Be Thankful

Being kind is a trait that changes lives and being thoughtful and genuine are characteristics that all of us should strive for. There is always someone to be kind to, and situations that require us to be thoughtful and genuine to others even if they are not that way to us.  Despite what our circumstances are, there is always something to be thankful for.

 

 

Garlic Herb Cheese Pull Apart Bread

Once upon a time, there was some garlic and cheese and it married a loaf of sourdough bread. Fairy Tales can be a good thing, especially when they involve food.  

Bread has a special place in my heart. I'm in deep like with carbs.

No.

I love carbs.

I really love carbs.

 I never met a piece of bread, cake, cookie, pie, cracker or a chip I didn't like. Is that bad? I think my son inherited my love for a great bread because we usually fight over the last piece of bread in the bread basket when we dine in restaurants. If you enjoy a great bread like I do, I have the perfect recipe for you. This delicious bread is bursting with buttery garlicky goodness and if nobody sees you eat it, it has no calories. Just kidding:-)

The flavor dimension in this bread is so excellent that it is worth that extra jog it's going to take to burn the calories. Piping hot from the over this bread has lots of ooey gooey mozzarella and is perfect for your next party, a great snack and it is amazing dipped in a hot bowl of tomato soup. Any way you slice it, it is pretty tasty. This is an easy recipe and does not require baking the bread from scratch. Just pick up a fresh loaf of sourdough bread and you will be munching and smiling in about 20 minutes:-)

Ingredients

1 loaf fresh sourdough bread

1 stick melted butter

1 garlic glove minced

1 teaspoon garlic herb seasoning

1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme minced

1 tablespoon chives finely chopped

3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375

Mix the butter and herbs in a bowl. With a large knife cut the bread vertically and horizontally making a cross hatch of deep cuts without cutting all the way to the bottom. Use your fingers and open the bread in each section and put butter and a little cheese in each crevice of the bread.

After the bread is filled with the butter and cheese. Brush the remaining oil on top of the bread. Cover the bread with foil and place in the oven on a cookie sheet for about ten minutes. Uncover the bread and let it cook for approximately another five minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

 This is what the herb mixture will look like before you place it in the bread

Generously stuff the bread

 And in about 15-20 minutes...

 You can have a party in your mouth

Who knows. you might just turn into a bread lover like me.

Bon Appetit!

They don't know...

Has anyone ever given you a compliment and an insult at the same time?

Oh....

That's never happened to you? It's happened to me more times than I care to admit. When someone does this,  it is being what the Bible calls double minded. A compliment does not need to be wrapped in a thinly veiled insult. Someone recently gave me a compliment and then completely negated the compliment with a generous salt shake of negativity. 

That's what is known in slang as "low key shade"

I listened and pondered whether to curtly say thank you or rise above this present situation because it was abstract. 

Not Black.

Not White. 

It was a dingy shade of gray.

 Cloudy with a chance of rain. That is until I smiled. I carry the sunshine with me ya know:-)

God says I carry his spirit, so there will be no dark, dismal gray in my presence.

People are quick to put others in boxes and tie it up with a  bow.  More often than not, people are more comfortable looking at who you were, rather than who you are in this present time and space. When someone looks at you and only sees what you were and not who you are, they are handcuffing you to your past. If your present is not your past, no one has the right to try to take you back to a land God delivered you from. Do you know anything about that? I could have come up with something snarky to say, but I didn't.

So how did I handle it?

I used two little words that shut down any further communication.

Thank You.

Orange is the new Black

We all need a little spice in our lives and orange is the perfect way to put a little vibrant spice in your wardrobe. Orange is only rivaled by yellow as the number one color of happy:-) Orange adds a nice POP of color to your wardrobe and can be used sparingly to accent a neutral look or used for a very bold and fresh spring or summer look.

Orange is always a runway favorite

 You will never fade into the background wearing orange, but you can always tread lightly by wearing orange shoes to pair with other colors

Black and orange is a very chic color combo

This color also translates well for work ensembles

Every shade of orange looks gorgeous

For those that know me or have been following my blog for awhile, you know that I don't hesitate to adorn myself in the vibrant shade of orange.

I have every hue of orange in my wardrobe

I use unexpected color and pattern combos

I have lots of orange dresses in different cuts, shades, lengths and fabrics. I love to wear orange in the spring and summer, but I wear it all year long and just temper it down with neutrals in winter and fall.

Do you like orange? 

