Birthday Shout out

It's been a month since our last Birthday shout out and I'm telling you now... THERE WILL BE 3 MORE before the end of the year. This one is especially special because it's a Thanksgiving birthday and I can't think of anything more precious and beautiful to be thankful for than a new life. That's what happened 4 years ago.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GABBY!

While working on the "Ode to Pumpkin girl" Collage, I found this picture of me & Mikaela with Gabby when she was just 5 days old. I very clearly remember that day and being so excited to have a new little niece. Because she is part of the 'Katy Crew', we miss out on some big moments like getting her ears pierced, first steps, & first words. It's also difficult to establish a relationship until she starts to remember and recognize who you are. It's nice to have pictures posted on MySpace, Facebook & blogs to feel like you're there... even though you're not. Our "Little Crispy" is growing up so fast!

While talking to Mikaela & Markus today, they told me a bit about their camping adventure with the 'Katy Crew'. Word on the street is that Gabby DID NOT want to celebrate her birthday. No Party... Just presents. If anybody sang to her she would get upset. When Mikaela asked Gabby why, she responded, "I don't want to get old!" Mika told me she broke the news to Gabby by telling her that no matter what... she still turned 4 and is growing up.

Gabby-Girl

I can't believe you're 4 already. Carlo and I think about you all of the time and we wish you were here enjoying your two favorite things: Cheese & Chocolate! I love that you're growing up and enjoying all of the things a little girl should like dancing and make-up! I can't wait to see you again so that you can help me choose my nail polish colors and make "snackies" with me.

We love you and miss you so much.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Yaya & Carlo

Happy Thanksgiving!

I would just like to wish everyone near and far and very Happy Thanksgiving. I think we (Americans) sometimes forget to celebrate it properly because we're too busy thinking about Black Friday & Christmas shopping. It's the one day a year where we get to count our blessings and be grateful for the good and not-so good things that have happen to us this past year. It's my first Thanksgiving away from home but I can still feel the love all the way on the other side of the Atlantic. This year, I just want to say that I'm thankful for EVERYTHING including YOU.... and because it's Thanksgiving, I want to share this video with you.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Restaurant Review: Malibu

Last Friday, We went to check out a "Mexican" restaurant here in Torino that I've heard quite a lot about. Malibu was recommended to me by a few of the students that go to The World. The World is one of many Language Schools here in Torino and that's where I go for my Italian class. I have been craving Mexican food for quite some time so Carlo and I decided now was the time to go. After a rough beginning to the night (that will be in another post) we finally ended up at Malibu. As we walked in, I was immediately comforted by the Spanish speaking lady that greeted us along with the Mexican decor. So far, it was a good sign.

walking into the dining area

That night, since it was our first time eating "Mexican" in Torino, I asked some friends to join us and to help me with my review.

Carlo and I

please excuse my very curly/frizzy hair. it was really humid that evening.

We decided that no one would be better to help me judge than our good friends Florent & Jill. Jill and I met through this blog. She and Florent were living in France before their move to Torino. Jill (who is Scottish) met Florent (who is French) while they were studying in Spain. They met and have been together for about 10 years now. Since they have lived in Spain and in Mexico, I thought.. Who better to help explore this city's restaurants than these two!

Now, maybe I'm used to Tex-Mex food and portion size but Italian way of serving is a little weird to me. Carlo's Carne Asada looked and tasted yummy but I thought they could have served it up with some salsa or pico de gallo.

Flo's fajitas looked delicious but he definitely needed a good scoop of guacamole to make it complete.

Jill's Vegetarian Burrito looked quite tasty but she did say it lacked some flavor.

My Acapulco Burrito was yummy. I would have enjoyed it better if my beans and rice were on the side and if there were more pork and avocado or some other stuff like tomatoes and onions. It also would have been nice if it were not served in bowl with a napkin underneath.

The tortilla chips were good and I wish guacamole didn't cost 7 euros because I would have liked to try it. The service was ok. We got our drinks late, no refill on our Tortilla chips, & no salt & pepper on the table... oh.. and I just realized we didn't get any salsa for our chips.

Overall it was not bad and we'll probably go there again but I have a feeling this place might be the best "Mexican" food Torino has to offer. (but I hope not) There are 2 other restaurants in this city that I want to try to maybe in the next couple of months, I'll find out which one is best.

On a scale of 1 to 5

I give this place

a 3.5

Malibu

cocina mexicana

C.so Regina Margherita, 27

10124 Torino

website: www.ristorantemalibu.com

Dancing With The Stars - Season 9

I have been a HUGE fan of DWTS since the very beginning! It's one show I hate to miss. Since the move, I (obviously) can't watch it like everyone else, but thanks to 2 special people, I can continue to watch on YouTube. One lady only posts the highlights and news regarding the "stars" on the show, the other posts the entire show. I am so grateful for them because this is one show I truly miss and I love being able to watch it with anyone (including my nieces & nephews) and not worry about how "dirty" it is. Ok... some of the dances are a little sexy but... it's the dance, that's what it's about sometimes.

