Doing What They Said They Would Do

Over the last few weeks I've been a part-time General Contractor of sorts. In truth, just half of a part-time GC (or does that make me a quarter of a GC?) I'll introduce you to my other part-time GC in a bit. But I digress. It all started with the decision to do a bit of a re-fresh on the kitchen. Let's just re-do the cabinets, I thought. And maybe adding a new cabinet here or there also seemed to make sense. There was quite a bit of unused space in the kitchen, hmmm.

Insightful and clever as you are, gentle reader-doubtless you know where this is going. Yes, the little kitchen refresh turned into a tad bit more. A decision to replace the cabinets was followed by some new appliances. It also seemed logical to re-purpose some of that other unused space into a  butler's pantry. Can you believe that we didn't have a pantry for our butler?  Seems like a crime, I know. So we built one.

Shortly thereafter there was the hideous realization that the new appliances we ordered were larger than the opening of our front gate. So the courtyard would need re-doing. Then of course there was an electrician, plumber, dry-wall work, carpentry, tile work etc. I think you get the full picture by now. None of this was ever planned and suddenly I found myself in the role as a mini-General Contractor, coordinating all these projects, craftsmen and such. Fortunately I can tell the difference between a wrench and a ratchet, and was able to pull it off. I also studied at the Pretend-General Contractor Academy of Lollypopland so I am most definitely qualified.

There were a hideous amount of details and decisions to be made. Who knew that sink faucets came in options of cold water only? Whoops. Well anyway I'm finally coming to the point of this post. Much to my delight, every craftsman and company who has had a part in this production have fulfilled their word and did what they said they would do. 

Let me pause to introduce you to my co-General Contractor for the job. Meet Mr Sheldon Gryffindor, contractor extraordinaire. Here he is, in what would soon become the butler's pantry, looking out the window. All the construction debris didn't bother him in the least. He kept everything running like clock-work, helping to ensure everyone did their jobs.

Let me back up a bit on the project and start with Lowe's. Working with the Lowe's kitchen design team was a detailed process. Two designers in the Palm Springs store Bruce and Gail were knowledgeable and helpful. Kraftmaid cabinets (made in the USA I am pleased to report) built and delivered high quality cabinets on-time and exactly as ordered. I was amazed with the service by both Lowe's and Kraftmaid. Lowe's told me what to expect from Kraftmaid in terms of phone calls, verifications and delivery details. And by golly that was exactly what they did. Considering the cabinets were designed here in Palm Springs, built in Ohio, shipped by railroad, then delivered to my house by truck, on-time and in perfect condition was amazing. Kraftmaid called me the day before to estimate delivery time window and then called again the morning of delivery to provide a half hour delivery window time. It sure made things easy.

The cabinet installer from Lowe's was a professional carpenter named Javier who did an impressive job with great attention to detail. Needless to say I am delighted with the new cabinets.

The courtyard was demo'd to provide free access to the appliances, which have been installed on-time. The electrician has performed more work ever initially scoped; cutting some 60+ holes in the drywall to position all the outlets, light switches and such. As you might imagine the dry-wall guy will get a nice paycheck with all the patchwork. It is all coming together nicely, and without any major glitches. 

Mr Sheldon helped me select the granite for the counter tops, which in and of itself was surprisingly difficult to decide on the right look. I finally found an interesting pattern called Rainforest Green (see left). I purchased this granite from VIP Floors in Palm Springs, who I also might add, were terrific. My co-GC Sheldon Gryffindor sniffed out the granite and gave the final approval, and with that we were on our way toward the final phase of the kitchen re-do.

With so many horror stories out there about home improvement projects, I felt compelled to share my story of good experiences. On reflection of this project, it occurred to me that everyone did what they said they would do. Isn't that refreshing?

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A Visit To Mount San Jacinto

At the moment, it seems that most of the US is covered in snow, with cold, icy conditions. Rather than being a jerk and boasting about the weather here on the desert floor of Palm Springs, I thought I'd take you 10,000 feet above sea level, up to the top of the San Jacinto Mountain. A quick ride up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway brings one to another climate, just overlooking the desert floor. Welcome to Mount San Jacinto State Park.

