Why Swift Was Right About 22.

I have a love/hate relationship with my life right now. 

Melodramatic? Probably. 

But hey, I'm twenty-two, and according to T.Swift, it's also totally acceptable. 

( lest us throw our hands up // dance in rejoice )

If you can't relate to my following babble, my apologies, but I'd like to believe that you may just happen to find something useful out of the following words, anyways.

For those who can

1) My sympathies

2) Consider the following as an attempt to ease your (possibly) melodramatic soul, as well

So, Let's Begin.  

Not to jump the gun on conversation, or debate, but I think I have an answer to the question:
Is it actually possible to feel happy, free, confused & lonely at the exact same time?

And that answer is a plain and simple, yes. 
Now let me explain why I think so.

We very recently closed an important chapter in our lives, titled "College."
The decision to pack up four year's worth of experiences, memories and relationships, in the very suitcases we walked out the door of our first 'grown-up' homes with, was not our own.
And we're feeling a little bitter about it.

We involuntarily put an end to one era, and so began a new one.
One where the stuff being thrown at us started exposing emotions we didn't even know we had.

And just like that, life started getting sporadic.
More stuff started happening, but this time the kind that changed everything.
Questions were thrown at us. 
The same, monotonous kind that we would rather just not have to worry about answering. 
(Partially because we hate small talk conversations, but mostly because we don't even have an answer to them in the first place.)

What jobs have you applied for? 
Where do you see yourself living? 
Are you dating? (My personal favorite) 
What are your financial plans for those student loan bills comin' up darlin'?

It wasn't really out of "nowhere" that this all happened.
We knew there would come a day when it was no longer "socially" acceptable to pull half (or even a quarter) of the stuff we did during our glorious undergrad years.
Which includes making excuses in times like this.
And that just sucks.

But you know something that I've realized from it all?
We're in this together. 

It doesn't matter if we were fortunate enough to walk out of college into a full-time position in the field of our dreams, or stare into the eyes of 2-5-10+ more years of schooling, or even move back home to save some money and figure out what exactly it is we want to do with our lives.

When it comes down to it, we all came from the same place.
And who is better to understand what you're feeling, than the person next to you who went through the exact same thing?
Try that for comfort.

Since I've graduated, I can't tell you how many things I've learned about myself and the immediate, fast-paced world around me. It's given me a chance to reflect on all of those crazy souls that I've had the pleasure of meeting throughout the past four years alone. The kind of people that talk you into "just one more" Whiskey Sour during Finn's Karaoke Wednesday, and drag you to Nadine's the following morning to down the best breakfast bowl - called "The Mixed Grill" - that you could ever possibly dream of. And, of course, the gems in life that let you borrow their flash drive for the final Photography assignment because yours didn't have enough storage space. And, lastly, who could forget the roommate- turned-best friend from sophomore year that just so happen to own the assigned seat next to you at college graduation. 

Realize that all of these good and bad times you've experienced in your life are in LARGE part because you experienced them with (and many times because) of those others. 

Those others that are just as scared, intimidated, and uncertain about their lives right now, as you are. 

So, 22.

It may seem like just an age, but it's so much more than that. 

It's the time in life when you're forced into making very difficult decisions. 

When you're forced to say some really sappy goodbyes, and close some really gigantic doors (or chapters.)

But, in the process, please don't make the mistake of confusing closing for locking.

Life may be changing - we may be changing - but hey, that's what makes it so T. Swift magical right?

Do yourself a favor and consider this time a rare opportunity.

Breathe. Feel alive again in a way that you haven't for quite some time. Alive in the sense that you feel confused, anxious, but excited and happy about it. 

Let this brief period of loneliness drive you to be motived. 

Seek to learn something that a textbook didn't teach you and professor couldn't lecture about. 

Take this time, above all, to do you, 

during this once in a lifetime age of twenty-two. 

(cause it only happens once.)

in·spi·ra·tion

in·spi·ra·tion

ˌinspəˈrāSHən/

noun

1. 1.

   the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, esp. to do something creative.

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I woke up today and I just felt, inspired.
A word that we throw around so often.
A feeling that we desire more often than possess.

