Strawberry Basil Persian Lemonade
Shan's Blog
July 30, 2008

Shan's Yelps

Bridget's Weekly Meal - I make
her "real food"! just like I do for
my husband she is part of the
family after all!

Downtown LA

Bridget's First Lunch "Out"
Look at these 2
sleeping so nicely
together!  3-30.
BFF's.
You'd think we bought
the pillow for Bandit!
:  )
FRIDAY! 4-4-8 LOVE THE DATE! I love numbers....               We went to the new Sixth St. Cafe & Bar for lunch today.  We were ready
for        a "treat". Besides the fun server Anna & those super icy Fat Tires, it wasn't really anything special.  I
yelped.  Be sure to check
out my friends at
Angelenic!

The bar was cool with a big mirror over it.  You can check out what everyone else is eating/drinking!!  The fish tacos I ordered.













I took a few pictures around downtown today with my new camera.  I'm still getting used to it. I love this Marilyn mural.  This is the
construction site at Stanford and Pico. The traffic wasn't too bad.














This is my favorite shot of the day.  I felt like I caught a real moment.  I love this guys "attitude". Love the frutas, the California plate,
the hat, it just made me feel good.




On a funny note, check out this
restaurant sign it said, "La Comida
China".  Only in L.A. Gotta love it!
Got our new bed delivered from Macy's yesterday! YEAH!! Thank you!! Couldn't be happier!  Had a gorgeous nights sleep & woke up
rejuvenated!  We got a Sealy Posturpedic Celestial Sun Firm!  The guys were great & set us up royally!  Bridget was all into it, while
Bandit hung out in the closet!  That is until I made it up.....  I guess he approves!












Here comes the new one!                                                           Out with the old!



















So much excitement for one morning, Bridget was ready to hit the park and unwind!  Off to the Cornfield Park .  I am so impressed
with the way they keep it up.  The groundsmen are always around and we're sure to thank them and tell them how good the place
looks. It looks like they are doing something with the back end. Looked like crop circles!

I think she knows where she is going!                        Such a Bull!                                                                  4 OFF the floor! Go Bridgey Girl!






























                              The "Path"




                            Wild Flowers
                              Galore! There were
                              a ton of poppys too, but I
                              ran out of battery!
                        
Bridgey waited for us while we had a quick lunch at Regent China Inn. We got a parking spot ON THE SIDEWALK! The valet took to
us!  Haven't Been to Regent China Inn? You should go! Don't let the outside fool you, it's nicer inside & the lunch specials can't be
beat. This was such  a better experience than lunch yesterday!  Like a total 360!  I was so stoked at Regent & we only spent $20
with beer!  I like that the lunch "specials" are carried over into Saturday, most Chinese places are just M-F.  Anyway, from all my
pictures of the new bed & the park my battery ran out.   I was glad I had my phone, even though the pictures aren't that good. If you
are in the area give them a try.  It's not much $ and I think you'll be surprised.  I'm sure there was MSG though... for me that is a big
no no, but it was soooo good!! It didn't say no msg, and it was super good, so....We'll see if I have a headache in the morning.  MSG
usually gives me a headache.   Check out my
yelp.   What a great downtown Satur-Day!












Talipa out of the tank!   Yummy Creamy Corn Soup         Cod w/ Veggies                Kung Pao Chicken-sorry fuzzy Phone Pictures!
all pictures copyright 2008
shannonvasquez.com shannon
vasquez. please respect my
property. I don't have much.
Thank you.
Saturday April 12:
I wanted to go to the Health & Fitness Expo this weekend, but in light of recent event, nothing seems really that important anymore.
We’ve had 2 people very close to our hearts pass away tragically since Easter.  We received the latest bad news yesterday, so we
are grieving all over again.   Two huge bright lights have left us.  Such a strange feeling…. Such a huge emptiness.  I feel slightly
more responsible now.  I don’t want to say too much in order to respect myself and my friends.   I am trying my best to stay on track
and schedule for my family.  I have cried so many tears.  I have screamed so loud.  I have drempt, seen visions and heard voices.  I
am feeling this down to my core.  I have a new found deeper respect for life.


Yesterday afternoon Gav got me out of the loft.  It was very therapeutic.  I had a “job”!  It helped take my mind off of things.  We went to
Macy’s so I could consult on a friend’s gift purchase.   I even snapped a few shots in the shoe department (can’t ever go wrong with
shoes guys!), because I was shocked at all the women shopping at lunch time for SHOES!  Very strange!  We had a good time and I’
m glad I was there to also remind him that he “needed to get it wrapped”!  too funny!  We had a good time and had a fun casual
lunch at CJ’s with a toast to our girl.  Check out me and G, it looks like we could be on the streets of Paris or something!   See, I’m
smiling!  The first shot on my new camera NOT taken by me!  Thank you!











