The more I stay at home the more I read and I’ve always got a wish list going, always. A month ago when I did a job I treated myself to a book allowance and purchased used, but in great condition books on Amazon. The result? Pure book heaven. Especially lately, because when I am stressed and can’t stop worrying it’s my biggest escape. I’ve been reading books in a week or less lately, it’s a problem. Especially for my overcrowded bookshelves, but I can’t let go of them, they are a part of me.

I love it when you read a book(s) that are perfect for you at that very moment, the dosage you just needed. These books are just that. So inspiring and they really have touched me; even cried at certain points. They all touched me in different ways and for various reasons, but there is one great theme. All of these women in their stories, memoirs are in their late 20′s, lost and just trying to find their place in life. With the exception of Bitter is The New Black, they all include recipes at the end of each chapter. Really yummy ones at that, can you say hungry?

Eat Pray Love

It’s safe to say that just about every bookworm with estrogen has read it or heard about it, enough said. Who can resist? I loved her story, just amazing and so inspirational. The Italy section was my favorite, surprise. I literally would have dreams about it while I was reading it. My girlfriends and I that read the book are going to go see the movie next month, we’re big Julia Roberts fans. Can’t wait.

Bitter is the New Black

Jen Lancaster has quite a few books out, they are not a series so you can pick up any at any time. I happened to pick this one because I felt it was the story I could most relate to. A woman finding her way after being laid off from a 9-5 corporate job who starts a blog and becomes a writer-nice! I often had to cover my mouth when I read it in bed because she is so funny and I was afraid my outbursts would wake up Kris. She puts the pro in sarcasm, highly recommend.

I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti

This one took a bit to grow on me, but loved her humor and could really feel the emotions she went through. Even better her recipes are super easy and her titles are cute humorous.

Lunch in Paris

I love this one! It takes place mostly in Paris and it’s her memoir. A great story of her finding her way through the culture in Paris, learning the foods of Paris (yum) and finding her career all the while falling in love. Her tone is a lot sweeter than most of the authors in these books, but this girl still has a witty sense of humor. For sure a must read!

A Homemade Life

I’ve still got a few chapters on this one and I’m sad to end it. It’s so good I don’t want it to end. She’s a writer who now runs a restaurant in Seattle with her husband and is also the writer of the awesome and famous Orangette blog. This is going on my top ten list of all time. She even has great ideas and questions for a cooking or reading club, fantastic. It is very sweet as she dedicates it to her father who has passed. This one really made me cry a few times. She’s a really brilliant writer, it shows right away. Also very witty and smart. Her background is awesome, the woman has three degrees, still writes and runs a restaurant-SUPER WOW!

So there you have it, I hope you check them out if you’re a reader and they bring as much joy, laughter and meaning as they did for me. True gems sitting on my bookshelf. Of course my best friend, Annie and I mostly read the same books which is great because we have an unofficial book club going. I highly recommend it, it makes for great book swapping and conversation.

On the wish list now:

The School of Essential Ingredients

A Vintage Affair

Happy reading!

This week is going to be a busy one around here regarding work and personal adventures and I’m mentally preparing myself for that and the next 30 days. All great stuff, it just so happens to coincide with a burst of energy and creativity that I’ve been feeling the last few days. I have written it all down so hopefully I’m able to execute it all in mix of everything.

Is it just me or does it feel like summer is slipping away fast? Next month I’ll be turning 30, yes, I know… it’s one of the big ones. I am completely okay with it, I really am. Along with that comes a lot of reflecting, thinking and dreaming. It feels great to have different outlets in my life to express all my feelings. This being one of them so in the next month you’ll probably see a lot of that sentiment here. Just thought I’d warn you. It’s all part of putting myself out there, but also recording the journey for myself.

It’s been awhile since I’ve done a self-portrait. Luckily for me I have this photo captured by Betty Lang during our shoot last month.

“Feet, what do I need them for
If I have wings to fly?”

Frida Kahlo

What is your SUPER WOW this month? I’d love to know.

She was a happy kid!

Sporting her lip gloss.

Next year Bella plans on having a skull party, you know a pink one like a rock start thing, but Annie and I are voting for a Fancy Nancy party. We have a year to change her mind.

Priscilla started the group so a big shout out to her, what a great hostess and leader. Thank you!

