'Twas an Extravaganza...

Oh how I've missed you! it's been a while since I've had the time to post a blog. I've been extremely busy getting things together to begin the rest of my life doing what i love. If i haven't mentioned before... 

I have an Extreme passion for food, AND... i recently got accepted into Culinary School!! Yay Me! I am so exhilarated! I had to share the good news. 

So, in honor of FOOD... this post is going to be dedicated to Family, Friends and Food!

As you all know, this weekend was Father's Day and boy was it a busy weekend. To begin,we encountered a virus through our systems at work, which if you didn't know is the #1 hospital in New Mexico. Thus encountering a major set back in our daily work. Friday i got off work early due to system updates... and my dreaded Dr. appointment. The fun part.. it was a chance to go back home and visit the town i grew up in. 

I still have one Doctor in Santa Fe... and i probably won't change unless i find an extraordinary doctor when i move out of state. Any who... we took the 30 minute(if my brother is driving) drive to Santa Fe and after the appointment enjoyed a wonderful homey restaurant up on Canyon Rd, called El Farol. If you ever visit the Land of Enchantment, make sure to pay them a visit. You WON'T be disappointed. The atmosphere is so relaxing. The beef tacos are Muy Delicioso. The only complaint i had was the Manager.. she was a snobby .......

We Finally made our way back home about 6p.m. after eating and shopping. We ended up again at my favorite Yogurt spot(YoBerri) as previously noted. Needless to say, the night wasn't quite as interesting as my day. I didn't sleep one wink and had to be up for an early Saturday!

5a.m., Saturday, June 19th, 2010... my phone rings AND... it's Mi Amor!!! I always have time to hear his voice. Mind you, that since he is on the East Coast he is 2hours ahead of time and is in the studio throughout the entire day... so if 5a.m. is the only time he can talk... I'm there!!! 

10a.m., The BFF and I make our way to TMobile to buy my new phone!!!! We end up staying there until 1:30 in the afternoon. Whew! Afterward, we drove ourselves to get a pedicure and then made our way, magically to the mall! FYI: Victoria's Secret is having their Semi-Annual Sale... if any of you love that place... GO-GO-GO!!! Saturday evening we went to dinner at St.Clair, drank Mimosas, and ended our night downtown in the club scene. Not really my ideal Saturday night, but to be with two people i adore... it makes it all better. 

Sunday Morning 8a.m., WAKE UP CALL! Time for church... I got to wear my amazing red patent leather pumps that i picked up in Las Vegas, NV!!! Nothing like starting your day in 4inch heels! After church we took Dad to "Nick and Jimmy's"... and amazing Bistro on the North side of town. 

Needless to say, before we received our food.. I had already presented Dad with his gift and cried my eyes out at the amazing blessing of a Father God has blessed me with. 

Before I share the deliciousness of food that we devoured, i feel the need to share MY Dad's story:

Dad was a Semi-Pro Baseball player, in which i gain my love for baseball(New York Yankees to be exact)! He married my Mother, March 20th, 1982. They have been together 34 years total. I strive to gain a relationship like my parents have. In the early 90's my Dad was diagnosed with Hepatitis C. After many tests and biopsy's, the Doctors gave my Dad 6 months to live. And as you can see... almost 15 years later... my Dad is still alive and kicking.

Dad recently was given the news that his Hepatitis has transformed into Cirrhosis of the Liver. Which is a very serious condition in which scarring damages the liver. He has his good and his bad days, but the good always outweigh the bad. 

I have an amazing Father and he has molded me into the woman i am today. He has taught me how to be strong and how to withstand negativity. My respect is at a different level when it comes to my parents... and i thank God everyday for the blessings he has bestowed upon my life. It's my time to take care of my parents and i don't plan on letting them down.  I LOVE YOU DADDY!  

Back to the NON-Sappy shenanigans... 

