Raking leaves...

Did you know that raking leaves burns 240 calories an hour?

Good Morning Ojai!

Thanksgiving 2010

I love my family!

Mom, Duke and Nanny

Brother, James and Dad.

Stylish sister, Jennifer.

Mingling.

Nanny, Cousin Allison, Uncle Charles and Aunt Carolyn

Table for 24

Aunt Tricia and Aunt Carolyn

Melissa Good Taste and John, bro-in-law.

Cousin Robert and Aunt Kathy

Jennifer and John

Cousins: Allison and Heather

Reading food blogs...

www.closetcooking.blogspot.com

Read this now! So many good soup recipes! The cold weather has me chilled to the bone and I am so excited!

Enjoy Cupcakes - Los Olivos, CA

Don't they all look so beautiful? I couldn't just pick one. So, I got mini versions of them all! Oh my. I will pay for this one. Terrific frosting, it pretty much tasted like butter - one of my favorite things ever.

Shop 'til you drop...

Back At The Ranch in Santa Ynez and Tin Roof Boutique in Los Olivos are dangerous! Too many cute things. I came, I saw and dropped some dough. There was a sale! What was a girl to do?!

Dos Carlitos - Santa Ynez, CA

Welcome to a totally chic Mexican joint in downtown Santa Ynez. When seated at your table you are greeted with tasty salsa with plenty of fresh cilantro (my personal favorite) a black bean and corn relish next to a basket of fresh chips. Perfect start.

It had been a chilly, rainy day weekend so a nice hot bowl of Pork Pozole really hit the spot. Of course I garnished it with more cilantro to encourage a fresh flavor. The broth was soothing and warmed me up from the inside out. The pork cook have been a bit more tender but that is my only critique. Would have loved a fresh fruit margarita but I was on the road! Maybe next time when I can stay awhile.

Seafresh - Ojai, CA

Looking for a mean bowl of soup? The Carrot-Ginger Soup served at Seafresh is out of this world! So delicious and totally unique. I cannot wait to try the rest of their creations, they are made in house! Yum!