New Orleans Saints~Super Bowl Burgers

Super Bowl 44 kicks off at 6:30PM ET in Miami where the New Orleans Saints take on the Indianapolis Colts. Both teams are winners...I'm rooting for: 'When the Saints Go Marching In.'

Here's a delicious recipe for you to grill. No betting pool needed for this one~it's a winner with any crowd for any occasion.

Spicy mayonnaise

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning blend

1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Burgers

1/2 pound andouille sausage, cut into scant 1/4-inch cubes

3/4 cup pecans, toasted, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck or ground beef (20 percent fat)

Caramelized onions

1 1/2 pounds onions, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for brushing grill rack

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon golden brown sugar

6 large hamburger buns, split

8 ounces crumbled blue cheese

12 pickled okra pods, halved lengthwise (find in with pickles and relishes at the market)

3 cups watercress tops

For mayonnaise:

Mix all ingredients in small bowl. Cover and chill: Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.

For burgers:

Toss first 4 ingredients in large bowl. Add beef; blend gently. Shape mixture into six 1/2-inch-thick patties. Transfer patties to small baking sheet. Do ahead: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

For onions:

Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Toss onions and next 3 ingredients in large skillet. Place skillet on grill; cook until onions are golden, stirring often, about 25 minutes. Remove from grill; season with salt and pepper.Brush grill rack with olive oil. Grill buns, cut side down, until golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer buns to work surface. Grill burgers until brown on bottom, about 3 minutes. Turn over; sprinkle with cheese. Grill until burgers are cooked to desired doneness, about 3 minutes for medium. Place some onions, then burger, on each bun bottom. Top each with okra and watercress. Spread mayonnaise on cut side of bun tops; place on burgers. Serve with remaining mayonnaise.

I like lots of onions, cheese and mayo and thus make extra of these.

Vibrant Health~Anti-Cancer Diet

A simple recipe for super-performance is to increase natural and organic foods, fruit and vegetables, and eliminate 'white' foods, sugar and glutens that contribute to low-grade chronic infections, which cause disease. Consume plenty of water and about 60-grams of protein daily. Walk and bike outdoors. Meditate and get sufficient sleep. Th following 8 Rules are adapted from Dr. David Servan-Schreiber 'Anticancer: A New Way Of Life.':

1. Make you diet 80 percent varied vegetables, Broccoli is an effective anticancer food. Eat fish two or three times a week - sardines, mackerel, and anchovies have less mercury and PCBs than bigger fish like tuna. Use meat sparingly. Choose only omega-3 eggs.

2. Eat organic whole grains. Avoid refined, white flour and potatoes that feed inflammation and cancer growth, and contain high levels of pesticide residue.

3. Use fresh herbs and spice: Add turmeric, an anti-inflammatory agent. And thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, marjoram, mint, etc. Add onions, garlic or leeks to all your dishes as you cook. Use only olive, canola or grapeseed oil in cooking and salad dressings.

4. Have fruit for desert, especially berries. Eliminate sweetened sodas and fruit juices; steer clear of products that list any type of sugar in the first three ingredients. Never use artificial sweetners.

5. Drink three cups of green tea per day, which has been linked to a significant reduction in the risk for developing cancer.

6. Get 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 days a week. Boost Vitamin D3 with 20 minutes of daily sun exposure, investigate taking a Vitamin D3 supplement.

7. Use organic cleaners, reduce or eliminate household chemicals. Find an organic dry-cleaner, don't heat liquids or food in plastics; avoid cosmetics with parabens and phthalates; filter your tap water; don't keep your cell phone close to you when it is turned on.

8. Cultivate happiness like a garden: Make sure to do things you love daily. Be in touch with positive people and thoughts. Learn a basic breathing relaxation technique to reduce stress.

Superfoods:

-Beans/oats/nuts--almonds and walnuts are best

-Blueberries/strawberries-oranges/apples/bananas

-Pumpkin/Sweet Potatoes

-Salmon/low fat cheeses like feta/turkey/egg whites/Soy (non-GMO)

-Broccoli/Spinach/greens/cherry tomatoes

-Tea (green or black)

-Yogurt/cottage cheese

-Garlic, onions, natural spices, sea salt

What you need:

Hair-Amino Acids: Chicken, turkey, beef, eggs, cheese, nuts.

Nails-Biotin: Eggs, fish, milk, cheese, whole grain cereals, cabbage, potatoes.

Skin-Vitamin C: Cherries, grapefruit, papaya.

Bones- Boron: Grapes, pears, apples, peas, broccoli, peanuts, raisins.

Eyes-Beta-carotene: Carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, yams.

Ears-Zinc: Oysters, chicken, beef, lamb.

Breasts-Indole-3-carbinol: Broccoli, kale, cabbage, turnips.Teeth and Gums-Calcium: Almonds, white beans,milk.

Vagina-Acidophilus:Yogurt.Joints-Copper: Peanuts, clams,liver, nuts, seafood, seeds.

Heart-Omega-3 essential fatty acids: Salmon, mackerel, sardines.

Snowmageddon

As the Mid-Atlantic digs out from Snowmaggeddon~'French Word-a-Day' author and blogger, Kristin Espinasse's Golden Retrievers, Braise and Smokey, enjoy a snowy day in the family's Provence vineyard.

Back in her Arizona college days, Kristin decided on an exchange year in Aix-en-Provence where she met her future husband, winemaker Jean Marc. Two years later, she relocated to Provence. They wed, had two children, and Kristin continued to study the complexities of her adopted language and land. The entire adventure led to her books and popular French Word-a-Day blog ~which I love--especially posts about the adorable Smokey and Braise.

Marry in Carmel-by-the-Sea Valentine's Day!

Carmel-by-the-Sea is always romantic, revitalizing, picture-postcard perfect,with local seafood is fresh and delicious. Pictured is Lincoln Green Inn located a stroll from Carmel Mission, Downtown, the Carmel River Beach above, or over to Carmel Beach. These are full service cottages in a prime residential neighborhood. Click for information and then arrow-back to this page!

