This was a very unique year for holidays. Yes it was Cristian and my first married Christmas but we also have been working beyond maximum speed, especially him. I have spent a lot of time on my own these days, lots of nights at home cooking for one. Last Saturday my brother, Aronn, agreed to come visit us for the holiday since Cristian wanted to spend our first married Christmas together and he didn't have enough time off to travel. I haven't cooked much for my brother so when he arrived I made stuffed chicken rolls with jalapeno and cheese with a breadcrumb crust and cheesy rice. Our Christmas Eve we took my brother in law, Alex, bowling for the first time in his life. I never thought a 15 year old could lack so many experiences but we were happy to take him. We finished off with PinkBerry (Alex's favorite). Upon coming home we finished decorating the in-laws' Christmas tree. That night we had Christmas at the in-laws. Typical fare was served, four types of meats, mashed potatoes and salad. I had made brownies, which Aronn and I had for breakfast, that was also our dessert. :) We had a few presents and spent some quality time.
Christmas Day was the really interesting twist. Cristian's parents decided to go to Big Bear even though we couldn't join them. We decided we'd have a small celebration of three and decided to invite Nina, our neighbor, over as well. I made the appetizers including guacamole and my own recipe for tex-mex wontons. They were a hit. Cristian grilled flank steak and ingredients for salsa. He blended together the vegetables for a roasted salsa. To accompany the steak he also made chipotle sour cream from scratch. It was delicious. To finish it off we had Caribbean rum punch, an ode to our honeymoon. We played card games and Wii bowling the rest of the night.
As New Years approaches it looks like it'll just be the two of us cooking in the kitchen. A great way to end one amazing year and start a new one!
Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Best wishes from the Darabans!
In Bright Colors New Year's
Create custom new year's invitations with Shutterfly.
View the entire collection of cards.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Back on the Bandwagon
As we all know this time of year is hectic, seasons change (meaning wardrobes as well) and people eat more than any other time of year. Right now I've been fascinated with one ingredient: pumpkin. My new, very young, brother in law requested a pumpkin cheesecake for his birthday. My cousin gave me a recipe for my birthday two years ago and I've learn to perfect it with my own personal tweaks. Since I already purchased the pumpkin I decided to use the squash in a number of recipes. First I made pumpkin soup, a Weight Watcher recipe. It was think and hearty but almost sweet like tomato soup. It was my first time using my immersion blender too, which was amazing. I didn't have to transfer hot liquids into a blender then place it back into a pan to heat up.
Next I made pumpkin pecan cake. I'm no baker but this turned out moist from the pumpkin layer and crunchy from the pecans. Thanksgiving here I come!
Next I made pumpkin pecan cake. I'm no baker but this turned out moist from the pumpkin layer and crunchy from the pecans. Thanksgiving here I come!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Wedding Video Highlights
Enjoy this highlight reel of our wedding day, August 21, 2010. Shot and edited by Arune Kital. Music by Wavorly, Summer's Song.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Downhill health
It seems as though I've been sick for a week now and have finally made it to the final stages of recovery. When you're sick the lack of energy is incredibly sad. I have had no desire to much in the last few days but it has given me time to finish the wedding thank you cards (yes they're finally in the mail) and set some post wedding goals for myself. The first is to begin a new, slightly less than before rigorous gym routine and renew my healthy eating efforts. Of all things I heard a quote in Glee that really hit me. Quinn talks about how she has changed her eating habits for her unborn baby and it made her think of why she wouldn't do it for herself. I figures it's time to get back on the healthy bandwagon. My brother inspired me too recently informing me he is interested in possibly becoming a vegan. Next goal is to give back more. Since the wedding I have started tutoring, become a USC student mentor and begun pro bono projects for friends/family with businesses. It's been rejuvenating. Finally, reinstate my interest in hobbies and extra-curricular activities like golf, scrapbooking, snowboarding and searching for a church choir to sing in. All in all not having had energy made me miss my everyday little routines and fun extras. Amazing the amount of time that was spent planning one day, now I get to think about the rest of my life.
Oh and by the way, today was the final step in changing my name... DMV. It went surprisingly smooth and quickly. Now I'm officially and completely a Daraban!
