I'm just a girly girl....

Hi Sweet Friends,

So this week is a special week - my sister is here in Monterey visiting for the next TWO weeks!  It's been a blast so far.  It's only been two days and we've already done lots of sight seeing, coffee drinking, picnic-ing, shopping, cooking, antiquing, nail painting, party planning and plenty of other girly activities.  We're pooped!

As a result of her visit, I've finally returned to the kitchen.  My cooking has been sparse since the move, but I'm becoming more comfortable in our tiny apartment kitchen with each meal.  I'm LOVING the vast variety of fresh {and local} produce available here.  Tuesday is Market day {a day I greatly look forward to on a weekly basis - finally, grocery shopping is enjoyable again} and oh my goodness!  The produce is simply amazing.  I've never tasted strawberries, oranges, blackberries & blueberries so sweet.  This week I picked up homemade gluten free, garlic, basil fettucini noodles, locally grown artichokes, portobello mushrooms, asparagus, & a few yummy fruits.  For my sister's arrival brunch I put my own spin on Eggs Benedict {Portobello Eggs Benny} & for dinner last night, I made a homemade Mushroom Alfredo Sauce to accompany our fresh fettucini noodles & also steamed an artichoke {artichokes are a foreign food to this southern girl...I've known them as a canned confection, until recently}.  All that to say, I have lots of yummy recipes to share.  Once I have a minute to sit and think remember the recipes, I'll be sure to share!  Until then, it's movie time and I'm already late!  Hope you're having a fabulous weekend!

{My Lovely Sister at the Wharf}

{GFree Mushroom Fettucini Alfredo}

{Portobello Eggs Benny}

xoxo.d

Oh! P.S. Here's my Valentine's Day shot....I forgot to share.

- All images via my iPhone.

Be Mine??

Valentines Day - the most loved, yet most dreaded holiday is just two days away and while I've never been one to anticipate the day, I've been thinking about it more this year than usual.  First of all - I am so very blessed to fall into the "happily married" department, but I feel so deeply for friends of mine who have lost a loved one, have been wounded by a loved one, or are without love.  It a tough day for some, if you fall into one of those categories, I am so very sorry.  Love is truly a gift - one I don't always feel worthy of.  But regardless of which category you may or may not fall into, there is someOne always willing to be yours - He'll hold your heart closer than any boy, man, lover, can, could or would.

Anyhow, In honor of the day, {we're celebrating tomorrow, since hubby is off} I think I just may wear my highest heels, ruby red lips and indulge in a bit of chocolate {shhhh....don't tell Tracy Anderson}.  We decided not to do gifts this year since we've been so caught up in settling into our new little home, and instead, we're spending a WHOLE day together.  I love that & I'm looking forward to it!  And when next year arrives, I promise to decorate, and make sweet little valentines, and bake cute little g-free valentine treats. :)  Anyone else have plans for v-tines day? ?



- Images via Pinterest