Cheese!

I am currently making love to Brillat Savarin Bloomy Affine.

Descrption: Brillat Savarin is an extremely smooth and soft cow's milk triple creme with a white mold rind. This is the slightly more aged version that is a little tart, lactic and ultra rich and creamy on the palate.

Amen!

Kicking off 2012 with a champagne cork bang!

Alexander and I could not ask for a better way to ring in the new year. We spent the final hours of 2011 with our fabulous friends Amanda and Josh and their new puppy Hays (who is now Ollie's best friend). The ridiculous menu was as follows:


Champagne and caviar
White wine and stuffed mushrooms
Oyster shooters
A lovely Sangiovese paired with lamb (an Italian recipe with sardines in the sauce - amazing), fresh black eyed peas and mashed potatoes
A cheese plate with dried figs and candied pecans
The finest Brussels chocolates - Pierre Marcolini and Neuhaus

At the begging of the meal we wrote down our hopes and wishes for 2012 and placed them in a jar. Just after midnight we opened the jar and read them aloud as if to cement them into reality. It was a lovely evening and I have high hopes for you, 2012.

Today's Fall Menu

I love the changing seasons and to eat accordingly.

Breakfast: 2 fried duck eggs, 2 slices fresh bagette w/ butter, 1/2 cup sliced strawberries (last of the season)

Lunch: Cedar-grilled salmon, 1/2 cup wild rice, 1/2 cup seasonal vegetables (last peppers of summer, asparagus, broccoli, turnips), chocolate underground yogurt

Dinner: Wild mushroom ravioli w/ herbs, parm and olive oil from our trip to Spain, garden salad, strawberries & dark chocolate, red wine

Lost Maples State Park

Alexander and I took Ollie on his first camping trip last weekend to Lost Maples State Park. The weather was remarkably cooler - I even wore a long sleeve shirt! Ollie saw his first deer and did really well on the trail, which is very rocky with about a 1.5 mile climb and decent on the 5-mile trail. Although, he did sleep for about two days after that, including trying to push Alexander and I out of our sleeping bags when it got cool at night. It was a great trip and a way for us to get out of the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. Pics coming soon...

Life as I know it

It has really been one shit storm after another. Seriously. When I wrote my last blog post little did I know my dad's minor surgery had turned into a major problem and he was in a coma for three weeks. We were told he likely would not survive. As my father's power of attorney and not being able to advocate for himself, I was at the hospital every day, communicating his wishes. It was the worst month of my entire life. It was so short, yet agonizingly long. It also taught me who my friends are and more importantly, who they are not. I am so, so happy to say my dad did wake up and quickly learned to talk, walk etc. He is a miracle and I am so pleased to have him in my life for a while longer. We are blessed!

After the last few months, I really need to count my blessings. Here is what I am thankful for:

1. The Best Husband Ever!
2. I get to spend more time with my father.
3. I know if I really need my mom she will be there.
4. Best friends you could ever ask for. They really stepped up and continue to do so.
5. My husband and I have great job with decent pay - something to be said for this in our economy!
6. The lump in my right breast isn't cancer.
7. We have a savings account to pay for fertility drugs that most people would not be able to afford.
8. OLIVER! Happiness wrapped in a furry blanket
9. The sun, the moon and the stars - thank you Universe!
10. The ability to run my fucking ass off when I feel like it.

Challenges always create opportunities

I usually try to keep it light on the blog but I also try to keep it honest and things aren't always so easy. Alexander and I have learned in the past nine months that we are experiencing infertility issues. I've already gone through the motions: denial, anger, resistance to what is and acceptance. We are exploring every angle, getting second and even third opinions and we'll figure it out. However, the opportunity we are creating is one of a healthy lifestyle that will create longevity in our lives. We are eating healthy, cutting back on excess and increasing our exercise. This bump in the road is turning out to be an extreme motivator for taking care of ourselves and nurturing our marriage. This is one of those things that can make or break a marriage. I know I speak for both of us when I say we have never been happier. We are going to live, love, laugh, travel, enjoy each other and our loving pets. When it's the right time, we will be blessed with a baby - I just know it.

Colored jeans

I've been totally rocking this great pair of AG Stevie Ankle colored jeans. They are so fun, in style and a really breathable, light fabric perfect for the 100+ degree weather we are experiencing in Texas. I have actually been able to wear them with many different tops and shoes and would highly recommend dropping the cash to have them shipped pronto. They are great for petites and require no hemming, which is nothing short of a miracle. Photo courtesy Anthropologie.com.