Adventure/Home & Food/Life

Pure Americana

Posted on by Jeanine / 4 Comments
bi parage

The parade starts with the singing of the National Anthem

As I sit on my bed reading the NY Times this morning (it’s Sunday…even though you’re reading this on Wednesday) …have I mentioned how much I love Sunday morning?….the activity out on Marine Ave starts to come alive! The annual Balboa Island parade doesn’t start until 11, but the excitement outside my window is palpable. Children squealing, chairs lining the street since last night, balloons and speakers being set up. After a few mic checks…and halfway through my reading of the Times….I hear “What a Wonderful World” blaring over the loud speakers and I’m kind of overcome with emotion. Wow, this is so schmaltzy, corny Americana…and I LOVE IT!!

IMAG4254

The theme this year was Anchors Away!

IMAG4246

IMAG4243

USC cheerleaders and marching band made an appearance

IMAG4235

swing dancing in the streets

IMAG4231

one of the many “dog” category entries

IMAG4259

Mr. Irrelevant, Gerald Christian, made an appearance

I went to a party up in my old/new ‘hood last night to say farewell to the amazing Habing family as they begin their journey back to their hometown and family in Florida. They will be missed. It was such a fun, warm (as in loving & warm) party that only that neighborhood can convey. As I’ve said before…a little piece of Shangri-La!

zig zag girls

So, as I leave this week for my son’s wedding, I am very emotional about how lucky I am, to have an amazing, beautiful wedding celebration to look forward to with family and friends…and so grateful for the this past weekend…old friends and new and the experiences past and yet to come. Bring it on!!

IMAG2868

We’re celebrating the union of these two fabulous people this weekend!

You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!

 

Home & Food/Life

Invite People Over This Weekend!

Posted on by Jeanine / 4 Comments

peonies.roses.hydrangea2I love entertaining and have continued doing so in the small spaces I’ve occupied these past three years….not so much in this little place the past year, but I’ve had the privilege of using my sister’s home down the street to entertain when I wanted/needed to. I get so much joy from making new recipes (or old?), setting the table and sharing my space with those I cherish, whether family or friends.

I think a lot of people have become intimidated by Martha Stewart and her grandiose way of entertaining and feel that they don’t live up to people’s expectations, and therefore don’t entertain….which is so sad. I, too, have a couple of Martha’s books, which are fine and have some great recipes, but one of my favorite entertaining/cookbooks that I’ve had for many, many years is called Effortless Elegance by Colin Cowie, a Hollywood event planner (out of print, but you can find used copies on ebay, etc.) (If you do need an event planner check out my friend (owner of Coast Concierge,) Rena’s book about entertaining titled “The WOW Factor”…she’s an amazing entertainer and event planner!) In his book, Cowie enthusiastically shows you how to entertain with ease and really enjoy your guests. One of the things that stuck with me from his book, even though he’s a hoity toity event planner to the stars, is that he says people just want to be invited over and enjoy your company, to which I say “AMEN.”. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect! He continues…if you hate baking there’s a bakery or store where you can just buy dessert. …or if you don’t have time to fuss, there’s a party idea that can come together in an hour. Heck, just have pizza or Chinese food delivered and enjoy the company of your friends and/or family. Pizza Monday is all about throwing ingredients on the counter and having everyone make their own…nothing fancy about it!

pizza counter

My parents were very relaxed entertainers and always insisted that nobody get up and start cleaning dishes when everyone was finished eating. They might bring the plates over to the kitchen sink, but would sit back down and enjoy the people that they took the time to prepare a meal for. It wasn’t about the meal per se, it was about sharing their home and hearts with their friends, relaxing and chatting after their appetites satiated. Apparently I was paying attention, because that’s the way I like to entertain. Okay, I hate doing the dishes, but I just leave them in the sink and do them in the morning, or load the dishwasher after everyone leaves. Unless you have the threat of rodents or ants, the dishes aren’t going anywhere and will be happy to be cleaned in the morning if you’re too tired. I have many friends who like having the dishes done, which is totally understandable (…and I’m not judging) and can be a fun thing to do while chattering away in the kitchen helping one another get things in order…assuming you’re kitchen isn’t isolated from your guests.

