Date Night: A Double Date and Meeting in the Middle
When Scott and I started seeing each other, I lived in the San Francisco bay area and he lived in Chico, about 2 hours away. One Tuesday he called me and said, "I can't wait until the weekend to see you. Let's meet in the middle for dinner tonight". To be honest, there is a whole lot of nothing in between, but we did some research and luckily we discovered Louis Cairo's Steakhouse in Williams, just off Interstate 5. With cheery red checked tablecloths, delicious pastas and steaks, and the GLOW of a new love, it was a memorable evening to say the least. As we walked away from our table that night, the gentleman sitting across from us said, "If you don't want her, I'll take her". To that I say, "Thank you sir!" We not only had a full blown love affair going on but also a new spot for dinner right in the middle. Flash forward 17 years and now we make the drive to Louis Cairo's a few times a year to meet up with friends who live in the bay area.
The hour long drive is definitely worth it and you never know what you might see along the way. There must a a story behind this Porsche emblazoned with "Polizei" --German for police.
Welcome to Williams, California.
It's conveniently located just off Interstate 5.
I believe it's mandatory for a country town to have a water tower.
Williams has a water tower.
The main drag....
Tonight it's a double date...
and no, I don't own cowboy boots.
Neither does Scott...
but we are always warmly welcomed at Louis Cairos.
It is always so good to see our friends,
Dean and Kathryn
Suspenders are always a good option in town.
After a few minutes to catch up, we are seated in the dining room at Louis Cairo's. I don't see the red and white checked table cloths anymore and they've definitely zhushed the place up a bit over the last decade or so.
Lucky us, our warm and lovely server, Rita, took wonderful care of us all evening. Rita introduced us to Shed Horn Cellars wine.The cabernet sauvignon was lush and complex. We were saddened to hear that the winemaker/owners, Michael and Adawn Wood, had just lost their home and winery in the Middletown fire. Michael reported to the SF Chronicle that he was helping save other homes without realizing his own home was burning. He said fortunately they have good insurance and will be able to rebuild. They had completed most of the harvest for the season so the wine-making will continue.
As for the fare at Louis Cairo's--fresh salads, Italian pastas and extraordinary steaks are on the extensive menu. The Louis Bread is powerful--loaded with garlic. Let's just say it's best for all (or none) to partake. We always dive in! Care for a mint?
A hidden gem right in the middle.
See you again in a couple of months Louis Cairos!!
Have you discovered any hidden gems lately?
Lifestyle Linkup 6 #Stylefocus
Happy October and welcome to the 6th installation of our Lifestyle Linkup #stylefocus!!
I'm finding lifestyle inspiration from the beauty of an autumn sunset from our deck, the french inspired courtyard at my mother's house, sunny gerber daisys and my sister, Heidi's, rustic pumpkins.
Thank you for joining Jennifer of A Well Styled Life and myself for the linkup this month. Check back and watch the collection grow over the weekend. Add your instagram links as well as blog links and use the #stylefocus.
Looking forward to catching up with your beautiful blogs over the weekend!
Signature Style: The Power of Monochromatic Style
I’m finding some fashion inspiration in the monochromatic color palette again this season. This image is from Elle Czech of the iconic model, Karolina Kurkova. This is monochromatic style done to perfection.
Signature Style: The Power of Monochromatic Style
I'm finding some fashion inspiration in the monochromatic color palette again this season. This image is from Elle Czech of the iconic model, Karolina Kurkova. This is monochromatic style done to perfection.
The power of monochromatic style is undeniable.
Whether you wear it in a fresh, bold classic like this burgundy, or an ultra-luxurious neutral, monochromatic styling will work for you.
In floaty silks or structured wool--it always works. A white coat is definitely on my shopping list this season.
Isn't this charcoal sweater chic? Shades of charcoal and camel are perfect for monochromatic dressing. They also look fantastic, and somewhat unusual, when paired together.
