Ya Gotta Have Friends!

Ever since women schlepped down to the river to scrub their dear cave man hubby's fur vest laundry on the rocks, we've needed girlfriends to help us along in life.  Yep, it's true.  (Of course, I value my guy friends too, but that's a whole other blog post!)

This past week I had the honor of being there on the phone, across many miles, for two of my girlfriends who have recently gone through tough situations. We laughed, we cried, we talked.   We bonded. 

Because as women now in our 50's who have been through a few years and "real life" situations that aren't always pleasant, we know that every day of life is precious and should be lived with as much zest and courage as we can muster up,  and we also know that loving loyal friends are very valuable to getting through this thing called LIFE in a positive way.

After we talked on the phone, I received this letter from one of my girlfriends, edited for her privacy. 

"Dear Kath, 

Oh, how I love our chats!  It's like we are still 17, and 35 years have not passed at all!  When you laughed on the phone, I was suddenly transported back to all the fun places of our youth where we laughed ourselves silly!  You still have your love of life and zest for living!  What a wonderful way to be!  Do know I am always here for you too on good days, bad days, fat days, skinny days, bad hair days, good hair days, and all the other days in life.  Get it? I'm always here for you!  Thanks for listening to my blabbing, blubbering, whining, fears, secrets, and so much more.  It's my honor to call you friend! 

Love always,

Your live in the light friend!"

Well that letter brought tears to my eyes, and I can honestly say that of all my life achievements I am  most proud of, my happy 31 year marriage to my sweet hubby, who often tells me I'm his best friend, plus  my loyal bond with my longtime girlfriends far outweigh all my professional achievements in my life success book.

I don't know really what I say or do that gives me such a place of honor in their lives, but do you think it's perhaps because when one girlfriend recently told me that her in-laws were driving her crazy and she couldn't talk because they were in the room, I said:

"Well hon, just take your cell phone into the bathroom and call me later!" 

To which she replied:  "I'm there, thanks babe!"

Espresso Cielo Palm Springs

My hubby and I found a blissful little espresso place in downtown Palm Springs that I'd like to tell you about:  Espresso Cielo.  (Love the name and I LOVE Palm Springs in general so we venture over there on getaway trips now and then for some peace and quiet.

Espresso Cielo charms with its European patisserie feeling and decor..

and you can indulge in their elegant espresso, cozy cappuccino, and of course what I call "ooh-la-la over-the-top" hot "chocolat."

Enjoy Espresso Cielo! (Here are some beautiful photos of their beautiful place.)

American Sanctuary Boutique

There's a lovely new home decor boutique in Old Town Temecula, CA,  American Sanctuary, owned by interior designer Matthew Alexander.   My hubby Steve and I love going on a Sunday afternoon outing together, so we took a drive recently up to Temecula since we enjoy the Old Town shops where Matthew's boutique is located. 

American Sanctuary welcomes visitors with this sweet bistro table and colorful planters vignette...

and rustic table filled with design goodies.

Matthew has created a charming home boutique to complement his Matthew Alexander Creations design biz, just in case you're in need of a home decor spruce-up or a complete interior design overhaul.   And if you stop at  his boutique at just the right time, you might even get to meet his uber sweet wife and adorable daughters too while you're there.

Fun boutique; it's worth a visit. 

 

Simple Summer (Vegan Chic) Supper

Is there anything better than setting a simple but pretty table and enjoying fresh veggies and fruit in the summer?!  I love to peruse the farmers markets, especially where I live in Southern California, where much of the produce is organically grown and oh-so-healthy! 

Here's my favorite "Vegan Chic" simple summer supper recipe that's easy enough for a quick family meal, yet elegant enough for company fare too.


Vegan Chic Veggie Cappellini

Cook one full box of organic spinach spaghetti noodles as directed on package.  Don't overcook.  Drain and rinse and transfer noodles to a large casserole dish or bowl.

Wash and chop the following fresh organic veggies:

Mushrooms
Asparagus
Tomatoes
Red, green, and yellow peppers
Zucchini
Red onion

Saute above veggies, along with a few fresh spinach leaves, in a large heavy fry pan in a little olive oil until veggies are tender but still a little crunchy.-- i.e. don't let the veggies get mushy.   Sprinkle in a bit of dried parsley and a dash of garlic salt.  Add 1 T.  white cooking wine for additional flavor if desired.

Drain excess liquid off the cooked veggies and toss them into the spaghetti noodles, adding in 1 T. of olive oil while tossing. 

Put the cappellini (noodles and veggies) on dinner plates and top with finely ground walnuts for garnish if desired.  Serve with organic green salad, crusty French bread with organic butter, and the refreshing summer fruit punch below!


Refreshing Pink Fizz Punch

Combine 1 bottle white Martinelli's sparkling cider and 1 bottle Club Soda in a pitcher.   Stir and then add fresh frozen raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for "ice."  Add in regular ice if desired.  Makes one large pitcher.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!  Celebrate with safety and happiness!