We can learn something from Cats.
Here’s to a comfortable weekend!
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Category: Girl Who Would be King
The brochure perfectly describes it. Ocean sunsets, sheep filled pastures, rocking chairs and award winning grounds. Piles of pillows and a cozy fire. Serenity and Relaxation.
On my side trip to Carmel I was taken to the charmingly historic Mission Ranch, one of the most spectacular spots on the Monterey Peninsula. It is a sight to behold with meadows stretching to the south which join the wetlands and Carmel River Beach. The exquisite views are unrivaled. Point Lobos, a scenic coastal natural reserve featuring a variety of sea life, wildlife, hiking trails and a whaling museum can be seen in the distance across the bay. Mission ranch is a place unto itself but close enough to the town of Carmel-by-the sea. You might just want to stay put because there’s also a great restaurant with a view and nightly live piano bar. On Sundays their live jazz brunch was voted “best brunch” by local newspapers.
A little history:
In the 1850’s, the property became one of the first of the early California dairies. The creamery, which supplied the county with cheese and butter, now houses the restaurant. The barns were used for hay and milking. The ranch has had some 17 owners.
The Ranch now encompasses 22 acres. Originally it consisted of 160 acres and was owned by Juan Romero, a Native American who is believed to have lived in the village next to the Carmel Mission. In 1852 he deeded the property to William Curtis, a Monterey storekeeper, for $300. The Martin family, who owned the Ranch for 60 years, also farmed potatoes for the Sierra gold miners.
The Ranch operated as a private club, an officers’ club for the Army and Navy during World War II. At that time the windows were occasionally blackened against a possible Japanese landing. It had a rollicking reputation, with dance bands and a lively bar scene.
In 1986 Clint Eastwood bought the Ranch, rescuing the property from an impending fate as a condominium development. Once again, Dirty Harry to the rescue! He sought out the best craftsmen for renovation, who have replicated moldings, door frames and hardware to match the style of the original buildings. Each structure reflects a different architectural period: from the 1950’s feel of the restaurant and dance barn, to the century old Martin farmhouse.
The one time Bunkhouse is the oldest structure on the Ranch. It’s nestled among historic cypress and eucalyptus trees, as well as newly planted gardens, which adorn the entire Ranch.
Sure beats the old bar he used to own in Carmel “Hog’s Breath Inn” although I’m told the artichoke soup is to die for.
Can’t wait to go back.
What makes Summer so special besides sunshine, picnics at the beach & BBQ?
A beautiful white lace cover up which can go everywhere and looks super chic on everyone. The pom-pom detail all along the front is kinda special and fun.
A chic straw bag. This black and white is timeless and roomy enough to carry all essentials. Very St. Tropez. Bonus: it’s also collapsable which makes it a perfect travel companion.
Little Extras: Playful and Glamorous fringe earrings. A multi-purpose beach, picnic, pool blanket – a travel must have. Something you can roll up in your beach bag for a quick getaway.
All in the Rachel Zoe Summer Box of Style. Once again; it’s always fresh, fashionable and never disappointing.
You can order yours here:
Images: from website
How many ways to cook wild salmon? I can count the ways. Here’s a good one:
White Wine and Herb Poached Wild Salmon for two.
Incorporating three of the things I love most: wine, herbs and salmon.
1 salmon fillet, skinned & debonned, about 1 lb (½ lb for each)
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup water
1 lemon, sliced
6 sprigs fresh sage
salt & pepper
Check salmon fillet for any pin bones, taking care to remove with tweezers. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside. In a large nonreactive skillet, place lemon slices and herbs. Pour in wine and water and bring to a boil over high heat. When boiling, add salmon on top of lemons and herbs, reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook, about 10 minutes. Check doneness – if fish is firm and opaque, remove from skillet and drain on paper towels. Set aside until ready to serve.
Warm Brussel Sprout and Haricot Vert Salad
1/2 lb french green beans, trimmed
1/2 lb brussel sprouts, cleaned and shredded roughly with a mandolin or a very sharp knife
1 shallot, sliced
1 tbs butter
salt & pepper
In a skillet over medium high heat, warm butter until melted. Add green beans and shallot. Season generously with salt and pepper and cook until green beans are just tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add Brussel sprouts, tossing thoroughly until combined. Set aside until ready to serve.
Sage Aioli
makes 1 cup
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/4 cup sage
2 tbs dijon mustard
1 egg
2 tbs lemon juice
3/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper
In a food processor, pulse to combine garlic, sage, egg and mustard, about 10 seconds. While food processor is running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until incorporated, about 2 minutes. Add lemon juice, season generously with salt and pepper and pulse to combine, about 10 seconds.
To serve, plate Brussel sprout & haricot vert salad, top with salmon fillet and top with a spoonful of aioli.
*The original recipe called for 1 cup of canola oil and 2 Tablespoons of olive oil. You can decide.
Is canola oil healthy?
