Updated November 28 from Downtown L.A.!
After you read my blog, navigate through my site for Food, Fun & MORE!! Don't miss Bridget the
bulldog! Thanks for visiting, Shan.
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April 30- Where did April Go!?!? May is looking to be just as busy! Looking forward to Mother's Day on the 13th.
Bridget did so good on our road trip to Valencia Monday night! She is a great travel companion. She even took a
little dip in the pool! oops! They did a full carne asada taco spread with grilled onions with homemade flan for
dessert! And we wonder where I get it! AMAZING! Buck did good with her too! Big shout out to the Kansas crew!
So good to see you! Thanks everyone! Check out my grandma's lavender, she has the best garden. A true green
thumb. I can't wait to have my garden! 30 days till we move. We gave our notice today. We've been in HB for like 9
yers now and it's been a blast, but it's time to get back to the city and the pulse. This is like living on vacation all
the time, which is nice and all, but we're ready for a change for a little while. Lots going on this month besides the
move, so I'll be a busy little bee! Try and keep up with me! Give me a call! Anyone wanna help me pack? I'll be
getting rid of my dishes, silverware, and more so come on over towards the end of the month!
I have a TON of cookbooks that I don't want to move and I can't sell on eBay, so if anyone is interested, please let
me know! Come on over! We will also be getting rid of our oak entertainment center and bed set.
Check out my Easter pics. We didn't get to take a lot of photos, but my salad turned out really good! I totally have
to make it again. I'd like to try it with feta cheese instead of blue. mmmm.... I thought I posted these pics of Bridget
by the pool with her friend Trixie, but I guess not. Trixie is moving, so I'm glad they had this time together! They got
along famously! Thanks Trix! These are phone pictures so they're not very good! But you get the idea. 4/02/07.
We've had some great weather and some trippy weather. It's been nice and hot and then foggy and cold a few
days.... I don't know, I can't keep track! But, I do know I've slept with the window open a few nights and it's been
nice. Working on finalizing a few deals before we move. It will be hard to leave, but we won't be far and I think we'll
appreciate HB even more. It will be like the "old days" when we would come down for the day to surf and hang out.
Had a few weekends of visitors so I've been busy "hostessing" to the max! Got to catch up, see some great
photos, talk some good story and eat some good foodies. My dad brought me the newly upholstered seat for my
Cadillac. I'm rollin' in style now! It is so gorgeous! I'll take some pictures! The back seat is on the way! Stay tuned!
More to come!
Have a Sun-Shanny Day!
April 7- Good number day 4/7/07, looks good! And with Easter on Sunday, it's bound to be a great weekend!
reason! Our little traveler will return from the high seas! We are looking forward to tales and catching up. It's been
reason! Our little traveler will return from the high seas! We are looking forward to tales and catching up. It's been
status quo around here. The WarnerDale churns on.
status quo around here. The WarnerDale churns on.
churns on.
We'll be busy today prepping for tomorrow, I've already done the carpets and kitchen! I'm gonna go to Mother's
today for some last minute things since they are closed tomorrow. Trader Joes is open until 5 tomorrow, so that
will be our flower stop. I can't wait to pick out some gorgeous flowers for some gorgeous special women. Had a
fun week with Bridget. She misses the extra company too! It was funny the first few days, she sat on the deck and
looked out all sad like looking for her. It was pretty funny. We tried to keep her busy this week even did a few
evening trips to the beach. She got so tired! I have to give her a bath today. That is always fun.
It is a gloomy day, but we're making our own "sun-Shan" and enjoying it. We are hearing the chatter about our 20
yr high school reunion. What a trip!! I can't believe this is what 20 years feels like! It went so fast. It must be
because I've been having so much fun! Class of 87! Woo Hoo!! What a reunion THAT will be! I'm looking forward to
it! Been in touch with a few old friends which has been cool! Thanks for checking out my site too! It's a lot of fun
to be my own "web mistress"! I enjoy taking pictures, Gavin enjoys taking pictures and I'm always getting
questions about my diet, fitness regimen (not so much lately that question though!!), my bulldog, etc... So this web
site was designed to answer all the questions you ever had about Shan! I am getting back into a fitness routine
and am looking forward to being in LA where I'll have access to more. I've been very active with Bridget, running
on my own, working out on my big blue exercise ball and with my little hand weights. I haven't gotten in the pool in
a few weeks, but maybe when it warms up.