But it's not our faults. It's not anybody's fault.
Inspiration has a funny way of finding us when we're busy doing something else. 
When we're busy living our lives. Taking part in our every day tasks.

And life itself is complicated. It's tricky.
Our lives our complicated. They feature one slightly manic - let me speak for myself here, please - star(lette) and the many creatures, relationships, and experiences that they encounter on a daily basis.
And that daily basis turns itself into a collection of days, months, years. Good days, bad days, holidays, birthdays. And all of those days are set in an uncensored, unfiltered world.

so, when does inspiration happen?

Inspiration happens when we discover what keeps that mad world turning for us. It's the answer to why we wake up some mornings and hear the birds chirping a little louder than they were the day before. And not that annoying chirp, but the kind of chirp that makes us think of warmth, and Spring turning to Summer, and enjoying a melting popsicle as we sit poolside with our best friend. It's why today, of all days, we gather this internal gratitude for the sun as it makes it's way pass that grassy mountain over the hill, only to dance amongst the tree branches and cast our shadow against the sidewalk that we travel everyday to work. Or at night, to the bars. Or, anytime, to yoga class. But at all times, the sidewalk that we fail to note how unique it's existence is to our very own urban neighborhood. Just think for a moment, how many feet have walked over it? How many drinks, from our cup or bottle alone, have been spilt on it?

Inspiration happens when we start to believe again, if not for the first time, in this crazy thing called love. I'm not just talking about the type that happens when we meet our much-anticipated soulmates. Because even those floating around with inspiration coming out of their ears, may not believe that such a thing exists. I mean, they are more inclined to believe that love itself exists, but the whole term soulmate, well that's a discussion for another day. What I'm getting at instead, is love in its most basic and natural form, is inspiration. Think of the very first relationship we were ever a part of, and hopefully still are. The one created for us. The one that we were born into, and that if we are lucky, means more to us than any other. And then think of the one(s) that we have built with others, through others, with their help. Their cooperation, their trust. These are the kind that we've grown into. Friends, lovers, coworkers, role models and idols, strangers. Those who inspire us, without even knowing it. Without even meaning to. Those with an existence that has a way of making ours a little sweeter.



Inspiration happens when you find a purpose for the ups-downs, the words-sentences-phrases-sayings-quotes, the sweet'n'sour'n'salty'n'bitter tastes, the wind-rain-sleet-snow-SUNSHINE, and, most importantly, the very air that we breathe.
The very air that we so tragically take for granted. Yet, that we share.

Isn't funny how often we forget that?

That believe it or not, we share the most essential element to each and every one of our lives.

CRAZY, I know I know.
Mind blowing, actually.

Maybe, even, a tad bit inspiring?

Above all though, there's only one place that inspiration happens... 
And I think I'll leave it up to you to guess just where that place may be.

xox, A.

Hugs n' Smooches for you & yours.

valentine's day.
I've always had this strange admiration for it.
And yes, this goes for the years that I have (and have not) had a valentine. 

As far as I know, this admiration goes deep.
For as long as I can possibly remember, I wake up on this February 14th day, and from the moment I open my eyes, I love every single second of what is to come. 
Weird? Yeah, I know. 

For me, it's not the mascot colors of red n' pink that make me weak at the knees. 
It's not the assortment of chocolates, shoved into a heart shaped box, that make me melt. 
And no, regardless of what you may believe, I can't even credit this mad love to the asparagus tempura sushi roll + side of hibachi veggies that my friends and I treat ourselves to (almost every year) on this very special day.

So, what is it, if not for all the fluffy elements of this day, that make me love it oh so very, very much?

Well, it only took me 22 years to figure out.
As I lay in bed, one hand glued to my chocolate-covered strawberry inspired breakfast smoothie (I've been on a smoothie kick lately; these typically last anywhere from 1-4 weeks,) and the other madly typing this post for you lovely people - and myself. 
I cherish valentine's day because I've learned that no matter the situation, I've always actually had more valentines than I could ever know what to do with. 

And you wanna know something funny?
so have you. 