Oh and by the way, today was the final step in changing my name... DMV. It went surprisingly smooth and quickly. Now I'm officially and completely a Daraban!
Monday, October 11, 2010
A Quickie
I have been feeling under the weather lately, and so has Cristian, so last week I made Cornish hens in the crock pot. It was so easy. Take out the hens, add carrots, garlic, onions and chicken stock, simmer for hours. The meat literally fell off the bone and was so flavorful from soaking in the stock. To pair with it I made Cristian's favorite mac n cheese (see ingredients below) and some cranberry sauce. Dessert was a berry martini with a bit of orange curacao. Some pics:
His and Hers
, I added my fake mayo, ketchup, onion, garlic, cilantro and a number of seasonings. To top it off I made a cocktail from a new found enjoyment, Hypnotic. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it. This recipe is called rock candy and includes Hypnotic, vodka and pineapple juice. To make it fun I even blended real pineapple into it. Quite summery and refreshing.Funnily enough Cristian decided to make burgers a few days later. His were simpler, bun, patty, onion and sauce. His sauce of course was his famous chipotle aoli. I have to say in this case his and hers were both perfect and scrumptious.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Missing Ingredient
On Sunday Cristian and I decided to take out some lamb chops that we hadn't made due to recurring invitations to the in-laws. Last night, yet again, our plan was derailed but in this case to my benefit. I had marinated the lamb chops in Syrah, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, crushed red pepper and parsley. After sitting in the bath a few days the flavor was highly intensified. I took out my cast iron grill pan and heated it up with a light layer of olive oil. In the meantime I looked up sauces to go with this delectable protein. I found Giada's very plain, very easy recipe and was very excited to use my new food processor for only the second time.
Measuring out the ingredients I pour them into the bowl - balsamic vinegar, garlic clove, salt and pepper...honey. Oh no. I completely forgot we had run out of honey. What to do? Searching the fridge I decide to be bold and try a substitute, raspberry jam. It's sweet, somewhat tart and should go well with balsamic, but garlic??? I measure it out and decide to go for it. Once the food processor is engaged I slowly and carefully pour in the vegetable oil until the mixture thickens. After only 2.5 minutes the chops have been flipped and the second batch is on the heat.
For a side dish I decide to go with spring mix, diced heirloom tomatoes and mozzarella pearls. Clean and simple. Delish. On my new everyday china I arrange my dinner for one and pour myself a glass of a red Rhone wine. I pause to take a picture of the meal I made for me then sit down. The rain is coming down lightly and the house is quiet. I may have been missing honey but I'm also missing my Honey.
Measuring out the ingredients I pour them into the bowl - balsamic vinegar, garlic clove, salt and pepper...honey. Oh no. I completely forgot we had run out of honey. What to do? Searching the fridge I decide to be bold and try a substitute, raspberry jam. It's sweet, somewhat tart and should go well with balsamic, but garlic??? I measure it out and decide to go for it. Once the food processor is engaged I slowly and carefully pour in the vegetable oil until the mixture thickens. After only 2.5 minutes the chops have been flipped and the second batch is on the heat.
For a side dish I decide to go with spring mix, diced heirloom tomatoes and mozzarella pearls. Clean and simple. Delish. On my new everyday china I arrange my dinner for one and pour myself a glass of a red Rhone wine. I pause to take a picture of the meal I made for me then sit down. The rain is coming down lightly and the house is quiet. I may have been missing honey but I'm also missing my Honey.
