Yours truly, Lady G.

Nutella Challah French Toast Recipe

2013-08-27T07:14:00.001-07:00

I love desserts. No matter how full I am I always need to indulge into something sweet after my meals. I also love creating my own dishes with friends and family. It's not just delicious but fun too.

I own a George Forman Grill which makes me one lucky cook. A grill like that cooks delicious meats, presses sandwiches and makes french toast. It also helps consume cooking time as well as get the extra fats out of your dish.

Ingredients:

Eggs, Challah, Nutella and Wafel and Dinges all natural Spekuloos spread.

Cooking time: less than 10 minutes

Whip up a couple eggs and spread it onto the Challah slice. Let it grill on the Foreman until crispy golden brown. Remove and spread on as much Nutella and Spekuloos as desired.

And then we EAT 🍴

It's About Perspective

2013-08-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Do yourself a favor and let love in. Nothing ever gets accomplished through blame and anger. The best things in life develop from understanding and patience. The ability to be one with peace is part of letting go and acknowledging someone else's viewpoints as clear as your own. The first passage of Reinhold Niebuhr's "Serenity Prayer" is humble in its approach. "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference."

Photo by Omran Doost. Crawford Lake Conservation Park. Milton, ON. Canada. August 2013

"Things don't happen to me. I happen to things!" - Winston Churchill, was the Prime Minister of the UK.

"It isn't the things that are happening to us that cause us to suffer, it's what we say to ourselves about the things that are happening."

"The truth you believe and cling to makes you unavailable to hear anything new." - Pema Chodron, is a Buddhist nun and best-selling author.

"All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him, it will not change you. The only thing blame does is to keep the focus off you when you are looking for external reasons to explain your unhappiness or frustration. You may succeed in making another feel guilty about something by blaming him, but you won't succeed in changing whatever it is about you that is making you unhappy." - Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, is a best-selling author and motivational speaker.

The Grand Central Terminal

2013-08-25T20:49:00.000-07:00

Today I'm taking a day trip to Connecticut and finding adventure on my journey. I'm traveling from Brooklyn to the Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. And even though I'm familiar with GC there are still attractions, shops and dinings I have yet to experience. Today I enjoyed a GC personal ritual and went to check out the Grand Central Market for my first time.

Many from all over the world come to see Grand Cental station in NYC. It's a historical landmark and a commuter rail terminal. GC is an attraction with its many shops, beautiful dining, art and grand architectural structure. It's also a point where people meet. Either coming in or traveling out. Welcoming guests or sharing farewells. And my favorite which is traveling with good company. The energy there is emotionally strong and magnifying.

Places to check out:

One of the best bakery's can be found in GC, Zaro's Bakery. I always like to start my trip off with a bagel & cream cheese, coffee and something sweet for my friends at my destination.

Photo by Lady G. Zaro's in Grand Central, NYC. August 2013

The Gand Central Market feels like a farmers market indoors. There are fresh produce, aged cheeses, juicy meats, exotic spices, foreign chocolates and color color color!

GC is celebrating their 100th year. Thank you Jackie O for believing in this piece. GC use to be a run down place, filled with so much cigarette smoke that the tiles to the building were all black. Till this day, when they remodeled GC, they kept one black tile up in the ceiling to remind us of what it use to be.

The rumors this place holds are almost endless. But one of my favorite aspects to GC is all it's secret rooms and pathways. So much of it hasn't been touched, not even the decor. I once traveled through a few rooms when I was invited to a very private party. Thank you life ✌xoxo

On the road to Shelter Island

2013-08-24T12:57:00.000-07:00

The destination is the great focus, but don't miss the greatness of the journey. The combination makes it an adventure. Appreciate the simple things in life and you will find yourself tasting the best cheesecake, cooking with the finest locally farm grown produce and having the funniest companions to make every moment great. Did I mention the fabulous private chefs Diane Dimeo and Sarah Ashley, grill masters!

Sunflower Fields Forever by Jeff Fransen. Westhampton Beach, New York. August 2013

I'm all about adventures and these few days my destination was in the Hampton's. And timing was everything. Shelter Island was waiting for us and I couldn't wait. It started with getting on the road two hours later then planned. Missed alarm clocks, horrible breakfast service, rainy weather and the feeling like I forgot to pack something.

But then we got into our car and the clouds seemed to fade away, literally. The sun started to shine and it began to be a beautiful day. I had everything I needed arm reach away. Music was great and my company sweet.

There are a handful of fresh farms along the way in Westhampton Beach, NY. The experience is exciting and I recommend checking out as many as you can. But even if you only make a couple stops it will definately be worth your time.

My favorite was the first farm we came across. The largest sunflower field I've ever seen, one of my favorite types of flowers. They make me smile. And I was grinning from ear to ear. I asked one of the workers if we could take a closer look onto the field. It never hurts to ask. The worst that can happen is you get a 'No.' And in all honesty, what's so bad about that?

There's also a farm along the way with the best cheesecakes in town, Holey Moses Cheesecakes. A fitting title. We picked up a marble cheesecake for us & friends. Imagine chocolate milk meets classic American cheesecake. The second best cheesecake I've had in my life. My cousin Mai takes the award for baking the best, German style cheesecake.

Arriving to Shelter Island we didn't realize what was in store for us. A bucket list check off spree might sum it up. With private chefs and all locally grown foods, my taste buds are forever great full. Adventures in the sea, yacht rides and incredible people. The memories forever priceless.

They say its not about the destination but the journey. True! But I also believe the destination carries enough greatness that it shouldn't be a comparison. I think that line exists to stress how important the journey we create for ourselves is. But I think it shouldn't take away from the importance of the destination. Appreciate everything!!!

Help Others

2013-08-23T09:12:00.001-07:00

"You can have everything in life that you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”

- Zig Ziglar, was a best-selling author and master motivator and mentor.

The truth to this statement carries much meaning. The most beautiful kindness derives from a place of pure genuineness.

One of my favorite principals in Islam is the practice of this. We must always lend a helping hand and do it with no expectations in return. I believe each religion has its own way of preaching this. And it's what Dale Carnegie breaks down for us. It's what makes the world a better place ✌ May peace be upon you always.

Mr. Dale Carnegie

2013-08-19T13:57:00.001-07:00

Dale Carnegie was an interesting man. Mainly because he knew how to be genuinly intrested in his audience. He had famous conversations, wrote intelligent books, and researched some of the most interesting subjects we still talk about today. His success rode on the fact that he knew how to handle people, in good and bad situations. He validated his own points as much as he did his peers. And he started with theirs before he acknowledged his own. Unselfish acts shine the brightest.

There's a lot I feel that I can learn from a man that past away years ago. May he rest in peace ✌

Acknowledging and respecting other people's 'wants' is essential in communicating your own. To get what you want you have to learn how to give others what they want. It's a fair trade.

And stop critizising others. If you don't learn now you might find out the hard way. Sort of like Abraham Lincoln who came close to battleing in a duel until he learned that lesson. "Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement." Because if you don't people won't recognize the point youre trying to make. People will try to justify themselves like you or I would. Complaints are unnecessary noise. Praise the good and be the good you want to see in the world.

"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all."

This is true. It's so important to believe in yourself, it's hardest when no one does. But what matters is your approach and that is most important and possible!

"Your desire to change must be greater than your desire to stay the same."

Be the Light

2013-08-18T12:19:00.001-07:00

"You cannot hate, argue, reason, fight, complain or yell at a dark room enough to illuminate it - only by shining a Light is darkness overcome. Be that Light."-Anonymous

I think it's important to rise above people's bullshit. Two wrongs don't make a right and being fair isn't always clear. But never stoop down to anyone's level. Be that light that can make it right. We are defined by our reactions. ✌

New Yorker & the Pizza

2013-08-17T16:39:00.001-07:00

Take a stroll down your street and be amazed at what you find ✌

"One’s life and passion may be elsewhere, but New York is where you prove if what you think in theory makes sense in life." Miuccia Prada

Found this treasure in SoHo. After I discovered my June birthday month is named after Juno the Queen of the Gods & Heaven. She wears a beautiful peacock gown.

