The Meaning of Life

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2012-01-06T22:32:00.001-08:00

New York New York.

Excited to make your acquaintance...

Cheers!!

Norma

Yesterday

2012-01-05T17:34:00.001-08:00

In the midst of my frazzled state yesterday, I received this email from my friend Nat and it cracked me up! Oh the days of ole...

LOL…just came across this and thought it would give you a laugh. (circa: the time you started sharing your office;)

From: Natalie
To: Norma
Subject: ode to your office

Your office used to be my favorite place to visit during the day. A place where I could find solace in an old friends comforting words of wisdom or a giggle at a crazy blog she’d found but alas those days are over…that same safe haven is now plagued by things I can’t even bring myself to write about…it will never be the same again and I know that to be the sad truth now but I accept it.

Dear Norma’s office,

I miss your old, comfy, familiar feel…the one that is like coming home to a roaring fire place, a cup of hot coco with creamy, rich, whipped cream after a day out in the snow. Or sliding into your favorite old pair of perfectly broken in jeans that are worn in just the right places after losing a battle against all the skinny clothes you bought because you were gonna fit into them damn it…even if it killed you! I miss the old us.

Love always,

Natalie

Ok, so maybe it doesn't mean much to you, but it definitely brought a much needed smile to my face;)

Thanks Nat!

Xo,

Norma

Hello 2012

2012-01-01T19:54:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!!

It's been a while, but I'm back. The last few months have been busy! The year ended well and I'm really looking forward to a good year:) lots of plans for 2012. I will be seeing you guys and hope this year brings everyone good things!!

Until next time...

Sunday quote:

"Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right"--- Oprah

Cheers!

Norma

My loves

2011-09-11T23:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday Quote

2011-09-11T08:37:00.001-07:00

September 11th...

"Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend–even a friend whose name it never knew. “ — President George W. Bush, December 11, 2001

Last weekend

2011-09-10T20:31:00.000-07:00

Wow this week flew by! It's Saturday and I have yet to give you my weekend update. The long weekend was much needed, we did not have any pre-planned activities for labor day weekend. Saturday we got invited to a USC game, the first of the season, with my friend Zabra and her boyfriend Ray. It was my first college football game, very exciting, even though James had explain everything to me, I won't pretend I'm that knowledgable in sports. It was a sea of crimson and gold! Very exciting! To top it off it was a beautiful day out, the weather warm and the sun was shining!

After the game, we headed over to Wurstkuche http://www.wurstkucherestaurant.com/ in DTLA.

James had the duck and jalapeño sausage and I had the turkey chicken chillies and cilantro sausage. Have choices of two different toppings and they provide different mustards to use. You order upfront and then walk through a long hallway to a lounge area with a bar that serves Belgian and German beers. Super tasty!

Can't wait to go back!

Sunday Quote (lyrics)

2011-09-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

"Forever Young"

May god bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you

May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every run
May you stay, forever young
May you stay forever young

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you

May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
And may you stay forever young

Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift

May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung
And may you stay forever young

Long weekend

2011-09-03T09:52:00.001-07:00

So happy it's a long weekend...do not have any particular plans, just do whatever we want to do. I love weekends like this! Now we are off to a USC game at the coliseum!

Have a great weekend!

Cheers!

Sunday Quote

2011-08-28T11:36:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple good quotes for the rest of your life:

"Believe in happy endings, because you are the author of the story of your life"

"Don't delay the happy"

Weekend update

2011-08-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

This weekend was all about food…

Friday- My mom came over for dinner (we had a really nice time just talking about life and sharing a yummy dinner and wine of course). My mother is the best she give really great advise from the heart, she’s so genuine and loving! On the Menu:
Prosciutto wrapped asparagus

Spicy lemon shrimp

Lemon herb red snapper
Red wine to wash it down

Saturday- Drove down to Orange County to visit with my girlfriends (we have been friends for a very long time and its seldom that we all get to hang out together all at once, we had a slumber party, literally sat out by the pool, Allie our host bbq’d for us and made us a yummy dessert)

The night consisted of:

Spicy sausage sandwiches with bell peppers and grilled onions

Garlic fries

Guacamole and chips

Brownie caramel and vanilla ice cream dessert topped with whipped cream

Ice cold Micheladas

A game of Apples to Apples (in our pjs by 9pm)

Even got to hang out with Baby Adrian

Sunday- Had a fabulous breakfast: French toast and chicken sausages and to wash it down, mimosas of course (thanks to Allie yet again, I felt spoiled)

Drove home and the husband was out buying groceries for early dinner he had planned for us:

Fish tacos with Mexican crema and pico de gallo
Tamarindo Margaritas

True Blood, Entourage, and Curb your Enthusiasm

To sum it up, my weekend highly revolved around food and I have no complaints about it;)

Hope you have a wonderful week!!!

Sunday quote

2011-08-21T09:35:00.001-07:00

"The reason people find it so hard to be happy is that they always see the past better than it was, the present worse than it is, and the future less resolved than it will be." --- Marcel Pagnol

Gym Robin

2011-08-18T19:29:00.001-07:00

I'm happy to report that I'm back at the gym after a long hiatus. James and I are going on vacation in a month and I need to tone up. I know, I'm cutting it close, so it's definitely crunch time. Today I came home after taking an intense body sculpting class at the gym, and as I walked in through the door, James looked at me and laughed. I knew I looked terrible, all sweaty and red. I'm not one of those cute gym chicks, I'm totally gym Robin from HIMYM! Haha! He might as well have said" Hey Dude" too funny!

Adele + Wanda Jackson at the Greek

2011-08-16T18:55:00.001-07:00

I was lucky enough to get to see Adele live at the Greek last night. She was absolutely amazing, completely engaging, chatty and funny, blew me away! Her voice is indescribable, of course I expected no less of her. Wanda Jackson opened up for her, she is adorable, she still rocks! She covered Elvis Presley and Amy Winehouse and too was very entertaining. It was a great show from beginning to end!

I found this article on the LA Times Blog and this one on LA Weekly, both worth the read.

Under the weather

2011-08-15T12:01:00.001-07:00

Wasn't feeling well this monday morning, my stomach was achey, so I decided to stay home. I prepared myself a nice hot drink that my mom used to make for me on days like these when I was a kid. Super easy to make.

Fresh mint leaves (from my garden)
Juice of a lemon wedge
Honey
Hot water

So soothing...

P.S. Need to get better because I have concert tickets for Adele tonight. I've been waiting too long for this show, wouldn't miss it for the world!

Happy Monday!