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| lamb chops cooking in the grill pan |
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| raspberry balsamic sauce |
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| finished chops |
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| finished fall feast |
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| my humble plate |
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| mmmmm |
Monday, October 4, 2010
Eternal Errands
Isn't it sad when the weekend goes by and all you accomplished was errands? We were so tired Friday night we picked up Daphne's for dinner and watched a movie at home, which I of course fell asleep watching. Saturday we had to get up early to get my car smog checked before I hit the deadline, update our bank accounts with my new name (the saga continues), get Cristian a haircut, pick up his brother from water polo, go grocery shopping, get Cristian's wedding band inspected and cleaned, run to the mall for some returns, made a late lunch and after all that I had to put on a happy face for dinner with the in-laws and their guests. That's just Saturday! Marathon cleaning Sunday, laundry, two trips to Home Depot (once for ant killer the next for a new smoke detector), made cookies, gardened, organized, put away the last of the wedding gifts, and again, dinner at the in-laws. Alas, by this point the weekend was done. I feel exhausted now and not refreshed at all but am really looking forward to this weekend, when all of the cleaning has already been done. Tonight we have lamb chops that I marinated yesterday (thinking we were eating at our own house) in red wine, olive oil, a million herbs and spices. Looking forward to the yummy smell on the grill. Sigh
Thursday, September 30, 2010
A Rose by Any Other Name...
Do you know how many accounts and logins and cards have your name on it? I'm sure starting to realize. So far the hardest thing about getting married has been the process of changing my name. After going to the courthouse to get the license and paying for that, we had the minister and witnesses sign, mailed it in etc. I at least expected them to mail us back the certificate. But no after doing some research you actually have to go back to the courthouse to pick it up. Of course their only open during business hours M-F. Great. So after Cristian picks up a copy I gather all my forms and documents and go to social security. I wait an hour to be called and in 30 seconds they tell me I need the original document not a copy. Waste of time. Now I have to return tomorrow, wait again and then hopefully receive my new card in 7-10 days. We'll see. And this is just the beginning.
I've changed my email at work but they won't change my name without a new license. The DMV insists you go in person for a name change too, shocker. Then I have to go to the bank, tell all the utilities, credit card companies, insurance, rewards programs, stores even friends and Facebook and voicemails. What a pain. But I will say all in all at least when it's done I'll be an official Daraban.
I've changed my email at work but they won't change my name without a new license. The DMV insists you go in person for a name change too, shocker. Then I have to go to the bank, tell all the utilities, credit card companies, insurance, rewards programs, stores even friends and Facebook and voicemails. What a pain. But I will say all in all at least when it's done I'll be an official Daraban.
Inspiration
I love when you go to a great restaurant and get so enthusiastic about the food you want to try new recipes and use your hidden gadgets that have specific tasks like zesting a lemon. Even better is when you are invited to a friend's house and with no expectation are taken off guard by a culinary delight. Tonight was one of those nights.
My hard working coworker and I were recently talking about his daughter's new math class and how she seemed to need a little help. I happened to mention I used to be an Algebra tutor and the next day I was asked to help. This little girl happened to be my adorable flower girl, also known as the star of the wedding. I was in.
As I get out of my car my student is running toward me with glee. We embrace and she shows me some new things around the house; her Halloween costume, a computer game and the loft she plans to build in the backyard. All the while my coworker and his wife are preparing something with a magical savory aroma. I welcomed to the kitchen with a glass of wine while they finish the last minute preparations. I notice my colleague ventures outdoors briefly. I look through the sliding glass doors and see he's picking fresh herbs from their garden. My mouth is watering.
We adjourn to the living room to dine (the dining chairs were getting a makeover) and they turn on Project Runway, a personal favorite. A delightful little plate of perfect portions is placed in front of me. There is a medium cooked marinated tri tip steak (yum) and a tomato and mozzarella salad drizzled with balsamic. Fantastic. Filling but light, scrumptious but not competing.
The night goes on and my pupil and I begin the math. Sometimes I'm amazed how quickly they move in school compared to my seemingly ages before time in elementary school. I start to recall the techniques and confusing instructions. We go over her work and I help her teach herself the correct methods. We probably only figures out about three revelations but it was enough for me. The first time she said my way was much easier I was honored. I love helping others and hope to help mold her future. Can't wait for next week's dinner too!
I arrive home coughing and staring at lighting in 95 degree heat. I truly want to lay in bed and fall asleep but my wifely duty of making food for my husband when he comes home started nagging at me. I look in our barren fridge and cupboards (there's been lots of OT between us) and decide to make quesadillas. It seems rather boring so I find some corn in the freezer and throw that in the pan. Then I see home grown tomatoes from the neighbors and chop those up with garlic. Finally I see the pièce de résistance, shrimp. I quickly clean them and add them to my makeshift corn salsa and pile the mixture onto the melted jack and cheddar cheese.
