Foto Friday

Hola Bloggies:

This Friday sees me traveling once again. This time, I will be boarding a plane and heading to spend the next 2+ weeks on beautiful Vancouver Island off of the West Coast of British Columbia.

I am no stranger to this area of the country. In fact, I spent four years living in Victoria.

I can honestly say that Victoria is a city that changed my life. The girl that arrived in that city was massively overweight, lacking in self-confidence, and in a bad relationship. The girl that left had taken charge of her life, lost a ton of weight, ran a 10K, ended that bad relationship, became a lawyer, and met her future husband. Not bad, eh!?

Clearly I have a soft spot for Van Isle.

And since I’m going to assume you’re curious – I took this picture from the patio of my very first place in Victoria. I was blessed enough to spend several years at the foot of Foul Bay Road with a glorious view of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains (Washington State) on the other side. This picture hasn’t been retouched in any way. It really was that glorious.

 

Question: What are your plans for this weekend?

Notice Anything?

Hola Bloggies!

So I’ve been looking through my food pictures and blog posts.

And while I know I often eat very healthfully (hello morning oatmeal).

That’s not always the case.

Even when I set out to be really good (hello tandoori fish), I still manage to sneak a refined carbohydrate in there.

I really have to find a way to get beyond that bad habit of mine.

So from now on, there will be more smoothies.

More fruits and healthy snacks.

And more salads (don’t mind that fro-yo in the corner back there).

 

Question: Are you like me? Do you have a carb problem?

The Sound that Made me Remember

Hola Bloggies:

I’ve heard it said that sometimes memories are triggered by smells but this morning mine were triggered by sound.

I was awakened this morning by the noise of construction, traffic, beeping, and people talking. Given that I hadn’t slept very well, you’d think I’d be annoyed. But I have to confess I wasn’t. Instead I enjoyed the slight breeze coming from the open window and allowed my mind to wander . . .

(source)

It took me to my time spent in Paris; I lived on Boulevard Saint Michel, one of the main arteries running through the Latin Quarter. The foyer I lived in was housed in a very old building. I don’t know if you’ve ever had occasion to spend a significant amount of time in a building centuries old but they don’t generally have great ventilation. If I left my room locked up for any period of time it would become really musty. To remedy this problem, little grates were built into the exterior walls of the building; when opened they left a small whole completely open (and directly I may add) to the street.

As a result of my little grate, every morning I was treated to the sounds of the city coming alive. I could hear the university students laughing with each other on the way to class, the workers gossiping about the daily news, the sounds of cars whizzing by, and even the older gentleman who liked to whistle classical tunes on his walk. This last fellow was a staple of my everyday life in Paris.

I loved those sounds.

This morning I found myself thousands of miles from the City of Lights. But for an instant, if I closed my eyes and listened to the sounds I was back there all over again. Twenty-two. A student. Loving every second. On Boulevard Saint Michel.

 

 

The Eats

Yesterday’s eats were pretty delicious! I was kind of proud of my clean eating self!

Cue the Breaky . . .

 

My breakfast happily (tee-hee) included my usual chia, banana, almond butter, oatmeal base with the exception that this morning I chose to add half a tablespoon of coconut oil and a sprinkling of shredded coconut. With some carob chips for added effect. Overall it was pretty delicious but I still heart my maple butter concoction just a little bit more.

Cue lunch . . .

Monday court took me a bit further afield from home. Instead, of eating out (at the delicious but not really good for me Italian restaurant) I opted to pack my own lunch. In my trusty container I packed 2 cups of greens, four pieces of oven roasted chicken, two eggs, half a tomato, a handful of sugar snap peas, nutritional yeast, and a bit of balsamic-olive oil-mustard vinaigrette.

As delicious as my lunch was I did learn one lesson: it’s not a good idea to eat in the car then drive for hours. It’s a pretty sure fire way to make yourself nauseous. Next time I’ll make sure it’s not quite as much of a lunch on the go.

 

Cue Snack Face Time . . .

 

Notice how I took a picture of my cherries in the car? I’ll confess these were actually eaten while driving (although I was stopped when I took the picture – I’m not that crazy). I don’t know about you loves but I totally look forward to cherry season!!!

 

Cue Dinner . . .

This was volume eating at it’s finest!!! I’m justifiably proud of how fantastic dinner was last night. First I tossed a quarter of a red pepper, a quarter of a yellow pepper, and half a baby eggplant in aged balsamic vinegar and parsley flakes. I grilled all the lovely veg. along with one Amy’s California burger (my favourite veggie burger!). I paired my cooked ingredients with a handful of sugar snap peas and three strawberries.

