LP

A QUICK CABBAGE & GREENS!

2014-04-01T11:57:00.002-07:00

Large handful organic baby Spinach.

Large handful organic Arugula.

Half of a small organic Red Cabbage head - grated.

1 cup cooked Quinoa.

1/4 cup sliced toasted almonds.

The magic ratio 3 to 1
Olive oil.
Fresh lemon juice.

Sea salt.
Pepper.
to taste.

Mix it all up. Dress it. Gently toss. Enjoy.

Easy and super nourishing.

Wellington Vineyards Superb 2007 Estate Old Vines Port. Go there.

2014-03-28T11:46:00.001-07:00

Get ready!

Their port vines...from blocks planted between 1892 and 1924

Wellington Vineyards
2007 Estate Old Vines Port.
Heavenly...

I really enjoyed that!

Pairs well with Stilton
& walnuts!
Looking for something to wow your guests with? Give it a try for your next after dinner treat.

A Daily Reminder.

2014-03-18T11:07:00.003-07:00

Korbin Kameron

2014-03-17T09:24:00.002-07:00

Korbin Kameron Wines.
Stylish. Delicious. All the rage. If you're ever wandering around Glen Ellen CA, it will be a mistake if you miss Korbin Kameron's tasting room. I loved all their wines but try the 2012 Rosé and the 2009 Merlot. The Rosé is layered with strawberries, watermelon, ruby red grapefruit, and honeysuckle... and it's unbelievably refreshing.

The Merlot has good acidity and balance - plus hints of cardamon and cinnamon. Awesome.

Estate grown grapes on their 19 acre Mt. Veeder vineyard that straddles the Sonoma and Napa county line.

Find out more about: Korbin Kameron

Plus, the tasting room is modern and impeccably stylish and Korbin and his sisters are friendly and super cool to match their wines.

"Because fashion is beyond words..."

2014-03-07T21:11:00.001-08:00

Harper's Bazaar Emojis

Download on the App Store

Free

Can you wait? I can't.

2014-02-24T22:27:00.000-08:00

Season 7. Come on.

EASY DELICIOUS MEAL

2014-02-16T11:10:00.000-08:00

Pork medallions marinated in spices, garlic, white wine and dijon... savory and gratifying.
Preheat oven to 375

Cooking time is 15 minutes but don't forget you have to marinate the meat... however the meal still tastes super good if you are only able to marinate for a short time.

I usually cook for one unless I'm having a gathering of friends at my place so here's how I measure the ingredients...

INGREDIENTS:
2 small to medium pork medallions (free range if you can).

Herbs...fresh or dried
1/2 tsp thyme per medallion
1/2 tsp oregano per medallion
Dash of sea salt per medallion

1tblsp of awesome Dijon mustard
per medallion

1 small garlic clove per medallion, minced up

1/4 cup dry white wine per medallion

Marinate...
Add all in ingredients into zip lock bag then add meat and mix it all up. Let marinate for at least two hours... longer the better.

I marinate each piece of meat in a separate small zip lock that way each piece really gets doused with the mouth watering marinade.

Sear two minutes per side.
Transfer to an oven safe pan or if you have a skillet that is oven safe use that!
Bake in preheated oven for an additional 11 minutes (145ᴼ on meat thermometer). When you take the meat out of the oven let it rest for about 5-8 minutes before you cut into it. This way the juices settle in.

You're done! Kick back pour a glass of your favorite white wine or Pinot Noir and make sure to chew your food. I sliced the meat and added atop a bed of organic power greens dressed in fresh lemon juice and olive oil.

Arroba Winery

Chardonnay 2009

ARTISANAL WINES

2014-02-08T11:39:00.002-08:00

We had a blast at the 2014 Micro Winery Open House.
The 4th annual wine tasting event highlighted 10 boutique Sonoma County wineries. The sold out event was a perfect opportunity to taste small lot, artisanal wines.

A highlight for me was Cologrossi Winery...they were pouring tasty wine and the wine maker is Mike a super cool friend I've known for ages.

I have to give Mike a high-five for crafting well-balanced, enjoyable wine. I really loved the 2012 Gli Amici, a Cab Franc - I love its gentle pepper flavor touched by a violet aroma (and flavor). BUT the 2012 Duetto Pinot Noir was amaz - in my opinion a perfect medium bodied wine with a red berry palette and a smooth finish. I opened a bottle of the Gli Amici with some friends last night and it was a star. We munched on local sour dough and Mt. Tam triple cream from Cow Girl Creamery (and danced a little to MJ). My kind of night.

