What I'm Craving

Sometimes I feel like I must be a pregnant woman, I get these overwhelming cravings and if I don't get my way, which Sebastien knows is something that should never happen, I kind of freak out.

Maybe a little more than kind of, but I digress...

Anyhow, it seemed almost perfect for this blog to include a Wednesday 'What I'm Craving' post...maybe I could inspire a little mid-week cravings in you?

Crab everything...These yummy and simple cakes, crab stuffed into delicious ripe avocados, and you can't go wrong eating big flat noodles with spicy crab on top!

Sebastien's birthday pudding pie, courtesy of Smitten Kitchen...I had to bring it to the office so I wouldn't clean the pie dish in my sleep for my coworkers to try, HUGE success.

Brine...I go through phases but currently olives, anchovies, oysters and cornichons (probably my favorite food item ever created and it's a mini pickle, how much cuter can you get?...Well, I guess a mini pug?)


"Obviously I'm cuter, look at me"

Bourbon! I've never been much of a Scotch, Whiskey or Bourbon lady.  Although I am from Southern California our fried foods involved Baja fish tacos instead of chicken and hush puppies, which is definitely not a bad thing but I sure have my share of day dreams about buttery biscuits and pilled high pulled pork sandwiches...

Alas, this new-found appreciation for my aged liquor friend has gained momentum and I think this cocktail will be the perfect weekend relaxer (...is it the weekend yet?) that should stave off the soul food cravings for a teensy bit longer, 3...2...1...nope, they came back again.

 "Um, Sebastien? Road trip?"

...Poor guy, he'll never win.

Bits of My Weekend

Lake Arrowhead was everything I had hoped and more.  It felt long, leisurely and was filled with so many truffle fries and chocolate chip cookies that we won't be eating them for a long time (read: 5 days...weekends are made for french fries). 

Between the hiking, swimming in the lake with Molly (she was NOT a fan, except when we fed her treats while she paddled, yep, that's definitely my dog), taking a steam without sandals (Sebastien felt thoroughly disgusted), ordering room service (heaven!) and discovering Red Box $1 Rentals, we definitely got the R&R we needed. Here's a few clips of our fun...

Hope your weeks are going well!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to the most amazing, selfless, caring and loving man I have ever met in my life.  I could not have asked to be with anyone more supportive and fun and I can't wait to spend many, many more birthday's with you.  Here's to 23 years Sebastien and hundreds more (yes, he is going to live hundreds of years, sexayness does not die, duh).


From when we began dating...

I knew you were the most perfect man in the world for me...

And then you became the most perfect man for our little Molly as well...

You bring out the best in me and you deserve the moon...

Happy Birthday 'Sebastin', we LOVE you!!!!!!

Overload!

So...I've been a pretty crappy blogger for the past week, I'll admit it, I'm sorry to my only two readers out there in cyberland.  Let's just say there is a HUGE change coming to y'all!

And on top of being a crappy blogger I am going to be even worse (I truly don't know how this is possible but it is) because I am going away with my handsome man on our first vacation in two years! It is his birthday after all...

We're staying at the lovely Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa that I got a pretty sweet deal on from Jet Setter...If you have not heard of Jet Setter STAY AWAY, it's dangerous for your imagination!

Did I mention that this hotel is super pet friendly? Like, dogs allowed on the beach friendly! You can bet we are going to make a beeline for that lake even if it means practically dragging Molly down the beach into it...


"But Mom, I hate the water..."

I really don't know how a wild Pug would survive, I mean really...look at that face.

So I'm signing off for now to enjoy some hiking, swimming, awesome wine and trying some of the funky local resto's!

Have a fabulous weekend everyone.

Love/Hate Relationship

I have always had a love/hate relationship with September.  Firstly, it was the month of my childhood that meant I couldn't go to the beach every single day (it was traumatizing).  Secondly, the weather in Southern California gets super hot and gorgeous this time of month, which is the biggest tease EVER and after growing up and getting a job that involves a desk and no recess or snack breaks...well, I think you understand my frustration.

"Hey! I get frustrated too!"

However, September is going to be a fantastic month for a few reasons...

1.  My Handsom Man's birthday is this month...


Isn't he adorable?

2.  It's hot enough to go to the Hollywood Bowl and this month we're seeing The National! You can't go wrong with hauntingly beautiful music or being outdoors on a warm evening with a sandwich from Bay Cities and a bottle of wine...yep, it's perfection

3.  Julian Apple Festival (my fingers are crossed this will make it into our busy month!)

4.  Still being able to hit the beach

5.  Taking my best friend on a Ghost Tour of Old Town in San Diego...it's going to be epic.  Did I ever mention my love of Ghost Adventures? Didn't think so, that's just embarassing.

6.  Making pumpkin EVERYTHING...It's like a clock went off in my stomach today, I can't stop thinking about the pumkin breads, cookies, ice creams, pastas, oatmeals, pies (I seriously could keep going...)

I also wanted to let you guys know that I plan on tweaking the blog just a tad more to suit what I am all about...So don't say I didn't warn you!

Current Obsession

Isn't this absolutely adorable? I can't stop thinking about it! Find it here

Water for Basil

Since I get off work about a bazillion hours before the boyfriend (hey, I'm not complaining!) I usually spend a few minutes 'grazing' around the pantry...I can't help it. Especially when we have just stocked our fridge with tons of goodies from Trader Joe's (also known as the one place you should never visit on a Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles). Now for my current obsession...

TJ's S'more Ice Cream Sandies

Don't judge me...

"You better believe I'm judging you...for not sharing!"

They are delicious end.of.story.  Anyways it was time for a pug walk...We made a beeline straight for our neighbors gorgeous fig tree that they never pick the fruit from.  I mean, all those beautiful figs just go to waste right? So they might as well serve some sort of purpose...like by getting in my mouth? Well someone clearly had the same idea because the fruit I've been stalking watching for months was entirely gone...

LAME
You may ask why I don't just grow something myself? Well the only downside to living near the ocean is the salt air that kills every plant I've ever tried growing...

My sad baby basils

Alright fine, maybe I'm just a 'plant killer' who forgets to water 95% of the time...I promise I'll get better at that.

What are some of your favorite sweet treats right now? Ice cream? Frozen desserts? Or maybe a big cold glass of vino is more your thing?

The Beginning

My name is Lauren and I LOVE food.  Yeah okay, you need food to survive, therefore, everyone loves food right? Good point, fine, I'll give you that one, but since I could probably discuss my favorite ice cream in the city for an entire afternoon (truly, it drives my boyfriend a little insane...he must love me right?) I might as well share my obsession appreciation for all things edible with you.  So other than me loving sweets, treats and eats I am also a huge fan of this place...

Yeah, I'm totally kidding...It's called SAND and Supper for a reason right?

I was indeed lucky enough to grow up being a complete sea urchin beach bum...I mean it, getting to the beach at 5am to go surfing (I'd sleep in the car until the state beach opened, SO hardcore), sleeping in a sand box (aka my bed that I could never seem to shake the sand bits out of, much to my families annoyance), playing on the beach during rainstorms, which I TOTALLY recommend, unless of course there's lightning...then that's probably just stupid.  Needless to say, my heart and soul is attached to that giant body of water and I have been lucky enough to always be near it.  Speaking of being attached...

I am definitely a lucky girl to be able to come home to this handsome man and this squishy little face every day and since I know you totally want a close up of her...

Yeah, she makes my heart melt.

So tell me about yourself! What sort of things are you interested in?