Sunday Quote

2011-08-14T10:13:00.001-07:00

"You are not here to try to get the world to be just as you want it.
You are here to create the world around you that you choose."--- Rhonda Byrne

Pictures of the stairway at Grand Avenue Park in Monrovia

Sunkist

2011-08-13T12:44:00.001-07:00

We had breakfast at Jake's Roadhouse this morning. Best country breakfast, love the lemon raspberry pancakes! We ate at the back patio, we had never sat back there before. Perfect place to have a party;) here are some pics!

Have a happy weekend!

I heart scooters!

2011-08-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

I so want a scooter! A vintage one;) I would love to zip around town on any one of these!

Just like Audrey did on A Roman Holiday! Perhaps one day, maybe even in Italy too;)

Food

2011-08-09T18:14:00.001-07:00

This weekend James and I made milanesa tortas. Very simple to make milanesa, egg over easy, avocado, queso fresco, green salsa, grilled onions, cilantro and a little mayo of course!! Turned out so yum! Here are a few pics...

Sunday Quote

2011-08-07T11:42:00.000-07:00

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams". --- Eleanore Roosevelt

TGIF!!!

2011-08-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

I know....TGIF is so nerdy! However, I truly mean it from the bottom of my heart...it has not been one of my best weeks. Something pretty traumatizing happened to me, and though I do not care to share it (I've been sick to stomach about it), I'm sooooo ready to let it go! So I'll say it again, TGIF TGIF!!!

So I'm posting a picture that makes me happy! We've started to give teddy showers outside in a terra cotta pot and it's just so cute, that it instantly brings a smile to my face when I see it! Hope it does the same for you;)

Have a great weekend friends!

Lazy Sunday

2011-08-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

I woke up early to a drizzly morning today. So James and I decided to go out to breakfast at Le Roy's, a breakfast diner in town. We always drive by it but have never been. Can't believe we waited so long. It's a full on diner with big portions and good coffee.

Afterwards we decided that we stop at Blockbuster and rent some movies. Haven't done that in years, I truly enjoyed looking through the library of DVDs and picking out a movie. Movies are only 50cents to rent on Sundays. So we left with 4 and we watched all of them.

For dinner, we had spaghetti and meatballs, but not sure any meatballs, Calabrian meatballs. My friend Natalie made these for me from a family recipe. Although she didn't give me the recipe, she told me what some of the ingredients were, so I googled recipes with raisin meatballs. I found this recipe , used all the ingredients, not exact measurements and it turned out delicious!

Sunday quote

2011-07-31T09:32:00.000-07:00

"I don't say things because I'm bitter, I say things that everyone else is thinking but no one dares to say"

"I always said that I never wanted to write about love, but then I went & did that anyway"

"I want people to hear my voice and just... forget their troubles for five minutes"

---Amy Winehouse

Saturday Night Out

2011-07-24T17:15:00.001-07:00

Movie night at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. It was our first experience there (tried to go one time before but the movie got sold out, luckily now they sell tickets online), by far one of the coolest things I've ever done in LA. Cinespia has been doing this for 10 seasons now, they have a DJ playing music before and after the movie. The DJ played "Back to Black" to dedicate the night movie to Amy Winehouse who was found dead early Saturday at age 27 (such a tragedy). It was a bit eerie being that we were amongst the dead... We got there a bit early so we took a walk and stumbled upon The Mission Cantina on Sunset. Its a cool mexican cantina we cannot wait to go back...here a few pictures of the night.

Mission Cantina on Sunset

Refreshing Michelada

Tequila Clase Azul

Served Neat

On our way in to Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Setting up a picnic spot

Amongst the Graves and Headstones

Luckily we werent alone

sunday quote

2011-07-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

Picnic

2011-07-23T14:23:00.001-07:00

James and I are going to watch a movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery tonight. The movie is "It Happened One Night" with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. We're packing a picnic and bringing some blankets and pillows to sit on. Now I'm trying to decide what the menu will include...

pasta salad

Sandwich on a baguette

fruit and cheese platter

and a bottle of bubbly of course!

Excited to use our new picnic basket that we received as a birthday present this year!

The little things...

2011-07-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

Good Eats

2011-07-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend James and I tried out a couple of recipes.

Read this article on the New York Times. The mexican garlic soup sounded so delicious I had to try it! Its a simple soup, just changed up the ingredients a bit, it was perfect, even for a summer night.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/20/dining/garlic-soup-as-a-cure-for-the-common-meal-city-kitchen.html?_r=1&ref=dining

We also found this recipe in the new issue of Food and Wine Magazine.

Avocado, Orange, and Jicama Salad

Ingredients

3 navel oranges
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 small jicama (1 pound)—peeled, quartered and thinly sliced
2 Hass avocados, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Directions
1.Using a sharp knife, peel the oranges, removing all of the bitter white pith. Working over a small bowl, cut in between the membranes to release the sections.
2.Squeeze the membranes over a bowl to extract the juice. Whisk in the lime juice, vinegar, oil and cayenne; season with salt and pepper. Add the jicama and let stand for 15 minutes. Fold in the orange sections, avocado, feta and cilantro; serve.

Delicious!

Sunday quote

2011-07-17T10:02:00.000-07:00

" In dreams, we enter a world that's entirely our own"--- Harry Potter

Sun, sun, sun...let it come!

2011-07-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

Dear friends, it's Friday, what are your plans for the weekend?

I plan to get some sun rays for I am pasty white and it's getting rather embarrassing!
To get a mani and pedi because I've been rejecting my poor toes and finger nails.
To renew my passport and book our September trip.
To get back into reading since I haven't read a book in a really long time.
To have a movie date with the hubby;)
To take morning walks into town with the pup.
To take lots of pretty pictures to post next week!

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Ttfn my friends;)

snapshots

2011-07-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

James brought home calla lilles for me on our anniversary, same as my wedding bouquet!

Teddy doing his stretches

The fire pot we found at Home Depot, looks so artsy I love it! Light it up and it keeps the flies away;)

My mom gave us flowers to plant on our anniversary. She made it very clear that we needed to plant, water and nuture it together, like our relationship. Very sweet:)

I picked up this $10 bottle from the grocery store because I liked the name, "Hey Mambo".

James got a new bike, here he is trying to assemble it...so cute!

Cheers to 2!

2011-07-11T17:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary Baby!

Relaxing weekend

2011-07-10T15:27:00.001-07:00

James & I had an eventful yet relaxing weekend. We did not have any set plans so we just went out had lunch at Le Grand Orange, bowled, and had dinner at Sena on Myrtle. Sunday James cousins and wives came by and we hiked up to the waterfall at Canyon Park. Now we are off to dinner at the Derby!

