June 7, 2009
Home Group BBQ
I was so lucky to be part of this Home Group this season. I went to the first one back when I was in town, still as a visitor, and got to meet everyone then. It was such an awesome way to get to know some wonderful people around town, and also get to know the Gospel, over the last few months.
We ended our season a few weeks back, but decided to get together one last time and celebrate our awesomeness. Bob and Brenda were willing to open their house to all of us one more time for our shindig. We had some yummy treats and a lot of fun hanging out.
We ended our season a few weeks back, but decided to get together one last time and celebrate our awesomeness. Bob and Brenda were willing to open their house to all of us one more time for our shindig. We had some yummy treats and a lot of fun hanging out.
Everyone brought a little something....and the end result was a LOT of really delicious food!! I filled my plate...and enjoyed it all too!!
Awww....our Home Group!! It's going to be a lonely summer not seeing all of these wonderful folks every Tuesday night!!
Of course I had to try for one of my self portrait shots. It's not the ideal shot...but there ARE a lot of smiling faces in there! That's all that matters!
We setup and played a round of croquet. Turns out that despite my strong start, I am not very good at this sport either. Even despite my wonderful form....it took me about 5 tries to get through that obstacle. Brett and Dave battled it out for the winning spot....and it was truly entertaining the entire time.
We did break out in the middle at one point however to see how well everyone would fare in a one man circus. Jessica takes the trophy!
Wonderful women!!
Dessert was brownies, cupcakes.....and SMORES!! How fun!!
Dave was having way too much fun with his new camera. He's got the perfect model living with him....I'd be taking pics of Ash all day long too!
Had a great time getting to know and spend time with everyone over the last few months!! Don't be strangers.....hope to see you all again soon!!
Delightful.
I called Vanessa on my way home from church.
Annemarie: "Are you hungry?".
Vanessa: "Yes.".
Annemarie: "Do you want to grab lunch?".
Vanessa: "Sure, where should we go?".
Annemarie: "I want to go somewhere that I haven't gone before...so you pick!".
We talked about how there are so many neat local places to eat in SB, and so many that we hadn't been to. After a little thought, we ended up at Jake's Cottage Cafe on De La Vina. They evidently have just re-opened...so be sure to check them out!!
In the spirit of going to a new place...I decided to try something new too! I've always eyed people's food when they ordered Eggs Benedict, but never tried it myself. So, after trying to figure out if I wanted French Toast or Pancakes (my usual choices), I made a game time decision when she asked me for my order to go with the EB. I was a little nervous about not liking the poached eggs, so I asked her to have it prepared with over medium fried eggs instead.
Well, I know you're on the edge of your seat wondering if I liked it. I won't keep you waiting...it was scrumptious!! I liked the hollandaise sauce..and combined with the mushrooms, ham and spinach....it was a treat!! Yeah, I cleaned my plate.
My food wasn't the only treat. It was great to spend some time with Vanessa, and get to know her better. She's got a real sense of joy surrounding her....and she's always smiling!! Thank you, Vanessa, for hanging out with me!!! Hope you have a great run this afternoon!! :)
PS. If you're a grits fan....definitely stop by Jake's. They prepare them every which way you can imagine!!!
Annemarie: "Are you hungry?".
Vanessa: "Yes.".
Annemarie: "Do you want to grab lunch?".
Vanessa: "Sure, where should we go?".
Annemarie: "I want to go somewhere that I haven't gone before...so you pick!".
We talked about how there are so many neat local places to eat in SB, and so many that we hadn't been to. After a little thought, we ended up at Jake's Cottage Cafe on De La Vina. They evidently have just re-opened...so be sure to check them out!!
In the spirit of going to a new place...I decided to try something new too! I've always eyed people's food when they ordered Eggs Benedict, but never tried it myself. So, after trying to figure out if I wanted French Toast or Pancakes (my usual choices), I made a game time decision when she asked me for my order to go with the EB. I was a little nervous about not liking the poached eggs, so I asked her to have it prepared with over medium fried eggs instead.
Well, I know you're on the edge of your seat wondering if I liked it. I won't keep you waiting...it was scrumptious!! I liked the hollandaise sauce..and combined with the mushrooms, ham and spinach....it was a treat!! Yeah, I cleaned my plate.
My food wasn't the only treat. It was great to spend some time with Vanessa, and get to know her better. She's got a real sense of joy surrounding her....and she's always smiling!! Thank you, Vanessa, for hanging out with me!!! Hope you have a great run this afternoon!! :)
PS. If you're a grits fan....definitely stop by Jake's. They prepare them every which way you can imagine!!!
June 6, 2009
Home Sweet Home
It's been a little over a month that we've been in our new home....and I love it!!! It's so open, bright (lots of windows), serene (we have lots of nature noises) and cozy! We had a roomie night about a week ago and figured how what we were going to hang on some of the walls, so it's pretty much all setup at this point. I still have a few major decisions to make in my room....but I'm not that concerned. All I do is sleep in there. If I'm home, I'm out in the living room, chatting it up with one of my roomies, or enjoying the breeze from opening the windows and doors.