Carmel, Cameron & Cashmere

In Nancy Meyers' 'The Holiday'--Cameron Diaz's character wears a delicious wardrobe built around cashmere pieces in a palette of winter white, toast and fawn. She looked adorable. I imagined the pieces might have come from one of the pricey Sloane Ranger London shops, since many of 'The Holiday' scenes were shot in England, and the pieces were were so unique. Then I spied the stylish photos above from Carmel's smart Ocean Avenue cashmere store in a glossy magazine. And thought they'd make the wearer feel film-starry like Cameron Diaz, too. Check them out: HERE

Valentine's Day Gourmet Espresso Brownies

Homemade double chocolate brownies are delicious with milk, or vanilla ice cream and fudge sauce, or a blackberry-ish port. The recipe makes 32 brownies.

Ingredients~

1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter

5 oz unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped

2 cups sugar

1 tablespoon instant-espresso powder or instant-coffee granules

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 large eggs

1 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preparations~

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 15- by 10- by 1-inch baking pan with foil, allowing 2 inches of foil to hang over ends of pan, and grease foil well (except overhang) with 1 tablespoon butter.

Melt the remaining butter with unsweetened chocolate in a large metal bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove bowl from heat and whisk in sugar, espresso powder, vanilla, and salt (mixture will be grainy), then add eggs 1 at a time, whisking after each addition until batter is smooth.

Toss together flour and chocolate chips in another bowl and add to batter, stirring until just combined. Spread batter evenly in baking pan and bake in middle of oven until top is firm and edges just begin to pull away from sides of pan, about 20 minutes (do not overbake).Cool in pan on a rack 5 minutes, then carefully lift brownies from pan by grasping both ends of foil and transfer to rack to cool 10 minutes more. Cut into 32 squares and lift brownies off foil with a spatula.

Ebook Your Way to Financial Freedom

When I commuted 150K miles a year to manage multi-million dollar projects, 5AM meant a race to yet another airport. Today, I lace on joggers and head to the beach~then return to work from my laptop. I'm single, self-employed and relocating to France November 11, 2010. In today's Twitter-fast changing world, the goal to be among 'the new mobile rich' is a pragmatic one. Money is the power and freedom to design your own lifestyle--and to do a lot of good.

Internet Success:

Amazon’s #1 selling item is their $300- Kindle, eBook sales have surpassed printed books, while traditional publishing is barely surviving off mega-authors like J.K. Rowlings and Dan Brown that net $1.50 for every title sold. With Amazon's 70% Kindle royalty if they self-published eBooks instead, their own profits would soar, and the publishing industry would nose-dive.

'The New Mobile Rich' are about a life-style and a success tactic. Paired-down, tech-savvy, productive, they seed instant bestsellers from blogs, eBooks, and other new media to establish a following. Publishers reject 95-99% of all submitted manuscripts, but flock checkbooks-in-hand on evidence of a proven commodity. Examples:

Julia Powell: In 2002, the Amherst alum was stuck in a cubicle job. She set upon a one-year project to prepare the 524-recipes from Julia Child's masterpiece on French cooking and blogged about it. Her efforts netted a book deal, she sold the film rights, and the 2009 'Julie & Julia' film was a $87-million box-office hit. Today, Julia Powell is rich.

Gary Vaynerchuck: In February 2006, Gary owned a New Jersey wine store, Wine Library, and produced a webcast from his office sofa. Once Wine Library TV attracted 100K+ daily viewers, he received a 7-figure book advance for 'Crush It!' In it he promotes monetizing your passion on the Internet. His book was a bestseller on Amazon, NYT, and WSJ lists.

Kemble Scott: In June 2009, the San Francisco author published his second novel 'The Sower' as an eBook and within two months released it as a print-on-demand hardcover via independent Numina Press to Bay Area indie bookstores. In days, his title was #5 on the San Francisco Chronicle bestseller list, and three mainstream publishers made offers.

Publishing eBooks as a Success Strategy:

Popular eBook sites are at the top of the global Internet hierarchy. There's an art and science to selecting the mix that can translate from 'new media' to traditional. An eBook must be well-written to a target demographic. Excellent Internet marketing, research and tech skills, plus contacts and knowledge among global website segments and traditional publishers are all required.

I ghost-write eBooks and provide a range of Internet social-media marketing services. For more information, email me from the right-hand column (see the French flag). Thanks!

Cultural Memes

'Humans have the power of gods’ was the empowering cultural meme that sparked the Renaissance from darkness--and created a time where arts, humanism, learning, and architecture flourished.

Today, a multitude of new and traditional media outlets: Twitter, TMZ, Fox News, E! and CNN--serve-up a daily mash-up on everything from Haiti, the Academy Awards, Super Bowl, the IPad release, and Valentine’s Day as if with equal weight: ‘Twenty-six die in suicide bombing and a bear-fighting cat video right after this break.’ The ‘break’ is about drugs for depression and erectile dysfunction accompanied by warnings that ingesting them may cause the ‘side effect’ of a ‘fatal event’. Overwhelm and disempowerment are the resulting meme.

La Vie En Rose:

Because we manifest what is focused upon, it's not surprising that France has been selected each of the last five years as the nation with the highest quality of life. Their national tag-line ‘La Vie En Rose’ anchors French focus on life quality.

Loosely translated 'La Vie en Rose' is the cultural meme for a romantic, rosy life apart. Which appeals to the tens of millions of tourists that make France the most visited nation on Earth, and the millions more that wish to relocate there. In Jamie Ivey's 'La Vie En Rosé'' the former London-based attorney tells about the move he and his wife Tanya made to the south of France to open a Rose only wine bar. The couple didn't just desire an establishment to vend the fermented fruit of the vine, but as in the Renaissance—were choosing a whole new way of being.

To renew a personal or cultural meme it needs to be believable, desirable, and reiterated. My novel's title 'French Heart' symbolizes the heroic and transformative meme that has historically sparked every golden age from dark ages--back into the light. It's what we need now.

Order 'French Heart' today~

'Lively writing.' ‘A cast of vivid, appealing, characters that come alive on the page.’ ‘ The culture, rhythm of life and food in France are captured with authority and grace.’ ‘A wicked sense of humor.' A captivating novel, and excellent read.’