Le Grande Orange, Pasadena

Bowling

Sena on Myrtle

James enjoying a margarita

Ted looking as cute as ever

Canyon Park

Sunday quote

2011-07-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

"Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast". Lewis Carroll Alice in wonderland

Have a happy Sunday!

One way ticket

2011-07-06T18:08:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen those airline commercials, wanna get away? It's some crazy situation that you need to out of stat! They're funny! I find myself thinking constantly of wanting to get away, not because I'm in sticky situation, but just because... James and I are planning to head to Costa Rica soon. He's never been out of the country and I feel that this will be a good place for him to start, theres lots to do and its laid back...ahhh the thought of going on vacation to an exotic destination makes me feel all tingly inside;)

Happy Birthday America!

2011-07-04T17:31:00.000-07:00

God Bless America

Sunday Quote on Monday...

2011-07-04T15:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry friends, this weekend was a busy weekend...so needless to say my quote is not a sunday quote it's, a Monday quote. Enjoy!

" a life without love is like a year without summer"

What song reminds you of the summer time?

2011-07-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

The summer is here and I've found myself listening to alot of happy music!

Here's "Here Comes the Sun" by George Harrison...luv it, makes me think of warm weather, at the beach, playing a ukulele (although I dont know how)...makes me happy!

http://youtu.be/EWwrhUX3iTM

"Here comes the sun and I say, it's alright"

Enjoy!

Happy Monday!

2011-06-27T18:42:00.000-07:00

Was looking through you tube for a song and came upon this video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC5b9hVSSmc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Enjoy!

Happy Friday!

2011-06-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends! What are you up to this weekend? I have a long overdue hair appointment in the am. Then my husband and I are off to south orange county to meet up with our friends. The boys are staying in and Allie & I are meeting up with our best friends (Meg & Irene) for our friends 30th birthday. Sunday... We' re excited to have a glass of red wine while watching True Blood! Can't wait! Have a fab weekend!

Cheers!

Just because...

2011-06-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

"Not all meanings are meant to be clear at once. Some ideas take time. Some words are designed to lead us on inner journeys, with truth hidden deep inside them".--- Brian Froud

Good news

2011-06-23T14:33:00.001-07:00

Adele rescheduled her show at the Greek for August 15th!!! Yay all happy! Made my day;)

First day of summer

2011-06-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

Last night 500 Days of Summer was on cable...of course I had to see it. I love that movie! The music, the scenery of DTLA, the story line, even though it's a sad love story, it's perfect. So real...either way today is the first day of summer so I thought I'd share some movie pics that I found online! Isn't Zooey Deschanel adorable...love her style!

"Most days of the year are unremarkable. They begin, and they end, with no lasting memories made in between. Most days have no impact on the course of a life".

Have a happy day!

Sunday Quote...

2011-06-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

"Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day" ---P.S. I Love You

Happy Fathers Day!

2011-06-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

between two lungs...

2011-06-15T18:04:00.000-07:00

Monday night Nat & I went to the Greek Theatre to see Florence and the Machine. She was wearing a long flowy dress (very Stevie Nicks), she looked angelic. Her voice is amazing. She opened up with "My Boy Builds Coffins" which is one of my favorites...so happy that I had the opportunity to see her live and at the Greek for their first show there. And even though I'm sleep deprived, it was so worth it... It was an awesome night! Found these pics on LA Weekly...beautiful!

Team Zyn

2011-06-13T17:03:00.000-07:00

My family participated in the CF Great Strides walk in Long Beach this past Saturday. It was an awesome experience. As you may know my sister Cyndi lived with this disease for all of her life. This is something I wished we would've gotten involved sooner. However, now that we started, we will do it every year...thanks to all of our friends and family for joining us!

For more information about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation please visit http://www.cff.org/.

Now here are a few silly pictures from the day...

Love you all to pieces!

Laid-back

2011-06-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

I love Friday evenings. Coming home having a glass of wine and barbecuing with my husband. Sitting in our back patio and enjoying the night together. Having good conversation and talking about our week. Listening to music and making plans for our future. Just enjoying each others company.

Just winding down and looking forward to our weekend together...

Cheers!

Some of my favorite things...

2011-06-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

Not in any specific order...

Enjoying our outdoor spaces {in the evening or during the day, whenever}

Ted...he has cutest little face!

Watching movies on TCM {all weekend long if possible}

The LA Times iPad App {I wont lie, anything on my iPad I love, but the LA Times App is fab}

My weekly visits to L & G {I can always find a great outfit there, guaranteed}

The Adele cd is constantly playing in my car {and everywhere else I am} Can't wait to see her in concert, hope her show gets rescheduled soon...

Have a happy week!!!

Summer Fun!

2011-06-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend was nice and relaxing, my friend Meghan came over we had lunch and did some shopping in old town Monrovia. Then we came back to my place had some wine and good coversation in my back patio and made lots of summer plans!

Packing a picnic and enjoying a concert at the Hollywood Bowl

Backyard Movie Parties

Girls night in margarita party!

Makes for a good summer...can't wait!!!

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-31T18:39:00.001-07:00

What a nice southern California weekend! For a little while there Saturday I thought the sun wasn't going to come out and as a matter of fact it actually drizzled Sunday, either way it turned out to be a sunny weekend over all. We had a nice relaxing time, our friends came up on Saturday, we barbecued and made some sangria, had breakfast at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles (Yum!!!), and went to the movies...

Palm Springs Weekend

2011-05-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

This past weekend James & I took a little vacation to Palm Springs. We stayed at the http://www.delmarcoshotel.com/, a little 17 room retro hotel in down town. It was just what we needed, a nice salt water pool right outside of our room, with a view of the San Jacinto mountains. 1940s music playing in the backround and at check in they greeted us with iced cold tecate. The weather was perfect. Vegged out by the pool in the hot sun. We lunched at Pomme Frittes and Las Casuelas, dined at LGs Steakhouse, and had drinks at theViceroy. A much needed long weekend.

Williams E. Stewart Room

Pool View from our patio

Margaritas at Las Casuelas

On the way out we stopped by Marylin Monroe's house...such a nostalgic weekend!

Mother's Day

2011-05-07T14:49:00.000-07:00

It's Mother's Day tomorrow and since I'm not a mom yet, James & I will be celebrating the mothers in our lives by having a BBQ. It was last minute, so today I'm looking up some recipes and making up my menu which will include potato salad (copy cat of Juan Pollo's famous potato salad), corn on the cobb, and steak, chicken and veggie skewers. Also a fresh fruit salad for dessert. Very simple menu, which will require less time in the kitchen and more time spent with my favorite moms. For beverages I found the recipe for my favorite white wine sangria from La Grande Orange Cafe in Pasadena...if you havent been you must go. http://www.laostationcafe.com/ I searched for the recipe online and found it on the LA Times.

