tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61389590761608835582024-02-06T21:34:16.132-07:00Amusing Escapades With MadiMadihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-81615832059499110892011-10-12T12:29:00.000-06:002011-10-12T12:29:23.638-06:00WeddingWow. I am so happy. It makes me almost speechless. I have so many loved ones around me. Especially, TJ. He makes me feel so beautiful and so happy. Planning a wedding, getting ready for the holidays, considering moving, and living my life has been stressful. However, on Monday I was dying to go dress shopping again. My first time was at David's Bridal. I found some beautiful dresses, and it was more so to get my feet wet. I thought I liked this one by Vera Wang that was a Grecian dress with a sash. I loved it and I always have wanted to wear Vera Wang. However, I knew I wasn't ready. So a month later I heard Priscilla of Boston was closing their business and everything was discounted. I tried on over 20 dresses! Everything was a giant blur. However, I learned that I liked high empire waist dresses, and I found a gorgeous dress. But it was $1700 for a VERY simple dress. I would've had to add a lot to make it sparkle. So I said no. Finally, I decided to go to a boutique in the Springs called Something New. They had a fabulous selection, and it was kind of last minute. I tried to find something, but nothing was coming close. At the second to last dress, I tried on a gorgeous A-line dress with amazing embellishment. I knew as soon as I put it on. My heart was warm. I thought of my fiance, my family, my friends. Everyone close in my life was on my mind in this dress. I didn't stop smiling. I didn't want to get out of the dress. My wonderful consultant, Lisa, grabbed two bridesmaid dresses, one purple, one sage, and a dark grey jacket, put everything next to me, and that's when I broke down. It was that moment when I knew I found my eternal partner, and that he was going to be my husband and best friend forever and ever. My heart dropped and I walked around the store for 30 minutes because I didn't want to get out of that dress. Saying farewell to my dress, I immediately called my dad. I explained the dress to him and sent him pictures. My dress is on clearance so it is a lot cheaper. And I hardly need any alterations since it has a corset back, just a hem and bustle. That's it. And of course it needs to be cleaned. Plus the fixing of the beading is free and the steaming is, too!!! After convincing my dad, I was sad not talking to my mom. She is currently on a cruise in the Caribbean. How fun. However, the next day my mom was in port somewhere and texted me! I sent her pictures. She said I had to get it and it made her cry. =] Today, I went to the shop. Bought my Maggie Sottero named Nevaya, stopped at work to kiss my fiance. Now I'm home wearing my dress as I type this. I feel amazing. It makes me happy. Planning the wedding and finding a dress has been difficult, but now I have a symbol of hope. The dress is proof that this is not a dream. Now I need a venue and everything after that falls into place. <br />
My colors are <span style="color: #a64d79;">lavender</span>, <span style="color: #6aa84f;">sage green</span>, and <span style="color: black;">ivory</span>. The theme is "Fall in Love" since that date is October 5, 2012. I was thinking of having it at the Fine Arts Center, Red Rocks Amphitheater, or the Denver Opera House. I'm hoping by the end of the year we will have decided.<br />
We made an awesome wedding website where we will be posting information for our guests over the next year for every detail. <a href="http://madisontyler.ourwedding.com/"> http://madisontyler.ourwedding.com/</a>. It will have our registry, place of wedding, ideal accommodations for everyone's budget, and fun things to do while you are in town. Also I might make a FAQ after I get more questions about the wedding. We are just so excited and it's all TJ and I ever talk about now. We love our loved ones, and we both can not wait til we share our day with you.<br />
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<i>"You know when you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.</i><br />
-Dr. Seuss.Madihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-79950142553467738192011-08-24T15:16:00.000-06:002011-08-24T15:16:52.695-06:00Total Money MakeoverSo yesterday marked the first day of starting Dave Ramsey's<i> Total Money Makeover.</i> TJ and I have always agreed on how we spend our money. We each have our own expenses. And luckily I have no debt. So I plan on helping TJ, not financially, but more so keeping him on track and dealing with the debt collectors. We are sick and tired of being sick and tired. We may not be married yet, but we want to start investing in our future, and if not for that then just for ourselves. We made our budget for the month and will do so each month. We will put together a $1000 Emergency Fund fast, then work on paying off the debt. We were so happy about making a budget. We want to control how our money is spent, and how much. We give ourselves an allowance of $20 every two weeks and that is for anything we want! So I budgeted for food, and we get about $14 a day to spend on dinner. If we spend less, that surplus goes into the Emergency Fund as extra. I am reading the <i>TMM </i>right now. I am a little more than halfway done. I have learned and extensive amount of information. It can be a little overwhelming, but as Dave says, "You have to live like nobody else, so later you can live like nobody else." It makes sense!!! DOY! And TJ and I live a very frugal life, and this plan is going to jumpstart our life and we should be fast ahead than everyone else. No debt. No new car payment. No new house we can't afford. We are very grounded and we both know what we can afford. <b> I AM NOT SAYING WE DON'T DAYDREAM </b>or <b>WISH FOR NICE THINGS</b>, but the reward of being smart with money is so much greater that having car payments, house payments, medical payments, etc. for the rest of our lives. And we want to retire early. I want to help my parents and repay them for everything they ever did for me and my sisters. I want to send them on their dream vacation. I want to pay for their mortgage (Bucket List item =]). I want their retirement to be easy. I love my parents so much, and I want to give so much back to them even if it means a few Christmas presents will be cheap. Maybe one Christmas I can pay for the whole family to go a CRUISE for Christmas. Then it will be worth it. For now, FRUGAL is my middle name.<br />
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Thank goodness I found someone who has the same ideas on money and allows me to be the budgeter and the one in charge. I may be in charge, but we discuss every payment and everything we buy and do the math for a budget. I love him so much and appreciate him more and more each day for it.<br />
So 50% of marriages in America end in divorce. 75% of those divorces are from money problems and not being able to agree on money. Just a little "did you know" fact.<br />
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I am ready for this. I am ready to live like no one else, so later I can live like no one else. Let's get this Total Money Makeover going!!!<br />
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<i>"Broke people giving financial advice is like a shop teacher with missing fingers."</i><br />
-Dave Ramsey Madihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-72232966125290709202011-08-20T19:51:00.000-06:002011-08-20T19:51:28.996-06:00"It Was 100 Degrees As We Sat Beneath A Willow Tree"<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Oh my gosh I love summer so much!!!! It has been a blast being outside and enjoying the sweet air. Of course, it has been hotter than heck fire outside! Plus, our A/C broke about a month ago, and the office is "trying" to fix it. At least, I have a small fan that can keep me somewhat cool.</div><br />
TJ and I have been going out and doing lots of things with each other and our sweet puppy, Max. We kicked off the summer with meeting the one and only Chelsea Handler. We drove up to Boulder for the day and went to one of her book signings. She was so wonderfully nice and appreciative, nothing like you imagine you would meeting her. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qzevtUVL74rja9z8qs9cqKwK_IwXUg-LZ3gHBL27K4M6ICBBqPO3ptfk8H8Uy_oaNSsB4aVtk15kk9iQhrXwYdF-FgZK25HKxApGfBJwOvpYNYltNZCxUZRkVWzBHU5MrJUwasYkOto/s1600/IMG_6754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qzevtUVL74rja9z8qs9cqKwK_IwXUg-LZ3gHBL27K4M6ICBBqPO3ptfk8H8Uy_oaNSsB4aVtk15kk9iQhrXwYdF-FgZK25HKxApGfBJwOvpYNYltNZCxUZRkVWzBHU5MrJUwasYkOto/s320/IMG_6754.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytN46ihbBzXVKgERGUlXube3Jvh05R0rzCdBIeqcHDIGl-phqLuVN9Cvp7nsse8HE5e22RV00LKz5s40c4rU6u28SlTwYWMuowSMXjNac5rJy1FHPvrIFP0REgYD6_hbPrYw6u6wriCs/s1600/IMG_6755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytN46ihbBzXVKgERGUlXube3Jvh05R0rzCdBIeqcHDIGl-phqLuVN9Cvp7nsse8HE5e22RV00LKz5s40c4rU6u28SlTwYWMuowSMXjNac5rJy1FHPvrIFP0REgYD6_hbPrYw6u6wriCs/s320/IMG_6755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was the best picture I could get of her!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhQDtcy9W9Eto4vJ-V9c0-vPk9HaHohtFOGj3l7uFc23VqQTbc6KXVuaWlmnvSUpalBdfEnwhTm9bQ3ZciNdp9JB3NDqI9NGdDj0yMvc15RCI2Nkw-pt_3pDL3QWk19tGiktXffAwaxw/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhQDtcy9W9Eto4vJ-V9c0-vPk9HaHohtFOGj3l7uFc23VqQTbc6KXVuaWlmnvSUpalBdfEnwhTm9bQ3ZciNdp9JB3NDqI9NGdDj0yMvc15RCI2Nkw-pt_3pDL3QWk19tGiktXffAwaxw/s320/090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">She signed a copy for me!!! =]</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I taught a baking class at church for the Young Women. We made frozen yogurt pie and S'mores cupcakes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dKXUPMENiy_-2lLmsNvQU8VwA83BHnrClnMA41Z5AEeb6r8PnciSQ7B_CVuvPbE6nTSCASEagcbKUGQp64RDAMJONc302PGjLxwK-bMQ4rbXkASf3QKYKmKBFqq_ff1KsItt6zaIYRU/s1600/121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dKXUPMENiy_-2lLmsNvQU8VwA83BHnrClnMA41Z5AEeb6r8PnciSQ7B_CVuvPbE6nTSCASEagcbKUGQp64RDAMJONc302PGjLxwK-bMQ4rbXkASf3QKYKmKBFqq_ff1KsItt6zaIYRU/s320/121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We attended Territory Days in Old Colorado City. It's this giant fair with cool booths with food, crafts, and neat little trinkets. It was my first time. Pretty fun, but $7 for a turkey leg?!?!?! Heck no. One booth that I loved was La Henna Boheme's booth. They are this awesome store in Manitou. They did a couple of hennas for me!! I loved it! Max did mine and he was awesome!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rhNK4AIO-0cJnYimmFToOISS7sLo-9w3gBqaNQ9f_yaIvtscNZOaQlvW35hKcPBEj33Hx3iU8Ip5kBk3DljVmfpcTRZPErpD3Ru0IoPSOAaelNd8h67atcK-OVuaJ7FEsWsXdOjXZhU/s1600/124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rhNK4AIO-0cJnYimmFToOISS7sLo-9w3gBqaNQ9f_yaIvtscNZOaQlvW35hKcPBEj33Hx3iU8Ip5kBk3DljVmfpcTRZPErpD3Ru0IoPSOAaelNd8h67atcK-OVuaJ7FEsWsXdOjXZhU/s320/124.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsFLOPc3U4MksOrMfs0dBJXefzgRue0i8XnZKc-7sxCwb-1WbsIPhlFsPT91Q3EaJjudUNxjxH9QCh5sm3ehAOcepNmm95Az_JhrPM7xiLaMKghinVdndbeF3_8T6PVI5Nud4G9w2oDE/s1600/131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsFLOPc3U4MksOrMfs0dBJXefzgRue0i8XnZKc-7sxCwb-1WbsIPhlFsPT91Q3EaJjudUNxjxH9QCh5sm3ehAOcepNmm95Az_JhrPM7xiLaMKghinVdndbeF3_8T6PVI5Nud4G9w2oDE/s320/131.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> "Inner Happiness"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjPKxM8-b9DOl4UPAHufKck6SXhgA4Kh29FH-Z7R5MmN5sKQkliqkK27PV8LYNNQPffDvDmucmcFG3W5s4dhzCWlye9A9DdqdkLRwfPCIgLg1M17bR2FrYZE_Ek6e3xU6QH3xsQ8wp9w/s1600/139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjPKxM8-b9DOl4UPAHufKck6SXhgA4Kh29FH-Z7R5MmN5sKQkliqkK27PV8LYNNQPffDvDmucmcFG3W5s4dhzCWlye9A9DdqdkLRwfPCIgLg1M17bR2FrYZE_Ek6e3xU6QH3xsQ8wp9w/s320/139.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I asked Max if he could just get creative and do what he wanted. Came out awesome!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We spent a lot of time in Manitou, getting mates (Maht-ays), shopping, eating ice cream and fudge, and the going to Graffiti Falls. The first we went was with our awesome friends from work Jared and Miles, and then we went again with our awesome couple friends Jared and Laura.