Photo Journey from Hydra to Athens

Athens

We made it to Athens all safe and sound. We took a water taxi from Hydra across to the Peloponnese and had a driver waiting there for us in a fat Mercedes taxi that comfortably took us to Athens (about 2.5 hours). Our cab driver was the best, pointing out things and stopping mid way for coffee and spinach pie. When we entered Athens our driver told us that Thursday (the bad riot day) no one could get into Athens, so it was good we decided to come here when we did. Our hotel is very nice and situated in walking distance to the ancient sites, the New Acropolis Museum and the Plaka which is all you really need in Athens if you ask me. We have rooms with super soft beds, which is a nice change from the planks we all slept on at the house in Hydra. All was quiet here yesterday and everything is supposed to be mellow today as well so we are optimistic going into the weekend and are praying that Sunday is ok and we can get a cab to our hotel by the airport and our early morning flights on Monday are not disrupted. I slept in today and am just hanging out at the hotel until I feel like getting moving. Having been to the Acropolis before it is not a must see while I am here (although it feels like it should be). We can see it from the roof of our hotel, not the same, I know, but with limited time here and being pretty exhausted I am spending my time wisely and doing only what I want. From what I hear, Kenny took off early this morning to conquer the ancient sites and take photos - he is super excited as it is dream of his to see all of this. It is pretty overwhelming when you think about how old these things are, pretty darn cool. I would like to hit the New Acropolis museum next to our hotel before we leave and that is about all I have on my list before we head out. Maybe the Ancient Agora as well. We will see.

One More Update...

So, ferry strike is now for 48 more hours and we are unsure if we can even leave the island on Sunday so with that said and with the help of some very nice people here (one from Texas, but has lived here for 25 years) we are taking a water taxi across to the Peloponnese followed by the most expensive cab ride ever to our hotel in Athens. Hanging in Athens until flight time on Monday. Please pray that we are safe and can get home soon and our flights are still running on Monday. We may have to stay in the hotel the entire time in Athens but we are getting closer to getting home. Hopefully we will have internet access at the hotel.

Will report back when I can.

A Few More Days

Well, strikes have extended 48 more hours so I am missing my flight out of here and we are unable to leave Hydra until at least Friday. We will see. Hoping to get a flight back to the states on Monday. Thank you to Wendy (for watching out for me), Mom (for calling Dr. Const, ha ha!) and Deb (for all of my travel). Most of all, Thank You God for forcing me to take a couple more days off, it is beautiful here and we are able to stay in the house since no new guests can arrive and we can't leave.

Love you all.

Amy...rigamarole.

Angela...Kalle Nita.

Tim...I love you!

M.I.A. - sort of....

No internet at our house any longer, which has forced us to really check out.
Anyway, no Manic Monday post this week since I do not have one prepared.
On the island for one more day due to strikes of every kind so back to Athens on the 19th instead of the 18th. We will see what happens with my trip back home. I may have to stay here forever...
I will try and update when we get to Athens, but we may not stay there long due to lots of civil unrest. I have a feeling no Acropolis this time and I just hope I can get out and get some sandals. Priorites people... Ha!
Yassas.
XO.

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

Where in the World...

Where in the world is Maltese Kat?

Happy Birthday BayLee

You know what happens to couples that don't have kids?

They celebrate their pet's Birthday's.

Happy 6th BayLee - Jump for Joy!

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

KIND Food Truck in SF!

Each month, KIND challenges its community to carry out a specific act of kindness (KINDING Mission) on the first Tuesday of the month. This month, KIND challenges residents of San Francisco to send a thoughtful note or email to a woman who has impacted their life.

If-and-only-if enough people sign up to complete this KINDING Mission (click here ->KINDING Mission), KIND pays it forward with a BIG KIND Act for a local community in need (similar to Groupon - but for good!). This month, KIND will team up with National Breast Cancer Foundation to hand deliver care packages to women undergoing radiation and chemotherapy at a local hospital, bringing them comfort and support during their courageous struggle.

Here are the details:

The KIND Food Truck will be parked on 333 Market Street between Front and Beale from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and will also be parked at the San Francisco MOMA (Third Street between Howard and Mission) between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. At the truck we will provide thoughtful note cards that can in turn be filled out and given to a woman who inspires you.

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

Taste of Greece

The food fest weekend continued today with the Taste of Greece festival at the Annunciation Cathedral on Valencia Street. The Greeks are a lot like the Maltese, they love to eat and dance and today was full of both. Our friend the sun actually came out as well, which lead us to stay outside at the festival for almost 4 hours. The great part was...there was plenty of tables and chairs set up inside and outside for everyone who wanted to sit and enjoy the music and dancing.