So....here's my new home in Santa Barbara. 1339 on the Mesa. Come visit us!!
So....here's my new home in Santa Barbara. 1339 on the Mesa. Come visit us!!
The side of the house was a blank lot, until Laura turned it into a garden a few weeks ago. Also....the BBQ pit is a brand new addition, thanks to Laura's friend, Paul. Thanks for the pit, Paul!!!
I had lunch with Laura sitting on the patio yesterday. It was absolutely lovely.
We have a beautiful fountain, complete with lots of fishies. The gentle music that comes from when it runs is just wonderful. We love it!! We've also got a rope swing!! It's so much fun!!
Our home came with a gardner....thank goodness!!! Someone else responsible for keeping all of this green and pretty!! So glad for him!!
I love all the windows in our home. First thing in the morning, we open up all the blinds to let all the light in! Love it!!
Lots of comfy seating!!
Our kitchen is a little interesting, it's got a lower than normal stove, but it works for us. AND...it's the best kitchen for The Good Spoon. Can't you see Laura on the other side of the stove, with all of her guests at the table, learning all the tricks on how to prepare a yummy meal? I can!!!
We got lucky and scored a place that also has a washer and dryer. It's in the kitchen, which some people might think is a little strange....but in my mind, all of the noisy appliances are in the same spot....so that's a good thing!
We hung some of my photography that I brought with me in the hallway back towards our rooms. The frames are filled with images from downtown Austin (SoCo) and the Capital. Make me smile to remember the fun day that I spent taking them with Toni in December 2007. It was the first time I took out my DSLR. :)
Lastly...I didn't really pick it up too much, but I just wanted to complete the tour.....this is my room. I took the doors off my closet to make it easier for me to get to all of it without having to slide them back and forth. Some might find it weird, but I kind of like being able to see it.
Ok, so that's all. Hope you enjoyed the tour. Hope you come visit in person soon!!
June 5, 2009
Why I'm THANKFUL it's Friday!!!
After dinner on Thursday night, while Laura and I were getting ready to turn in for the night, we caught Emily on iChat. Laura and I didn't have to be at work until after 830am, so, knowing that Em is an early riser, we invited her over for breakfast and coffee the following morning.
She showed up, smiling as usual, even while running in to stay dry from the rain (yes, it was RAINING here in SB this morning - woohoo) at 730am. The 3 of us sat around the kitchen table and enjoyed our coffee. As per normal, we had the blinds already pulled, but instead of enjoying the sunshine, we were gladly watching the rain come down, while we caught each other up on the last few hours of our lives (haha!) and the upcoming weekend.
As I went in my room to dry my hair, I handed Em a large bag of necklaces, and said "Here, you might have fun with this!!". She opened the bag of goodies, and proceeded to organize them for me, and help me hang it on the wall. One of the girls that I work with was wearing some fun necklaces to work yesterday, and it made me think that I need to do the same. At one point in my life, there wasn't a day that I didn't wear one of my long necklaces. That was back when Nae and I were on JFo's team. Jennifer was such a fashion inspiration. :) I had Em pick one out that worked with what I was wearing, and I was smiling all day wearing it. I even got a comment on it from the girl at work. :) It was one that Nae had given me a long time ago for a birthday (I think).
After that was said and done, Laura's 830 meeting was cancelled, so she proceeded to whip us up some breakfast. She made feta basil scrambled eggs, and toast. Yummm-Y!! I ate it all down before I thought to snap a picture, so you'll have to settle for the pic of this post being my necklaces. :)
Tonight I joined Brett and Kyle for a delightful dinner at Natural Cafe. We ran into Matt & Amber while we were there, and they joined us. After, we hit up Yogurtland for my 2nd time...and I'm sad to report that I pretty much created the same thing that I did last time...I'm not very original. We strolled a little bit around State St and then headed back to watch the rest of the Obama Special that we'd caught earlier in the week. I also saw Whale Wars for the first time. Crazy stuff.
It was such a wonderful morning, and evening, and THIS is why I'm thankful that it's Friday!! For good food, good times, and most of all, good friends!! I'm a lucky girl!
She showed up, smiling as usual, even while running in to stay dry from the rain (yes, it was RAINING here in SB this morning - woohoo) at 730am. The 3 of us sat around the kitchen table and enjoyed our coffee. As per normal, we had the blinds already pulled, but instead of enjoying the sunshine, we were gladly watching the rain come down, while we caught each other up on the last few hours of our lives (haha!) and the upcoming weekend.
As I went in my room to dry my hair, I handed Em a large bag of necklaces, and said "Here, you might have fun with this!!". She opened the bag of goodies, and proceeded to organize them for me, and help me hang it on the wall. One of the girls that I work with was wearing some fun necklaces to work yesterday, and it made me think that I need to do the same. At one point in my life, there wasn't a day that I didn't wear one of my long necklaces. That was back when Nae and I were on JFo's team. Jennifer was such a fashion inspiration. :) I had Em pick one out that worked with what I was wearing, and I was smiling all day wearing it. I even got a comment on it from the girl at work. :) It was one that Nae had given me a long time ago for a birthday (I think).