6.26.12

Besides the company of my guests, my favorite part of having a party is setting the table. I love a theme! ….but in the end I’m setting that table to enjoy the company of those I love. Invite your friends or family over this weekend and enjoy their company!

Thanksgiving 2011 090[1]

Thanksgiving 2011 123[2]

You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!

Home & Food/Life

In the Company of Men

Posted on by Jeanine / 3 Comments

Let me start by saying how much I LOVE my daughter, sisters, soon to be daughter-in-law, girlfriends…and all the women in my life in general (miss you Mom!) They’ve held me up & supported me. We’ve listened to each other, laughed and cried together and I don’t know how I’d survive without them! .…..BUT

man woman symbol

A few weeks ago I had two fun opportunities…a Duffy ride around Newport Harbor with a few couples and having cocktails with my brother-in-law and his two long-time friends (shout out to the two Michaels!) These two experiences…along with others in the past few years…have made me realize how much different it is to be in the company of men. The banter is different! It’s not better or worse, but, for me, it’s fun and interesting to see and hear that difference of opinion, that difference in a guys take on things, that difference in their humor. I’ve lived alone now for three and a half years, and as I said earlier, have been held up by the women in my life, but it’s also made me really appreciate the times I get to spend with men….and it’s just friends I’ve known for a long time, nothing romantic about it. Sure Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus , (okay some dispute that assertion), and their differences are definitely worth studying in order to understand and relate to one another more clearly as couples (hindsight is always 20/20 right?), but merely being in the company of men has made me truly appreciate and enjoy our differences. Not that I didn’t appreciate it before, but I’ve definitely taken more notice of it….as I’ve had less of those interactions.

firepit

I still think that if I meet someone it will be organically…because I’m pretty sure I’ll never go as far as this girl to find that special person (never say never, as my mom always said) but she sure is a determined one!!

Of course, I relish and look forward to future events with family and friends….and especially the camaraderie and community of my old neighborhood where there will be more parties and occasions that include some really great men….and their awesome wives, whom I love!

I’m going to garage sales looking for treasures for my new/old home this weekend with the girls in the ‘hood! ….and I’ll also try to get to this little lighthouse treasure (below) in Laguna Beach too if I get a chance (thanks to Linda for finding it!) Wishing all of you a fabulous weekend!

laguna lighthouse

You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!

Home & Food

The Earth Laughs in Flowers…Ralph Waldo Emerson

Posted on by Jeanine / 4 Comments
IMAG0481
Trader Joes peonies are finally in!

I was looking through some pictures on my phone and realized I had a lot of floral arrangement pics…some my own and some random ones taken in various places (I can’t believe I don’t have any of my sister-in-law, Ann’s, amazing arrangements…she’s been a floral designer for over 30 years) When I see a beautiful arrangement I just have to capture it…although sometimes my photography skills can’t quite capture their beauty! The only thing is, what do you do with a picture of a floral arrangement? You share them of course!! Happy Weekend to you! ….Oh…and if you haven’t seen Pitch Perfect 2 go this weekend…fun movie!! Enjoy….

IMAG4142

IMAG4140

IMAG4056

IMAG4057

side view..asparagus wrapped vase

IMAG2367

janines'floral2

IMAG2736

Succulent beach garden by my friend Elaine

IMAG3296

IMAG2918

IMAG2367

IMAG3324

Christmas rose arrangement by Mare

IMAG2306

Flowers and shells…a perfect combo

You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!

Adventure/Home & Food/Life

You Can Go Home Again!!