I was so full after eating all of this – but in a really good way. Although I knew I wouldn’t need to eat for the rest of the evening I still felt light and energetic. Clearly volume eating is where it’s at boys and girls!

This clean eating thing is going really well. And I have to confess I think it’s getting easier. Bonus.

Join me tomorrow for a Healthy Mexican Tortilla Soup recipe and a recap of P90X days 2 and 3.

 

 

Question: I have a bit of a dilemma bloggies. My regularly scheduled Monday dog hike has been rescheduled for tomorrow afternoon. Problem is it’s at the same time as the Zumba class that I’ve been trying to get to for weeks. It never seems to fit it in with my schedule and this week was finally going to be the week I could attend! Did I mention it will be my first time doing Zumba. What would you do if you were me? Go on the doggy hike (the Fiancé could take Daisy on a hike during the day instead) or go to Zumba!? Help!!!

Here Comes the Bride

Hola Bloggies:

I know I haven’t talked about it in a while but trust me when I say I think about it on a daily basis – our wedding.

We now find ourselves less than five months away from the big event and aside from worrying about looking smashing in my dress (it arrived this past week) I confess we are both filled with a sense of peace. I think that is what comes from knowing that this wedding will be an answer to our prayers and the start of a beautiful and exciting chapter in our lives.

Yes, there are times that I feel the stress of the event. I have often wanted linens and flowers to pick themselves. But on the whole I am enjoying every moment of this process. On November 10th we will officially become a family (Daisy is looking forward to being a legitimate pup). I know not everyone will be able to share that day with us but in the end we trust that the right people will be there. The ones that were meant to be there all along.

I trust that our wedding day will be filled with love, laughter, and joy. As November 10th draws near I hope you will share the journey with us.

Whitney + Jerod's Country Wedding Trailer from Joe Simon Films on Vimeo.

Video courtesy of our brilliant cinematographer – Joe Simon

California Dreaming!

Hola Bloggies:

So this here is a blog post I’m SUPER excited to share with you – but you’ll have to read on to find out why!

Now I don’t know if you bloggies have had the opportunity to visit California (if you’re super luck you may even live there) but there are some very cool things to see.

California has Disneyland and California Adventure . . .

California has the Santa Monica Pier . . .

California has lovely oranges that fall just outside of property lines so Canadians like me can take them on their way home (true story) . . .

California has absolutely massive Sequoia trees . . .

California has the brilliant Walt Disney Concert Hall . . .

California has the wonderful (and free!) Getty Villa . . .

But more importantly for today’s purposes . . . . . . . . .

California has the Long Beach Marathon!!!! And yours truly will be running the half!!! EEEEEK!!!!!!

You know who else will be there for the Marathon?

Danica (Chic Runner)

Aron (Runner’s Rambles)

Maritza (Marathon Maritza)

Tara (On the GO!)

Kristin (Keeping up with Kristin)

and Nicole (Runner Nic)!!!!

To say that I’m ridiculously excited is a massive under statement!!! I’m also, frankly, nervous at the same time!

So there you have it bloggies – come October 17th, 2010, I’ll be racing it up in Long Beach! Woot woot! Bring it!

 

PS: Anybody else want to join us?

La Vie en Rose

Bonsoir Bloggies:

I have decided to start occasionally writing a series of posts that let you know a bit more about me. Sure, you currently know I’m a wannabe runner, I like to work out, I like to eat healthy, and I obviously love to travel. But that’s about it! Well here’s the part where I share a little bit more of myself with you!

 

If you were to ask me to name my most epic and life-changing adventures I would have no trouble answering: the time I moved to Paris. As a teenager, and in my early 20s, I was no different than myriads of authors or daydreamers around the world. I longed to see the city of lights. I’m not sure it was so much about being in Paris as it was the grand romance of it all.

After I completed my Undergraduate Degree I decided to packed up my bags and moved to Paris to study French Language and Civilizations at the Sorbonne (Paris IV). Until my dying day I will remember what an elderly gentleman who had served during World War II said to me before my departure: “May Paris be as magical for you as it was for me after the war!” Le sigh. Even know I get misty eyed at the thought.