Looking for a delicious wine to enjoy? Visit COLAGROSSI
Support artisanal wine makers who are making impressive vino. Cin Cin!

This is what happens when you get together with kids you grew up with. I've known each of these gorgeous winos for over 30 years... & we haven't aged a bit.

ELYX - small batch VODKA

2014-02-06T08:49:00.000-08:00

Have you tried ABSOLUT's new handcrafted (small batch) vodka - ELYX? Well it's good.

You can buy ELYX at SWIRL on CASTRO in SF - Nice window display!

I was lucky enough to plan a few events in San Francisco for ABSOLUT's newest liquid, ELYX. This copper distilled vodka is distinctive enough to sip - straight with just a few square shaped ice cubes.

Here's why:
1) In 2013 ELYX was awarded “Best New Vodka” in SF at the top industry blind tasting competition (double gold!)

2) ELYX is distilled in high-quality copper which takes out impurities and certain minerals which leaves the vodka with a smoother, rounder, creamier taste. Plus you get a long warm (and gentle) finish with a hint of spice and a little bit of sweetness from the hyper local single estate wheat from a single farm in Sweden. What do I mean by hyper-local? The entire process for making ELYX, including its ingredients, takes place within a 15 mile radius.

3) Distilled to a higher proof. 42.3% ABV (84.6 Proof - yep!); this optimal alcohol content preserves the character of the spirit which is so apparent because it's a well-prepared vodka!

Use ELYX to make an exquisite martini... don't keep that top secret. spread the love. Here it is:
3 parts ELYX
¼ part dry vermouth
Add a green olive

Measure liquid into a mixing glass. Fill with ice and stir until ice cold. Double strain into chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish and serve.

Cin Cin
Enjoy your martini!

Good to know:

The number one energy efficient distillery in the world is ABSOLUT.

ODETTA

2014-02-04T23:41:00.003-08:00

I just re-watched the documentary: greenwich village: MUSIC THAT DEFINED A GENERATION. I love this documentary which blends interviews and archival footage of the folk music legends who transformed the New York City neighborhood in the 1960s. On a snowy or rainy day cuddle up and watch it. Available on Netflix!

One of the artist highlighted in the film was Odetta. Her voice will exhilarate your desire to learn more about that amazing time in history. Martin Luther King Jr. named her "The Queen of American Folk Music." Learn more about ODETTA and her gift for creating powerful music.

Odetta -Before her death in 2008

Odetta - Then

There are many other treasured performers in the film as well - Bob Dylan, Carly Simon, Pete Seeger to name a few.

I LOVE OP ART

2014-02-04T11:22:00.000-08:00

BRIDGET RILEY

If you're familiar with Op art, then you've heard of English painter Bridget Riley (b.1931 in South London - she's 82!)

Op art = Optical art, a style of visual arts that uses optical illusions. The term Op art was first seen in print in Time magazine in 1964 - although Op art is closely derived from the constuctivist practices of the Bauhaus (which dates back to 1919).

See two of her many pieces of works below...

MOVEMENT IN SQUARES, 1961

PAUSE, 1964

LEARN MORE ABOUT BRIDGET RILEY

Oh... Ms.Patmore...

2014-01-28T19:59:00.000-08:00

Come on Mrs. Patmore just accept the refrigerator... A panini press is just around the corner...
I wish I could jump into the television...
Don't miss Downton Abbey.

MMMRQ

2014-01-26T23:33:00.000-08:00

Macklemore, Mary, Madonna, Ryan, Queen...
A Piece of Grammy History...2014.
If you didn't see it...Check it out here

KALE, SCANDAL & 2010 CABERNET

2014-01-25T19:46:00.000-08:00

Kale, Shitakes & Onions... My favs.
Just thought I'd remind you to EAT YOUR GREENS!

Sauteed Kale, a cozy blanket on the sofa & TV = my Saturday night. I like it. Hello HULU... let me catch up on episodes of SCANDAL. Yes... I'll include a glass of Ty Caton 2010 Cabernet... One of the best reds around & a local Kenwood winery too.

MARTELL... RITA

2014-01-23T22:36:00.000-08:00

I LOVE COGNAC. I adore whiskey too (& bourbon) (I'll always be faithful to you Old Fashioned) but lately I've been enjoying a glass of cognac. It's super good on the rocks or neat with just a few drops of water which opens up the liquid - experts say it opens it up like a peacock's tail.

