What a week

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Daphne

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Oscars,

a death,

a stomach bug,

a big food event.

This has been the last few days. Sunday morning I was at cheap hair salon in a rundown mini mall getting a blow out in preparation for Oscar night. I went there because there is not a lot open in the way of hair on Sundays and it’s cheap.

My friends Heather and Nina, with her darling little girl Ruby, had road tripped down from San Francisco for the fun times. Feeling good.

Then my sister Cecily called and told me her father in law Louis Mitchell had just died. Ugh. My tummy started to hurt. Hurt for his family and recalled for me my own father’s passing. So sad for my brother in law. I knew he would feel the pain in his head, stomach, neck. His father had been sick for a while, but it’s always a blow no matter how prepared you think you are. Now my brother in law was “in the club” as my friend Nina puts it. That means someone who has lost a parent.
“I can drop everything, do you need me?” Cecily said no. The Oscars didn’t seem quite so important anymore. Nevertheless, that hard lesson when someone you love passes is life does go on. Although what was to be a total fun day had a tinge of darkness on it. It was also a tad annoying to have the guy who was doing my hair, “What happened?”

I told him.

“Oh, God bless, light some candles. Light some candles.” He repeated this so many times I was tempted to say “why is there a power outage?” I wanted to be sad for the moment, but didn’t want to mourn next to this guy who reeked of tobacco who believed candles held the key to grieving.
I raced home to take Rex to a kiddie party, but he was asleep. So, Heather and I decided to go and see if the Oscar attendees needed our help. The show starts at 5:30 so Carole’s hair and make up lady arrived at 11:30. Kevin got tickets to the big show for his brother and his wife, Meaghan and my nephew. I was glad I showed up because I helped Meaghan with her hair.

It was fun to see Carole getting all dolled up. The nominee was relaxed. He was jotting down a few things to say in case he won, but he wouldn’t share them with us. The car arrived at 2, though they didn’t get in the car till about 2:45.
Heather said, “We have to get ready!” So, back home we went.
Seeing Carole’s pro make up made me spend a bit more time on my own. I was walking the red carpet , but was presiding over an Oscar watch party and Campanile and then Heather and I were going to the Fox Searchlight post Oscar party.
Rex said, “I want to wear something handsome.” So, we put on his vest and good pants. Vivien loves to get dressed up. My mom had arrived at our home at 3pm and settled into watch the red carpet hoping for a glimpse of Carole and Kevin. We figured they wouldn’t do an interview with him on the big stations, but we might see him. She kept moving the channel around from E! to TV Guide ( oh people still work there?), to the our local coverage. She didn’t see here. Meanwhile I was getting texts from my cousin Mary and another friend, “I just saw her.” ”She is by Octavia Spencer.”

Me, my friends, kids, mom, Mark and Oliver and Dolly our baby sitter went of to Campanile. It was so cool.
The catering director had set it up perfectly. He had a big TV set up on one wall and rows of tables in C shapes fanned to the back. Friends of ours trooped in. I ordered everyone to fill out their ballot. The winning one would win a $50 gift card to Campanile.
As the show began we were all craning to see if we could spot them.
“They are in Row k” My mom started counting back from the stage, “a, b, c” Then our friend yelled, “there she is.”
They were towards the back, but visible and Kevin was on the aisle. My mom was chuffed. We all knew what it meant. Winners are sat on the aisle. Time seem to fly ( not something I usually say watching the Oscars.) The Oscars are more fun to watch with 42 of your friends and family while you served the best food in LA. I didn’t have a seat for awhile. Rex had kicked me out of our shared seat, “mommy, go get your own chair.” But, he got tired so Dolly took him home and I got to sit down in front next to my mom. Vivien was happy hanging with her cousin and grandma’s.

