casablanca

Just say it's your favorite film....or at least in your top 5, when Rob asks.

Take my word.

Casablanca

We watched this after a Hollywood Church Community Group potluck at Jesse's.

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au revoir, les enfants

R: "You aren't going to blog about this, right? You fell asleep for the last scene."

S: (No response. He's right. I totally sat still the entire film and read each subtitle and then back stabbed myself by not fighting through the last scene.)

S: "No. I don't even know what it's called."

I have thee worst reputation for sleeping through (sometimes entire) films. Most of the time it is because I am just plain exhausted...other times it's because I don't give a rip about the film.

I liked this film, though. It was interesting, set during WWII at a French boarding school for boys.

After minimal research, we recently watched this:

Au Revoir, Les Enfants

arabesque: a taste of morocco, turkey, and lebanon

Megan & Erin are sweet and surprised me with this for my birthday:

Arabesque: A Taste of Morocco, Turkey, and Lebanon

I love learning new cooking techniques and I am a huge fan of this book already, only have owned it a couple of days. I keep reading it. Last night I made a Lebanese dish. Awesome! I'm excited to try many more recipes from this gem.

charles spurgeon, the power of prayer in a believer's life

This book, from Debbie, is really great. I'm (slowly) reading through it:

The Power of Prayer in a Believer's Life

sweet 16, now 21

My sister turned 21 this weekend.

I remember when we celebrated her sweet 16. She was cute...now she is beautiful and 21.

I like this picture of her. She rarely smiled wide when her braces were on. Anytime I could snap a big grin I did. Also, I like that Dustin is found so chill in the background. He digged her then and gets to marry her this summer...cool.

rob, colorful shot at venice beach

Rob, at Venice Beach.

Couldn't you tell?

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chef cards

Aren't these cards from Becka the cutest? Makes me want to become a chef and cook in Paris...

double indemnity

I first saw this while taking a film class in college years ago....Rob had never seen it (wait, I have seen a classic that he hasn't?)...

We enjoyed it together, last night.

Double Indemnity

birthday/vday recap

It was my birthday last week....Thursday.

It was a sweet day filled with reminders that the Lord is good, He loves me, other people love me, I love them, Rob is creative and I try to be too, my family is thoughtful, pink is nice, dinner dates can be akward....

The day was like this:

• I woke up extra early to decorate a Valentine's breakfast table so that Rob and I could hopefully manage to be orangized enough to sit down for approximately three minutes and enjoy morning, love, each other and coffee. I bought his favorite granola for his breakfast (French Vanilla from WF).
• Only Rob stayed up and decorated a table of his own...on the table I was going to use. The table was the most random, eclectic, creative table of "love", inspired by whatever could be found in our apartment relating to Valentine's Day (oddly enough there are several items to choose from...maybe not so odd, now that I think of it), pink, red, hearts, love (think Beatles), sweet...yada yada. Also, a hair magazine because these strands are dancing their last and some Valentine's cherry candy. How sweet (Rob and the candy).
• I used a different table to set up breakfast.
• We sat together and were thankful for the day, sipped coffee, granola....I opened brithday cards and gifts from my family...they are kind and I was moved and shed some tears. They got me presents that were really thoughtful. Opened some cards from friends and remembered how kind people are.
• Finished getting ready for work and ran out the door (this happens everyday, nothing out of the ordinary).
• Came to work where everything/person was cheerful because it was V-day. I like that. Wish it happened more.
• Megan made delicious rasberry muffins to share.
• Lindsey gave me a yellow and green bracelet.
• Rob and I had lunch together (this is rare and special), but I was feeling blah so our lunch was quick and light.
• My office gave me a small (just kidding, a HUGE) tub of oatmeal cookies, movie tickets and a Starbucks card...very sweet.
• We were graciously and seriously reminded to do all things, including work, to the glory of God.
• I was humbled.
• And encouraged.
• Rob and I headed home after work. He hid a gift for me in the trunk.
• He decided to give it me while we were stopped at a railroad track.
• He put the car in park and got the gift.
• I first opened a card from him and it was a cheesy and weird looking Planet of the Apes card that played music. A little violating, honestly...
• I like Planet of the Apes. I would choose to watch it. It's cool.
• The card, though, was weird.
• Rob really liked the card.
• Really.
• He made me (how crafty) a certificate to this store. Sweet!
• We had dinner here and crepes, here.
• We sat near a couple who hardly said two words to each other their entire dinner. Just sat, ordered, ate...left...maybe akward for them, maybe not...maybe more for us than them?
• It was obvious they had been a couple for a long time.
• We chatted about lots of things and then talked about how there are times you don't have anything to say and that's fine...but I'm glad for the ease and intriguing dialogue Rob and I have always shared...and for the times we don't say much, too, thanks to that quiet couple.
• Came home and Suelynn had this book hidden for me....she also surprised me with an hour massage two days earlier. Awesome!
• I was bewildered I didn't find the book earlier, since it was in the closet for a week and it is very difficult to find a square inch for hiding, since sometimes I feel we live in a hampster cage.
• I continued to receive sweet emails and cards throughout the weekend....like the one you see above from thoughtful Becka.
• I was thankful at the end of the day.
• We watched this. I know...of all things.
• Still, it makes me laugh, shrug and shake my head because I know it inspires Rob...I know...of all things.
• Went to bed, got ready to do it all over again, plus and minus some things.
  

