Life Experiences - Monica Zorrilla

Monica Zorrilla - Photographer / Blogger

Aug 23

by monicazorrilla in Blog, English, Food, Inspiration, Life Experiences 0 comments tags: food blogger, foodie, lomo saltado, peruvian food, yummy

Lomo Saltado

Lomo Saltado — A Taste of Peru There are certain dishes that are more than just food, and for me, lomo saltado is one of them. It is one of those meals I truly enjoy cooking — maybe because it has so many things I love all together: tender pieces of beef, onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, and that wonderful flavor that comes from cooking everything quickly in a very hot pan. And of course, it wouldn’t be lomo saltado without French fries and white rice on the side. Yes, potatoes and rice. That’s the Peruvian way. I usually start with good pieces of beef, cut into strips and seasoned simply with salt and pepper. I sear the meat over high heat, then add sliced red onions and tomatoes, keeping them slightly firm instead of cooking them too much. A splash of soy sauce brings everything together, creating that savory sauce that gives the lomo saltado its delicious flavor. Then come the fries. Some people mix them into the lomo so they absorb the sauce; others prefer them on the side so they stay crispy. I like a little bit of both. But what I love most about making lomo saltado […]

Aug 20

by monicazorrilla in Blog, English, Inspiration, Life Experiences 0 comments tags: acceptance, habits, life, life experiences, patience, respect, we are different

We Are All Different

We are all different. We think differently, we talk differently, we have different habits, and we all have our own ways of doing things. And inevitably, some of those things may bother, frustrate, or simply not make sense to someone else. That’s part of being around people. Sometimes another person may point out something about us that we never really noticed before. And if it’s something we recognize we can improve, there’s nothing wrong with making an effort to work on it. But there’s another side to it too. When we genuinely care about having someone in our lives, we also learn to understand the things that make them different from us. Not everything needs to be changed. Sometimes it simply takes a little patience and acceptance. And I think that’s where balance comes in. We can work on ourselves without losing who we are. We can communicate when something bothers us without expecting another person to change overnight. And we can try to understand each other instead of expecting everyone to think, act, or react the way we do. Because no relationship—whether it’s a friendship, family, a partner, or any other connection—is made of two people who are exactly […]

Aug 06

by monicazorrilla in Blog, English, Lexi, Life Experiences, Nature, Photography 0 comments tags: beach day, calm, Lexi, life experiences, peace

The Beauty of Quiet Moments

There is something special about sitting by the ocean with no plans, no rush, and nowhere you need to be. Just the sound of the waves, the breeze playing with your hair, and the company of someone who is simply happy to be there. Lexi doesn’t ask where we’re going next. She doesn’t care what day it is. She simply enjoys the wind, the sunshine, and every new scent the beach has to offer. Watching her reminds me how beautiful simple moments can be. This afternoon reminded me that some of the best moments in life are the quiet ones. Sometimes, all we need is a beautiful afternoon with someone we love, the breeze on our faces, and the chance to slow down for a little while. We often remember the big milestones in life, but it is the small, ordinary moments that quietly stay with us. A peaceful walk, the sound of the ocean, a loyal companion by your side, and the feeling that, for just a little while, everything is exactly as it should be. Maybe happiness isn’t always found in extraordinary places. Maybe it’s waiting for us in moments like this. — Monica & Lexi 🐾🌊

Jul 15

by monicazorrilla in Blog, English, Lexi, Life Experiences 0 comments tags: 10years, dog, Lexi, lifecompany, maltipom

Ten Years with Lexi in my life

Ten Years with Lexi in my life Some dates pass unnoticed by the world but mean an entire lifetime to us. Today I realized that ten years ago, Lexi, you came home. It’s funny how we often think we’re the ones who rescue or choose a dog. Over the years, I’ve come to believe it’s often the other way around. Somehow, they find us exactly when we need them. Ten years ago, you were this tiny little ball of fur that fit perfectly in my arms. Today, you’re still my baby. The only difference is that the calendar insists you’re ten years old, even though your heart still belongs to a puppy. People still stop us and ask, “How old is she?” When I tell them you’re already ten, they always look surprised. Yesterday, someone smiled and said, “She looks amazing. You’ve taken such good care of her.” And yes… I try to love and care for you with everything I have. But if I’m being completely honest, you’ve taken much better care of me. You’ve been there through my happiest moments, my hardest days, my laughter, my tears, my travels, my quiet evenings at home, and the moments when […]

May 21

by monicazorrilla in Blog, English, Life Experiences, New York 0 comments

The Familiar Feeling of a Neighborhood Bar

The Familiar Feeling of a Neighborhood Bar There’s another side to neighborhood bars that people don’t really talk about. Walking into one alone can feel intimidating at first. Not because anybody is necessarily rude, but because neighborhood bars usually have their regulars. People know each other. The bartender knows everybody. Everyone has their usual spot, their routines. And the interesting part is that all of those people usually come from completely different walks of life. You have people working construction sitting next to someone from an office job. Bartenders after their shifts. Nurses. Artists. Teachers. People coming from long workdays, night shifts, stressful jobs, lonely apartments, celebrations, heartbreaks, or just ordinary days. That’s part of what makes neighborhood bars feel different. And it’s not always about late nights or partying either. A lot of times people meet there after work in the afternoon to watch a game, have one drink, say hello to familiar faces, relax for a bit, and just unwind before going home. That’s what makes it comfortable. The bartenders know you. Sometimes they introduce you to other people. Over time, the place starts feeling familiar without anybody forcing anything. There’s no pressure. No expectations. You can sit […]