Cecily and Lily had shown up. She had been tending to her grieving in laws, but said, “not to be insensitive, but I’ve got an Oscar party to go to.” They all understood, “Good Luck to Kevin.”.
All of a sudden it was the editing award. What?? Everyone figured his competition was from “the Artist”, as they were favored to win best picture. The day before the editor of “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” ( who had won last year for “Social Network” told Kevin, “I”m rooting for you.”) They showed quick clips of all the editors talking. When Kevin’s face came up we don’t know what he said because we were all screaming.
“and the Oscar goes to…”Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”
huh?
We all slumped our shoulders a bit as we saw my sister Carole in the audience mouth “Wow.” The winners were behind them and she said they were surprised as well.
After a few minutes I got up in front of the crowd and said, “Okay, let’s all do this together, AHHHHH.”
Many of us were saying, “hey he was nominated!” or “he will be back”. Cecily said, “I’m taking this harder than everyone else, I just wanted some good news today.”
We did get one thing to cheer about Alexander Payne, and his co writers took the gold for adapted Screenplay for “The Desendants”. He is one of Kevin’s best friends and good person. It would be the pictures only win, I’m glad they got something.
We also whooped it up when we got some more good shots of Carole and Kevin.

Particularly when they gave an ovation to Oprah, James Earl Jones and the other special award winners there was a shot primarly of them clapping and smiling.
“>
I got texts from my cousin “great shot of Carole”. People were cheering for Kevin all across the country. His family who live outside of Buffalo even had a story about their watch party. With a world full of cynics it’s sweet when people root for each other.
Party was done and all departed. Heather and I drove up to the after party. Some of the stars of “The Desendants” were there. My nephew and his aunt and uncle. We heard about their time at the Oscars.
After a while Carole and Kevin showed up.

The were in a great mood, it was all exciting even without the win. Then a big cheer went up. Alexander had walked in holding his gold. It took him a while to get to us and when he did I asked if I could take a picture with he and his Oscar.
“Only if you hold it” say things that make me love you more. Heather snapped the picture. But the flash didn’t go off. I turned and Carole, Kevin and Alexander had walked out the door. I went after them. ”What’s going on ?”

“We are going to the Governer’s ball” Carole said. It was perfect timing because I was exhausted, but I was gouch enough to want my picture. So I asked Alexander fro a retake. In reality he obliged kindly, but this picture makes me look like a crazy stalker and he like he just had root canal or perhaps fears the crazy stalker.

I’m not going to kid you. I was trashed the next day. Trashed. I can’t stay up till 12:45, and not be. Plus there was so much emotion in the day. I cancelled everything on Monday to spend time with Cecily.
Tuesday I woke up sick, sick, sick. I’m just coming out of it now. But, since I’ve only eaten jell-o and tea I’m almost at my ideal weight!
Tonight is the big Mark Peel Roy Choi mashup that I came up with ( yeah me!). I’m telling my tummy to get it together because I want to eat the great food. The event is sold out.
Ah, La Vida.

Diner home cooking and Roy Choi, Mark Peel Mashup

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Daphne

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I get asked a lot “why do you ever cook? Your husband must do all the cooking.”
My standard answer is “if I am at his restaurant he does.” Even when Mark is home at night ( at most two nights a week) I am the executive chef and he is my sou chef. I tell him what we have and what I was thinking, then he takes and comes up with something. Is that something that would be featured on a special tasting menu at Campanile? Not usually. The kind of food a great restaurant makes is a little too involved for a family of five when small kids and one grown lady will get really cranky if they don’t eat on time.
Also, I have to remind Chef Peel about what the kids will really eat. I use to say, “okay, we have sausages, broccoli, grape tomatoes and various pasta.” Mark would cook it all, and spice it well, then he would put it ALL TOGETHER. For a my little kids that was a big yuck.
“No, the sausage, must stand alone, the broccoli, must stand alone, and so on.”
I will never be a chef like my husband. Not even close. But, I have realized I am a diner cook. If you walked into a NY diner and looked at the menu, that’s the kind of stuff I can do pretty well. Chicken Milanese, fettucine alfredo. My vegis are way better than a diner, though. When I want exciting food, I can go out.
——————————-
Speaking of going out. I’m very proud of putting together a special culinary event. Even people out of LA have heard of the Kogi truck. Chef Roy Choi put delish Korean meats in a taco and a cult following was born. He is a very creative chef who has branched out into restaurants without wheels as well. I went to his latest restaurant, The Sunny Shack and loved it. I knew Mark would love the adventurous spices, the stewed goat. Mark kept back with me one night and they chefs were pleased to talk about their shared passion. Roy had been a fan of Marks. I said, “Hey, would you do a special night at the Tar Pit?”
Several weeks and our team and Roy’s great team meeting and such and an exciting night is born. Here is the flyer the Kogi gang put together that I love.

