Playboy Bunnies and Fast Cars

I think the guy in the middle was from Playboy

It's not just guys who want to attend a Playboy party.  It's been on my bucket list for years.  The problem is these things always seem to be reserved for celebrities and VIPs.  But it turns out, getting on the VIP list can happen for every day people -- like me.

CHECK OUT MORE PHOTOS HERE

The invite arrived in my email and I almost deleted it without opening as I didn't recognize the name of the sender, but I'm glad I kept it -- because it was my opportunity to attend the  Jaguar and Playboy party at Pebble Beach.

It only took me 30 seconds to rearrange my schedule and call them up with my "Yes, yes, yes, yes!!! I'll be there. What do I wear?" response.

So how did I score this amazing invite? By fluke really (and maybe good karma).

Earlier this year, I had bought an expensive luxury car tour through World Class Drivers that I didn't get to go on as the person I bought it for decided to go with someone else.  But because I spent so much money on this gift, I'm on the World Class Drivers VIP list.  Bonus.

I admit, that while I would have loved to drive a Bentley and Lamborghini for a day, hanging out at a Playboy party is a one-of-kind experience that I would never be able to duplicate.  So totally worth it.

HANGING WITH THE BUNNIES

As mentioned, the party wasn't at the Playboy mansion.  Instead, it was at this gorgeous house overlooking the water at Pebble Beach, and it was incredible.

Imagine 500 well-dressed people, amazing cars, celebrities like Adrien Brody, Christina Hendericks and Wyclef Jean, and a bunch of Playboy bunnies dressed up in scrimpy black bunny costumes and white tails.

Me with the Playboy Bunnies at the Jaguar VIP party

I pulled up to the mansion in my car behind a couple Mercedes and Porsches and handed my keys to valet. I bet my car was the only Honda Fit they parked that night - LOL!

As I walked up the steps to the outside patio, I was handed a glass of champagne and from there the night was magic. The food was great, the music was wonderful and the people were friendly and fun to talk to.  I even made a couple new girlfriends who will be me calling the next time they are in Phoenix.

Naturally, I had to get my photo taken with the Playboy girls....and with the star attraction: the Jaguar XJL

THE JAGUAR XJL ULTIMATE




That's my champagne on the tray - LOL

If a Ferrari is sex on wheels, then this car is the g-spot of luxury vehicles.

The XJL Ultimate is a special edition Jaguar. Only 30 will be sold in the US, all finished in Black Amethyst.  

No, I didn't sign up and buy one, but I did get up close and personal.  I sat in it and touched everything. My fingerprints are on the steering wheel, the radio controls, the sunroof, and the champagne chiller in the back seat -- yes, there really was one.

And here's a tip...if you ever want to be mistaken for someone famous, come to a party dressed to kill, sit in an expensive car and have someone take your photo.  Apparently, people thought I was some Hollywood actress because I had done this.  In fact, a bunch of other people also took my photo. Too funny.

The party was fantastic, but just like Cinderella's coach turning into a pumpkin, my night ended with my jaguar turning back into a Honda.  

PS: I do love my Honda. It's suffered through cross country trips, extreme heat, icy snow storms while going over the mountains  and accidental off-roading experiences. It's the little car that could, but the jag was nice.  Really nice.

Enjoying my last weekend in California

The view at Paradise Ridge

It's my last weekend in California...and all through the house, not a creature was stirring...not even a mouse...

 Just kidding. I didn't spend my last weekend in California before moving to Arizona with mice.  I spent it taking advantage of what California has to offer – which is breathtaking vineyards and great wine!

So before I go on, I guess I should fill you in in case you haven't read all my blog posts. I've accepted a new job. This time it's in Phoenix, and the job itself is a little different.  Instead of working for local news, I'll be working for a national entertainment news show called "The List."

Not only is it a new genre for me, but the show is also new. In fact, it's still in the concept phrase. How exciting is that?

Of course, if the show gets cancelled, I'll be out of job -- but I'll worry about that later. Right now I'm celebrating -- and I'm celebrating with Wine.