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUJBs5rI9mIqAE5CYdfzayHdH3Igu1Y6oFVZ1Xk64rVq5fKAjpn_CfHhWLxGOgKv0-r8B67L5B9w5JarLBDlj6FgLtaLfkCDBmmi4_qMZNa00-640xVpWjgqkOBfJnyNPYUMfOQj6P58/s1600/160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUJBs5rI9mIqAE5CYdfzayHdH3Igu1Y6oFVZ1Xk64rVq5fKAjpn_CfHhWLxGOgKv0-r8B67L5B9w5JarLBDlj6FgLtaLfkCDBmmi4_qMZNa00-640xVpWjgqkOBfJnyNPYUMfOQj6P58/s320/160.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYT1pP3TFoyHSyM6c2eBWS1RVNB9rwZ1aBcEaNpJHBgrJ5CfRZ6_yPU-oxy3ePLP1y7V7HDK9VklnO6ZEpNUnSZu6TJWWzo8NEKxCH9YC9nGmRadr9nztOJu1QK3KX6EjsfqNSmpUob4/s1600/162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYT1pP3TFoyHSyM6c2eBWS1RVNB9rwZ1aBcEaNpJHBgrJ5CfRZ6_yPU-oxy3ePLP1y7V7HDK9VklnO6ZEpNUnSZu6TJWWzo8NEKxCH9YC9nGmRadr9nztOJu1QK3KX6EjsfqNSmpUob4/s320/162.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Miles is crazy! He scooted all the way across that thing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkGO0cc2M9dKyQ9K_0uMEqswavqbn6_hsxMuE0JVOdrfsZ7kXAM3fs2ZLBqVQ3QNZBI3t7l6l5GGOzdK68-j38-k6esXhH3U6gBayliHhXvgvgavWtD0Zv6hAbCTKgBIbXogZjvSlYaI/s1600/167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkGO0cc2M9dKyQ9K_0uMEqswavqbn6_hsxMuE0JVOdrfsZ7kXAM3fs2ZLBqVQ3QNZBI3t7l6l5GGOzdK68-j38-k6esXhH3U6gBayliHhXvgvgavWtD0Zv6hAbCTKgBIbXogZjvSlYaI/s320/167.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Behind the falls!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Tci6RilwZH1Hw_K6v_Glhw9jjKsgmImADEHvFhSQuYHz06a4-l6EVdP_Bf7Rj-kcj2AF1JXmhi8mdqIz9QYyYxTNz860-RjHW7Hi6JGiQqYhBw8h4FvETu3iGuFMeysmfWaaD5dNp4k/s1600/184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Tci6RilwZH1Hw_K6v_Glhw9jjKsgmImADEHvFhSQuYHz06a4-l6EVdP_Bf7Rj-kcj2AF1JXmhi8mdqIz9QYyYxTNz860-RjHW7Hi6JGiQqYhBw8h4FvETu3iGuFMeysmfWaaD5dNp4k/s320/184.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> My awesome friend, Laura!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Gm0nj3dW2gEljH_R7Rxz_90g3ySQlWiYTkD-S0dGIhf4CRfold650XD8IsZh8iUesRnlBeiGiCI8zCrq-QeRcQtbc0d7ICzyQg0AA8XsAtMH2biYL5hyphenhyphen1_6yJlThNjCsJI5CYWZ15vo/s1600/186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Gm0nj3dW2gEljH_R7Rxz_90g3ySQlWiYTkD-S0dGIhf4CRfold650XD8IsZh8iUesRnlBeiGiCI8zCrq-QeRcQtbc0d7ICzyQg0AA8XsAtMH2biYL5hyphenhyphen1_6yJlThNjCsJI5CYWZ15vo/s320/186.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Scared of heights much?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUr1swU5Rfm1uUwEfbuP6FOyYoe0zEehnZC9Clbb-FiJnmJbS8ajwYlvwOty_ooiQ_qEw0CN4Xhxp2PfT1xb2IDfWSbb5FMj7FOaTUz7YxPjWY1dg6ALhLNQOh5_uoKf0KocJkbfebv1Q/s1600/195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUr1swU5Rfm1uUwEfbuP6FOyYoe0zEehnZC9Clbb-FiJnmJbS8ajwYlvwOty_ooiQ_qEw0CN4Xhxp2PfT1xb2IDfWSbb5FMj7FOaTUz7YxPjWY1dg6ALhLNQOh5_uoKf0KocJkbfebv1Q/s320/195.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNwv1AtTmZJjnj3hzXcEC51Vess_0Y2Dm_VGNsEENSb1MtQ_4inIHn9RJyrffbZnC_fpSDJNUuDByIYWIqqbBtZlbER-riEB599bwjHNqIUE2SAFGYHl3w3li4QGF8mLzOo9F2eaykOk/s1600/199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNwv1AtTmZJjnj3hzXcEC51Vess_0Y2Dm_VGNsEENSb1MtQ_4inIHn9RJyrffbZnC_fpSDJNUuDByIYWIqqbBtZlbER-riEB599bwjHNqIUE2SAFGYHl3w3li4QGF8mLzOo9F2eaykOk/s320/199.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Eating ice cream and being ever so silly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbOYtdU8XkGVaEVl2bjmYajNLEhkXBKEnmVUjeWMeEU3w1DCFJLUeb2rBsGiQFn5Dv3IAWnuVnAlSxuVXD2yrvBZ56vdPNexNy-5H5mN4mgcOKGkyxtJc9SE0V73i1zMdVDBB_9dmVlc/s1600/158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbOYtdU8XkGVaEVl2bjmYajNLEhkXBKEnmVUjeWMeEU3w1DCFJLUeb2rBsGiQFn5Dv3IAWnuVnAlSxuVXD2yrvBZ56vdPNexNy-5H5mN4mgcOKGkyxtJc9SE0V73i1zMdVDBB_9dmVlc/s320/158.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My name is Bass Clef.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We went to Florida to visit my family!! It was one of the best vacations ever!! TJ immediately clicked with my family. Within the first hour TJ was carrying Isabelle around the house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkschzOyu-AqdEPxsjdyuuigXI5u6r0KDx2EhGZEynAeoJ7SEYAa7ZelguVLuusPHl5VP4QPdQzDAuZfLlzSUo1eyZtKlq4zFSstjuVp4K8A1_yD6lXTad_S3pVpiNnKOztjC6-NHIPmA/s1600/IMG_1237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkschzOyu-AqdEPxsjdyuuigXI5u6r0KDx2EhGZEynAeoJ7SEYAa7ZelguVLuusPHl5VP4QPdQzDAuZfLlzSUo1eyZtKlq4zFSstjuVp4K8A1_yD6lXTad_S3pVpiNnKOztjC6-NHIPmA/s320/IMG_1237.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My parents ran out to get some food, and came home to TJ running around with Isabelle.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We went to the beach and spent the week at my grandparent's beautiful beach house. We celebrated the 4th of July with a golf cart parade.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUJz6eSdKsen_CNP1ibGoqlns5jBohFwJYJ5qhyphenhyphenBHxqcmRigVKPJbmaTfQakZyWi2NdWht1YvS2-a2F3jssTEYE-CES4tcounPHnnNfpI6tHoDI1jntzqU25rXYOLck7i-gk2mPwXDKU/s1600/IMG_1256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUJz6eSdKsen_CNP1ibGoqlns5jBohFwJYJ5qhyphenhyphenBHxqcmRigVKPJbmaTfQakZyWi2NdWht1YvS2-a2F3jssTEYE-CES4tcounPHnnNfpI6tHoDI1jntzqU25rXYOLck7i-gk2mPwXDKU/s320/IMG_1256.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMX7xwYseBSC_wv6pO-T7tMq9pNgmcGMlQ_Ma7tttwrx47juEdnAgbIxykVOhwV1px7DvCASJ9RV-EaAmSuuRaTZjBCim5SzDw2D2M3iQeAm8Swb9zQI8OankmGh_tMpINYn1kzrvzXvE/s1600/IMG_1258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMX7xwYseBSC_wv6pO-T7tMq9pNgmcGMlQ_Ma7tttwrx47juEdnAgbIxykVOhwV1px7DvCASJ9RV-EaAmSuuRaTZjBCim5SzDw2D2M3iQeAm8Swb9zQI8OankmGh_tMpINYn1kzrvzXvE/s320/IMG_1258.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We played in giant trees!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8ZGuLdE2CHroOWayfx3exyid3AdQh9Kk2WPc1McPIXpD7riPESpNCIpyo5T8w0-CKcgR52BqRE8FDyvIid5Tehi8YpzhoORa3I8QbcT0m5VxAkp2Hima0jzz0HhuLek3ue8ye73DBSM/s1600/DSCN0789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8ZGuLdE2CHroOWayfx3exyid3AdQh9Kk2WPc1McPIXpD7riPESpNCIpyo5T8w0-CKcgR52BqRE8FDyvIid5Tehi8YpzhoORa3I8QbcT0m5VxAkp2Hima0jzz0HhuLek3ue8ye73DBSM/s320/DSCN0789.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> My sweet sisters!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MPj_1EqiNtNLHWuRTOBM0qXoPubZ8w42OHEoMr_B2sbAQcVCVB0HmWxBhCFlJPYQx01W3fLpcD7dnFdxbo7au0GmdUDS4JNkB9-z5k4Vg_b8wUn4BH-79Gi60We0CMMnOfe-bfC13Ns/s1600/DSCN0790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MPj_1EqiNtNLHWuRTOBM0qXoPubZ8w42OHEoMr_B2sbAQcVCVB0HmWxBhCFlJPYQx01W3fLpcD7dnFdxbo7au0GmdUDS4JNkB9-z5k4Vg_b8wUn4BH-79Gi60We0CMMnOfe-bfC13Ns/s320/DSCN0790.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykK_ONyx1qg_N80ckQw1t7h0kQaO5UWXmY6Vrluo60M3lfZd1HZzd34t8WCtLAptT1dZIr_wvW391hAJWlV3cuJJrVc2gZeiJJUN5ItnmI6q5zNotR3zv9YFa-jA4QZkEiRmAAx1ExG8/s1600/DSCN0791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykK_ONyx1qg_N80ckQw1t7h0kQaO5UWXmY6Vrluo60M3lfZd1HZzd34t8WCtLAptT1dZIr_wvW391hAJWlV3cuJJrVc2gZeiJJUN5ItnmI6q5zNotR3zv9YFa-jA4QZkEiRmAAx1ExG8/s320/DSCN0791.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Isabelle is so funny!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwueT8UPqr5HxUAt7lEPmTD79OreohNR-AJ3GKHSpZXIm5CR_0G7AMT22_zYRhG5gVFhPbYH3HtvkPXoWhgti4R426NwtBcfbJNDCoSGJKcX_2Crq7iIaZVeztELizcwxvztiyCEoWIg/s1600/DSCN0793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwueT8UPqr5HxUAt7lEPmTD79OreohNR-AJ3GKHSpZXIm5CR_0G7AMT22_zYRhG5gVFhPbYH3HtvkPXoWhgti4R426NwtBcfbJNDCoSGJKcX_2Crq7iIaZVeztELizcwxvztiyCEoWIg/s320/DSCN0793.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPz4SfkucjZW0J82kPEireO5pJ9tJDFo7EOvDwPX-IUL8Alaau_JwztjirMeQ2FIOBG-d3DrY_-ONR_LaZ-PF9b4pH4dGsDEZB0ENlK-_Mjpzc67Q6_1q41aWPD8MKFbs-f8Sn6cMPVRU/s1600/DSCN0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPz4SfkucjZW0J82kPEireO5pJ9tJDFo7EOvDwPX-IUL8Alaau_JwztjirMeQ2FIOBG-d3DrY_-ONR_LaZ-PF9b4pH4dGsDEZB0ENlK-_Mjpzc67Q6_1q41aWPD8MKFbs-f8Sn6cMPVRU/s320/DSCN0794.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My handsome fiance and I.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We got free slurpees on 7/11 (in dixie cups). We went downtown and celebrated Pride Fest with best friend and Man of Honor, Ryan Jones and his sweet boyfriend, Kevin. Ryan and I got matching hennas to celebrate our awesome friendship.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-bjaPwFpTNzk4lCuBN060IjA4mRUNJPcLuKRTO6qBx6Wkd-h0gF6xjnRJmz_VMM7sIx_MG5ZxexdCXUGxjExpPFxWuQRFxzvhuHz6BspULQKLcnnrAfhuhHW82yGw2v8KUyCW74OYAk/s1600/271081_10150237711931984_503316983_7497857_1163224_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-bjaPwFpTNzk4lCuBN060IjA4mRUNJPcLuKRTO6qBx6Wkd-h0gF6xjnRJmz_VMM7sIx_MG5ZxexdCXUGxjExpPFxWuQRFxzvhuHz6BspULQKLcnnrAfhuhHW82yGw2v8KUyCW74OYAk/s320/271081_10150237711931984_503316983_7497857_1163224_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We went to a Sky Sox game, and realized we were broke and didn't have enough money to pay for food. So we left and went to Costco and go to hot dogs and drinks for $3.22!!! Oh by the way, the Sky Sox won.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I had to go to the hospital because I had an ovarian cyst rupture. I hated it!!! The doctor prescribed me pain killers and I rested for 5 days straight. It was hard to get back into the swing of things again, but TJ took excellent care of me, along with all the people who brought me dinner. Thank you so much Sister Gremillion, Brother and Sister Butcher, and Brother and Sister Stockton! I began to feel better after I received a blessing from Brothers Gremillion and Stockton. I do have another cyst on the same ovary, and fortunately it has not given me any trouble. =]</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">TJ and I went to Denver to visit IKEA after a week it opened. It was crazy busy! We bought for items for $4.97! That's a steal!!! We passed the time at Park Meadows mall because we didn't want to go home in rush hour traffic.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We went to the Shops at Briargate (where we work) every Thursday night and watch a free movie. Everyone would bring chairs and blankies and curl up with some dinner. The movies included, <i>Despicable Me</i>, <i>Megamind</i>,<i> Back to the Future, Toy Story 3, Shrek, </i>and <i>How to Train a Dragon.</i> We got rained out at a couple, but it was such a blast. We would set up, eat dinner, and watch the sun set. It was very romantic, especially with hundreds of kids running around!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2alCFzIeqSdmCa1WrAuTfMW5eWTmXghgGraJYGmwsyGMlRgpz0eJll4W29jDJEhO6MrTYoixo4cfUlbiamPDm3aA9kc5_N_XhFjQvsZ7nmMGGLpDkMQwrrN9Xf1qEorumAg-B7NmezfM/s1600/DSCN0842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2alCFzIeqSdmCa1WrAuTfMW5eWTmXghgGraJYGmwsyGMlRgpz0eJll4W29jDJEhO6MrTYoixo4cfUlbiamPDm3aA9kc5_N_XhFjQvsZ7nmMGGLpDkMQwrrN9Xf1qEorumAg-B7NmezfM/s320/DSCN0842.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Today is Saturday. The last Saturday before school starts on Monday. I know that I'm going to be a lot busier, but I hope that all the things I did this summer, I will continue to do in the Fall. I am most looking forward to getting to see my sister, Emily, for Thanksgiving!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">TJ and I requested today off to spend time with Max. We went to this dog day event at Briargate. They had tons of fun booths set up with lots of yummy treaters. =] After being there for a while, we laid back in the grass under the shade and people/dog watched. Max got lots of compliments on his blue/white eyes. This one woman came up to us and asked if he was up for adoption. I said no, he was ours. She said, "Too bad, I would love to have this pretty boy." Max loved all the dogs and people. He was so tired he would go under booths' tables and just lay there. We are so proud of him. He is a total Mama's boy though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAj82uXh01L9sSQtCSsNn94tFLpABTL5Z-PF_iDD-p9pOmTTYWH0JAgSXBwgP7UaGEda0xdL1nrRGbtsBEWLoUBStlh6TPyuIvSJjLp23KkLiCk_UXyMoHa-7MneNsukMUknqVN2BRDeM/s1600/DSCN0847.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAj82uXh01L9sSQtCSsNn94tFLpABTL5Z-PF_iDD-p9pOmTTYWH0JAgSXBwgP7UaGEda0xdL1nrRGbtsBEWLoUBStlh6TPyuIvSJjLp23KkLiCk_UXyMoHa-7MneNsukMUknqVN2BRDeM/s320/DSCN0847.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Little Happy Family.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4faLb84ErB3PyNXEAfVMXQdGQXQJ9fxZi8zMUQFLJklvUuwaO5I__C0wZG1ctVMdH67TfzPfX2r6TcQ-MshUQuJc4DvPgW3ltZCBPQftJhCSpMn1nugIGCIOv0CM1aOS51bQu3Mhps8/s1600/DSCN0849.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4faLb84ErB3PyNXEAfVMXQdGQXQJ9fxZi8zMUQFLJklvUuwaO5I__C0wZG1ctVMdH67TfzPfX2r6TcQ-MshUQuJc4DvPgW3ltZCBPQftJhCSpMn1nugIGCIOv0CM1aOS51bQu3Mhps8/s320/DSCN0849.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> My sweet boy.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjN5yQx5E7HQVXr0haaV-IbSKsOwhudFirizxnYYXDdnZXtGMWOkUr0f31Ob4h5QVt-r5KyHxK0KSCFfiQF3oSDfAhDURs8gDyuJhifOxfJZltJSe1vmgx3OofSViMHelcqNRyC3EwlA/s1600/DSCN0851.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjN5yQx5E7HQVXr0haaV-IbSKsOwhudFirizxnYYXDdnZXtGMWOkUr0f31Ob4h5QVt-r5KyHxK0KSCFfiQF3oSDfAhDURs8gDyuJhifOxfJZltJSe1vmgx3OofSViMHelcqNRyC3EwlA/s320/DSCN0851.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Pretty Boy.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GaGheMfWe1vgQ0XRcm_lrYXhM3saLYFEbbJpUOEc5jkJNQ7hKERu9KFHe51t7gRlr3iraoLoQR1_XMzPhh28COdOy1z2KGRJSckU6VZBJsPgWkH82wbMCzt7KiLmUVLOAW6n3uTZufA/s1600/DSCN0852.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GaGheMfWe1vgQ0XRcm_lrYXhM3saLYFEbbJpUOEc5jkJNQ7hKERu9KFHe51t7gRlr3iraoLoQR1_XMzPhh28COdOy1z2KGRJSckU6VZBJsPgWkH82wbMCzt7KiLmUVLOAW6n3uTZufA/s320/DSCN0852.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My boys. <br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> The quote in the title of this post is from the song "Crooked Teeth" by Death Cab for Cutie. I like to say that this is the theme song of this summer. From adventures to romance, this song defines it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"It was one hundred degrees, as we sat beneath a willow tree,<br />