I am a longtime fan of the monochromatic style. It's my "go to" fashion for a long and lean look; what's not to love? Do you enjoy dressing in monochromatic style at times like I do? What are your favorite shades to wear?
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Date Night: 15th Wedding Anniversary and a Sparkling Surprise!
Our 15th wedding anniversary started as a typical day around the house. A quick kiss for luck and we were off to work. Scott and I had celebrated our 15th a bit early with a swanky summer vacation to Riviera Maya, so we wanted to keep the actual day of our anniversary, September 10th, more low key.
15th Wedding Anniversary
Our 15th wedding anniversary started as a typical day around the house. A quick kiss for luck and we were off to work. Scott and I had celebrated our 15th a bit early with a swanky summer vacation to Riviera Maya, so we wanted to keep the actual day of our anniversary, September 10th, more low key.
Gifts were readied and wrapped....
we enjoyed a private toast...
and we were off to one of our favorite restaurants in town, Red Tavern, for dinner on the patio.
It was a warm evening and we had the patio all to ourselves.
We dined on a delicious meal, a special celebratory dessert,
and it was time to open gifts.
I created a book of our wedding photos for Scott.
We've had a book of proofs for 15 years but never a true wedding album.
Scott bought me a sparkling anniversary band. I knew that he had a ring in mind for me and he asked me to help pick it out.
I didn't expect that he would get down on one knee--for the first time--and propose another 15 years and a lifetime of marriage.
Be still my heart...
Every time I see the sparkle of these diamonds I am reminded of our commitment and the hard work it took to make it these 15 years. Believe me, those first few years--as a new step-family--we were not so sure we would be celebrating 15 years of marriage down the road.
Our day may have started like a typical day but it ended with a sweet celebration,
new memories and a surprise proposal.
In the end, our 15th wedding anniversary was not a typical day at all...
As those of us who are married know for sure--it's not always easy.
It is worth the effort and definitely worthy of celebration.
I'd do it all over again....
Our thanks to Rich (owner) and Deanna at Red Tavern for making our anniversary evening even more special.
Creating a "Sunny Escape" for Our House Guests
Scott and I had the pleasure of hosting house guests for the long weekend. It was late summer and the weather was picture perfect for poolside lounging and some outdoor fun in Chico. My sister, Dorie, and her guy Michael, were up from Newport Beach for the weekend and I wanted to create a “sunny escape” for my special house guests. My first step is to prepare the guest room. Freshly washed linens, fluffy towels, candles and fresh flowers are a must. For this visit I added some lovely dark calla lilies to the mirrored bedside table.
Scott and I had the pleasure of hosting house guests for the long weekend. It was late summer and the weather was picture perfect for poolside lounging and some outdoor fun in Chico. My sister, Dorie, and her guy Michael, were up from Newport Beach for the weekend and I wanted to create a "sunny escape" for my special house guests. My first step is to prepare the guest room. Freshly washed linens, fluffy towels, candles and fresh flowers are a must. For this visit I added some lovely dark calla lilies to the mirrored bedside table.
I always like to have some snacks and beverages prepared for the arrival of the road trippers. In this platter I prepared a variety of imported cheeses, olives, marcona almonds with rosemary and veggies with dips. I especially like the gorgonzola-pecan and white bean hummus dips from Trader Joe's specialty market. I turn on a favorite playlist from Pandora--like "Chilled Cream" and "Bliss"--for setting a relaxed mood.
Dining al fresco is a must for warm summer evenings in northern California. I've learned to keep the menu simple: Scott grills steak or chicken and I add fresh salads. On this evening a baby greens with goat cheese/pine nuts salad, a watermelon/feta salad and grilled asparagus were on the menu. We topped it off with sorbet floating in limoncello.
Cheers to family and summer evenings together!
As much as we love time together with house guests, it's also good to give them a little time to relax. We always prepare the coffee pot the night before ready for the early risers or those who want to sleep in a bit. When we finally gather in the morning there is such a relaxed vibe to the conversation and catching up time.
