Craving Focaccia Bread

Not just any Focaccia Bread but The Easiest, Bestest Focaccia Bread Ever!!  I found this recipe and decided to give it a try because I just couldn't live another day without focaccia bread.  The only thing I did different  is that I didn't use the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses on top.  Instead, I put fresh rosemary on top and used my fingers to make deep indentations and mix the rosemary with the dough.  I also let it rise until doubled.

This is a super easy and delicious bread that I used for sandwiches when I had guests for lunch.  The sandwich was amazing too and got lots of ooh's and ahh's. Imagine brie cheese, fresh tomatoes, arugula with a dijon/mayo spread (served with a homemade roasted tomato and garlic soup).  Completely divine!  Next time I'll take pictures, and yes, there will be a next time. But for now, here's a photo of freshly baked focaccia bread.  Can't you just smell that rosemary?  

Do you have a favorite focaccia bread recipe?  Do you feel like sharing?

Simple Living

One thing I noticed right away about living here in Chile is that life is a little more simple.  People walk a little slower, enjoy more time with their families and take time to just sit in the park and relax.  I always joke that I'm the fastest walking person in the country and I'm just going to the grocery store.  

I have learned to slow down and it's been an intentional process.  Since moving here almost 2 years ago I have been researching Minimalist blogs and websites to learn more about living simply.  One of my favorites is Becoming Minimalist.  The mission statement of his site is to "inspire you to pursue your greatest passions in life by owning fewer possessions". I feel like I've always had a bit of minimalism in me as I always rented rooms from people rather than buying a home or condominium.   I valued my time and freedom to use my money to travel and start my own business instead.  I never wanted to feel tied down to some place or some city.  Now, living in Chile I'm able to take minimalism to a new level. Spaces are much smaller here than in the United States so I'm forced to own less, keep things organized, and get rid of things I really don't use or need on a regular basis.  Guess what?  I LOVE IT!

I've learned a few things about living life more fully with less stuff and I would like to share some of those concepts with you in future posts.  I feel it's a real blessing to be able to live in a culture like this that allows my family and I to focus on the things that are really important to us. 

Have you thought about cutting back on the "stuff" in your life, living more simply?  I would love to hear about your experiences in the process....leave a note in the comments below!!!

Mediterranean Climate in Chile

While Chile is not one of the 21 Mediterranean Countries, it does boast a Mild Mediterranean Climate. Under the Koppen climate classification Köppen Climate Classification, "dry-summer subtropical" climates (classified as Csa and Csb) are often referred to as "Mediterranean".  The map above show what parts of the world have this type of climate.  The area of Santiago, Chile and surrounding coast fall into this category.

So, what are the benefits of living in a Mediterranean climate?  The eatwineblog.com does a great job listing 10 Reasons Why I Love Living In a Mediterranean Climate.  One thing not on the list that I absolutely LOVE is the wine, wine, wine.  This climate is perfect for producing fantastic wines and I plan to introduce you to some of my favorites.  My husband and I just found another really good bottle of wine last night for around $12 USD.  All I can say is yummmmmm!

Have you visited or do you live in a Mediterranean Climate?  What are some of your favorite things about it?  Leave me a message in the comments below!