Be(e)'s Purpose

Doing research for Be(e) has been quite a journey. And while that journey is ongoing, re-evaluation has been in order. Finding so many innovative ideas, and quite a multitude of ideas that seem to lack true originality, it is hard to remind yourself to streamline. This site is the outlet for all the filtering that's done of the overflowing amount of information.

There are so many different products out there, whether it comes in the form of something tangible or just a simple concept. The existence of such an overwhelming amount of resources is the motivation for starting Be(e).

Be(e) is a culture website. To Be(e) a successful individual in today's world, being well-rounded is essential. It is not enough anymore to just be a good mother or to just be a genius IT specialist. Now, a mother also needs to be an accountant, a therapist, a thrifty shopper, and a great wife. Those who can make magic with Information Technology has to know how to be a good public speaker, business person, sales person and a market analyst.

The problem with all of these new criteria is that there are already so many resources out there to learn how to be such a multi-faceted individual. There are hundreds of books, blogs, news articles, magazines, vlogs, etc. that are targeted to inform the less-experienced. The question is... how do we as avid self-improvers know the best ways to be as dynamic as we need to be? That is the essence of the problem--it's challenging enough to find the right resources.

So back to the idea of streamlining and re-evaluation. Think of Be(e) as your go-to for a dynamic, but well curated bank of information. What's the best restaurant in your neighborhood? How can you not be conflicted hearing that a young U.S. military veteran had to pawn off his Purple Heart due to a lack of finances? Are Chanel bags still the "Chanel" bags that everyone always dreamed of having?
These are questions that can be answered at Be(e).

And if there are any other questions that you want answered, feel free to ask. Be(e) is a place for anyone (women and men) who are looking for a source that can showcase the best. It's called a gallery for a reason--it's a platform to present information in a way that is refreshing but familiar. We are all learning together, and hopefully this website will be a place where you can feel assured that not only is what you see of quality, but also eye-opening.

When a Man Needs To Buy a Suit

When helping a man buy a suit, the best piece of advice you can give is to find a tailor that's just as valuable as the suit he buys.

Just like us women, men come in all shapes and sizes. Finding the right fit is difficult in any situation for any body. Investing in getting your clothes tailored is like going to get your clothes custom made. Not only is it going to fit you, but it will look like it was made for you. Nothing beats that--especially when you want it to last a lifetime. 

Some short and sweet advice to start off the week. 

Chix and Chips on Columbus Day

Chix and Chips, with Cilantro Rice and Pico de Gallo 
Serves 2-4

Ingredients
2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (or the equivalent of Chicken Breast Tenders)
5 Limes, halved
5 Roma Tomatoes
1/2 Medium-sized Onion
1 bunch of Cilantro (or Coriander)
1 Jalapeno
2-3 Garlic Cloves, finely diced
1 1/2 Cups of Jasmine Rice (or any long grain rice)
3 Cups of Non-Sodium Chicken Broth
1/4 Cup of Non-Sodium Vegetable Broth
1 Large Egg
1 Bag of Tortilla Chips (I'm especially fond of the Lime or Jalapeno flavored kinds)
Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper, Thyme, Oregano


Instructions
1. Start by marinating the chicken of your choice in the juice of 4 limes. Also, before we both forget, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

**Hint for Efficient Path to Consumption: While waiting for the marriage of lime juice and your chicken, this is a perfect time to make your Pico de Gallo salsa and start on your rice.
2. To make the salsa, finely dice up the onion, jalapeno and cilantro. (Reserve some cilantro for your rice) Then dice up the tomatoes (at about double the size your diced onion). Add them all to a bowl, squeeze in the juice of half a lime, sprinkle in salt to taste.
3. Stir everything in your bowl, making sure everything is well distributed in order to ensure equal proportion of deliciousness in every bite.

4. Now back to your chicken, get your Tortilla Chips in the storage device of your choice (a tupperware bowl worked perfectly in my case) and mash up 1/2 the bag of chips as finely as possible.
**Hint #2: If you have the luxury, a food processor is something I would have loved to have to eliminate any hand cramping or dangerous explosions of tortilla crumbles.
**Hint #3: Start on your rice before you start working with your chicken. Put 3 cups of chicken broth, your chopped garlic and cilantro on the stove and bring it to a boil.
5. To this tortilla/crumb mixture, add a sprinkling of cayenne pepper, thyme and oregano.
6. Whisk your large egg in a bowl to start dredging your chicken.
7. As the chicken should be well-marinated, start getting your chicken out of the lime marinade and into the egg.
8. Once the chicken is coated in egg, cover each piece of chicken in the tortilla chip mixture.
9. All of the chip and egg-coated chicken can go on a lightly oiled baking sheet and into the oven for 20 minutes.

Next, cilantro rice!
10. Once your chicken broth mixture comes to a boil, add 1 1/2 cups of jasmine rice and bring that to a boil.
11. As it comes to a boil, put the lid on your pot and bring your heat down to a simmer (low) and let the rice cook for 15-20 minutes.

Now...
I chose to steam some broccoli on the side, but that is completely optional.
Once the chicken is nice and golden, the rice is fluffy and soft, and the salsa is nice and chilled... it's TIME TO EAT!
Enjoy like I did, maybe even with a nice margarita on the side. But that is also a completely suggested option.