Food has the amazing job of bringing your taste buds to life, thus transforming your imagination and allowing you mouth to experience every flavor. At Nick and Jimmy's, you will NEVER be disappointed. If you love Green Chile, their Green Chile Lasagna and Green Chile Meatloaf are to die for. Or you can settle for an 8oz. Sirloin with Broiled Potatoes and vegetables, topped with Mushroom Caps.. oh and don't forget the Garlic Butter for dipping!

We ended our meal with a Pineapple upside down cake for 2 and some Creme Brulee, which happens to be my favorite dessert ever!

This weekend ended exactly how i planned... with the most amazing family anyone can ask for. Although we may have our spats and disagreements, there will never be a time that I will lose my Love for the people God has so graciously placed in my life. 

I may digress a lot, but the excitement builds and i have to share it with somebody! 

Call it a stressful weekend if you want. I call it an EXTRAVAGANZA!

I am exhausted... Sweet dreams and God's Blessings to you and yours!

Forgiveness.

It's amazing how forgiveness and love can elevate your mind and spirit to unimaginable heights. 

It is through my blessings that another can be blessed.

May God cause my heart to be continuously fervent. 

By embracing forgiveness, you embrace peace, hope, gratitude and joy. 

Ephesians 4:32 (New King James Version) 

³² And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Tomorrow I will give a run down of my fabulous weekend and all the yummy food I indulged in! For tonight, i leave you with this. . .

Good Night/Morning all!

Maple-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

So, I Lied… I didn’t have time last night after P90x to post what I wanted to, so I’m doing it today. By the way, P90x is NO JOKE! Please, if you are thinking about starting this program… make sure you discuss it with your Physician FIRST. The workouts are intense and aren’t suggested for people in certain conditions. [No, I don’t get paid for saying it… it’s just the truth.]

After work yesterday, Mom treated me to a pedicure. I am not one to usually get pedicures, because I have a phobia of feet and I don’t like the idea of a person touching thousands of nasty feet and then working on mine. But since Mom offered, I gave in. It was probably the most comfortable pedicure I’ve ever had, if that makes any sort of sense. Now my feet look FANTABULOUS (made up word).

I digress, please forgive me.

Onto the subject at hand... FOOD!

Monday evening I decided I wanted to make something hearty for dinner. My BFF Alicia was going to be joining in on the family get together, so I opted for something easy and healthy.

Maple-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

Hands-On Time: 15m Total Time: 1hr 30m

Heat oven to 450° F.

1 3½ - to 4-pound chicken, cut into 8 pieces (I opted for Chicken Breasts: 4 Large Breasts, cut in half)

1 yellow onion, cut into 1-inch wedges

2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks (I also cut 6 Red Potatoes for a mixture)

¼ teaspoon black pepper

3½ tablespoons maple syrup

8 oz. baby carrots

I don’t cook with salt due to Dad’s condition, but if you use it… try: 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Rinse the chicken and pat it dry. In a bowl, combine potatoes, onions, carrots, 3T. maple syrup and pepper. Toss to coat. Arrange the chicken over vegetable mixture in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Drizzle with the remaining maple syrup.

Roast, until the chicken is cooked through or the juices run clear, about 45-50 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

TIP: I used 2 of what I thought were small sweet potatoes and ended up with an abundance of vegetables. Those I put in a separate bowl and refrigerated for later use. I suggest if you are going to use a mixture of potatoes opt for 1 small sweet potato and 4 red potatoes.

ENJOY!

 Let me know how yours came out…I’d love to know.

Nutritious .&. Delicious…

Hello Lovely People!!

It’s already been one heck of a week and it's only Tuesday! Our weather in New Mexico has quickly transitioned to those desert temperatures we all love so much(SARCASM speaking).

Last night I cooked Maple Glazed Chicken and Sweet Potatoes for the family! I get overly excited when they enjoy my cooking and most of all when I enjoy my own cooking. But, that will be on a later post, possibly posted this evening after P90x of course.

