That's A Whole Lotta Sesame!

The weight of sesame seeds used on McDonald's Big Mac buns consumed in the U.S. each year...

....equals the weight of two Boeing 747 planes!

I Left My Heart in San Francisco

I had my last hurrah for this summer and took a quick vacay up to visit my old roommate/ dear friend in the bay area. I fell in love with everything about it- the crisp air, the view of majestic Mt. Diablo, the little bakeries and coffee shops, and the sea otters at Pier 39! The cities are teeming with hospitality career opportunities, and I am praying that God will use my new love and guide my inklings as the future unfolds!

Recently & Currently

Recently:

Purchased:

Steven Madden boots. Cute, huh?

Prayer Answered:

Gained a new member in the family of Christ! God is SO good.

Loved:

The past 2 weekends, which were packed full of fun and friends.

Tried:

Weight lifting (girly-style). It's a whole new ball game for me.

Currently:

Reading:

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. It is on the "Top 100 Books Every American Should Read" that BBC created. I am attempting to read all of them!

Eating:

No sugar added mint chip ice cream. It is frighteningly addicting (as in almost 3 cartons were consumed this weekend), so be cautioned!

Praying for:

A mentor.

Reveling:

...in the fact that I didn't leave my cooking skills in Italy! Check back soon for the scallop recipe that helped me boost my cooking ego.

Listening To:

Sean Kingston! No explanation necessary.

Summertime Sangria

Celebrate the closing of an amazing summer with a glass of delicious sangria! Need a recipe? Follow this simple one for a refreshing treat :)

Ingredients:

1 bottle of red wine (a Cab Sauv is a great choice)

1 cup of sparkling citrus juice or soda (Orangina, Fizzy Lemonade, etc...)

1 thinly sliced orange

1 thinly sliced lime

1 thinly sliced apricot

(substitute for any type of fruit you like)

Directions:

1. Dump the sliced fruit into the wine.

2. Mix in the soda/juice right before serving.

3. Serve all your friends.

4. Enjoy! :)

2 of the Many Reasons I Love My Life

Megan & Sarah

Keen on Peach Cafe

A yummy meal was had today by my mother and me at little joint called Peach Cafe. Peach Cafe is in downtown Monrovia and specializes in breakfast and lunch. I highly recommend the pesto chicken salad- it is a light but yummy salad with pesto basted chicken, avocado, pine nuts, and fresh tomatoes. The cornbread is also delicious and extremely moist- no butter needed! For my birthday surprise dessert, they presented me with delicious homemade ice cream with fresh strawberries and chocolate fudge sauce (yummmmmy). The service was friendly and attentive, the atmosphere quaint, and it is a must try!

** Thanks to my old friend for the recommendation :)

My yummy birthday dessert

Domaine Carneros

I am back from an extended vacation in Wine Country, and thought I'd give a shameless plug for my favorite winery, Domaine Carneros! If you love sparkling wine as much as I do, please make a pit stop at Domaine Carneros, which is a lovely place to sip bubbly, nibble on cheese, and enjoy the lovely view.

The elegant Domaine Carneros Winery

My sister and me thoroughly enjoying our "Sparkling Sampler" (highly recommended)

Lovely view of Wine Country!

Transformation in the Kitchen

Before:

After:

Miss You Already

Making Goals Realities

Ever since I was a young girl (but especially the past year), I have longed to have my own garden. While out for breakfast last summer, I scribbled on the paper tablecloth the beginnings of my "life list". Having a garden was on that list, and today, my roommates (who have felt the same way about gardens for ages) and I started to bring this dream to fruition! We are so excited about our little patio "oasis" that will we get to enjoy all year long!

Here's Megs providing some T.L.C.!