Letting off Steam in a Tiny Texas Town

Texas, a state where the people are as sweet as their tea because their guns are always within reach. Therefore, I feel confident in saying, you have not truly experienced Texas until you have let off some steam firing a few rounds off the bed of a pick-up truck at a bale of hay.

While living in Austin, I befriended one of the sweetest most genuine people I have ever come across from a tiny town in Texas called Flatonia.

Flatonia is an absolutely darling town with a population of less than 2000 people, boasting a total area of 1.6 sq miles. It is a town where everyone knows each other and all the latest gossip in each others lives.

I was fortunate enough to take a day trip out to Flatonia with my friend where her father kindly taught me how to shoot a gun and be safe while doing so. We started out shooting a .22 caliber bolt action rifle, using the tailgate of the truck as a shooting rest. After inhaling deeply, you exhale, pulling the trigger before your next inhale so as to maintain a steady shot. If your sights are locked on the target, and you don't pull too hard on the trigger, you should hit your target spot on. However, the slightest twitch or movement will change the course of the bullet, and therefore change where the bullet will hit the target.

Shooting the rifle was incredibly fun and as our shooting improved we gradually moved further and further back from the bale of hay for a greater challenge. The rifle had a baby kick to it, but nothing truly noticeable. So although the sheer power of the weapon you were holding in your hands was intimidating, it wasn't scary as it was not particularly loud or pushy.

Moving up to a different and more challenging gun, we upgraded to a .357 magnum revolver. There was no shooting rest for this gun. You had to stand, one foot slightly in front of the other, shoulders squared over your hips, with your arms locked. You definitely notice pulling the trigger on this bad boy because as the bullet leaves the gun, the force of the shot sends the nose of the gun upwards, threatening to smack you in the face if you aren't prepared for it. The magnitude of force behind each shot, made my heart race and I had to try and relax in between shots to steady my heart and my hands.

Shooting the two very different guns was one hell of an experience that will remain forever in my mind. After we had each fired our last round, the guns were safely stored away and we relaxed around a blazing fire watching a football game in the background as we talked and drank a beer. I got lost in this fabulously Texan moment, there was no denying that I was in the South and I was loving every minute of it.

Beautiful countryside, a big truck, blazing hot fires, and Southern hospitality. This tiny little town in Texas highlighted all the good things about this massive state while offering an experience I would never forget!

Left my Heart in Santorini

Blue roofs to match the sparkling blue sea scatter the skyline as we take our seats on a fabulous cobblestone wall. The sun has begun to drop in the sky and the crowds are filling in any and all open spaces. Situated with a fantastic view of the legendary windmill we were greeted by the occasional passing donkey on its way back up the winding street.

The perfect destination for either an adventure with a best friend or a romantic get-a-way, Santorini is arguably the most beautiful island in Greece. Boasting both red and black sand beaches to go along with its picturesque cliff-side town, it is hard to take a step without something catching your eye.

Walking through Santorini, your senses are bombarded by enticing cooking and the seaside in the wind. Chow down on a mouthwatering Gyro before being drawn into one of the bakeries which are so tightly packed with freshly baked goodies that you have to wiggle through aisles of baked goods so as not to knock anything over.

The real sensory wonder, however, is Santorini at sunset. No matter what part of the island you are on, the sunsets on this enchanting island are mesmerizing and will capture your heart every time.

I fell in love with Santorini while travelling through Greece with one of my very best friends. Having long since finished our island hopping tour of Greece, I have been longing to go back ever since.

If you ever find yourself faced with the opportunity to go to Greece, do not hesitate. Make the time to see the islands and whatever you do, don't miss out on Santorini!

Escape to Italy Without Leaving Your Home

A relaxing weekend at home. A rare and welcome occurrence. Though happy to have no where to go and nothing to do, I am constantly thinking about what is next, and where I will end up. Finding myself day dreaming about going back to Italy, I decided to have an "Italian" weekend drinking Italian wine and cooking Italian food.

Of all the food, I have tried in the world, Italian is by far my favorite. As a person who loves to cook I have several Italian recipes that I have adapted over the years to create my ideal Italian dinner. So tonight I have decided to share with you, a few of my favorite Italian recipes: Fresh Homemade Pasta, Hearty Bolognese, and Lemon Granita (Italian Ice)

Fresh Homemade Pasta

The Odds & Ends

• 1 lb unbleached white flour 
• 4 large brown eggs
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp of water

What Kneads to be Done?

1. Put flour in a dome like shape on a clean dry work surface, making a large crater in the center.

2. Crack the eggs one at a time into the crater, carefully mixing the eggs with a fork without breaking the flour bowl containing the eggs.