The event is almost sold out. I don’t even have a seat. I’m meeting with our managers today about the event and one thing on my agenda is, “can you guys set aside some food for me?”

and the winner is…

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Daphne

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One more week to the Oscar’s, but this past weekend was the A.C.E. awards, the Editors associations awards known as the Eddy’s. My brother in law Kevin Tent has been nominated before, but the first year he is also nominated for an Oscar. It was a big gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Yes, I did see the Whitney Houston shrine outside. Before the award show my sister Carole and family went to a rooftop party where Kevin snapped this stunning picture of her. Who says you have to be 20 to be a knockout?

The Brogdon Tents walked the marble carpet.

The Bev Hilton has a big room where a lot of the award shows are done and my prom was there.

Kevin got my mom and I and his sister Lauren tickets. Carole, Kev and my nephew Charlie were sitting up front with people from Fox Searchlight. We were farther back, but staked out seats with good views of the show. It was an enjoyable award show. Most are dreadful. But, this moved along and Patton Oswald was a hilarious host.
“I haven’t seen this many cutters in the room since the Teen choice awards.”

Clint Eastwood handed out an award. He was charming and funny and you know, he was Clint Eastwood! Kevin and Reese Witherspoon , looking thin and sophisticated in a black suit presented a special award to Alexander Payne ( who lavished praise on KT).

“The Artist” has such a buzz behind it I wasn’t thinking of Kevin winning, but about 30 minutes into the show I suddenly thought, “Kevin is going to win”. My wise nephew (14) said, “I knew he was going to win when I saw “The Artist” was in a different category.” Savvy Hollywood kid.

By the way, most banquet food is pretty banal, but the Bev Hilton did a darn good job with the food. Serving 1,500 people is no small thing at that level of quality.

The Eddy’s divide best editing in dramatic and comedy/musical. ”The Artist” was in the latter. They won that. ”The Descendant’s” was in the drama category. Before the show got going I ran down from the “bleachers” and visited with Carole. She was sitting next to two of the actors from the film. Judy Greer, who I think is rubbing embryonic cells on her face as she has the best skin. She said she loves going to The Tar Pit, which made me like her even more. Matthew Lillard, who plays her spouse was there. Very nice guy. I told him he is one of the those guys who gets cuter as he gets older. I followed that up with , “I have to flirt, my mom is my date tonight and I don’t think she is going to put out.”

Okay, so after the baked Alaska the show was humming along. The VERY last award given out was for best edited film dramatic. I was sitting in between Lauren and my mom. I had butterflies in my tummy. I grabbed their hands as that hunk from “Friday Night Lights” said, “and the Eddy goes to Kevin Tent!”

We jumped up, screamed, I said to Lauren, “aren’t you glad you came? ( from Buffalo)” It is VERY nice to hear the voice called you want to hear.
Unlike when I was nominated for a Northern Cal. Emmy and lost to the now defunct Tech TV. Yes, I’m bitter.
Kevin got up and thanked his wife of 25 years Carole Brogdon first. Then his son Charlie, “who our life revolves around.” He did great. He said he was nervous and doesn’t remember what he said, but he was gracious and dear.

You can see we are pretty happy.

I am so glad I still have some nice duds from when I had money. I was wearing a Prada dress my BGF Michael told me to buy years ago ( thank you) when it went on sale. I had patent leather burgundy Manolo’s that Mark gave me as a push present when Vivien was born. I had on underneath a bustier which was more valuable than spanx.
My dogs were barking as I limped to the valet, but it was a great night.