Ingredients:

2 Bottles of Pinot Grigio
1 1/3 c Orange Juice 1/2 c Triple Sec
1/4 c Brandy
1/2 c Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla Bean Extract
1 1/2 Sliced Orange
1/2 Sliced Lemon
1/2 Sliced Apple
Large Bunch of Grapes

Directions:
With wire whisk mix sugar, OJ, triple sec, brandy, and wine in a pitcher and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add extract and mix well. Add fruit to pitcher. Serve over ice and use fruit slices as garnish.

Doesnt it sound great! Perfect for summer!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Norma

Music

2011-04-08T23:49:00.001-07:00

I'm sitting here listening to music, it always comes back to music, The Clash, Oasis, The Offspring, Pearl Jam, Joan Jett, Blondie, Radiohead, etc...every song I listen to takes me back to the place where I was when I first listened to it. Funny thing is I never thought of myself as having a good memory. However, I seem to remember everything so clearly tonight. Dont know if it's because I'm just so inspired that my mind is opened so widely, whatever it may be, my mind is so receptive to those memories. Whatever it may be, it makes my whole body tingle. It makes me feel so happy, so sad, and so crazy, because I cannot contain that feeling inside of me. That feeling that only music can make me feel, that passion that only music can bring to me, that feeling that makes life stop in its tracks. All I can think and say is Wow! As dense and non creative as that sounds, that's all that runs through my head, because the electricity inside of me is over bearing. I honestly dont even know how I'm typing or thinking as a matter of fact. And wherever I was going with this I cannot even remember...

Rainbow

2010-11-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

Well i woke up this morning,
rainbow filled the sky
Yes I woke up this morning,
rainbow filled the sky
That was God tellin' me,
Everything's gonna be alright
Well so long, good friends,
When will we meet again?
I said so long good friends,
When will we meet again?
Well i don't know, i don't know,
But I guess I'll see you then...
Well I'm gonna pack my old guitar,
Move on down the road,
I'm gonna pack my old guitar,
and move on down the road (where you gonna go?)
Where I'll go, I don't know, But I guess I's gots to go
When I woke up this morning,
a rainbow filled the sky
When I woke up this morning,
a rainbow filled the sky,
Well that was God tellin me,
Everything...
Everything is gonna be alright....

I wish I were there

2010-10-27T19:14:00.001-07:00

Today was my first day back at work since being out sick...still don't feel great but much better than the last few days. Just wanted to share this picture I found in the LA Times of the Sierras...how beautiful! I wish I were there in a warm cabin snuggled up in front of the fireplace with my honey:)

chicken soup for my soul

2010-10-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

James and I came down with something, we both are out of commission. Just laying on the couch snuggled up under blankets watching TV. (too bad for me it's football sunday) I'm making caldo de pollo con arroz, mom says that's the cure. I hope so because I feel terrible and I dont want it to linger.

Happy Birthday mama!

2010-10-22T07:43:00.001-07:00

Today is my mom's 56th birthday! We will be celebrating her tonight over a nice family dinner and few glasses of wine...Cheers!

These boots are made for walkin'

2010-10-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

I just got a brand new pair of flat saddle boots and I absolutely adore them…wore them for the first time today! I stepped out of my box a bit and wore black dress, black tights and my saddle boots! Personally I think I look pretty sharp! I caught a little slack over it, but as you all can see, I’m not the only one…

Here’s an article I found: http://alittlelace.com/?cat=17

And Kate Moss…

Would you say Kate Moss doesn’t know how to put clothes together? Hmmm...

Or Emily from Cupcakes & Cashmere? She doesnt have the boots but the colors, all black with saddle shoes...so cute, right?

Ready boots, start walkin’ …

soup du jour

2010-10-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

Rainy weather calls for warm savory soup at least to me it does, it’s just so warm and comforting. Monday night I made a roasted butternut squash soup recipe I found in my Bride & Groom First and Forever Cook book, which I received from my then boyfriend, now husband before we were even engaged, he picked it up while in Napa on a business trip, I should’ve known then that the proposal was coming soon, but that’s a whole other story. I followed the recipe exactly except for the nutmeg, since I didn’t have any on hand, instead I used cayenne pepper, which added a more peppery spiciness to it. It turned out quite yummy! Warms you right up, just perfect for a cold rainy night!

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Crème Heart Swirls·

1 2 ½ – pound butternut squash (3 cups, cooked)·

1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for brushing·

1 tablespoon unsalted butter·

1 medium yellow onion, chopped·

½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste·

Freshly ground pepper·

3 tablespoons calvados or brandy·

3 ½ cups homemade chicken stock, vegetable stock, or two 14-ounce cans chicken or vegetable broth, plus more as needed·

¾ cup evaporated milk·

Fresh grated nutmeg, or pinch of ground nutmeg·

2 tablespoons sour cream

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Cut the squash in half, lengthwise. Brush the squash flesh with olive oil, and place face-down on a roasting pan. Check the squash after 34 to 45 minutes, though it could take over an hour. When the squash is very soft and yields to the touch, remove from the oven and let cool enough to handle, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, add the olive oil and butter to a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Be careful that the onion does not color at all. Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Add the Calvados and cook until the liquid evaporates. Remove from heat.

Once the squash has cooled, remove the seeds, and scoop out the squash flesh, discarding the skin. Place in a small bowl. You will need 3 cups of butternut squash for this recipe. Reserve an extra for later use.

Combine half of the cooked squash, half of the onion, half of the chicken stock, and half of the evaporated milk in a blender, and blend until smooth. Pour back into a medium heavy-bottomed pot. Repeat, blending the second half of the squash, onion, chicken broth, and evaporated milk. Once blended, pour into the pot with the first batch. Season with kosher salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. (Adjust consistency, if necessary, with more chicken stock or water.)

Place the sour cream in a small bowl and stir using a spoon, until silky smooth. Thin slightly by stirring in 2 teaspoons of warm water. Divide the soup among the number of bowls to be served. With a small spoon, drop 5 small, pea-size dots, in a circle, on top of the soup. Take a sharp knife, and run the knife straight through the dot, creating a heart shape. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Sigh No More

2010-10-19T17:15:00.000-07:00

“Love that will not betray you, dismay or enslave you / It will set you free.”--- Sigh No More, Mumford & Sons

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/10/live-review-mumford-sons-at-the-palladium.html

So after reading this review today, I am super bummed I didn’t make it to this show even though me and Natalie talked about going repeatedly! Never again will I let an opportunity like this pass me by. Yes, I’m very dramatic, but music does this to me…

Elvis me, please...

