HOW ABOUT BRUSSELS SPROUTS?

 

After days of tacos all I wanted was a salad!  But it is also kind of chilly in Los Angeles so turning on my oven  also sounded ideal.  Best of both worlds: Warm Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Sweet Potatoes, Zucchini over some crisp romaine topped with a balsamic glaze!

Recipe:
Large handful organic Brussels Sprouts, washed and halved
1-2 organic sweet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced
1 larger zucchini, washed and sliced
A few romaine heart lettuce leaves, washed and dried. 
Coconut Oil
Balsamic Glaze Reduction Sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Pre-heat Oven to 400º

Oil baking dish with coconut oil and place sliced vegetables on.
Tip: I arranged the sweet potatoes on their own side to cover while roasting so they cook through but still brown. 

Spray or coat with additional coconut oil and season with salt, pepper, and any of your other favorite go-to's.
 (I tend to big on cayenne and oregano.)


Place on middle rack and roast for 25 minutes or until your desired golden-crispness. 

 Remove brussels sprouts and zucchini and flip sweet potatoes over, returning to oven with no cover.  Roast for an additional 10-15 minutes.  


Plate and drizzle with balsamic glaze.


Serve Immediately!
 

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¡LORETO, BAJA MEXICO!

 

2017 will be the biggest travel year for Danny & I (amongst other things.. like getting MARRIED) so what better way to kick it off than with a 4-day vacation in Loreto, Mexico!

Last year we were invited to the wedding of two wonderful friends of ours, Dan & Debbie, which was to take place in Loreto and at its majestic Villa del Palmar Hotel. Loreto is a small, beachfront town with sprawling panoramic views of deep blue ocean and impressive mountain ranges.  We were so excited for them, and couldn't wait to celebrate with old friends and make new friends in such a beautiful place!

Since Loreto is pretty remote, there is only one flight per day out of Los Angeles. This held also to be exciting since most of our flight would hold wedding-goers as well as other wanderlust explorers! Danny and I were seated next to a very personable and worldly man from Calgary, Canada who shared quite a few stories with us throughout the hour & half excursion (including that he had been married for 30 years but since he travels so much it was more like, "net 16 years.")  

Once we landed the party started!  From that moment on to the time we landed back in LA, it was a whirlwind of tequila, laughs, and story of exchanges of how we all knew the soon-to-be-married bride and groom!

As the storm began to blow in Friday, it was also the couple's rehearsal dinner located above the hotel that their parent's so generously provided - including these amazing watermelon mojitos!

Come Saturday morning... it was cold and cloudy but hey, we were in a beautiful part of Mexico, so we made the best of it and set out for a hike.  Only about 20 minutes in, we got caught in the torrential hurricane-like downpour and had to take shelter in a cave.  We huddled and watched lounge chairs fly off the beach into the ocean and pool umbrellas and heaters topple down.  As rocks started to slide down off the front of the cave from this storm's fury, we decided to make a run for it.  Completely soaked, we made it back safely and hours later the sun was out for probably one of the most sweetest and touching weddings I have ever been a part of.
 

We sipped on probably too much tequila, indulged in savory tacos, and danced the night away.  But all things must come to an end and as we descending back to the concrete, grey jungle that is Los Angeles, we'll be left with memories of this magical weekend forever. Until next time, Mexico.

Travel Tip: Leaving Loreto - their security is INCREDIBLY strict, even with checked bags.  Be prepared to have most of your toiletries to be confiscated including tooth paste.  They don't care how expensive your hair products are! Pack smart!

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HUNTING

I've been visiting a ton of flea/swap meets, antique & vintage stores lately for the hunt of the perfect decor/furniture for my home.  Though the process is tedious it is also worthwhile. Sifting through items that once belong to strangers and meeting the vendors (and sometimes their dogs) and hearing about their stories and how they obtained these treasures has been nonetheless but fascinating and addicting. 

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