Project Elegance

Things I'm Glad I Did During Lockdown (and those I still do)

2022-10-26T06:00:00.025-07:00

As we are nearing the end of our third year in the world of COVID, I look back on this crazy time with gratitude. Lockdown (while horrible in so many ways), gave us a opportunity to alter our perspectives and embrace change (sometimes, begrudgingly). Everyone and everything slowed down, and we had the chance to decide what was important. We realized what was fragile beyond our imagination. We understood the need to reach out and support others, and let ourselves be supported, not be afraid to reach out. March 2020 ushered in a time to learn, experiment, reprioritize and realign.

I certainly took advantage of that opportunity. It was a time to get very honest and practical, and cut through the malarkey. And I am still reveling in that.

While some changes we made were profound, others might've been a little more on the creature comfort/self-care end. Some of the more basic things I changed right before, during and through our various lockdowns, made me very happy...and, so, I thought I'd share.

Laser Hair Removal

Yes, I'm going there first. I began the process the December before lockdown, and then cautiously continued when restrictions were lifted. This is a process, not a one-and-done procedure, and I found a package deal that made this all quite affordable. I did my underarms and bikini line only (apologies if that's too much), and it's been life-changing! No irritation from shaving! No ingrown hairs!! No trying to time waxing just right!!! After adding up the costs of a lifetime of razors and waxing, I wondered why I hadn't done this years ago!??! (Really, the package deal I got was less than a year's worth or waxes.) The pain involved is minimal (think of a rubber band's snap), recovery time is a breeze (no sun or sweat, so fall/winter is a great time to get this done). Treat yourself.

Microblading

For those of us who weren't born Brooke Shields-adjacent, this is also something worth doing. Painful? You bet! But it saves so much time getting ready. The costs vary by area and expertise, so do shop around and get referrals. I have only one request, though: Please don't put caterpillars on your face. That's just not necessary, and this is fairly permanent.

In-Home Yoga Studio and Gym

Yes, I live in a teeny-tiny place, but I have just enough room to thrown down a mat and get to working out. Before lockdown, I was hitting the 6:30 AM class at CorePower Yoga. I was dedicated. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays (when you are paying that much for a membership, you make the most of it). During lockdown, I rolled out the mat every morning to create a routine and a bit of normalcy. At first, I tried some of the popular YouTubers of yoga. It was sort of hit and miss for me. So, I went back CorePower and now have their online membership. I can't say there's a lot of new material there these days, but I have several go-to videos that keep me sweating (even with the heat off). While I miss having an instructor correct my positioning and coax me into trying postures I think I'm not ready for, I love the flexibility (ahem) having classes at any time, reducing excuses to have at it. I also found a kettle bell workout I love. Yes, the idea of tossing kettle bells in a small space may seem daredevil-ish, but nothing helps keep one focused like trying not to put a hole in the wall.

Bone Broth

Shortly before the pandemic occurred, I went grain-free and began following (more or less) The Autoimmune Solution diet to get my health in check. One of the best things from it was the gut-healing bone broth recipe. Each week, I take the bones from roasted chickens and make broth. And, each morning, the first thing I consume is that wonderful, warm elixir. Now, as I mentioned previously, this is a 24-hour process, in which my tiny place is enveloped in the aroma of the creation. A friend said, "Oh, that must smell lovely!" I replied, "Yes, but there is a reason there's not soup-scented potpourri." So, if you're going to take this on, be prepared for not always loving the scent of soup. To be honest, I went off this routine for a few months earlier this year while I tried again (ill-fatedly) to be vegan. (I really did try and, sadly, it really doesn't work for my system.) Since brothing again, I can say my stomach is so much happier, and I have more energy. Yes, without coffee or caffeine. Bone broth is amazingly good stuff. If you aren't feeling quite yourself, maybe give this a go?

Embracing My Natural Color/Letting the Gray Have Its Day

I think it's safe to say many of us had a root situation during lockdown. My hair appointment was set for the Sunday after lockdown hit. It was a little un-fun to see how nature was going to take its course. The first few inches are the most unpleasant...and then you learn to accept. Fortunately, my stylist began making house calls for much needed (outdoor) trims. On her second visit, she offered to do the color as well. "I can put it on and then you'll wash it out." It was a sweet offer, but what was the point? That was the late summer of 2020. The only people I was seeing were my closest friends, and even that was at a distance. By the time my stylist was back at the salon, there was a choice to make. She and I looked at each other. "You've come this far," she said. "I don't think we should color it. Besides, it just looks like you have ash highlights!" I laughed because who has ever asked for ash highlights?! But, after you brush vanity aside and skip over society's expectations, there is an incredible liberation to be found. Not only is there money saved, but time! Think of all that time we spend sitting in that chair! In the evenings and on weekends, when we should be relaxing and having fun! Are we nuts?! No. We are conditioned to think we need that. Our natural color isn't colorful enough. We need to choose a different shade or add highlights to it. I think it's an incredible con job. But I bought into it, only to find decades later that I really like my natural color. It's not at all the mouse brown I used to think it was. It naturally takes on caramel highlights and a few flicks of copper. I started coloring my hair in high school, back when we all thought we needed blonde "weaved" into our hair. I was coloring it a different shade of brunette long before a single gray appeared. If only I had just let it be, what I might have discovered then. And then, to think of all that time and money saved. It's never too late, though, to see yourself for who you are and realize the value of that.

October 2020...if you look close enough, you'll see them.

Formula 1

2022-10-19T06:00:00.133-07:00

You are probably reading this post with a currently tilted head, wondering if there's some sort of mistake. There's not. I am an F1 fan. A rather rabid one. As someone who's not really an enjoyer of sports, I find this breed of motor racing to be beautiful and elegant, and a heck of a lot of fun.

In F1, there are heroes and villains, drama and politics, etiquette, protocols and passion. They shroud crashed cars, put up barriers whilst working on them (as if there's a sense of modesty, but it's really to keep their engineering secrets from prying eyes). There's decorum and danger. Ant it's all a delightful concoction.

As a little girl (whose stepfather never not had on Wide World of Sports), I remember the excitement of the Monaco Grand Prix, racing through the streets of the principality and Princess Grace in attendance. Now, tell me that's not elegant! Jackie Stewart and Mario Andretti were the racers I knew, and "Speed Racer" was amongst my favorite cartoons.

I was drawn to the roar of the cars as they sped through the chicanes and straights. (I was also enamored with drag racing, and the parachutes that stopped them; the 1970s were a lot of fun.) My grandfather was a truck-driver, and told me early on that a good driver became one with his vehicle. At five (I had uncles), I learned to drive a motor cycle, and began to understand gravity and G-force, and the power you had to wield it. I love fast cars and the skill it takes to handle them well. (I've been known to enjoy accelerated rates on Sunset Boulevard, Mulholland Drive, PCH or the 710 to Ocean Drive...a former F1 track.) I also respect the class required to be a humble winner and stoic loser. Those attributes can be rare today, though.

Formula 1 is gaining popularity in the States thanks to the Netflix series "Formula 1: Drive to Survive". It's a great behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in this ridiculously expensive sport that goes to politically dubious places, and has a calendar that makes no logistical sense. (Yes, I struggle with how F1 buffets against my politics, feminism and eco-consciousness.) If you are interested in learning more by watching that series, do start from the first season so you have a better understanding of the history, relationships and politics. F1 really is a grand soap opera.

If you want even more history, watch the feature documentary, SENNA, directed by Asif Kapadia (the same gent who brought us AMY). Ayrton Senna was a three-time world champion in F1, and many (including myself) believe him to be the greatest racer F1 has seen (Lewis Hamilton agrees). His death in 1994, due to a crash on the track at the San Marino Grand Prix, forever changed Formula 1. Immediately, they set about creating standards and protocols to make the cars safer. (Jules Bianchi died in 2014 of injuries sustained in a crash when a recovery truck was on the track while cars were still driving in the rain at Suzuka, Japan; Jules lost control of his car due to wet weather and hit the truck that was parked in front of the barrier). The sport has become much safer since Senna's passing. Drivers will hit the barrier at 140 mph, flip the car and skid on the halo; or break the car in two, have it burst into flames, be trapped in the burning car for 2.5 minutes only to get out of it and walk away.

This incredibly dangerous sport has certainly grown safer. You might be aware of Niki Lauda's horrific, fiery crash (pre-Senna) that left him with severe burns. (His competitive relationship with James Hunt, which echoes the relationship between Senna and Prost in a vanilla way, was portrayed in the feature RUSH). There are many documentaries that show the history of Formula One, including LIFE ON THE LIMIT (a worthy viewing), highlighting the evolution of the sport and its safety. You should know that the safety measures created for F1 spill over to to safety features in our cars.

What I find most charming about Formula 1 is that these drivers started off as go-cart racers. Many have known each other since the age of 8. The sport is quite young now. Most drivers are in their 20s. Fernando Alonso is the eldest on the track at 41 (Sir Lewis is 37; Sebastian Vettel will retire after this year at the ripe age of 35).

Mercedes is my team. Lewis Hamilton is my driver (other favorites are Valtteri Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo and Carlos Sainz). After what would have been his eight world championships was literally stolen from him in 2021 by the dastardly Michael Masi (and bestowed on the toad), Hammy is having an atrocious year in 2022. My heart breaks most racing weekends. Danny has lost his seat at McLaren (and to Hell with them), and likely won't race next year (I'm hoping he will be prudent and take a seat at Haas). Botty isn't doing very well after transitioning from Mercedes to Alfa Romero, but Carly is showing himself to be a future world champion at Ferrari (Charles LeClerc is someone I call Charlie Crash). I wake up to watch the races, be they at 4, 5 or 6AM on Sundays, and typically do the same for Quali (qualifying) on Saturdays; I want to know the moment something happens rather than read about it or view it later. Because Formula 1 is that exciting.

As a student of film, what I love most of all is the cinematography. Formula 1 started filming on board the cars in the 1950s. There are cameras both on the front and back of the driver's cars, but on the track as well as the aerials. It is a true cinematic experience (though, Formual1.com, to which I subscribe to the races, could do a better job by bringing back the Pit Lane channel). You feel a part of the track during the race, and you have compassion for the drivers as they careen through the curves, straights and chicanes. This is another reason why the sport is so visually glorious.

There are only four races left this season. Two in North America (so we won't have to wake so early if you care to watch) starting this weekend; one in Brazil and the last in Abu Dhabi (where the atrocious crimes against humanity and Lewis Hamilton happened last year). The toad has already been dubbed the world champion this year (it's based on a point system; but Red Bull has cheated by overspending on the cost cap, so maybe last year's championships or this will be rescinded, if you're one to believe in justice and/or karma), and I will only refer to him as the toad as he legitimately tried to kill Lewis Hamilton on more than one occasion last year (the warted bastard even showed himself as that when he said some filthy things while atop Hammy's halo). Like I said, there are villains (namely the toad and his teammate).

While the winners are no longer wrapped in laurels, and the champagne is currently prosecco, I still adore the pomp of the podium and will keep cheering with my fingers crossed until Hammy officially takes home his eighth world championship. There's nothing like a redemption story that takes place at high speed. And there's so many good guys to root for in that regard (of which none race for Red Bull; and Christian Horner is an unmentionable).

Here's a fitting tribute to, and a great explainer for, Ayrton Senna. This helps describe is why he's recognized by so many (and by so many great drivers) as the best driver to ever have hit the F1 tracks. Just remember, back in Senna's day, you had a round wheel (like what we drive) and a manual transmission (like what I used to dive until late 2019). Imagine shifting with one hand as you steered through the streets of Monaco (or any given track) with the other to win a race, while risking your very life (quite literally), and holding your integrity, fighting for what was right. That was Ayrton Senna's Formula 1. Tell me how that is not elegance incarnate.