April 9, Wed.         
We grilled again tonight. Talk about a meal fit for a KING!  My king!  He was stoked!  I let him know I was gonna make stuffed baked
potatoes  with the steak and serve steamed broccoli on the side when he suggested “why don’t you put the broccoli in with the
potatoes?”  I was like, “that is brilliant”!!  So a new creation is born! Check out my food section for the “recipe”!  We took Bridget up
with us for the first time, of course she thought it was all for her!  A-dor-a-BULL!!!

















The decks at the Packard are the Best!! We are so stoked on our decision and our location!  I love watching G skate away in the
mornings and I look forward at lunch and in the evening to seeing him skate up.   Such a gorgeous, smile generating scene for me!


April 8:         Check out my new invention!  I’m sure it’s been done, but we made Roasted Potatoes and G wanted gravy, so I
whipped up a little gravy and we served the gravy with the roasted potatoes!!! SOOO good!  Really nice crunch to the outsideof the
potato and then a nice warm soft center with the hot flavorful gravy, give it a try with your favorite gravy, it’s a nice change from
mashed potatoes and gravy.  I set it up all  nice for the picture, then I dug in, like potato and gravy soup!!















April 7:         My Pita Pizza! Mmmm mmmm satisfied a pizza craving for sure.  I had some leftover “spaghetti sauce” I had made last
week, so I smeared it on the toasted pita, topped with shredded mozzarella and a little parmesan and baked. Simple, quick, and
delicious!  Not a bad snack.














We grilled chicken breasts tonight with tomatoes & some eggplant, peppers & mushrooms.  I even made us a little snack to nosh
on while we grilled.  My eggplant ended up being really bad! It was super bitter, I think it wasn’t ripe enough, so I had to toss it.   I felt
pretty bad about that.  I wanted to make like a mixed veggie mix to go with the rice… oh well.  Everything else turned out really good.  
My new little camera is a champ!! I love it!!  highly reccommended! So portable & pink!











April 6:          We caught this “parade” going by this afternoon.  It was so colorful, full of women in gorgeous outfits, children chanting,
music…. Very interesting.  It was small and passed by in about 10 minutes. These pictures are from our balcony!   There will be no
other pictures from this vantage point!  My exclusive view of Grand Av!  Gotta love it!  And I’ve seen some crazzzyyyyyyy things man!









Check out my gorgeous man’s gorgeous meal!  He’s been doing brown rice,but I had a nice fluffy fresh batch of white rice made up
so he was in heaven.  A little roasted tomato, pita and my now famous and requested Red Sauce!!  Another happy ending to a
gorgeous weekend together.  Thanks babe.
May 4th.....   I'm back!!!   And, I'm ready to get caught up.   It's been a long few weeks.  Attending the ceremony helped bring
"closure" to some of my sadness.  What a beautiful day!  This was my first visit to a Buddhist Church or a Buddhist service.  It was
quite inspiring.  I've written about my observations if you want to read about the ceremony here.   I did some research for my own self
and so I would have an idea of what to expect.  What I read was pretty accurate, so I thought I'd share my thoughts too in hopes of
helping someone else.  (It's not ready yet 5/9/08 check back please.)

On much brighter notes please read below to get the full scoop on my last few weeks.  I have had a lot of support and love. Today
we took the Metro Red Line to the
Hollywood Farmer's Market!  Such a fun day!   Tasted a few yummy samples, made a few friends
& heard some nice live music.  I got so into it, that I didn't take pictures at the market, but check out my bounty!  I spent $19.50 and
got: garlic (fresh on the rope, see it hanging!), baby carrots with tops, orange beets (huge!) with tops, persian lemons (7), baby
artichoke, heirloom tomatoes (3), thai basil bunch, Chinese brocoli, Chinese greens, tri color radish bunch & basket of
strawberries!  Some was organic, but not everything.  I gave them all a proper bath (Bandit couldn't help himself!).   I can't wait to fix
up some treats. I'm steaming the artichoke & roasting a beet now.















Sat. May 3:
Yesterday we walked the alley, didn't buy anything but it was fun to trip on all the people and STUFF! Dang! too much stuff
everywhere!   We got to finish up our walk with an awesome trip to the brand new California Kitchen Kabob which I was stoked to be
the first to yelp!!  It was really good!  I had the Greek salad & G had the boneless chicken kabob plate with basmati, grilled whole
tomato & serano chili.  So fresh & clean, super friendly place.   Owner of the old Golden Olive.  Same great taste! Brand new!


Friday we tried OTHAI in Echo Park. We checked in on Ginger at K9Loft, what a gorgeous
place!  I'd like to hang out there all day!  We've got to take Bridget!   The food at OTHAI was
interesting & delicious.  Friendly & attentive hosts.  Thank you!  This is the Teriyaki Chicken
& the Catfish, which was in an amazing lemongrass, pepper, cilantro super sauce! OMG!!!
The fish was interesting & like deconstructed.... I had to eat it with my fingers pretty much, but
it was super flavorful.  















April 19

Since we had a visitor it was a good excuse to have lunch AND dinner out today! woo hoo!   We got to enjoy some gorgeous
authentic japanese at SUEHIRO in Little Tokyo.  Super good, but I liked my soup I got last time better.  I'll get that again next time.
This place is really affordable, quick, clean and friendly! yummmm  We love walking around that area & checking out the "hardware"
store & the anime store, so cool.