Anyway, this is the 9th season and I think it's the best so far. It's down to the final 3!! I am so excited because it's the first time that I like all 3 of the finalists, therefore.. I don't care who wins!

If you don't watch the show... you're probably wondering who the finalists are. Well they are.....

Donny Osmond

Mya

Kelly Osbourne

I thought I would share with you my favorite dances from these 3 performers. I have enjoyed watching them this year and I am really excited for next weeks Final.

Donny Osmond & partner Kym Johnson

dancing- The Samba

Mya & partner Dmitry Chaplin

dancing- a 70's inspired Samba

Kelly Osbourne & partner Louis Van Amstel

dancing- The Foxtrot

All 3 of these stars have been my favorite since the beginning and I can't wait to see what next week's show will be like. They will have to perform a "freestyle" dance to a song of their choice and those are always entertaining to watch! Another reason I like the show is because they also have different performers singing on the show. Last's night Result's show had one of my ALL-TIME FAVORITE GROUPS..... THE BEE GEES!! That's right... I was born during the Disco Era and The Bee Gees are one of my favorite 70's groups.

The Bee Gees

'You Should Be Dancing'

Dancing With The Stars: The Finale will air next Monday and the Results show is on Tuesday. If you miss it, you can watch it on YouTube.

Fight Against the Germies...

It all started Thursday. I woke up with terrible nausea and sneezing every 2 minutes. I didn't think I'd make it through the morning. I had already planned a lunch with the Sister Missionaries and didn't want to cancel with them. Luckily, I got to keep the appointment but by the end of the day I was exhausted. Unfortunately, Carlo wasn't with me that night. He had a night out with some friends to have dinner and walk around town. I wish I was feeling up to going because it's time for Luci d'Artista. Every year (during November-January), the city turns into a canvas for Artist to display their Light Displays.

This pictures were taken in Piazza San Carlo

(Bert R.- these pics are for you!)

Via Roma

Via Po

The Mole Antonelliana

By Friday, I was feeling L-O-U-S-Y. I didn't do any grocery shopping and I only left the house to go to the Pharmacy to buy some medicine for me to take ASAP. I emailed Carlo and told him to cancel our plans for Saturday & Sunday. I hate being sick and I hope I can get over this cold soon. I want to go out and see the lights and enjoy winter in Torino.

But for now, I'll just have to stay home with my cup of hot milk & nutella.

(and my 2nd box of kleenex in 2 days)

Roasted Peppers

Every time we go to Mamma Adelasia's house to eat, Carlo always mentions that I need to learn how to make (whatever we are eating that night). So, a few months ago, I learned to make one of my new favorite side dishes: Roasted Peppers. (Peperoni Arrostiti) So, I thought I would try to make some on my own and here's how it went.....

I bought 2 peppers... (i couldn't find any green ones- which are my favorites)

washed and dried them.

lined my grill pan with foil and roasted on a Medium/Medium to High flame

making sure to turn so that all sides get charred (this might take a while)

especially the top and bottom of pepper

once they are charred and soft, remove stem, seeds, and all burnt parts (either by peeling or scraping with knife- if it's too hot to touch)

slice into long slices. add olive oil and salt

Enjoy!

Fall colors

This past month has been so crazy that I haven't been able to tell what season we're in. We went from Summer to Fall to Winter to Fall and back to winter in a months time. It wasn't until last Sunday when I was coming home from church that I noticed the beautiful fall colors at the park across the street. Carlo was thinking the same thing because when I got home, we both said (at the same time), "We need to take a picture of the trees."

the park across the street in front of our building

behind our building

After taking our pictures, I thought it would be a good idea for us to go for a walk after lunch and take more pictures of the trees before it's too late. Luckily, it wasn't too cold so we were able to enjoy being outside. We decided to go to Parco Ruffini.

We left about 4:30 and made out way to the walkway/bike path that goes to the park. As we made our way there, it started to get dark so didn't stop to take as many pictures as we would have liked.

Once we got to the park we weren't the only ones who had the same idea. There were plenty of people with their kids, jogging and just enjoying the weather.

This picture is actually not from the park. Carlo passes by this tree on his way to work so, he decided to take a picture of it so we could add it to the blog.

The next morning, Carlo woke up to get ready for work and as he opened the blinds and saw the sunrise, he took pictures of the fog over the city. This balcony faces Superga and on most days we have a clear view of it.

That morning was so clear that we were able to see the mountains from the front balcony of our apartment. (most of the time, it's also cloudy and foggy)