Objects of My Affection

I'm loving a couple of things right now, one of which you've already seen.

I smile every time I drink water at work now.

The second thing makes my smile smoother.

I initially balked at the $8.50 price tag, but Mr. Monkey told me it was worth paying an extra two dollars for the "flava." What a dork. The dork is right, though. My lips got flava now.

Other objects of my affection -- everything at Green Zone. With every bite today, Bax and I kept asking ourselves, "Why is this so good?!" It doesn't matter how many times we go. It's a joy every time and worth another entry.

Of course, we drowned ourselves with the infamous passion fruit iced tea ($2.50). A visit to Green Zone is not complete without at least three glasses, preferably four. There is something magical in it, I swear.

The salmon triangles ($5.95) are incredible.

My organic Hainan chicken rice ($7.50) was delicious and light and made me feel good.

The lemon creme brulee was the perfect ending -- a classic with a little twist.

In a recent comment about my photographing food in restaurants, Shan observed, "You seem to have no fear! What's your secret?"

No secret. I actually am quite fearless about snapping away in public places.

My philosophy is that taking pictures in restaurants is really no big deal, provided you don't disturb other patrons and the people with whom you're dining are ok with it. You just whip out your camera and go. That's about it. If you look uncomfortable with your camera, people around you will feel uncomfortable, too. If you do it with confidence and a smile, it makes everyone feel at ease.

Sable Crow documented my food photography insanity on Sunday, so now you can see the method behind the madness. Enjoy!

Baby Shower Squared

It is Summer 2008, and everybody I know is pregnant.

Exaggeration? Perhaps.

But not that much.

We convened at The Peninsula Beverly Hills today to shower mothers-to-be Nanette and California Girl with love and good cheer.

Secluded from the masses in a private room, our hosts spread their personal touch all around, and we felt comfortable being as jolly as we wanted. No worries of being shushed!

California Girl and Nanette arrive!




We wished our guests of honor well in photobooks.

One thing about this group is that we don't settle when it comes to food. Today was no exception.

Strawberries and cream.

Three tiers of goodies between every other person!

Tea sandwiches included egg salad and watercress on marble bread, charred vegetable on wheat bread with pesto spread, smoked salmon with cucumber and preserved lemon, and chicken salad with Marcona almonds and tarragon.

Plain and currant scones.

Devonshire cream and lemon curd.

Various petite pastries.


I chose English Breakfast tea. Other options were chamomile and a citrus blend.

We played only two games. (Thank you, hosts!) This left plenty of time to chat and laugh about everything and nothing. Trisha, tater, and I won the first game in which we identified everybody's baby pictures.

And then there was this game.

California Girl and Nanette opened our group gifts.

Gotta love group gifts.


Gotta love baby shower twofers.