Hello, World. It's me, Annie!

Billy Joel's New York State of Mind is contagious...made me hop right on a plane and hit the concrete jungle!! 🌃🗽🌉 #billyjoelisthesoundtracktothistrip #newyork #nyc #favbuilding #empirestatebuilding (at Avenue of the Americas)

I may have spoke too soon yesterday. I usually don't love pork belly, but these here pork buns were deeevine. They are pretty much mimicking my current nom nom face. 😛😋🍴🐖 #blueapron #5spiceporkbuns #redcabbagecarrotthaibasilsalad #noticethemincedlimerind #sriracha #twohourslaterimreadytoeat #laboroflove

Dear Self, we know you love you some fancy kitchen work but it's been an hour and you're still working on the side salad. Why do you do this to yourself? 😩😫😤😖 #blueapron #blueapronbootcamp #willnevertakechoppedveggiesforgranted #dontgetmestartedonthematchstickcarrots #mincingisabitch #imstarving #instagrambreak #cooking

Forgot that good ol' blue apron was coming this week, and with it the rigorous cooking marathon. On tonight's menu: Chicken and Mixed Mushroom Forager with Toasted Parmesan-Garlic Bread. Probably one of the best meals we had from them. #blueapron #cooking #yummy 👏🐓🍄🍴

Quinoa, kale and sausage stuffed peppers in one of my new bowls! 👍😋 #DIYtakeout #cooking #dinner #westelm

You fishies aren't fat, you're just big boned. 😄😊🐠 #ifeelyourpain #koifish #newportbeach #fashionisland (at Koi Pond, Fashion Island)

Made mom a huge pot of chicken noodle veggie soup from scratch to heal those shoulder muscles. First time I upped my game and boiled my own chicken stock...makes soup so much better. #makingitupasigo #cooking #soup #veggies #yum

Grandparents are the best; particularly mine, who were a fixture in my life. Because of it, I've always had such a soft spot for elderly folks. Even when I'm behind a super slow car, I try to make sure the driver isn't old before I honk or say something mean... So here's getting back on the #tbt bandwagon. I sure do miss these two! 👴👵👧 #tbt #grandparents #angels

#hearstcastle #sansimeon #centralcalifornia #roadtrip (at Hearst Castle Neptune Pool)

If only I brought my suit. #romanpools #hearstcastle #sansimeon #centralcalifornia #roadtrip (at Hearst Castle Roman Pool)

Absolutely gorgeous day in Santa Barbara. Couldn't pass by without seeing my dear Aunt Kristin by the mission. #santabarbara #santabarbaramission #roadtrip #fourthgrademissionproject (at Old Mission Santa Barbara)

Are you trying to tell me this is the geographical end of the world...as I know it? 🙅😯😦😆 #canthelpmyself #REM #cambriaplayonwords #cambria #roadtrip (at Moonstone Beach)

And there you have it, folks! Braised veggie goodness with creamy polenta. I can't remember the last time I had polenta. Reminds me of fancy grits (having just tried grits last month and all). #blueapronmeals #blueapron #seriouscooking #foodporn #dinner #readyforchopped #exhausted

Last night of intense cooking! Braised carrots, mushrooms, and brussel sprouts with creamy polenta. Oof! #blueapronmeals #cooking #veggies #chopchop

Taking appetizing pictures of red meat was almost as labor intensive as making this meal. 😉 At least it was delish! #blueapronmeals #hangersteak #brownricestirfry #foodporn #cooking

It's here!! First meal: Five-Spice Hanger Steak. #blueapronmeals #cooking #food #cantmessthisup 😋🍴