One Size Does Not Fit All!

I bought this top, it didn't fit me right and it was not returnable. If you ever have this dilema, you might consider doing what I did, I cut it up the front center. Folded out the edges, sewed on some trim, added a frog closure, and now I have a jacket.  

My Summer MUST-HAVES

Sandals. When it comes to sandals, I have a problem. I love them, ALOT! I feel that I cannot have enough pairs so I thought I would share some of the sandals that have been ringing my bell.

 I have this ritual that every month when Vogue comes and I go through and tear out any pages that stand out to me, like inspiration pages. Then I set out to find similar items that I can afford....

The trend this year is gladiator sandals but the new twist is to have a cuff or buckle on the ankle. (like the pair below)

I love it. The ones I found in vogue were $585 which I thought was a great deal so I purchased them!

Oh wait, that was a dream  I had. 

Instead I found a great pair at Macy's for $59 dollars made by Chinese Laundry (had LOTS of compliments) and  my next buy is going to be a pair I found at Journeys for only $29.99. (see pic below, what an awesome price)

Fun to wear with shorter dresses or cuffed jeans, just make sure to paint your toes a pretty color!

O.k. now go forth and buy some sandals but beware, you will become addicted.

Beckwith Road Breakfast part II

Cinnamon French Toast

Easy Peasy

6 large eggs

1 cup milk ( I use the remainder of the evaporated milk used in syrup)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons vanilla

4 tablespoons sugar

pinch salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 loaf French bread (I use the one that's baked at the market and I slice it 3/4 inch thick, or you can buy thick pre-sliced bread)

1/2 to 3/4 stick butter

I make this concoction in the blender. You can also just whisk it up in a medium bowl. To begin, add milk, cinnamon, vanilla, sugar, salt and baking powder and mix well. Grab a cake pan or jelly roll pan (with sides). Dip each piece of bread in the egg mixture covering both sides (careful not to get it soggy). Continue with all the sliced bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight. If you didn't do this the night before, you can still make this recipe. It just need to sit a little while first. 

Take a large frying pan and on medium heat add a tablespoon of butter. When the butter has melted, add a few pieces of the eggy bread. Cover with a lid to ensure the French toast will not be soggy (a no, no) Now you can cook all the bread before serving by keeping the cooked toast in a low temp.-warm-oven covering the bread with foil to keep it from drying out. Serve on a platter with bacon and scrambled eggs. Give the syrup a quick stir and pour into a little pitcher. Viola! You will amaze your family!

So what is your favorite breakfast? Come talk to us and leave a comment! Join our blog and let us know what you think!

love and kisses,

Jan and Kristen 

Beckwith Road Breakfast

Cinnamon French Toast

simple ingredients, stunning results (don't get caught licking your plate)

Cinnamon Syrup

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1/4 cup water

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup evaported milk or cream (I use 1-12 ounce can for syrup and French toast, more economical)

In a medium saucepan, add the sugar and cinnamon. Stir then add corn syrup and water. Combine ingredients with a whisk and place over medium-high heat. Stir continuesly while syrup boils 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Turn off stove and stir in the evaporated milk or cream. Set aside to cool while you make the French toast. It's that easy! This syrup is also good over warm apple pie a la mode or just over plain vanilla ice cream. Who knew syrup could be so easy.

Sweet Dreams

Pampering Alert....

I walk every day with a friend who tells me she has very little time for herself. I posted this note with her in mind (you know who you are). We women have nurturing in our DNA. It's who we are, but goodness we need to treat ourselves a little better. Tracy Porter did a blog a few weeks ago about what she had beside her bed. Little treats for the body and soul if you will. Kristen is the queen pampering knowledge. A walking encyclopedia of skin care knowledge. She will need to post a segment just on that. I have learned so much from her. 

Here is what I have. Most likely your list of must haves is different. The challenge is to create a little nook or cranny you can revive yourself from just before you jump into bed. Give yourself 5 minutes to rub some cuticle cream into your nails, smooth a rough edge on your nail, or rub some cream on your hands and feet, etc. Have some water and a pretty glass to drink it out of in the mix. Tissue is great to have at arms length and so on. MAKE IT BEAUTIFUL!  YOU MUST LOVE -REFRESH YOUR LOVELY SELF. You'll feel better for it. We are such visual creatures and must pamper what our eyes see as well.

