We Are Moving..

Hello Creatively Casey Readers, it has been a while. I promise you my friends it has all been for good reasons. 

I started this blog called Creatively Casey in March of 2011 as a Sophomore in Culinary School chronicling her internship at Walt Disney World. Then it evolved into a food blog where i would share restaurant reviews and recipes. I began struggling for content and for a short time this blog turned into Simply Casey. I began posting things that did not necessarily speak to me but was content that I felt readers would gravitate to. Again I began to struggle and made the decision to go back to the basics, and go back to Creatively Casey. I was teetering on the line of food blogger and life style blogger and i just could not find my niche. I had so many parts of myself that I wanted to share and I felt like I needed to put myself in a certain category to be successful. 

 Here we are almost five years later and I finally realize that I do not need to restrict the type of content that I want to share with my readers because it does not fit in the box of "food blogger" or "lifestyle blogger". 

I am a 25 year old woman living in a city on her own with big dreams. Creatively Casey has given me an outlet to speak my mind, express myself, and connect with you all. However, I feel like I have outgrown this blog and it is time to move on to even bigger and better things because I still have so much to share. 

I am in the process of building a new and exciting website that speaks to who I am and I am really excited to share it with you. Thank you to everyone who has stayed on this journey with me for so long. I may not be posting on this site any more but it will always exist as a chronicle of the most important years of my life so far. 

So for the last time, 

xo. Casey

Tallulah's Taqueria

When you meet someone for the first time there are usually some generic “getting to know you” questions people always love to ask. One of them being “If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?” I know my answer immediately—My choice is consistently Mexican food. It is fresh, delicious, and you can make so many different dishes with only a few ingredients. And now I want Mexican food, and it is only 10am. Breakfast Burritos anyone?

I am here to tell you that I have found the home of some of the most delicious tacos I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. Located in a little shop on Ives Street in Providence lies a true hidden gem of the city: Tallulah's Taqueria. Owned by Chef Jake Rojas, this little place is cooking up huge flavors. Everything I have tried is fresh and delicious, from the carnitas tacos to the chicken tortas. The agua fresca is different every day and is the perfect accompaniment to whatever you choose. My favorite component is also the simplest – the freshly made pickled radishes that pair so perfectly with the spiciness of the salsa. Do not even get me started on the tostadas. 

As you walk up to Tallulah’s it draws you in like a force. The beautiful artwork and bright colors immediately transport you to another world. They have both indoor and outdoor seating perfect for small and large groups. Tallulah’s is open Monday through Saturday from 11am – 10pm and Sundays from 10am – 9pm. And yes, they do have breakfast.

If you have yet to take the journey to Tallulah’s you should change that immediately. Fair warning: you will get taco cravings, and you will go there more than once in a week.

…Or maybe that’s just me.  

Coming Soon

HI FRIENDS!

I wanted to write a quick post to let you know that there are some super exciting things coming to the blog very very soon! I have a very exciting business opportunity that is currently in the development stage. As things progress I will begin to post updates right here on the blog, so be sure to follow Creatively Casey to be up to date on all my new posts! 

"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them" 

-Walt Disney

Namaste Bitches

Happy Friday my blogging friends! Another work week has come to pass and the weekend is finally upon us. When you are living for the weekend, how do you make the work week something you enjoy just as much? When life get's stressful there are a couple of things I have started doing that puts me in good spirits for more than just three days out of the week. 

1. Yoga. This is my fourth week doing yoga and I have to say it really has changed the vibe of my entire week. I go to yoga class every Thursday in Newport and there is something so serene about the entire thing. The drive over- cooling down from the days events. The actual class- that puts everything into perspective for you. The drive home- when the sun is just setting as you drive over the bridge from Newport with the windows down and your music up. All of the worries of the week simply fade in that moment. 

2. Meditation. This falls in line with yoga, as Meta Meditation is something that is a part of the yoga class that I attend. In addition to that, meditating first thing in the morning right when my alarm goes off has been an amazing up-lifter. It gets me in the right frame of mind to tackle the day. An awesome tool is the Headspace App. Just 10 minutes in the morning is all it takes. 

3. Work Out. Another thing that has been getting my body feeling good is working out just 7 minutes a day using the seven minute workout app. Sweating out all of the bad energy that you may have felt during the day winds you down for the night and sets you up for a good nights rest. This app goes through the workouts in intervals, tells you when to change positions, and gives you step by step instructions. You can do the seven minute challenge for two more rounds for a full on session that leaves you feeling accomplished. 

