Grgich Hills Estate is pouring some of it’s old vine zinfandel from this Calistoga vineyard tomorrow. A limited production, but unfortunately it’s only for its members. Still a beautiful picture and with the prospect of a gorgeous weekend, a trip to the wine country might be a lovely outing. While you are there The French Laundry is 20 years old this year!
This article from HGTV features photos of 10 different bathrooms with examples of designs and flooring types. I loved the colors of this light grey tile, it gives the room a sophisticated, contemporary, elegant feel. Featured also in the article are examples of Pebble flooring, Exotic Marble, Various types of Ceramic Tiles, Bamboo flooring, River Rock and Concrete Tiles. Thought it was a great pictorial example of what’s out there if you are thinking of a bathroom remodel or new construction. Also consider the option of radiant heated floors, they are economical in the long run from an energy cost stand point and cozy on the feet at night when you have to get up!
http://www.hgtv.com/walls-doors-and-floors/8-flooring-ideas-for-bathrooms/pictures/page-4.html
1. Kick off the weekend right by hiding all things work and stress related. In other words on Friday night don’t go through the list of oh my god I’ve got to take care of ….start to think about things to do over the weekend that you love to get lost in…gardening, cooking, nesting, riding, etc.
2. Saturday morning indulgence. Now for some that might mean sleeping in or reading a great book in bed. Others might enjoy an early morning run, riding your bike to the ocean and surfing, hitting the golf tees with a hot coffee and a granola bar, setting off on a bike trek or getting to the barn with the early morning sunshine steaming from the rails of the turnouts. Whatever your “go to” passion is, indulging in it once a week is such a wonderful thing and tremendously rejuvenating. After all the first thing to do on Saturday morning should be what we work so hard during the week to enjoy.
3. Save up for Saturday treats. For me that would be a hot apple fritter! Who said once a week would kill you? Corned beef hash with poached eggs, chocolate milk oh – la – la’s, lox with bagels and cream cheese, pancakes with syrup…anything food related starts the day off with a smile for your tummy and makes your heart happy!
4. Schedule Serenity. Meditation…hmmm…maybe. A quiet walk on the beach, sitting in the sun and thinking about absolutely nothing but how lucky you are (no matter what is going on). Connecting with that little voice that pushes you through the rest of the week and making a deal with him or her to give you a break for 10 minutes! Seriously, leave me alone and let me relax.
5. Set a home-work boundary. It’s all right to schedule some work time in the late afternoon right before you have a glass of wine. That way you will keep it short because a new vintner’s special is waiting for the uncorking.
6. Pick a weekend high point. A project that will give you the sense of fulfillment once accomplished. Whether it’s planting a new garden, reorganizing the garage or cleaning the drawers in your closet. Sometimes it’s those little things that make you feel at peace with the rest of the world because you have cleaned your clutter and can start another day fresh and ready to go.
7. Cook a double dinner. I love to do this all the time. When I can make one meal and morph it into another I feel terrific. It’s like recycling, being green and saving money all in one dish! Who wouldn’t feel great when you can clean the refrigerator and eat something tasty at the same time.
8.Sunday evening checklist. All right now you’ve had your enjoyment for the weekend and you have to start gearing up for Monday morning. Whatever you need to do to psychologically prepare for the week, by Sunday late afternoon you need to kick it into gear. Papers ready for a meeting, suit pressed, shoes shined, appointments confirmed, emails returned (the ones you’ve been avoiding)…it’s time to check back in, gently! Get ready and then relax for the rest of the evening with a lovely family dinner and a great movie which moves us into….
9.Weekend closure. In our family it’s Sunday night dinner, which more often than not has been on the stove or in the oven all day. With smells that fill the home, for me it’s always a time to be thankful we have each other. Embracing the ups and the downs, the joys and the sorrows we come together this evening to share. We light the candles and sit down this night to remember how special we are to each other. And now with a full tummy, dishes done and movie ordered…we move into…
10. Set a positive intention for the week ahead. This one I was in total agreement with Laura. Before heading to bed on Sunday night, give a little thought to what you hope for in the coming week. Think of something positive to look forward to, plan to wear something new or fun to work and have every intention to enjoy and appreciate all that your life is!
If you would like to see her analysis, here is the link:
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23384643/list/10-Steps-to-a-Happier-Weekend w=300
It’s that time of year again. Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival, April 10 – 13. An epicurean and vintners event this four day extravaganza presented by Food & Wine, is host to Celebrity Chefs, Sommeliers and features 250 acclaimed Wineries. With tastings, cooking demonstrations and unique dining opportunities you will experience cutting edge culinary creations and wine pairings on one of the most gorgeous coastlines in California. Who could ask for more?