Moo business cards ( give a way) WINNER PICKED

Posted on February 19, 2012 by Daphne

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THANKS TO ALL FOR PLAYING! The winner is Hippittie ( aka Jill) ENJOY YOUR MOO CARDS, I LOVE MINE.

Want to win free business cards? How about 3 sets of 100 business cards and also a StickerBook (180 stickers). Pretty colors, nice card stock.

This grown up thing sort of throws me sometimes. I should put on make up, oh, but running to get the kids out the door.
I should not wear a track suit…oh, but see above.

People ask me for a buisness card. Um, I don’t have any.
I use to have coolmom.com cards that Deca ( the company that I partnered with to create cool mom and momversation) made for me. They ran out a while ago and I’m more of a contributor/freelancer there now than partner, so I’m on my own. I’ve been scribbling my info on post it’s or taking my husband’s biz cards and writing my number and email on them. Shoddy, really shoddy. I didn’t want to go get the cheap kind I had years ago. The one with the generic logo of a plumber or a rose that you can get at Staple like stores. Blah card stock.

So, enter Moo.com. Last year they asked me if needed some cards of any sort and could we partner for a give a way. Months later I finally pulled the trigger. I wanted to try out their site and product before I would share it. I am happy to say their site is VERY easy to navigate for making business cards. I wanted the mini cards. I uploaded a picture easily. The same on I use on bio page ( thanks TV Guide for hiring the pro photog for that session back when you employed me.) I picked a color that went with my site and done. They arrived promptly and very nicely displayed. of course in my house they look like this now:

But, when they arrived they looked like this:

So, this goes with my 2012 theme of REINVENTION. Is it time to for you to take yourself seriously and get some business cards. If you are a stay at home mom, you need them. Why scribble crap down, being a parent is a job. Are you a jack of all trades, freelancer, SAHM like me? Well, make up a title or don’t put one. I chose “vlogger/humorist”. I figured that encompasses my other work in case I’m allowed back on TV or radio again.

I need cards also because my handwriting is like a seriel killer. People say “I couldn’t send you an email,it bounced back.” (because my writing is cryptic better suited for “look for the bodies over here”) Oh, the lost opportunities! Ellen, try again, I love JC Penny.

2012 is Reinvention year, give yourself whatever title you want. Leave a serious or joke title below and you will be entered to win a set of gift cards from Moo. My sister said this is confusing, just comment anything, I want to win, HI Daphne, whatever and you will be entered to win.
I’ll start : rocket scientist, globe trotter, chanteuse.

3 sets of 100 business cards and also a StickerBook (180 stickers) WIN

Good Luck.
So, leave a comment…now.

Rex-trospective

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Daphne

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Today Rex is 3. Today is my son’s 3rd birthday.

3 years ago today Mark and I went to the hospital and met my mom there. We waited as I was prepped. We were all happy. I had been fasting in anticipation of my c section. But, I wasn’t thinking about food. I was nervous about the dreaded IV, but all my requests for “a good stick” bore fruit. A nurse came and slipped it in me with no more pain than a blood test. After that I relaxed.

I had the happiest delivery. I did a video about it the next day (see brand new Rex here). I am so glad I had my mom with me for the magic moment of the birth of my last baby and her last grandchild. The room had a lot of good female energy from the nurse, to the doctor as well. The other doctor was my doctor’s father who also delivered Vivien and my niece. Mark and I were so excited to meet our son.

I had never had a son before, Mark had, but I hadn’t. What would that be like?

I made a point to ( well let’s say a protest) to the staff that I must hold Rex when he is born. I felt robbed of this at Vivien’s birth. My arms were strapped down in a crucifix style and I could kiss her check, but not hold her. I really didn’t like that. The surgical nurse said they feared a sudden movement on my part would throw my arms into “the field of surgery”. When you are that numbed up you don’t always know what’s going on a few inches away. I said, “strap me down all you want until he is cleaned and wrapped, then let me out so I can hold my boy.” Agreed.