Who's tears didn't care, they just hung in the air, and refused to fall, to fall.<br />
And I knew I'd made horrible call,<br />
And now the state line felt like the Berlin wall,<br />
And there was no doubt about which side I was on.<br />
Cause I built you a home in my heart,<br />
With rotten wood, it decayed from the start."</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">-Death Cab for Cutie </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Madihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-40225096548248966992011-08-13T17:35:00.000-06:002011-08-13T17:35:08.431-06:00Love is in the AirI can not wait to spend the rest of eternity with TJ. Everyday I feel happier with him. There is no other person like him. We agree about money, how we spend our time, and that we need to be hard working people. I love him so much. Only 341 more days!!Madihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-52845184762474281912011-08-12T22:29:00.000-06:002011-08-12T22:29:21.869-06:00BoobsWhy I dare ask, why everyone is obsessed with being the best and having the best? Is it from what we are told when we are young? Is it pressure from high class society? I am sick of everyone being competitive and cut throat. It's just disgusting. Also, I am sick of everyone obsessing about their appearance. I admit, I give it a bit of effort to look nice and presentable, but I'm not going all the way for a stupid boob job. Seriously, what is that going to accomplish? Everyone will see your big, fake, plastic knockers, and not realize you are a complete airhead. You think people don't notice because of your looks, when in actuality, it's because you are boring!!! Did you know that women with implants are twice as likely to commit suicide? It's because after a while, they realize their deadbeat husband truly doesn't love them, just the jugs, and they want to end it all. It is so sad that girls who have no confidence are going straight to the bank for a loan or asking "Mommy" and "Daddy" for money to help pay for them. A boob job can cost about 3 grande. A good boob job can cost up to 7 grande. That kind of money can be donated. Remember Japan? Remember Haiti? Remember Katrina? There are people who are suffering in the world and you care about your insecurities so much that you have to make yourself feel better by making you B's to DD's. People need to check themselves and others. So many people don't do anything but pity. Truthfully, those third world people don't want your pity. They are the ones who pity you because you can not find happiness in yourself. Loved ones died, houses washed away, cities destroyed, but people still find hope and love in life, in themselves. I bet you some Haitian women don't care about their boob sizes after the earthquake. <br />
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Women today in Modern times have to embrace their "flaws". Cellulite, show it off. Gross birthmark, who cares? Big butt to no butt, wear those juicy jeans. The point is that when a woman embraces these so called "flaws" she feels confident. And nothing, I repeat, nothing is sexier than a confident woman who loves herself and the way she was made. People were made a certain way for a reason. It is to challenge our inner feelings, and we don't want to listen, we just want to take the easy way out. The unnatural way. If you hate your body's flaws that can be controlled, then it is your fault. But don't be lazy and get lipo, eat healthy, exercise, do more fun activities out of the house. Those are the kind of things that lead to loving yourself even more. Scientifically, having a healthy lifestyle releases endorphins, and makes you happy, thus loving yourself and others around you.<br />
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It took me forever to realize this. I love my body. I love myself. I know my family loves me for me. I know my fiance loves me for me. I know Heavenly Father loves me for just being me. I may wish my stretchmarks were smooth, but I accept them as a part of me and I embrace them.<br />
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I am tired of seeing girls complain on Facebook about being fat, hating their noses, tired of being tall, and of course, small-big boobs. Get over yourself and your body issues and grab a tissue. Think about others before yourself. You will see that maybe not the world, but your world will start to change.<br />
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A true woman who showed true sexiness and confidence.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurd1LH3KAxLpebLHaEFQNGE6Ws5uLfozO4RDmChaWmLYJCj4AX2PN2Xdt9eacdeUljl-LWeJDoycdvkkOXYLrJMpn-Su8ABxM-wYGym_rFF_NCQaQxL5rcFBgPlTrYnVdVsDQ2PlXwRg/s1600/bbbnkh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurd1LH3KAxLpebLHaEFQNGE6Ws5uLfozO4RDmChaWmLYJCj4AX2PN2Xdt9eacdeUljl-LWeJDoycdvkkOXYLrJMpn-Su8ABxM-wYGym_rFF_NCQaQxL5rcFBgPlTrYnVdVsDQ2PlXwRg/s320/bbbnkh.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>And my favorite quote by my favorite woman.<br />
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<i>"Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent."</i><br />
-Eleanor RooseveltMadihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-30753858972146038452011-08-10T17:23:00.000-06:002011-08-10T17:23:37.616-06:00Pie ShopI found this picture after my last post.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1d7Gb1fTDE_GiRxnD_iHs-MZru2f092JQLqFYm4rep2SuYv1dNjnPO29UQPJFEy9dJkiFKjhjlwGng4hI5Khaf25KcD6L_1mtHjvSCZV12UEBsIbs4badW7XUPiO2lWk3Oy5BnDSwOOQ/s1600/CutestFood_com_5138265038_6f4936962f_z_large1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1d7Gb1fTDE_GiRxnD_iHs-MZru2f092JQLqFYm4rep2SuYv1dNjnPO29UQPJFEy9dJkiFKjhjlwGng4hI5Khaf25KcD6L_1mtHjvSCZV12UEBsIbs4badW7XUPiO2lWk3Oy5BnDSwOOQ/s400/CutestFood_com_5138265038_6f4936962f_z_large1.jpg" width="390" /></a></div><br />
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<i>"I am taking you to the bakery of your choice, and serving you a big, hot slice of humble pie"</i><br />
-Rachel Berry, <i>Glee</i>Madihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-86757198199907817242011-08-10T17:16:00.000-06:002011-08-10T17:16:23.527-06:00Poor Little Rich GirlI'm so tired of being poor all of the time. I can afford food and going out to eat once a week to 2 weeks. I have been so use to it, I didn't even realize it. But I am happy. At this age, I'm not suppose to have a lot. I am happy with no cable, old clothes, Max, and especially TJ. TJ and I have learned how to make up for those things. We love to watch Netflix. It's like crack. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">"Say crack again...crack."</span> We like to go out and find free things to do in the community, like the fair, movies showing for free, going to Manitou, graffiti falls, and having fun at the dog park with our beautiful dog.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFvYUJSNp9Wk_8s6i5KJOuZuH0mVpyvkDSrmCrgr5QBuxk40Y-xUY4QNHBTPsPRCNx4m76Mk5WDdiGAkQQ-CQu5Ns-2uQTt1fM0RSU1YmLbflMgz_wYDFeOlR_FTEZssb23XcXTV7voY/s1600/079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFvYUJSNp9Wk_8s6i5KJOuZuH0mVpyvkDSrmCrgr5QBuxk40Y-xUY4QNHBTPsPRCNx4m76Mk5WDdiGAkQQ-CQu5Ns-2uQTt1fM0RSU1YmLbflMgz_wYDFeOlR_FTEZssb23XcXTV7voY/s320/079.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> We love to cook for each other, however I think TJ enjoys it a little more. He's loves everything I come up with. At Costco, I bought a thing of mashed potatoes and I still have 5lbs of rice left. So one night I am planning on making Tandoori Chicken with rice, Lemon Garlic chicken and mashed potatoes, and another night of making Shepherd's Pie. Can not wait! I just need to get my but to the grocery store. Lately, it's been a lot of frozen pizzas and quesadillas, so I am hoping to get a little protein and veggies in our diet these next few days.<br />
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Oh I thought of another fun free thing we did!!! Last Thursday, we went up to the new <span style="color: #0b5394;">IKEA </span>in Denver. We got lunch and split some Swedish meatballs, and just wondered for 2 hours. Of course, we had to get a souvenir!!! We left with a flower shaped ice tray, a mug for TJ, and coasters, all for $4.97!!!! We wanted to head home, but it was rush hour so we passed the time at Park Meadows. I never realized how many fancy schmancy stores were in there!!!! They did have a Lego's store. I loved Lego's when I was little and now Isabelle is obsessed, too. I took a picture of myself outside of the store and sent it to Isabelle, trying to make her jealous.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQLNs8_F9KQg7y2_H1-zqkB5EGyF1WNt8uzJJ_tn-1_zjXiA0Pdk9eGbBYsAUQycyPAGoc2r_8Ul9KAmdjOt-zwoOuyJT7ygE0w1j_Sq_kzPWjOwHrCdt_CGYmBuvryne33sMHd9RG9o/s1600/229663_10150252060776984_503316983_7648948_7002970_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQLNs8_F9KQg7y2_H1-zqkB5EGyF1WNt8uzJJ_tn-1_zjXiA0Pdk9eGbBYsAUQycyPAGoc2r_8Ul9KAmdjOt-zwoOuyJT7ygE0w1j_Sq_kzPWjOwHrCdt_CGYmBuvryne33sMHd9RG9o/s320/229663_10150252060776984_503316983_7648948_7002970_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the picture I sent to Isabelle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
She was jealous, but not as jealous as I was when she told me she took a cooking class of Oprah's vegetarian chef that morning!!!! She was in San Fransisco with my Dad and he just so happened to be able to take her!!! WHAT REALLY?!?!?! GAAAHHHH!!!!! Oh well. It's funny, because Isabelle wished she had been to the Lego store more than going to a cooking class with Oprah's chef!<br />
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Back to the point. We are very wise and careful with what we spend. It's hard, sometimes I want to go clothing shopping, but I can't afford it, not even Goodwill. I want to eat out more often, but I can't. I want to buy nice things, but I have to save save save. I am happy. Very happy. I like my life. I like earning things and working hard for it instead of it being just handed to me. I know one girl who moved to a big city and her parents pay for everything, and all she does is party and complain about sleeping in. I appreciate everything I own. I work hard. I make sacrifices. But I am so happy doing it and willing. I had some extra money when we went to IKEA and I have dying for a casserole dish, and this one at IKEA was $12! You can not beat that! I was so modern and pretty looking. But I knew that saving that extra $12 could buy us dinner one night, even if that casserole dish can make us dinner. TJ has been donating plasma, and we are saving up to buy a Wii so we can watch Netflix on there, and ask for video games by Christmas. It will be a symbol, I think. Here is something very nice, that we both worked hard for and saved up for a long time. I'm proud of him. I'm proud of us.<br />
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Oh and this is not a pity post. I just felt like saying ya I'm tired of being poor, but I am grateful for it, too. Humble and Happiness. That's what matters.<br />