Icon: Paulina Porizkova

2022-10-12T06:00:00.002-07:00

Some of us might have noticed her first (or second) in the Cars video for "Drive" (in 1984; she also graced the cover of Sports Illustrated). A model who could emote! She was immediately intriguing, something more than just her exterior. She was also savvy, making herself the highest paid model with a $6,000,000 Estée Lauder contract in 1988.

This was at the start of the first wave of Super Models. A herd of beautiful women who took the world and magazine covers by storm. But Paulina veered a different path than Cindy or Christy or Naomi. She fell in love with one of those fellas in that music video. Along with modeling, she had an acting career, started a family, and led a very real life.

Now, as a widow and mother of two young men, she is breaking ground in another way: Showing the beauty of aging naturally. And taking the heat that comes with that stance. She has shown her grief on Instagram, posted pics in a bikini or less and questions why society (mainly men) have an issue with a woman expressing herself and her sensuality at the ripe age of 57?

Her new book, aptly titled NO FILTER: The Good, The Bad and The Beautiful, comes out November 15th. (Please buy from your local, independent bookseller or Bookshop.org!) I can't wait to dive into it.

Curating A Kitchen

2022-10-05T06:00:00.296-07:00

Not everyone loves to cook, but I think most everyone likes to spend time in a well-appointed kitchen. Well-appointed for how you use it, of course. Perhaps, you're simply using yours to warm up leftover takeout, or to make handcrafted coffee. Maybe, you're putting on your best Julia Child and making gastronomic masterpieces. Most of us are somewhere in between. However you utilize your kitchen, it should be a place to love and enjoy.

I try to make the most of my small, galley kitchen. She is put to use a lot. Breakfast, lunch and dinner...maybe dessert or a snack...are all made there each and every day. I long for the time I'll be in my dream kitchen, with an island where friends can sit while I finish the cooking. A double oven, two dishwashers, and a butler's pantry. Oh, yes, I have thought a great deal about what my perfect kitchen would be like. (At the end of the day, I'd be happy with a space that would allow me to not store crockery in my oven.) For now, I've curated the kitchen I have to be as close to the one I long for.

Double oven? Technically, I do have two (my toaster oven does the bulk of the work). Dishwasher? Well, that would be me. Butler's pantry? LOL. My kitchen doesn't even have a single drawer. But it does hold things I love and find invaluable. (Just so you know: There are no affiliate links here. These are just things I love enough to share.)

Toaster Oven: I don't believe in microwaves. You can heat things up just as quickly (and move evenly) on the stove (just add a little water to help it steam) or a few minutes longer in a toaster oven. Toaster ovens are great in the sense you don't have to heat up your whole kitchen to make something tasty. Most are large enough to hold a roasting chicken or an 8" cake tin. The Black and Decker model I got about 12 years ago is still going strong, and you can find them in the $50-70 range. These workhorses are a modest investment. And I love anything that will turn itself off.

Slow Cooker: I make bone broth every week, a 24-hour process that requires a slow-cooker with a long timer. I loved my Crock Pot, but its timer fell short. She moved into storage when I found an Instant Pot Aura on sale. I start the broth on Sundays and, by the time I get home from work on Mondays, the pot is off and broth has cooled. There are so many amazing recipes for slow cookers that make dinners an easy process. If you don't have one (or think they are relics from the 70s), take another look. You might find it will be one of your favorite tools. (Mine sits atop my toaster oven when not in use...and in front of it when it is...a thick cutting board rests between the two to help absorb heat when the toaster oven is on.)

Over-the-Sink Colander: Living in a small space, you have to maximize what you've got. With all the fruit and veg I bring in, I needed a place to let them drain dry and this mesh colander was the answer. I use it so often, it lives on a hook right above my kitchen sink. If you have a garden or gardener in your life, it might be an appreciated gift.

Over-the-Sink (or Stove) Cutting Board: The irony of my small kitchen is that I have a double sink. A collapsible dish rack lives in the right side, and when I need more surface area, I bring out this bad boy. It's a wonderful addition to any kitchen, because who doesn't need more room to work or serve?

Mandoline Slicer: I don't know why it took me so long to get one, but I'm so glad I did. Get a mesh glove as well because these slicers are sharp, make fast work of the slicing and are slightly fun so, the next thing you know, you've added some nail polish to your cucumbers.

Fish Spatula: I use my cast iron skillet quite a bit (chicken burgers and hash browns are favorites), and having a strong-yet-pliable spatula to get in there and flip things makes all the difference. I wish I'd had one from the start of my cooking journey. And don't bother with one that costs more than $7.

Cast Iron Brush: I have tried it all when it comes to cleaning my cast iron...and I do mean it all. THIS is the one thing that actually works. The bristles are strong enough to handle the heat of the pan right off the stove and the built-in scraper tackles anything stubborn. So, toss aside your chainmail and coarse salt. This is all you'll need. (And, for after care, I love MadeIn's seasoning wax.)

Vitamix: My 6300 was a long-desired luxury purchase...that I got refurbished on sale. I love my Vitamix. It is loud, I must say. But it is such a delight to use. Smooth smoothies, velvety purées. It is an investment worth making...even if you're just making margaritas. But, once you start using it, you'll look for ways to use it more.

Le Creuset and Staub: I only cook in cast iron...or enameled cast iron, and bake/reheat in ceramic (I have the rectangle version of this set). I have long loved this beautiful French crockery...and patiently waited for their sales. The Le Creuset multifunction set never leaves my stove. One or the other is always in use. My Staub cocotte is like a piece of (heavy) art. But, please...wait until they go on sale! They will. Keep an eye out and you'll be surprised as to the deals you can get. These are lifetime pieces worth the investment if you love to cook. (Good sources for sale notifications are TheKitchn and Jezebel.com.)

Food Processor: You don't have to spend a lot to get a lot in this department. I love my (loud) Hamilton Beach, that I believe I found on sale for about $30 (8 years ago). I don't know how any kitchen operates without one. Potatoes for hash browns shredded in a sec! Frozen banana slices turned into soft-serve "ice cream" with a few blitzes! Don't deprive yourself of an affordable appliance that can make life easier. And, in case you're asking why you'd want both a food processor and a blender since they both do basically the same thing: the Vitamix heats up the contents due to its speed/power (you can literally make steaming hot soup in it from raw veg...but I highly suggest sautéeing the veg first so it doesn't taste so "earthy"). Food processors don't have as much power (but still get the job done). So, frozen banana "ice cream", hummus and salsas are best done in a processor (not to mention they are shallower/easier to scrape out with the blade out).

ZeroWater Filter Pitcher: I love water...that doesn't taste of a swimming pool. This filter system provides the best tasting water...because the water has no taste! The flavor is simply pristine clean. I adore mine so much, it's one of my favorite gifts to give. You can set up an auto-order from the company so that you are never short on filters (and they actually have better prices than that big thing on the internet I try to avoid buying from). I pour my filtered water into a water crock so that I always have plenty, and have a wine carafe kept in my fridge so there's always chilled water on hand as well.

Collapsible Basin: Why would I need one of these if I have a double sink? Because it can be moved and used in many ways. As a beverage cooler at parties or picnics (just fill with ice and bottles of beer, sodas and wine), a fruit or vegetable soaker (cleaning produce while you do other things), additional laundry (for delicates or sudden stains); the utilitarian uses are endless. For something that takes up next-to-no space, it's worth its weight in gold.

French Press: A coffeemaker that will never break (unless you are unkind to the glass beaker) is something every kitchen should have. It's a very simple process that makes delicious coffee, and is something of a ritual that I thoroughly enjoy (though, I no longer drink coffee/anything caffeinated...more on that later). One rule: Don't let your coffee set in the press, as it will keep brewing. Dispense into a ceramic coffee pot (that's been pre-heated with some of the boiled water). Okay, a second rule: You need a coarse grind of coffee. Anything finer and it will make your coffee "sooty". (I brew my Teeccino Maca Chocolate in this with a dash of cinnamon, so I still feel like I'm making coffee.)

Moka Pot: For coffee or espresso, every home should have another unbreakable coffeemaker. Americans have been slow to adopt this European staple. It comes in many sizes and makes quick work of delicious coffee or lattes. They are inexpensive as well. So, think about that before you invest in a Keurig or Nespresso. (Better for the environment, too!) (I brew my Teeccino French Roast in my moka to keep it in use. Keep the heat low so it doesn't spatter.)

Stick Frother: It's always a wonderful treat to heat some milk (of your choice), and froth it to top your coffee, espresso or simply make hot cocoa. These inexpensive gadgets are magic. If your kitchen doesn't already have one, treat yourself. (Another great gift to give.)

The Perfect Towels: We all have different preferences for what we use, how and why. Somehow, towels are a key player in making your kitchen truly yours. I have a hand-only towel on a hook above my sink, a "fruit and dish" towel to dry, well, apples and plates or glasses, and then I'll use well-worn cloth napkins to take the place of a sponge or paper towel for spills and other clean-up. My hand towels and cloth napkins come from World Market, where they are inexpensive and long-lasting, and the fruit/dish towels are the classic from Ikea (can't get much more inexpensive as that, and you might recognize them as used in restaurants as napkins. Double duty!) Dish towels and cloth napkins make great hostess, holiday and housewarming gifts. They are endlessly useful.

Plates, Glasses & Flatware: Unfortunately, my good stuff is in storage until I have a kitchen with ample cupboards and drawers. But I did keep my "vintage" Pottery Barn amethyst martini glasses (remember those!) handy for fun. Of course there are utilitarian wine glasses (for red, white or whatever) and champagne flutes for celebrations. The daily (juice, water and pint) glasses I have are from Ikea, stackable to make the most of my few cupboards. My plates are antique Ikea (nearing 30), whose large cups and saucers I adore. My flatware is from my first Venice apartment, acquired from Target (French pronunciation, please). This is the fourth home they've followed me to. We have shared a lot through these decades. A plate has been shattered (for a good clumsy cause) and a few teaspoons have gone astray (still wonder how), but they continue to bring me joy, even after all this time. No need to replace them, at least not yet. But this is where I could go divinely crazy, curating table settings. What could be more elegant than a well-dressed table for a gathering of people you adore?

Everything in my kitchen (but for its size) makes me smile. It's taken me ten years to curate it, always looking for the best deal and making sure that, if I got it, I used it (because, in a small kitchen, you can't waste any space). That's part of the art curating: Don't rush into impulse purchases. Don't feel like you must have it just because Julia or Ina swears by it. Wait for the right thing (at the right price) for how you use your kitchen. Because, even if you're simply heating up leftover takeout or making handcrafted coffee, you should enjoy doing it with beautiful tools that make you happy.

A Working Wardrobe

2022-09-28T06:00:00.026-07:00

I'm starting a new job next month. A new job to replace the new job I took after I left my old one. A thing I've learned during the past three years is that if something isn't a fit, cast it off. Same holds true for what's in our closets. (And yet, don't we hold onto things there that we really have no use for?)

This will be the first corporate job I've had in 25 years. I've sort of made it a point to avoid that life, preferring to work for individuals instead of entities. But this is a smaller off-shoot of a bigger firm based in NYC, and the people couldn't be lovelier. Another thing I've learned the past year is that quality of life is top-of-the-list when it comes to job requirements. And this job will give me that in many ways. I'm excited to begin!

Of course, this change will require an update to my wardrobe. Most of my career, I've been the Jill-of-all-trades; the one crawling under desks or up on ladders to sort out the problem and get things working again. A spruced-up version of jeans and a t-shirt is what I've worn for the most part. And while the new office is more casual due to the pandemic (I haven't seen a suit or tie yet) and hybrid remote setting (we work from home on Fridays), I'll still need to scale up.

