Thank You, Alasdair.

WOW - Three days doesn't seem like a long time, but three days without internet feels like eternity!  I JUST got everything restored and back up running, and the first thing I wanted to do was blog about the experience, and also a thank you to the kind man from halfway across the world who helped me get my life back.

To be honest, when I first discovered that my internet was gone when I woke up Thursday morning, it didn't seem like that big of a deal to me.  First of all, I wasn't sure what the problem was exactly, but I figured that a little break wouldn't be so bad - it may actually be refreshing.  I had to work that day anyway, so it wasn't like I was going to have a lot of time to worry about it during the day.

As the day went on and all my troubleshooting proved to be of naught though, I started to worry.  Papers due, bills to pay, business to take care of online...everything started to pile up in my mind and the stress began to mount.  Thankfully, spent a while on the phone with an internet service representative and was able to deduce that my modem had gone bad and needed to be replaced.  (Not surprising, since our modem was about 11 years old.  Did we even have internet 11 years ago?!)

Friday, I woke up early, went to class and rushed to Best Buy after to pick up a new modem.  Then I proceeded to spend the next 7 hours scrunched up under our desk, tangled amidst about 30 different wires, reconnecting the new modem in place of the old one, speaking with my internet service provider to reconnect our DSL line to the new modem, when I encountered another problem - our old router wasn't recognizing the new modem.

(I sent my father this picture and his conclusion was that it's time to switch to a mac.  AMEN.)

Now, the internet rep's suggestion to me was to simply call the customer service hotline for the router and have a rep there walk me through.  In hindsight, I SHOULD HAVE JUST LISTENED TO HIM.  Unfortunately, my parents called me first and suggested I call up a dear family friend who's sort of a computer whiz, and have him help me.  By then it had been 48 hours and I was ready to get this ball rolling again.  After two failed attempts at having our friend come over, I was frustrated and decided to call the mister.  At which point he also tried to walk me through several steps to get things fixed again, but it just wasn't working, and I felt like my blood pressure was about to shoot through the roof.

Finally frustrated and with no options left and no one left to talk to, I decided to pick up the phone and call my router customer support.

I was connected with a man named Alasdair, and he quickly (within about 45 minutes) was able to walk me through everything clearly, confidently, and step-by-step get me back in business!  Thank God for techies!  The funny thing is, during one step when I was starting up my laptop, he says to me, all professionally - "So ma'am, while we wait, would you mind telling me where you are calling from?"  And I replied, "California," not being entirely sure what he was referring to.  Then he said, "How is the weather there?"  I laughed and replied, "Sunny but a bit chilly!  Umm...where are you right now??" And he replied, "India."  So I asked, "What's the weather like there?"  And he replied, "Well...it is a bit chilly."

And I'm not sure why...but at that moment I just really wished I could reach through the phone lines and give him a hug.  I don't know if Alasdair has ever been to California, but if he hasn't, I hope he gets to one day.  I'm pretty sure California is the equivalent of paradise.  (Spoken like a true California-girl huh?)

On that note, I'd like to recommend three of my favorite movies regarding the Indian people, place, and culture.  All three are very different, but quite worth watching, for their own reasons.

THE NAMESAKE 

Touching story of a young man born and raised in the US, and his initial disconnect and disinterest with his own culture.  He fails to appreciate his parents hard work that has brought him to where he is, and doesn't appreciate what they've been through.  Will he recognize the importance of our past before its too late?  (And yes, for you Harold & Kumar fans out there, it stars Kal Penn.)

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

There are definitely scenes in this movie that are difficult to watch because it is so heart-wrenching.  Story of a brilliant young man who is determined to create his own paradise, and proof that the strength of the human spirit can triumph over all odds.  Beautiful, and touching.

THREE IDIOTS
This is perhaps one of my most favorite movies of all time, and I don't give those titles lightly.  My one piece of advice for this movie - STICK WITH IT.  Yes, it is a bollywood film, and yes, it comes with a few typical bollywood "musical" numbers that don't really do anything for the story line.  However, stick with this movie, it will surprise you and delight you like you never would have thought.  What starts out as a light-hearted and somewhat, well - idiotic - comedy...quickly probes much deeper into the human heart and before you know it, you will be laughing and crying over this movie, sleeping with it in your bed, and recommending it to complete strangers in the street.  Do yourself a favor - track it down and watch it!