different kind of pizza

Here's an idea:

Try making a different kind of pizza.

Not sure about what you can make?

Peek into your fridge, see what's inside and go from there.

This one has a pita crust, pureed spinach sauce and is topped with pinto beans, green beans and red potatoes...because that's what I had...and that's what I like.

It was heated under the broiler for about 10 minutes.

It was really good for lunch a few weeks back.

Other ideas for a different kind of pizza:

Breakfast pizza: Tortilla crust, scrambled egg sauce with veggies and cheese.

Fruit pizza: Toasted English muffin crust, ricotta with cinnamon sauce with sliced fresh fruit.

Dessert pizza: Wheat crust, nutella sauce with chocolate chips.

Get creative and enjoy!

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happy valentine's day

Happy Valentine's Day!

19 years ago

Me, 19 years ago, with my cousin, Jenny.

i love paris & rob

I was just remembering how much I love Paris...and Rob.
This was us on our honeymoon.

before sunset

The sequel arrived, thanks to Netflix:

Before Sunset

PS - this post is in reference to this.

vegetarian times

I have been a fan of this mag for quite awhile...glad to be a subscriber to:

Vegetarian Times

weekend with madge

Madge came to visit us for the weekend.

We always enjoy our time together.

She and Rob hung out here, we all went here...and then here and here.

We're thankful for the weekend we were able to spend together and look forward to more adventurous trips...and chats over coffee and tea.

esspresso & coconut granola bites AND peanut butter blondies

It's nice to have treats for our Community Groups...but honestly, my fave is just being with everyone.

Last night we enjoyed these espresso and coconut granola bites from 101 Cookbooks, titled Big Sur Power Bars...but if that's what I called them it would leave you very confused...hence, espresso and coconut.

They are good. I like that they don't need to be baked. They can be sliced and wrapped in wax paper or just chopped up in little squares and served in a bowl/mug. You can guess which one I did.

These peanut butter blondies were the first recipe tried from this new book just blogged...here's the recipe:

Peanut Butter Blondies

recipe from the Peanut Butter & Co Cookbook

1 1/2 cups flour (I used a white, whole wheat)

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 cup brown sugar

1 cup natural peanut butter (the book said creamy, all I had was crunchy)

1/2 cup sour cream (I didn't have any and used Greek yogurt)

1 egg

1 Tbs. pure vanilla extract

Mix dry ingredients, then wet, then all together and bake in an 11x17 pan at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Enjoy with milk or soy.

rob's short film update

Rob finished his short film!

