Sushi rice, known for its soft and bouncy texture, is a versatile staple that absorbs flavors beautifully. This recipe is inspired by traditional Korean household methods, adjusted for using sushi rice instead of jasmine rice. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly cooked sushi rice every time!
2cupscold wateror enough to reach the first line on your index finger when measured in the rice cooker
Equipment
Rice cooker
Bowl for washing the rice
Method
Step 1: Wash the Rice
Measure 2 cups of sushi rice and place it in a bowl.
Rinse the rice thoroughly by swirling it with your hands in cold water. Pour out the cloudy water and repeat the process until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents clumping during cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice for Cooking
Transfer the washed rice into the rice cooker pot.
Add 2 cups of cold water (or enough water to reach the first line on your index finger when the tip touches the rice).
Important: Allow the rice to sit in the cold water for exactly 30 minutes. This soaking step is crucial for the rice’s texture, ensuring it becomes soft and bouncy without turning soggy.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
After soaking, turn on the rice cooker and let it cook fully. Avoid opening the lid during this process to retain steam.
Step 4: Rest and Fluff
Once the rice is cooked, gently fluff it with a rice paddle or fork to release excess steam and ensure even texture.
Allow the rice to sit for another 5-10 minutes in the rice cooker before serving. This resting time helps the grains settle and enhances the overall texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this perfectly cooked sushi rice with your favorite proteins, vegetables, or sauces.
I paired this with grilled pork belly and oh my!!! It was amazing.
Notes
-Using cold water is essential for achieving the right texture—warm water can result in uneven cooking.
-Do not skip the 30-minute soaking step, as it allows the rice to absorb water evenly before cooking.
-Store leftover rice in an airtight container and reheat with a damp paper towel to retain its softness.
Hi! So for about 3 months now, I have been fixated on this very delicious matcha recipe. As someone who isn’t a fan of the blueberry fruit itself, I absolutely love the blueberry flavoring. I know, crazy, right? So I wanted to share my current recipe for a yummy blueberry matcha latte. Takes about 10 minutes to make and won’t let you down.. Hopefully.
1Tbspmatcha powderI recommend Ippodo Matcha – Sayaka Version
8oz1 cup milk (For non-dairy, use Chobani Extra Creamy Oat Milk)
1 1/2Tbsphoney
2Tbspfresh blueberries
A pinch of salt
1tspvanilla extract
2Tbspwaterfor the blueberry syrup
4ozwaterfor the matcha
Equipment
Whisk (matcha whisk or mini spiral whisk)
Hot water kettle or pot (to boil water)
Small pot (for blueberry syrup)
Small bowl
Ice
Your favorite cup
Heat Safe Spoon
Method
Heat the Water:
In a hot water kettle or small pot, heat 4 ounces of water to 175°F. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can make the matcha taste bitter.
Prepare the Matcha:
In a small bowl, add 1 tablespoon of matcha powder. Pour in 2 ounces of the heated water. Whisk the mixture using a matcha whisk or mini spiral whisk until it’s smooth and creamy, with no clumps remaining. Set aside.
Make the Blueberry Syrup:
In a small pot, combine 2 tablespoons of fresh blueberries, 1 1/2 tablespoons of honey, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of water. Cook over medium-low heat for about 4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The mixture should become syrupy, with the blueberries breaking down completely.
Strain and Cool the Syrup:
Once the syrup is fully combined, remove it from the heat and strain it to remove any solid pieces. Place the strained syrup in the fridge to cool for about 5 minutes.
Assemble the Latte:
In your favorite cup, add the cooled blueberry syrup and 8 ounces of milk (or your preferred non-dairy alternative). For a layered effect, leave it unmixed; otherwise, stir it together. Gently pour the prepared matcha on top.
Serve:
Add ice if desired. Stir everything together if you prefer a uniform taste, or enjoy the visual layers before mixing. Sip and enjoy your homemade matcha blueberry latte!
Notes
Alrighty! That’s all for this recipe let me know how you like it <3. If I need to make any alterations let me know down below.
½tbspcinnamonI just followed my gut, add more if you like it extra cinnamony!
Cream Cheese Frosting
¼cupcream cheese
1tbspheavy whipping cream
2tbspbrown sugar
Splash of vanilla
Method
For Cinnamon Spread: Mix everything together until the butter is soft and everything’s nicely combined.