One of the bonuses of living in Sacramento is that Napa is only 45 minutes to an hour away, and the Santa Rosa wine area is only 1.5 hours. Both are amazing, but because this weekend was so gorgeous, I knew Napa would be packed with tourists and I wanted something a little more relaxing – and less expensive. Plus, I hadn’t been to Santa Rosa, yet.

It turned out to be worth the drive. The winery I checked out was Paradise Ridge, mainly because when I went on their website, I noticed they did a wine and cheese pairing for $20. That’s five tastings of wine and 5 different cheeses – yum!

Sitting on their patio, I sipped, tasted and relaxed while staring out over the vineyard. It was the perfect way to spend my last weekend in the state.



Wine and Cheese tasting at Paradise Ridge

Here’s what I got:

-- Sparkling Brut Cuvee paired with Parmigiana Reggiano topped with a fresh raspberry and a cilantro lime almond.

-- 2011 Chardonnay paired with Toma Italian Cheese served with chardonnay onion and a rosemary cashew. 

-- 2009 Estate Zinfandel paired with Valley Ford Old Style Fonina Cheese served with fig preserve and topped with a chipotle pecan nut.

-- 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Valley Ford Estero Gold Cheese served with Cabernet Sauvignon onion topped with dry Italian Salami

I also tried a red wine made in 2009 called The Posse which was incredible. If it wasn’t $54 a bottle and I wasn’t going to driving in 100 degree heat to Phoenix, I would have got it.

I’m still dreaming about it.

Obviously, it's not the the wine in the photo to the left. That's the brut which I did buy.

Packing, packing, packing....again

Packing, packing, packing…Yes, I’m moving again.  I’m leaving tree-filled Sacramento for the land of cacti and mountains.  I’ve just accepted a position in Phoenix.

This one is a little different than my other positions.  First of all it’s not in local news, but for a national entertainment/pop culture show called “The List.” And secondly, it’s not just that the content area will be new for me, but that the entire show is new.  In fact, when I went for the interview they were still in the concept phase.  Yup, I’m coming in on the start-up team.

Of course, if the show bombs, I’ll be out of a job, but let’s not think about that.

The show is set to premiere on September 17.  I start on August 20 – so that gives me a month to get the website and social media platforms up and running – and create enough momentum to get people to watch.  Very exciting. I can’t wait!!

So in honor of my new job on The List, here’s a list of my favorite things in Sacramento:

1. Running laps around McKinley Park

1. 2. Cycling the American River Trail
3. 3. Living so close to Napa and San Francisco. I heart both of you
5. 4. The Alexan Midtown and the freshly baked cookies they make every day for tenants
7. 5. My amazing web team at News10, Mark G – who gets my digital mind, and the fabulous friends I met at the station

And because I’m a foodie, I can’t forget my top 5 food places

1)      Pancakes at Orphan

2)      Chocolates from Ginger Elizabeth

3)      Cocktails from The Porch and Red Rabbit

4)      Dinner at Tuli’s Bistro

5)      Sellands and their amazing wine guy

Of course, I’m going to miss all my friends, but I’m sure they’ll be visiting.

Meeting the Bee Whisperer

Me in the bee suit.

Ever want to don a full bodysuit to invade a colony of 60,000 Italian honeybees and extract honey from their hive?

Spending a day on bee farm is something I’ve always wanted to do. Maybe it’s because you get to wear a cool suit. Maybe it’s because bees are slowly disappearing and I want to support them in someway. Maybe it’s because I’m totally afraid of them and need to get that out of my system.

Whatever, the reason, when I learned you could do a bee excursion at Carmel Valley Ranch for $50, I had to go.

FROM A TO BEE AT CARMEL VALLEY RANCH

My day with the bees was really more of a morning with the bees, but I was okay with that. Mainly because it was a hundred degrees outside so wearing the suit for longer than that would have been killer.



John Russo...aka the Bee Whisperer

The bee-dude, John Russo, was amazing. He owns a lavender farm in the area and has thousands of Italian honey bees.

But here's the cool thing....he not only knows bees, but he really, really gets what’s going on in their little bee heads.