For dinner we went to Costa Alegre, chili releno, chicken fajitas & our friend got..... hmmmm oh! The catfish! one of my favorites
there! I should have gotten that!  It is good therapy to go out & enjoy life & places with close friends.  Thank you!















Like I said, we were "entertaining" and I was down & out so.... pizza seemed the obvious choice!   We got pasta roma delivered for
the first time.  They came right up to the door, pretty fast, totally accurate & HOT!  We all enjoyed even for b-fast the next morning.  It
was really good cold!   I like their crust.   Veggie includes eggplant & zuchini! wow! Sausage & olive.  House salad.














April 17
Tonight I made a Pork Loin for the first time ever.  It was really lean & came out super tasty.   I made G a few sammies to take to the
office since it was so much!   We had company the first night so it went a long way.  I made a pineapple fried rice to go with it.   It
came out really good with high praise from all.   I had a few slices too!  So different from what I'm used to eating, but really flavorful &
I'm trying to be more open to different kinds of meats.  This is my fried rice components, the rice & the completed dish.















I know I need to update my food page, so that will be a goal, asap!  My food page is the top visited page in my site, so I should be
updating it most frequently.   This is a lot of work!  I enjoy it & don't want it to feel like a "job" , so I do it  normal Shannon Fashion, "my
way"!


April 13, 2008 - Today is Bridget's 2nd Birthday!!!  Woo Hoo!!  I'm so proud of all of us!!  We had to celebrate, I just wish I "felt" better.  
 We went to Lanza for our sandwiches & took them to the cloverfield park it was a really hot day, so we tried to keep it mellow for
Bridgey.   We had a great picnic and she even met a little Bully pal!!   She was just 4 mos old, they had so much fun playing together!
 Her name was Jen, so cute!  She had a great b-day!  This is a L.A. State Park.
No, we didn't get tattoos! The sandwich shop is on the other side!  Thanks Lanza Bros.   Blue Moon looks so cool
parked out front!  Check out the skyline!  No Lanza for Bridgey!   G gets the roasted turkey breast.   I  Love the tuna!!
Bridget's Birthday cruise to Lanza & the park.  She had a great 2nd birthday and helped keep me happy in a down time!

some sights you see every day took on new meaning today.  Amy's Bakery with the angels..... I can only continue to
ponder life in a positive way.
The other night I did a mushroom medley roast with coconut oil.  
sooo yummy!  I did some tofu & quinoa to go with it.  Trying to get
back in the "zone"!!!   Summer's Coming!!! ahhhh!!!  : )
May 9 T.G.I.F.!       I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all the mamas, new mamas & mamas-to-be out there a very Happy Mother's
Day!  Sunday is YOUR day…. Take time to relax & enjoy your kids, take some pictures,
make a movie, try something new, call your mom, listen to some music,
go dancing, be yourself.  We’ll be spending the day in Ventura with our hot
mama for a traditional outdoor bbq.   It looks like it will be a nice weekend.
I sent my hot mama a “spa kit” with a super soft short robe, lotion, candles,
bath mitts, face stuff….. I hope she likes it.  I don't think she'll read this before Sunday, too
much studying to do!

The last of my gorgeous heirloom tomatoes from our Hollywood Farmer's
Market trip on Sunday.  My little sammie, so yummy!  I couldn't believe these 2 women were
standing over the tomatoes actually debating about weather or not to buy them!  I heard,
"you have a lot of waste since you have to cut this rough part out."   I couldn't help
myself,  "you don't actually have to cut that out, it's not tough & doesn't go all the way
through"...... "I've heard these are the best tasting tomatoes?" I assured her they were and let her know that if I ever have a choice, I'll
always go for the heirloom.   Even if I can only afford 1!   I don't know if they bought one or not, but you'd think for under a buck they
would have.   I now wish I would have given her one of my 3.   All they need is a little sprinkle of some good salt.  


Check out my Strawberry Basil Lemonade from my farmer’s market buys (blogged below).  Those Persian lemons were SO sweet,
that  I didn’t need to add any honey.   I added a few limes even to make it a little tart, it was so sweet.  Super strawberry-yummy!  My
artichoke, I think the first one I've ever made myself, a little over cooked but so good!  And my roasted orange beet.  All my veggies
from the market were GREAT! And served us well all week.  Bridget got the carrot tops, a beet & a radish!  Funny how she likes
radish!  They were tasty!  Not really spicy.















I also made this gorgeous and super tasty stir fry which almost came out like a chop suey… Super!  I’ll have to write that recipe
down!! A keeper!  Yes, I’m still working on updating my food page….. I’ll let you know when it’s updated. Meanwhile I’ll be noting all
my cooking escapades here.  Is my life all about food?!?  Who’s isn’t!?  

