My Happy Places (Part 2)

{If you missed Part 1 check it out Here}

I absolutely love, love, love Barnes and Noble. I'll be more specific and say that I LOVE the Barnes and Nobles with the "built in" Starbucks. I am not sure whether there is a location without a Starbucks café anywhere around the country, but just in case.

I am privileged to have a location walking distance from my apartment and is definitely one of my favorite places. I come here on Saturday or Sunday mornings and get so much work done! I usually bring my breakfast with me but always get coffee of course because it would be kinda' imprudent for me to just sit here without buying anything.

On the "grab and go" breakfast menu today:

Almond butter & Strawberry Jam on Ezequiel raisin bread.

I have been coming to this particular location for about 5-6 years (even before I moved to the area). I know the "traffic" well enough to know that I need to be here at least within 2 hours of opening time because it tends to get super busy, particularly in the afternoons, and there is no way to focus or get anything done. However, during morning hours it is always so peaceful and I feel so focused on whatever I need to get done, specially for school.

I know there is probably a lot of issues around the fact that this is a private company that's only after a profit and that maybe I should be supporting local shops. Trust me, if I had a local/independent shop I would support it but there is none around my way! I've also heard issues with B&N having a Monopoly when it comes to book stores and how they've run out the competition. In  all honesty, I don't think about any of that. I feel good here. I love it. Brings me Joy to be surrounded by people simply having a cup of Joe', reading and enjoying there time here. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that!!!

I plan to head to the gym after this to get my sweat on so, lets get this day started! Happy Saturday everyone! <3

Love,

Mabelle

Tell me--- What's your favorite coffee shop/book store? (if they are located in NYC I would love to try them out).

I was not compensated for this post in any way, shape, or form. I really do like this place. the end. :)

Barnes and Noble, Homemade Banana-almond Smoothie Recipe

I cannot write my regular post without first acknowledging and addressing the tragedy that happened in CT yesterday. I cannot even imagine the amount of sadness and sorrow the parents of those poor angels are going through. How can someone be that cruel and out of their minds (to say the least because there are no words) to shoot little innocent children and their teachers?! I think the worse part of this whole thing after loosing so many innocent lives is the fact that this monster was able to kill himself and not suffer the consequences of his actions. There is a God up in heaven who always has the last word and I hope that this person is paying one way or another. Also, that gun control laws are revised and changed drastically. It sucks that it had to take such a insane tragedy for drastic changes to be made. Rest in Peace to those little angels.

Hey everyone!

Just making a quick pit stop to share that I've spent the entire day at my local Barnes and Noble and its made for quite a productive day. I was reminded of the following FACT:

I am far more productive and more focused at a local Barnes and Noble, Starbucks or even local library in comparison to staying in my apartment.

I LOVE being at my place. However, I also need to understand that there is a place and a time for everything. The main issue with staying indoors when I REALLY need to focus: too many distractions (food, television, phone) and no one around me to "keep me accountable". Although the people at Barnes and Noble are perfect strangers; I feel that they somehow keep me 'accountable' as all I really feel like doing is focusing on the stuff in front of me rather than wondering around and loosing focus. So, thank goodness for places that allow me to sip on overpriced coffee yet offer me a desk and chair where I can practically sit the whole day, if I wish.

I just got back in to my apartment pretty much starving to say the least (all I ate was my breakfast from this morning, coffee and a snack I took with me). I couldnt really make a big meal because Im actually going to go eat at my parents house. So, the simplest thing to make to hold me over until then, a delicious and satisfying- VERY SIMPLE almond milk-banana smoothie:

Ingredients:
1 ripe banana, frozen if available
1 cup almond milk
Drops of Vanilla Stevia, to taste (I use NuNaturals brand)
1/3 cup quick oats
Cinnamon to taste

**Blend all ingredients until smooth, ENJOY!

How's your Saturday going so far? Any smoothie recipes you'd like to share?

:)