Because I live in a small space, I don't have room for clothes that are solely for the office. Everything in my home has to do double duty. I'm also taking a bit of a pay-cut to take this positions (quality of life is worth it), so it's has to be done frugally. Since I signed the offer letter, I've been mulling over my options: Shall I go with a capsule wardrobe or uniform?

One might think a capsule would work best in a small space (a limited number of pieces working a maximum number of ways), but I've found myself leaning toward going uniform. And I fully blame Tonne Goodman for that.

Back in the mid-aughts, I had a chance to work with Tonne Goodman (or at least next to her) for a Vogue photo shoot. I've never met a woman more chic, comfortable or confident, in all the best ways. She was lovely (as was everyone I met during that time, including the "Devil", who was wearing Chanel that day). In 2007, Tonne wrote a Vogue article about her travel style called "Fold Everything" (and for the very life of me, I cannot find it on the internet, though this photo is from it). I was so inspired, I tore the page from the magazine and kept it as a reference (in a file, somewhere in storage, sadly). Tonne had nailed her style, created a philosophy for it, and wore it very well.

They say they first thing you should do before investing in your wardrobe is define your personal style (not just emulate someone you admire). I would love to be an Audrey, but my hips are more like Liz's. I'd wear a shirt-dress every day if I could find some I loved for a reasonable price (the one's I'm drawn to always end up being $250-500...and I'm not there yet). The honest answer to my personal style is Edith-Head-for-Chrissie-Hynde or if Jackie O wore Docs. I like sophistication with an edge. (And punk rock will never go out of style.)

The other bit of advice experts give is to wear what you love and feel your best in. I'm happiest in jeans and ballet flats (well, flip-flops or my Madrids, if I'm truly honest). I love cashmere but, for my budget, wash-and-wear is the answer. So, taking a cue from Ms. Goodman, my uniform's base will be white jeans--easy to dress up or down (and, yes, you can wear white year-round). Color palette will be white, black and grey, with pinks and tans mixed in. Fortunately, I only needed to purchase a few extra pairs of jeans to make this work (great deals are available at the Loft and Gap...from $25-$40). The white jeans will go well with my current array of black and white button-downs, my collection of black and grey (cotton) sweaters, ballet flats in black, tan and leopard, as well as my Dr. Martens (heeled Chelsea boots and classic Oxfords). I can dress up the jeans with the Elie Tahari black pinstripe blazer I got via ThredUp ($38) or the vintage pink double-breasted blazer my darling friend, Anne, directed me to ($40). If you haven't noticed, my uniform has become part of a capsule. (And, if you haven't noticed, my sweet spot for clothing purchases is $40 or under. If you're patient, and a little savvy, you can find great, quality purchases in that range.)

Uniform is more about silhouette, they say, than just going full Steve Jobs with identical things worn the same way. It might seem I'm going to a bit of an extreme with the white jeans (my dark rinses will likely make appearances from time to appropriate time along with a few dresses). But I can't think of anything more versatile or chic than white jeans worn well. And the point of creating a sustainable wardrobe (capsule, uniform, or what-have-you) is loving everything you own, and feeling good in what you wear. The simplicity of a uniform style is never having to wonder what you're going to wear; everything goes together. And, considering I have to be in the office by 8AM, the less I think about my wardrobe, the more time I'll have on my yoga mat or urban hike.

They say we wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time. Doesn't it make sense to lean into that, wearing what feels good to you and on you, rather than what's in fashion for the moment? But, sometimes we can't help it. Madison Avenue and Instagram are good at making us feel we need something we don't. Perhaps our closets hold evidence of those aspirations.

Of course, things remain different now. We aren't necessarily going into the office as much (or at all, for those working remotely), and many meetings are done via Zoom. We might be travelling some (though I have zero desire to get on a plane...between COVID and chaos, the last place I want to be trapped is in mid-air), and going out more often (wearing a mask!). Our clothing needs might have shifted. We have the wonderful opportunity, now, to redefine our styles and rethink what works in our wardrobes. And that is fantastically liberating.

More inspiration:

http://jeanstories.com/the-stories/tonne-goodman-tells-it-straight-leg/

https://www.glimpseguides.com/glimpse-the-life-of/2021/7/3/a-glimpse-of-tonne-goodman

https://www.wmagazine.com/fashion/uniform-dressing-fran-lebowitz-peter-marino-bevy-smith-interview

Hello Again!

2022-09-21T06:00:00.001-07:00

How does one pick up more than five years after this blog was closed? More than 10 years after the co-founder passed away. In the third year of a pandemic, and the midst of a recession. Where shall I start?

With a new beginning, I suppose.

This blog has always been a pleasure, and a big part of me has missed it. Its mission and lessons are carried along with me, wherever I go. I suppose it's the only mindfulness I practice. Little things make a difference (cloth instead of paper, glass instead of plastic, quality over quantity). Bringing a touch of elegance into my day, each day, brings me joy. How about you? Are there things from Project Elegance that you've carried, too? Please let me know.

Even with a new start, the focus of Project Elegance remains the same. While the original tagline (Anyone can be elegant, darling!) remains true, I've updated it to Living Big and Small. I'll be writing about some of the same topics (entertaining, recipes and other fun stuff) as well as what it's like to live in a teeny tiny place for a large amount of time (February will mark 10 years at The Mint Tin, if you can believe that...because I really can't).

In my view, elegance is a state of mind as much as it is a statement. We can live grandly, even if our budgets (or abodes) are modest. Quality wardrobes don't have to be indulgently expensive. Our homes don't have to be Instagram-able for us to love them. Style isn't something to follow or imitate, but to create on your own, as your own. Because the only one any of us needs to impress is ourselves.

I hope you'll follow along and share your experiences too--lend your advice, your favorite things and pro tips. Elegance is not about pretense or pretending; it's about making life as wonderful as we can while we can, with what we have. And that, in and of itself, is quite a project.

Icons and Endings

2017-08-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Twenty years ago today, Princess Diana died. The world stood in shock.

I remember coming home from dinner completely unaware, turning on the television and having the news delivered. I was heartbroken. She was the world's princess. We all watched that faerie tale unfold, and crumble. We fell in love with her again and again, and marveled at her vulnerability and strength, her compassion and selflessness. Sadly, it was the selfish greed of photographers and the tabloid press that caused her demise, tearing a mother from her two young sons.

I was working for an actress at the time. The next morning, we were heading to New York. Back then, anyone could go into an airport. Especially paparazzi. I remember coming up the escalator, flanked by security and airline reps, to a flock of those pests snapping away. Never one to mince words, I said, "Do you really think today's the day to be doing this?" A few of them put their cameras down. Nothing was the same after that.

I watched the funeral with a darling friend while still in Manhattan. We stayed up all night to see it live, sobbing at the sight of her two boys walking behind her, and at seeing "Mummy" written on an envelope resting on a small floral arrangement on her coffin. The sea of flowers left in her memory outside the Palace, the ocean of mourners along the funeral route. Our princess was gone, and for no good reason. And all we wanted was for her boys to end up happy. As happy as possible.

After watching the HBO special, "Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy", there was almost a sense of relief, and certainly comfort in seeing much of her in them. As much as an outsider can see, that is. They recalled her with smiles, sharing memories. If you haven't seen it, it's worth the time.

In many ways, Princess Diana was an elegant rebel. She didn't stand on formality, and touched those who needed human kindness most. She was a champion for those ignored. There was an extreme grace to how she carried herself, whether it was in a crown and gown, on a water ride, or walking through a mine field -- those literal and figurative. She was wonderfully human, and absolutely flawed, which is why she belonged to us, the people...the world. Twenty years on and she is still very missed, even by those who only knew her from a distance as the girl who might be Queen...or Queen Mother. She is certainly an icon -- of beauty and style and true compassion. She is an inspiration for choosing how to be, as a woman and a leader. We need a bit more of that today, I'm sad to say. This is why Princess Diana is our Icon.

Moving on from an icon to an(other) ending...

I am wrapping up Project Elegance -- the blog, anyway. I know this isn't the first time I've said this, but it may, in fact, be the last. I love PE, why it was started and what was done here. I hate to let it go, but I must. I've always been one to spread myself over many projects, compartmentalize the things I'm working on, fractionalizing my passions. It has proven something of a failure here. That was to be expected as I had to work more (yea, proper employment!), and want to focus on cultivating an actual writing career. My focus is where it has to be: back to writing novels, and perhaps another bit of non-fiction (a big project I'm still mulling over). I will still post on the Project Elegance Facebook page. And I will always be working on projecting elegance wherever and whenever I can. This Project came to be at a particularly lovely yet challenging time, and it changed me -- very much for the better. It will always be with me. I treasure the people I met through it, those who contributed, those who loyally read it, and stuck with it through the peaks and valleys. Thank you so much! It has meant a great deal, which is why it's so hard to walk away from it.

Please do stay in touch on Facebook. If you are at all interested in following my writing, you can find me on Medium or Instagram and my own website. I certainly don't want to lose touch.

Thank you, truly, for being a part of PE. It has been a wonderful journey and one that will continue, I hope, with each of us.

With love,
Sandra xo

Coffee Proper

2017-08-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to Debbie, who is very dear to the heart of Project Elegance.

I have been going to Sugartown since 2009. It's something of a second home. And my second home there is Debbie and Ted's. Those wonderful two have long hosted my visits for the Relay for Life. I am forever in their debt for their warm hospitality. And they are forever in my life (whether they like it or not).

Debbie and I have much in common. We are April 9th sisters, and have a dire addiction to coffee...namely pricy almond milk lattes. It is something of our life's blood. Neither of us are natural early risers. Neither of us are particularly morning people. Thus, we are addicts of caffeine. And there's nothing quite like someone making that caffeine for us. But that comes at a cost. Do yourself a favor and never set up a "Starbucks" account in your QuickBooks. It will take the wind right out of your sails.

Because I made that terrible mistake, I have slowly weened myself from purchased coffee to the occasional treat in that arena, usually on a desperate afternoon. Desperate afternoons have been coming on a regular basis lately and I must get back on track. But, each morning, without fail, I start my day with my French press.

I have two, actually: one that's single serving and a second for mornings I share with my personal hero. Now that I think of it, there is a third hidden in storage that is huge -- my kettle doesn't even hold enough water to fill it -- which is reserved for dinner parties and brunches. Those requiring that size will be held when I have a dining table again.

But I digress.

I had been meaning -- for months, I'm embarrassed to say -- to send Debbie a French press and some delicious coffee to start her on her way to the most wonderful morning ritual. I finally got around to that. The 34-ounce/3-American-cup French press and pound of Groundwork's "Black Gold" are set to arrive next week. And I promised Debbie a set of instructions for the process.

First, here's a list of items one will need in order to succeed:

Kettle (with a whistle; it's very easy to get sidetracked in the morning)
Timer (yes, you can use your phone, but I prefer a digital next to the stove)
Wooden stirrer
Pot in which to decant the coffee (like an proper ceramic coffee pot)
Tea strainer (optional but preferred)

HOW TO MAKE COFFEE IN A FRENCH PRESS

Boil water in a kettle (get to know how much you will need; I use a bartender's count)
Add the amount of coffee you will need to the press (the instructions and scoop provided are the best place to start, then you can adjust by sight if you decide to have a single or double cup in your triple cup maker) -- use only course ground coffee, no matter what some barista might tell you. Use level scoops, especially if you are making more than one cup.
Add a dash of cinnamon per scoop (optional, but recommended).
Once the water has boiled, pour just enough water over the grounds to cover them, and allow them to swell (about 30-45 seconds).
Add the remaining water to the fill line recommended in the instructions, or for the amount of coffee you are making if less than a full press.
Stir with a wooden spoon, chopstick or (my favorite) wooden cheese knife procured from Ikea (do not use metal ever). Cover with the lid, but do not let the press itself touch the coffee.
Set timer for 4 minutes.
Once time is completed, press the plunger down slowly.
Pour coffee immediately into cups, a pot, carafe, travel mug, etc. (Do not leave coffee in the press, as it will continue to brew.) This is where the optional strainer may be useful to catch the errant ground.

