Barcelona & Nerja, Spain

Recently, we went to Barcelona on the way to our annual staff mid-year conference in Nerja, Spain. Here are some photos from Spain!...

This is one of the massive sets of doors for the giant church in Barcelona: La Sagrada Familia. I love how the doors are all about JESUS-- and you can see in gold on one side "Who is the truth?" and on the right, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."

I loved how the light reflected through this stained glass window!!

Roma interns at La Sagrada Familia.

One of the neatest things about La Sagrada Familia is that they are still constructing it as time goes on! You can see a woman, here, constructing a huge piece of a column!

The outside view of the "Nativity" side of the cathedral. There are three different facades on La Sagrada Familia: the Passion, the Nativity, and the Resurrection/Glory. They are still working on the Resurrection/Glory side--- and I'm sure it will be SWEET when they finish it!

The world's longest bench at Park Guell. :)

in Nerja-- where our staff conference is held.

Sweet Carrie Dougherty-- who I got to meet with for a coaching appointment. What a wise and amazing woman! :)

Love my roommates! :)

Vegetable Tortellini Soup

My roommates & I made this great soup yesterday-- check it out! :) It will be warm & comforting for your belly in the cold days of February! Feel free to add any kind of meat you want if you desire-- but we made it as is-- without! :)

*Vegetable Tortellini Soup*

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste (optional)
1, 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 15-ounce can vegetable broth or reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups hot water
1 teaspoon dried basil or marjoram (or both?) :)
1 6- to 9-ounce package fresh or frozen cheese (or meat) tortellini or ravioli
2 cups zucchini, diced (about 2 medium)
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add bell pepper & onion, garlic, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, broth, water and basil (or marjoram); bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add tortellini/ravioli and cook for 3 minutes less than the package directions. Add zucchini; return to a boil. Cook until the zucchini is crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Season with pepper.

Perfect Pancakes :)

We really enjoy this pancake recipe and think it makes wonderful pancakes every time! Feel free to add whatever you want to make them more to your taste--- bananas, cinnamon, fruit, chocolate chips... etc!

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 Tablespoons white sugar
• 2 Tablespoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup milk
• 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in milk, egg and oil. Mix until smooth.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.