Beautiful, blond 30-something, Alexa, flees betrayal in Manhattan for her best friend Sabine's winery in Aix-en-Provence and winds up at the center of an International intrigue...and mouthwatering French food. Order today on secure PayPal in the right-hand column. Tax, shipping and handling are included for delivery in February.

Our word ‘courage’ comes from the French word for ‘heart’ hence it's the title of my novel and business, too, which will include 'French Heart' brand charm bracelets, illustrated 'French Heart' Provencal cookbook, and 'French Heart' organic cotton spa wear.

French Heart was based on the proverb: 'À cœur vaillant rien d'impossible.' In our Transitional Age of upheaval with a global need for a virtual army of French Hearts--I seek social media savvy, entrepreneurial business partners with a drive to help empower humanity. If that's you—please email me at the address above the French flag to the right. Mille mercis!

World Class Entrepreneur Orders French Heart

I was surprised when one of the world's 200 richest people --ordered a copy of my novel.

Ty Warner is the creator of the iconic Beanie Babies brand, and also owns global resorts including the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara and San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito. I mention these because a scene in 'French Heart' is set at San Ysidro Ranch. And I chaired many fundraisers at The Biltmore when I lived in Santa Barbara.

Writing 'French Heart' after my life-altering accident and just prior to the my brother's tragic death, was a labor of love about hope and transformation. Ty Warner was a 'regular guy' who made it doing what he loves and affirms that in America entrepreneurial dreams still come true. A big part of my dream is the dedication of my book in my brother's honor, and using a portion of sales to 'pay it forward' also in his name. So to Ty and everyone who has supported my dream--an immense thank you.

Provençale Roasted Chicken with Olives

A staple of Provençale cooking is rich, roasted chicken fragrant with garlic, pancetta, olives, white wine and herbs. And following this in the next post is recipe for a tomato tart, which can be made the day ahead, and pairs well with this chicken. Perhaps rent Ridley Scott's 'A Good Year' prepare the chicken and tomato tart, and be transported to a charming way of life in a heart-stopping area of the world.

Provençale Roasted Chicken:

6-7 pounds of chicken pieces, breast, thigh, legs, etc.

1/4 cup good quality olive oil

1 1/2 tablespoons of chopped fresh thyme

1 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

1 tablespoon sea salt

1 scant teaspoon red-pepper flakes

15-large garlic cloves, peeled

3 thick slices of pancetta cut into 1-inch pieces

1-cup dry white wine

30 oil cured kalamata olives

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 450°F, position the rack in the center of the oven. Place the chicken pieces, oil and spices in a large bowl and press the mixture into the chicken to coat.

Arrange chicken pieces, skin side up, in 1 layer in a 17-by 11-inch 4-sided sheet pan, scrap the bowl of any seasoning onto the chicken. Scatter the garlic and pancetta pieces over the chicken and roast about 20- minutes. Drizzle the dry white wine over chicken and roast 10 more minutes. Scatter olives over chicken and roast until golden brown and the chicken is thoroughly cooked, approximately 20 minutes more.

Ile Saint Louis Tomato Tart

The Île Saint-Louis is the historic, tranquil heart of Paris~frozen in the 17th Century. A true island in the center of the tax-tooting bustle reached by a short stroll over a bridge. The elegant main street is lined with charming bistros, the requisite bakery, wine, butcher, cheese shop, florist, creperies and the famous Berthillon for ice cream. The tree-shaded romantic quays provide a quiet spot to read, or enjoy the ever-changing Seine.

To bring the Île Saint-Louis to you--pour a glass of wine, prepare this delicious tart,and listen to this typical music you might hear outside a Metro station: HERE

Île Saint-Louis Tomato Tart

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups flour

1/4 lb. butter

1 large egg

1 1/2 lb. ripe firm tomatoes, rinse and core

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

3 T good quality olive oil

3 T tomato paste

3 T chopped shallots

1 clove garlic minced

1 T chopped fresh thyme

2 teaspoons chopped fresh marjoram

1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano

8 canned anchovy fillets, drained

15 Kalamata olives, pitted

Salt and pepper

Instructions:

-In a food processor, combine flour and butter. Whirl to form fine crumbs form. Add egg and whirl until dough holds together. To not over mix or handle, or the dough will be tough. Pat dough into a ball, then press over the bottom and sides of a 10-inch tart pan with removable rim.

-Bake in a 325° oven until crust is pale gold, about 30 minutes.

-Cut tomatoes in half and squeeze out seeds. Cut tomatoes crosswise into 1-inch-thick slices, and lay on towels to drain.

-Remove the baked crust from oven and increase the temp. to 400°. Spread the mustard over the crust bottom, then sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups cheese. Fit the largest tomato slices snugly in a single layer on cheese. Cut remaining tomato slices into pieces to fill the gaps.

-In a small bowl, mix oil to blend with tomato paste, shallots, garlic, thyme, marjoram, and oregano. Spread over tomatoes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Arrange anchovies and olives on tomatoes.

-Bake in a 400° oven until cheese is lightly browned, about 25 minutes. Remove pan rim. Cut the tart into wedges and serve hot or warm. Add salt and pepper to taste.

California Girl Clam Chowder

For a California beach girl living by the water in Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Carmel-by-the-Sea...clam chowder is a favorite meal.

Clam Chowder is rich in Riboflavin for healthy hair, skin and eyes. Calcium for bones. Iron to build red blood cells and muscles. Selenium for a healthy immune system. Phosphorous for endurance. And B-12--the energy vitamin. Serve this thick, rich and delicious clam chowder with hot sourdough bread, and a glass of chardonnay.

California Girl Clam Chowder

3 (6.5 ounce) cans minced clams.

