Food Issues

This past weekend I went out to breakfast and ordered Eggs Benedict without the hollandaise sauce. The server looked at me like I was an idiot. Love the eggs, Canadian bacon & English muffins, but really dislike the thick, fattening, creamy sauce. Just what I like.

Made me think of other quirky food likes and dislikes I have.

French Onion Soup without the onions
Pecan Pie without the pecans
Any sort of tomato sauce without the actual tomatoes
Sun dried tomatoes but no regular tomatoes
Mandarin oranges but no other type of orange or OJ

Is that odd? Sure it is,  it it's what I like. But I dare you to be with me in public when I order the soup or the pie. You think the no hollandaise was bad...
:)

Another Napa Experience

Yesterday I crashed the Valentine's weekend of my dear friends Vanessa & Rudy on their 2nd day of a Napa weekend. Living less than 45 minutes from the heart of Napa valley has it's privileges.

Our first visit was Groth- new to me. Great experience. Walked away with a Sauvignon Blanc and a Cab. Next up was Silver Oak- always a winner.

Next up... Lunch. Goose & Gander. So yummy. Cheese, artisan cocktails and split burger with duck fat fries. Not really sure what that was, but good to eat.

Last 2 wineries were Flora Springs were I am a member and last was Alpha Omega. This one was an experience... Valet parking, waiting on a list for tasting.... But it was delicious. Most bottles more than $90 each. Worth it. Smooth (yes, I should like a wine snob. I am fine with that). 1 mixed bottle of Era for me. Putting that one away for a special time to come.

Ended the day with dinner at Bottega. Everything was fabulous. Shaved brussel sprout salad, short rib meatballs and warm doughnuts were my tops. Along with a bottle of Cakebread pinot noir- courtesy of Rudy & Vanessa.

About 9 hours of luxurious company, wines, driving through the valley and tasty food. Wow. I can never get enough of wine country.

Happy Heart Day

As a single gal, not a big fan of Valentine's Day. But I do like hearts. Especially candy versions.  Here is how my Heart day is going:

Work done
Left over pizza from Da Vinos
Red wine from Justin Winery
A Sprinkles cupcake (one of a dozen left on my doorstep)
Hart of Dixie & Fashion Police via DVR
Cuddling kitty
To bed early (so I can go to Napa tomorrow!)

I may be sadly single, but not that sad... Happy Heart Day from this single girly.

Reasons Why Grilled Cheese is So Cool

This started out as Why Grilled Cheese is Better Than A Boyfriend, which I figured is stupid, because  I want a boyfriend. But, grilled cheese is still amazing, so let's change it up and keep going.

Why is Grilled Cheese so cool?
Melted Cheese
Hot cheese
Gooey cheese
Cheese mixed with bread
Butter between cheese & bread
Grilled cheese makes me smile
Grilled cheese makes my tummy smile
Greasy, cheesy mess on my fingers
Licking cheese off my fingers
Grilled cheese makes my feel good
Grilled cheese makes me not feel lonely even when I eat it alone
Grilled cheese goes best with white wine
Is there anything bad about grilled cheese???

Shall I compare grilled cheese to cupcakes? Nah.
I think that does it. Is that cheesy or what? Now I'm hungry.

Sundance Part 2

Sundance Part 2 was just as superb as Part 1. The last weekend was Thursday evening through Sunday evening. More movies, meals and more!

Dinners at new restaurants- new experiences for me.
J&R Grille at The St Regis
The Farm at The Canyons
The Foundry Room at Sundance Resort
Prime Steakhouse on Main Street

The eggs Benedict with chorizo hash at brunch was amazing and the filet I had at Prime was honestly the best steak I remember ever having in my life. Yum! Really, really delicious Park City meals. I highly recommend he steaks at Prime.

All movies were pretty good too.
Low Down (drama)- pretty decent
Camp X-ray (drama)- excellent
They Came Together (comedy)- super funny
The One I Love (drama & comedy)- pretty good, interesting too

Good Q&A with Amy Poehler, Paul Rudd & Max Greenfield after "They Came Together". Fun!
Also had good times at the spa, shopping on Main Street & walking/shopping at Sundance Resort. Loved it. All of it.

Shannon and Vanessa were excellent company at Sundance Part 2.
Thanks Mr. Redford for an absolutely sensational Sundance 2014.

Sundance 2014

Sundance 2014 is living up to the expectations. Part 1 Thursday through Tuesday with Amy & Jen.  Movies, meals, celebrity stalking...

Friday- 2 films
"Whiplash" and "Through A Lens Darkly"
In between, Jen and I bar-hopped  while Amy napped

Saturday- 2 films
"Frank" and "Young Ones"
In between, spa time

Sunday- 2 films
"Documentary Shorts" and "Infinitely Polar Bear"
In between, shopping at Sundance resort

Monday- 2 films
"Bottle Rocket" and "White Bird in A Blizzard"
In between, relaxation time

Tuesday, shopping before airport drop off.
Wednesday, Darien time before the next round of girls arrive tomorrow.

