Hello and welcome to my blog! My name is Clara Cristina, and I’m thrilled to have you here. I’m a woman in my 30’s who loves to explore new places, try new foods, and spend time with family and friends. I’m married to my wonderful husband, and we’ve been enjoying our journey together for 9 years and counting. While we don’t have kids yet, we cherish the moments we have together and our Golden Retriever – Bailey! Before my foray into the world of blogging, I spent the last 6 years as a successful Realtor in Florida, helping people find…
Italy has been on my top 5 countries to visit for as long as I could remember. So for my husband’s big 40th birthday, I gifted him a trip to Italy (maybe for selfish reasons. ha!). We flew into Milan and traveled to Lake Como (B-e-a-u-tiful) and Venice (Storybook Romance Beauty). In this blog series, I plan to give you the top places we visited so you can add some (OR ALL) to your itinerary! If you’re interested in reading more on our trip, check out some of the other posts about our Italy trip! Milan is a beautiful and…
Hello and welcome to my blog! My name is Clara Cristina, and I’m thrilled to have you here.
I’m a woman in my 30’s who loves to explore new places, try new foods, and spend time with family and friends. I’m married to my wonderful husband, and we’ve been enjoying our journey together for 9 years and counting. While we don’t have kids yet, we cherish the moments we have together and our Golden Retriever – Bailey!
Before my foray into the world of blogging, I spent the last 6 years as a successful Realtor in Florida, helping people find their dream homes and navigating the often complex world of real estate. Additionally, I’ve spent 7+ years as Chief of Operations in a construction company, gaining valuable experience in managing teams and projects.
As a married woman navigating multiple careers, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to juggle everything life throws our way. Over the last nine years, I’ve had to learn how to balance being a wife, building a successful career, and taking care of myself, all while trying to keep up with societal standards. Through it all, I’ve discovered that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for navigating these complexities. That’s why I decided to start this blog – to share my experiences and insights on what it takes to be a modern-day woman in the 21st century.
In this century, women are expected to be superwomen who can juggle it all: a successful career, a happy marriage, a well-maintained home, a healthy body, and a fulfilling social life. This is a far cry from the days when women were expected to be stay-at-home wives with little to no responsibilities beyond cooking, cleaning, and raising children which are all extremely important and taxing tasks on their own! The pressure to have it all is immense and often overwhelming. Women are now expected to be equal partners in the home and in the workforce, while still maintaining traditional roles and expectations. It’s a complex balancing act, and the expectations can feel impossible to meet. However, with the rise of modern feminism and the push for more inclusive and equitable standards, women are finding new ways to navigate these complex expectations and redefine what it means to be a modern-day woman.
Through my blog, I hope to share my passions and interests with you, providing tips and insights on everything from cooking and entertaining, to travel and exploration. I believe that life is about making memories and enjoying the moments we have, and my hope is that my blog inspires you to do the same.
So whether you’re a busy working woman looking for tips on managing it all, or someone who simply loves to try new things, I hope you’ll join me on this journey. Let’s make the most out of every moment and enjoy all that life has to offer!
In the fast-paced world we live in, juggling work, family, and personal commitments can leave us with limited time for cooking elaborate meals. However, with a little bit of preparation and a few smart strategies, you can still whip up delicious dishes without sacrificing precious time. Today, we’re going to explore the wonders of having a ready-to-go garlic rub in your fridge, making meal prep a breeze. Join me as I share my secret weapon for easy and flavorful cooking!
In the culinary world, a garlic rub is like having a superhero ingredient in your fridge. This versatile blend of garlic, salt, and olive oil acts as a flavor powerhouse, transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary creations. By keeping a jar of this garlic rub on hand, you can effortlessly infuse your meals with rich, savory notes, without spending hours chopping and mincing garlic.
Simplify Meal Prep with the Garlic Rub
Quick and Flavorful Marinades: With the garlic rub at your disposal, marinating meats becomes a breeze. Simply coat your chicken, beef, or fish with the rub, let it sit for a while, and you’ll have a flavor-packed protein ready for grilling, roasting, or pan-searing. This saves you time in meal preparation and enhances the taste of your dishes.
Instant Seasoning Boost: Running short on time? The garlic rub can be your go-to solution. When you’re preparing a stir-fry, sauté, or even a simple pasta dish, just a spoonful of this ready-to-go rub can elevate the flavors of your creation. It adds depth and complexity, mimicking the taste of freshly minced garlic.
How to Make Your Own Garlic Rub
Making your own garlic rub is a simple and cost-effective way to have a ready-to-go flavor enhancer in your fridge. This recipe does not require any fancy equipment but I’ve listed some links to products I recommend in case you’re in the market for a new blender, food processor or anything else I used for this recipe.
Enjoy the power of a Ready-to-go Garlic Rub, perfect for marinating your chicken, beef, fish or veggies! Make ahead and keep in the fridge ready for your next meal prep!
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding ways to simplify our daily routines is essential. Now that you have your homemade garlic rub at the ready, it’s time to unleash your culinary creativity! Experiment with various dishes such as roasted vegetables, grilled meats, stir-fries, soups, and marinades. The possibilities are endless, and you’ll be amazed at how a simple spoonful of the garlic rub can make a world of difference in your meals.
For busy women, moms, dads and anyone seeking to create delicious meals while saving time, a ready-to-go garlic rub is a game-changer. With just a few minutes of preparation, you can have this flavor-packed ingredient on hand to elevate your cooking to new heights. Embrace the convenience, savor the flavors, and let the garlic do most of the work!