2 cans of whole baby clams

3- bottles of clam juice

4 slices of bacon cut into one-inch pieces

1 large yellow onion, minced

1 cup diced celery

2 cups cubed red new potatoes

1 cup diced carrots

3/4 cup butter

3/4 cup cornstarch

1 quart half-and-half cream

2 scant tablespoons red wine vinegar (optional, gives the chowder a tang)

1 1/2 teaspoons sea-salt

ground black pepper to taste

¼ cup of diced fresh thyme

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Drain the juice from the canned clams into a large skillet over the onions, celery, potatoes and carrots. Add bottled clam juice to cover, adding water if necessary. Cook over medium heat until the potatoes are tender.

In a large, heavy saucepan cook the bacon pieces until crisp, set aside on paper towels. Wipe out the saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk the corn starch in ½ cup of cream until smooth; then whisk the remainder of the cream with the butter, whisk in the cornstarch mixture, and the diced fresh thyme. Stir until thick and smooth.

Stir in the cooked vegetables and clam juice. Heat through but do not boil. Stir in the clams just before serving and heat through, but don't overcook or they'll be tough. Stir in the red vinegar (optional), and salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and reserved crumbled bacon. Cheers from the Golden State!

Kathy Ireland 'Hearts' Carmel!

When I lived in Santa Barbara and jogged frequently, I'd often spot supermodel Kathy Ireland out exercising on her bike. At the time, I worked with her uncle, Don, an architect who said what a lovely person she truly is.

So when she was featured on the latest cover of Carmel Magazine I had to pick it up, and was surprised to learn that she is the Chief Designer and CEO of a $1.4 Billion empire with 15,000 products sold in 28 countries! One of her home furnishing lines is called ‘Carmel Valley’. She is a regular visitor here and was quoted as saying, ‘It’s truly one of the most beautiful spots on Earth...a step back in time, yet with all the sophistication of an International destination with the values of a true, intimate community.’

Other accolades for Carmel include: 'Traveler’s Choice Best U.S. Destination.’ Conde Nast Traveler's '#1 Best Ambiance.' ‘America’s Most Dog-Friendly Town’ from Dog Fancy Magazine, and ‘Top of America’s Best Beaches’ awarded by Travel Channel reports. But I think Kathy Ireland's 'bon mots' are the best of all.

The Anti-Aging 'Super Hero' Plan

I’ve always been outdoorsy and athletic, especially living adjacent Carmel’s pristine beaches and for 20+ years have exercised at least two hours a day including tennis, golf, jogging, marathon walks, weight work and Pilates.

With a diet based in fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh fish, low fat yogurt and juices--at 5'9" I was able to maintain 125 lbs--until a shattered foot confined me to a knee-to-toe cast and crutches for 6-months.

To get back to 'Super Hero' shape, I started on resveratrol, which Dr. Oz states protects the liver, lowers glucose and insulin levels, and contains anti-aging properties. It provided an immediate energy boost.

I'm back to a daily hour workout with 6.6 pound hand weights, plus an hour long power-walk, and have adopted Dr. Oz's other daily recommendations:

-Eat five servings of brightly colored antioxidant foods like blueberries, sweet potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes and acai.

-Drink 4 cups of Green and white tea.

-Enjoy one glass of red wine a day to aid cardiovascular health, inhibit some cancers, improve cellular health, help reduce the risk of Diabetes 2, lower bad LDL cholesterol and boost the good HDL cholesterol.

-Obtain 25 grams of fiber a day from fruits, vegetables, beans, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, "100 percent" whole grain bread and chia.

-For omega-3s consume salmon, roasted or ground flax seeds, walnuts, hemp, spirulina algae and 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil a day.

-Devote 5 + minutes daily for Yoga, prayer or meditation, and 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night.

And if you haven't tried freshly juiced wheat grass--a daily 2 oz. for a week or two performs miracles with skin, hair and energy. A terrific alternative or adjunct is 'Alive Protein Powder' which you can find at Whole Foods or online. I mix the vanilla variety in a blender with orange juice, fresh fruit and a small handful of walnuts or almonds for breakfast. With that glass, a good chunk of daily fruits, protein and green needs are met. Of course check with a doctor first, especially if you have high insulin.

Carmel-by-the-Sea Pasta & Prawns

This recipe features California spot prawns, a meaty, sweet large prawn, harvested year around by nearby Monterey fishermen from rocky seas at depths from 150 to 1,600 feet.

Altogether, California fishermen bring 300-varieties to market each year including: squid, tuna, Dungeness crab, sole, herring, swordfish, salmon, lobster and prawns. Seafood is heart healthy, low in calories and fat, high in protein, vitamins, minerals and Omega-3 fatty acid, which reduce blood fats, blood pressure, inflammatory diseases and arthritis.

Ingredients:

2 lbs. of prawns peeled and deveined 


½ cup of good quality olive oil 


1-16 oz. package of Angel Hair Pasta 


16-ripe tomatoes 


½ cup of chopped sweet basil* 


2-tsp of chopped garlic* 


Sea salt and pepper to taste

*I love fresh organic basil and garlic and actually use an entire large bunch of basil and about 6-8 cloves of garlic chopped when make this for myself.

Preparation:

Boil a large pot of water, add 2 tablespoons of salt and cook the pasta according to the package directions.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add garlic and stir constantly until it is lightly colored, add the prawns and cook for 3-5 minutes, season with salt and pepper, then remove the prawns and set aside.

Add the tomatoes and cook for 8 minutes. Add basil and prawns and stir lightly until the prawns are reheated.

Serve over the pasta, and try it with a crisp, Sauvignon Blanc.

Star Blogger~Brooke Giannetti

Interior designer, Brooke Giannetti's 16-month old blog Velvet & Linen, nears the very top of the global 400M sites rated by Alexa.com with a title that reflects the romantic elegance and classic rustic chic of her widely admired style.

Brooke's the pretty brunette pictured above helping to stage her Santa Monica beach cottage for a 'New Old House Magazine' photo shoot. She studied sociology at UCLA—the science concerned with humanity’s well-being. Her own name suggests the fluidity, transformative and unifying powers she achieves in a near magic cohesion between her clients stated use of space—and how they wish to feel and be in it.

