Color Wheel Poster

Click HERE to see one of my projects from this semester

Ohhh 29 year old Saturday Nights

Chicken Spezzatino
Giada de Laurentis, Everyday Italian

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 celery stalks, cut into bite sized pieces

1 carrot, peeled and cut into bit sized pieces

1 small onion, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 (14.5 ounce) can chopped tomatoes with their juices

1 (14 ounce) can low-sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup fresh basil, torn into pieces

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

2 chicken breasts with the ribs (about 1 1/2 pounds total)

1 (15 ounce can organic kidney beans, drained and rinsed)

In a heavy 5 1/2 quart saucepan, heat the oil over a medium flame. Add the celery, carrot, and onion, saute until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the salt and pepper. Stir in tomatoes, broth, basil, tomato paste, bay leaf, and thyme. Add chicken and press to submerge. Bring the liquid to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and gently simmer, uncovered, turning the chicken over and stirring occasionally, until the chicken is almost cooked through, about 20 minutes (I found it needed much more time). Add kidney beans and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the liquid is reduced to a stew consistency, about 10 minutes (again, I cooked much longer).

Discard the bay leaf. Let the chicken cool for 5 minutes. Discard the skin and bones and cut meat into bite size pieces. Return it to the stew and bring to a simmer.

I have a bunch of cook books that seem to be just sitting collecting dust. I really enjoy cooking and want to get better, so I have decided to try cooking my way through some of them. I love Italian, so why not start with Giada. This dish seriously might be the best thing I have ever made. It is definitely a winter dish. A great substitution for chili or beef stew (which I don't eat). It is especially good with a little feta sprinkled on top.

Holy LaJolla

Sea kayaking with seals, sharks, sting rays, transvestite fish, and caves....amazing! Sea kayaking is definitely something to try and to keep doing. Can't wait for the weather to warm up to try it here.

Love does not consist of gazing at each other but in looking together in the same direction.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery

California Dreamin'

Malibu Creek State Park, Crystal Cove State Park, Venice Beach, Joshua Tree National Park, Key View, Lost Palms Oasis...Don't worry Seal Beach gets a post all on its own!

Snowed In With Lou

He secretly loves his vest!

Dear Upcoming Vacation,

With 6 - 12 inches of snow looming over head this week, less than interesting work days, and little ability to concentrate on anything except your arrival, I cannot wait! I am in desperate need of some vitamin D, so please cooperate.

Thanks,
Pale & Pasty & Tired of Winter

So progress on my 30 by 30 list has been less than impressive, BUUUUTTTT Lou has learned to flick a treat of his nose into his mouth about 80% of the time and is now walking next to me on walks instead of building my biceps with his evil game of dog sledding on pavement. I am so proud after only 6 months. The trick is probably just shear luck, but I'm gonna take credit for it.

I did see Breakfast at Tiffany's and I hate to admit it but was not super into it. Is there something wrong with me that I cannot seem to enjoy old movies?

Creative Envy... Makes me realize I need to stop saying I want to do this and just start doing it.

The family - that dear octopus from whose tentacles we never quite escape,

nor, in our inmost hearts, ever quite wish to.

~Dodie Smith