I was thinking of checking out the Santa Ana Farmer's Market on Wednesday.... then I found this great little web
site. It isn't far from here and I won't be able to check it when we move. I'm going to try and pack a box (at least) a
day and move things out, out, out. I have a slow roaster that is in perfect condition if someone wants to come pick
it up. We're also listing our headboard on Craigslist and our entertainment center. Gotta pay the tax man this year!
YIKES! NO FUN NO FUN NO FUN!! I'm not focusing on it and thinking positive! We will handle it. Also working on my
Hawaii deal!!
Aloha, Shan. Check back for Easter pics! Happy Hopping from the Easter Bully!
Jan 23, 2007
Gorgeous Sunny Hot day today spent clicking & a little out & about. Bandit took a tumble off the deck on Sunday! It was bound
to happen,but it was still pretty scary! I saw it all! He went flying & barrel rolling! I screamed out, "Bandit just went over!" I
ran for the door. He landed on the below apartment deck and was wailing pretty scary. "He's terrified!" K. said. I grabbed
him & handed him to her, went back over the ledge, up the stairs & put him on the other side of the puppy gate, he went under
the bed. G. started laughing after he knew he was ok (IT was pretty funny & shocking). Then we all started laughing! He
came out a few hours later & I saw his fat lip! A scrape & a little swelling. I gave him some ice cream & he ate & drank.
Such a BRAVE little kitty!!
Bridget is doing good, surprise, surprise! Maintenance & she gets more facials than me! No fair!! She's been going on walks,
trying to listen to me! She listens to K & G just fine, it's just me! ahhhh! We've got to go to puppy class! Before we move
downtown we'll check it out! for sure!!
Check out our new site Ginger Jungle. I've been working on it for the last few weeks & am really excited to be a part of this
venture. We're looking for artists to add, so if you are or know an artist, please contact me here or there! I am the
webmaster for both. Artists of all medias are welcome.
I'm cat sitting for our neighbor & little sweet Petula is doing just great, mostly a ghost, but she is adorable & soft! We're
looking forward to moving in June & are looking into live/work spaces/lofts downtown. It will be a neat experience! Having
shopped my whole life & gone to school there (FIDM), I almost owe it to myself & the city to live there for a little while at
least! I love the city & will refer to myself as Surf City Shan goes Back to the City. Better yet, "Shan and the City"! Take
it easy & I'll be back blogging soon.....
January 7, 2007.
2007!?!? woo hoo!! Hard to believe, but I'm ready for it!! Are you? 2006 blew by us so fast that I'm determined to make
07 work for me and not run away like a scared little puppy! Speaking of which..... no fear here! This little doggie is the
cutest and most of the time sweetest creature I've ever known. She is a ball of energy and her biggest problem is that
she is too playful! She wants to play with Bandit and he just claws at her face so we are constantly dealing with sores on
her face and trying to heal them up without scratching! She also has some ear issues, infections, but we are taking care.
Christmas and Thanksgiving were a lot of fun! We have some great pictures that I'll post soon! I made some great treats
and delicacies! mmmmm mmmmm good! We visited, had visitors, and all in all partied like rock stars. Bridget is a great
traveler and guest.
Look for my artist gallery page coming soon too! We're looking forward to a lot of changes and prosperity in 07, so please
contact me with your ideas and suggestions! Stay tuned and keep in touch!!
February 24, 2007
Tomorrow is my niece Marley's 5th birthday! Hard to believe! I was there the day she was born. She is a doll! A cute, energetic little Pisces.
I just added the link to the left to the Cafe Press Bulldog Shop! so cute! I'm going to do my own design and upload it! Every purchase made from someone
clicking from my site, I get a percentage! So go shopping! : )
(March 14; The link isn't quite right, but when you do click on it, just click on Cafe Press and you will go to the home page. ANYTHING you buy from clicking from
here will help me out! Thank you!)
It is a gorgeous Saturday and we had a fun fast week full of goodness. We made some great meals for Bridget including Chicken Breast (baked) with brown
rice and LOTS of veggies.... Stay tuned, more later...