Good nutrition is a year ‘round endeavor, but summer weather presents some special considerations. Some days seem too hot and humid to move at all. And the heat can increase your fluid needs. Be careful about what you are drinking to quench your thirst.

Water is your best choice for hydration.

-up to 9 servings per day for women, 13 servings for men (0 Calories)-

Summer is the best time for local produce, either from your garden or the local farmer’s markets. You can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in nutrients and fiber and low in calories and sodium. Be adventurous and try some new foods.

Take care of yourself and those around you!

An Appetite for Better!

Aww...La Nina begins.  This weekend was extremely hot. We reached temps of 102...Yay (sarcastically speaking)!

Saturday was supposed to mark the beginning of my P90x workout, but due to shin splints from running the track, it was suggested for me to rest up before beginning such a rigorous workout. I begin tomorrow(Monday) and i'm pretty excited about it. 

Since i had to rest my shins, the family, BFF and I went out for lunch and dessert at my two favorite spots. First, we ate lunch at a little hole in the wall New Mexican restaurant named, El Patio. It has to be one of the best little spots i've ever eaten at. I can't say it's better than mom's cooking, but it's pretty darn close. Since it was so hot, i opted for something lite.

After enjoying lunch we moved on to my second favorite spot, YoBerri Park Frozen Yogurt. It's sort of like YogurtLand in California. At least once a week, they change their flavors. My favorite is their Papaya, but this week they had Classic Tart, Chocolate, Peach and Rose flavors. Yes... i said Rose. Mom and Dad loved the taste, but to me, it tasted like someone sprayed Rose perfume in my mouth... not so appealing in my opinion. After choosing your flavor, you get a choice of toppings. Anything from Strawberries to Cap'n Crunch to White Chocolate Chips. I enjoy healthy eating so i chose fruit! When i say this place is HEAVEN, i mean it!

Today was spent at church and afterward Mom, future Mom and I went to see my "bro in law" at his performance. Afterward, we joined the rest of the family at St.Clair Winery and Bistro. Here i enjoyed my FAVORITE dish of Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta...heaven to my tastebuds. When i tell you i love anything and everything food... now you know I wasn't lying. 

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. Hopefully this week isn't too hot.

Have an appetite for better!

National Donut Day + FREE Donuts = PURE AWESOMENESS!

June 4, 2010 is National Doughnut Day!

Dunkin Doughnuts, Krispy Kreme and your own kitchen could all be venues for National Doughnut Day celebrations...

Everybody knows that doughnuts aren’t exactly the healthiest of treats. Celebrating National Doughnut Day doesn’t have to mean visiting Krispy Kreme locations or Dunkin Doughnuts locations. Instead, you could try making your own doughnuts. It’s not nearly as difficult or scary as it sounds, and you can make a huge variety of your favorite doughnuts. Start by creating a basic sweet dough, then just fry it and top as you wish. If it’s your first time making doughnuts, try this recipe:


1 egg
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey or agave nectar
1/2 cup milk or almond milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder


Toppings: cinnamon and sugar or powdered sugar or frosting or whatever else your heart desires

Combine all the wet ingredients, then stir them into the flour and baking powder. Put the dough in the fridge or freezer until it is cold enough to work with, then cut it out into the shapes you would like, about 1/2 an inch thick. Fry the doughnuts in 375-degree vegetable oil for a few minutes. Drain the fried doughnuts, then sprinkle, glaze, or frost with your favorite topping. It really is that easy. To mix it up, try adding carrots, pumpkin, spices, or even using Chai instead of milk.

Your office/family will love you!

_____________________________________________

Some Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Doughnuts Locations will be celebrating by handing out free doughnuts. Not all Krispy Kreme locations or Dunkin Doughnuts locations are participating in free doughnut day – so check before you go in to claim your confection.

Free doughnut day Krispy Kreme locations...