But I don't stop there, I decide it needs a sauce since we don't have any sour cream which we both love. A little mayo, cocktail sauce, hot sauce, lemon, chives, salt and pepper and I have it. It's a spicy aoli perfect for the Mexican style dish. Let's just hope he likes it. :)
My hard working coworker and I were recently talking about his daughter's new math class and how she seemed to need a little help. I happened to mention I used to be an Algebra tutor and the next day I was asked to help. This little girl happened to be my adorable flower girl, also known as the star of the wedding. I was in.
As I get out of my car my student is running toward me with glee. We embrace and she shows me some new things around the house; her Halloween costume, a computer game and the loft she plans to build in the backyard. All the while my coworker and his wife are preparing something with a magical savory aroma. I welcomed to the kitchen with a glass of wine while they finish the last minute preparations. I notice my colleague ventures outdoors briefly. I look through the sliding glass doors and see he's picking fresh herbs from their garden. My mouth is watering.
We adjourn to the living room to dine (the dining chairs were getting a makeover) and they turn on Project Runway, a personal favorite. A delightful little plate of perfect portions is placed in front of me. There is a medium cooked marinated tri tip steak (yum) and a tomato and mozzarella salad drizzled with balsamic. Fantastic. Filling but light, scrumptious but not competing.
The night goes on and my pupil and I begin the math. Sometimes I'm amazed how quickly they move in school compared to my seemingly ages before time in elementary school. I start to recall the techniques and confusing instructions. We go over her work and I help her teach herself the correct methods. We probably only figures out about three revelations but it was enough for me. The first time she said my way was much easier I was honored. I love helping others and hope to help mold her future. Can't wait for next week's dinner too!
I arrive home coughing and staring at lighting in 95 degree heat. I truly want to lay in bed and fall asleep but my wifely duty of making food for my husband when he comes home started nagging at me. I look in our barren fridge and cupboards (there's been lots of OT between us) and decide to make quesadillas. It seems rather boring so I find some corn in the freezer and throw that in the pan. Then I see home grown tomatoes from the neighbors and chop those up with garlic. Finally I see the pièce de résistance, shrimp. I quickly clean them and add them to my makeshift corn salsa and pile the mixture onto the melted jack and cheddar cheese.
But I don't stop there, I decide it needs a sauce since we don't have any sour cream which we both love. A little mayo, cocktail sauce, hot sauce, lemon, chives, salt and pepper and I have it. It's a spicy aoli perfect for the Mexican style dish. Let's just hope he likes it. :)
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Sad News
When you think every little problem leading up to a wedding has occurred think again. I had people invite themselves (and/or their children), in-laws alter the list after action was already taken, money run out, minister not confirmed until 6 days before and much more. At my wits end 12 days before the wedding I received a phone call that changed everything. My brother called me to inform me he had taken my maternal grandma (only grandparent actively in my life) to the doctors. After reviewing some x-rays taken when she was diagnosed with pneumonia they found her lungs were overwhelmed with cancer. In fact it was already stage 4 and chemo wasn't even an option.
My heart sank, my throat tightened and I cried. After letting out my emotion with my brother I called my Mama, the name we'd fondly given her as children. She was hysterical claiming she wouldn't be coming to my wedding and that she was suing the doctor etc. I tried to be calm as I am always the rock of the family. This time was hard. After a few days and more doctors visits Mama finally confirmed she would make the quick 45 minute flight to join me in LA for my big day.
I was relieved and ecstatic, the wedding would be complete. I have so few family members so I knew I'd need her that day. As she helped us arrange flowers, six of us in the hotel room, she mentioned to me that this was one of her best days in her life. Again I teared up but this time for a good reason. I know she'll fight but it's hard to be far away. Mama, en szeretlek.
My heart sank, my throat tightened and I cried. After letting out my emotion with my brother I called my Mama, the name we'd fondly given her as children. She was hysterical claiming she wouldn't be coming to my wedding and that she was suing the doctor etc. I tried to be calm as I am always the rock of the family. This time was hard. After a few days and more doctors visits Mama finally confirmed she would make the quick 45 minute flight to join me in LA for my big day.