I like it...no...I love it.

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ikegami restuarant suggestions

We love living in Hollywood. We love dining here, too...and think you might, also.

So...here is a list we rambled off while in the car today. It includes our favorite places to dine, mostly in Hollywood and is intended to be updated as we continue to try new eats.

I will keep this post as a blog link so you can easily access it in the future if you're ever in the mood to try an "Ikegami Restaurant Suggestion".

Coffee Shops

Groundwork Coffee

What we like: organic drip brews, breakfast sandwiches, healthy snacks

Vibe: simple, indoor/outdoor cafe tables, wireless, across the street from Amoeba's

Keep in mind: street parking, bring quarters

Bourgeois Pig

What we like: french pressed coffee

Vibe: dimly lit, comfy furniture, disco ball, questionable artwork, indoor/outdoor seating, next door to cute shops

Keep in mind: cash only, street parking

101 Coffee Shop

What we like: considerably fresh for a coffee shop/diner

Vibe: 70's decor, jukebox, indoor booths/tables, open late

Keep in mind: Swingers was filmed here...cool, street parking

Intelligentsia

What we like: fancy lattes, loose leaf teas

Vibe: clean, colorful, hip, bring something to read or people watch

Keep in mind: street parking, long line because it's really good

Breakfast & Brunch

Square One Dining

What we like: quality ingredients, tea selection, roasted potatoes, skillet meals

Vibe: earthy, green/yellow walls, indoor/outdoor seating, mellow

Keep in mind: menu changes with the seasons, street parking

Grub

What we like: omelette's, croissant french toast

Vibe: eclectic set up, family friendly, colorful, indoor/outdoor seating

Keep in mind: there is usually a wait, street parking

Millie's

What we like: fresh, lots of vegetarian/vegan options, breakfast burrito

Vibe: small, indoor/outdoor seating

Keep in mind: no cell phones aloud, street parking

Solar de Cahuenga

What we like: tea selection

Vibe: cozy, indoor/outdoor seating, wireless, bring a book/newspaper

Keep in mind: street parking

Alcove Cafe & Bakery

What we like: healthy, vibrant, coffee/teas, vegetarian breakfast panini, fruit bowl, salmon breakfast

Vibe: trendy, indoor/outdoor seating, gourmet

Keep in mind: huge portions, street parking, busy weekends, a little pricier than normal

Mani's Bakery

What we like: fresh, healthy, build your own scramble, coffee/tea selection

Vibe: bright, cozy, indoor/outdoor seating, health nuts

Keep in mind: menu changes often, street parking

The Griddle Cafe

What we like: french pressed coffee, pancake selection

Vibe: the industry crowd, bring newspaper, indoor seating

Keep in mind: weekends are busy, street parking, servings are enormous

Canter's Deli

What we like: H&H bagels, coffee, Jewish pastries

Vibe: Jewish diner, indoor seating

Keep in mind: limited parking

Waffle House

What we like: the breakfast crowd, blueberry lemon waffles

Vibe: very new and clean, two stories, busy Saturday mornings, indoor/outdoor seating

Keep in mind: you might think the portions are small, but they aren't, street parking

American/California Cuisine

Cheebo

What we like: natural ingredients, panini's, vegetable salad, tea selection

Vibe: orange and colorful, mellow, indoor/outdoor seating, wireless

Keep in mind: next door to Guitar Center, street parking

House of Pies

What we like: blueberry pie, coffee

Vibe: it's a diner, good for groups, indoor/outdoor seating

Keep in mind: limited parking needs validation

Charcoal

What we like: roasted veggies, ahi tuna

Vibe: dimly lit, steak house feel, indoor seating, nextdoor to Amoeba Records/Arc Light Theater