For Cream Cheese Frosting: Mix all ingredients until a smooth and creamy frosting forms. There should be no clumps!
When assembling, I spread a layer of the cinnamon sugar inside the biscuit dough, then folded it hot dog style to seal it in. Place it seam side down, cinnamon sugar side up! Any extra mix will drip down and make a delicious sugary crust at the bottom. Bake the biscuits based on the instructions on the can!
The other day, while binge-watching “And Just Like That,” I caught sight of a character savoring a delicious Cottage Pie that looked so warm and inviting—it instantly ignited a craving in me for something just like that! There’s something about a personal-sized Cottage Pie that wraps you in a cozy embrace, making your whole body feel nourished and satisfied. After some careful tweaks and testing, I crafted the ultimate recipe for the easiest and most delightful Cottage Pie for 1-2. If you’re in the mood to spoil yourself with a heartwarming meal while enjoying your favorite show, or if you want to whip up something special for a dear friend, this Cottage Pie recipe is the perfect choice!
27gramsbrunoised chopped veggiescarrots, white onions, and celery
1tspminced garlic
25gramscornfrozen
25gramspeasfrozen
0.3pounds/ 2 small potatoeschopped
1tbspheavy cream
1/2tbspbutterthis salt the potatoes well but add additional salt to taste
1tbspcheeseI used mozzarella but its common to use parmesan
Seasoning : Garlic Sea Saltvery intense flavor so it seasoned this dish extremely well. I used about 2 tsp for the meat and 1/2 tsp for potatoes. I am very much a season to taste, so I do not have exact spice measurements.
Equipment
For your pan, I would recommend nothing bigger than 5′ x 6′
Food Scale For this recipe the use of a good scale will ensure accurate measurements! The scale I used is linked here: https://amzn.to/3IvAh1d
Method
Boil the Potatoes:
Chop your potatoes and add them to a pot of boiling water. Boil for about 7 minutes—you’ll know they’re ready when they’re very soft and a fork easily slides through.
Prep the Veggies:
While the potatoes boil, brunoise chop your carrots, white onion, and celery. Set those aside for later.
Mash the Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are done, remove from heat and drain the water. Mash them right in the pot until smooth, then mix in heavy cream, butter, and a little extra salt if needed. Set mashed potatoes aside in a bowl.
Cook the Beef & Veggies:
In a hot pan over medium heat, add your ground beef. Let it cook for about 30 seconds (just until it’s about medium-rare), then toss in your chopped veggies. Keep stirring and cook until the beef is fully cooked—this should take about 3-4 minutes.
Finish the Filling & Assemble the Cottage Pie:
Simmer the Sauce:
In the same pan with your beef and veggies, stir in tomato paste, garlic paste, red wine, and veggie stock. Mix well and let it simmer for about 1 minute.
(This is the perfect time to season to your taste! I added about 2 tsp of garlic salt.)
Thicken the Filling:
Sprinkle flour evenly over the top, mix again, and let the mixture simmer for another 30 seconds.
(If it looks a little dry, just add 1 tbsp of veggie stock to loosen it up.)
Add the Veggies:
Toss in your corn and peas and bring everything to a final simmer for 1 more minute. Once everything’s heated through, remove from heat.
Assemble & Bake:
Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F.
Layer the Pie:
In a personal-size baking dish (I used a Korean stone bowl!) add the entire beef mixture, gently pressing it down to flatten.
Top with your mashed potato mixture, spreading it evenly to cover the filling.
Use a fork to score the top in a criss-cross pattern for that classic shepherd’s pie look.
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top, and feel free to add another dash of seasoning.
Bake:
Place your dish on a flat baking pan (just in case of spills!) and bake for 35 minutes at 350°F.
Garnish & Serve:
Remove from oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Finish with fresh rosemary on top and enjoy!
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
To truly elevate the dish, serve it on a dark-toned plate to highlight its vibrant colors! Finish it off with a garnish of fresh rosemary for an aromatic touch!This dish would pair excellent with a nice red wine!! The flavors are very rich and savory. It makes me feel like I am reading a nice book with candle lights, wine, and jazz music. A very cozy meal indeed.Additional Side dishes you could add: Toasted Artesian/ Baguette breadThank you for reading!! Let me know if you have any questions or if you enjoyed the recipe!!
