Category: photography

This week, Sean and I celebrated one year of living in California together. It’s been a tremendous year: I feel like I’m home again, after too many years away. I’ve been able to see my family more times this year than in the previous three combined. And Sean and I are happily settling into our quiet domesticity.

Our anniversary celebration was put on hold for a few days, as Sean was in Boston for work. Kind of ironic. But we toasted to each other, and to our excellent year together, on Saturday night. We even opened a special bottle of wine, one we had been saving for just this occasion.

My week alone wasn’t too bad, though. It started off with my very first perfect poached egg.

Apr 29 – I’ve been trying to poach eggs, and failing, for years now. But last Sunday morning I tried a new method: I cracked the egg into a ramekin that held a splash of vinegar, and let it sit in the vinegar while I brought the water to a boil. The vinegar held the white together, and the egg didn’t taste of vinegar at all. Success!
Continue reading 2012, Week Eighteen

Apr 22 – I bought some fresh herbs to grow on our windowsill. A week later, the oregano is nearly dead. I am not a gardener.
Continue reading 2012, Week Seventeen

Another week, more pictures. I’m still forgetful. I’m not beating myself up about it too hard. This was a full week of good things: time with a good friend, good meals, beers, books, and hiking.

And this carrot sandwich.

Apr 15 – I like to call it a carrot tartine. So simple: Baguette, a smear of hummus, and some grated carrots that have been tossed with a bit of olive oil and some za’atar. Love.
Continue reading 2012, Week Sixteen

I can hardly believe I’ve been living back in California for a year. The weather right now feels the same as it did last year, and when I walk down the street, the feeling in the air, the sweet smells, the clearn, spring light, it all brings me back to when I arrived last April, so excited to finally be home.

We had another full week last week, and a busy weekend that involved hanging out with lots of adorable babies, so that was fun. For me at least. I do love the babies.

Also, I made bouillabaise!

Apr 8 – Bouillabaise! This is the first time I’ve cooked a fish soup, and I was intimidated for no reason. It was really quite simple. I used cod, scallops, and shrimp, plus a pinch of saffron and some chili flakes. I’ll try to share the recipe this week.
Continue reading 2012, Week Fifteen

I’m a bit behind this week. What a shock. Things have been busy at work (so many meetings), and after a full work day, plus the gym, and cooking dinner, I haven’t really been in much of a mood for anything other than reading a silly book, watching The Daily Show, and going to bed. I do have some tasty meals to share, but for now, all I can muster are these photos. Sad face.

But oooh! So pretty:

Apr 1 – Hiking last Sunday near Mt. Diablo
Continue reading 2012, Week Fourteen

This was a full week that involved seeing both a movie AND a play. This is unusual for us because usually we’re hermits who really love our couch. We even had my brother over for dinner. Socializing! Amazing.

Mar 25 – We went to see The Hunger Games, and when we came home, I made this lamb stew. If you haven’t read The Hunger Games, do it. If you haven’t made lamb stew, you should do that, too.
Continue reading 2012, Week Thirteen

Mar 18 – Chopped Salad, healthy Sunday
Continue reading 2012, Week Twelve

I sadly must admit that I accidentally missed TWO, not one, but two full days of taking pictures last week. Somehow, this past weekend ended up photo free. Which is a real bummer because we actually had a really nice weekend, and visited some new spots in Oakland. I think I need to find a way to re-motivate myself on this project.

Here is what I do have.

Mar 11 – Poutine in Portland! This was a special moment for me, as I’ve been wanting to go to Potato Champion for years and we never managed to squeeze it in before.
Continue reading 2012, Week Eleven

Last weekend we went to Portland to visit friends. It was a great weekend, full of amazing food, lots of laughter, and a surprising amount of food tv. I think Sweet Genius might be the funniest cooking show I’ve ever seen. Before that, though, we had another great week in Oakland. Here are some highlights.

Mar 4 – We finally made a stop at La Farine. It reminds me so much of the bakery in Santa Cruz where I worked in college. This Wheat Walnut Levain was amazing.
Continue reading 2012, Week Ten

We’ve been out and about a lot the last two weekends, and it is awesome. Every day I’m reminded again why I love California.

Feb 26 – This guy loves California, too. Bear Republic Brewery in Healdsburg.
Continue reading 2012, Week Nine