4. Cooking. Okay this one should be an obvious one unless your name is Casey and have a chronic obsession with tacos. I am awful when it comes to cooking at home. After a long day there is nothing I would rather do than just pick up something on the way home. I do not want to go through the motions of preparing a meal just for myself. This is why I have started weekend prepping. For example: I will buy ground turkey and then make five individual turkey burgers, zip lock em, and put them in the freezer for the week. That way all I need to do is plug in the George Foreman and grill it up. My body and my wallet thank me for this change. 

Summer Bucketlist 2015

I am back with one of my favorite features on the blog - my seasonal bucket list. I love looking back on how my goals change through the years. As I change the things that are important change with me.  Here are my five goals for this summer. 

1. Shut off. I am going on vacation at the end of the month for the first time in two years. To say this is much needed is an understatement. Work is burning me out and I need a little time away to refresh. And what better way than spending it in the happiest place on earth with the family. I am also going to get to see some long lost friends and I could not be more excited! So my goal throughout my nine day trip is to shut off from work, email, and social media, and just enjoy myself. (other than the occasional insta of course!) 

2. Spend it by the water. Every year I say I will spend more time at the beach. This is the year I actually follow through. There is nothing more calming than the sound of the ocean. 

3. Concerts, Festivals, etc. I want to go to as many summer concerts and festivals as humanly possible. What's better than being in the sun with an ice cold beer, some good friends, and good tunes. I will be kicking this one off this weekend at the Food Truck Festival, and I could not be more excited to get this summer rollin. 

4. Fall in love. With myself, with life, with experiences. This is the summer of Casey. This is my time to take the time I need for myself. I've started yoga and meditation, I have started enjoying cooking for myself again, and I am learning to enjoy those days you have on your own. 

5. Work Hard. As much as I am excited to have down time on my vacation, I also have a new found fire to kick ass at my job. I had it, I lost it a little, and  now it's back. With the nice weather comes a new found motivation. There's nothing better than completely killing it all day every day. 

Saturday Caturday

It has been too long since I have shared a Saturday Caturday post here on the blog - have you all missed your weekly dose of George Washington? He has been his normal sweet and sour self, leaving me constantly entertained. 

In March this little one gave my quite the scare - he was throwing up for days, wouldn't eat or drink, and looked miserable. I took him to the doctors twice, put him on two different kinds of medicine, until finally I had to bring him to the hospital where he stayed overnight on iv's. It took two more days of recouping until he finally started getting back to himself. It was a a draining week - my then boyfriend and I had just broken up and I was on my own trying to take care of this little guy. It was an experience but it made me stronger - I realized when everything piles up at once I can make it through. This little guy is one of the best things to ever come into my life and I am thankful for him everyday. And I constantly remind myself of that as he knocks down my water glasses at three in the morning and prevents me from having any plants in the house. 

But boy are you are worth it my little Georgie. I mean who can resist that tongue? 

It's Been A While

Saturday Caturday

James has the weekend off and I am not sure who is more excited, George or I. 

Now excuse us while we savor this moment. 

xo. Casey

Seven Stars Bakery, Rumford

Seven Stars Bakery is a very popular place that has a couple of locations in Rhode Island including their Hope Street and Broadway shops. My favorite however is a little closer to home in Rumford. I love everything about this location from the ample seating inside to the beautiful patio outside. 

Everything at Seven Stars shines - from the pastries, to the sandwiches made on their freshly baked bread. Honestly the bread makes all of the difference. The sandwiches are located in the fridge but they are happy to warm them up for you. My favorite is the Soppressata Sandwich with pickled red onions and arugula. Another favorite? Their olive bread which you can get perfectly toasted with some butter and jam. 

I always finish this off with an almond milk latte with some honey and nutmeg.

Seven Stars is making it increasingly difficult for me to try new places because there is nowhere else I would rather be on a Sunday morning. Can you blame me?   

Saturday Caturday

This is the look my little George gave me when I finally get home on Wednesday afternoon after being stranded at work for two days due to the blizzard. To say he was not pleased with me is an understatement. He cried for about an hour until he finally settled down in bed with me. 

I was such a worried mom for those two days and he was all I could think about. We are both definitely getting some extra cuddles in this Saturday. 

xo.casey

Artichoke, Asparagus, & Pesto Quiche with Quinoa Crust

Woah, that title is a mouthful. 