Tell us what your must-haves are, or if you created a spot just to prep for sweet dreams. Please take the time to post a comment and tell us what segment you would like us to do. Sandy I am working on some vegetable dishes per your request!

xoxoJan and Kristen

Spring/Summer Accesories

Add a little style to your spring and summer dresses, especially if they are long cotton ones, with smashing accessories.

This differentiates you from everyone else and says you have chic style.

Here is one way, although there are many.....

Simple dress, sandals and.....tons of bangles.

We put this look together at Forever 21 for the mere price of $20.00 and we mixed them all up (this was 4 seperate bracelets)! We think that you shouldn't spend too much money on trendy jewelry, so look at places like Forever 21 and H&M. Then spend the most on your shoes (because cheap shoes are a dead giveaway).

The season trend is statement jewelry but don't get a fashion ticket by violating this law by wearing all of them at once.

If you are going to wear bangles don't wear a ring on the same hand and skip a necklace and earrings (unless they are very simple).

Or wear a Statement necklace alone or just earrings and a ring....you get the idea.

"Being Stylish takes time, patience and above all practice. Gore Vidal said, " Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a Damn".

16 Candles??? There is only one for us!

The must have candle-no-kidding!

They say that scent is the strongest sense tied to memories. What memories are you creating for yourself, for your friends, for your family??? I love a fragrance that makes me feel relaxed and reminds me of great times, so we thought we would share an amazing candle. 

We love, love, love the Capri Blue scented candles (Volcano fragrance is our fav). We have them by our beds, in our family rooms and bathrooms. Your whole mood will change when you light one of these zinc wicked wonders that light quickly and burns twice as long as an ordinary candle. The wax is soft and redolent with the abundance of scented oil (2x more than other candles) and yummy, yummy smelling. Volcano has tropical fruits, sugared oranges, lemons and limes and light mountain grassy essences. You don't even have to light it to smell the faint hint of it in the air. Just pick one up and breathe in the fragrance. It lifts your spirits and makes you smile. There is something to be said for a time when electricity did not exist and luminous candlelight cast a glow upon a room.  Pamper yourself! Take some time every day to soak in the loveliness of life. Don't underestimate the flicker of candlelight.

These candles start at $12.00 (we never said memories were inexpensive), and to up to $28.00. Anthropologie is the most common place to find them. Treat yourself and find a fragrance that takes you away!

Do tell us what your favorite candle is! We really want to know!

Kristen and Jan. 

Extraordinary Desserts

WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT THIS A-M-A-Z-I-N-G RESTAURANT. KAREN KRASNE, OWNER OF EXTRAORDINARY DESSERTS STUDIED AT THE CORDON BLEU AND SHE ROUTINELY RETURNS TO FRANCE TO STUDY HER CRAFT. KAREN BELIEVES DESSERT SHOULD  BE AS BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT AS IT IS TO EAT. 

I CAN HARDLY CONTAIN MYSELF AS I RECREATE THE VISUAL EXPERIENCE OF ENCOUNTERING SO MANY MIND BOGGLING, ARTISTICALLY ARRANGED, FABULOUS TASTING DESSERTS UNDER ONE ROOF. KAREN YOU TRULY HAVE OUTDONE YOURSELF! NO WONDER THE FOOD NETWORK CAME VISITING! WE WERE AS GIDDY AS AS CHILDREN WALKING IN, EXPECTATIONS WERE HIGH AND EXTRAORDINARY DESSERTS DOES NOT DISAPPOINT. 

THE PASSION FRUIT PAVLOVA (SHOWN HERE) IS A JEWEL IN THE CROWN. EVEN THE ACCOMPANYING FRUIT SAUCES WERE MASTERFULLY SWIRLED,  AS IF PICASSO HIMSELF HAD DESIGNED THEM. HERE'S THE DEAL, SWIRLS OF FRUIT SAUCES, CRUNCHY MERINGUE, PASSION FRUIT CUSTARD, FRESH RIPE FRUITS SUCH AS, MANGOES, BANANAS, KIWI, STRAWBERRIES, RASPBERRIES, BLACKBERRIES, ROSE PETALS AND GOLD LEAF. AS SHIRLEY TEMPLE WOULD SAY, "OH MY"! 