Chinese Brocoli
Chinese greens
Onion
Celery
Chinese eggplant
Beansprouts
Thai basil
EVOO stir fry up a little
Toss with some soy sauce, add a little h2o cover to steam for under 5 min.
Add bean sprouts at the last min.
I served with some sauted tofu.
Top with the basil



On a quick non-food note; I’m going to try and drive up next Friday for my mom's GRADUATION!!  Yes, it’s finally happening!  I’m so
proud of her… she has more education than me! Go mama!  Now we just need to get her out of FresNO!  Seriously, she is very
determined!   My mom will be getting her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts and Single Subject Waver English Credential from Cal
State University Fresno. what?!? wow!   It has been a really great experience for her.  Some of the projects & costumes she’s done
are truly out of this world.   It is so neat to see her name on a graduation announcement!  It’s really gorgeous… I should take a
picture of it!
(good idea!)

Vons has crab legs on sale for $9.99/lb, so that's what we had for dinner.  sooooo good! I steamed them & we indulged!  I can't
believe I didn't take a picture.  I spent $5.50 for a lot of crab legs, filled us up!  You have to work  for it, but it's sooo good.

Don’t forget to
HELP STAMP OUT HUNGER tomorrow.  I’ve done this for the last 4 years or so.  It’s a good way to clean out your
pantry if nothing else.  With all the good shopping I’ve been doing, I have a nice bag of 16 different items (cans & boxed rice) that
probably cost me less than $5.  I went ahead and put them in the Ralphs re-usable shopping bag so it would be easy for our mail
lady to take away.  You can also drop off at the post office too.   I went to the “Edendale” station yesterday and they had a bin for the
program.   It was funny to notice the name of the post office considering we moved from the Warner-dale!  I guess it’s Bridget of the
Edendale now!


Today G treated me to
Senor Fish!  And I treated him right back!  Dang that place is good!  We haven’t been to that spot in years, we
were at the one in Echo Park last and it was really good too.  I shall yelp them both!  I got the super yummy & clean fish taco
sampler.  I didn’t realize when I ordered it, but each of the 3 tacos was a different grilled fish, duh! Thus the "sampler!"   One salmon,
mahi & trout!    I ate it like a big salad, forgoing the tortillas.  I drenched it in all the gorgeous salsas & lemon & mixed it up with the
salad it came with.  It also came with a little cup of ceviche!  Super good!  I love ceviche.  I ate about half of the beans & rice.  The
beans aren’t refried, they’re like boiled…. Super tasty & low fat.   It’s a big meal, but I had a small &  early breakfast!   I’m really
getting back into my routine and trying to eat lighter.  Non of my jeans fit! Ahhhh!  Again, I didn't have my camera on me, and the
phone pic just wouldn't have done it justice.  G got....you guessed it Chicken Tacos! no beans/rice, just chicken and tortillas with all
these gorgeous salsas.  They also have radishes at the salsa bar.


G brought me a yummy tomato basil soup from Trimana on Monday -  soooo good!  And the soup wasn’t bad either!   Silly me didn’t
take a picture.  I don’t think I’ve yelped them yet…. Gotta check for sure.  When we were up in VTA last week dropping of f my Cadillac
(dad’s getting me new brakes!), we stopped by our old favorite Corales.   The fish tacos were cold, but otherwise they were like I
remembered. The avo, bean & rice burrito was grand! We shared!   It was nice to be in the old hometown on a weekday afternoon.  
Not exactly how we were planning to spend the day, but hey, it’s all good.  The cady will be ready for me to pick up on Sunday so we’ll
all be cruising back in style.   Wanna ride?  Any ideas on if /how I could make this car work for me would be welcomed!  She is so
gorgeous sometimes I feel selfish having her all to myself, I’d love to share.


I also tried my hand at a little tempura since the produce man planted the idea in my head!  I used my farmers market veggies &
added an onion (OMG! Like onion rings!).  It was really light and I didn’t end up eating it all, just wanted the experience of making it
(super greasy stovetop!! And smelly loft!!).  It was really easy,my batter was flour and club soda about equal parts, I think I added
more soda & a dash of salt.  Make sure your veggies are dry & your oil is hot (this will keep them from getting greasy).  Drop them in,
but don’t crowd the pan, turn with chop sticks, drain/blot on paper towels. Serve with diluted soy sauce with a squeeze of lemon
juice….mmmm.  If you have “tempura dipping sauce” that would be better.
















We finally had a good reason to visit Tiara Cafe and for dinner no less! Check out my page on
Tiara So Super!  A real fun place, we
all loved it.   A nice change from mexican.
Fresh veggies and batter at the ready!
My $1 Farmers Market Artichoke
Roasted & Sliced orange beet so sweet!
Nice hot oil bath.  I
used vegetable oil
My Tower of
Tempura
June 4, 2008 -         
Today we will lose a friend and a companion.  Tasha's spirit will live on, she will still be with us just not physically.  It is sad, but she
is in pain and has been "a gift", treasured every day she has been a part of our lives.  She is my dad & L's "Wonder Dog" and we will
all miss her deeply.  Thank you Tasha for all your patience and lessons you have taught us.




This is one of my favorite
pictures I took of the Wonder Dog.
It is nice to remember her in good
health.










