A Visit to Villanueva State Park and the San Miguel del Vado National Historic District

Here are some photos from the trip we took yesterday to Villanueva State Park and the San Miguel del Vado National Historic District. This is a great day trip for anyone interested in history, nature and fitness!

“The church at San Miguel del Vado was built in 1806 at the principal vado of the Pecos river on the old Santa Fe Trail. This is where custom taxes on caravans, entering New Mexico, were paid to the Mexican government. The original church is still in use.”

Now I’m off to Tortilla Flats. Happy Mother’s Day to my beautiful mommy and my grandma Emily. Today I also remember my grandma Corine and my great grandma Lina.

Avoid a Plummet Into the Fiery Depths of Carb Hell

•A Light Breakfast on Saturday Morning•

I have felt so much better since I moved from eating a cheat meal on Saturday mornings. After eating healthy all week, sometimes a Friday cheat night just makes me sick. Last night I made some delish spaghetti, but I just felt horrible after all the carbs (white bread and pasta) and olive oil. Opting for a lighter choice leaves me with energy and feeling good.

My new favorite food is pear paste. Rutherford & Meyer’s makes delicious New Zealand made paste. I have been topping multi-seed, gluten free brown rice thins (with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and flax seeds) by Back to Nature with a small piece of Dofino creamy Havarti cheese and a slice of paste.

It took a while for me to realize that after doing good all week it is just silly to eat a cheat meal Friday night and Saturday morning. From now on it will be a one night party, and I will choose food that doesn’t make me ill.

If you get a chance, try this light breakfast with some coffee. I’m sure you will appreciate the taste and keeping energy that doesn’t plummet into the fiery depths of carb hell.

•Rutherford & Meyer’s New Zealand Made Pear Paste•

Sunny Breakfast

•Aloha Fruity Salad Rolls•

********************

Laughter is the sun that
drives winter from the
human face.
………..Victor Hugo

********************

There is nothing like breakfast in the sun. The rays of light are so invigorating. Coffee and my favorite vegetarian sushi rolls from Whole Foods go perfect together. Yum! When I eat right, I can’t help but want to throw on my killa purps and exercise. I’m glad the weekend weather will be nice.

Acknowledged by a Poet•Writer•Sommelier

It’s always awesome to hear that someone interesting has been able to connect to me. Today I was told that “a creative writer” who “pursues her passion for the vinous” mentioned me on her web site.

Tonight I took a peek and discovered a lovely site being managed by a woman named Erin Brooks. Her web site is called “brooksonwine” and you should make time for a visit there.

I would like to meet Ms. Brooks, because we seem to have some things in common. She lives in New Mexico and works in Santa Fe. She went to CSF, and she is a writer who dabbles in creative writing and poetry.

I am honored to have a food piece I wrote in 2008 picked up by Ms. Brooks. Even more so now that I know she works for “Geronimo, New Mexico’s only four-star, four-diamond  restaurant” as a resident expert of the spirits. She has been a “bartender, bar manager and sommelier” who dreams of being a Master of Wine one day.

I love this woman. She is an educated writer~ she is creative~ and she is giving me credit for some good food! Ms. Brooks said “here’s my favorite recipe for posole, which I found in an article titled “Tamales” by Felicia Lujan in Edible Santa Fe’s Winter 2008 issue.”

Thanks for the props Ms. Brooks. Maybe we will meet soon over a glass of your goods and a bowl of mine!

Crab Cakes and Cardio

1:06am

Well I learned many things after hours here in Annapolis. I’m still not up on the two hour time difference, but I’m getting there. It’s barely after 11 in good ole New Mexico! Here is a list of some things I found interesting tonight.

~I can only wonder what is going on inside the cabins of house boats on the bay. Hum?? Several people were at work and play there.

~This is a very historic site. It would take me days to write about just that. Annapolis was once the capitol of the United States. I didn’t know that.

~At least two Presidents (if not more) have deep roots here in Annapolis (GW and AL), which is awesome.