March 14, 2007
St Patty's day is this weekend!! I think I'll paint Bridget GREEN!! Not!! A lot of fun stuff going on around town and in
L.A. Our visitors canceled on us so we're chillin together. I'll invite a few people over and make some Colcannon!
mmmm soooo good! I leave the ham/bacon out and serve it with crisp toasted French bread! I love Beets and this
salad (minus the cream) sounds great!! Check out the Food Network for more great recipe ideas! I don't really like to
go out on big holidays like St. Patty's... Dangerous roads, etc... I must be getting old!
Speaking of old, Bridget is 11 months this week and we'll celebrate her one year birthday on April 13th!! (By then I
WILL HAVE THE TAX RETURN FILED!!) She is eating only baked chicken, rice or other grains, sweet potatoes, kale or
beet greens, beets, blueberries, etc... Mostly organic and all 100% love! She is growing nicely and her face is clearing
up quite well! She is just a doll! Please check out her page! Bulldogs are amazing! I really never would have known
and I have my little cousin Am-Bam to thank!! You RULE! Dozer is Bridget's mom. She also has a sister and a brother
who I have to get the names of!
My long awaited Valentine's Dinner Photos! It was a hit! And sooo easy!
Also Check out my NEW FOOD 2007 Page for all the latest creations.
I am looking forward to getting my newly upholstered seats back in Blue
Moon! We will cruise in style!! She is being very patient (as am I!) to be
whole again! Whenever Bridget walks by her, she has to check it out,
she knows it's her car and she wants to cruise too!! So funny!! We've
been cruising the property 2ce a day and she is doing great on her leash!
We tried to enter the Fashion Show at the Petco, but she got BIT before
the show started!! So we made a hasty retreat!! It was by this little
terrier dog, one of those oh so cute, but little barking yappers!
Anyway, she has a nice little nick out of her ear, but she is no worse
for the wear! She is a tough Bully and it will only add to her character.
She didn't yelp or anything, just bled a lot.
Anyway, we high tailed it out of there and took her right home. We did cruise by the vet, she was closed, but it was
OK, she didn't really need to go. Check out her pictures in her Golden Gargoyle Wings!! She was such a good sport!
Check out our resident artist at work! Painting has since been finished and placed in a home in Palm Springs.
Click to go to my new food
07 page for all the latest!
3/20/2007
Welcome to my Blah Blah Blog ..........Tomorrow is the FIRST DAY OF SPRING!! (I love the site wikipedia!) Today it
rained... That means there will be gorgeous fresh flowers blooming tomorrow!
I got these gorgeous monochromatic sunflowers at Trader Joes today!! They look like pom poms or big PUFFS!!
They are so inspiringly happy and fun to look at!! I also got Bridget an organic chicken and baked it up. She is loving
her chicken and veggie bowls.
Did the Shorehouse i n Seal Beach for St. Patty's Day! I love my boy Phil, always hookin' it up! I love the menu there, it
is so huge, you can take anyone there and they will be happy! Not to mention the drinks! Bartender Phil is ON IT! I
usually order a Bloody Mary and beer to drink. I ALWAYS ask what the soup of the day is!! If it's Lobster Bisque, It's
hard to pass up, it is SOOOOO good!!! I've never had any other soup! I ONLY order the lobster bisque if I'm lucky
enough to hit it on the right day. On Saturday they had "White Bean" soup, but they neglected to tell me it was with
ham.... I ordered it and enjoyed it, eating around the ham. It had great flavor and was full of beans and carrots, super
yummy!
I posted some new pictures of Bridget and will re-arrange her page so the most recent pictures are on top! Thanks
for you input! I have some auctions going on ebay this week and met a cool guy last week. He bought my Stewart.
I'm over it and with the move coming up, I'll just get a new board after we're settled! The less stuff to move, The
BETTER! I want to be able to walk out of here! We're selling our bed set and our entertainment center, FYI.
I've been shopping at Trader Joe's again with great results. They have everything in stock and have been managing
the crowds well! That is what bummed me out about shopping there, it was always a big hassle and they were out of
half of what I went there for! I think they are working out their kinks!! Yeah Trader Joes!! GO GO GO!
My Chriopractor has updated his site and it is gorgeous!! Check it out and go get adjusted!! Dr. Dan rocks! I got to
meet my grandma for lunch last Friday, at MIMI'S!! MMMMM so good! I had a turkey sandwich on sourdough it was my
first time ordering that, I usually get a salad, but the sandwich was really good turkey! I brought half home! It was
good to see her and catch up, we'll have to do it again real soon!!