This piece is printed on cloth which makes it worth more than I paid for 😉

"Make your mark in New York and you are a made man." Mark Twain

"Practically everybody in New York has half a mind to write a book — and does." Groucho Marx

I think it's important to trust your instincts, especially in NYC. Let your heart do the leading and your feet do the walking. That's how we found this pizza spot, La margarita Pizzeria. My cousin Homaira Doost found this gem. Who says, "I'm not even joking guys, this is the best pizza I've ever had." There are 19 old medals over the wall and 6 plaques awarded for best pizza in different regions as well as in NYC. It's an authentic looking place with brick walls, classic chairs, black and white portraits of legends, artists and friendly people.

New York pizza at its finest. Fresh!! I want!! 👅💦

Blessings in Disguise

2013-08-16T19:23:00.001-07:00

"Every negative event contains within it the seed of an equal or greater benefit."

- Napoleon Hill, widely considered to be one of the great writers on success.

I took this photo in Manhattan. This beautiful little park right near the Brooklyn Bridge, the City Hall Park Gas Light Bulbs Fountain. Known for its beautiful scenery and awesome old vintage gas lamps near the fountain. The place lights up at night, romantically bright.

Make sure to stop by and grab a dessert at Waffles & Dinges. Mines a Belgian waffle with homemade gingerbread spread, hot Nutella, powdered sugar and the stuff that makes me feel better about indulging on sweets. Strawberry's & Banana's 🍓🍌👅💦

Then head onto the Brooklyn Bridge, walk off those calories (or at least some of them 👅) and enjoy the view!!

Create Opportunities

2013-08-14T14:53:00.001-07:00

"He just saw the opportunity." The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald

It is important to think beyond what may be. Things happen in an instance and it's the way we react to them that define who we are. Significant people, past and present, never predicted the future. They created it.

Recipe for Aashak

2013-08-11T15:51:00.001-07:00

The more my taste buds indulge into different cultures the more similarities I connect. One of them is that each nation has their own version of dumplings. A pocket of dough stuffed with savory or sweets. Like ravioli, pierogi's, samosas, and Amish apple dumplings which are just a few to name. My favorite is Afghan style 👅💦 Manto and Aashak.

Mantu is more beef based and more difficult to make, using a special pot. Whereas Aashak is a combination of greens, meat and simpler to make.

Recipe for Aashak:

Leeks or green onions finely chopped. Go ahead use an electrical chopper. Time is money.

1-2 tablespoons of salt which is used to make the leeks release its water.

Once you mix you'll notice water puddling on the bottom of the bowl which means you're doing it right. Now transfer that into a strainer and get ready to put your hands to work.

Use Chinese dumpling dough, preferably the round ones. Measure using a teaspoon of leeks and place it in the middle of the dough. Fold one side over and use water lightly to seal the edges. You don't want to use too much leeks because the dumpling will fall apart when you're boiling them in water. As well as not too much water while sealing the edges, the same will happen.

Fill up the pot and gently start placing the dumplings inside. As soon as you see the dumplings float onto the top and bloat you'll know they're ready to be transferred over. Approximately 5 minutes. And you repeat until they've all been boiled.

The dumplings need to be strained before placing them on the platter.

Top it off with Kormeh, Maus, hot oil and dried fresh mint and Enjoy!!

Kormeh: sauté onions then add garlic. Add the ground beef. For vegetarian substitute the beef with beans. Mix well then add tomato paste and water. Use spices of choice.

Tips: for some excellency add Maus to the platter before you add the cooked dumplings and once more before you add the Kormeh and again on top.

Then Enjoy 🍴👅💦

Karma

2013-08-10T19:24:00.001-07:00

"How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours." -Dr. Wayne Dyer

"Again, you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something - your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life."

