Let’s Go Dodgers!

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Thank you,

Sandra 

Sent from my iPhone

French Toast

Thankfully my blog posting method still works. I was asked why i stopped blogging and my too quick response was "Life just got busy and I forgot."  But thinking about it more I now rea that other technology became my outlet. Facebook and later Instagram were my new forums to post about my life and kitchen adventures. Although on those forums I cannot be as open as I am here for obvious reasons. I have an audience there and here I am comfortably alone. 

So in honor of rediscovering my blog and how much I enjoyed posting my adventures in cooking, here's what I cooked today

French Toast 

I found the recipe on Pinterest but I made it my own. Here it goes:

4 eggs 

1 cup of almond milk 

1 tsp vanilla 

1/2 tsp cinnamon 

4 slices of thick sliced bread (I used sourdough) 

Butter to cook bread

That's it!  The fruit and powdered sugar are extras.  I also used date syrup instead of traditional syrup or maple. Switch it up and make it yours. You do you babe.  

Happy eating!

Xoxo

Hello… does this still work?

Today I remembered that I had this blog and it took me down memory lane. So my question right now is, does this method still work for blog posting?

My Father

I just returned from a 16 day trip to México and it was everything I wanted it to be. How can I express everything that is going on in my head right now?

During the second half of my trip I met my half sister Agustina. Before leaving to Mexico I called my cousin Ramon to ask him where my father was buried. During that conversation he told me that my half brother Manuel was looking for us and wanted to talk. I told Ramon to pass along my phone number and later that evening my brother called me.

It was a great conversation where I learned more about my father and where Manuel expressed wanting to have a sibling relationship with us. He also told me that I had a total of 11 brothers and sisters (8 brothers & 3 sisters) from my father's other relationship. He gave me Agustina's number and asked that I call her when I got to Culiacan.

Prior to meeting Agustina we had a lengthy conversation about our father. She told me that he always cried for us

My Mattie

Calavera

What is a Calavera?  

>

On A Sunday Afternoon

As I cleaned around the house my artistic side saw many opportunities to capture my thoughts, feelings, mood... life. Instead of flooding my Instagram account I decided to share it here.

Obama + Immigration = Disappointment

My Journal.  

It goes back 13 years and the last entry was 4 years ago. Today I added another entry as well as mementos.  

My Spa

My favorite room at home. Green light, earth tones, peaceful with great energy. I love my bathroom.

Just me and Einstein chilling at home.

This is my playful side... :)

Xoxo....

Mattie

This is so hard.  To recount, retell, explain the grief I'm feeling today and for the past six months.  On April 10, 2014 the world lost Mattie.  Mattie and her fiance Michael were traveling up north to Humbolt State University on a charter bus as chaperons with high school students.  It was a trip they made every year since I've known them. The high school students of minority backgrounds were from the Los Angeles area and Mattie and Michael were Humbolt State alumni.  Michael specifically was inspired to chaperon the students because he was raised in South Central L.A. and still managed to go to Humbolt State and obtain two degrees from them.  

On April 10th as the charter bus was driving on the 5 fwy north of San Francisco, a FedEx big-rig trailer crossed the center divider and crash head on with the charter bus.  Mattie and Michael were seated in the front and we're told that they died instantly... together.  

Mattie and Michael met at Humbolt State many years ago.  He fell in love with her right away and although she was slow to catching on, she eventually fell madly in love with him too.  That's around the time I met them both.  They had barely been dating a month when I met Mattie at work.  

Mattie and I also had an instant connection.  I felt it and I know she felt it too.  It took me a while to realize exactly how to describe my feelings for her but I eventually discovered that I loved Mattie like a little sister.  Mattie was the sweetest and most pure hearted person I knew.  She was an eager learner of everything and anything and she loved sharing her knowledge.  She was down to earth and sometimes was not aware of her physical beauty.  Mattie was the perfect combination of inner and outer beauty.  

Mattie also loved the arts. This was one of the many things we had in common.  I loved her ability turn the most mundane items (like hundreds of keys) into a gorgeous necklace... and she ROCKED that necklace!  