He was crying as he came out. He cried as they checked him. He cried as Mark carried him to me. But, when I took him into my arms and held him his crying stopped. I breathed deeply. We could feel each other’s heartbeats again. We were in concert. He was calm. He was healthy, a wonder. He wasn’t Rex yet, he had no name. He was my baby love. It was probably the best moment of my life.

We had been robbed of our savings, forced to sell our home in a total financial catastrophe, but none of that mattered when he was born. It only highlighted the difference of what really endures.

my father with Rex

When he was a 7 weeks old Rex had a serious health scare. They feared menningitis. It was after midnight as I held Rex who had just been through hell as several nurses tried to get an IV in him. No, good stick here. It took several tries. I nursed him. I had called my sister’s house. My brother in law Kevin had answered with “what is the matter?” Since I don’t usually call at midnight.

“Rex is sick” I started crying ” I need you guys to take care of Vivien”. More tears. He said they would. She was home with Oliver and a babysitter, but we didn’t know when we were coming home.

Mark’s eyes were damp and hollow as I said,”I would give every cent we lost and every cent we haven’t lost to make Rex ok.”
Mark nodded his head emphatically, but wearily, there was no question. We got lucky, we took our healthy baby home after a few days.

I really enjoy being Rex’s mom. I was more prepared the second time around. My dad use to say, “how you girls came out is who you were. Your personality did not change.” That first warm comforting embrace Rex and I had 3 years ago I had this morning.

Rex with his big brother

Almost every night Rex leaves his room and climbs into our bed and lays down between us. When Vivien was little I was so by the book and would put her back in her bed. But, partly I’m older and more tired and partyly because now I know how fleeting the years of cuddles are I let him stay. I have a big bed. Sometimes Mark complains, “Rex tried to push me out of bed last night.”

nursed till almost 2 and half. Our last time

“Funny, he never does that to me.” Sure, sometimes I get a foot in my face, but this morning about 5am Rex sleeply said to me in my half sleep state, “Momma, I love you so much and rolled into my arms.”
I took a deep breathe and felt his heart beat next to mine. I smelled the top of his freshly washed hair. I woke myself a little thinking of the morning he was born. Then fell back to sleep for another hour. When I woke up Rex was still in my arms.

I want him to stay there as long as he will.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY REX!

Oscar nominee lunch

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Daphne

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I could blog about money woes, some blogger job crap, a family member’s health issues, but why? Let’s celebrate the good. So, as I have mentioned my brother in law Kevin Tent is NOMINATED FOR AN ACADEMY AWARD. I’ve hooked my sister up with hair and make up and we went to my designer friend Kevan Hall for her dress. He has dressed Vanessa Williams among others and is a class act.
But, before the big NIGHT is a big day. When all of the nominees go to lunch. I mean ALL of them. George Clooney, Meryl Street, Brad Pitt, and my brother in law! My sister got to go as well.
Here’s they are. I don’t know who she is wearing, but it’s spot on perfect for the event.

Here is Kevin with the head of the Academy on the red carpet.
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Every year there is an iconic picture of all the nominees together. You scan the pictures looking for the famous among the behind the scenes folk. Other years I would have thought, get rid of the nobodies, Where is Clooney! But, this year it was surreal to see my kin folk with the Hollywood heavy hitters. I know he isn’t a household face, but see if you can spot Kevin.

Clooney is a few rows beneath him in a grey sport coat with that “Artist” hunk next to him. Man, I’d like to the filling in that sandwich.

Planned Parenthood vs Pink Planning: a cocktail story

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Daphne

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Yes, it all got settled. But last week it didn’t look like it would as I headed off to a cocktail party.
3 weeks prior when my friend “Heidi” ( she is afraid of extremist so this is her alias) asked me if I would go with her to a cocktail party for Planned Parenthood I had no idea what a hot ticket this would. Not, in the front row of the Super Bowl way, but in a View “hot topic” way. Would they be burning the color pink? Would they be practicing self breast exams by the punch bowl? Would they have meatballs?

