CELEBRATE THE LOVE

Love is in the air my friend's, whether you are celebrating Valentine's Day, a friends birthday or any occasion, it's always an excellent idea to connect with each other and enjoy the journey. We are all  busy bees, organizing our lives, our jobs, families, but the benefits that are derived from dedicating time to celebrating with your friends is just plain ole 'good for the soul'

 The truth is... women hanging with a group of women is just downright fun. And who doesn’t love a good laugh... Cindy brought us all together in her lovely home for our friend's birthday celebration, and a little walk down memory lane...

No matter how old you are, walking into a room filled with balloons puts a smile on your face, and right away you feel like celebrating. Thank you Dr. Balloon for your dependable service in a days notice.

Hsiu-Yen makes her signature Tequila & Fresh O.J. Spicy Margarita / Fresh O.J. / Lemons- fresh off the lemon tree / Jalapeños  

"Cheers" to the Birthday Girl Pam - Salute to life, love, and friendship... 

Study's show that time spent with a group of your friends, from your physical health to your mental health, can lower stress, give you a boost of confidence, not to mention a surge in optimism that flows into all areas of your life. When gathered together, women open up and encourage each other, give support, share stories and appreciate the little things.

 

Cindy prepared a delicious Cesar Salad / A Favorite Quinoa  Salad / Baked Chicken / Whispering Angel Rosè / Thank you for the yummy meal!

 Enjoying another sunny day in L.A.

Laughter + Happiness +Love= Healthy Mind, Body & Spirit - An equation that works

You gotta love these whimsical circus candle holders!  Fun twist on blowing out your candles when you're over 40! From Glitter Ville Studios. Topperlino Chocolate Disc 

Seeing a smile on your friends face...priceless. Appreciation starts to come effortlessly as we age, and that is just one of the many gifts of growing wiser.

It's the best feeling to get excited when your friends are gathered together, and you realize the gift of Presence is the best gift we can give and receive.

Cookies from Bouchon / Chocolate Cake/  Homemade by: Cindy

Presents, roses, chocolate, rosé....laughter. Perfect way to start a Monday

A smile says it all...

We have been friends for over ten years now, and as mothers, friends, and women we have shared an incredible, and meaningful journey. Our time we spend together is not taken for granted, and we are all supportive of each other and share a common interest... Gratitude. Thank you to everyone here for this day in celebrating our friend, but most of all, our acceptance of each other and our journey to be the best person we can be...

Thank You- Cindy, Shannon, Hsiu-Yen, Pam, Linda, Lori, Carrie, and Jessica, 

* Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk           beside me and be my friend.   Albert Camus

CHICKEN INSPIRATION FROM ESTRELLA

Spending time in my kitchen represents creativity and joy. I work on my blog, arrange flowers, have my coffee in the wee hours, write down my visions and gratitude list, and most of all, our family enjoys yummy meals here, while Buster our dog chills on his cozy bed. On Sunday mornings, I look forward to checking out the food section and being inspired from beautiful photos and great chef recipes. Last weekend I read an article on Dakota Weiss, (Top Chef) from Estrella Restaurant, Located in West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard, right here in our hood.  I can't wait to experience Estrella!  in the meantime... I decided to give it a go in my own kitchen.  

 Inspired Dish from Dakota Weiss - Baked Chicken / Red & Yellow Beets / Spicy Red Cabbage / Walnuts / Yogurt / Edible Flowers/ FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon / William Yeoward China  / Take a look at Backyard Boss / Everything you need to know about edible flowers.

I am fortunate to have a Whole Foods five minutes from my home. The Prepared food section is the next best thing to home cooking, and soooo fresh. I really love the challenge of admiring photos of delicious foods, then attempting to recreate and make it my own. These beets are already prepared, I added red cabbage that I marinated in Rice Vinegar and a Habanero pepper to the red beets; it gives a real kick to the cabbage, and a vibrant color:  Crushed walnuts... Did you know that there is one nut that has more brain-enhancing essential Omega 3's than other nuts?  And it kinda looks like a brain...Yep it's the walnut.  Adding edible flowers from Backyard Boss gives a delicate and elegant touch to your dish. ( Marigolds add a peppery punch flavor)

Fage Greek Strained Yogurt / takes the place of sour cream,

The Kitchn.com  is my favorite chicken recipe, it's quick and flawless every time. I used a little  Mache Lettuce (known as corn salad)  to add a little green color. Why not find a photo of one of your favorite chefs, and add your own creative twist to their recipe. You can't make a mistake, only a mess and a tasty meal!  Presentation is a big part of the meal, taking the time to make your plate beautiful feels creative and looks fab. Enjoy your process, remember...your energy goes right into your meal that makes it's way into your body, along with those gathered at your table. I look forward to dining at Estrella, here in West Hollywood. Our city is abundant with incredible restaurants and top chefs. At least I get to be a creative chef in my own kitchen...and in my own mind.    

        ‎”This is my advice to people: Learn how to cook, try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun”-Julia Child

JOLI - TEA TIME

This holiday season take a little time for tea. For those early mornings or late afternoons, Joli mug with infuser is the perfect size for your desk or kitchen.  Joli means beautiful in French.

 The Rebuplic of Tea has some great options. While you're working on the computer you can become a bit entranced as the leaves blossom open to reveal their hidden surprises. There is something so calming while watching the bud unfold. The peach flavor is like biting into a fuzzy, ripe peach. Hermès Cup

Joli / Mug with Infuser / Great idea for a gift anytime of the year.

Teavana Peach blooming tea / Tea time and conversation with a friend is always a good idea. My dear friend Loretta gave this gift to me, and it's so nice to have my tea and think of Loretta and her generous heart. It always makes me smile... That's a wonderful gift.

Teas taste amazing, but take a look at all of their amazing benefits

“Writing is a job, a talent, but it's also the place to go in your head. It is the imaginary friend you drink your tea with in the afternoon.”  Ann Patchett

Thank you Loretta...

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