Category Archives: Fun Finds

Hole In The Wall; Road Trip

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We did a “jump in the car” roadtrip to get out of the city today. First stop was the always friendly Hole In The Wall. It continues to be one of our favorite “go to” spots.

Friendly staff & good solid food makes for a destination worthy meal or while spending time in the Northern California region. Known for a great breakfast; biscuits, gravey and hash rock thoseorning branches, but the hamburger & sandwiches make for a full belly. On this trip I tried out the ground duck burger on server recommendation, and will say- it was right on the money.

We did an jump in the car roadtrip to get out of the city today. First stop was the always friendly Hole In The Wall. It continues to be one of our favorite “go to” spot.

Friendly staff & good solid food makes for a destination worthy meal or while spending time in the Northern California region. Known for a great breakfast; biscuits, gravey and hash rock thoseorning branches, but the hamburger & sandwiches make for a full belly. On this trip I tried out the ground duck burger on server recommendation, and will say- it was right on the money.

Our new pals Adrian & Julie stopped to swap food dish in between serving up our meals.

Wireless charging with @InPofi

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Got a chance to see InPofi’s wireless charger/case kit at MacWorld this year and after checking out some the other vendors decided to go back and purchase the kit.

I have to say can’t be happier. The case fits smooth and snug. The low profile chargers are quick and efficient and the fact that they offer two means I could leave one of my office and one in the kitchen. They come in several colors.

If your are on the fence on wireless charging-jump. Its worth the plunge.

Also on Amazon;

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New BirchBox arrived..

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As some of you know – I get the monthly Birchbox for me delivery – This month came with samples of Atelier Cologne (you know thats going to the office for the boys) , English Laundry Shampoo and body wash,  Stubble & ‘Stache face moisturizer and beard conditioner , Vasanti Brighten Up cleaners and Vivarati no show loafer socks!

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Im still working my way through last months box -but at first glance the Stubble & ‘Stache face moisturizer and beard condition will be up to test soon, the other products will go on the vacation dopp kit for when I travel. All and all having the Birchbox account has gotten be some great deals, good discounts and nice products I wouldn’t have found otherwise.

 

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My fav this month is the Mr. Natty FFS (Face Forest Beard Soap) its got a great smell that is  forest based with its blend of rosemary and English mint, which act as an aromatic wake-up call,  with out being over bearing and dissipates soon after. But I love how it leaves my beard and the feeling of my face under all that hair. It max a mild astringent quality that I find I was looking for.

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Spring Fling for OpenhouseSF still available

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Hey Folks – still time to get your tickets and support Openhouse for it’s spring fundraiser for LGBT seniors. with over 400 folks already signed up – it will be another great event. I’ve room at my table if you want to join us. When you register, towards the end it will ask for table capt. Look for my name.  For those of you who can’t come – please consider making a donation or buying a ticket to allow a senior LGBT local to attend and enjoy. Msg me for details.

My Sunday “Staycation” in Tuscany

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Always love a sunday at the second hand bookstore. Full of treasures waiting to be discovered. This weekend’s find was a cool cookbook called “Tuscany”. Just finished reading it; and yes I read cookbooks cover to cover and tab pages I like for later. I found several cool regional dishes that will get tried the next few weeks.

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This is the description from Amazon;

A unique cookbook containing 50 recipes from the tables of Tuscany, the finest gastronomic region of Italy and birthpace of most Italian cuisine as we know it today. Recipes are accompanied by texts detailing traditional Tuscan ingredients, producers, food markets and speciality stores. Contains specially commissioned photography of landscapes and products from all provinces of Tuscany, from Florence and Siena to Pisa and Lucca. All-new, authentic and easy-to-follow recipes from the Silver Spoon kitchen, ranging from simple crostini to delicious desserts.

Any one can knock out a lava cake these days.

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My Pal Jacque found an organic mix for Molten Lava Cake by Wildtree that allows you the ability to toss some of these babies together in

less than 15 min. The recipes is easy and as is comes out good. I altered the recipe a bit and added vanilla and a splash of espresso to make the chocolate taste more chocolaty.. The package comes sized for 6 small ramekins – so you may need to purchase them as well. Bake time says 12 – 15 min. I suggest you check them at 10 min, then take them out by 12 min to really get the gooey center. Otherwise you will end up with a pretty nice brownie cake. The cost of the premix box is around $9 makes 6.

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Bak-klene ZT cooking spray – get your glide on

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This Christmas one of my work colleagues gifted me with Bak-klene ZT cooking spray.

Yes – I know – you might wonder why?? Well  – we often all talk about food and She had heard about this particular brand and thought of me ( Note – this is what gifting is all about – thinking before hand and knowing the person – not because its been marketed since october and with the biggest most  budget).IMG_9673

So, I digress.. I had always tended to use what ever spray I had around the house – but never found them great. Till now – Bak-klene converted me! Not only does it go on easy and provided me with the non-stick coverage I wanted – it has no after taste or leave a funky texture on the cookware.  It also has zero-transfat and is used in many profession kitchens I have heard tell. I have been working with it now since December and even the stickiest messes  I have managed to bake up – have simply slid out!

Available at Williams-Sonoma or Amazon – at almost $10 its not cheap – but its well worth it.