It’s a beautiful weekend in the Bay Area.   Temperatures are supposed to round the 85 degree mark today.  I absolutely love this time ...

I have said it before and it is worth repeating – sometimes the simplest things in life are the best .  For me, I love putting toget...

I was thrilled when I read my email about a month ago.   I received my April Secret Recipe assignment.  I recognized this blog immedia...

Where does the time go?  I can’t believe that it is Friday Night Bite time again.  Before I share with you this week’s delight, I wan...

My joy comes from making people smile with my cooking.   Perhaps that is why I have a weakness for throwing a great dinner party or br...

The wait is over.  I teased you about what kind of Crostini I would be sharing for Friday Night Bites.  Now the day has finally arriv...

I love dinner parties.   I love planning, preparing and throwing a great dinner party.  It brings me much joy.  Saturday night brought...

I am a huge fan of simple yet delicious appetizers.  Why fuss with twenty different ingredients and hours in the kitchen – there is n...

If there is a top ten list of my favorite cookies in the world, the Russian Tea Cakes would be in that list.  Okay, you have probably...

It has been a long week at work .  Busy, busy and even more busy as the week is winding down.  It is all good stuff, just not enough t...

In the heart of Napa Valley resides Long Meadow Ranch (LMR).   This 650-acre home ranch produces both wine and food in the Napa Va...

I am obsessed with Crostinis! They are like a blank canvass begging to be painted on.  A great crostini can be your own "Mona Lisa...

I love brown sugar.  When used to make cookies, it elevates the flavor to the next level. This month for the Secret Recipe Club, I wa...

Several weeks ago I took a short road trip up to Napa .   Luckily for me, it is only about an hours drive from my house.  I ventured t...

I adore Oprah.   She is someone who is insightful, inspirational, a thought leader, motivator and role model.  Her positive influence ...

Chocolate and caramel are a marriage made in heaven.   When this month’s theme for the Chocolate Party was official, it brought a la...

My addiction with homemade crackers continues. As a kid, and still today, I love the traditional “cheez-its” cracker. That perfect sq...

Real butter, fake butter or no butter?  Microwave or stove?  White or yellow?  Plain or flavored salt?  How do you like your popcorn? ...

Winter is still here.   For many parts of the country, it is more extreme than others.  Here in the Bay Area, it has been relatively m...

Hubby loves meatballs.   They can be with or without sauce.  He just plain loves those little nuggets of joy.  He prefers my homemade ...

Spring seems to be in the air in the Bay Area.   The weather topped almost 70 degrees on Saturday.  Despite lemons being available yea...

Meyer lemons are in season.  Oh how I love the sweetness and unique flavor of these beauties.  We have a meyer lemon tree in our backy...

Sometimes life throws you curveballs. Not sure why, but they happen.  I recently learned that a long time friend that I have known fr...

Love is in the air.  With Valentines Day around the corner, you can’t help think about love - whether you are in love or seeking the ...

Most of you have probably seen or least heard of the movie – “Meet the Parents” .  Last weekend, hubby and I had a “meet the parents” ...

A couple weeks ago I hosted an intimate dinner party at my house for friends.   At first I thought let’s go formal and sit in the dini...

If you had to choose from two plates: one with a couple fresh “out of the oven” chocolate chip cookies OR a small basket of hot French...

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.   When life gives you ripe bananas, make banana bread.  When you want to kick up banana bre...

Hubby and I aren't really sports fans.  We don’t typically sit home on Sundays to watch a football game.  We are probably in the ...

Happy 2013 and welcome to a new year of Secret Recipe Club!   If by chance you are not familiar with the secret recipe club, let m...

What a gorgeous morning in the Bay Area!  We have been experiencing a cold snap here for the last few weeks.  I know it is much colde...

How does time go by so fast?   Someone please explain.   Smile.   Today is my 4 year Blogoversary.   I remember the day that I hit the...

On Friday I hosted my annual team appreciation lunch.   I believe this is the 10 th annual celebration that I have hosted at my hous...

Have you made your New Year resolutions yet?   You know … those goals you set for yourself at the beginning of each year.  Wink. I hav...

2012 was a good year.   As in years past, I have dedicated a post at the beginning of the year to highlight several blog posts that we...