Saturday, January 29, 2011

Thankful Sunday

Yesterday I spent time with my aunt.  She is showing me all the wonderful things there are to do in the city.  I really like farmers market so she took me to a local one near her house.  I'm so glad that  I moved near her because I get a first hand look at the hidden treasures around the city.  I am very thankful for her.  Here are some pictures of our adventures.

Taking joy in living is a woman's best cosmetic.  ~ Rosalind Russell 
Prayer may not change things for you, but it for sure changes you for things. ~ Samuel M. Shoemaker 
Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark.  ~ George Iles 
The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. ~ C.C. Scott 
Do not be afraid of tomorrow; for God is already there.  ~ Author  Unknown 


Sunday Friends

        

               

             
  

Friday, January 28, 2011

Buy Fresh - Buy Local


Producer  -  Consumer  -  Environment  -  Community

There are so many good reasons to buy fresh and buy local.  By purchasing straight from the grower, rancher, or baker, it cuts out middle-man expenses.  Direct selling helps control pricing and flows the cash in the same community.  The consumer gets to purchase fresh foods to help improve diet and nutrition.  Producers are often very knowledgeable source of information and inspiration on how to cook and prepare fresh ingredients.  By selling local it helps reduce on transportation fuel uses, packaging needs, and additional storage costs. Buying local helps stimulating local economic development by increasing employment, encouraging consumers to support local business, and thus keeping the money within the local community.  It is also a great way to teach children about the origin and process of the food chain.   I encourage you to look for local farmers market and buy something as a show of support and appreciation.  This weekend I will be at my local farmers' market.

Pearl Farmers' Market - San Antonio, Texas
Saturdays, 9:00am - 1:00pm (Rain or Shine)


Pearl is a culinary and cultural destination in San Antonio, Tx. along the banks of the San Antonio River west of Full Goods.  As a dynamic and evolving environment, Pearl is committed to stewardship and learning. This historic gathering place is where everyone is welcome to eat, play, and learn along the banks of the San Antonio River. With a strong commitment to food excellence, Pearl is host to a producers only farmers market. All Pearl Farmers Market vendors are located within 150 mile radius of San Antonio, Texas, providing fresh, local, and seasonal products that they themselves planted, raised, and harvested. Come meet your local food producers!

Seasonal Products found at market as of January 2011 

Vegetables: spinach, turnips, lettuce, carrots, cabbage, napa cabbage, beets (red & golden) tomatoes, kohlrabi (purple & green), broccoli, cauliflower, kale, beet greens, mustard greens, collards, cilantro, dill, parsley, arugula, watercress, green onions, mushrooms, radishes.  Fruits: Certified organic tangerines & tangelow.   Meats: Heritage pork, grass-fed bison, grass-fed lamb, grass-fed beef.   Potted Herbs: Greek oregano, Dill, cilantro, English thyme, Italian parsley, catnip, sage.   Baked Goods: cornbread, herb foccacia, sticky buns, cinnamon rolls, sun-dried tomato flatbread, olive flatbread, sourdough, monkey bread, baquettes, chocolate chip cookies, coffee cake, sour cream pecan muffins, gluten free products.  Value Added Products: fresh pecans, cut flowers, honey, fresh goat cheese, camembert, free range eggs, gourmet nuts, seasoned pecans, jams, all natural & gluten free mixes, salsa, seasoning spices, coffee, tea.

Saturday Blog Hops

     
   




Thursday, January 27, 2011

My Sweet Gina


This is my daughter Gina.  She says I blog about her too often.  Okay, I know she is right.  I can't help but see my little princess girl growing up before my eyes and I'm trying to capture as many moments as possible.   She was just in elementary when the picture above was taken.  I remember that day, she was doing a runway show as part of her modeling school graduation.  Now she almost 16 years old, has a driver's permit, and is planning ahead for college.  I have always been so proud of her.  Teenage years are challenging for the a parents and the kids.  She has managed to keep herself centered in our Christian faith, does excellent academically, and has a good sense of confidence.  There are times she is talking to me and I can't help but to stare at the beautiful young lady she has become.  Below is a picture I took of Gina a week ago. That day she had drove us to lunch, a 25 mile drive on a major interstate road.  I'm so proud of her and I'm thankful to God for allowing me to be Gina's mother.


 I'm a total Western-Senorita Diva and thrilled about a website I just found. 


http://www.cowgirlconfidential.com/

 Friday Blog Hops 

Start here!





1. If you had $1,000 to donate to a charity, which would you choose? 
.... American Cancer Society
2. Snow days: Do you welcome them happily or are they a pain in your butt? 
.... No Snow Days in Central Texas
3. What talent did you wish you had and why?
.... I wish I could cook like a top chef because my kids deserve better food.  LOL :)
4. Are you a news, politics or celebrity gossip junkie?
.... I am a huge politics junkie!!!
5. What is your favorite "cocktail"? (Are you a beer person, a kiddie cocktail junkie, or perhaps your more the "Cosmo" kind?! Anything flies...doesn't hafta be alcoholic!)
.... I love Margaritas on the Rocks

                               
                


Thursday Tuscan Cooking



I have been watching a new cooking show, Extra Virgin.  I LOVE IT.   The interaction between Debi Mazar and her very talented husband Gabriele Corcos is adorable.  The show is taped at their house in Los Angeles and with their two daughters. Gabriele has a beautiful Italian accent and talent for cooking.  They are transforming their LA backyard into a cozy Tuscan outdoor kitchen and entertainment area.  "It's Lucy and Ricky in the kitchen as the two food lovers share ideas, haggle, and finally compromise to create the perfect Tuscan American blend all the while providing important lessons that you just won't find in your average cookbook."

Margherita Pizza

Bruschetta Pizzaiola

Grilled Tuscan Chicken

Places to Visit on Thursday