For this time around we did just main dishes, appetizers and desserts with no theme in mind. However, the next one is Mexican and Italian, just because we want to. Hey, it’s our club so we’ll do what we like, right? As Priscilla said ” we all love cooking or have special people we want to cook for” and so with that I show you the fruits of our labor from the first meeting.

Cheers to our Cooks’ Club and cooking alongside with other cooks and foodies!

Growing up my parents did the whole fireworks, block party with the barbecuing and all. Up until my little brothers were about twelve or thirteen. From there it became just a holiday where we relaxed and barbecued, but little by little we all started doing our own thing.

The last two years Kris has worked stand by which keeps us tied to our home or only a five mile radius within of our home. Luckily we have a pool in our condo community and so we decided that swimming and barbecue would do this year. We were lucky enough that Socorro wanted to visit so we were able to finally see Ubaldo and spend some quality time together. Annie came by later and joined us later in the evening and I was in bestie heaven. We were able to enjoy fireworks from the high school nearby which Ubaldo studied very intensely and was excited to see them although a bit scared at first of the noise. Understandable for an almost two year old, he’s getting so big.

Because we were hosting and too relaxed I only got these following shots of Socorro and her family at the pool.

Of all the toys Socorro bought him he was most inthralled with these squishy balls that soak up the water and float. He enjoyed it every single time he squirted his parents!

This is the face of a little firecracker!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend.

Her name is Roxy. She is super sweet and the best to cuddle with, but don’t let this little sweet face fool you, she can be a little diva too. It was really easy to get used to the company at home and it was a great trial for when we get a pup or dog in the near future.

I just had to share, happy hump day!

Last week I enjoyed an afternoon with them all and took shots of Leo while waiting for the barbecue. Love his expressions, he has the most beautiful eyes.

So funny!

Until we can afford our own dog, we’ll continue to love the ones around us. This week we’re dog sitting for Annie’s mom, we’re enjoying her company too. I’ll be sure to share some photos on Thursday.

Up next is the mamalita session, it’s a good one so be sure to stop back again tomorrow.

Everything from editing photos, post office run, paying bills, budgeting, shredding two trash cans full of docs, phone calls, research online, emails, trying to get into a pilates & yoga class that is full, job searches and all while dog sitting and ending the day with a wonderful meal, dinner (my favorite ending to any day, no sarcasm here, really). The only problem is: but I don’t want to!

Photo by Betty Lang

Just thought I’d share in case you felt the same way, you’re not alone-happy Monday!  ;)  Lot’s of great stuff this week, lot’s of doggy photos, a mamalita session and maybe some more videos.

In the recent reunion I attended I decide to bring this as one of my contributions to our potluck and thought it was worthy enough to share and spread the love.

1/2 large watermelon cut into medium squared pieces for the blender

1 cup of crushed ice (if too pulpy just add more ice or a bit of water)

1-2 teaspoons of pure cane sugar if desired (some fruits are really sweet and don’t need it)

Place all ingredients in the blender and blend until it’s all crushed and blended. I personally don’t mind it with the pulp, you get more out of it, but you could use a sifter and remove the pulp. Just be prepared to give up lot’s of it. Taste for sweetness, place in a pitcher, garnish with lime or fresh mint. Serves 5-6 glasses, keep refrigerated for a few days only since it’s fresh fruit juice.

Enjoy, sit back and relax.

We met up at Priscilla’s house and therefor I got to meet her adorable daughter Addison or as they call her Addie. Towards the end of the day we took a walk outside in her community to get some shots of one another and of course my camera loved Addie, I couldn’t help myself. She’a a bright little girl too, she already knows how to count in Spanish and English and she’s only two!

Priscilla and I were in choir together and so had many encounters then, she can be shy, but she is the sweetest girl I know. I knew Jaye Anne back in high school as a sweet gal too, the girl that had killer natural blond hair, but we didn’t have many encounters then, unfortunately. Her and I bonded over our love for photography and wine. She makes the yummiest baked chimichangas, yes, homemade. We all clearly bonded over food and our willingness to learn more and explore with new foods and recipes. Oh and also chatting for hours on end.

Priscilla, it’s so neat to see you as a mama. Or mami, mami, mami as Addie likes to call you.

Isn’t she darling?

She was splashing her own face, her expression is priceless.

Jaye Anne you’ve got some beautiful eyes, pretty girl.

Priscilla and Jaye Anne, you’re such beautiful people through the inside and out so work it, girls. Look forward to our next meet up whether it’s just the girls again or we try a triple date with our guys. I’m suddenly hungry for baked chimichangas.