2010-10-19T14:14:00.000-07:00

Heard this song this morning and I just had to post the lyrics...Who does'nt love Elvis, right?

Suspicious Minds---Elvis Presley

We're caught in a trap

I can't walk out

Because I love you too much baby

Why can't you see

What you're doin' to me

When you don't believe a word I say?

We can't go on together

With suspicious minds

And we can't build our dreams

On suspicious minds,

if an old friend I know

Drops by to say hello

Would I still see suspicion in your eyes?

Here we go again

Askin' where I've been

You can't see these tears are real

I'm cryin' (Yes, I'm cryin')

We can't go on together

With suspicious minds

And we can't build our dreams

On suspicious minds

Oh let our love survive

Ah dry the tears from your eyes

Let's don't let a good thing die

When honey, you know

I've never lied to you

Mm, mm, mm, mm, mm

Yeah, yeah

We're caught in a trap

I can't walk out

Because I love you too much baby

Why can't you see

What you're doin' to me

When you don't believe a word I say?

Now don't you know I'm

Caught in a trap

I can't walk out

Because I love you too much baby

classic movie night

2010-10-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night while James was visiting with his dad, I stayed in and finally had the chance to watch Splendor in the Grass (which I had on my DVR since August) with Natalie Wood and Warren Beaty. I had seen it once before, however it was like seeing it for the first time again. If you havent had the chance to see it, you should. It’s a heartbreaking love story…the title was taken from this poem, which says it all.

“What though the radiance which was once so bright

Be now for ever taken from my sight,

Though nothing can bring back the hour

Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;

We will grieve not, rather find

Strength in what remains behind”.

--- William Wordsworth

Halloween season

2010-10-15T07:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

Let the Halloween festivities begin! Halloween is by far my favoritest holiday! (Fact: James proposed to me on Halloween morning) This weekend is the first costume party of many this Halloween season! It’s my friend Maya’s 30th Birthday party! And I’m super excited to see everyone’s costumes!!! I’m putting the finishing touches on mine and James costumes tonight and I have very high hopes for them to turn out fab! I will post pictures soon:) Here's a little clue...

Since I love getting spooked, here are a few things I plan to do this Halloween season:

Griffith Park Haunted Hayride
http://www.losangeleshauntedhayride.com/

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Tour
http://www.cemeterytour.com/

Cinespia cemetery screenings
www.cinespia.org/

Old Town Pasadena Haunt
http://www.oldtownhaunt.com/

Happy Hauntings!

10.10.10

2010-10-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

October 10, 2010

We Never Change Do We---Coldplay

I wanna live life and never be cruel.
I wanna live life and be good to you.
And I wanna fly and never come down.
And live my life and have friends around.
We never change, do we? no, no
We never learn, do we?
So I wanna live in a wooden house.
I wanna live life and always be true.
I wanna live life and be good to you.
And I wanna fly and never come down.
And live my life and have friends around.
We never change, do we? No, no
We never learn, do we?
So I wanna live in a wooden house,
where making more friends would be easy.
Oh, and I don´t have a soul to save.
Yes, and I sin every single day.
We never change, do we?
We never learn, do we?
So I wanna live in a wooden house,
Where making more friends would be easy.
I wanna live where the sun comes out ...

Hmmm...just seemed appropriate, I guess. A melancholy song for a melancholy day.

Here's a song for Cyndi...because she loved it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqSKVv6YO8g

Autumn=warm soups

2010-10-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

With the cold weather and rain here in southern California, I've been making soups this week, Monday I made my mother inlaws (Momma Rina) chicken & dumplings (secret recipe), and it was fab,my hubby was real excited when he tasted it, said that it was as good as his momma's:) Last night I busted out the crock pot and made some chili, James picked up these fresh veggies from my local Farmer market Dogwood's, love that place. Here's what I used, but I'm still making adjustments, I think it needs more spice, but it's a start.

Chili Recipe:
1.25 lbs ground turkey

1 yellow onion chopped

1 red onion diced

5 cloves of garlic minced

Chicken broth 12 oz or so

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 large can of pinto beans drained

1 medium size can of red kidney beans drained

2 green bell peppers diced

1 red bell pepper diced

2 jalapenos diced

2 serranos diced

2 large beefsteak tomatoes chopped

6 tomatillos chopped

Pinch of cumin (ground)1 tsp.

New Mexico chili powder

Salt & pepper to taste

In a skillet brown turkey, yellow onion, 2 cloves of garlic in oliveoil, season with salt & pepper.

Meanwhile, prepare the rest of the veggies.In a crock pot, add onion, bell peppers, garlic, broth, tomato paste,beans, then drained turkey once its browned, stir, turn to low heat andcover.

In same skillet used for turkey, add tomatoes, tomatillos, let sweat then add jalapenos and serrano chilies, let cook until it becomes a sauce.

Add tomato mixture to crock pot, cumin, chili powder, kosher salt &pepper to taste (at least tsp. each) stir.

Let cook covered 6-8 hours on low. Check for flavor once it gets hot.

Garnish with your favorite toppings. I added shredded cheddar cheese and cilantro to my bowl! Yum!

Next time I'll add some more jalapenos and serranos, a bit more cumin, some oregano, and a little birdy told me cocoa gives good flavor, so I'll add some too:)

Happy eatings!

out with the ladies

2010-10-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

Tonight we’re celebrating a few of my bestest birthdays…we’re going out to dinner at Green Street Tavern http://greenstreettavern.net/ in Pasadena, really excited to check this place out! Looking forward to catching up with the girls, it’s been a while since we’ve all been together! We were all inseparable at one time. This is much needed…have a great weekend!

hurry up cool weather!

2010-09-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

It’s autumn! Officially, but it sure doesn't seem like it out! Crazy southern California weather. Here I am patiently waiting for the cold weather...waiting, waiting, and waiting to start wearing boots, jeans, and sweaters;) I love the fall season!

I cannot wait to get my costumes ready for Halloween this year! So many ideas!
To make delicious roasted pumpkin and butternut squash soup, yum!
To find the perfect pair of brown leather flat boots to break in!
To decorate for all the fun holidays that are on the way!
To get into my Christmas gift project for the year!
And much much more…Happy Autumn!

