Drink – same new song

springing into summer

Posted on May 11, 2016 by samenewsong

There are 19 days of school left for my kids. I turn yet another year older in just over a week. Per the usual, we have only one real vacation on the books. However, given that we live in a place that people take vacations seriously, the weekends will be filled with all kinds of sun and fun. I have not considered my body tone in months. The holidays flowed right into hard work. I reward all the hard work with wine. Workouts have been pushed right to the furthest corner of my world. Considering exercise used to be paramount in my life, this whole work/stress/drink/exhaustion/repeat cycle has to be adjusted.

While it takes a lot of time to plan for, the “clean” diet really does work. And by work, I mean you lose inches, weight and you do feel great. It can get super repetitive and it can be challenging when dining out. Paired with a barre3 online class, or a Dailey class taught to myself or in the rare instance that I can actually make it to the studio, for my body, it is the fastest and most effective way to see results.

Here I am, three whole days into my health kick. I am not dry. That’s not going to change. Instead of the four (honest) glasses of wine each night at 500 calories and residual sugar, I am having one vodka on the rocks or a skinny margarita. One drink makes me feel relaxed, and I don’t feel like I drank at all the next day. I am avoiding gluten, grains, dairy, soy, legumes and sugar. But keeping it in perspective is my main focus. That way, no one else is impacted by my program.

I will post progress, highlights and pitfalls here. Let’s hope I can greet the beaches of Lake Tahoe with a comfortable and content self.

mother’s day

Posted on May 11, 2016 by samenewsong

Mother’s Day weekend, because it is a full weekend in my opinion, not just a day, was quite lovely. We tried out a new sitter on Friday night, which worked out really well. Our collection of reliable kid care was dwindling. I put an ad on care.com and voila, a few great gals came from that. G and I went to Ca Momi and literally scooped up burrata cheese with pizza skin for a few hours while the local band played some fabulous acoustic music.

Saturday, I came home to flowers and lots of goodies from the Ferry Building. Candles, lotions, candies, honey and a new knife set were all in the mix. We grilled lamb chops and watched a movie in front of the fire, because of course, it was pouring rain.

Sunday, we took my mom to Bottega for lunch. I had not been to Bottega in a long time, and it did not disappoint. Even their take on the Bellini was fabulous: prosecco with Cabernet foam on top! We all had a great time nibbling and laughing. No Mother’s day would be complete without a good two hours at the baseball field. Harris had a game, which means lots of cheering and sunflower seeds. Kind of a fun way to finish the weekend.

Here are some photos of the fun. bel hbc mday

new in the hood

Posted on February 20, 2016 by samenewsong

We live in the Silverado Country Club community. Most of my life, the club has been a part of it.. Because of the proximity, we dine at the Grill a lot, grab cocktails in the Mansion bar, if I am out of Moroccan Oil, I will run up to the spa and get some. For months, the club has been advertising this new cafe that was coming to the grounds. It was supposed to open last fall before the big golf tournament. Like most things, there were delays and I was convinced it would never come to fruition. The club really does need a little casual spot for people to grab coffee without a waiter, or the usual formality. It is a big resort in addition to a country club, and I think they are finally starting to realize that.

Last Thursday was the soft opening of the Market & Bakery. We of course had the art show to attend at rival Napa Valley Country Club, so we missed it. I promised the kids we would go check it out on the weekend. Since the weather was nice enough, we hopped on our bikes and cruised over to the new spot. It is perfectly placed in the center of the grounds. It has red awnings that dot the familiar white siding that’s on all of the other buildings. There is a fire pit, tables with lots of chairs, and built in heaters hanging from the patio columns. Inside, there’s a typical counter where you can order. They have breads, pastries and cookies from Bouchon Bakery. You can order specialty coffees made to order. They have pre-wrapped sandwiches and salads that looked yummy. Plus, there’s an actual market. Chilled wines, craft beers, artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, nuts, ships, crackers plus nice tequila and vodka! They have Napa logo gear, the tasteful kind. I was so impressed.

We sat outside and enjoyed the surroundings. H ate his pain au raisin quickly, Weez dismantled her muffin. The coffee was strong and hot. To have this option when wine reserves are low, or when dinner just needs a bag of pasta…this market could really become an asset. When otherwise I would have to get in the car and schlep to Whole Foods. Same goes for the morning. On the weekends, we might scoot down to Model or Starbucks. Why bother when we can ride our bikes to an even better spot! I am so thrilled the Market & Bakery are open. Good job, Silverado!

weekend redux

Posted on February 18, 2016February 18, 2016 by samenewsong

This past weekend was a bit of a tradition, transformed. When we lived in Utah, our dear friends Eddie, Katie and their daughter Taylor would come to visit us. We would ski and dine around. The kids would have a ball day and night. It became our tradition. We were so thankful and excited for their visit each year during President’s Day weekend, coming all the way to Utah to be with us. Shift to now. We obviously don’t live in Utah any longer. So we’ve adjusted to California. Instead, now we go to Carmel for the Pro-Am at Pebble Beach; the boys walk the course while the girls spa. We meet up later for dinner and fun.

This year, much like last year, the weather was unbelievable. Sunshine and warmth abound. My spa time with Katie was so fantastic; the best salad with prawns, a glass of wine, peanut fruit bars before our massages. We sat in the fireplace room at Casa Palmero until we needed to meet the boys back at Katie’s place in town. There, we had a true cocktail hour with her parents – cheese straws and vodka tonics. Dinner was wonderful and the revelry after, even better. The Hog’s Breath (an essential part of the tradition) was packed with all kinds of fun folks from the tournament. It was a blast.

You are probably asking, where were the kids in all of this? Good question. We dropped them off at G’s brother’s house in Morgan Hill Friday night. They recently purchased a compound of sorts that has land for miles, including an old, funky house they are making their own, plus tractors and bugs and lizards. Oh, and a 25lbs cat named Max. They never looked back when we left.

Memories were made by all. This is what life is made of. See next post for further weekend details…

favorites

Posted on January 14, 2016 by samenewsong

Alterna Caviar Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner. This stuff makes my hair feel younger and less damaged. It smells awesome too. Shop around online, because it is a little steep at full price.
Origin Chardonnay. Everyone knows my alliance to Three Sticks, but their unoaked Origin Chardonnay is fantastic. I never thought I would say no to Sauvignon Blanc, but this is my go-to. It is so delicious and light. It absolutely captures California in a glass. Not that I am enjoying it this month, but in case you are!
Jo Malone’s Mimosa & Cardamom. I think I like it because it smells like Datura Noir by Serge Lutens. It is fresh and soft, but not floral or typical. There’s a hint of spice that butters up the subtle orange scent. I am pairing it with Lime Basil lotion for an extra layer of warmth.
Dr. Rhea Zimmerman Komarek. I went to high school with Rhea. She has always been a beacon of light and beauty. The way she expresses it now with her work in chiropractic healing is just amazing. What she and her husband do is remarkable by finding the blocks and releasing them. I absolutely believe her touch is magic, and I am so lucky to know her.
Hi*Ball Energy. I can’t live without the grapefruit sparkling water. Especially when I am booze free. Just the right amount of caffeine and bubbles. A perfect boost to my afternoon when I usually reach for another latte.

about me

Posted on January 8, 2016 by samenewsong

I was born in San Diego. My parents retired in Napa. I went to college in Stockton. I worked hard in San Francisco. I raised children in Salt Lake City. I am here now.

Things you should know: