Taylor Gourmet in Washington D.C.


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Hi There! Hope you are having a start of a wonderful weekend.Today,  I will talk about my experience eating from a menu from Taylor Gourmet, a Philadelphian gourmet fast food type eatery located in Washington D.C. I have not have the pleasure of personally eating eating at one of their locations but I have ordered online from them few times.

History: Before I describe my experience about their food, let me give some about their background. This unique place was started by two Philadelphian buddies in 2008 grew up on what they called “the flavors of Philadephia’s 9th street Italian market and hoagies served by countless mom and pops shops throughout the city”. They brought their unique Philly hoagies and salamies to the H Street NE corridors and few more locations for us to enjoy. Their famous clients include none other than our current First Family.

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Food: I have had the pleasure of ordering online from them few times with my co-workers. My very first experience was their famous Ben Franklin Hoagies. It has a choice of breaded or grilled chicken with marinara sauce and sharp provolone cheese. What can I say about a their hoagies. It’s humongous, or at least for me. It’s a 16″ hoagie. I had to cut the hoagie into half and leave the other half for later. It’s great. My friend, who is a native Philadelphian said that Taylor had the closest authentic Philly Cheese steak that she has ever tasted outside of Philadelphia and that in itself is a huge accomplishment in my sense.  Now for their Rissotto Balls. These are fried mozzarella balls served in marinara sauce. The first time I tasted this appetizers, I fell in love them and every time I order from this place I have to have my rissotto balls in my order. These mouth watering fried cheese has the perfect amount of cheese with a crunchy outside. Now, if you in a food for salad there are plenty of options for you here. I for one love their Love Park Salad with arugula, pastina, cherry tomatoes, sweet basil pesto, fresh mozzarella, and Taylor vinaigrette. I love adding grilled chicken to my salad for extra protein. This mouth watering salad has the perfect combination of favors to play a perfect harmony with my taste buds.

Locations: Taylor Gourmet has locations in H Street, NE, between 4th and 5th Street K St NW, in Dupont Circle, and in Penn Quarter in Washington DC. It’s Virginia location include Fairfax and Ballston, Arlington locations. It’s also located in Bethesda neighborhood of Maryland.

Taylor, started by two Philly buddies brings in unique Philly tastes to the Washington Metro area. If you live near any of their locations don’t forget to check them out or order online. Hope you enjoy reading this blog as much I have enjoyed writing it. Don’t forget to follow me at instagram @allaboutme3181. or visit my Facebook page.

——————————–   Happy Reading ———————————-

Instagram @ allaboutme3181

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The Beauty Hacks You Need to Know


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Lips: If you have dry lips don’t forget to exfoliate your dry lips with a clean disposable mascara wand for a smoother lipstick application. However, first make sure that you just apply some lip balm over your lip first in order to give your lips some slip, so it is much easier to slough away any flaky skin. Second, if you do not want lipstick on your teeth like me you can keep your lipstick off your teeth by sticking your clean pointer finger in your mouth, wrapping your lips around it, and then pulling your finger out. Any lipstick that would have gotten on your teeth will be left on your finger. Third, in order for you to make your lipstick last longer just apply your favorite lipstick and just hold a tissue over your mouth. After that dust a translucent powder over it. A small amount of the powder with transfer onto the tissue this way, locking in your color.

Eyes: In order to make your eye shadow color to pop, first add a nude shadow base. This way the light reflect of the base shadow revealing the true color of the top eye shadow you are wearing. You want an easy way to apply eye liner? Use a lash curler to apply your eyeliner. Simply line the curler with eyeliner, curl your lashes and you’re done! It is that simple.

Face: In order to apply a concealer effectively, if you apply your foundation first, then you’ll find that you don’t need to use as much concealer. However, if you apply concealer first, you’ll remove most of it while applying your foundation. When concealing pimple, I find it more effective to apply a green concealer first and then applying a concealer of my own skin tone. In order to get a boost of hydration and glow in my skin, I spray my skin with Vitamin C Spritz (See Body Works Vitamin C Energizing Face Spritz for $19). This only give my skin a nice glow but a keeps it hydrated as well. You can also apply rose water (Amazon for $9.99). In addition I apply Tatcha Supply Rich Silk Cream (Sephora for $150) which makes the foundation go in easily and my face do not dry out easily. You can get the travel size for $3o at Tatcha website. As for contouring I use my makeup brush handle as my guide to find my cheekbone when contouring. Makeup looks more natural this way. Trace a number 3 along the perimeter of the face, starting with the center of the forehead then tracing along your hair line. You then move down the middle of the ear follow by the hollows of your cheek, sweep back towards the ear and continue down alone the jawline. Wala! You just traced a number three. Just repeat until you get your desired look and buff the brush after to trace along to until blended. You now trace number 11 along the sides of your nose your give definition to your nose. In order to create perfect highlight just trace number 3 around the eye in one continuous sweep. Just start at the middle of the forehead just above the eyebrow and sweep all the way around the temple to the top of the cheekbone. Then just repeat with the brush to blend. Don’t forget to add hightlight tracing number 1 on the bridge of your nose and little bit on your chin as well. You are now all set.

