Southwest Salad with Black Beans, Butternut Squash, Corn, and Tomatoes

I just got back from Mexico last last night.  I went to La Paz, which is in Baja California.  My brother and his family is spending several months there, and I went down to visit with my parents.

It was a great trip.  The water was beautiful, it was warm, and I really enjoyed visiting family.  

Tomato and Artichoke Gnocchi

I went to a fun Thai restaurant yesterday.  The restaurant doesn't have a set menu.

Each person pays a set amount, and they serve you whatever they made that day.  They served us multiple  dishes.

Green Beans with Tomatoes, Olives, and Eggs

I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing Fourth of July.  I went to a beach in a neighboring state.  The temperature was prefect, but it was a little too humid in my opinion.

I didn't end up watching any fireworks.  We left the beach too early, and by the time we got back to the city, I didn't feel like making another trek to see the closest firework display.  I'm a little lazy.

Corn, Zucchini, and Tomato Skillet Sauté

I went on a vacation to Switzerland almost two weeks ago.  I ate very while while there.  We had chocolate, gelato, cheese, and loads of other delicious things.

I have been trying to eat extra healthy in the two weeks since I have returned to counteract all the delicious yet unhealthy food I ate in Switzerland.  I have only been marginally successful in this endeavor.  For example, yesterday I topped each meal off with a cookie.

Tomato, Basil, and Feta Salad

I think I'm still trying to hold onto summer with this recipe.  Tomato season is over, but I still don't want to let it go.

The weather this week is supposed to get up to 80 degrees, which doesn't help my body transition into fall.

Tomato, Black Bean, and Corn Salad

Fall is in the air.  It is my favorite season.  I like the crisp weather and the colorful leaves.  I even think the barren leaves at the end of the season are beautiful.  Fall starts getting me excited for my two favorite holidays, Christmas and Thanksgiving.

I'm not crazy about winter, but I can survive it.  I have a electric heating pad I put on my bed and warm winter books.

Tomato Peach Salad with Basil

It seems like fall has started.  The weather is cooler and a little brisk.  At the grocery store today, I saw a few displays with fall baking goods.

I like fall baking.  I'm excited about delicious treats full of pumpkin and apple.  I recently baked some pumpkin muffins, and I anticipate making pumpkin cookies.

Cherry Tomato Salad With Buttermilk-Basil Dressing

I survived my calculus class.  When all was said and done, it wasn't so bad.  I am excited that I no longer have to spend my evenings doing homework.  

If I take another calculus class, I will not take it in an abbreviated six week schedule.  I would prefer a little bit more time to let principles set in.

Koshari

I am going to Vietnam in a little over a month.  I bought my ticket months ago.  I have been planning our itinerary.  The basic plan was just agreed upon last Sunday.

My friend who I am traveling with is willing to go along with whatever I suggest, which is pretty flexible and kind of her.  We fly into Ho Chi Min, but we will be traveling to a few northern cities during our visit too.

Bacon, Chicken, and Sun Dried Tomatoes Macaroni and Cheese

I made this decadent and rich macaroni and cheese recipe during the last snow storm.  There is something about being stuck inside all day because of cold weather that makes me want to eat comfort food.  I nibbled on this gooey goodness and chocolate for two days.

If I lived in a cold climate like Norway I'd probably gain at least ten pounds every winter.  I used orecchiette pasta.  I think it is adorable.  There are many, many shapes and sizes.  There are some I have never seen before, like garganelli, riceioli di sfoglia, and spighe.  I need to spend more time in gourmet grocery stores.