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2011-05-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

Madame MPH

2011-05-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

After a quick two years, I have finished my graduate program (aka, my excuse for not blogging.) It is exciting and nerve-racking to be all done with school. I can't remember a time in my life where I wasn't researching the next program I would apply to. Maybe there is a PhD in my future? Maybe not! As for now, please refer to me as Madame MPH. Thanks.

Update: Vince and I moved back to San Diego. We miss Santa Monica, but enjoy being home. Vince is almost always working these days, not that I'm complaining. I am almost never working these days - now I am complaining. I actually do have a job. I work part time for California Food Policy Advocates as a Nutrition Policy Analyst. I love the organization, I am passionate about the work I am doing, I just wish there was more.

But more importantly, I am almost always busy with wedding planning. The wedding is in 4 months and I have a long list of home-made to do's. Currently: Invitations. Who was the crazy person who told me making my own invitations was not that bad? (I think it was me.) I only have approximately 150 invitations to make and I have only added about eight different crafting layers to each one. I am also on the hunt for a good wedding cake. In the process, I have learned that I just don't like wedding cake - uh oh. I kind of want a wedding apple pie. Sounds just slightly messy to feed to each other, though. Any suggestions?

Thanks to those who have waited through the long lulls of nothingness! No excuses now… I'm back!

Fine Whine

2010-09-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, when we receive a nice bottle of wine as a gift (thank you, B & G), I find myself admiring the bottle - but not drinking it. I am stuck in a conundrum where the fine wine must be accompanied by a gourmet meal that I don't want to make. The wine tempts me, looking oh-so-enjoyable, yet makes me feel like a lazy, uninspired cook.

Well... I have found that there are times when you just have to give in and purchase yourself a nice, gourmet... delivery pizza.

It's not so EGGcellent

2010-08-31T21:40:00.000-07:00

This latest round of salmonella infested eggs has me rethinking my choice to eat meat. A recent article in the LA Times detailed (via FDA reports) the disgusting state of the chicken farms from which the ill eggs were derived. I'll let you read the article yourself if you like, but (as maybe the least disturbing detail) I'll share this: There was manure built up as high as 8 feet pushing pit doors open allowing vermon in and chickens out to wander in the crap. It's no wonder the eggs contained salmonella (not to mention the shockingly dirty water used to "clean" the eggs).

I love cured ham. I will never become a vegetarian based on my love for prosciutto. HOWEVER - I do think there is something to be said about being an educated consumer and a humane omnivore. Purchasing eggs from chickens kept in sanitary and healthy living conditionss not only makes you feel good, but it also allows your intestinal tract to function properly. Confused by the varying types of eggs sold in grocery stores? Me too. Definitions follow.

Lesson for the day:

FREE RANGE or FREE ROAMING:
Producers must demonstrate to the FDA that the poultry has been allowed access to the outside. A vague definition, but none-the-less better than no legal definition at all.

NATURAL:
A product containing no artificial ingredient or added color and is only minimally processed (a process which does not fundamentally alter the raw product) may be labeled natural. The label must explain the use of the term natural (e.g., no added colorings or artificial ingredients; minimally processed.)

CAGE FREE:
A term that appears to have no legal definition for the USDA or FDA. This means that "Cage Free" is up to seller to define (uh-oh).

ORGANIC:
A term that refers to the regulations and standards of the feed fed to the chickens. For eggs to be labeled "organic," the chickens must be fed organic feed (grown without commercial fertilizers or pesticides), and not given hormones or antibiotics. This has nothing to do with how the animals are kept, however.

And just for fun, MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT:
A paste-like and batter-like meat product produced by forcing bones with attached edible meat under high pressure through a sieve or similar device to separate the bone from the edible meat tissue. Can be found in products such as the Slim Jim.

Interested in this topic? I suggest the following reads:

If you haven't already, Pollan, Michael. The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals. New York: The Penguin Press, 2006.

Nestle, Marion. Food Politics. Berkeley, CA: The University of California Press, 2007.

A USDA fact sheet on Meat & Poultry Labeling

The FDA's report on the state of the Iowa egg farms

Don't have the time to read? Watch Food Inc., it's free, relatively quick and on-demand on Netflix.

What makes me an expert? I'm not - by any means. But I am getting my Masters in Public Health and I currently work as a Nutritional Policy Advocate. All I'm saying is take the time to know where your food comes from. It might shock you. It definitely shocked me.

Sick of all the questions I am posing? Okay, I'll stop.

A 2 dollar wine that taste like 4

2010-08-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

Maybe you've read the Fortune Magazine article on Traders Joe's, or possibly you were listening this morning to NPR and heard the story covering the story from Fortune Magazine's article on Trader Joe's. Regardless - the best thing I have gotten from all of this story coverage is the following:

If you are a TJ junkie like me, you must agree that this video is genius.

Time for a desktop facelift!

2010-08-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

free downloads at Always Mod!

i want!

2010-08-24T22:54:00.000-07:00

via catstudio

I love Martha Stewart, but...

2010-08-16T15:57:00.000-07:00

... does this sound disgusting to anyone else?

"Chicken breasts stay moist when cooked in the microwave on a bed of onion and apple. Ketchup, curry powder, and yogurt make a sweet, mildly spicy, and creamy sauce."

EW. Anyone out there, besides Martha, have a chicken curry recipe to share?

one more flower

2010-08-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

via the cherry blossom girl 

flower inspiration

2010-08-12T20:10:00.000-07:00

I am starting a new section for this blog: wedding inspirations. I find myself looking at life around me to obtain inspiration for planning our wedding day. Share-worthy? Definitely. I want our wedding to have details that personalize the day and make it our own. I don't have a long list of inspiration yet, but here's where I have started:

FLOWERS.

the girly-girl in me loves peonies. 
plus, ruffled petals...ruffled dress - it all fits in.

Have you come to visit us our new(ish) pad yet? If not - you are missing out on our front garden. It is filled with roses, sage, lavender, paperwhites, lemons, sunflowers, succulents, ferns, and three full garden boxes of fruits, vegetables and herbs. This enjoyable garden inspires me:

eden roses will definitely make the bridal bouquet.

mexican sage. i lust for the deep purple.

