Sister Weekend

My sister came down this weekend, our first time together without the baby.  It was nice to catch up, read on the beach, and go to a long dinner together.  The weather could not have been more perfect.  It felt like the beginning of fall, especially while we drank coffee on the porch this morning.  

Indochine 

Lee and his Dad were on the golf course all weekend.  We got the play by play of their boy time...

Today at the golf tournament

Bruschetta

I only make this in the summer when the tomatoes are fresh and the basil is growing like crazy.  My family loves it!  

Ingredients:

Three tomatoes (chopped, but not diced)

1/2 cup of basil (julienned) 

1 clove of garlic (chopped) 

Salt/pepper

Olive oil 

Balsamic vinegar

Loaf of French bread

Making it happen:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, mix together the tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a pinch of salt/pepper.  Cover generously in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  Let sit for 30 minutes to an hour.  Meanwhile, slice French bread into two inch slices.  Place the bread a pan, drizzle with olive oil, let bake until crusty.  When golden, top with tomato mixture and serve. You can top with mozzarella, if desired.  My parents prefer it with cheese, I prefer it without.  

Weekend Update

Bethany, Rob, and Lee came down for the weekend.  I made bruschetta and Ina's Mac-n-cheese for dinner Friday night. 

We hung around the house Saturday.  Sunday we got up early and went to Britt's Donuts for breakfast.  Britt's is famous.  They are located in Carolina Beach; we decided to get there early and the line was 15 deep when we arrived.  They only serve one kind, glazed, and they are delicious. 

We went out for a quick walk on the beach.  Lee got his feet in the water and loved it! 

We then spent some time swinging on the porch and playing with Gidget.  I know I may be biased, but my nephew is adorable.  

I was sad to see them leave today; Gidget, however, was thankful for the quiet. ;)

Gidget is 2

Happy second birthday to my sweet baby girl!  I can't believe it's been two years.  You fill my life with so much joy and laughter, and frustration! You are the smartest, craziest, sweetest, most hard-headed dog around.  I'm so glad I chose the wild puppy that day on the farm. 

Day 1- Our first - The farmhouse 

Today- 2 yrs old 

Scenes from Weekend

My dear friends, Randy and Julie, were down for the past few days.  We had a blast, as we usually do together. 

We started with drinks and appetizers at Elijah's.

We made tomato pie for dinner. So delicious.

We went to Indochine the second night and ate in the outdoor hut. So fun

We hit up the beach a lot!

We made dirty martinis with blue cheese stuffed olives.

For dinner-  Chinese chicken burgers on the grill, sweet potato fries, and a spicy slaw. 

Last night we went to the local wine bar, The Fortunate Glass, and had some amazing petit Syrah.

10 Places, 2 weeks - My Conclusions

Barcelona - La Rambla, sangria, and your proximity to the Mediterranean were your shining moments. Your people weren't friendly, making you less desirable.  

Banos de la Encina-  visiting here is like taking a trip back in time.  So little has been touched and changed.

Jaen- A mere drive through the city and quick stop at the Gypsy market didn't do you justice.  Your greatest tribute was the people I met from your city.  

Granada- Although I didn't get to see as much of you as I would have liked, from the Alhambra, your view was the most breathtaking of all.  

Salamanca- You were a fun town.  Young people are drawn to your excitement.  Your plaza is lively. 

Vecinos-Site of the Wedding.  Your country hills, filled with livestock, create the illusion of a different time.  Your warm days and cool nights made a perfect venue for the lively wedding. 

Segovia-  You were full of history and intrigue.  Your village, sitting high on the hill, made a perfect day trip. 

  

Bordolat- Southern France, gorgeous.  Your farms and simple life make the perfect getaway.  I see why people retire here.  A great break from a fast paced life, a little slice of country heaven. 

Paris- You are lovely, just as I knew you would be.  You are romantic and thought provoking.  I know why writers and artist find inspiration here.  Your breads and food are unlike any other.  You are beautiful in the rain and probably even more beautiful in the cooler months.  And though I thought you'd steal my heart, you didn't.  

Madrid- I felt something special about you the very first night; your history, your color, the length of your nights.  Your plaza, so alive and vivacious.  Your people, so friendly and passionate.  A stumble down any of your streets results in a new adventure.  Photographs of you should always be in color, because if they aren't, they don't really tell your story.  Madrid, I will be back to visit you soon, you were my favorite. 

Thats a wrap

Yoga Around Europe

My yoga studio is having a competition for best yoga poses, in the most scenic places.  The winner receives a free month of yoga.  Here are the ones from Europe.  Also, I just received the email last night, I won. Beyond excited!

Pose: Bow Pose

Where: Second oldest castle in Europe. Banos de la Encina, Spain. 

Background: The hills of Andalucia, at Sunset

Pose: Eagle Pose

Where:  Royal Palace - Madrid, Spain

Background:  The Royal Cathedral

Pose: 

Where:  Banos de la Encina, Spain

Background:  European Castle