In Paris I finally became fluent in French. I tasted culinary delights that lived up to my imagination. I made life-long friends. I walked downed the hallways of Versailles and felt the history speaking to me around every corner. Kings. Queens. Revolutions. Post war Treaties. They had all been there. And I was too. I drank in the experience with every fiber of my being.

And somewhere in the middle of my time in Paris I changed. In fact I’d say I flowered. I realized I was stronger and more able than I knew. I became a more determined and driven individual. Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t think I went to Paris to find myself but somewhere in those tree lined boulevards I created myself.

 

After my time in Paris, I moved to the West Coast of Canada for law school; during which I would return one more time to live in that beloved city of mine. The second time around I was studying International and Comparative Law (through Cornell and Paris I). Again I lived adventures. Again I had the time of my life. Again I grew.

Truth be told, no matter how many times I return to Paris nothing will compare with that first time. I will carry those memories and experiences with me as long as I live. They form a part of my very core.

Confession? I’m someone who doesn’t very often remember her dreams. But when I do, I’m in Paris . . .

 

Have you ever had a life changing and epic experience? What was it?

To New Beginnings – Happy Easter!

Hello bloggies!

I don’t know about you but Easter has always been one of my favourite Holidays. As a Christian it means more to me than chocolates, bunnies, or eggs. It’s the hope of a new beginning.

The fact that Easter coincides with spring makes it all the more perfect! I love the flowers, the sunshine, and the joy that this season brings to my life.

So from mi casa to your casa – I hope you have a wonderful Easter!

Of Bridesmaids, Fitness, and $220

Hola Bloggies:

Random title I know! :o) But I wanted to write a blog entry that doesn't include some sort of travel or restaurant recap. Even my own sister has been known to call our mom (after reading this blog) and say something along the lines of "Does Karen ever work? It seems like all she does is travel!" And while it's true that I love to go wandering around places near and far there's more to life than that.

So here goes a rare picture-less post. . .


Of Bridesmaids

All of you readers know I'm getting married on November 10, 2010 (!!!). This means that inevitably my life is going to get slightly more engrossed by wedding planning. Thankfully I have a wedding planner at the resort to take care of most things but there are still some decisions we have to make on our own. Currently, we're working with our fabulous Invitation Designer to get out the Save the Dates (STDs - unfortunate acronym, I know) as soon as possible. On the wedding party front I've also given A LOT of thought to my bridesmaids as of late. We've been engaged nearly a year and I've yet to ask anyone!!! After much thought I think I have finally made my choices - now to ask them. Initially I thought of giving them a present to ask or write them a letter. To be honest I think I may end up with a combination of the two!  Think something along the lines of bridal t-shirts from Inkbox Designs.

Of Fitness

Here in the Rockies the weather has turned decidedly spring-like. Of course this time of year always turns my mind to thoughts of warm summer days, skimpy clothing, and outdoor sporting events. Certainly I want to look great come the summer (and especially come November 10th). Question is what is my plan?

Recently, I was reading a Runners World cover story featuring Kara Goucher. In the article she talks a lot about the mental game needed to be a runner. It appears that has always been something with which she has struggled. Nonetheless, anyone who looks at her amazing level of success can see that she's conquered the mental game. Often, I think I'm plagued by the whole psyching myself out thing. To be honest I told my trainer I would run a 10K (my only race thus far) almost two years prior to actual running one. Every time one came up I'd always find a way to chicken out. My knee hurt. I had ankle issues. I wasn't ready. You name it - I thought of it as an avoidance technique. Once I actually got around to running the race I realized how absolutely awesome I felt. In one word: accomplished. And yet I haven't run one since.

Last year I announced to the blog that I would be training for a half marathon. I had lots of supporters and I was rearing to go. Training got off to a fantastic start - I was even getting up at 5am to go for morning runs. And I liked it!!! Then I started having knee issues. Bad issues. It got to the point where I couldn't take a single stride without being in imense amounts of pain. It (being my right knee) even hurt when I wasn't running. So I got frustrated and stopped training. This coincided with ridiculously (!) time consuming preparations for a big jury trial and I never did run that half. I felt like I let down my blog readers and I'm saddened by that thought to this day.

Then there is my weight training. I used to work out like a fiend before I moved to the Rockies. I still weight train here but not like I used to on the Coast. Fact is I love weight training. I may not look it but I'm actually really strong. I love that I can lift heavy. And I have great form (lol - did I mention I'm humble too? :oP). I want to get back into doing it hard core.