While doing some free lance work for Pernod Ricard USA I was lucky enough to meet and enjoy a cocktail with Jean Jacques Regnault of Cognac France & Brand Ambassador for Martell.   We talked it up about Cognac. Martell Caractére is not an aggressive spirit but it's elegant, complex and balanced - aka - smooth. I'm not kidding when I say you can tastes hints of these flavors in a glass of Martell: Caramel, Citrus, White Pear, Tangerine Peel, Grapefruit, Cinnamon, Clove, Vanilla, and it's not 'woodsy.'   See why I say it's complex? And it has a nice long finish.

Top 3 Ultra-chic Martell Cognac Food Pairing Tips:
I've tried them all and I promise your eyes will roll back in bliss.

1) Cognac + Dark Chocolate = Perfection
Go get some... Have a date anytime soon? Impress.

2) Cognac + Orange, Mango or Honey Dew Melon. Cut the melon in half, remove seeds, fill crater with Martell Cognac, dig in with your spoons! So delicious. Or cut up slices of orange and mango and enjoy with a glass of Martell. Amaz....

3) Tora (tuna belly) Sashimi - Dip your sashimi in cognac instead of soy sauce. The nuttiness of Cognac helps bring out the savory dimensions of fatty foods.

And don't forget to Enjoy a Martell-Rita
A margarita made with Cognac!
In a shaker add:
Ice cubes
2 ounces fresh lime juice
2 ounces fresh orange juice
1.5 ounces Martell Cognac
Agave if you like...

Shake it up!
Your guests will want another.

Top 3 What to Know about Cognac:
1) Cognac is really considered a brandy, or eau de vie, and named after Cognac France, a wine growing region.

2) To bear the name Cognac, an
Appellation d'origine contrôlée, its production methods must meet certain legal requirements. In particular, it must be made from specified grapes - Ugni blanc are the most widely used.

3) The brandy must be twice distilled in copper pot stills and aged at least two years in French oak barrels. Most are aged more than the minimum legal requirement.

Learn more about MARTELL COGNAC's Collection: SINCE 1715

OSCARS.

2014-01-23T10:11:00.000-08:00

March Two on ABC. The 86th Annual Academy Awards. I'm going to be sipping Martell Cognac while I watch... and you?

I love this classic morning after shot of Faye Dunaway poolside at the Beverly Hills Hotel after her Best Actress win for Network (1977). Look at the gorgeous statue (both of them) - statuesque.

Have you seen Network? If not, go for it. Stunning performance.

Ellen hosts!

Go Behind the Scenes

My New Year with BEETS

2014-01-13T09:52:00.001-08:00

My acupuncturist ordered me to drink a glass of beet juice every day for the next month! Well he didn't order me to but he said it would help surely help with my detox - which I need after the month of wining and dining during the holidays.

Beets are a unique source of phytonutrients called betalains. Betanin and Vulgaxanthin (sounds like Vulcan vocabulary from Star Trek) are two betalains from beets. Both have been shown to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification support. The stems of chard or rhubarb also have betalains but not as high a concentration as in beets. The peel and flesh of beets can provide you with awesome health benefits. Beauty.

I juice two medium beets a day with the greens! I have to say... I am noticing a lighter more vibrant feeling in my body! Try it - you may like it. Just Beet it!

The New (old) Fashioned

2013-11-11T02:06:00.000-08:00

I wonder if Don Draper would like this New (old) Fashioned - an Old Fashioned made with infused Chai? Perhaps if he stumbled into a speakeasy on the lower east side I'm sure he wouldn't mind throwing back a few (or six). spoonbar in Healdsburg, CA has created a new twist on my favorite cocktail. spoonbar is a really cool spot in Sonoma County. They feature a great selection of locally produced spirits, organically grown herbs, fruits and vegetables in their cocktails and they showcase historical styles of cocktails while adding a modern creative twist. The atmosphere is vibrant and the decor is modern and fresh. I just stopped in for a cocktail so I haven't tried their menu but it all looked quite tasty and the next time I'm in Healdsburg I will definitely have a bite too. Can't wait to go back to spoonbar..............................

Check it out if you're in Healdsburg.

A FARM FULL OF FUN

2013-10-25T19:57:00.001-07:00

I love this time of year. Fall. Crisp mornings. Yes, candy corn & pumpkins!