Feb 20

by monicazorrilla in Blog, English, Inspiration, Life Experiences, Photography, Travel 1 comments

I Don’t Put My Life on Hold

At some point, I stopped waiting for the perfect moment. The perfect trip.The perfect plan.The perfect company. I understood that life isn’t something you prepare for… It’s something you live. I’ve traveled alone because I wanted to go.Not because there was no one —but because I felt like going. I’ve reserved tables for one.Gone for walks without a plan.Organized my home as if it were a temple, not for visitors. It’s not rebellion.It’s an emotional responsibility. I learned that loneliness isn’t always about being alone.You can be surrounded by people and feel disconnected.And you can be physically alone and feel completely at peace. I’ve had long relationships.I’ve had deep friendships.I’ve lived shared chapters and individual ones.All of it is part of life. But what truly gave me strength was this: Discovering that I can hold my own life. That I can travel even if no one is available to join me.That I can dress up even if there’s no event.That I can cook beautifully even if the table has only one setting.That I can buy myself flowers without waiting for someone to bring them. My home is my center.My body is my home.My life is my responsibility. It hasn’t always […]

Jan 04

by monicazorrilla in Blog, English, Inspiration, Life Experiences, Photography 0 comments tags: architectural photography, clouds, landscape, lima, Peru, Reflection

2026

I look at this photo, and I don’t think about vacations or escape. I think about how I want to live. The sky is cloudy, the sea is not completely still, and the beach is almost empty. And yet, everything feels calm. A real calm, not forced. One of those that doesn’t come because everything is perfect, but because you learn to be at peace even when it’s not. That’s how I want my 2026 to be. I want a calmer mental life. I want less noise in my head, fewer unnecessary loops, and less anxiety over what I cannot control. I want to learn —keep learning— to live more in the present, like this horizon that doesn’t rush, that just is. But I also want the strength of the sea. Not the wave that crashes, but the constant, silent strength that never stops. That strength that keeps pushing even when no one is watching. In 2026, I want many things to keep improving. Some have already started, others still need time. I want to feel stronger emotionally, more confident in myself, clearer about what I want and what I don’t. I want to be more patient, more honest with […]

Sep 27

by monicazorrilla in Blog, English, Inspiration, Life Experiences 0 comments

The Path I Never Planned, But Was Meant to Walk

My life has been a journey I never imagined. When I left Peru, I thought it would only be for a short time, and without realizing it, more than two decades went by. I left behind my family, my home, and my traditions… and arrived in a country that, over time, also became a part of me. Along the way, I’ve experienced many things: moments of joy, achievements I never thought I could reach, as well as loneliness, goodbyes, and changes that have hurt. I’ve come to realize that no matter how much we try to control everything, life always finds a way to surprise us. People come and go, plans shift, and feelings transform. Over time, I’ve learned that neither I nor anyone else holds all the answers. Only God and life know why things happen, when a door should open or close, and which paths we must walk to grow. Even if I don’t always understand it in the moment, everything eventually begins to make sense later on. Today, when I look back, I see that every step, every tear, every smile, every doubt has shaped me into who I am. And even though it hasn’t always been […]

Aug 04

by monicazorrilla in Blog, English, Familia, Inspiration, Life Experiences, Peru 0 comments tags: amigas, Apoyo, familia, lima, no hay distancia, Peru, recargar

Stepping Away to Return Stronger

Coming to Peru and spending time with my family has been medicine for the soul. Feeling their love, their unconditional support, their presence… reminded me that I am not alone, that I have a home that always holds me up. Reuniting with friends I’ve known since childhood was also a beautiful gift. They made me realize that distance doesn’t erase bonds — that even if we’re far apart, we can still support, listen to, and be there for each other. I’m deeply grateful to them for reminding me of that with so much love. Taking a break from social media these past two weeks also helped me make space in my mind, to listen to myself clearly, and to understand many things I needed to process. Today, I return to New York with a stronger heart — but above all, with more peace. I know I still have a path to walk, but I also know that I have the power to change, to heal, and to move toward where I truly want to be.

Jul 21

by monicazorrilla in Blog, English, Familia, Inspiration, Life Experiences, Peru 0 comments tags: Apoyo, bonitos momentos, buenos tiempos, familia, family, hermana, hermanos, lima, Peru, Risas en familia

Family gives you love, strength, and support

My family is the little piece of heaven I always carry in my heart. They are my roots, my refuge, my home — even when I’m far away. Every moment I spend with them fills me with love, heals me, and renews me. It’s as if everything falls back into place when we’re together. My mom, with her endless tenderness and love that embraces me even from afar. My dad, with his calmness, his advice, and his words that always arrive right on time — just when I need them most. My brothers, who each have their own world, are always there for me, unconditionally, whenever I need them. And my sister, who has been and continues to be my partner in crime whenever I want to do something, with her energy, she’s always there to help when I need her. But it’s not just the hugs and the support that connect me to them. It’s also the shared meals, the laughter, the jokes between us… those simple moments that fill my soul. Living far away has only taught me how much I love and value them. Although life takes me down different paths, my heart always leads me back […]