Day In The Life
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A photo journal of my day yesterday here in Barcelona. ♡
7:45am: Buenos días from Barcelona. ♡ Getting a late start to the day today, after not sleeping so well this week. Our lil’ babe has been setting records lately with how many times he wakes me up during the night, which I’m sure is only a very gentle foreshadowing of what’s to come. Still, whew, mornings are pretty groggy right now.
8:00am: We realized just before bed last night that we were out of coffee, so my sweet husband walked across the street to pick us up some flat whites this morning. Still one of my favorite things about living in Europe — little cafés serving good coffee are absolutely everywhere here.
8:15am: Breakfast creature of habit. Love my granola parfaits!
9:00am: Showered, dressed, and ready to start the day with my lil’ buddy. (Who’s not so little anymore — he measured over 4 pounds during our ultrasound on Tuesday!)
9:15am: The view from my new “office.” (Icymi, we moved apartments here in Barcelona around Thanksgiving!)
I’m currently working ahead on recipes that will be shared here during my maternity leave, including this hummingbird cake recipe that will be coming your way in time for Easter. It’s a good one! (P.S. Who else is watching Matt’s season?! Thus far, he’s totally in the running to be my favorite bachelor ever.)
10:00am: It still feels like such a treat each time I get to use this beauty, especially having baked without a stand mixer for our first three years in Barcelona. Loving my new Smeg! (And this cream cheese icing, holy yum.)
10:45am: Barclay just went to check the mail and found a pile of Christmas cards that arrived well over a month late, which is par for the course with our international mail situation here in Spain. Nearly half of the packages sent to us never make it out of customs, cards always arrive very (very) late, and any mail that we send out is always a bit of a gamble. Ah, expat life.
11:15am: Editing photographs for a different cake recipe while the hummingbird cakes bake up in the oven. (Can you tell that pregnancy has reignited my sweet tooth?) ;)
1:00pm: Sunny lunch break today out on the terrace. We Glovo-ed in our favorite vegan seitan shawarma wraps today from Hummus Barcelona, which is a must-try for any of you locals. All of their food is amazing, but their freshly-baked ultra-fluffy homemade pita and za’atar hummus are HEAVEN.
1:15pm: My handsome lunch date. ♡ (Also, Fiona totally stole a piece of pita while I was snapping this photo, haha.)
1:45pm: Back to work. This is the first time I’ve made a three-layer cake recipe for the blog in years, and I forgot how much I actually enjoy it! I kept this one simple with just a sprinkle of pecans as decoration. But still, it was fun to assemble.
2:15pm: We converted what used to be a hallway office in our new apartment into a little “studio” where I can take photos. I’m still trying to get the hang of artificial lighting (which has been a major adjustment after having shot with 100% natural light for over a decade, oof). But having the flexibility to shoot at any time of day or night has been an absolute game-changer.
3:00pm: Speaking of game changers, we still can’t get over how amazing it is to finally have a terrace of our own here in Barcelona. Both Barclay and I regularly pop outside for little 5-minute recharge breaks throughout the day. And wow, even just a brief dose of sunshine and fresh air makes such a difference in my mood and energy levels. ♡ After having lived in an apartment without a terrace for the past three years, especially during Barcelona’s periods of quarantine, we’re well aware of what a rare blessing it is to have this sort of space in the city center. So we try to make the most of it every day!
3:05pm: Hummingbird cake leftovers = snack time!
3:15pm: After messaging back and forth today with a seller on Wallapop (the Spanish version of Craigslist), looks like we found the crib we’ve been wanting to buy – yay! Some of our dear friends already lent us their bassinet, so I know it will probably be awhile before this crib gets put to use, but I’m excited to at least get some of the big pieces of our nursery ready to go before our little guy arrives. Looks like we’ll be able to pick up the crib tomorrow!
4:30pm: Cue all of the goosebumps. ♡ Here we go.
5:00pm: Had to watch on our “big tv” (this apartment came with a projector) once the inauguration ceremony officially began. I know that this has been a deeply emotional day for different people on different ends of the political spectrum. But whew, this moment in particular with all of its tremendous “firsts” was the one that made me cry. I’m so thankful that our son will grow up in a world where women are finally represented in the highest offices of the executive branch, and I look forward to seeing hopefully so many more women (especially women of color) from all political parties hold these offices in years to come.