Alright, it might sound cheesy, but just roll with me.
For one day, it's all about sharing the emotions that you have for others. Today is not about you ...even if you are one of those v-day haters, it's still not about you. Because today, of all days, you're practically forced to think of all those in your life that have honestly, genuinely, down-right inescapably loved you. 
But maybe they aren't with you anymore. 
But maybe they are. 
I mean, what this day is actually all about, at least for me, is to take some time to remember all of the people that have left behind footprints in your memory and your heart, as they've walked both into and out of your life.
It's about the memories that you've made with them. The lessons that they've taught you about yourself... and, most importantly, the individuals that they have helped you to become.

There are enough Taylor Swift songs out there to prove that love is not all about rainbows and butterflies. 
Love, in it's most basic and natural form, is both unimaginably good and so horribly bad. 
You know it. It's sucky. it's harsh. 
But, just when you are about to give it up, it turns itself around if only (once again) to prove just how beautiful it can actually be. 

As I lay here writing this, listening to my absolute favorite song (link @ the bottom of my post!), I think of all of the people that I love. That have loved me. That I have yet to love.
I think of my family, mostly my dad - who for every v-day day for my entire existence has delivered beautiful roses, in one way or another, along with a stuffed bear. And yes, this year I expect noo differently, (so dad you better find your way to my work tonight, cause i'll be looking for you!)
And I think of my friends, my roommates - the people that have seen me at my absolute craziest. Who have lived with me, and have had to deal with it. (I mean com'mon, it's not like family ...those poor souls don't have a choice... but these girls, they're pretty awesome.)
I think of my past relationships and how much I've learned from them. So many things that I would never, ever take back - regardless of how poorly things may have ended. Because honestly, I couldn't picture (nor would I want to) my life without them. 

So, my dearest friends, make this day about someone else. 
A bunch of someone else(s). 
Let your love out. 
Open your heart, even if it's for only a couple minutes in the privacy of your own room - where you can hide under your own covers, listen to your own music, and let your own thoughts and memories flow around you. 

May a smile escape from the corners of your mouth.

May you find, if only one reason, and for only one second, to love this day 1/10 as much as I do. 
(That will still be a lot, I promise.)

Happy Valentine's Day, to all of my valentines out there.
May love find its way into your heart ... and may you let it.

xox


José Gonzalez - Heartbeats

The City that Recycles

Pittsburghers, you might want to think twice before ditching those grocery bags from your next Giant Eagle visit. In this city, blue is just as good as gold.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkoCLPeIbrU

Hannah Sandoval, South Side home renter and senior at Duquesne University, mentioned something called single-stream recycling in the video, above. Even if you do recycle, if you're anything like me, chances are you hadn't a clue that such a thing actually exists.

See, in Pittsburgh (as Hannah mentioned), all occupants are expected to set out recyclables every other week. All recyclables (glass, plastics, aluminum, cardboard, office paper, leaf waste, etc.) must be placed on the curb, outside of their residence -- in bright blue bags, nonetheless.

As you can imagine, this may become a bit tedious and well, flat-out annoying. I mean, who has time for that, right?!

According to Pittsburgh Recycling Supervisor - Mr. Shawn Wigle, more people than one may believe. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Wigle to discuss current recycling conditions in Pittsburgh. Through the interview, I gathered a little background on how the single-stream recycling system came to be, and just how successful efforts have proven to be.

Here's a little snippet from our chat: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSsl4sfRldA&feature=youtu.be

Should You be Concerned if You're Not Recycling?

Well, maybe a little. 

To a degree, the entire process runs on an honor system. Wigle does warn, though, that the Bureau of Environmental Sciences - Recycling Division Department is "actively out there, every week, servicing 300,000+ stops." Now that's a lot of garbage, and a lot of regulators to go around.

Mostly based on demographic, some areas of the city do have less of a participation rate.

Wigle attributed the lower numbers in the Oakland and South Side neighborhoods, to the high-turnover of college/young professional renters. 

"It can be a challenge not only for the recycling, but just to get the folks to do the proper thing with the trash," he remarked. 

But hey, word to the wise, don't go testing your luck now.

Wigle warns there certainly exists a scale of fines for penalty measures - some more severe than others.

