Posted in California Los Angeles US

I should have listened to Jamie Oliver

What should you do when you go to all the effort of making your own Chutney … but it’s just way too spicy to eat?

The Flower Truck Los Angeles
Posted in California Los Angeles US

Mobile Flower Truck

If you’re on the Westside of LA, look out for the Mobile Flower Truck. This converted ice cream van sells flowers to passers by, and can be hired out for private events. Just one of the many Mobile Retailers operating in SoCal

Pool at our house sit in Palm Springs
Posted in California Palm Springs US

Horse Riding and a House Sit in Palm Springs

During our New Year’s house sit I took the opportunity to go out into the desert on a horse riding expedition. It rained and I got soaked.

Santa Monica Beach Los Angeles California
Posted in California Los Angeles US

Beating drums on Santa Monica Beach

Walking along Santa Monica Beach, I didn’t expect to see a young boy playing a drum kit, being videotaped by his dad. This post includes my entry for Photo Roulette #50

Stuffed Zuchinni Blossom Ingredient
Posted in California Los Angeles Mar Vista US

Stuffed Zucchini/Courgette Blossoms

These bright yellow blossoms may be challenging to prepare but this simple recipe will inspire you to make & serve these at your table

Posted in California Los Angeles US

An Anecdote: My husband has found another

Now – each morning, as the last vestiges of sleep slip from Red’s body he calls to her. He turns his face to mine, and whispers those 3 special little words to me …..

The Goodlife from the BBC
Posted in California Europe Spain UK US

BBC’s The Good Life: When did I become Margo Leadbetter?

I yearned for the Good Life, but somehow I’ve morphed into Margo Leadbetter. Shiny car, Corporate Castle. What’s needed is a couple of chickens and a sustainable lifestyle.

Palm Springs California
Posted in California Palm Springs US

26 feet of Marilyn Monroe

A 26 foot statue of Marilyn Monroe has pride of place in downtown Palm Springs, during the year of the 50th anniversary of her death.

SpyGlass Course with Deer running wild California
Posted in California Northern California US

Pebble Beach Golf Course and the 17 Mile Drive

This famed circuit in the Monterey bay, is made up of sweeping California Coastline, Pine Forests and more than a golf course of two. The pinnacle of the golf course collection is Pebble Beach, and although Red’s knee injury has thwarted his golf game – he still has enough game to swing a putter.

Palm Springs High Winds
Posted in California Palm Springs US

Benefits of a Lockbox for Home Owners during a Haboob in Palm Springs

A lockbox is a really useful thing for home owners. It allows house sitters to have access to your house and help you out in high winds. We helped out a previous house sitting client during high winds in Palm Springs

Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon California
Posted in California Northern California US

Birthing Season for Elephant Seals at San Simeon

December to March is a mesmerizing opportunity to observe this rookery of Elephant Seals giving birth to a new generations of pups.

Pismo Beach Wall Mural California
Posted in California Northern California US

Stopover at Pismo Beach California

Pismo Beach is one of California’s longest & widest stretches of beach, with a daddy-long-legs pier, & a traditional Surf-Town ambiance

Posted in California Cambria Northern California US

Living in Harmony, Population 18

Harmony – Elevation 175 Population 18. Just outside Cambria, California, this towns enticed us in with a tour of their glass blowing studio.

Getty arty at Morrow Bay
Posted in California Los Angeles Northern California US

Los Angeles to Cambria Road Trip

A road trip from Los Angeles to Cambria, led me to a conversation with a stranger. We had a 1 degree of separation link with Samson & Delilah

Musician at Regans Wedding
Posted in California Los Angeles US

My entry for Photo Roulette Round #31

My entry for Round 31 of Photo Roulette. This week the theme is Music.

Posted in California Los Angeles US

Capture the moment for prosperity

Cashing in Living in America, you get used to the optimization of the commercial opportunities at the local tourist attractions….

Posted in California Los Angeles US

Channeling my inner ballerina

Each session I’ve attended Pop Physique it’s the same — I pliè, dip and tuck until my calves quiver and collapse in defeat, and wonder if I’ll ever get the flexibility to kiss my own ankles. Maybe if I’d made a different set of decisions at 7, I’d be one step closer to dancing The Nutcracker Suite.

Posted in California Los Angeles US

Back in the Creative Saddle again

Not only did Touche enhance his plot and dialogue with the skills of a professional storyteller, he played to role of a very vocal grammar and spellchecker!

Posted in California Los Angeles US

Overcoat for your umbrella

England is synonymous with rain.  It’s the reason I left.  That – and the cold.  Living in LA is appealing…

Posted in California Los Angeles US

Slinking out the back door

Week Four of Young Storytellers On week two I was “won” in a notebook raffle, and this week I nearly…

Posted in California Los Angeles US

Consumerism 101: St. Patrick’s Day in the U.S.

One of life’s mysteries of being an Expat in America, is the fervant celebration of St. Patrick’s Day!  On March 17th every…

Posted in California Los Angeles US

Creating Log Lines & Beginning the Creative Process

Week Three of Young Storytellers When I arrived at school for week 3 – Touche was outside the principals office. …

Posted in California Los Angeles US

Two by Two onto the Ark they went

Week Two of Storytellers This week we were assigned to a mentee by way of a Notebook Raffle.  Our names…

Posted in California Los Angeles US

Kicking off the creative process

The session ended with the creation of a contract, that we all signed. There was a selection of pens. I signed with orange ink – well it is my favourite colour. I should have had my lawyer read the contract first, apparently I’ve agreed to do the chicken dance if I’m late to the weekly session.