Keep in Mind: no website, street parking

Brazilian Cuisine

Bossa Nova

What we like: bife acebolado appetizer, chico's salad, vegetable platter, chicken

Vibe: a little more sophisticated than we anticipated, friendly servers, dimly lit

Keep in mind: street parking, usually crowded, huge menu (anyone can find something)

Tropicalia Brazilian Grill

What we like: Veggie combo, chicken

Vibe: Casual, not as Brazilian as we would prefer

Keep in mind: street parking

Chinese Cuisine

Mao's Kitchen

What we like: healthy Chinese food, vegetarian/vegan options, wild rice pasta, orange chicken, real ginger ale

Vibe: dim, the same film plays over and over and over, mellow, indoor seating, good for kids

Keep in mind: entrees big enough for two or three, street parking and limited parking lot

Kung Pao Kitty

What we like: fresh, kung pao tofu, sesame chicken

Vibe: dim, attracts tourist families, indoor seating

Keep in mind: street parking

Red Pearl Kitchen

What we like: varied Chinese/Thai menu, curried cauliflower, general tso chicken

Vibe: super dim, red, trendy, funky, indoor seating

Keep in mind: street or valet parking, it's very dim, think candles to read menu

Indian Cuisine

Eclectic Lotus

What we like: fresh, naan, tandoori clay oven, curried vegetables

Vibe: dim, indoor seating, busier later in evening, cute shops nearby

Keep in mind: street parking

Paru's

What we like: authentic northern/southern India dishes, curried cream of wheat, sample entrees

Vibe: cozy, indoor/outdoor seating, colorful

Keep in mind: street parking

Curry Palace

What we like: family oriented, naan, balti dishes

Vibe: simple, friendly, indoor seating

Keep in mind: spicy, street parking

Italian Cuisine

Fabiolus

What we like: authentic, avesana salad, gorgonzola pasta, polenta appetizer, gnocchi, risottos, tiramisu,

Vibe: cozy, dim, indoor/outdoor seating

Keep in mind: make reservations, street parking

Pizzeria Mozza

What we like: pizza blanca, gorgonzola potato pizza

Vibe: we sat at the bar at watched the pizza cook in the coal oven, great for groups, some of LA's best pizza

Keep in mind: make reservations.  This restaurant is split in two.  Make sure you know where you are going.

Miceli's

What we like: live vocals/piano, eggplant cacciatore, spinach lasagna, drink selection

Vibe: dim, busy, touristy, family owned, indoor seating

Keep in mind: oldest Italian restaurant in Hollywood, street parking

Japanese Cuisine

Ike Sushi

What we like: sushi bar, fresh ingredients, spicy tuna rolls, avocado rolls

Vibe: crowded, fast, friendly, indoor seating

Keep in mind: limited strip mall parking

Kabuki

What we like: fresh, soba entree, yellow tail

Vibe: trendy, near popular shopping, indoor seating

Keep in mind: it's a chain, covered parking needs validation

Mexican Cuisine

Mexico City

What we like: fresh, chips and salsa, fajitas

Vibe: colorful, family friendly, indoor seating

Keep in mind: limited parking

The Spanish Kitchen

What we like: veggie fajitas, chicken fajitas

Vibe: beautiful tiles, nice lighting, fun for a couple, good for groups

Keep in mind: a little pricier than average, vallet or street parking

Soul Cusine

Roscoe's House of Chicken & Waffles

What we like: buckwheat waffle, chicken, collard greens

Vibe: casual, always busy, soul

Keep in mind: don't customize your order, street parking, indoor seating

Thai Cuisine

Palm's Thai

What we like: fast, pad thai, red coconut curry

Vibe: cafeteria tables, Thai Elvis after 7pm, trendy, indoor seating

Keep in mind: covered parking is not free, street parking, entrees good for family style