Looking for a way to elevate your drinks, desserts, and scrumptious treats with a burst of citrusy and spiced flavor? Look no further! This Earl Grey syrup is your perfect match! Packed with rich, aromatic flavors, it adds a luscious depth to every sweet creation you whip up. Give your culinary delights an exciting twist with this delightful syrup!
3 bags or4.2 ozEarl Grey Tea ( I use Twining's Tea)
1/2+ 1/3 cup water
1/2cupsugar
Equipment
Heat Safe Spoon
small pot
Syrup Container
Method
In a small pot, add water, sugar, and tea.
Bring to a boil and let cook for 5-7 minutes while mixing every so often.
Turn off the heat and allow to cool for about 5- 10 minutes.
Pour tea into an easy pour container! ( store in fridge to preserve freshness)
Enjoy!
How long does it last? I would say up to 2 weeks but it will probably be gone before then hehe!
Video
Notes
Some ways to enjoy the syrup!
As a flavor syrup on top of yogurt and granola
As cereal milk with simple cereal (Cheerios plain, Honey Crisp, Frosted Flakes)
A milk tea with or without boba
Sweet foam flavoring
Matcha latte base
Latte base
Hot milk drink
Cookie syrup
The list goes on!!
If you’re looking for something that will bring you a sense of coziness and warmth, then this crisp syrup is just for you. With apples and a variety of spices, this syrup is sure to make you feel as if you are getting a warm hug and cuddled up near a cozy fireplace! It will also make your home smell like a freshly baked apple pie!!
Add all ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil for about 2 minutes
Mix ingredients well to ensure everything is well incorporated
Turn the heat so low and let it simmer for 12 minutes with the lid on
Mash the apples with a fork ( this will enhance the apple flavor)
Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes
Transfer to a heat-safe container and place in the fridge overnight ( 8-12 hours)
Give the last mix and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Some ways to enjoy!
Pie filling
Apple Crisp Macchiato flavoring
Chamomile Apple Milk
Apple toast flavoring
Cookie/ Pastry Filling
Pancake Syrup
Apple Matcha Latte
So many more!
Hello everyone! I was in the midst of conducting my halfway mark oracle reading when I had the thought, why not turn it into a collective reading? So, here is our oracle reading for the next six months of 2025! May it bring you peace, confidence, and an uplifting boost of energy.
Deck used: The Green Witch Oracle Deck by Arin Murphy-Hiscock and Illustrated by Sara Richard!
Note: I absolutely love this deck!!! The art style resonates with me so well as it is very whimsical and detailed! The summary of each card feels enlightening to read. I also love how after each description of the card, a reflective question is asked to further connect to the energy of the card.
Card Descriptions are credits to the authors of the deck!! The summary and overall message will be from my own analysis! Thank you for reading!
Cards:
I never really do readings unless I am super calm and in good energy! I woke up in a very good mood today, went for a walk, and made a delicious smoothie with the idea that I wanted to do a reading today!!
Here are the cards we pulled:
Roots: Healthy, patterns, growth
Moss Agate: Positive, change
Fruit: Achievement, success
Summer: Expansion, growth
Card Descriptions (authors words)
Roots: “Create a foundation, stability, and strength.”
Reminder: Make sure your project has good roots. Take your time and build a healthy foundation for success. (pg. 99)
Moss Agate: Stagnant energy may be safe but is restricting you from the growth that is needed. Plan and trust you are supported. Even in the feeling of unpreparedness, positive energy is flowing around you. Call on this stone for emotional security and you will receive it. (pg. 33)
Fruit: Proof of an achievement. Hard work has yielded satisfying results or is about to! Be joyful! Things take time, energy, and attention. Even if work is invisible to others or behind the scenes, the fruit of that labor, however, is proof that energy was invested. Catch your breath and celebrate! (pg. 107)
Summer: Boost of energy! Increased attention is needed to manage projects to ensure everything unfolds properly. Optimal time for expansion but keep an eye on the energies in your life so they stay focused and productive. Tend to the garden within you so your plant does not become overgrown. Some endeavors will fail as others overshadow them. (pg. 117)
Group Message (my words):
On your journey, you are being asked to start projects that will allow you to secure a strong foundation for your current and future self. Filter out any projects that are keeping you stuck in a cycle of stagnancy. Ask yourself, “In the start/ continuation of this project is it building strength, stability, and a foundation for my future self?” If not, take the steps to remove it. Think deeply about this, reflect everything in your life, whether that be work, projects, relationships, etc. This is a new start and now you can act on it if the first half of the year wasn’t ideal for you. Now is not the time to procrastinate if you wish to manifest change into your life! You are being asked to take a leap of faith and trust in your vision. The energy of positivity and emotional security is flowing through you! In this energy, you will begin to yield the results of your hard work. Even if that is internal. Allow yourself to sit in gratitude and truly celebrate your wins but don’t forget to keep supporting your garden to keep the energy and gifts flowing.
