Monthly Archives: May 2011

Grape & Cilantro Salad

I recently completed my second semester of graduate school. Spring was packed with multiple jobs, extra credit hours, and training for my second marathon (it went great!). It was an exciting semester, but it was truly a relief to turn in my final projects and take a short break from everything. I’m back at it […]

View full post »

show hide 10 comments

Jasmine - Beautiful summer recipe!

Jasmine - Beautiful summer recipe!

Anita - I love all of those ingredients separately, but never would have thought about trying them together. Willing to give it a shot, though!
(And having experienced summer in Champaign many years ago – it IS a completely different experience!)

Anita - I love all of those ingredients separately, but never would have thought about trying them together. Willing to give it a shot, though!
(And having experienced summer in Champaign many years ago – it IS a completely different experience!)

Gemma - Thanks Jasmine!
Hello Anita. It is a surprising combination, I recommend it!

Gemma - Thanks Jasmine!
Hello Anita. It is a surprising combination, I recommend it!

kasia - I loved it! I used slivered almonds instead of whole ones, which I think made it easier to have mouthfuls of all the ingredients at once. Anyways, definitely will be making this again – thanks!

kasia - I loved it! I used slivered almonds instead of whole ones, which I think made it easier to have mouthfuls of all the ingredients at once. Anyways, definitely will be making this again – thanks!

Gemma - It’s one of my favorites, I’m very glad you enjoyed it, Kasia!

Gemma - It’s one of my favorites, I’m very glad you enjoyed it, Kasia!

Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic & Oregano

When I started this website over six years ago, I had a second-hand point and shoot camera and no understanding of white balance. I’ve come along way since those early days and I’ve even sold a few photos, but I’m constantly trying to improve. Some days I shoot photos that I am really proud of, […]

View full post »

show hide 8 comments

Nicholas - That top photo is the best food picture I’ve ever seen. Not just best one you’ve taken. It’s really beautiful.

Nicholas - That top photo is the best food picture I’ve ever seen. Not just best one you’ve taken. It’s really beautiful.

Gemma - Thank you. That’s sweet.

Gemma - Thank you. That’s sweet.

Evan - You are definitely putting your new camera equipment to good use!

Evan - You are definitely putting your new camera equipment to good use!

Gemma - Thanks Evan! It’s so nice to have a lens that helps me sharply focus. It makes a world of difference!

Gemma - Thanks Evan! It’s so nice to have a lens that helps me sharply focus. It makes a world of difference!

Seattle Road Trip

My brother recently moved from Chicago to Seattle, and thanks to the flexible schedule of grad school, I was able to take a few days off to accompany him and his two cats, Sprout and Turnip, on the three-day drive. Evan is my only sibling and our family is very close, the two of us […]

View full post »

show hide 19 comments

Beth - Sounds like a very special trip with your brother. I’m glad you were able to take the time to travel with him.

Beth - Sounds like a very special trip with your brother. I’m glad you were able to take the time to travel with him.

kickpleat - I loved reading this post! I guess in part because I’m jonesing for a road trip and adventure. Those pancakes look amazing and thanks for sharing your trip!

kickpleat - I loved reading this post! I guess in part because I’m jonesing for a road trip and adventure. Those pancakes look amazing and thanks for sharing your trip!

Nishta - loved reading about your trip–beautiful shots, as usual (especially the car-bathing kitten!) I think road trips create their own kind of bond and mental memory file. also, your brother is adorable.

Nishta - loved reading about your trip–beautiful shots, as usual (especially the car-bathing kitten!) I think road trips create their own kind of bond and mental memory file. also, your brother is adorable.

Erin O'Brien - Your photos are amazing!
I looooove road trips and finding/stopping at special places, like that diner with the pancakes (yum!), along the way. Traveling by vehicle, you can really discover awesome, underrated parts of this country. For me, Utah is amazing and I can’t believe there are people who don’t know what it’s like. But if Matthew and I weren’t in LA the chances of me/us making it across Utah in a car would be slim – there would just be no reason for us to drive across Utah.
Too, I love that you noted the beauty of Northern Idaho. I have been in that area myself, with my father on a few trips to Yellowstone, and it’s so gorgeous, as is Montana. One day I’d like to make it up to Glacier National Park.
I know you’ll miss your brother, but at least you have a fantastic place to get away when you get the itch! I’ve always thought of Seattle as a super cool city, one that I have yet to see. :) But some day!

Erin O'Brien - Your photos are amazing!
I looooove road trips and finding/stopping at special places, like that diner with the pancakes (yum!), along the way. Traveling by vehicle, you can really discover awesome, underrated parts of this country. For me, Utah is amazing and I can’t believe there are people who don’t know what it’s like. But if Matthew and I weren’t in LA the chances of me/us making it across Utah in a car would be slim – there would just be no reason for us to drive across Utah.
Too, I love that you noted the beauty of Northern Idaho. I have been in that area myself, with my father on a few trips to Yellowstone, and it’s so gorgeous, as is Montana. One day I’d like to make it up to Glacier National Park.
I know you’ll miss your brother, but at least you have a fantastic place to get away when you get the itch! I’ve always thought of Seattle as a super cool city, one that I have yet to see. :) But some day!

irene - i so much enjoyed looking at these amazing pictures!

irene - i so much enjoyed looking at these amazing pictures!

Irma Perl - T’was a great trip! Although it is sad to know the two of you are living far from each other. But sometimes, we have to face our own destiny and grow on our own way. At least you two had a great time together which made your bond as siblings stronger than ever.

Irma Perl - T’was a great trip! Although it is sad to know the two of you are living far from each other. But sometimes, we have to face our own destiny and grow on our own way. At least you two had a great time together which made your bond as siblings stronger than ever.

Gemma - Thanks Beth, kickpleat, Irene, and Nishta! (Yes, isn’t he handsome?)
Hello Erin, I’ve never been to Utah! I need to visit one day. I highly recommend Glacier. It is my favorite place.
Wise thoughts Irma, I agree. I’m excited for him.

Gemma - Thanks Beth, kickpleat, Irene, and Nishta! (Yes, isn’t he handsome?)
Hello Erin, I’ve never been to Utah! I need to visit one day. I highly recommend Glacier. It is my favorite place.
Wise thoughts Irma, I agree. I’m excited for him.

Jolandi Kerstetter - Wow-ness. That looks like a nice road trip. It must be nice to have some camera skills. The photos taken in-between driving during trips like that are often excellent.

Jolandi Kerstetter - Wow-ness. That looks like a nice road trip. It must be nice to have some camera skills. The photos taken in-between driving during trips like that are often excellent.

Gemma - Thanks Jolandi! It was a great trip and a special opportunity to spend quality time with my brother. Good memories.

Gemma - Thanks Jolandi! It was a great trip and a special opportunity to spend quality time with my brother. Good memories.

Lemon & Tahini Peas » Pro Bono Baker - […] My brother came into Chicago for work on Monday evening and my father and I met him for dinner on the Small Bar patio in Logan Square. It was odd being there now that neither of us live in the neighborhood. It was a busy weekend, but I am glad I was able to visit with so many people. […]