Toi Thai

What we like: fresh, pad thai, coconut curry, brown rice

Vibe: rock n' roll memorabilia, indoor seating, busier later in evening

Keep in mind: street parking, not a traditional Thai joint

Pink Pepper

What we like: pink pepper rolls, pineapple tofu, pad thai

Vibe: trendy, earthy, indoor/outdoor seating

Keep in mind: covered parking needs validation

Sunset Thai

What we like: pad thai, eggplant/pumpkin tofu

Vibe: family friendly, traditional, indoor seating

Keep in mind: street parking

Buddah's Belly

What we like: fresh, ahi tuna burger, wok vegetables

Vibe: trendy, dim, indoor/outdoor seating

Keep in mind: more of a fusion joint than Thai

Dessert

Milk

What we like: everything.

Vibe: Cafe, outdoor seating, street parking, casual

Keep in mind: the cafe serves more than dessert, which are big enough for 2 or 3.

blueberry scones

These scones came from this cookbook.

I've never seen photography like there is in this book.

It's different and I like it.

The scones were good, too.

quick caps

This morning my mind was in bullet point mode, listing off different things happening in our lives. Does this ever happen to you? Rob asked if I had slipped anything in my coffee this morning....sure, if soy milk counts.

So here are details of our lives right now...some important and some not so much but they continue to happen:

• My parents gave me an Aero Garden for Christmas...yes, they're kind. I planted it on December 30th and within days there were sprouts from 6 different Italian herbs. This morning there are more herbs than I know what to do with. Cool, especially since I am the world's worst gardener but it doesn't matter because the Aero Garden is like magic and requires no skill....and cool since I do not have a square inch for a garden, anyway...so it's under our desk.

• Yesterday we hopped in the car to go to work and saw that the stoplight before turning onto the 101 was red. I thought, "Darn, we missed it." Rob said aloud, "Sweet, it's almost green." I realized yet again his optimism is something I truely admire and desire for myself.

• Our Community Group played guestures and catchphrase last week. The guys won guestures and the girls, catchphrase. Does this tell us anything about the way men and women communicate?

• It's taking time, but we are making friends in Hollywood who don't attend our church...This is something we pray for so we are thankful. The evenings and weekends aren't the same anymore and we are so, so glad...and sometimes baffeled, shocked, etc. We make alot of funny faces at each other because sometimes we don't know what to say.

• This restuarant is really good. Why did we just figure this out? Oh well. We love Hollywood dining and I think I will create a link on this blog of our faves.

• I am so incredibly thankful for the thermoses (thermi's?) my mom gave me at a bridal shower. I use them every week and honestly, everytime I think of my mom. Cool.

• My hair is medium spice, now.

• Rob is growing out his hair. I like it.

• Our church is connecting with several mercy ministries in Hollywood.

• Megan gave me a bag of this tea to try and it's delicious.

• I've been hanging hooks practically everywhere in our apartment, trying to make sense of things and maybe create some order. I think it's working.

broccoli soup

Soup may be the easiest entre to prepare. Maybe that's why it's one of my favorite things to cook. After a recent Thursday poll (if you haven't noticed, polls are posted on Thursdays) it was decided to post a soup recipe. Deciding on soup was the easy part...mostly because I had nothing to do with the decision. Deciding on what kind of soup (or any recipe, it seems) was the hard part...with so many options and ideas in mind, I avoided making the final decision until I actually needed to. So, I have attempted to compose this post as a "how to"...a concept that I would like to do more often and probaly would if I had an extra arm...it's tricky to be hands on and take pictures at the same time. Rob helped with a few of these shots. He's sweet. This soup isn't. It is, however, very simple to make, very inexpensive and very healthy. It tastes good, too. It serves 4 easily, 5 or 6 if you keep portions smaller (about a cup). It can be made in about 30 minutes....so, if interested, scroll down.