An Evening with Brendel

My teacher told my recently, "do one thing a week that is amazing, out of the norm for you, and something you will think back on and remember forever."  She said, even if it was taking a hike out to watch the sunset - it didn't have to be anything expensive, or crazy, but as long as it was something inspiring - make the time and effort to do it once a week, and it will make your life better.

I can't remember time I've done anything like that, but after my recent experience I am definitely making it a goal to schedule in some awesomeness once a week!

I was recently invited to a special private event.  Renowned pianist, lecturer and author Alfred Brendel was coming to Berkeley to give a lecture to a small intimate group of 60.  There were no tickets, and it was by invitation only.

I had a hard time getting my little brother to understand the importance of this, so I explained to him (he's a huge NBA fan) by means of an illustration.  I said, say LeBron James (his favorite player - let's NOT get into that discussion please lest I kill myself.  But you can insert anyone you like:  Jerry Rice, Michael Jordan, Willie Mays, Alexander McQueen, Jimi Hendrix, Steven Scorcese, whoever you want) - say that person is coming over to my house for dinner.  I can invite 10 people, they get to come over for free, you don't have to bring anything, you just come and listen to this person talk.  About their inspiration, their tips and tricks, their ideas, their experiences, etc.  And I invite YOU.  He immediately said "Ohh I see...that's pretty cool! Have fun!"

It was pretty amazing! It's inspiring just to be in such close quarters with such an amazing mind, that, at 80, still blows everyone in the room combined, out of the water.  The hall was beautiful, Brendel has a delightful sense of humour, I took some good notes, and it was definitely one of the greatest experiences of my life!

 lighting was terrible and we weren't allowed to take pictures so I had to make due with my camera phone, and with flash off.

It was very late and very dark when I got home, and I was very tired, so there was no way I was going to get a good outfit post, but remember this?  I wore my GAP black skinnies out for the whole evening and I have to say - I LOVE them! Totally worth every penny.

 I wore:  

GAP Always Skinny Jeans in Black

Forever 21 Crochet Sweater (old)

Sequin Tank I picked up at Marshalls for $12 - yay budget shopping!

and my favorite Blue Suede Jessica Simpson wedges for that pop of color.

A close up of just how sparkly the tank is - I love it! And for $12?! You can't find something this amazing at that price anywhere else!  Yay for Marshalls/TJmaxx/Ross shoppers!

I knew this color wouldn't show, but I am absolutely in-love with my blue suede shoes! Not to mention, it's so incredibly comfortable. I've been on my feet walking all day in these and they don't bother me!  Don't worry, keep your eyes peeled because I'm positive they'll be back on here again soon!

Benjamin Button

Remember when you were a kid and all you wanted was to grow up?  I do.  I used to count down the time until August, which was my "half" birthday, and at that point I could officially and honestly add a "half" to my age.  5 and a half.  12 and a half. 


I couldn't wait to be 16.  Sweet 16.  I couldn't wait to be 18.  Drive.  Legal.  I couldn't wait to be 21.  Drinks.

For crying out loud, I remember when I couldn't wait to have a job.  A real job.  Haha!  I see kids around me that are like that now...and I can't help thinking, Oh, baby, don't rush it.  It'll get here soon, and before you know it you'll be all grown up. You'll have a grown up life, a grown up job, and grown up responsibilities.  You'll have grown up relationships, and grown up conversations.  Don't rush, it'll get here soon enough, enjoy your life the way it is right now.


Because when you get there, all you'll really want is to just be able to go back in time and be a kid again.

A Little Piece of South

I'm really quite in love with Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen, in Berkeley, and was thrilled to have another opportunity to go again recently.  I'm not from the south, nor have I ever been there, but a friend of mine who was born and raised in the ATL vouched for the authenticity and wonders of the food here - including the sweet tea.  That's got to be a good sign right?!  Here's a little sampling of some of their amazingness...

Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen

2261 Shattuck Avenue

(between Bancroft and Kittredge)

Berkeley 94704

Buttermilk Fried Chicken with beans, mashed potatoes and some special sauce

Fried catfish with Hushpuppies and the most amazing potato salad...it was super spicy and I loved it!

One of my two most favorite mac and cheese's of all time.

Not pictured:  the sweet tea and sparkling house lemonade, both of which are amazing.  Also, last time I went in the winter and they had some crab soup special that was unbelievable.  Still have yet to remember to leave room for beignets.  Next time!

