summer continues...

July is almost over.  A has been out of school and is thoroughly enjoying her summer.  

Giving up coffee for a bit...

chamomile tea

Took my nephews out to 5 Guys...I prefer In n Out or The Habit.

Hanging out at the beach...

Our awesome canopy kept us cool.

Ending the day with a BBQ

13th

We celebrated our anniversary a little late this year. 

This was our favorite dish.  Blackened chicken in avocado cups.

Then off to Portola Coffee Lab at the OCMart.

Lovely succulents throughout the OCMart

Christopher Garren opened up a dessert shop at the OCMart. 

Final destination....85 bakery for some cake!

Mango Blossom

annual summer trip & pasta

We been going to Palm Springs every summer for the past several years with our close friends. The kids have a blast swimming every day and so do us adults.  For E and I it's a great time where we can just relax! Thanks D &L! 

The kids taking a break from the pool

We pretty much took over the whole pool.

Feeding 12 kids!

Here are the 12 rascals!

Simple Pasta

All you need:  Broccoli (I used one pack of Trader Joe's brand), 6 cloves of garlic thinly sliced, a handful of tomatoes (optional) & bread crumbs.

Cook spaghetti noodles and set aside.

Saute the broccoli and the garlic generously in olive oil.  Saute for a couple of minutes and then add the tomatoes.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Once the broccoli is slightly tender remove from heat.  

In a frying pan, toast a handful for breadcrumbs until it is light brown.  Then  add the pasta to the broccoli mixture.  Add salt and pepper to taste and even some more olive oil if its too dry.  Then sprinkle the bread crumbs on top!

**You can use any vegetable spinach, onions, mushrooms and even bacon to add more flavor!

summer

I hope you are all enjoying the summer as I am!

watermelon juice

A taking swim lesson

a big straw hat to keep the sun out!

roma tomatoes

heirloom cherokee tomatoes

morning glory

Birthdays

It was my older sister's birthday earlier this month...hope it's a fabulous 39th year for you!

I made a chocolate cake with strawberries and whipped cream for her.

Blowing out her candles. 

Then we celebrated my friend H's 40th birthday.  We surprised her and took her to Malibu for the day.

First we hit the Getty Villa...

We sat, drank coffee, and chatted for a while.

Off to lunch!

I ordered clams...so yummy!

Shopping...

Ending the day with gelato!

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!

Camping

We headed up to Big Sur to go camping.  It was to great getaway.  I grew up camping so I really enjoy it...yes tents and all.  I love the California Coast. 

Our tent.

The Kingdom Tents occupied by my sister's family and a family friend.

Taking an early evening walk.

The Food

Hot links

Kimchee Jigae

Bulgogi

banana boats

sweet potatoes

We also made a trip (okay, so it was less than 2 miles away) to the Big Sur Bakery.  If you are ever in Big Sur make sure you stop by!

The goods

The kids in the river.

Our family had to leave a day earlier than planned because A got sick.  Since A was so sad we decided to stop by Carmel on the way home.  

Driving on the coast.

Stopping by for some coffee before heading home.