Source: http://elizabethlombardo.com/

I am so excited to be kicking off the "Working-Mom" series! 

This is part of an assignment for a class that my husband and I are both taking this semester called 

'Work and Family'.

I decided to take this class because the subject has been on my mind a lot lately.

I hope to have kids in the future and I've gone through many different emotions as I've thought about what I am going to do once that time comes.

I've always enjoyed working and I feel like it is a big part of how I gain feelings of accomplishment.

I have struggled with the thought of not having that same opportunity once kiddos are in the picture.

Throughout this course and by listening to the experiences of friends who are mothers,

I've learned that having kids does not mean I have to give up on my career aspirations.

Of course having children creates new challenges, but there are ways to make things work.

There is not one perfect formula for every family and that is not what this series is about.

Rather, the purpose of this series is really just to share personal experiences with each other and recognize that different things work for different people--and that's okay!

We chose to interview 5 working moms in various work accommodations (such as full-time, part-time, work from home, etc) about their experiences. 

I will be posting a new entry every Monday for the next 5 weeks starting with today!

Week 1: Suzy
Week 2: Alina
Week 3: Christine
Week 4: Brenda
Week 5: Erin

Waffle Love

Derek and I visited Waffle Love yesterday for the first time at their new restaurant in Provo! 

We first heard of them when they were selling their delicious Liege Waffles from a food truck at the Provo farmer's market. They park their food truck in different locations between Utah County and Salt Lake County and let people know where they are through facebook and instagram.

Although they continue to stay mobile on their truck, we were so excited to hear that they were also opening a store front 5 minutes away from us!

As avid waffles lovers, this was fantastic news!

We ordered the 'Nutella Love' waffle because you just can't go wrong with nutella, strawberries and cream.

Not only are their waffles amazing, but the decor and art in the restaurant is so fun! 

We were told that Adam's (the creator and owner of Waffle Love) wife and grandmother did all of the paintings in the store. Sounds like the perfect team. Check out their awesome story here.

 We would cry if we dropped our waffle, too.

How incredible is that mural?! 

Check out our 1 min video of our experience at Waffle Love:

And make sure you check out Waffle Love when you're in Utah County/Salt Lake County.
They also just opened a food truck in Arizona!

Wishlist for Spain

Source: Unknown

Our first stop on our trip is going to be SPAIN. 
I love the idea of starting our trip in a place where we can both speak the language.
Derek has gone several times with his grandfather (whose family is originally from Spain), but this will be my first time. I've heard wonderful things about Spain and I only wish we could stay longer! We are planning on spending 3 days in Madrid and 2 days in Barcelona. Since we don't have too much time in each city, we have started to plan out what it is that we want to do and see there. From what we've heard and after doing some research, here is what is on our 'Wishlist for Spain':

Madrid

Pinxtos/Tapas
Pinxtos and tapas are small Spanish dishes that are usually served as a snack, appetizer or with a drink. 
We don't drink, but you can bet we will still be enjoying some tapas! 
To me, sharing small meals sounds like the perfect way to eat. 
You get to try a little bit of a variety of foods and don't have to worry about feeling stuffed afterwards! 
It really makes eating more of an experience. 
Here are 2 tapas restaurants that are at the top of our list:
Casa Labra
Gastrobar Le Cabrera

Cibeles Fountain
Fountains are one of my favorite forms of art.
There is something so graceful and peaceful about them.
This particular fountain has become the symbol of the Capital 
and is located in the center of the Plaza de Cibeles. 
The fountain depicts Cibele, Roman goddess of nature, in a chariot pulled by two lions. 
It was built between 1777-1782 by Ventura Rodriguez.

La Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor is Madrid's main square and is located right in the center of the city. 
It is surrounded by shops and cafes and is a great place for just taking in the sights.

Madrid Royal Palace
This palace was built in the 18th century and was home to the Kings of Spain from Carlos III to Alfonso XIII. 
It continues to be the official residence of the Spanish royal family. 
Its grounds and gardens are now open to the public.

Mercado de San Miguel

If you've read past posts, you know I LOVE markets.

They are the perfect place to mingle with locals and experience local foods.

The San Miguel Market is thought to be the most popular market in Madrid among tourists.

It is located in the center of Madrid, within walking distance from Plaza Mayor.

There are over 33 vendors selling fresh produce, fish, pasta, meat, etc. 

There are also several cafés and mini-restaurants which offer specialty food, including tapas.

Chocolate and Churros
We can't leave Spain without indulging in the traditional Spanish breakfast: hot chocolate and churros.
It sounds like a match made in food heaven.
Spanish hot chocolate is typically made using dark chocolate and is thick and  rich.
I've heard the best chocolateria in Madrid is:
Chocolateria San Gines

Barcelona

Güell Park

This park is the quintessential landmark of Barcelona.

It was designed by the famous artist and architect Antoni Gaudí. 

According to experts, this is one of the world's most impressive man-made landscapes.

The top of the park provides an amazing view of the park and of Barcelona City. 

La Sagrada Família Church

This is another one of Gaudí's famous architectural pieces--one that was never finished.

Its Gothic style is breath-taking and makes it very easy to spot.

There is an admission fee of about €13.50 EUR (about $18 USD) to go in and explore 

and you can even attend services there for an extra fee.

Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)

One of the things I am most exited about seeing in Europe is simply the architecture.

It's so different and more historic than what I am used to here in the US.

The Barri Gòtic is one of the oldest areas of Barcelona and its architecture is from the medieval-era. 

The quarter contains many of Barcelona's most prized architectural landmarks, including La Seu Cathedral and the Plaça Sant Jaume.

