made me laugh today... :)

The Mighty Storm

Holy cow- just finished this book-

I really didn't want to put it down last night at 12:30 am, but I needed to get some sleep.  Started it last night at 5:30pm, read for an 1 1/2 hour straight and then I had to, you know, actually talk to my family and make dinner etc.

I finished it today.

I was so totally wrapped up in this story- just wow.  The author is going to come out with a sequel in early 2013, but honestly not sure my heart, nerves, or emotional well being can take it.    I am all about happy endings....so to me just leave it where it stands... ;)

I usually like to start a new book as soon as I finish one, but I am so wiped out from this book I just don't want to start another one.

I know, it has been forever since I have blogged...but who is noticing???

I cannot wait to check this wine tasting room out...It is in Tustin of all places and is called Pozzuoli Winery.  They are a winery in Paso Robles (my favorite) and they actually opened up a tasting room here.  They also have olive oil tasting.  I cannot wait to check it out.

I will post pictures/details when I go.  Hopefully it will be soon.

Some of my recent finds on Pinterest... :)


David Tsay Photography



Image from Southern Weddings Blog

Skip & Go Naked Punch (recipe from theitgirlproject)

6 pack of Beers
1 can frozen Pink Lemonade concentrate
Vodka (fill empty lemonade can with vodka)


that's me today.... geesh

(Picture & Original recipe from Once upon a Chef)

Black Bean Salad with Corn, Red Peppers, Avocado
with Lime Vinaigrette

Ingredients
1 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can of sweet corn
1 red bell peppers, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 T minced shallots
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 T sugar
4 1/2 T extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon lime zest
3 T fresh lime juice
1 avocado, chopped
Mix all ingredients, except avocado in medium bowl. Let sit in the fridge for an hour or so (or overnight) when getting ready to serve, add avocado. 

We ate this with tortilla chips- it was SO GOOD.

The original recipe called for cilantro, but I cannot stand it, so I didn't add it. I added the avocado before I served it, but we had leftovers and ate it the next day- the avocado did not brown up, probably because of the lime juice. I also used canned corn, instead of right off the cobb. I heated up my corn in a pan to try to give it a grilled flavor...

(picture & original recipe can be found at Plain Chicken)


Gorgonzola Garlic Bread

1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
salt
pepper
1 loaf sourdough bread
(Parmesan cheese)

Preheat broiler.

Cream the butter with the gorgonzola cheese. Mince garlic and add to cheese mixture; season with salt & pepper. Slice bread in half lengthwise. Spread cheese mixture on half of bread. (Sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese)

Place bread under the broiler until cheese is melted and bubbly. Cut into slices and serve.

This was really yummy! The kids even liked it because I didn't tell them that there was gorgonzola on there. The original recipe called for parsley, which I don't like nor did I have. I also didn't put any fresh parmesan on as I didn't have any- I think it probably didn't need it. I used sourdough bread, the original recipe called for an Italian loaf. I think my bread must have been a large loaf as the above amount only was enough for one half of the bread. I will definitely make this again!

(found picture on Pinterest, not sure where it is from)

I LOVE those shelves!!!  WANT, WANT, WANT!  :)

Going out with the girls tonight to either two40south or my favorite place The Twisted Vine, they are both wine bars, so it should be fun regardless of which one we decide to go to.

My favorite people at Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo this weekend.  Tanner had a 2.5 hour break in his lacrosse tournament, so we found this winery nearby.  Fun place!  :)  This picture is from my phone- not the best...