No matter what shade of orange, or how you style it it, this color is sure to add the perfect jolt of electricity to your wardrobe

Five romantic restaurants to try (LV's LA)

 I just love a beautiful, luxurious romantic restaurant. Valentines day brings out that part of us that craves, candlelight, crashing waves, fireplaces, cozy tables, amazing food and that special person. Southern California is home to some of the most beautiful restaurants and ambiance that makes us forget everything else except the moment we are in. If you haven't had the pleasure of experiencing the restaurants on my list of five, definitely give them a try and if you don't have a special someone in your life, there is nothing wrong with celebrating yourself:-)

II Cielo is a beautiful intimate oasis in Beverly Hills. Perfect for an evening of great food and conversation

II Cielo

9018 Burton Way

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

310-276-9990

The Penthouse in Santa Monica is the perfect mix of swanky and romantic. Perfect ocean view and lux white on white decor make this a perfect spot for a relaxing and romantic dinner

The Penthouse (located in the Huntley Hotel)

1111 2nd Street

Santa Monica, CA 90403

310-394-5454

The Little Door is a  hidden French Mediterranean restaurant that will make you feel as if you have stepped into another time and place. Dark with the flickering glow of candles and a romantic vibe that will put you in a sentimental mood. There is no sign, so look for the wooden door that says 8164.

The Little Door

 8164 West 3rd Street

Los Angeles, California 90048

323-951-1210

The Royce in Pasadena is the perfect steakhouse for a change of scenery and a romantic setting

The Royce Steakhouse

1401 South Oak Knoll Ave

Pasadena, CA 91106

626-585-6410

I am always partial to an ocean view and Splashes in Laguna Beach is the perfect romantic setting and even if you dine indoors, the massive windows will bring the ocean directly to you. The view is the star here, so come with the expectation, that you will have an enjoyable meal, but it is the atmosphere that will put a smile on your face.

Splashes

1555 South Coast Highway

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

866-348-8940

You were born to stand out

It is a tragic thing when we reject our individuality to fit in with the crowd . We are conditioned from the time we are children to believe that we have to be just like everyone else, but no one destined for greatness ever fits in. 

 

Let me say that again, No one destined for GREATNESS ever fits in. I have always been one to color outside of the lines, or zig when everyone else zagged, and not everyone appreciates different, but different is what I bring to the table. Embracing your uniqueness is a liberating thing.

Being true to yourself when everyone wants you to exist in a box is not always easy, but stay true to who you are even if you are misunderstood. Don't be afraid of being different, be afraid of being like everyone else. Leave mediocrity to the masses and embrace  your identity and your call for excellence. After all, Dr. Seuss says: Why fit in when you were born to stand out?

Red Alert!

This is the perfect time of year to paint the town RED. This vibrant color brings the heat to any ensemble and is a great power color. With Valentines Day right around the corner, a little red is a great color to put an exclamation point in your outfit.

This flirty skirt is so flattering and perfect for 

Valentines Day or any day you 

want to wear something that POPs

Heat to toe red is a stunning look

Do you like the color red?

Be Bold, Be Beautiful, Be You!

The Yellow Vase (LV's LA)

I love a great cup of coffee and I love beautiful places. Paint that with a yellow paint brush and ocean breezes and you have "The Yellow Vase." This bright cozy eatery is adorned with bright yellow flowers, yellow walls and decor that feels bright and cheery.

 

 I discovered this South Bay eatery during my nature walks and jogs around the Palos Verdes Peninsula more than a decade ago. There are now a few more locations around the South Bay area.  I like a little ocean with my food and this  beachy gal  always loves a great spot by a scenic body of water. This cute coffee shop eatery is a nice place to sit and enjoy coffee while you hear waves crash and is a great backdrop to have a cappuccino and a treat with friends or a light lunch or dinner. I have been to all of the locations and enjoy each one for different reasons, but they are all in beach communities, so you can't go wrong with any of the locations.

Everything is yellow and bright:-)

The french toast comes warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of maple syrup. The turkey and avocado panini shown at the beginning of the post and many of the other items are tasty, but what keeps me coming back is the delicious coffee and the view of the ocean. I much prefer the drinks over the food. The newest location is not as close to the water, but still has a great vibe and is relaxing and cozy.

This is the perfect spot if you want to be hidden

 away and enjoy some solitude and it is just as great for gathering with a few friends

 

Fresh flowers are always the perfect touch to a 

great dining experience

 

I can never resist a good red velvet cupcake

Delicious vanilla latte

 

 Delicious coffee, teas, cappucino, latte's and the ocean breeze around you. What's not to love?

 

The Yellow Vase 

51 Malaga Clove Plaza

Palos Verdes Esates, CA 

310-378-0013 

 

The Yellow Vase

28902 South Western Ave

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

310-833-1313 

 

The Yellow Vase 

1805 S. Catalina Ave

Redondo Beach, CA

310-541-0013