Broccoli Soup

recipe by Sarah Ikegami

2 Tsp olive oil

2 yellow or white onions, chopped

4 cups chopped broccoli (I used fresh, simply because it's in season right now so it's tasting it's best....you can totally use frozen...in fact, that will save you time since frozen comes pre-chopped)

4 baby white, yellor or red potatoes (I used red because that's what I had...you could also use 1 large potato, it really doesn't matter)

3 cups vegetable stock

salt, pepper, to taste

Begin by chopping both onions. You can chop them any way you like but it's best to chop them even in size so they cook evenly. Add them to a pot with the olive oil and salt. Stir occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until they soften.

While the onions are cooking, chop the broccoli.

Chop the potatoes.

Add the broccoli and potatoes to the pot with 3 cups of vegetable stock. Cover, bring to a boil, then simmer for about 20 minutes.

This is what the soup will look like....I know, not very appealing. No worries...it's not done yet.

Remove the pot of soup from the stove and let cool a few minutes. Using an immersion blender (the best investment ever if you make pureed soups or smoothies often), begin blended the soup. Be careful to keep the blade immersed in soup....if you lift the blender up, you will splatter soup all over your kitchen and your glasses....trust me. Keep blending until.....

You have a smooth broccoli soup.

So that's it...pretty easy, huh?

A few notes, if you're interested:

• This soup is very basic. You can easily swap broccoli for bell peppers or corn or your favorite vegetable and get similar results, different tastes.
• Like noted before, frozen vegetables also work.
• You may use chicken stock, if you prefer and if you would like your soup to taste like chicken.
• The potatoes act as a thickener....it is my secret ingredient for a smooth and velvety soup.
• The potatoes keep this soup healthy. You could also use about 6 ounces of siken tofu....my other secret soup ingredient, seen here.
• Not considering health? Use heavy cream, a traditional ingredient and guarantee for creamy soup.
• Immersion blenders are fantastic because you can blend soup right in the pot you cooked it in. No, transfer soup to blender, then to bowl, then back to pot deal. It keeps things simple and makes clean up a breeze. Immersion blenders are also brilliant for smoothies, homemade dressings/dips and homemade peanut butter.
• This soup can be eaten right away, stored in the fridge for tomorrow night's company, or frozen for a quick meal down the road.
• You can garnish this soup with shredded cheese, sour cream, Greek yogurt, cracked pepper or fresh herbs....like dill.

So, there she is. I hope to post more "how to's"....maybe you will try this soup and enjoy it...we did, with panini's and fresh veggies for our Superbowl tradition with Jed and Annie...bummer the Patriots lost....cheers that we got to spend time with friends and family.

groundhog day

All my life I have pronounced it, Groundhog's Day. No one ever mentioned there is no "s" for my entire life. I have probably said it at least 30 times.

Rob's response after my slip-up today: "It's not Groundhog's Day....it doesn't belong to the Groundhog. You don't say, Easter's Day, it's just Easter...."

I looked it up on Google. I stand corrected. How have I gone so long in error? Why didn't anyone ever tell me?

Oh well. Today is Groundhog Day. It's not his day...just a day with the word, groundhog, in it.

All this time.....

Anyway, I'm always reminded of this film on this particular day...that apparently, has little and nothing to do with the animal.

Groundhog Day

that year

Honestly, who would have thought?

5 years ago yesterday, after an emotional break up years in the making, I asked Rob not to have contact with me for a year. I needed some space. If you knew us you knew why.

He pulled out his electronic pocket calendar and typed a reminder for himself. No joke. The nerve.

4 years ago today I told Rob we would never be anything more than "tools" the Lord used in each others lives to teach us difficult lessons about ourselves and relationships....yada yada. Also no joke.

Many things have happened since then...not short of shock, pride, rude awakenings, change of heart, humilty, tears, hopefulness, forgiveness, excitement, reunion....love and marriage.

Hmm. Maybe someone would have thought?

So here we are enjoying Canadian maple coffee at Suelynn's last week.

You just never know. We for sure didn't.