In simpatico collaboration with her architect husband, Steve Giannetti, Brooke integrates her artisan sensibility and cognoscenti’s love for old things with his project vernaculars. Be they beach cottage, traditional, Spanish, Italian, Modern, or French. Together, the couple transport the harmonious charms of bygone eras into our clamorous own--to materialize beautiful dream worlds set apart.

Married for 23-years, Brooke and Steve balance two homes, three children, and two businesses. They founded their architectural and interior design firm in 1987. Their latest enterprise is their San Vicente Boulevard shop Giannetti Home where they showcase pieces collected from around the globe, their own refined furniture designs and Steve’s seascape paintings. Their work has been featured in numerous top newspapers, magazines, and websites—and Brook was among noteworthy designers interviewed on The Skirted Roundtable, a popular podcast about blogging and interior design.

Like many of us, Brooke expresses spiritual affinity with women’s blogs, stating her own has been a clarifying process where she attempts to strike the right note between professional and private.

Brooke, thank you so much for your time in answering this modified Proust Questionnaire. While many designers cite one main influence, you’ve named a number in interviews including: your mother, husband, Swedish blogs, favorite sites like Cote de Texas, plus top designers like John Saladino. Yet, your work is very serene. And you have that essential macro-micro sensibility. Is this inherent?

I’m fortunate not to have gone to school for design, so my artistic ideas come completely from my heart. I follow my intuition when creating interiors or gardens for myself and my clients.

On the tech side do you have an assistant to handle all the details?

I write all of the posts and upload the pictures, but Hope Wallace from Paper Relics helped me with the original design of my blog. I still e-mail her pictures and links when I want to freshen things up a bit.

With all you have to juggle are you able to work in regular exercise?

Steve and I take the dogs on an hour-long walk every morning at 5:30. It's a great way to connect before our

hectic day starts.

Do you grocery shop and cook or have help?

I couldn't survive without Elsa. She does most of the grocery shopping, but I cook dinner 5 nights a week for family dinners. The kids love to help too.

What’s you favorite style of entertaining?

I'm not a "catered event" kind of person. We designed our home with a very open floor plan. The kitchen, dining room and family room make up one space. It works perfectly for the casual family entertaining that we prefer.

Your husband has his painting, what is your favored way to relax?

I find gardening to be so relaxing. It's also so much less pressure than interior design. Plants aren't very expensive, and they're easy to change.

When your friends say 'that's so Brooke' about a clothing look, what are they referring to?

I'm really a boring dresser! Jeans, boots, cashmere sweaters in neutral colors.

What is your favorite virtue? Gratitude

Your chief characteristic? Persistence. When I have a goal in mind, I don't stop until I achieve it.

What one memory from your entire life would you choose to live with through eternity? Meeting Steve.

Your favorite qualities in a man? Justified confidence and a great sense of humor.

And in a woman? Justified confidence and a great sense of humor

What you appreciate the most in your friends? The ability to make me laugh and provide some perspective during what seems to be a crisis at the time

Your main fault? Insecurity

Your idea of perfect happiness? A life without insecurity!

Your idea of misery? A life without my family

If not yourself, who would you be? My daughter Leila. She amazes me every day.

Where else would you like to live? In California: Sandy Land Cove in Carpinteria. Anywhere in the world: Venice Italy.

Your favorite bird, color and flower?

Our society finches in the store. I love working with their subtle chirps in the background. Color is chalky gray blue - the color of my Swedish pieces. My favorite flower: white hydrangeas. I love how they turn colors as they mature into Fall.

Your 3-favorite books? The Course of Miracles. John Saladino Villa. Atlas Shrugged.

Your favorite heroes/heroines in fiction and in real life? Dagny Taggart. Howard Roark. My Children: Charlie, Nick and Leila.

Your favorite films? Breakfast at Tiffany's. Shawshank Redemption. Dead Poets Society.

Do you and Steve have a song? We don't have a song. My parents chose our song at our wedding. It was a real groaner! Since then, no song.

Your favorite food, drink and WLA eatery?

Favorite Restaurant: Ivy by the Shore. Favorite Food: Grilled Vegetable Salad with Chicken at Ivy by the Shore. Favorite drink: Belvedere Vodka straight up with a twist and a splash of lemonade

Your favorite names? Charlie. Nicholas. Leila.

What you loathe most of all: The words "I can't"

The natural talent you’d most like to be gifted with: The ability to be comfortable with myself in any situation.

How would you wish to die? In Steve's arms.

What is your present state of mind? Grateful

Your favorite motto? Carpe Diem!

Brooke, thank you for adding so much beauty to the world.

Live Your Dreams

Dreams fire us up, make life thrilling, they can change the world, and give us strength to reach the stars. As the lead character of our own story--dreams set the plan to action on the quest to become the best we can be.

This is my dream: That my novel ‘French Heart’ dedicated to my deceased brother will sell 6-million copies. That a portion of sales will help others in his name. I will relocate in November 2010 to Aix-en-Provence where the story is set~and realize the French proverb: 'À coeur vaillant rien d'impossible'. To a valiant heart nothing is impossible.

Let my ‘French Heart’ dreams~and yours~begin! Go for your dreams--that to me is the best advice of all. Here's a trilogy that helps:

Self Belief: Rock-solid self-belief is the inner power, drive and focus to attain anything. Identify, develop, and expand natural gifts. Live strong~go for the best of yourself.

Self Empowered: Self-empowerment equals dignity, pride, confidence, restraint and self-value. Responsibility for own situation, priorities, thoughts and actions. Life delivers disappointments and can knock us down. But the self-empowered will regroup, learn from setbacks, and rise again stronger.

Self Aware: Awareness is reflective, and proactive as opposed to reactive, open to new ways of seeing and thinking to improve judgement and the quality of life. Aware people are affirmative of themselves and others.

We have 525,600 minutes a year to find a dream and act on it. To know and become--as Susan Boyle sings-- 'Who I Was Born to Be.

Audrey~In Her Own Words

The above image of Audrey Hepburn is from 'Funny Face.' She said that coming out of her harsh childhood years spent under Nazi occupation in Holland she knew she needed a 'look' and crafted one. And also honed an abundance of good sense from the horrors of war. Once freed she made the most of life, and left terrific advice in her own words:

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

“If you ever need a helping hand, it's at the end of your arm, remember you have another hand: The first is to help yourself, the second is to help others.”

