My inlaws Vegetable Garden....

Over the week-end, while visiting my In laws and walking into their back-yard, I realized how fast their Vegetable Garden had grown. It is amazing to see zucchini, peppers, and cilantro.. all in their back yard.. I think its so satisfying to harvest and consume the fruits of your labor. Nothing beats fresh, crisp home grown, Vegetables at the Dinner table.

















Yummy Bell Peppers...

















Zucchini for my favorite dish..."Calabaza con Pollo"

















Serrano Peppers..

















Cilantro.

















Basil

















Chives

















Sometimes, I like to sit in this swing and enjoy the evening..

















In the Spring, the Orange blossoms in this tree smell like heaven

















And finally their dog Buffy who understands my Spanish.. "Vamonos de aqui"

Cooking light...

After, having a conversation with my friend Shannon, Afternoon coffee with Shannon blog spot about her passion cooking light. I was inspired to cook a fresh chicken, pineapple/mango Pico de gallo, and a sorbet pie featured in this month's issue of Cooking Light.

















This incredible tasty Pineapple/Mango Pico de gallo has a unique, fresh taste, that goes perfect with some chips on any hot Summer evening.

















De boned my Chicken and made tacos..

















And for desert....

















Raspberry Sorbet Pie...

















This light tasting Sorbet pie left me wanting another piece.. Thank you Shannon for the inspiration! I think I will try making the spaghetti squash with your gourmet sauce you told me about next...

Summer Peaches

When I saw this tree, first thing I thought of was my Grandpa Julian. He had a Peach tree in the front yard and every Summer that tree would give off so much fruit that sometimes, peaches would fall to the ground if, you weren't quick to pick them. Those peaches were drip-down-the-chin juicy and oh so very sweet! He would take extra care of his tree and would not let any of his grand children near it, until all peaches were ripe and ready to be picked! I remember my grandmother would take a plastic bag and fill the bag with gorgeous red/orange riped peaches she would then give them away to her family, friends, and neighbors. Sometimes, she would have so much that she would peel, blend, and freeze. Later we would eat it like a sorbet.

















I think I will buy myself a Peach tree for my new back-yard and think of my Grandparents as I prune, pick, and freeze my fruit.

Furniture Sold!

Today I sold my Living room set that had been with me since I got married. Anyone who knows me will tell you I'm not very sentimental over pieces of furniture but, I have to say that those sofas were dear to my heart because they were my first set! When we were first married, like most newly wed couples, we didn't have two pennies to rub together. We had saved enough money for our wedding and our budget was extremely tight! We were in the midst of remodeling a house we had just rented, and were pinching our pennies so tight I could hear Lincoln scream! My father in law who at the time worked for a furniture store was generous enough to give us an amazing never before heard of discount! We will always be immensely grateful to him for his kind hearted gift!

















As much as I loved this sofa set I will never make the mistake and buy pattern! I will buy solid and change pillows, rugs and accessories! I remember decorating this living room and thinking life couldn't get any better! How I loved my OLD home for its character and personality!

















My $19.99 Dollar Store Curtains I was so proud of.. I wish I hadn't sold that hutch I could of used it for my "Milk glass" Collection.




My little RED room... I had Romeo install the chandelier... Ahh...How I miss my Casita at 1508 Doherty.











NOTE: One of my pictures has the wrong date It should of read 2004

An Afternoon with my Aunt

Last week Melinda and I made plans to go visit my aunt Jaine have lunch and spend the afternoon with her.




















When I entered her home I noticed how warm,cozy and CLEAN it was...




















She had a candle going that smelled like Warm Apple Pie..




















She fixed us a Wonderful lunch!




















Mole Enchiladas..




















Rice..




















We even had a yummy dessert of Chocolate covered Strawberry's




















My uncle Fred joined us. It so happen to be his Birthday!




















After lunch we went Antique shopping!..




















Melinda and Aunt Jaine...




















We found this neat retro Record store with many old school records like "Cool and the gang", "ACDC", and "Krokus"...




















I love to tease her dog Blanco who needs k9 Orthodontic work..




















Thank you both for inviting us into your home,making us a gracious meal and making us feel at home. We had a great time!

Carnation dedication..