~Christmas lights were beautiful on the docks and around the bay.

~Oh and over here the Salvation Army bell ringers were two cute women. They were playing songs by request on a kazoo! Really?? Now that deserved a small donation right?

~What is the only decent seafood I have come across so far? Yes- crab cakes. Still not sure why??

~Ice cream is good to eat right before cardio! Really? What the? No really— what the??

~There are about as many runners who are into fitness as there are pubs, bars, or watering holes (whatever you like to call it) with people into drinking. I must have seen 20 pubs and 20 people running on an evening stroll in 1 hour!! Strange I know? Ummm… I prefer running~ and so that’s what I did.

~LifeFitness makes a sick-sick-sick with the sickness treadmill. Oh yes they do! The fitness center in my hotel is small, but well equip. Who doesn’t want to jam hot Ciara videos while burning off crab cakes and ice cream?

~And…a long bath is simply divine after all of thee above!

One for the Twins

•=•=•=•=•=•=•=•=•=•=•

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my
brother and sister. I love
you both very much!!!

•=•=•=•=•=•=•=•=•=•=•

Because time itself is like a
spiral, something special
happens on your birthday
each year. The same energy
that God invested in you at
birth is present once again. 
~Menachem Schneerson

~Felicia holding her baby brother and sister~ Thomas and Laura (The Twins) in March of 1980~

~The birthday cake with Orchids I made for Shnoop n Loop~

~ToOoo Many Candles~

~Isaiah, Thomas and Laura listen as we sing Happy Birthday~

~The Twinny Twinz~

Santa Fe BBQ Turkey (OooLaLa)

~Felicia’s Santa Fe BBQ Turkey~

3:30am

OhMyGawd!! Now that’s what I’m talkin’ ’bout! I love being so gourmet. This is a recipe I made up for my 20lb turkey. I wanted to try something new this year, so I’m cooking up a yummy treat to take to my mom. Check out my Santa Fe BBQ Turkey. The turkey is now in slow roast mode. I got up at 2:00am and popped it in at 3:00am. In 8 hours what I’ll have on my hands is sheer heaven!!! This fella is stuffed with red and green jalapenos, purple onions, and a pile of bacon, then drenched with Santa Fe style BBQ sauce. Nice!!! Now– back to dream land.

A Kinky Sunset

New Mexico Sunset to the South by Felicia

New Mexico has awe inspiring sunsets. While I was on my way home from the store, I absorbed the spectacular sunset to the south of me and downloaded the contents of my day. It was amazing. I envisioned wonderful things while my eyes absorbed vivid colors. All I can do is wonder- wonder what is happening in places I will never go. The sun has set on another day, making way for the night. Today was a day full of rule breaking for me. I ate a big ole enchilada lunch after hitting a rather tight, high rep leg workout (what a waste). That lunch included carbs I have been avoiding for at least two weeks (bread and tortillas—so much for that). What can we do? I also skipped cardio today so I decided just to keep breaking rules and move straight on to liquor for the night. Maybe that’s what I need??? I *rarely* drink- but tonight it was time to get my “Kinky” on LoL. A 5x distilled vodka and some carmel- alcohol infused whipped cream should be inspiring. Maybe I’ll come up with a new script?

“Kinky” (5x distilled vodka) with mango and Cream Liquor

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A Cook with Heart

Red Chile Chicken Enchiladas made by Felicia

……………………………
<3…A loving heart is
the beginning of all knowledge.
…..Thomas Carlyle
……………………………


Tonight I made red chile enchiladas and beans to take to work tomorrow. I watched the CMA awards (awesome) while I cooked. Cooking is second nature to me. I went through: 80 corn tortillas; 6 pounds of cheese; 24 ounces of extra hot New Mexican red chile powder; 3 bunches of green onions; 2 cans of black olives; and six cups of beans. Last week the archives hosted a large event filled with scholarly lectures, silent films, books, and a grip of history. Everyone worked so hard planning and preparing, so I wanted to show my appreciation. I enjoy doing things for people because it makes me feel good. Hopefully my Friday treat will be enjoyed by everyone on staff. There may be some things I am still unsure of, but there are a few things I do know without a doubt. I am a woman with a good heart and I am an *excellent* cook. Hey— with luck and hard work, hopefully the rest will fall into place!