June 2
- YES YES YES! I got treated to Sex and the City and lunch at the Arclight café. What a great day.  Good company, good food
and a fun movie.  I really liked it, it delivered quality messages about friendship & loyalty.   I'm still thinking about it.  The Arclight
theatre is really nice, big aisles, nice chairs, clean and comfortably cool.  The restaurant was good, but the service..... ouch!   I wish I
could remember that guys name!  Just inattentive and I like LOTS of attention!  I had something I don't normally order, but it was
really good. All the food was good (and the drinks!).  Check out my
Blue Cheese, Walnut Salad with Cranberries.  Other items
ordered included the Club, the Beef Dip and the quesadilla.... everyone was happy.
















Here are the makings of Bridget's food for the week.  Looks good huh!?!?        And the Bandit doing what he does best!
















May 25         My sisters Birthday Brunch at Cliff's Edge! So good!   Even Bridget and Ginger had a good time!  See Ginger's head
peaking up over the table?!   I had the
Tuna Tartar (picture). Super good!  Click here for more pictures.
JUNE 5 -         We always hear sirens downtown, but this morning they were in FULL FORCE.  I had my eye shades on and was very
tired, so although I heard the brigade, I didn't open my eyes and look.   G did, "so you slept right through the fire?"  I was like, can still
see smoke, and it's 8:00.  The fire is between 11th & Olympic at Los Angeles Street, about 8-10 BIG city blocks from us in the
Fashion District.   It's all over the local news shows. The fireman's talents are amazing.  Imagine if they were as tired as I was at
5am, and had to get up and go fight a fire!  I saw the guys from #10 which is the station closest to us where we vote.  The fire takes
up a big city block in a 2 story building that houses about 10 small retail/wholesale shops which are owned by immigrant families.  
"Pre 33", which means it was built BEFORE 1933!  It is not required to have a sprinkler system.  I drive by this spot all the time and we
even walk this street.  It's close to the "Alley".   The sky is getting more hazy and channel 5 & 11 helicopters are still hovering.  The
whole roof of the building has pretty much caved in.  Never a dull moment in downtown L.A.!


                                                                                                          I got this picture from;
here.



on happier notes.... I had a great drive up to Cal State University Fresno to see my moms
graduation ceremony.  What a day!  Thanks to my G-ma who let me borrow her car! Couldn't have done it otherwise!  My mom was so
glad to see me.  We went for Sushi with the girls and the man afterward, it was YUMMY!  So cute how little 3 year old loves her
California Rolls & Miso Soup!














MOTHER'S DAY IN VTA - Such a gorgeous day for a gorgeous woman.
My mom the Graduate!!
YEAH!! So proud! I'm so glad
I got to witness the event.  
Go mommy
I grilled SHRIMP & Zucchini from my dad's garden! So good!   This is my plate - brought the
radishes from the farmers market and the beets that I roasted.  And moms homemade potato
salad!  A great family meal.
Porto's masterpiece.
In memory.
JUNE 11 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY GIRL!  Yesterday was the big day. So good to catch up & feel connected even though so far apart
these days.  We toasted you last night - And bbq'qd some gorgeous veggies tonight.   Check out my pictures below.

I cruised downtown on foot today.... I took the DASH up to CVS & walked all the way home from 1st & Main!!  My legs are soooo
feeling it right now!  I had some heavy bags too, but I DID NOT DRIVE & only spent $11 for $112 worth of stuff!  Ask me how! The
scene at the Shell station downstairs was crazy tonight - picture far right.  Good gas (which is all I put in my car) was $5.07!   Glad I
can walk around!!   















We're looking forward to Father's Day.  June has been so warm & gorgeous so far - what June Gloom?!   We spent an early Father's
Day with my dad last Saturday since we'll be celebrating in L.A. at MALO on Sunday.  The drive up was cool, (not counting the $60 in
gas - in our old Beefy Girl - for the 120 miles! Crazy!!) we took Bridget & had a great afternoon.  We said our last good byes to Tasha
Girl.  Her grave site & marker were gorgeous.  We toasted her at lunch, Margaritaville in the harbor.   I miss that view!  Another
Beautiful Day in Ventura.   I'll miss my sister's visit to VTA for Father's Day with the girls but I'm so glad my dad gets to see them &
spend some time together.  We've NEVER all been together, me & my sister with our dad & her 2 girls since they've been born....
crazy?!!!!??!  PARENTS - DON'T GET DIVORCED!

JUNE 7th   An Early Father's Day - What's better than the Farmer's Market?  Your own market!!  I loved picking veggies with my dad
and L, G & Bridget too!  It was such a great feeling knowing they had planted these gorgeous veggies from seed, no chemicals were
used in growing them and they will feed & nourish us throughout the week.  What a treat!  Thank you so much!  We had a great time
catching up on travels, plantings & plans.  Can't wait to do it again.  We checked out Margarita Ville in the Harbor which wasn't around
when we were, but they've come to like it & know the people there.  We had a great lunch with a one-of-a-kind
view!
I finished up our garden harvest
with a Grill Fest! Everything came
out really good! The zucchini
were so tender & sweet.
Bridgey having fun bbq'ing with us
My grilled veggi.e salad with fresh
squeezed lemon.  I ate it all!  
sooo good!
$5.07 Premium!
Welcome Angelenic Readers!
 