-Steve Jobs

xoxo ✌

The 3 Wise Monkeys

2013-08-08T13:36:00.001-07:00

🙈Don't see everyone's flaws. 🙉 Don't listen to everything you're told. 🙊 Don't speak if it's not kind.

See no evil! Speak no evil! Hear no evil!!

Always look for the best in people. Not everything is as it seems. Only speak kindness. Be the change you want to see in the world!

Never Give Up ✌

2013-08-07T19:31:00.001-07:00

When life puts you in a tough situation, don't say "why me?" Say "try me!"

Never be ashamed of a scar. It simply means you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you.

Never Give Up ✌ Strength and understanding reside in the same place. If you can't find a way, create one! I think courage is a sum of these things.

And remember, worrying doesn't take away tomorrow's troubles. It takes away today's peace.

Moving Forward

2013-08-06T13:57:00.001-07:00

Great things happen all around us. We are fortunate enough to have the things we need. The universe has a way of knowing our hardships and providing nourishment. And sometimes the hardest thing for us to do is simply just letting things be.

"Someone once asked me what I regarded as the three most important requirements for happiness. My answer was: A feeling that you have been honest with yourself and those around you; a feeling that you have done the best you could both in your personal life and in your work; and the ability to love others."

- Eleanor Roosevelt, was the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945.

Manifest Your Characteristics

2013-08-04T12:29:00.001-07:00

Peace is the result of understanding and sharing. Buddha "The thought manifests as the word; The word manifests as the deed; The deed develops into habit; And habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care, And let it spring from love. Born out of concern for all beings."

Love as big as you can with truth, gratitude and grace. Know when to walk away and when to have the strength and patience to stay.

Be open to great possibilities and forgive yourself when you've learned a lesson. “Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave.” Mary Tyler Moore, an American actress. She believes! And the power of that makes all the difference.

Music for the Heart & Soul

2013-08-02T10:53:00.001-07:00

DJ Questlove's tunes stole my heart!! And all for a good cause. A few days ago I posted about a fun event New Yorkers should try this summer. ABSOLUT® and Flavorpill collided minds with talented desk and disc jockeys to raise money for NYC's Food Banks. Lunch Break for everyone!! For full information and how to sign up visit my post 'Quest Love & Lunch.'

Quest really delivers good vibrations. His energy is in tune with the crowds and his commitment is Legen-wait for it-dary. Oooooh yea✌ the music was perfect for daytime lunch time! Bringing the funk and making your bones dance in every direction.

I love it when people come together and use their power for good. A free show and lunch, who could resist when Questlove's name is attached to it.

The venue was at Avenue, a location in Chelsea and near The Highline. I've been there a few time before as its a great nightclub, I've even bumped into Justin Timeberlake there. Yea I was smitten LoL and I took my time slowly backing away.

I love that it isn't your typical nightclub scene. From the friendly staff to the variety of business men and women, everyone was having a good time. Each person gets a drink on the house. And as you leave the venue, the staff farewells you with a bag of delicious food. A peanut butter and jelly sandwitch from a local shop in BK, a blueberry KIND snack bar, a bag of flat pretzels, fruit and coconut water to wash it all down. Jeff and I took our lunch and enjoyed it on the Highline. Another sunny day in NYC ☀

xoxo💋

The Greatness Within You

2013-08-01T20:34:00.001-07:00

Life is beautiful. We're constantly growing and, if you're wise, you're improving. With that said, life can get hard, unfair and sometimes even unbearable. But thats where strength is built from.

A quote that's embedded in my conscious comes from Ralph Waldo Emerson. He says, “Our strength grows out of our weaknesses." True. But it heals 'with a little help from my friends.' Beatles✌❤ what you choose matters. The possibilities you create become your reality. Gravitate towards positivity.

So my beautiful people surround yourself with the greatest of people!! Because they are the ones who will never ever let you break your wings.

Quest Love & Lunch

2013-07-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

Some of the best things in life are free, especially when it's in NYC. There's always something to be entertained by. Today's treasure, a daytime dance party provided by ABSOLUT® and Flavorpill.

