tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28058457157149959562012-01-14T20:09:46.226-08:00tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.comBlogger1321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-59944971500743600342012-01-13T22:03:00.001-08:002012-01-14T20:09:46.234-08:00

During the winter break from work I had a day to spend at LACMA. I went to see the California Modernism exhibit, all part of the Pacific Standard Times exhibits happening in L.A. at the moment. Its a great display of furniture, graphics, toys, clothes, cars, and trailers that define California post WWII. I spent the whole day strolling thru the exhibit. There are hundreds of thing I wanted

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-51486538545140655562011-11-23T20:23:00.001-08:002011-11-23T20:23:41.688-08:00

So an early day brought me home to chill out from the past few weeks of utter craziness. Holiday breaks always come just at my breaking point. Braving the L.A. traffic home we made our way down the street for two pizzas from Hosteria de Picollo. One with heirloom tomatoes and olives, the other with sausage and olives. Both on homemade thin crust pizza dough. Being that its Wino Wednesday I

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-8199479745500316312011-11-05T09:01:00.001-07:002011-11-05T09:04:30.146-07:00

At Intelligentsia in Venice. Made by Cake Monkey. Delicious with my cappuccino this morning. Love to see a busy Entertainment executive with passion for cakes make it a business, that's the origin of Cake Monkey. I think I need to turn my passions into something tangible.

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-53211048807409406642011-10-23T13:08:00.000-07:002011-10-23T13:09:00.593-07:00

A month ago I was driving down Lincoln Blvd which is the main vein on the Westside that gets you from North to South.  I saw this huge line of people outside a building that once was called Air Conditioned (Supper Dance Club).  I've seen this place a million times, but never have gone in.  It use to be a pretty seedy place many moons ago.  But this day the building had a new facade.  I quickly

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-13562975411810300792011-10-05T15:40:00.001-07:002011-10-05T15:40:50.117-07:00

When I was a little girl living in Albuquerque I use to go to the balloon fiesta with my grandmother. We would park on the side of the road and run in the dirt to meet the balloonist. Grandma had an autograph book she kept for years. After the balloons took off we would jump in her car and chase them to wherever they would land, which would be in the mesas, driving down dirt roads. Grandma

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-13294491480071073362011-10-03T23:05:00.001-07:002011-10-03T23:05:45.806-07:00

It's that time of year where we hit the road to New Mexico. Here are a few images from our twelve hour journey.

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com2Albuquerque Albuquerque35.185298 -106.734803tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-33114919429268378412011-09-24T10:57:00.000-07:002011-09-28T15:49:30.507-07:00

I HEART my new iPhone clock.  A great anniversary gift from SB.  It's super cool, sleek and a great place to charge my iPhone.  I'm still figuring out all the bells and whistles on this phone, it's a bit bright at night so I do turn it away from me and the alarm is, well, ALARMING. But despite that I love this new clock.  You can buy it here.  And check out all their other cool design ware.

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-74832498321167802012011-09-23T09:30:00.000-07:002011-09-23T09:30:56.385-07:00

For the past few weeks we've been packing our entire apartment that we've lived in for 16 years. Wow do you accumulate a lot of STUFF.  Seriously I had no idea, well I think I did, but was just in denial, at what a pack rat I've become.  Not a hoarder, a pack rat.  So I have turned off my sentimental meter and really gone to town, tossing, donating, selling, not even looking at stuff, but just

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-34186986172097739152011-09-11T21:45:00.000-07:002011-09-11T21:45:51.981-07:00

Figs & Honey who wouldn't like this combo.  My co-worker Julia, not Childs, gave me this recipe from the NY Times so I tried it tonight.  I bought the above figs from Trader Joes. I put 2 Tbsp of butter in a cast iron skillet and tossed in a few fresh thyme leaves for flavor. I sliced the figs in half and drizzled them with 3 Tbsp of Clover Honey. Then I put them cut side down in

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-53969616430186148862011-08-31T10:06:00.000-07:002011-09-01T17:40:54.990-07:00

So I'm a slacker...what can I say.  I've tasted lots of wines lately and have a wonderful array of Wino Wednesday's to share.  This particular wine was from, you guessed it, Trader Joes.  I heard about this wine through a co-worker, who tasted it and said it was a nice Spanish Wine.  When she went back to TJ's and bought another $3.99 bottle, the guy at the register asked her how she know about

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-79523640697144689852011-08-06T21:35:00.000-07:002011-08-06T21:35:42.528-07:00

So this last week was a whirlwind.  Book swap party, 30th wedding anniversary party and children books party for a baby to come.   Pheww.  For the book swap party, which was given by "My Life At Playtime," I volunteered to make a dessert.  While surfing Pinterest I found a gorgeous peanut butter bar and I was determined to make it for this party.  For the recipe go here.  Only comment on the

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-76293528238235589002011-08-02T16:21:00.000-07:002011-08-03T09:37:25.973-07:00

I haven't been addicted to a new place like this in forever....maybe ever.It's a local place in Venice called Gjelina Take Away otherwise known as GTA. It's an offshoot of Gjelina, which is right next door.  Gjelina is the brain child of Travis Lett, to read more about him go here: LA Times article.  Gjelina has gotten very popular, lots of press, Bon Appetit recently wrote it up too.  On any