Here, the temperatures are usually between 30 and 40 degrees cooler than the desert floor below. During the summer months when it is 100 degrees (or more) the tram offers an easy escape to cooler temperatures. During the winter months, the top of the mountain receives a healthy share of snow. Being an east-coaster by birth, at times I miss the snow, so its a real treat to walk in the snow even if just for a short while. Last week while up at the top of the tram, someone in my group (who is a native Southern Californian) had never seen or touched snow before. She was thrilled to make a snowball for the first time.

People don't often associate snow with Palm Springs, but I assure you we have it- several feet in fact. Its just 10,000 feet above where I live everyday. Most of the time I just look at the snow capped mountain from my back yard while I sip my cawfee in the morning. As a side note, this photo (above left) is of the desert floor, looking back down onto Palm Springs while at the top of the mountain.

This photo at left is while up on top of Mount San Jacinto along the hiking trails. Nature offers such beautiful scenery, all we need to do is take the time to appreciate it. People often ask me what I like best about living in Palm Springs. My answer is always the same- the incredible beauty of nature. This is probably not the perspective of Palm Springs one might expect to see here on this blog, but it is very real. It is also my own little way of showing empathy for the rest of the country dealing with the snow. Hang in there! And if you really can't take it anymore and just need a break, come visit us in Palm Springs.
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Palm Springs Rocks!

aerial photo: city-data.com

I've been living in Palm Springs for nearly a decade, and yet each day I am pleasantly surprised by the natural beauty of the California desert. In my forty-something years I've lived in New England, New York, San Diego, Chicago and London, but I'm the happiest living here in Palm Springs. I often credit the majestic San Jacinto Mountains as a source of happiness and serenity. I could stare at them for hours and still look forward to the next dawn or sunset, where the sun casts an incredible range of colors across the peaks and foothills. What is it about this huge rock-land mass that holds my fascination? The thought of the sheer force and energy that caused them to rise above the surface from plates shifting angrily deep below the earth's surface some zillions of years ago. I'm fascinated by the seemingly ever-changing range of colors from the position of the sun, the atmosphere, presence of snow, ground cover, etc. How is it that a large brown mass could possess such beauty? After all, it really is just rock and dirt, right? Or is it?


Often times I think about all the people who have lived in and around these mountains. Long before air conditioning, native Indians thrived here, finding water from the natural springs deep in the mountain canyons. I wonder about all the other people who have also stared at these mountains for generations, to find peace in the shadow of this great range. Pardon the pun, but these rocks really ground me and make me feel happy.


Perhaps that is why I decided to add a few boulders to my own yard. My yard has a desert landscape motif, low water consumption with generally a lot of cactus and palm trees. I decided what was missing were a few big rocks. So last Sunday, I journeyed to the tiny town of Whitewater, just outside of Palm Springs to shop for rocks. Yes, you read that right, to shop for rocks.


Rock-shopping is more complex than you might imagine. There is color, size, weight, shape and texture to consider. We drove around their massive land area to find a few good rocks. I took photos of the ones I'm considering. If you have any favorites, I'd like to know which one(s) you like best, and why. It may sound silly but I want my own yard to have a geological connection to the massive San Jacinto Mountain that I spend so much time admiring. Then I can sit on my own rock and spend more time staring at the mountain they came from.


Oh, and please resist any smart remarks about my last name and this post. The irony of this didn't escape my notice. (Yes, I'll have my own Rock-hill when I'm done) but I'll never really own them, I'll just borrow them from the earth for a few more decades and pass them on to someone else to admire.

Rock #1

Rock #2 (center)

Rock #3

Rock #4 (all 3 combined)

Rock #5

OK, so which rock(s) get your vote?

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A Piece of Palm Springs History Continues to Thrive

If you've been reading this blog with any regularity over the past few years you have undoubtedly seen numerous posts or reference to Melvyn's, my favorite restaurant in Palm Springs. I suppose one might say I'm a regular there because I love the service, food and ambiance. There aren't many places like it left in the US; they still prepare certain dishes table side, by a staff of professional career waitstaff. Their head waiter, Bobby Bolduch is a fixture there and is a real pro. Just last week I heard that Bobby is about to reach his one millionth preparation of Steak Diane (prepared lovingly table-side at Melvyn's). In fact I believe this milestone is set to be covered on the Today Show soon. 

