valentine's day: a holiday for lovers of deliciousness

Ahh, l'amour...  the pinkest of times are ahead of us. No, not breast cancer awareness month (I won't even get started on Susan G. Komen right now...) I'm talking about the day of luuuuuve. at times I get giddy about Cupid's holiday; the excuse to watch gushy movies ("Sleepless in Seattle, I'm lookin' at you, Tom Hanks) and get weird novelty gifts. One year, early in our relationship, Nick gifted me a CD titled, Turn Up the Sexy which featured various "sexy" tunes. And that's how my heart was stolen somehow. Yes, fond Valentine's day memories... Other times though I don't really feel the commercialized pressure to do anything other than share some quality time with loved ones (okay, for the past 5 years mostly just Nick). But whatever Valentine's Day brings me -- flowers, a romantic dinner, a lazy movie-at-home date -- this year at least I know my mouth will be making, oh, sweetsweet love with some red velvet cake sandwiches:

Courtesy of Mintdesignblog.com

Drink it in, let your eyes do the eating... that's it.

While I'm baking and cream-cheesing this scrumptious dessert on the 14th, Nick vowed to tackle the dinner portion of our date. I'm sure whatever he dreams up will be yummy, but if I were planning the menu I'd definitely be considering some of these mouth-watering meals...

Beet Ravioli with Pine Nut Goat Cheese, Rosemary Cream Sauce and Aged Balsamic Vinegar

Yes, it's a bit daring and probably something you've never tried before. But isn't that what romance is all about? Sharing moments that you never have had with anyone, making it all the more special... Aww.
Plus you can cut into heart shapes (this goes for pasta ravioli, too!). I don't know why I'm obsessed with hearts in a Valentine's meal.

Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb

Ever since a Valentine's Day date Nick took me on years ago at the now-closed Todai, I now associate lamb as a romantic dinner meal. I'm drooling just thinking about it.

Wild Salmon with Pearl Couscous and Slow-roasted Tomatoes

I believe fish is always a great option for a light, yet filling meal. Being a Pacific Northwesterner I prefer salmon. (And always refer to a fish guide for what's ecological and safe!!)

eat your hearts out.

and if all else fails, eat a bag full of candy.

blog of the week: me in my place

I was just in the mood to talk about one of my favorite blogs: me in my place because, I don't know, I think everyone (well, mostly my female friends) to check it out. It's a photoblog, so don't expect verbosity here. The pictures speak, and when there are some quick thoughts it's usually worth reading. This is a blog about female empowerment in my opinion. The gist of the blog is this: travel and visit different cities to photograph real women in their homes, apartments, etc. to capture their femininity and personality in their own space. It's sexy in a tasteful and classy way because it's not about sex, it's about sexuality and how different women interpret their own sexuality, embrace it. I mean the blog's tagline kinda says it all,

Real girls in their own place. Not too crazy, just a pinch of naughty.

And I love that. The photographer, Sarah, is based in NYC as an established magazine and advertising photographer but she started this side project to present real women often (way too often) left out of mainstream media. We (men and women alike) adore, and wish, and fawn over women who are shapely and tone, who exude sex and beauty all at once. As a society we just love putting them on this pedestal like goddesses on the Capitoline Hill... Thing is, I think if we realize that by feeding our bodies with good stuff, feeding our brains with good stuff our individuality and beauty will come so easily. Confidence in who you are is sexy. Surrounding yourself with friends, family, and lovers who make you feel good about yourself will make you feel AWESOME, too. I'm sure supermodels are awesome, too, don't get me wrong, but they're just faces and bodies, they're props. Isn't better to be a person? Someone of substance with thoughts, someone who is a reality instead of just an idea of a person (an "ideal" image of a person)? Magazines and media are important, but it's more important to stop and analyze, criticize what you think of those messages rather than just absorb them. So, check out me in my place  for something new.

best friend, i miss you

Dear Best Friend,

I miss you.

I miss you, Samantha. And I miss Ilysia, too. Also, my dog, Nohea, who is now in doggie heaven. All my bitches, you are loved.

<3
Rosin