This may, No, this WILL BE the weekend I get my new seats in Blue Moon! Poor baby girl is just sitting there with no
seats! She is being very patient and so am I! I can't wait to roll with Bridget in style once again..... YEAH!! Talk to ya
soon!! "Stay Syber!, Shan."
Sunday March 25, 2007 - Spring Has Sprung!
Today for breakfast I made an avocado blueberry smoothie with soy milk. Also found a recipe I'd love to try... Italian
Guacamole!! It has Parmesan cheese, basil, pine nuts and sun dried tomatoes in it! Sounds like it would be good
with skinny bread sticks. Yummmy. Check out this Avocado site.
Bridget dogs beach ths morning with the big dog while I slept in. I was bummed I missed it, but grateful for the
peaceful rest!
I made a big chicken yesterday for us all and making broth today
I had her good meal ready when she got home. Chicken, sweet potatoes, carrots, apple, beet greens, flax oil and
dulce.
And yesterday she had and enjoyed Durian fruit!! If you haven't experienced it I recommend that you check it out!! It
tastes sooooo good! Plese try it! You can get it at mother's in the produce,
it's already cut up and ready to eat. It is kind of a large portion so go with a group and all try it together.
Shopped TJ's yesterday, checker, what are you making... told her my puppy's food and she looked at me, "does she
eat dog food?", "No, she eats my food". It was funny.
I saw some names I liked yesterday
Ever
Leela
Thinking about my little girl I will be having in 2010! Very excited..... I have a lot to learn!!! Stay tuned for all the
gorgeous details!!!
Checked out the Camp website in Costa Mesa because I heard they had a Farmers market on sundays, we must
check that out this weekend. I found this restaurant there also! It looks amazing!!! The website is so nice! I LOVE
how they have pictures and a nice bio of everyone. I'd love to try it.... I'm down for lunch anytime!!
Speaking of lunch we did little Rubios' yesterday, it is always good. I got the Grande Bowl with Mahi Mahi
no cheese, no rice, no chipotle sauce add lettuce it was GREAT!!! Didn't miss a thing! VERY Satisfiying
mised the farmers market this week must go next friday!
Have a good one! Shan.
There is more below... check it out!
April is here - No Foolin'!! I can't believe it! We had a great weekend! Took Bridget to Dog's Beach on Sat and Sun.
So much sun, sand, surf! Just gorgeous and we saw dolphins!!! Bridget made friends and hung out with Trixie
yesterday. What a special creature she is! They were so cute together. I got some pictures!
Check out the Bzzzz! I love it!
HAD A BIT OF A GLITCH ON APRIL 2nd! I'LL GET IT ALL FIXED UP ASAP!! I'M SORRY AND THANK YOU!!
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Click to go to Bandit's Cave!
I heart my animals
June 20! One day till the OFFICIAL start of Summer! But in Surf City Summer is already IN EFFECT!!! So funny how it
changes from one day to the next around here! gotta love it!
I got an email, "you must not have anything going on... you haven't updated..." Nothing could be FURTHER from the
truth! I've been too busy to type! ahhh!!! Truth is we've been looking at LOFTS!!! in downtown LA! They are so cool! It is
amazing, the amenities and the ability to walk to everything. We were considering staying in surf city, don't want to rush
into such a big decision, but it will be best for the commute! It's going to be cool to be urban!! Check out some of
theses sites, I've been looking at; Packard Lofts and Met Lofts. Bridget went on the tours with us and did so good! We
looked at a few others but these have the best amenities for us. We are going to check it out for one year and this is
the final plan! We haven't moved in 9 years, so this is a decision we want to be certain about. We're finding the perfect
spot! It will be cool to have people over and turn them on to downtown living. It was so surprising how QUIET it was
downtown in the buildings.
Anyway, also went to a wedding this weekend, CONGRATULATIONS! The festivities were amazing! Bridget stayed at
the Westin this weekend, she did SOOOOOO good! Just a truly amazingly smart doggie! Lots of happy birthday
wishes!! And celebrations! Happy Happy Birthday!
Bridget and I went to the beach this morning. She loves to check the surf!! Read more of my blogs below.....