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-45309082053119773142011-06-27T16:51:00.000-07:002011-07-27T14:02:23.324-07:00

On June 27th I've been a blogger for 4 years.  Time got away from me to post that day, but I still love using this place as a creative outlet and sharing my travels and food adventures.  I really thought this blog would be more about food, but when I took an edit of the site I realized I post more travel adventures then food.  Which makes sense as travel logs are my favorite types of books to

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-29439782555666631032011-06-23T18:11:00.000-07:002011-06-23T18:11:57.285-07:00

So for the second leg of my work journey it took me to NYC.  First few days WOW super humid.  Bad for us curly haired people.  Was so hot and gross.  Next two days I have to say were the nicest days I've ever experienced in NY, lovely breeze, perfect temperature. I felt like I was walking to my own soundtrack those days.  Super weather. Here's a stream of conscience of my trip though:  Taxi'd

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-89620662775135623982011-06-16T17:09:00.000-07:002011-06-16T18:27:22.980-07:00

Everyone knows NOBODY walks in L.A.  But I recently traveled to two great U.S. Cities that everyone walks in.  San Francisco and New York. I rarely get to travel this much.  What a great exception, London and Paris in March, and San Francisco and New York in June.  Wow, four great cities all in the Spring, my favorite time of year.  San Francisco and NY were for business, so I didn't take my

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-90327978772806868012011-06-01T14:52:00.000-07:002011-06-01T14:52:44.606-07:00

I know your saying finally or maybe your saying anything.  But I'm back to my regularly scheduled or not posting. This week I have a guest blogger.  Dr. Subs straight from England with a nice European wine.  Enjoy his lovely take on this ancient beverage. Baron de Barbon Rioja Seleccion Especial Cosecha 2009 What the bottle says: Baron de Barbon is made purely from Rioja's noble grape,

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-85761151354916149222011-03-31T10:32:00.000-07:002011-05-29T18:05:19.117-07:00

Ok so I am remiss about this last England post.  And seeing as my favorite soccer team didn't win the Champions League this week I really feel bad about not getting this done and back to my regular schedule of postings, which I will resume next week.What we did on our last couple of days is a combination of two things I love best, which is too much for a girl to handle. Our day started out with

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-39229024973007719172011-03-30T09:00:00.000-07:002011-05-13T14:17:51.722-07:00

Here's how my morning went:  drank Earl Grey tea, rushed to Burton on Trent, got lost, took a Marston Brewery tour and drank beer all before 12noon.  Nice breakfast right? After watching a program in the U.S. about Dogfish Head Brewery, SB and I've wanted to brew our own beer. We've got a lot to learn and this tour helped.  This is a massive brewery.  You smell the Malt in the malt room and the

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-2668801136958933812011-03-29T20:30:00.000-07:002011-05-13T14:18:48.070-07:00

On this day we drove through the English countryside like Elizabeth Bennett touring grand estates while the Master is out Sword fighting.  This scenery is what I pictured when you think of England, unless you say London then it's entirely different.  And by all my reference here you can tell that I can't help quoting Jane Austin and the oodles of films I've seen based on her books, with the

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-15756445453821093462011-03-28T16:53:00.000-07:002011-04-24T21:19:39.521-07:00

What did we do this day well in a few words:  sleep in, eat (full English breakfast:  bacon, sausage, mushrooms, two over easy eggs, toast and beans), a meeting, family and friend for dinner and conversation.  Perfect for us, we needed a day with no walking around. After the meeting we went home, but the day before as Anne was preparing for this meal she went whizzing through the grocery store

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-9815977419925994162011-03-27T16:50:00.000-07:002011-04-24T21:12:53.989-07:00

On this day we drove to Warwick (pronounced war-ick). This castle has a long history, starting in the 11th Century.  Notable Earl's of Warwick include Richard Neville and Edward the last of the Plantagenet's who lived in this castle.  Queen Elizabeth I visited in 1562, King William in 1695, in 1858 Queen Victoria lunched at the castle and in 1978 the Tussuad group buys Warwick castle.  This

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-54711033017403144002011-03-26T22:56:00.000-07:002011-04-24T21:08:19.203-07:00

 Today was our first day off and running, well driving.  We started the morning with a nice latte at Marks & Spencer's, I know you only think they have clothing.  But, they have a lovely cafe with pastries, yogurts, hot food and latte's.  After this we had to do a little car switching for K&A, and well I purchased myself a new English car, it's lovely and I think I look fabulous in it, it's made

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-35481403828512802042011-03-25T15:17:00.000-07:002011-04-24T21:09:02.702-07:00

After a wonderful week with I&G they were kind enough to drive us over an hour to Karl & Anne's (K&A) up in Tamworth.  It's pure English country living here, green grassy meadows, old charming estates and flats with oodles of history.  I, of course, soak this up.  It was a nice change from the bustling pace of the cities we'd been in.  We stayed with them for a week and loved every minute.