CONFESSION: WE ALSO ORDERED A HOT VALHRONA BROWNIE WITH HANDMADE VANILLA BEAN ICE CREAM, AN A OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD COCONUT CAKE AND A DECADENT RASPBERRY CAKE. (OH AND A ROASTED PINEAPPLE DANISH, LIKE NO DANISH WE HAVE EVER SEEN). NO WE DID NOT EAT IT ALL. THERE WAS ONE HAPPY HUSBAND AT HOME WHO DID THE HONORS, PLUS A NIECE, LIZ WHO ACCOMPANIED US THERE.

 

THERE ARE TWO LOCATIONS IN SAN DIEGO.

EXTRAORDINARY DESSERTS

LITTLE ITALY, SAN DIEGO

1430 UNION STREET

AND

BALBOA PARK, SAN DIEGO

2929 FIFTH AVENUE

www.extraordinarydesserts.com

How to Walk in High Heels

Let me share a secret with you, shhhhh. Don't tell anyone else. 

It's the girls guide to EVERYTHING and it's called "How to Walk in High Heels".

This book tells you most everything you need to know. Pretentious, yes...So take it with a grain of salt. Most of this information is really useful. 

Here is an excerpt from the book, entitled, "How to look good in a photo" by Gisele Bundchen, Supermodel.

What should you do? Other than try and get an option on some super-trendy photographer?

Whether it's work or fun, the most crucial thing is lighting. If you get bad lighting, you are screwed. Know where the light is. You don't want it below you or above you, you want it to shine directly at you.

The key thing is no shadow. If you are being shot outside, do it in the morning or wait til the two o'clock shadow has passed. And also don't let pictures in magazines stress you out- all the pictures are taken by great photographers and all the faces have had pimples taken out by computer. Come on!

Tip your head and learn what angles work with your face; everyone is different so you have to learn what best suits you. You can practice in passport photo booths for as long as it is your turn, to learn  what angles suit your face. Tip your neck to elongate it, make eye contact with the camera. No one can look bad if they smile.

For long legs, point one leg into the center of the frame and get the photographer to shoot looking up your body. For just leg shots, lie upside down and raise legs in the air for the best angle, it thins ankles and shapes calves.

Keep shoulders back.

Always have mouth slightly open, enough to put a penny between your lips, as this will make your lips look fuller.

Tilt eyes down and look up just as the shutter is clicked for full eyes.

Delete any evidence of a less-than-perfect photogenic moment, everyone has off days.

Well, I hope this helps you out. This book will tell you everything on what to do if you meet the Queen (I'm sure that's gonna happen any second), to How to know which names to drop, to poaching an egg.

Go out and get this book. It only costs $24.95 and it will change your life, as much as a book can.

...For aspiring Cinderellas everywhere

Green without spending green!

Don't get pinched, St. Patrick's Day 

is coming right up!

Don't forget next Tuesday, March 17, is St. Patrick's Day. It seems these days it's not only the Irish that celebrate, but everyone is joining in. The more the merrier! I wanted to decorate using green without spending lots of green. Taking a turn around my house I gathered things that spoke to me. My mom was Irish so I found myself collecting more sentimental things, such as her baby picture, sweet woven ribbon and the likes. You can see in the picture above that I collected many things from my yard. Twigs, mossy stones, smallish pinecones, garden pots, bark, birds nest etc. From the craft box, moss and natural twine. See what I was able to do with one wilting shamrock and lots of desire! 

The challenge was to use a plastic covered, wilting shamrock from the market. I removed the plastic and placed the plant in a quaint basket. I added mossy stones, a birds nest, twiggy bird and twigs from my yard and a picture of my Irish mom. Voila! 

I also experimented using a small tin French hanging basket and another rustic garden pot I had purchased while shopping at Antropologie. You really can't go wrong using whatever is around you. We usually tend to surround ourselves with the things we love and inspire us.

If you're lucky enough to be Irish, you're lucky!   

Irish quote-

It's Not Breakfast, It's Not Lunch, It's Brunch!

Relaxing weekends, great friends and family, delicious food

HEAVENLY!

Eggs in Puff Pastry

Little filled treats!

1 package frozen puff pastry, THAWED (leave overnight in fridge)

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated-plus more for topping

3 eggs

1-cup cream

1/2 cup whole milk

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

Dash cayenne

1 teaspoon all-purpose flour

1 medium onion or 2 shallots, peeled and diced (1/4 inch)

1/2 red bell pepper, diced (1/4 inch) save the other half for potatoes

6-7 slices smoky bacon, slice into 1/2 inch pieces (this is done by stacking and slicing all together) It will seperate with the heat in your skillet as you begin to stir it.