Our garden, er... I mean, Vince's garden. Caring for this garden is so instinctual for Vince. Must find clever ways to incorporate gardening into our day!

color, height, shape. what's not to love about these craspedias?


VINO! but even more fun (maybe): the twisty-curls and full green leaves from the vines. details.

2010-08-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

Some things, such as this, make me laugh.

I'm currently listening to...

2010-08-03T20:53:00.000-07:00

     NPR stations vary greatly from city to city. For example, 
(while still respecting and loving my hometown station) San Diego's KPBS is targeted for a much older audience. Classical music starting at 7pm...? Staying too classy, San Diego. Whereas KCRW, a broadcast of Santa Monica College, is an intelligent, hip, and entertaining station - even past 7pm.

    Potentially my favorite part of the morning (besides morning cuddling and my cup of joe - two separate events) is when KCRW broadcasts "Morning Becomes Eclectic." One morning, while listening at work (yes, I have a job!), I enjoyed the sounds of Luísa Maita. 

     Luísa Maita, a 20-something Brazilian,  just released Lero-Lero, an album that is relaxed, yet vibrant. "Lero-Lero reflects Luísa’s personal artistic expression and outlook. With obvious allegiances to Brazilian samba and bossa nova, the songs on Lero-Lero also capture the influences of jazz, pop, soul and electronica. Luísa credits the inspiration for the album to her native city, its neighborhoods and its people."

Listen. Enjoy. Repeat.

The truth behind my lack of blogging...

2010-07-29T21:46:00.000-07:00

I know, I know.

I just suck at blogging! I'm sorry friends.

But here, enjoy some photos from Sicilia:

L'Aspra

The classic boats where old men gather to untangle their nets, drink espresso, and play Sicilian cards.

The first wedding we attended in Sicily was for Vince's cousin Salvatore Vitale and his wife-to-be Suvi. We learned that at a traditional Sicilian wedding you pray that the couple will bore lots of male children and you eat.

What was different / weird about this trip to Sicily was having so much American family there. Here is a picture of Vince and all his siblings. Quite a special event!

Palermo
Vince's parents (holding a cucuzza lunga at the vucciria (read: a way better farmers market than an American could ever imagine)), Nonna, Zia Rosa, & Zia Anna.

Back in Aspra with the iconic boats.

My friend Milla cruised down from the Netherlands to visit for the special occasion. This is a photo of Vince's sister (Lisa), Milla, and myself going down the funicular in Toarmina. Toarmina is on the other side of the island from Palermo and is much more touristy - feels more like the rest of Italy, whereas everywhere else in Sicily feels like... Sicilia.

Isola Bella in Toarmina
Che Bella!

warning: put on your sunglasses.

Enjoying the serenity of Isola Bella.

The view of Taormina.

Side trip to Mt. Etna. Worry not - we made it out okay!

Termini (a small town on the way home from Taormina) where we had drinks and felt a little silly.

Santa Flavia
Back near Aspra, Dave and Shannon (Vince's brother & wife) rented a villa. The ruff life.

Romance at its best; a mountain overlooking Aspra.

Aspra's boats in the day time. This photo never gets old!

And.... (drum roll please)
The reason we spent our savings on a trip to Europe in the middle of June

The wedding!

Enzo looking ever so handsome while drooling on his Mama's gown.

Cinderella personally lent us (bridesmaid & bride) her carriage for a ride to the ball, er... I mean wedding.

Arriving at the villa!

Prepping the gorgeous bride.

"I do..."

Villa where Anthony (Vince's brother) and Gina were married.

The happy couple.

The Sicilian entertainment.

And for the finale...

The food.

I totally failed as a foodie - I'm sorry. This is all I got. Nonetheless, this was the most impressive plate: pulpo to die for, two types of smoked fish, and shrimp with caviar. What you don't see from the menu is: vino, spumante, prosecco, fried zuchinni, oysters, ravioli, fish, roasted vegetables, cheese (galore), gelato, espresso, cake, and more more more!

Good times were had by all and memories (for a lifetime) were definitely made.

Now... time to save for our own wedding!

Bienvenidos a Barcelona!

2010-06-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

At 7:30am, local time, Aeropuerto de Barcelona welcomed us to the Catalunya region. We toughed it out for our first several hours in the city by consuming a caffe and baguette con jamón. But later, after an hour of wandering through the labyrinthine streets in the Barri Gòtic with all our luggage to find our short-stay apartment (more on this later), we found ourselves fast asleep within 30 minutes of arrival.

...fast forward 5 hours...

We leave our apartment, which is situated on the edge of sketchy town. Or as Rick Steve's would say, "These characters don't need the palm trees to be shady." But not to worry Mom, we feel very safe and are enjoying the diversity (and keeping our own hands in our pockets).

We are staying in the heart of the "Old City". The architecture here is medieval and the sites are nearby. Above we are posing in front of the Christopher Columbus monument.

Just beyond Las Ramblas (the main drag in town, Champs Élysées-esque) is the harbor, which was apparently beautified for the 1992 Olympics. Beautiful it was. Imaging we were 45 years in the past, we drank sangria and ate tapas on the harbor - just as my father did when he was last here.

Later, we did what every other person in Barcelona was likely doing: drank sangria, ate tapas, and watched world cup. Thank goodness Italia at least tied - otherwise I would have had a very angry Italian-American on my hands. Tomorrow we plan to watch España play Switzerland. I have high expectations of over-the-top enthusiasm from Spanish fans.

Half way to becoming a master

2010-06-13T02:10:00.000-07:00

In the summertime...

It is official - school's out for summer and I am half way done with my master degree. This school year has flown by and all the changes that came along with it seem like stability now. There were lengthy papers and endless articles; big achievements and frustrating errors; friendships made and beaches walked. Goodbye first year. Hello summer!

As I previously mentioned, I have quite the summer ahead of me. First things first - board an airplane headed to Barcelona in 5 hours. Next post will be one with sangria in hand. SALUD!

PS: I mistakenly deleted comments made on the last post. I had weird settings and several drinks and it was confusing. Comment again! They make my day.

(crickets chirping) Anyone still there?

2010-06-04T13:09:00.000-07:00

Seven months ago I told you about my fascination with the breakfast burrito and then.. I left, without explanation.

Well, today - a day or two after a massive six-month project on homeless youth suicide was turned in, and a day or two before my last finals for this school year - I have returned to the blogosphere. For better or for worse. Graduate school has been shockingly time consuming!

Brief update on what I have been doing since we last talked:

1. Grad school.

Things I plan to do this summer:

1. Go back to Italy, with a quick stop in Barcelona (and Montreal, don't ask). Vince's brother is getting married in Sicily. Tapas & Vino anyone?

2. Summer internship. More updates on this when it is an officially sealed and finalized position.

3. Bike to the beach. HELLO, Santa Monica!

4. Train for a 5k. I am getting my Masters degree in Public Health. Time to healthify.

5. Read something other than academic articles on suicide & homeless youth.

6. Find a location for our wedding.

I'll be back in a couple days with more deets on Italy.
Until, then. Glad to be back.

Twisty Turny = Yum, or the "Left-over Breakfast Burrito" Phenomena

2009-10-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

The other night I made a slightly inventive fall stew. It was not the best dish I'd ever made, but none-the-less it was yummy.

Using what I had in the fridge and pantry:

butternut squash - such a handsome fella

I roasted some butternut squash, onion and garlic, greased up with olive oil and seasoned with white pepper, salt and a pinch of cumin.

veggies going in to the sauna

Meanwhile I sauteed up the ground turkey with more onion & garlic and a squeeze from the handy tomato paste tube, then seasoned with s & p. Mixed in a can of diced tomatoes (I know, so lazy when the front yard is abundant), a can of garbanzo beans, and a 1/4 cup of water. I seasoned this with chili powder and cinnamon.

Once the the meat was all brown and the tomatoes were looking bubbly, I added in the roasted veggies and let it all meld together for a couple minutes. Spooned into a bowl with a glob of sharp cheddar on top - this dish made me want to pour a glass of red wine and light up the fireplace (so I did! But minus the fireplace since we don't have one).

So this was all good, not shabby - but Vince and I agreed that it needed a twist. We thought about it ... but not too hard.

The next morning Vince, with his man-ingenuity, gave this fall stew it's needed twist.

"Hey Elyse, come try this".

"No thanks, Dear. You know I only like coffee for breakfast".

"Fine, I didn't really want to share anyway".

I walk into the kitchen to find a fall stew with scrambled eggs and cheese and hot sauce breakfast burrito.

I ate it a l l regardless of my coffee-only breakfast rule.

And it was..........

soooooo yummy.

See for yourself below:

Excessively Southern Californian? Eh, who cares! It was good!

I suppose you could call this the "left-over breakfast burrito" phenomena. Even I, EHo, will break my coffee-only breakfast rule for a breakfast burrito made from last night's goods. Try it.

Foodie Things

2009-10-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

Three topics for today's blog entry:

1. Has everyone heard that Gourmet magazine has shut down shop?
Just last week I was telling Vince, "You know Dear, I am a real foodie now and need a real high class magazine to accompany this status. Thus, I need a subscription to Gourmet for Christmas!" I bet Gourmet magazine might have changed their minds had I subscribed sooner...

Sad, sad loss for the food magazine world.

2. I found this very entertaining and motivating article about the Naked Chef, Jamie Oliver and his most recent project. I have always been ambivalent about him, but I now have a greater appreciation. Plus it totally addresses the ever relevant Public Health topic! Check out the article:

Putting America's Diet on a Diet

3. Today our landlord/next door neighbor told us to help ourselves to her harvest- she just can't eat it all fast enough. To this I said, "OKAY!!!"

Tonight's dinner is consisted of tomatoes and basil from the back (and front) yard.

Next week I start consuming the Japanese eggplant and red peppers! Suggestions?

Welcome to my new kitchen!

2009-10-08T17:49:00.000-07:00

We MOVED!!

We have uprooted ourselves from perfect San Diego and ended up in Santa Monica - a not so shabby little nook of Los Angeles - while I attend grad school at UCLA. We now live in half of an old Craftsman-style home not very far from the beach. The duplex has old funky quirks and lots and lots of hardwood!

The kitchen is smaller than I was used to, but that's not saying much!

The weather has just barely started to cool down, so I think tonight I'll roast up some garlic and beets - and maybe even a batch of pumpkin bread!

Procrastinating studying? Yes.

Refrigerator Revelations

2009-09-23T22:18:00.001-07:00

Does this look messy or cluttered to you?

Because sometimes I feel that way; that I should strip my frigde clean and have a blank slate to look at before I ponder dinner. But this evening when I was lingering over ice cubes I noticed that I love my fridge! And what I love about it is the little notes and pictures and invitations that I have left up to remind me what a wonderful community and family I surround myself with.

Below you can see that I decorate my fridge with beloved photos of my sweet nieces and nephew, invitations from fantastic weddings (Todd and Erin's) and memorable 40th anniversary parties (Mom & Dad). Most these items are suctioned to the fridge with a set of italian poetry words that Rachel gave us one Christmas. On this fridge I also have the Monterey Bay Aquarium's sustainable fish list (good find, check it here) which reminds me of my 5 year anniversary road trip up the California coast with Vince; an angel magnet my mother gave me one year that makes me smile every time I see it; a Homel family contact card - fantastic back story, another entry!

But as I stood there this evening, while refilling my ice tea, I thought to myself - look at all these wonderful people. I looked down the list of names of Homel family members (on the contact card) and it brought a huge grin to my face to think about each person. I have an amazing family and I feel so blessed to be able to clutter my refrigerator with their faces and the knick-knacks that remind me of memorable times.

