Saturday, January 30, 2010

What's on your table?

Last week our family watched Food Inc, a movie (we ordered from netflix) that had a great impact on me.  Not to say I wasn't already an advocate for organic locally grown foods, but this movie has rocked my nutritional outlook even further.  The saddest thing about it is that not everyone can afford organic local foods, because the major food corporations have made a science out of how to sell nutritionally void, illness inducing, mouthwatering tempations that cost merely pennies.  It really broke my heart to see a glimpse of what the food industry has become and what the american people are (many unkowingly) choosing to eat morning, noon and night. 

The scariest part about it is that it really isn't much of a choice for many.  Those who are barely getting by have to buy what they can afford and they are truly getting what they're paying for, but even worse is the increasing major health problems that just keep growing as the illnesses get doused with more and more medications.  As far as buying any type of meat, the choices for local or organic options are few and far between.  Call me granola, but I like to think that the food I'm eating hasn't been showered with pesticides, genetically altered, pumped with steroids and antibiotics or treated inhumanely.  Maybe I'm being unrealistic, but my hope is that more and more people will make the choice to eat local.  Eat organic.  Choose humanely raised meats.  And in doing so, increase the demand and lower the cost of these foods for all.

Ok, I'm done with my ranting.  If I've lost you somewhere along the way, but you're interested in what spurred this long winded post you can read more at hungry for change or the Center for Food Safety or cspi

Monday, January 25, 2010

Princess D


Last weekend we spent some time celebrating little misses sweet friend...princess D. 
I have never seen a child who loves playing dress-up and princess more than she.
So for her fifth birthday we thought we'd present her highness with a crown.
Is she worthy?  Most definitely, she is.

Happy birthday precious D!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Pouty-pouts


This is the little miss.

This is the little misses best pout.

Some of my favorite sayings from this child when things aren't quite going her way are:

"Mommmmmm, don't you want me to have fun?"
&
"It's tough being four"

And she says these with all the don't-you-pity-me-ness that she can muster.

Adorable it is.  Adore her.  I do.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Love. Rain.




          

We have had the most beautiful storms passing through our city this past week and I have loved every little drop of water that has fallen.  As grateful as I am for the mild climate we live in, I really do miss the way my senses come alive with the change of seasons that are common in most other parts of the country.

So thank you stormy weather for showering us with water and excitement, we've been needing it.

Hope your enjoying the weather in your neck of the woods.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Scrumptious









January is a busy month around these parts as we celebrate birthdays left and right.

Last week I celebrated the birth of my cousin and good friend G along with several other girlfriends. 

She invited us over to dine on some fine french cuisine created right there before our eyes. 

Every bite was delicious and the company divine.

On the menu:

Seared Ahi Tuna, Shrimp & Scallops (no scallops for me/unless I wanted to hug the toilet all night) on a bed of bright and beautiful sauteed veggies

Shitake mushrooms and stuffed quail salad with a white truffle vinagrette

Perfect lady-like portions of new york steak and a filet with a delectible cheese sauce, gratin potatoes, asparagus and incredible roasted tomatoes

Creme Brulee to die for

It was good. So good. 

Thanks G for the amazing night, what a gift that was...isn't it supposed to be the other way around?

.......................................................................................................................

I forgot to mention that the meal was prepared and served by an amazing french chef  GaĆ«l Lecolley who you can read more about here

The beautiful table setting was laid out by Miss Sheila Callahan.  Wish I would have gotten some better photos of the table.  Simply put the table was elegant with a bit of french flair. This woman lacks nothing in the way of creative table settings for any type of event.  She's incredible.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Fashionably late~

is usually how i greet everyone ~ and i didn't want to disappoint in the new year. wouldn't want anyone to think i was going to make any MAJOR changes as that just hasn't been my m.o. any~who, thought i would add some of my desires for 2010.

get messy & enjoy art and creativity with my girls on a regular basis

take notice of the beauty around me and all of my blessings. every. day.

continue preparing fresh and local foods to nourish my family

make silhouettes of our girls to hang in our home

more beach days with my family

hugging my girls every chance i get

to stop and listen to the birds singing. watch them soaring.

pause to see the little things that could easily be overlooked

laugh at myself more

take life less seriously

prioritize my time & focus.focus.focus.

planning to post more often. really. i am.

xoxo