32 Years Ago Today...

Ten Things I love about him...

1. His kind heart
2. His Laugh (it's very distinct)
3. His conscience
4. The way he calms and comforts me
5. How hard he works to support us and provide for us
6. His love for his family
7. His devotion to his friends
8. His determination & strength (he is totally my rock)
9. His patience
10. The way he makes people feel (he could talk to a bum on the street and make them fill like a king...No joke!)

Jeremy is all around one of the best people that I know and I am wishing that this birthday brings along with it lots of happiness and growth! I am so happy to get the opportunity to celebrate it with him today and many years to come...Happy Birthday "JDay" ~ XO. N.

Napa

Dawn and Jeremy had invited Jeremy and I to go along with them this past weekend to Napa and what a great weekend to go! The weather was fabulous; we went wine tasting at a few wineries both Friday and Saturday, notably Quintessa where many of these pictures were taken...and then we moved on for dinners both nights at both Meadowood and the Martini House.

** Sara, I know you were looking for some new Napa restaurant reviews. I must say that Martini House was great and I would highly recommend it. The chef is known for creating great dishes with mushrooms and they are awesome if you're up for something different. Our table shared his mushroom bread pudding and although it sounds weird it was some of the best dessert I have ever had!

Thoughts for a stronger financial future

So, many of you know that my other half is a financial advisor...and for those of you that know me you might ask "how did Natalie ever marry someone whose job is to make sound financial decisions?" I love to shop, and truthfully the thought of cutting back on my spending habits is not an easy thing to swallow, but I must say that I take a great amount of comfort in knowing that someone (Jeremy) is looking out for our future and planning for us. So yesterday I was sifting through my mail and received a statement from his company along with a brochure called Financial Focus. I typically throw these things out, but something made me read it and I think it contained some pretty good advice. I know that the stock market can be a scary thing to invest in these days, but there are all sorts of options and what's more is that history has proved that as an economic system, capitalism tends to swing from good times to bad and bad to good, therefore it is a cycle and good economic times will come again. I know that lots of us make these goals for the New Year to loose weight or get out of debt, so I thought I might share a few investment strategies that they recommended for 2009:

- Make sure you're investing enough: Plan for retirement - based on inflation everything you buy today will likely cost twice as much in 24 years.

- Allocate your investments properly: This is one of the most important decisions you will make. The best mix of investments it the one that you can stick with in good times and in bad to help achiever your long-term goals.

- Diversify completely: Diversification cannot prevent a loss; in other words, it can't completely insulate you from the effects of the economy and other external factors. But if done properly, diversification can help you avoid complete disaster when the economy experiences downturns.
- Contribute the maximum to your IRA: $5,000 per year or $6,000 for those over age 50.
- Increase your 401(k) contributions: 401(k)'s are excellent savings vehicles because contributions are typically made before taxes and many employers offer matching dollars.
- Build an emergency fund: Protect yourself and your investments by putting away 6-12 months' worth of living expenses in a liquid account and use the money for emergencies only.
- Cut your debts: sounds easy, but can be hard to achieve. Yet every dollar that doesn't go toward a debt payment can be invested for your future. Look for ways to cut your costs and strive to live within your means.

Blake

This little boy has just turned 7! For those of you that don't know Blake he is a very special little man and you are really missing out. Blakey is the inspiration behind the Blake's Purpose Foundation and a true blessing to many. In my own personal life Blake's existence has had a tremendous impact; he has encouraged me to personally get involved and fight for the well being of many children afflicted with the brutal and debilitating effects of Batten Disease and shown me the joy of dedicating myself to something in such a selfless nature. Although Blake is a man of few words his teachings are great, he is a living lesson that one must never take a single moment of life for granted, every moment is precious and we must savor it....he is a true angel and an inspiration and I wish that his 7th year is a great one, filled with lots of hope, good health and smiles.

Healthy Eats

I have no idea who reads this blog, but I have noticed that a lot of people have set weight loss goals for the New Year so I thought that I would share a pretty healthy & delicious Fish Taco recipe that my brother in law came up with. I pretty much stuck with his version adding a few things here and there to my salsa. I don't really have exact quantities so if you do try it out adjust according to taste.

Fish (Talapia is what I used but Halibut or Cod would also be really good)
- rub a small amount of Olive Oil over the fish and season with Salt & Pepper
- broil it for about 15 mins on each side or until the edges turn slightly brown and crispy

Mango Salsa
- 2 chopped mango's
-1/3 -1/4 c. of chopped cilantro
-1/3 - 1/4 c. of onion (optional)
- 2 T. Lime Juice
- S & P to taste
- dash of chopped tomato
- dash of avocado

Cilantro Sour Cream
- sour cream (i used light and couldn't tell the diference)
- about 2 T. of chopped cilantro
- throw it in a blender or food processor to get it a smooth consistency

Guerrero Flour Tortillas. Cut up the fish and garnish with shredded cabbage, cilantro sour cream and mango salsa.

Family Time

Last night our family got together for a fun little dinner at PF Chang's.  It was the last dinner before both Brad and Jana head back to school. :( It's always so nice having everyone so close...I'm going to miss them!