I also have some other items up there that should probably come on down, but I hate removing an item from the fridge because... well, because I am just sentimental like that!

What does your fridge look like?

Koo-koot-zaaaaaaa

2009-08-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

I have seriously been carrying quite a bit of guilt about my lack of posting for the past month - maybe two?! So, without further adieu, let us get back to where I left off.

Vince proposed and I practice being a good faux-Sicilian fiancée:

This vegetable I am holding is called a Cucuzza (pronounced "koo-koot-zaa"). It is a Sicilian long squash; similar to zuchinni, but milder in flavor with a hard outer skin. This one is small by all comparisons, since often they grow to be 4 or 5 feet long. This cucuzza was grown by Vince's father, who got the seeds from plants his father brought over from Sicily nearly 50 years ago - cool, huh? When you plant the seeds, you also have to install a trellis over them (check it out here) so the vine can grow up and the vegetable can drop down.

The only way I have eaten this vegetable is in a super simple, but oh-so-delicious soup. Below is how I made it:

Chop the cucuzza into manageable sections and with a vegetable peeler, peel the skin off.

Cube into mouth-sized chunks.

Also chop up onions (in this case 3) and garlic (for my preference, about half a head).

Sauté all three together, season with salt & pepper until soft & translucent.

(I like it a little spicy, so I also added a pinch of crushed red pepper).

Add either 3 fresh home-grown tomatoes, peeled and seeded - then chopped (yum!) or the equivalent in a can. Add the tomatoes and 4 cups vegetable broth. Bring the soup to a boil and then simmer for at least 30 minutes to develop the flavors. Right at the end add a handful of broken spaghetti, and cook until al dente.

To serve: Add a heaping spoonful of grated parmesan, slivered basil and crusty bread on the side - oh! don't forget a glass of vino!

Buon Appetito a Tutto!

My frontal lobe.

2009-07-08T19:03:00.000-07:00

One's frontal lobe (of their brain) is said to reach full maturity by age 25. This means, that until age 25 one is developmentally considered a teenager.

I am a few days early, but I think my frontal lobe just reach maturity.

I was sitting here thinking about how I need to write a blog and was considering writing one on the garbanzo beans I made for dinner last night and then turned into hummus. I was about to write all that when a group of seven preteens rode (on their trikes) past my condo.

I hear them yell out a saying I particularly despise. I step outside onto our patio to observe, and they say it again!

I pipe up and tell them firmly, "hey kids, why don't you tone it down."

"Fuck you bitch" - YES THEY SAID THIS! (sorry for the foul language Mom, but remember I am just quoting).

And then it happened. My frontal lobe matured past teenagedom and said,

"I will find your mother. And I will -"

I get cut off with laughter and the preteens bicycle away.

I almost laughed at myself. I will find your mother?? Oh geez!

Today I learned...

2009-06-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

That when chopping peanuts, you pound - not chop!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

2009-06-11T10:07:00.001-07:00

This is a cucchiaino.

Say, "coo - key - i - eeno".

This is my favorite word that I learned in Italian on our Italian vacation. It is a little spoon, used for lots of good things, such as, stirring caffe or eating gelato.

Me piache cucchiaini.

This is a phrase you hear everywhere. This is my least favorite word from Italy. While I agree, Italia is bella and the Lago is bello - I do not want to hear these two words for a while. EVERYTHING is bella/o in Italy, and sometimes I just didn't agree. The word bella and the word bello are not belli.

Last, but not least!

2009-06-10T22:56:00.000-07:00

My new mantra is, "I am not jet-lagged, I am not jet-lagged". And I almost believed myself until I realized that I have been falling asleep earlier than my baby niece Izze for more than a week now. This is the first night since getting home from Europe that I have been awake past 830pm!

And without further explanation, I would like to formally blame the tardiness of this entry on the jet-lagging.

*****************************************************************************

Imagine me waving my hands and magically turning back time a week and a half

*****************************************************************************

Hi People! We just left Sicily, via airplane, and arrived in Venice. Best idea ever! We arrived in under two hours and headed straight for St. Mark's square. We found a fancy hotel and rented out the smallest, teeniest, tiniest hotel room (made for one person, squeezed in another) for two nights. We found that Venice really sucks during the day - one too many king kong sized cruise boats dropping off hoards of crazy tourists to really enjoy. Venice by night however is just magical. To avoid this tourist-madness we took a day trip to the island of Murano and bought lots of gifts. Then came back and enjoyed a peaceful, tourist free, evening in Venice. Our favorite activity in Venice was getting lost.

canal ways instead of alleyways.

"Feed the birds, tuppence a bag..."

Murano.

From Venice we hopped on a train and rode west then north to Lago di Como - the best place on earth. No - seriously. Lago di Como (also know as Lake Como) is the most picturesque, serene place we went the whole trip. It really felt like the 'sit back, relax and have a glass of wine while you enjoy the view' kind of vacation we hadn't yet experienced. We stayed in a small town called Varenna, but kept confusing people by calling it Ravenna - derrrr. This little town is directly across the lake from Bellagio. Our hotel was up the hill and had PERFECT lake views. The lake is not only perfectly blue, but then is also surrounded by tall peaking, snow capped mountains and those are layered with green lush trees. I am nearly shedding a tear right now for how much I miss Lake Como.

Varenna - Ravenna?

Ugh. Italy was waaaaaaaaaaaay better than work.

Sicily is great for many things, but not for internet reception.

2009-06-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

Apologies to my devoted readers (Nicole, Allie and maybe Lindsay and Rachel?), I have left you curious of my whereabouts and happenings for over a week!

We left from Salerno last week on an overnight train to Palermo. We woke to the sunrise, ocean & mountain views, and the smell of cigarettes from the old man smoking in the cabin next to us. Glorious Sicily welcomed us with a smile and the prospects of not carrying our bags again for a week.