During the summer, Fridays are a blessing. Desk and disc jockeys collide to bring you some of the best tunes. What more could you ask for? Artists like DJ Questlove, Peanut Butter Wolf and more --> YES!
And after your soul is fed by glorious tunes you're sent off with a free lunch. Did I mention the show is free too? We like the word free right?! But whats the catch? You must dance!!

Well, that's not true but by providing a free lunch they hope that New Yorkers will donate whatever lunch money they didn't use to Food Banks in the city. With reps on site, any donation is a easy process and helpful. After all, we are good people.

They have secret locations all over the city and to RSVP you must follow the link below and pick a date.

Follow Questlove on twitter @questlove

https://mobile.twitter.com/questlove

To RSVP follow this site;

http://absolutlunchbreak.flavorpill.com/city/newyork

My fist show will be this Friday, August 2, 2013 with DJ Questlove. I have worked with him in the past and often see him in NY. He's a local and one of the best kinds. Down to earth and full of flavor. Stay tuned for Fridays review :)

The Strength to Believe

2013-07-29T12:16:00.001-07:00

I have always been a believer in a greater power. I also believe, that God would not put you through struggles he didn't trust you could handle.

Sometimes we really have to push the best out of ourselves. And often times that means starting at your most vulnerableness. In the movie Fight Club, there's a great line, "It's only after we've lost everything that we are free to do anything."

You and destiny have a dream, don't be late.

Lake Wanaksink Living

2013-07-27T19:03:00.001-07:00

Deep in the woods and into Upstate NY near Rock Hill, resides a small cabin town around wonderful water, Lake Wanaksink.

Good Morning Lake✌the joy this moment right now is indescribable. Lucky for me, the pictures will forever last.

Traveling is my passion. The different kinds of things you fall in love with are life changing. Fitzgerald once wrote, "there are all kinds of love in this world but never the same love twice." I believe the same for places, nature and gratitude.

The weekend has been delicious, relaxing and adventurous. The cabin came fully equipped. A stocked fridge, liquor cabinet and choice of boats for the lake in the backyard. And to help balance play and rest, Barbara built in a zen garden and a field full of a flowers to brighten the peace.

We woke up early to experience the sunrise. And enjoyed a full American breakfast on the porch.

The sun was out all day and we took advantage of it. Started with taking the boat out where we had drinks and snacks. I drifted off into my own world and sketched in my little black book.

We canoed to the island and explored the place. Spent the late afternoon swimming around the island and jumping off rocks.

John F. Kennedy once said, "We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, wether it is to sail or to watch - we are going back to whence we came."

Kennedy spoke a lot of wisedom throughout his short lived life. He was a man with the right principles, honesty was at the top. I also believe he was a man in tune with the world. And his connection to the ocean is forever real.

Barbara cooked us a delicious meal. Saffron chicken with 3 homemade side dishes. So good that I couldn't wait, not even for a picture. But lucky for you I snapped one of the dessert, a giant chocolate cupcake filled with fudge inside. Also baked by Barbara.

The next day the boys, Chef Jeff & Ted, served up filet mignon steaks with Barbara's purple potato salad and classic home style baked beans. Food has always been the pathway to my heart. 💘👅💦

"Look deep into nature, and then you will better understand everything." -Albert Einstein

Often times, I would get distracted by the beauties of my surroundings. My mind would drift off and I would find myself captivated by nature. I could not stop staring, examining or studying. Sometimes near, other times far. But I was always enlightened.

I enjoyed a few naps during my days as well. Mostly on the hammock, while reading a book or sketching the scenery. This place is soothing and necessary. A weekend away in the cabins is a must remedy for the scattered mind. I cleared my thoughts here. Got rid of what was weighing me down, subconsciously. And embraced the things I need.

In Europe, we have this healthy state of mind, we take Holidays. Europeans believe that no matter which class you reside in, you owe it to yourself to rest and see the world while doing so. Americans define it as vacations and don't often treat themselves to it.

