Basil Tomato= So Yummy!

Today the weather in Iraq is cloudy, rainy, and cold. 

The perfect addition to that would be some hot soup, a big blanket, crackling fire, and some good TV.  I could supply myself with all that if I was at home but one thing I didn't have was a really good tomato soup recipe.  I knew it couldn't be hard to make and there wouldn't be any since in eating that sodium induced canned stuff when I could make something way better just as quick.  I'm not big on tomatoes but one thing I have always liked is tomato soup.

I found this super easy recipe at All Recipes.  I will for sure be giving it a shot when I get home.  Mix up a big batch of this and some gooey grilled cheeses ooohhh my it sounds so good I can feel it warming me as I type. Hehehehe As soon as I make this I will be sure to post a review of how great it is. 

Basil Tomato Soup

Ingredients
2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
18 fresh basil leaves, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup butter or margarine
Directions
In a large saucepan, bring the tomatoes and broth to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add basil and sugar. Reduce heat to low; stir in cream and butter. Cook until butter is melted.

Stay warm or cool where ever you are and have a safe and Happy New Year!

Tuesday's Travel To Do- Switzerland

For as long as I can remember I have longed to go to Switzerland to ski the Alps . Now as I have grown older I sort of figure that there is more to Switzerland than just skiing and winter wonderlands so this week’s TTTD is…you guessed it, Switzerland . LOL I’m going to show you why Switzerland is a great place to visit no matter the season. The below picture was Bing’s background image about a month ago and provoked me to feature Switzerland on an upcoming TTTD. I figured this week would work before I head off into the sunrise on my Egyptian adventure in 12 days.

 This is the famous Chateau de Chillon that sits on Lake Geneva. Isn't it breathtaking?

Fast Facts:

• Capital- Bern
• Official Language (s) - German, French, Romansch, and Italian
• It’s known around the world for being neutral and hasn’t been in a state of war since 1815
• Zurich and Geneva are two of the largest cities
• Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world 

The below is a piece I grabbed from Lonely Planet. I wish I could right this good, awe maybe one day.

Known as a summer and winter sports paradise (just look at those glistening white 4000m-plus Alpine peaks and glittering lakes), Switzerland is where people first skied for fun. Illustrious names evoke all the romance and glamorous drama of the mountain high life: Zermatt, St Moritz , Interlaken , Gstaad, the Jungfrau , Verbier and more. Cities like Geneva (the most cosmopolitan), Zürich (the most outrageous), Basel and Lausanne heave with heady artistic activity and sometimes incendiary nightlife.

Zermatt

Gstaad

Beyond the après-ski chic, edelweiss and Heidi lies a complex country of cohabiting cultures. It not only has four languages(Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansch), but the cultural variety to match. You could be chomping on sausages over beer in an oom-pah-pah Stübli one day and pasta over a glass of merlot in a granite grotto the next. And if over-indulgence becomes a problem try one of the country's thermal baths, from Yverdon-les-Bains to Scuol.

The grandeur of the finest churches, such as the cathedrals in Lausanne and Bern , contrasts with sparkling but lesser-known treasures like the frescoes of Müstair or the abbey complex of St Gallen (both World Heritage sites).

cathedral in Lausanne



cathedral in Bern

The list of enchanting towns is endless: from Lucerne with its covered bridge to Neuchâtel and its fountains; from Gruyères with its cheese and Grimentz with its traditional timber houses to the sgraffito-blazoned buildings of Engadine towns like Scuol and Zuoz.

 

Whether visiting the remotest Ticino villages or sampling the finest of Valais wines, you'll find Switzerland a chocolate box bursting with unexpected flavors.

Basel

Bern

Zurich in the summer

So either pack backpack and walking stick to head out and see the country during the summer or pack your ski suit and hit the slopes in the winter, either way GO THERE and maybe I'll see you!

Things that.....

I can’t believe that 2010 will be over in a mere 3 days!

Where did the month and the year go? This year has literally flown by and I have done some many cool things this year.

Looking back they seem just like they happened last month but in reality it was MONTHS ago. As hoped 2010 has been awesome and blew 2009 out of the water.

2011 is going to be even better I can feel it.