“People have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed.”

“I was asked to act when I couldn't act. I was asked to sing when I couldn't sing, and dance with Fred Astaire when I couldn't dance - and do all kinds of things I wasn't prepared for. Then I tried like mad to cope with it.”

“It's that wonderful old-fashioned idea that others come first and you come second. This was the whole ethic by which I was brought up, so 'don't fuss, dear; get on with it.'”

“I decided, very early on, just to accept life unconditionally; I never expected it to do anything special for me.”

“I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It's probably the most important thing in a person.”

France is Number Un~

Each January for the past 30 years, International Living has released it’s Quality of Life Index that ranks 194 countries based on 10 criteria: Cost of Living, Culture and Leisure, Economy, Environment, Freedom, Healthcare System, Infrastructure, Safety and Risk, and Climate. For the fifth straight year France--with the world’s best health care is rated #1. France is also the most visited country in the world.

While romantic Paris is the HQ for La Vie en Rose and symbolizes the finest in everything, in some regions outside the capital--homes can still be purchased in the $100,000 range, and three-course lunches savored for $15.

In November 2010, I’m joining the beret-twirling, wine-sippers myself when I relocate to the nation of 63-million that embraces 82-million visitors a year with its joie de vivre. Citizens of the world have voted with their pocketbooks and their feet to collectively agree~Viva la France!

Stuff Yuppies Like

We few, we happy few, we band of velvet hairband-wearers~~that's who Canadian, Christian Lander, lampoons in his bestselling satirical ‘Stuff White People Like.' France has its 'BCBG' (pronounced 'bay-say-bay-jay'), London its 'Sloane Rangers' and according to Lander, San Francisco is HQ for all things Yuppie. While the term is a throw-back to the 80s, Landers helps it endure with his hilarious list of 130-urban dweller must-haves that has received over 63-million hits. The photos above represent a slice from Lander's wise-cracking list. You, too, might be a closet no-foam, triple-shot, soy latte drinker if you find it amusing: HERE.

'To Become' Instead of 'To Do' List

Try altering 'To Do' to 'To Become' lists instead. A tiny but powerful distinction. Carmel-by-the-Sea founders, for example, conceptualized their fledgling town as 'becoming' in relation to the setting--and as an arts based community. In adhering to that early identity Carmel remains one of the most beautifully cohesive spots on the planet.

We are always becoming--either by conscious choice, or by default. Often foregoing dreams on the basis of some perceived lack. It requires courage to act on dreams, to ignore the naysayers, to have faith and belief, make a plan and take action.

'To Become' is beginning with the end in mind, it means more conscious collecting of the visual and spiritual treasures all around--because even these become a part of us to the degree we take them in. "To Become' means to me that we are ultimately evolving an eternal soul that only we can know. Our primary 'To Do' is determining what that essence was meant 'To Become.'

Bring Rover to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-AM

February 8-14 the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am returns to the Monterey Peninsula. From 1947, when Bing Crosby hosted the first Pro-Am, to today--the games have raised nearly $80M for local charities. This year, 156 pros and 156 celebrities and amateurs will play on 3-courses for a total purse of $6,200,000. The Pro-Am brings an air of extra excitement to Carmel. Order your tickets today, and book reservations. Carmel is an ideal destination for you and your pet for a weekend or a longer vacation--with many restaurants and inns dog-friendly. For information on Carmel including pet-friendly establishments, click: HERE.

Provençal Bouillabaisse

Bouillabaisse is the Provençal fish stew that originated from the port city of Marseille, the oldest city in France founded in 600 BC by the Greeks. Marseille is the second largest French city after Paris, but every French village seems to have a different way of preparing and serving Bouillabaisse, which is traditionally served with toast rounds cut from baguettes and spread with rouille. The prep time is 20 mins, cooking time is 30 mins, the stew serves 6 to 8.

Provençal Bouillabaisse

1/3 pint of olive oil

2 onions chopped

2 leeks trimmed and chopped

3 tomatoes skinned seeded and chopped

4 garlic cloves crushed

1 sprig of fennel

1 sprig of thyme

1 bay leaf

1/3 c finely chopped Italian parsley--have additional for garnish

1 strip of orange peel without pith

1 ½ lbs shell fish; crab, mussels, clams, large prawns, lobster. Discard any shellfish that don't open when cooked.

5 lbs of firm fish, like cod, sea bass, swordfish, halibut, red snapper, and a softer fish like sole so that some of the fish

breaks down in the broth. Make certain all the fish is very fresh.

4 pinches of saffron powder

3 ½ pints of boiling water

sea salt and pepper to taste

In a 8-quart dutch oven sauté the onions, leeks, chopped tomatoes and garlic over low heat for 2 to 3 mins until soft.

Stir in the fennel. thyme, bay leaf, Italian parsley and orange peel.

Add the shellfish, boiling water and sea salt and pepper.

Turn up the heat to a slow boil for about 3 mins.

Reduce the heat and add the fish. Continue cooking for 12 to 15 mins over a medium heat.

The fish should be opaque and tender but still firm, once cooked adjust the seasoning.

Stir in the saffron and serve with rouille and toast rounds cut from baguettes


Rouille

1 small red pepper

2 garlic cloves crushed

pinch of saffron powder

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 ozs crust less white bread

2 egg yolks

8 fl ozs olive oil

Cut the pepper in half and remove core and seeds chop into small pieces and crush to a paste with the garlic.

Add the saffron, salt and pepper to taste.

Moisten the bread with a little water. Work it into the pepper and garlic.

Beat in the egg yolks and add the oil a little at a time. Beating well between each addition.

As the rouille becomes thick pour the oil in a thin steady stream.

Continue beating until the rouille is thick and smooth. Makes about one cup.