It is located near the city center which is filled with small cafés, shops and street performers. 

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Are we missing anything?? I know there is so much more we could do if we had more time, but these are the things that seem like the most fun to us. I would love to hear any other 'must-do' recommendations in Madrid or Barcelona. This is a rough draft list and we are definitely open to suggestions :)

Spring/Summer 2014 Travels

Source: Unknown

I can't believe our big trip is only 2 months away (64 days to be exact)!! We have made great progress in planning so far--we've bought almost all of our plane tickets and booked most of our lodging--but we are still figuring out some details. We are so excited to finally have our overall itinerary figured out though! Here's a peek at where we plan to go:

Spain

Madrid 

Barcelona

France

Paris

Germany

Munich

Switzerland

Zurich

Lucerne 

Interlaken

Geneva

Italy

Cinque Terre

Florence

Venice

Ancona

Positano (Amalfi Coast)

MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE TO:

Greece

Santornini

Cefalonia

Turkey

Izmir

Istanbul

Croatia

Split

China

Beijing

Thailand

Bangkok

Cha-am

Phuket

Cambodia

Angkor, Siem Reap Province

AND DAY-LONG LAYOVERS TO:

Hong Kong

Japan

Tokyo

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We are so grateful for the opportunity that we have to go on a trip like this. 

It's a bit overwhelming, but we feel very blessed to be able to do something that we both love together.

While we could find plenty of excuses not to go, we just could not pass up on an opportunity like this.

Derek will be finishing his MBA in April and will have 2 months off before he starts his job, 

so we plan on taking full advantage of that time!

Our Top 5 Vegetarian Recipes

One of my first thoughts when I first became vegetarian was 'what am I going to eat now??'

I felt strongly about not eating meat, but most of my meals at the time had chicken in them.

I was worried that I would starve and never feel satisfied with any of my meals.

At first I ate a lot of tofu thinking that that was my only non-meat option.

Fortunately, I quickly discovered that there are thousands of vegetarian recipes!

When Derek and I got married I had the same thought, only now it was 'what are we going to eat??'
I don't mind cooking meat for him, but it would be a pain in the butt--for both of us--to make separate meals every day.
So we tried lots of different vegetarian recipes and created a google doc of all the ones we both enjoy!

Below are the Top 5 on our list:

1. Cheesy Zucchini Enchiladas 

* I add 2 cans of black beans to this recipe to increase the protein content and make it more filling

2. Tomato, Mozzarella and Pesto Panini

3. Crustless Garden Vegetable Quiche

4. Black Beans and Quinoa

5. Vegetable Spring Rolls

Check out my 'Delicious and Nutritious' Pinterest board for more of my favorite vegetarian and pescatarian recipes.

How to Make Chocolate Flan

flan

noun\ˈflan, ˈfläⁿn\ : 

a type of sweet dessert made of a smooth, thick custard covered with caramel

If you've ever checked out the dessert menu at a Mexican restaurant, you may have noticed 'flan' is usually listed. I always assumed flan originated in Mexico, but recently discovered that is actually comes from Spain.

 Growing up my mom would make caramel flan on special occasions, but I had never heard of a chocolate flan before I met Derek.

The first time he made it for me was over our first Thanksgiving together with my family. 

Needless to say it was a hit!

This recipe came from Derek's Abuela who was born and raised in Cuba. 

It was her husband's favorite dessert and she was famous for it among her friends.

I was never able to meet her before she passed away so I love knowing her through this recipe.

We have made this recipe several times for friends and family and everyone seems to love it!

It is somewhat labor intensive and it requires a special flan pan but it is so worth it!

Ingredients

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 can evaporated milk

5 eggs

1/2 c. sugar

1/3 c. sugar (separate)

1 tsp vanilla

1/8 tsp salt

8 oz. chocolate chips

Directions 

Beat together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla, salt, 1/2 c. of sugar and 5 eggs. Melt chocolate chips over low heat on the stove then mix with other ingredients. Place 1/3 c. sugar in flan pan over the stove and add 2 tbsp water. Stir consistently until sugar is caramelized. Rotate pan in a circular motion so caramelized sugar is spread evenly, reaching about an inch up the sides of the flan pan. Fill a glass baking dish with about 1 inch of water and place flan pan in the dish. Pour chocolate mixture into the flan pan then secure the lid on the pan. Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 1 hour.  If a fork comes out clean, it is done. Place in the refrigerator until you are ready to enjoy!

Watch the video below for step by step instructions:

The Chocolate

Every time we have an occasion to celebrate, we always head over to The Chocolate in Orem. 

Not only do they have amazing sweets, but the atmosphere is so fun and unique.

The bakery is located in an old two-story house 

so it feels like you are enjoying your dessert in someone's home rather than a cafe.

Every room is set up with tables of different sizes and/or couches.

You order your treat then find a place to sit in any of the rooms of the house.

We went on Valentine's day and they had a special 'night by candlelight' event.

The lights were dimmed and every table had glowing candles creating a very romantic atmosphere. 

So perfect for Valentine's day!

It was fun to see other lovebirds cozying up

or a group of friends enjoying each other's company.

We ordered our favorite dessert: 

a cazookie with half chocolate chip, half macadamia nut cookie and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top

(like a pizookie if you've ever been to BJ's restaurant).

One of our more recent discoveries that we LOVE is their 'frosty glass of milk'.

It doesn't sounds like anything special, but it is amazing!!

It is essentially just milk in a chilled glass, but there is something about an ice-cold glass of milk 

that  is so delicious and makes the perfect pairing to a chocolatey dessert.

Hope everyone had a fantastic Valentine's day!