 

Things that made 2010 AWESOME 

1. Learned how to be ALONE and enjoy just being with me
2. Started the year off with an unforgettable Thai adventure with my favorite cousin
3. Got my dive certification
4. Read A LOT of books and have many more to get me through 2011
5. Was a bridesmaid for one of my best friends
6. Got hooked on True Blood
7. Made a couple new friends that I know I will have for a lifetime
8. Bought my second home and all new things to furnish it
9. Tried a new, well new to me, fruit called atemoya
10. Got a puppy and even though I haven’t “met” him yet I know he’s so awesome
11. Turned 24
12. Had an AMAZING year

Things I’m looking forward to in 2011 

1. Starting the year off right just like 2010 by traveling to another unforgettable destination….Egypt
2. Settling back into regular life in my new home and new town
3. Getting to know the personality of my puppy adorable Herc and spoiling him even more
4. Spending cherished time with loved ones
5. Cooking some really great food
6. Heading back to school to finish up my degree
7. I’m most looking forward to what life will bring me after Iraq ….so stay tuned

An Army of Snowmen

Movies & Metaphors

A few days ago I went to grab some movies I had been dying to see and I got the ones I wanted except for The Tourist, it was all sold out. I also grabbed a huge amount of candy and planned on popping around to Vin’s room for a visit and maybe a funny movie. After work I grabbed all my goodies and headed out.

Just look at all that sugary goodness.

A funny story….the other night I was talking to Vin on instant messenger and after we were done talking I told him I was off to bed and I would talk to him another day. He was like yeah ok I’m going to put up some Christmas lights in my room. I thought ok that’s cool. So while we were talking the other night before our movie he said oh let me turn on my Christmas lights. When he plugged them in and I saw the finished product I was a tad surprised. He bought a strand that was really long but only had about 20 bulbs on it. It’s just a little strip of lights that ended up stretching just across the wall maybe a foot. LOL It was hysterical and he was very disappointed. He was very excited to buy them at the PX and thought he was going to string them up all throughout his room and sit in the dark with only the glow of the lights. NOT what happened but they were still pretty.

After a visit we watched the latest Jackass 3D movie and it was hilarious. I headed on home afterwards because I was tired but once I got there I was wide awake and had to watch Black Swan. I had been waiting and waiting for the Hadgi shop to get it and I am so glad they had it. It was a bit on the dark side but it was so good and now I’m dying to go to the ballet and see a performance.

Another great movie that I bought and watched yesterday during work is Life as We Know It.

OMG! It was awesome!

First off I love Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel is HOT. Then they are so funny throughout the movie. Last it is so sweet and just amazing. I almost cried at my desk. It’s a great story and a great movie. If you haven’t seen it then I HIGHLY recommend that when it comes out you rent it.

On a different topic, I have heard a few hilarious metaphors lately and I have to share.

The other day I was leaving a conference meeting and a co-worker and I were having a conversation when he said that whatever we were talking about was like a (ready for it because after you read this there are going to be no more words….YES it’s that AWESOME) fart in a paper sack! LOL Is that not hilarious?!!!

Another one was said during one of me and Vin’s crazy conversations…. He said that someone was thick as two short planks! I died laughing I had never heard that before and I think now I’m going to start using the word thick (as in not so smart) just so I can use that phrase.

Anyways just thought I would share a few comical phrases and some great movie recommendations. Since the next week or so is going to mean a lot of relaxation for the most of you.

Not me unfortunately but what is very fortunate is that

I ONLY HAVE 14 DAYS LEFT

before I go to Egypt. I received all my hotel information for the places I will be visiting in Egypt and I have to say I am very pleased and I can’t wait to see them in person especially since my first hotel is in walking distance of the pyramids.

 I can’t wait to walk like an Egyptian.

Christmas Traditions

Merry Christmas everyone!

I hope you all have a lovely day with your families or whoever you get to spend your day with.

Mom sent me a few pictures the night before last of her tree and all the presents under it. It got me to thinking about all the things that, over time, have become traditions in my family.