Mattie was notorious for loving sweets.  Cookies, candies, donuts, pastries, anything with sugar.  Her natural disposition was always energetic and happy.  If you had one candy or donut you would be a witness to Mattie bouncing off the walls.  Oh my was that a sight to see.  We would give her sugar on purpose just to see her react to it.  Mattie would pass along her energy to us and that was good enough. 

The picture above is a selfie taken by her and sent via text to me. I had baked cookies for the office and taken them to work.  I was not at the office when Mattie found the cookies so she sent the picture with a message that said: "My 'diet' thanks you for the cookies..."   :)

The above picture was taken during our office Christmas Party December 9, 2010 by Michael.  Mattie came over to where I was sitting and hugged me as you see here.  Michael got my phone and took the picture. There was so much love between us. I can still feel her embrace today. 

  

Last year Michael called me to ask for my opinion on Mattie's career at the bank. After a nice conversation Michael tells me about their upcoming trip to Paris and Madrid.  He then tells me that he's planning to propose to her while on their vacation. He already had the ring and only a few people knew of his plans. Mattie's parents and me. He told me that I was very special to her and he needed to tell me about his plans. I was so happy for Mattie because I knew how much she wanted to marry Michael, I was happy for Michael because I knew how much he loved and cherished her, and I was so honored that they thought so highly of me.  Michael proposed to Mattie in Paris on Christmas morning of 2013. They first attended Christmas mass at Notre Dame Cathedral then walked to the Louvre Museum. In front of the Louvre Michael got down on one knee and proposed to Mattie.  The picture above was taken after she said yes. They were so happy.

Mattie oh Mattie. I miss you so much and still mourn your death. In May, just a month after her death, I was cleaning out my email at work and accidentally found this email from Mattie.  She originally sent it to me early December 2013, before her trip to Europe, I was deleting old emails and found this during that process. I truly believe Mattie is still very close to me and this is her giving me a sign saying as much. She misses me and I miss her.  

A few months ago (August or September) I was scrolling through Facebook and saw a food recipe page that caught my attention. After liking a few of their posts I decided to go into their page to see what else they had posted. When I went to their page Facebook thought to inform me that another friend also liked the page.  That friend was Mattison Haywood, Mattie. How did that happen? All I can say is that Mattie was near me again.  

I love you Mattie.  I love you Michael.  Michael thank you for loving and cherishing Mattie, for making her the happiest woman while on Earth.  Thank you for being with her until your last moments. That truly is my only comfort. 

Mattie thank you for being part of my life. You have changed me in ways that I still cannot understand. One day I will understand the reason why you left us so early. I do believe that everything happens for a reason yet I'm still waiting for a reason behind your loss. Like I said earlier, I can still feel your last embrace, our last hug.  I can still hear your voice.  

I don't know how to end this post.  All I know is that I love you Mattie, I loved you like a little sister, and I miss you every day.  

Creamy Tomato Soup - A Homemade Version of Panera's

 

 

 

I LOVE Panera's Creamy Tomato Soup.  During the Fall and Winter and I cannot get enough of it. I would go to Panera at least once a week when I worked in Santa Monica but now I'm on the complete opposite side of town.  There's no Panera near home or work. :( 

 

As I was driving 4 miles out of my way to get a bowl of this yummy soup from Panera the lightbulb in my head finally turned on.  Why not search for the recipe online or Pinterest?  Duh!  I found a recipe claiming to be a pretty close version of the soup and I decided to make it tonight. 

 

Final result?  Delicious!!!  It's not exactly like Panera's but it's pretty darn close.  Close enough for me to eat it up fast.  I'm so happy that I found this recipe and I no longer have to rely on a Panera near or far away. 

 

Below is the link to the recipe I used:

 

http://www.eatbreatheblog.com/guest-post-tasty-tomato-soup/

 

Enjoy!  xoxo...

 

P.S.

I first tried Trader Joe's Creamy Tomato Soup and was very disappointed.  It was way too sweet. Yuck! 

