Tomato? Tomatoe?

Tomato Salad

8 Yellow Cherry Tomatoes cut in half

6 Cherry Tomatoes cut in half

Diced onion

Tablespoon of Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper

2-3 Basil Leaves Chopped

Also TASTY with red onion 🙂

Sunsets

San Antonio Sunset

January 8, 2009

My camera phone didn’t capture the true colors of the sunset, but it was still very beautiful 🙂

Citrus Delight!

Today I decided to try a recipe from Giada De Laurentis, Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa Verde!

I made a few changes though…

I did not want to grill the salmon, so instead I placed it in the oven on “HI” broil for 10 minutes. It gave the salmon a nice toasty top with a moist middle. I took out the capers and the red pepper flakes because well, I don’t really like capers or care too much for red pepper flakes.

I added a mixed salad with toasted almonds and small potato for the sides. The citrus topping mixed with the sweet taste of the agave made for a mouthwatering lunch. It was also the perfect size. I don’t feel over stuffed or heavy.

Broiled Salmon with Citrus Salsa Verde

If you don’t have all the ingredients handy, or simply don’t have the time to make the salsa, another recipe my mom makes is Maple Salmon. Just cut the salmon into quarters, salt and pepper both sides, and brush on maple syrup. Stick it in the broiler on High for 8-10 minutes or until the top is flaky to the touch. Enjoy!

Smile

The past week has been pretty emotional. My emotions have been all over the place in such a short amount of time.

The loss of a friend is difficult and something I have not experienced before. I have lost my grandmother and was just a little girl when my mother’s best friend passed away, but for some reason this loss (Ryan) has had a real affect on me. I spoke with one of his other close friends last night and we were both talking about what we have taken away from this, and that is something positive.

Visiting Ryan in the hospital brought a great influence on me and in a strong and positive way. I realized that I am so blessed and have amazing people in my life. I also realized how important being happy and doing what makes you happiest means. Enjoying life, living it to its fullest, expressing your emotions, and not holding back. I am not really sure how to express this in the right way. It all makes sense in my head. So, I am going to use a picture to express what I feel I have gained from this.

Pure joy is where you find it

When I saw this card again, it reminded me of Ryan. He was always so happy and just a genuinely good person. That smile of his was contagious and now I am looking forward to finding “pure joy” everyday. This card captures what I have learned. There is always joy, you just have to find it. I know Ryan does not want us to be sad, so I am sending this smile to him. Love.

Goodbye dear friend

Yesterday we lost a bright, tremendously kind, and high spirited person, Ryan Gregory. Ryan has been battling with cancer for over a year and a half and has been going through treatments until Sunday, December 26, 2009. He was taken to the hospital and taken off his cancer medication. Many of his friends and family traveled to see him and say their goodbyes and I was one of them.

The last time I had seen Ryan was in Austin, Texas where we had first met. He was undergoing treatment, but he was still the same old Ryan- Laughing, joking around, smiling, and thinking positive. When I walked into his room last Wednesday, I was overwhelmed with sadness. To see him in the state he was in broke my heart. He was only 29.

But he greeted us all with a smile in his hospital room. His face lit up when he saw a new friend walk in. His face lit up when he found all his candies to eat. And he even had the strength to go outside with his friends in the hospital garden. When I went up to say hello he said, “Long time no see!” with a smile. I leaned in for a gentle hug and gave him a kiss on his right cheek. He pulled me in deeper for one of the strongest hugs and placed a kiss on my right cheek. It is a hug I will not forget. 🙂

Ryan, you are no longer in pain and you have taught all of us great things. I will never forget your smile and your warmth and I am glad you were a part of my life. You will still be a part of my life and all of those you have touched. Rest in peace, friend.

Ryan

Ryan and Ari ACL 2007

“To live in hearts we leave behind, Is not to die.” -Thomas Campbell

Ryan, you have touched our hearts. R.I.P.

Unique & Chic

If only I lived in Spain….

Anthropologie carries Chie Mihara shoes, but only a select few. Check out Chie Mihara’s Web site for more fabulous footwear.

I am in love with their Fancy Cream and Dublie Pistacho sandal, below.

Chie Mihara Sandal

Anthro also carried these Mallard Heels.

Mallard Heels

Fabulous.

I love you Ina Garten

I recieved Ina’s new cook book, “Barefoot Contessa Back To Basics” for Christmas. I already tried her famous Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese recipe. Definitely a must if you are looking to try something new for dinner.

Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese

Your taste buds will be awakened!