The French Answer to Turkey Leftovers

Rues Cler and Saint-Dominique--in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower--comprise the foodie culture of the 7th arrondissement. A star of that bright firmament is Christian Constant's popular ‘Les Cocottes’. His irresistible comfort foods rate a thumbs-up even from President Sarkozy. Everything is baked and served in oven-to-table mini-casseroles 'cocottes' that are enjoying a popular revival in France. The Michelin chef's turkey pot pie recipe transforms leftovers into a memorable winter meal that serves four:

Heat oven to 385 F

2 pounds leftover turkey (or roasted chicken) meat, cubed

¾ c butter

1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper

4 carrots, peeled and diced

20 miniature onions, or 1 large onion—peeled and diced

3 1/2 cups of chicken stock

3 1/2 T flour

½ c half-and-half cream

¾ c baby peas (or asparagus cut into small slices instead)

1 T fresh chopped rosemary (can substitute fresh parsley)

1 sheet of puff pastry

2 egg whites, beaten with a spot of milk

Bring chicken stock to boil

In a large casserole melt butter, sauté the onions until transparent. Add flour and whisk for 2 minutes. Pour the stock over mixture. Simmer over low flame until it thickens. Add cream, salt, pepper, turkey pieces, carrots, peas. Mix well.

Divide the turkey mixture into 4 individual casseroles. Cut 4 circles of puff pastry a little larger than the pots. Baste the outside of each casserole with egg yolk (so pastry sticks to it). Place a circle of puff pastry on the top of each casserole pressing against the sides. With a brush, baste the top of each puff pastry with egg yolk. With a knife, cut small slits in a star shape at the center of the puff pastry tops for steam to escape

Bake in oven for about 40 minutes. Serve with a small salad, a nice glass of wine, and be transported to Paris!

Proust Questionnaire~C’est Moi

The Proust Questionnaire began in the 19th century as a salon game and endures to this day closing every issue of

'Vanity Fair' Magazine and is even a Facebook app. I've answered a modified version of it myself below-adding my own favorite 'eternal memory question.' Maybe answer it for yourself, too, it's clarifying:

Favorite sites: With so many favorites, I rarely miss, EatLiveRun.Publisher Jenna Weber is a sporty food writer. A Cordon Bleu grad who studied in Paris, works in the wine industry, and attracts about 1M page-views a month. Her first book is underway, and will be published in Spring 2010.

Your chief characteristic: Creativity.

Favorite virtue: Loyalty.

Favorite qualities in a man: Kind, generous spirit, protectiveness and wit.

Favorite qualities in a woman: Feminine, striving, stylish, affirmative...and funny, too.

What appreciate the most in friends: Simpatico

Your main fault: Just one--with a candy-box of them to choose from?

Idea of perfect happiness: A marathon beach walk with a Golden Retriever named, Jack, returning to my version of a dream house to cook a delicious meal for people I enjoy. Music, laughter, wine, flowers, organic produce, fireplace, and doggy tail-wagging are involved.

Your idea of misery: My brother’s tragic death.

If not yourself, who would you be? Even my ideal women--Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Grace Kelly-- with all that they experienced, suffered and had--they most valued being a mother. Therefore, I’d stay me-Rob's mom.

Where would you like to live? I live in an ideal, Carmel, and am relocating to my other, Aix-en-Provence in 2010. I love, love, love California and France.

Your favorite bird and flower: Seagulls, white Peonies.

Your 3-favorite books: Homer’s Odyssey, Laura Hildebrand’s Seabiscuit, Mark Twain’s Personal Recollections of Saint Joan of Arc.

Your favorite heroes/heroines: In fiction and history, Odysseus, Seabiscuit, Saint Joan, Nancy Meyer’s film protagonists. In real life, ordinary heroes.

Your favorite painters and composers: Monet and Ravel.

Your favorite food and drink: Organic wine, tea, OJ, pasta, seafood, vanilla yogurt, produce, gourmet pizza.

Your favorite name: Robbie.

What you loathe most of all: Injustice and betrayal.

The natural talent you’d most like to be gifted with: The gift of making billions so I could help lots of people—that would truly be the greatest accomplishment in life.

How would you wish to die: At 96 in my garden on the sea, chatting with my son and friends. I say, ‘Let’s have another glass of champagne and turn up the music.’ Then clutch my pearls, and C'est Fini.

What is your present state of mind: Excited, hopeful, grateful.

Your favorite motto: The French proverb: À coeur vaillant rien d'impossible. To a valiant heart-nothing is impossible.

The one moment from life you'd chose to life with in eternity: We lived on the beach in Santa Barbara. It was Christmas Eve and a prime rib was roasting in the oven. I grabbed a glass of wine and my son and I tossed on jackets and headed over to stroll the water's edge with our Sheltie--who ran off to chase Sandpipers. The sky was a kaleidoscope of pink, orange, gold, to amethyst and ultra marine. Over Anacapa Island--that looked like Ithaca on the horizon--hung one dazzling ornament of a star. A top-heavy fishing tug lumbered into the harbor traced by stark white gulls, prehistoric pelicans, and sleek dolphins. Sharing that peace and beauty together made me realize how truly rich I was. What if we hadn't gone? We'd not only have missed this true gift of life--but also the remembering of it, which fills me with the belief that the best is yet to be as long as you keep heading out for those sunsets and sunrises.

Christmas in Paris

My novel 'French Heart' begins with the protagonist, Alexa, landing in Aix-en-Provence just before Christmas, with scenes also taking place in Paris. Next November I'll be relocating to France. First landing in the south, driving 45 minutes to Aix and recreating Alexa's steps of those first days of the story. Then it's off to Paris for Christmas--perhaps on the TGV, a 3-hour trip. Fifty-thousand American expats live in Paris and network through organizations like FRANCE-AMÉRIQUES, many are in my Facebook group. It'll be fun to get together there next year at Harry's Bar, Le Bar at the George V, or Le Grand Colbert.

As Anais Nin said~‘Good things happen to those who hustle. Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage. There are many ways to be free. One of them is to transcend reality by imagination, as I try to do. Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.’