We jumped on the first train out of Palermo to Bagheria and the first bus from Bagheria to Aspra, the small beach town just east of Palermo where Vince's father was born and raised. We didn't want to be a burden on any family still living in Aspra, so we figured we get a hotel and then go find them. Well... We found them first and they refused to let us stay anywhere but in their extra home above their store with perfect ocean views. Their generosity went far beyond this with family dinners, day trips to perfect beaches, boat rides around the coast, and LOTS of gelato (one cousin owned a gelateria and I was in heaven!)

Vince's father's cousin took us in and his children showed us the best time, only one gimmick - they spoke nearly zero English! Vince got to practice his Sicilian and by the end of the week I was even sleep talking in Italian!

We were totally immersed in Sicilian culture and we soaked up every minute of it. We ate lots of seafood, homemade vino and felt right at home. Vince even got to see his grandfather's farm - quite significant if you know Vince.

Added bonus to an already perfect trip : Vince took me to the top of the local mountain and once we had a view of the ocean and Aspra - he asked me to marry him! Happiness followed :)

Next blog entry on our brief but enjoyed stay in Venice.

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Then we went to the island of Capri

2009-06-01T06:01:00.000-07:00

Just 20 minutes off the coast of Sorrento is the beautiful - I mean bella - island of Capri. We traveled by boat there and back, but in between rode the ski lift up the mountain for spectacular views, zipped around tight corners on small cobblestone roads in an oversized bus and laid out/played on a pebble-y beach. Ahhhh the good life!
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More ruins.

2009-05-30T00:15:00.000-07:00

By popular demand - aka Nicole - I bring you an entry on Pompeii.

I, like a turd, forgot to take photos on my phone of the other ruins we saw in Rome, but captured some at Pompeii. I am admittedly not a history buff. In fact the only class I failed in college was Western Civ (ok...maybe some others too in my "dark ages" era, don't tell my parents). This being said, a trip to Pompeii felt a little obligatory for me. BUT! Pompeii was super cool!

Walking through a complete city, ruined yet preserved, of seriously ancient times was so fascinating. When my child studies European / Roman history I will take them to these ruins! If money permits :)

Highlights included, but were not limited to:

- ancient roman style fast food restaurants
- massive roman baths
- mosaic "beware of dog" welcome mats
And my favorite (tee hee hee)
- brothel, with pictorial menu on the ceiling

If you get the chance, when in Rome do like the Pompeiians did....

PS : the pictures are as follows,

Pompeii ruins with ominous Vesuvius in the background

Bodies formed from pouring plaster into the space preserved around bones

all other photos on Vince's camera ... Sorry!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Objects are NOT larger than they appear.

2009-05-23T03:03:00.000-07:00

We just left the Amalfi coast, where we stayed in the small(ish) town of Sorrento as home base. Sorrento is known for it's lemons: lemon-aide, lemon pastries and... Limoncello!

The lemons are outrageously large here. In the picture above, those are lemons on the top shelf and normal sized apples below! While in Sorrento we drank limoncello, strolled through lemon groves and admired the beautiful Amalfi coast.

When life hands you lemons, make limoncello.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Time flies when you are having too much fun!

2009-05-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

We are approaching mid the midpoint of our trip and we're almost to Sicily - right on schedule.

We've been so busy bustling around and with the shorter train rides that I haven't much updated you on our geographics. Since last mentioning location (on our way to Siena, I believe) lots has happened - and it happened in the following order :

We got on (and paid) for a train to Siena and ended up in Florence. Since we'd made it that far without fine, we jumped off the train and stayed. Unfortunately, our first impression of Florence was spoiled. We had no preparation for the city - I read up about Siena, not Florence - and followed the advice of some friendly German tourist to Pensione Canada. We found the place and it seemed clean enough and the right price, but after Vince had paid I remembered to ask, "in the morning can you hold our bags?". The woman firmly said no, and as she went to the back, vince ran out the door to find a hotel that would. Leaving me with the worst and meanest italian in the country. She came back out and told me that the money Vince gave was a binding contract and proceeded to drag MY BAGS into the assigned room. She left little room for disagreement and I found myself sucking back tears while waiting for vince to get back. He came back, proud smile across his face, with another cheaper room (breakfast included, willing to hold bags) waiting for us. Long story made a little shorter, vince was not pleased with our situation. He sat down at the front desk and proceeded to tell the woman what he thought. After twenty minutes of back and forth, the woman says, "I do not like this cinema". She nearly threw our money and did throw our passports back at us and we left. Word to the wise, (or those still reading this lengthy story) when staying in Florence, avoid Pensione Canada at all costs. May be clean, but hands down the worst service around.

Other than this wretched experience, Florence was ok. Boticelli paintings were outstanding, Ponte Vecchio beautiful and we ate our best meal yet: artichoke pasta and rack of lamb.

Next was Siena. Siena is much more our type of town. Much smaller than Florence, less hustling & more friendly faces. We stayed the first night in a basic place, but the bathroom smelled like a pee drenched alleyway. So we spent our second night at Albergo Bernini, which in my book is the best place we've stayed yet. Beyond friendly and helpful service and added bonus : usable kitchen and terrace with views. We did less sightseeing in Siena, more wine drinking terrace lounging. Happiness ensued.

Next we rented a car and sped (italian style - Vince is italian, you know) through small country towns into Montepulciano, a hilltop tuscan town that is known for it's Nobile wine. We stayed on a farm and had a perfectly relaxed time under the tuscan sun. One night we stayed and had dinner made by Mama accompanied by home made wine. The food was glorious - cheese and salami plate, picci pasta bolognese (all homemade, of course), and chicken (from the farm) flavored with fresh pig lard. Lastly for dessert, Vin Santo, also homemade, sweet wine.

After two days of blissful countryside we left for Rome. I'll save that entry for later.

Now, you are all caught up! Heavy sigh of relief, this blog entry is over!!
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Poppies!!!

2009-05-16T05:13:00.000-07:00

Ever since we purchased tickets to Europe for May, I have been fantasizing and romanticizing about the flowers I might see. And people- I've just had a poppy experience! Just as it was in my dreams, they were everywhere in the Tuscan region and their color was absolutely brilliant. It's no wonder they are so prominent in the local art.

