Esa Morena- ¡Que deliciosa!

Our process for making beans is a two day situation. The soaking, seasoning and finally, the savoring is a test of one's patience. When we are lacking that patience, we serve up La Morena beans. Having both Spanish and Mexican roots in our home has ethnic foods on the weekly menu. Shopping for culinary items to match that menu while living in a foreign country can sometimes be difficult at best. Make your own or find a suitable alternative are the options. Today, we chose the latter. La Morena is authentically seasoned with chili, comino and garlic. The texture and taste are perfect for breakfast tacos, salads or on the side. This can saved me two days and allowed me to fully enjoy my weekend. Muchas gracias, la morena.

The Three Moët

When prepping for parties, champagne is usually on the menu. Alcohol can be the death knell of any budget, but not if you shop smart. Moët is definitely on the menu for our upcoming celebration and we found it for a steeply discounted price. I always check champagne prices when I'm out and then stock up when the price is right. Three is the magic number so it was fitting for this particular purchase.

There is always a reason to celebrate, so never be without bubbles.

Juicy Juice Bar

The Mall is not my favorite place to be. Despite my love for shopping, I avoid them because of the crazy crowds. However, when it comes to fresh juice, I'll venture to the hills beyond. This is where you will find the juice bar. It's nestled in the junk filled food courts for the distinguishing fast foodie. The infamous juice bar is popping up in high traffic areas all over the world bringing the healthy lifestyle to the forefront.

The latest I found was just as I entered the mall around the corner from me. The gleaming colors of the succulent fruits and the juxtaposed jars full of boosters that fill frothy takeaway cups for the fruit fanatics are so tempting. I hardly ever say no.

The healthiness beckons. Enjoy the snap shots.

Chardonnay Wine Jelly

Just a quick photo share story. Today, I had tea at a friends house. This was one of those rare afternoons that was just pretty perfect. All six, yes 6 children ranging ages 18 months to 8 years played joyously while 3 mothers chatted. The hostess had set all the details and this was mainly why it all worked and also why I am writing this post. In her attention to detail, separate tables were bountifully set. One low table for all the children to reach and one high table for just the mums. It was all very lovely but the stand out for me was this Chardonnay Wine Jelly from New Zealand's Herb & Spice Mill. It was so refreshing and full of flavor. It was a light luxury treat We did as the label said and enjoyed with cheese. Pretty sure it was brie. But it didn't matter, After tasting the Wine Jelly, that is all that we wanted to savor.

Our hostess knew all about the product as her pharmacy shop carries the brand. She raved about it and also shared that there was also a Pinot Noir variety. I bet it is dark and delicious. I am totally sold on both. Read about the history of this specialty food company and their natural and healthy approach to menu planning.You will love it.

Story & Photo: K. Rodriguez

Lovely Lemonades

A few weeks ago at the farmer's market, I discovered my new favorite fruit. It is called a Lemonade and it is seriously one of the best things I have tasted in years. It's a hybrid fruit made from the crossing of an orange with a lemon. The two fruits come together to create this delectable treat only found in Australia and New Zealand. Lucky us, we found the organic variety. 

If you find them in your neighborhood, shop smart and don't miss out! I am going back for more and planning to buy double because the family became a bunch of savages when the last lemonade rolled out.