Melvyn's is a hip and swank connection to Palm Spring's Hollywood history. Many of the legends in entertainment have dined here over the years. It remains so today and now a new generation of young Hollywood continue to flock to Melvyn's themselves. 
Continuing on the theme of great restaurant staff, I just read a great article in The Desert Sun about the Maitre d'Hotel, Brian Ellis. I've had the pleasure of knowing Brian for a number of years and consider him one of the finest Maitre d's I've ever met. He was trained in the "old school" methods and can make anyone feel welcome and special. 

I've hosted a number of parties at Melvyn's and he always handles the details with class, style and precision. Everything runs like clock work, and as a host to a party of guests, that means a lot. Just last week I had a dinner party for 30 people on several nights. One of the three evenings was at Melvyn's; and my group told me it was the most memorable experience of all the dinners.


There are lots of great reasons to visit Palm Springs, and Melvyn's is one of them. For locals, Melvyn's restaurant is a place I can drop in mid-week for a quick meal, or for special occasions too. Whatever you reason, be sure to check it out and experience a piece of Palm Springs history.


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ALPHA: Grain-Free Nutrition for Dogs & Cats

***Please note: this is NOT a paid post.

Regular readers of this blog know that I work for Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods. We make what I believe are the finest quality foods and treats for dogs and cats. I'm excited about a new product line we just launched called 'Alpha'. I helped work on this, which is why I'm so psyched to see it now at petco stores. It is all-natural, completely grain-free line of food, with moderate protein levels using high multiple quality protein sources. Each formula includes prebiotics to maintain optimal digestion. In addition, we use garbanzo beans, which are an excellent source of protein, rich in fiber too.

So why am I writing a post on my personal blog about a product? Well because I am EXCITED ABOUT IT and also love working for a company that is genuinely interested in making all-natural pet foods that can help dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives. 

If you didn't already know, we have a well-respected zoological division that makes specialized diets for large cats, carnivorous birds, reptiles and other animals. Our team of nutritionists work closely with zoos and reserves to keep animals healthy and well nourished. If we're trusted by zoos and reserves, imagine what our pet foods can do for your dog or cat! I'm continually impressed that our company has this zoological expertise on nutrition too. I don't know of any other pet food company that has that expertise.

So yes it is true that I am writing this post to help spread the word about our newest grain-free formulas; I'm also doing it because I helped work on this project and an excited to see it finally online at petco.com and in petco stores nationwide. If you have a chance, check it out and let me know what you think! Or better yet try a bag for your dog or cat. Click this banner below to read more:

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Linda Gray Performs in "Bette Davis Speaks"

Last night I went to the opening performance of "Bette Davis Speaks", starring actress Linda Gray. Based on the book of the same name by author Boze Hadleigh, it is the account of his interview with the legendary actress of stage and screen. The stage production of "Speaks" presents the exact words of Ms Davis; providing the audience with an insider view of Ms Davis' thoughts and feelings on her lengthy career. The  set featured three actors seated on stage, reading manuscripts. The audience is immediately drawn into the script, often hilarious and always reflecting the sharp wit of Ms Davis. It's no wonder she is still regarded as one of the most iconic movie stars in motion picture and stage history. 

Linda Gray performs admirably as Bette Davis, drawing on her own encounter with Ms Davis over cocktails and dinner many years ago. This production actually showcases two actresses who each read lines from Ms Davis, and another who reads the role as the author. While enjoyable, this switching back and forth was somewhat distracting at times. I would have preferred to see a single spotlight on Ms Gray, against a dark stage with just her own reading. Regardless, the subject matter was rich in witticisms and wonderfully raucous stories from old Hollywood. Her unfiltered thoughts and recollections of scores of names through Hollywood history; from Tallulah Bankhead, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Lana Turner, to Marilyn Monroe are nothing short of titillating at times. Mr Hadleigh captures the essence of Bette Davis and recounts numerous stories that will delight any fan of Ms Davis.

A review I read describes the show as follows: "From her famous feud with Joan Crawford to her delightfully wicked comments on her contemporaries, "Bette Davis Speaks" is sure to be one of the most delightful evenings you will spend in the theater this year".