Hair: If you want to prevent split end and breakage from your hair make sure your hair is well conditioned and lubricated. Leave-in condition will not weigh your hair down and keep your lubricated at the same time. When heat to style your hair make sure that it is well protected. Make sure you use a heat protection product to protect your hair. Check out Allure magazine’s Top 10 heat protection products under $20. If you are like me and do not want to blow dry then try out Bumble and bumble Don’t Blow It (Sephora for $14) . This is an amazing product that gives me the perfect texture and definition that need for my air-dried hair. An for the days you want to go with the shampoo try the Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk (Sephora for $20). This is the best dry shampoo I have ever use so far. It makes my hair feels  light and fresh. My friends could not tell that I did not wash my hair. I am happy.

Don’t forget to check out my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram @allaboutme3181. Please do let me know if you have any beauty hacks that have worked for you.

———————————–   Happy Reading ———————————-

Instagram: @allaboutme3181

Forever NijLeave a comment

Are You Ready For the Fall?


Hi There! I know it that the temperature is still in the 90s here in the east coast. However, summer is almost over and kids are ready to head back to school and college students are ready to head to their fall semester. All you ready to embrace the fall season fashion wise. I know I am. It is know that easy. I will tell you all you need to prepare for the fall season to look trendy and embrace the season with head on in style. I went through the latest issue of Vogue, Elle, Glamour just find the fun fall fashion for you.

Blazer: First of all, blazer adds a polished to any look to fall wardrobe. I love wearing blazer with blazer during this season whether during the weekend with my jeans or with my dress or pants at work. So just take out your favorite blazer from your closet and you can dress up or down depending on the day. If you don’t have one. Shopstyle editors hand picked some for you.

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Bling: If you thought bling is gone you are wrong. Bling has come back this year. The sparkly jewelry has made a comeback this year. Hence, if you are a fan of this feminine trend then what are you waiting for? Go crazy, bring your inner bling out this fall.

Shoe: This fall, the shoes that will be quite hot is going to be is loafer heels. Boy, I for once am so happy to see that trend coming back this year with my weak metatarsal bones. Therefore, if you have not stacked up on these babies, get yourself loafer and you will be all set for the fall.

High-waisted pants: High-waisted pants is making a comeback this fall. I for one love this. This is because pants with waistline well above the belly buttons not only make your legs looks long and lean but also make your mid section looks small, and you can sign me up for that any time.

Flares: Did you throw away your flares from few years back? If the answer is no, then you are in luck. According to Glamour magazine, flare is one of Fall 2015’s most wearable fashion trends. So, take out your flares out of the back of your closet and put on your flares. Don’t forget to elongate your legs with heels or wedges.

Neons: Just like the 70s flares, the 80s neons are hitting the streets this fall. However, we are embracing this new trend in a more sophisticated way with neutral tone such as gray, black, navy or camel.

Shearling: According to the Glamour magazine, shearling coats are making a big comeback this year. I am so glad I did not give mine away. Whether long, oversized, cropped or vest your wear yours the way you love.

Sequins: According the September issue of the Vogue magazine, sequin is one fun trend to be enjoyed in fall. Here, we are talking about title sequin and as mentioned by vogue, this “cascading high-wattage pillettes reveal a new breed of disco dream girl.

Plaid: Plaid is another hot trend for fall both according to Elle and Vogue. It gives a crisps look. You can find your look in places at easy as Target. To check out other plaid trends check out Vogue.

Neutral Lipstick: As I have mention in my previous blog, with all the fun fashion trends of neon, sequins, and blings go with a more neutral lipstick this fall. Keep it simple yet elegant.

These are some of the trends I thought I found to be fun from the fall trend. With everything fun coming this fall in terms of fashion, I hope you are as excited as I am. You don’t need to spend much to be in top to the current fashion trend. There is so much bargains and deals out there. You can get the same trends in places such as Target, H&M. I have seen so much sales even at The Limited , New York & Company and even Macys.  Hope you enjoy reading this blog as much I have enjoyed writing it. Don’t forget to follow me at instagram @allaboutme3181. or visit my Facebook page.

