cotija cheese, cabbage, avocado, cilantro and onion.

scenes from nyc

1. view from brooklyn

2. cute apartments

3. sister

4. grand central

5. blue bottle coffee

6. pink sunset

7. katie

8. house of small wonder

friday

happy friday! i wasn't aware of this when i booked my trip home, but my aunt and uncle are going to be in nyc this weekend (from florida) for a wedding, so i'm heading there tonight to see them. all of this family time is making me ridiculously happy!

dad's plants

my dad takes such pride in his plant collection. every time i come home, it seems more expansive and colorful than before. though i can always count on "roy" (my dad named him), the large cactus below, to be a constant -- we've had that cactus since i was a kid!

scenes from home

i know i always wax poetic about being home in connecticut, but it really does do wonders for my soul. 

1. ice cream from a local creamery.
2. finally got my one piece!
3. seafoam green iphone case.
4. summer feet.
5. mom and sister // grandpa and dad.

friday

happy friday! i couldn't have picked a better time to schedule this trip home -- after the last few stressful months, i'm now in extreme relaxation mode. i've taken up permanent residence on the lounge chair on my deck!