The sum of all these contemplations is a new approach to fitness. I've done the P90X DVDs but not in a row. Tomorrow I will attempt to start a 90 day cycle. I'm going to be blogging about my experiences every day. On the days where the P90X workouts are shorter (some days can be super long) I will also run. Because it makes me feel awesome.

I'm going to need your support bloggies!!!! Please promise me you'll get on my back if you don't see an update of my daily workouts on this little bloggy of mine!


Of $220

I have a dilemma bloggies. A $220 dilemma. One of my benefits as work is a Professional Development Allowance. We are allocated quite a hefty amount of money every year to make us better professionals. I have spent a large amount of this years money on my gym membership, some legal textbooks, P90X, some workout equipment, and a couple of other goodies. Somehow I thought I had spent all the money - turns out I have $220 left to go!!! Here's the catch - I have to spend that money by the end of this month or else I lose it!!!!

For a long time I have thought of getting a heart rate monitor or something akin to one. I have debated the benefits of  Garmin vs. Polar and I've yet to make a decision. What do you recommend amigos? Here is what I'm looking for:

1) A heart rate monitor function with a comfortable strap
2) The ability to monitor heart rate even when working out indoors
3) Perhaps the ability to tell you when you are in your target heart zone
4) Something that will indicate my pace when running
5) GPS function is optional as I have my Nike+ to tell me how far I've gone
6) Preferably $300 or under

Currently I'm torn between a Garmin 405, Garmin 305, Polar FT60, or Polar RS300X. Thoughts?


Looking forward to this next step in my attempt to be "The Whole Package!" And as always bloggies, I am ever grateful that you are coming along for the ride! :o)

You Gotta Be Here!!

Happy Olympic Eve Everyone!!!!!!!!

It's been over 20 years since Canada last had the pleasure of welcoming the World! This time around the 2010 Winter Olympics are being held in Vancouver, British Columbia. I may be a Toronto girl at heart but I've chosen to make B.C. my home.

I first came out for law school and soon discovered a corner of the world that ranks right up there with the most beautiful places I have ever seen! People originally from B.C. live under some misapprehension that the rest of Canada looks like this - it doesn't. Don't get me wrong - every Province has something wonderful but B.C. really is spectacular!!! Once I had seen the Ocean, mountains, lakes, rainforests . . . I knew it would be very hard to leave. And so I'm still here!

On this Olympic Eve I hope the World enjoys Supernatural B.C.! And I hope they love the wonderful warmth of Canadians! We may not be a flag waving nation (unless it comes to the patches on our backpacks when traveling in Europe) but we are proud of this place.

Come visit won't you? You gotta be here!!! :o)

Cheers to you my Dears!

Hola amigos! :o)

Tonight I was thrilled to discover that the wonderful Mara of "What's For Dinner?" awarded me the Beautiful Blogger Award:

I admittedly felt all warm and fuzzy when I received this award! Thank-you Mara!!!

As a recipient of the award I have to name 7 things that my readers may not know about me and then pass it on to 7 other bloggers. Here's my list of 7 things I'm sure you've been dying to know about yours truly! lol :o)

1) Technically I speak French fluently (I've lived and studied in Paris - twice). Unfortunately I live in a part of Canada where no one speaks French. Once in a while this will lead to me freaking out about having forgotten everything. Then I'll have a dream. Completely in French. And all will be right with the world again.

2) This blog has helped me reconnect with a childhood friend. Some 20 years later and it's probably only now that I realize how much we really have in common.

3) Although I pretend I'm not, I'm a sentimental and romantic sap at my very core. In fact I love the feel of an old book with slightly weathered pages, the unexpected surprise of a letter from a far-away friend, and cuddles. Lots and lots of cuddles.

4) When I was in my late teens and early 20s "City Dance" by Renoir was my favourite painting. I loved the detail that went into the skirt. I used to think I could almost hear the subtle rustling of the crinoline.

5) While I still love "City Dance" I would have to add something by Van Gogh to my list of faves. The paint in a Van Gogh work lies on the canvass in clumps. Frenzied. Manic. Emotional. Riveting. Clumps.

6) In my lifetime I want to travel and experience as many places as possible. "I want to know that the world is round. Not just believe it."

7) I believe in miracles. Small and large. Whether in grand Biblical events or the kindness of strangers.

In all honesty I wish I could give the award to everyone who reads this blog. I can't emphasize to what extent all of you constitute my support system. I'm grateful that you choose to follow along with this journey that is my life. Thank-you friends!