10-Asparagus spears, use tips and tender tops cut into 1/2 inch pieces. 

YOU CAN USE WHATEVER VEGETABLES AND MEATS YOU PREFER. CANADIAN BACON, SAUSAGE, ARTICHOKES, MUSHROOM, PLAIN, ETC. You are in the drivers seat.

To Begin:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 

Prep  12-cup regular muffin pan by spraying it with vegetable spray. 

In a large skillet cook bacon.When the bacon is almost done add the onion, bell pepper and asparagus. Cook until all the vegetables are cooked, but still colorful. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Set aside to drain on paper towel.

In a medium bowl, beat eggs with  a whisk, add milk, cream, flour, salt, pepper and cayenne. When combined, add Parmesan cheese.

You are now ready to roll out the puff pastry. Grab your rolling pin and lightly flour a countertop or pastry board. Remove one of the puff pastry sheets and lay it on the floured surface. Lightly dust the top of the pastry too before you roll it (just a little) into a square. If you use Trader Joe's puff pastry, it is in a square ready to go. Now cut dough in 1/2 and then each 1/2 into 1/2 again. You will have 4 equal squares. Repeat with the other sheet of pastry. (you will have 8 squares total) Ease each piece of pastry into the prepared muffin tin. Don't poke or it may tear, just lift by the corners and ease it in. Let the edges hang over for now. 

Next, fill each muffin space with a heaping spoonful of the bacon/vegetable mixture. Add 1/4 cup shredded cheese and pour the egg mixture over the top of each. Bring the pastry corners to the center and pinch. Brush tops with some of the egg filling and generously sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining squares.  Any leftover filling can be baked in custard cups. 

Bake in a 400-degree oven for 25-30 minutes. Let sit 5 minutes before serving. 

Serves 6. Serve with O'Brien Potatoes

O'Brien Potatoes (we have an O'Brien in our family)

2 pounds white rose, red or Yukon Gold potatoes, washed and each pierced with a knife.

1 medium onion or 2 shallots, thinly sliced

1/2 red bell pepper, diced 1/2 inch

salt, pepper to taste

Dash cayenne

2-4 Tablespoons Canola oil

2 Tablespoons butter

2-3 Tablespoons chopped parsley

To begin:

Place potatoes in a microwave oven and cook 3 minutes. Stop, turn the potatoes over and continue for 3 more minutes. Larger potatoes may take 10+ minutes. Remove potatoes as they  

become tender when pressed upon. Don't overcook!

Meanwhile, heat saute pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Add onions and cook until they are soft and caramelized. Press the oil from the onions as you remove them to drain on a paper towel. Add bell peppers to saute pan and cook until they are soft, remove and add to onions. 

Cut softened potatoes into bite size pieces. Place more oil and butter in saute pan. Add potatoes. Place a lid on top and cook until all the surfaces are toasty and golden, turning every few minutes. Season with salt and pepper and dash cayenne. (At this point you can make this dish ahead) When ready to serve warm the potatoes, stir in the onion and bell pepper. Top with parsley and serve. Enjoy!

"When you wake up in the morning, Pooh," said Piglet at last, " What's the first thing you say to yourself?" " What's for breakfast?" said Pooh. "What do you say, Piglet?" I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today? said Piglet. Pooh nodded thoughtfully. "It's the same thing," he said." A.Milne, "The House at Pooh Corner"

Mission Hills, San Diego

Located on a quaint street that looks like a scene out of a movie is a trio of charming stores owned by Jimmy and Valerie in Mission Hills, San Diego.

"With Love" is a grand boutique that is so beautifully presented that you can envision every piece of merchandise in your home. Creative vignettes (made by Valerie), the best in gift cards (so enchanting you can frame them and use them as art), antiquities, mirrors, jewelry, oddities and Asian inspired objects can all be found under one roof.

The sounds of Pink Martini and Paolo Conte play in the background (they sell a FAB collection of music) all while making your shopping experience even dreamier.

I found the owner, Jimmy, just as charming as the items He sells. An unpretentious boutique, Jimmy is happy to offer ideas and advice on his merchandise. My wheels were really spinning...

*Caution, shop each item up and down, back and forth at least twice or you might miss out on a treasure you didn't see the first time around.