Posted on by Jeanine / 16 Comments

I’m going back to this welcoming, red, dutch door

I write this blog because I love to write, it’s fun, and most importantly to me, to share and leave memories, thoughts, philosophies, daily affirmations, etc… not only for me (cause I don’t remember anything!), but for my kids and my future grand-kids. I started writing in a journal a little over three years ago and here are some random thoughts on my three year journey…

Leaving Tustin, July 2012…I didn’t want to live alone with memories…too much space, too sad…knowing that some of them would not live on…but I LOVED that home!
IMAG0960

Diamond, Balboa Island, July, 2012…it was a cocooning experience that enveloped me and, although sad and confusing at times, gave somewhat a feeling of relief of not living up to someone else’s expectations of who I should be. I was in a cute small space surrounded by the pictures and memories that I loved…and a little outdoor space to entertain in. My friend, Mac, said “it’s like a little Paris apartment!” It was isolating being in the back, above the garage, but I took my beach chair & book down to the beach almost every day to escape the isolation and be part of the balboa island community…walking everywhere, like a small city. My mom moved in 2 doors down…I got to see her every day for two months, which was such a gift…and I loved my landlady, Margaret. Margaret and my mom went on a few outings together…a movie and bridge at the local yacht club. My mom passed away…and then Margaret passed away a few months later…surreal, but somewhat of a bonding between our two families. Lots of laughs and memories on our first mother’s day without them.

zpfile001

The Cottage

zpfile002

Amazing View

zpfile000 angela

Cabrillo, Lido Peninsula, July 2013…So happy to have a place to call my own…decorate and have room for both my kids. Amazing view, amazing space…just perfect, even if a bit small…. ….but there were other plans for me! I didn’t know it at the time, but my last dinner party would be my book club meeting for “Boys in the Boat” on Tuesday, August 14, 2014. On Wednesday morning I spent some time on my computer researching a property tax law that had been looming over my head & pertained to my impending 55th birthday in 2015. So…after my research it was clear…I needed to move back to my HOME in Tustin. There was a real estate bubble in my cute cottage neighborhood for a very short time. I put it on the market, it sold before it was even listed and I made a very nice profit in the year I was there.

IMG_1765

Downsizing…again

IMAG2528

Marine, Balboa Island, Sept 2014..I literally had less than 10 days to find a place (contingencies had to be lifted on Cabrillo and closing was soon after). I checked with my realtor from my days on Diamond and there was a studio, with garage, above my friend’s bookstore. I didn’t think I wanted to do a year lease (since I’d be moving in July) but I didn’t have much time and realized I could use the garage for storage..and save that money. Win Win! This place is small, but has been easy to live in (once I moved the furniture around). I love the light, the intoxicating smell of garlic from the neighboring restaurant, the grunt of the sea lions in the distance & the voices of the community I can hear outside my window….and coincidentally it’s owned by the same landlords as my original BI apartment on Diamond.

Six weeks until I call this “HOME” again

BACK HOME AGAIN, Tustin, July 2015….AAAAHHH! Time heals all wounds, they say. When I left three years ago it was for many reasons and I truly thought I would not, and could not mentally, ever go back…at one point I even asked my tenants if they’d like to buy it. Thank God they said “no”! I am counting the days ’til I return to this unmatched suburban paradise. My neighbors and I have watched our children grow, gone on numerous vacations together, supported each other through some really crazy times and just loved hanging out. A new influx of younger families has moved in and rejuvenated the streets with the same activities that our kids enjoyed. Okay, as one neighbor put it, “it can be a little stepford at times”…but really an unbelievable shangri-la. I can’t wait to spend the summer back HOME, with parties on the lawn, mahjong within walking distance again and a feeling of security….with the added bonus of my daughter and future son-in-law living with me for awhile. The new wall-words that will go up “…in the end a beach house is just a state of mind” and from my Dublin friend, Gina, this Irish proverb ”N├¡l aon tinte├ín n├í do thinte├ín f├®in” which literally means ‘there’s no hearth like your own hearth’ or translated “no place like home”…Perfect!!

