Make, Bake, Be Happy!

I packed up my lunch before leaving for work today – an Almond Butter sandwich (on multi-grain bread), some string cheese, and avocado in milk with some sugar.  I was totally happy with eating that but then, as I was picking up a gift for my mom’s birthday, I realized there was a great sushi place I hadn’t been at in a while!

This place is kind of a little hole in the wall (which I love) in the corner of a plaza.  There’s kind of a story behind how I found this place.  It was by total chance, and I thank my good friend Olivia for checking this place out.  We were hungry, and she pointed out this sushi place called Yokohama Sushi.  We then discovered that they had a 50% off menu on their sushi menu!  After that day, it was definitely a place we frequented a lot, and even the waitress knows us!

So, today I ended up getting a Mexican Roll (for only like $5.50) and enjoyed it fully!

Here’s a closeup of a roll – a Mexican roll is basically shrimp tempura, spicy mayo, avocado and lettuce with sesame seeds.  Not the healthiest, but moderation is key, right?

A bit later, I had my avocado dessert.  This is something that my dad would make whenever we had avocado in the house, and I had decided to make it for myself. 

I’m planning to check out a gym near my place, and then veg out after.  I’m excited about the gym though, because I NEED to get into shape.  Wedding dress fitting is coming up fast!!

Did you know that it is environmentally friendly to buy produce that is locally grown?  Why?  In-season fruits and veggies are more environmentally friendly because they aren’t normally transported thousands of miles.  Being transported thousands of miles result in air pollution, causing people to get sick from it.  I honestly didn’t know that until I read it in an email newsletter I subscribe to.  Anyway, I think it makes a lot of sense to buy locally.  It benefits the environment and since everyone is on a budget lately, why not enjoy fresh in season produce?  I figure you can create meals around them and it works out.  For me, anyway, I think it’s a great opportunity to try different kinds of fruits and veggies I wouldn’t normally try. 

There is a great website that lets you see what produce is in season in your area, at a certain time of the year.  In Florida (where I reside), the following is freshest and in season:

• Asian Pears
• Atemoya
• Avocado
• Bananas
• Carambola
• Eggplant
• Endive
• Escarole
• Grapefruit
• Guava
• Limes
• Mushrooms
• Okra
• Onions
• Oranges
• Papaya
• Passion Fruit
• Peppers
• Radishes
• Squash
• Sweet Corn
• Tangelos
• Tangerines
• Tomatoes

LocalHarvest.org is also a great website that lets you find local markets in your area.  I think I’ve become a fan of farmers markets, and plan to check out one this weekend!