I love little cocktail meatballs, with a toothpick, yum.
I said yes as I love an excuse to go out with a friend and it sounded like it would be a cheap night. Heidi is a big donor to PP , I was her plus one. We trudged across town and were greeted warmly when we entered the hotel bar. We scanned the room, but didn’t see anyone we knew so we grabbed a cushioned bench to sit and chat. After the waitress gave us some white wine ( little too new world oaky for me, but beggars can’t be choosers) we realized we were the kids in the room. It was a lot of Westside, grey hairs with folkloric necklaces and their gentleman companions.
“What will will happen to Planned Parenthood with the old old liberals die off?’ I asked my friend as I grabbed more crab cakes.
“It will be in trouble.” Heidi said, who strangely only needed two mini crab cakes to fill her, I was still looking for meatballs.
We chatted away. ”I guess they are going to leave us alone.” She said.
“Foolish if they do, time to rally the troops.” I said as I grabbed the waiters wrist, “are there any more sliders?”
Just then the sound of a mic. A head dude thanked everyone and made slight mention of the controversy. Then he introduced a woman who was in charge ( I’m a great reporter). She was confident and likable and said she wanted people to be sure we knew all that PP does. To that end two different women got up and spoke. One woman works in a Planned Parenthood clinic and talked of her work helping to find a clients cancer ( think something in the lady regions) and that the patient is alive today.
Then a quirky gal got up and talked about going to South LA and teaching teenagers about sex ed and contraception. All good stuff in my book.
“Planned Parenthood should rebrand themselves as ‘PP:health care for the uninsured’ because that is a lot of what they do.” I said as I asked for a glass of Pinot.
Heidi bristled, “They shouldn’t have to change their name.” I continued the conversation with myself.
“Fine, liberals, but how far would Archibald Leach have gone if he didn’t change his name to Cary Grant?”
When the first speaker mentioned the defunding by Susan G. Komen group there were hisses. I hissed.
I will tell you what I have liked about this controversy: I can finally say how much I have HATED the pink ribbons. I also hate the rubber bracelets. I didn’t like tying a yellow ribbon around a tree when I was a kid and the hostages were in Iran. I’m sure I’m not alone in this pink ribbon fatigue as this article from last year points out
I have a knee jerk reaction against this kind of group think marketing. People are silenced least one seem lacking in compassion. But, the pink deluge was annoying.
When I hosted Fashion Team every year the producers would trot out an assortment of products dipped in pink and I was to say how great they were and “1 dollar goes to breast cancer research” Or even more vague “some money goes to..”. I always think, well why can’t this big corporation just give them a buck? Why am I being blackmailed into buying this? Where is the brown nail clipper for colon cancer?
Some of the products that turned pink seemed a just a tad opportunistic. The KFC bucket of fat that was pink? Or how about a gun?
The pink ribbon’s like Pink Berry oversold and over saturated themselves.
I never bought a pink anything. I have donated to Planned Parenthood and other clinics for low income people. I have donated to the American Cancer Society. But, I don’t need a pink avocado, pink wrist bands or a pink bible ( is nothing scared?). All cancers are awful.
The day after the cocktail party the Pink ribbons reversed themselves and said they would give the money for breast screenings at planned parenthood. I’m sure it was my hard core activism that did the job.

Getting Kids into cooking : Give-a-Way!

Posted on February 1, 2012 by admin

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WINNER PICKED! Brenna WON! THANKS FOR GETTING BACK TO ME RIGHT AWAY. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO PARTIICPATED

I want my kids to like to cook. I want them to know that things, let’s call them “ingredients” go into something they eat. It’s why I like them to go pick things from our garden. It’s why, even though it takes longer to get the oatmeal out, I like when they “help” me. I like that they know, yes, this is a raw piece of meat we are going to season and then eat. Food doesn’t come from a box.

It’s also why I said, Yes, send me that sandwich press thingy to review. It’s Toas-Tite.

They say it’s a replica of the original from the 1940′s. ( you had me at the slogan “we are so yesterday”)). I guessed my kids would be into making sandwiches with it.
I guessed right. We had to make two sandwiches so they could each make their own, even though they can’t finish a full sandwich.