Following a leisurely morning at home, it's good to mix it up, so we headed downtown to the Chico farmer's market for some fresh produce.
We ran into several long time friends, including a retired colleague of mine, Sally (right), who grows and sells her produce from Green Cedar Farm in Berry Creek. Here she is pictured with her intern from France. The apples were absolutely fantastic! Thank you Sally! xx
Beautiful blooms at the market.
We opted for lunch out at one of our favorite, healthy spots, Tea Bar and Fusion Cafe. Soon enough it was time to get home for some lounging by the pool.
Michael--getting his float on!
At one point Dorie grabbed her new fancy new camera and encouraged me to let her take some photos. As bloggers we know it is good to have some decent head shots, but it can be so awkward to have your photo taken. I feel like I am terrible at it--especially photos of me taken alone. With Dorie's design school background, and career as a fashion designer with St. John, she has participated in many fashion shoots over the years. I definitely trusted her to take good photos; it was me I worried about. When I say she took hundreds of photos, I'm not kidding. I still haven't looked through them all. As with any photo shoot there can be many awkward shots--and a few good ones. Either way, we had a ball and laughed a lot!
This is me, stepping out of my comfort zone....
I like the background and it seems to blend nicely with my straw-colored hair. ;)
Dorie has a thriving business in Orange County, Broadway Botanicals. She specializes in succulents, floral design and now residential landscapes. For more on her beautiful designs Broadway Botanicals. I'm always so inspired by her unique creations.
I hope this weekend was a sunny escape for Dorie and Michael. I know it was for us!
Have you entertained company recently?
What are your favorite tips for welcoming house guests?
Cooking Class: Ceviche from Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita and a Surprise Meet Up!
Are you in the mood for something fresh, healthy and easy to make? Scott and I learned to make one of our favorite go-to summer dishes on our recent trip to Riviera Maya. We took a cooking class with chef Nicholas at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. At the last second, I flipped on the video camera on my phone to capture the experience. I'll also share the recipe at the bottom of the post.
Are you in the mood for something fresh, healthy and easy to make? Scott and I learned to make one of our favorite go-to summer dishes on our recent trip to Riviera Maya. We took a cooking class with chef Nicholas at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. At the last second, I flipped on the video camera on my phone to capture the experience. I'll also share the recipe at the bottom of the post.
All the ingredients were carefully chopped and prepared by Chef Nicolas. The friendly staff, including Fermin, started the class by serving chilled white wine. Pour yourself a glass of chilled sauvignon blanc, sit back and join me for a few moments at the cooking class as we make ceviche for the first time.
Here's Scott diving in!
It's fun to serve just about anything in a martini glass!
friends-cooking-class-zoetry
These are more of the fun folks we met at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. Rosemary and Rolando, in straw hats, were great. We also ended up in a sweat lodge with them at the spa -- but that's a whole different story. With Facebook these days it is so easy to stay friends with people we meet while traveling. That is a huge plus for social media in my book.
In the background of this shot, I'm introducing myself to the famed Mexican architect Carlos Gosselin, who designed Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. He lives part time at Zoetry, and a number of guests, including my husband, had seen him during our stay. I woke up on this morning and announced to Scott, "I'm going to meet the architect today". I wanted to tell him how impressed I am with this magnificent resort. As I shot the video of the cooking class, I turned my video around to get a glimpse of the resort (about 6 minutes in) and he was the shadowy figure walking just a couple of feet behind me. It was a fun moment and such a surprise! As soon as the class was over I raced over to meet him and he was just as elegant and charming as I expected.
Zoetry grouper ceviche
Ingredients
1 kg diced fresh grouper or mild white fish
8 lemons (the juice)
1 red onion in julianne
1 chopped mango
½ chopped papaya
1 chopped cucumber
Basil
Coriander
Mint
Salt
Dried oregano
Olive oil
Tortilla chips
Procedure
Place grouper, lemon juice, oregano, salt and olive oil in a bowl and let it rest for at least 15·20 min
Add the rest of ingredients
Serve with tortilla chips
Scott recreated this dish at home with fresh ingredients from the farmer's market in Chico. We devoured it so quickly that I didn't get any shots of his finished product. Ceviche is also delicious served with guacamole.