Et voila! You have just made the perfect cup of coffee.

I typically use the four minutes of brewing time to warm my milk and/or scramble eggs. You can get a lot done in that short time.

What I'm usually asked by those who don't press is, "Isn't a French press a hassle to clean?" My answer is, "Not at all."

I will tell you that I put my coffee grounds down the garbage disposal every day and have never had a problem (knock on wood). I have done this for more than 20 years. The thing about garbage disposals is you have to use them every time you are at the sink, give them ample time and water to do their job, and then run ample water to clear it after the work is done. If you don't have a garbage disposal, or prefer to compost, let the press cool, remove the glass beaker from the metal and use either a wood or silicon utensil to do that duty, finishing up with a cloth or paper towel. The parts disassemble easily and are machine washable, but I do mine by hand (as I have not had a dishwasher in a very long time). Once a week, a soak everything in warm water with vinegar and dish soap to get any lingering oils. If you are going to use your dishwasher, I would only do it once a week, and wash it the rest of the time by hand to prolong the life of the press and the screen.

When I use my single press, I typically enjoy it from my fancy mug, or my traveller if I'm running short on time. When I have company, I decant it into a ceramic coffeepot (easily found on Amazon or at World Market -- and a teapot would do just fine in its place). But the coffee cannot linger in the press, or you won't be pleased when you go back for another cup.

I know a lot of people use a metal spoon to stir their grounds. That works...until it doesn't. I had a friend who tapped the glass at the metal in just the right way that the beaker exploded, and boiling water and coffee grounds when everywhere. It's not worth the risk. Use wood.

Because you don't have to use filters and can make only the amount you need, you will come to value your French press like a family member. And, unlike K-cups, you are not filling landfills with silly, wasteful capsules. A French press is an environmentally-conscious, absolutely delicious, utterly civilized and completely elegant way to administer your morning addiction. And once you use one, I doubt you will ever want your coffee from a machine. Not only that, you can use it for loose teas and fusions. Mr. Coffee can't claim that.

I hope you enjoy yours (when it finally arrives), Debbie. Cheers! xo

The Housesweeper

2017-06-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted a housekeeper. My first desire came from "The Brady Bunch" and wanting an Alice of my own. My parents kiboshed my requests, reminding me that I was the one they had to do the dusting and dishwashing.

Once I had a career that kept me busy 10-16 hours per day, housecleaning became more than a chore. It was the robber of well-earned sleep, a time-stealer, a blocker of brunches, the dullard that kept me from having dinner parties. With deep, seething resentment, I tidied up, all the while muttering, "I want a maid, dammit. I want a maid."

After I changed careers and worked from home, the last thing I wanted to do was spend more time in my home to clean it. I did the cost-benefit analysis and, yes, the math told me it did make sense to hire a housekeeper. My bank account, on the other hand, reminded me my career was either feast or famine, and spending money on something that wasn't a true necessity would likely bite me in the backside one day. So, again, I did the housecleaning with a scowl.

When I moved into The Mint Tin, I still wanted to hire a helping hand. But how embarrassing would it be to have someone come in and tidy up a space so small? I'm a big girl. I can do it. But after long days of work and then working on a book, it leaves one tired. Besides, I have been doing this long enough. I need a break. A respite from the repetition of spending my Thursday night or Friday morning rushing to get the house all sorted for the weekend. I should be able to come home to a clean place and spend my free time free. Again, I used the cost-benefit analysis, but who could I get to come in for an hour (if that) once a week? Once more, this buttercup sucked it up and did the dirty work herself.

Then, I made a compromise--the kind that comes when something goes on super sale: I invested in a robovac.

The Eufy Robovac 11 was on sale sale for $149.99 on Amazon. While I'm not the kind of girl who takes $150 lightly, I broke it down in that handy cost-benefit analytic way, and determined how quickly it would pay for itself with my free time. Instead of dragging out the stick vac every week (or, sometimes, every other), I could come home to clean floors every day. The time and energy I would save vacuuming would free me up to quickly dust and scrub the rest of my home. A win, right? And so, I put it in my cart, checked out, and vowed to myself that, if I didn't love it, if it really wouldn't work for my place, I would send it back. Not only is it working out great, I am smitten with it.

There's an adorable aspect to this robovac. So much so, I named it Puppy (because it's as cute as). My Personal Hero thought I might be losing it a bit when I would boast to him all of Puppy's feats. Then he met Puppy and understood. It's utterly charming in how it tackles its task, running over my carpet and tile (for 100 minutes!), making sure he gets it all. He goes under my coffee table, under my dresser (where his base lives), under my futon, around my standing fan. He is a determined character; no matter how many times he bumps into something, he finds his path and carries on. And my floors look amazing.

The vac is pretty quiet. Clean out is easy. I love knowing that he goes to work at 3PM each day, and he seems to enjoy his job. It makes coming home that much more pleasant knowing that one more chore is off my list.

I won't deny this is an extravagance. I mean, really, what business does someone who lives in a Mint Tin have buying a robovac? But, for as long as I can remember, I have wanted a housekeeper. Instead, I ended up with a housesweeper. And I couldn't be more pleased.

Great and Small

2017-05-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

For nearly four-point-five years, I have lived in a teeny, tiny place lovingly named The Mint Tin. It was christened so because it is smaller than a shoebox. At 225 square feet, I think it's fitting.

You won't see my home on Apartment Therapy or winning any design awards. As a renter, there's only so much permission I can ask (and a few areas where forgiveness will be requested--like the painted cabinets and wall shelves). If I could, I would replace the disappointing carpet. If I felt like dedicating a weekend, I would repaint the peeling bathroom vanity. If I had a few grand to spare, I would remodel the kitchen to allow for a normal-sized refrigerator. If I lived in New York (where The Mint Tin would be considered a grand palace), I would probably invest that time and those funds. I live in California, in an enclave of Los Angeles where (like NYC and SF) rents are sky high, and landlords hold the reigns. Making multiple requests for improvements isn't exactly welcomed by the sweet man I rent from and, besides, I would rather be saving that money for other life goals.

Instead, I learned to accept the flaws of my petite abode, and embrace its quirks. It's a different way of living, that's for sure. I have a few friends who don't understand why or how I have stayed here so long. Others are fascinated by the choice and think living tiny would be fun. Going from a one-bedroom duplex sporting 650 square feet of living space and a backyard to a duplex that's the size of my former living room was quite a change (and can be found in the "Upside of Downsizing" series in the 2013 archive), but a welcomed one. Living in such a small space, you have to be clever, organized and willing to let things go while being wise about what you bring in. Here are some of the lessons I've learned:

Everything Must Have a Purpose...or Two...or More
There are certain clichés about small space living that are true: Go up, not out (use your walls) and buy items that serve double-duty. The latter is the truest of small space life. My sofa is my bed. My side table is my nightstand and can also be a small bench. My coffee table is my dining table. Stacked books become drink rests. Things must be able to move, either on sliders or wheels. Chairs and stools must be light enough to be easily rearranged for company. Things will shift when you have a dinner party of a night of "Cards Against Humanity". (Believe it or not, I do entertain in The Mint Tin.)

In the kitchen, I "installed" a "sliding drawer", which is a set of wheeled shelves that tuck under the counter where my former, dorm-sized refrigerator lived. It stores my utensils, glass containers, nesting bowls and slow-cooker. My oven serves as bakeware storage. When the oven is in use, my folding step stool serves as bakeware lounge. The top of my still-mini (but at least it has a proper freezer) refrigerator serves as a small pantry.

The trouble comes when gifts are given. I have requested that, if friends feel the need to give something, they have three choices: Cash, booze or iTunes. The directive is delivered in a joking manner. The point being is that, whatever is gifted, it must be consumable and/or purposeful. Cash (gift cards) can be used for what is needed, wine or whiskey will be imbibed, and nothing makes me smile more than $10 worth of iTunes. I still have friends who will give me such thoughtful things as travel mugs (I have three, and was just given a fourth, and that's two too many), or microwaveable, heart-shaped heat wraps (I am sans microwave). It is the thought that counts, and I am grateful for the love. If I can discreetly return the item for something useful, I will. If I have another friend who could use it, it's handed over. But, most are quietly donated to charity. I mean, my place is so small, it can't even handle another candle. Purposeful gifts are my preference to give and receive. When in doubt, give champagne.

When Something New Comes In, Something Old Must Go Out
People change. Lifestyles change. And, no matter how diligent one can be, over time, you will accumulate more things than you have space for. At a certain point, you will have to set sentiment aside and get rid of things that you might really adore (but don't really use). I do have a storage unit where I keep my additional books, luggage, records and turntable (sadly, I don't have space here). Some of those "gotta go" items can reside there, but only if I will be using them at a later date. If not, out they go to charity.

For me, this practice was nearly impossible in the kitchen. When I first moved in and had my sad little dorm fridge, I barely cooked. If I did, I would have to do it right as I came in from the grocery store because there was no room to store anything in that mini-icebox. Once I "upgraded", that gave me more of an incentive to create. From there, I acquired a Vitamix, the aforementioned slow-cooker and new food processor (after giving my old one away when I moved). This required additional purchases, such as mini shelves and an over-the-sink cutting board to give me additional counter space. For all of this, I had to rearrange my cupboards and create the mini pantry atop my mini fridge. The appearance is a tad more cluttered than I could like, but charmingly so. I hope. Sometimes, when something new comes in, a lot more "new" needs to be purchased to make it all work. As long as it's being used (and, yes, the Vitamix is used daily, the food processor weekly, and the slow cooker monthly), then it can stay.

A Place For Everything and Everything In Its Place
Something as simple as a new yoga mat can change everything in a small space. My old, lighter mat could fit on my closet shelf. My new, fancy, heavy one can't quite. And, since it needs to be stored flat, I'm trying to create a space for it. (Not as easy as you might think.) Everything else has a home, though. But, after four years, some of those homes have grown crowded. In a couple of weeks, I'll be doing a huge purge and wardrobe reassessment. I've already done that in the kitchen. Next will be "the office".

When you live in such a small space, leaving a stick of gum out makes the place look cluttered. Allow yourself to have a spot where you can quickly hide clutter -- bills or tax prep, that manuscript you are making notes on -- for when company comes/you're not working on it. Just be sure to revisit that spot on a regular basis and clear out what is no longer needed.

Be Realistic
A couple of years ago, I thought I would "upgrade" from my uncomfortable futon to a posh sleeper sofa. Despite measuring, and remeasuring, it was shocking how much space that single piece of furniture ate up, especially as a bed. And, as a bed, it wasn't as comfortable as I had hoped (and, yes, I realize I'm talking about a sleeper sofa). Because it had a couple of other issues to it, I was able to return it...and then had to go back out and purchase the same futon I had only weeks before donated to charity. It was a "live and learn" moment. Size is one thing, profile is another. The armless aspect of my futon gave the appearance of more space. When it was a bed, I could still walk around it, and there were no cushions to have to hide/maneuver around. These were things I considered, but didn't really thing of in a practical sense. Like I said, live and learn.

While I couldn't get the sofa of my dreams, I did "install" a "bar". I wanted to add a little quirk to the place and found a delightful table to serve that purpose (on sale). You need to "redecorate" from time to time; in a small space, it really doesn't take much. But even a simple change can change everything. In spite of any measuring or pre-planning, you will likely run into additional costs, or find what you brought in just won't work. My advice is to check return policies before you purchase. Or, at least be prepared to run out to grab additional items to make the changes fully functional.