When I think of vacations, my mind immediately drifts to exploring new destinations, immersing myself in the local culture, and, most importantly, indulging in the authentic cuisine. One place that truly stole my heart is Greece. Its captivating landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture make it an irresistible Mediterranean paradise. And let me tell you, the Greek food experience was nothing short of extraordinary.
Daniel and I chose a hotel that, even after many years, we still reminisce about with great fondness. Nestled in a tranquil neighborhood, it boasted a picturesque view of the mesmerizing Aegean sea. It was a true paradise. Our room, adorned with a private plunge pool, offered direct access to both the hotel’s pool and the beach. To describe the views as breathtaking would be an understatement. At the end of our long days exploring the charming towns of Santorini, we would treat ourselves to delivery from a local restaurant. Among our favorite meals were the authentic gyros and succulent kebabs they served.
The chicken was tender and bursting with flavor, grilled to perfection. I savored the delightful combination of the skewers with a refreshing tzatziki sauce and a side of crisp Greek salad. Each bite transported me deeper into the culinary paradise that is Greece. I knew I had to recreate something similar when I returned home!
While this recipe is not super authentic, it sure does satisfy the craving! So fire up the grill and get ready for a mouthwatering treat with these delectable Chicken Skewers! They are marinated and grilled to juicy perfection, and I know they will be an ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash, enjoying a cozy family gathering, or like me- just want to pretend you’re back in Santorini, this recipe is a must-try!
I used boneless chicken breast in this recipe, but chicken thighs or steak are great alternatives!
I hope you love this recipe, if you try it leave me a comment. I would love to hear your feedback!
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper and tzatziki. Mix well to create a marinade.
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight for maximum flavor).
If you're using wooden skewers, soak the skewers in water before using.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, alternating with your favorite veggies like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes.
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful char. Make sure the chicken reaches a temperature of 165 degrees.
Remove from the grill and let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a refreshing salad.
Italy has been on my top 5 countries to visit for as long as I could remember. So for my husband’s big 40th birthday, I gifted him a trip to Italy (maybe for selfish reasons. ha!). We flew into Milan and traveled to Lake Como (B-e-a-u-tiful) and Venice (Storybook Romance Beauty). In this blog series, I plan to give you the top places we visited so you can add some (OR ALL) to your itinerary! If you’re interested in reading more on our trip, check out some of the other posts about our Italy trip!
Milan is a beautiful and historic city in Italy that is definitely worth a visit if you’re traveling the world with your loved ones. There are so many things to see and do there, from shopping to sightseeing to enjoying delicious Italian cuisine.
Here are the top ten places to visit in Milan, along with links to their websites:
1. The Duomo di Milano – This beautiful Gothic cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in Milan. You can climb to the top for stunning views of the city. The cathedral is in the middle of the city with access to so many other shopping plazas, restaurants and venues. Take your walking shoes, your feet will thank you!
2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II– This impressive shopping arcade is home to some of the world’s most famous luxury brands. It’s also a great place to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat. Every detail in this shopping center is breathtakingly beautiful. Most of the pictures I took were of the floor tile. Yes, every detail is picture perfect. Depending on when you travel, this may be very crowded. We traveled in September and we found that during the day was the busiest, but we were able to enjoy a nice quiet dinner at one of the restaurants inside in the late afternoon.
3. Teatro alla Scala – This historic opera house is one of the most famous in the world. If you’re a fan of opera or classical music, you won’t want to miss a performance here. We didn’t get a chance to catch a show because they were doing some work inside, but the theatre is beautiful! If you don’t want to catch a show, at least make a stop to take some photos!
4. Sforza Castle – This imposing castle houses several museums and art collections, including works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. It’s a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts.
5. Brera Art Gallery – This impressive museum is home to one of Italy’s most important art collections, featuring works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and more.
6. Navigli District– This charming neighborhood is known for its picturesque canals, trendy boutiques, and lively nightlife. It’s a great place to explore on foot or by boat. We drove to the district and spent quite a bit of the afternoon trying to locate parking. I would recommend taking public transportation to get to the district so you can enjoy yourselves! There were many restaurants and shops that lined the canal with a really nice water view. Definitely check it out!
7. Piazza del Duomo – This bustling square is located in the heart of Milan and is surrounded by some of the city’s most impressive architecture. It’s a great place to people-watch and soak up the local atmosphere.
8. Santa Maria delle Grazie – This church is home to one of the world’s most famous works of art, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly.
9. Quadrilatero d’Oro – This upscale shopping district is home to some of the world’s most famous fashion houses, including Gucci, Prada, and Versace. It’s a great place to window-shop and people-watch.
10. San Siro Stadium – If you’re a fan of soccer (or football, as it’s called in Europe), you won’t want to miss a visit to San Siro Stadium, home to both AC Milan and Inter Milan. You can take a tour of the stadium and even catch a match if you’re lucky.
Milan is a city that should definitely be on your travel bucket list! With so much to see and do, you’ll want to make the most of your time there. To ensure that you have a seamless trip, here are some travel tips to help you get around the city easily:
Consider getting a MilanoCard, which offers free public transportation and discounted admission to museums and attractions.
Download the ATM Milano Official App to help you navigate the public transportation system, buy tickets, and plan your route.
Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking to see all the amazing sights the city has to offer.
Remember to dress appropriately if you plan on visiting religious sites such as the Duomo di Milano.
Don’t forget to indulge in the amazing food and drinks the city has to offer, including the famous aperitivo tradition.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Milan. Happy travels!