RESIDENTS - $50 per occurrence + Court Cost

COMMERICAL - $1,000

"We do try to resolve the situation before we cite folks, in every instance, whether it be residential or commercial. We try to warn folks and give them every opportunity they can to do the right thing. At the end of the day, we'd rather see them do the right thing than just hand out citations."

Randy - Delanie's Coffee

Our earlier interviewee Randy, from Delanie's Coffee, was a little agitated with city's current recycling performance. He believed that much more could be done to better accommodate local businesses, such as his, to the recycling practices and the measures that they should be taking, as mandated by the city. 

What Randy didn't know, and neither did I go into this, is that although they are still ordered to recycle under Code 619, the department itself does not physically collect from commercial businesses. This means that there is an additional cost involved for the businesses to dispose of their recyclable goodies. Wigle addressed this concern by stating:

"Recycling is cheaper than trash, you're paying to throw something in a hole in the ground, versus paying to get something recycled that has a value to it. There definitely is a cost savings to recycling the trash."

If cost does present itself as an issue, Wigle suggests that small commercial businesses take their trash to the several drop-off centers - open 24/7 - available to them, free of charge! 

One can be found directly next to the Bureau of Environmental Sciences in the Strip District. 

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Mr. Wigle shared the shocking statistic that presently, recycling participation stands at about 72% for the Pittsburgh region alone. 

Bravo, yinzers!

Fall Flavors: Quick Protein Dinner

Turkey, Kale + Sweet Potato.

It only took me 21 years to discover how freakin' amazing kale is. 

Could be cause I didn't even know about it's existence for at least 19 of those years. 

And for those that I did, I was intimidated by it. Yep, intimidated by rough green leafage. Scary I know. 

But then came a smoothie phase, where kale was the essential ingredient for a 3-day detox.

No, I didn't last the full 72 hours because I enjoy the act of chewing a little too much. 

Well, and not having my stomach growl so loud my sister could hear it through closed-doors. 

Anyways, so began my relationship with kale! And so inspired this little mash-up I threw together for dinner after night class. 

All that I did was ...

1) Toss some leftover dark turkey meat in coconut oil on the frying pan, very low heat!

2) Chop into biteable pieces one sweet potato, my other love, for an essential POP of color. 

(Just zap in the microwave for about 5 minutes and then roast the in the oven for a remaining 20.)

3) Tear up a few ruffled kale leaves, chop them up into fair chunks

(leaving out the stiff backbone, as it tends to be more bitter)

4) Toss everything in seasonings, and throw back in the frying pan on medium heat.

(kale should start to wilt, sweet potatoes should have a crisp outer edge, don't dry out the turkey!)

For seasonings: 

As I mentioned, I used coconut oil for frying. I try to do this as often as I can.

I massaged the kale in extra-virgin olive oil.

Sprinkled everything with garlic-flaked pepper & cracked sea salt. 

And that's all! 

So simple, and so good. And so warm. And so colorful. 

happy fall feasting, friends.

Nutritional Bonuses: 

* Dark Meat - higher caloric count, but higher counts of iron/zinc/B-vitamins

* Sweet Potatoes - rich in beta-carotene, vitamins C/E

* Kale - antioxidants; anti-inflammatory nutrients; anti-cancer nutrients; high in fiber, vitamin K/A/C, iron

 What are your favorite fall foods?

Prantl's Pumpkin Lovin'

In the Spirit of the First Day of Fall ...

I had to do it. And you would have done "it" too. 

I mean, just picture this...

Caged up in the backseat of a car conveniently straddling Coffee Tree Roasters, a hipster hotspot booming on this late Sunday afternoon, and Prantl's, the most cherished bakery in allll of Pittsburgh.

Waves of cinnamon dolce, pumpkin swirl, and caramel apple spice spilling through the sunroof. Chic young couples passing by the window, arms linked and hands cradling little white boxes dressed with brown shiny ribbon.

{Pittsburghers out there: burnt. almond. torte.  Need I say more?}

So, come on. "It" was basically forced upon me. And, quite naturally, I had to surrender ... And, quite naturally, you probably should too.