Last day of June?!? Wow! Where is the year going? I'm glad I have this blog to refer back to!!  I hope everyone has some great plans
to celebrate the 4th!  It should be a great weekend for sunshine!  I can't wait to spend more time with my man and the Bully.  We'll be
in town..... It looks like Panini Cafe is scheduled to open this week! We can't wait!  We can WALK, they have a PATIO which means we
can take Bridget! And the food looks like totally our STYLE!! Finally!! Something that's our style withinwalking distance where we can
take Bridget!  We were disappointed with Tranquility Base so this is exciting! Go Panini!



Inside the
AT&T Building (at Hill & Pico), for your info, is a STARBUCKS, SUBWAY,
MITAKI for sushi and JOHNNY ROCKETS will be opening soon!  It's a great South Park
spot.  Last week the
In 'n Out Burger truck visited! Yes, I had a cheeseburger!
I had been craving one actually, so this was perfect!  It was pretty small and I didn't
eat the chips. ($4 burger, chips, soda)  All the kids in the truck LOVED Bridget! pics below!
They even asked me if they could take her picture! One of the girls was named Bridget too!
        
                                                   





                                                                                             






                                I love this shot of G's building (AT&T) from our bbq deck! Yes, I took it!  














                                                                                          
 In 'n Out Fun - Thanks for coming!















BRIDGET'S BATH DAY!   She is so cute... she hops up into the tub when I ask her to "get in the tub".  She doesn't partially like her
baths, but she cooperates nicely in order for us to get it done quickly!

June 21, Today I rode the Metro Link up to Newhall to visit my G-ma and hang out with my nieces.  It felt good spending alone time
with the girls.  This was the first time we'd had that opportunity.  Since my sister lives so far away... it's sad, but we make the
most of it. I had fun on the metrolink and enjoyed my first trip!  It was $13.50 round trip and was SPEEDY!  G-ma and the girls were
waving at me as the train pulled up, I wish I could have gotten a shot of that scene! so precious!  Thanks g-ma and welcome
home from your Mexico trip!  Can't wait to see you again!
































June 19 -  Today I drove Blue Moon up to my sister D's house to watch over the animals!  Ginger girl and Amadore as you can
see, they did quite well!  Such cuties.  I left Bridgey at home since it was sooo HOT!  Yikes! I didn't even get in the pool, it was just
too hot to be outside at all!  I did walk down to the little market and got myself this great sandwich for lunch.  It was called Village
Market.  The lady was really nice and made my sandwich to order. It's like a little market/deli.  Very nice if you're in the Adams
Square area of Glendale.

June 15 HAPPY FATHERS DAY!  I'm so happy my sister & nieces get to spend the day with my dad! I wish I could join them of
course, but our Dad's Day plans are at MALO.  Check out these pictures!  It's close by on Sunset and has a cool vibe about it.  I
LOVED my cocktail!! OMG! The best drink I think I've ever had! I'd go back to MALO just for the La Paloma!  Tequilla, grapefruit
juice and egg white! So refreshing and perfect for a warm day! I hate too sweet drinks so this was perfect! Thanks Malo for
making Dad feel special!  I tried the eggplant potato tacos.... interesting.  We went back to my sister J's for dessert fromn Porto's
of course!  Both Dads had a great day!  And so did we!  All these pictues link to my MALO page for more pictures.












La Paloma               Black Beas/Eggplant Potato Tacos        Chicken Tacos                                "Salsa Flight"                Porto's Yummies!
My trip to Union Station... Rode the Dash up to Union Station. Bought my ticket at the machine.  Took a few pictures.  This was a
weekday and the train was definitely full. It was so nice not to drive!  There is me and little one by the pool, picture by big girl!
July 13 - It's been hot hot hot!

My 4th of July pictures (such as they are!) are up.  Click on my picture for more. We had an awesome
pool and bbq day.   It was so nice to shop at Whole Foods, I have missed that badly!  We got 2 tri tips and
all the fixin's for a yummy feast.   I love bbq'ing and did an excellent job - if I do say so myself!  Everyone else
said so too!   Glendale is such a quick trip, it took us no more than 15 minutes - in my car!  We feasted on
the red white and blue pizza, pita and hummus, chips and salsa and spicy guacamole, olives....Grilled tri-tip
tacos with all the fixin's and our super "Banana Splits" OMG!! I want more     -     now!   It was really good and we were glad for the
leftover tri-tip and had sandwiches and tacos for a few days after.  I love these little like 5" corn tortillas, the perfect size.

7/11//08  Had lunch in Little Tokyo today. First trip to  Hibachi BBQ Korean Kitchen and had a great Teriyaki Salmon plate for $9.95!   
Perfect!  G man says
I need to make my yelps link
more prominent, so I added it
to the nav bar and also here!
I heart yelping.                 


