Wish me luck!

It is so HOT in Vina today. And with all this summer weather, this Northern Hemisphere girl is very confused. Spring in September? I don't think so.

So while I've been trying to stop myself from obsessing over all things fall, I got two jobs. two.
I didn't want to share until I knew for sure, but today I found out that I got both of the jobs that I applied for.

My life is about to get a whole lot more complicated.

Our bike ride this weekend

Happy fall/spring!

Now that X Factor finally premiered last night I can let the cat out of the bag.

Please look out for my beautiful and talented cousin, Kelsey Johnson during the Dallas auditions.

She is an amazing singer and one of the best people I know.

I still haven't been able to watch the episode for myself because it arrives later here in Chile (and I can't find it online!), but please watch it for me and cheer her on!

In the meantime, here's one of her songs that I love the most.

Isn't she cute?

Pedro and I have been out of town with family for the holidays, but here's something for you to chew on in the meantime:

Whatever your fate is, whatever the hell happens, you say, “This is what I need.” It may look like a wreck, but go at it as though it were an opportunity, a challenge. If you bring love to that moment—not discouragement—you will find the strength is there. Any disaster that you can survive is an improvement in your character, your stature, and your life. What a privilege! This is when the spontaneity of your own nature will have a chance to flow. Then, when looking back at your life, you will see that the moments which seemed to be great failures followed by wreckage were the incidents that shaped the life you have now. You’ll see that this is really true. Nothing can happen to you that is not positive. Even though it looks and feels at the moment like a negative crisis, it is not. The crisis throws you back, and when you are required to exhibit strength, it comes.
- Joseph Campbell

Hope you're all having a good week!

Wow. Where did the time go?

While I've been preparing for the feast that will go down in just a few days here in Chile, there seems to be not enough hours in the day. Oh my gaaaah.

Anyway, as a distraction from my sojourn into insanity let's focus on some beautiful things that are making me excited for summer!

I've just come across a lovely blog (rockstar diaries) that make me want to completely rethink my wardrobe. I especially love Taza's (and her husband and baby's) style.

For instance, I'd love to be rocking this swimsuit and scarf combo on the beach (all photos from her blog):

Her hair has me wishing I still had my long locks (and did I mention her bright collection of lipsticks? oh my my):

Also, what would summer be without an arsenal of fresh recipes?

I am looking forward to making some:

Source: ?

Accompanied with some of this:

Source: Mrs. Lilien

Hello, Summer. I think I like you.

Signs of Spring:

1. A little sweet-smellng jasmine flower in my hair all day long (please excuse the big ole' bags under my eyes - it was a long night)

2. A beach picnic with my girl, Ale, despite the crazy wind and long hike. But it was worth it. Especially to eat the jaiba empanadas that we brought along with us. Mmm empanadas.

3. Trips into the beautiful woods full of pines and eucalyptus

4. BBQ's with new and old friends. 

September is a big month in Chile because Sept 18 is the Dia de la Independencia. So really, we celebrate all month long.

5. And last but not least!! New patas! woooo! For all those bike rides along the coast and in the sun (!!)

That's it, folks. Along with lots of ice cream, brightly-painted toes, and warm night air. I love this time of year.

Glickr

Hope you all had a wonderful Monday!

Spring!

I know that this is probably old news to some, but I just recently came across the blog, elephantine, and I can't stop looking at all of the beautiful images and videos that she posts. I am especially loving this video that Rachel posted about her recipe for mojitos, salsa and chips.


mojitos, chips, and salsa from rachelchew on Vimeo.


I'm thinking that if I make some mojitos Spring will finally decide to stick around for more than a few days here in Chile.

Have a good weekend!

Sunday Pancakes

Pepa and I like to reserve Sunday as a day just to ourselves to go on long bike rides, get projects done (finally) or to explore. One tradition that I always loved at my house was making pancakes on a Sunday morning.

This year, when Pepa and I traveled up to the panhandle of Florida for my annual family reunion, my mom was ready and waiting with her new favorite pancake recipe. Oh my gahhhh. They are amazing. Even Pepa, who is not usually one for breakfast foods, liked them too. Pepa approved, people.

A random picture of our FL trip for your enjoyment

So here is the recipe to share with you all, adapted from The Pioneer Woman Cooks, and posted by SmittenKitchen. My middle name just happens to be Mae too, so I feel like this recipe was just waiting for me to find it.

Edna Mae's Sour Cream Pancakes

Ree says this makes 12 4-inch pancakes; I got 8 that were closer to 5 inches

7 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/ 2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream (I swapped some with yogurt when I realized I was short, to no ill-effect)
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Butter
Maple syrup (or perhaps some Cranberry Syrup)

Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-low heat; you want it to slowly get nice and hot.

Stir the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt together in the bottom of a medium bowl. Dump the sour cream in on top and stir it together very gently; it’s okay to leave the texture a bit uneven. Whisk the eggs and vanilla in a separate bowl and stir them into the sour cream mixture, once again, being careful not to overmix.

Melt about a tablespoon of butter in your skillet or griddle and pour the batter in, a scant 1/4 cup at a time. Cook for about 2 minutes on the first side, or until bubbles appear all over the surface [See Pancakes 101 for this and other tips], flipping them carefully and cooking for about a minute on the other side. Repeat with remaining batter.

Serve in a stack, topped with a pat of butter and a cascade of maple syrup.