Quality canola oil is on par with some of the healthiest oils out there. Canola oil is higher in anti-inflammatory omega-3s than most vegetable oils, which may help reduce your risk of inflammatory illnesses like heart disease and cancer. Like olive oil, canola oil also contains a boatload of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. In the kitchen, canola has a mild flavor and relatively high smoke point, making it a versatile cooking oil and safe at high heats. Since cold-pressed oils can spoil more quickly than others, they should be stored in dark bottles and refrigerated to ensure freshness.
Bottom Line: Some conventional canola oils are questionable, but you can avoid the dangers and reap the heart-healthy benefits by choosing a quality expeller-pressed or cold-pressed oil that’s also organic or non-GMO.
original recipe at: http://abetterhappierstsebastian.com
Wild Wild Horses
These ethereal images of horses running amok are from an annual wild horse event in Duelmen, Germany.
Isn’t it a sight?
I herd about this beautiful show and found it hauntingly intriguing. It would make a gorgeous painting.
A new month, another weekend. Let the fun begin.
Inspired by nature; anything that incorporates that into my beauty routine which actually works, is a plus and makes me feel better.
Spotlight on Alert Eye Cream from Lavido – based in the heart of the Galilee.
I started using this product two months ago after reading up on it. It had great reviews and I ran out of the eye cream I was using. This delicate, water-based eye cream was touted as a miracle-worker spiked with plant-based hyaluronic acid and a complex of antiaging natural oils to fight puffiness, dark circles and fine lines. Also good under makeup. I was sold and they in turn got another sale.
What it is: a lightweight hydrosol water-based cream, formulated with plant-based hyaluronic acid, cold-pressed avocado and pomegranate seed oils, rose hip and citrus extracts. Supposed to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and is clinically proven to show significant improvement in skin hydration, texture, firmness and elasticity.
The beginning: Made in Israel by herbalist Ido Magal who established Lavido in 2003 in the Galilee Valley, inspired by childhood memories of tending her grandmother’s organic garden. A nice little story.
The Sea of Galilee has a reputation of mythic proportions. Since time immemorial, the Sea of Galilee has provided sustenance, fresh water, and a living for all the peoples that have settled in the area. Many are aware of its history, but far fewer know that the Sea of Galilee’s sweet waters and thermal hot springs, all fed by the Jordan and Yarmouk rivers, have been used since Roman times for their healing and recuperative powers.
Find out more at: https://www.lavido.com
Not only for little girls. Women are wearing pretty pastels on trend for Spring + Summer. They’re soft and feminine. They look like…
But that doesn’t mean giving up on brights and neutrals. Of course not. You can make room for a pleasing little pastel hit here and there and not feel like you’re going to an Easter parade. Personally lilac is my favorite with soft yellow a close second.
But for ice cream in general I love a good pistachio.
If you want to just play try a pastel eyeshadow for starters. Puts the fun in fashion.
Goes well with a tan.
What’s your favorite pastel?
AHA…Another healthy alternative. This one for rice.
I’m sure you’ve seen it on many a menu of late. If you haven’t made it already I urge you to try it. It’s simple and you can serve it up pretty much any way you would with regular rice. Just add garnish.
Among its advantages: It’s made from one of the healthiest cruciferous vegetables you can get, so it’s loaded with nutrients including fiber, vitamins C, K and B6, and potassium. Cauliflower has 25 calories per cup vs. 218 for a cup of cooked brown rice.
Directions:
- To make the cauliflower rice, break up the florets and pulse cauliflower in the bowl of a food processor until it resembles rice, about 2-3 minutes; set aside.
- One example: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger and white pepper; set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a medium skillet over low heat.
- Add the cauliflower, and stir to combine. Stir frequently, until the cauliflower has softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.Spoon the cauliflower into a large serving bowl, pour sauce over top. Serve warm.
You can gently stir fry or sauté with it using in place of rice for paella or risotto or just mixed with other vegetables. Cauliflower is like a chameleon – it will change it’s flavour depending on how you use it. It’s not as boring as it looks.
Top 8 Health Benefits of Cauliflower
- Helps Reduce Cancer Risk.
- Fights Inflammation.
- Decreases Risk for Heart Disease and Brain Disorders.
- Provides High Levels of Vitamins and Minerals (Especially Vitamin C and Vitamin K)
- Improves Digestion and Detoxification.
- Aids in Weight Loss.
- Helps Balance Hormones.
- Preserves Eye Health.
Have you tried it?
What the World needs NOW
I know I’ve posted the above quote before, but I love the image and the message is obvious. And after watching the royal wedding in my p.j’s from the comfort of my sister’s sofa, it became so clear. Meghan Markle now known as the duchess of Sussex is the role model referred to in the message. She’s already begun to shake things up and put her markle on the world and is destined to make a difference. You go girl!
There is no woman alive who does not live for a happy ending.
Here’s to Love & Modern Day Fairy Tales.
