food

🎃 Spooky Season 2024 👻

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The entrance to HHN Hollywood.

There are a few days until Halloween, and fall is in full swing! Not only is fall my favorite season, but it is also home to my favorite holiday. I find the rich fall colors, and being able to cozy up in a warm sweater with some hot apple cider, satisfyingly comforting. Decorations comprised of jack-o-lanterns, spiders, cobwebs, and black cats set the stage for another spooky season. Creature Features are plentiful and help put me in the Halloween spirit. This year, I went to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood for the first time. Just a side note: Everything here is my own opinion and not affiliated with the event or anyone connected to it.

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Happy December! + Life Update

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Another month has gone by, and we’re almost to a new year. I’ve started to do a pantry clear-out to use up everything we have. It’s so easy to overbuy, and even with a stricter stay-in that started yesterday, we have plenty of dry goods and shelf-stable items. Even though I’m low-waste, I’ve put that aside in favor of keeping with safety guidelines. Also, side note, if you are feeling guilty about accumulating more waste than normal, don’t. You can’t help the current state of things, and an increase in waste materials is to be expected. You are doing the best you can. Enough with that. Let’s crack on!

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Plastic-Free July: Day 15, Regrowth 🌱

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If you have a windowsill that gets some sun, you can save on plastic-packed produce by regrowing some items. I have found that celery and green onions are the easiest. A jar with a tiny it of water at the bottom is all you need. Place the veggies in, and you should see that roots have grown in about a week or two. If you are growing celery, you’ll want to cut a small amount off of the end to allow for the roots to grow. Green onions grow in no-time. Ginger, lemongrass, onions, potatoes, etc. can all be grown from scraps if you have a bit of space. The one thing that I’m not a fan of is lettuce. I have successfully grown lettuce, but it is very bitter in comparison to the original leaves. If anyone knows why, let me know in the comments.

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2019 Food + Wine Festival at DCA

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Round 1: A sampling of the provisions.

Now, through April 23rd, head over to Disney California Adventure to celebrate the food and drink options inspired by the flavors of California! We headed there today to sample some of their goodies. The Sip and Savor Pass($54/regular, $49/AP price) provides 8 coupons that can be redeemed at the Marketplace (15 themed kiosks) and various food/beverage carts. Two of the kiosks are off the beaten path. One by the restrooms/Ariel’s Undersea Adventure by Grizzly River Run, and the other is in Hollywood Land near Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sully to the Rescue!. Depending on what you want to try, the pass can be the most economical option, as most items are $6 and up. The coupons can be redeemed for most things, excluding alcoholic drinks. Paradise Garden Grill is also offering smaller versions of four their specialty items, which are also coupon friendly. While you are there, be sure to pick up a food guide. Each guide provides a checklist-style menu so you can keep track of everything you sample. There are also sections for notes, just in case you want to buy a second helping, or want notes from one of the culinary seminars.

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