Some of you may have noticed that I have been traveling to Southern California quite a bit, and if you follow me on Instastories, you know “my secret” is no longer a secret.
Introducing “my friend” on Instastories was kinda a big deal for me since I've never done that before. So yes, this relationship is moving in a direction that I could have only dreamed of.
As someone who is from the east coast and wholeheartedly loves New York City, here's a question for you, would you move 3000 miles across the country for love, and leave behind your family, friends, life, and New York?
Had it been in any other city (seriously), the move would have been a little easier on me, but how do I give up New York City? I never imagined I would meet someone outside the Tri-State.
Of course we all know SoCal is beautiful and the weather is perfect all year and everyone in California is so nice, yeah yeah yeah, but it’s not NYC. So how do I do this? I’m turning to those who have been through similar life experiences and can give me some advice. 
And now here is the perfect meal that comforts me instantly - Creamy Steel Cut Oats. How did I do this? I blended up steel-cut oats in a coffee grinder and then proceeded to cook them with milk and water for only 10 minutes. Not only is this oatmeal insanely creamy, but it’s also super easy & quick to make. Hope you guys try this while you ponder over my question. 🙁
Recipe Card
Creamy Steel Cut Oats
Gluten-freeIngredients
for the oatmeal
- ½ cup steel cut oats, blended
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1 cup water
for the toppings
- ½ banana, sliced
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon granola, use gluten-free for gf option
- 1 dollop peanut butter
Instructions
- Grind ½ cup of oats - I used a coffee grinder.
- This is what you should have.
- Heat a pot on low-medium heat. Combine oats, milk, and water. Stir.
- Cook for 10 minutes, stirring in between. Once the oatmeal starts to bubble, turn off the stove.
- This is the texture you want. Creamy oats!
- Pour the creamy oats into a bowl.
- Top with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Kamana@SocialandStyle. says
Hi Love! Congratulations on the exciting news. I was in your same boat and can totally relate. I moved to Sonoma after getting married from D.C. - the city I was born and raised in and love with all my heart. In the end, it was the best decision I ever made. While I miss my family, friends, and home so much - I am learning to Trust in God's plan and where God takes me. The move to Singapore was even tougher but I have learned so much during this transition.
Trust your heart and God and everything will follow <3
honeywhatscooking says
Hi Kamana. Thank you for writing this. I know you've been through a similar situation so I really value your opinion, you're one step ahead of me too. 🙂 Your move was very brave. I think the key is to trust in God's plan, just like you said. When things are right, you have to just trust God. You're so right. Thank you! <3
Munzi says
I have never been to NYC. But learnt about the city from movies as most movies were based on NYC and the skyline is one of my fav place. I could just look at the pic for hours! So I know it would be hard for you to leave.
I was born in one country, did primary schooling in another country, went back to home country and finished my high school there. Now in another country for UG & PG. Even back in my home country, we moved places. Every time, when we leave a place, I cry like my life was ending - leaving old friends when you were just started to hit it off, sucks! But someone how I kept getting better experience!
Meeting new people is one of the greatest experience. Perhaps that is the reason, I could connect to different people! I could understand them. Could connect to them in different levels. It just makes me happy. If people ask me where am I from, I swear I do not know if to say I am a SLn / INn / MSn.
I carry some traits from all the countries I lived in. I call all 3 countries my home. I mean it wholeheartedly. You will start to like the new place. Who knows, you may complaint about NYrs one day - as they are rude people! Haha.
I am not saying this to sound polite. He seems genuine. I played that video a few times in big screen & analysed his gestures & body language. He really seems genuine. We cant predict the future. Give it a shot. If it works, it works. If it does not, you have your NYCity to fall back. Though some places in NY may remind you, your past.
I know, it is always the girls, who have to move their jobs for men. Which I find unfair. But for you, moving away from NY would help to stay away from some of your bad memories too. For me, if I argue with someone or if something unpleasant happened, I wont wear the clothes or eat the food -I was wearing / eating at that moment, again! I know, tad bit dramatic. So I would have moved from NY even if it is not for the friend! You were there, and survived. That shows you will be alright in Cal too!
You know what is best for you. If he is the guy, do not hang on to NY. You can always go there. Or if the tickets are not expensive, I am sure you can travel often to Cal. Once of my lecturer, travels every month to Europe from Asia to be with his wife for a few days! They both did not want to move jobs. They found a way to carry on with their lives. It is tiring but I still wonder how they worked it out. I had a friend in USA, flies up and down two hrs for work, every day! She worked for an airline, so she does not have to pay. But she flew every day. She moved jobs later but she did not like it. She again joined the airline company. Even if it takes up so much time to travel. Those two couples amaze me.
Hope all goes well.