Today I am sharing with you the most wonderful brunch recipe. I made it for dinner one night, so you could really make it whenever you fancy. This quiche is packed with flavor, and two of my favorite things: asparagus, and artichokes. 

What you are going to need: asparagus, artichokes, pesto, quinoa, eggs, any type of cheese you prefer, and milk. 

Boil the quinoa as the instructions state. Let cool for five minutes and then mix with one egg. Flatten the quinoa on the bottom of your pie tin. Bake at 360 degrees for about ten minutes. The crust will turn a golden brown. 

Next mix one a half cups of milk, a half cup of pesto, three eggs, parmesan cheese, one can of quartered artichokes, and chopped asparagus in a bowl. 

Pour the mixture in the pre cooked crust and bake for about thirty five minutes. A quick trick to know the quiche is fully cooked: a toothpick should come out of the center cleanly. 

This was seriously delicious, and had a punch of flavor. This will definitely impress if you are hosting a brunch or dinner for family and friends. 

Saturday Caturday

What's that out there George? It's a snowy day - perfect for catching up on shows (ahem, dance moms) and cuddles. But that's what we do every weekend right? 

Yes, and it's glorious. 

xo. Casey

Casual Friday, Music Edition

 It is officially Friday! *cheers* After a long week I wanna get a little casual with you and chat about something pretty awesome. 

This week my boyfriend James released his full length album Compulsion, and it is really freaking good. I may be a little biased because he is my boyfriend after all, and one of the songs may be about yours truly, but this boy of mine is talented. When I tell you he recorded the entire thing himself I mean it. From the guitar, to bass, to vocals, to drums, to producing and mixing, he did it all. 

I got to witness first hand how much time and passion he put into this album. All words and melody's are his own, and I am beyond proud of him. 

You can currently find his album over on Bandcamp, and either listen to it for free, or pay what you feel. 

https://mindslikethese.bandcamp.com/album/compulsion

It is time people start supporting local music, because that is where you find the heart. It is not found in these over produced songs that you hear on the radio. These artists are not doing it for the money and the fame, they are doing it because it is something they are truly passionate about. 

So go give it a listen, you won't regret it!

Golden Beet, Blood Orange, & Brie Salad

Sometimes the best meal ideas come to you while you are walking through the grocery store. When we spotted these golden beets in Whole Foods immediately thought rustic winter salad. 

What we used: golden beets, thick cut maple bacon, mixed greens, blood oranges, and brie. You will also need sugar, maple syrup, old bread, seasonings, dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar.  

First off we cooked our bacon low and slow. Once it was crisp we candied it with a little maple syrup.

Next we roasted the beets whole, with the skins. Once cooked you will be able to peel the skins right off. I then cubed the beets and sauteed them with butter, sugar, and a mix of spices (paprika, garlic, italian seasonings). 

Lastly, I made the blood orange dressing by juicing two oranges and mixing it with the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, and spices. 

Assemble the salad and top with homemade croutons. This salad was filling and delicious, and I was almost to full to eat the meal we cooked to go with it. 

Almost. I mean who can say no to scallops and rib eye steaks? 

Saturday Caturday

This is how George and I feel after a really long week. NFL weekend was a success, and now we are finishing it up with tickets to the AFC Championship game! Well not we- it's supposed to rain and George doesn't want to get his fur wet. Did I mention they are field level seats? Did I also mention I love my job, because I do. 

xo. Casey

Friday Five, Winter Bucket List

Wintertime is in full effect here in Rhode Island so it is time for me to come up with my seasonal bucket list. 

1. Find new coffee shops in Providence. I feel like this is an every season goal, but in the winter I look for more indoor activities. And what's better than a cozy coffee shop. I already found a new favorite, and I am excited to find even more. 

2. Finish decorating the apartment. We have been in here for over half the year already, and so this is the season that I want to really complete the look of our place. 

3. Go Ice Skating. Every year Kennedy Plaza in Providence opens up the Bank of America ice skating rink. I think that would be a super fun date night activity. 

4. Work out. Every winter I say "I need to start working out so I am in shape for spring/summer". Then April rolls around and I haven't started yet. I have a Planet Fitness gym membership, and I think it's time I actually start using it. I don't want to have the "wintertime regret" this year. 

