Showing posts with label food. Show all posts

Blowouts and Bubble Tea

For the longest time ~ I think my entirety of high school ~ I'd had the longest hair. So long, I'd have to tie it up when I used the toilet so it wouldn't fall in! I'd get the usual trims to keep my hair healthy and it was inarguably gorgeous when I took the time to style it but if I'm being completely honest, it was more work than I was willing to do. 


Most days, I would just throw it up in a ponytail or topknot. By the time senior year rolled around, I was so tired of it, I wanted to chop it all off. Finally after prom, graduation, and my birthday had passed, I got a bob. And thus began my love for short hair. 
Recently, I'd noticed that my hair had gotten long again so I went in for a little snip, wanting to keep it slightly longer than usual. I had just gotten a bob a little over a year ago, so I think it's pretty safe to say my hair grows super fast!

Before
After


I tried out a new salon (to me haha) ~ called Moda ~ closer to my college since my old stylist was near my home. And generally I'm quite skeptical about new places especially if the future of my hair is in their hands LOL! However, to say I was pleased would be an understatement.
When I walked in, I was instantly greeted by Natalie ~ part owner with her husband Henry ~ who whisked me away to my seat, where Lauren did wonders to my hair. 
Initially, I'd come in just wanting a trim however, I kept asking "just a lil' more" until eventually it turned into a long bob! But I loved it!
I could see that my hair looked so much healthier than when I came in. Unlike previous stylists I've had in the past, Lauren was soft and gentle with my hair, careful not to pull too hard. 
If any of you are in or near north/central jersey I'd definitely recommend you check them out. You can check out their work on their Insta @modahairsalon. I even have my next appointment booked in!

Later that afternoon, I met up with my best friend Taz, at a nearby cafe, Cafe Bene. I thought it was local cafe until two weeks ago when I went to Chelsea and saw one there as well lol! Guess it's a chain after all!

Although a bit pricey, they have the most delicious desserts and drinks! 



Nevertheless, this spot is student favorite, because of it's versatility. 
It's perfect for grabbing a drink with a friend to catch up ~ like I did! I picked up a Cold Mango Bubble Tea and Tax chose a Hot Thai Milk Bubble Tea. I must admit, hers was far more delicious than mine!




    Or if you're looking to get work or studying done, and want a change from the mundane library stacks, the upper level is a great quiet space. I've also had a few friends who had job interviews here as well. 



If you would like me to do a whole post just on my hair, perhaps how I take care of it, then just let me know by leaving a comment! Also, if you enjoyed reading this, share it with a friend you think that might also enjoy reading it!
Love,
   Sushmi x

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread


I know this isn't the typical beauty blog post you've all been looking forward to but with Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas just around the corner, I thought I would do a post that has saved me multiple times during family reunions. Not only is this a wonderful way to use bananas that are getting ready to not be of any use anymore, but it also is a versatile dessert that can be altered to personal preference of sweetness. Whether it's for a family reunion or a potluck with friends,  hopefully you will find this as delicious and easy I did and recreate it:)

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 1/2 Cups Flour 
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
  • 3/4 Cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips
  • 3/4 Cups Walnuts, Toasted, Chopped (Optional)
  • 3/4 Cups Pecans, Toasted, Chopped (Optional)
  • 1/2 Cup Butter (1 Stick)
  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 Cup Mashed Ripe Bananas (About 3 Large Bananas)
  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 1/2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
PROCEDURE

  1. Preheat oven to 350. Butter and flour 9x5x12 1/2 inch metal meat loaf pan. Whisk first four ingredients in medium bowl to blend. 
  2. Combine chocolate chips, pecans and walnuts in small bowl and add 1 tablespoon flour mixture and toss to coat. 
  3. Beat butter in large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add sugar, beating until well blended. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Beat in mashed bananas, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Beat in flour mixture. 
  4. Spoon 1/3 of batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle with half of nut mixture. Spoon 1/3 of batter over. Sprinkle with remaining nut mixture. Cover with remaining batter. Run knife through batter in zigzag pattern. 
  5. Bake bread until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 1 hour and 5 minutes. Turn out onto rack until cool. 
Hope you guys enjoyed this quick and easy dessert and comment if you would like to see more. I plan on making this into a series on Saturday called "Sushmi's Sweet Treats" and tell me what you guys think. Also, make sure to post pictures of recreations and tag us so we can see yours! As always, lots of love and stay beautiful;)
Love, Sushmi xoxo
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