My Week in Food: What's In My Belly

The weeks just really fly by now, every time it's Sunday again I can't believe it, because it felt like yesterday was just Sunday!  There was no niner game this weekend because it was bye week...and I was very lonely without my game.  It was a well-timed break though, because this Sunday was so crazy I didn't even have a spare minute!

Here's what I've been grubbin' on lately to keep me grinding through busy days and weeks...

Made some whole wheat apple muffins to share with my students...they were a hit!  I adapted it from this recipe, and substituted orange juice for milk because I didn't realize until halfway through that I didn't have any.  Extremely grateful they turned out well!  They baked a lot faster than I expected though, so the edges got a little burnt and I had to ever-so-gracefully slice them off.

The Busquat sandwich I ordered from Frjtz.  Was good, but would have been better with fries! Remember this post?!

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of some good wine, and this is one of my go-to favorites.  I had to enjoy this one on my own so sadly I didn't finish it before it turned...but I enjoyed every sip I had!

 Folie à Deux: Ménage à Trois Red

Tried out a new pho place and enjoyed it! Phö is one of my all-time favorites.  I love noodles in general, and phö just really takes the cake.

Kim Son Vietnamese Restaurant

3614 Balboa Street 

(between 37th & 38th Ave.)

San Francisco

Sometimes I just feel my body telling me that I need more veggies!  One of my most favorite salads is actually from Safeway - it's their Apple Walnut Grilled Chicken Salad, with feta cheese and cranberries. It's unbelievably delicious! This month is Breast Cancer month, so they swapped out their usual green trays for these pretty pink ones.  Love!

On Saturday I got my ultra-sensitive and damaged teeth cleaned, and was too sore to chew afterwards, so I went to King Noodle and just ordered a small bowl with the fewest meats possible.  King Noodle is kind of not the epitome of fine dining, but it's fast, cheap, and hit the spot when I was in a hurry, short on moolah, and hungry for something soft, so I can't complain!  Oh, and I saved the meatballs for a doggy friend of mine!

Over the weekend I got invited over to a friend's house for dinner and they - knowing my penchant for reds - had a delicious merlot corked and waiting for me upon my arrival.  Ahh, ma vie c'est grande!

Imperfections

This morning I woke up to this amazing post by Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere.  It's a short two paragraphs where she candidly discusses one of her biggest faults, and states that "sometimes it’s good to simply be aware of your (not so admirable) habits, so that you can make a change."


Well, I certainly have many flaws as well, but I think my greatest one is high expectations.  I have The Highest expectations for myself, and therefore this trickles down into everything else around me as well: my life, my friends, my business, my clientele, my associates.  As a result, I become easily disappointed.  Often times I find myself having to temper my hurt and frustration by reminding myself that it's okay that something or someone didn't turn out/behave/react the way I had hoped, because no one and nothing is flawless - myself included.  


What areas do you feel the need to work on?

 as a musician, we practice for perfection

I Love You Tomorrow...You're Only A Day Away

Today was a rather disappointing day, on most fronts.  I don't know what it is about Wednesdays, but somehow they always seem to come and go with far more negatives than positives.  I guess we need days like this to help us appreciate the days that are better right?

One example of how today failed me is...I was hoping to have two excellent restaurant reviews by tonight! But yep you guessed it, I have zero.

For lunch, I hopped into Frjtz, just a few blocks away from school.  It sounded promising and the pictures looked good.

Well, it turns out, I walked in to put my order in and as I was just about to order my fries (I even had my dipping sauce all pre-picked out already too), I was informed that the fryer was broken and that there were no fries.  Disappointment!  When the name of your restaurant IS essentially a fancy foreign-sounding name for "fries," it's a total let down to not have it! Shouldn't that be illegal somehow?  Can you imagine walking into Popeye's and being told their fryer was down and they didn't have fried chicken that day?

Then for dinner, my friend and I hopped into Canto Do Brasil, because it is literally a 90 second walk away from school and she had even more of a time constraint than I did.   I actually like Canto Do Brasil quite a bit, it's a little less pricey if you go for lunch, and because it's so close and by far the most decent eatery in the vicinity of my school, I've been a few times.  The food is always good, and they give you this amazing spread with the complimentary bread (that is always oh-so-perfectly soft and fresh) that I always end up cleaning out anyway, far after the bread has all been consumed.  I like their calamari as well.