Birthday wishes

2010-09-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well…it’s been a while. I have been neglecting my poor little blog and my very few readers. Still have so much to catch up on…

It’s Monday September 13, 2010, its two of my favorite people in the world birthday, first, my little sister Alex is turning 18 today, wow! I cannot believe it, time sure does fly, I could still picture her running around our house wearing her pink “kikini” and pink cowboy boots, and would only let us change her outfit if it was for her Belle or Cinderella dress, she was so adorable! And second my best friend Grace (more like a sister) turns 31 today, Grace & I have known each other since we were 14, we would cruise around our neighborhood giggling and thinking we were so cool. So funny, seems like ages ago. How I miss those times…

Happy birthday to my favorite girls!!! Love you both to pieces!

update

2010-09-02T07:48:00.001-07:00

It's Thursday and I'm barely posting pictures from last weekend! What a bad blogger;)

Teddy's graduation!

Gonzalez Family portraits

My nieces

Sisters & mom

James & I at a high school dance.. haha! Looks like it;)

Happy Weekend!

2010-08-27T18:33:00.000-07:00

Wow! This week flew by, I honestly didn’t even realize it was Friday! This weekend my puppy bear graduates from his dog obedience class! We are so proud of him!

Xoxo

But will it make you happy?

2010-08-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine forwarded this article about simple living to me a couple of weeks ago and I finally had the chance to read it and I think you should too…
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/08/business/08consume.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1&src=busln

This goes hand in hand with how I’ve been feeling lately…I want to become a happiness ninja!!!! http://rowdykittens.com/2010/08/happiness-ninja/#more-17379

day two, three, and four...

2010-08-23T17:46:00.000-07:00

I’ve been reading back a my blog posts and I feel terrible, I just feel like I’ve been being so negative, and I’m trying to turn this into a positive. This weekend was a blur, I finally got to that point, I need to center and balance myself…so I’ve decided, in the next 30 days I will work on myself, inward out, I will only surround myself with positive people who I can gain inspiration through, and I will begin to paint again. I will get my husband involved, break our routine, spend more time outdoors instead of in a gym or watching tv, and enjoy new things together. It’ll in turn make us grow together and strengthen our relationship. Guess its day one all over again…

day one

2010-08-20T13:25:00.000-07:00

Does life have to be mundane? How and where do I get inspiration? Do I lack creativity? Am I not thinking outside the box? I need an artistic outlet!

My day consists of working 8:30ish to 5pm (which actually means 7:15am to 5:30 because of drive time), going to the gym (which means I don’t get home until 7pm), walking the dog with my hubby, showering, making dinner, having a glass of wine, watching tv, maybe reading a bit or surfing the net (blogs, FB, shopping, etc). Then going to bed and getting up the next day and doing it all over again, by the way this is Monday through Friday. On the weekends we usually have stuff to do, dog obedience classes for our puppy, family stuff, house cleaning, etc…when do I make time for my art? Am I too lazy to? Am I not passionate enough to make time for it? Am I really just making excuses????? So I guess for today, I will make an effort to make time in the now…

Seeking inspiration--- Tonight (Pizza & movie with the girls) Nat, Meg, & I are going to Pizza n Such for dinner and then we’re catching the 7 o’clock showing of Eat, Pray, Love, so that may just push me over the top or inspire me to just go and seek pleasure in life! To be continued…

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable." --- Helen Keller

Have a great weekend!

one day at a time

2010-08-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

I’ve come to realize that I am not happy where I am as far as a career, I’ve always felt like I was made for more than just a 8-5 office job, but I’ve gotten comfortable where I am at. Now that my 9 year anniversary is only 2 months away, that feeling of not being satisfied is pulling at me hard and weighing me down. I’ve gone to culinary school, I’ve been to college and still have yet to find what fulfills my soul. I love to write but am not anywhere near my full potential, I love to cook, but I'm afraid not for a living, I love painting, but not a gifted painter, and so on... Many people have these fabulous creative ideas and they make a living with doing what they love, I admire and want that, yet I cannot seem to find my nitch. So now, I find myself here again, what should I do? So I have decided that I give myself until the end of the year to make this change. I will, one day at a time move forward in the right direction, to a new life, to a new me, to a happy place. Any ideas or suggestions?

weekend fun!

2010-08-16T18:30:00.001-07:00

We had a really good weekend! James & I got new bikes, did some shopping in Downtown Pasadena, and we took family pictures, it was a really nice weekend! But this morning we both woke up with a bad cold, James had been sick since last week, but it finally hit him and he took me down with him. A cold in the summer is no fun, today we literally just laid on our couch all day in and out of sleep. It's horrible;( Ok, I'm done feeling sorry for myself, here are some pictures of the weekend!

Cousins

The Perines

Perine kids

Perine Girls

Perine Boys

cruising around town...

2010-08-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday! Today James & I purchased new bikes, they're cruisers, super cute! Perfect for riding around town in;) We rode them home from the store, we worked up an appetite so we stopped by the Monrovia Market Grill to pick up some sandwiches and rode the rest of the way home! Have a great weekend!

oh special day!

2010-08-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

My good friend is getting married at the courthouse today, they just decided last minute to do it. I think it's so romantic, has me all giggly! Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Di Benedetto!!! Here are a few pictures I found around the web of some awesome courthouse weddings.

And here's a few pictures of the happy couple! "Going to the Chapel"...

we're back!

2010-08-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

We’re back from the beach! It was a nice week of relaxing in the sun, bike riding on the board walk, indulging in food and wine (or whatever we felt like), ahhh, just what I needed...pictures soon to follow;)

officially on holiday!

2010-07-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to spending a relaxing week at the beach! Have a fabulous week! Xo

today, everyday

2010-07-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning, groggy and tired as usual, after snoozing my alarm a few times (actually I think I might have turned it off and just used my husband’s alarm instead), made myself get out of bed, pet my puppy bear who was sleeping at my feet, like usual, and got into the shower, still exhausted after 8 hours of sleep…hmmm. What happened? Got myself ready, my usual routine, showered, brushed my teeth, washed my face, brushed my hair, blow dried my bangs, lotioned up, face & body, then half did my make up, not feeling it today. Got dressed, ran into the kitchen, grabbed a cup of coffee, which my husband so graciously makes every morning (thanks babe), grabbed lunch, got my gym bag( which is really a tote), my purse, kissed my husband goodbye, petted my puppy again, and off I went to work. A 45 minute drive, 0 to 80 in no time, as usual my thoughts start, this is my time, heading east on the 210, 45 minutes on my way to work, turn on the radio, sing a bit, turn off the radio, because silence seems more peaceful, of course being who I am, I have conversations and arguments with myself, sometimes I talk to God (not as often as I should), then I settle on a day dream, ahhh, my time…

“packing up, flying in, 1 bedroom apartment, my husband, fabulous job, the city, walking along the streets with puppy bear, camera in hand, fall, wind, dinner, décor, rooftop patio, glass of red wine, cozy bed, book shelves, my little family, a new life…”

I exit on Milliken, as usual, cross the railroad tracks, turn into the driveway, pull into a parking space, put my car on park, grab my purse, my tote, my coffee, walk through the dealership, smile and say good morning, as usual, walk up to my office, sit at my desk, and take my gone home off my phone, as usual…

Lucky for me, tomorrow at 5pm, I will be officially on vacation for a week...ahhhh, my time;)

Happy weekend!

