What I Love This Week - Puppies!
Well, in case you didn’t know, today is National Puppy Day, a day to appreciate the cuteness of our fluffy, tail-wagging friends and perhaps inspire a few adoptions. I’ll use the day as a reminder to give my two (Bogey & Birdie above) an extra treat for working so hard at being so sweet.
Seems like there are “National Days” for just about everything. I’m sorry to report that National Pancake Day has already come and gone (February 28), but here are a few you can still celebrate in 2012:
* May 4 - Star Wars Day - “May the Fourth be with you!”
* July - National Ice-Cream Month - Yes, in 1984 Ronald Reagan, in his infinite wisdom, recognized that ice-cream needs an entire month of appreciation, although the third Sunday is officially National Ice-Cream Day.
* October 29 - National Cat Day - I don’t want to forget about our more aloof furry friends, and might take a cat nap on that day in their honor.
* Sept 19 - International Talk Like a Pirate Day - Ahoy matey!
With the busy Spring home season almost here, you might be thinking of your own special day, such as “Move Into My Awesome New House” day. Please give me a call and we can set up a time to see some of the terrific homes for sale along the SF Peninsula.
What I Love This Week - Farmer’s Markets!
Goodness has it been a wet week. Not unheard of in Northern California, but maybe like me you have been dreaming of warmer days on the horizon. In fact, warmer and longer days sound like a perfect recipe for an outing to a farmer’s market.
As you may have noticed, the Bay Area loves farmer’s markets and there are dozens to choose from. Here are some resources to find your local farmer’s market - or a new one to explore! Follow the links for directions, days, and hours.
The Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association runs dozens in the Bay Area, including the super fabulous College of San Mateo event every Saturday morning. Trust me, you will want to arrive with a large empty bag, a good appetite, and sense of adventure. Other locations include Belmont, Redwood City, San Bruno, and San Francisco.
The Bay Area Farmer’s Market Association runs locations in Campbell, San Jose, Saratoga, Capitola, Morgan Hill and De Anza College.
The California Farmers’ Markets Association runs locations in Walnut Creek, Rossmoor, Moraga, San Leandro, San Francisco, Daly City, Mountain View, Saratoga, Los ALtos, San Jose, and Morgan Hill.
What I Love This Week - Chocolate Peanut Butter Malt Balls!
As I was strolling down beautiful Ocean Avenue in Carmel this weekend, my friend said she sure would like some licorice (spelling?? I don’t like it at all and don’t even care that I don’t know how to spell it). I remembered the very charming candy store towards the bottom of the shopping area on Ocean Avenue so we headed that direction. You probably could not find a more picturesque little candy shop unless you were actually in a quaint little British village.
Cottage of Sweets specializes in all kinds of candy and chocolates, many of them imported from England. With over 50 years of selling candy in Carmel, they boast of carrying over 50 types of licorice from around the world. My friend found some licorice that she loved while I explored other temptations.
Now, licorice may not appeal to me, but peanut butter has been hitting my taste buds just right lately. I tried a Chocolate Peanut Butter Malt Ball and instantly knew - that’s what I love this week.
Cottage of Sweets
Phone (831) 624-5170
Ocean Ave. between Monte Verde & Lincoln
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
What I Love This Week…. My New Mousepad!
My thoughtful daughter gave me a small gift last week that quickly became my favorite new efficiency tool. It is a paper mousepad with tear-off pages. Very clever and oh so functional.
Armed with my iPhone and iPad, I do try to use today’s technology as best as I can to keep myself organized and on time. But let’s face it, sometimes you just need to make an old-fashioned “to do” list or jot down some thoughts before they escape you. I think that is why a simple tool like a paper mousepad was just what I needed.
I have the “Information Central” version and there is also a days-of-the-week one. You should see the curled edges of my much-used pad!
And where can you find this gem? Try www.knockknockstuff.com for this and other fun stuff you didn’t even know you needed!
What I Love This Week - Visiting St. Helena, CA
I spent some lovely time over the holidays in Napa and St. Helena. What beautiful places to explore - even on a rainy day! I just love the many unique boutiques and opportunities to window shop. And, of course, there are so many terrific places to eat from roadside diner to fine dining.
Gotta Have Gott’s!
In fact, one of the tastiest meals I had was at Gott’s Roadside Tray Gourmet in St. Helena. Come with your appetite, because they take comfort food to a new level with BLTs, seared Ahi burgers, and sweet potato fries.
I ordered the seared Ahi burger, but I must admit the bite of double cheese burger I had was just awesome. And I can’t imagine anyone would regret splurging on a shake! Catch Gott’s on re-runs of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives (they were known as Taylor’s Refresher at the time), and you’ll understand why there is always a line at the order window.
If you can’t make it to St. Helena or Napa, try out the SF location at the Ferry Building Marketplace. Worth a stop!
What I Love This Week - Indoor Gardening
With cooler weather and rainy days in the forecast, you might find yourself looking for an indoor activity for yourself or for little hands on vacation from school. Indoor gardening can be a fun and creative way to brighten a window sill. Here are two ideas I love.