The other day while walking around the UTPA campus I noticed a tree with flowers the closer I looked the more they looked like Carnations. I couldn't stop starring at this tree it was beautiful and full of Carnations I kept thinking Carnations don't grow on trees or do they?.. I got home and quickly googled it and found that Carnations only grow 18" to 24" tall and the The optimum temperature for growing them range from 50 - 59°F at daytime and 41- 46°F at night. There is no way that Carnations could grow here in the Valley and on a tree for that matter.. So, It remains a mystery..I plan to take this photo to a tree expert. I will let you know..




















But, for now I dedicate this "Carnation photo" to All mothers that have taught values, enriched lives,and put their children and others first before themselves, run carpools,make cookies sew Halloween costumes and pick up dirty laundry.




















This is for all the mothers who mess up. Who yell at their kids in the grocery store and hit them in despair. For reading "Amelia Bedelia " twice a night for a year. And then reading it again. "Just one more time."




















This one is for all the mothers who put teddy bears and balloons in there children's graves. For the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and made them homes.

Happy Mothers Day!

My Obsession!

We all have an Obsession Purses, Shoes, Dishes, ect.. I have a few! House Perfumes would be on top of that list.. I love different type of fragrances and aromas that bring a new sense of joy into my own private world! I love to spray rooms according to season, during The Fall I love to spray Peppercorn or Pumpkin Spice during the Spring and Summer its always something Fresh and light like Fresh Cotton or English Garden!..

Here is a few of my all time favorites!




















Original by Claire Burke is known for its sophisticated scent! A Classic scent you wont forget!




















Tropical Ambrosia by Trimmings is a Tropical floral blend of Honeysuckle and Hibiscus that is fresh for a Summertime evening. Just one spray and you will be hooked!




















Red Current By Votivo Ahh... I was first introduced to this spray by my sister in-law Lisa several years ago and has become one of my favorites! the scent has a A savory blend of tart red currants and golden fruit glazed in coarsely chopped vanilla bean. I spray and light this candle on a stormy day or evening!




















Peppercorn by Aromatique perfect for The Fall!..This scent has a spicy, outdoorsy, peppercorn blend that takes me far away into a town of falling leaves,pumpkin patches and hay rides!




















Wisteria Lane by Tyler Candle Company..A very stylish scent of peony, lily of the valley, jasmine, woods, soft musk and rich amber. This lavish fragrance brings out the GIRL in me. It is perfect for a powder room or a bed room!




















Bartlett Pear by Slatkin & CO. found at Bath and Body Works is a STRONG fragrance blend of juicy pear, tart green apples and peaches! Love to use this spray in my kitchen! One small spray gets rid of food and garbage odors fast!




















Creme Brulee by Celebrating Home This fragrance is new I just got this from my aunt Janie who is a Celebrating Home Representative. I plan to burn this oil when I have friends and family over.


I can keep going and going... Its my Obsession!

Keeping it Simple!

Keeping my Diet Simple is exactly what I like to do! I have never been the type of person that can stick to a strict diet of counting calories and starving myself. That's just not me! For many years I have been Yo Yo dieting I would lose then gain, then loose, then gain, again!..Until 2 years ago when I found Herbalife I didn't loose my weight over night it took me a whole year to loose 55 pounds! And I haven't gained one pound back!
I needed something simple A protein Shake in the morning a snack, lunch then another Protein shake! I thought was simple and something I could stick to and it worked!.. but still my body was craving more so I started walking 2 then 3 miles a day! then I kicked it up a notch by running just a little bit everyday I would add 2 or 3 minutes until I became comfortable. I wouldn't call my self a Marathon runner but, at least I can keep up with Romeo and that has helped me lose even more weight!

I absolutely love Herbalife I go 4 mornings a week now! and enjoy the friends I have made and the confidence it has given me! I don't have a shake for dinner anymore I eat regular food but, one rule I have made for myself is NEVER EAT AFTER 7 ON WEEK-DAYS EVER! and boy, that for me has worked so much that on week-ends when we go to the Movies after 7 and order Popcorn and Candy I will experience Cramping followed by a slight case of Diarrhea!

What I have learned is that our body is incredibly adjustable! it will adjust to not feeding it after a certain time! and exercise makes a world of a difference for my body,mind and spirit! so far so good!...