inspiration at the Women in Travel Summit this past weekend #wits16
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!
For years I’ve taken the 55N to the 22W to the I5N to the 101N to the 134 (you’ve seen that SNL skit right?) up to the San Fernando Valley to visit my family in L.A., just to get there….and end up pretty much missing everything in between. So, this past year or so I decided to make a concerted effort to stop and enjoy all that L.A. has to offer. I’ve stopped at the Getty, taken in the Museum of Photography and stopped to see a friend or two along my route.
I’ve been hearing from my friend, Courtney, about all the cool things the new gentrifying downtown L.A. has to offer and it was time I saw a bit of it for myself. So, when we were going up to my sister’s for the Academy Awards party about three weeks ago I chose L.A.’s Grand Central Market as our stop for lunch. It’s a pretty cool place, packed with energy, people, over 30 unique places to eat or grab some artisan food to take home ….take a look!
It was a fun and worthwhile stop on our otherwise trafficy trek up the L.A. freeways. There’s not much to do in the immediate area in the way of shopping, but the amazing architecture of the Bradbury Building and The Million Dollar Theatre are within a block or two and definitely worth a look…or a walking tour.
What are you doing this weekend?!
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!
I recently read an archive blog post from my friend over at C’est Christine about a college professor she had and his memorable quotes. The quotes really resonated with me and I loved her thoughts on each. So, with her permission, I stole the quotes from her site and pondered them from a different perspective (she’s in her 20’s and I’m 55)….
I joyfully accept the choices other people make.
You only have control over yourself…unless your a parent and then hopefully you have some influence while they’re young (maybe not control?) over the choices your children make. Let’s hope your behavior and modeling rubs off on them a bit? This quote totally reminds me to revisit a certain part of the serenity prayer…”accept the things you cannot change.” I cannot let the choices of others dictate my mood or actions. It’s so easy sometimes to get caught up in other people’s bullshit and drama…….and on the flip side, you can also truly enjoy and be part of the choices that other people make….either way, when you make a habit of going over this mantra in your head it’s pretty easy to come back to yourself and realize that other people’s actions and choices are not in your control…nor should they be. Sure, you can make suggestions and be of guidance to someone, but ultimately their life and choices are their own.
Stop putting age limits on things.
Julia Child collaborated on her first book, “The Art of French cooking” when she was 46. It was published when she was 49. Hopefully, you’re going to be 80 or 90 some day so do that one thing you’ve been putting off and meaning to do. Take that risk. Fail…and fail again…but just do it. There’s a Chinese proverb that says “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Okay, they’re clichés, but “you’re only as young as you feel” & “time waits for no one.” In my mind I’m in my 20’s and there’s still a whole lot of living to do!
Collect experiences, not possessions. Possessions possess you.
I’m like a broken record when it comes to this one. I would say if you ask my kids about their childhood, they’d remember the road trips to Mammoth and the river, the parties in the neighborhood with all the kids, the things we did as a family. I don’t think they’d even remember most of the birthday gifts they received…although there may have been a few special ones? When you think back on your life I can almost guarantee that you’ll remember the experiences, not the stuff. I know, it’s easy to say from where I sit in my comfortable house, but it’s not the house that I cherish, it’s the home and memories that have been made here….just as I cherish the moments I had in my 200 square foot apartment last year. If you want some proof, read An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff. I read the book and was privileged to see & hear her speak yesterday. Her book is proof that it’s the experiences and memories you create that count.
Embrace this moment because it’s probably the last time in your life you have no idea where you’ll be next year.
Whoa, ain’t that the truth! Your life can change in an instant…for better and/or worse…so try to live in the moment and enjoy the day, month and year you’ve been given. You won’t regret a day well lived…and you won’t get today back….don’t sweat the small stuff…and most of it is small stuff. I’m a planner and I love having something to look forward to, so living in the moment is a challenge for me sometimes, but I try to remind myself often that I won’t get this day or experience back, so best to enjoy it now.
Wow…in re-reading and editing this post it’s just one big cliché (predictable and unimaginative according to wikipedia)…and I’m okay with that. My mom used clichés often and I like to think of them as just another form of daily affirmations. I don’t think it hurts, right?
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!
Back in the 80’s when I lived in San Francisco I would frequent Hunan Restaurant on Kearny St. and always ordered the cucumber and bean sprout salad…among other things. On subsequent girl’s trips up to SF I would sometimes swing by the restaurant on my way to the airport and grab a to go order of the salad and their garlic chicken to bring home for dinner. They have subsequently closed that large restaurant, but apparently there are some off-shoots of it, Henry’s Hunan, from family members and former cooks at the restaurant. I haven’t been to these newer ones but the menu has many similar dishes.