2010-07-23T07:22:00.000-07:00

Here it is Friday and I still havent posted pictures from last Sunday's concert at the Hollywood Bowl, it was a blast. Meg, Natalie, & I packed a picnic and took the park & ride down there, got there early had a picnic and really enjoyed our time! The Bird & the Bee, She & Him, and The Swell Season, made for a really good night;)

What are your plans for the weekend? I'm really looking forward to it, we're having a bbq tomorrow with my friends and I'm really excited to see everyone;) Cheers!

2010-07-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

She and Him - Home

California is a great big nation of one
They never knew what they wanted til it was already gone
What do they do with the light in the morning when they wake up alone?
They just go home
They just go home
Youre the nicest, nicest boy Ive ever met
and then
I think about you then I think about you again
And again
Why dont we just sit and stare and do nothing?
Nothing at all for a while
I like the way you smile I could be your state and I could be your nation
It doesnt get better than home, now does it?
Doesnt get better than home, now does it?
I could be your welcome, I could be your greeter
I could be sweet and I could be sweeter
I want to be where your heart is home
I want to see you with the light in the morning
Theres never been such a beautiful warning to me, to me
Why dont we just sit and stare and do nothing?
Nothing at all for a while, I like the way you smile I could be your state and I could be your nation
It doesnt get better than home, now does it?
Doesnt get better than home, now does it?
I could be your welcome, I could be your greeter
I could be sweet and I could be sweeter
I want to be where your heart is home
I want to be where your heart is home...

Looking forward to seeing She & Him at the Hollywood Bowl tomorrow night!

Happy weekend!

weekend getaway

2010-07-12T18:26:00.000-07:00

James & I just got back from a weekend in Solvang. We drove up on Saturday morning, and stopped in downtown Ventura to have a beer at Dargan's and to visit Serra Cross Park, where we got married. Then took the 154 up to the Santa Ynez Valley, it was a beautiful drive, it felt as though we were in another country, the rolling hills, vineyards and Cachuma lake were quite a sight! Driving into Solvang made me feel like a kid, it has a fairy tale feel about it! We stayed at the Wine Valley Inn & Cottages, a boutique hotel with an old world feel, it even had a wood burning fireplace. We did some wine tasting, olive oil & vinegar tasting (which I've never done before), ate alot of good food & pastries, shared alot of laughs, wrote in our journal (yes, corny, but we've been doing it since we first met) and just enjoyed our time together...It was a perfect trip.

At the cross, where we became husband and wife the year before.

Our hotel

Solvang and its many treats! Yum!

We had lunch at Panino in Los Olivos, a little town 5 miles north of Solvang.

my sandwich was to die for...

Olive oil and vinegar tasting...we came home with a great olive oil and a fig vinegar, can't wait to use it in a salad. Yum!

Carhartt Winery- We brought a couple of bottles home, of course...

Santa Ynez

Sunstone Winery

we shared a wonderful meal at Mirabelle for our anniversary, so delicious!

James looking through their extensive wine list...

Me and my bubbly!

and of course, Mortensen's Bakery, we had to bring danishes home;)

All you need is love...

2010-07-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

James & I are off to the Santa Ynez Valley to celebrate our first year anniversary! Looking forward to doing some wine tasting, eating some delicious food, bicycling through the vineyards, and spending some time away together;)

Can't wait to throw on some shorts, a tank, sunglasses, and a hat to enjoy the warm California weather!!! Have a fabulous weekend! Cheers;)

4th of July weekend festivities

2010-07-05T08:14:00.001-07:00

This weekend was so much fun! Saturday we went to the Hootenanny, a Rockabilly Festival in Irvine, my younger sister’s boyfriend’s band played, The Straight Jacket Psychos, they’re psychobilly and they’re really good! Devil Doll, 3 Bad Jacks, The Old 97s, and Shooter Jennings also played amongst others, like Chuck Berry and Nick 13…unfortunately Jerry Lee Lewis cancelled. James was very excited to take a picture with Devil Doll, he has a crush on herJ hehe! On Sunday, we had family & friends over for a 4th of July bbq, just good old hamburgers & hotdogs, mac & cheese, and pasta salad! At 8pm we walked down to Library Park to watch the firework celebration, it was a great time! Here’s a collage of pictures from the weekend!

ahhh summer

2010-06-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

I picked up the new People today, 50 most amazing bodies, couldn't help myself. Jennifer Love Hewitt had the cuttest Betsy Johnson swimsuit on and she's rocking it, yay her! I so want it!

Isn't it adorable, I love Betsy Johnson! Her clothes is so playful and fun! I'm also really liking the Jantzen Heritage line, it's very retro inspired, 1930's, 40's, 50s, and 60s swimsuit reproductions, they're absolutely adorable!

Time to get a new swimsuit!

I heart outdoor showers!

2010-06-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

I was flipping through the June issue of Sunset Magazine, and I saw something that caught my eye, a guy bathing in an outdoor shower (it wasn't the guy that my eye) it was the idea of being able to take a shower outside in this hot summer weather that's just arrived. Doesn't that sound so refreshing! Then today I log onto my MSN homepage, and there it is again, the same picture, DIY build your own backyard shower...I think it's a sign, I want one! We have a small back area, but we do have the perfect corner for it and on sunset.com/outdoorshower, they'll tell you exactly how to do it, it can be as simple as using a garden hose hook up, or as extravagant as these;)
Luv the art deco blue & green ceramic tile! So festive!

This one's very ethnic, definitely a sacred place!

And this one's is just like an outdoor shower, so colorful & inviting!

Sunshine...

2010-06-21T18:06:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, the first day of summer. Reminds me of when I was a kid, on those hot summer days, running through the sprinklers...those were the days;) My sisters & I circa 1983

a walk through our neighborhood

2010-06-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

This morning myself, James, and our friend Allie walked down to Jake's Roadhouse to have breakfast. They have the best lemon pancakes and they serve them with fresh raspberries and raspberry syrup, they are so fluffy...yum!