For example, when my little group (I think there were eight of us in total) gathered by the hive, the bees were everywhere. I swear, the buzzing was ominous and they were swarming around us. I could tell I wasn’t the only one nervous. The whole group was tense and hoping there were no holes in our suits so the bees couldn’t get in.

John told us the reason the bees were swarming was because we were in their way.  We were blocking the route to the hive. We took a few steps back and slowly walked to the other side of the hive (away from the door) and the result was mind blowing.  The bees instantly stopped flying around us and flew directly into the hive.  The whole area went from loud buzzing to peaceful.

It was then I realized John was the Bee Whisperer.

BEING ONE WITH THE BEES
Now that the bees were back to working, we could actually take the time to look at them.  John removed the lids of the hive and pulled out one of the honeycomb sheets.  Hundreds of bees were crawling all over it, doing their bee stuff.

Then he passed it to me to hold.



Tasting honey fresh from the bees

Normally, I would have freaked being that close to bees, but with the Bee Whisperer there, I knew I would be safe.  Besides, there were some little kids in the group so I sucked up all bravery I had and held onto the tray while bees climbed on my gloved hands. 

It turns out, bees aren’t that bad.  Although, you know those times when you are convinced they are stalking you at a park?  Apparently, they may be.  John says bees seem to know which person annoyed them or swatted at them and will follow them around, flying up by their eyes just to freak the person out.  Yup, bees hold grudges.

I also learned that bees don’t sting except as a last resort.  The Bee Whisperer told us he once watched two guard bees knock a moth off the hive and then drop pebbles on its wings so it couldn’t get up.  Now that’s pretty smart.

THE SHE-BEE WHISPERER?
Just when I started to get to know the bees, it was time to go.  They are kind of cute with their little furry bodies and busy little lives. This was one of the best days of my life.  It was scary, enlightening and just amazing.

In fact, I loved it so much, I may even get my own hive one day.

More bee photos are on my blog.

Is that you Watson?

Millions of Sherlock Holmes fans worldwide will take part in a week of celebration of the world's mostfamous detective in the first annual Sherlock Holmes Week from 30th July - 5th August. 

Will I be there?  Um...no.   I'm a poor starving student (or about to be), but now that I know about this, I'm adding it to my bucket list.

I thought I would post it for fellow Sherlock Holmes fans in case they want to go and send me photos to rub it in.

Shelock Holmes has had a resurgence in the last two years with two major Hollywood motion pictures and the success of BBC Sherlock. The week is backed by the main societies and organisations in the world.

http://www.sherlockholmesweek.com is the website where fans can register their local events and take part in competitions.

I admit the competitions aren't that fabulous sounding yet, but every year the event gets better.

In the meantime, I'm going to watch the TV version with Lucy Liu and very sexy Johnny Lee Miller.

Saying Goodbye to Foie Gras in California

Foie gras from Mulvaney's in Sacramento

I didn’t get to partake in my decadent foie gras meal in San Francisco at Fifth Floor Restaurant like I planned. But I wasn't too disappointed. I have to admit a full five course meal of the stuff might have been overkill and a little gluttonous for my body to handle.

However, that’s not to say I didn’t get my fill of foie elsewhere…because you know, there was no way I was going to miss out on my last opportunity to have it in California.

After doing some research, I learned that Mulvaney’s in Sacramento was serving it as a small plate on their menu until the July 1 deadline – and they were serving it just the way I like it…. lightly sauted and served with bread and a little roasted pear on the side. Paired with a little sauternes and I was in heaven.

Yummy dessert from Mulvaney's

Plus, because I decided to eat at their cozy bar that night, I had the chance to talk to a couple other foie lovers who were doing the same thing I was and enjoying it for a final time in their home town. It was an evening filled with good food and good food conversation.

Naturally I had to stay a while and have dessert just because I didn't want the night to end.



A FOIE FAUX PAS

After enjoying my amazing meal at Mulvaney’s, I did have another foie encounter a few days later. This one was much less satisfying.  

Foie in a jar (far right)

I happened to be at the Conservatory at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay for a late lunch and noticed they had canard in a jar. Let me say that foie should never be in a jar. It was awful.

Word of advice, if you’re going to have a delicacy, have it made fresh. That way you won’t be disappointed.