See how they love it? And they are ready if we have an intruder

How we did it:
1) butter or oil the inside of the pan
2) place bread on one side of toast tite, then the ham, cheese, whatever. Here is an example of a Rueben.

3) squish together. The kids like the assembly part, but they really like the smash, squish part. The outside edges of the bread are now no longer needed. I suggest cutting them off. If you don’t they will catch fire, no big deal, but maybe your smoke alarm will go off.
4) Adult person hold the “grill” over the flame. The instructions said 30 seconds each side.. no, longer. We liked it when we did about 2 minutes each side. Then you get the crispy rings on the outside like the picture and it’s melty inside.
5) pop it out and slice in half.
6) Eat. Minimal clean up.

So, here is the deal You, yes you! Can win a Toas-tite. I just ask that you “like” my Facebook page coolmomdotcom. If you are one of the few ( like my sisters) that aren’t on FB follow me on twitter or leave me a comment here telling me what is your favorite sandwich. Actually, I want to know what all your favorite sandwiches are and I need you to comment below so if you win I have an email to notify you.
This is ironic considering my husband presides over an famous night in LA restaurantdom, Campanile’s grilled cheese night.

He doesn’t use a Toas-tite, but he thinks it fine if we do.
Winner announced MONDAY am. ( note: if you win you have 48 hours after I email you to respond. If you don’t I will pick another winner) Good Luck!

Muff on the Huff

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Daphne

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Muffinlicious was included in a great post on woman formerly known as beautiful. Read it here, but in a nutshell, the blogger, Shannon Colleary, says she has decided not lose weight and practice self acceptance. Her body stats are almost the exact same as mine. So, of course I say “you go girl!” And thanks for including me in a post that went to Huffington Post.
**( and thanks to Jessica Gottlieb for emailing me while I was at the park “you are on Huffington Post!”)**
Since posting about my muffin top I’ve gotten many “you are so brave” comments. Thanks, but I don’t feel that brave. I consider no surprise how I look. If I appeared in public like Kate Bosworth

and then did a video about how my guy floats around the edges of my slim jeans, than yes, that would be brave as I’m blowing the lid on my image.

I don’t have an image to blow up.

pregnant with Rex

I’m in my forties, I’ve had a few pregnancies, that have yielded two children. I live with a great chef and we co own restaurants with stellar food, wine and cocktails. If I became a water swilling vegan I think my marriage would be over. I’m not going to look like Kate Bosworth. I don’t want to be “mid western fat” ( this is distinct from LA fat, which is a size 8), but I am what I am.

Now, did you see me shooting a video of me SITTING DOWN in tight jeans? That would be brave.

Family getaway to the Central Coast: Wine and shine.

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Daphne

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A perfect family jaunt. Breathing fresh air. Beautiful scenery. Good food and wine. Happy kids. These are the ingredients to a good trip. We went to unsplashy Pismo Beach. An overlooked little hamlet between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Did you see “Sideway’s”? Near, there, but on the water.
One the way up we ate a bbq tri tip sandwich that was unreal. Stop at Los Olivios if you have a chance. A tiny town with a Western feel. The perfectly cooked meat melt in my mouth. We split one sandwich and then need to split one more. Rex also got hip to the tasty bbq and was all in.

For a happy family vacay the drive should take no more than two DVD’s to get to your destination. An opportunity came up for us to go to Dolphin Bay Hotel in Pismo Beach ( think it’s technically Shell Beach, but right next door). Mark is taking part in World of Pinot Noir in March so they hosted us to come up get the lay of the land. From the moment the offer was floated till I “closed” the deal I was like a dog with a bone.
Did someone say seaside vacay?

This area is very pretty and underdeveloped by California standards. When I was a kid it was kind of sleepy. It is still sleepy, in a good I don’t have to hear loud noises way. But, it’s gotten a little Sonomaized due to it’s great, small wineries which have been breeding like rabbits.

It never gets freezing, it never gets super hot. So, you can’t expect to run around in a bikini here ( not that I would until I’ve had a body transplant). You can take nice walks with a sweatshirt along the sand and then jump in a hot tub after you’ve gotten some triple creme cheese from the local store .