June 10 - Happy Happy Day! Get to stay in HB! I heart Surf City! Bridget will be stoked! We are all stoked! May was
crazy!!! Today is Bridget's one year anniversary of being in our family. I'm so glad she is a part of my life. A true "brite
spot!" lol!
Stoked to have our place back to ourselves and get back to a somewhat normal routine... whatever that is!! I'll be hittin'
Quik up this week, so I'll keep all my new and exciting activities blogged right here! Hope they remember me!! Stay
tuned, you never know what I'm going to be doing next. I'll also be taking a kitchen break.... recipes are still available,
just email me!
Shan’s downtown blog
August 1, 2007; Today I made my first trip up to the Farmer’s Market at 5th & Grand. It was surprisingly impressive, so
big that in order for me to see everything, Gavin had to leave me to get back to work. I strolled leisurely through the
booths & was more impressed as I went along. There were so many organic choices & all the vendors were very
friendly. I had $15 on me, it’s good for me to go the market with a budget so I don’t go home with too much! I came
home with a bunch of broccoli, 3 large zucchini (1 yellow, 2 green), 2 medium heirloom tomatoes, 1 avocado & a $8
sandwich & salad combo; grilled veggie sammie (portabello mushrooms, red bell peppers, basil & one other veggie…)
on ciabata bread with a side salad of marinated greens with black eyed peas & red onions (out of this world!!), & one
dollar! I walked home in no time. Tonight I’ll make us a Laura’s lean meat NY steak, smashed potato, steamed broccoli
& salad with my heirloom tomatoes. Can’t beat that!
Check out my pics (just loaded) from my first trip to the new Ralph’s on Sunday July 22.
Bridget had a good long stroll this morning which allowed me to get some work done! We finally got the phone and
internet up from AT&T yesterday! It’s been rough without my emails, thank you for your patience. Stay tuned for more
downtown news from Shan. Have you heard of a restaurant, shop, or place that you want me to check out? Contact me
now! Have a great day!
July 31; Last day of July!?! Wow! Where is the year going? It has been so hectic moving & getting settled, but I’m feeling
very comfortable today. I worked out in our gym for the 2nd day in a row & had the place all to myself. It’s a nice gym, but
they need to get the t.v. working! It is cool to check out the city view while running on the treadmill and doing tricep
pulldowns! Look out summer, here I come! My body has missed the gym & is thankful to be back!
Finally got the internet & phone set up with AT&T today! Yikes! At least they were mistaken with the fact that someone
was using my SS#! Make sure you do your research on identity theft! It happens!
July 28; Bridget was sacked out after her trip to Bark Ave. (see link below). She smelt so good! I had to get some flea
stuff. Revolution. Downtown is just too hard to keep them off with garlic & shampoos. I still give her her garlic with her
meal, so she should be good. NO FLEAS!!! She is growing & has been eating well. This week her bowl consists of;
organic beets, organic carrots, organic cucumber, organic mango, brown rice, foster farms baked chicken breast & raw
livers, apple cider vinegar splash, clove of garlic, flax meal, flax oil & a sprinkle of dulce flakes.
July 27; TGIF!! Fisherman's Outlet for lunch!! We both get the Gigantes (giant shirmp-those are them on the webiste's
front page!), which are CHARBROILED to perfection served with rice & a super authentic New Orleans style Remoulade
sauce. They have canned beer & little bottles of wine, soda, etc... They also have a fish market so you can get some
fresh fish to take home for the grill! They have shrimp & fish cocktails, salads, & more! Definetely a neat place to check
out... on busy days you need to share your table & DON'T feed the birds! Outside padio dining can't be beat, it's fun! Try it!
You'll like it! I guarantee it! Check out my new restaurant review page... I'll add more!
Bridget is at Bark Ave for a bath! I miss her & can't wait to pick her up! Look for my review tomorrow.
July 24; Went on a big Ralphs run with the explorer today. It's nice, but they definetely need to work out some kinks still.
The shelves are well stocked & the selection is very Ralphs-y, but the service could be more on top of it! Got the tv/cable
turned on today!! YEAH! It's cool because it's a DVR so we can record & rewind programs! No more missing Top Chef! I
also like the new show Flipping Out on Bravo & My Boys is ok on TBS.