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<i><span class="huge">"It's better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your life."</span></i><br />
<span class="huge">-Elizabeth Kenny </span><span class="body"></span><br />
Madihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-11247592991057572692011-07-26T14:01:00.001-06:002011-07-26T14:01:45.978-06:00ChangingSo I've had this blog for almost 2 years. Have I been super dedicated to it, no. Have I liked typing my thoughts into it, yes. But I know why I haven't had many posts. I have many culinary adventures every day. But I get so bored with typing the same thing. So I am here to say that I will no longer be typing just about food encounters. I want to do fun things about my life. About my family. About my friends. About my love, TJ. Yes, I will give out recipe ideas, and talk about yummy food, but I am looking for a change. I like what my sister does. Her blog is so darling! I check it almost every day because she is so good at expressing herself online just like how you would talk to her in person.<br />
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Times have been crazy. I go to Costco almost everyday. I love my puppy, Max. I love my kitty, Brooklyn. Boyfriend picked me sunflowers the other day. He is so thoughtful. Boyfriend has been taking care of me since I got sick. Hopefully, we can go grocery shopping today, since it is pay day after all. I heard money when I woke up this morning. <br />
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I recently got engaged to Boyfriend. Oh so exciting! We went to Florida, and after 4 days of meeting my parents he asked them for their permission and they said YES!!<br />
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I still work at Panera, and I'm really excited to say that I am going on a business trip to Castle Rock for them! I will help open a store with a new team! So exciting!<br />
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The picture thing on here isn't working so I'll just come back later and post more!<br />
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MMMM Bye! =]Madihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-61652702316683906072011-05-04T20:40:00.003-06:002011-05-04T21:01:07.856-06:00Quatro De MayoOk so it is not exactly Cinco de Mayo yet, but I'm to excited to wait to blog tomorrow. I'm pretty sure Mexican is probably my favorite kind of food, besides Indian. I am so excited to eat yummy Mexican food. TJ and I are going to go to Salsa Brava tomorrow for dinner. Oh so excited. Last time I had their Chile Relleno. Oh my Spanish it was good, might have to get it again. Thinking about Cinco de Mayo made me realize how much Mexican food I eat. I eat quesadillas and salsa and guacamole and Chipotle and nachos all the time.<br />Lately though, I haven't been eating enough veggies and fruits, so I'm not changing my diet, but adding to it. More vegetables and fruits, I say! So far I have been doing pretty well. It's just about the choices. With Cinco de Mayo tomorrow I wanted to make a yummy salsa dip type thing. It's called "Cowboy Caviar". It's my sister Emily's recipe. Check out her blog @ <a href="http://emilyandtyhenrie.blogspot.com/">http://emilyandtyhenrie.blogspot.com/</a>. I always make her make it when I see her. It's so simple, and it's full of veggies.<br /><br />Cowboy Caviar<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />-3 avocados, diced<br />-3 roma tomatoes, diced<br />-1 tbsp of onion, diced<br />-Half a can of corn, drained<br />-Half a can of black beans<br />-Italian dressing seasoning package<br />-Canola oil<br />-White wine Vinegar<br />-Salt and Pepper<br />-Tostito's scoops chips<br /><br />Directions:<br />-Mix all the veggies together. I don't like beans, so I never use them.<br />-Follow the directions on the Italian dressing package for oil and vinegar. Some water might be required. Add the seasoning first to the veggies, then coat with oil and vinegar mixture. You won't need the whole mixture.<br />-Salt and pepper to taste.<br />-Refrigerate for 30 minutes.<br />-Serve with chips.<br />-Enjoy!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFSWh9uiOy0likblLQAmQw8LeBExWLtlEYzQqWWY6xNy-TuWo028MQd623JUAbc92ZCmDouJKP0bNjuhR4slf9eTUyz1h0GZzTYW5o6Gc5An3SFXEkFWUn40BEYFqwkZKs-zxsgvGEtc/s1600/photo.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFSWh9uiOy0likblLQAmQw8LeBExWLtlEYzQqWWY6xNy-TuWo028MQd623JUAbc92ZCmDouJKP0bNjuhR4slf9eTUyz1h0GZzTYW5o6Gc5An3SFXEkFWUn40BEYFqwkZKs-zxsgvGEtc/s320/photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603060884757218066" border="0" /></a>See it's so easy and healthy and yummy! Again, I hate beans, but if you need more fiber, go for it!<br />I hope everyone has an awesome Cinco de Mayo!!!<br />Adios!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"I was 32 when I started cooking; up until then, I just ate."</span><br />-Julia ChildMadihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-6242642491654265742011-04-26T10:22:00.002-06:002011-04-26T10:45:29.978-06:00Starving College StudentYes, behold, the poor post. I knew this post would come. I am a very starving college student, and it doesn't help that I obsess over food. For the past few weeks, I feel like I have been doing well maintaining my food budget. As Dave Ramsey likes to call it, "Living on a rice and beans." Which I have had rice with almost all my meals. The other day I made one of my favorite poor meals. You buy chicken breast, Picante salsa, pepper jack cheese, rice, limes, and cilantro. Super cheap and you can omit the cilantro and lime juice if you want. You place the chicken in a casserole dish squeeze one whole lime on top and dump a whole jar of salsa evenly on the chicken. Bake at 425 for about 25 minutes. With the rice add 2 limes and a handful of cilantro. With the last five minutes of the chicken place sliced cheese on top of each breast. Put the rice down first on the plate then on top add the chicken and salsa juicy goodness. I spent about $20 and made enough for six people. This was for Easter dinner this Sunday. All of us poor kids sitting on the couch, watching stand up, eating Mexican food on Easter. That's a memory right there. <br />So there's a little poor recipe right there. And if you make enough rice You can poor salsa on top and cheese. There was a sale at Safeway 2 jars for $5 so of course I got two! So I think I might have that for dinner tonight. Well, just as long as TJ's room mates don't eat my cheese, salsa, or rice, I should be good. Ok vent session: Someone ate my Pumpkin chocolate chip bread over there, and I found out that his roommate ate the pizza I bought on Saturday. There was a whole pizza!!! Ugh I was so mad! Why can't people respect other people's belongings and property. Room mates are the worst! Well, not all room mates. I love my room mate, Shannon. But I just can't stand people who don't respect my property. I spent money and that, not TJ, so it's my things. I'm not leaving my stuff over there anymore. End scene. I feel better.<br /><br />So anyway, the life of a poor college student. Times have been hard with the lack of money. And I hate getting paid sometimes, which I know is weird, but when I do I want to spend it all. Celebrate, reward myself. Then after two days, half my paycheck is gone. UGHHHH!! It's fine though. I have one more week before my next paycheck and I have to make $50 work with gas and food. Ha wish me luck. I told TJ last night that this week it's going to be a lot of "rice and beans." Thank goodness he understands. So here's to lots of frozen meals, microwave dinners, and Ramen. Oh and speaking of Ramen, here's another good recipe! Cook the Ramen (Preferably chicken) and add one egg. Let the egg white cook. Don't break the yolk, yet! Add lots of hot sauce, I like Smoked Tabasco. Pour into a bowl. Break the yolk and stir! There you have it, Egg drop hot soup. Probably one of my favorite poor people's foods. Too bad I can't afford eggs. Ugh.<br />Well, time to enjoy the rest of my day off. It's rainy and cold outside, so maybe I'll take a shower and read. That sounds nice. Thanks for reading my post about being a poor college student. I know my mistakes with money, but how else am I ever going to learn? Leave a comment if you have any cheap recipe ideas!!! I'm always open to making yummy food for a cheap buck.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Poor is a state of mind. Broke is, 'I'm just passing through."</span><br />-Dave RamseyMadihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-71488926992129704572011-04-25T12:39:00.001-06:002011-04-25T12:39:00.775-06:00Viva La Italia!!!Ciao everyone! It's 7:30 AM and I am so tired, but I can't sleep. So of course, gotta meet me blog deadline. I feeling a little in touch with my Italian roots today, thanks Mom for that by the way. I love telling people my heritage, especially since I'm half Italian or a quarter or something like that, and I love cooking the foods from my heritage. I miss Sunday night dinners with my family because it was always pasta and red sauce! Yum! My mother has had Italian food every Christmas Eve has since she was born. True Italiano! However this past Christmas, my mother threw her hands in the air and said, "This year, we are breaking tradition!!" HHHHHHUUUHHHHHHHHH? Um I'm sorry, what? Every Christmas it's been lasagna, meatballs, homemade sauce, antipasto salad. My mother was ready for a change, something new and fun! So I jumped on the committee to help Christmas Eve dinner. We finally decided on T-Bones, Crab legs, Artichokes, and Baked Potatoes. Oh my it was finger licking good, literally! I was worried at first about this change in tradition and breaking it. I mean don't your ancestors come in while you are sleeping and yell at you telling you that you dishonor them? Ummm I guess not. Doesn't mean I didn't sleep with one eye opened that night.<br />I love things to have a specific place in life with a little spontaneous moments. However, my mother is one to keep tradition. I looked at her in a way. What we eat every year on Christmas Eve doesn't matter! It's the fact that we are with each other, loving one another, laughing. And good food, no matter it's traditional or not. Thanks for that lesson, Mom. Good food, good people, what else do you really need?<br /><br />So that was a little bit of a tangent. I made one of my favorite things last week. Spaghetti and meat sauce with an egg on top! Yummy!!!! I made half a bag of spaghetti which was plenty! I bought a jar of fire roasted tomato sauce. For years I was always against jar sauce. Something about it freaks me out so I always made my own sauce. But I tried this one from Sunflower Market and it's amazing. Plus, I add red pepper flakes and salt and pepper to give it more of a kick. Then I brown some ground beef. Now here is the part that always throws people. I make an sunny side up or over easy egg to put on top of my pasta! Think I'm crazy? My mother said people do that in Italy all the time. True Italiano, again! And drink milk (or wine) with spaghetti and red sauce! The egg adds a wonderful creamy texture to the pasta. I love it so much!!! I suggest everyone tries at least once.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dJXsTu98N03x8MqJDxFx10ply5Bnh0wWNE85z2PDKFwM64ep5QEvNI-crFxK_w9Z2wtUUKGr_7IjOEdn_atzZDzswXYYNpd0UMXsbJcWkoYIsS_QMAFAiiuBRwabMLptAZMj9ToEUHI/s1600/IMG_1038.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dJXsTu98N03x8MqJDxFx10ply5Bnh0wWNE85z2PDKFwM64ep5QEvNI-crFxK_w9Z2wtUUKGr_7IjOEdn_atzZDzswXYYNpd0UMXsbJcWkoYIsS_QMAFAiiuBRwabMLptAZMj9ToEUHI/s320/IMG_1038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598408975948697170" border="0" /></a>I mean really. How good does that look? I want some right now!!!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Everything you see I owe to pasta."</span><br />-Sophie Loren<br /></div></div>Madihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-45086984901662402692011-04-20T07:01:00.011-06:002011-04-20T08:06:57.089-06:00Yummy 'Bomb'ay PizzaUgh hello there bloggity. We meet again. It's been a total love/hate relationship with you. Hopefully, from now on it can be love.<br />I love to write. About anything. English was my best subject and I aced the English placement test in college so I don't have to even take any English classes, but I probably will since I like it so much.<br />Life has been so hectic...I know what you are thinking, here come the excuses, but seriously, I work just about everyday and it's hard to make time to do this, and I'm hardly ever alone. Which is fine, but I can't blog when someone is hovering over me.