"With Love" is the perfect boutique to find a gift, even for the hardest person to shop for.

Jimmy told us to cross the street for what he referred to as, "The really good stuff" at "Le Bel Age".

His wife, Valerie, equally charming, has a Chic  Boutique with an amazing array of European fashions. An honoree of the prestigious Golden Hanger Award, Le Bel Age is like being transported to Europe. A gorgeous arrangement of Jewelry, Adornments, Clothing, Hand bags, Gowns and the like, Le Bel Age is special. Not your typical hoity toity boutique, Valerie is an amazing hostess and story teller. The passion she has for her merchandise is authentic and reels you in. Her look is inspiring, as though she is walking the streets of Paris.

Then Valerie showed us her unreal pedicure....it was amazing. "Rock Star" pedicure was what she referred to it as for the mere price of $70 and I HAVE to have it. Promised to last 5 to 6 weeks this pedicure comes in an array of over 50+ colors (hers were ruby red) and is sparkly and amazing but not translucent....I've never seen this one done before.

And this is where the third of these darling shops comes in. 

It just so happens that Jimmy and Valerie own the Salon, Salon Bella, next door and this is where you need to go to get glammed up. 

If in San Diego this stop is a MUST! But caution, these visits will become addictive.

Kills three birds with one stone and make a day of it.

You haven't done it til you've done it right.

With Love

1620 West Lewis St.

619-298-7983

Le Bel Age

1607 West Lewis St.

619-297-7080

Salon Bella

1605 West Lewis St.

619-291-9095

Hors d'Oeurvre

Roasted Feta

Want a chic, quick and addictive appetizer recipe

 that anyone can make?

Crumbly and creamy, this cheese is divine, when roasted.

Ingredients:

1 8 ounce square of feta (Trader Joes)

1 1/4 cup of Kalmata Olives (quartered)

1/4 red Bell Pepper, finely diced

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Cracked black pepper      

Olive oil (extra virgin)

Grated Parmesan

 1 bag of plain pita chip (Make your own, it's quick, see recipe to follow) 

 1 small baking dish just slightly larger than

 the feta (see picture)

To begin:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Prep the bell pepper , olive and shallot.

Remove feta from its wrapper and rinse. Pat dry with paper towel.

Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of Olive Oil over the bottom of the baking dish. Place the feta on top. Sprinkle dried oregano to cracker pepper over the top.

Drizzle the olive oil. Top with bell pepper, olive and shallots, letting it spill over the sides. Sprinkle with Parmesan and bake.

Bake 375 degrees for 15 minutes.

Gilding the Lily: Make your own Pita chips. 

They bake right along the feta.

6-8 regular size pita

1/8 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic, crushed, add to the olive oil

Parmesan to sprinkle on top

salt

Line the baking sheet with parchment, foil or silpat

Cut each pita into 8 pieces. Brush both sides with garlic and olive oil. (I do this after I get them all on the baking sheet) 

Sprinkle lightly with salt and Parmesan (I also sprinkle mine with a little garlic powder, just to give then an extra layer of flavor) and bake them at the same time you put the Feta in the oven. Pita chips will firm as they cool.

And Voila....Perfection!

The discovery of a new dish does more for the happiness of a mankind than the discovery of a star.

-Antheime Brillat-Savarin

Make-up 101

  by Kristen

I have to say that when it comes to the subject of cosmetics, I'm a junkie. So when asked what was in my make-up bag I have to be honest, My cosmetic do not even come close to fitting in a bag.

There are essentials that we can not live without and everyone's differ.

For instance I don't leave the house without under eye concealer, mascara and lip gloss or I look like a walking nightmare. 

Mascara-Some think Mascara is all the same-this statement is rubbish. It's all in the brush and I've tried them all.

Best: Maybelline- Lash Stilleto, Max Factor, Urban Decay- Fatty Mascara, Christian Dior- Show, Ysl and Tarte.

Not My faves: (New) Givenchy (Messy), Too Face- Lash injection (doesn't come off), Benefit Bad Gal (doesn't do alot) and Maybelline-Great Lash (I'm allergic).

*The thing is that just like you can't eat Ice Cream without a spoon, you shouldn't use Mascara without a lash curler (Shu Uemura and MAC make my faves). If you're going to go for it-go for it. Show Babmi what's up!

Under Eye Concealer-Brighten the face and take off ten years.