The food was incredible, I didn't expect anything less. I had spanakopita, dolmades and roasted potatoes with ice cold Mythos. Tim had pastitsio and souvlaki.

We sat and basked in the warmth of the sunshine and enjoyed every bite. The live music was great as well as the dancing, there were troops of all ages, but I liked the kids the best. Everyone stopped what they were doing and gathered when the kids started dancing.

Here is a sneak peak...

After the dancing and people watching, it was time for dessert (Galaktoboureko, Baklava and Anise Biscotti) and coffee all followed by a bus ride home.

Eat Real

Yesterday late in the afternoon Tim and I went over to Oakland's Jack London Square for the Eat Real Festival. Get more info on Eat Real here. It is an amazing event bringing together local food trucks, local food artisans and lots of food related anything you can think of. There is a DIY stage where you can learn all kinds of culinary tasks from making your own mozzarella to butchering your own beast. Despite the thousands of people and my dislike for large gatherings of people with no room to breathe let alone walk down the sidewalk, it was very fun! We went to the VIP reception (since I work for one of the main sponsors) and got to spend time off the clock with some of my coworkers, which was cool.

Here is a list of the foods we enjoyed - not all of them were photographed as I had to hold my beer in one hand and eat with the other! Please keep in mind, this is a lot of food but not really full size servings as everything was under $5 each!

:: Senor Sisig Truck - Chicken Tacos (his) and Tofu Tostada (hers)

:: Vesta Flat Bread Truck - Mezze side: carrot hazelnut pate, fresh beet salad, labne with sumac & zatar, flatbread triangles (his & hers)

:: Whole Foods Market Truck - Hodo Soy Yuba Kung Pao (hers) and Corn Dog Bites (his)

:: Local Grass Fed Beef Cheeseburger (his)

:: Vegan Corn Dog with locally made mustard (hers)

:: Little Green Cyclo Truck - Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich (his)

:: Beer - can't remember all of them that we tried

My recommendation if you plan on checking this event out in the future, go in the late afternoon or at dinner time. The crowds seem to dissipate leaving more room to actually walk.

Truck Love

Call it what you will but I am obsessed with pickup trucks, I have been since the moment my Uncle Larry pulled up in a big red pickup truck in my parent's drive way when I was a kid. Sitting in it made me feel on top of the world and when I was old enough and had the means, I bought myself a big red pickup truck - see photo here. Now I live in the city and parking would be a big hassle, so until I move up North or out into the burbs all I can do is look and obsess and take pictures of all the cool trucks I see around town (except that huge red one lower left, that was in Michigan). Just thought I would share my love and my collection of photos I put together from my cell phone.
PS - see the beat up white one on the left, 3rd row down? Same as my first red truck! I can spot them anywhere.

Making Pie

I think my favorite thing to bake is pie, I mean I love a good cake and you can't deny the smell of homemade bread but there is something very comforting and reminiscent of home about a pie. My Mom used to bake pies for our neighbors restaurant, how cool is that? So I guess its in my blood.

This weekend I made a cherry pie in a new pie dish I got from my friend Amy for my birthday which made it even more fun. There is something so therapeutic about making the crust, rolling it out and piecing the hand-cut top together. The smell of pastry and fruit in the oven is divine - if I could bottle that smell I'd be a millionaire for sure.

Here she is...sorry no scratch and sniff technology yet...

Tell me, what is your favorite thing to bake?

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

This outfit was created in red, white and blue to honor those who lost and risked their lives on 9/11/01.

A Few of My Favorite Things

I have not done a post like this in a while, so I thought I would create a random list of favorite things to share. Basically, things I love as of late and feel life is a little better when they are a part of it. Who knows, maybe one of them will become one of your favorite things.

1. Olay Total Effects Acne Control Cream Cleanser - because I am not getting any younger, but my skin still acts like its a teenager in certain areas.

2. Olay Total Effects Moisturizer Plus Cooling Hydration - again, I am no spring chicken.

3. Tokyo Milk Paper & Cotton No. 17 Perfume - so nice, a little spicy and woodsy and I love it!

4. Sephora Ultra Shine Lip Gloss No. 20 Shiny Perfect Nude - natural and makes me feel like I have something going on, even when I don't.

5. OPI Nail Polish - Samoan Sand - I stopped biting my nails and like to keep them painted a natural color to keep them protected.