Mya’s Reminder to You: Even if things seem scary or uncomfortable, you got this!! You would not have the vision if it was not meant to be executed by you! Let your dreams become a “when” rather than “if”. Ignore the negativity and keep going <3
My Summary/ Analysis:
Wow what beautiful reading this is!! I hope it resonated with you all as much as it resonated with me! It is interesting how in my current phase of life, I am in a season of a lot of change. I am trying as much as I can to build a stable foundation for myself. The roots card explains my current moment of life very well. Even though I cannot see exactly where my vision is taking me, it’s more of this inner knowing that I am on a good path. I know that the steps I am taking are aligning well with my future. As someone who could be known as the “chaotic friend”, I honestly grew tired of that label. As a teen, I didn’t really care but now as an adult, chaos doesn’t feel very safe. It is very stressful and an energy I don’t want to live in. So, it does make me feel peaceful knowing that I am allowing myself the ability to build that stability. As for moss agate, I fear this card may have called me out. Mm… is there someone recording my thoughts? Weird. I often do feel this feeling. The thing is, I feel we often view stagnancy as just no movement. When stagnancy can be simple things we keep in our lives as well. You know, that “oh, I’ll just scroll for 30 minutes”, then it turns into 3 hours. Lol. Sometimes, we don’t notice the things that keep us stagnant because they aren’t large. As I’ve been on this small journey of just creating, I stopped letting the feeling of unpreparedness stop me because realistically, we do have the things we need to start. I can give an example, My blog… If you notice, you’ll see I don’t own my URL yet… emphasis on yet because I will. Sure, money is one reason, but another is because I just want to ensure I show up WITHOUT the investment pressure. I show up and write on this website because I want to and I don’t have to worry about any pressures. I also wanted to be an example that you can start a blog at any time without the money restrictions in the beginning. You must try the thing, the longer you keep the mindset of “I’m not ready” or “I’ll start when I get (random item)” the longer you’ll continue to procrastinate. Trust yourself. As for fruit and summer, well, I believe these might be future cards!! I can’t see into the future, but I can trust in myself and that makes me happy!!
I realized that after so many blog post I’ve YET to post one on my media page! So, here is my current summer read.
Book: Wings of Starlight ❄️
Summary: This story focuses on Queen Clarion, a young fairy on the verge of becoming a Queen, and her relationship with Lord Milori!
Setting: Pixie Hollow
Plot: In Clarions journey into proving her worthiness of leading Pixie Hollow, she comes across the truth of the division of the seasons. Overtime, a forbidden relationship begins to bubble up, which leads to a heartbreaking story. ( or does it🤭)
Note: This book for Tinkerbell fans is the prequel of the movie ‘ Secret of the Wings. Which told the story of two sisters, Tinkerbll and Periwinkle trying to rekindle after being separated at birth. In the movie, we learn a bit about why their rekindling is hard by the story of Queen Clarion and Lord Milori.
My current thoughts before reading the book: honestly, I think I’m going to love it!! I love the Tinkerbell series and it seems like an overall easy read!❄️🌞
Some days just feel heavy. Today is one of those days for me. I feel sad, not for one specific reason, just life in general.
But even in the sadness, I’ve been learning how to care for myself in small, gentle ways. I’m not trying to fix my mood or force myself to be okay. Instead, I focus on reconnecting with myself through things that feel peaceful, comforting, or creatively fulfilling.
Here are some of the things that help me connect back to myself when life feels rough:
1. Baking
Baking helps me get out of my head and into something simple. Mixing ingredients, putting something in the oven, and waiting for a warm treat to come out brings me comfort.