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-3271576869238064682011-03-24T10:13:00.001-07:002011-03-24T12:38:30.869-07:00

This is a bit out of order from my trip, but I wanted to share these with all those Banksy followers that I know. Didn't expect to see Banksy in England.  Two in Cheltenham, England, nice treat for those into street art graffiti. Loved the first one, right around the corner from a butcher shop.  The other happens to have a chain link fence in front as they are doing construction around the area, 

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-86007034765160357072011-03-23T16:47:00.000-07:002011-04-24T21:10:04.931-07:00

Oh the trials of trains and travel, exhauste mundo.  Seriously three trains and two taxi's later we arrived from Paris to Cheltenham with a bag full of tea's and chocolates from London and Paris.  We had one hour and half to rest and share one bathroom and get ready for a local meeting with I&G, this was the only chance for us to meet their friends, so despite our exhaustion we went. The whole

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-88631594178696436542011-03-21T12:39:00.000-07:002011-04-24T21:11:13.124-07:00

So last night when we were walking down our street I saw a chocolate chicken in the window.  I had to do a second look, how does a chocolate chicken not melt in a window?  Is it always shady on that side of the street? I couldn't get this place out of my mind and then I realized that one of my favorite blogs, davidlebovitz featured a video of Patrick Rogers chocolate factory. We went back today

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-31700520614523564952011-03-20T15:22:00.001-07:002011-03-24T12:33:50.598-07:00

Wow what to say about this day.  In a word "tired."  We are really super duper tired.  If anyone has ever done the Eurostar from London to Paris, they know what I mean.  G, Steph, Miche and Pat and I did this 10 years ago, and let me tell you it's the same thing.  Exhausting.  They only thing that keeps you going is it's Paris and indeed it is.  We saw so much today even though it was afternoon

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-90634932120756990182011-03-19T15:21:00.000-07:002011-03-20T15:24:53.087-07:00

Today we got up and dressed in our finest for a special tour at the British Museum.  Last time I visited the museum I was too lazy to dress up so we couldn't take the tour.  But this time we made it happen and met friends from Germany, Netherlands, Australia, Slovkia, Spain and England of course.  It was an international convention. We got to see the Nabonidus cylinder which is as big as the

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-37858014629477489152011-03-18T14:28:00.000-07:002011-03-20T15:24:44.196-07:00

This day we got up at 8am after our waking up at 4:00am and making ourselves stay in bed.  It rained just about the whole day, I was prepared hat and thick wool coat.  Gwen and I shared an umbrella and we made our way around the whole city this morning in the rain.  Out and about at 9:15am and off to breakfast at Giraffe.  I forget that bacon here isn't like our American version, it's not the

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-16521203377076591022011-03-17T22:30:00.000-07:002011-03-18T14:41:47.904-07:00

After a long horrendous ride in coach on AA, 9 + hours we finally arrived to LHR. Truly sucks not to have cash or miles to fly in business class, at the very least, it would make this trip so much more fun. Exhausted and pretzeled up we met our friend Anne for the painting exchange.  Yes we brought a 40x30 painting with us, surprisingly that was the easy part, I thought it would be difficult.  

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-29626190887307386562011-03-13T22:15:00.000-07:002011-03-13T22:34:14.758-07:00

We're off this week to London, Paris, Cheltenham and Tamworth.  I've been trying to pack. Packing is for the birds.  I want to take one bag plus my carry-on, but let me tell you this is no easy task. It's the shoes, they are taking most of the room, and we all know how much I love shoes. So I have a few more days to weed out the non-essentials. In the meantime, my blog has been driving me crazy

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-50483477906772479322011-03-11T20:42:00.000-08:002011-03-14T12:22:06.562-07:00

No Wino Wednesday this week.  It's Beer Friday instead.  But before I get into my trip to Father's Office I cannot neglect the weird day. Forgive this long, run on sentence to come.  I need to get it all out at once: It was a super weird day in fact, our family, well my family, from NM called this morning at the ungodly hour, you know when your in a deep sleep, to tell us there was tsunami

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-65054889503754535322011-03-05T21:00:00.000-08:002011-03-06T20:55:49.881-08:00

What do you do on a Saturday when you don't feel very well and your husband asked if we could go to the store and buy puffed pastry dough for the left-over apples.  Seriously just hearing SB say puffed pastry was exciting enough.  So, though I've posted about this before here, I thought I'd share again these lovely little things.  Super delicious and easy to make. I believe he ate 4 of them in

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-21969593340960007772011-03-02T17:28:00.000-08:002011-03-02T17:28:20.917-08:00

I know your all saying the same thing, doesn't she do anything else other than drink wine? Yes I do, but lately I haven't had time to blog about it.  I will though. Two weeks from today I'll be in London and then off to Paris and then back to the countryside of England. I seriously have waited WAY to long to go, ten years to be exact. Super excited and in major anticipation. So here's the wine

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-79969118624389753712011-02-23T17:56:00.000-08:002011-02-23T17:59:45.764-08:00

This week I treated our whole work team to a Wino Wednesday. (And no they are not toasting, I had them hold the glasses up so I could get this shot) Why? Because... 1. We need a break 2. I like to give 3. I wanted to hear what they would say about the wine. The wine this week is the following: Hamilton-Steven's 2009 Pinot Noir Russian river valley First smell:  Dark juicy plums First taste:

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-74549581132172073102011-02-11T09:19:00.001-08:002011-02-11T09:28:02.198-08:00

Ok I found this new favorite site that is all about pinning up your interests. I'm addicted. The design of this site it is lovely. I saw one of the art buyers in my office with this open on her desktop.  I forgot everything I came by to ask her and was fully absorbed in this.  She signed me up and showed me how it works and well I'm still playing collage, which I've always loved and now I am