Now since I have to choose 7 bloggies, I choose the following:

My sister - Cookbook Fixation

CarolynM - Esprit d'escalier

Andrea - Off her Cork

Jocelyn - Running with High Heels On

Marianne - From French Fries to Flax Seeds

Sarah - Run Sarah

Kelly - She Wears a Red Sox Cap

Marlene - Mission to (Another) Marathon

See you in the morning amigos!!!

The Chosen One - the wedding gown edition

WARNING:  If you know me and will be attending the wedding please do NOT read this post! It will contain spoilers as to the wedding dress I chose. I much prefer that you be surprised and awestruck in November than now!

Gracias!




Whew! Now that I've taken care of that . . . Happy New Years peeps!!!! I hope you had a wonderful time ringing in 2010 with those near and dear to you! I spent New Year's Eve with the Fiance, Daisy, and my family in Toronto. It was our last night in the city which made the moment all the more melancholic. I was admittedly sad at the airport but I've decided instead to be happy for the moments I shared with those I love, in the city I love. Besides, I accomplished so much in Toronto, including finally choosing a wedding dress!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When last we left off there were four contenders - Rasia, Ronda, and Hebron by Pronovias and Diana by Enzoani. I spent a good chunk of time considering my options and decided that Hebron would not be "the one." She just wasn't flattering on my body - I loved the bling but the flare started too low for my body type.

That left me with Rasia, Ronda, and Diana. On this visit I tried all of them on again (and possibly again after that :oP).

Once in Toronto I quickly eliminated Diana. She had some lovely details but I was concerned that her top was way too wide for me and not very flattering. Given that it was way too wide on a dress that was two or three sizes too small I knew that it wouldn't get any better.

After trying on way too many dresses during four (!) visits to bridal salons I narrowed it down to five finalists. It came down to two girls you've already met and three new contenders.

Rasia by Pronovias: Where let's face it "It's all about the back!" She was my mom's early favourite. I loved the tiered lace in the back but wasn't crazy about the inverted V fit in the front. Nonetheless it appeared that I'd lost some weight since September and she fit me much better. Her new flattering approach kept her in the running!

 

Ronda by Pronovias. She was the first dress I tried on where I couldn't stop staring at myself. I loved her delicate lace. I loved how she fit my curves in a totally flattering way. But I didn't love the sheer fabric that formed the straps. It came in too far and detracted attention from my face. But that could be fixed. Funny thing is she would have looked better strapless. I also wanted to make sure that she stayed tight to my body (I saw a picture of a bride in her Ronda and it was lose - which I didn't love). Turned out it would cost $800 in alterations to add more structure and make her strapless. Eeek. But still. She was so lovely.

Meet Hebra by Pronovias! She's fun, she's young, she's flirty, she's fashionable. And she made me feel awesome. Threw you for a loop didn't I!?!? She was very different but I loved her. Truth is I looked awesome in Hebra! She fit just right. Aside from sweet hearting the neckline there was nothing I would change. But was she right for a wedding or more for a party? I wasn't sure right away.

Behold the gorgeousness that is Medina by Pronovias. I have no qualms in telling you that Medina stole my heart. But not before she made it skip a beat. She was exquisite! Luscious really!!! And I looked amazing in this dress. She fit like a glove. When I tried this dress on with a matching ivory veil I got teary eyed. It was the first time I felt like a bride. But she was heavy. We're talking 25lbs of heavy!!!! Tulle, canvas lining, fitted satin heavy. I was still determined to wear her but was it the best idea for Mexico? Everyone including the sales lady said no - emphatically no. But I wasn't listening - then on my third visit I tried her on after having already spent four hours trying on dresses. Cue the dizziness. The room started to move and I held on to the mirror for support. It didn't help. I was growing faint and I had to step off the stand I was on and get her off ASAP. She was gorgeous but was she worth it? I would have to spend twelve hours in my wedding dress! They told me that they could lighten the lining a little. She would still be heavy. But my God I felt like a bride in the gown . . .

 

And this is Malibu from the 2010 Pronovias collection. She was literally the last dress I tried on! In fact she arrived in between my third and fourth visits. And wow did she throw me for a loop! She was fitted with more structure than Ronda. I tried on a dress three sizes too small (!) but she was built in such a way that she would still be tight in all the right spots even in my size. She was tulle with lace detailing (the pictures don't do her justice). She was light and yet elegantly dramatic. Plus she was classic. A vision in white. The Spanish bride of my dreams. After straying into satin and party-like dresses could she be the one? Was this the dress I wanted to live on in pictures and cinematography forever!?