The best I've ever used is Benefit Boing! To take off the years place the product on the most receded part of the face, where the bridge of your nose recedes to your eyes and follow to the outter corner of the eye.

  I prefer to place the product with a concealer brush (Sephora makes a great one). This makes for flawless application that looks natural. Take your pressed powder and pat the under eye area and it will last all day.

Lipgloss-Ever been out and run into someone you haven't seen for years and you look like you've been hit by a semi-truck? And, of course, that person looks perfect...

This is where lipgloss comes in. 

I always have a lip product on. I'm a fan of MAC glosses because the price is great ($14). They

 make every color and your lips look luscious. Don't love MAC? Try Bare Escentuals Buxom Glosses. A bit pricier ($18), these plump without burn. 

Now, for home and overnight, buy Palmer's Cocoa Butter Sticks to replace whatever you are currently using. These are amazing and I've turned TONS of people on to them. These will make your lips super soft and chapped lips are a thing of the past! Hard to find, I usually have to go to Rite-aid in Calabasas, where I will buy ALL of them ($3.99).

Here's what I use everyday....Fresh foundation (spf 20 and great), Benefit Boing Under Eye Concealer, l'Occitane pressed powder, Mac Paint for the eyes (in Painterly), Benefit Cake Liner, Tarte Bronzer (The Best), MAC blush, Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara, Mac Brow powder, and MAC gloss.  

 

Now go greet your public!

                                                                                                      

Cinderella- you shall go to the ball.

-The Fairy Godmother

Things we LOVE!

Shoes, you can never have too many pairs! Especially at this price.

With the economy the way it is, I cannot buy everything at Anthropologie (sob story) any longer.

So, imagine our surprise when we were shopping at Target and we found these gorgeous flats. 

At $19.99 these flats fit the budgie and you can afford not only get them in this bougie print but also Black Satin!!!

Get them while you can because they are selling out. (These are not available online, only  in store.)

Perfect with jeans or trousers, We promise you, you will not be sorry.

Trust Us!

Shoes are fashion-they are moods and moments that want to come out and play.

-Manolo Blahnik

Fun Shoe Fact: Marie Antoinette had a servant whose only job was to take care of her shoes (all 500 pairs).

BECKWITH ROAD

Beckwith Road. 

The place that started up our culinary adventures. Smell, taste, eat. 

That sums up our Holidays like the one in the picture. Bouchon Bakery, Younteville, Ca. (Napa), one of Thomas Kellers gems, in "Kellerville." The Macroons, Napeleons, Nutter Butters, Financiers and on and on....A visit in this part of California will assault your visual senses. No matter what the season, there is beauty to be found here. 

Food is my passion. I love cooking it, eating it, talking about it and I love teaching cooking classes. I am a vegetarian although I do use meats for classes and catering.I will, however, eat one meat dish for sure, Tra Vigne's Smokey Ribs slowly, perfectly executed on a pillow of creamy polenta, it still makes me weak just thinking about it. 

Some of you have been students over the years. What a wonder to see some of you discover your hidden creative talent. Well, I've had plenty of teachers Myself, Cecilia DeCastro (she got her start with Wolfgang Pucks

 years ago (I sometimes see her at the Oscars when that camera pans to the kitchen), Marlene Sorosky, Martha Stewart, Carol Fields, Alice Medrich, Ken Frank, well the list goes on and on. These classes were amazing and it was fun to be able to assist many of these Icons of the food world as well. For those of you who do not know me, (Jan), I worked in the garment industry for years, My degree was in Fashion Arts, Culinary School, Assisted Chefs and cookbook authors at Culinary School, belonged to a professional culinary group that included Julia Child, took many classes, catered often (although I prefer teaching) and somehow ended up working in Cardiology (go figure).

As for Kristen, she was a figure skater, taking lessons from Frank Carol (of Olympic fame), as well as a  lover of fashion and beauty products. A magazine junkie, American, European, et al.Having the fortunate opportunity to work with Artisans from around the country who were truly gifted beyond imagination. A former Visual Manager for l'Occitane en Provence in New York and running stores in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Pleasanton, Sherman Oaks and Thousand Oaks. She has had the fortune to meet and work with brilliant people within the beauty industry. She now travels to Canada as well as throughout the United States for beauty product updates.

Our goal is to bring you awareness of what's new in food, home, garment and beauty.

We hope you will visit us often. We have many surprises in store for you.