A Little Bit of Sweet Lovin'... (Houston, Texas)

I know, I know... this has been more of a photography blog than a food/life blog this past week.  But my guess is that you will be able to find it deep in your heart to forgive me when you see how adorable my friends are.  (And besides, you are probably too busy with Easter stuff right now to even really care about tuna casserole with spinach or something like that, right?  Right.)

These pictures were actually taken back in January, but were under lock and key until my friends made them public, which they just did.  Finally!  I have been itchin' to share them. 

And wouldn't you know it... Train's "Marry Me" just came on Pandora.  Perfect!

Let me tell you about these two lovebirds.  Querubia is one of my very closest friends.  You might have already read about her and her amazing turkey-sandwich smoothies.  But what you don't know is that she is the one who introduced me to my husband.  Via an MSN instant messenger conversation.  She says she was trying to get Paulo someone to practice English with, but I am not so sure... ;) 

She was my very first Brazilian friend, and she has remained one of my very best of all friends throughout the years.  The past few years have seen her here in America and back home in Brazil for periods of time, but throughout it all, no matter where we were at physically, we have remained connected -- both through good times and very difficult life situations.  That is real friendship, right?

But right now we celebrate one of those really good, no, GREAT times.  She has found the love of her life, and I must say -- after spending this weekend with them in Texas, he gets my full approval! 

I feel very honored to not only have been selected as one of the bridesmaids, but to have them ask me to come out to do their engagement pictures.  I will be heading back out in a few short months to spend a few days with them, celebrating that sweet love that they publically declare their love in front of all of their friends, family, and God.  And I can't wait!

Field Trips, Futsal, and Farmer's Market... (Ribeirao Preto)

It is here: our last and final stop on the "See Brazil Through Tiffany's Eyes" tour -- Ribeirao Preto.

This "small city" by Brazilian standards (although quite large by mine, at 600,00+ inhabitants) is ranked at number four for best places to live in Brazil.  I do not know what the first three are, but I can tell you that Ribeirao Preto is quite proud of this ranking as they made sure we knew about it, whether through billboards or magazines.  And I can see why. 

Although it is far from the beach, it has a nice pace of life going on.  The streets are not congested, there is a lot of green as far as cities go, and for the most part, it is kept up pretty well. 

My favorite place in Ribeirao Preto, as with any Brazilian town, really, is the farmer's market.  Going to the feira livre on Friday mornings for pastel and caldo de cano (sugar cane juice) has become a weekly ritual for my husband and I whenever we are here.

And if you can't find what you are looking for here or in one of the many grocery stores around, you can always head over to the public market.  It may not be as impressive as the one in Sao Paulo, but it is worth a visit.

It might not be a hot-spot tourist destination like Ubatuba or Rio, but for a place to call "home", as my husband did for many years, it is just right.

Jesus, Sun, and a Little Bit of Sugar... (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Cidade Maravilhosa...

Look at that view.  This is what puts Rio on the map as one of the most visited tourist spots in the world.  When we first arrived the rain was pouring down and we thought we would not be able to see anything during our weekend there, which would have been the biggest let down.  We didn't let a little rain stop us, though.  We decided whether or not the sun came out, we would go see what this city had to offer.

But the next day we woke up to sunshine with a smattering of clouds and we were able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Rio de Janeiro.

As you can see, there were two main spots we centered on during this short weekend trip: Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) with its amazing views of Pao de Acucar along with Copacabana.  Although this was my second time to Rio, this was my first time making it up to stand at the feet of Jesus (or at least those of his statue).  Last time I suffered from Strep throat, making only a quick trip to Sugar Loaf possible, but barely.  This time I got to enjoy the city.  It was quick, but it was beautiful.

Our second and final night we walked down to the fort at Copacabana (as per a recommendation from April at Que Saudades) and witnessed the most amazing nighttime city view.

Oh Rio, your beauty never ceases to amazing me.  Thank you for a good weekend and may life continue to shine blessings upon you and your poeple.

And now on to our last and final stop... Ribeirao Preto!