Sunday, August 28, 2011

The last dregs of summer



The sun was out today in full force.


It was hot and humid, the perfect setting for doing my favorite household chore, the laundry. Believe it or not there is nothing I like better than doing laundry. I enjoy the whole process from sorting, washing, hanging the clothes on the line (for me, preferable to the dryer), and folding. When I hang the laundry to dry, my only focus is on hanging like items together, i.e. all the bath towels in one spot, sheets together…you get the picture. I’m a little anal that way but actually concentrating on this activity frees up my mind and I find it a relaxing experience.



All neat and tidy


My other fun activity around the house is ironing. Bear in mind that the less ironing the better and I really do check for wash and wear items when I’m out scouting for new clothes. But like the laundry, I find ironing a relaxing experience.

Martha and I share something in common!


Things I don’t like…dusting, cleaning the bathroom and washing dishes. Much like dust, I’m not sure where all the dishes come from. I’m just one person after all with a dog and a cat but believe me I always have more than my fair share of dishes in the sink.


Speaking of ironing, I must mention that my cat has taken up a new hobby, lying on the ironing board. I’m going to guess that the ironing board cover is a cool place to be during the hot summer months. He’ll stretch out and take a snooze, occasionally falling off though it doesn’t seem to faze him. Sometimes in the middle of the night, I’ll find him just sitting by himself on the ironing board. Just sitting and meditating, I’m assuming, like some wise old sage.


It's amazing what you'll find when you google cats on ironing boards!


And so speaking of cats, I leave you with this little funny of cats with thumbs. You’ll enjoy it!




Now that you've had your giggle for the day, enjoy a tall cool glass of lemonade and what's left of summer!



Enjoy your week!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Donuts for breakfast

It all went south yesterday when I turned on the television first thing in the morning.

Somehow I found my way to the Travel Channel and to a show that spotlighted great breakfast spots across the US. Did you know that breakfast/brunch is my favorite meal of the day? The program showcased breakfast burritos the size of a small country, 12 egg omelets whipped up as big as your head, and gigantor sized pancakes that hung off your plate. But what really got my attention were the donuts! Donuts the size of Texas!

You better believe it!


So all day long I was craving...DONUTS!

Since my mind is on food (!), how about I share a few of my fave places to visit when I get the munchies!

I love this place, it's called Pacifica Del Mar. The food is excellent whether you are there for a corporate event, meeting friends for lunch or just drinks and nibbles on a weekend afternoon. I’ve been there for all occasions and it is always consistently good.


The restaurant is located in the Del Mar Plaza which also houses White House Black Market.

The whole shooting match is just across the street from Del Mar Beach which is breathtaking. I’ve been to the beach for many a picnic that’s gone way into the evening!

The beach at Del Mar


A Blueberry Mojito - Yummy!




Rebecca's Coffee House is a great place to experience a funky and fun atmosphere. I've only been there for coffee and muffins but there are other more substantial offerings. This is an area called South Park and is full of interesting boutiques nearby.



A cute and fun coffee house to lounge with friends or a good book!

Who could resist?




The Mission has gotten a little spruce up recently on the exterior of the restaurant. I’ve been there for breakfast and lunch and always enjoyed myself. The clientele is eclectic enough so that when I was going through chemo, I could go in and feel comfortable with or without a bandana. Oh yes, I was as bald as a cue ball! There was no need for second glances because I just blended in! My favorite thing to order from The Mission is Rancheros Verde - it's delicioso! If you go to the website, I visit the one in North Park.



They have great chicken sausages with eggs



Mexican hot chocolate!


One of Big Kitchen’s claims to fame is that Whoopi Goldberg used to work there. But believe me their food is awesome too and the restaurant has been featured on The Food Network. How about some pancakes, they are pretty tasty and the egg dishes are great! I like Big Kitchen because it is really an unassuming place, casual and the food is plentiful and good.


The outdoor patio


I love spinach omelettes and potatoes


Like Mexican food? El Zarape has it in spades. It is very unassuming from the outside but once inside it’s charming if tiny. The food is excellent and I had a lobster burrito the last time I was there.


Do you like carne asada fries? I do, but you can never eat it in one session. Be prepared to get the lefterovers to go. When you think about it, it's basically steak and potatoes!


Oh, P.S., I had a donut for breakfast this morning!


Have a great week!