correction.

In the previous post I mentioned that Laura had an extra permit to climb Mt. Whitney. Well, it turns out that she actually doesn't have the permits. They are to be drawn out of a lottery in March. Our chances are pretty good. So, no need to fret. I will send my energy towards the lottery and hope that we will be chosen.

Mount Whitney

The highest summit in the contiguous United States.
At an elevation of 14,495 ft, I will make my way up to the top on a 22 mile hike this August.

I've always heard about Mt. Whitney and thought it would be great to do the legendary hike but never dreamed the opportunity would fall into my lap as it has. I just happened to be talking to my co-worker, Laura, about working out, running, etc. She mentioned that she was trying to get in shape, as it turns out, to hike up Mt. Whitney this summer. Then she casually mentioned that she had an extra permit (to prevent over crowding on the trail) to do the hike and asked if I was interested in joining her and her two friends.

How could I deny such a marvelous opportunity?


Now . . . I must get myself in shape for this grand adventure.


I shall keep you posted about my preparations. :)

weekend.

Hope you all had a beautiful weekend.

Mine was pleasantly relaxing.
Enjoyed my Mothers company.
we watched up in the air.
Attempted to go to our favorite yoga studio (the yoga center in Redondo Beach)
but ... unfortunately it closed down.
very sad.
Instead we enjoyed a delicious & nourishing breakfast at

The Green Temple.

and replanted beautiful flowers on our balcony.

another cover.

beautifully done.
Company of Thieves - Hey Ya (Outkast)

chili & mini corn bread muffins

again.
The rain persuaded me to be in the kitchen. But this time to make some good ole fashion hot chili. My co-worker Scott made this amazing chili for a potluck back around Thanksgiving and I decided to give it a shot.

Very simple to make.
Here's what you'll need:

2lbs - ground turkey
1lb - hot turkey sausage (uncased) {whole foods didn't have this so I substituted with chicken & artichoke sausage}
3 - packages of chili powder {any kind you fancy}
2 - cans of stewed tomatoes
1 - can of chili beans
1 - sweet onion (chopped)
2 - serrano peppers (sliced)
2 - jalapeno peppers (sliced)
1 - habanero pepper (sliced)
1 - bottle of beer (any) {I used Pacifico}

Steps:
1. Brown the turkey and sausage together in a pan (make sure not to over cook/a bit pink in the center)
2. Transfer meat to a pot and throw in all three types of peppers and onions and pour in beer
3. Let that simmer a bit (about 10 min while stirring occasionally)
4. Toss in the rest of ingredients (chili powder, tomatoes, and chili beans)
5. Cover and let simmer for as long as you please (stirring occasionally)
6. While it's cooking throw some cornbread in the oven.
7. Serve and top with what ever you desire. voila!


*you can alter the level of spiciness by using less or adding more peppers.

bake.

It was a bit rainy last week and I thought it perfect to do some baking. I was given a bunch of raw organic cacoa by a dear friend and undoubtedly decided to make these heavenly Double Chocolate Cookies. Since I was still in the baking mood after making those and had some left over ingredients I searched around and found this simple recipe for delicious Oatmeal Lace Cookies.

Double Chocolate Cookies






Oatmeal Lace Cookies

dineLA

For all my foodies in the LA or near the LA area:
Just wanted to share with you that this week Jan. 24 - Jan. 29 & next week Jan. 31 - Feb. 5 is Restaurant Week in LA.

MAKE RESERVATIONS NOW!!!

"The Los Angeles food scene is as intriguing and exciting as the city itself—and dineLA Restaurant Week is going to help you try it all. Enjoy three-course lunches and dinners from a list of restaurants that’s as dynamic as LA:"

Lunch Dinner
$ Deluxe Dining: $16 $26
$$ Premier Dining: $22 $34
$$$ Fine Dining: $28 $44


check out the participating restaurants here

bon appetit.

cover.

Anya Marina - whatever you like (T.I. cover)

Perfectly said ...

via ffffound

hello 2010

Daily Practices for 2010
-Smile
-Breath
-Meditate
-Eat slowly
-Be present
-Be grateful
-Be generous
-Stretch/yoga
-Be less wasteful
-Nourish my body
-Read Doreen Virtues Daily Guidance