Things That Are Great For A Small Space

Command Products -- I love their hooks for jackets, robes and kitchen towels, and their options for nail-free hanging of art and mirrors.
Step stool -- While I have a step ladder for higher work, this folding step stool is perfect for daily use.
Vitamix -- Yes, this is a pricey item. I got mine as a refurbished model which has a warranty. This machine is amazing.
Food Processor -- The Vitamix can't do everything (close, though). I love this model. For under $30, you can't beat it.
Slow-cooker -- You would think this would be a luxury item, too -- at least where space is a concern. It's so useful, it's worth every inch and penny (especially considering it's under $40).
Narrow Toaster -- When every inch counts, try this.
Tower fan or floor oscillating fan -- I actually have both because of the winning combination of a flat roof, climate change and not cross ventilation -- and a window fan or A/C won't work in my situation. These are inconspicuous when not in use (easy to hide/store away), and quiet when they are on. Try this and this.
Glass Food Storage -- They stack well and fit in my small fridge.
Nesting bowls -- I don't know why I waited so long to get these. I love them.
Collapsable Kitchen Utilities -- I have both the over-the-sink dish rack and basin. They are wonderful.
Over-the-sink Cutting Board -- I love this so much, I'm about to get a second for even more "counter space".
Salad spinner -- I gave away my old one when I moved and regretted it completely. This helped ease that pain.
French Press -- Why take up space with a coffee maker when you can simply make great coffee with this.
Utensil holder -- When you have a kitchen with no drawers, you must have this and this.
Coffee table -- The added shelf and low price made me so happy with this purchase. A quick stop to Home Depot for some sliding casters, and life became perfect.
Side table/nightstand/extra seating -- You cannot go wrong with this.
Compact water flosser -- Oral hygiene should not suffer due to a small space, so this.
Over-the-door products -- Like a mirror or shoe rack.

My home is not perfect, but I am happy in it. Little things make a difference. Especially in a Mint Tin.

Billet-Doux

2017-04-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you wrote a little sweet-nothing to someone? A handwritten note? An actual love letter?

Image via Papersheep

While we text and email or post on FaceBook almost daily (hourly?), there's no doubt we are keeping in touch. However, there's something about putting pen to page and words to sentiment -- it's almost a lost art. Birthdays and holidays are the given -- perhaps you let Hallmark or Papyrus speak for you after you've carefully chosen a card. But how about creating a Just Because moment?

Taking the time to jot down a note to tell your beloved how much you adore them, your child that you are so proud of them, or a darling friend just how special they are to you, is a sweet gift to give. Though, you might be surprised just how much you get out of it as well.

In the time it takes to write those words, you are transported to that part of your heart, back to that tender moment, washed over with joy. You may yourself smiling or laughing -- perhaps getting a bit misty -- because you are connected.

Keeping a box of plain note cards handy is a wonderful necessity, if you ask me. But, putting a piece of your heart on a Post-It can be just as lovely. Slipping a scrap of paper scribbled with sweetness into a pocket or lunchbox will do in a pinch. Stealing a piece of pulp from your printer is the easiest option. And whether it's written in pen or pencil or Crayola doesn't matter, as long as the words are sincere. Don't worry if your prose is perfect. It's the love that matters, and it's sure to come through.

And, yes, loving emails and texts do count. But they can become wonderfully mundane. Every once in a while, take out a pen. The intimacy of seeing the strokes on the page adds to the sentiment, and it's much more lasting. How many emails do you have tucked in a drawer? I have a box containing the love letters given to me by my inamorato. It's a wonderful treasure and timeline. And it's never too late to start that tradition.

Next time you're out and about, pick up some paper that speaks to you -- notecards or stationery -- so that you will always have something inspiring on hand for when that Just Because moment arrives.

Cold Facets

2016-12-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Ever so slowly, I've been transforming my kitchen -- the heart of the home and the key to one's health, if you ask me. It started with the Vitamix, which is probably the best investment I've ever made. It makes my daily smoothie, soup on the regular and chia cacao pudding whenever my personal hero gets a hankering.

Next was my slow cooker. It's probably larger than I need, but it's wonderful to have dinner ready with so little effort. Pulled chicken is a favorite. Chicken stew another winner. Next up is an attempt at turkey chili.

Then there are the smaller purchases. The glass containers to replace the plastics. The mason jars to compliment the glass containers. The BPA-free water bottles, reusable tumblers -- both for hot and iced lattes, and cloth napkins. These are the small but fine touches that make a difference, both in style and conservation.

My latests purchase seemed like an extravagance, even after the Vitamix, even though it was nowhere near the price. I purchased a set of two retro, stainless steel ice cube trays, which cost just under $40. See what I mean? But follow me for a moment. Each day, I go through two cups of ice to make my smoothie, having to use the teeny tiny trays that came with my teeny tiny refrigerator, refilling/spilling them each morning. It's a hassle. Not to mention, on occasion, we enjoy a glass a whiskey with a cube or two. Having ice at the ready and in a small abundance would be a nice change of pace. These two trays seemed to fit the bill and the fact that they aren't plastic or even silicon was important to me. And who doesn't love a throwback look, something timeless and reliable? I sure do.

I read the reviews, saw the complaints along with the raves. I must admit, I love a process, a ritual ( one of the reasons I use a French press). So, the minute or two needed to thaw the ice enough to move the lever to crack the into cubes is part of the enjoyment. The cubes themselves are attractive. Nowhere near perfect, but clear like quartz. They look lovely in a glass. And, I do say, the taste is much better. Happily, the plastic trays can now be retired.

It's the little things for me. Sometimes, they are very little. Like the size of trapezoidal ice. Cheers!

Bountiful

2016-10-18T22:33:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I got my (reconditioned) Vitamix. And life has changed.

I know, that must sound like hyperbole. It's not. It was sort of the point of getting the Vitamix. Not only was it a financial investment (although, I'm pleased with the wonderful deal I got), it was an investment in me.

Being one who is quite busy (no doubt you are a member of that club as well), and has a teeny-tiny kitchen, I've been able to come up with many excuses not to cook. That I have three restaurants on my four corners helps. The only meal I made consistently was breakfast. Come dinnertime, I'll either frequent one of the corners or make my way over to my natural foods store to grab something from their hot deli. It's one a very fiscally (or physically) responsible habit. So, when I saw the price of the Vitamix drop, I treated myself -- and made a promise to use it every day.

Ev-er-y day.

The night it arrived, I made spinach and zucchini soup and frozen banana "ice cream". I have been in the process of perfecting both my cauliflower and broccoli soups. {Pro Tip: Even though there are all these amazing videos of how you can take raw veg and turn them into soup in about 5 minutes, don't. The taste is off-puttingly earthy. Take a few minutes to steam or simmer first with your mise en place, then blend. If you do this, you can also skip the extra loud Hot Soup setting.} Each morning, I make a Super Green Smoothie, and that alone has changed a lot.

Recipe for my Super Green Smoothie (all components organic):
2 small Granny Smith apples cut in halves or quarters
1/3 cucumber, peeled (1/4 if large)
1 stalk celery
1 large leaf kale (no stalk)1 handful spinacha few stalks of parsley (Italian or curly -- Italian is preferred)a sprig of mint1/4 large lemon or 1/2 small (no peel)1/2-1" of ginger, peeled1 tbsp hemp protein powder (Navitas, unflavored)1 tbsp chia seeds1 tbsp flax seeds1 tbsp maca powder1 tbsp honey1 cup cold water (filtered or spring)2 cups ice, separated

In Vitamix, water first, then apples, lemon, ginger, honey, seeds and powders, and greens topped with 1 cup ice. Blend on Smoothie setting. Add second cup of ice and blend on setting 4 until incorporated. Makes 700ml.

While I still make my breakfast {coffee and a poached egg on toast}, I take this huge smoothie with me to work, and slowly drink it through the morning. It's thick enough to stay cold, and the second round of ice helps that. This keeps me full for most of the day. I have a late and very light lunch. Dinner is, typically, a wonderful homemade soup via the Vitamix. Served with Rudi's organic sourdough toasted, it's a little bit of heaven.

As a side effect of my Vitamix concoctions, my sugar cravings are almost nonexistent and my appetite is suppressed. I'm not craving a snack in the afternoon or after dinner, sweet or otherwise. I've also dropped a couple of pounds because what I'm eating is nutrient dense while low calorie. Monetarily, I'm spending a fraction of what I used to. I mean, when you can get 3-4 servings of soup from a single head of cauliflower, you are bound to be under-budget.

I will admit, the Vitamix isn't for everything. Frozen banana "ice cream" is better off done in a food processor, because it's a long way down the carafe to get those two or three bananas. I'll be using my immersion blender for the chia seed pudding for the same reason. {We tried the unblended version and are looking forward to the blended. It's a texture thing.}

Now, I have a new Sunday routine of buying fruit and veg for the week and washing them up while steaming hard boiled eggs {a game-changer}. If you are short on time in the morning, perhaps prep your smoothie makings the night before. I do that while I make my brekkie.

In some ways, the Vitamix is a wonderful, grown-up toy. It's almost magic in how it transforms what you put into it. It's even more wonderful when you can share the bounty it makes.

In The Mix

2016-09-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

I had promised myself a "push present" after I finished my book. "I'm getting myself a Vitamix," I told my personal hero. He raised an eyebrow and nodded kindly, clearly biting his tongue over the price tag.

Yes, yes, I know. That's like the kitchen equivalent of declaring you're getting the kitchen version of a Ferrari. Except a Vitamix is actually practical.

For those of you who know me, you are well aware of my deep cheap streak. A Vitamix is an investment. If you're going to get one, you should be using it. Really using it. And that's just my plan. I've been thinking about this a long time. I've noted the payment plans offered and remembered a sale they had last Christmas. I was biding my time, waiting for the right moment to purchase. And then it came.

Reconditioned models for $249.

Yes, that's still a high price considering my gifted Osterizer is still making my smoothies so well. But, that's just it. There's much more I'd like to do than frozen fruit blended with coconut milk and protein powder. I should be perfecting my cauliflower soup purée. And broccoli soup purée (which was an utter disaster with my immersion blender). Hot soup right out of the blender? Without even having to cook the veg first? Yes, please.

Making vegan "ice-cream" on a whim, juicing without a juicer, homemade hummus that's not "rustic" -- these are the joys I would like to be concocting in my teeny-tiny kitchen. For too long, I've used the size of the space as an excuse not to cook. The truth is, I don't have the space -- especially in my refrigerator -- to hold all the fixings for a week's worth of meals, to spread out with all the ingredients to make something grand. But, if I could pick up the items from the store and make a meal I'm craving in minutes, if I had a way to un-complicate the cooking, I would be back to Betty Crockering. Not to mention, in the words of Jon Snow, "Winter is coming." I want to get a jumpstart on healthy, hearty eating rather than go in to the routine of picking up "comfort food". Something that's too easy to do, especially when I'm writing.

If this all sounds like loads of justifying my purchase, it's not. This is my excited list of to-dos. My change to retrieve all those bookmarked recipes off the internet. And, so, my push present has been ordered. I will soon be in the mix, just in time to feel the crispness of autumn. And the warmth of those soups. Butternut squash, anyone?

Summer's Close

2016-09-05T14:30:00.002-07:00

Cover by Susan Black/rubu designs

It's Labor Day. The traditional mark of the end of summer. The last day to wear white, if you want to follow arcane fashion dictates. A rare holiday for America, one that can seem more melancholy than festive.

In some ways, Labor Day marks the return to routine. By now, school has resumed; for many, long before September. The days grow shorter, long before we return to Standard Time. And the pace picks up again, swinging us right into the holidays. Let's be honest, Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here in the blink of an eye.

