I don't want you all to think that every day has been a total pity party...we did have the very-best-vacation-in-the-world (especially if you are recuperating from surgery) at the ultra-luxe La Costa Resort. This best-time-ever treat was spent with my kids, my Ms. M and her brood, Izze & Elliot, Harm, Lynn, Julie and Chachi (with her littlest 2 girls.)
Each of the six days there featured two spa treatments per adult (I had an entire hour just having my scalp massaged one afternoon) and some of the most delicious food ever presented to this wanna-be food critic.






Grey Goose Apple Martini


Grey Goose shot

Late Latte

Shrimp? No, SHRIMP!
The Ahi with Sugar Cane Skewers was divine...

(Julie relished the Lamb!)

I had Salmon almost every night (this version was accented with a cubed apple chutney garnish.

Ben was Mr. Meaty Meat, enjoying this 16oz T-Bone (his favorite was the night of the Pork loin.)

Jumbo pancakes at the Potato Shack...


Apple tart with Caramel and a pure, crystalized sugar spoon. Crazy good stuff. No regrets there.

M. sure knows how to throw a party!

(kisses!!!)

After a disturbing and drawn out illness where his memory was totally compromised, my brother-in-law Rand passed away at Cedars-Sinai hospital. They were not able to find the cause of his mystery illness, and are conducting extensive pathological tests to try and pinpoint the source of his disease.
We all miss him terribly.

Baby's getting big.

She's like four months old now, and very well behaved. We just love her!

A night of beauty.

Allie and Izze felt the need to have a little spa evening at home, so I soaked their hair in Sapoteca conditioner (ooh, the essence of marzipan...,) wrapped it in Saran, and slathered some of my precious black Biotherm lightening, peel-off mask on their soft young cheeks. Thirty minutes later, they came out of the shower silky and refreshed. They felt great, and I had a wonderful time watching them enjoy the pampering!

Ben & Elliot had spent the night over with Ian & Colin (Ben's 2nd night in a row) so I know they had a fab time as well.