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-65420883869595621052011-02-09T12:32:00.000-08:002011-02-09T12:32:23.122-08:00

Kona - A wine from New Zealand, Marlbourough Sauvignon Blanc So I'm a seasonal drinker.  I like white wines in hot weather, well I also like a gin and tonic, but this is a wine post. Sorry all you mid-westerners and east coasters, and British, it's sunny and warm in So. Cal. Here's my observations First smell:  apples First taste:  pears and apples After eating a bit and letting the wine

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-17707147828860781612011-02-07T09:00:00.000-08:002011-02-08T20:55:01.441-08:00

So what did you all eat while watching the superbowl? I had two friends over, very casual, and I served Trader Joes concocted dishes. The first one I had at my friend B's house.  It's not her usual fair, but I call this trailer trash cheesy goodness.  Please do not be offended, I have many lovely friends and family that live in trailers, love it and embrace it.  But this is a sharp cheddar

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-4844865930954571532011-02-02T13:00:00.001-08:002011-02-03T13:06:35.311-08:00

So, starting January 1st, I made an oath to myself that I would not have any alcohol for one month. This was inspired by a Andrew Knowlton, a writer for Bon Appetit.  He says he goes alcohol and meat free every January. So my plan was, alcohol none, meat yes.  While I'm not really a big drinker I am a social one.  I love to have a glass of wine with a good meal, usually only on the weekends. 

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-41216547118836737322011-01-24T17:00:00.000-08:002011-01-24T17:20:56.268-08:00

 What do you do with over ripe banana's.  Well we make banana bread.  Pretty much ALL the time.  For some reason I don't eat as many banana's as I use to. So four over ripe banana's and a left over bag of chocolate chips and my trusty Dow City Cookbook (which I wrote about it here).  Finally you can see a picture of this coveted book.  However, I do believe I undercooked my bread, it was pretty

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-14290961336903615942011-01-22T15:52:00.000-08:002011-01-23T15:46:20.868-08:00

So I've heard from my Mom that once I was asked, as a little girl, whether I wanted the toy or the shoes.  I, of course, choose the shoes.  Wouldn't you.  I love shoes, obviously always have, I'm not Imelda Marco's, I have a teeny, tiny closet, where I have to rotate old shoes out all the time.  But I had a lovely skirt, that I could finally fit in. I had a vision, but no shoes to match.  This is

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-51107088379467803092011-01-19T12:00:00.000-08:002011-01-20T09:44:55.879-08:00

So as many of you do, or not, I watch a few cooking shows.  I make mental notes of what I want to make.  This recipe called to me.  I thought about it for a few days, and even saved the episode on my DVR. Then as my co-workers and I were deciding on what to bring to a recent pot-luck dinner for our team someone overheard our conversation, why wouldn't they, we're loud and work in a very open

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-82056584233096758442011-01-18T09:00:00.000-08:002011-01-18T10:27:37.199-08:00

This post is so out of order of when it happened.  But B and Spongy and our Moms went to Santa Barbara for tea during the Thanksgiving break.  Mom was in town and it was a lovely drive.  B and I've been to the tea at the Four Seasons before, but for some reason we were put in a dark room and didn't enjoy.   Being with the Moms was the fun part.  It's a lovely room, nice tea.   Only complaint is

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-83045515650016938222011-01-17T15:15:00.000-08:002011-01-17T15:15:21.055-08:00

So this is what it looks like in California in January.  Reminders of why I live here.

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-28617844399685459702011-01-11T12:20:00.000-08:002011-01-11T12:20:29.490-08:00

Where did last year go. It was a busy year for me and not a lot of posting going on. It's when I finally have time off I get a chance to reflect on why I started this blog. First of all it was a chance to pick up my camera more often and take pictures of the things I love. Food. Travel. And the wonderful things that make Life so great, partly more food and more travel. At least I'm honest.

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-13118551868159698632010-12-31T13:59:00.000-08:002011-01-11T09:17:11.861-08:00

So I have a great boss. Who I've talked about before here. This year he gave everyone in our department and that's 10 of us a fantastic gift. It's a new take on a cosmopolitan. It's called the Sparkling Mandarin. Here's the instructions he gave us: 3 ounces of Mandarin Vodka 1 ounce of Triple Sec 1 ounce of Cranberry juice Shake well... Remove lid from shaker and add 2 ounces of

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-66087873526924824512010-12-30T13:48:00.000-08:002011-01-09T13:56:48.367-08:00

So my friend Jessica who LOVES all the sweets possible always gives me great suggestions on Trader Joe sweets. This past winter season she introduced me to yet another goodie.Dark Chocolate covered carmels with sea salt on top. Need I say more. This only is in stock during the Holiday season. Mark it down for next Nov/Dec and stock up.