The show runs through March 20th, 2011 at the Indian Wells Theater in Palm Desert California. Located within the California State University San Bernadino, this Palm Desert campus boasts an impressive theater, ideal for this presentation. It's a marvelous example of arts thriving in our desert community. I was delighted to see my friend Ms Linda Gray appear in this role, she seemed to relish the opportunity to bring Bette Davis to life once again.

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The 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards Red Carpet.

It was a night of little disappointment, as most gowns was up to par, few jokes from Ricky Gervais was mean enough to crack a smile, though few small lapses leave room for some constructive criticism.

Ever since I first saw Natalie Portman as a kid in film “The Professional” I was taken by the girl’s immense talent, from that point I have seen her multi dimensional abilities to get in to a role and deliver most convincing character. I was happy for her win of this year Golden Globe, she truly deserve it. Nevertheless I was sad not to see her dressed in something more substantial for such a grand occasion, at such epic point of her carrier and life. Though with some modifications dress could look a bit more flattering. I wasn’t too thrilled of a fabric choice; fresh pink color was nice, but the strong glair the silk was reflected contributed to dress’s coarseness. And of course the rose, it was way to obvious, the stamp was absolutely unnecessary addition. When you have a statement peace a part of a dress you have to be easy on the jewelry, sometimes totally avoid it; the hand embroidered crystal rose was too strong of a statement to be paired with necklace. A pair of earring would be appropriate. 

Natalie Portman, in Viktor & Rolf, with Tiffany & Co. jewels.

Catherine Zeta-Jones was absolutely radiant, interesting gown, greatly fitted, very trendy color. Except for her hair, I would definitely lift it up; plus because of textured nature of fabric I would suggest different choice of earrings, with less details, more graphic with clean and straight lines.

Catherine Zeta-Jones, in Monique Lhuillier, with Van Cleef & Arpels jewels with Michael Douglas.

When you have a curvy figure it’s best to accentuate your waist line. Which in case of Jennifer Lopez was done exactly the opposite, by putting jeweled poncho she shaded out her defined waist that made her look bulky.
 

Jennifer Lopez, in Zuhair Murad, with a Swarovski clutch and Harry Winston jewels.



 For some extravagance she should ask Harry Winston to make shawl.

Jennifer Lopez, in Zuhair Murad, with a Swarovski clutch and Harry Winston jewels.

Posture! When you bear your shoulders it’s absolutely imperative to pay attention on your posture. I would want Julianna Margulies open up her shoulders, she is gorgeous woman and she should be proud of herself and achievements on “The Good Wife” which by the way a very great series (love it!). Adore her YSL ensemble, but her low-rise bustier leaving too much opened skin, which would benefit by adding a necklace (preferably whitish).

Julianna Margulies, in vintage Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture, with Cartier jewels.



Love Emma Stone's dress! But I have a feeling it’s chocking her, I would open it’s neckline about ½ inch, that would visually elongate her neck.

Emma Stone, in Calvin Klein Collection, with Van Cleef & Arpels jewels.

When you make firework show in your back your backyard last thing you want is your neighbor to having laser show next to you. Taking the hair out of the raffles on her shoulder would give them some air and proportions.

  

Christina Hendricks, in Romona Keveza, with Chopard jewels and a Leiber clutch.

Impeccable gown lovingly outline flawless curves, nevertheless her lifeless makeup made her more appropriate for a high-profiled funeral rather then Golden Globes.

Eva Longoria, in Zac Posen.

   



Always graciously glamorous Helen Mirren did have a clash between the embroidered sleeves and her necklace. 

  

Helen Mirren, in Badgley Mischka Couture, with Cartier jewels and a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch.

Love Olivia Wilde's dress, love her shoes, but in suppurate ensembles.

Olivia Wilde, in Marchesa, with Tiffany & Co. jewels and Christian Louboutin shoes.

Ultra-bleached blond and sheer lace just lacking sophistication.

 

Christina Aguilera, in Zuhair Murad. 

A Real Housewife of ...!... always carry a mop with her! 



Colin Firth with Livia Giuggioli, in Prophetik by Jeff Garner.

Congratulation to all winners of the 68th Annual Golden Globe Award!

Original pictures courtesy of Style.com