<br />So blog, let's do this. I am challenging myself to try and post 3 entries this week. So this is number one. I have until Saturday for the other 2. And yes, it's the middle of the week so that should light a fire under my booty patooty.<br /><br />Ok so last Sunday, I decided that I wanted to try and cook dinner every night of the week instead of going out. It was a total success except for Saturday I wanted to go out on a date with my man. So on Sunday I really wanted to make pizza, but I had the craziest craving for Indian food. So I made 'Bomb'ay Pizza. Cute name, right? Ha, all me right there. The only that wasn't homemade was the dough, but I didn't want to make a big mess and I don't have a dough mixer so I bought some at Whole Foods, $3 ain't bad. So we decided the first night to do 4 little individual pizzas. I made a spicy curry tomato sauce and we topped it with tomatoes, garlic, peppers, green onions, mushrooms, and mozzarella. After it was in the oven, we topped it with prosciutto di parma, which is Italian bacon, and it was amazing. Luckily, there was still some left to put on the pizza. What....we wanted an appetizer. When the pizzas came out I topped it with cilantro and mango chutney. Delicioso!!!! Best pizza I ever had.<br />So we had a ton of leftover toppings and sauce so we wanted to make it again the next night, except this time we made just one large pizza! I took plenty of pictures on my phone and made sure to remember the recipe for my blog, well and for myself, too!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Indian 'Bomb'ay Pizza</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Ingredients:</span><br />-1 lb of pizza dough<br />-1 80z can of tomato paste<br />-1 12oz can of tomato sauce<br />-1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar<br />-2 tbsp of curry powder<br />-1 tbsp of paprika, cumin, onion powder<br />-1 tsp of salt and pepper<br />-A pinch of cayenne<br />-2 cups of mozzarella<br />-1 tomato, diced<br />-1 bell pepper, diced (bright colors for a prettier pizza)<br />-8 mushrooms, sliced<br />-A handful of chopped green onions<br />-2 cloves of garlic, sliced or diced<br />-4 thin slices of Prosciutto (optional, but worth it)<br />-A handful of roughly chopped cilantro<br />-A little jar of mango chutney<br /><br />Directions:<br />-Preheat the oven to 450.<br />-Start by prepping all of your veggies, and put each veggie into different bowls. It's makes for a fun dinner activity for the family, especially little kids. You can do individual pizzas, or just make one large one and everyone can throw stuff on it.<br />-Mix your cans of tomato sauce and paste, add all the spices and seasonings, and apple cider vinegar. If it needs to be thinned out add a little bit of water.<br />-Do not be scared of the dough. It is your friend, and tastes pretty good, too! Do not knead the dough. Start out by stretching the dough on a lightly floured surface and add a touch of flour to your hands. Make circular motions by stretching the dough. After doing that about ten times, hold it with your knuckles and just lightly stretch out the dough by moving it from one hand to the other, keep in mind by using your knuckles. If you are still confused here is a link for how to stretch pizza dough. And you don't have to get all fancy and toss it in the air. You want to eat pizza, not floor pizza. <a href="http://youtu.be/72oe_j-0gwE">http://youtu.be/72oe_j-0gwE</a><br />-Now it is time to build the pizza! This is probably the best part besides actually eating the pizza.<br />-Start out by spreading the sauce all over leaving one inch around the outside, remember we want the crust!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xUVj0YtmRRkWH7s8xxtv0vZztSqDAVgg1Vzh-xHXsTe4Ffh-rYQaSqaAqUsObZCcnvmxwWAhSpnLACbakgwoM6JiePG8bpvXnBwkf-v-efeOVE9BX-uvQxfoIY08lRoGW4Ib75ra0xo/s1600/IMG_1021.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xUVj0YtmRRkWH7s8xxtv0vZztSqDAVgg1Vzh-xHXsTe4Ffh-rYQaSqaAqUsObZCcnvmxwWAhSpnLACbakgwoM6JiePG8bpvXnBwkf-v-efeOVE9BX-uvQxfoIY08lRoGW4Ib75ra0xo/s320/IMG_1021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597661295725476306" border="0" /></a>-Place just a handful of cheese on the sauce and the tomatoes. It's better to have the tomatoes under the cheese because they burn easier.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsJxRd5KB0ROuQ1T-waCbCdxAASeN8Uk0qqtdCwN4MgrbCod59qNcgYo7loI8p70vTosFbuHDPvY0Ob8T-5g45HY_U3Eh9GIW3zklB7z2YGyMTLG3HPBLnYVR5U6gmRvSUF7uYLw4zIQ/s1600/IMG_1024.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsJxRd5KB0ROuQ1T-waCbCdxAASeN8Uk0qqtdCwN4MgrbCod59qNcgYo7loI8p70vTosFbuHDPvY0Ob8T-5g45HY_U3Eh9GIW3zklB7z2YGyMTLG3HPBLnYVR5U6gmRvSUF7uYLw4zIQ/s320/IMG_1024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597661884096082130" border="0" /></a>-Place more cheese on top then add the veggies, then add the rest of the cheese!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobvsjffARjRJEsIAHMR-RuWXJbQguk3zJMQnUXJAdxPv9xKDc-uNy_aXYeYwWhkALPsQ_K-CEDbffK7S2MdMHsDHFig-pv2lJayQ7XXt7VyZbrlay4YFjNlZqmgS_R1uI_WW9sVNfrj4/s1600/IMG_1027.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobvsjffARjRJEsIAHMR-RuWXJbQguk3zJMQnUXJAdxPv9xKDc-uNy_aXYeYwWhkALPsQ_K-CEDbffK7S2MdMHsDHFig-pv2lJayQ7XXt7VyZbrlay4YFjNlZqmgS_R1uI_WW9sVNfrj4/s320/IMG_1027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597662512260082658" border="0" /></a>-Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, keeping your eye on it. If you want to, the last five minutes add the prosciutto to crisp it up or add it afterward. We did it both ways and each one is good!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE69bp29gfW6h1bvxV7a3hXRXapiwi6o4iExTxwgEUv_qf7Di4t1WWxSjXu3UYQQC09H2kexUt-EsFIrtl05I2GwAy8Jy332EZqTOjcFhPx_I6ru8EwlftbdK52lZdaOWFL39z1gI166s/s1600/IMG_1028.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE69bp29gfW6h1bvxV7a3hXRXapiwi6o4iExTxwgEUv_qf7Di4t1WWxSjXu3UYQQC09H2kexUt-EsFIrtl05I2GwAy8Jy332EZqTOjcFhPx_I6ru8EwlftbdK52lZdaOWFL39z1gI166s/s320/IMG_1028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597663462765965890" border="0" /></a>-Add the cilantro, and/or prosciutto.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrfeaxO-6bqFVbVsi4AUdQutAxST-v-_VNNig_vmRVMs3QUjPe3SDKpCYI_pOAfOH4hpyGoiOjV7LQOXWQU9kudoiQynj-uyeqJhIdP1rMgwrZnh3wEac3RUzR2aIbZGT4VOU_gSLnvM/s1600/IMG_1030.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrfeaxO-6bqFVbVsi4AUdQutAxST-v-_VNNig_vmRVMs3QUjPe3SDKpCYI_pOAfOH4hpyGoiOjV7LQOXWQU9kudoiQynj-uyeqJhIdP1rMgwrZnh3wEac3RUzR2aIbZGT4VOU_gSLnvM/s320/IMG_1030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597664075551784018" border="0" /></a>-Slice it up and drizzle some mango chutney on your big slice!!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJiAf8MRp9JFWGVCeniyT8BWr5v9IWRcEsb1BK6UrLTbxRD7iEicL6MlLA_BtSVbChVAKYKNNbyyqwLozD-9cYvUQklrATxMi6z9_96jIPpnB0gKC9ow1Up2DtB8A_If_OvMsIHyx2Dc/s1600/IMG_1033.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJiAf8MRp9JFWGVCeniyT8BWr5v9IWRcEsb1BK6UrLTbxRD7iEicL6MlLA_BtSVbChVAKYKNNbyyqwLozD-9cYvUQklrATxMi6z9_96jIPpnB0gKC9ow1Up2DtB8A_If_OvMsIHyx2Dc/s320/IMG_1033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597664642134738898" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n8ZbEtRKk16Mb7D2aFQpOgjJmlqWBStYtR59ypBePZx5zzQ35m8JL_xmshSt_E1pYXz2xcerQzajLIKVtio_EqjL5YNbZ8QCDtuNHHTtK-L47Z297n1bEzu1jWo-Mf1V1RuWq-kMZVo/s1600/IMG_1035.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n8ZbEtRKk16Mb7D2aFQpOgjJmlqWBStYtR59ypBePZx5zzQ35m8JL_xmshSt_E1pYXz2xcerQzajLIKVtio_EqjL5YNbZ8QCDtuNHHTtK-L47Z297n1bEzu1jWo-Mf1V1RuWq-kMZVo/s320/IMG_1035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597664977458368642" border="0" /></a><br />-I hope everyone enjoys this recipe, I know I did!<br /><br />Welp it's time for work, see busy busy busy. <br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"</span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="body">Ideas are like pizza dough, made to be tossed around.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> "</span><br />-Anna Quindlen<span class="bodybold"><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/annaquindl395368.html"><br /></a></span>Madihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-72603040094049005412011-02-17T10:49:00.004-07:002011-02-17T11:38:03.881-07:00Life and FoodWow. Hi blog. How are you? Oh I'm fine thanks.<br />Lord have mercy, it has been almost 5 months since my last post. I decided to take a vacation from the whole blogging thing. I started to feel pressure and I felt like I was writing for others and not myself anymore. I made sure all of my grammar was right, and all the fun fonts were correct. But now I don't care. This is MY blog. If I spell something wrong, or make a mistake, I don't care. I can't obsess over things like that because then I am not enjoying writing anymore. Writing is about expressing your feelings and thoughts and having it mean something, if not to anyone, then yourself.<br />Life has been a little hectic as well. I moved out of my old apartment and in with my new room mate, Shannon! We have certainly been eating a lot. Between moving, school, work, and running errands, the last thing I wanted to do was sit down and write, which is a bummer because I love to write. Speaking of which, I decided that I want to continue to go to school after I get my three Associates, and go for my Bachelor's in Journalism. I want to go to school in Denver, Seattle, San Fran, or NYC. I want to work for <span style="font-style: italic;">Bon Appetit</span> Magazine. Oh that is the ultimate dream. I noticed that my goals and dreams have changed over the past couple of years. For instance, I wanted to go to the Art Institute of Denver, I wanted to open a Dinner Theater, I wanted to be a personal chef, I wanted to work on a cruise line and travel, and I wanted to open a little delicatessen. Now it's "Big Time Food Writer For Bon Appetit, who appears on Top Chef and The Next Iron Chef to Judge" or something like that.<br /><br />So Food! Oh glorious food! That's what this really about, right? Wonderful, decadent, scrumptious food! I must say, I have been eating rather well these past couple of months. I have been trying to cook more since I moved in, and so far it's going along nicely. Made pasta and Tikka Masala. As for everything else, it's been frozen gourmet Boca burgers, frozen pizzas, salads, quesadillas, cereal, and frozen tamales. Oh but don't you worry, I always like to spice up my college meals. I have all of these big, beautiful cook books sitting in my cupboard, and I plan on using at least one a week. Just open the <span style="font-style: italic;">James Beard Cookery</span> book, and cook something gammit....<span style="font-size:78%;">gammit is my new favorite word</span>. It's all about time, and really, who has that now-a-days? But I am always wanting to cook. Unfortunately, I took all my cooking classes, and now I have baking classes. BLEH!!! Just got push through it, I keep telling myself.<br /><br />So more posts to come. I have so much to talk about, food wise that is. Can't wait!<br />Long live the blogs!!!!!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"I have long believed that good food, good eating is all about risk. Whether we’re talking about unpasteurized Stilton, raw oysters or working for organized crime ‘associates,’ food, for me, has always been an adventure."</span><br /> -<strong style="font-weight: normal;">Anthony Bourdain</strong>Madihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-20100081444113194712010-10-02T23:10:00.001-06:002010-10-02T23:27:29.048-06:00BakingBaking baking baking. Ugh. It is a big love-hate relationship. A few months ago, I was dying to make my delicious Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies. I never got a chance to because I do not have a fancy-schmancy Kitchen-Aid mixer <span style="font-size:85%;">(maybe for Christmas?)