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-78286945134140407032010-11-29T18:24:00.001-08:002010-11-29T18:25:48.429-08:00

Fall

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-69882582943114553902010-10-28T09:16:00.000-07:002010-10-28T10:12:08.760-07:00

Recently my mom was in town which was nice. We spent one of the days playing at the Huntington Library. This is an amazing place. It's not just about books. Although they do have the Gutenberg Bible (c.1455), this was so different then I expected, smaller and more colorful, I didn't expect to be an illuminated manuscript.But the best part is the gardens, and lots of them, deserts, roses

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-51823966988362497982010-09-05T22:56:00.001-07:002010-09-05T23:19:27.709-07:00

So these next couple of post will be slightly out of order of when the actually happened. But at the end of August we went camping with 4 families. Total count was 10 adults and 8 kids. We went to the Palomar Mountains near Temecula. It was lovely, perfect weather, not to hot, not to cold. For some first time campers, I'd say they had a great time. We divided the cooking, every couple cooked

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-14033493706438389192010-08-26T23:25:00.000-07:002010-09-06T00:11:25.194-07:00

So for 1 week in July I went on location for a photoshoot. Not my photoshoot, but another very talented photographer, Lars Toppleman. He has a great crew and the best personality. One of the locations was in the desert, in a place called Club Ed. It's an old movie set, click on the link to read the story. Here are my shots as we walked around the set. Pretty cool place and used for

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-29187196629667393982010-08-24T20:39:00.000-07:002010-08-24T20:46:07.220-07:00

It's been a foggy and now, a hot long summer. I have much to post about and no time to do so. Work and life have consumed me. To top it off my scanner doesn't work right either.I'm ancient of days with film that needs to be scanned in to finish my Cuba journey.I promised my sister I'd finish my story of Cuba as I have yet to tell my Dad about this blog. I have three posts to wrap up from July,

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-38259858487390710452010-06-19T20:50:00.000-07:002010-06-24T17:37:42.026-07:00

Every year my friend Sherri hosts a lovely afternoon tea for all the ladies. She is a full-time wife and mom of three and somehow finds the time to make the most amazing creations. She even on occasion does flowers for events as she did from my wedding almost 15 years ago. This year I tried a few new things but the above Pavlova's, made with meringues with cream, kiwi, strawberry, mango,

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-14245846356588060632010-04-04T16:40:00.000-07:002010-04-04T17:07:45.950-07:00

Some people go for a jog, or to a bar, have a drink or gorge on food. I eat chocolate, not just any chocolate it should be rich, dark and delicious. On this lovely Sunday April day in the midst of cleaning up my kitchen and getting decisively dizzy, cleaning does that to me, I finally realize it's not the normal displeasure at cleaning but in fact it's a 6.9 Earthquake. First time in my city

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-61826495867726714092010-03-09T11:45:00.000-08:002010-03-09T11:51:00.356-08:00

OK Epiphanie is giving away a Canon Mark II camera. I so want this camera.Check out the site and their lovely bags.http://www.haveanepiphanie.com/home/2010/2/28/epiphanie-give-away.htmlhttp://www.epiphaniebags.com/#/shop-1/

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-7988099420932152282010-02-01T17:43:00.000-08:002010-02-13T18:00:29.875-08:00

A couple of weeks ago when I was preparing for a dinner party I went through all the recipes I've pulled from multiple food magazines. As I love mushrooms I pulled an old recipe from April 2003 Gourmet magazine. I adapted it a bit as I was missing a few ingredients and wanted to use the extra pork sausage I had in the frig before it went bad (I hate wasting food).I made the veggie version for

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-35470759016633748182010-01-28T09:36:00.000-08:002010-01-28T12:53:36.612-08:00

I just finished this fascinating book called the Billionaire's Vinegar. It's all about a bottle of wine sold thru Christies that broke auction records. Supposedly it's a bottle that Thomas Jefferson purchased from the Chateau and had engraved with his initials, year and vintage. In 1985 it was sold to Malcolm Forbes for $160K. The story features a few real life collectors and one man, Hardy

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-16141679761230830572010-01-26T13:45:00.000-08:002010-01-26T13:56:13.933-08:00

So this past Sunday a dear friend gave his first Public Talk. 30 minutes in front of about 1oo people. He prayed for a natural disaster to keep him from giving this talk. We had rain last week and hail, but thankfully no natural disaster. As a little gift for he and his lovely wife we had dinner for 10 people in our tiny little apartment. It was enjoyable company in a cozy environment. I

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-60371922981682206272010-01-20T21:44:00.000-08:002010-01-20T22:51:24.365-08:00

This recent storm seems to mimic my life. While I want to hibernate I'm forced out into the elements. I miss baking, photographing and traveling. I've watch Julie and Julia twice and wished I had a better situation myself these days. I have always had an infinity towards trees, maybe it's the lonely nature of a tree or the big textured trunks that branches off into these leaf wonderful shapes.