———————————–   Happy Reading ———————————-

Instagram: @allaboutme3181

Forever Nij1 Comment

Keeping it Simple but Elegant


Hi there! I know it has been a long time. First of all, I want to invite you guys to follow me on my instagram account @allaboutme3181. It is basically telling my story about my travel, beauty, fashion, food, and all things pretty through my lenses and sketches, and I would nothing more than sharing my story with you.  Today, I will try to my secret for how to look simple yet elegant using a bold statement necklace. I have a lot of pictures in my instagram page giving example. I will share some with you today.

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As you can see in the above example, this bold bib statement necklace from Amrita Singh since can be worn with a simple white t-shirt and a blue dress pant or dark skirt to dress up or denim to dress down yet such an amazing jewelry will make any simple outfit look elegant. You can look at the ensemble I wore with this jewelry on my instagram page.

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My second favorite statement necklace is that of Amrita Singh’s Reversible Bib statement necklace. You wear both sides of the necklace. I usually wear simple blouse or shirt with the necklace (as you can see with the above examples). I have received several complements on the necklaces. Even with a simple outfit the, necklace can make it look quite elegant. I recommendation is when you are going with bold statement necklaces like this, keep the outfit simple keeping the focus on the beautiful necklaces and you can never go wrong. Whether dressing up or down, just remember to keep it simple and remember just keep smiling you will just look elegant!

——————— Happy Reading ———————

Instagram: @allaboutme3181

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Mango, Bean, Avocado Salad


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This summer, are you looking for something savory, easy to make, and heart healthy at the same time? Look no where else but in this blog. I got this delicious heart healthy salad recipe for you from none other than the American Heart Association.  You can make in advance and keep in refrigerator for few days and the flavor will keep improving. You can also add crunch vegetables like cucumber or add it into whole wheat wrap for bread to have it as sandwich. However, you decide to enjoy it, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Ingredients

  1. 15 oz. canned, no-salt-added black beans (1 can), drained, rinsed
  2. 15.25 oz. canned, no-salt-added or low-sodium whole kernel corn (1 can), drained, rinsed (draining and washing in cold water will rid of extra sodium)
  3. 1 cup avocado (1 medium or 2 small), halved, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  4. 2 mangos (about 2 cups), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  5. 2 green onions, cut into 1/2-inch pieces OR
  6. 1/2 small red or white onion (about 1/4 cup), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  7. 1 red or green bell pepper, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  8. 1 or 1/2 jalapeño pepper, stems discarded, seeded, finely chopped, optional
  9. 3 Tbsp. fresh or bottled lime juice
  10. 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  11. 2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped
  12. 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  13. 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
  14. 1/4 tsp. salt

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry lettuce, then chop or tear into 2 inch pieces and divide into 6 bowls or plates.
  2. Combine the black beans, corn, mango, avocado, onions and jalapeño pepper. Do not mix until you add the dressing.
  3. Combine the lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, chili powder, black pepper and salt together in a jar with a secure lid, shake together until mixed well and pour over the mango and avocado mixture.
  4. Toss gently to coat and serve over the lettuce and mixed greens.
  5. Serve

——————————— Enjoy —————————————

 

Forever Nij1 Comment

Gluten Free Pumpkin Sneekerdoodle


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Hi There! I know it has been a long time since  my last blog. Well, I am back with a delicious recipe from Whole New Mom. Hope you enjoy this healthy sugar free, gluten free treat. I would love to hear your comments.

Ingredients
Cookies:

  1. 1/2 cup organic coconut oil (or healthy fat alternative like I Cannot Believe It’s Not Butter)
  2. 3/4 cup granulated sweetener (I used splenda)
  3. 1 large egg or equivalent substitute
  4. 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  5. 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  6. 2 cups flour (I used coconut flour)
  7. 1 tsp cinnamon
  8. 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  9. 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  10. 3/4 tsp baking soda
  11. 1/2 tsp salt (I recommend Real Salt)

Cinnamon Coating:

  1. 1/2 cup granulated sweetener (Again, I used splenda.)
  2. 1 tsp cinnamon
  3. 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Combine ingredients for Cinnamon Coating and set aside for later use.
  3. Combine flour, salt, baking soda and spices in a medium-sized bowl.
  4. If coconut oil is not soft enough to mix easily, melt in a pan over low heat. Place in a bowl.
  5. Add sweetener and egg (or substitute) to the softened oil. Beat well. Add pumpkin puree and vanilla. Beat well again.
  6. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly, but do not over-mix.
  7. Take a small amount of dough ( can use a small cookie scoop for this process), roll into balls, drop in cinnamon sugar topping, and roll to coat. (NOTE: For gluten free cookies, the smaller the cookie the better as they will crumble more easily than those made with gluten flours.)
  8. Place on cookie sheet or baking stone (I highly recommend baking stones) about 2 inches apart, flattening a bit with your hand (or the bottom of a glass)
  9. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until slightly golden brown.
  10. Cool for approximately 5 minutes before removing from baking sheet to cool on a cooling rack.