6:30pm: YouTube-ing Amanda Gorman videos while prepping for a (safely-distanced) sushi night here at home with two of our good friends. All of Barcelona’s restaurants are currently closed during dinnertime, so we set up little stations on separate ends of the kitchen island for each pareja to make their own batch of homemade maki rolls…which ended up being so fun!
8:00pm: Also fun for me? Lol, not eating dinner at 9 or 10pm. ;) Ever since Barcelona implemented a 10pm curfew (called a toque de queda in Spanish) a few months ago, the city’s late night culture has be forced to shift a bit earlier when it comes to evening hangs. So my friends jokingly now call it the toque de Ali, because they know how much this early bird is enjoying it!
10:00pm: I’ve been wrapping up my evenings lately by spending time in our soon-to-be-nursery, which has been making my heart so happy. Currently working on organizing all of the baby clothes (can’t get over how cute and teeny they are!) and baby gear that our friends have brought over, and dreaming of what life will be like in two months when our little guy arrives. ♡
10:15pm: Btw, nothing tugs on my heartstrings more than reading some of the baby books that friends have given us. They are so sweet and make me so excited for the day when we’ll finally get to be in here rocking, snuggling, and reading to our little one. Can’t believe that day is almost here.
11:00pm: Finally calling it a night here in Barcelona with the poetry of Amanda Gorman still ringing through my head: “There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
May we all be brave enough. ♡
You are absolutely magical. Your photos (GORGEOUS apartment!) and personal shares have my reactions to each sharing coming down to four words: I Just Love You!
And I’m now researching where to find one of those mixers in the U.S.!
Hi- I always love reading your personal posts – And seeing pics of your apartment, Barclay, the doggies and the beautiful pregnant lady YOU! Thanks for sharing. Yes last night was amazing watching the inauguration and aftershow celebration . I got teary eyed too, but the highlight was Amanda Gorman’s poem. So poignant, meaningful, and powerful from such a young soul. Here’s to new beginnings. I just made your Enchilada Chicken soup and its one of the few soups my husband really likes!
Ali, wow you have such a nice apartment in BCN… what a blessing! Also, I love your positivity… It is contagious :) thanks for sharing it with the world!
Such fun to tour your beautiful apartment! I’m amazed to see the tall plants on your balcony. It must not get too cold for them??! How meaningful that you watched that incredible inauguration with us half way around the world. So many highlights that day. We were also emotional watching all the “firsts” on a peaceful day. I’m sending lots of love and virtual hugs to you and Barclay. We all eagerly anticipate your precious child! Love, Libby
I loved reading this post and enjoying your day vicariously. And am so happy you got to celebrate inauguration from afar. What a beautiful world to see more representation at the highest levels – glad your little one will enter into a brighter future. Sending positive vibes for a healthy and happy rest of your pregnancy!
Your apartment is beautiful, and our family is so excited for your new little one! I would suggest, however, that if you are going to have two friends over, unless you have all quarantined for at least 10 days beforehand, you may want to think about eating with them outside. We don’t see any non-household members inside at all anymore (only meet up outside, with masks). Your friends could spread COVID to you in your home, especially if you are unmasked and eating.
Your blog is soooo amazing. Thank you for sharing your life with your fabulous recipes, your story and the beautiful pictures! I have loved making so many of your recipes. I’ve become a bit of a snob. Since we’ve been working from home (March 17, 2020) I’ve made maybe 3 or 4 of other recipes, but the remainder are yours. I cook every meal. We rarely get take out – so I’ve been doing A LOT of cooking!
I’m so glad you could watch the Inauguration! Still get goose bumps myself. The tears still will spring up – tears of pure joy!
I wish you a healthy remainder of your pregnancy! Stay strong and healthy. Oh and GO CHIEFS!!!!!
I think this is the first time a cooking blog made me cry. Thanks,,, from a longtime KC fan.
Perfect. Beautiful So so so happy reading this. all the tears! Can’t wait to see the bebe, even if only over zoom. we love you all xoxoxo <3 e+j
You are amazing and very inspirational person. I can’t wait to get over with covid and visit Barcelona, it has been top of my list. I am having my 2nd pregnancy and going thru hell. My legs are cramping, feeling terrible with stay in covid depression.
When I see your blog and see you cooking, I feel like wish I had same energy level as yours.