5. Live in the moment. I know it is easy to want to wish away the winter when you think about the warm summer months. However, time goes by way too fast, so I need to just find ways to enjoy the season we are in. 

What are your winter goals? 

Breaktime Bowl & Bar

This may just be the coolest place I ever feature on the blog- I am just throwing that out there now.

Located in the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket is a new bar featuring a 1920's duckpin bowling alley. If you don't know what duckpin bowling is (and I don't blame you) it is an old fashioned bowling alley. You know, like before the machines that re set the pins for you. 

You have one person at the bottom of the alley setting the pins for you and throwing the balls back on a wooden ramp. The goal is to get down the most amount of pins in the least amount of throws. And in case you are wondering, I totally beat James. 

Breaktime also has a large bar and reception space. This is a super unique spot to go out with friends, have a party, or in my opinion the coolest wedding of the year. 

This is one of those places that makes Providence one of the coolest cities to live in. 

Friday Five, December Favorites

Can you believe that it is time for December favorites already? I can not believe that Christmas is over and the new year is fast approaching. With that said, I still managed to find some new favorites.It is time to finally share them all with you. 

1. Jumping Juniper Shampoo Bar from Lush. 

Here is what Lush has to say about this product: "Our purple shampoo bar jumps into action to sort out oil problems on top. It cleans away grease and balances sebum production for soft, shiny (in the good way) hair. Fruity juniperberry oil sorts out your oily, congested scalp, while lemon and lime make your hair clean and shiny and give it an extra fresh scent. The incredible herbal duo, lavender and rosemary are superpowers if you’re having troubles in the oil department. Rosemary has been used for hundreds of years for its anti-bacterial capabilities, while lavender is known for its ability to balance and soothe the scalp. You'll be jumping for joy in no time!"

I absolutely love these, and I may never go back to bottled shampoo again. They are really that good. 

2. Justin's Nut Butter. 

Justin's says: "Our products are made with common sense. A sense that cooking in small batches ensures higher quality. That selectively choosing fine, all-natural ingredients will make it taste better. And that no matter their size, companies should always be grateful to their customers, employees and community."

This nut butter is not only healthier for you than the other highly processed brands, it is absolutely delicious. You can physically see the chopped up nuts in this butter. Justin's comes in all sorts of different flavors, but my current favorite? The Maple Almond Butter. And did I mention they make Peanut Butter Cups too?  For a girl who's dog's name is Reeces, this is a dream come true. 

3. The 100. 

I discovered this show on Netflix, and I was instantly hooked. I may have finished the whole first season in one day. Maybe. I am all about post-apocalyptic movies and shows, so if you do too this is right up your alley. 

4. Dr. Jart BB Cream. 

I received this product in my November Birchbox and instantly fell in love. This is the perfect concealer. It goes on smooth, and hides any redness or spots that I have on my face without looking like it is caked on. 

5. Chestnut Praline Latte 

Starbucks has rolled out their newest holiday drink in five years, and I am in love. First of all, Chestnuts remind me of my grandfather roasting them in the oven on a chill winter night. I immediately was drawn to this drink, and Starbucks delivered. 

Starbucks also tastes so much better in a red cup, don't ya think. 

xo. Casey

CC Guide: White Electric Coffee

Welcome to the CC Guide, Creatively Casey's guide to the coolest spots on the east coast! Most specifically, Providence of course. In this first edition of my new series I bring you my favorite coffee spot of the moment: White Electric Coffee. 

White Electric Coffee is a little spot located on Westminster Street in Prov. They are serving up delicious New Harvest blend coffees, lattes, and yummy frozen green tea lattes.

They are also serving up some delicious bagel sandwiches. As some of you know I am a self proclaimed bagel connoisseur. Okay, more like a bagel snob. Their bagels are awesome, and they have a menu full of wonderful toppings. Of course I had to get avocado and cream cheese. Yum. 

I washed it down with a delicious hazelnut iced coffee topped with some cinnamon. 

Can I just pause here for a moment and explain to you how obsessed I am with cinnamon in my coffee. Not only does cinnamon provide your body with the antioxidants that coffee takes out, but it also balances out the bitterness.

Verdict: this place is awesome. Its hip, it has amazing bagels and coffee, and has an old arcade game. It is everything you could ever want in a Providence coffee shop and more. 

Bravo White Electric Coffee, bravo. 

  

Saturday Caturday

Just a quick Happy New Years from this little guy! He is still recovering from a wild night.