I was relieved and ecstatic, the wedding would be complete. I have so few family members so I knew I'd need her that day. As she helped us arrange flowers, six of us in the hotel room, she mentioned to me that this was one of her best days in her life. Again I teared up but this time for a good reason. I know she'll fight but it's hard to be far away. Mama, en szeretlek.
Homey Home
The nights you're alone it's hard to get up the stamina for making a full meal but sometimes you still want a tasty bite that doesn't take too much effort. I will say it's been SO much fun using my new kitchen appliances, pans, Pyrex and ideas. As my new husband has been working nights I have been tasked to make something in time for my dinner as well as having a plate ready when he gets home. It's a classic issue of the ability of the food to be delicious hours after they're fresh. The last few nights I've cooked included and spaghetti turkey meatballs from scratch with a little ricotta and grilled sandwiches with pasta salad adorned with bamboo shoots and water chestnuts.
This particular night I had to scavenge for ingredients and came up with fish tacos. I used snapper that I seasoned with salt and pepper that I seared with a bit of olive oil. I made a custom version of tartar sauce made up of lime juice, mayo, cocktail sauce, dill, red pepper flakes and pickles. I topped off the tacos with some cabbage for crunch. Simple but yummy!
It's nights like these I wish I could share a glass of wine with a girlfriend, like Karen :), and wait for my husband to come home. Homesickness still affects me, even more at six years than ever before. KIT Bay Area.
This particular night I had to scavenge for ingredients and came up with fish tacos. I used snapper that I seasoned with salt and pepper that I seared with a bit of olive oil. I made a custom version of tartar sauce made up of lime juice, mayo, cocktail sauce, dill, red pepper flakes and pickles. I topped off the tacos with some cabbage for crunch. Simple but yummy!
It's nights like these I wish I could share a glass of wine with a girlfriend, like Karen :), and wait for my husband to come home. Homesickness still affects me, even more at six years than ever before. KIT Bay Area.
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Perfect Gift
The day of my rehearsal dinner was hectic. Cristian was running errands, the girls and I were getting nails done, organizing and picking up last minute items for the wedding. I barely made it to the rehearsal site but luckily my friend Nina had done my hair and makeup so I was ready to go. The rehearsal was a laugh. We spent 90% of the time waiting then lining up and 10% actually rehearsing. After speeding through the order of the ceremony we took a look around the reception site. There were boxes, flowers, rental furniture and more waiting to be put into place. It was truly exciting.
We then arrived back at the hotel where we had arranged for an outdoor dinner for our 40 guests. The night started off with sangria being passed around (even though it wasn't the plan it still worked out). Then we had a baby tango, goat cheese and pita crisp salad with champagne vinaigrette. There was flank steak, chicken breast with mashed potatoes and gnocchi for the vegetarians. Before the dessert my adorable mother made a speech thanking everyone for coming and even for Julia making vegetarian lasagna for the wedding. Cristian and I followed again acknowledging all the help we'd gotten and the sacrifices all had made to help out and be there for us.
Cristian and I then exchanged our gifts. As I went to grab mine from my Dad's hotel room I returned to ambulances and paramedics. I was terrified. One of my close friends had gotten light headed and nearly passes out. Thank goodness he was fine.
I then present my gift to my fiance, a shadowbox with a signed poster and CD from the band who's song we chose as our wedding song. I also matted the lyrics of the song and placed them next to the signed paraphernalia. Cristian was excited. He then gave me my gift. The note read, "the perfect shoe, for the perfect bride, on the perfect day." LOVE HIM! I opened the Barney's New York wrapping and read the words "Manolo Blahnik". I squealed with delight. As I opened the box there they were, the shoes I had adored for over 10 years, the silver d'orsay pump with rhinestone buckle. Cristian got on one knee and placed the shoe on my foot as though I were Cinderella. I sure felt like her.
