The Time I Studied Abroad in Mexico City (New Recipe!)

Once upon a time (back in 2004) in a utopian bubble known as college, two native Nebraskans decided to seek a bit of adventure before they entered into their senior year. Both students at Northwestern University (though not friends before they went to college – Nebraska roots bond everybody), they stumbled upon a study abroad program in Mexico City that looked to be just the thrill that they were looking for.

“Mexico City!?” Some people would ask. “Why on earth would you pick Mexico City!?”

“Because…it’s…different.” Jamie would say.

When I tell people that I studied abroad in Mexico City, they always look at me a little strangely. After all, it seems the only time we hear about Mexico is in reference to all of the crime and government corruption. However, when I think of Mexico, I think of a country full of welcoming people, breath-taking scenery, and, of course, delicious food.

We climbed pyramids. No big deal...And apparently, pig tails was very "in" at the time.

We climbed pyramids. No big deal…And apparently, pig tails was very “in” at the time.

I spent 3 months in Mexico during the summer of 2004, and though I didn’t know what was pulling me the country when I chose the program, I knew when I left that it was the place I was meant to be…

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Huevos Rancheros with a Side of Cupcakes and Romance

This weekend was exactly what I hoped for and pictured when I decided to move here. It had everything: good friends, great food, beautiful scenery, even a little romance…oh, and of course, cupcakes! Most importantly, we spent the weekend enjoying each other and all of the fun activities that my new area has to offer.

Just another spring weekend in the Hudson Valley!

Just another spring weekend in the Hudson Valley!

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The Best Cooking Compliment I’ve Ever Received (New Recipe!)

I’ve reached the stage of my life where the number of friends with kids outweighs the number of friends without kids. There are many reasons that I enjoy this new reality, including being able to play with my friends’ children, load them up with sugar and then give the children back to them and get a good night’s sleep. However, the best part is having a new audience for my baked goods.Since my palate is closer to a 5 year old than a 30 year old, Sometimes Healthy baking is generally quite popular with this crowd.

A couple weeks ago, the BF, me and the dog met up with some of his college friends and their children for a day of kid-friendly fun and reminiscing about the good ‘ol days. Of course, I was quick to raise my hand to volunteer for dessert!

And, come Saturday morning, I was up at 7 am to begin a baking extravaganza. The end result garnered the highest cooking praise I’ve ever received: “This cupcake was really nostalgic!

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Get ready to travel back to 5th grade]

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The Post That Talks About Big Changes (Part 2)

And, we’re back! Are you on the edge of your seats yet? Here’s the continuation of my story about big life changes…

After nearly two months of interviewing, I received a job offer to work at a trade publication upstate that matched up perfectly with my previous writing and public relations experience. But, believe it or not, once I received the offer, the hard part wasn’t over.

I still wasn’t sure if it was the right job and place for me. My current job was exciting, relatively stable and an extremely ideal working environment. Could I leave all of that for a somewhat unpredictable job at a small trade publication? I thought long and hard and actually flip-flopped with my decision a couple of times. Through it all, my friends and family gave invaluable advice and promised to support me either way. And in the end, I knew that I couldn’t let this opportunity to write full-time and live upstate pass me by.

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