My niece and nephew had a ball at the Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch. Have you been to your local pumpkin patch yet? Hurry - the big day is almost here. Go out and enjoy the fresh fall air. The Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch is a family farm full of fun!

Getting ready to pick pumpkins. Say pumpkin! Although...my niece loves to say cheeeeeze..............

Aren't they awesome. Blowing up balloon art for the kiddos. Dynamite costumes..........

My niece ridin'
Look at that sour face... actually she was having a good time. Auntie just caught a bad pose.
Yes, she's wearing pink cowboy boots.

My nephew playin' with the cuties. He definitely dressed the part for the day and he did not dare part with his cowboy hat.

Colors of fall.... cool cool cool....

My niece and nephew on a tracker ride through the fields. They were loving the bumpy ride.

My sister and nephew trying to find their way out of the haystack maze. I got a bit claustrophobic I have to admit... but I got through it. phew.

Gorgeous gorgeous Pumpkins.

Corn box! Have a ball in a lot of corn. Actually felt so good on my bare feet. Almost like reflexology. Corn massage?

They even had pumpkin tether ball! what? yep. My nephew beat me bad. Tether ball is fierce.

I hope you can visit a pumpkin patch soon. Have fun!

Your guide to Bay Area Pumpkin Patches: HERE

A LEED PLATINUM CERTIFIED HOTEL

2013-10-24T21:41:00.000-07:00

I went exploring in Napa the other day. In search of nothing in particular, I ended up at the Bardessono Hotel & Spa in Yountville. What a sweet spot. The Bardessono can proudly say they are a national model for 'green building and operational practices' - this ultra-modern hotel is LEED Platinum Certifed.

The grounds are way meditative...walking through you hear gently running water from a gorgeous rock sculpture and calm ponds filled with river rocks. The Bardessono offers much much more... like an amazing veggie garden.

Looking for a sweet spot to stay in Napa? Check it out... It's all peace love and happiness at the Badessono.

Lovely succulents in lobby.

SUNNY ROOF TOP POOL for LOUNGING and DINING & COCKTAILING...

SITTING AREA in the BAR

LOUNGE it up in the BAR

This represents the property to me...

FIG TIME

2013-09-30T14:07:00.000-07:00

⬅ Black Mission fig ready to be picked on our Ficus Fig tree!

I love this time of year... Figs. Persimmons. Chestnuts. Yum.

This morning I picked a bowl of figs for breakfast. I actually had to stop myself from overdosing on this lovely fruit. No worries though...Ripe figs are packed to the rim with Vitamin A, B-6, C, B-12, Magnesium, Iron, Calcium, Fiber & Potassium! So figs are a great source to help control high blood pressure.

I love the slightly sweet taste and the gentle crunchiness from the seeds...It's an all around enjoyable eating experience.

TIPS:
1) Figs are one of the most perishable fruits so purchase or pick within one or two days of eating

2) Make sure they are plump with firm stems, not mushy and they should smell mildly sweet

3) My fav... Poach in red wine or juice of your choice and spoon over good vanilla ice cream. I'm going to do that this week for some friends. I'll post pics.

4) Enjoy figs with goat cheese and plain almonds. This is going to be my go to snack when watching the new season of Modern Family.
or
Try this: figs, thinly sliced fresh fennel, crisp arugula and shaved parm. Toss it up (gently so you don't bruise the figs) w/ a basic lemon vinaigrette dressing! Your eyes will roll back in bliss. Happy Autumn!

ONE GREAT ENERGY

2013-09-21T15:46:00.002-07:00

After my my Yoga practice this morning... I just felt like smiling and I felt so at ease.... & then I thought about this idea...

We are all a part of a greater whole...We are all a part of one great energy, One consciousness,

One infinite mind...

BTW... this is not from this morning... I WISH!

That feeling of being at ease is why I love my Yoga asanas... because the practice of expanding my body through back bends and forward bends and deep lunges, twists and digging deep into my lung capacity guides me more and more to be aware of that greater whole.

Take good care of one another. Deeply love your loved ones. Smile at people on the street. Be kind always. Experience yourself in that feeling of being a part of a greater whole and see how it fills you up fully with light and love. Besides, you don't want to exist like zombie. love ya.

REALIGN

2013-09-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

I went to see an osteopathic physician to get my digestion back on track and for stiffness in my right knee/foot... After two sessions, I'm not kidding, my foot/knee felt awesome and my digestion was back on track after years of discomfort. I cried (tears of joy).

