My Mother's Garden

The flowers in my mom's garden are really pretty...but then again, what flowers aren't pretty? Even some weeds can be "pretty." Here are some up close shots:




See the butterfly?


Here's a closer shot:


I can't wait to have my own house and yard. I want to plant a cutting garden so I can have fresh flowers in the house all the time (without having to pay for expensive bouquets). Does anyone have a cutting garden and if so, what kinds of flowers do you have?

Nice/Mean Dog

Check out this "interesting" assortment of goods for sale at Wal-Mart:

How bizarre is that dog? It looks so nice and cute, but did you catch that sign? Granted, it flips and the other side says, "Welcome" but still...

I got a giggle out of seeing it, so I thought I'd share.

Mediterranean Cuisine: Fried Kibbeh

I love trying and eating exotic foods. You get to try some of the most amazing flavors and textures, that you may not have eaten growing up. There's a cute little Mediterranean restaurant near my home that serves some of the most amazing food AND they have baklava, which I have a weakness for (can't wait for the upcoming Greek Festival). I have a couple fave entrees at this restaurant, but last week, I tried something new:

Fried Kibbeh:


The shell of this dish is actually made with ground beef - I mean, it's filled with ground beef, but the shell has beef in it too. Apparently, it can take hours to make these little things, and looking at them, I totally believe that. The manager also mentioned that these are made when you visit someone's house - they're a treat. Well, I certainly enjoyed my treat!

Summer Barbeque Stand

Nothing beats finding one of those "hole-in-the-wall" type places that is like a local secret and true gem of a find. There happens to be a barbeque stand that sets up near my office twice a week. Sure, it's a couple blocks of walking to get there, but the food is well worth it (not to mention, probably warrants it...haha). Here's the barbeque I've been enjoying a tad bit too much this summer:

Can you believe this is the "small" plate?

Giada's Scampi on Couscous

A couple weeks ago, we decided to try Giada DeLaurentis' Scampi on Couscous (click for recipe). It was pretty tasty, but not something to make on a night you want something quick. I mean, I actually think of couscous as being a quick and easy side item, but not this couscous. This couscous was more difficult b/c of the sauce you have to make, then puree, then cook the couscous with. Don't get me wrong, the sauce makes the dish, but I recommend this dinner for a night you want to take your time cooking.


I also didn't use all the clam sauce the recipe suggested, but maybe I should have tried? I dunno...maybe I'll try that next time?