* more happy sighs *

Next stop : Roma.

Ciao for now,
Elyse & Vince

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Under the Tuscan sun.

2009-05-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

This is the view from our agritourismo room in Montepulciano. We are staying on an olive grove / vineyard. Giacomo, the son, tends to the farm and Mama makes the grub.

Siamo felici.
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A fine glass of chianti is in order!

2009-05-13T23:50:00.000-07:00

Don't feel like writing - enjoying self too much in Tuscany. See pictures of Florence and Siena to understand :)
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Italian Riviera

2009-05-11T03:36:00.000-07:00

For the past three days we enjoyed la dolce vita of the Ligurian Sea towns. We made Santa Margherita Ligure our home base and traveled both north and south.

S. Margherita L. is a magically quaint town with details painted onto each building. It has a small harbor and a large church. The streets are paved with sea pebbles (laid out into patterns) and every small dog is well behaved. Kona would love it here! (although likely would not sit quite as quietly as the other dogs during sunday morning brunch in the center of town).

We started each day with a cappuccino and fresh buttery foccacia bread (a specialty in this region). But not to worry Rachel, we walked our tushies off! I honestly don't know if my tootsies will make it all 30 days. But I suppose if this is the most of my worries...

One day we hiked through Cinque Terre; a stretch of coast with five picturesque towns. The hike was rigorous and whine inducing but sooooo worth it! Every peak after a 500 step series gave way to perfect coastal views. We trained back to our favorite town, Vernazza, and ate pasta vongule and penne al pesto at the top of the local castle. Apparently the terrain is perfect for growing basil and pesto is another regional specialty.

The next day we walked from S. Margherita L. to Portofino. More amazing views of green lush hills meeting the blue blue sea.

All in all, italian riviera : 2 BIG thumbs up!!

We are currently training our way into Siena with a quick tourist stop in Pisa. We are looking forward to art and wine in Tuscany!

Ciao,
Elyse & Vince
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We've arrived!

2009-05-08T23:53:00.001-07:00

Boungiorno Italia!
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I fell into a farmers market shopper's heaven.

2009-05-08T06:53:00.000-07:00

All my farmers market people - you ain't seen nothing until you've shopped in the south of France. We accidentally stumbled across Aix en Provence's (what I assume is their daily) open air market early this morning. So we pulled up front row seats (at a sidewalk cafe), ordered a café crème and croissants and watched the market unfold.

There were strawberries, asparagus, cheese, spices, beets, peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, lavender soaps, radishes, fish, peaches, honey, etc etc.

We bought the following :
French strawberries that smelled of perfection
Fluffy - yet crisp - green butter lettuce
A deep red (almost maroon) pepper
Salty Greek marinated olives
A bright red tomato
And, the piece de resistance...

MARINATED GARLIC MADE BY GOD, HIMSELF.

It was all so yummy. The strawberries melted in your mouth and the red pepper was juicier than most pears I've eaten. But the garlic was just heavenly.

* happy sighs *
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Eiffel tower - check.

2009-05-07T08:16:00.000-07:00

After an exceptionally long flight, Vince and I arrived in Paris at 10 am local time. We made it, with ease, to our Rick Steve's recommended hotel. It was perfectly parisian! And just out the front door seemed almost fake; a disneyland version of Paris. White shutters and lavender filled window boxes. Old, young and in between lingering over salade printemps and glasses of vin in sidewalk cafes.

All we could think to do was order two baguettes and this made us very happy.

After this we went for a long sauntering walk along the seine river towards the eiffel tower at sunset. Très romantique! Followed by an amazing dinner (eggplant ravioli and spring salad with warmed goat cheese and bread, of course), a glass of côtes du rhone wine and another walk, this time down the Champs Èlyseè.

Paris, in my opinion, is a very unique city and I appreciate all of it's feminine details.

Lastly, this morning we had a cafe crème and a pain au chocolat. Oh, and another baguette...

We are currently sitting on the train heading south to Marseille. The french countryside is quite beautiful: rolling green hills, patches of bright yellow mustard blooms, an occasional cow and dabbled with country homes.

We are thinking of staying in Aix en Provence. But then maybe we'll just go straight through to Portofino. Suggestions?

Ciao for now.
E&V

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Bonjour Paris!

2009-05-06T03:11:00.001-07:00

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2.5 hrs later...

2009-05-05T15:39:00.000-07:00

We've been sitting on this plane on the runway in a thunderstorm for nearly 3 hrs. While you've been charming Charlotte - I'm ready for paris.
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Humble beginnings

2009-05-04T20:08:00.001-07:00

756 pm - el segundo, Los Angeles.

Mom & Dad Homel lovingly bid adieu and now we are sitting in our cramped motel room. While waiting for greater (european) adventures to come, we overdose on vitamin c.

Additionally, Vince has just realized that we are leaving for a whole month and is practicing his mantra, "keep cool".

The next blog will surely be more interesting.

Ciao
E & V
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It's only a month...

2009-04-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

But i'll miss our morning snuggle with kona!

Test 3-4

2009-04-28T18:38:00.000-07:00

More preparation for our upcoming trip. Now posting via email vs. text! Free blogging!
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2009-04-22T00:04:00.001-07:00

test 1-2; test 1-2

2009-04-21T23:11:00.000-07:00

I have recently purchased a crackberry.
And it truly is addictive, but before you judge -I bought it for you.

Yes, you.

Let me explain...
As my faithful four readers know, I am about to leave for italy and I
can tell that you need to follow my every exploration, meal and
glass of chianti for the month of May! With this crackberry EHo Blogs
will continue on (contain yourselves!).

Okay... I am using the blog to rationalize a frivolous purchase. But
if I do maintain a consistent blogairy while in Italy it should be a
pretty cool thing for myself and Vince to look back on.

Hope you'll be following! We leave May 4th.
Until then, I leave you with a picture from my phone.
(the following entry. Nap time with izze in julian).

Test 1-2... Is this thing even on??

When you take the time to talk to the people standing outside of Trader Joe's...