Today though, I ended up waiting 35 minutes for my food!  That's probably a bit on the long side at any joint, but particularly when you're pressed for time.  It was so bad that I had to ask for a to-go box before my food even arrived.  My friend had all but finished by the time my food/to-go box arrived.  The wait is usually never that long...I'm not sure what it was.  I guess they were having a case of the Wednesdays also.

So...hopefully I will be able to try both places again and have better results next time!  I am a firm believer in second chances because really...don't we all need it from time to time?

Food Review: Sri Thai Cuisine

The other day I had a slightly longer break so we tried Sri Thai in Outer Sunset.

Sri Thai Cuisine

4621 Lincoln Way

San Francisco 94122

Cute wine holder. Cute decor throughout. Probably the biggest selling point of this place.

I'm a HUGE Thai cuisine fan so you've got to be pretty darn awesome to stand out at this point.

We ordered the Thai Samosas, deep fried "thai-style wontons" as I call them, stuffed with pumpkin and yams.  They were ok.

The "Spicy Noodle" dish is pretty much Pad Kee-Mao at any other restaurant, but for some reason they take out the name here and just call it "Spicy Noodle." It was good, but again, nothing that blew my mind.

There was also a fried banana ice cream dessert, but sadly I forgot to take a picture.  That was okay as well. 

All in all, an interesting experiences, by no means bad, better than many other thai places, but nothing on my two favorites.

Sunday Magic With the 49ers!

So happiness hits florence and the machine like a train on the tracks, but happiness hit me today like Alex Smith's perfect pass to Delaney Walker when it mattered the most.

( credit: Duane Burleson, photos from Yahoo! Sports)

(I'm a girl so I'm allowed to talk about fashion right? Can I just say how much I LOVE these away jerseys?! And Michael Crabtree's shoes.  I kind of want that entire outfit right there.)

Niner defense was HUGE today against the strong detroit offense; Patrick Willis and Aldon Smith were all over everywhere they needed to be, the whole entire time!  I was seriously impressed.

I'd also like to shout-out Ted Ginn Jr. for all his impressive kick and punt returns, rushing and receiving yards.  Am I the only one who gets excited every time he starts to run??  You can really see the track & field training come out.

Michael Crabtree had an impressive game today with nine receptions for 77 receiving yards, and was voted MVP by KNBR's Red and Gold post-game show (which ran to nearly 4 o'clock today...it was a looong game).  During his post-game interview, he made some cute comment about being tired of always just almost getting things done and how he had to start to 'just gettin' it done already'!

It's a tough one...but I think I'd anoint my bethscetera MVP of the day title to Frank Gore.  No offense to the good folks over at Niner Nation, but I say Frank Gore is our Optimus Prime!  Frank Gore had 141 rushing yards today, and a touchdown in the second quarter.  If you watch the game you'd have seen that he helped the team tremendously to finally achieve the huge 25-19 win over the Detroit Lions, a team that has built up an impressive record for itself during these first 6 weeks.

There were 15 penalties and an early turnover that had my stomach tightening for a few moments...nightmares of last season came flooding back and my vision blurred for a second.  But then I remembered - wait, we've got Harbaugh now, things are different this year.  And sure enough, Alex Smith didn't shrink into his cave and leave us for the rest of the game like he did time and time again last year. He maintained his composure, and pulled the team through despite the deafening roar of Lions fans at Ford Field.

The only little blip the end...

So, this is what happens.  Schwartz, in case you missed it, totally made fun of Harbaugh (with profanity) for getting a penalty earlier in the game when he challenged a scoring play (which is against the rules now since all scoring plays are reviewed anyway).  Then he lost.  Sure he's pissed, instead of being 6-0 they're now 5-1.  Oh, that's right, like the 49ers.  Harbaugh, on the other hand, who kept his cool the entire time, is now just ecstatic because his team just beat one of the only two undefeated teams so far this season.  So he's happy and bouncy and he comes over happily to shake Schwartz' hand and pat his back.  Schwartz then get his feelings hurt, and decides to chase after Harbaugh for about 20 yards, yelling as he goes.  MY favorite part is when some of the players start putting their helmets on again like...I'm ready! Game on..again!  Harbaugh basically said the post-game conference, 'My bad, totally my fault, I shook his hand too hard.'

Moral of the story:  Please be careful when shaking coaches hands...some of them are of a delicate nature!

