Ten things that make me happy...

 My friend, Christie,  at My Comfy Escape has tagged me to list my Ten things that make me happy. She tagged me well over a month ago, but it seems that everything I do is late these days. Well, let's just say later than my usual late self, I'm always late. I was born almost a month later than my mother's  given due date so I have a great excuse. And then I married a Greek... so any chance of me being on time anywhere was lost. Although, I have to brag about arriving almost 1/2 hour early to a baptism recently. We didn't know what to do with ourselves, we walked at a casual pace and stood around waiting for the baptism to begin, definitely out of our element.

So, let's get to this list. I have just recently listed 10 things that make me happy for an award that I received -  so I'll add photos to this post to make it a bit different.

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1. My friends & family ~~ VITAL to my being and appreciated more than I can express in mere words...the unconditional love and support that I receive daily makes me thrive. The emails... phone messages & texts and blog comments --I'm always eager to see who has checked in.  I'm surrounded by so much love & support, I can only say "Thank YOU"...all of you!! You're always on the top of my list!

One of my favorite photos of Christie & I. Yes, it was really funny...

2. Chocolate.  I think this one is self explanatory if there are chocoholics like myself reading this.

My chocolaty-chocolate birthday cake.

3. Photography. I've been inspired by so many photographers past & present. Some of my favorites include Gordon Parks .

and Ansel Adams.

                                                

4. Music. I love almost all genres of music. Music is life, I can't imagine a day without music.

Music is what feelings sound like. ~Author unknown

5. Coffee. What kind of coffee do I like? Most of it. Although I'd give anything for a Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha (grande) I'm very happy with my own cappuccino. My cappuccino maker was away for about a month and I was lost without it. And, I love frappé. I have at least one frappé per day ...shaken not 

blended. Oh and Γλυκό με γάλα παρακαλώ ...(Sweet with milk please...)

(Alexandra sneaks a sip of my cappuccino, the kids already love coffee too...shhhh!) 

6. Art. Having said that I'll introduce you to a budding artist, my Izabella. Not a day passes that she doesn't create.

7. Food/Cooking. I love exploring new cuisine and trying new recipes. I also enjoy letting my kids help me in the kitchen. I find that letting them help prepare a meal ensures that they'll eat what we're making, most of the time. 

                   

Yes...I made everything in these photos...

8. The spa.  Recently spoiled by a whole afternoon at  the spa courtesy of one of my bests friends (wink, wink)-that would be the one who tagged me for this list. 

 

9. Flowers/gardening- I find gardening therapeutic although I'm overwhelmed by the amount of work that it takes to maintain our garden these days. 

 A rose & my garden a month ago...doesn't look so well kept now...

10. Our pets. (well, most of the time...) 

Tarzan & Alexandra

Myself & Gigi

"Torlitza" & Iza

Tarzan again...with Lobo

Thank you for tagging me Christie! 

I miss you!  :)

Happy 101 Award

I can't think of a better way to start my  week than sharing an award that I received from one of my blog friends, Bhavesh Chhatbar.His blog is called chaukat.com Blog.  Bhavesh is an avid photographer as well as a fantastic blogger. His photos are amazing!  Recently he has started a new site where his photographs are available for purchase. I think it's a wonderful idea and I wish him the best of luck with his new venture! And there's more,  if you love his photos you can subscribe to Wednesday Wallpapers. Subscribers will receive one free wallpaper every Wednesday. Another excellent idea! Thank you for this award Bhavesh, you're an inspiration and I'm humbled by your gesture.

Now on to the formalities of accepting this award...

There are some rules with the award:

1. Copy the award image into a post.

2. List 10 things that make you happy.

3. Tag 10 bloggers who brighten your day.

4. Link to their blogs.

5. Notify the award recipients.

6. Award recipients link back to sender's blog.

10 things that make me happy

1. My family & friends-a given. My family is my life & I can't imagine it without friends.
2. Photography-I feel like I can't breathe if my camera isn't with me. Seriously.
3. My pets-my 2 dogs!!
4. Traveling-love new people, places & experiences.
5. Gardening-love growing my own food & enjoying my flowers.
6. Music- would do anything for a live mariachi band right now.
7. Food-my favorite is Mexican!
8. The Arts-all arts!~ Especially the theater.
9.  The sea-a day on a quiet beach is so therapeutic.
10. Blogging-without blogging I wouldn't have met so many remarkable people or made such wonderfully,  fantastic friends!

10 Bloggers That Brighten My Day

1. Jes- Prospero's Cellphone
2. Liz- The making of cupcakes.gr
3. Jude- Caridad in Crete
4. Maria- Organically Cooked
5. Tobias- tobias cooks! 
6. Spuds- Carrying a Cat by the Tail
7. Gingeyginge- The Adventures of Gingeyginge
8. Krisno- My Life, My Sharing
9. Ivy- Kopiaste.. to Greek Hospitality
10. Phivos-Travelling-ταξίδια & Phivos Nicolaides

I wish I could have chosen more than 10!

Finally, here's the link to the post in which Bhavesh passed on the award-
 Chaukhat.com Blog: Happy 101 Award

Thank you Bhavesh!

Lovely blog~

This week  I've received my very first blog award. Jessica, of  Prospero's Cellphone
has awarded me with the One Lovely Blog Award and I'm completely flattered, especially coming from her. She's so smart and witty, her posts are well written and intriguing...I'm flattered that she feels I'm award worthy. Have a look at her blog, you won't be disappointed.

Two years ago, when I started this blog I wasn't seeking anything but a way to express myself and keep our family and friends up to date with our transition. I chose the name of my blog in a willy, nilly moment as I sat in front of my computer wearing Alexandra in a sling. She was sleeping so peacefully, so I took some time to do something for myself.
"hmmmmm......I know, I'll name it after my favorite foods which will also represent the cultures that make up our family". Ok. Rice, Beans & Pastichio...yes, that willy-nilly.  I apologize to those of you that arrive here seeking a plethora of recipes and food posts but I also thank you for visiting and inspiring me continue blogging. There have been a few times within the last year that I was ready to stop blogging due to commitments and lack of time. But then, I realized that blogging has enriched my life beyond  my expectations. I have made great connections, fantastic friends and learned a lot from my peers. I've  also  personally met other bloggers that share similar interests. (to be revealed in future posts)
I feel that I'm awarded daily by my reader support which includes family, friends, neighbors, fellow bloggers and definitely, my lovely lurkers. Thank you.

Part of accepting the award is to pass it on to other blogs that I  feel are deserving so...

I'd like to pass this award on to -

mimi on the breach- a blog I've been following for almost two years. It's a smart blog written by Mimi, a university professor,  trying to figure out the whole parenting thing.  Her daughter is the same age as Alexandra and we're simultaneously dealing with a lot of the same milestones and toddler temperament issues.

Organically cooked- I can't say enough about Maria and her blog. I love her stories behind the food and most of all,  her recipes, many of which have become staples on my table. I've learned so much from her. She's a diligent blogger and churns out scrumptious posts regularly.

Caridad in Crete- Jude's lovely blog is always full of beautiful photos, her witty musings as well as real emotion. I love visiting Jude and I'm glad that she found me!

 The Making of Cupcakes.gr- Liz is blogging about the process of her family relocation combined with starting her own business. I can relate to Liz as she's a mother of young children and a lot of her experiences mirror some of mine, especially since she's now living in the countryside.

Here's one of my new favorite photos, taken last night. Lovely smiles for a lovely award!      

Thank you Jessica! This was a lovely surprise.