Fun Lilliy:
Cooks " Pasta Salad à la Norma " Every one knows that I am a big Rachel Ray fan and like her recipes because they are quick and " figure friendly " as she says and since the weather is hot.. I like salads and pasta salads in particular so this is what I am headed out to buy the ingredients for to try for dinner tonight!
Ingredients:
Salt
1 pound penne rigate pasta
1 medium eggplant (1 1/2 pounds), cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick slices (I leave on half the skin — I like the color and texture it gives the dish)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus more for brushing
Pepper
8 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced or torn
2 cloves garlic, grated
1/2 pound ricotta salata cheese, crumbled
Preparation
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, then rinse under cold water.
While the pasta is working, heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush the eggplant with EVOO, season with salt and pepper and grill until tender, 6-8 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes, then cut into small cubes and place in a large bowl.
Add the tomatoes, basil and garlic to the eggplant. Pour in the 1/4 cup EVOO and season with salt and pepper. Add the pasta and cheese and toss to combine.
If you tried tell me how it turned out for you.. Ill give my feed back after tonight..
From Times Online
June 4, 2008
The Victoria Falls from the air
Arion McNicoll heads to Zambia to see Africa's largest waterfall up close and from a helicopter
Makes you want to be there right now..
Artist of the Week and every week :) Gustav Klimt xhibition at Tate Liverpool
I had a habit when I was in Canada it was that every weekend unless I was on call I have to see a Movie at the Cinema (or on a DVD if there really wasnt anything to see in the cinema, I had a service for a monthly fee, they send you the DVDs to your mail box and you send it back to them by mail called Zip.ca ) it was nice when I went with my friends or loved one, but it was even nicer when I went alone.. I like going to the movies alone.. no disturbances.. no talking.. no commenting .. just me and the Movie with my Twizzlers Nibs Candy and a large coke no ice.. to me a movie is the best entertainment.. and it was always something to look forward to on the weekend since I was a teenager.. we had a ritual my sisters and I.. every Wed. ( that's when the weekend starts in Jeddah) with the help of our mother we make a big plate of fries and Balilah ( chick peas with cucumber and cumin vinegar its a Higgazy Jeddawi snack) and sit and watch a video movie even if its something we saw before.. it was always a lot of fun.. so now that I am back we restarted our tradition but now with the extended family members who luckily have the same passion we get together on Thu night usually for pizza or take out and watch a movie.. this week I bought the Movie here in Jeddah for the first time from Jarrir bookstore.. I actually bought three, one for the next 2 weeks as well.. so we saw "BEOWULF" it was really captivating and very entertaining.. we all enjoyed it.. so I highly recommend..
Check out The Official Movie Web Site they have entertaing features with podcasts and games.. worth visiting..
the other two movies I bought are:
National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets Elizabeth The Golden Age
I always from time to time when I am overwhelmed by work or life .. I try to make a whole day just for me where I just concentrate on my self and my enjoyments.. I try to break the routine.. usually I choose a whole weekend day to do it... that day I dont think about work or troubles.. I think about me and what makes me happy and work on some things to learn or relax.. usually after a day like that I reboot and feel much more energized to deal with the stress in life.. so here some ideas for the women and some of it also works for the men, so please try it too....
#1 GOOD Night Sleep -------------------- So start with getting a good night sleep the night before.. - Turn off the alarm and the phone at night so you are not bothered .. - Have a nice chamomile tea - Place a candle light something like plain tea candles available at any IKEA or even a scented candle from The Body Shop or Aveda.. - Rub on some calming message oil I recommend Aveda Personal blends message formula which you can mix your own blend or any Lavender base Message oil or cream from your favorite products..
#2 GOOD Breakfast ----------------- - Dont rush out to go out today make time and prep something for your self and enjoy it in your PJ`s with your cup of coffee or tea in your favorite Mug and sit back and enjoy it .. - Here is a suggestion if you like fruits and oats taken from Shape.com its guilt free you will enjoy that you are eating something really good for you.. Apple-Cinnamon Compote With Toasted Oats
Choose the best buy of the day for your fruit compote, be it peaches, nectarines or apples. ( Note: I add to my oatmeal sometimes my favorite dry fruits or nuts too it keeps you feeling full for a while too )
Ingredients
1/3 cup rolled oats (not instant) 1/3 cup water 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 4 McIntosh apples, peeled, cored and sliced into 8 wedges each 1/3 cup raisins
Directions
Preheat oven to 350F.
Spread oats on a baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes, until golden, shaking the pan halfway through cooking to promote even toasting; set aside.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon. Set pan over medium heat and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wire whisk. Add apple slices and raisins, cover and simmer 5 minutes, until apples are tender. Spoon compote into four individual bowls; top with toasted oats.
(Serves: 4 (1 cup = 1 serving), Prep Time: 5 min. Cook Time: 10 min. Nutrition Score per serving: Calories 205 % Fat 4g Fat<1 (0 g saturated) % Carbs 93g Carbs47.5 % Protein 3g Protein 1.6 g Fiber 4mg Sodium n/a % Calcium n/a g Calcium n/a)
#3 Fashion is fun for me but read or look up whatever interest you and enjoy just dont read the news its suppose to be a fun day no sad news ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Style is important for me and I look at it as part of taking care of my self...
I thought this was interesting it was made in The Great Wall of China
Anna Sui to me is a fun designer I like some of her pieces:
# 4 Plan something calming to do -------------------------------- -If the weather permits go outside for a while and walk around -if not then choose something indoors a museum or window shopping dont shop because you want to do something calming -if you dont feel like going outside then do yoga or pilate