Foie in a jar? What were they thinking!

10 Places to get Foie Gras before July 1

In California, we only have until July 1 to enjoy foie gras - and you know how much I love it.  I even planned to attend a foie gras tasting menu at The Fifth Floor in San Francisco. The5-course decadant meal included everything from a foie-rimmed-and-garnished Wild Goose Chase cocktail, to your main course, to foie gras ice cream. The whole meal is $120 per person.

Unfortunately, I'm currently dating someone who is in training and can't indulge in high-calorie fun. So now I have two options: Drive up to SF on my own in the next two weeks (may do that) or find some lounge that is serving it so that he can have salad and I can enjoy my last piece of fatty goose liver. So I did a little research....
The 10 best places to get  foie gras in San Francisco before July 1:

1) Chez Spencer - currently has a foie gras au torchon with vanilla-scented blackberries ($19). They also have a food truck filled with yumminess that is often parked outside Terroir.

2) Spruce - Hudson Valley foie gras with vadouvan waffle, pear jelly, and pistachio ($23)

3) Le Zinc -Terrine of foie gras with toasted pain de mie ($16)

4) Salt House - Milk-cured torchon with pear purée, served with seared foie gras with huckleberries and brioche toast ($23)

5) Alexander's Steakhouse - Foie gras mousse with white nectarines, honey vinegar, lotus root, and praline ($22)

6) La Folie - Foie gras torchon with smoked apple barbeque-glazed squab and blood orange marmalade.

7) Txoko -  Seared foie gras with Pink Lady apples, sherry gastrique, duck prosciutto, and pan de mie ($18).

8) Baker & Banker - Foie gras torchon with port-poached prunes and grilled housemade brioche ($18).

9)  Ana Mandara, - Offering "Heavens' Reward" ($18), which is seared Sonoma foie gras with sliced mango, plum sauce, and crispy rice cake.

10) Baker Street Bistro - appetizer of pan-seared foie gras with apple compote and figs ($19.50).

AND MY PERSONAL FAVORITE:
Bisou will put seared foie gras on anything on their entire menu for $5 - even fries.  Love it, Love it, Love it!

The restaurant is also planning a three-course "Farewell to Foie Gras" tasting menu ($75) on June 28.

Crossing Aerosmith's Steven Tyler off the Bucket List

Me with Steven Tyler

The best thing about life is that you never know when you’re going to get the opportunity to cross something off your bucket list.

One of the things on my list is “Meet Steven Tyler from Aerosmith”. That’s really all I had. No idea of what I would do if I actually met him or how it was even going to happen. I just had it on the list – mostly because I think he’s kind of sexy and has a good sense of humor. But mostly because, let’s face it, he’s Steven Tyler.

Like I said, I didn’t really have a plan on how I would meet him. I just wanted it to happen.

This weekend, it happened.

I was at an NPC Bikini Competition in Reno, Nevada. It was intermission and I was waiting for my turn as my class was going to be up next. It was then that I saw him wander in through the stage door. No body guards. No entourage. Just him.

The guy standing beside me was like, “Isn’t that Steven Tyler?”

For a second the entire backstage was quiet as realization clicked in…and then all the girls swarmed him to get pictures taken. I was torn about what to do. A part of me was saying, “This is your bucket list coming true. You have to meet him.” But another part of me was being shy and too afraid to approach. Also, my iPhone was back by my clothes and I didn't want to risk running back to the changing area and then have him gone when I returned (remember I was about to go on stage so all I had on was my shiny blue bikini).

At the last minute, I sucked up all my courage and did it. Just as he was saying “just a two more shots”, I took the risk. I jumped in with another bikini girl and got the photo. Thankfully, she emailed it to me later.

Oh, and yes, he’s just as sexy as I imagined in person.

Caviar and Champagne? Brilliant!

As you know, I’m always on the lookout for new things.  And if you’ve even been out with me at restaurant or bar, you know that if it’s weird and on the menu (and doesn’t have red meat as I’m still a semi-veg), then I have to get it.

This week it was a Caviar-Champagne Shooter.

Here's how to make it:

1) Take a scoop of sherbet and put it in a glass

2) Cover it will a spoonful of caviar

3) Then fill the rest of the glass with champagne. 