——————————————– Enjoy ——————————————-

 

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Join Me For a Great Cause


Hi There! I know it has been a while since my last blog. I have been dealing with some personal issues, but I am back with share with you something that is very important for me. As you know it is officially spring, though I woke up to below freezing temperature this morning, I still feel spring in the air. Why not take advantage of it. Especially, if you leave near the Washington D.C. metro area imagine the Tidal Basin filled with the beautiful blooming cherry blossom. What a breathtaking view!

Now let spring inspire us to take a healthy step and mark your calendar for the Annual Congenital Heart Walk in Wheaton Maryland. This year again it is taking place at the beautiful Wheaton Regional Park located at 2000 Shorefield Road, Wheaton, MD (just off the Beltway) on Saturday, April 25th at 9:00 a.m. The walk is for a wonderful cause. The Congenital Heart Walk is a national fundraising event series benefiting the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) and The Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF). We walk to honor and remember the millions who have been impacted by congenital heart disease (CHD). CHD  is the most common birth defect effecting approximately 8 in every 1000 babies born each year. As a research personnel, working at the Heart Institute of Children’s National Health System, I have seen babies and children who are born with complex heart disease who are rushed to the hospital for open heart surgery when they are just a hour or so old. I have friend who have been impacted by the defect and I am joining the walk to for my friends and everyone I serve and had the privilege of knowing with the condition who are know longer among us.

Hence, please joins us to support such an important cause. If you cannot join us in person please support us in spirit by donating to the link. Thank you for being part of this wonderful cause.

http://events.congenitalheartwalk.org/site/TR/Walk/General?px=1047333&pg=personal&fr_id=1170

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Quinoa Crust for Pizza or Cheesy Garlic Bread


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Today, I will share a gluten free, healthy pizza or cheesy garlic bread that you and your family will love. Hope you love it. Happy reading.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup quinoa
  • 3 tsp, olive oil, divided
  • ½ cup quinoa
  • 3 tsp. olive oil, divided
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ tsp. garlic salt
  • ½ tsp. dried oregano leaves
  • ½ tsp. dried basil leaves
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ cup shredded fat free Italian-blend cheese (I use fat free mozzarella sauce)
  • Optional – For cheesy garlic bread: ½ cup shredded fat free Italian-blend cheese and pizza sauce for dipping
  • Optional – For pizza: ⅓ cup pizza sauce, ½ cup shredded fat free Italian-blend cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings

Instructions: 

  1. Place the uncooked quinoa into a fine mesh strainer and run under cool water for about a minute until water runs clear. Shake off as much excess liquid as possible. Add the rinsed quinoa and 2 tsp. olive oil to a medium sauce pot. Turn the heat to medium high and stir occasionally for 6-7 minutes. The excess moisture will evaporate and the quinoa will begin to toast.
  2. Carefully add the water to the toasted quinoa and cover. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Let the quinoa cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid and turn the heat to low. Cook 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally (evaporating excess moisture). Transfer the cooked quinoa to a large bowl and let it cool for at least 10 minutes.
  3. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
  4. In a small bowl, add the eggs, 1 tsp. olive oil, garlic salt, oregano, basil, and baking powder. Whisk until well combined.
  5. Add the cheese to the quinoa. Stir to combine. Add the egg mixture to the quinoa. Stir until well combined.
  6. Spread the quinoa dough into a ¼ inch, even layer on the parchment paper. I made cheesy bread sticks so I made a 10 x 7 inch rectangle. Bake for 18-20 minutes, edges should begin to brown.
  7. Top with the pizza, or garlic bread, toppings and return to the oven for 5 minutes.
  8. Let the pizza, or garlic bread, cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
  9. Enjoy

Nutrition Information:

Serving size: ¼ of the crust; Calories: 169 Fat: 8.8 Saturated fat: 2.3 Carbohydrates: 14.9 Fiber: 1.7 Protein: 7.4