2009-04-13T22:34:00.000-07:00

You might hear something provocative that you'd never considered.

For example, today I stopped to hear what the GreenPeace guy had to say. He riddled me this:

"Do you know what is inside a box of Kleenex?"

I thought, "Duh, tissue" - but shook my head.

"90 years of ancient forest tree growth.

Now doesn't that just sound ridiculous?!"

YES! Yes, it does! And, NO - I didn't know what was inside a box of Kleenex! I am by no means perfect and there are many ways I could go more green. But when I heard this, I was appalled. I had never thought about what it takes to fill my funky green/brown box of aloe Kleenex.

I found this guide from GreenPeace.org and thought I should share it with you. I felt guilty after listening to GreenPeace guy's speech and not being able to sign up for the monthly donations he was after, but if I get just one person to consider buying alternatives to Kleenex than I have done my good deed for the day (no?).

Guide:

Click on the image to make it larger, or just go here (yes, click me).

In addition, check out GreenPeace.org for more information on this issue and others.

So... How do your paper products rank? (Mine all pretty much suck. I will have to use up and move on to other products).

Crazy Madness Busy Life

2009-04-09T19:11:00.000-07:00

I can't remember the last weekend which I had no social or other type of obligation. The past six weekends in a row have been madness! So forgive me my dedicated blog readers. But alas, we catch up.

The activities that have caused my dog excessive anxiety due to loneliness:

(1) Visiting UCLA for grad school

(2) Izze's 1st birthday party

(3) My brother's wedding in Julian

(4) Annual Borrego camping trip with Bree & Gian

(5) Visiting Boston for grad school

(6) MS Walk / Nella's 5th birthday party

I have been admitted to UCLA's Graduate School of Public Health.

Earlier last month, Vince and I went up to visit and learn more about the program.

It is a much larger program than I'd like, but let's get real - LA has lots of health problems and a very large department of public health. Going to this school will have loads of benefits - if I so choose...

The next weekend, we attended my youngest niece's 1st birthday bash.

She ate all the sugar in sight, and looked adorable while doing so!

The following weekend my brother got married.

It was the most magical wedding I have ever attended.

The love was infectious and made for a very happy ceremony and reception.

I couldn't be happier to call Erin my sister. In all my 24 and a half years, I've never seen my brother happier than he is with Erin. I often describe them as very balanced. They are a couple to look up to and a love to admire. Congratulations you two!

The following weekend we went on our 2nd annual camping trip to the desert with Bree and Gian. We LOVE this ritual and hope it continues into our old age.

The following weekend we ended up in Boston to check out BU's Graduate School of Public Health. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Boston, but it didn't feel like home (of course not, it's not San Diego - but it didn't even feel like a temporary home). This and the fact that UCLA rocks the socks (or should I say "sox") off the program at BU, likely means we will not end up here - sorry Terriers. But while in Boston we ate chowda, walked the whole city, and learned how to leave off the "r" in words, such as "hahvahd". A good time was had by all.

And sadly my friends, I have no photos of the MS walk or my oldest niece's 5th birthday party.

The MS walk was super fun, and I hope to be telling you all about more fundraisers to come.

And, it must be said, that Annella had an "Olympic" themed party and my sister reveled in the fact that this allowed her to played the cheesiest music known to man.

We truly have had a crazy busy life, but the fun does not end there.

To come:

(1) Easter weekend

(2) Gina (Anthony (Vince (my boyfriend)'s brother)'s girlfriend)'s baby shower.

(3) Seattle friends come into town

(4) We leave to Italy for the month of May.

(5) We up root our San Diego lives and move away (TBA) for grad school.

Until then my bloggies, see you in the cyber-sphere.

Two Peas in a Freaky Pod

2009-04-07T18:04:00.000-07:00

As I was sifting through some old photos I found these.

I started laughing and it reminded me of one (of the many) reasons I am in love with Vince; he is always making me laugh, even if it's just stupid humor.

*As a disclaimer: he never reads my blog, but if he does -sorry!

We really are two peas in a freaky pod.

Life without Siblings

2009-03-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

My siblings love to blog about life before I came along.

Here is Rachel's blog about how great her family is and what a sweet trip she took down memory lane. Only one thing missing... ME!

Here is Nicole's blog about how cute looking my sibs are and how lovey-dovey they can be, WITHOUT ME!

I do have to give them a little credit because in retrospect they mention my name, but seriously folks - it is time I did a blog about how great I was as a youngin', excluding any pictures with siblings (actually just my sisters, my brother does not have a blog where he can post about life pre-E).

Here are my parent's just before they found out their little miracle was on the way.

Can't you see the twinkle?

Here I am with my Dad and my brother Todd.

Todd made me a special hat for the day I came home from the hospital.

I have such a sweet brother - who, by the way, is getting married this weekend to an AMAZING woman. Very happy for them!

Here I am peering over my mommy's shoulder.

So happy I am.

"The best things in life are free.
But you can give them to the birds and bees.
I want money."

Here I am with Dr. Watson Sprinkles of 12487 Kingspine Ave.

In a stunning performance of..... Don't remember the name of the play.

With Mamalene

7th Grade, School Photo.

Muirlands Middle, but representin' SR.

High school with OMo at a regatta in Long Beach

Senior Picture...

High School Graduation

My Senior Presents

I have to say, quite the stunning life I led/lead.

But really, it was such a task to find this many photos without my siblings. In most the photos I have, I am surrounded by them - and that's just how I like it! My siblings are everything important to me. And my life without them would be dull and void of the most special friendship I have.

So, to finish on a much less selfish note:

Here's a classic pic of all of us Homel kids.

Love you sibbies.

EHo Blogs... somewhere else

2009-02-19T23:35:00.001-08:00

I did a guest-posting on my sisters blog.

CHECK IT OUT!

2009-02-17T21:00:00.001-08:00

Last video for a while. I PROMISE!

