FOR THE MEAT EATERS

FOR THE FISHIES

FOR THE VEGETARIANS

FOR THE VEGANS

FOR THE PALEOS

FOR THE WHOLE 30s

Going out to eat on Valentines Day is for suckers. Romance is in the kitchen. I don't know about you guys, but staying in and cooking with (or even better, him cooking for me) is what it's all about. Since my first Valentines Day with Danny (this will be our 8th!), he has always made us his Chicken Tortilla Soup. It's so special, and it's one of my favorite traditions together.
So, I have rounded up a couple of dinner ideas for all kinds of lovers. And you get to eat in pajamas, or be naked — if you're into that kind of thing.

For the Meat Eaters - Asian Braised Shortribs : Beyond Sweet and Savory
For the Fishies - Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon : Cafe Delights
For the Vegetarians - Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Quinoa & Spinach : Green Valley Kitchen
For the Vegans - Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry : The Endless Meal
For the Paleos - Chicken Kofta Skewers : Tasty-Yummies
For the Whole 30s - Spicy Southwest Stuffed Peppers : Jar of Lemons

Happy future Valentines Day, lovers. xo

I don't believe in resolutions because no one ever keeps them, but I do believe in setting intentions for myself. I know it's past the "new year" but it's never too late to set goals, and well, I needed more time to really know what I wanted to set out for myself. 2017 was a whirlwind - especially the second half - and quite frankly, it may have taken some years off my life... it also started to pepper my never-dyed hair ever-so-slightly. So, in 2018 I am focusing on health (both mental & physical), my career and skillsets, and my relationships.

master my mindset.

I ended the last two months of 2017 as a newlywed living minus my husband in an old, unfamiliar, unfurnished house in a new city, practically knowing no one, in the middle of winter (where winter actually exists). It was a wake up call. Now is the time to leave baggage, bad attitudes, grudges, self-consciousness, and more, behind. I am setting the intention of taking a minimal approach to 2018, clearing my head to focus on gratitude and to master my mindset (thanks Jen Sincero). This year, I am going to do what I want and need - and I'm going to do it well. Eyes on the prize.
Are you listening, Universe?

getting over it.

I have always been athletic. I've been running since I was 15, I was on cheer and swim team in high school, and even acheived one my life goals of running and finishing the LA Marathon in 2015... and then thought I was a badass, and ran and finished the Chicago Marathon seven months later. I was in the best shape of my life. Since then, and with the wedding and move, my weight has fluctuated. I am a self-proclaimed wine-o and I am french fries' best friend. I've had highs and lows and now I am just looking for the healthy balance. I don't need abs or thighs that don't jiggle a little bit to be happy. I just want to feel good. I began this month with setting a 100-mile running goal, and although I'm more than half way there, I've learned not to put too much stress on it, and to make it fun. So far, it seems to be working. Living a healthy lifestyle and working out shouldn't be a chore to make those pants fit. Fitness is really not everything.
I have also started being really consistent about taking vitamins every morning: a probiotic, a women's multi vitamin, B12, and D3 along with a healthy scoop of Vital Farms Collagen Peptides in my coffee every morning (also, thanks for the tip Tasty Yummies) and it has made a huge difference in my energy levels, my skin, and gut health. So, I'm going stick with that.

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dotcom & beyond.

With this mastered mindset, I plan on going after the career I want more than ever. Although I am still working out the kinks, I would like my blogging and photography to play a major role in my career. I took a leap last year and started this blog to help improve my creative writing, lifestyle photography, cooking, and to share my life and travels. This year, I would like to take my blog and photography to the next level and work on branding myself. Seems scary and overwhelming, but again, I got married, got a dog, bought a house, moved to a new city, started a new job, and made new friends all within six months. So, yeah... anything is possible. I also intend on doing some tidy-work with my site and blog, updating my portfolio, and changing my domain name since I am legally no longer a "Baker".

SQUAD!

What's the saddest thing about moving? Leaving your lifelong friends behind. And with all these new life changes, it's easy to get distracted and lose touch. I want to make a concerted effort to keep the friendships I held so dearly in Los Angeles alive even though I am now in Portland. I am also working on being open to new relationships. Relationships with other girls are always tough, especially when you're in your 30's and everybody else is also still trying to figure out their lives, or they figure it out before you, or they have kids (and you don't), or visa versa. For that reason, I'm learning to not judge and be more accepting of others, and so far, it's been working out pretty okay. I am happy to say that since the New Year, I have met and bonded with some really wonderful people here, and I can't wait to meet more.

my other half.

My husband arrived permanently last week and I could not be happier. It's been so great to have him home and start our lives here. But with our new house will come a lot of hurdles. Although it's going to be tough, along with more grey hair, I want to make sure we put our relationship first and to not let projects or renovations get in the middle of us. In the end, they are just "things" and won't matter years from now, but we will. I intend to always make time for him and to be more understanding, patient, and compassionate. After all, he is going through a transition in a new city and a new home as well.

let's GO!

I know this year holds a lot of house stuff, but I also intend for Danny and I to go on at least ONE adventure. Travel has been such a big part of our relationship that we shouldn't let a house get in the way. Not sure where we will end up, but I know it will be great. And dog friendly!