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-39118398576723530422010-01-06T10:00:00.000-08:002010-01-06T18:45:49.112-08:00

It's almost been a year since we visited in New Mexico.Last year while in Sante Fe, my Mom insisted that we visit this gallery.After many a u-turn and wrong street, we found it. All SB and I could say was it better be worth it. Oh it was. She had never been here in the Winter, but she said the garden was special. It was magical to say the least. Snow blanketed the entire area. The sculptures

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-14690642867159074282009-12-22T13:28:00.001-08:002009-12-22T13:58:50.526-08:00

It's been a while since I've picked up any books to read. So I went to my bookshelf and dusted off this book by Ruth Reichl, the former Editor in Chief of Gourmet magazine, (sadly no longer published - this December was it's last issue). I was given this signed copy quite a while ago by a friend. I couldn't remember why I had never read it. As I got into it, I remembered. Although it gives

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-50793648524702598092009-12-15T20:42:00.000-08:002009-12-15T21:09:16.486-08:00

I know, don't hate me that I've spent so much time away. Work has kept me busy beyond belief.Since I spend so much time at the agency believe it or not my inspiration for these delish baked goods came from a photograph. As I walked passed the Art Buyer's desk (which always has these great promotional pieces from photographers, illustrators, and designers) I saw a photo of a cookie that looked so

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-71300385080589988882009-10-13T21:06:00.000-07:002009-10-13T21:38:56.137-07:00

Summer has ended The last few days at the beach Chill is in the air With the rain outside It is definitely Fall Time to start baking

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-62165118379170296772009-09-02T20:29:00.000-07:002009-09-20T17:55:12.825-07:00

So a dear boss and friend hosted a little party recently at his house. He is kind, tells great stories and the best host ever. The whole team met for cocktails and each of us had to bring pieces of the dinner and appetizers. We drank "champers" (for Sam) and "Cosmos," that make you see double (thanks John). For dinner Efren blew us away with his pork loin. He marinated it in a secret sauce (

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-63089627824459372082009-08-29T23:22:00.000-07:002009-08-30T00:20:52.673-07:00

So C wanted to host a party, specifically a cocktail party. She wanted it to be low maintenance so she hired a caterer. Best idea ever. We mixed our own cocktails, pretty strong too, and got a chocolate fountain for dessert (messing but yummy). Rented tables, printed invites and voila. Party was fun and eclectic, nice mix of friends. Things we learned...1. move the bar to another area so

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-6177736838143751752009-08-16T22:32:00.001-07:002009-08-29T23:22:11.920-07:00

Seriously the very next day after my posh afternoon at the Peninsula hotel we took off for Carson, CA for the AC Milan vs. LA Galaxy soccer or football (for my one British Reader) match. It was one of those hot evenings and SB was none to happy about driving the "parking lot" slash 405 on the evening before we needed to study hard. But I really wanted to see this game, I really wanted to see

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-28105354920433295052009-08-01T22:30:00.000-07:002009-08-16T22:04:14.407-07:00

So a couple of weeks ago my friends and I took our friend Ashlee to the Peninsula Hotel for High Tea. Ashlee just got married and we wanted to do something nice for her. And hands down the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills has the best High Tea in California. Here are the ladies who lunch, all happy to be together, and enjoying ourselves to a civilized afternoon. Champagne doesn't hurt either.

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-44084348750433934022009-07-22T17:34:00.000-07:002009-07-22T17:37:59.308-07:00

I'm in a school studying for 2 weeks. I have images from the Peninsula Hotel and a rowdy night at the Home Depot Center. Yes I can be sophisticated and sporty. Hey I'm two of the spice girls "Posh" and "Sporty" spice. Which brings me to David Beckham, yes he got booed Sunday night and no I will never buy a General Admission ticket ever again. I know you can't wait to hear it all. Hopefully

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-44996210271037704752009-07-15T22:14:00.000-07:002009-07-18T18:46:26.301-07:00

So it's another Anniversary celebration. Only this time my wedding anniversary. Yes it's been 14 years, yes we were pups when we got married. This past year has been particularly tough for us. The times we live in, the economic issues, just life in general have made it hard. But we are best friends and we make it work with lots of hard WORK and some serious praying.So here's how our week started

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-38541203289674326542009-07-14T21:45:00.000-07:002009-07-16T16:01:50.476-07:00

For our outing at the Hollywood Bowl I knew I had to bake something. So of course I pick one of the hottest days of the summer to bake in a downstairs apartment with no air condition. Smart, right, not so much. Worth it, definitely.I pulled a recipe from a much coveted down home cookbook given by a long-time friend who I haven't seen in over a decade. It's the much used Dow City - Arion

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-28078442603060194882009-07-13T15:31:00.000-07:002009-07-18T18:42:10.511-07:00

Summer time in L.A. is always fantastic everyone must take advantage of the extra sunlight and great things to do during these long days. On Sunday night we went to the Hollywood Bowl. I've been coming here since I was a little girl and this is the first time I was able to sit in a box seat with the generosity of a dear person. Valet parking is the way to go to the bowl, I'm so used to hiking up

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-12238117541310589052009-06-27T09:58:00.000-07:002009-07-11T08:00:25.277-07:00

It's been 2 years since I started this blog. I love posting and wish it was my full-time job. It gives me a chance to talk about the places I go for entertainment, food and life in general. It has also given me a creative outlet to post some of the many pictures I take. I know there are only a few loyal readers and I appreciate all your comments and posts. Keep em coming.So this anniversary I

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-11483546905339318942009-06-25T16:06:00.000-07:002009-06-29T19:59:57.382-07:00

Finally I got to visit this place. The other SoCal location is in Silver Lake, but I never get that way, so I was super happy it opened on Abbot Kinney in Venice. Though it took a while for them to open the space is modern and coolThe barista's take there time and are very attentive to each and every guest, so it's not for someone in a hurry. As you can see in the guest book above a few people

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-23638025941480185842009-06-09T14:52:00.000-07:002009-06-09T14:59:38.071-07:00

I think I'm addicted to the color "Orange." I regularly read L.A.'s Daily Candy and get the weekend updates on things to do in L.A. So for literally 5 days I had been trying to go to the new Intellentgensia Coffee shop on, you guessed it, Abbot Kinney. Well they must have delays to get it opened despite the promotion on Daily Candy. So C and I took a Tuesday detour to another place I have yet

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-21545867828045816142009-06-08T14:05:00.000-07:002009-06-09T12:34:11.302-07:00

You can be a guru too.