"Mi Lelolai A Mi Yaweh" Carlos Olmeda

Carlos Olmeda

2009-02-17T13:37:00.000-08:00

For my brother's 30th birthday, Erin (his fiancee) arranged to have Carlos Olmeda play at my parents house for his party. Carlos is a local San Diego acoustic musician and plays lots of different styles of music. At any rate, it was so super cool and I cannot get his song, "Power and Motion" out of my head.

Videos to keep me entertained on a rainy day like this:

2009-02-16T15:11:00.000-08:00

I am a bit bored on this drizzly day in San Diego and slightly irritated at my inability to be productive on my day off from work. But what better a way to be completely unproductive than rummaging through YouTube.

Thus, here I am sharing a couple of videos with you.

This video makes me laugh especially hard these days because my niece Annella recently had some dental work done and they consciously sedated her. When she called me to tell me about her experience she was a bit silly and carried on about how brave she is, both at the dentist AND in the dark. Brave, indeed. Anyway, there is something almost wrong about watching this poor kid below freak out on laughing gas, but enjoy!

This next one shows my maturity level:

personally, my favorite part is the very last low note.

You may have already seen these videos, maybe not. But these and others are what I have accomplished today. Oh! And I brushed my teeth.

Difficult Life Choices

2009-02-09T20:58:00.001-08:00

I have a bit of a dilemma.

But let me start at the beginning:

Vince and I bought tickets to Paris! ... !!!

Now, this maybe be a bit confusing if you know us, because we have long been planning our getaway to Italy. And we are still going to Italy - it is just that I found round trip tickets to Paris for $500. So we are leaving May 5th and coming back on June 4th, all via Paris. I am so incredibly excited I cannot adequately describe with words how I feel. I am sure that this extended vacation will be one to remember for quite sometime.

We've decided to rent a car and drive downward into our destination country. And alas, you are up to speed with my dilemma.

I cannot decide which is more appealing -

Do we drive due south and hit up wineries, beaches, sunflower fields and perfect food in the south of France? Then meander through Monaco and arrive in Italy?

OR...

Do we cruise through a chateau or two, stop in Dijon, sip on some burgundy and then take a sharp left and wind downward through the Swiss Alps?

I understand that, regardless, it will be beautiful and full of culture.

But I NEED your advice my faithful readers! Which way would you go?

Favorite Things

2009-02-03T17:43:00.000-08:00

I am about to reveal a secret.

I like to blog stalk.

If I'm being honest - I have likely read your blog if it is featured on my: (1) sisters' blogs, (2) my friends' blogs, or even (3) a friend's facebook page. Ok, I will even occasionally use the "next blog" tab on blogger and flip through entirely random blogs and learn all about an Indian-English woman's favorite food to cook for her family of four. This admission of guilt does not even account for the blogs I have found through google - this is normal behavior. Can someone please define "normal".

[sigh of relief] I do feel better admitting it publicly.

This all being said, I once (I'm lying, about three times now) saw on my sister's friend's blog a "favorite things" entry. I loved the idea and I will now plagiarize.

The following things are items I am super into right now and fill me with happiness and bliss:

I've always loved a good cup of tea. I like to wake up to a cup of black tea and cream and go to bed with a full tummy of chamomile and honey.

(Since I am working on not lying in this entry - I also am addicted to my daily morning cup of joe).

But lately I have been especially into Genmaicha.

Genmaicha is green tea combined with roasted brown rice. You know when you go into a Japanese restaurant and they complimentary serve you tea? And it is toasty, earthy good?

That is GENMAICHA!

It is perfect for a mid-afternoon buzz to keep you going through the end of the day.

My sister Nicole gave me her recipe for Veg Chili and it is rockin' good. The best part of it is the Soy-rizo. And, reader, if you are so interested I bet I could get permission from my big sis to share the recipe to a select chosen few. But here's what I seriously love about my new found friend, Soy-rizo. It works in everything! From breakfast (eggs, soy-rizo and potatoes) to a mexican style pasta dish to the world famous chili. I suppose I could just use real chorizo - which I have never cooked with before - but I am too caught up with soyrizo. Anyways, this new discovery of mine is easy to find (at my local Trader Joe's), holds up well in the fridge and tastes damn good.

I first learned the benefit of tea tree oil back in my freshman year of college when I pierced my nose, then habitually picked my nose, and then got an infected pierced nose hole - ew. But some habits are impossible to break! So, my ever-so-herby sister (same one as the soyrizo chili sister) told me about tea tree oil and it worked - it healed my nose wound (it has long been known for its antiseptic abilities). But I just found Desert Essence's Tea Tree shampoo, conditioner and face wash. Needless to say, I am full of body and glowing like an angel (no I am not getting paid by Desert Essence, although maybe I should).

My pores seep garlic. But don't feel bad for Vince, his do too. We eat a crap load of garlic and our favorite way is roasted - with a freshly baked baguette, brie cheese and a glass of good red wine (or 2 buck chuck, who am I kidding?).

I guess I am revealing a couple secrets on this blog entry. I LOVE TWILIGHT! I have stolen the whole series from my sister and am half way through New Moon.

I cannot get enough of Edward and Jacob - oh and even that main character Bella. I am not normally for cult following cheesy teen books. But really, there is a reason it is so popular and I fell victim (and it feels so good....).

And that, my dear readers, is a list of things I love.

I almost forgot one more thing (woops).

One of my favorite, most loved past time is reading BLOGs!

What are your favorite things?

Is it worth your efforts?

2009-01-22T12:42:00.000-08:00

So with a nudge from this person and push from that person I decided that maybe I should really post something on this blog of mine. I have an affinity for changing the background (you might, but probably had not noticed), but have yet to write anything of substance. I have a couple of beliefs about blogs which has inhibited me from blogging for myself. They include, but are not limited to: (1) a blog entry should contain interesting or entertaining content, (2) if it lacks interesting content, then it absolutely should contain pictures. While the best kind of blogs make sure to have both of these, I'm not sure my blog will have either of these.

I created a blog

2008-08-11T23:44:00.000-07:00

And entered a post!

So, my blog looks pretty... but do I have anything worthwhile to blog about?