3. Once the last egg has been mixed in add the olive oil, salt, and water mixing them together carefully.

4. Once the liquid in the crater is all mixed together, begin to incorporate the flour into the mixture. Be super careful not to break the sides of the crater as you will end up with a HUGE sticky mess!

5. After gradually adding the flour to the egg mixture, it will eventually be combined enough that you can break the sides. At this point use your hands to mix in the rest of the flour and get everything well combined.

6. Once the mixture has combined into a doughy substance it is time to start kneading the dough.

•  If you have a kitchen aid stand mixer then place the dough in the bowl and using the dough hook, set it to level two. You want to end up with a smooth, shiny, supple dough.
• If you are kneading the dough by hand then make sure you put some muscle into it, stretching but not tearing the dough. Kneading the dough by hand will probably take about 10 minutes. So put your body weight into it and get to work kneading the dough into the perfect smooth, shiny, supple dough that will make your perfect pasta!

7. Once you have achieved the perfect smooth consistency, wrap the dough in cling film and let it sit for an hour. 

8. Once the dough has had time to sit and relax, you can either begin to make your pasta or put the dough in the fridge to make later. 

Get it Twisted

• I chose to make Fusili pasta using my Kitchen Aid pasta press attachment. If you have this nifty little device then simply set your kitchen aid to speed to and drop walnut sized dough balls into the pasta press, laying our each strand of pasta to dry on a paper towel for about an hour.
• If making your pasta by hand. Roll out the pasta dough with a roller and cut it into long strands of spaghetti, allowing them to dry for about an hour

Bring it to a Boil

• Once you are ready to cook your pasta, simply add it into some boiling water and allow it to cook for several minutes, testing it until it reaches a consistency you are happy with. 

Hearty Bolognese
A proper Italian bolognese is made with pancetta and dry white wine and served on tagliatelle pasta, however I have adapted this recipe to suit my own tastes. Hope you enjoy!

The Odds & Ends

• 1 lb ground beef
• 10 vine ripened tomatoes (diced)
• 1 1/2 sticks of celery (diced)
• 1 large onion (diced)
• tbsp garlic (diced)
• 1 1/2 large carrots or a large handful of baby carrots (diced)
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 14 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of red wine (I like using Zinfandel)
• 12 oz water
• 1 1/2 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh oregano
• 1/4 cup fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup fresh basil
• 1/4 cup fresh rosemary
• splash of olive oil
• salt & pepper to taste

First Things First

1. Put a generous splash of olive oil with the garlic into a large frying pan on medium to high heat.

2. Once the oil starts to sizzle add the onions and cook until the onions begin to soften.


3. Onions softened slightly, add the celery and carrots, cooking until the onions become translucent and all of the vegetables have softened.

4. Add the ground beef to your cooked veggies with some salt & pepper, and brown the meat.

Out of the Frying Pan...

5. Once the meat is cooked, transfer the contents of the frying pan into a large pot.

6. Add the tomatoes, red wine, water, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes into the pot stirring them into the cooked meat & vegetables.

7. Once the bolognese comes to a boil, gradually stir in the oregano, rosemary, thyme, basil, sugar, flour, salt & pepper.

8. Stirring occasionally, allow the bolognese to cook for about an hour before it is ready to serve.


Grubs Up!
Serve your pasta bolognese with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, warm garlic bread, and a nice glass of wine for the ultimate taste explosion.


















Lemon Granita
After such a heavy meal, it is nice to finish with a light and refreshing desert. This Italian ice recipe is incredibly easy and a hit every time! As long as you keep up with the stirring schedule, your taste buds will be bouncing off the walls and you will feel instantly refreshed as this Italian desert melts in your mouth


The Odds & Ends

• 1 cup of fresh lemon juice or 6 lemons
• 3 cups of water
• 1 cup pure cane sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp lemon extract
• 1 tsp finely grated lemon rind

Let's Get Zesty

1. Using a medium sauce pan, mix 2 cups of water with the sugar and heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.

2. Once the sugar has dissolved completely add the salt, stirring briefly before removing from the heat. 

3. Add one cup of cold water to the mixture and transfer into a container. 

4. Once mixture cools to room temperature, place in fridge for a minimum of one hour to chill. 

5. Place a large empty cake pan in the freezer to chill. 

6. Juice 6 lemons to produce 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. 

7. Put lemon juice in a container with the grated lemon rind and lemon extract, placing in fridge to chill

8. Now that your mixtures have been chilling for an hour, combine them into one container, stirring until well blended. 

9. Pout the blended mixture into the chilled cake pan. 

10. Place the pan in the freezer stirring every 30 minutes for 4 hours until you are left with perfect crystals. (Make sure that every time you stir you cover the entire surface area of the pan, including the sides, breaking up any ice crystals that have formed and bringing them into the center of the pan.)