We then arrived back at the hotel where we had arranged for an outdoor dinner for our 40 guests. The night started off with sangria being passed around (even though it wasn't the plan it still worked out). Then we had a baby tango, goat cheese and pita crisp salad with champagne vinaigrette. There was flank steak, chicken breast with mashed potatoes and gnocchi for the vegetarians. Before the dessert my adorable mother made a speech thanking everyone for coming and even for Julia making vegetarian lasagna for the wedding. Cristian and I followed again acknowledging all the help we'd gotten and the sacrifices all had made to help out and be there for us.
Cristian and I then exchanged our gifts. As I went to grab mine from my Dad's hotel room I returned to ambulances and paramedics. I was terrified. One of my close friends had gotten light headed and nearly passes out. Thank goodness he was fine.
I then present my gift to my fiance, a shadowbox with a signed poster and CD from the band who's song we chose as our wedding song. I also matted the lyrics of the song and placed them next to the signed paraphernalia. Cristian was excited. He then gave me my gift. The note read, "the perfect shoe, for the perfect bride, on the perfect day." LOVE HIM! I opened the Barney's New York wrapping and read the words "Manolo Blahnik". I squealed with delight. As I opened the box there they were, the shoes I had adored for over 10 years, the silver d'orsay pump with rhinestone buckle. Cristian got on one knee and placed the shoe on my foot as though I were Cinderella. I sure felt like her.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
I'm a Wife!
Our wedding was beautiful. The scenic outdoor gazebo, overlooking Puddingstone Lake below. I still love that name, Puddingstone. It's like something my best friend would come up with. :) All the ladies (and two flower girls) got ready in my single hotel room about a mile from the wedding site. We sipped mimosas, had Starbucks and McDonald's egg mcmuffins while laughing and anxiously counting down the hours. My good friend Geanina made every effort to doll us up with makeup and hairdos fit for celebrities. As we migrated to Puddingstone it hit me that I was in my final hour as a Rhinehart.
My Mom helped me slip my beautiful Oleg Cassini mermaid gown over my head, while my fantastic bridesmaids placed my rhinestone encrusted bracelet and earrings on me. I was a bride. I nervously awaited to walk down the aisle but arm in arm with my mother and father, I was in site of the 150 guests standing to see me. The pink hydrangeas and cream rose petals welcomed me with every step I took, closer to my fiance. As I finally glanced at him I saw him wipe a tear and hoped I wouldn't face the same fate. Alas, the water arose in my eyes. But before the full cry could commence the wind caught my veil and blew it into one of the hydrangeas. My Dad fumbles to assist but I was stuck. It was a brief minute but I was able to laugh.
Arriving at the gazebo I kissed my mother and father one last time as their single daughter and was greeted by my future husband. The ceremony was horribly fast. We exchanged vows in Hungarian, English and then our own personal words which made both of us emotional. We giggled as we held each others' hands waiting for the single to put the prospective rings on their fingers that never came. Finally our good friends, Kati and Jimmy, read a poem in both of our native languages. And then we were one. Minister Istvan Kasco pronounced us husband and wife and we kissed. We floated down the aisle about to be whisked away for pictures. A year and a half of planning and finally Cristian Daraban was my husband. I've never had a happier moment.
My Mom helped me slip my beautiful Oleg Cassini mermaid gown over my head, while my fantastic bridesmaids placed my rhinestone encrusted bracelet and earrings on me. I was a bride. I nervously awaited to walk down the aisle but arm in arm with my mother and father, I was in site of the 150 guests standing to see me. The pink hydrangeas and cream rose petals welcomed me with every step I took, closer to my fiance. As I finally glanced at him I saw him wipe a tear and hoped I wouldn't face the same fate. Alas, the water arose in my eyes. But before the full cry could commence the wind caught my veil and blew it into one of the hydrangeas. My Dad fumbles to assist but I was stuck. It was a brief minute but I was able to laugh.
