Happy New Year! 2013

34th Street in Hampden

Vasili and I on New Years Eve at Ikaros Restaurant

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope this New Year brings you all much happiness and success and love! :)

So... its taken me a while to finalize my New Years Resolutions! Thankfully, with the motivation of the list I saw on Google+ (above), I believe my list is done! Wish me luck! :) 



1. Help others/Volunteer/Give Back (within my means)

2. Eat healthier - less soda and desserts, more water!

3. Exercise for my health, not my weight - includes joining a gym and practicing yoga more

4. Expand my knowledge - enroll in some courses at a community college

5. Be kind to others - I believe that I normally am but I would like to try and be less selfish sometimes

6. Pray and give thanks everyday

7. Go to church more often

8. Save more money

(More Specific)

9. Don't drink alcohol during times of fast (before Christmas and Easter)

10. Learn to make bread

11. Learn a craft - I am already enrolled in Knitting classes! So excited!

12. Learn to make ice cream

13. Travel to a new place

14. Learn to cook some Greek dishes

15. (this is a stretch...) Redecorate my room!

What resolutions have you made for 2013?!



Crazy for Books (read: Amazon)....

So, my boyfriend and I have this dream that we will have this amazing library in our future home... complete with library ladders like in Beauty and the Beast, and walls of books, and maps, and pillows made from momentos from places we have travelled around the world, and a library style desk with library style lamps, and large windows, and secret rooms... One day, this will come true. One day in the far future, to be exact.

So, is it sad that I go through Amazon adding book box sets to my "Wish List" so that I can one day add them to my library? We are talking about books that I've read from my childhood, books I haven't even picked up yet, books that I have yet not the complete box set of... Is this a problem?

I think not. I'm just preparing, that's all :)

I love books. I love the novelty of them, the feel of a used book with bent pages, and the ripped covered, and creased spines. And I love the feeling of carrying one in my purse in case a moment arises in which I need a book! And I love collecting them (see above).

So one can see why, when my brother was very giving this year and bought me an Amazon Kindle Fire HD for my Birthday/Christmas, I had an internal panic attack for 5 seconds about how I felt about going to said "e-Books". But, then I thought whose to say that I can't have both? Why can't I buy the books I love and keep them in my collection/library, but also have this amazing electronic that prevents me from creating back problems from carrying my 5 pound Harry Potter books with me everywhere I go in my purse?

Therefore, I love my books, but I am also in love with my Kindle. It is a reasonably priced table that can do everything my sister's iPad can do. In fact, she has asked me what the difference is, and I honestly couldn't tell her. I have already downloaded 10 new books, plus apps. It is perfect for browsing before you sleep, without having to sit up to hold your huge laptop, and then go through the process of turning it off. With the simple close of my cover, its off! Just as quick as my questioning of whether I wanted it or not subsided, its sleeps :) Not to mention, I can actually carry smaller purses now!

Christmas 2012: Tis' the Season to Be Grateful

I know this is a bit late, being the New Year and everything, but I truly hope that everyone had a lovely and blessed Christmas. Without going into much detail, just on Christmas Eve, my family and I were reminded how important family is, especially the support and love it provides. We were reminded to be humble on Christmas and to appreciate every single moment and aspect that God places in our lives.

I hope you took a moment to show your love and appreciation to God on Jesus' birthday.

TRAVEL: Day 2: Astoria

After a late start in the rainy city, we checked out of Room 802 and headed to America's Greek Center, Astoria! We found free parking on the street and set off for some lunch (read: dessert and coffee) at Athen's Cafe. This place is simply gorgeous! It sits on the corner and has plenty of sunlight coming in. The bar backdrop is a huge piece of beautiful marble and the tables and chairs a dark hardwood. The menu offers brunch, desserts, coffees, and alcoholic beverages. We ordered two Freddo (Greek espressos with whipped cream), one Kok (Greek version of a personal Boston Creme Pie), and one Ek-mek Kataifi (shredded wheat soaked in honey on top of creamy custard topped with whipped cream). Everything was delicious! I mean, just look at these pictures!