Many thanks to Ted and his lovely family for an invitation so personal and dear. We love you!

“Anything that looks like chaos and calamity in your life is just the Universe’s way of saying ‘Trust me and we’ll make a life together that is beyond your wildest dreams.’ The key is to trust. There’s a bigger vision and purpose inside you that your small brain or Ego can imagine. The Universe has bigger and better plans for you. It’s your job to be of service and not get in your own way. You can only receive what you believe. When you trust you open yourself up to greater possibilities outside of your control or imagination. So what’s it gunna be? Fear or trust?”

- Anon

Dream. Nourish. Believe

2013-07-26T19:39:00.001-07:00

I hope this finds you well❤ Nourish your dreams, it will change your life!

"We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of a spring day or in the red fire of a long winter's evening. Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light, which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true."

- Woodrow T. Wilson, was the 28th President of the United States.

Me, My Dog & FitBark

2013-07-25T18:13:00.001-07:00

Ever ask yourself 'How can I make this world a better place?' The guys at FitBark sure did. With the idea to help humans understand their dogs better, Davide Rossi invented FitBark. "It's about the lifestyle of dogs."

Michael Chiang co-founder of FitBark adds, "this helps humans understand dogs better." It's a bone shaped tracker that records your dog's daily activity which can be checked any time by simply using an app on your phone. Chiang adds that it is time "to give them back the amazing joy they provide to us every moment."

http://www.fitbark.com/

Today marks the launch of the world's first tiniest wireless tracking device for dogs on KickStarter. Within the first 90 minutes FitBark reached half their goal. At about $28K, with two more hours left to the first day, the success is skyrocketing.

http://www.kickstarter.com/team?ref=footer

Chiang expresses that they "want to get FitBark on as many dogs as possible." Which will open up endless possibilities.

The health benefits start from activity travel, an idea of your dogs lifestyle which has never been collected before.

The team wants to learn from the data that is collected, analyze it and start identifying trends. As a result, work with vets to provide a healthier lifestyle for their dogs.

"Wearable computing is more relative for dogs than for humans because of the fact that you can't ask your dog how he's doing," adds Chiang.

The goal will cover the cost of the manufacturing. But to go beyond the $35K goal will benefit the product and research. "There's a lot of room to grow with this device," says Rossi. With more funding, new and more options become available to make this product as functional and useful as possible. The idea is to make it easy for dog owners to better understand their pets.

Why do more entrepreneurs choose America as a platform? Rossi, an Italian native, shares that entrepreneurship is friendlier here."A need to find a place where I could really be able to build something finding the right ecosystem and right tools." He felt that his business would grow best here with the right team to nurture the goal to the top. "Quantified Woof"

"How do we take this to becoming a main stream item?" Asks Rossi ..with a little help from his friends WOOF!

Selling for as little as $59 dollars on Kickstarter come be part of the early dog special!! Right now available in barking blue. Woof!

"Live. Love. Wag!" Wise words from Michael Chiang 🐶 Woof!!

Find Peace Within Yourself

2013-07-24T20:34:00.001-07:00

You are a beautiful person and you need to let your light shine bright ✌

"When you want to do a big thing, get the mental pattern, make it perfect, know just what it means, enlarge your thought, keep it to yourself, pass it over to the creative power behind all things, wait and listen, and when the impression comes, follow it with assurance. Don't talk to anyone about it. Never listen to negative talk or pay attention to it and you will succeed where all others fail."

- Ernest Holmes, was the founder of Religious Science. This passage is from his book Creative Mind & Success.

Be You, Be Good

2013-07-23T20:34:00.001-07:00

I decided to make a list today. Write down all the things I want to be and remind myself daily. I might even collaborate it into my paintings. I want to always be great full. For people, things and opportunities. For life and all the blessings. I'm making this list to eliminate my bad qualities. To never judge or criticize, things I feel I've done in the past. And even though I had good intentions they rarely were accepted as what I meant. The best way I feel that I can do this is to drop my expectations of others. I hope you find your path and I hope we meet again ✌ love you always xoxo 💋