         
 7/10/08 Panini is open! YEAH!! We can't wait to try it! stay tuned for my review!  FYI: No alcohol license as of today.




















 My dinner start to finish..... kind of a Mediterranean pasta over the spring greens.  Quite flavorful indeed!  Including capers,
kalmata olives, 2 kinds of tomato, zuchini, Parmesan, green onions and lots of lemon and lime juice.  A keeper!  I made G man a
version with less veggies and chicken breast and of course NO ONION.  He loved it.




















This was the scene outside our front door this morning.   I got "caught up" in the "mess" and had to wait to cross the street with
my bags from Ralphs.  You always feel a little strange and out of place in these situations, so I try and just scoot along as quickly
and unnoticed as possible..... which is impossible if I'm with Bridget!   I swear one day they wanted to put her to "work"!          
Looks like another new little spot the Fashion Cafe is opening inside the
FIDM/Renaissance building.  Let's hope it's something good.  It's a small space.
I noticed a panini press and what looked like and ice cream scooping station.....
I'm going to try and get the "scoop"!   What is up with that PastaGina and Quiznos
on Hope that are taking FOREVER to open... not that I plan on going to either, but
what in the world?!?! I swear they've been working on them for a year.
Panini was re-constructed, designed and open in a matter of months!















Bridget's Meal.... all homemade... fresh veggies, some raw, some steamed
roasted chicken and flax meal.  Yes, she eats like this every day.  I enjoy fixing her
food and she lovesssss eating it!  We made her this "toy" from an old pair of jeans, just cut off a leg
and tied it in a knot. She loves it.

















Although it's been hot, I love soup!  I made this fabulous "Cream" of
Asparagus Soup with soy milk.  Stay tuned for the recipe.... I know I wrote
it down somewhere.....!  homemade croutons too!  really fresh and flavorful.
July 16  Today I received my annual CORN bounty!!! Thank you so much to my friend in Nebraska!  This corn is soooo sweet!  I'll be
making lots of corn recipes this week! The corn was picked yesterday morning and received today!  I should host a
corn bbq party on the 5th floor! Anyone interested? Thank you again for thinking of me and my family. xoxo.

Yes, it’s true! I have an international readership! A childhood friend found me all the way in Norway!
And my French friend from Quiksilver found me too! YEAH!! So, there are people reading from as close to
next door to as far as all the way around the world!   We got the funnest surprise BBQ gift from our best friend in SC.
Thank you so much!  We’re going to have a new member of the “family” very soon.  We’re so excited for you…..
decided to move back yet??!?

Did anyone watch Greatest American Dog?!? OMG!!! We LOVED it. Of course we are rooting for Tillman, the bulldog.


Fashion Café coming to South Park        
Today Bridget and I got the opportunity to chat with Erol, one of the owners of The Fashion Café. Click to read my entire story at
Angelenic.

                                   Fashion Café #105 in the Renaissance Tower building.  Olympic and Hope.


















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   We watched Rick Bayless' Mexico One Plate at a Time and tried his excellent, simple marinade on G's NY steak.  It's one can of
Roasted green chilies (He used fresh), olive oil, lemon juice and roasted garlic!  Really tasty!  It was a big mild for these huge NYers
though, he used like carne asada style thing cut steak.   We used the marinade the next night on Chicken Breasts and it was super
good.  Also as a dip/dressing for the chicken.














      The marinade                                                                Marinading                                                                    The finished product
Previous Posts - more good stuff!
July 18 - TGIF!!!  We actually have "June Gloom" this morning.  It's nice and cool in the loft at 8am. Usually it's already hot since the sun
comes right in in the mornings.  Bridget is even still sleeping!!  YEAH,  I can get something done!   I've had 2 nights of the most sweet,
succulent CORN ever!! OMG! Wow! This corn is soooo good!  We're going to grill some up tonight, that should be fun and tasty!  Check
out all the Nebraska corn I received as a gift, the picture is below.  Corn Bounty!  LOVED The Greatest American Dog again last night!  A
really well done show and the dogs are so entertaining!  Especially Tillman the bully - poor guy got bit by the Jack Russell!  Bridget's
been bit once too, by a little Yorkie, it's always the small ones.  He just came up and nipped her ear! It was really scary for me and she
still has a scar on her ear.  Bulldogs are so gentle and loving.  I just love her to death! Maybe she can meet Tillman one day!? Playdate!

Yesterday, for lunch, me and G tried new fries at Carl's.  Mmmmmm they were really good.  Like El Pollo Loco's fries.  Very crispy, super
hot, not too salty and really flavorful. Of course this was a treat, we shared a small and even left a few!   I'd better get back on that
treadmill soon!  Here is a photo of the CJ's fries.  
We went to the CJ's by the mart.  It's funny because I told G all the years
I worked at the Mart, I never went to CJ's.  He couldn't believe that! He'd go
every day if he could I think!  He gets the BBQ Chicken sandwich, which is
the one thing he can order as is, he doesn't have to say, "no onion, no mayo",
it comes without o or mayo!  And it's on a whole wheat bun.  It's a huge
sandwich.  I got the Famous Star, no cheese,no sauce, no mayo.  Sure cured
my burger craving!  Nothing fancy, but we had fun together people watching at CJ's.