IMAG3192

New artwork for my Tustin “beach-house”

It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters,
in the end.”…Ernest Hemingway
(thanks to cest christine for this quote)

You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!

Home & Food/Life

Food Porn and Chef’s Table

Posted on by Jeanine / 4 Comments

Food Porn….Wright Cooking

closet cooking

Closet Cooking

Okay…I put “Food Porn” in the title to get your attention, but I do have an insatiable appetite for pics of well photographed and styled food. I love the “still life” feeling of them and the desire to either make the dish being photographed or immediately get on a plane to go to a restaurant in a distant city…and maybe one just down the road. Some of my favorite Instagram-ers of food porn are Wright Kitchen (pic above), Closet cooking (amazing recipes on this site) and S.Gurrity, one of my favorites!…check them out!

chefs table

Speaking of food, I just stumbled upon an awesome new series on Netflix called Chef’s Table! It was created by David Gelb, most notable for producing Jiro Dreams of Sushi…another must see documentary. At first I just thought I’d like it because they were talking about food, chef’s, recipes and restaurants. Wow, was I wrong! My plan was to binge watch the six one-hour episodes, but I’ve only watched two of them, because now I kind of want to savor the experience. The first in the series is focused on Chef Massimo Bottura, mossimothe chef/owner of Osteria Francescana, a three-Michelin star restaurant in Modena, Italy. Osteria Francescana was named one of the S. Pellegrino 50 best restaurants in the world in 2014. It was interesting to hear about his life and the history of how he became a chef from watching his mother cook and hiding under his grandmother’s kitchen table to escape his brother. But the most fascinating part of this episode, to me, was how he created a recipe that saved the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, where he grew up, from financial ruin after a devastating earthquake in May 2012. The earthquake destroyed millions of pounds/wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The President of the Parmigiano-Reggiano Consortium (who knew there was such a title?) came to Massimo asking for help. Massimo created a recipe titled “Risotto Cacio e Pepe” using a unique method of simmering the cheese in water to make parmesan broth, separating it into layers and then using the different layers to cook risotto into a unique, creamy, one-of-a kind, irresistible dish (it’s quite a process.) He publicized the recipe and every noteworthy restaurant around the world wanted to make it. The restaurants bought up all of the wheels of cheese, no jobs were lost and no cheese-maker went out of business in Modena. What a great story about the power of food and how it can unify people and save a whole city/region in the process. I loved hearing the rest of his family story too, but you’ll just have to watch it for yourself.

Osteria Francescana

Dan Barber, the Executive Chef and co-owner of Blue Hill at Stone Barns.

Dan Barber, the Executive Chef and co-owner of Blue Hill & Blue Hill at Stone Barns.

The second episode is about Dan Barber, the chef at Blue Hill Restaurant in Manhattan and Blue Hill at Stone Barns in the Hudson Valley. This guy is PASSIONATE about bringing back farming and eating to it’s roots…now, fashionably, known as farm-to-table. He takes it to new heights! He supports good agriculture and good farming…meaning that a farm (he works with many) should work as a small self-sustaining, or inter-connected, unit that can sell their pure product to him, and other, restaurants. It’s kind of hard to explain, but, for instance, they feed some of their free roaming chickens a kind of red pepper puree and the result is a “red pepper egg,” red yolkwhich is quite a unique item to offer to restaurants. The farms rotate crops, raise animals humanely and offer the milks, cheeses and crops from their farms to restaurants. Barber also has an interesting story and ponders whether being a restaurateur and inviting people to eat at the table is his attempt to fill the void left by the death of his mother when he was only four. Again, you’ll have to watch to hear the rest of his very focused, obsessive relationship with food. I like this quote from him after a big catering mishap in his early years as a chef, “Failure is very important. It introduces you to an idea that you never want to return to.”

blue hill restaurant

 

blue hill stone barn

Blue Hill at Stone Barn

Bon Appetit!!

You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!