Indoor Herb Garden
An indoor herb garden requires very little gardening experience to create. You can start with some seedlings from a nursery or a packet of seeds. Choose a few herbs that you like to cook with - perhaps sage, basil and oregano - and plant them in a small container of well-drained soil. Find a sunny spot, provide adequate water, and watch your little garden grow.
Terrarium
A terrarium is a small garden inside a glass container, such as a goldfish bowl or vase. Build your terrarium in layers, like a parfait. From the bottom up, layer small rocks as drainage, activated charcoal as a filter for odors, moss as a bed for the soil, potting soil, and finally small houseplants. Water sparingly with a spray bottle, enough to keep your terrarium moist. Add a few small decorative elements, like a figurine, and you are done! I found a great Terrarium How-To with pictures on About.com.
I hope you enjoy these ideas for creating some small “real estate” in your home this winter. Looking for some big real estate to care for? Please give me a call and we can discuss your needs.
What I Love This Week - Time to Fall Back!
Yes folks, Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend. That means it is time to move our clocks back one hour to standard time (officially at 2:00 am on Sunday 11/6) and gain a precious hour of time.
Here are a few other annual rituals that are easy to remember when you do them every year when the clock rolls back.
What Else To Do When The TIme Changes
* Change the batteries on your smoke detectors. By the way, the US Fire Administration advises that most smoke detectors have a lifespan of 8-10 years and should be replaced after that.
* Change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors. Note that these generally have a shorter lifespan and should be replaced approximately every 5 years.
* Change the filters in your central air conditioner or heater. In fact, add this to your list to repeat when Daylight Saving Time begins again.
* Check for expired medications and safely dispose of them.
* Check the expiration dates on food and water in your earthquake/emergency kit (or make an emergency kit if it is still on your to do list!). Eat items that will expire soon and don’t forget to replace them!
* Check the batteries in flashlights - especially those in your emergency kit!
Now enjoy the peace of mind you will have after that extra hour of sleep and extra preparedness in your home! I enjoy being a resource for all of your real estate needs. Feel free to call me anytime.
What I Love This Week… Cake Pops!
With Halloween upon us and the winter holidays fast approaching, here is an idea to delight and amuse family and friends. Cake Pops are showing up everywhere these days and they sure are good. Here is a simple recipe to make your own and decorate for any holiday or event.
Cookie Cake Pops
To Get:
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 package sandwich cookies, such at OREOs, crushed finely (try mint or peanut butter cookies for a variety of flavors)
• 2 packages (8 squares each) BAKER’S chocolate (semi-sweet or white)
• Sprinkles or other decorations
• Lollypop sticks (optional)
• Foam block (optional)
To Do:
1. Reserve 9 cookies and finely crush the rest in a food processor or with a rolling pin.
2. Combine the cream cheese and cookie crumbs until well blended.
3. Roll mixture into approximately 1-inch balls.
4. Dip cake balls in melted chocolate.
5. Place on waxed paper to dry and sprinkle with reserved cookies or decorative sprinkles.
6. Optional: stick the ball on a lollypop stick and set in the freezer before dipping (freezing keeps them on the stick). Stand pops up on the foam block to dry.
7. Refrigerate 1 hour to firm.
What I love this week!
Just because summer is gone (officially over as of September 22) doesn’t mean you have to put away the marshmallows. Still feeling in the mood for some warm flames and s’mores? Then a fire pit might be the “hot” new backyard accessory you are looking for.
A friend recently installed the beauty in the picture above. Imagine some clever conversation while sitting around the glowing orbs sipping your Pinot Noir. Life might not get much better!
Build It Up or Roll It In
A fire pit can be an elaborate stone and steal monument with gas-fueled flames, or it can be a simple stone circle around some nice logs. I found some great examples and instructions to build your own on the DIY Network website (www.diynetwork.com/outdoors/8-easy-to-build-fire-pit-designs/pictures/index.html).
You can also roll one in - that is, buy a ready-to-light fire pit and enjoy your s’mores the same night you bring it home.
In some cases, a fire pit as part of an outdoor living and eating area can be a valuable upgrade to your home. I’ve seen some terrific examples and would be happy to share my thoughts and resources. Just keep me in mind next time you are roasting marshmallows!
What I love this week!
I dined with some friends at a new restaurant in the city last night named Flour + Water. They specialize in pasta that showcases the many regions of Italy. They also serve pizza baked in an Italian wood-fired oven, and an impressive list of Italian wines.
We ordered a variety of pastas based on the waiter’s recommendations, and the food was delicious. Portions are small, but that also left room for their great bread and killer Salted Chocolate Caramel desert (yummy!!).
Prepare for a jubilant atmosphere - between music and conversation, it can be noisy (although they also have a private dining room for small, more intimate gatherings). Reservations can be hard to get, but the restaurant reserves 50% of their tables at 5:30 for walk-ins. Their website gives you an idea of what to expect, and if you find yourself in the neighborhood I highly recommend dining there.
Flour + Water
2401 Harrison Street, San Francisco
(415) 826-7000