Rre
Since you can have food in your “room” it leaves more time for play.

Not the tropical heat of Hawaii, but like Hawaii the breezy weather keeps the air fresh.
When I was a kid the only places to stay on the central coast were more of the motel variety.

Dolphin Bay is the first 4 star hotel on the scene. The rooms are…wait, can’t even call them rooms, they are more like condos. They all have full kitchen’s ( I will forgive the electric stove tops) which is the best way to travel with kids for pocket book and sanity. Our room condo was right on the bluff overlooking the ocean. We could see brave surfers in their wet suits waiting to catch a wave. We walked down to the beach and looked at the tide pools. The kids loved exploring. I loved getting the fresh sea air in my nose.
When I’m at the beach I always think of the lyric from Quadrophenia
the beach is a place where a man can feel
he is the only soul in the world that’s real.

It was brain Draino.

When we walked into our condo/room Vivien yelled, “this is the best day of my life.” Mark and I talked about how silly people are to buy a second home along the beach ( as if we could) when one could just come up here a few days a year. It did feel like a home. We showed our affection for our temporary domecile by making it as dirty as if we were at home.

We had a tasty dinner at the Dolphin Bay hotel dining room. Executive Chef Brian Collins is raising the bar for what you would expect to find in Pismo. The dining room aesthetic however was stuck in the ’90′s. I wouldn’t mind if had the same prosperity, Clinton was still President, my dad was still alive , but in this decade, the room needs more color, warmth, and it’s gets pretty loud. If you eat before the sunset, however, you won’t notice the room because it looks out over the ocean.

The kids liked the saline pool, but I was glad when I could persuade them to join me in the not too hot hot tub. With my mug of tea and robe we sat in there often looking over the ocean. I met a couple of nice moms poolside as well.

One day we got a sitter ( after I got my massage) and MP and I were taken on some private wine tastings. Mike Sinor of Sinor LaVallee,and Ancient Peaks,hosted while we sipped mong the barrels at Center of Effort. I was making no effort enjoying the beautiful day and being plied with great wines.
Mike is also President of San Luis Obispo Vintners’s Association. It was very educational, but after a few wines, I cease to learn and hear caliope music. Mark bought some Sinor LaVallee for Campanile. We moved on to Tolosa winery which also had a cheese tastings.

I was licking the plate of the cheese because I had not eaten much before we left. MISTAKE. After a few tastings on near empty stomach I just wanted to talk about sex. Fortunately, one of the people taking us around was a nice PR gal. ”Mark, go look at the grapes, I’ll be over here talking about ex boyfriends” ( no, I wasn’t driving). At Tolusa before I tasted there great wines I bought a box of the most delicious crackers I’ve ever had. I think I ate 25.
After the cheese we donned the safety vests to see how this stuff gets made. Very little of which I remember, Mark does, so that’s fine.

I was impressed that so many Central Coast wines are tasting more “old world”, my preferred type of wine. Most people still like the big, sock you in the mouth California Reds– and I do before or after food– but not with food. And I cannot abide buttery, Oaky California Chardonnay. Although, in the ’90′s I loved them.
The following day we did more hot tub and tide pool walks.

Mark was the professor and I was the photog–per usual.

Then we hit the butterfly grove. Monarchs come in bunches to Pismo between October and February. I have never seen so many butterflies. We saw them fluttering around in the grove of large trees.

Then we looked up and saw what looked like bunches of leaves to the naked eye, but with the telescopes provided we could see that they were Monarchs.

A short walk from there was the beach, but it looked different than the Oregon coast type of our hotel area. This one reminded me of Martha’s Vineyard. One more walk, before we fired up the DVD player and headed home. Rex shoes and socks got wet on that promenade.

We ate dinner in Santa Barbara at the Hungry Cat. Mark carried Rex in and I ran toward State Street just as stores were closing. As luck would have it, I ran into a toy store and got them both activity pages to color and some warm socks.
We are going to return to Pismo in March for the wine event. I am really looking forward to it.