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-3205601114321990732009-05-29T19:30:00.000-07:002009-05-29T19:58:46.450-07:00

I drive up and down Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice, California on a daily basis. I rarely get to park, as parking in L.A. is so not fun. But this past week I found a primo parking space and went from store to store to explore. I use to live in Venice over 15 years ago, back then it was a artsy sleepy beach town with an edgy interior and all the eclectic people that make this place unique. Now

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-21215807716898873522009-05-22T18:04:00.001-07:002009-05-22T18:59:39.153-07:00

Many years ago I painted my kitchen nook orange. Immediately the conversation place in the house was the tiny kitchen nook. I loved it when I painted it with Sanre and still do. Here's to one of my favorite colors....

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-13483896664542730312009-05-14T13:37:00.000-07:002009-05-19T10:55:57.352-07:00

Last week I felt blue, so that's what the pictures are

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-91665644531339344282009-05-02T12:46:00.000-07:002011-05-14T19:09:07.764-07:00

Everyday as we sat in Abuelo's home I had the opportunity to view many acts of kindness. One day a neighbor came by and kissed all the family on the cheek and then proceeded to give Abuelo and Berty a hair cut. No money was exchanged, just a cut and conversation. Then she left. Luis who took Dad and I everywhere came by and gave Berty a shave on the patio. And then there is Rosa who has spent

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-37290252923553041852009-05-01T20:19:00.000-07:002009-05-01T21:06:17.550-07:00

So today I had one of those Julie and Julia moments, though not as well written. I was out in Venice and stopped at one of the many local farmers markets. I decided to pick what was fresh, in season and just looked good. I choose a long white to pale green leek and a bag of fingerling potatoes. Then a quick phone call to SB to ask him to look at Ina Garten's potato leek soup recipe so I could

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-78728376795107987922009-04-04T19:03:00.000-07:002009-04-04T19:29:50.427-07:00

And the story continues…, it's been a while since I've posted about this trip. I intend on finishing this story and then, and only then, tell my Dad I've told the blogosphere about this journey. I've been trying to covertly get a few items from him that I wanted to share, but so far have been unsuccessful. Here's the next part of this journey. I know I mentioned that my lack of Spanish, I

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-59596563642353017442009-03-25T18:26:00.001-07:002009-03-25T18:28:44.756-07:00

As a child I loved this book.It was both fascinating and scary.Check out Spike Jonze adaptation of this classic.This movie I can't wait for.

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-65054561323113035902009-03-22T10:23:00.000-07:002009-03-25T15:15:27.912-07:00

So last weekend J threw a party for some friends. I helped with the hors d'oeuvres. I had extras of puffed pastry, white wine sauted crimini mushrooms, white bean puree and cream cheese left. Plus an arsenal of lemons that have been supplied by friends and co-workers who are fortunate enough to have lemon trees. All this equated to a few scratches on the head what to do with it all before it

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-53410911125868490022009-03-19T22:09:00.000-07:002009-03-20T17:01:07.202-07:00

For obvious reasons I thought this week would be ideal for taking pictures with shades of green. And seeing as Friday is the first day of spring, it's primarily focused on plants. I swear I'll get back to the food.

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-34706857733972458512009-03-16T16:35:00.000-07:002009-03-22T11:12:50.563-07:00

About a month ago my coworker and his lovely wife hired me to shoot their wedding reception. Jeni is talented and adorable. Dylan is a great art director and loves food like nobody I've ever met. They both blow out the doors of a fancy Ferrari on photography and are well known in the blogging world. It was such a compliment when they asked me to shoot their special party.This was a fantastic

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-57744411772791498122009-03-11T18:29:00.000-07:002009-03-11T18:37:26.311-07:00

So I decided to pick a theme color and ran with it. Today was red. This project was inspired by Curious Bird who hosted her own color week. It made me look at the world differently. I'll try to pick a new color every week. For one it will make me shoot more and post quicker. Enjoy.

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-22725469605156103132009-02-16T19:30:00.000-08:002009-03-02T19:09:01.185-08:00

New favorite snack again from Trader Joes. Thanks J for letting me scavenge around in the snack cabinet at your house. Seriously, this is like crack, well Ive never actually had crack, but this is what can easily become an addiction.I love dark chocolate and almonds. The chocolate has bits of turbinado sugar, (for the one UK reader, it's called demerara over there), which is lighter than brown

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-64108798359946464202009-02-06T10:23:00.000-08:002009-02-06T10:40:53.352-08:00

No not the fruit, but the people of New Zealand. I've always wanted to visit New Zealand as I have long-time friends there. Well I've still never visited. But a dear friend has. I must paint a picture of a friend who goes to visit and stay with friends only to find that because of interesting circumstances ends up traveling a week on her own. Driving on the left side of the car on the left