 



Captain Crunch Cookies

 

 

I was surfing the web for cookie recipes when I found this recipe.  I have always loved Captain Crunch cereal and at one point in my youth ate it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

 

Variations - the recipe calls for chocolate chips.  I decided to make three variations of the cookie.  One plain Captain Crunch, Chocolate Chip, and Toffee Chip.  I love toffee and was hoping the cookie and toffee would go well together. 

 

I usually like soft cookies but I think for this recipe the cookies needed to be crunchier.  The crunch is what we love about the cereal, right?  I also think the best cookie was the chocolate chop one but I that's just my preference.  I will take the cookies to work tomorrow and get the final verdict for the guys at work. 

 

Below is the link to the recipe. 

http://www.grouprecipes.com/19463/cap-n-crunch-cookies.html

 

Enjoy!  Xoxo...



Neiman Marcus $250 Recipe Cookies

 

My sister received this chain recipe about 20 years ago via fax.  We baked the cookies then and loved them.  The recipe has many steps and ingredients so it wasn't a cookie recipe we often baked. 

 

Variations - the recipe calls for a Hershey bar to be grated.  In the past we would always use a normal milk chocolate bar.  This time around I used a Hershey's bar for baking that was 100% cocoa.  It gave the cookies a stronger cocoa flavor and minimized the sugary sweetness.  The cookies were taken to work and everyone loved them.  I'm just curious to see what Hershey bar version they would like better.  I also used walnuts instead of pecans. 

 

Below is the link to the recipe I used.  Warning, it yields many cookies! :)

 

http://www.food.com/recipe/neiman-marcus-250-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe-13307

 

 

Enjoy! Xoxo...





 

 

Mexican Corn on Cob

 

Yummy!!  Living on the Westside of Los Angeles has deprived me of such goodies like Mexican corn on the cob.  While grocery shopping early this week I saw white corn on sale and the first picture that popped in my mind was of the yummy way Mexicans prepare their corn on the cob.  I grew up running to the corn guy whenever we heard the horn on his mobile corn cart blaring.  They used to cost $1 but who knows what the price is now.  Anyhow, I don't know why it took me so long to make this since it's so easy. 

 

Ingredients

White corn still wrapped in the husk

Mayo to taste

Cayenne Pepper, ground, to taste

Cotija cheese, grated

 

Prep

Cook the corn still wrapped in its husk on an outdoor grill or stove top.  (If stove top, stay close to keep an eye on it.)  Grill the corn on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, turning slowly so all sides cook evenly.  The husk will begin to dry out, burn, and blacken.  This is okay but if you're doing it on the stove top just keep an eye out for a flame or two.  Just blow it out and continue grilling and turning the corn.  When done let the corn cool off for a couple of minutes.  Peel husk from corn and you'll find a juicy and nicely grilled corn. 

 

Lightly spread mayo all over corn, sprinkle with cotija cheese followed by the cayenne pepper.  Use a wooden stick or a sheet of aluminum foil to help you hold the corn while eating it.  The aluminum foil is a more traditional Mexican way to hold it.  Enjoy! :)

 

xoxo

Cacio E Pepe (Cheese Pasta & Pepper)

 

This is my second attempt at making this pasta.  The first time I made it I used whole wheat pasta (never again!) and confused the cheeses and melted them in the opposite order that the recipe instructs. I was hoping it wouldn't make a big difference but oh boy did it ever.  The only thing I didn't care to follow was the pasta they suggest we use.  Any pasta is great as long as you like it. :)

 

Here's the link to the recipe:

http://shine.yahoo.com/in-the-pantry/never-order-takeout-again-cacio-e-pepe-200200865.html

 

Enjoy!