Some of the celebrities sited include Miles Teller, Maggie Gyllenhall, Robert DeNiro, Gwenyth Paltrow, Luke Wilson & Shailene Woodley. Great movies- very Sundance Style.

Weather is great- sun shining in the mountains. Meals have been delish! Next up, Sundance Part 2.
Coming soon....

Organization of the New Year

6 days- less than 1 week- into 2014. I spent New Year's Day organizing my home and self (in general) for the new year. What does that mean.. Well, cleaned, organized closets, updated new calendar, planned vacations, ran all errands, created a new budget and when that was all done... Washed all rugs, organized all kitchen cabinets, cleaned out all drawers. You get the point. Feeling ready for the new year for sure.

Now that I am not traveling again for another 6 days, aside from work and sleep, not much to do. Of course, eat and exercise. But, as I watch TV, play Candy Crush and stalk on Facebook, I keep creating more lists in my head.

First list:
Beauty Products I Love & Cannot Live Without


Kiehl's Argan Hair Pak
The Body Shop Peppermint Foot Scrub & Foot Lotion
Moroccan Hair Oil
Yes To... (Blueberry, Grapefruit, or some other fruit) facial wipes
Cetaphil (good old basic sensitive facial cleanser- dermatologist recommended!)
Kiehl's facial moisturizer (basic or others)
Kiehl's flavored lip balms (love cranberry)
Kiehl's eye gel
The Body Shop body butter (love coconut)
OPI nail polish 
Fresh & Fresh Sugar perfume 
Cosmetics by Bobbi Brown, NARS & Urban Decay
          Faves are Bobbi blackberry lipstick and tinted moisturizer 
          NARS Orgasm and Sin blushes
          Any eyeliner or eyeshadow by Urban Decay
Bath & Body Works Anti-bacterial foam soap (love peach)
Secret clear gel deodorant (any fruit scent)
Almay oil-free eye make-up remover pads

As you can see, no shampoo or conditioner listed. Since my obvious favorite of Kiehl's, I love their hair products too,  but also switch between Aveda and Bumble & Bumble. Good stuff.

It's great to find products you love and can rely upon- and that are not crazy expensive. Some at the drug store and others at a specialty or department store- or on-line too.  Fun shopping.

With this said, you are now invited to look into my overloaded linen closet. Looks kinda like a Kiehl's and Body Shop factory!

New Year's Eve Planning

As my friend Steve says, New Year's Eve is for amateurs. I tend to agree so, my plan is usually to stay in- sometimes with friends and sometimes on my own (yes, with my little kitty- no crazy cat lady jokes please). She is a cuddly kitty.

As I was looking through Facebook, I noticed there is a "Happy Endings" marathon on TV.  Hmmm... Suddenly an evening of sparkling wine, sweats, TV comedy (love Casey Wilson!) & the ball drop at midnight sounds like the perfect way to ring in 2014.

After work, my plans are set!
Happy Pre-New Year everyone.
Be safe. Be happy. Be sparkly.

Henri Bendel Fan

For the past year plus, I have been obsessed with Henri Bendel. It's started with a bracelet I saw in In Style magazine that I requested for a gift from my Mom. She bought it plus more. Bracelets plural plus a ring and a coffee mug and a beach bag...

www.henribendel.com

This Christmas it looked like Henri vomited in my living room (thanks Mom & Dad!)
Jewelry, iPhone case, hair accessories, more jewelry, candles, purse.... AND luggage! The main event.
All in the recognizable brown & white striped boxes with brown & white polka dot bows. I'm in love.

I have been to the flagship store on 5th Avenue in Manhattan twice. Complete kid in a candy store.
Last time, Vanessa tagged along and bought jewelry for her girls. Of course with my approval.

There is no Henri store in Northern Cal, but there are a few in So Cal (work trips), Las Vegas & Mall of America in Minnesota.  Yeah. But I am partial to 5th Avenue.

Fashion galore. The website is great too. I can peruse for hours...
Check out the site on the link above.
Happy Shopping!

Merry Christmas To All &...

I love the Christmas season- Christmas Eve & Christmas Day especially. This year was no different.  Mom & Dad are here from Minnesota.  Work leading up to these days is very hectic, but once the holiday arrives, a input that behind me.

This year has been no exception. Some of my Christmas 2013 highlights:

Wine tasting before Christmas Eve dinner
Taco bar as a new Christmas Eve dinner (yummy)
Mom's cookies and pies
Lots & lots of fun Henri Bendel gifts
Hawaiian coconut & pineapple pancakes for Christmas breakfast
Rest and relaxation with the family

That's what the holiday season is all about to me. The joy of fun events and spending time with loved ones.
Next up, New Year's Eve...
'Tis the season again