Ek-mek Kataifi

Kok

Me waiting for the Freddo to kick in! 

Vasili excited for some dessert!

We had a great time. From there we went to Titan Foods (a Greek grocery store) and GMV (a Greek music store) for some shopping!

After an unsuccessful attempt to find Taverna Kyclades for an early dinner, we ended up, cold and exhausted, at Opa Souvlaki of Astoria, just down the block from Titan. It was a small carry-out that screamed souvalitzidiko (typical carry-out place in Greece), with blue and white table cloths and a jolly Greek man behind the counter. The walls were painted with a Greek Island scene and it looked as if he had newly expanded the location!

We were hungry so we got a Spanakopita for an appetizer! It was delicious, sweet with tons of sautéed onions and salty with chunks of feta! I ordered a Calamari Platter and Vasili got a Gyro platter. The Calamari was freshly prepared in large pieces and served with tartar sauce and french fries (freshly cut, as well). I enjoyed it very much! Vasili enjoyed his food as well, though I wasn't able to try it (remember, I was fasting!). I would definitely come here again if I am ever looking for a quick, satisfying, delicious meal in Astoria.

Unfortunately, that is where our adventures ended, because within the hour, we got into Petroula (my car) and headed back to Baltimore!

Until we meet again, New York! Thank you for the great memories!

TRAVEL: Day 1: New York City!

Right before the fabulous dinner party I hosted, my lovely boo and I were able to take a nice little, pre-Christmas vacation trip to the Big Apple! He finished an exam on the 19th, which was also my last day of work before the New Year! And thankfully, since I used to work at a Marriott, I was able to score an AMAZING rate at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in New York/Manhattan!!! Yes... an awesome rate a few days before Christmas? Who wouldn't go?!

So, we got up nice and early, and after charging up with a lovely breakfast provided by Pookie, we loaded up the car and headed on our road trip!

We got there, left our bags (and car) at the hotel and began our adventures! (Side note: Yes, I drove in New York City, and did very well, thank you!)

Here are a few favorites from our day. We started off on top of the Big Apple on the Empire State Building:

Panoramic View of Financial District 

Panoramic View of Manhattan

Posing on the Empire State Building

From there we walked up 5th Avenue to a little Pizzeria, recommended by our hotel, to have some New York Style Pizza. Right past the Apple Store on 6th Avenue there is a place called Pizza Villagio. It is two floors, so there is plenty of seating, and they offer more than just pizza. It was clean and everyone was really friendly! Turns out the owner was Greek and was very welcoming to us. I tried their Vegetable Pizza and Vasili had the same, plus one Cheese slice. The prices were very reasonable, considering the location. It was on our way up to the MET so it really was great! Slices were big too! I will definitely remember this place for next time!

Enjoying New York Style Pizza at Pizza Villagio Cafe

Afterwards, we walked through Central Park, through the MET (which was amazing!), to FAO Schwartz, Dylan's Candy Bar, and then down 5th Avenue again to Rockefeller Center, then to Times Square, the Disney Store, and then back to our hotel! Here are some favorites from this escapade:

Alice in Wonderland Statue in Central Park

Temple in MET

Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center 

Times Square at Night

After taking an hour to decide where to go for dinner, we wondered off (in exhaustion) along the streets to find something. We ended up at the Albert Hall Tavern, which had a sign advertising Live Music outside. So we walked in to what was a semi-decent crowd in the bar area, but were seated in the dining area, which was completely empty. I am sure a couple of hours before it was packed, but this was no longer the case.