Loads of Love
- Em
honeywhatscooking says
HI Em. Thank you for saying this, and for watching my stories. Truly means a lot to me. Haha.. yes New Yorkers can be rude, but of course, I'll still defend that statement and say at least they're not fake. 🙂 Yes, he truly is a nice guy and a genuine person. And you're right, I can always visit, it's a 4.5 hour flight back to NYC. Thank you. 🙂
Shumaila says
Oh my, this is such exciting news. Well moving to any new place is difficult, and that to if the move is from a city like New York. But moving also means newer opportunities, newer experiences, newer perspectives. You can build a place you call home anywhere, if you want to. It might be the best thing that happens to you, but you will only know if you do it. All the best and enjoy the change. Life is too short to not experiment and explore.
The steel cut oats do look really creamy!
honeywhatscooking says
Thank you Shumalia. It makes it quite hard not just family and friends, but NYC, my lifestyle is completely different because I walk everywhere and don't use the car at all. You're right tho, every opportunity helps you grow and you experience new things in life. And yes, life is too short. Thank you for reading and your input. Greatly appreciate it. 🙂
Sonali says
Lol..."my friend"...I knew it!! His smile was so adorable anytime you had him on your insta story & I loved his sense of humor. Seems like a great guy!
This is definitely a big decision but end of the day "home is where the heart is". So don't worry about where you are "living" because home will always be right within you. Just listen to your gut and see what it says.
Love is a risk but the only way to truly experience it & know (for sure) if you found the right one is by moving forward. You deserve so much more & you are a tough cookie. You totally got this Nisha!
honeywhatscooking says
Hey Sonali! Ahhh... so you saw that story... lol. Yes, he has an adorable smile, and is very genuine. Yeah, this time around I am listening to my gut, I'm looking for red flags all the time (even when they're not there)... life will do that to you. Thank you for your advice and I will definitely listen to my gut. 🙂
Shashi at Savory Spin says
Hey Nisha, so, so happy you have found love!
A little while after my divorce I met an amazing guy, we were on the same wave length when I came to a lot of things... but I was an imbecile and when talk turned to us settling down together, I broke it off...and we went our separate ways. I kinda gave up on the whole love thing then. We got back in touch recently and when my daughter and I were in Portland (where he is now) we met him and I regret my younger imbecile-selves ways terribly... so guess am saying, for the real deal, for the right chap, moving is something I would do in a heartbeat. I wish you well, my Insta friend!
Now these oats look delicious- grinding the steel cut oats is such a brilliant idea! Can't wait to try it soon! Xo
munzi says
It makes me sad to read it. If you are single and if he is too, talk to him please. Don't think a lot. Just talk and see.
I don't know you. But it takes so much courage to open up in a public platform. You girls are helping many others by being open and telling about your misjudgments. You girls deserve every bit of blessings!
honeywhatscooking says
Shashi.. so you're story had the most profound impact on me. I was so sad reading this, and then a smile came over me as I was half way through. I'm glad you visited Portland. I've heard people stories who were in my situation and made the move, but your story was different because you didn't make the move. I can't thank you enough for sharing this story because I'm sure it was hard to do and so private. You have no idea how great of an impact this had on me so thank you for that. I would give you a big hug if I could. Thank you! <3
Asha says
Hey hey hey girl!!!!
First of all, congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you, love is a special thing and doing things for the ones we love is even more special. Do what your heart tell, like Sashi said, for the one you love, why not?!!
I completely understand your situation and it is hard but you get used to your new life, new things to look forward to.
I moved here after my marraige and I still wonder how I left my home town, now this is home away from home. Now as my teen gets ready for college in a year, I wonder if I would move for him, I just might. All for love.
All the best darling girl, my wishes are always with you.
And this oats, yum!!!!xo
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks Asha.. it is such a special thing. I know you made the move from Bangalore which was probably 10 times more difficult. It's so crazy how we learn to adjust to new surroundings and people. Haha.. well California has tons of good schools so hopefully your son won't drift off too far, he shouldn't when his mom is an amazing cook. If I do make the move, I hope to meet you some day in Cali - North or South. Thank you for the advice and love. <3
Caras Kitchen says
GIRL! grinding up oats in a coffee grinder to cut cooking to 10 minutes is GENUIS! Regarding the realtionship and moving... Thats a hard choice, SO CAL is amazing AND leaving behind friends, family and NYC has to be hard. I wish you the best of luck with what ever you choose.
honeywhatscooking says
Yes, thanks Cara. It really cuts down the time and the oats are so much creamier. Yes, it's a very hard choice.. SoCal vs. NYC... it's definitely not easy leaving an amazing city like NYC, and to choose between family/friends vs. a love. Thank you, need all the luck. 🙂
Jhiane says
He's worth the move to sunny California. No more winters yeah . He's a great man and you're in a strong , healthy and positive relationship so embrace all the beauty in California . You can always visit family . By the way , I love this oatmeal recipe . I love the combination of peanut butter and banana can't wait to make it .
honeywhatscooking says
Haha.. but I like winters mama, but yes, he is worth the move. I appreciate the words of wisdom and thank you for being an amazing friend to me. Oh, hope you try this oatmeal recipe. 🙂 xoxo