Yum!

Aardvarks that just opened in our neighborhood!

The local Krikorian Theatres

On our way back we stopped by the Gastro London Pub

we had mimosas!

And we walked by the Sunday Park Farmer's market...

It was a beautiful day out!

it's saturday...

2010-06-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

what are your plans for the weekend? James & I just got back from a jog with the pup, we are having a nice quiet weekend, not too much planned, our friends Allie & Travis are coming up and we're all going to my brother and sister in laws for a bunco party (should be fun!), and then having brunch with my family tomorrow...

Now, on to music, I really love this song...I dont know the meaning of it, but I cant stop singing it. Sounds kind of melancholy.

Broken Bells- The High Road

We're bound to wait all night.

She's bound to run amok.

Invested enough in it anyhow,

To each his own…

The Garden needs sorting out.

She curls her lips on the bow,

And I don't know if I'm dead or not,

To anyone...

Come on and get the minimum,

Before you open up your eyes.

This army has so many heads,

To analyze...

Come on and get your overdose.

Collect it at the borderline,

And they want to get up in your head...

Cause they know and so do I.

The high road is hard to find.

A detour to your new life.

Tell all of your friends goodbye.

The dawn to end all nights,

That's all we hoped it was.

A break from the warfare in your house,

To each his own...

A soldier is bailing out.

He curled his lips on the barrel.

And I don't know if the dead can talk,

To anyone...

Come on and get the minimum.

Before you open up your eyes.

This army has so many hands,

Are you one of us?

Come on and get your overdose.

Collect it at the borderline,

And they want to get up in your head...

Cause they know and so do I.

The high road is hard to find.

A detour to your new life.

Tell all of your friends goodbye.

It's too late to change your mind,

You let loss be your guide.

It's too late to change your mind,

You let loss be your guide.

It's too late to change your mind,

You let loss be your guide.

It's too late to change your mind,

You let loss be your guide.

Simply summer...

2010-06-10T22:19:00.000-07:00

As a child I always wanted a tree house, but now that I'm older, perhaps I might be able to stay in one. Especially now that the temperature is starting to rise, I can't stop day dreaming about summer vacation and camping trips. Here are a few cool tree houses I've found around the web, would'nt it be awesome to spend a few days in any of these, what a unique experience that would be;)

http://freespiritspheres.com/

http://www.costaricatreehouse.com/

http://www.cedarcreektreehouse.com/

www.treehouses.com/

I love Audrey Hepburn!

2010-06-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

so I was very happy to read this on "Happiness is..." today...

"…I believe laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing; kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles."
- Audrey Hepburn

She was such a beautiful being!

Check out the post here, the pictures she posted capture her charm and beauty so perfectly!
http://shannoneileenblog.typepad.com/happiness-is/2010/06/audreys-wise-words.html

Here's a picture of her in "Love in the Afternoon" my favorite Audrey movie!

When I'm sixty-four...

2010-06-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

When I get older losing my hair,

Many years from now,

Will you still be sending me a valentine

Birthday greetings bottle of wine?

If I'd been out till quarter to three

Would you lock the door,

Will you still need me, will you still feed me,

When I'm sixty-four?

oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oooo

You'll be older too, (ah ah ah ah ah)

And if you say the word,

I could stay with you.

I could be handy mending a fuse

When your lights have gone.

You can knit a sweater by the fireside

Sunday mornings go for a ride.

Doing the garden, digging the weeds,

Who could ask for more?

Will you still need me, will you still feed me,

When I'm sixty-four?

Every summer we can rent a cottage

In the Isle of Wight, if it's not too dear

We shall scrimp and save

Grandchildren on your knee

Vera, Chuck, and Dave

Send me a postcard, drop me a line,

Stating point of view.

Indicate precisely what you mean to say

Yours sincerely, Wasting Away.

Give me your answer, fill in a form

Mine for evermore

Will you still need me, will you still feed me,

When I'm sixty-four?Whoo!

---The Beatles

Looking forward to this summer!

2010-06-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

This passed weekend was really fun! Had a picnic at the beach with a bunch of old friends, we just mingled, ate, took pictures, and even though it was overcast the whole time, it really made me excited for the summer!

Looking forward to getting alot of beach time...

Summer movies

Summer concerts

Road trips...

Warm summer nights and so much that Cali has to offer!

"Alc-O-Vision"

2010-06-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

I COULD blame Don Draper, but if it was anyone’s fault, it was Robert Mitchum’s. There he was early in one of my all-time favorite films, “Out of the Past,” sipping bourbon in a little bar in Acapulco (or a Hollywood version thereof), waiting for the girl, thinking about how the day went away like a pack of cigarettes you smoked. But, baby, I didn’t care. I was thinking, man, that bourbon looks good. So I paused Mitchum midsentence, went over to the liquor cabinet and then the freezer, and poured myself a Knob Creek on the rocks. And then another.

Read on...
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/12/dining/12movies.html?scp=1&sq=dvd%20and%20drink%20pairing&st=cse

So Sabrina it is, not only because I love Audrey Hepburn films, but because I also enjoy vodka martinis, chilled, dirty, and with olives! So what movie and which drink will you pair?

It's June!

2010-06-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

The long weekend is over...this week I will hit the gym hard, since I slacked off last week only going once, bad for this time of the year. Time to make up for it!

Have a great week!

a long weekend...

2010-05-28T14:09:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to a long weekend of no set plans...perhaps heading out to the beach, visiting with friends and family, maybe some shopping, but definitely getting some sun and eating some delicious food;) Hope you all have a great long weekend! Xo

Oh, the places you will go...

2010-05-25T22:47:00.000-07:00

Today my baby sister graduated high school! So proud of her...she has her whole life ahead of her and anything she wants is within her reach;) Love you lil girl!

journeys

2010-05-24T18:16:00.000-07:00

Found this in the New York Times, wouldn’t it be a dream to experience a little bit of Italy this way, in a place rich with history, or anywhere else in the world for that matter! I hope to one day… http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/05/23/travel/23journeys.html?ref=travel

Here’s the slideshow, this albergo diffuso (scattered hotel) called Sextantio, looks awesome!http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/05/23/travel/20100523ALBERGO.html

something to warm us up...

2010-05-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

The weather is beautiful out today, cool and brisk, so I made sweet pea & spinach soup for my honey & I, and he made us some bloody mary's to enjoy the Lakers & Suns game with.

Here's the recipe I used, but instead of making croutons, I bought warm freshly baked french bread to dip into it...tastes so fresh & the color is so vibrant, yum!
http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/sweet-pea-soup-with-ham-and-croutons

Enjoy!