6. Orly Sec N' Dry (combo top coat and quick dry) - I love painting my nails but hate waiting for them to dry and this seems to save some time.

7. Post-it® Flag+ Combination Highlighter and Pen - seriously, a triple threat in a pen...finally!

8. Organic Carrot Juice - no link, homemade, makes me feel so good each day.

9. Ricola Honey Lemon with Echinacea - great for meetings and situations where you tend to get a dry throat, never mind I have had a cough for 2 months now, so it helps!

10. Ciao Bella Blood Orange Sorbet - that cough mentioned above has done a number on my throat and this hits the spot!

11. Pirate Brand, Original Tings - I have loved these for years and can finish a bag in a day, hey, I am not proud of that but these Tings are amazing. Like cheetos minus the cheese; vegan, corny, salty and crunchy, yes please!

Everyone has things that help make their life more manageable and fun.

What are your favorite things at this time in your life?

Tomato Crazy

I have been buried in tomatoes this past week thanks to my CSA box so I thought I'd share what I have been doing with them besides making a sauce, which was my go in the past.

I super love tomatoes on sprouted wheat bagels or sprouted protein bread with tofutti cream cheese, this is stand by this time of year for breakfast at my house and its so delicious (add red onion slices if you have them for even more flavor).

I have been making pizza at least once a week since the tomatoes have been so abundant and I love roasting/drying them and using them instead of sauce on my pizzas.

Here's how:

:: Preheat oven to 250.

:: Prepare cooling racks (spray them with cooking spray so the tomatoes don't stick or brush them with olive oil). Place racks over baking sheets lined with a silicon mat or parchment paper (easy clean up).

:: Slice tomatoes and place on cooking racks, sprinkle with salt (you are trying to draw the moisture out). I also topped mine with a dash of oregano and very light drizzle of olive oil.

:: Place in oven on center racks and bake for 30 minutes, switch shelves and bake for 30-45

more minutes depending on the thickness of your slices and the variety of your tomatoes (some take longer than others).

:: Remove from the oven when tomatoes are a bit shriveled and dried.

:: Use immediately or place in an airtight container to use within a couple days.

Looking for a good pizza crust? I have been using the following and love it!

:: 1 paket of instant yeast

:: 2 tsp sugar

:: 1 Cup warm water

:: 1/4 Cup vegetable shortening (I use Earth Balance)

- mix the 4 above ingredients together with whisk attachment of mixer, once incorporated (note, the shortening doesn't really mix in well, sort of breaks up, this is normal), change to dough hook and add the following:

:: 3 Cups Flour

:: 2 tsp Salt

- mix with dough hook for a few minutes until dough curls itself around the hook clinging on

for dear life and cleaning the sides of the mixing bowl.

- remove from hook and add to an oiled bowl, turning over once so the top has been oiled.

- cover with plastic wrap and a towel and forget about it for an hour. I let my rise on the stove top, it seems to work well there.

- after one hour, dough should be doubled, punch it down, kneed about 5-10 times on a board and let rest for 15 minutes while you prepare your toppings.

- preheat oven to 500 degrees - screamin' hot

- brush your pan with olive oil

- toss dough to fit your pan and lay it down

- cover with toppings

- bake 10 minutes then rotate in oven, bake 5-10 more until done to your liking. I like a crispy

bottom so I check the bottom with a pancake turner (usually bake about 20 minutes total for a toasty golden bottom, but ovens vary so please keep checking as no one wants a burnt pizza).

- remove from oven, let cool about 5-7 minutes, slice and enjoy - preferably with an ice cold Peroni.

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

Sister Emily

My sister Emily was here visiting last Wednesday until yesterday morning. As we get older, I feel we grow even closer. She is the peanut butter to my chocolate and I miss her already. I wish we lived closer to each other and I know we will one day.

We had a really fun Monday night and made it sort of progressive dinner. We started at Emmy's Spaghetti Shack and got a cocktail and dinner. Second, we walked down to Mission Pie and each got a slice of pie. After our sweet break and a little walk, we headed down to El Rio for a night cap. We wanted to check out the evening's events there since they had Fry Bread on their calendar. A Navajo gentleman comes to El Rio and makes Fry Bread and sells it based on donation, which is pretty sweet. Seemed like they may have been a bit behind schedule Monday night, but it was still fun. Great music and a cool back area, I had not been there in years. When we left we got propositioned by a Russian man looking for us to join him for a burlesque style party. It was hilarious and I reenacted it the entire walk home and we laughed.

I dropped Emily off at the airport yesterday morning, I cried. Every time she leaves I feel she takes a little piece of myself with her.

