A REAL SATURDAY

Every couple of weeks, Derek and I get one of those "magical Saturdays" where he doesn't have to work and we cram as much as we can into a full day. I remember when I didn't even know what a Saturday was when we first were married. Derek had just started his second, and what most deem as "hell year" of medical school. He spent his Saturdays in the study lounge on campus from about 7 AM - 7 PM, and sometimes even longer then that. We would usually always break for dinner, and sometimes a movie if we were lucky. At the start of his third year clinical rotations, he had completed his first board exam and did not have multiple tests on campus each week. We woke up one Saturday morning in early September of 2011, rolled over in bed to Derek looking at me and said, "So what are we going to do today?" I think my heard skipped a beat! Finally, a real day to play! Now, we balance weekend call at four hospitals, emergency surgeries, and pager that always seems to go off right as we are about to do something fun into most Saturdays. This past weekend, we crammed the day with a trip to the San Diego Temple, Safari Park, beach, and dinner at Old Town. At the beach, we set up our umbrella and just lounged and talked for 2 hours. It was exactly what we needed. These days are the best. They are so needed. Sometimes its a stretch of four to six weeks before this day comes, but it always comes.

VIRGIN SANGRIA

There is nothing more refreshing then mixing up a fun and colorful "mock-tail" to enjoy on warm summer nights. Whenever we head into Old Town for dinner, I am always slightly jealous of the people who are ordering all the pretty drinks from the bar. The other night, I bit the bullet and ordered a virgin drink and man, had I been missing out! It was a special treat to enjoy, but also sparked my interest in how I could make it myself. This virgin sangria hits the spot with it's freshly squeezed citrus juice and cranberry/grape mixture. It's so simple, and makes a big impact when entertaining guests, or just sipping solo on the patio with some roasted mixed nuts. Don't forget to add in the sparkling water for a nice fizz & fancy finish to the fresh citrus of the summer!

WE WENT TO THE COUNTY FAIR

Ever since hearing the phrase "giant turkey leg" uttered out of a fellow co-residents mouth last summer, Derek has literally been counting down the days until the San Diego County Fair came back for the summer. We headed out early Saturday morning and were some of the first through the gate, which was a special treat to have a little bit of time without the crowds. We walked the fairgrounds taking in the sights, smells, and sounds of the fair. We enjoyed bands, watching the rides, and seeing the cattle and sheep judging before falling victim to the delicious smells of the food booths. Kettle corn & fried zucchini were high on my list, but Derek was determined to get his turkey leg. When it was time for the turkey leg to be purchased, I swear Derek was the happiest person on the planet. He was giddy as he walked over to the big grill to hand him his ticket, and the look of victory on his face as he raised it high above his head. I mean, would you check out his face? 

A HOME TOUR: SAN DIEGO 1950'S TOWNHOME

This quirky & charming 1950's townhome has quickly become one of the most favorite spaces we have lived in. From the tiny front porch (and a real address number to boot!) to the narrow staircase leading upstairs, it has just felt like home since the day we moved in. The popcorn ceilings, original wood planked walls, the shockingly bright red bedroom wall, and the embarrassingly tiny kitchen and bathroom fixtures give the home the charm of a simpler time. We have a lot of neighborhood kids who run in the sprinklers every night and play outside on bikes and sidewalk chalk, which just takes me back to growing up in some of the houses my family lived in. It's been a fun change to be in more of a house situation then an apartment, and especially more fun to get used to the quirks of living in an older, but charming, home.

MEMORIAL DAY FESTIVITIES

This past weekend was all about friends, good food, and classic San Diego destinations. It started out by attending a Padres game with a good friend on Thursday who scored free tickets from work. After downing a hot dog each, we snuggled up (it was freezing!) to watch the game. Saturday, I met up with my high school bestie for the best stack of pancakes of our lives and the best conversation. After that, I swung by another favorite to pick up dinner so Derek and I could enjoy a picnic at the Bay for the evening. We also babysat for some friends and had the best time spoiling this little one at Sea World. Her requests were babbled "Elmo Ride & Turtles", so that's what we did. The holiday greeted us with warm weather, but sadly no beach because of a emergency surgical case for Derek. Luckily, we were able to enjoy a BBQ with friends to kick off the start of summer and some of my favorite foods. I would call it a relaxed weekend, which was exactly what I needed after a busy few weeks.

BRUSCHETTA

Hardly anything makes me more giddy and excited when it comes to food then to eat then to treat my taste buds to a fresh and delicious helping of bruchetta. As a child, we would go to Italian restaurants and my parents introduced me to my love of bruchetta. My taste buds would do flips for the crusty bread and tomato and basil topping. For me, this can be a stand alone dish for a light lunch, or served up with grilled chicken for a summer time dinner. That being said, it's so easy to make and includes some of my favorite summer time flavors.