All pertinent information regarding cooking demonstrations, events, attending chefs and wineries are available on their website as well as lodging availability. The event is held at The Inn At Spanish Bay. http://www.pbfw.com/
Personally I would suggest staying off site. My favorite to go spot is The Mission Ranch Resort which has the intimacy of cottages nestled on 22 acres, 9 blocks south of the town of Carmel with the view of Point Lobos, the Carmel River and the Ocean. The Resort lends itself to an early morning run or walk on the beach, fabulous sunsets and peaceful accommodations. http://www.missionranchcarmel.com/
This photo of Mission Ranch is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Or you could head up the Carmel valley to the Bernardus Lodge which is a luxury resort featuring fine dining and stunning landscapes. With Spa and Salon services this resort provides restoration for the body and soul as well as the Winery and excellent cuisine. If it is a particularly overcast weekend Bernardus benefits from it’s location in the sun-belt part of the valley …almost a guarantee for warmth and relaxation. www.bernarduslodge.com
Photo Courtesy of Bernardus Lodge
Looking for a home and finding it incredibly frustrating? Statistics corroborate what you are actually experiencing. This time last year we had approximately 33% more homes on the market in San Mateo County than we have actively for sale now. The average list prices of new 2014 listings are 30% higher than they were this time of year 2013. Lack of inventory has contributed to our higher housing sale prices. Interestingly enough our highest sales volume of listing prices is between $2M and $3M. Which was a section of the real estate market, that had previously suffered from the downturn in the economy.
Having married into an old Los Angeles family I so appreciate the beauty and design of the old guard. There was something truly regal and majestic about Hollywood in its golden age. Optimized in the design and execution of John Goldwyn and Jeff Klein’s Hollywood cottage originally designed in 1951 by architect John Elgin Woolf. A proponent of Hollywood Regency style, Woolf created homes for a roster of stars, among them Errol Flynn, Judy Garland, Cary Grant, Bob Hope, and Mae West. Madeline Stuart remarkably added a new life to Woolf’s design by revitalizing this dwelling. Known for her eclecticism, Stuart worked with Jeff and John to recreate a Hollywood legacy.
With only a select few that will actually make it to Oscar’s Green room, I thought it was nice of AD to share with us David Rockwell’s interior design of this private room where the elite meet following their win!
My favorite is his transformation of a loading dock into a chic outdoor terrace!
Yesterday I made the best meat loaf ever!
Now I understand that everyone who loves meatloaf has their own version. It’s a dish, like other comfort foods, which must be recreated the way we remember our mothers’ made it. So some people like it wrapped in bacon, others prefer it drenched in tomato sauce or ketchup, some like it dense, others might prefer it permeated with onions. I’ve never, until now, created it to my liking so it’s never really been a go to dinner for me. But with the torrential rain, a roaring fire and a request from my husband for one of his favorite foods, I endeavored to create my version of meat loaf. It was sooo good I’m sharing it with you.
I served the meat loaf with roasted potatoes that I sliced almost all the way through to create a fan look, rubbed them with olive oil, lemon thyme and sea salt and roasted them on a baking sheet. In the same oven as the potatoes I roasted brussel sprouts that I tossed with olive oil and salt in a cast iron skillet. They all took the same amount of time to cook which made the timing of the dinner perfect! I made the meat loaf in individual sized loaves primarily because my daughter is a genius and she thought they would be cute! She was right, they were.
Just a note the leaner the beef you buy the less fat the meatloaf sits in while it cooks. I placed the meatloaves on parchment paper while they cooked in a 350 degree oven. The potatoes and brussel sprouts cooked at 400. Total cooking time for all 40 – 50 minutes depending on how accurate your oven is. Really a terrific meal…tonight meatloaf sandwiches on cracked wheat sourdough!
Furstman Family Meatloaf!
Ingredients:
3 lbs lean ground beef
1 tablespoon chopped, fresh chives, plus 1 teaspoon for the sauce
1 tablespoon chopped, fresh thyme leaves, plus 1 teaspoon for the sauce
1 tablespoon chopped, fresh Italian parsley, plus 1 teaspoon for the sauce
3 large eggs
1 1/3 cups finely ground Panko
1 T pesto
¼ c parmesan cheese
2/3 cup ricotta
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil
1/2 lb sliced mushrooms
1 large onion diced
2 cups beef stock
3 cloves of garlic
1/2 c red wine
2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Place the chives, thyme, parsley, eggs, Panko, ricotta, pesto, garlic, Parmesan, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
Heat a medium saute pan over medium-high heat add 1 T olive oil and when the oil is hot add the onions to the pan and cook until lightly browned. Remove onion from the pan and let cool. When the mixture is cool, incorporate with the other ingredients.
Add the meat to the mixture and gently blend the ingredients until everything is evenly mixed together but don’t mash it to pieces. Place a piece of parchment paper on a sheet pan. Shape the meat into a loaf. I like to make individual loafs about 5 inches by 3 inches. Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake 40 to 50. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
While the meatloaf is cooking sauté 1/2 lb of sliced mushrooms in 2 T of butter until they are nicely browned on the edges. Deglaze the pan with 1/2 c of red wine and reduce it until almost nothing is left. Add the broth and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until lightly thickened. Add 1 teaspoon of each of the chopped thyme, chives and parsley. If you prefer the sauce thicker, sprinkle in 1 T of flour whisking as you add to avoid lumps.
Serve the meatloaf with a spoonful or two of the mushroom herb sauce.
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23094825/list/Dream-Spaces–14-Fabulous-Indoor-Outdoor-Bathrooms w=300