While receiving a food shipment today the bananas intrigued me with their bright green color. I wanted to take a picture so I wouldn’t forget about finding beauty in anything you see…never forget you can find beauty in the most simple things….
** Instagram: CulinaryGirl138 **
![Inspire Others [Image from flickr.com]](https://lifeasaculinarygirl.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/inspire-others-1.jpg)
Inspire Others [Image from flickr.com]
I wanted to first off thank all my followers! I cannot believe in just a short time I am already at 60+ followers! I am beyond grateful and hope that in some way I inspire each and one of you with each post! I have to say since blogging I have had some much fun and even discovered soo many things about myself! I hope that in the future you all enjoy my posts and get inspired to create something beautiful wether food, writing, clothing, whatever it may be 🙂
So let’s get to the good stuff. I was graciously nominated by the blog, “And Thats All She Wrote!” with the Inspiring Blog Award. This blog is filled with such inspiring posts about her life and has an array of different topics, from recipes, to life stories she shares it all. It is intimate and a beautiful read and you will not be disappointed if you check it out! I am beyond honored due the fact that I am still new to the world of blogging and the thought of being nominated for anything is an upmost honor. This to me honestly show that I can inspire someone with each post that I write. So I hope to bring you all inspiring posts in the future 🙂
So now to the rules of the Inspiring Blogging Award. Other than posting the award (TADA lol), link the person who had nominated you in your future posts (I also think thanking them is always nice :-)), than share 8 facts about yourself, then last but not least nominate fellow bloggers that you feel are an inspiration. So here goes nothing…
1. Music is literally a part of my life and a part of me. I cannot function without it whether working in the kitchen, driving, reading, writing, the list goes on. It inspires me not only to create, but it helps me think at times…basically music was my first love and will always be ♥
2. Even though I am a “winter baby” and was even born in a blizzard (January 3), I HATE the snow! Maybe cause I grew up with snow or the fact that I was born in a blizzard and had countless bday parties ruined, or even the fact that I had to go to school in a foot of snow (damn that school that was in the snow-belt of America!) I just am not to found of it. But I have to admit it is pretty to look at…
3. Other than baking and cooking, poetry and writing short stories is another form of therapy for me. When I cannot express myself the way I would like, I like to write it out. Writing has calmed my mind in soo many occasions.
4. Even though I sometimes appear to be level-headed and always have my shit together (excuse my french), in my head I always second guess myself and strive to be perfect.
5. I am a hopeless romantic at heart
6. I love taking pictures, especially food pictures and abstracts of things around me
7. I am very close to my family (some related by blood and some not) and believe in the end of the day they will always be there, and they always have.
8. I am a HUGE daydreamer 🙂
Now that you have a feel of who I am I hope you all enjoy my following nominations. These are blogs that I follow that I love reading and they inspire me to create something new. Some may be repeats from my Super Sweet Blogger Award post but they just inspire me that I have to repeat them again!
TheReporterandTheGirlMINUSTheSupeman!
All these blogs range from different topics to subjects but I love them all. I wish I could add more, but that could take all day! Inspiration is key, and I know if you read any of these you will be inspired just like I am 🙂
![Inspiration [Image fromwww.caloriecountingrunnergirl.com]](https://lifeasaculinarygirl.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/inspire-quote.jpg)
Inspiration [Image fromwww.caloriecountingrunnergirl.com]
The hand can hold the talent to create some beautiful things…
Hey my friends,
I wanted to take a new approach to poetry by writing a recipe within a poem. It was a bit tricky but I think it came out unique yet beautiful. Hope you enjoy 🙂
These hands
These overused yet simple hands
Sometimes manicured to perfection
But most of the time simple and ordinary
No polish on the fingers
Nails tend to get long
Your simple yet beautiful hands
They tend to create a beautiful thing
A beautiful thing you say…
Yes a beautiful thing..
