Milano... Crema... Hein's...

Follow up blog to the one 2 blog's ago titled "Crazy fun in Crema..."

On my 3rd day in Italy (after saying bye to Pao as she ventured off to kick some volley butt), I got a great treat! Andy and Kate came to explore with me! I met them in Milano on Saturday mid-day and we started our adventure. We went walking towards the center and of course in search of a lunch spot. 

Mission accomplished below when we found a cute little pizza place with all sorts of dishes to enjoy!

This church is so detailed and one of my favorite in all of Europe! 

We had to climb this monster of a church and with thighs burning we finally made it to the top with smiles. 

This guy was impressive! He was making art from vegetables... flowers and birds... oh my!

Went to see the Santa Maria church, which my dad recommended for the "Last Supper" viewing... 

Too bad this is all we got to see because this is a tourist attraction... who'da thunk it?... must not have been sold out 2 weeks in advanced when my dad lived here 30 years ago... or he just left that part out maybe...

Dad's old stomping grounds that he stayed at with his friend PJ... They were hanging out together in California while I was on my trip and had to go step where they stepped so many years ago. 

'Spin on the bulls balls'... I didn't make this up. This is a tourist attraction and it is hilarious to watch all the people participate. Google it if you want to know more... I think it's for good luck. 

Night back in Crema... for Carnival. We had the pleasure of witnessing some fun outfits and singing. 

'Kill Shot!' ... For those of you watching the show "The Bachelor" you might appreciate Kate and I in this picture. 

Gelato time! 

The next morning, day 4, I decided to head back to Lausanne with Kate & Andy. We made a recommended stop for breakfast in Milan below.

 A little taste of home... Thanks for the recommendation Pao! It was truly scrumptious!

Above I learned that cinnamon in my coffee makes it so much more tasty! 

Best Breakfast I have had in 2 months!

The cool kids sit in the back of the bus!! So the story behind the above picture is that our "direct" train from Milan to Lausanne, turned out to be anything but direct. We had no idea the adventure we were to face when we woke up that morning. We all (all means everyone on the multi-car train) had to exit the train and hop on buses to take us to the next train station due to train track issues.

This is the lovely station of Varzo, can't you tell by Kate's face? We waited here patiently for our new train to take us to Brig, where we would again have to change trains before finally heading to Lausanne. Long day but the company made it bearable. 

A successful little vacation if I may say so! 

Thanks for reading! God Bless! 

Who is Joseph Kony?

This is the question that the world should be asking!!

It was brought to my attention through various social media forums today that a great injustice is happening in Africa. Now I know some of you are going to say things like "who cares" or "we have our own problems at home" but if you would just take a few minutes and read the rest of this blog. I am not going to ask you for any money. I am not asking you to do anything but what I know you all do daily... surf the internet, watch a youtube video and tweet, update status' or talk to a friend. 

Joseph Kony should be a well known name, but he is not. If you are an American and reading this, I bet you know the name Osama bin laden... even if you are not American I bet that rings a bell. How about Hitler, you know about him? Well, Mr. Kony fits right in with these tools. Yes, tool! Big dumb meany (putting it way too nicely), who bully's people and takes their lives away from them in the most awful of ways. The worst part.... most of the people he is hurting are children. 

Watch this video: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4MnpzG5Sqc

Now I know everyone reading this knows someone under the age of 18 whether it be a brother, child, sister, friend, student, niece, nephew, grandchild... Would you want the world to back you up if someone was taking their life away? YES! 

This movement is called 'Kony 2012' and it's goal is to help spread awareness throughout the world. The hope is to capture Kony who currently sits at the #1 spot of "World's worst criminals list" written by the International Criminal Court and do so by the end of 2012. 

If you want more information view the website: 

http://www.invisiblechildren.com/

Thank you for reading and I hope you spread the word!!! 

God Bless! 

Things just tastes better here...

I have realized in my 3rd year journey in the gorgeousness that is Europe that almost everything just seems to taste so ridiculously good. Maybe this is my way of coping without family, friends and familiar surroundings, but I am enjoying it nonetheless! Good thing my job here is to literally workout or I would come home needing to ask the flight attendant for a second seat and belt extender. 

Beware if you are dieting for the pictures that follow make me hungry and I just ate HAHA! 

 Rissotto dish at a restaurant on the lake front in Lausanne, stopped for lunch on one of my February strolls... MmmMmm Olive oil! How I love thee! 

My first and favorite cupcake (Smores flav.) from "Sweet Dreams" cupcake cafe in Lausanne. Located just a short walk from my apartment, dangerous I know, but the walk is uphill if that makes any difference. 

Ice cream from Movenpick, the famous and delicious tasty treat of Lausanne. I treated myself to this double scooper on my birthday. 

Still have not found a cup of coffee I enjoy more than the one at Cafe de Grancy... maybe its the setting but it is a true pick me up every time I stop by. 

My go to breakfast: Green Tea with Lemon, toast with a poached egg sprinkled with pepper. The eggs in Europe never fail to be beautifully orange in the center... America take notice! Orange tastes way better than yellow!

My birthday lunch and second sushi meal here in Lausanne this year. Although California sushi is practically unbeatable this comes in pretty tasty for being in a European land locked country.

A juicy steak covered in yumminess (mushroom sauce) with french fries. This is from my sponsor restaurant who never fails to give me a happy belly! *French Fries everywhere in Europe are always a brilliant yellow... another note to take USA!

Egg scramble burrito. Simple, easy and cannot forget the avocados! Although these tasty green loves of mine are not that cheap here, I cannot resist splurging on them, makes me feel at home.

Thanks for drooling with me! Don't forget to exercise today!

 God Bless! 

Crazy fun in Crema, Italia

Oh how I adore Italy. Doesn't matter where I go or for how little time, I always leave feeling rejuvenated and full of love! Maybe that is more like stuffed with the best food, but it sure feels like love. 

This February I was fortunate enough to have a 4 day weekend prior to my 25th birthday and lucky me I know some peeps down south. I went on a journey to Crema, Italy to see the lovely miss Lauren Paolini. She is playing volleyball in Crema which is located just outside of Milan. 

It is always good to catch up with old friends and get a familiar hug from an old teammate. It doesn't hurt that Pao is always the best host of all time! 

Her little city of Crema is a place I would have never thought to go had she not been living there and it is indeed a hidden gem. The cute little town is so full of character, yummy pasta and no shortage of gelato shops. Her team was so nice & welcoming as I crashed one of their lunches at their sponsor restaurant (pic below). It was another one of those "I would never think this place is here" moments. Had I not been with Pao to lead me down some back alley to this gorgeous secret meeting place, I would have never been able to share its yumminess with Kate & Andy a couple days later. 

The first day I was provoked by her coach to participate a little in practice and had forgotten what it is like to play with giants who hit like guys. Don't worry I came out unscathed and smiling! The next day I rode Pao's bike around town and it reminded me a little of my days last year riding bikes in the Netherlands (*Miss you Jolene!). I have the luckiest life! 

Here are a few pictures from the trip:

 (first 2 days only... check next Blog about Milan with Kate & Andy for more pics)

My train ticket to Milano on platform 3 in Lausanne... excited! 

2 hour nap on the 3+ hour trip to Milan, woke up in Italy to this view from the train window... already in love again! 

 Trip to the grocery store with Pao = I found Italy's version of Walmart and a heavenly section of yummy carbs! 

 Longhorns in Italy! So thankful that our paths crossed in Texas and continue to cross all over the world! 

 Entrance to the main center of Crema... Carnival season (like Halloween)

 Botero... Crema volleyball sponsor... Best food of the trip! I go back for seconds in the next blog

Main street of Crema... Italy never fails to put a smile on my face with the colorful buildings and adventures hidden down each street 

 Couldn't pass up some gelato... it is pretty much a must have daily in these parts! Like my Italian vitamin regiment... I highly recommend it! 

Thanks for reading! Missing you all, but soaking up the adventures! 

My Birthday Request!

My Mission: 25+ Random Acts of Kindness

I would like your help, pretty please! 

As I head to bed here in Switzerland, midnight fast approaches with Monday, February 20, 2012. This marks 25 years on this lovely planet, a whole 1/4 century and so much more life to live. This year my only true request is a sort of "Pay it Forward" deal, but I would like to ask you to help me start the chain of smile provoking events. 

It can be anything that you like. My intention with this little request is to bring a smile to someone's day. Be creative and venture outside of your everyday comfort zone. I plan on documenting as many random acts of kindness as I can fit into my day tomorrow and I would love more than anything to hear your stories as well. 

If you dare to participate, please share your stories with me after! Merci!  

Miss you all and God Bless!! Thanks for reading! 

*I'll try to write more often, sorry*

The world's healthiest foods

My stepmom is a great cook and she has more cookbooks and recipes, some in her head, than anyone I know. She recently busted out this giant, text book looking piece titled "the world's healthiest foods" and do not criticize my lack of capital letters on that one, it really is that way on the cover. It is an 880 pager with everything from fruits and vegetables to herbs and spices. It of course has recipes for all these wonderful foods.

There is a 'total nutrient-richness chart' that I found helpful when trying to plan my grocery list. The way they calculate the nutrient-richness is by dividing the maximum nutrient value by the total calorie value. For example broccoli has 123mg vitamin C and is 44 calories in a cooked cup. This gives you 2.8mg of vitamin C for every calorie of broccoli you eat. Don't worry, they do all this math for you in the book.

Here are the charted foods from highest value to lowest. I am curious about those foods that did not make the list, I wonder if I should not be eating them. Anything with the symbol * after the word, will later be explained in more detail.