Meanwhile, some of us are looking at what we missed this summer. The things we didn't accomplish, the getaway we meant to take, the friends we wanted to visit, the promise to set aside a bit "me" time that failed to get scheduled. Summer holds so much promise, but is gone too fast.

This summer was a blur for me. A beautiful blur. Very few things on my list of to-dos got done. But one important goal was accomplished. At the beginning of May, I pulled out the dusty manuscript of my first novel and began polishing it. By the end of June, it was an e-book on Amazon. Right after that, it was up to Sugartown for the Relay for Life and a good visit with cherished friends. Work became crazed, as work is wont to do, but my personal hero came to the rescue and scurried me off for an impromptu road trip, a much needed relaxing escape. I blinked, and August was over. Somehow, I made it through this summer without once putting on my swimsuit, without acquiring proper tan lines. But I did make it to the beach nearly once a week to watch the sunset. I got to see whales migrating, dolphins surfing and leaping the waves, curious seals sleek in the water. It became a regular pilgrimage, driving up the coast to one of my favorite spots. But, last week, the Sun dropped into the Pacific much too soon. The evening now requires a sweater. Summer is coming to a close. And the melancholy of the seasons end creeps in like ocean fog.

The irony to this melancholy is that autumn is my favorite season -- in a hard tie with spring. I look forward to bundling up, wearing sweaters, hoping for rain, feeling the crisp air. But, I will miss the evening sun, having time after work to watch the blue sky turn pink. Now, I look to new pilgrimages. Evening yoga, perhaps. Dinner in with friends, instead of meeting al fresco. Slowing down as the days shorten. Autumn seems to bring about the most change. I'm going to do my best to embrace it.

Great Gifts for the Thanksgiving Host

2015-11-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Image via MyJudyTheFoodie

If you are fortunate enough to be a guest at Thanksgiving dinner -- spared of the shopping and prepping and cleaning and cooking and fretting -- you are likely in the position of finding the perfect gift for your host, hosts or hostess. Which also comes with some degree of shopping, prepping and fretting.

I'm a firm believer in useful gifts. And, on a day as hectic as Thanksgiving, the gifts should also be low-maintenance and compact...and not food. There is surely plenty of that in a carefully planned menu.

To be a most favored guest, call your host a day or two in advance and ask if there's anything they need or would like you to bring. Feel free to suggest something such as ice, bread, wine or non-alcoholic selections. You might here a gasp of realization that an item was overlooked, or a sigh of relief that someone is willing to pitch in. Show up on time, not early (unless asked). If you are going to be even a few minutes late, call or text to let your host know, and offer to have them start without you. Gravy gets goopy if you make it wait too long.

Less certainly is more when it comes to wrapping. A bow is enough. It saves your host from taking the time to unwrap it to thank you at the time. Besides, it looks chic.

Veuve Cliquot
If you know your hosts imbibe, a good champagne is great choice. Your host will likely have enough wine for the dinner but might appreciate a few bubbles for a toast at dessert. Even better, the host can stash it away to celebrate in private after all the guests and mess are gone. As low at $40 on sale, but more in the $50 range, it's on the pricier side, but is my favorite gift to give (and receive). Don't bother bringing it chilled; if the host wants to use it, there's plenty of time for it to rest in the refrigerator (or, better yet, an ice-water bath). Otherwise, it's ready to store.

Apron
Perhaps the perfect gift for a friend who has yet to embrace the grace of an apron. And, perhaps, perfectly timed to save her from a gravy stain. Best to give it to one you know well, though. In the $12-20 arena at World Market.

Tea Towels
What one can never have enough of while holiday cooking: kitchen towels. If you don't know your host's color scheme, opt for classic white with a stripe. Best of all, they are inexpensive and handily at your grocery store (if you end up being truly desperate). In the $5-10 range.

Tea Forté
The most adorable tea you'll find. Their pyramid infusers (not "bags") house delicious teas, and their signature leaf adds to its charm. Find a store here. Gift sets start at $18.

Note Pad or Blank Note Cards
A nice note pad for jotting down groceries or to-do lists is a handy gift. Blank note cards with a lovely design can be used for correspondence, a thank-you, or a birthday greeting in a pinch. When in doubt, go timeless and classic, but avoid initials. You don't want to limit who can use it.

Gift Card to a Local Bakery or Doughnut Shop
While I did mention avoiding food as a gift, a lovely note expressing gratitude for the invitation that encloses a gift card to the place with the flakiest croissants, the best bagels, or the most delicious doughnuts could be a welcomed treat. With endless guests and relatives coming in and out of town, not to mention bringing a last minute nosh for the office, your little gift card could save the day...or at least your host from having to cook another breakfast.

Perhaps you noticed flowers are missing from this list. While lovely, flowers force the host to find a vase and a place for them. That's one more chore for a very busy person.

While the gift should be personal in nature, it should also come with the opportunity to be returned or re-gifted. Yes, yes, that sounds gauche. The fact is, we can't always know what someone really needs, wants or can use. There's nothing wrong with that bottle of Veuve going on to the next dinner party, that apron bestowed to a more foodie friend, tea being wrapped up for a long lost neighbor who just popped by to say hi and drop off a gift. It's not a slight to you or your gift; it's a chance for your host to share that little something special when the need arises. And that's a gift in itself.

Assignment: Fall Away

2015-11-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

Image via HerCampus

We talk a lot about Spring Cleaning, and our urge to get things tidy while the sun is shining. But, six months down the road, it's likely things have piled up again. As you pull out your wintry wardrobe, you might be thinking, Why on earth did I keep that? Still, with shorter days, motivation for another full purge might be lacking. But, before Thanksgiving and the December holidays hit, it's the perfect time to look again and see what you can can really do without. And let it go.

Chances are, you did a fine job of removing things you didn't need in Spring, but now, you'll have additional insight and inspiration to go a little deeper. Even better, you can donate it before the holidays so that those who might need what you don't can take it home.

Don't stop at your closet. Get in your kitchen and go after that crockery you no longer use. Dig into the den and get those games that have gone unplayed. Be honest with yourself: Will you or your family really use that this year? If not, let it fall away and into the hands of someone who will appreciate it.

While your closet may not end up looking like that dreamy space above after you've given it another seasonal purge, it might just feel like it. All that open space, even that behind closed doors, add a lightness to your home. It's an amazing feeling, and a perfect assignment to tackle before the turkey.

Icon: Montblanc Pens

2015-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Image via ChatterlyLuxuries

The elegance of the perfect writing instrument is like a symphony between your fingers. Then again, I'm rather particular about what I write with. The ease of the flow of the ink onto the page is paramount. The comfort in my fingers a must. And nothing exemplifies that more than Montblanc.

Writers from Anne Frank to Hemmingway have grasped the barrel of a Meisterstück, first created in 1924. Presidents from Kennedy to Obama use it to sign into history. Celebrities are other notable users, as well as the show-offs on Wall Street. The pen is surely a status symbol, but it is also a work of art.

While I cannot conceive of spending hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars on a pen, I certainly can hope that, one day, a generous soul will bestow a gold-nibbed fountain pen upon me. Until then, I hold Montblanc not only as an icon, but as a reminder of the importance of the pen. How its ink allows us to communicate and connect.

Before the holidays descend, find yourself a Montblanc-worthy alternative and send a few handwritten cards to your dearest. And be sure to sign it with some flare.

Vive la Press

2015-11-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Image via Stella Coffees

Please excuse the timing of this post, celebrating, of all things, the French press, while Paris and the world are still in mourning. Nous sommes Paris. Je t'aime, France.

The other morning, a friend posted on Facebook that her coffee maker had gone kaput. Poorly timed for a Monday morning. Comments of condolences were given in support. We all know that Mondays are hard enough without a lack of caffeine compounding it.

Of course, my first thought was, Why on Earth would you make your coffee in a machine? But, we are living in a time of Keurig and other instant offerings (including a Keurig dispenser in, of all things, a refrigerator); a coffee maker seems almost quaint in comparison. I find K-cups and all the waste they create a terrible scourge. We rely on the convenience, not thinking of the longterm impact. Not to mention the expense. Because we are so busy, we think of electricity over simplicity. It's too easy to believe that saving one step is a benefit.

While I understand the ease of having a coffee maker for a busy family or when entertaining, I couldn't imagine coffee/life without a French press. I've had mine for almost 20 years. It's one of the best investments I've made, and one at a very modest price. The morning ritual is a meditation. After the water boils, it's only four minutes until your coffee's brewed. Is that any longer than a coffee maker? Frankly, I don't think so.

Even if the thought of living without your automated maker makes you feel as if stepping back to the stone age, you may want to consider having a French press on hand for a back up. If you find your machine on the fritz, fire up the kettle and you'll still be fine. Power outage? As long as you're cooking with gas, you can still have your java.

There's also the aspect of flavor. Your coffee will never taste stale or burnt. But there are some tricks to a French press that either people miss or bypass. Here are some tips and faux pas to avoid:

Coarse Ground - Unlike filtered coffee, you want a coarse grind for a French press to avoid the "silt" of a finer grind. Don't let the kids behind the coffee house counter fool you, always opt for coarse. {I then sprinkle a dash or two of cinnamon on top.}

Let the Coffee Expand - Once the water's boiled, pour just enough to cover the coffee grounds and wait, giving the grounds a moment to expand. Lots of people skip this step. Don't. Not only does it help with the filtering process, it enriches the flavor. After several seconds, fill the beaker to the top of the band or the top of the bottom of the band if you have one of those atrocious-yet-ubiquitous plastic strainers on the lid. {Avoid that unnecessary plastic at all costs, though it is hard to find one in the stores that's all metal these days.}

Stir, With Wood - While many people get away with using a metal spoon, don't! A good friend of mine had a terrible explosion when the spoon hit the glass at the metal band and shattered, with hot water and coffee grounds going everywhere. She was only slightly burned, certainly scared, and stuck cleaning up one heck of a mess first thing in the morning. Use a small wooden spoon or the like to avoid such a catastrophe. {I use a wooden cheese knife I believe I got at Ikea ages ago.}

Set Your Timer - For four minutes only. That's it. While you're waiting, you can go ahead and give your milk a little heat-up.

Pour Out Any Extra Coffee - Extra coffee should not be left sitting in the press, because the grounds would be left still stewing. Pour any additional into a thermal carafe or a tea pot (yes, why not?!) to keep it warm until you're ready. {And, another great thing about French presses is that they make tea. Now you can use all that loose leaf.}

Don't Stop at One - You'll likely need more than one size: you're daily and another for entertaining. Perhaps even a his and a hers and a let's-have-everyone-over. I have three myself: 1) My 3-cup size that I use everyday for single cup (while it's called a 3-cup, it's perfect for a single serve); 2) a 6-cup for company (perfect for the two of you); and a size so large that a kettle can't fill it. I don't know what I was thinking when I got it (well, yes I do: beaucoup dinner parties and brunches), but it's now tucked away in my storage unit until I can house dinner parties and brunches that large.

Because there aren't any moving parts (at least none that you don't control), you don't have to worry about it breaking down. Like I said, I've had mine for nearly 20 years and only recently had to replace the mesh screen. (That might be because I hand-wash it all.) Let me ask: How many coffee makers have you purchased in the last 20 years? That price adds up. Not to mention that a French press is a beautiful addition to your kitchen, as opposed to the homely cousin of R2-D2 that are most coffee makers today. It frees up counter space while improving the aesthetic.

Yes, your machine might be able to start your coffee before you even wake. A convenience, indeed. Until it doesn't. My beloved French press has never let me down.