Pans of Red Chile Chicken Enchiladas made by Felicia

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The Green Heat

~Fresh New Mexico Green Chile~

It is again time for the autumn roast. One of my favorite New Mexico traditions is peeling and eating green chile. Last weekend I bought 25 pounds of fresh Hatch Green Chile to sack up. I was able to get a good deal at Whole Foods, and I may just go back for round two this weekend. Unfortunately, the hot spot identified by my mom and her sisters for the goods was fresh out!! It didn’t take long for me to peel up the priceless staple. I am sure that there are chile traditions all over the world, but you haven’t lived unless you have had New Mexican green with a hint of red or what is referred to as the autumn roast. I made some wicked green chile frito pies that same night. You just can’t top the taste of chile hot off the roaster. I got about 20 baggies full to freeze. That equals 20 meals.

~Fresh New Mexico Green Chile~

~Sacks of Fresh New Mexico Green Chile~

One of my favorite meals to make is my grandma’s green chile chicken sopa. Edible Santa Fe magazine published an article I wrote in the Fall of 2008 (page 44, Home Cooking). The article was titled For the Love of Chicken Sopa. The story and recipe were so tantalizing that they were eventually picked up by a local artist and author.Aline Fourier asked if she could run the piece in her book Everything I Eat Nourishes Me: A Cookbook for Body and Soul. She also featured the piece on iFood TV. If you have access to the green heat, you may want to try some sopa! There is absolutely nothing like it. You have my Girl Scout honor on that one!
And yes- I was a she scout.

Edible Santa Fe- For the Love of Chicken Sopa by Felicia Lujan
http://www.ediblecommunities.com/santafe/pages/articles/fall08/homeCooking.pdf

Everything I Eat Nourishes Me: A Cookbook for Body and Soul by Aline Fourier
http://alinefourierstudio.com/writingscookbook.html

iFood TV- Recipe
http://www.ifood.tv/recipe/green-chile-chicken-sopa

~Hatch Green Chile Box~

Birthday Beats and Symbols

***My Monster- Beats by Dr. Dre Photo Shoot***
Hahahahahahaaaaa

Tonight I will go to bed one year older than I was last year! I don’t know if that should be an exclamation point after that sentence or a sad face – but I do feel like I am getting better with age. I am happy with the woman I have become and I think I am still striving to learn, grow and love. The best story of the day came from my mom. She told me about when I was born. Way back then (haha) it was actually Labor Day on September 1^st. My mom said “there was a lot of labor involved that day,” and we both laughed. My mom said she and my dad had to fight through a grip of traffic to get to the hospital. It was fiesta weekend here in Santa Fe and the hospital was downtown near the plaza back then. She remembers that the parade had just started. Apparently there were long lines of traffic. I kinda wonder if she and my dad were thinking that they may have to deliver me in the car? My mom got the killer shot to have me, but before she let that needle into her back, she had to be pinned down by not one but two nurses. I told her “that was the first sign that I was going to be a pain in the ass!” Great story… Anyhow- I got so many wonderful gifts from my family and friends. I do want to take the time to say thank you. I couldn’t believe that 99.9% of my gifts featured symbols which I identify with like bird, feather, and spiral. Amazing!! It was nice to receive: a call from my godmother Rita; HBD texts from my Dad, my friend Britney, and my friend Tammy; and some money from my Mom and Gilbert and my mother-in-law. My most practical gift that I am super psyched about are the Monster Beats by Dr. Dre headphones. Yesssss!! Daryn and Mike hooked me up with them and I must say that I will sleep in those suckers!! Today was a good day. I ate a lot of killer food. Now I am ready to get back on the workout tomorrow with my awesomely black, red, glossy, bass banging, voice recognition havin’, beat ripping headphones! Nice…..
I breathe music!
Like you didn’t know?!

