Hey Guys!! I just wanted to check- in, and see how we’re in the third week of January. I know that some of us entered this year with new resolutions and at this point some of us maybe falling off; however, I am here to encourage you to keep moving forward and DON’T STOP. It takes 21 days to create or dis-engage with a habit. Settling into a routine takes times, and you knowing what you’re capable of goes a long way (but please remember NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD). A couple of weeks ago my pastor used an analogy to explain God’s love for us even when we fail and it was so good I just have to share it.

“When we’re younger our parents had to teach us how to walk. Of course we struggled because it was something new and it was something we never did before; however, even as babies we had no doubt in our mind that we were going to reach this goal. And honestly if you can remember, even when we fell our parents still cheered us on and encouraged us to get back up and try it again. This is exactly how God loves us, EVEN WHEN WE FAIL! He is saying to you today ‘Get back up _______, and let’s try this thing again my way’. He just wants you to continue to make the effort and take those new steps everyday.”

2020 can still be a year filled with hope, love, peace, and prosperity. You just have to decide to believe that and step in it with FULL FAITH. As we continue to move forward in this year let’s not stop setting and attacking our goals. Let’s ask ourselves the hard questions, cultivate our passions, and manifest positivity! Below are some questions that I’ve had sometime to reflect over and ask myself. You should too! Also let me know if you would like to see more posts like this ——>

Discussion questions to ask yourself:

• How are you implementing gratitude into your daily walk?
• What is your purpose? Are you walking in it?
• What are your passions?
• What does your current health look like? (mind, body, and spirit)
• What are you doing currently to impact the next generation? (good or bad)
• What did/ does rejection teach you? (from work, a breakup etc.)
• ​How are you choosing to heal/deal with that?
• Do you want to heal? Yes or no & why?
• What does your future look like?
• Do you know the difference between being the best vs. being your best self?
• Where do you see yourself in the 3- 5 years?

I know many of us struggle with grocery shopping, especially when it comes to figuring out what you must keep in your fridge at all times. It wasn't until I got into graduate school that I started taking grocery shopping seriously. Now it's one of my favorite things to do during the week. When I head into Kroger, Walmart, Publix, or Trader Joe's, I get butterflies in my stomach (I'm dorky, I know). These stores are melting pot for all types of people and food, so this genuinely brings me so much joy hahaha! How does the saying go? "You're like a kid in a candy store." Well, I'm an adult in a grocery store and it's my playground! LOL

Okay, my rambling has gone on long enough... let's get to the point of this post "Essentials that you must have in your fridge at all times"! I'm going to break this down by food groups; if you refer to one of my previous post "essential seasonings" can be found there. 
Breakdown of Must HAVES for your fridge!
Fruit & Veggies: Apples, bananas, and berries; diced sweet potatoes, green beans, mushrooms, broccoli, onions, green bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes, carrots,  and avocado.

Grains: brown rice, quinoa, red lentil pasta & Ezekiel bread 

Meats: Ground Turkey, chicken breast, and shrimp (these can be kept in the freezer)
Fresh meat: Salmon &Steak (the steak is on occasion, remember we're balling on a budget people lol)

*If you keep your fridge stocked with these essentials, you will ALWAYS be able to throw a meal together on the fly! 

XOXO,
Maya Mapp 

So, if you know anything about me I love having people over my house for dinner and for tailgates. Hosting a dinner party can become overwhelming if the proper steps aren't taken to plan it out. The steps that are listed have come from wise advisors and from my personal experience. 

Golden Rule #1: Keep your kitchen stocked.
Having basic items on hand is necessary. You never know when you'll be in the mood to host; stay ready, so you don't have to get ready lol.
Golden Rule #2: Make a list. 
Write down or typing a list of everything you need will make your life so much easier. When I go into Walmart without a list I always tend to forget something. Make a list for everything- decorations, napkins, utensils etc.
Golden Rule #3: Decide on the menu.
Now I know this can be one of the hardest rules to follow because nowadays people have so many dietary restrictions. Try your best to stick with one type of food, and sometimes it can be easier to base this off of a theme. For example for one my tailgates I decided to do a brunch--chicken & waffles, fruit, potato hash, and mimosas.
Golden Rule #4: Stick to what you know.
When hosting a big party, do not try too many new dishes. This is not the appropriate time to try out a new recipe if you haven't mastered it or at least practiced it. Serve what you know will be good. 
Golden Rule $5: Presentation is important.
I'm sure you've heard of the saying "that you eat with your eyes first". It is important to make sure your meals and apps are appealing. 
Golden Rule #6: Prep as much as you can.
I learned this rule while hosting my first tailgate. For some dumb reason I decide to prep everything an hour before serving time and that didn't go well at all. When people show up they are typically ready to eat immediately, so if push comes to shove always make sure your appetizers are prepped and ready to pop into the oven!
Golden Rule #7: Budget, Budget, Budget.
I can't say this enough especially as a grad student. When hosting a party if can get pretty expensive, so it's important to set a budget a stick to it. There are always affordable options available such as cheese, crackers, guac, kettle popcorn.
Golden Rule #8: Relax and take in the moment. THE MOST IMPORTANT!
I know that when hosting a party time seems to fly by, so stop and enjoy these moments with your family and friends. You invited them and decided to host a party for a reason. These special moments don't come often so cherish them!

​​I never imagined that I would receive this much support and love from you guys. You all have literally knocked my socks off with the reposting, participating in the giveaways, and with your feedback. Your kind words and suggestions have definitely encouraged me to move forward with this blog, and to continue sharing recipes with you guys. So, with that being said:
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1. What would you all like to see next or like to see more of?
2. Are you enjoying the personal conversation in the blog?
3. Would you like for me to just focus on cooking specifically?
4. What new recipes would you like to see? 
5. Do you find the contact tab useful? 

If you know anything about me, feedback matters. I truly value everyone's opinions (well to a certain extent... at the end of the day we all should remember that what really matters is what God thinks, if he sees value in something or someone then keep moving forward). I'd appreciate your responses to the questions listed!! If you could comment below that would be best. 

XOXO,
MP

Hi guys! I hope all is well. Thank you for tuning in to my blog today. Below you will read about some major KEYS (s/o to the K.E.Y.S.) when it comes to cooking!

It is important to note that cooking is not only about the ingredients you choose to cook with, it is also about the techniques and equipment you use. I think that y'all would probably appreciate it if I shared some of the techniques and equipment I use!



​​
Well for the most part some of my favorite techniques consist of: 

1. Baking 
2. Roasting 
3. Sautéing
4. Stir- Frying 

I usually tend to bake most of my proteins and or desserts. Baking helps to release a lot of the natural oils and fats that come in proteins. I'm not saying that fat and oil is a bad thing, but too much of it can ruin the taste of the meal and do some damage to your health. Baking is also one of the best ways to infuse flavor into your food! Roasting and sautéing are my most frequently used techniques because they are the fastest methods to use under a time crunch. I usually use these two techniques when cooking any veggies. Stir frying is a method used when cooking asian inspired dishes. Which is typically embodied by high heat.

THE EQUIPMENT YOU USE IS IMPORTANT, I can't say this enough! 

Your must haves should include:

1. A small, medium, and large sauté pan 
2. Cutting Board
3. Mixing Bowls 
4. Blender 
5. Sheet Pans 
6. Measuring cups
7. Bamboo spoons 
8. Knives
9. Storage Containers 

There not much to say to explain these must-haves other than, your life will be so much easier if you have these essentials in your kitchen. 

Let me know if you have any further questions in the comment section below, or anything you all think I should add to this list! 

XOXO, 
MP ​