</span>. I love making cookies, cupcakes, cakes, anything fun and easy. So I am in a Breads class and Individual Fancy Desserts class. I was super excited because I though it would concentrate around those items more...boy was I wrong. Baking bread is one of the most tedious things in the world! Don't get me wrong, homemade bread is one of the best things in the world, but I don't want to spend 4 HOURS making just a couple of loaves. In my Desserts class, it's all about using different sauces, decorative sugars, petite cakes, flans, pears, eclairs, and desserts in martini glasses. Sounds great, right? WRONG! I am having the hardest time with this class. You see, with cooking I am creative with making sauces, sides, vegetables, and meats. I love being creative with cooking. I really like being creative with desserts, however I am struggling in this class. I want my plates to look sophisticated, and not piled on with 20 different elements. I stand at my station, staring at my plate, hoping that an idea will strike me, and then at that time I am time crunched, and I just through stuff on the plate. A couple of weeks ago, we had to make desserts with pears. My teacher told us we could bake them in phyllo or pastry dough. I prepared for this lesson, and cooked my pear in honey, white wine, thyme, and of course, butter. I made a cardamom whipped cream and paired it with the pear. Was mind blowing. So we have little competitions, and they are judged by other teachers. Really liking mine, I thought I would at least place. Nope. She said it needed more. No it didn't. It had the perfect amount on the plate. So annoying. I take the time to look for something to make, and it back fires.<br />So these classes have been stressing me out, and I decided to take the week off from them. I feel a lot better, and I have been doing research, and FINALLY I feel more confident. I need to push through this semester, and get it over with. Ha wish me luck, right?<br /><br />Wanna see the picture I took of my pear? Let me know what you think.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVOBdlPw8dr0DHICr10VzJqh_h0Rls44hXJAdX0DG3Pv_4ITApeuGiIjmcobd3ggyEsRH8Z1BRzL04DAa8OVlgH2zA7YAygAsI68HcWNz3nuEvOW47S-x1IXUTMReRWX4AaMsWKtj-EM/s1600/iphone.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVOBdlPw8dr0DHICr10VzJqh_h0Rls44hXJAdX0DG3Pv_4ITApeuGiIjmcobd3ggyEsRH8Z1BRzL04DAa8OVlgH2zA7YAygAsI68HcWNz3nuEvOW47S-x1IXUTMReRWX4AaMsWKtj-EM/s320/iphone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523681515755695650" border="0" /></a>Oh and everyone should check out this awesome website for food decorations, it's mostly for cakes and such, but they do a lot of fun, different foods. It's http://cutestfood.com/ so check it out. It's very inspiring.<br /><br />So for this post I could not choose between these two quotes, so I decided to share both of them with you.<br /><br /><span><span style="font-style: italic;">"There are two kinds of people in the world: those who love chocolate, and communists."</span> -Leslie Moak Murray<br /></span><span><span style="font-style: italic;">"Stressed spelled backwards is desserts. Coincidence? I think not!" </span><br />-Author Unknown</span>Madihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-87783967926616325512010-08-16T16:39:00.004-06:002010-08-26T17:15:28.272-06:00Healthy PostHello everyone!! My, my, my, it has been too long since my last post. Not to worry, I do have much to talk about in this post, and in the posts to come.<br /><br />Eating healthy...ugh. I always try not to think of anything negative with this. It's about flavor for me, not quantity. Most healthy foods to me taste the same. However, buying lean meat, vegetables, and seafood is extremely healthy, unless you drown it in butter of course. Cooking a great piece of tilapia is one of my favorite healthy meals (recipe below). When eating healthy, you should never ever be afraid of your spice cabinet. Did you know spices have ZERO calories? Did you just do a double take? That's right, zero calories on all spices. So adding flavor to any dish is easy, however that's where your own creativity comes in. Another good tip is, imagine your plate, and now divide it into 4 quarters. In 2 of the quarters fill half with vegetables, in another quarter fill with your starch, and the last quarter protein. You will be full more with vegetables, thus making it better for yourself. Put down that salad, and eat like everyone else at the table, but with better portion control.<br /><br />So for the past month or so, I have been meaning to post this wonderful recipe. Being busy and all, I couldn't find time, so now I'm making time. I made <span style="font-weight: bold;">Summer Squash Sloppy Joes</span>. Oh my YUM! I already have a great recipe for Sloppy Joes, but this one has so much more stuff in it!! It's all vegetables and sweet meat. I hope to make it again very soon before summer is over.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Summer Squash Sloppy Joes</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Ingredients:</span><br />-1 pound ground lean beef or turkey<br />-1/2 onion, finely chopped<br />-1 carrot, chopped<br />-2 summer squash, diced small, zucchini or yellow squash<br />-Half of a red bell pepper, diced<br />-1 6-ounce can tomato paste<br />-1 cup of water<br />-3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce<br />-1/4 cup of brown sugar<br />-3 garlic cloves, minced<br />-1 tablespoon mild chili powder<br />-A pinch of red pepper flakes<br />-1 teaspoon paprika<br />-1 teaspoon dried oregano<br />-Salt and Pepper, TT<br />-6 hamburger buns<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Directions:</span><br /><br />-Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.<br />-Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the ground meat first with the garlic. When it is almost browned, add the carrot, squash, and bell pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes. Add the onion and cook for another 5 minutes.<br />-Stir in all of the tomato paste and add the water a little at a time. The tomato paste should be dissolved, and the consistency should be the perfect sloppy joe consistency.<br />-Add all of the spices and salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook until the mixture has thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.<br />-Divide the hamburger buns, and toast in the oven for about 4 minutes.<br />-Pile up a good helping of the sloppy mixture on a warm toasty bun. Serve and enjoy!<br />-A great side to have with this is sweet potato fries. Julienne the fries, add a little cayenne, pepper, and salt, and cook at 350 for 30 minutes. Delish!<br />-If there are any leftovers, or your kids are a little picky, add it to mac-n-cheese.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pan-Fried Tilapia with Edamame and Rice</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Ingredients:</span><br /><br />-1/4 cup all-purpose flour<br />-2 teaspoons seafood seasoning, such as <span style="font-style: italic;">Old Bay Seasoning</span><br />-1 teaspoon of cayenne<br />-1 teaspoon salt<br />-1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper<br />-1 1/2 pounds fresh tilapia fillets<br />-4 tablespoons canola oil (2 for fish, 2 for edamame)<br />-2 tablespoons butter<br />-2 garlic cloves, minced (1 clove for fish, 1 for edamame)<br />-2 tablespoons lemon juice<br />-2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley leaves<br />-1 medium onion, chopped<br />-1 (10-ounce) bag frozen shelled edamame, thawed<br />-1 cup of rice, 2 cups of water, 1 tablespoon of butter<br /><div class="instructions"><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Directions:</span><br /><br />-Heat the oven to 300 degrees.<br />-Add rice, water and butter to a pot, and cook.<br />-In a shallow baking dish combine flour, seafood seasoning, cayenne, and salt and pepper. Add the tilapia and lightly coat each side.<br />-Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Shake off any excess seasoned flour and place in the skillet. Brown on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Place tilapia on a baking sheet that is lined with a paper grocery bag or paper towels and keep warm in the oven while you prepare the sauce.<br />-Turn down the heat to the pan the tilapia was cooked to low and add the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the garlic, lemon juice and parsley and sauté for 2 minutes. Place the fillets on serving plates or a platter, top with the sauce and serve.<br />-Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, season with salt and pepper, to taste and sauté for 2 minutes. Add edamame and sauté for 4 minutes until edamame are heated through and onions are tender.<br />-Serve and enjoy.<br />-The edamame and onions taste great with soy sauce or even the sauce you made for the fish.<br /></div><br /><div color="transparent" style="border: medium none ; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">So you see, healthy eating can be lots of fun. Just remember vegetables and portion controlling is your best friend. I'm trying myself to eat healthier. I know it is hard. I always like to sneak in large portions and lots of sugar, but it takes a little self-control. I wish you all luck, and myself luck.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">"I like rice. Rice is great if you're hungry and want 2ooo of something."</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">-Mitch Hedberg</span><br /></div>Madihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-18066020072834227372010-07-25T11:40:00.002-06:002010-07-25T11:47:02.387-06:00Twitter/Blogspot/Facebook VacationHello everyone and Happy Sunday! I just wanted to take a post and apologize for not posting in a long time. I have been so busy that I decided to take a Twitter/Blogspot/Facebook vacation. So now since I have more time nowadays, I will post very soon. I'm in Florida on vacation right now, so maybe later I will post something fun, or when I get back. I am trying to figure out what to do with chicken tonight. I'll think of something. I hope everyone is enjoying the remaining days of July! Love to all, especially my fellow foodies out there!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Do vegetarians eat animal crackers?"</span><br />-Author Unknown</span>Madihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-59072503043196579842010-06-25T17:18:00.004-06:002010-07-01T19:58:17.880-06:00Question/Photo of the Week: Basil<span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Photo:</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4MxKReIv4qvHcuVFsdAQnE50_REKSaPOg-Rq6sriGV-v11X8yGGZe4ANebmNqqd4Hpl67VLhEFjh3EQqXssFc44MmxipHH7b692FjmDFmSCIn4FMKBR7siG3ISSGchPzfP77n6Zb4o0/s1600/basil.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4MxKReIv4qvHcuVFsdAQnE50_REKSaPOg-Rq6sriGV-v11X8yGGZe4ANebmNqqd4Hpl67VLhEFjh3EQqXssFc44MmxipHH7b692FjmDFmSCIn4FMKBR7siG3ISSGchPzfP77n6Zb4o0/s320/basil.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486854723726024898" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Question:</span> Do you like basil? In what dishes, do you like to incorporate it?<br /><br />I am now becoming obsessed with basil! The aroma and taste is wonderful.<br /><br />Traditionally, basil is used in savory dishes such as, Italian cuisine. I have used basil when making Parmesan crusted chicken and tomato basil salsa. It tastes extremely fresh. However, cooks all over the country are starting to use basil in sweet dishes. Did you know that basil is a member of the mint family? If you eat a basil leaf by itself, you can taste a little mintiness on your tongue. You know how at some restaurants, they garnish their desserts with mint? That is so overrated and so over done, that now they are garnishing with basil. Not just garnishing though. Cooks are adding basil with fresh strawberries, ice cream, and cakes. Instead of being just a dessert, it adds a sense of sophistication and freshness. So next time you are in the grocery store, and you are going for the mint, grab some basil instead, and cut it chiffonade style. You will be very impressed!!! If you want it a little savory, I suggest buying fresh mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, basil, and extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Slice and drizzle the oil and vinegar over. There you have a healthy snack.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Much virtue in Herbs, little in Men."</span><br />-Benjamin Franklin<span style="font-size:14;"></span>Madihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-61165577436681513932010-06-14T13:36:00.002-06:002010-06-14T14:08:41.625-06:00Steak, My Favorite AnimalHi everyone! Sorry about not posting a <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">"Question/Photo of the Week"</span> this past Friday. Things got a little busy, and I didn't have a chance. This Friday though, for sure, there will be a post!