If Shadyside is a little too far out of your reach, scurry on down to Prantl's partner store located in the heart of Market Square and treat yo'self to a cuppycake. Please.

If you're anything like me, you prefer icing over cake in all situations.

If you're not like me, get ready for a life changing experience.

You can't turn down this heavy, yet moist, pumpkin cupcake

 loaded with plump raisins, cinnamon & nutmeg.

Double layers (aka: double the fun) of sweet, buttercream icing.

Décor of a sugared maple leaf set perfectly atop a soft white pillow of fun.

If not for me, do it for the sake of Fall.

It's limited time only people. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Happy Fall Feasting, my loves!

Baked Banana, Baby

First and foremost, ya'll should know that some would say I'm a teensy bit obsessed with Instagram/a LOT-a-bit fixated on food related Instagrams. 
And no, I'm not ashamed.
But maybe I shouldn't boast about the fact 80% of them are either banana, pb &/or chocolate obsessed... like myself...
Because when it comes down to it, does this often times present a problem in my life? 
Absolutely. 

Take for instance this morning. 
I wake up absolutely CRAVING a baked banana,
(a trending breakfast/dessert-like treat that I had never even tasted before in my life)
Is that weird? Or maybe a little sad? Whatever. It was happening either way.

#1 RULE: Satisfy the mind + the stomach. Happy Stomach = Happy Mind. ALWAYS.

You better believe I made myself the HUGEST baked banana you could ever imagine, totally overflowing with all the ingredients that spoke to the rainy Fall-like weather the early morning 
had in store for us. And let me tell you, when this gem was ready to devour, it was just as good as my mind led me to believe it would be.

Little sketched out by the idea of a 'baked' banana?

Well I'm sure that we can all agree there aren't too many things better on this earth than a ripe, flavorful banana dipped in warm, melty, peanut butter. Right?
Now close your eyes and this time imagine that same flavor x1000, 
topped with pumpkin spice - cinnamon - nutmeg 
... & I could go on and on and on. Or you can just try it for yourself. And love me for it. 

So don't you dare even judge the taste based upon the initial image of it fresh out the oven.
Because while yes, that may be a blackened banana peel ... 
move well beyond appearance my loves, and use your sense of smell.
Breathe in that gooey, cinnamon-y, yummy inside.

Here's What You're Gonna Need:

• 1 medium/large banana
• 1-2 tablespoons peanut butter (I substitute Sunflower Seed Butter)
• Walnuts
• Cinnamon
• Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Agave, or Honey

And honestly, it's as easy as this:

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees to make it nice and toasty inside.
• Split your banana directly down the middle to make a little boat.
• Wrap the nanner lightly in a piece of aluminum foil, leaving the top exposed.
• Spread your nut butter on thickly, sprinkle your spices heavily.
• Measure out your walnuts evenly, & dress the whole deal generously with your agave syrup.
• VIOLA! EAT UP. 

I am not ashamed to admit that my baking time was interrupted for an extra dosage of sunflower butter, and another shake of my cinnamon. Two ingredients I just can't get enough of. 

Why sunflower or 'sunbutter' over peanut? Well, that's a story for another day. 
For now, all I have time to share is my LOVE for it. 
Don't believe me? Try it for yourself. 

FEAST ON, my pb-nana-cinnamony loving friends. <3

Golden Glory (old post from 2012)

Tonight, as the clock slowly approaches 1 a.m., I feel the urgent need to share my DEEP (& some would say, ridiculous) LOVE AFFAIR with Fall and all the goodness that comes with it. Now, I realize this may be a little late. Apparently in the world that we live in today, November 1st actually marks the first day of Winter! And Christmas season!

[ though, IT SHOULD NOT ]

And yes, there is a little resentment in my tone. And for that, well I apologize. 

Though I wasn't always a fan of Christmas (yes, you can re-read that if you didn't get it the first time,) I have made some progress in finding the joy that this red n' green bundle of cheer can bring. Inevitably, I too will soon become giddy at the return of Starbucks Christmas-themed cups post-Halloween day. Argh.