Kitchen Basics

2015-10-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Image via Serious Eats

We all have our dream kitchen. Mine is stocked with Le Creuset, SubZero and Wolf, with a Kitchen Aid mixer that's always out because there's always something to make or bake. My dream kitchen requires a bit more space than I currently have and goes a tad deeper than my budget would allow.

Instead, I have my Barbie Dream Kitchen. It's reminiscent of the kiddie setup in playrooms everywhere. Virtually no counter space. No drawers (seriously). But, somehow, a double sink. {???} Its size and limited functionality has kept me from cooking more than a quick meal, that is, until recently.

Now that I'm putting my kitchen equipment back to good use, I'm finding what was worth the investment and what I've not needed to replace after giving it up to move into a smaller space.

Immersion Blender > Food Processor

I sold my food processor (which I hardly used when I had it) when I moved to The Mint Tin. I did, however, invest in a Cuisinart immersion blender, that does have a handy food processor type chopping apparatus, as well as a whisk attachment (I waited for a sale). I use the immersion blender often, be it for blending hot cocoa, frothing milk for lattes, puréeing soup, or mixing a morning smoothie. It's simple and effective to use, and clean up is much quicker than with a food processor or blender.

Toaster Oven > Microwave

Long ago, I got rid of my microwave. Whether you believe the health concerns or not, I think they are a superfluous appliance. I have found that water heats up just as quickly in the kettle, soups just as rapidly in a pot, and leftovers just as nicely (or nicer) in a pan (all it takes is a little water and the lid to help "steam" them back to life). Other re-heatables, like chicken on the bone, are better off in the oven. Rather than use my cooker, I opt for my convection toaster oven for these jobs. I also use it to bake chicken breasts, cakes, pasta dishes, and just about anything else that would fit (I've even roasted a chicken in mine). As a writer (a species known to space out), I also appreciate that the oven shuts itself off after the timer has gone off, which is especially handy it somehow you didn't hear the timer when it dinged.

Multiple Measuring Spoons

This one is easy, because we somehow keep accumulating them over time. But, when in the midst of a recipe with multiple calls for tablespoons or the like, having an extra set or two comes in handy, even after using the smaller spoons to make up for it (3 teaspoons do equal a tablespoon). I'm a "clean as you go" kind of cook, but I also like to keep going to get it all done. Extra measuring spoons help.

Measuring Glasses

No, I'm not talking measuring cups, but fantastic glasses (pint or shot sized) that have measurements for ounces, cups, milliliters and spoons. I find this to be helpful in so many ways. Pouring liquids into a glass as opposed to a spoon is so much easier, especially when it comes to juices.

Citrus Squeezer

I am a lemon girl. Lemon in my water. Lemon in my green tea. So, I don't know why I kept hand squeezing my lemons when this was invented. The $12 price tag, at first, seemed a little steep (I do have a frugal streak), but it is an invaluable tool. You will certainly get more juice out of your fruit using this.

Ramekins

Who doesn't love a ramekin? They are as charming as they are useful. I have them in two sizes (small and medium) and appreciate how they stack in my limited cupboard space. I use them to hold pre-measured ingredients when I'm cooking, reheat leftovers in my toaster oven, or simply store a half lemon in the fridge. They dress up anything that's served in them.

Stoneware

One of the nicest gifts I've received was a 2-piece set of Le Creuset stoneware baking dishes (my set is actually smaller and seems to be discontinued). I use these all the time in my toaster oven. I appreciate their beauty and functionality, and how easy they are to clean (baking soda).

Cast Iron

I do love my cast iron skillet. Granted, right now, I'm using it mostly for French toast on Saturdays, it still makes the meal tastier. I also love to make a frittata in it, and even have a tiny skillet for individual versions. It's also a must for pan roasting meats. There are many schools of thought on how to clean your cast iron, including not. I add coconut oil to mine while it's hot, which usually loosens anything stuck. If needed, I have a cast iron scrapper, but I find that a ball of aluminum foil does the trick if a scrub is required. A quick wipe with a paper towel to collect the debris, and the pan is cleaned and re-seasoned in one go.

Glass Storage Containers

I finally got a set and retired my plastics. I couldn't be more pleased. They store easily inside each other when not in use, and stack nicely in the refrigerator. Yes, they are heavier, but that's a small downside.

Garlic Press

I am not a huge fan of garlic. I appreciate what it adds to the flavor of food, but I see it as a seasoning, not a side dish. Chop it? No, thank you. That's what a garlic press is for, darling. Quick, easy and minimal need to touch that smelly clove.

Blender

I did sell my blender when I moved to The Mint Tin. Then, a co-worker gave me hers when she was moving and found out I didn't have one. While I didn't miss it, per se, I am glad to have a blender again, if only for one reason: margaritas. There's nothing more delightful on a hot summer day than a frozen margarita. Yes, there are more uses for a blender than that. I'm just sharing my favorite.

These items make my kitchen life much easier with a minimal investment. Notice the absence of a rice cooker or bread maker. While those might be nice if space is available, I like my rice cooked in a copper bottom pot, and there a plenty of no-knead bread recipes. Sometimes, gadgets are nice. But being hands-on makes the process more special.

Going Dutch

2015-10-04T17:03:00.000-07:00

It took me ages to make the investment. Then, I did it at a discount. Finally, I got a dutch oven. I feel almost like a grown-up.

While I couldn't afford my dream Le Creuset crockery, I opted for a cherry red, 5-quart dutch oven from Cost Plus World Market. It is pretty and heavy and takes up a lot of space in The Mint Tin. It's forced to live on the stove; the oven already houses my cast iron skillets and bakeware. {That's the thing about living in such a small space; one thing changes ev-er-y-thing.} But it makes me smile each time I see it, and think about what I might put in it.

I had been on the fence about getting a slow cooker or a dutch oven. Truly, my place is too small to have both, so it had to be one or the other. My goal is to be able to cook healthy food that will last longer than a meal. To be honest, with my schedule (and stress level), I've just been picking up dinner rather than cooking it for much, much too long. You see, I am spoiled by a natural foods market, an Indian and a Thai restaurant all within walking distance; that kind of makes it easy to decide what's for dinner on the way home. Besides, my teeny-tiny refrigerator cannot house a week's worth of groceries, especially a week's worth of veg. {If I buy a head of broccoli, there's room for little else.} So, I'm trying to find ways to allow for healthy eating in a small space without having to go to the store every other day, and constantly cooking to keep up. The dutch oven is (hopefully) solution.

If you "Like" our Facebook page, you will have seen the long list of dutch oven-friendly recipes I've posted over the years. They were a bit of a wish list, to be honest. But, now I was going to be able to make those delicious goodies. As soon as I got home with my new treasure, I bookmarked dozens of additional recipes that I can't wait to try when (if!) the weather in Los Angeles get a little colder. Stews really don't sound tantalizing when you are still wearing tank-tops.

A couple of weeks went by before I actually used the DO. Finally, I realized waiting for the temperature to fall in line with autumn, I would just have to get on with it myself. After all, it is October.

For my first dutch (oven) treat, I opted for le poulet dans une casserole. That's "chicken in a pot" to you and I. I was shocked -- shocked, I say! -- at the cost of an organic whole chicken. Yes, this is a hint as to how long it's been since I've properly cooked. But, I persevered and gathered up the rest of the ingredients (onion, garlic, bay leaf, carrots, celery...Mother Hubbard's cupboards were bare) and decided to add in some Yukon gold potatoes to the mix, because I am an American of Irish descent, and that's just what we do.

Because the temperature for the roasting is only 250 degrees, this is a dish even that can be done even in warmer weather, which is all we seem to have in Los Angeles (we are due to be back in the 90s by the end of the week). In a small kitchen, with next to no counter-space, one has to be resourceful and creative. With hair tied back, apron on and hand towel holstered, it was time to make the chicken (and, yes, you have to read that as the Swedish Chef would say it). First, a quick prep of the floor because (sadly) that's where what's already housed in the oven will need to reside. Next, clean, cut measure and mix the ingredients, and place into ramekins so I can get what I need when I need it with minimal effort (especially when handling raw chicken). I used coconut oil because that's my go-to these days and followed the directions, browning the chicken breast down first. Get yourself a good, long wooden spoon to pick it up and turn it over (it's actually quite easy). I mention this because I actually broke a wooden spatula trying the required maneuver. Stick with the spoon. Then, another 8 minutes on the other side, browning the veg before putting it in the oven. I added two Yukon gold potatoes, cut in eighths, and seasoned the bird and spuds with the salt and pepper before covering with aluminum foil and the lid, set the timer for 110 minutes, cleaned up and walked away. Which is one of the lovely things about this dish. There is no monitoring or basting required. Just let it be and enjoy the next hour and a half.

Photo via House and Garden UK with alternate recipe.

The result? Amazing. My regret? I didn't add more carrots and celery because they were so delicious. The onions basically melted away into the jus. The potatoes were perfection and I think add the quintessential touch. Next time, I think I will add some golden beets as well. The jus was incredible and, because of its flavor, I did not add the lemon juice as per the recipe. I think coconut oil did it's part in making the jus so good. I can see how this dish would be not only an easy main course for a dinner party, but a certain crowd-pleaser, too.

Clean up was beyond simple. I put the DO on the stove, added water and baking soda, and turned on the heat. With a little "brushing" from a wooden spoon, it came clean with ease. In the time it took the chicken to rest, the dishes were done. Love!

I'm already making stock from the giblets and bones. I'm freezing the liver and, when I get enough of those, I'll make paté along with my long-anticipated bread recipe. I can't wait for that. There's an apple crisp on the menu, too, and I can't help but think a Guinness chocolate cake would be great in there to boot.

I'm hoping to have something new in my little red "pot" each week. Maybe it will be as simple as a soup. Maybe a lobster tail or two. If yours is somewhere collecting dust, now's the time to get it out and get inspired.

Mixed Tapes

2015-08-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

When it comes to your adhesive arsenal, what do you have handy?

The proper tape is something easily overlooked, but it can be an inexpensive problem solver/lifesaver. It's one of those things that you can go without for ages but, once you've been rescued by it, you will feel lost without it.

"Scotch" Tape
First, we all should have that ubiquitous transparent, inch-wide tape we call by the brand name Scotch. However, the key to Scotch tape is to use it with a weighted dispenser rather than choose the single-use clear plastic type it comes with.

The great thing about the typical desk dispenser is that is solves a couple of problems: 1.) You can use it with one hand, which is very useful when wrapping gifts; and, 2.) It can be used as a weight hold down that wrapping paper while you get organized, or adjust the perfect line. The dispenser is basically a third hand when you need it. Desk dispensers are inexpensive and even the "cheap" ones last a lifetime. Oh, and when you're at the office and find a hem had dropped, Scotch tape to the rescue.

Clear Packing Tape
This is an often overlooked must-have for the simple reasons that it will seal your shipment as well as serve as a shipping envelope for those print-out "labels" for shopping returns or gifts to loved ones. Simply cover the entire label with the clear tape (as opposed to just the sides) to ensure safe delivery. {I'm always amazed when I see just the sides taped, and that it actually made it to its destination. Miracles to happen.}

Kraft Paper Packing Tape
Oh, how I love that brown paper tape (not to be confused the glossy plastic version). I also love kraft paper as an all-purpose wrapping paper, and that brown tape seals it perfectly. The paper tape is also handy for disguising cables along a wood floor (if you live in a charming old home with a short supply of electrical outlets, you will know what I mean). It has a strong grip, so be sure to moisten it before removal on the wood, and have a "gunk" remover handy, too.