<br /><br />So this past week was Matthew's Dad's Birthday! Happy Birthday, again, Mr. B! We celebrated his birthday with a great homemade dinner. We had baked potatoes, garlic bread, and best of all,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> steak</span>. Not just any steak, my friends. We bought two giant rib eyes and two New York strips, one for each of us. We seasoned each with <span style="font-style: italic;">Montreal Steak Seasoning</span>. A few minutes on a sizzling hot grill, and we had ourselves a monstery, juicy, hunk of meat. And when I say hunk, I mean hunk. I cooked mine to medium rare, and it was perfect. It melted in my mouth, the way a steak should. Thank you again, Bartleson family!<br /><br />Steak is amazing. All I really need on it is salt, pepper, and maybe some crushed garlic. Medium rare is the only way I will eat a steak. If it "moos" a little, then perfect! Too done is too tough. It's like eating a hockey puck. With a great piece of meat, you don't want to kill it anymore than it already is.<br /><br />A great recipe I have is called Jalapeno Pesto Steak. In a food processor, blend a jalapeno, cilantro, one clove of garlic, and the zest and juice of one lime. Add about a tablespoon of olive oil to blend. Choose your favorite cuts of meat and marinate for about a 30 minutes. Grill on high heat. Dice some tomatoes and lay across on the steak. Enjoy!<br /><br />"The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook."<br />-Julia ChildMadihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-52460872807880938142010-06-04T19:30:00.005-06:002010-06-06T00:33:29.585-06:00Question/Photo of the Week: Holy Guacamole!!!!<span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Photo:</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfsdc1oRkKapRXe4nvw_0rAyJ9CqPCwPnRto01Fu8wjdaQQRVUMSZvObPQJrePRTAan6a9RQchJ5mDhp4gHTaw28XhRRnDmaPLPqtwG6aED3szn8lR4bQNGeJ1KfJYVni24rvbdANtLU/s1600/guacamole-raw-400x400.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfsdc1oRkKapRXe4nvw_0rAyJ9CqPCwPnRto01Fu8wjdaQQRVUMSZvObPQJrePRTAan6a9RQchJ5mDhp4gHTaw28XhRRnDmaPLPqtwG6aED3szn8lR4bQNGeJ1KfJYVni24rvbdANtLU/s320/guacamole-raw-400x400.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479489476321995490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Question:</span> How do you make your guacamole? Do you like it on anything special or just with chips?<br /><br />In one of my classes this past semeste<span style="font-size:100%;">r, we were discussing what the best all round food is.</span> The answer was, of course, pizza (See May 28th post). However, at first I said guacamole! Creamy, chunky, and buttery, all at the same time. Traditionally, it is filled with tomatoes, onion, a Serrano chile, cilantro, and lime juice. Of course, guacamole would be nothing without the main star, avocado! It is good by itself, sliced in half with kosher salt, cracked pepper, and lime juice. All you need is a spoon to eat with. Mayo is the bane of my existence. So when making a tuna sandwich, instead of adding mayo, I add avocado. I still get that creamy, buttery texture that mayo also has.<br /><br />I love true, beautiful, and raw ingredients. I also love anything vegetarian that has so many varieties. Really, a true guacamole is all raw ingredients that when joined together, makes perfect harmony.<br /><br />Guacamole is my weakness in this world. I am willing to pay an extra $1.80 for guacamole on my burrito at Chipotle, it is just that amazing.<br /><br />I made guacamole tonight for dinner with Baja Shrimp Fajitas. In my guacamole, I like a lot of stuff. I put avocado, obviously, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, salt, pepper, and my secret ingredient, yellow bell pepper. Start with three avocados and mush them a little before adding the other ingredients, and leave them a little chunky. Add two tomatoes, diced. Finely chop about a tablespoon of the red onion. Finely chop half a jalapeno. I like just using the cilantro leaves, so just get a little bunch, and roughly run your knife through it. For something a little extra special, zest your lime and juice it. Use about less then a quarter of the bell pepper and finely dice it. Salt and pepper TT and you have some great guacamole. With all the extra bell pepper, jalapeno, and onion, slice, and stir fry for some Baja Shrimp Fajitas.<br /><br />If you don't feel like doing all that chopping, here is a great recipe I like to call "Holy Lazy Guacamole". You need 2 avocados, one lime, an 8 oz jar of medium Picante Salsa, and salt and pepper TT. Cut up the avocado and mush it lightly in a bowl. Add a about a quarter cup of salsa to the avocado. Add the lime juice and salt and pepper. Mix until combined, and there you have some "Lazy" guacamole.<br /><br />Here are some other recipes for guacamole!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spicy Papaya</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Ingredients:</span><br />-1 papaya, diced<br />-Juice of 1 lime<br />-Half an habenero chile, use gloves if you, wash your hands thoroughly after use<br />-A little bunch of cilanatro, roughly chopped<br />-2 diced avocados, diced<br />-Half a red onion, finely diced<br />-Salt and Pepper TT<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Directions:</span><br />-Stir ingredients until combined well.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Southwest Corn</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Ingredients:</span><br />-1 ear of corn<br />-Pinch of chile powder<br />-Pinch of coriander<br />-Pinch of salt<br />-2 roma tomatoes<br />-1 bunch of scallions<br />-Juice of 1 lime<br />-3 avocados, diced<br />-2 jalapenos, minced, no seeds or vein<br />-1 bunch of cilantro, roughly chopped<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Directions:</span><br />-Turn on broiler to a medium high heat.<br />-Oil corn on the cob and sprinkle chili powder, coriander, and salt on. Broil the corn, tomatoes, and scallions, about 5-7 minutes.<br />-Chop the scallions and tomatoes and mash with the avocados.<br />-Add jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice.<br />-Cut the corn kernels of the cob and add to the mixture with more chili powder, coriander, and salt.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Creamy Tomatillo</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Ingredients:</span><br />-4 tomatillos, husked and rinsed<br />-1 bunch of cilantro, roughly chopped<br />-1/4 of an onion, diced<br />-1 jalapeno, diced<br />-2 avocados, diced<br />-Pinch of salt<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Directions:</span><br />-Boil the tomatillos in water for about five minutes.<br />-Puree cilantro, onion, jalapeno, and a splash of the tomatillo water.<br />-Drain the tomatillos, add to the blender, and pulse.<br />-Add the avocados and salt and pulse.<br /><br /><br />"I can't tell you how much leftover guacamole I've ended up eating over the years. I don't even know why I am making such great quantities."<br />-Michael Scott (Steve Carell)Madihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-58825250298735245572010-06-03T23:19:00.004-06:002010-06-04T16:43:31.420-06:00WithdrawalHello everyone! I hope everyone is having a wonderful week and is ready for the weekend.<br /><br />I'll tell you what, BBQ is in the air and it is making me a happy girl! I hope everyone is hitting the grill with those baby backs and wearing their "Kiss the Cook" aprons. On Monday, which was Memorial Day, I went to Matthew's house for dinner and his dad made us burgers and grilled corn on the cob! I have to say that it was a fun meal, and we need to grill more, Mr. Bartleson! Speaking of grilling, guess what's on my wish list! A grill. I found one on Craigslist, but if I am going to be spending money on one, I want a nice grill that will last, not the hunk of junk I found for $30.<br /><br />So enough about grilling.<br /><br />Time to talk about withdrawal. Withdrawal from what, you may ask. Cooking. It's been a couple weeks since I made a homemade meal for myself. Everything has been frozen food and takeout for me. It happens when you work, come home, and you are exhausted. I wish it wasn't so. I feel the most comfortable when I am cooking, it is the one thing that I feel confident about in my life. It's nice to turn to my kitchen and not only feed my body, but my mind and soul. Cooking for me is very therapeutic. It takes away all the stress and worries I may have in the world. Some people feel the complete opposite from this. They see their kitchen as battlefield, and all they have is a dull steak knife that they use for chopping their vegetables. I feel like over the past few months I have forgotten my favorite recipes and my very own. So I am going through all my cookbooks,<span style="font-style: italic;"> Bon Appetit</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Food Network</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Everyday with Rachel Ray</span>, and <span style="font-style: italic;">Food and Wine</span> to find all my favorite and best recipes. I want to type it all up, organize it, and put it in a book. I feel like this will make me feel more organized, and it will be easier for me to find something NEW to cook. This is an exciting project for me, to some maybe boring, but I love making lists, reading recipes, and typing. It makes sense to me!<br />I am also working on a cookbook. It's still a work-in-progress. It's tough, but I am making it a goal to have it done by the end of summer, and I want to find a publisher for it, and sell it nationally, maybe Amazon or something. I want to make a chapter for my family's recipes and a chapter on friend's recipes, so if you have one you'd like to donate, let me know! All the credit will go to you.<br /><br />Hmmm, all this talking about how much cooking makes me happy, makes me want to cook tomorrow night. I'm thinking Baja Shrimp and Guac. Maybe I'll post whatever recipe I come up with!<br /><br />Also, tomorrow is Friday, so look out for the Question/Photo of the Week! Hmm, I wonder what will it be.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"When baking, follow directions. When cooking, go by your own taste." </span><br />-Laiko Bahrs</span>Madihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-91260526622717706492010-05-28T21:45:00.005-06:002010-05-28T22:22:50.705-06:00Question/Photo of the Week: Pizza!!!I know, it has been forever since my last post, my apologies!<br />But it is Friday and today is the first for weekly posts of Question/Photo of the Week! I am way excited. So read, comment, look, get involved!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Question:</span> What is your favorite kind of pizza, and where is your favorite place to get it?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Photo:</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4OzGVbCKEFOnIw7GifZsqocgJ3SJRALp-naXd6YJj6oi5Fw0T36wwMH9ToTbMeQorrRw1_7FuyCIUiqe3Dl2J3v1r9ZhUt131F6tzPHpMSmQdgcNPGK8ypZ6v2ec5FWmQBBO8WLSHmE/s1600/black-forest-food-flammenkuchen.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4OzGVbCKEFOnIw7GifZsqocgJ3SJRALp-naXd6YJj6oi5Fw0T36wwMH9ToTbMeQorrRw1_7FuyCIUiqe3Dl2J3v1r9ZhUt131F6tzPHpMSmQdgcNPGK8ypZ6v2ec5FWmQBBO8WLSHmE/s320/black-forest-food-flammenkuchen.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476536443120048930" border="0" /></a><br />I chose this picture because lets face it, pizza is a revolutionary food. It is the only food you can have for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, hot or cold. It is the only food that involves all the main food groups. There's your bread, dairy(cheese), vegetables, meat, and fruit(pineapples and tomatoes)! I am simple when it comes to pizza, just cheese, cheese, and more cheese! My two favorite places for pizza is <span style="font-style: italic;">Louie's</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">California Pizza Kitchen</span>. Cheese from <span style="font-style: italic;">Louie's</span>, and from <span style="font-style: italic;">CPK</span>, either the Jamaican Jerk Chicken or the Thai Chicken. Thank the food gods for Italians, otherwise where would we be on a Saturday night with our movie rental and pint of Coca-Cola?<br /> Did you know that Americans alone eat 75 acres of pizza a day!?<br />Pizza is so versatile. There's deep dish, thin crust, thick crust, square pizza, circle pizza, stuffed pizza, two layer pizza, and on and on and on. And then there's the classic battle between Chicago deep dish vs. a New York thin slice. Of course, I like em' thin! So New York all the way! However, having an authentic Chicago pizza is an experience worth having!