Favorite Spaces & Faces.

Last month, I went to San Diego to visit some of my favorite people, Jessica & Lourdes, and to eat and drink my way through the city too of course. First stop? Cafe Chloe, naturally, but first a little blurb about how much I love Lourdes' apartment.

Lourdes lives here with her husband and son. She has the most artistic style that I have seen. From the little vases and books lying around to the gorgeous art work and painted wine bottles. She even scored that "chandelier" at a local thrift store, and it wasn't even for sale! The row of wooden chairs on the right? From an old stadium, pretty awesome.


This is probably one of my favorite pieces in her place. It's big and beautifully painted. I really love art, it's an escape from reality. I think that it why I feel at peace when I have stayed with her in good times and bad.


She had just acquired this felt "painting" a couple of weeks before I came. I stayed in this bedroom and just loved staring at it. It's interesting.... different. I loved it.

Re-meet some of the best people I know. Jessica, in the middle, and Lourdes, on the far right. They've both been through a lot with me and I love them dearly. Thank you, to both of you for being such amazing hosts in life and while I visited your great city. We don't see or talk to each other every day, but we are always there for each other when we need it the most...

Christmas.

The last few years I haven't been able to make it home for Christmas, but this year I did. It was really nice to spend time with family and just be. I had a great time, even down to the drive (which if you know, I hate driving... especially long distances!). I had time to think, evaluate and reflect on the past year.

As soon as I got in, I went to my sister's house and spent time with her and her husband's family. I had a lot of fun getting to know them and showing them how to make scallops. I'm pretty sure we all overdosed on them :)

The next morning, I drove over to my mom's house and spent all day with her. Becky and Dan came over before they went to their families Christmas' and they brought me a really amazing French Rose that they bought while traveling abroad as well as a really cute portrait that says "Time to drink champagne and dance on the table."


Becky even brought her homemade peanut butter blossoms.... no one has really mastered the recipe like she has! They are everyone's favorite, I swear.


Do you remember my Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream post? She came to Williams-Sonoma for her book signing and I met her. Well, I was in Chicago at a gourmet food store and they had her ice cream! It made me smile.


My last night in town? Roasted Duck at Becky and Dan's house! It was the perfect ending to my trip.

Thanksgiving Dinner.

Yes, I am posting about Thanksgiving.... I thought better late than never ;) I thought I would keep in somewhat in the loop about my cooking life and then on my recent travels.


Homemade Stuffing Prep:
1.) diced celery, carrots, onions, garlic
2.) fresh sage, thyme, & parsley
3.) semi-fresh french loaf
4.) turkey broth


All it takes is sauteing the veggies, tossing them with the dried out bread, slowly adding broth, and then baking it to a semi-crisp perfection.


Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
1.) Good Olive Oil
2.) Salt & Pepper


Yes, it tastes as good as it looks!


Homemade Gravy.
1.) reserved turkey fat
2.) flour
3.) a little butter


I didn't make a full turkey this past Thanksgiving. It's usually way too much, so I got a turkey breast instead. It was actually pretty perfect. I brined it so it was really moist and delicious.