Getting a free doughnut at Krispy Kreme locations is relatively easy. First visit the Krispy Kreme locations list to find a participating location. Then, after the store opens on June 4, National Doughnut Day, stop in. Claim your free doughnut. Don’t forget to say “thanks” to the busy doughnut shop employees. The offer is “while supplies last,” so stop in early.

Free doughnut day Dunkin Donuts locations...

Getting a free doughnut at Dunkin Donuts locations is a bit more complicated. Dunkin Doughnuts locations are offering a free doughnut, but only with a drink purchase. So stop into the nearest Dunkin Donuts , purchase an iced coffee or other drink, and claim your free doughnut. As always, don’t forget to thank the Dunkin Donuts location employees; they will be having a very long day.

HAPPY DONUT DAY!

Tag Questionnaire...

Good Day...

I borrowed this questionnaire from Kasia, writter of My Secrets blog.

1. What shoe size are you?

EU 38-39

US 8

UK 6

2. Where do you work?

Presbyterian Healthcare Services

And

A Zen Acupuncture

Soon and very soon, I will be a world renowned chef!

3. Favorite piece of clothing you own:

My shoes have to be my biggest favs.

I pretty much love everything I own.

4. Your favorite blog?

I have many blogs that I enjoy, but Dulce Candy

has to be one of my favs!

5. Do you have any pets?

I have a 1 yr. old, 75lb. German Pointer, who for some reason doesn’t understand boundaries. I believe the thinks he’s a small dog, especially when he comes and sits in my lap.

He needs LOTS and LOTS of doggy training.

6. How many siblings do you have?

One Older Brother.

7. If you could live anywhere were would it be?

New York! I love the BIG city and especially love the East Coast.

The Architecture and the people are the BEST!

Plus, The New York Yankees are there.

8. What were you doing before this?

Working.

9. Your favorite food?

TACOS! Mac n’ Cheese! Sushi! Bread!...OH, who am I kidding? I love everything and anything to do with food!

10. Do you have a middle name?

Yes, Nicole.

11. Your favorite websites?

Clothing, shoe and fashion websites!

And anything that intrigues my interest.

I also like NecoleBitchie.com, best latest Celeb gossip.  

12. Who do you tag?

I am still new to the blogging Community. Learning the ins and outs…

But there’s no time like the present to begin:

The Littlest Charm Factory

Makeup Zombie

Kitschy Suburbia

Dulce Candy

Check out the tagged blogs above... you wont be disappointed!
Hope you all have a fantabulous day! SMILE!

Talk Nautical to Me, Baby!

Good Day Dear Friends...

This weekend was quiet and relaxing. Something that was much needed. I got a chance to wear my awesome, yet comfortable jumper from Urban Outfitters that my love was oh so generous enough to purchase for me. He spoils me a little bit... =0). Since i have fashion on the brain, I thought I would share some of my favorite Spring fashions. Although, I am far from being a "Fashionista" I figured it wouldnt be too outlandish to share my favs... well, here goes...

Nautical

I've been captured by the whole Nautical phase that's going on in fashion lately. It's classy, yet comfortable and OH SO SEXY. Plus, it reminds me a bit of the 50's and 60's and which happen to be personal fashionable years, in my opinion. And, I LOVE IT!

NUDES

Aww... the nudes. So 1940's chic! I remember seeing old pictures of my grandmother (she was a beauty queen) in long flowy dresses and nude pumps. Something about the nudes just gets me. Anything from nail polishes, to clothing, to shoes and even lipcolors... i'm awed by it all. Nudes also pair perfectly with neon-ish colors. For example, turquoise, lavender, denim and of course, BLACK!  

NEONS

What don't i like about Neons?! I'm an 80's child! Oranges, Greens, Purples, etc. Bright colors are catchy and fun to wear, especially when paired together. But sometimes, not so easy on the eyes. My personal opinion... DON'T OVERDO IT!

That's just a few of my favorite styles that are out right now. What are your favorites? I'd love to get a taste of everyone else's fashion styles. Whatever you do... have fun with it. Hope you all have a fun and fantastic Spring.