4) The sherbet and bubbles kind of make this foam coating at the top that the bartending topped with decorative sea salt juice.

I know, it sounds a little strange, but it was fantastic.  Really, what’s not to like?  I like sherbet, I like champagne and I like caviar. 

It’s a little bubbly, a little salty…and really, really good.

A luxury retreat in Napa...oh my.




Part of the Meritage Resort in Napa.

Napa is known for great wine, cozy bed and ,and gorgeous scenery. All this is nice, but if I wanted to have a resort experience, the closest place was the Ritz at Half Moon Bay. That is...until now.

"We began back in October of 2010 thinking that by now the economy would be turned around, which it is," said Tim Busch, the CEO of Pacific Hospitality Group/owner of The Meritage Resort and Spa.

Tim told me their goal was to build a destination resort to bring in groups during the week and on the weekend draw in tourists coming to the Napa valley for holiday and wine tasting. The total cost of the expansion was $40 million and it took 19 months to finish. They added 165 rooms to their existing 150 rooms so more than doubling their occupancy. They also added 10,000 square feet of interior meeting space and about 18,000 square feet of exterior meeting space which they plan on using mainly for weddings, lunches and dinners.



One of the couple spa room at the Meritage in Napa

"This is now the largest resort of its type for groups outside of San Francisco and Sacramento," Busch said.

But they didn't just add space; they added fun. The resort features North America's first underground, full-service spa -- which is absolutely fabulous.  It's not claustrophic or damp or even remotely cavelike -- except for the stone walls and that you are underground.  Instead, it's tranquil and relaxining.  Most of the rooms are made for couples with double massage beds and whirlpools built-for-two, but because I was there by myself, I didn't get to check that part out, but I can say that they looked romantic.



Andrew Bradley, my tour guide and Meritage PR person

There's even this one spot where you can stand and the acoustics are so incredible, it gives you chills.  If my tour guide, the amazing Mr. Andrew Bradley wasn't there, I would have maybe hummed a few notes. But I contained myself and only said a few words. 

If the spa isn't for you, the Meritage also has its own vineyard and an underground tasting room. Because, really...why go to Napa if you can't go for the wine?

I have to say that even the grounds are really nice.  There are hot tubs scattered across the resort and vineyards surrounding it on the Napa hills.  I went for an 8 mile run in the morning and it was heaven.  Peace and quiet and miles and miles of grape vines. 



The entrance to the underground spa and wine tasting room

But while these were the things that I loved, the expansion item that has both the guests and the locals talking is the 6-lane bowling alley.

"We don't have anything like this in Napa. I can see us coming here and hanging out to watch the games on the big screens or doing some bowling ," said Eric Tracy, Napa resident. "It's really nice and different."

The bowling alley is part of the Meritage's Crush Ultra Lounge, and it is quickly earning the reputation of being Napa's newest premiere location for cocktails, sports entertainment, dining and bowling. This multi-level space also includes a pool table, shuffleboard, fireplace and both high-top and lounge seating.



I love the scenery of Napa

The locals aren't the only ones excited to see the Ultra Lounge open. Tim says this has been a dream of his for a while.

"Ten years ago the kids were at Greenbriar, which is a destination resort in West Virginia, and they were bowling for hours. I said, 'This is so cool.' I told my daughter we're going to build a bowling alley in our resort," said Busch. "It's one of those sports that appeals to people of all ages. They have fun and make some noise. You don't have to be good at it. You can just play and it works out."

This place has something for everyone.  The newly expanded resort opened in May. Even if you aren't staying the night, Tim says people can  drop by to check out the spa, tasting room, the many restaurants and bars, and of course, the posh bowling alley.

Master of my domain

I have a new project that I’m excited about. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for at least a decade, but hadn’t gotten around to doing it – mostly because it’s expensive and also because I’ve been doing a lot of other stuff (like moving around the U.S.).

So what is this new amazing project? It’s my masters.

Yes, I know I already have two BA’s, a BAA and a couple Associate degrees, but even with all these papers, I’m still don't have master in anything.

