Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Just Us

Picture taken courtesy of my mother in Regent's Park.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Cookie Kit


While I was at the vineyard, I became very good friends with the ladies that took care of the house. They were so very sweet to me and had the most kindred spirits. I would bring cookies to share with everyone from time to time and they loved them.

So, as a going-away gift, I made them a Cookie Kit complete with American brown sugar, flour, baking soda, and M&Ms. I wrote down the recipe, provided them with measuring cups and spoons, and anything else they would possibly need to make a good cookie. I even labled each item with what it was and how much of it was needed - very practical! Then I wished them luck.

Who knows if they tried to make them or not or even if they turned out ok. I just wanted them to have something to remember me by and to know how much I valued their friendship. I am going to Madrid next week and hope to stop by and see them while I am in town.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Our First Guests

Hotel Restivo-Munoz was pleased to have our first guests: Mommy, Daddy, and Angela. It was so much fun to have them here. I enjoyed every minute of it and will always remember this trip with much love and happiness.

My dad lucked out and got the best weather we have had all summer - sunny skies and in the high 80s. He brought the Texas heat with him and took it back, too! The second week mom and I had decent weather and then the third week, when Angela came, we welcomed her with a typical London summer. Regardless of the weather, we managed to have an outstanding time.

It truly means so much to us to have visitors and hope the rest of you come see us, too. Oscar's parents are coming at the beginning of August and Brian is coming over Labor Day. There is still vacancy, so if you want to come, just let us know :) I promise you will have a good time; we are fun people!


The girls with a Royal Guard at Windsor Castle.

At Primrose Hill. Check out the great view of London!

In Cambridge. I will always remember this special trip!


In front of the London Eye.

Big Ben and a London bus - what a great shot!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Summer Supper

This is a great idea for a light, summer dinner. It is super simple and healthy, too. It is my take on a Nicoise salad and has been my "Welcome to London" dinner. So far it has been a hit! Just so you know, you can substitute almost anything in this salad for whatever you have available ... swap the tuna for leftover chicken, green beans for zuchinni, or cucumbers for corn.

Nicoise Salad
1 large potatoe, peeled, cubed and boiled
2 hard boiled eggs, sliced
1/2 lb green beans, blanched
1 can tuna in oil (my favorite is Yellowfin)
Red onion, sliced
Cucumber, sliced
Lettuce
Tomatoes, chopped

Make a bed of lettuce on a platter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Lay the ingredients above on top. Drizzle with a mustard vinaigrette.

Mustard Vinaigrette
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tblsp vinegar
1 tsp lemon juice
5 tblsp extra virgen olive oil
Salt and pepper

Mix the mustard, vinegar and lemon juice in a bowl with a wire wisk. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the ingredients are well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. *Alternatively, you can use an emersion blender to get a thicker consistency.