Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Staycation

When I think about who I want in our lives forever I automatically think of the Beck's. They truly are the greatest people and friends. Lucky for Aaron and I they came to visit this last weekend. Last April Ash and I bought tickets to the U2 concert and I had been looking forward to this weekend ever since. The weekend was full of great times. Aaron and I were so excited to show them around LA and take them to some of our favorite spots i.e. Kogi, Sprinkles, Yogurtland, and Mulberry. We made some trips to the beach and the boys got to surf to their hearts content. We went to U2 and enjoyed such an incredible treat, I had been wanting to see U2 for so long and it really was amazing. The short of it all is that we loved it, just hanging out was perfect. Aaron and I felt like we were on vacation for the last 4 days. This evening when I got home from work we were cuddling up and just chatting about the weekend and both said how great it is that even though we have moved away from our friends we feel just as close as ever with them. What a treat to have life long friends.








Saturday, October 10, 2009

Moving


No we are not moving, but experienced a moving photo exhibit today. It is called POYI (Pictures of the Year International). This exhibit is currently at the Annenberg Space for Photography just a mile away from where we live. The photos are of 2008 telling stories of all over the world. It was emotionally overwhelming as many of the photos were of people who are in despair, yet it was also such a gift to be a witness of what was captured. I gained a lot of respect for photo journalists as they often put themselves in such dangerous and devastating situations in order to deliver to the rest of the world the truth that is occurring. For those in SoCal the POYI 2008 exhibit will be on until Nov 1st. However the KONA gallery in San Clemente which just opened Oct. 7th is the POYI archive and they will be having shows as well. I highly recommend if you are in the area you check these out.

This pic is of Obama at a high school gym getting ready for a rally

Photo left: Is of the lawer revolt in Pakistan they were getting covered in tear gas and the photographer just captured at the perfect moment this lawyer jumping away from an explosion behind him.
Photo right: A man in Afria is surrendering after being beaten by the police

A beautiful African kid at a refugee camp

This picture is of the "untouchables." They are preparing a man to be cremated.

A police officer in Ohio clearing a home that had received an eviction notice.

A recent Vet who had both of his legs amputated watches tv with his son.

While these are just a few there are so many more that give you at least a paragraph story about the picture and people. They are incredible, be prepared to shed some tears as it is extremely moving. There is a 30 minute film about the photographers and the different situations captured that is for sure a must see while there.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Rack of Lamb goodness

Well it seems that my last post has brought some fall our way here in Los Angeles. The weather has turned a bit cooler the last couple of days and today was an absolutely beautiful day.

To bring in the fall we made a yummy dinner. We both love cooking so much and never have time during the week to make super yummy meals. We do the usual grill a meat, steam some veggies, maybe a rice dish here and there, but nothing too inspired. So while we were out the other night Aaron thought for us to start doing a Gourmet Dinner Night, where we take turns choosing what we want to make, usually some amazing recipe from our favorite cooking magazine SAVEUR.

Tonight was the first night (Aaron's night) and we started it off with a RACK OF LAMB, with red potatoes and spaghetti squash. While the red potatoes and spaghetti squash were not the gourmet aspects, the RACK OF LAMB was. It was incredible and as you can see a pretty easy recipe. If you are not a big lamb person I think this is a great mild introduction. We used a rack of Australian Lamb, can be found at costco, which is known to be a milder flavor. Recipe is from Saveur this month. Can also be found online and you will find that their website is incredible however may result in you wanting to stay home all day and just cook and cook.

1 1 3⁄4-lb. frenched rack of lamb
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper,
to taste
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp. roughly chopped fresh rosemary
1 tbsp. chopped fresh thyme, plus 4 sprigs
10 cloves garlic, smashed

1. Heat oven to 450˚. Season lamb with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a 12" cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add lamb fat side down and cook, using tongs to flip and sear the bottom and sides of the rack, until browned, about 10 minutes. Turn lamb fat side up in the skillet and scatter herbs over the top.

2. Add garlic to skillet and transfer to oven. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into center of the meat reads 130˚ for medium rare, about 10 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing into chops and serving.

Here is a pic of the final product. Aaron did a fabulous job, I must say having a husband who enjoys cooking and is great at it is a great bonus.

Now off to decide what I will choose to make this next week...if you have any ideas feel free to send them my way.