Anyway, before I left SF I purchased this recipe book at the restaurant…as you can see it’s been very loved and used over the years…
My favorite recipe by far is the Rich Hot and Sour Dressing (he calls it “rich hot and sour dressing” but I call it “spicy peanut sauce” because it reminds me of the sesame noodles at Empire Szechuan in NYC…although a bit thinner, like dressing) There’s a recipe in the book for bean sprout salad with cucumbers and carrots, but it calls for blanching the bean sprouts and that’s just not necessary…and I’m not a fan of carrots. I use this dressing on a simple bean sprout, cucumber and shredded chicken salad….and sometimes I add brown rice…or just toss the dressing into pasta….so many options. You can double the recipe and keep it in the fridge for probably up to a week…although it probably won’t last that long because you’ll finish it quickly! It’s that yummy!!
Spicy (or not) Peanut Sauce
2 TBS crunchy peanut butter (you can also use sesame see paste)
2 TBS soy sauce
4 TBS vinegar (or to taste…I usually use less and add it at the end)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp sugar
1 TBS sesame oil
2 TBS veg oil
1 TBS finely minced ginger
1 TBS finely minced garlic
1 TB finely minced scallions (green onions)
1 TBS white wine
1/2 tsp salt
1-2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp cayenne….(optional if you’re not a fan of hot and spicy)
…you can also add a bit of hot red pepper oil which will make it even more spicy
mixed all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. It’s that easy! I usually make the main bowl of it without the cayenne because my daughter isn’t a fan of spicy….and then I just sprinkle the cayenne on my plate/bowl.
Cut 2 cucumbers into matchsticks
1 lb bean sprouts
shredded chicken (optional)
Just toss the sauce with the cucumber, bean sprouts and chicken. So refreshing! Enjoy! My mouth is watering as I type this because I love this sauce!
个饱 (that loosely means “Bon Appetit” in Chinese!)
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!
The Academy Awards are this weekend and with them comes the fabulous party at my younger sister’s home. It’s always a fun gathering with a great mix of friends & family, an official ballot to fill out, some swag and always amazing food.
It’s the Oscars!…how much more direction do you need for a theme? I had a little fun this past week experimenting with some recipes and ideas that I found online (pinterest is always a great source for creativity!) Keeping my focus on the best picture nominees….here’s the menu I cobbled together.
The Big Short….Big Short Braised Beef Ribs
4-6 cut beef short ribs
kosher salt and black pepper
3 Tbs unsalted butter, divided
1 bottle full bodied red wine
4 cups vegetable stock (I didn’t use this much)
4 cloves garlic (I just used the frozen cubes from TJ’s)
1 Tbs dried rosemary, crushed
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Pat ribs dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on all sides.
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large Dutch oven (I don’t have one, so I just used my large cast-iron pan…I think I’ll put a Dutch oven on my list of things to buy!) over medium-high heat. Add the ribs and brown on all sides. Transfer the ribs to a plate, then add the garlic and stir until softened but not brown, about 1 minute. Carefully pour in the wine, bring to a boil and cook until reduced to about 1 cup. I just crush the dried rosemary in the palm of my hand and add it to the mix. Add the ribs and any juices back to the pot….and some of the vegetable stock (I could only add about 3 cups because my pan was going to overflow). Reduce the heat and bring to a simmer, then cover the pot ( I used foil) and transfer it to the oven, to braise, until the meat easily falls off the bone, about 3 hours.
Transfer the ribs to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. The recipe called for straining the liquid through mesh, etc… but who has the time! I just poured off a majority of the liquid into the sink, made a little slurry of flour & water and added it to the pan. Add the last TBS of butter and just simmer until it’s thickened and smells fabulous…about 10 minutes. Plate the ribs and drizzle with the unctuous sauce.
Bridge of Spies…Mini Reubens (some say originated in Germany)
cocktail size rye bread
Russian dressing (…or dijon mustard, which I prefer)
sauerkraut…well drained and squeezed
corned beef
grated swiss/gruyere cheese from TJ’s
Layer…rye, smear of dressing/mustard, sauerkraut, corned beef, swiss/gruyere cheese. Broil until cheese is bubbly.
Brooklyn…How about a Coney Island Hot Dog?! I didn’t make these but did have the first hot dog I’ve had in awhile after my niece’s exciting soccer game (they won in OT!) You could also argue that the Mini Reubens are very New York and therefore qualify as a representative for this movie too.
Mad Max…sorry, didn’t see it, don’t care!
The Martian and Revenant…This was a mix of Boozy Green Bears.