 

xoxo

Baguette Pizza Bites

 

Ok, I know seems like a "well duh" recipe but it took me a few weeks to finally make the connection. I've been looking at these ingredients in my fridge thinking 'hmm what shall I do with you?' I had a small piece if mozzarella left over and I didn't want it to go bad before I had a chance to enjoy it. You see, the original mozzarella ball travelled from Napa Valley to Culver City over a month ago. A friend and I were visiting the V. Sattui winery when we discovered that they made amazing mozzarella cheese as well. So we bought a ball for each of us and they travelled from Napa to Monterey to Oakland and finally L.A.  Yes, that was some damn good cheese. Anyhow a few weeks ago I hosted a dinner and made caprese salad. I had a little bit of cheese, baguette slices, and pomodoro sauce left and didn't want to throw it away. Finally the light bulb turned on this afternoon and I connected the ingredients to make pizza bites. They were so yummy and so easy that I will make them again as appetizers.

Ingredients:
Baguette (sliced)
Red pasta sauce, your choice
Mozzarella cheese, fresh
Pepper, optional

Preheat oven or toaster oven at 400°. Arrange baguette slices on baking sheet and spoon pasta sauce on slices. I was pretty generous with the sauce. Slice mozzarella into pieces just slightly smaller than baguette slices and layer on top of pasta sauce. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is nicely melted. You'll smell it when it's done! Add a dash of pepper if you like and serve warm. Enjoy!

Xoxo

My Baby

I call my nephew Andy "My Baby". How can I explain the love I have for him? I guess the only thing that comes close is parental love even though I'm not a parent. All I know is that my baby and I have had a special bond since he was a toddler. As soon as he learned to write I started getting school pictures with the cutest dedications on the back. I would babysit him and his siblings a lot when my cousins were going to night school. We would talk, wrestle, and then his sister and I would dog pile him. I absolutely love all my nieces and nephews but I cannot deny the special bond that I have with Andy. Is it because we're both Capricorns and our birthdays are two days apart?

He's a wonderful son, sibling, grandson, and nephew. I can go on and on with how wonderful he is and the reasons why but this blog post would be too long. All I know is that I love him very much and that I'm very proud of the person he is.

Today my baby called me. I automatically thought he was calling because he needed something. About 5 minutes into the conversation I realized that he was just calling to chat with me. That's it, no other motive. My 21 yr old college town nephew just wanted to talk to his Tia. I felt so special! About 45 min into our conversation his phone died. His only charger was in the car so he got dressed and went to his car. He waited 5 min to charge his phone so he could call me back. We then proceeded to have another 45 min conversation. What 21 yr old does that? My baby that's who. :)

Xoxo...

The Mayan

I have so many great memories of The Mayan. I've been going there since I first turned 21 yrs old. That's 14 yrs!!

I partied there with many friends and met many people. There's a memory in every corner for me. I was there last night and couldn't stop thinking about all those memories. Especially the memory of a very special night when my friendship with a guy took a turn when he kissed me. I couldn't believe he kissed me! I had a big crush on this guy throughout high school but I never thought he would look at me in any other way than just friends. In fact he briefly dated my friend and I always thought he liked her. So that night we double dated and went to the Mayan. I went with someone and my friend and him went together. Even though their dating history was over 5 yrs old at that point I just always thought he still pined for her. So at one point during the evening my date takes my friend to dance. Not long after they leave he grabs my hand and takes me to a private corner and kisses me. I was floored! Here is my high school crush kissing me! After some intense kissing he takes me to the mezzanine level of the Mayan where we continue our intense kissing.

So what happened to my friend and my date? Apparently they looked for us and couldn't find us. We eventually emerged from the best kissing marathon I've had and went back to find them. The rest of the night is a blur. I have a feeling my date knew something was up because things were never the same with us after that night.

So what happened with me & my high school crush? Long story but as of now I see him on occasion. I just can't help but think how crazy life is and how crazy our story is.

Xoxo...

Crazy Idea

Well some people may think its crazy but I don't. I'm done waiting and "I ain't gettin' any younger."

I googled it and its within my reach. I can so do this. I will do this.

I'm feeling a little better now. Nervous but better. :)

Universe you put this idea in my head. I prayed to you and this morning I was enlightened with this idea.

I'm recording this moment right now because I feel it's important for me to look back on it. But I cannot openly share this yet. Some things need to fall into place first.

I'm happy about the possibility. :)

Xoxo

Breakfast

Yup, another breakfast picture. I love breakfast. This morning's breakfast was so simple yet delicious.