If anyone caught the View yesterday, it was pretty crazy!  Whoopi went off on Elizabeth (who I can't stand) about how they live in "different
worlds".   Elizabeth doesn't understand why/how black people can use the "N" word and white people can't.  It sounds stupid to even
type out those words.  I just can't believe Elizabeth would have the nerve to argue with Whoopi!  I know I don't usually write my opinion,
but this really got to me, to watch Whoopi say the word (on the VIEW!!) like 5 times!  I wonder how much longer Elizabeth can stay
employed by the View.  I hope her end is near. I felt so bad for their guest, Jane Seymour, it was pretty brutal.  I found
this article, but I
wonder if anything will be said on air today.... any apologizes, or more understanding.

We're looking forward to the weekend.  G's had a long (and productive) work week.  We're going to try and hit the Grand Opening
tomorrow of the Vista Hermosa Park.  I've been watching them build for the last year and am hoping hoping hoping it is a Dog Friendly
park.  Construction actually started over 10 ago.... It's part of the Belmont School project.  The school looks good and like it should open
in the Fall.   We have to drive to the park, but it's closer than the Cornfield or Echo park.

We really don't do movies, but the Dark Knight might be worth seeing in the theater!  Especially if it's at Arc Light.  I like that theater.

I caught Bandit getting into Bridget's Oats!  This cat doesn't like anything!! And he wants oats?  He doesn't eat fish, chicken or turkey.  
The only things we've discovered he likes are WATER (sits in the sink and waits for it to be turned on), butter, sour cream, olives!,
avocado, mango, hagen daz vanilla AND now OATS?!? I'll try giving him some that is actually cooked and see what he does!

Click here for a movie of Bandit!












                      


                                The Captain of Oat Banditry!                                       Bridget knows those are for her!

Speaking of Bridget, she just woke up, so it's time to fix her foodies.  Yesterday I made her a big batch of brown rice, chicken
thighs and livers and tons of veggies, so now I just scoop and serve!  Happy Happy Bully!  Have a great day!!!
First new park in downtown area since 1895!! Before the opening Dedication Ceremony, we were warmly greeted by Marichi music,
Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy members, LAPD, Highway Patrol, Paramedics and Local Government officials who all help
make our community what it is.  I had the opportunity to talk to a gorgeous gentlemen from Gloria Molina’s office, we shared how much
this development means to the neighborhood and the people.  He even took a picture of Bridget.  Bridget was the first dog and she
enjoyed sniffing around.  We did run into a rather rambunctious Chihuahua that kept barking and barking at her, but Bridget never
minded him.  I also had the opportunity to speak with Jeff from the Conservancy, he was thrilled with the turn out and encouraged me to
bring Bridget back.  Bridget was the star of the day and wanted those soccer balls BAD!



















                        Bridget and I speaking with Jeff                                                                        My snazy new visor!

The park features clean drinking water, green roofs, a large soccer field with synthetic turf, waterfall/grotto, children’s adventure area
and an interlocking system of trails with wildlife habitats.  The park is spread out, easily accessible with open space and fresh and
organic landscaping that enhances the surrounding neighborhood.

The Master of Ceremony (Joseph T. Edmiston, FAICP, Executive Director Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy) led us in the pledge of
allegiance followed by the introduction of Anthony Morales (Chari, Gabrieleno/ Tongva Tribal Council) who blessed the park with white
sage and a traditional invocation.  Then the Belmont High ROTC and Bagpiper Danny were presented.  Danny grew up in the L.A. area
and blows a nice bagpipe!  
Click here or my picture below for more pictures and info about the park!


















                                        BRIDGET WAS THE FIRST DOGGIE! SHE HAD A GREAT TIME AND CAN'T WAIT TO GO BACK!
July 30 -        This morning I am off to FIDM for the Alumni/Student event.  I'm looking forward to it and dug out my old FIDM bag
  CRAZY Earthquake yesterday!  I had just gotten home from Ralphs.  The loft really shook!  It was a little scary because it was
long!  Bridget and Bandit did great and I was glad when it was over!  Haven't felt an earthquake in a long long time!


  It looks like Erol is getting closer to opening the FASHION CAFE.  I'll check in with him today and report back.  We can't wait for it
to open!
                                                                                                                                  We went and saw THE DARK KNIGHT on Saturday.  It was       
                                                                                                                                very entertaining and I love Christian Bale!  I didn't see the        
                                                                                                                                first Batman with him, so I'llhave to check that out.  We             
                                                                                                                                went to Arclight and did lunch at Gus' BBQ in South                     
                                                                                                                               Pasadena after.  I'll post pictures from our lunch later on.  I       
                                                                                                                               also have some recipes and food pictures so check back          
                                                                                                                               tomorrow!! Have a great day, I'm off to FIDM!!