Well, that was quick! I feel like I say this every other month, but January really did fly. Anyway, my boyfriend, Nathan, and I have specific financial goals this year, so we started using Mint to help us budget and better track expenses and savings.
One of the goals — more like a challenge, really — for this month was to reduce the amount of money we spend on food, which includes ordering take-out just once. This isn’t that hard when you love to cook as much as I do; however, I did give in by trying Chipotle’s new cauliflower rice (it wasn’t really worth it).
After enjoying our one take-out meal from Yardley’s Indian Garden, I began to add cooking lunch and dinner into my new routine. So depending on my work schedule, some weeks I’ve meal prepped some proteins and carbs, and others have been a cooking-every-day kind of week.
Some of the meals we’ve indulged in include air-fried potato wedges, sautéed veggies and fried eggs; healthier and lighter turkey bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches; sticky sesame chicken and veggies with garlic-ginger rice; my eternal favorite empanadas; and more. I have to admit I’ve been on a make-it-look-like-take-out kick — ha!
Further, I’ve recently obsessed over everything Half Baked Harvest-related, so for dinner we tried a couple of those recipes and … well, we’re glad we did. The biggest hits have been the easy 25-Minute Kung Pao Chicken (this recipe taught me how to make my own hoisin sauce), and the Indian Coconut Butter Cauliflower — I had some leftovers over quinoa and sautéed portobello mushrooms this week, and it’s just as good, if not better, two days after. It was creamy, light and packed with flavor and heat.
This week, I meal prepped some ground turkey, shredded chicken, quinoa and roasted veggies so we have different options for quick and seamless meals. Last night, I made some spicy chicken lettuce wraps with cucumber wedges that were — in Gen Z lingo — fire and am planning on using the turkey and quinoa to stuff some bell peppers.
I’m proud of us for having been smart about impulse food shopping this month; we’ve been able to enjoy these meals while adhering to our budget. So committed in fact, I managed to have both my mom and my aunt cook me some of my favorite childhood dishes during my latest visit to the city (all in the name of staying on budget, I swear!). It was glorious!
— Yasser Ogando, production & advertising coordinator
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
May 2, 2025French Château Hotel, Tour Brand Launch Riviera French Immersion Retreat
Château Lou Casteou, together with internationally renowned LaPont French Immersion tours, just launched a new, 10-day luxury French Immersion Retreat, the first of its kind on the Côte d’Azur.
Sponsored Content
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.
Daily
May 2, 2025Say “I Do” in Italy at These 4 Luxury Hotels
Happy couples interested in a destination wedding, look no further than these four luxury hotels in Italy, sure to offer memorable nuptials.
Daily
May 2, 2025Denver’s Only Native American-Owned and -Operated Restaurant Opens at DEN
Once featured on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives, Denver’s only Native American-owned and -operated restaurant officially opens at Denver International Airport. Tocabe: An American Indian Eatery brings authentic, Indigenous cuisine to one of the world’s busiest travel hubs.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
Daily
May 1, 2025Race Week Miami is Just Around the Bend
It’s time to start your engines: From May 3 to 5, race lovers can immerse themselves in the fast-paced thrills of Formula 1 racing at the Miami International Autodrome when the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix gets underway at Hard Rock Stadium. Practice races along the 3.36-mile course and its 19 turns kick off May 3 followed by qualifying races on May 4
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
Sponsored Content
Daily
Apr 30, 2025Get a Sneak Peek at New TEMPO Hotel in Brazil’s Santa Catarina
London-based architectural firm Foster + Partners revealed the design for TEMPO Hotel and Residences, scheduled to open in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. The hotel project is designed to capture the best views of Praia Brava, a spectacular beach with mountain views frequented by surfers. The project is being developed by MUZE real estate development group, committed to creating timeless and artistic spaces that transform everyday life.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination
Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.
eFlyer Reviews
Apr 30, 2025Relais Villa Porta Review
Tucked into a Lake Maggiore enclave overlooking the Gulf of Colmegna, Relais Villa Porta is an idyllic place to take in a side of the Italian Lakes region that’s different from buzzy Lake Como during high season. In 1820, it was built as a hunting lodge, and by the end of the century, was transformed into an inn by Leopoldo Casnedi. Over time, the surrounding parkland was further enhanced with rare plants collected by Pietro Porta, its second owner and botanist, as well as regular guests wanting to support his efforts. This ensured the inn would ultimately sit pretty within a 10,000-square-meter park surrounding the main villa, a 19th-century Liberty-style greenhouse and original Villa Porta mosaic.
ShareThis