Pet Photos

I recently bought a new camera. To get farmiliar/play with my new toy I took some pictures of the pets in my life. Enjoy!

Brown Butter Gnocchi and Sage

Last night Chris and I both had the night off (WOAH!) so we decided to cook dinner and finally watch the finale of Survivor on the DVR. I really can't believe we both avoided hearing who won for the past two weeks. Anywho... I was searching online for something yummy for dinner and came across this amazing sound gnocchi.  We both love brown butter and Chris is a huge fan of sage so it sounded perfect. It was so simple and DELICIOUS! I'm a little shocked neither of us tried to lick our plates. Here is the link to the recipe.
We didn't use chicken stock, it seemed like that was to be added if you used the squash like she suggested. We let the butter get hot before we put the sage in so it got a nice crisp on it.  Perfectly crisp!
Oh and for all you Survivor watchers...how awesome that Boston Rob finally won!?

Relay for Life 2011

Well some of you may know already because I'm so stinking excited but...Coldwell Banker's Relay for Life team raised $52,335 for the American Cancer Society.  Bakersfield made it to our $2,000,000 goal coming in at $2,000,401.71.  It's been such an honor being the captain of this team. It's an unexplainable, overwhelming feeling having cancer survivors and loved ones of those who lost their battle with cancer thanking me for what I'm doing.  I just can't wrap my head around what an amazing thing Bakersfield is doing in the fight against cancer.  We will find a cure.  I get chills and tears in my eyes just thinking about it all.  I stepped into very big shoes taking over the role as captain and I know I made countless mistakes along the way but I had the best support net, my team, to catch me and pick up the pieces along the way. I can't express how thankful I am for the amazing team we have.  Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.  We did it! Take a week or two to relax but don't get too comfy, we're starting early for 2012 Relay!

Beautiful Things

 At the Catalyst Conference a few weeks ago our group was introduced to a band called Gungor.  They're a Christian band with a very unique sound.  St. John's Worship Team did one of their songs during offering two weeks ago and I was so impressed I had to share.  You'll notice the beautiful vocals of Chris and the beautiful Paige Burzlaff. Enjoy!

Revolve Tour

In June of 2010 my dear friend Paige Burzlaff asked me if I'd be interested in volunteering as a "college coordinator" for a 2 day teenage girls conference through the church known as the Revolve Tour.  I quickly agreed and we started planning.  Well months and months went by and finally this weekend the conference was here! A group of 36 girls and chaperones piled into cars and we headed down to Ontario, CA.  What an amazing weekend! The girls had a blast, not much sleep, but a blast! I was so blessed to be a part of planning this event for our girls.  I even received a scholarship from the Revolve Tour for Cal State.  This organization is making a huge difference in girls' lives!
 

Dad's Birthday Cake

Yes, my Dad's birthday was the beginning of March...I told you...I've been busy!

So, my dad doesn't eat anything bad for him. He had a heart attack a few years ago and since then has no desire to cheat and eat bad. He just doesn't do it. Well he decided this year for his birthday he wanted to have a birthday cake. I was shocked! I make all these cool cakes for friends and family and my dad has never even had a bite. I was so excited that my dad was finally going to get to try the cake I make. So we were sitting at the dinner table and I asked the questions that would begin a feud between the two of us for years to come. I asked, "So, what kind of cake do you want?" Expecting an answer like chocolate or vanilla, he quickly responds, "SMITHS!" Now, if you're not farmilliar with Bakersfield, Smiths is a local bakery. AKA- not my baking! I couldn't believe my ears. I asked him if he was joking and he replied, "Oh, that's right you make cakes huh?" "Yes, Dad, so what kind of cake do you want me to bake you? I'll make whatever you want!" This is the part that really gets me. "Oh, I still want Smiths I just forgot you bake too." Crushed and still hopeful he is joking I tell him fine, I'd order him a Smiths cake but I would make sure they spelled every word wrong. After two weeks of deliberation he finally gave in and let him bake his cake. I know deep down he probably still wanted Smiths but I refuse to have those funny tasting red food coloring frosting flowers in my tummy!

Wine Tasting and Auction

To anyone who still may be out there who even checks to see if I've posted on my blog...Thank you! I'm still alive! I'm sorry I've neglected you.  It's not you, it's me.  Some of you may know, I'm Coldwell Banker Preferred's Relay for Life Captain this year.  For the past three years we've been in the top 10 fundraising teams in all of Bakersfield, and since Bakersfield is the number one Relay for the world... that ranks us pretty high up there internationally as well. HUGE responsibility.  Well Relay isn't here yet, but the hard part is over.  The Third Annual Wine Tasting and Auction.  This event and I have a love/hate relationship.  I was not a fan of the 100+ hours I put into planning and organizing this event (and that's with an incredible planning committee that did SO much work.) I am a huge fan, however, of the $36,000 the event raised for cancer research. I also have overwhelming love for all the planning committee, auction item donors, Motor City Lexus owners and staff, local food vendors, California wineries, and most importantly the hard working people who came out and spent a ton of money for a great cause.  Bakersfield's Relay for Life is Saturday April 30th.  Check out the slide show a local photographer put together of The Third Annual Wine Tasting and Auction!