July 23; My first Monday... Spent the day unpacking & putting things away. I lined my shelves & washed all the dishes
that I unpacked. Was supposed to get the phone set up today, but AT&T is saying someone is using my SS#!! I'm pretty
much freaking out! I know a lot of people who have been affected by identity theft! Protect yourself! I'm not sure how this
happened, but we're beginning our investigation & will keep you posted.
July 22; We made our first trip to the new Ralph’s “Fresh Fare” today. I was stoked to find Laura’s lean beef, check out
her website, I’ve been waiting for the product to hit the west coast & now that it has, it was worth the wait! The meat is
like butter! It goes down too easy! We’ve had the skirt steak, NY & Flank steak all are super tasty, tender & deeee-licious.
Thanks Laura!!!
August 30, 2007 - Second to last Day of August?!? What??? Well, it is MY month and it was a good one! Got to eat fish
with my nieces! And take a trip with my sister to FIDM. With her 2 daughters. Yes, they are little mini "us's"! And so much
fun! And my mom is STILL taking our picture in front of school.... some things never change. She is actually getting her
BS this year! WOO HOO Mommy GO GO GO! You are almost there. We're so proud of her.
Had a great birthday celebration and family bbq! Thank you so much for the love. Gavin and I celebrated our 17 year
anniversary on the 25th, I'm so proud of us! Thank you baby, you rock!
It's official, WE'RE GOING TO THE REUNION! We sent the check in yesterday, so we HAVE TO GO NOW!! (My pay pal
account is all messed up, so I had to go old school) We kept going back and forth to go or no, I think we made the right
decision. It will be great to see old friends. I'd like to know how many out there have been to a high school reunion and
what your experience was like, if you'd like to "share", just contact me above. I can't believe this is what 20 years feels
like.....crazy!! Thanks for the emails guys! It's gonna be a blast from the past!
Bridget met her new vet today. She did so well with her visit. Everyone loved her! She weighs 48 lbs! She is "perfect", not
fat at all, "we need to keep that little waist... she is petite"!! Wow! My little full figured girl is petite!
August 29 - Farmers Market Day!! So good!! Today I scored a basket of shitake mushrooms for $1.50 and a Greek plate
with grilled eggplant, dolmas, hummus, tabuli, salad, rice and pita for $8. It was so big, it was my lunch and dinner.
August 19 - Tofu Fest weekend! Unfortunately we read that the turnout wasn't what they were hoping for and this may be
the LAST TOFU FEST in Little Tokyo ever! I'm glad we got to go this year and Gavin was such a trooper, going through
the entire festival with me! I tried the tuna poke with gorgeously cold tofu and lettuce, tofu noodle salad with seaweed,
the tofu burger which I learned was made with half beef and half tofu! Don't quite get the point, but the "burger" was pretty
good. The line for the tofu pizza was too long but it looked like a big egg foo yung patty and looked pretty tasty, everyone
wanted that. They had chicken and beef sticks and other dishes as well as lobster balls. It wasn't just all tofu, there was
something for everyone even a beer garden!
August 6 - Tu Tacos Rules! What a spread. A great day. Not much I enjoy more than a backyard bbq with family & friends.
scroll down for more, contact me!! check out all my links! Explore my site!
October 10: Summer's Over... but it is still smokin' hot in downtown! I'll be hitting the Farmer's Market today to get
ingredients to finish off my steak dinner tonight. I'm doing steak and grilled portabello mushrooms with steamed brocoli
and a huge salad and a few mashed potatoes with black olives, a great combo! Check out my pestos and sauces I
made earlier in the week below. As you can see the animals are getting along famously!
October 9 - Roasted Tomato soup with Hominy.
This is a quick and easy recipe full of rich corn flavor. It is only as good as how good your ingredients are to start with…
Use ripe fresh tomatoes and good quality hominy and chicken stock.
investment. I've also ground up both cooked and raw meets! I ground raw chicken and made terriyaki chicken burgers it!
If you spend a lot of time chopping and shredding veggies like I do, you need to get one. It is an excellent time saving
investment. I've also ground up both cooked and raw meets! I ground raw chicken and made terriyaki chicken burgers
and I rough chopped cooked steak for carne asada tacos! Really quick and easy and delicious! Now onto my sauces.....
and I rough chopped cooked steak for carne asada tacos! Really quick and easy and delicious! Now onto my sauces.....