***Monster- Beats by Dr. Dre***
Solo HD featuring Control Talk
A Gift from Daryn and Mike on 9.1.2012

 

***Insert with the Beats Headphones***
This features some of my favorites
David Guetta, Lady Gaga, and Lebron James

 

***Birthday Cards**
From Tom, Mom and Laura on 9.1.2012

 

***Purple Flowers***
A Gift from my Mom on 9.1.2012

 

***A Notebook and Fancy Purple Pens***
A Gift from Sibel on 8.31.2012

 

***Measuring Spoon Set with Little Birds***
(birds and feathers are symbols I identify with)
A Gift from Gail on 9.1.2012

 

***Spiral Tunes Wind Chime***
(the spiral is a symbol I identify with)
A Gift from Laura, Thomas and Isaiah on 9.1.2012

 

***Apple Pastry from Cafe Ole***
A Gift from Melissa on 8.31.2012

 

***Handmade Purple and Silver Spiral Earrings***
(the spiral is a symbol I identify with)
A Gift from my Mom on 9.1.2012

 

Creation of the Zero Beast

Glaceau Vitamin Water Zero

My friend Elaine really created a beast when she introduced me to Vitamin Water last week. She told me while she laughed at me “that’s all everybody in California drinks.” She is so trendy!! She had her little cooler stocked with the stuff for our trip to the beach. She offered me one, but I didn’t take it knowing they may be expensive. I did grab hers to check the nutrition facts. It did have a lot of vitamins, but it also had a lot of sugar (32 grams). So I asked her if they made a zero calorie version? She said she wasn’t sure. While I was on a recent trip to Target ( E) I discovered my new love. Oh no— what did my friend do to me? Indeed Glaceau makes a zero calorie version. It rocks! There are several flavors- and you are sure to become an energized beast if you try them. My fav so far is the Acai-Blueberry-Pomegranate XXX! Nice in yummy!!!

The “nutrient enhanced water beverage” bottle reads “XXX has a bit of a reputation. On a game show, it is a let down, in the video store it’s the section you “accidentally” wander into, and in marriage one X is expensive, but three!? We are cleaning up XXX’s act. This bottle has antioxidant vitamins A and C to help fight free radicals and help support your body. It is zero calories and naturally sweetened. So drink up and switch to a less scandalous XXX!”

Once you do that work it out!
………………………

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A Sand Filled Paradise

Huntington Beach in California **August 8, 2012**

We spent our final day in “the Orange County city that defines Southern California.” My friend Elaine scooped us up in her tricked out Toyota for a day at a beach with close to nine miles of sand. I am returning home rather burnt, but it was really fun. I sent her a text when we got on the train to thank her and tell her how I have missed her “infectious laugh and sweet smile.” We have known each other for close to 20 years, and were roommates in college. It was really nice to spend time with her. She had never met my son Daryn and I had never her children Ella and Gavin. They were so adorable! This beach is splendid. It wasn’t that hot. The water was nice. Daryn **really** loved the ocean and cried his eyes out when we had to leave. Since he was just a little boy he has been asking to “see the ocean.” This area was once known as Pacific City. Huntington Beach has roots back to the 1780s with the Spanish, but was eventually named after a man with money (a likely story– what about the Spanish soldier LoL ). Pacific City eventually caved to the almighty dollar and the town became the City of Huntington Beach. The name derived from a king of the railroad named Henry Huntington. The city was incorporated in 1909. This beach also goes by the name Surf City USA. Today we saw many, many surfers (men, women and kids). The women were actually holdin’ it down out there! Nice….. Laine said that there was a huge surf competition there recently. I asked her if this is where the Huntington Beach Bad Boy was from? She confirmed that this was the place claimed by bad boy Tito Ortiz and asked “you watch UFC?” Haha— Yessss……. Apparently this is where “the true trendsetters of West Coast fashion, food and lifestyle reside.” On the way to the station she insisted that we try In and Out Burger. She said we “had to try it.” Of course we obliged! The diet doesn’t start ’till Monday people!!!! Today was a great way to wrap up our time in Cali, but I am glad to be going home. I do **love** New Mexico! See you in the morning…