I do feel super blessed to have been able to spend time with my sister in Arizona at Christmas, Chicago in May for her Graduation, Michigan trip in July and this past long weekend here in California. So funny we have seen each other 4 times in the last 9 months each time in a different state!

I miss you my sister, our next visit cannot come soon enough.

Beach House Weekend

This past weekend was the 9th Annual Beach House weekend with me and my closest girl friends. We met on the Sonoma Coast on Friday evening and locked ourselves in a beautiful house on the beach until Monday. The weather was foggy as usual, the sun came out by the time we were driving away on Monday, which was sad, but we had a wonderful time.

This year was probably the most relaxing and rejuvenating of them all, maybe it was just me, but I was really able to just relax and hang out and ate like a little piggy!

I didn't even take a group photo this year, but I did take photos of some of the wonderful food we ate. I am lucky that all of my friends are such wonderful cooks.

Thanks Angela, Emily, Erika, Robin and Wendy for making this past weekend fantastic.

Highlights include:

:: playing charades

:: Robin's nail salon

:: sleeping really well

:: a fire in the fireplace each night

:: Sex and the City

:: TONS of magazines

Manic Monday

Day Off Today!

Second time since I have started these posts that I am taking the day off!

Off for a long weekend at the beach with my girlfriends (this is the 9th year!!!).

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

PS - I am majorly obsessed with this ring, I may have to beg, borrow or steal the money for it! I swear it makes my heart pitter patter every time I look at it, imagine it on my finger sitting there as dark at the deepest part of the Mediterranean Sea surrounded by sparkly silver stars. Don't hate me if I can't resist selling a classic Louis Vuitton for this one!

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

Easy Summer Dinner

I decided to make an effortless dinner tonight with all local produce, cheese and bread and it was simple and delicious.

I made a Greek salad with red onion, cucumber, tomatoes, fresh chopped oregano and olive oil (salt and pepper to taste). So easy to make and bursting with farm fresh flavors.

To accompany the salad I made some toasted bread with fresh local mozzarella. I sliced the bread, drizzled with olive oil, topped with a slice of the cheese and some pepper and baked at 450 for about 8 minutes and then put under the boiler for about 2 minutes until the cheese bubbled and browned on top.

I would make this again in a heartbeat, of course we ate it with a side of olives!

Food Tour SF

Friday I got a chance to go on a food tour of San Francisco. I love working for a company that encourages people to get out there and check out local popular food places.

Here are some highlights:

:: Waiting in line at Tartine to get one of the best pan au chocolates I have ever had in my life, it was worth the wait.

:: Cakes at Tartine are incredible looking, I love the abnormal shape (first photo, left side) the lemon meringue cake is on my wish list. Can you see that toasty brown goodness?

:: Savory pastry selection is incredible, my coworker got the tomato and ham quiche (first photo, right side)

:: BiRite Market, squeezing down the narrow aisles full of lovely olive oils, pasta and cheese. I actually went back today for fresh mozzarella, oregano, olive oil and bread for some bruschetta later this evening.

:: DeLessio Market and Bakery; the Tres Leches Cake and Rabanada looked incredible.

:: Cheese Plus, my friend Ray owns this store so its always nice to see a friendly face. Cool indy ice cream from Ohio and lots of gourmet stuff that is very tempting.

We went made a couple more (not very impressive) stops and then had lunch at Liberty Cafe in my neighborhood, followed by a walk to Sandbox Bakery to get some macarons for dessert.

It was a great day out and about. Thanks Amy for picking me up and driving around the city, I love when work stuff can also feel like fun! It was nice to get out, since I have been cooped up lately.

Stay tuned for Part 2 sometime in the future.

Happy Birthday Lucy

Lucille Ball would have been 100 years old today!

Love this clip of Lucy on What's My Line...

Juicing Machine

I have been going through some personal health stuff lately, and when this happens, I turn to juicing before anything else. I think that juicing lots of root vegetables helps to keep me grounded during times that could cause anxiety, stress, etc. I believe you can heal yourself with food; the more I read, the more I believe that. I just wish more doctors were on board.

So...lots of meditating and lots and lots of fresh juice each day.

This is my favorite mix:

:: one granny smith apple

:: 2 beets

:: 3 lbs. carrots

:: one thumb size piece of ginger

All organic produce of course and to mix things up, sometimes I add a Valencia orange to the above mixture, if I don't eat it before I juice it that is (seems like once I cut it, I just want to eat it as is).

While juicing yesterday, I had to take these photos - it looks psychedelic.

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...