#1 Basil Almond Pesto
Large bunch basil, 10 raw almonds, half a lemon, chili flakes, 4 cloves garlic, 10 sundried tomatoes (mine were
homemade “semi-dried tomatoes”). Pulse in food processor a few times then turn to on and stream in oregano oil and
EVOO until desired consistency. Add Salt & Pepper to taste. Serve with toasted bread/croutons, pita chips, veggies, over
pasta, in soup, top chicken or beef….. Also freezes well.
After you make the almond basil pesto scrap out all but about 1/16 of a cup and get ready to make;
#2 Olive Basil Tepanade;
To the processor and the remaining basil pesto add 12 queen size pimento stuffed green olives, ½ C cilantro, 2 more
garlic cloves and pulse a few times. Add more EVOO and pulse until chunky.
This is good with bread sticks, crispy sesame crackers, bagette, etc....
#3 Cilantro Olive Salsa
Scrape all but a little bit of the olive tepanade out of the processor and add 2 full bunches cilantro, 2 tomatoes, 2 garlic
cloves, chili flakes and salt and pepper. Pulse until salsa like consistency and serve as you would pico de gallo/salsa.
The few olives left in the processor give it a nice kick and will make people wonder what your secret is!! My aunt makes
this all the time and also adds celery and Italian dressing. It’s up to you!
Experiment! The key is once you have one sauce going, you can build on that and make different variations. Who knows
what you’ll stumble on to. Some great flavor combinations are awaiting you in your pantry.
Sept 30: Grand Ave Festival
If I didn’t live downtown I don’t think we would have come to this “festival”. Now that we’ve been, I would drive from
anywhere in So Cal to go. It is truly a fabulous experience. We got to go inside the Walt Disney Concert Hall and listen to
members of the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra play chamber music from Bach and other classical musisicans for a half
hour! It was FREE and it was FABULOUS. Just to go inside this spectacular structure was a pleasure then to hear the
music made it. After that we grabbed a bite from one of the boots, I got a Tuna Bubble Bread from Tiara for $6.00. It was
a complete meal, the crispy bread was spread with hummus and topped with grilled peppers, tomatoes and onions
then the raw tuna. Simple and Delicious. After that we went to MOCA for FREE! And looked at “art”. Some of the exhibits
were very cool and original and some were just not relative to us at all and left us chuckling. It was cool to see the
meuseum, I hadn’t been in a lot of years. Go check out the festival next year, it’s worth it! They also had other FREE
show at the music hall and TONS of activities for kids, it was a nice family event and cool to see the kids at the music
hall “enjoying” the music! We didn't take our camera, but I got a few phone pics. I got one of the owl! He was so cute!
Sept 17 - The Next Food Network Star
Today I put my hat in the race for the Next Food Network Star! It was a good experience and I met some interesting
people. The competition was stiff! I was amongst caterers, party planners, professional chefs and even a guy who has
product at Mother's (Nikolas' Kitchen "Savory Turnovers" - they actually look good!). I went to Chef's Inc in West L.A. and
hung out for a few hours before I was called in along with 3 other people, Nikolas, a gorgeous blond single mother, and
a Korean single girl) we were all told to "sell ourselves" in one minute! ahhh talk about pressure! And I was LAST!! Well,
I gave it my best. They didn't call, but I'll be back next year! The last winner, Amy, starts soon! I can't wait to see how she
does.
Sept 16 - 20 years!??!? Yes way baby!
Oct 13 - It POURED last night! really rained hard all night long. It was cool to watch from downtown. Just when I was
talking about it still being hot in L.A., it rains! Nice clean streets for Bridgey! Just watched the USC game, looks like they
got it back. This morning I made a gorgeous "Skinny Fritata", it was more of a flat, crepe like fritata full of flavor! The
tomatoes are organic heirloom as is the basil, it turned black from the heat of the eggs. I made a quick "Teriyaki Beef
Stirfry" with top sirloin, white jasmine rice and broccoli this week. My teriyaki sauce was made from bottled sauce, soy
sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, s&p all processed in the food processor it was super good. I used tons of ginger, a 3" piece
for about a 1/4C of sauce! mmm so spicy and fresh! Check out the new link on the left for "Bridget's Bowl" of the week!