Berthillon Hot Fudge Sundae for Noel

Steps behind Notre Dame Cathedral and over a bridge is the quaint Ile Saint Louis. The small island oasis seems far from the taxi-tooting rush of the Paris-though at its heart--as if frozen in the 17th century. A turning-point lunch scene from my novel 'French Heart' is set on the Ille Saint Louis. Next Christmas, I'll be there for a calorie splurge at the world-famous Berthillon! The motto of the family owned business since 1954 is 'a passion for quality' with all of the glaces et sorbets at 31, rue St Louis-en-l'Ile made from natural sources. Generations of French families order their 'Spécialités pour noël' as the high-point of Christmas dinners--plural--the holiday extends through January 6th.

Star Blogger~Celebrity Designer Eddie Ross

This week's 'Star Blogger' is designer, Eddie Ross, pictured above with his partner, Jaithan Kochar, on Martha Stewart's 'Blogging Show.'

As a Celebrity Holiday Homes designer, Eddie decorated Kathie Lee Gifford’s waterfront Greenwich manse for HGTV’s Christmas Special--bringing the native son back to the bucolic setting of billionaires and boxwood hedges where he was first bitten by the design bug.

Back when 15-year old Eddie washed dishes for a caterer in storied Greenwich residences, he seized the opportunity to scrutinized details and educate himself. He tagged along with his grandfather, a horticulturist who tended a 7-acre estate, and had the run of the grounds and a private beach. He excelled in anything artistic--including the chance to excavate at the local dump for tossed treasures like old milk glass.

The gracious 'Old Greenwich' sensibilities seeped into his bones complimenting his great eye, respect for beautifully crafted things and refinement honed by an exuberance for knowledge and discovery.

As a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America--Eddie became a food editor for Martha Stewart Living, and was later the Senior Style Editor. At the Food Network, he was an Associate Design Director, and an Associate Decorating Editor at House Beautiful magazine where he produced the popular monthly ‘Weekend Shopper’ featuring his nationwide flea-market expeditions that may be described as OMG--where do we sign-up?

Following his season two run on Bravo's Top Design, Eddie and partner Jaithan Kochar, a graduate of Stanford University and the Rhode Island School of Design, launched Eddie Ross, Inc.

Located in upstate New York, they offer styling services, popular shop-like-a-pro flea-market and antiquing excursions, vintage treasures from their Etsy store--and together publish their highly successful design blog--with Jaithan as tech czar.

‘Beautiful Design Doesn't Need to be Expensive’

Eddie's signature look of vests, bow-ties, sleeves rolled-up, jeans and loafers reflects the kind of distinct style and roll-up-your-sleeves drive of, Ralph Lauren, someone he admires.

Like Ralph Lauren, the son of a house painter and born in the Bronx--Eddie shares the gift to look past limits of how something is currently perceived, to focus on the possibilities of what might become.

Ralph Lauren's luxury Polo line is the basis of his $2.8 Billion personal fortune that made him the #224 richest individual in the world, yet he didn't attend design school and was a college drop-out.

That shared penchant to look past limits is an art, an inspiration and the idea that style is the way we design a beautiful life--and it needn't be expensive.

Thank you Eddie for being this week's Star-Blogger! And for sharing your responses to the Proust Questionnaire:

What is your chief characteristic: Driven to make things happen.

Your favorite virtue: Industriousness

Your stylish ones: Ralph Lauren. Carrie Donovan. Lucille Ball. Rosalind Russell. Joan Crawford.

What one memory would you choose to live with through eternity: Gardening with my grandparents in the country.

Your favorite qualities in a man: Tall, dark, handsome, and intelligent.

Your favorite qualities in a woman: Fun, fashionable, honest.

What you appreciate the most in your friends: Loyalty and sense of humor.

Your main fault: Lack of patience.

Your idea of perfect happiness: A country farmhouse with land, a pool, tennis court, outbuildings, and the luxury of time to enjoy it.

Your idea of misery: Being stuck in traffic that makes me late for an appointment.

If not yourself, who would you be: An archaeologist—searching and discovering.

Where would you like to live: Knightsbridge.

Your favorite color: A monochromatic palette with colors associated with the sea, sand, sea-glass, sky.

Favorite books: Classic decorating, gardening and dinner party books from the 20s and 30s by designers like Edith Wharton and Dorothy Rodgers.

Favorite music: Anything good-- including 70s hits and Motown.

Favorite films: ‘Mommie Dearest.’ Gosford Park, mostly for the set design.

Your favorite heroines: Rosaline Russell in ‘Auntie Mame’. Joan Crawford.

What you loathe: Aggressive social climbing, and ‘bed and bath in a bag’ matched sets.

The natural talent you’d like to have: Languages and master of a musical instrument.

How would you wish to die: At a flea market or consignment shop grabbing the absolute perfect find as another customer snatches it away. I'd die on the spot of a heart attack.

What is your present state of mind: Overwhelmed!

Your favorite motto: Beautiful design doesn’t need to be expensive.

What does the world need more of today? People getting along instead of fighting and wars. Laughing!

Charm~~The Greatest Social Currency

When you hear that magic tinkle from a graceful wrist consider that charm is an attribute that beguiles, cast spells, enchants and is one of the Goddess of Love's primary attributes. It is said that charm is the glow of a woman that casts a becoming light on others. The wearing of charms for magical effect and good fortune originated around 500 B.C. and swept forward in history through ancient Babylonian, Egyptian, and Persian cultures. Adopted by the aristocracy of the Middle Ages through the Victorian Era, Queen Victoria draped bracelets with lockets bearing the images of her children from her arm. After WWII, returning vets attached travel trinkets to make keepsakes for their loved ones. Today, charm bracelets remain a popular memento for newly-minted teenagers, and Tiffany, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton have all glamorized this feminine pleasure.

'There's a difference between beauty and charm. A beautiful woman is one I notice. A charming woman is one who notices me,' John Erskine said reminding me of cozy moments with my grandmother when I was a child. Forever stylish, she wore a golden bracelet of beautiful workable charms on her wrist. I would clasp them one by one as if they held the mysteries of the ages as she told me the special tale behind each. A memory that I'll savor to the end of my days, Nana at her charming utmost.