It can start with the opening of a simple cookie mix…
That leads to the mixing and intertwining of something simple yet beautiful…
The marriage of an egg, stick of butter and of course lots of sweet chocolate chips
Creating a dough so rich yet a bit grainy to the tip
The beauty of a simple dough
The use of this hand can shape a simple yet perfect heart
Perfect like a heart shape pan
Butter it up with sweet nothings
Tell me secrets that you have never shared
Press them down towards my soul like dough to a pan
Let it sink in into every corner like my heart
Show my heart the true joy of knowing you
Light a fire like you would and oven
Engulf me in your heat 350 degrees
Let me settle in your warmth
Love me not only for 10 to 15 minutes
But love me for a lifetime
Perfect shaped heart ❤
Let this beauty cool till cold to the touch
Awing at the perfect form
Love comes in all types of forms
It can be showered in words, actions, even a simple gesture
But for these hands they shower love in pink icing
The sweetness so decadent it is covered and written on this beautiful heart
Use these hands…
To show me how you love me
To show me how you care
Actions clearly speak louder than words…
Your hands
Your simple yet beautiful hands…
They have created
They have used
These hands have shown kindness
These hands have shown strength
My beautiful hands tell a story
Sometimes pure
Sometimes dark
But with a simple idea
They create not only beauty
They create…
Love
Love can be shown in any form
Image from: favim.com
Crave
What an intense word
To crave for something or someone
Crave
The feeling of needing it so bad you can’t eat, sleep, maybe even breath…
Crave…
To really crave
Knots in your stomach
Pacing the floor
Sweat in your palms
Sleepless nights of antagonizing anguish
Biting of your lips
You crave
You want
You need
Can’t live without
Crave
We all crave for something
For love
For comfort
For peace
Hell even for food
Whatever it is that we crave for
It consumes our beings till our body receives
When the lips touch
Gets just a little bit of a taste
To satisfy the craving
Calming our beings
Calming the urge just a bit
Peace at mind falls
Craving is of no more
Smiling with satisfaction
No more cravings
For a while everything feels right in the world
The sky is blue
Your thoughts are clear
Till one day it creeps
Clouding your soul
You crave for more
You want
You need
You crave…
How can you crave for something you do not know
For someone you never met
Sleepless nights
A racing heart
Thoughts of the unknown
Feelings of your feet in shackles
Consumed with thoughts
Wishes
Fears
Of hope
Love
Peace
Craving the unknown
I crave for a beautiful unknown fantasy
Filled with blue limitless sky
Sun shines so bright its blinding to the eye
I crave
What do you crave?…
(Inspired by the song: Crave You (Adventure Club Dubstep Remix) by Flight Facilities)
![Quote [Image from: weheartit.com]](https://lifeasaculinarygirl.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/quote-2.jpg)
Quote [Image from: weheartit.com]
So as you may have noticed lately I have been writing a lot of poetry. I am at the point right now that I am so inspired by so much that is around me that I can’t help but to write! For my foodies I promise there is more sweet and yummy food posts so bear with me LOL! I hope you enjoy and may even be inspired by it 🙂
Norah 🙂
I was searching and found this picture and was inspired, I knew I had to post it (Image from pimooteewin.blogspot.com)
Hello friends!
For the past couple of days I have been in a somber and quiet mood. I am not sure why but when I have days like theae I like to reflect and write. I have been listening to a song by Miguel called “Where’s the Fun in Forever”. It inspired me to write this poem. I am not the greatest but I use poetry as a way to express my feelings. I hope you enjoy and hopefully it inspires you to write 🙂
Tomorrow Is A Day Away
Have you ever stopped to think about how life would be…
Without limits
Without any barriers
Confidence seeping through your veins
No chance to second guess
For your love of life gives you the chance to dream
Of seizing the day
Making this life
Your life yours
Have you ever stopped to think about how life would be…
If you tore down your walls
Let the light come in
To smile so bright that you cry
Not because of sadness
But for the first time you let love come in
And you did not second guess yourself
Not even for a minute
Have you ever stopped to think how life could be…
If you gave into your thoughts and dived in
Dived into the unknown of adventure
The unknown of this beautiful yet twisted life
This life is not for the vaint of heart
But we all can make it through
For love and faith
Imagination and creation
Family and friends
And that one person who you may or may not know
Who holds a piece of your heart and soul
They all give you the strength to fight…
For a new and beautiful beginning
Tomorrow is just a day away…
What will you do to make it yours…
Motivational Quote (Image from animatedgifimages.weebly.com )
V-Day Highlights!!!
Hello My Wonderful Fellow Foodies!
Hope you guys had an amazing week and a sweet Valentine’s Day! I had made lots of yummy treats for friends and family such as a rum cake for my mother (did a new recipe and she LOVED it!), cookie cakes (I will make a recipe post very soon 🙂 and truffles for my friends and coworkers. I know lots and lots of baking!
My baking highlights 🙂
I have been bestowed with such an amazing honor of being nominated with the Super Sweet Blogging Award by Samantha from her amazing blog Food Flavor Fascination . Her blog is full of unique and fascinating recipes and if you take the time to look and read her blog, you will see why her blog is AMAZING! Thanks so much for the great honor Samantha 🙂
Super Sweet Blogging Award!
I decided to partake in this awesome award and if you are nominated here are the rules:
Rules for Super Sweet Blogging Award include:
1 Visit and thank the blogger who nominated you.
2 Acknowledge that blogger on your blog and link back.
3 Answer the “Super Sweet” questions.
4 Nominate a “Baker’s Dozen” (= 13)** blogs the award, a link to their blogs in your post, and notify them on their blogs.
5 Copy and paste the award on your blog somewhere.
Super Sweet Questions:
1. Cookies or Cake?
Even though I LOVEEE both, I am more of a cookie girl 🙂
2. Chocolate or Vanilla?
I love chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate!!!