You’ll need some gummy bears, the alcohol of your liking and some sort of mixer. I soaked green gummy bears in vodka for a couple of hours and then just added some cucumber juice, a little club soda/Perrier and garnished with a cucumber slice. There are myriad recipes online using gin, rum, etc…
You might also want to buy some Dark Horse wine as a nod to The Revenent?
Room…it’s all about the best actress nominee…too easy…Brie on crostini (or maybe a little box with some appetizers/desserts inside?)
Spotlight…New England Clam Chowder …Boston Strong! (disclaimer: didn’t make this…but I have!)
Take a look at the $200,000 un-official swag that the nominees, etc… are getting this year!
Have fun this Sunday! Red Carpet starts at 4 pm
(even earlier on some channels!)here on the west coast.
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!
You’ve probably heard of the book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo….and her sequel “Spark Joy: An Ilustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up.” Both are guide books for de-cluttering your living space…and in doing so de-cluttering your life. Maybe you’ve even made it a New Year’s resolution to de-clutter your life?…how’s that resolution coming by the way! I actually haven’t read the book, but I’ve heard and researched the premise of her book and had to personally downsize and de-clutter quite a few times in the past few years. I can tell you that, although the reason may not be ideal, in the end it is cathartic to get rid of the stuff that bogs you down. Sure, there are some things I wouldn’t mind having back because I’ve needed to re-furnish this bigger house again, but for the most part I have the things that are important to me and bring me joy. Which brings me to Kondo’s philosophy about stuff “Does this spark joy?”
Here’s the gist of her process on de-cluttering. Love it or lose it! Most of us think that the best way to go about it is room by room. Kondo disagrees (Oh…and did I mention she has a waiting list of people who want her help?!) She says the way to go about it is by categories, starting with your clothes. Take all of your clothes (and socks and underwear) and throw them on your bed…or wherever….yes, all of them. You’ll have a discard, a donate and a keep pile/bag. Literally pick up each item and ask “Does this spark joy?” Okay, I know you’re rolling your eyes right now, but hold on. Don’t ask “will it fit me again” or “I remember wearing this when….”…NO, ask “Does this spark joy?” If not, put it in the discard or donate pile. Also, choose what to keep, not to get rid of….that’s an important distinction. Sure, if you’re a clothes horse it might take more than a day, but in the end the simplicity of minimalism, and the joy of donation, will be your reward….not to mention how tidy everything will look. Once you have all your like garments together (t-shirts, sweaters, jeans, etc) she says to fold them the Kon-Mari way and then to place them in your drawers in a way that you can see each item….like this…
Socks are simply rolled…
Clothes are hung from longest/heaviest/darkest to the lightest/shortest …
Next you’ll move onto books and she says that your bookshelf should be the highlights of all you’ve read. Then it’s on to miscellaneous, like bathroom stuff and finally mementos (pictures/objects). Mementos is the longest and hardest process…which is why it’s last…but possibly the one that sparks some unforgettable memories that will bring you joy. Kondo wants you to thank each item for it’s service and for what it taught you. Your rolling your eyes again, aren’t you??
I used to think that my hutch was just a place to store stuff….and then my sister came over….
Now it’s a display of items that have meaning and organization….I know, you wish you had my sister’s help..she’s awesome!!
Again, I didn’t read the book or use this method each time I moved, but when I really downsized four years ago I had to look seriously at some of the items and decide whether they were that important to me. I also couldn’t have done it without the help of the most amazing neighbors and friends who categorized things for me. I would say that almost everything I “needed” to keep was sentimental, truly brought me joy and/or was used on a daily basis (..by the way, I still have all the pictures from over 30 years ago and will get to that pile soon enough..ugh!) It can be, and was for me, an incredibly emotional thing to do, but in the end it really helped me move on in a way I didn’t know I could…but had to. When I moved back here I realized it was still a lot of stuff, but as I look around my home just about everything has a happy memory attached to it or a story that I enjoy re-living in my mind….without living in the past. Downsize and Upsize (is that a word?)…do both with thought and intention.
Which brings me to the reason I even thought of this subject! My daughter and son-in-law will be moving into their own adorable new home in a few weeks and there will be some re-arranging again to do here. They’ll be taking some things that have been here the last seven months, I’ll be moving my clothes from closet to closet and it’s time to tidy it all up. I’m really going to try to touch every piece of clothing and only move it if it sparks joy…some of those clothes are just too tight or too old! I really do hope that my drawers look like those above…so f-ing organized!
So, go for it! Take it slowly & methodically, and in doing so you will shake the cobwebs and simplify your life….another basic tenet of her philosophy is buy experiences, not things. It’s quite cathartic!
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!