Whenever I visit, I will take your help to see what are best local restaurants that I should not miss, my family is foodie!!!
I love your recipes they are just amazing!!
hi, i just had a baby last and then I started blogging. It is a struggle to blog and take care of a baby. good luck… and god bless…
SO happy that your pregnancy is going so well! I struggled with infertility also.. So, it really is such a blessing! And of course love your recipes and beautiful photos.
Our hearts were warmed by Amanda Gorman’s poetry watching her that chillingly, cold day in DC.
You are right Ali,
May we all be brave enough.
From your new subscriber from Metro Detroit.
I’ll be trying out those meatballs for Super Bowl tomorrow.
Thanks!
I just found out about your website today and instantly fell in love with you, your story, your home, your recipes, absolutely everything!! I was so happy when I first went to your site and saw the feta pasta recipe! I’m making it today and wish I had read it earlier cuz adding spinach sounds wonderful!! I loved reading about your day in Barcelona and seeing your home! I lived in Rome as an exchange student YEARS AGO so fell in love with the architecture! I can’t wait to get to know you more and get more of your recipes!! And hear about the baby!! What an exciting time! I was rooting for the Chiefs too, and we live in the Tampa area. I am from Michigan though and hate that it all turned into about Tom Brady! Another story! Nice to meet you- kind of! I can’t wait for more recipes! I found you from the email from Real House Moms. I think it’s what it’s called. Her name is Aubrey if that gives you a clue.
We all miss President Trump and all the amazing things he did for our nation. I am all for women of any color accomplishing all they can in life and hope our new Vice President sets a better example for women than she has in the past. Your pictures are beautiful and show the differences in countries in such an interesting manner. I love to travel and eating may well be one of my favorite hobbies. Best wishes with your new bundle of joy coming. I have several children and have kept many that needed a home so I can tell you that parenting is beyond description.
Love love love your recipes and optimistic outlook-very inspiring. And I was born and raised in KCMO before moving to sunny Florida after meeting my Florida native love (now married to that guy and mom to 2 children)! And I love Barcelona!
Wishing you all the joy and pleasure the blessing of a baby brings!
But Pam You have every right to your opinion:but
1.”We” all do not miss our twice impeached ex president (just the facts) and
2. PLEASE as our beloved Ali doesn’t get political in her positive life affirming blog please refrain from doing so.
Also you need to be aware that our ex president T is adamantly against IVF technology that provides the scientific miracles that create families!
Please do not speak for others “we” and please keep politics out of this amazing inspirational blog!
Love Ali’s recipes and optimism! Wishing Ali and Barclay all the joy and pleasure the blessing of a baby brings!
Beautifully said, Pam ❤️
Hello, Ali..I was searching for a Menemem recipe and Gimme Some Oven popped up. The title sounded catchy and fun so I decided to click on it. Obviously, I found the recipe but I also decided to ‘have a look around’ as it were. I found your ‘Day In The Life’ and started to read. Your apartment looks very cosy and beautiful. I love your office and your studio for taking your photos. And, that TV…wow! I also completely agree with you about the Inauguration. I’m not American. I am an Australian living in New Zealand with my ‘kiwi’ husband. We do get news from America and I was transfixed with that beautiful and very articulate young woman reading that poem. Yes, may we always search for the light and endlessly bathe in it.PS: All the very best on your little one’s arrival..??PPS: I have subscribed…thank you
Dear Ali,
Your day-in-the-life had me all teary-eyed. I am so grateful for you. Your recipes have blessed my family immensely.
I become downright giddy when I get the chance to share gimmesomeoven with friends. I hadn’t checked the blog in a while and I am overwhelmed with joy for you and your “handsome lunch date” to be expecting.
I have two girls, four and seven years old, and I’m going to go read to them now, a little book en español La Sombrilla Grande escrito por Amy June Bates ☂️
I am obsessed. Thanks for sharing!! I always enjoy your updates. I came for the food, I stayed for the friendship. Sending love and hugs. xoxo
Love YOU! Your heart!♥️
I have followed you for a few years on IG ( which I am not on right now , but will be back on soon) and finally started reading your blog! I love that the lil babe is almost ready to emerge into your world!
My husband visited Barcelona while in the Navy 1970 and it was his favorite tour! He loved the city and the people!
Colleen Raley