Shamefully, I will now share with you the real reason for why I have formed this stubbornness, but first, get ready to hate me forever for my selfishness ...

All the Christmas cheer surpasses my birthday month!

Yeah, shallow.   

At least I admit it, right?

Really though, join my thought process. What ever REALLY happened to Thanksgiving? 

Skipped. Neglected. Can we go so far as to say, shunned

And for what reason? It's really the best holiday. 
Family, friends, food... PUMPKIN?!

C'mon now. Jump on my bandwagon. You know you all agree.

But, just in cas I haven't convinced you yet, take a little gander at a few of the most glorious gems that this abandoned holiday actually fosters ...

Pumpkin. Oh, the possibilities.
Classic Pumpkin Pie
 Pumpkin Ravioli
Pumpkin Spice Latte

A naturally-beautiful landscape,
with tree leaves competing for
the best hue possible

Fresh Empire Apple, from
 the Local Orchard

hello beauties!

welcome to my open journal

My name is Audra & I am your creator of Foodista From Scratch

  Here you will find my passion for food, photography, & words

Born and raised in black & gold country, I will forever praise my love for the Steelers, Double Egg & Cheese Primanti Sandwiches, and the countless bridges that tie this beautiful steel metropolis together. I graduated this past December from a fairly small university in Pittsburgh, majoring in Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) and Journalism.

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I believe [Foodista from Scratch] is a suitable title for what I may be referred to as.
 After all, I have no shame in admitting my total lack of professional experience in the kitchen :)

Aside from my own "creations" ...

The blooming food industry in Pittsburgh has allot the opportunity to explore trending restaurants, as well as favored historical sweet spots that have made a name for themselves far beyond our three rivers boarder. Over the past four years I've grown madly passionate about finding these unique treasures and sharing them with everyone that I love. And now, all of you as well.

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Aside from food, photography has always had a special place in my heart. 
 Whether it be spending endless hours admiring beautiful imagery created by others,
or attempting to create something special of my own, I am all about it.

 I am already thankful that this experience will encourage me to pull out my baby, which almost all of my pictures will be taken on, a lot more often. I am more than excited to share what I capture with you.
[for those wondering, I'll be shooting with a Nikon d3200]

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While this blog is more or less a work-in-progress, 
I hope that you find it something worthy of following. 

 PLEASE feel free to leave suggestions & recommendations that I can learn from :)

happy reading, my friends 

BLUEBERRY-BANANA MINI LOAVES (old post from 2012)

So I've been looking for an excuse, ANY excuse, to dig my new kitchen utensils into some seriously scrumptious cookie dough. Or maybe cake batter... homemade pancake mix... the ooey gooey raspberry filling to some darn good jam cookies. Pretty much, ANYTHING. (I told you I was desperate.)

With that, I present to you ....

 BLUEBERRY-BANANA MINI LOAVES 

Simply because I wished to bake something that would showcase the sweet plump blueberries that were held hostage in my fridge.
And banana bread, even in its simplest form, has always been a favorite of mine ... (and everyone else who loves not only the moist consistency of it, but the sweet buttery smell it radiates throughout the whole house!)

I grew up living off homemade banana bread from none other than one of the best women I knew, my lovely Nana. Between her, and my other grandmother (who we call Situ - Syrian dialect,) I had been a very lucky girl, spoiled to death when it comes to food.

Unfortunately, my Nana's banana bread recipe has been missing for quite some time, leaving me to hopefully discover one that would at least half live up to her established standards.

After sifting through recipes from several of my favorite fellow foodistas, I turned to Google for this challenge. Within just one search I uncovered a recipe that sounded just about right.

Intrigued by the blueberry-banana loaf recipe posted by Lauren, of the Lawfully Wedding Wife blog, I crossed my fingers and began the journey.

And to say the least, I was very pleased with the final result,
& that oh-so-familiar heavenly aroma, yeah, that made its first appearance in my kitchen.
I think Nana would be proud (:


SOME ALTERATIONS*

• whole fat sour cream, instead of low-fat 
• 1.4 c. all purpose flour & 1/2 c. whole wheat flour 
• Slivered almonds & sprinkled organic sugar on top