After that was said and done, Laura's 830 meeting was cancelled, so she proceeded to whip us up some breakfast. She made feta basil scrambled eggs, and toast. Yummm-Y!! I ate it all down before I thought to snap a picture, so you'll have to settle for the pic of this post being my necklaces. :)
Tonight I joined Brett and Kyle for a delightful dinner at Natural Cafe. We ran into Matt & Amber while we were there, and they joined us. After, we hit up Yogurtland for my 2nd time...and I'm sad to report that I pretty much created the same thing that I did last time...I'm not very original. We strolled a little bit around State St and then headed back to watch the rest of the Obama Special that we'd caught earlier in the week. I also saw Whale Wars for the first time. Crazy stuff.
It was such a wonderful morning, and evening, and THIS is why I'm thankful that it's Friday!! For good food, good times, and most of all, good friends!! I'm a lucky girl!
June 4, 2009
The Good Spoon!!!
My roommate, and cooking extraordinaire, Laura, has decided to give her cooking passion a name....The Good Spoon. You've already met the head chef, Laura. Check out her blog for some neat cooking ideas, tips, or just fun things about food. She's available for cooking classes, baking for your party needs, and a few other things yet to be determined. She's a master in pretty much every part of the kitchen.
She even turned the empty lot on the side of our house into her own little garden over Memorial Day weekend. I am so proud!! She planted a bunch of different kinds of lettuce, onions, tomatoes, melons, pumpkins, flowers, peppers, squash, beans....and much more!! Pretty soon she'll be running her own farmer's market stand!!
Laura went blueberry picking last weekend, and on Monday night decided to make scones with her little blue treats. I looked at her and asked "You probably have everything that you need to whip up scones already in the kitchen, huh?". Her answer was of course, yes. She put it all together from scratch...and they were DELICIOUS!!
So, when she asked Brett and me if we wanted to join her for dinner on Thursday night, I didn't have to think about it at all....even though it now takes me a little longer to respond to personal emails since I'm working.....I sent her a reply a few hours later that I was IN!
I'm not sure what Laura would call it, but I'd just call it tasty!! It was organic, free range, chicken with all sorts of veggies, potatoes (yellow and purple....yes, purple potatoes....a first for me too, but they were yummy) and fresh basil. She cooked it all in her dutch oven (aka "Dutchie"), and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. I think I did more than anyone else, I went back for a full bowl of seconds.
She shared with me that roosters in your kitchen are supposed to be good luck....so it was only fitting that there were a few roosters appearing through our meal. He was on the wine bottle label and the napkins.
Yummmmm!!!
You can call me to make your reservations at The Good Spoon. I'll see if we can squeeze you in for a seating. Stay tuned for more about Laura and her cooking adventure!!
She even turned the empty lot on the side of our house into her own little garden over Memorial Day weekend. I am so proud!! She planted a bunch of different kinds of lettuce, onions, tomatoes, melons, pumpkins, flowers, peppers, squash, beans....and much more!! Pretty soon she'll be running her own farmer's market stand!!
Laura went blueberry picking last weekend, and on Monday night decided to make scones with her little blue treats. I looked at her and asked "You probably have everything that you need to whip up scones already in the kitchen, huh?". Her answer was of course, yes. She put it all together from scratch...and they were DELICIOUS!!
So, when she asked Brett and me if we wanted to join her for dinner on Thursday night, I didn't have to think about it at all....even though it now takes me a little longer to respond to personal emails since I'm working.....I sent her a reply a few hours later that I was IN!
I'm not sure what Laura would call it, but I'd just call it tasty!! It was organic, free range, chicken with all sorts of veggies, potatoes (yellow and purple....yes, purple potatoes....a first for me too, but they were yummy) and fresh basil. She cooked it all in her dutch oven (aka "Dutchie"), and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. I think I did more than anyone else, I went back for a full bowl of seconds.
She shared with me that roosters in your kitchen are supposed to be good luck....so it was only fitting that there were a few roosters appearing through our meal. He was on the wine bottle label and the napkins.
Yummmmm!!!
You can call me to make your reservations at The Good Spoon. I'll see if we can squeeze you in for a seating. Stay tuned for more about Laura and her cooking adventure!!
June 1, 2009
FIRST DAY!!!
When I first moved out here....I gave myself until June 1st to find a job. It is really pretty wonderful, and special, that it all worked out that after my interviews and such...June 1st ended up being the day that I would start my new job. I am blessed.
So, today is my first day of work - woohoo!!! It's been a REALLY long time since I've had to work during the day. My last day at my last job was January 16th...so it's been 5 and half months since then....and almost 3 years since I've been in a sales job. I'm actually really excited about that part!!
So...wish me luck!! AppFolio, here I come!! Watch out!!
So, today is my first day of work - woohoo!!! It's been a REALLY long time since I've had to work during the day. My last day at my last job was January 16th...so it's been 5 and half months since then....and almost 3 years since I've been in a sales job. I'm actually really excited about that part!!
So...wish me luck!! AppFolio, here I come!! Watch out!!
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