Matt and Claire

My sweetheart compiled the 600 or so photos that we took at our friends' wedding last year into a beautiful animated video. I cried the first time I watched it.

Take My Breath Away by {Copeland}

My Nepenthe

I have been reading this cookbook (yes reading...) and it has captured my heart. I wish I could have been there during it's heyday, but very much look forward to visiting this little gem of a restaurant located in Big Sur soon... maybe a weekend jaunt from SF? This reads like a memoir interlaced with delicious recipes and beautiful pictures. I rented this from the library, but will no doubt be adding it as a staple to my must-have list of cookbooks.

Happy Valentines Day

Get Up Kids {Valentine}

A Happy Life

“Wealth consists not in having great possessions but in having few wants.” ― Esther de Waal

image via {nicki's cwe guide}... I also love this image from {Dream Studio}

Last night I finally watched The Battle of Algiers. Brian loves this film and has been trying to get me to watch it for some time... with the current uprisings in the Middle East and a people's revolution in Tunisia and Egypt, he felt this was an appropriate movie to watch. He was right. It was as if we were watching an in-depth story covering the current happenings in Egypt just this past week. It was an incredible movie about the Algerian War (1954-62) between the occupying French and an anti-colonial Algerian independence movement:

"The Battle of Algiers reconstructs the events that occurred in the capital city of French Algeria between November 1954 and December 1960, during the Algerian War of Independence. The narrative begins with the organization of revolutionary cells in the Casbah. Then civil war between native Algerians and European settlers (pied-noirs) in which the sides exchange acts of increasing violence, leading to the introduction of French army paratroopers to hunt the National Liberation Front (FLN). The paratroopers are depicted as winning the battle by neutralizing the whole of the FLN leadership either through assassination or through capture. However, the film ends with a coda depicting demonstrations and rioting for independence by native Algerians, suggesting that in France having won the Battle of Algiers, she has lost the Algerian War." - The Battle of Algiers, Wikipedia

Not an easy film to watch, showing the horror of civilians being the targets of violence on both sides, it is incredible how applicable the story is today... after 60 years, history is repeating itself and events are unfolding in an all-to-familiar manner. I hope that the peaceful protests by the Egyptians will be heard and acted upon before a feeling of desperation becomes so intense that violence seems to be the only release valve.

Happy Birthday Shay Shay!

Happy Birthday to my dear little sister, Shay, the youngest of 5 siblings. I was 9 years in the delivery room when I watched her come into this world. I remember her on the scale as the doctors weighed this newborn, and her big blue eyes met mine. Shay is so loving and helpful, always willing to massage my back after a waterpolo practice/game, her little hands pressing out the tension in my shoulders. I left for college when Shay was 9 and I missed many moments of her growing up, showing lambs for 4-H, playing waterpolo in high school. She has a family of her own now, a wonderful hardworking sweetheart and the most beautiful baby boy. Such a beautiful young women, inside and out and I adore her freckle face :) I love you Shay Shay, hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Broccoli Cilantro Soup

There are certain dishes that transport you to a particular place and time; there are smells that stir your mind and allow you to recall a pleasant day; and there are meals that remind you of a loved one and bring back memories of that person. This is what Broccoli Cilantro soup is for me: nothing fancy, failing to excite my taste buds with exotic flavor, but a warm, simple dish that reminds me of my dear Grandma Gayle. She loved this meal and made it often. The smell of it simmering on the stove fills my heart with memories of her. I miss grandma so much; I think of her every day.

• 4 c (32 oz) stock, chicken or vegetable
• 1 bunch cilantro, leaves only (reserve remaining stalks for future stock)
• 2 heads broccoli
• small handful spaghetti noodles
• s&p to taste

1. In a medium pot heat stock.
2. Roughly chop broccoli (stems included) and add to the stock. Lightly boil until tender, about 15min.
3. Add cilantro (small amount reserved for garnishing) and noodles. Cook for about 8 minutes until noodles are al dente.
4. Season with salt and pepper
5. Serve, garnished with remaining cilantro leaves.