<br />I could keep going on with how amazing pizza is. Like how it is paired with ranch, it is like how two people meet and it love at first sight, but in this case it is love at first BITE! I think that at least once a week, we should all cheat on eating healthy, and order take out from our favorite pizza place, curl up on the couch, and watch a good movie. Maybe I will do that tomorrow night.<br />Ciao Bella!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I'm not hungry enough to eat six.”</span><br />-Yogi BerraMadihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-53907555701379600342010-05-18T15:25:00.002-06:002010-05-18T17:46:08.984-06:00Need a quick meal?!Everyone is always in a rush! Have to go to work, have to go to school, need groceries, need to go to the bank, blah blah blah.<br />When cooking, I think it is time for us to slow down, take our whole day in, and relax. Cooking shouldn't stress you out. If you drop the chicken on the floor, big deal (I'm not saying still use it) move on with life.<br />However, I like a quick fix meal, especially a cheap one! Here, I have two great, easy recipes for everyone! The first one, I made in my Catering class. The only thing missing was a hot bowl of white rice. Next, is my own original creation, BBQ Spaghetti and Meatballs. Remember, to have fun while cooking!!! Otherwise, it will become one more thing that stresses you out.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spicy Brown Sugared Shrimp and Rice</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Ingredients:</span><br />-1 lb of shrimp, peeled and deveined<br />-2 cloves of garlic, minced<br />-2 tbsp of butter<br />-1 cup of green onions, chopped<br />-1 cup of bean sprouts<br />-1 cup of brown sugar<br />-1 tbsp of curry powder<br />-1 tsp of onion powder<br />-1 tsp of paprika<br />-Less than a pinch of cayenne<br />-Salt and Pepper TT<br />-1/2 cup of medium grain rice<br />-1 cup of water<br />-1 tbsp of butter<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Directions:</span><br />-Combine rice, water and 1 tbsp of butter in a medium size pot. Bring to a boil, stir, cover, and reduce heat to low.<br />-While the rice is cooking, in a medium skillet over medium heat add the butter and garlic. Let that slowly cook, then add the green onions and bean sprouts.<br />-Combine the brown sugar and all the spices in a bowl. When the rice is almost done, add the shrimp and brown sugar mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste. The brown sugar mixture will melt and turn into a sauce like consistency.<br />-When serving, place rice on the bottom of the bowl and add the shrimp and sauce over. All you need are some chopsticks to make it a meal to remember!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BBQ Spaghetti and Meatballs</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Ingredients:</span><br />-1/2 lb of spaghetti<br />-20 oz of your favorite BBQ sauce<br />-1/2 can of evaporated milk<br />-1.5 lbs of ground beef, lean as you can find<br />-1 cup of quick cooking oats<br />-1 egg, slightly beaten<br />-1/2 an onion, finely diced<br />-A pinch of red pepper flakes<br />-Salt and Pepper TT<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Directions:</span><br />-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Put on a large pot of water for the pasta, add salt. And a small pot for the BBQ sauce to heat up in.<br />-In a large mixing bowl, add the evaporated milk, beef, oats, egg, onion, red pepper flaked, and salt and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are combined. Do not over mix!!<br />-Make the meatballs about a inch wide. Place on a cookie sheet. Drizzle about a teaspoon of BBQ sauce on each meatball. Place in oven and cook for about 30 minutes.<br />-Add the BBQ sauce to the small pot and turn the heat on medium low.<br />-When there is ten minutes left for the meatballs, and the water is boiling, add the pasta. Taste a noodle when they seem to be almost done. If it is to your liking, strain through a colander. Take the meatballs out after 30 minutes.<br />-Just like regular pasta and tomato sauce, place pasta in the bowl with the meatballs and BBQ sauce.<br />-Serve and enjoy!<br /><br />These are both really easy dinners with cheap ingredients! I hope everyone tries them! I just made the BBQ Spaghetti the other night and it was delicious!!! Remember, right now in our lives are busy, but we need to make time for ourselves, always.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"It ain't a party until you drop the milk container on the floor."</span><br />-Rachael RayMadihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-63227622026801451782010-05-07T21:30:00.000-06:002010-05-07T21:57:02.334-06:00First Time VloggerHere is my first "vlog". It is kind of dorky, but I was too tired to type, but still wanted to blog, so enjoy! Remember comments are always pleasant! Oh and google "crogue en bouche" to see amazing pictures. I couldn't pick which ones to put up here, so you can look for yourself!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ptG27cYao7Q&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ptG27cYao7Q&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />"Vlog."<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsnU47_LU8QrPrRDuG70xDpc-mhK8sK0e0jJ3MvkP4WJSuGl_JsCZ8jaUUDavvDtvXz1UdYtpDTLHidzkbeKPrCPhlj5IvePDfxqohKVhyMCajiVpAyS1sddXj3VWear5Udt2V3IlLmk/s1600/iphone+141.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsnU47_LU8QrPrRDuG70xDpc-mhK8sK0e0jJ3MvkP4WJSuGl_JsCZ8jaUUDavvDtvXz1UdYtpDTLHidzkbeKPrCPhlj5IvePDfxqohKVhyMCajiVpAyS1sddXj3VWear5Udt2V3IlLmk/s320/iphone+141.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468012652260693330" border="0" /></a>Gorgeous, right?<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9orfnCchmjSiNmWO1UN1o4OWCQWwk4ZPZMt7NNow1dDwbR1dvK7O0TK11UmRa44-OJSlocBS1283zngySceKhSeWUiOJhehcTL6i2P7Ukdm-B7nm7IJz-pj-5DaJbQ5AOxGSuX_RDVfs/s1600/iphone+139.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9orfnCchmjSiNmWO1UN1o4OWCQWwk4ZPZMt7NNow1dDwbR1dvK7O0TK11UmRa44-OJSlocBS1283zngySceKhSeWUiOJhehcTL6i2P7Ukdm-B7nm7IJz-pj-5DaJbQ5AOxGSuX_RDVfs/s320/iphone+139.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468012472889631570" border="0" /></a>From the top. See the strawberry cream in the middle?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtfy-2iOVSQCZwy76hMP7m1721FBpIusDxtELMCnWCYAW3O6KeXcG65-n5zaYumqE4nu49cQmsAmizbjOvp-yt5vMYm5FZjAiGvYBrF8Rc6fCHdgWHbxblBjDdVU7PRmMXuonJF89o4o/s1600/iphone+142.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtfy-2iOVSQCZwy76hMP7m1721FBpIusDxtELMCnWCYAW3O6KeXcG65-n5zaYumqE4nu49cQmsAmizbjOvp-yt5vMYm5FZjAiGvYBrF8Rc6fCHdgWHbxblBjDdVU7PRmMXuonJF89o4o/s320/iphone+142.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468012738149810754" border="0" /></a>The whole class. Yay!!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"There are two kinds of people in the world: those who love chocolate, and communists." </span><br />-Leslie Moak Murray<br /></span></div></div>Madihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-56368872416013343702010-05-05T21:37:00.003-06:002010-05-05T21:59:13.717-06:00Hola Amigos and QuesoHappy Cinco de Mayo to all.<br />Today was a very interesting eating day. Today, was my last day of yoga. That class was so amazing and I met so many incredible people. We decided to bring in food and eat after we did our "workout", which included headstands and shoulder stands. I'm proud to say I did both very well. I didn't want to get to fancy and extravagant with what I brought since it is so early in the morning, so I just stuck with strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries. I love fruit! Oh my goodness. I don't eat breakfast, but when I do, it is usually fruit. People brought doughnuts, carrots and hummus, nuts, dates, goat cheese, mango salsa, GUACAMOLE, more fruit, and danishes. It was such a light and wonderful meal. But what made it wonderful were the people who I was eating it with. Food can taste good, but it taste great when you eat it with other people, especially with love and charisma floating around. So I was full all day, and decided to have CHIPOTLE for dinner.<br /><br />Ok, Chipotle is probably one of my favorite restaurants of all time, so it only made sense if I went there on Cinco de Mayo. Unfortunately, I didn't have anyone to go with, but the food was still good, as always. I always get a carnitas burrito with half pico de gallo and corn salsa, with a little sour cream, extra cheese, and guacamole. You always have to have the guacamole. It is worth the $1.80, trust me.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABkGIADu2oh2DilHlUCXx0VzowG87bozv9AO8Qhw7LDU306cl7r4H0vBKvYmxC1rpXY47DTkvvRM-JnteP3RrrWI-umWPBSBJ5s3TUO_ScdKglg-i-TruRh5bD-eS1-KHxBRhyhyzf0k/s1600/iphone+116.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABkGIADu2oh2DilHlUCXx0VzowG87bozv9AO8Qhw7LDU306cl7r4H0vBKvYmxC1rpXY47DTkvvRM-JnteP3RrrWI-umWPBSBJ5s3TUO_ScdKglg-i-TruRh5bD-eS1-KHxBRhyhyzf0k/s320/iphone+116.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468000031192688210" border="0" /></a>Sweet Bliss.<br /><br /></div>Mexican food is so grand. Again, Chef Rick Bayless is the king of sophisticated Mexican cuisine, and he knows and understands how Mexican food should taste and look. Man, I will meet him, and go to his restaurant one day. I swear it!<br /><br />I hope everyone not only just drank tequila, but enjoyed the wonderful flavors and dishes of Mexico.<br />Adios mi amigos.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"I think the great Mexican cuisine is dying because there are fast foods now competing, because there are supermarkets, and supermarkets can't afford to keep in stock a lot of there very perishable products that are used for fine Mexican cooking. Women are working and real Mexican cooking requires enormous amounts of time."</span><br />-Alma GuillermoprietoMadihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138959076160883558.post-62448070345491655692010-05-01T17:48:00.004-06:002010-05-01T17:59:49.214-06:00SushiTonight, I'm going out with one of my best friends, Kaylee. Guess where we are going! Well, the title is kind of a give away...It's sushi!!! We are off to get sushi!<br />Let me just tell you how excited I am. I'M EXCITED!<br />My all time favorite sushi is anything with unagi aka eel. It simply melts in your mouth.<br />We are going to my all time favorite place which is Kohnami Sushi. They are the cheapest and best quality in town, and they give away complimentary miso soup and salad AND ice cream. You know how to tell a good sushi place from a bad one? They give complimentary soup and salad. I am also friends with the family who owns the restaurant. They give me free rolls sometimes and we always end up talking forever! Such a cute family! Here's the location!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Zz96pPx87joUptTq3utVcmeVaqfYk7K_MrcdHxKggXMEOrS0LRhFUM4GBzU_VZyDLDxyQIGqdLNATXuvH-QDeD9HPNuyK99sKJ1TcNzJrCm1mDYhDoCbK81xEmgK2c8MJE8C5c6k3vI/s1600/mapdata.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Zz96pPx87joUptTq3utVcmeVaqfYk7K_MrcdHxKggXMEOrS0LRhFUM4GBzU_VZyDLDxyQIGqdLNATXuvH-QDeD9HPNuyK99sKJ1TcNzJrCm1mDYhDoCbK81xEmgK2c8MJE8C5c6k3vI/s320/mapdata.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466454218546524274" border="0" /></a>7673 North Union Boulevard<br />Colorado Springs, CO 80920<br />(719) 599-8689<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Do you like sushi? What kind? Where do you like to go? Comment comment comment!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutBCd6WLO5dymx91SoB4r0k_JNYeoYtYMMZsufxSbtL6XDuSqi6lTLl-suQo-UgUtMYcrszqnDtodxbF0tOhuwbJ8sCDl-uQ6RM8k3WPi8aKc3fVFk-FSYxYkriaPGNusmSKfEwOQwTc/s1600/iphone+045.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutBCd6WLO5dymx91SoB4r0k_JNYeoYtYMMZsufxSbtL6XDuSqi6lTLl-suQo-UgUtMYcrszqnDtodxbF0tOhuwbJ8sCDl-uQ6RM8k3WPi8aKc3fVFk-FSYxYkriaPGNusmSKfEwOQwTc/s320/iphone+045.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466454836498805250" border="0" /></a>Let your eyes feast upon that.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"I could eat my body weight in sushi."</span><br />-Mikey Way<br /></div></div></div></div><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/MADISO%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.jpg" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/MADISO%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-3.jpg" alt="" />Madihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04715301725121678091noreply@blogger.com0