YUM YUM!
Read on for more fun links and more! Have a great weekend! Live it up!
Nov 28 - Yesterday I made a huge pot of Turkey soup! I made the turkey on sunday and it came out sooo good!! I brined
it! Bridget loves it as do we! Not sure what is up with the weather, it is like it wants to rain, but it can't..... It may rain this
weekend. This weekend marks the start of the holiday party season. Stay tuned for great pictures and stories! I'm going
to get a new skirt on Friday and also my Christmas cards. Be sure to get on my list! Send me your address as I have a
ton of photos I printed out! I have a classic shot this year of "the two"! Got our first x-mas card yesterday and it's un canny
how it resembles my homemade card! Can't wait to send it out! I'll work on my address labels today.
Missing the Farmers Market today, but I'll be back next week. I've got a lot going on eBay if anyone wants to get in on
some last minute Christmas sales. I can pick up in L.A., O.C. will have to send me pictures.
Blue Moon is cruising me around famously. We have been all over lately and Bridget loves cruising in her too! I've got to
get a shot of the two of us in the car.
Nov. 25
Lots of Happy Birthdays and happy days in general! Glad to be a part of it all! And sorry to miss what we can't make!
Hope for you to see downtown soon. It is surprising and continually fascinating. All are welcome. Check out my
pineapple upside down cake at the Barn Burner in Pasadena, quite a trip! We got to take Bridget for her first "Outside
Dining Experience".
Watching the sun come up over downtown is a view that I am not going to take for granted. With the ever changing
skyline, what I see every day may not be here to be seen in the years to come. This morning I watched the sun come up
over the Cal Mart, where I spent so much of my time, it is a refreshing and exciting view of the world. I enjoy being on the
3rd floor with all these windows, it's more like we are on the 5th floor because the ceilings are so high. It is so quiet and
dead on Sundays, it's like a different world. Tomorrow it will be pumping again. I got a few shots of the movie crew set
up last week, it was fun to watch over. They took over the parking lot. I looked up the catering co, For Stars Catering and
they look pretty big. On Wed. morning I watched the guy stoke a huge outdoor bbq with flames coming off of it, it was
totally dark outside and the lot was still empty and here he was tending to the que, getting ready for the rush. It was a
cool scene. I didn't want to take a picture because it was too dark and it would have disturbed the scene, this was at like
5:53 am! He was on it!
Hoping it will rain, we really need it. Stay tuned for my 2007 Turkey Page! mmmm mmmm good! xoxo.
The day after......
Ahhh... what a feast! Hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving feast and family time. My sister and her family
celebrated with mommy/grandma! And I talked to my grandma the day before. We have a lot to be thankful for. Ventura
was chilly weather with warm family! It was a grand day full of thankfulness. Even the animals enjoyed the journey. It is
so nice being closer to Ventura and really nice carpooling! The drive goes by a lot faster and is smooth and painless
with company and fewer miles. Glad we made the move! Looking forward to the holiday party season coming up. Looks
like I'll have to do some shopping!
We had a fun little Halloween party. I was a pirate. Gavin looked good too, but got a lot of strange looks. A little too
authentic looking! My mom sent me a very fashionable costume, unfortunately we didn't get any pictures! But it was fun.
The rooftop at night is a real treat and it wasn't cold at all. The downtown skyline is starting to get all lit up for Christmas.
Check out these great photos we took of the new at&t sign installation. I took shots from our balcony and Gav skated
over and took shots up close in the lot. It was sooooo loud! It wasn't something you see everyday. We watched the
helicopter "helicopt" around downtown for a few hours after they were done.
We took Bridget out to her first lunch! She was a STAR! She met her cousin Ginger there for the first time and also met 2
huskies. She sat with us nicely while we ate and was a very good girl. We can't wait to take her out again!
Check out Bridget watching over the "staging area". It was pretty classic. We've seen so many different things from the
balcony. Lots of action here! This week there was a full on movie crew set up in the parking lot. Huge catering trucks
from For Stars Catering and the Stars Wagons huge makeup trailers and tons and tons of food! They were set up
Monday-Wed. I got a few good shots I'll post up later on. Today I am off to do something nice for someone. It will be a
good day. Bridget is going to be my companion as she has proven herself so well!
Bridget and Bandit
Nov. 25, 2007