White Duct Tape
While the silver version is very disco, white duct tape seems a bit more versatile around the house. For instance, I used it to "patch" a section of a door jamb. The Mint Tin had a very awkward door separating the living area from the kitchen, which truly served no purpose. I decided to remove it and house it in my storage unit. Unfortunately, due to years of poorly done paint jobs, one of the hinges would not come off the door, and the hinge plate had to be removed from the jamb, exposing plain wood along the white trim. Fortunately, it was the bottom hinge. Because the door will eventually be returned, there was no need to patch and paint it when a piece of white duct tape could disguise it. The fastest fix imaginable.

Clear Duct Tape
Not quite invisible, but it does a great job of holding things together without standing out. Perfect for colorful yard sale signage. Your announcement will stand out rather than the tape.

It also saved the day when I accidentally dropped the ceramic lid of my water crock. Thank heavens, only an interior edge was damaged. I was able to cover the "wound" with the clear duct tape and wrap the edge. The repair is hardly noticeable. And I am very happy about that.

Black Electrical Tape
This unassuming tape is magic. It stretches. It holds. It's gentle, yet bold. It will come in handy in ways you might not imagine. Example: After getting a new coffee table for the Mint Tin (which also semi-serves as a night stand), I wanted to add some pizazz to it with, of all things, a tissue box. With a coupon and a gift card, I headed over to BBB and got this. Feeling the roughness of the "grout" at the bottom of the box, I thought I would have to return it because it was surely going to scratch the glass. Then it dawned on me. Electrical tape! I cut thin strips to cover the bottom, and it is practically invisible. See?

Blue Painters Tape
Of course this is perfect for protecting edges whilst painting, but it's also the kinder, gentler tape to use every day. It will hold without leaving adhesive (perfect for when you need to tape something to glass). It can be used as labels for containers, corralling your cables, holding a hem and marking a spot for a nail or a measuring line.

While you might not think you need all these tapes, they are nice to have handy when in a pinch.

Masonry

2015-08-04T08:46:00.001-07:00

Classics never go out of style. And what could be more classic than a mason jar?

Today, they are everywhere. And, if you don't own any, I'm sure you've considered getting one or two. Finally, I did just that.

Because the Mint Tin is so tiny, and cupboard space so limited, I have to be deliberate about my purchases. While I am trying to weed out my plastic containers and move to glass, I also have to consider cost. And nothing gives you more bang for the buck than a mason jar.

A simple Google search or visit to Pinterest will give you ample ideas of how to be creative with these versatile vessels. For me, they are most practical in the kitchen.

I brought home two quart-size jars to start my collection, knowing that, eventually, there will be more in different sizes. The important thing was to determine how I would actually use them rather than how I hoped to.

Admittedly, they did sit on a shelf for a while. I haven't been cooking much from home. Then came my puréed soup phase hit, and they were quickly employed.

The wonderful thing about mason jars is that they make whatever they hold pretty. My broccoli soup fail still looked delicious inside that glass (the texture was the issue there). And, because you will like looking at them, you will be less likely to forget what's in them.

With a little painters tape on the lid, you can note the date made and specify the contents or reheating instructions for those a bit less "culinary" than you.

I like to put my "milks" in them. Since I don't do dairy, I waffle between almond and coconut milks. More often than not, the flimsy flip-top lid will leak as I'm shaking the box. Because said milk is going into my coffee, it's not the kind of shower I want to start my day with. Mason jar to the rescue.

Grains and flours. Soups and smoothies. Sassy water and even salads. Oh, and did you know you can fit your blender blades to it and create your own "bullet"? There's not a whole lot mason jars can't do. And they look lovely doing it.

Water Maker

2015-08-01T10:03:00.002-07:00

I make my own water.

That's a strange sentence to write. It's true, though, in a peculiar way. I make my own water.

I had set goals for this year to do more for the environment and find additional ways to save money. Pouring the contents of yet another plastic jug into my ceramic water crock made for an obvious choice: It was time to change my water system.

Years ago, I switched over to Camelbak BPA-free "Eddy" bottles and stopped grabbing a plastic bottle at the store. I have them in 2 sizes and use them every day, be it at the gym or at work. I even took one to a box at The Hollywood Bowl. {Tchaikovsky and fireworks on a July evening requires hydration, and a generous friend -- thank you so much, AT.} Back then, I had a water delivery service to bring me purer water than what I got from the tap. Being one who can indeed taste the difference between Evian, Fiji, Smartwater, Arrowhead, Sparkletts and City Municipal, and did not enjoy the deplorable taste of Brita, I knew this wasn't going to be the easiest of transitions. So, I did some research on the subject.

As a renter, getting a water filtration system for my home wasn't going to be an option; though, I did find some affordable solutions. I read reviews of the various filtration pitchers. Brita was already out, so that left Soma, Zero Water and Mavea (yes, there are many others, but I wanted to keep away from the very expensive and the obscure).

Soma was beautiful, but I wasn't sure it was the most thorough. From some of the reviews I read, Zero Water was probably too thorough. That left Mavea. I ordered it in white and at a discount, then gleefully waited for its arrival.

It is a pretty pitcher, and the filtering process is rather quick. However, the one thing I don't particularly like is that you had to waste about a half-gallon of water "priming" the filter. It wasn't fully wasted; I watered the potted jasmine that lines my walkway. Still, sort of not the point.

Because I drink a lot of water and used bottled water for cooking as well, I kept my water crock and filled it from the Mavea. That way, I'm never out of filtered water or have to wait for more to brew.

While the Mavea flavor is better than Brita, it's still nowhere near the sweet, minerally flavor of spring water that I so enjoy. So, I embarked on finding a solution.

First, I tried adding trace minerals. While they are good for you, you need to drink the water right away, otherwise the minerals will begin to oxidize and the flavor will become off.

Back to the internet for more research. That's where I stumbled upon this recipe for Magical Alpine Fairy Water. How could I pass that up?

Feeling something like an alchemist, I gathered my supplies from Amazon. Measuring fractions of grams, I added the powder to a liter glass bottle and poured filtered water to it. While the recipe calls for Zero Water filtration, I stuck with the Mavea. I added 10ml of the elixir to a 1L Eddy bottle of filtered water and...joy.

While it isn't exactly like spring water, it's pretty darn close. I add the elixir potion only to a water bottle or a liter pitcher rather than my crock, because one of the ingredients settles at the bottom of the elixir bottle. I suspect it's the calcium. While this process is a bit more work -- and a slight additional investment -- to me, it's been worth it.

Before, I was spending about $6 per week on two 2.5 gallon jugs of spring water. That's $320 annually. My investment in the pitcher, a year's worth of replacement filters, and magical alpine fairy water supplies was $104.98. In the 8 weeks I've had my new "water system", I have saved approximately $48. In 9 1/2 weeks, I will have broken even on my investment and begin to save. At that time, there will be 13 weeks left in the year and that will put $78 back into the kitty.

A set of 3 replacement filters is about $22. I will save about $300 by using this water system. I'll have to check what the expiry dates are for the mineral powders. Even if I have to replace them, that will cost under $30, and that still gives me a savings of about $270. Not to mention at least 104 plastic jugs not going out for recycling.

So, yes, I make my own water. And I think it's smart, and delicious.

Home Second Home

2015-07-18T16:51:00.002-07:00

via The Iguanas

It's become my annual pilgrimage to Sugartown in July. Leaving on a Thursday night after work to battle traffic (just to get to the freeway). I scramble that morning to finish packing, scramble to pack the car, scramble to get to work early so I can leave early -- sadly, I have yet to find the elegant way to prepare for an after-work departure. This year, my morning coffee was sacrificed.

Then, I spend the day running the inventory through my head. I have that. Drat, I forgot this. I grab a sandwich at lunch to serve for dinner, because the only stop I make is to refuel. (The only downside to my Fiat is that the smaller tank leaves me about two gallons short of getting there non-stop.)

I will admit, I don't look forward to the drive. Would you like to spend six hours in a car after sitting at a desk for eight? Of course not, because you are a sane human being. But I have a secret weapon to make it almost enjoyable: The World's Greatest 10-Hour Playlist. A long forgotten digital mixtape I created years ago and re-discovered on last year's drive. I've been adding for the past few weeks anticipation. A great song after great song plays, each one still a surprise, because I only listen to it on long drives. With it, my car becomes a karaoke booth until I arrive on that sweet cul de sac.

Before pulling out of the driveway, I set Waze to "go" and pressed play to start the soundtrack. Bjork's "It's Oh So Quiet" is the opener and perfect to listen to as I meandered my way up Sunset Boulevard to the 405 North to more traffic. But, once I got to the 5, it was the easiest drive I can recall. As I came up the 580, the lights of Livermore danced on the black sky backdrop, rain fell and "My Ever Changing Moods" by The Style Council played. It couldn't have been more perfectly timed.

Sugartown is something of a second home. Debbie and Ted are such wonderful hosts, and have "my room" ready for my late arrival. It's a nice place to wake up in on a street with so many memories. And, for the first time in three years, it didn't hurt to be there.

The Novato Relay for Life came two weeks early this year. That seemed to throw me off my game a bit, especially with it occurring the weekend after the July 4th holiday. There was a last minute hustle to raise funds, buy supplies and get everything done before that Thursday departure. But, as usual, everything magically fell into place.

There is magic to the Relay. We have so many wonderful people on our team, we actually have to register as two. I think our tent village actually has its own ZIP code. While there is a sombre note to the occasion, we find a way celebrate our loved ones, and have fun. We succeed at both.

People, both North and South, have commented on my commitment to drive up each year, but I'm not the only one who makes the pilgrimage. Carolyn flew in from Portland, Mari drove over from San Fran, all to leave the comfort of their own homes and busy schedules to sleep in a tent and forego porcelain that flushes. It's very hot during the day (though, we did get a reprieve from intense heat this year), and freezing cold at night -- this is not a luxury weekend. But, it's also not a chore. We do this for Jennifer. And for Dennis and James. We do this for other loved ones we have lost or who have battled cancer. I think we also do it for each other.

When else are we going to have a reason to spend 24 hours together? When else would we see the humor in crawling out of tents, not to lounge lakeside, but to walk more? When else would I see James and his friends being such boys? When else would I get the chance to talk with Sphinxie and Switzerland, and dangle Trouble? This is a precious weekend. The Relay means something different to each of us, but there are many common threads pulling us in close. And that's the most beautiful part of it.

This year, laughter trumped tears. The long running punchlines still make us double over. "Where the cow went through the window," belongs on a t-shirt. And, when you ask Carolyn about the "big ol' dump", it's not at all what you might be thinking. But it will turn a smile into an out-loud laugh. Mari even got her home "work" done. The Sugartown team is sweet. And I look forward to returning next year.

Thank you to my Sugartown family, who provides the best bed and breakfast in town, who gives me a tent, who loans me a sleeping bag, who gets me vegan meals, who knows the importance of a strong cup of coffee, who listens to me gripe, who forgives my four-letter slips in front of their children and still says I'm a good influence, who welcomes me in with a cold beer after a long drive, and an even longer walk, and who, so kindly, asks me back again. I love you dearly and I miss you the minute my car heads south.

Thank you to my generous friends, who tolerated my cajoling and donated over $1,500 to me. Your unbelievable support warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes. You helped our team come in first place as fundraisers, earning over $13,000 for the American Cancer Society. Thank you so much.

These are the only tan lines I'll have this summer. I walk the track in flip-flops. I find that to be a more elegant stroll than having to keep pulling over to get a rock out of my sock. Also: No blisters. {Got to love those Reefs.} Each time I look at those lines, I smile.

I didn't get in as much walking this year as I'd have liked. People think that ten miles is a good stride but it should be double that. That's the goal for next year.

And, yes, there are others I walk for, too. Each served to me as a great inspiration and really changed my life.

If you would be interested to giving to Sugartown, we would appreciate it. Giving closes on August 31st. Thank you. And, if you'd ever like to join the team, we'd happily welcome you aboard. xo