Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Yes, We've Become THOSE People

 
So Sierra is the best puppy in the world.  
She also has an amazing ability to make us feel incredibly guilty about leaving her home alone.



Who could say no to that face?

Well, we couldn't
 Hence bringing Sierra anywhere we can.

Like...
Out to Lunch at Tartine.


OR
To the BEACH



Sierra loved the Beach!
Especially all the doggies to play with.
We're still working on getting her comfortable with the water.
She is terrified of the water.

 

Ben is trying to bribe her with a treat into the water
Not working so well...

More puppy adventures to come.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

PUPPY!!



We got a PUPPY!  

Ben and I went to the Escondido Animal Shelter 
yesterday and fell in love with this 
lovable face.

We would like you to meet SIERRA!  
She is a beautiful 
American Staffordishire Terrier mix!


Sierra is so loving 
and when she approaches you 
she will immediately lay down on her back 
so you can rub her belly.


She is an extremely smart dog!  
We have taught her how to sit & lay-down.  
We are working on staying, 
not jumping (when she gets excited) 
and walking nicely on a leash.  


She definitely has 2 speeds.... 

Energizer Bunny
and 

Couch Potato

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Looking for a New Hobby....



So I have been trying to find a hobby.... 
especially since afternoons/nights that Ben are flying are extremely boring.  
I have always wanted to try Yoga or Pilates 
so I Googled "Yoga, Coronado" and found a Center.  

Ben was flying last night until 7:30pm 
and there was a Pilates' Beginners class from 6:15 - 7:15pm.  

So I went!

I had no idea what to expect since I have never done a Pilates class.  
It was a mat class.  Lots of instructional-led stretching
 Knew most of the stretches/poses we did... but surprisingly, it really worked!
My abs definitely got a workout!  

I really liked the class!
Even though it was a beginner's class, 
the instructor always showed us some modifications to make it more challenging.  

I was pretty proud of myself... 
I was able to do all of the "harder" modifications
except for one.  

I plan on keeping up with Pilates and am looking into trying Yoga too. 
 There are 3 beginners' classes at this center... 
Iyengar Yoga, Flow Yoga, and Forest Yoga.  

Any suggestions?

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Adventures in Cooking II


BEER CHICKEN
Ingredients
- Whole chicken
- Can of your favorite beer
- Bottle of your favorite marinade
- 4 cloves of garlic
Directions
1. Marinade the chicken overnight
2. Drink half of the beer and put the garlic in the beer can
3. Jam the beer inside of the chicken 
4. In the casserole dish, mix chicken broth and extra marinade
5. Bake at 450 for 10 minutes
6. Turn down to 325 for an hour
7. Dump the rest of the beer into the casserole dish and use as a sauce!

Beer Chicken with Roasted Red Potatoes




Roasted Red Potatoes
Ingredients
- Red potatoes
- Onion
- Garlic Salt
- Pepper
- Italian Seasoning
-EVOO
Directions
1. Slice potatoes and onion
2. Coat in olive oil and season liberally 
4. Bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes


Teriyaki Salmon
Very easy and fast dinner!
Directions
1. Marinade salmon for at least 30 minutes
2. Pan-fry (about 5 minutes each side)
3. Serve with brown rice








Eggplant Pasta
Ingredients
- Eggplant
- 4 TBS of olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Chile flakes
- 4 small tomatoes, diced
-1/2 cup of cream
- 4 TBS basil, chopped
-1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Directions
1. Slice the eggplant to resemble pasta
2. Combine the olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, eggplant and tomatoes until eggplant is cooked through
4. Add the cream and increase heat to      thicken the sauce
5. Add basil and Parmesan, continue "tossing" the eggplant to coat

"Grown-Up" Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- Bread
-Swiss cheese
-Tomato
-Avocado
- Mushrooms
Directions
1. Layer ingredients
2. Pan-fry with a little bit of olive oil 

Good Things Come in 3's

So last night I had an 
INTERVIEW
for a nanny position... 
and
Came home to 
BEN COOKING a
PORK ROAST
With 
ROASTED GARLIC VINAIGRETTE


Ingredients

  • 1 (3 1/2 to 4 1/2-pound) boneless pork loin
  • 2 heads of garlic, roasted
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Directions 
  • Season pork loin with salt and pepper and roast at 475 degrees for 30-45 minutes.
  • For the vinaigrette: Place the roasted garlic, parsley, and balsamic vinegar in a blender. Pulse the machine until blended. Drizzle the oil into the blender while the machine is running. Add the sugar, salt, pepper, and water and blend until incorporated.  Drizzle over roast.
PLUS
Ben's friends, Sperling and McManus,
 were over as well and while waiting 
for dinner to finish cooking
 they put together our
BAR STOOLS!


CONCLUSION... 
Benji is a wonderful husband 
AND
 Sperling and McManus are not allowed to go to Guam....