Arriving at the gazebo I kissed my mother and father one last time as their single daughter and was greeted by my future husband. The ceremony was horribly fast. We exchanged vows in Hungarian, English and then our own personal words which made both of us emotional. We giggled as we held each others' hands waiting for the single to put the prospective rings on their fingers that never came. Finally our good friends, Kati and Jimmy, read a poem in both of our native languages. And then we were one. Minister Istvan Kasco pronounced us husband and wife and we kissed. We floated down the aisle about to be whisked away for pictures. A year and a half of planning and finally Cristian Daraban was my husband. I've never had a happier moment.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Chipotle Aioli
Cristian is obsessed with chipotle aioli. He has made the most fabulous version himself from scratch and is now a true master. To pair with this creamy yet spicy concoction he has made chicken quesadillas and "Spanish" turkey sandwiches, inspired by Artisan Cheese Gallery. I am the lucky one who gets to benefit from his experimenting. :)
He now has asked if he can share his new food love with our friends and wants to cook any time we're around new people to show off his talents. I love it! I think he's found a go-to that everyone can love.
Just last week he made an amazing Thai beef salad with homemade dressing and I could have sworn we were at our fav Thai restaurant. My little culinary amateur is certainly impressing me these days and I can't wait to find out what he's going to try next.
He now has asked if he can share his new food love with our friends and wants to cook any time we're around new people to show off his talents. I love it! I think he's found a go-to that everyone can love.
Just last week he made an amazing Thai beef salad with homemade dressing and I could have sworn we were at our fav Thai restaurant. My little culinary amateur is certainly impressing me these days and I can't wait to find out what he's going to try next.
The Quest for the Perfect Shoe
All my lady friends will be able to attest to the difficulty of finding the perfect shoe. For me I wanted a colorful, fun, short heel, comfortable and affordable item. I had truly wanted to wear Kate Spade, Louboutin or Manolo, however, their shoes are not exactly practical for a long evening of walking in grass, dancing and standing. After ordering numerous pairs from a variety of stores I looked at flats, extremely high heels, bling, ivory, navy, tiffany blue, plum, strappy, d'orsday and pumps. I can not tell you the disappointment when the shoe wasn't the right color, was too tall or just plain uncomfortable. I had visited Nordstrom, Macy's, DSW, Shoe Warehouse, Off Fifth, The Rack and countless others over months of time. Am I being too picky I kept asking myself? My honest answer, which you may disagree about, was no. I needed to have something beautiful and able to last the entire 6-8 hours of the wedding day in GRASS!
Let me know your tormented shoe or accessory stories for your perfect birthday, wedding etc.
Let me know your tormented shoe or accessory stories for your perfect birthday, wedding etc.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Wedding update - 6 months to go!
As the months tick by the tasks pile up. We're simultaneously working on the following:
1) Looking for a bakery to make our cake
2) Assembling Save the Dates
3) Working on ordering invitations
4) Organizing hotel room blocks
5) Planning the rehearsal dinner
6) Interviewing videographers
7) About to take engagement photos
8) A thousand other things haha
Advice to anyone planning a wedding: have a long engagement. You'll be happy you gave yourself time to think about things and process decisions. AHHH
1) Looking for a bakery to make our cake
2) Assembling Save the Dates
3) Working on ordering invitations
4) Organizing hotel room blocks
5) Planning the rehearsal dinner
6) Interviewing videographers
7) About to take engagement photos
8) A thousand other things haha
Advice to anyone planning a wedding: have a long engagement. You'll be happy you gave yourself time to think about things and process decisions. AHHH
Very Fine Valentine
Being in school can be rough taking up all of your time and the stress... After a long weekend with sadly not much alone time Cristian made a Tuesday dinner for me that was delicious. He served linguine pasta with mussels in a red pepper sauce. It was spicy with a bit of sweetness yet light and almost buttery. I had the leftovers the next day and was even more blown away!
My appetite has been increasing as I have been attending a personal trainer. She works my friend and I very hard. I am often sore for days on end, and hungry all the time. But after only four sessions I've lost 2 inches in my hips and 1 in my waist. I can see and feel my arms gaining strength too. I never thought planning a wedding would have so many intricacies, even things like taking care of your health better! It's all so much. Wish me luck, a few pounds and couple of inches to go!