Can't wait to be at The Stick when The Cleveland Browns (who lost 24-17 to the Raiders today) come to town at the end of the month!

Summer-Back Weekend

Another great weekend gone by, and summer decided to come back and visit again for a few days.

My weekend was wonderful, I got to enjoy the world's best hot-pot with some of my dearest friends...

(with lamb, tempura, lots of tofu, lots of veggies, beef balls, fish balls, mushrooms, yam...yummmmm)

And on Sunday, while enjoying my Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup...

(In my chicken soup I usually put onions - white and green - tomatoes, half a lemon, garlic, napa cabbage, and today I ran out of cilantro so it's less pretty.)

...I got to watch these guys...

...do a lot of this...

 ...this...

...and this!

...culminating in an amazing, 48-3 win over the Tampa Bay Bucs.  Really? Let's say that again shall we?  Yes, you read correctly.  Fourty-eight over three.  Needless to say I was seeing stars for the rest of the day.  And the best part of about it was, it was a clean, solid game for San Francisco - the Niners played exceptionally today, they were every where and every thing they needed to be.  And it shows.  48-3.

In some other news on this beautiful football Sunday that was surprising to me, the Seahawks beat the Giants in New York (Seahawks?! Really?! Who saw that one coming?); reigning champs Green Bay Packers, led by Aaron Rodgers, rallied back towards the end of their game to beat the Falcons and keep their (what is it now-11 games? if you carry over from last season) winning streak alive; and the Raiders beat Houston 25-20, making it all in all, a very good day for my beloved bay.  Al Davis would have been proud.  

Hope all of you out there are doing well and staying alive in your leagues, and enjoying the month of October in your own special ways!

Autumn Hues

Just wanted to give a quick shout-out to my colour-of-the-hour: OPI's Oh-No, Roll Down the Window!

Despite it's less-than-attractive name, (really, OPI?! You've done so much better...) the color is to-die-for!

Lately in stores I've been seeing a lot of autumn hues that go perfectly with the sudden drop in temperatures we've had this week (and rain) - mostly goldenrod/mustard-y yellows, pumpkin oranges, and deep brick reds, but when I saw this mossy forest green, I thought it was the perfect dark complement to those colors and picked it up right away!

Here are pics in a few different lightings...

I love this color so much that, even though I can only keep it on for a few days in between lessons and performances, I couldn't resist throwing a couple coats on!

GAP sale this weekend-up to 50% off!

I was tipped off late last night thanks to Jean, who wrote on one of my favorite blogs, Extra Petite, that Gap was having an "up to 50% off Columbus Day sale."

So I scurried on over to their website and saw that they had quite an impressive selection of jeans all on sale.  I've been meaning to try out their legging jeans since I've heard and read great reviews on them, and figured this would be my chance.

For months now, I've been looking for the perfect black skinny jean/jegging - I wanted something that would be versatile enough to look polished and dressed up, while at the same time remain super comfortable.  Over Labor Day weekend, American Eagle was having a 40% off+free ship sale, so I ordered these black knit jeggings online through Ebates.  (referral link!)

AE Knit Jegging in Black

With the 40% off plus 3.0% cash back from Ebates, I paid $22.99 for these.  Alas, they came and just didn't fit right. The waist was way too loose on me and I didn't like the extremely narrow and tight leg opening at the bottom.  We weren't a good match, so I returned them at my local AE store.

Today I popped into The Gap in downtown SF after class quickly--the biggest one I know of around here--in hopes of better size selection, since I wasn't sure exactly what size I would be.  (Considering I hadn't purchased any bottoms from The Gap since the 5th grade!)  I determined that I was a size 25/0, which unfortunately seems to be a very popular size since it was sold out in most styles.

I brought a load full of pants with me into the fitting room, and only successfully fell in love with a black skinny jean and a royal blue washed ultra lightweight skinny boot.  Unfortunately the "skinny boot" in "ink" only came in 24/00 (there were about 20 pairs in that size), and the next smallest size was a 16.  Nothing in between.  So I decided to save the info and hunt on-line when I got home.

I was especially bummed they didn't have my size because, if you can see, they were on final sale in stores for only $9.97!!  Down from $69.50! That's roughly 85% off!

Sadly, while they carried my size online, it was only on sale for $49.99.  