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Whale Fins and Heartache: Conserve for the Greater Good

Watching the Killer Whales in San Diego, CA – Sea World on 8.7.12

Today we spent the day in San Diego, California. We went to visit Sea World- home of the most famous Killer Whales and numerous other amazing animals. I am such an animal lover. Trips like these offer me an opportunity to learn so much. I learn just as much about myself as I do about each environment I engross myself in. Something in me has changed. It is for the good of course. Sometimes I think it’s strange, but nevertheless, it has happened. I am different. The last time I went to Sea World I don’t remember wondering or caring if the animals liked living there?? The same thing happened to me over a year ago at the Rio Grande Zoo in my home state (Albuquerque, NM). For some reason, I now feel bad for these majestic creatures? They should be free- like me…. I feel sort of guilty thinking about using them for my entertainment. Weird in some ways I guess- but I think that if the animals are smart enough to perform all of these intricate tricks and communicate effectively with humans, they must be smart enough to realize that they are not free right?? I don’t know? I am known for over thinking things. I mean I don’t think the world needs to do aways with Sea World- I do want my son to have a chance to enjoy being a child and doing the things I did as a child. For him it was worth it. It is just good for me to include at least some education with the entertainment. I was glad that Sea World now screens a great educational video about conservation efforts, pollution, over fishing, and animal protection. Today I learned something new. I learned about sustainable seafood. I took time to find out more on the way back from San Diego. I have purchased tons of salmon, shrimp, scallops, and other fish over the years and often see “wild caught” or “farm raised” on the package. I must admit that I had not a clue about what that would mean? Today I learned that as consumers, we should always choose farm raised. Wild caught fish are from the ocean and we are over fishing (translation–killing the ocean). Some fish may eventually become endangered and die off. So today I had a good lesson from the Killer Whales. Now I can make better, more educated choices that help us to protect our ocean friends.

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Lujan Apricot Clobber featuring The Thing

Label for Lujan Apricot Clobber

In my secret life, I have always enjoyed cooking. This weekend my friend Britney came over and I made her some blue corn tacos, all the fixin’z and some “by the fire” s’mores. I’m not very good at baking, but I like to try. I must say that I think I am a good cook. It may be because I love to do it? It’s sad that I can’t eat how I want to all the time or I would simply be as big as a house! Fo’ real… I guess I make good drinks as well because my son always tells me that I “should open a tea shop!” He is so funny. I like to watch Food Network sometimes and one show I like is Pioneer Woman. A few weekends ago my son and I were watching Ree Drummond cook with her kids. They were making jam. Daryn seemed interested so I decided I would try to make homemade jam. How hard could it be? I remember helping my grandma make jam all the time when I was a little girl. I also had the hookup on some home grown apricots from my boss. It was a little hard, but it was my first try- sooooo- you know what they say about practice?!

**Lujan Apricot Clobber**
My first batch of homemade jam
with pulverized peach, plum and pear.

Here is the first batch of my very own jam. I opted for Splenda instead of sugar— cuz jam and jelly has a grippa suga’ and I prefer a lower calorie option. I don’t want to run a mile everyday just to work off toast It came out really good. There will be no girly girl labels in this house though! We went with straight “Rock Guy” labeling on this batch. Oh yeah— there will be more! Daryn has always called the  “Thing” or Benjamin Grimm from Fantastic 4 “Rock Guy.” Apparently he went this route since the fictitious character looks more like a rock than a thing?? Who knows?! Haha… Anyhow- here is some Lujan Apricot Clobber (not cobbler- clobber people- think big fists) with pulverized peach, plum and pear. Nice! It was fun to make—