3. What is your favorite sweet treat?
Honestly ice cream with some form of chocolate and caramel, I love the combination of caramel and chocolate in any kind of treat. But with my recent health kick I love dark chocolate with almonds.
4. When do you crave sweet things the most?
After reading sweet and delicious dessert postings or after a long and hard day of work honestly LOL.
5. If you had a sweet nickname, what would it be?
Hmm this is a toughy…maybe caramel because I loveee caramel and its sweet and velvety lol.
Here are My Nominations for the Baker’s Dozen!
The Reluctant Weight Watchers Foodie
All the blogs I picked are blogs that inspire me to be a better baker and chef! Each are filled with amazing recipes and the creativity alone is enough for each an every one of them to be nominated! Thank you guys! I have to say since starting this blog I have dedicated myself to really going for my passions in both cooking and baking and I hope by reading each and every post you are inspired in even a small way. I know by reading the endless amount of blogs I find inspirations to do better as a person wether is is food, fitness, baking, fashion, poetry, photography, the categories are endless! I thank all my bloggers especially the ones I nominated and follow for inspiring me EVERYDAY 🙂
Life As A Culinary Girl Saying 🙂
Wishing you all a great and awesome day! You all are AMAZING bloggers and can’t wait to read more from all of you in the near future ♥
Love,
Norah
Instagram Lollipop Picture
Hola My Creative Foodies,
As you know Valentine’s Day is just ONE DAY away and if you already have your gifts (most of us foodies like to show our love by baking!) that’s awesome, but some of you may be scrambling for time! (Which is OKAY because with busy lives some may not have time to shop let alone bake). One of the things I make for not only Valentine’s Day but for every major holiday is chocolate lollipops. There ares soo many awesome molds and this is a great treat idea for children. I make them for my mothers students all the time and they LOVE them! It is soo quick and easy and is pretty inexpensive.
Heart Shape Lollipop Mold
Most craft shops sell these molds for under two dollars and around the holiday season the melting chocolate is on sale for 2 dollars or less even (Bought my chocolate for $1.99 per pack!).
Example of melting chocolate (Image from:countryliving.com)
Chocolate lollipops are an awesome and quick idea, it takes minutes to melt the chocolate and you can set the molds and pop them into the freezer and in 10 minutes there are ready to go! I like to pack them in decorative small cellophane bags. I usually find really cute ones at a dollar store or a craft store like AC Moore and Michaels.
Heart Designed Plastic Bag (I bought this for a $1)
With these simple and easy directions and tips you will be making these all the time!
Ingredients:
Directions:
Melted Chocolate
Chocolate in Mold
Making a marble chocolate lollipop
Chocolate Rose Lollipops
Lollipop in Decorative Cellophane Bag
I hope you guys enjoyed this last minute V-Day gift idea, especially for kiddies to big kids ;-). I love making these awesome and easy lollipops and I hope you one day try it and be creative with your molds and different types of chocolate. So show some love to your favorite person and give them some chocolate!
Happy V-Day and Chocolate Making 🙂
Chocolate Quote! (Image from: iheartinspiration.com)
Instagram Photo: Chocolate and Nutella Gold
Happy Sunday My Sweet Toothed Foodies,
I hope you all are having a great sunday, mine of course was traditional and relaxing with church and brunch with the family. Nothing beats my sunday morning than a great service followed by some yummy food! After brunch I was lucky enough to whip up a quick batch of cookies and I thought why not play with it. I had a Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix and I was OF COURSE craving cookies. This by far is one of my favorite mixes not only because the results are some yummy cookies but you can make the mix your own with your own variations.
Image from bettycrocker,com
As you all know I love to experiment with all kinds of food products so of course I had to make these cookies with a twist, Nutella!!! Now if you know me I am a LOVER OF NUTELLA! I grew up eating Nutella when a family member brought a jar overseas or was lucky enough to find it in a store. I remember countless times eating Nutella on toast or bagels while watching cartoons or movies to now baking Nutella into cupcakes and delicious creme frostings. Basically Nutella is an honoree family member in my family who must always be in my house (aka in my pantry LOL). Now on to the recipe, this is just my version of making quick and easy chocolate chip cookies with a delicious Nutella swirl!
Heaven on EARTHH!
Ingredients:
Directions:
Pre-Mix Cookie Dough
and mixed till combined. (I like to mix it with my hands but a wooden spoon will do)
Mixed Cookie Dough
Swirled Nutella Cookie Dough
Chocolate Chip and Nutella Swirl Cookie Dough
Finished Product…delicious cookieness!
Now that you got the gist of how to make simple and easy Chocolate Chip Nutella Swirl Cookies now go and make your own! This is definitely a crowd pleaser and the kids will love this as well. So next time you pick up a cookie mix get creative 🙂
Creativity is Key 🙂
Happy Baking 🙂
Life As A Culinary Girl 