I'll definitely be keeping my eye on this one though.  Hopefully the price will drop further and I'll be able to scoop it up!  It's definitely a VERY flattering fabric and cut - the fabric is super light but gives great shape, and it has not a huge hippy flare, but just enough to make your legs look slim and long and perfectly proportioned.

The other pair I liked in stores today and felt that it *could be* the skinny black jeans I desired were these "always skinny" jeans in black.

In the stores though, they were only 30% off regular price, which is $69.95.  That brings it down to $48.96.  I remembered it being less online, though I wasn't sure how much, so I left those in the store as well and planned on looking for it also, online when I got home.

This time I was rewarded, because these jeans are on-sale online for $34.98, which is exactly 50% off! Score!

So I popped it into my shopping cart, and got an additional 2% cash back for purchasing through Ebates.    With shipping and tax added, they came up to be about twice as much as what I paid for the AE pair, but hopefully these will live up to my expectations and I will have finally found my perfect black skinnies!

**As a note, I also wanted to point out that if you're a fan of Old Navy, not only are they having some great Columbus Day deals this weekend as well - they are currently offering 10% cash back on Ebates! What an amazing bonus!  I was just in the store a few days ago and I saw some cute items, but unfortunately nothing for me because even the smallest size at Old Navy is almost always too big on me.

My Favorite Thai 1

While in Fremont over the weekend, I had the opportunity to dine at one of my favorite Thai spots (I have two!) with my dear friend J.

Banh Thai

39060 Fremont Blvd.

(x Mowry Ave.)

Fremont, CA 94538

There are two things I always get while I'm at Banh Thai, one is of course, the Pad Thai (you can always tell if a Thai place is good by their Pad Thai), and the other is the Pad Kee Mao.  This time I ordered the Pad Thai.

Though we didn't have room for dessert this time (for dessert we went to Ulta instead...har har har), Banh Thai makes the BEST mango and sweet sticky rice I've ever had!! It's not always available since mangoes are seasonal and temperamental - but if you stop in, be sure to ask if they've got it!  If they do, you won't regret saving some room for it, I promise!

Since the weather has gotten cooler, I know I'll be hitting up my other Thai spot for some Tom Kha soup soon!

Icon.

[http://www.apple.com]

Local spot: Stacks!

This is a quick nod to Stacks - a breakfast and brunch restaurant located really close to my school, so when I'm looking for some American brunch, it's really easy to just pop on over and pop back without being late to any classes or rehearsals!  Even though they are famous for their pancakes, I'm not a huge pancake girl so I'm happy to discover that their other selectiosn are great as well!  Here are two options that I frequently turn to:

Stacks

501 Hayes Street

San Francisco, CA 94117

This is their grilled chicken sandwich.  Served with my favorite potatoes, a nice salad and fresh fruit. Great for a lighter option that'll still fill you up for a long time!

This is my other favorite dish, their fresh fruit crepe.  I always sweetly ask if it's okay that I have whipped cream only instead of whipped cream + Greek yogurt on top...and they always say yes! And it's perfect that way!

One thing I love a lot about Stacks is, their food is always so colorful and pretty! It makes it taste even better, and even looking at the pictures makes me smile!

Herbie's Caprese over Linguine

This has GOT to be my new favorite pasta, hands down.  Its only been a couple of days, but I'm craving it already!!!!

I got the recipe from one of my most favorite blogs of all time, Herbie Likes Spaghetti.  If you haven't seen this blog before, do go and check it out!

Here's the link to the recipe, which I followed exactly.

Mine didn't turn out as pretty (does it ever?!) but it tasted heavenly! Here's some pics to tantalize your taste buds!

I have been gifted a few times lately with home-grown tomatoes, nearing the end of their life span and needing to be used up.  Perfect for this pasta! The tomatoes are ripe, and oh-so-flavorful, seeing as they're "organic" and pesticide free!

Stirring the tomatoes with salt to draw out the juices.

Adding the basil and stirring it in, with black pepper also...

Mozzarella whom I love......

Look! The tomato mix has sat after being blended, all the juices are out, and it smells amazing already!

This picture truly does not do the sauce justice...and there is no way I can describe the amazing smell!! You simply MUST try it for yourself!

Here's my final product! Haha, told you, totally not as pretty.  But tasted sooo good I almost ate the entire two-person portion!

The best part about it is, I packed up the remainder of the pasta for lunch the next day, and it was simple AND delicious!