• Every year on the morning of Christmas Eve we always get together and have a BIG family breakfast. Everyone comes and with my Dad being the baby of 7 there are a lot of people. Most of the cousins are married now and have kids of their own and it’s a great time for our entire family to get together and enjoy each other’s company for a few hours. Not to mention all the great food that is to be eaten. My favorite is the hot chocolate made from Hershey’s cocoa and my Aunt Hannie’s homemade cinnamon buns that are AMAZING.

• Putting up the tree has become one of my personal traditions. I mean yes I know everyone puts a Christmas tree up so how is that a tradition. Well, to me it’s one because I love it so much I always help my mom put her tree up as well as mine. I am usually the one begging her to get all the stuff out and we will do it because by this time I’ve had my house decorated and ready to go for the past week. Hehehe Not only do I love putting up trees but outdoor Christmas lights have always been my favorite. I remember when we were little my parents would load us all up and we would drive around looking at all the pretty houses all lit up. I do the same thing now and I love for my house to be decorated.

• Watching White Christmas is something that my mom and I started only a few years back but I instantly loved the movie and it quickly became a tradition. Last weekend my mom texted me…”guess what I’m watching” I had no clue but she soon told me it was White Christmas. She assured me that we would watch it together once I got home in January.

• Shopping for gifts for everyone and wrapping all my newly purchased treasures is a lovely past time of mine. I can’t keep surprises at all but at Christmas I usually do a pretty good job of waiting until Christmas to spill the beans and force everyone to unwrap their goodies. I am always WAY more excited about everyone’s gift than they are! LOL

• I have no clue how long this tradition has been alive but I know that as long as I have been at home we have done it… the candle light ceremony at church. The Methodist Church always has the candle light ceremony on Christmas Eve and I love going. The entire church is dark and only the light of everyone’s candle is shining while we all sing Christmas songs and listen to a short sermon. This was a hard one to keep alive after my grandparents passed because they were the ones who really held that tradition together. We all still go but for the first couple years it was sad and always reminded me of them. I am glad that now I can think of this as a happy tradition and something I always plan to keep alive.

• I can’t forget about cooking Christmas dinner. I love cooking and Christmas is a great time to make all those comfort foods and just overload on goodness. I plan on doing this one when I get home in January just to make up for all the ones I have missed and to have an excuse to have EVERYONE over to my house and cook loads of yummy food.

All these traditions have fallen off my radar for the past 3 Christmases only because I haven’t been home. I love doing all these things and I can’t wait to be home next year and do all these plus maybe even start a few more like baking cookies with my nieces.

Again Merry Christmas and get ready for 2011.

I have a feeling it’s going to be an AWESOME year.

Winter Wonderland

Christmas Magic

Tuesday's Travel To Do- Mr. & Mrs. Globe Trot

Ok so I have been super busy at work and a bit uninspired lately so this week I am going to leave you guys a link to go check out an adorable newlywed couple that is on a travel spree.  You can read all about their 6 month long honeymoon here.  They are about 2 or 3 months into it now and I love reading about all their adventures. 

I mean how awesome would it be to travel all over the world for 6 months with the one you love and experience so many new things.  I would love to do that. Heck I would love to just travel around the world for 6 months no matter who I'm with but with my significant other would be even more special!  I can't imagine all the fun they are having together and how much closer their bond is going to be after this.  Not to mention all the wonderful memories they are making. 

I love traveling and if you ever have a chance to do some you should never pass up the opportunity because it may never come around again.  I guess that little bit of advice can be used for any opportuinity not just a travel opportunity. Mia, my cousin, is planning on doing a study abroad program this summer and she has graciously invited ME!  I really hope I can go or just take a risk and do it no matter if I have to quit a job LOL.  I would so do it! Just as long as we stay away from the scooters or really any two wheeled type of transportation. ;) 

I am so glad my vacation is less than 3 weeks away :o because after reading about their travels I have the itch bad.  I hope Egypt is ready to scratch it. Hehehe  I can't believe that I am going to be visiting the pyramids and all sorts of other ancient awesomeness.

What's happened to me? I'm a wanderluster and I LOVE IT!

Don't forget to head over and check out Julia and Yuriy.