11. Serve and Enjoy! Sometimes I like to serve the Granita in the lemon halves leftover from zesting or in bowls with strawberries for a little extra flavor.

Blue Suede Shoes

Elvis' private plane, "Lisa Marie"

"I'm leaving town, baby
I'm leaving town for sure
Well, then you won't be bothered with me hanging 'round your door
Well, that's all right, that's all right
That's all right now mama, anyway you do"

Elvis blasting on the Radio, we crossed the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge into Tennessee, dancing in our seats along to the music of a legend who called Memphis home. As we had come to Memphis with the sole purpose of visiting Graceland, it seemed only fitting to roll into the great city while enjoying "That's All Right Mama," one of Elvis' most popular songs, which he recorded 60 years ago!

Memphis is located on the East side of the Mississippi river on the border of Tennessee and Arkansas. A city with so much soul you can feel it as soon as you step out of your vehicle, Memphis is a must see location for anyone interested in American pop culture. The city in and of itself has so much to offer with it's unique vibe and finger-lickin' good food that you will never want to leave. However, with only 2 nights and one day to experience this sensational city we dedicated our time to Graceland, promising ourselves we would one day return.

Graceland! Home of the King! Elvis Presley was a musical pioneer who helped change the way the Western world listened to music. Elvis owned various properties across the U.S. However, his main home is in Memphis, Tennessee. While visiting Graceland I learned more about Elvis then I had expected, learning that he was more amazing than I could ever have imagined. When you think Elvis, you think Rock & Roll, rebellious youth, wild parties, sexy ladies, sinful music, and THE American heart-throb. Yet, Graceland shows you that Elvis was so much more than this. He was an unbelievably talented man, performing in over 30 successful films, recording 150 billboard hits, and producing ten number one albums. He was a true patriot, serving his country despite the exemptions his celebrity status could have afforded him. But above all he was a philanthropist, generously donating both money and belongings not only to organizations but to people that he met who touched his heart.

Arriving at Graceland, you take a trolley to the historic home which is a modest size for such a legendary super star. Walking through the front doors is like stepping out of a time machine into the 70's. The home is kept in pristine condition and the tourist accessible areas are highly controlled in order to preserve it for future generations. A white sitting room with beautiful stained glass windows leading to a grand piano leads you to imagine Elvis sitting at that very piano rocking away to a song he was trying out for the very first time. Making your way through the building you eventually make it to the kitchen, which is the ultimate time capsule in the home, carpeted, and complete with the finest appliances money could buy. Downstairs, a media room with 3 TVs sits next to a fancy bar to the left of the stairs and to the right of the stairs sits a wild billiards room designed to perfection for the era.  In the background, clips of Elvis giving interviews or performing for screaming crowds add to the ambiance.

From the main house we went into three other buildings: a recording studio, the gym & racquetball court, and a building filled with hundreds of awards and historical Elvis memorabilia. I knew Elvis was a mega super star who was extremely successful but the number of golden, platinum & diamond records on the wall was astonishing! It was fascinating watching him in interviews and seeing the real original outfits he wore. Leaving the trophy room we went to pay our respects to Elvis and his family in the meditation garden where they are all buried together.

Graceland is more than just the home of Elvis Presley, while visiting the home of the king you can also choose to wander through the automobile museum, take a tour of Elvis' private jets, learn about Elvis in Las Vegas, or experience some of Elvis' history in Hawaii. As travel addicts, we chose to visit the automobile museum and the private jets. Elvis' car collection is jaw dropping and would make Gas Monkey Garage drool at the stunning classics in pristine condition. However, though the cars were cool, my favorite thing was the jets. It is unfathomable that a private citizen, especially in that day and age, could own and customize a full size jet for their own personal travel around the country. Walking through the planes it is hard to believe they aren't from the set of a Hollywood production and it was a real experiences that I will never forget.

Graceland was hands down the most interesting historic pop culture site I have been to thus far. I fell in love with Elvis all over again and wish I could have enjoyed some of the true Elvis experience while he was alive. However, it wasn't just Graceland that I found myself enamored with but the city of Memphis itself. Having found the best breakfast in Memphis at the Blue Plate Cafe Downtown and sinking our teeth into some mouthwatering BBQ at Charles Vergo's Redezvous Charcoal Ribs our taste buds have been tempting us to go back ever since. The food, the people, and the entire vibe of Memphis, Tennessee is unique to any other town in the South and I, for one, am looking forward to the next time I find myself in Memphis.