You make me wanna GOOP!

So many of your are aware of Gwyneth Paltrow's extremely hoity + toity blog where she shares recipes, her favorite restaurants (which we can't afford) and things to buy (we can't afford these suggestions either). So why do I subscribe to her blog? For the recipes??

Lucky for me, she dedicated one to London where she goes on and on about the fancy places she's been to, eaten at, etc. Some, to my surprise, are even affordable! And sometimes, she gives you really valuable information that could possibly save your life!

Drumroll....

Yes folks, Mexican food in London. Now I don't want to get my hopes up. I've been deprived for two years now, I can't imagine London will satisfy my bean and cheese burrito cravings... but the desperate Southern Californian in me is SO curious. It's just a matter of time before I hop on the Circle line and make my way towards this Notting Hill treasure (or dump, we will see!). This is what GOOP has to say:

"Taqueria is the best Mexican restaurant in London and my Mexican friend who lives here can attest to this. The vast taco and antojito menu is the answer to all my Mexican cravings. This bustling Notting Hill establishment offers excellent comida corrida, which is nearly impossible to find when you are across the sea. The ingredients here are authentic and you can buy their salsas, spices and tortillas for your own Mexican home cooking. Drop in anytime; although it’s always full, the tables move quickly."

Is this a disaster waiting to happen, or is it worth the trek?

Taqueria
139 Westbourne Grove
W11 2RS
taqueria.co.uk

College Loan Forgiveness Program

"...because in the United States of America, no one should go broke
because they chose to go to college." -Barack Obama SOTU 2010

A few months ago, my good friend Jean mentioned something about a potential college loan forgiveness program for public service workers. I tried not to get too excited over it, but then I heard Obama mention it at the State of the Union. Here is the information Jean provided me with, I thought I would pass this gem along to you and yours. I hope it provides you with some good information and future debt relief.

Eligible Repayment Plans: Borrowers may use income-based repayment, income contingent repayment, standard repayment or a combination of these repayment plans. Payments made under other repayment plans (e.g., extended repayment and graduated repayment) do not count. To maximize the amount of forgiveness, borrowers should use income-based repayment. When income-based repayment is not available (e.g., prior to July 1, 2009), they should use income-contingent repayment.

If a borrower were to use only standard repayment for repaying their loans there would be no balance remaining after 10 years and so no debt to cancel. Standard repayment is only provided as an option to address situations when a borrower is unable to continue under income-based repayment because they no longer have a partial financial hardship and the payments under income-contingent repayment exceed standard repayment. In such a situation the borrower would use standard repayment for the remaining payments and obtain some loan forgiveness at the end of the ten years of payments.

http://www.finaid.org/loans/publicservice.phtml

*I purposely made the font gold--for wealth, money, relief, etc. It certainly is for me!

New Job! New Dress!

Today has been fantastic! The weather is beautiful. It's one of those days where the sun peaks out through the gray-blue clouds and the weather goes from sprinkling to raining. Perfect, crisp London day!

I applied for a job at Body + Soul, a charity that provides support, advocacy and education to people living with HIV. I was called back for an interview, and to my relief, did not make it for the second round of interviews for that particular position. After learning more during the interview, I realized its a bit much for a full-time student to handle, but I thought I'd wait for the call at the end of the week to see what happens.

I was surprised to get a call the very next day from the head of the organization asking if I might be open to other positions (they were still considering candidates for the original job I applied to). We talked and I went in today to interview for a position in the Adult Services Program. I was really flattered that they went out of their way to fit me into their organization (where was this love in DC???) They showed me around their beautiful 5-story building and told me to expect a call by the end of the today or Monday. Lo and behold, I get home and they call! They've offered me a part-time position to run the young adults program! I am so flattered. It's a new position--so room for growth!! My future career path as a therapist fits into it perfectly as I would run support groups for young adults and practice my counseling skills.

In other exciting news, I got a wonderful package from my wonderful bff, Fanny Pak. It's a dress we've both been eyeing at Anthropologie (my favorite store) and she not only got it for herself, but for her favorite missus as well! I've included two pictures of it, one with Fanny modeling the dress all Anthropologie-d out and the other from their website. Will look great with my vintage cowboy boots!

An Intro

I've wanted to a space to just write about random thoughts, news, interesting facts; list out things I want to do or see in London and beyond and document my travels. It will be everything and anything and I hope you will follow me along for the ride. Will always enjoy your comments, thoughts, ideas, etc.

<3 Alyza