My appetite has been increasing as I have been attending a personal trainer. She works my friend and I very hard. I am often sore for days on end, and hungry all the time. But after only four sessions I've lost 2 inches in my hips and 1 in my waist. I can see and feel my arms gaining strength too. I never thought planning a wedding would have so many intricacies, even things like taking care of your health better! It's all so much. Wish me luck, a few pounds and couple of inches to go!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
A Sushi Situation
To my surprise and delight I arrived at home last night with a glass of wine ready and a plate of sushi waiting. I couldn't believe it but my fiance used a gift I had given him, sushi making kit, to create a salmon masterpiece! He made salmon sushi, California rolls and tuna with avocado and cucumber. It was delicious! He even made a fancy sauce that had a bit of spice that he drizzled over his Japanese fare. I hope this leads to more sushi experiments in the future. Rock on sushi chef Daraban!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Happy 2010!
Happy New Year everyone. I trust you had a fun, festive and delicious holiday.
My New Year started with work while I was under the weather then drove to San Diego to meet up with my bridesmaid Leslie and her husband. We went to lunch at Blue Water Seafood (www.bluewater.sandiegan.com/), a Diners, Drive-ins and Dives pick. I split shrimp tacos and swordfish sandwich with Cristian. The swordfish was excellent, melted in your mouth and not at all fishy. We then took a stroll by the water near Hotel Del and took some pics. Later for dinner we went to Ocean Room which was decorated for the occasion. Les and I shared the Chilean Sea Bass in a saffron cream sauce and a champagne salad. mmmmm We rang in the New Year at the Omni Hotel and stayed up long enough to celebrate an hour of 2010.
My brother drove up the next day and I made impromptu wheat spaghetti and bison meatballs with a red pepper, garlic marinara. My brother had not had bison meat before and seemed to truly enjoy it. A small pat on my own back for using what ingredients were in the fridge to make a meal and not give up to go out. After some snowboarding on Saturday we made sure to regain energy at Saucy Mama's Pizzeria in Big Bear. We always order BBQ Chicken pizza with ranch on the side. A truly respectable pizza that has made it on our to-do's while in Big Bear. Yesterday Cristian made buffalo burgers with his own special sauce and sweet potato fries. The sauce was a creamy, peppery, garlicky flavor and everybody ate it up. Thanks Cristian!
On to new ventures for 2010, much healthier I must add. My Dad called me on New Years to announce I would now be married "this year" instead of "next year". It hit me hard that it's time to get things in order. I'm very excited with lots of energy. Even went to the gym at 7am (which most of you know means I woke at 5:30 to get there). Wish me luck, and I send you best wishes for the new century.
My New Year started with work while I was under the weather then drove to San Diego to meet up with my bridesmaid Leslie and her husband. We went to lunch at Blue Water Seafood (www.bluewater.sandiegan.com/), a Diners, Drive-ins and Dives pick. I split shrimp tacos and swordfish sandwich with Cristian. The swordfish was excellent, melted in your mouth and not at all fishy. We then took a stroll by the water near Hotel Del and took some pics. Later for dinner we went to Ocean Room which was decorated for the occasion. Les and I shared the Chilean Sea Bass in a saffron cream sauce and a champagne salad. mmmmm We rang in the New Year at the Omni Hotel and stayed up long enough to celebrate an hour of 2010.
My brother drove up the next day and I made impromptu wheat spaghetti and bison meatballs with a red pepper, garlic marinara. My brother had not had bison meat before and seemed to truly enjoy it. A small pat on my own back for using what ingredients were in the fridge to make a meal and not give up to go out. After some snowboarding on Saturday we made sure to regain energy at Saucy Mama's Pizzeria in Big Bear. We always order BBQ Chicken pizza with ranch on the side. A truly respectable pizza that has made it on our to-do's while in Big Bear. Yesterday Cristian made buffalo burgers with his own special sauce and sweet potato fries. The sauce was a creamy, peppery, garlicky flavor and everybody ate it up. Thanks Cristian!
On to new ventures for 2010, much healthier I must add. My Dad called me on New Years to announce I would now be married "this year" instead of "next year". It hit me hard that it's time to get things in order. I'm very excited with lots of energy. Even went to the gym at 7am (which most of you know means I woke at 5:30 to get there). Wish me luck, and I send you best wishes for the new century.
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