First I cut up red potatoes and fried them in coconut oil with some garlic salt and rosemary. Once the potatoes were done I made my egg scramble. Breakfast is not breakfast without an egg. :) I chopped onion, jalapeño, and tomato and cooked them for a couple of minutes. Then I added a little bit of soyrizo and two eggs. Lastly, I sprinkled a little bit of crumbled cotija cheese and warmed up tortillas for a tasty breakfast taco. I finished my meal with a cut orange to cleanse the palate after breakfast. Yum :)

This sounds like a lot of food but I pretty much made my breakfast for the week. I just toast an English muffin and warm up the egg scramble for a quick and yummy breakfast sandwich.

Nariz Aguileña

My week started off with a little self-esteem boost.  I had an older female client tell me I had gorgeous facial features.  My eyes, nose, etc.  She thought I was European and was completely surprised when I told her my background is Mexican.  At first I was a little thrown off by her comments but then I decided to accept them and feel awesome. 

The next day I had an older couple come in.  The wife had some banking to do and her husband was just their to keep her company.  While the wife was with my employee doing her banking her husband sat at my desk and the first thing out of his mouth was "You have very interesting features.  Your eyes and nose are very interesting."  At first I was like "Um okay... thank you?"  Then I switched to my usual "Yeah I know, I have big eyes."  He responded with "No I'm serious.  I'm an artist - a painter.  It's in my nature to pay attention to these things.  Your nose is called an aguileña nose. If you go visit my house you'll see that the women in my paintings have your eyes and nose. When my wife saw you she said 'Look at her, just like the women you paint'."  Oh wow, really?  Here's an artist that's telling me I remind him of his paintings.  I was totally flattered!  Um but Mr. Client, what is an aguileña nose?  The artist client of mine tells me that he's from Mexico and that my type or shape of nose is referred to that way after an eagles upper side of his beak.  Okay cool I thought.  I then told him that when I was a child I always dreamed of getting a nose job.  I hated the bump on my nose.  Mr. Client was horrified when I said this.  He said my nose is who I am.  My nose reflects my strong character and determination just like the eagle.  "There's a reason why you are here as a manager.  You likely have a strong character, sense of self, and determination."  Wow, he summed me up with just looking at my nose! Lol!  All joking aside, he really gave me a lot to think about because until that day I sometimes still wished the bump would be gone.  But not anymore.  That conversation shifted something within me.  I am beautiful enough to paint.  My eyes are beautifully large.  My nose is unique and strong and... beautiful. 

We continued a long conversation about art and his background.   As I mentioned earlier, he's Mexican and grew up in Mexico painting.  He told me he met all the greats, the maestros, like Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Siquieros, Orozco.  He even studied under some of them.  That conversation led to a discussion about Mexico City and the beauty of it's history and architecture.  Then we continued on to writers and poets.  Which led to our last discussion topic - Sor Juana Ines De La Cruz.  The first woman to publish an argument for Women's Rights in the 1600's.  The next documented argument wasn't for more than a century.  That's over 100 years!!

I could keep going and going about our conversation and my initial research on Sor Juana but I will not.  That belongs in another post.  What I wanted to share with everyone first was how I finally came to be proud of my nariz aguileña.  Mr. Client did not leave until I promised him that I would not change my nose.  "Don't worry" I said, "I love my nose now."  Thank you Mr. Client! 

xoxo.... Nariz Aguileña Girl ;)

Late To The ________ Bandwagon.

A little bit of background: 

I'm usually late to bandwagons.  Whether it's sports, style, or music. 

Today's confession is that I'm totally late to the Lily Allen bandwagon.  "Fuck you, fuck you very, very much..."  Lol, love it! 

Okay, a few more confessions, I was late to the Regina Spektor and Amy Winehouse bandwagon as well.  Yes I'm a delayed fan, but a fan nonetheless.  I would like to give a special shout out to my bestie who tried to get me on their bandwagon much sooner but my stubborn self was... well stubborn. :)

xoxo...