When I first met Daniel we had many “discussions” about whether corn and potatoes count as vegetables.  If YOU consider those vegetables, then we have always eaten a lot of vegetables.  I consider them to be “carbs” not vegetables.  To me a vegetable is something that actually has vitamins and minerals in it.  I know, call me a snob.  One of the things that Pollan pushes in all of his books is “Eat more vegetables!” Since we are such fans of him,and in light of the fact that we now have a child and have decided to be a better role models,  we try hunt out more vegetable recipes and grace our table with them.  We started a couple years ago with a CSA box.  (I had never heard of it either, but it changed our life!  Talk about getting vegetables in your diet!)

Today’s Food Friday is in honor of the fact that I can proudly say that now I no longer cower in fear as I put rutabaga or turnips or kale into our shopping cart.

Today’s Feature: Leek and Root Vegetable Au Gratin

As a parent, I am sure that I will see the storm clouds before the rain comes into her life. I think I will at least. And I know that I won’t be able to stop it; I won’t always be able to stop any pain she has or sorrow that she may feel.  I will have to see her go through it.  But that is the right answer I think; not to stop the rain, just to hold her until all the pain goes away.

“I can’t stop the rain, but I will hold you until it goes away”

From “When the Rain Comes”, by Third Day

I snapped these two shots of my Dayla in downtown San Diego yesterday. The light was incredible with the storm clouds looming on the horizon. The perk to scouting locations for my clients is that I occasionally get a shot or two of Dayla that I just love.

I can’t wait to use this location again someday with another family! It was beautiful!

Welcome to our regular blog post, “Food Friday”!   Every Friday we will share a photo of a favorite food item we recently cooked.  Daniel and I both love to cook and we both love photography. So we thought it would be fun to share that little piece of our life with you.

Brie Cheese with Fig Spread on Whole Wheat Butter Crackers

This is just a DELICIOUS treat that we sampled one day at  Beverages and More (one of our favorite stores…I suppose you will start to notice that as I continue to reference our trips there!).  Immediately I was smitten with this INCREDIBLE combination of food and had to bring it home to consume at my whim.  You too can try this delicacy with just a snap of your fingers (and, well, a trip to the store).

Very few things delight me more as seeing things “for the first time” through the eyes of a child. This last weekend we had the pleasure of experiencing snow through the eyes of a 2.5 year old.  I couldn’t stop laughing.

Dayla touched snow for the first time (and declared  it cold and crunchy), got scared when she walked in it (“I am sinking mama!”), built her first snow man (carrot nose and all, with mom’s help), made snowballs (with dad), went down a hill on a snow disc for the first time (and did NOT like it), and enjoyed the Moonridge Zoo (where you can see bears and bald eagles and foxes about 4 feet from your face!  BEST. ZOO. EVER.)

We just spent a WONDERFUL weekend with great friends, eating great food, enjoying great company and great weather (a light snow storm and 36 degrees, but no chains needed.  LOVE THAT.) and of course had to take a photo or two.

Dayla trying her first icicle. I am loving the light pouring in on this image.

I have never done a portrait session in the snow before….and the light was A. MAZING. I wish I could do portraits in the snow every. single. day. But then I guess I would have to live in the snow. Yeah, I am not okay with that. A warm weather girl through and through. But the white cavas and the light it made….oh snow…how I loved you.

Introducing Dayla and her daddy.

This next one of Ben and Ellie is my FAVORITE.  Love this moment.

Ellie LOVED going down hills on the snow disc.

This picture is from the Moonridge Zoo. Bald eagles about 4 feet away from you! I tell you, this zoo is a MUST SEE if you are in Big Bear. Small, but very cool.

So thankful that Julie suggested a family portrait! This is US!

Welcome to our new regular blog post, “Food Friday”!   Every Friday we will share a photo of a favorite food item we recently cooked.  Daniel and I both love to cook and we both love photography. So we thought it would be fun to share that little piece of our life with you.

Steamed Artichokes with Chili Aioli. Hummus and Grilled Pita

This is not so much a “recipe to share”, as it is just a meal we ate for dinner, but to be honest I just thought it was both delicious and incredibly photogenic.  :)

To make: trim and steam artichokes, buy some yummy hummus (we prefer the extra garlic-y hummus at Fresh and Easy)l, brush a mixture of garlic, salt and pepper and olive oil on pita bread and grill until golden brown.  Chili aioli is pretty easy too (and delicious!).  Mix mayo, lemon juice, minced garlic, and 1/4 tsp. of chili powder.  DEELISH. Hope you enjoy!