For more on our trip to Riviera Maya:
A Sunny Escape to Tulum and Akumal
Have you ever made ceviche?
My DIY Beauty Elixir for Thirsty Skin
It's that time of year when my skin starts to feel more dried out than the Sahara desert. With summer temps above 100 degrees, lots of pool time here in California, as well as a sun-filled getaway to Riviera Maya, my skin is thirsty for a powerful moisturizer. It's also important to me that what I put on my skin is good for my skin and the rest of my body.
It's that time of year when my skin starts to feel more dried out than the Sahara desert. With summer temps above 100 degrees, lots of pool time here in California, as well as a sun-filled getaway to Riviera Maya, my skin is thirsty for a powerful moisturizer. It's also important to me that what I put on my skin is good for my skin and the rest of my body.
Earlier this summer I noticed a comment on a blog about using coconut oil as a skin moisturizer. I did some research and found some enthusiastic articles like this on Prevention Magazine. Soon after, I spotted organic coconut oil on the shelf at Target. I already had a collection of essential oils at home and had yet to find much use for them. I grabbed the organic coconut oil, and I knew my DIY beauty elixir was in the works.
These are a few of my favorite essential oils. I love the freshness of the citrus, herby infusion of lavender and the added layer of spicy floral blossoms with the bergamot. When I read about the benefits of using bergamot oil--treating skin conditions, as a natural insecticide, aromatherapy and stress reduction--I was impressed. I have uneven skin tone on my arms as I've gotten older, so I wanted to bathe in the stuff.
These are my simple steps for creating your DIY Beauty Elixir
*Purchase organic coconut oil (for more on the benefits of coconut oil read Health Effects of Coconut Oil)
*Select your favorite essential oil fragrances
*Add your essential oils--drop by drop--into the coconut oil
*Mix with a fork and sniff the elixir with each new addition to find the right balance of scent
*When you've found your favorite scent, give your elixir a final stir and seal the jar with a lid
I've always enjoyed the idea of blending my own perfumes, as I did in San Francisco at Le Labo. Creating the unique fragrance in such a luxurious coconut oil base just adds to the allure of my DIY beauty elixir for me.
I recycled a simple lidded jar and now my DIY beauty elixir lives proudly next to my Clarins, Nuxe, and Antica Farmacista products on my dressing table.
Along with being incredibly cost-effective, the best benefit of the elixir is soft, silky skin with a touch of sheen to it. I even applied some to my husband's arm today. He actually liked the subtle unisex fragrance, and he was impressed with how his skin looked and felt. The jury is out on whether he is an elixir fan but, I'm guessing I could create an irresistible scent for him.
Date Night: A Sunset Sail in a Tropical Paradise
For the final evening of our vacation in Riviera Maya, we chose a sunset sail at our resort, Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. The turquoise waters, gentle tropical breezes, friendly service, bubbly champagne and new friends made it the best way to usher in the evening.
For the final evening of our vacation in Riviera Maya, we chose a sunset sail at our resort, Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. The turquoise waters, gentle tropical breezes, friendly service, bubbly champagne and new friends made it the best way to usher in the evening.
I always love being on--or near--the water and this sailing adventure reminded me just how much I enjoy sailing. It had been years since I'd been out on a sailboat. I'm holding Scott's glass here so that he could take the photo. I promise--I wasn't drinking two glasses of champagne at once! ;)
My sailor, also enjoying his bubbly.
There were a few other couples on this sunset sail, like Jenny and Tyler--a fun couple from Virginia--celebrating their honeymoon.
I had to laugh when I realized how my Rachel Roy top caught wind in this sailing adventure. It definitely had a mind of its own. I've enjoyed wearing this halter top all season but perhaps it's a bit more stylish on dry land.
Cheers to our last night at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita--we can't wait to return!!
