What food could I not live without?

I don’t think there is a day that goes by that I don’t munch on chips and salsa. I love the stuff. Chips are just a vehicle for the salsa to get into my mouth. I think I could seriously lose 5 pounds if I didn’t eat them EVERY SINGLE DAY! When John and I travel this is seriously the thing I miss most.

What is my favorite T.V. show to indulge in?

Right now John and I are totally obsessed with X-Files. I know it was popular in the 90’s and it’s 2011 now, but we can’t help it. One night John and I were discussing the fight between faith and reason and automatically thought of the relationship between Scully & “Fox” Moulder. We particularly like the episodes about aliens, as it deepens the characters of the show. But we are seriously hooked and I can’t wait to watch another.

What radio station do I listen to?

The only station I listen to is KCRW, otherwise known as 89.9. This is the station that hosts National Public Radio and hosts all sorts of awesome dj’s playing the best tunes. I have been a long time subscriber to them and seriously go no where else for my news and music. I actually don’t mind my new commute to work because I get to listen to whats happening in the world by what I consider, the best news source out there.

Where is my favorite place to shop?

I really only shop at two places. The first is this awesome shop in downtown LA, called Forever 26, which by the name suggests, everything is from Forever 21. I LOVE this place as everything is under $10. The second shop is somewhere I can only let myself go to once a year. Shareen Vintage is a jewel of a store, where only women are allowed, because we try on dresses right in the middle of the store. They have stylists there on hand to help with “modernizing” the outfits and help pick out things for you. Seriously amazing!

Do I do any art besides photography?

In college I was an art major and specialized in photography AND painting. I love the smell of oil paint as it’s mixed with turpentine. I would often spend hours in the studio painting huge canvases while listening to Radiohead. Now those paintings decorate a lot of the walls of my home.

Who is my favorite fine art photographer?

One of my favorite photographers is Andreas Gursky. He is the photographer who took the monumental photo of the 99 Cents Store. I have been in love with his work for a long time now. I also have had a long love affair with the work of Uta Barth, as she photographs reflections and rays of light. Her images are so airy and soft, that when I look at them, I feel at peace. She had a major influence on me as I photographed windows for a good years.

What do I eat for breakfast everyday?

John and I seriously eat the same thing every morning! I believe a big bowl of yummy oatmeal is the healthiest way to start the day. I put sliced banana, walnuts, raisins and a dash cinnamon on top. The only bummer about my awesome breakfast is that I have to buy the super expensive gluten free steel cut oatmeal. But it’s worth it!

What is one of my favorite things to do?

I love swimming outside. I know that everyone likes taking a dip in the pool, but I seriously LOVE swimming 2000 yards first thing in the morning. It’s always hard for me to dive in, but once I’m in, I really enjoy the water and the sun in my face.

What am I going to cook for dinner this week?

One of our go to recipes that I cook at least twice a month is a Thai Red Curry. I love this recipe and I might have even blogged about it before. We can seriously have nothing in the fridge, but somehow I always have coconut milk, cilantro, shallots and green onions on hand. The pages of Quick and Easy Thai are seriously stained with oil and spices.

What was the most recent book I read?

I just finished Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequest. I love her memoirs and how she writes about God, life and all that comes with it. She has a serious love affair with food, which I very much appreciate. And her writing is so honest and refreshing. Her other book, Bittersweet is a must read too.