Our waitress was really friendly and sported an Irish accent. She took our order of potato skins (without bacon...I was fasting before Christmas). They were alright. Standard potato skins. But, we were hungry so we ate them all! For dinner, Vasili order the Albert Hall House Burger and I ordered the Vegetable Burger. Both came with sides of fries. The bun that held the burgers was really good! My vegetable burger was very moist and different than your usual black bean burger. The fries were standard restaurant fries. Vasili's burger was nothing special either. The pricing was pricing that one finds in Baltimore, and so was the food. Though this is fine in normal circumstances, we were a bit upset we weren't WOW-ed by the New York food. The service was great, but unfortunately, the food and ambiance wasn't too successful for us. We vowed that next time, we will do our research before we go, regardless of how tired we are!

On our way back to our room, we decided to give NY one more try and hit the SKY ROOM that was on the top floor of our hotel! It's a glamorous two-story bar with two walls of windows overlooking the New York Skyline. There was plush seating all around. On the top floor was a private event, but we ventured up to see the layout. It was great. Probably a great location over the summer when the balcony is open! So we chose a corner and hung out a bit until we were ready to retire.. It was a great hotel and this rooftop lounge just made it better!

Eat.Drink.Be Merry: My First Dinner Party!

I finally made one of my dreams come true and hosted my first dinner party! Though 16 were invited, the final count was just 9, plus three late-comers! We had a wonderful time eating, drinking and playing games! I can't wait to keep this tradition each year! Next year, I think I will try for New Years Eve or Valentine's Day.

My party developed a Peppermint theme as I started to plan things :) Here are some pictures from the lovely night!

Lighted Branches with Matching Homemade Peppermint Candle Holders

Red Velvet Cupcakes, Peppermint Shot Glasses, Peppermint M&Ms,  Red and White plates

Homemade Peppermint Sugar Scrub and Snowman Poop Party Favors

As we always do, we ate plenty and drank plenty! A party favorite was my homemade mulled cider!

Mulled Cider: Apple Cider cooked with Oranges, Cloves and Cinnamon, and topped off with Apple Brandy

Afterwards, we had some fun in our "photo booth" with my homemade props and then played Battle of the Sexes. Here are some of the pictures:

It was a perfect evening with amazing friends :) To many more!

HARBOR EAST: Pazo

As my mom started working and we stopped celebrating events with our extended family as much, I started filling in the gap by celebrating my birthdays with my lovely friends. However, I have two groups of friends, my Greek friends, and my non-Greek friends. And what does this mean? Twice as much celebrating! :) Having celebrated with some of my Greek friends the Saturday before at the spa and Cafe Gia's, I chose to celebrate at Pazo with my other besties! And boy! was it a great time!

In short, our waiter was a bit odd, but we were seated on the second floor of this gorgeously renovated warehouse and were able to overlook the bar area (and what seemed to be a private party going on). Our backdrop was a beautiful big holiday wreath that hung on the wall. Pazo has a great atmosphere that just welcomes friendly conversation with great girl friends!

The menu is based on tapas, though entrees are also offered. We chose the tapas route, ordering a few at a time. Of course, we had to wash everything down with their lovely red Sangria! So yummy, and not too sweet, its always a great go-to at Pazo.

Tapas at Pazo

Chocolate Olive Oil Cake

We tried:
Tuna Tartare
Potato and Manchego Croquettes
Sea Scallops a la Planxa
Burger-sito
Goat Cheese Empanadas
Pizza Cristina
Pizza Bianca
Dessert - Hazelnut Chocolate Bars and Chocolate Olive Oil Cake

Again, we ordered a few at a time, allowing our night to drag on until our tummies were stuffed and our cheeks were rosy from the Sangria!

Everything was delicious, but I have to say, my favorites were the potato and manchego croquettes and the sea scallops (I think we ordered 3 of these!). The croquettes are truly a comfort food and the sea scallops were cooked perfectly! As for dessert, I tried the chocolate olive oil cake, which was extremely chocolatey and delicious!

In summary, Pazo is a great place. The prices are a bit high for tapas, however you pay for the quality and the ambiance. Not sure if I would like it for an intimate date, but with girlfriends, its the perfect place! And remember, as Pazo quotes, "there's always room in your stomach for more!"