Hello, there. I've taken a little break from writing for the past few weeks because school has been keeping me very busy. And to me, that's always good news. Between schoolwork, quitting my job and getting a new one (now in a kitchen!) within the same week, stressing over family back home in Puerto Rico that have been impacted by Hurricane Irma, and our current evacuation situation? Needless to say, pretty exhausted and stressed. But being in the Wake Forest/Raleigh area these past few days has been absolutely relaxing and much needed.

Our first day here, I completely unplugged from my phone and enjoyed the day downtown. We window shopped, walked around, and browsed some general stores. I peeked into antique stores and found some really great vinyls for $6: vintage Sade, Santana, and Disney's Fantasia soundtrack; I couldn't pass them up! I also picked up some local dried shiitake mushroom powder from Fogwood Farms, a garlic herb spice blend from BareFoods, Murray River sea salt, and Jacobsen cherrywood smoked salt. All quite inexpensive as well. Side note: why is everything so much cheaper than in Charleston? It's really nuts.

Before leaving downtown, my mom's friend gifted me some beautiful local wildflower honey as well. Can't wait to try it with some tea or over some homemade biscuits. I decided to make a nice dinner to thank our friends for letting us stay with them and it turned out absolutely amazing. Made a delicious herb butter roasted chicken, sautéed green beans with shallots and grape tomatoes, rice with pigeon peas and a simple, side salad with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. A perfect way to end our first day in town.

Yesterday, I spent the entire day alternating between watching HBO, doing homework, and napping. It was perfect.

Today, after sleeping in and having a late breakfast, mom's friend took us to a local spice shop. I found so much new inspiration for dishes to try making when I get back home; it was just what I needed! I got some small bottles of a few things to try out: hickory smoked sea salt, southern Spain pinchito spice, tan-tan Moroccan seasoning, Mayan sea salt, Capitol Hill seasoning, and lavender vanilla bean sugar. All of these spice blends are as locally sourced as they can be, made in small batches, and are all made in-house. Can't wait to use them.

The past few days have been great despite the recent stresses. And I hate to cut things short so quickly, but honestly, this is all I've got in me to write for now. When I get back home to Charleston, assess any potential tropical storm damage and settle in, I'll come back and share a recipe. I'll also make sure to share how my new job is going. That's going to be fun! Until then, take it easy and be safe!