Children

I remember watching the show "The things children say" and laughing at the things they could come up with.  Working at a daycare I have seen this almost everyday where a child comes up to me that leaves my mind spinning with what I should reply to it with.  I saw this photo and could not help but laugh.  It makes me wish I was a child again, when life used to be so simple and all you wanted was to grow up.

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Pets

My dogs have been a wonderful addition to my growing family.  Although sometimes when they make a mess I could not imagine my life without them.  

When I see those commercials on tv talking about animal abuse, I cant believe that a person could do that to such an innocent creature.  I think programs such as the Aspca and other pet rescuing groups are a heaven sent for pets of all kinds.

The Aspca works to rescue animals from abuse, pass humane laws and share resources with shelters nationwide.  In 1866 the ASPCA was founded and was the first humane organization in the western hemisphere.  Their mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.  Anyone can volunteer to work with the ASPCA and funds are always needed.

For more information on the ASPCA

Travel

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

Some of my favorite places that I have traveled are Australia, Greece, and Venice.  I hope to continue this yearly tradition with my children, and allow them to see the many wonders of the world.  

Here are pictures from places that I have been. Enjoy!

Australia

Whether your looking for a relaxing time, or an adventure of a lifetime, Australia offers something for everyone.  When I was there I was very lucky to be able to sing at the Sydney Oprah house with my choir.  The bridge behind the Opera house in the picture, you can actually walk on the top of it and get a bird's eye view of Sydney.  Definitely a must do for everyone.

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Greece

My senior year of high school I was able to go to Santorini Greece.  Many people have seen movies with the historic walk way up the side of the mountain to where Santorini resides.  At the base of the mountain you can choose to take a donkey, scooter, or walk up the walkway.  I definitely would not suggest walking because it is quite a way, but if you want a great workout then go for it.  

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Venice

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Venice, Italy is AMAZING!  It was by far my favorite place that I have traveled to so far.  It is a very romantic, relaxing, and laid back place to visit.  The water surrounding the city is very dirty due to all the pollution.  It is said that the water is slowly rising, and in many years to come that Venice will be completely under water.

Yummy recipe

I found this recipe and it is perfect for someone that is busy and does not have a lot of time to make a time consuming appetizer.  It is very good and is sure to please everyone who tries it.  After all who would ever think about paring fruit with cheese and having it taste amazing.  Its the perfect combination of creamy, salty, and sweet.   The vinegar adds the perfect amount of zing to the food.

Strawberry Bruschetta

Ingredients:
1 cup strawberries, hulled and diced
1 tbsp. sugar
1 French baguette, sliced on a bias
4 oz. goat cheese
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
¼ cup minced basil leaves
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
Combine the  strawberries and sugar in a small bowl; toss to combine.  Let the berries macerate for about 30 minutes so that they begin to release their juices.  Spread a thin layer of goat cheese on top of each baguette slice.  Top each slice with spoonfuls of the strawberry mixture.  Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  Top each slice with the basil leaves and cracked pepper, to taste.

*Recipe and picture brought to you by annies-eats (http://annies-eats.com/2011/06/13/strawberry-bruschetta)

Food fanatic, yes yes id agree

Growing up in a house hold that revolved in family time and family meals, you can imagine how much cooking was participated in.  I recently read a very great book by Michael Pollan called "Food Rules: An Eater's Manual.  Michael Pollan's book is an easy-to-use guide that focuses on a variety of traditions, and suggests how different cultures through out the ages have came to the same conclusion about food. Whether your at a supermarket or at an all-you-can-eat buffet, this is the perfect guide for anyone who ever wondered, “What should I eat?” Enjoy.

1. Eat only foods that are cooked by humans.

     If you are going to let other people cook for you, you're much better off if they are other humans, rather than corporations. Generally, corporations use too much salt, fat, and sugar, as well as preservatives, colorings, and other biological novelties.  Treat restaurant meals as special occasions and cook mostly with other humans.

2. If you have the space, buy a freezer.

     When you find a good source of pasteurized meat, you'll want to buy it in quantity. Buying meat in bulk is one way to eat well on a budget. A chest freezer is surprisingly inexpensive to operate, because they aren't opened nearly enough as the one in your refrigerator. A freezer will enable you to stock up on food from the farmers' market, and encourage you to buy produce in bulk at the height of the season, when it is most abundant and therefore cheapest.

3. Spend as much time enjoying the meal as it took to prepare it.

     Remember cooking food is supposed to be fun, start at the basics and go from there.

4. COOK.

      Don't let cooking scare you, cooking opens your eyes to what your putting in your body and the feeling you get when you successfully cook your first meal by your self and it actually tastes good.