When I’m feeling a little more creative, like today, I’ll try developing a new recipe. I’ll set up my phone to film the process and jot notes in a notebook. It doesn’t take much out of me, but it makes me feel present and peaceful.
Meditation didn’t always come naturally to me. In the beginning, it felt a little awkward, and I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to be doing.
But once I found what works for me—headphones, a neck pillow, and frequency music—it became a way to slow down and hear my thoughts without judgment.
As someone who overthinks a lot, I’ve realized how important meditation is, especially for creatives. We carry so much in our minds and bodies. Meditation helps us sort through that and actually connect with our vision.
3. Writing
In person, I tend to trip over my words or blank out. I leave things unsaid without meaning to.
But when I write, I can finally express what I’m trying to say. Writing is how I process things and how I find clarity.
It’s the reason I started this blog. I needed a space to speak freely in my own way. Writing is also where I get most of my video ideas from, especially when I’m stuck in a creative block.
4. Creating with My Hands
I love anything that lets me get my hands messy. Clay, painting, drawing, anything creative.
On sad days, I don’t force myself to make anything perfect. I just let myself explore. Sometimes I go for something super chill and simple, other days I try something new. Either way, I always feel a little more energized afterward.
5. Watching Slow and Beautiful Films
There’s something about slow, peaceful movies that helps calm my mind.
Studio Ghibli movies are my go-to. They’re soft, immersive, and beautifully animated. They don’t feel like background noise. I actually have to sit and watch. When I do, I leave feeling inspired and re-centered.
6. Moving My Body
Sometimes the best thing I can do is just move.
Whether it’s dancing around my room( which I can do for hours), stretching for five minutes, or doing a super light workout, movement helps me release tension.
I don’t push myself too hard. I just let my body move the way it wants to. The goal is to shake off the stress and feel more grounded.
7. Nourishing Myself
Taking care of my body helps me feel safe and supported.
That could mean doing my skincare routine, breathing deeply, or gently parenting myself through a tough emotion. These little acts of care remind me that I’m allowed to slow down. I don’t have to push through everything.
8. Doing What I Want to Do
So much of life is spent doing things out of survival. Jobs we don’t like, routines we never chose.
But when I let myself create the way I want to, live how I want to, and follow what feels aligned for me, I start to feel like I’m actually living intentionally.
The day-to-day doesn’t feel as draining when I give myself permission to build a life that reflects who I am. Not someone else’s version. Not society’s idea. Just mine. Currently, doing what I want is me creating on Youtube and my blog. No hassle no expectation just creation.
9. Rethinking My Phone Habits
Yes, it really is the phone sometimes.
But instead of forcing a full disconnect, I’ve learned to reprogram the way I use it.
I unfollow people who drain me. I follow accounts that make me feel inspired and uplifted. I delete apps that flood my mind with negativity. For me, that’s TikTok.
One app I’ve been loving lately is Substack. It gives me something nourishing to read each morning, which is helping me get back into long-form content.
Here are a couple of Substack Post that i have been loving:
Even if I can’t take a month off social media, I try to unplug for just one week out of the month. During that time, I only use my phone to talk to the people I care about. That small change makes a big difference in how I feel.
10. Resting and Sleeping
Sleep is the reset button I forget to press.
Sometimes I feel guilty for resting, like I should be doing something more productive first. But I’m learning that without rest, my body has no fuel. And without fuel, I can’t build the life I want.
You don’t have to earn your rest. You don’t have to stay up one more hour to check something off your list. Just sleep. Let your body recharge so you can wake up with new energy and a clear mind.
Lately, I’ve been trying to take the moment to sleep slightly longer or just take power naps. Honestly, It’s something I have to grow used to, just giving myself the space to sit and do nothing for a bit.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be perfect to deserve peace. You don’t need to always be happy to care for yourself.
On hard days, you’re allowed to move slowly. You’re allowed to pause and tend to your spirit.
These rituals are what help me reconnect with myself. Gently, honestly, and without pressure. I hope they remind you that you’re allowed to return home to yourself too.
Questions: How do you make yourself feel better when you are in a slump? What methods works for you that you would love to share?
YouTube video that pairs with the article:
10 Gentle Ways to Reconnect With Yourself When Life Feels Heavy
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