This is OSTEOPATHY:

"It is designed to employ gentle pressures and body positions to encourage the body to realign to its naturally held state of equilibrium. The hands-on therapy not only works with the framework of the body - bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and fascia- it also works with the internal organs to aid your general health. Furthermore, the function of the body is governed by the structure of the body. By treating this body framework and the organs contained within, imprinted traumas and stressors can be released to positively influence structural issues, as well as, affect improvements in digestion, lymphatic drainage, circulation, respiration and metabolism."

My oesteopath is Kathleen Brannan Brown.
She has the magic touch. Visit her site. I love her!

Find an osteopathic physician in your area.
Treat yourself.

BELLA BELLA!

2013-09-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

If you're thinking about joining a wine club, think BELLA you get invited to cool parties.

AMAZING ZIN

Bella Winery in Healdsburg is amazing. They host the BEST events. They have delicious wine and they are super-friendly peeps. This past weekend they had their "Under The Board Walk" Summer Wine Celebration - think Coney Island back in the day... (yes it's September, but it's not Fall yet in Sonoma County) the sun is still shining bright!

The event unfolded throughout the day with live music, family-friendly 'beach' games, face painting for the kiddos, corn dogs (and fries), a dunk tank (yep!), awesome wine tasting along the "Boardwalk" and Hoola Hooping for all ages. I was so amazed at how people are able to Hoola Hoop I forgot to snap a pic.

Highlights of the day, my cousin's boyfriend competing in the tricycle race which I also forgot to snap a picture of because it was just too darn exciting and I didn't want to miss a second of it. Serious. Oh, and the Maple Vineyard Zin produced by Bella Winery was another highlight. Learn more about Tom and Tina MAPLE and the grapes they grow. This delish Zinfandel produced in 2011 will be fierce as it ages. No doubt. It was super tasty. Smooth. Full of flavor. Hints of.... well I can say raisins but your palate may differ. Just taste it for yourself!

Not only was the 'Under the Boardwalk' event a blast, the grounds and winery at Bella are cool all around... like this....

This wasn't part of the Boardwalk but this dining room at Bella is super gorgeous.

Back to the Boardwalk....

Get your corn dogs!

I didn't catch their name but these girls rocked the ukes.

Going deeper into the wine cave, which was part of the 'Boardwalk' wine tasting route... I had to wait to take this pic. There were tons of people walking through and finally I just asked people if they could stop so I could take a pic. Everyone was happy to do so. No judgement. They just sipped away...

Wines on sale at the end of the Boardwalk. See the Sun!

Again, if you're thinking about joining a wine club, think BELLA, you get invited to cool parties & you get to drink outstanding vino.

More cool Bella items!

Super fun day at Bella.

THE WWW

2013-09-15T09:28:00.002-07:00

I woke up today and realized the first thing I do when I wake up these days is open my laptop. Gotta stop that.

So....what did I do instead of closing my laptop? I could have reached up to the sky in a glorious stretch or gone out onto the deck to breathe in the fresh fall air. Nope. I Googled "the internet".
The internet has me in a choke hold.

Here ya go...the last 20 years...
1994 - Netscape Navigator released...is now the leader in browsing the world wide web....
1995 - Java script is first introduced... Oh, and Microsoft launches Internet Explorer
1996 - Ebay
1997 - Microsoft becomes the worlds most valuable company valued at $261 billion dollars
1998 - Google
1999 - MySpace & Napster
2000 - AOL and Time Warner merge
2001 - Wikipedia - cool.
2002 - Nothing major with the internet but... A 660 pound meteor plunges the earth's atmosphere. cool. oh wait, Friendster was founded.
2003 - The Concorde makes it's last commercial flight. Oh and, Apple launches iTunes. And I forgot to mention...Myspace, Linkedin, Skype and WordPress launch.
2004 - The Google initial public offering ( IPO ) raises US$1.67 billion - oh, and something called Facebook is deployed.
2005 - YouTube - become a star!
2006 - The one billionth song is purchased from iTunes. Let's not forget Twitter starts tweeting.
2007 - iPhone - Hallelujah!
2008 - Microsoft attempts to buy Yahoo for $44.6billion - oh and Apple launches something called App Store. ha.
2009 - Mobile Phone technology grows with increased use of 3G networks
2010 - iPad is now on your lap
2011 - Microsoft buys Skype
2012 - World wide internet use hits 2.4 billion
2013 - here we are... Pac Man has not eaten us (yet).