Weekend Adventures

I have been away for a little bit. Its been crazy for me because I find myself frantically applying for jobs and then being completely depressed when nothing flourishes from my attempts. But just because my life is being consumed with looking for a job doesn’t mean me and Mr. J haven’t had time to escape. This weekend was a fabulous one. Mr. J and I had the opportunity to meet up with friends in the little town of Davis, which is about 15 min away from Sacras. It was a gloomy day but being with friends made it seem as though the sun was shinning bright. Previous to the little get away, we celebrated “Dia de los Reyes Magos” with friends. I was the lucky one who found the baby in the bread and now I have to through a party, which I don’t mind because I love hosting.

Anywho, here are some photos of our little adventures. So far 2010 has been good to us.

 

 

 

UCD library fun. I love the UCD library, its so beautiful.  Mr. J and I just relaxed and reminisced about our days as undergrads.

Here are some pics of some pretty things I found at the Thrift store, unfortunately it was crazy packed and we left so I didnt get ot purchase anything.

On Sunday night Mr. J and I decided to conquer one of our puzzles, and failed miserably LOL.  We are currently working on another puzzle and are doing very well. 

-Pita...Ill keep you posted on Job stuff :)

Little Book Worm

I am a library nerd. If I had not decided to become a teacher I think I would have been a librarian. I worked in a library once upon a time and I loved it. I cant help but miss the feeling of being in the library for 8 hours a day, it was amazing. This said I am extremely excited that our neighborhood library will have its grand opening tomorrow! I will be there to celebrate and sign up for my very own library card. Any good reading suggestions?

Photo by austinevan

Thai Lettuce Wraps II

A while back I posted a blog regarding my attempts to make Thai Lettuce Wraps. I had mentioned that once I got around to cookin’ I would post pictures. Well ladies and gents here they are, the pictures of my lettuce wraps. They were soooo freaking yummy. I loved them and have made them once more since I took these pictures.
Here is the recipe; which I changed to fit my needs.

Ingredients
4 boneless top loin pork chops, cut 1-inch thick
Vegetable oil cooking spray

Marinade:
1/2 cup hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon of lime juice

Wraps:
2 large heads butterhead lettuce, leaves separated
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch matchsticks
1/2 English cucumber, cut into 2-inch matchsticks
2 ounces thin rice noodles (vermicelli-style)
16 sprigs fresh cilantro, stems removed

Sauce:
1/4 cup prepared Thai sweet chili sauce
1/4 cup prepared Thai peanut sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Directions
1.  Marinate pork in marinate ingredients. Refrigerate 1to 4 hours
2.  Cook pork in a lightly sprayed pan. Sear, 3 minutes per side. Continue to cook until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees F, about 9 minutes longer. Transfer to cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
3.  While pork is resting, soak rice noodles in very hot water for 10 minutes, then drain. Arrange stack of large lettuce leaves attractively on large serving platter. Place carrots, cucumber, rice noodles, and cilantro leaves in small dishes and arrange on serving platter. Combine sauce ingredients and transfer sauce to small bowl or ramekin.
4.  Cut pork into thin slices. If desired, lay 3 medium-sized leaves of lettuce on serving platter and arrange pork on lettuce.
5.  To assemble, let each guest place a lettuce leaf on an appetizer plate. Mound a bit of rice noodles, carrot, and cucumber on lettuce; top with a few slices of pork. Drizzle with sauce and add a couple cilantro leaves. Fold over the lettuce to form a roll and enjoy.

Since I was in the cooking mood I also made Flan, but I cheated because it was made from the box. Nevertheless the flan was still delicious.

Something lovely...

I recently stumbled upon this amazing artist. Kurt Halsey is an amazing. I know, I live under a rock and have just recently been dug up to find the beauty of the world.  I can’t help it.  My life (up to now) has been occupied by finding myself ie school, work, work and work.  Being that I finally discovered that you can’t find yourself but rather you must create yourself I can look up and see the world with clear eyes.  So here I am, creating like no other.  Back to the inspiration, I stumbled upon this artist and the most amazing artwork.  Anyone that can create is my hero.  I really enjoy these little pieces. Let me know what you think or if you have any other beautiful things you would like to share with this newly emerged rock dweller.

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Away we go...

Today I finally saw “Away We Go” with John Krasinski (<3 him) and Maya Rudolph. It is a beautiful film about finding your way home. I really enjoyed the movie, especially the end. Sometimes you need a reminder of how lovely you truly have it. I hope you enjoy this film. Let me know what your favorite part was or if you have any other recommendations.

ps. isnt the cover art work amazing and beautiful, I really loved it.