So those were my choices. A handful of really gorgeous girls. REALLY gorgeous. The first one to be eliminated was Hebra - I loved her but I feared she would look dated in no time at all. I could picture my children looking at pictures going "WHAT was mom thinking?!?!" lol  Not cool!

The second to go was Rasia. I loved her back but wasn't crazy about her front. I needed to love every part of my dress. I guess we just weren't meant to be.

Then there was Ronda. My first dress love. She would require way too many alterations to get her to fit the way I wanted! And even those alterations were a risk not to mention pricey ($800!). Surely there had to be a dress out there that fit me the way I wanted it to without the need for major reconstruction. It wouldn't be Ronda.

It came down to Medina and Malibu. So different and yet they both captured my imagination in different ways. In the end the choice was clear. I went back for my last visit and didn't want to take this dress off - I spent an hour in the gown and could have stayed in it even longer. Le sigh. My dress.

She made me feel bridal in a way that I had always hoped. She was perfect - I knew she was. And with the right veil . . . it was just too much for me to bear! In fact I get giddy just thinking about her.

What's that?! Which one did I choose:

Isn't she gorgeous!?!?! Yaaaaayyy!!!!! So excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :o)

I'm sure you'll understand when I say that's the only picture I will post of me in the dress until after the wedding. I want the ultimate reveal to be a surprise. Yes it will be hard to keep it from you but I'm hoping it will be worth the wait.

Colour me happy. Very happy.

A VERY Feliz Navidad!!!

Hola Bloggies!

I've been MIA for a while now but with very good reason. I have been in the Toronto casa enjoying time with my family, catching up with my favourite places, wedding dress shopping, and playing tour guide to the Fiance. It's been a wonderful time!!!

In the middle of all that cavorting we still found time to celebrate Christmas with the familia. In our Hispanic tradition we do the whole Christmas thing on the 24th.

My mother always does a wonderful job of decking the halls! There's nothing like familiar Christmas decorations to make you feel at home!

 

I'm probably biased but I happen to think that the pictures don't do the decorations justice. Must be the glow of childhood getting in my eyes! lol :oP

Now don't fret - there were presents a plenty under the Christmas tree. Daisy seemed more than a little intrigued by the shiny packages.

Even the stockings were bursting full of goodies! There was even one for Daisy full of special Christmas treats, bully sticks, and a biodegradable bag holder for her leash! She also ended up getting a Santa hat (which he shook right off) and a totally souped up Harry Barker pet bed in medium. Why I bought my small dog a medium sized beg I'll never know! lol Not bad for puppy's first Christmas!!

 

Not to be forgotten is the absolutely wonderful feast we had for Christmas dinner! My parents prepared a fantastic meal for us to gather around and enjoy!

Rather than roast the turkey my parents smoke it in a massive clay oven contraption (called a Kamado). Honestly, there is no better way to eat a turkey. It ends up insanely moist and super tasty. I'm not really a meat/chicken/pork eater anymore but I still love this turkey!!

This rice has been a favourite of mine since childhood! I love it something fierce!!! And yes that's American Cheese on top. Nothing uber refined. Just good old down home cooking. :o) Besides, the rice goes well with the salsa . . .

lol - That's right! Being Hispanic we eat salsa with our turkey. No gravy for us! This particularly salsa is made the way it's cooked back in El Salvador. It has a tomato base but also a ton of spices and flavourings including ancho chile, guajillo chile, bay leaves, thyme, cumin, pepper, capers, olives, onions, green onions, garlic, and celery. WHEW! That's a lot of ingredients!! Don't worry - we blend everything together and it's absolutely delicious.

 

And here are the eats on my plate!! Oh dear Lord - I'm getting hungry just writing this entry!!! lol

For dessert we had homemade creme brulee  prepped table side! :oP lol

Top it all off with a glass of home made eggnog and you have absolute Christmas perfection!

In all seriousness though - the eats were plentiful, the presents wonderful and the house beautifully decorated. BUT the most wonderful thing of all was getting to share Christmas with those I love most. Usually I'm either with the Fiance or with my family but never the two combined. This year I got to share Christmas with all my favourite people and my puppy too! And for that I truly am blessed.

And so I'm grateful to God for the gift of Christmas, the Fiance with whom I share my life, the puppy of my dreams, and parents I love more than anything. Most of all I will always be grateful for our first Christmas together!