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-81167454569396409292009-02-02T15:14:00.001-08:002009-02-02T15:47:00.207-08:00

While we're on the subject of chocolate, after trying the decadent chocolate at Todo Santos I saw a recipe in Bon Appetit, February 2009 issue for a chocolate carob tart. I love it when they have a picture of the food, so I can compare if I even came close to what the recipe called for in the looks department.I haven't eaten carob in years, I remember my mom taking me to Mrs. Gooches (a health

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-19156459398584314412009-01-17T20:47:00.001-08:002009-02-02T15:05:56.464-08:00

"Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what your gonna get" that's about the only line I remember from that movie. But I'd have to agree unless of course you slice the chocolate in half or ask the owner what's in every one, which I did when we visited Todos Santos.This place was nestled away in a little courtyard off the main street from the Plaza in Sante Fe. Todos Santos (All Saints

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-55220955204380148582009-01-07T12:21:00.000-08:002009-03-02T19:11:29.064-08:00

Everytime I go to Albuquerque this place is a must visit. It's in the town of Bernalillo (pronounced Burn-a-leo). It's a great cafe that has been cloned through out the city of Albuquerque, but the original is the best. The food is good, nice American fare with a touch of New Mexico.Often when you order your food here, burritos, tacos, burgers and eggs the question always comes, red or green?

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-77127594396760940752009-01-06T15:27:00.001-08:002009-01-06T18:55:09.474-08:00

Ok so everyone knows I love to watch the food channel. Well there is a show called Giada's Weekend Getaway and a few months ago she featured Sante Fe. I jotted a few places down that I've never been too while visiting. One of them is off the beaten path of the famous Plaza in Sante Fe. It's called Chocolate Maven.I told my mom about this place and told her that it was a bakery and that you should

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-53540618433205960422009-01-04T18:41:00.000-08:002009-01-06T09:42:20.783-08:00

Here's the pictures I've promised.So this winter I had 1 -1/2 weeks off from work so we decided to take a road trip and visit my family in New Mexico. As the weather was extremely bad we had to take the southern route to Albuquerque. This made our road trip 15 hours instead of the usual 11. Seriously the last 3 hours where the worst and most disappointing as it was so dark and we were

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-83484431378843252212008-12-19T16:23:00.001-08:002009-01-05T12:53:43.975-08:00

So we're leaving to New Mexico next week. I can't wait, it's been almost 2 years since we last visited. I have most of my family there and am looking forward to the "weather" as we hardly get any here in California. We look forward to the long road trip and then endless sky's and puffy clouds. Most of all I look forward to eating the yummy food my family makes. This week they are making it a

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-56123441246069499982008-12-12T14:10:00.000-08:002008-12-12T22:21:30.081-08:00

So this past week I went on a video shoot for a few TV commercials. Sounds glamorous, it's usually not. But the best part, besides the craft service table, usually is the locations. This one was in an old newspaper publishing building in downtown Los Angeles. Lots of art deco style treatments and old style lounges. CC had been here before and showed me this old style ladies lounge. The

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-68481803765764446972008-11-30T10:11:00.000-08:002008-12-12T14:09:53.304-08:00

Every few years we have the privilege of being invited by dear friends to dine with them up in Ojai (oh-hi) Valley a quaint town with an artsy, hippie flair. Ojai also can boast to one of the best spas in California, Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. This year we were invited to dine with them at Suzannes's Cuisine. Coming to Suzanne's you almost feel like your having a nice dinner at a friends house.

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-3613790640840292272008-11-22T21:45:00.000-08:002008-11-24T15:19:37.258-08:00

For a couple of years my friends and I would make these list of things to do, places to go, restaurants to try, exhibits to see. This list would come in handy when we had visitors but most of all give us a chance to explore this city. As L.A. daily can drain you, but if you search around there are some really cools things to do here. It also a chance for us to explore LaLa land other than

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-56770644063396998582008-11-09T11:55:00.000-08:002008-11-09T12:25:41.654-08:00

For the sweet and savory party I was able to make one dessert to contribute to this feast. I had a craving for coconut. So I went through a few cookbooks till I found a recipe I hadn't tried yet. The always reliable Ina Garten provide the recipe that seemed the easiest and most tasty.And who doesn't love chocolate right. Ultimately these macaroons ended up with chocolate. I melted

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-41227849983219803122008-10-26T19:40:00.001-07:002008-11-25T10:46:55.738-08:00

Last night a good friend who is an amazing host, cook, mother, decorator, gardener, baker this list goes on, had an evening of all appetizers, both sweet and savory. I took a million pictures of everything that came out. Chinese Chicken Salad on crispy wontons. Cheese plate with Chipolte cheese, smoked gouda, brie a tasty platter of interesting flavors. Delicious bacon wrapped scallops.

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805845715714995956.post-2756979151438320462008-09-07T14:50:00.000-07:002008-10-24T14:21:58.703-07:00

Road Trip. I have to say I really enjoy road trips. I've spent many hours in the car growing up driving Route 66 and many other US highways, Interstates, freeways etc...A few months ago we drove from Los Angeles to Boise, Idaho. Dear friends or ours were moving up there. We drove their second car and made our way through California, Nevada, Oregon and finally Idaho.We left LA at the grueling hour

tstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03118526271931927878noreply@blogger.com2