Merry Christmas

My 24th Birthday Celebration Iraqi Style

Last Thursday, the 16th was my 24th birthday and I had a great time celebrating with friends. This was my 3rd birthday in Iraq and this one was BY FAR the best. I had so much fun hanging out with my co-workers and closest friends away from the office. It was a really relaxing night and there was a lot of laughter shared among friends.

Initially I wanted to go bowling but about a week before I changed my mind because I would have rather relaxed and visited with everyone rather than be involved in some activity. Plus bowling is a tad expensive. I decided that I wanted to go out to the Turkish restaurant and sit outside around the fires they build every night. This was a great hit with everyone else and they have different restaurants out there so everyone could get something they liked. We left out around 7:45 and once we found an empty fire and got everyone situated we ordered our food. Vin, Chris, and I all had Chinese and of course it was D-lish, Dustee and Jas got pizza from the Mediterranean restaurant and others got food from the Turkish restaurant. Shenelle got a cake from the PX and we topped all that with some hookah smoking. All in all it was a GREAT night! Dustee and Jas left early because she had to pack since she was leaving the next day but the rest of us stayed until after 10. I got some really sweet cards and Wayne gave me a rubik’s slide. I have been so busy with work so I haven’t got to play with it yet but I am sure it’s going to be very entertaining. I am so thankful that I can have a great time and enjoy myself around great people while I am away from home and my family during such a special season. Thanks for everyone who contributed to making my birthday so special. I will remember it forever.

I even had a birthday headband that Chris gave me a couple weeks ago. I thought it looked so cute and gave me a special factor LOL.

Good times with great friends that I will stay in touch with for the rest of my life. I love these guys!

It's going to be a bit of a picture overload but I had so many good ones and I wanted to share so bear with me.

Birthday wishes from the gang.

Vin had to take a picture of my lovely birthday chariot. LOL

Happy Birthday to me it was a great day!

Herc at Nana's

This weekend my mom babysat Herc and they had a BALL! ;)

My mom sent me this picture last night and said that Herc loved Averie's Dora chair.  Averie kept dumping him out of it and then he would crawl right back into it.  I can't wait to meet him he sounds like he has so much personality and is super playful.  I was on the phone with my mom yesterday morning and she had taken him out to use the bathrooma but he wanted to play instead.  I heard him barking and it was so cute.  I can't believe he is so big at only 9 weeks!

Happy Monday!

Day 29, 30, and 18 Hour Days

I feel like I haven’t blogged in FOR-EV-ER.

My boss left to go on RR on Friday and it wasn’t even 9 o’clock before I got slammed with a huge project that had to be done by close of business on Saturday. Needless to say I enlisted the help from my co-workers but I had to work until 10 Friday night making it a 16 hour day and then an 18 hour day on Saturday which even went some into Sunday. WHEW!!! BUT I got it turned in on time and correctly so all is well. I am a little worn out and hopefully I will get off early tonight so I can get a goodnight’s rest tonight.

Last night I went over to a friend’s and we watched the classic Home Alone. I watch it every year around Christmas time and it was a lot of fun. We had a hard time finding the movie so in the end I had to download it from iTunes but either way it worked out and as always it was AWESOME.

About a week and a half ago I got some great pictures of our sunset.

Then a few days later we had a major storm that even brought on hail. It sounds like boulders were crashing through my roof when I peeked my head out I saw this. It is so rare that I had to grab a picture.

So to finish up my 30 Day Blog Challenge- Day 29- My Hopes, Dreams, and Goals for the next 365

Well I have done this post previously so check it out here and to add on to it… I just want to live a nice relaxing life and be happy. Having lots of fun night with my friends and family and hopefully traveling a bit.

LAST Day 30- My Car

I have the trusty Corolla S and have had since I was 16. I love my little car and I might be a tink sad when I get a new one.

Ok well now I am done catching up on the past few days but stay tuned for my big birthday post coming shortly. I have to edit a few pictures and get it all perfect but it will be here by the end of the day. HOPEFULLY I won’t have a million tasks in between I mean what’s wrong with these people actually trying to make me work when I have blogging to be done. Hehehehe

Le Mont Saint-Michel

The Bing image for today and it's breathtaking! A little island a mile off the coast of the Normady region in France. I will for sure be visiting here one day.