Vegetables:  #1 is Spinach, Swiss Chard*, Crimini Mushrooms*, Asparagus, Broccoli, Romaine Lettuce, Collard Greens, Kale/Mustard Greens, Tomatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Green Beans, Cabbage, Carrots, Winter Squash, Beets, Eggplant, Garlic, Onions/Leeks, Sweet Potatoes, Avocados, Corn, Sea Vegetables*, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Olives.

Fruits: #1 my favorite Strawberries, Raspberries, Cataloupe, Pineapple, Kiwi, Oranges, Papaya, Watermelon, Apricots, Grapefruit, Grapes/Raisins, Blueberries, Bananas, Plum/Prunes, Lemons & Limes, Apples, Figs, and Pears.

Fish & Shellfish: #1 is Tuna, Shrimp, Salmon, Cod, Sardines, and Scallops

Nuts & Seeds: #1 is the baseball favorite of Sunflower seeds, Flaxseeds, Sesame seeds, Pumpkin seeds, Walnuts, Almonds, Peanuts, and Cashews

Poultry & Lean meats: #1 is Calf's Liver (not sure I'm thrilled with this one), Grass-Fed Beef, Venison, Lamb, Chicken, and Turkey

Beans & Legumes: #1 is Lentils, Soybeans, Kidney beans/Pinto beans, Lima beans, Black beans/Navy beans, Garbanzo beans, Tofu, and Dried peas

Dairy & Eggs: #1 is the good ol' Egg, Low-fat Milk, Yogurt, Low-fat Cheese, Goats Milk

Grains: #1 is Oats (I recommend some ol' fashioned homemade oatmeal with cinnamon which you will see below), Rye, Quinoa*, Brown Rice, Whole Wheat, and Buckwheat

Herbs & Spices: #1 is Parsley, Mustard seeds, Basil, Turmeric*, Cinnamon, Cayenne/Red chili peppers Black pepper, Ginger, Dill, Cilantro, and Rosemary

*Swiss Chard (pictured): It is a tall, leafy vegetable with a thick crunchy stem. It comes in a few varieties and has a bitter taste. The healthiest way to cook it is a 'quick boil' for 3 minutes.

*Crimini Mushrooms: They look similar to the typical Button Mushrooms you find in the store, but have a darker coffee color and deeper 'mushroomy' flavor.

*Sea Vegetables: This is a fancy way to say Sea Weed and there are a few varieties. Some sea weed is not edible, but you know the kind they make sushi with, well you can find this at Trader Joes in packs.

*Quinoa (pictured): This is not technically a cereal grain although it may look like one. It is a seed of an herbaceous plant, which is just a plant that dies down at the end of the growing season.

*Turmeric: It is a spice native to Indonesia and southern India. It is peppery, warm and bittersweet with a mild fragrance reminiscent of ginger. It is known as an ingredient used to make curry powder.

Obviously, everything on this list should be eaten in moderation and excerise is key to a healthy lifestyle. If you have any questions as to recipes or facts about the above list, please do not hesitate to ask. The book does reccommend the best ways to select, store, prepare and cook the foods mentioned. You can find me on facebook, twitter or gmail at kiley11anne@gmail.com.

Have a super September and a healthy life!!
Thanks for reading!

BROTHER

I have a little brother who is not so little anymore.

Some of you may know the amazing Chans Larsen Hall. Well, if you don't, he turned 18 this month and I cannot believe it. I remember the day my mom yelled for me to "grab the baby bag" and when I asked "why?" she simply informed me we were going to see my new baby brother. I was so excited and so completely annoyed when night fell without his arrival. Yep, he decided to take his sweet time and I was forced to spend the night at grandma's house with promises that I would be promptly informed when he showed up. I saw him for breakfast!

I remember the day the tables turned. It was in my senior year of high school when he clocked me one for the first time. I instantly came to the realization that I couldn't bully him like I had in the past. He suddenly could now hold his own, even though he did immediately run in fear and lock himself in the bathroom. I love him regardless and I'm sure I had it coming, as I had mastered the "I'm just looking at him" teasing method a long time prior.

He is far from a baby anymore. He can now pass as a legal adult and he definitely looks the part. He is turning out to be smarter and more athletic than I ever was. He is proving himself in football, basketball and golf. The kid has got brains too. He could actually be done with a year of college credits come his high school graduation in 2012. I'm a proud sister if you couldn't tell.

He is working hard in the Texas heat as I write this. I got an update from my proud father that his one an only boy scored a touch down in practice this afternoon. Dad is out in Texas to catch his "friday night lights" game this week and I wish so badly that I was there to join in the cheer-fest. No worries though, I will be there come October! And yet again I will take such pleasure in my attempts to embarrass him.

I cannot wait to see the man he will become!
Love you Chansy pants! xoxo
Praying for Panther health and victory!