One of the reasons I’ve been procrastinating is that I really wanted to get it at Kings College in England and study Medieval history. I even got my British citizenship years ago just in case. But then real-life kicked in and I realized because I already had a massive student loan to pay off from the other degrees, it would be crazy to fly off to the UK for the fun of it -- just for more school.

But not anymore. I'm going back. Sadly, I’m not going to Kings College as planned. Mainly because the thought of quitting my job for two or three years and getting another big loan is scary. I mean, I’m spontaneous and a little crazy, but I’m not THAT crazy. Of course, I haven’t given up on Kings College. I figure once I have my masters, I may be able to teach there as a guest professor or something. Don’t roll your eyes at me. It could happen.

Anyway, after researching online master courses (as you never know where I could be living in the next few years and I didn't want to feel stuck in one place), I narrowed my options down to a Masters in Journalism and Mass Communications from Kent State or a Masters of Science in Creativity and Innovation at Drexel. One option is practical; the other not so much.

Naturally, I’m choosing the “not so practical” option mainly because the Masters of Science courses are so interesting. Just reading the course list gives me goosebumps. I love learning how and why people think and studying out-of-the-box thinkers from years gone by is inspiring. Also, they also have courses on how to use the way people think to stir up creativity in the workplace and even in hostile situations – because you never know when the DOD will give me a call and ask for my expertise.

Now I just have to come up with the $50,000 for tuition.

The ghostly and strangely erotic side of Old Placerville

Who would have thought Old Placerville would be so cool? My girlfriend and I certainly didn’t. We expected a couple of touristy gold mining shops and that’s about it.

Instead we were in for a treat – a super spooky ghostie treat – and you know how much I LOVE ghosts.


Of course, we came across our ghostly adventure completely by accident. We were checking out this wine shop and needed to use their restroom. The clerk then told us that if we exited through this other door in the restroom we would end up in the Cary House Hotel on Main Street – and that it’s completely haunted.

Turns out it’s not totally haunted even though it’s been featured on a number of paranormal shows and stuff, but they do have one room where people claim to feel strange things, see strange things and hear strange things. The room number? 212. [cue in Twilight Zone music]

Because the hotel was a little dead, and by dead, I mean not busy, the desk person gave us a key to the room to go explore it on our own. Yay!!

Now, let me just say, my friend Kristin and I are not exactly professional ghost hunters. In fact, we know nothing at all about ghost hunting except for what I learned on my Paranormal Haunts story, but Kristin did say the room felt spooky.

Naturally I got out my iPhone and downloaded a Ghost App to check to see if there was anyone in there with us. I didn’t see anything in there even though websites claim that it’s the second most haunted hotel in all of California, but in the hallway there was a weird hot spot.

Then the app scared the crap out of me.

It said “baby.”

Definitely did not expect it to talk!!

It was time to leave this spooky old hotel. Yup, we were out of there.

Next stop was Zia’s Gelateria. After a long day of ghost hunting (really 10 minutes), we needed a treat. But the ghosts weren’t ready to leave us. The guys at Zia’s told us their place was also haunted.

Were they scared? Nope. Instead, they said this ghost was annoying and kept throwing stuff on the floor or throwing utensils at them. They were getting tired of picking up after it all the time.

Then it was off to explore the rest of Main Street which has a bunch of really cool little places. There’s an oyster bar, a couple of wine bars, a dive bar, a few restaurants and a bunch of antique shops.

But the place you have got to go to is The Gothic Rose.

This place is a little erotic and a little disturbing at the same time. It could be because I’m a novice when it comes to Goth culture, but it also could be that the mannequins are all dressed in erotic black lace, corsets or leather temptress outfits – and there was a naked baby posed in a bird cage.

All around are spell books, jars full of hemlock and dried worms, old reaper blacks and scary looking antique scissors. I don’t know why I found the old scissors disturbing, but I did.

There’s also a place to get psychic readings done (cool) and they do embalming in their mortuary. See…a little disturbing.

Everywhere you looked, there was something cool and interesting. Plus, the owners have fabulous decorating taste. You have to see it to believe it as pictures don’t do it justice.

Trust me. This place is worth the drive to Placerville.