Terrarium Fun

A past "TO DO" I felt worth sharing. One of my summer projects at work (a McKee and Company Interior Design and Fine Furniture) was to design and plant these adorable moss covered terra cotta terrariums. The idea in and of itself was great. "Things" (as my boss likes to put it) like this set our store apart from all the other chatchka (sp?) out there. So I read a little about the concept and drove to Costa Mesa to select the species that liked a lot of water and not very much sunlight (we're using them inside.) 

The first round I bought a maiden hair fern  (see above) and paired it with a little button fern, added some moss and preserved lichen and called it a day. It was surprisingly easy to assemble and didn't require a skilled eye for design. I have now attempted 3 rounds of terrarium plantings and failed miserably at all three.  I even tried orchids, despite rumors of their fickle temperament... Surprise Surprise.. those died too.

Every group of terrariums adds a nice splash of organic "specialness" to the store for about 3 days... After that, bugs, spiders, and mold overtake the cluster and I'm instructed to throw them out and start again. Despite my failure, it's a brilliant idea... Plants that essentially water themselves! 

Frame Wall

The first thing on my "TO DO" list... a task that is very much underway... is to read Mary Gilliatt's Interior Design Textbook. Since I have plans to continue my already prolonged education to include an associates degree in Interior Design at Wade College in Dallas. Since I already have to job to which the technical skills could be applied, I might as well get a jump start on the whole process and make sure THIS is it. 

Side Note: I am unusually comfortable with the lack of cohesiveness in my life plan right now. The plan is currently more like a to do list. This life "TO DO" reads something like this:  Pursue a career where I can express myself creatively while integrating my lifestyle. 

On a totally different note... This is project No. 1 -- appropriate for my condo or future loft style apartment. 

Project No. 1: Frame Wall.

I would really like to collect lots of sizes and shapes, all complimentary colors, of frames.  (I'm currently really into shades of green... but even using shades of silver, gray, and naturals against a cool green wall would be awesome!) Once I get to the point where I feel comfortable posting the finished product... I will. 

For now. Here's the inspiration for this project:

Change of Pace

Dan and I initially created this blog with the intention of documenting many of our delightful explorations during our tenancy in South Orange County. In July of last year, an immediate curtailment of our shared living situation led to the inevitable discontinuation of entries to this blog. However, as of lately, I've begun to wonder if I could continue to use this as an outlet to share more than "places to go", and focus more on the "things to do." For any of you who know my tendencies, you know my fond appreciation of the "To Do" list... Therefore, I am drawn to the idea of blogging for that purpose. This entry marks the beginning of my interminable "TO DO" list.

Setting the Bar

As of late, we've been sipping our libations at some great bars, saloons and lounges. Being the sharer that I am, I thought I'd round up a collection of mini-reviews to help others new to the nightlife scene:

215 North Broadway
Santa Ana Arts District, CA
714-953-2660

This lounge offers a full service bar, a DJ wearing $250 jeans and a New Era cap who spins Justice and the like, and all of the asymetrical haircuts and asexual attire necessary to designate a hipster hot-spot. The surrounding area is increasingly becoming an urban playground for artists and young professionals alike. With ultra-trendy American Apparel, boho-chic Gypsy Den, and multiple avant-garde, fine-dining restaurants within walking distance; the artists village has lots more to offer. Ingenious drink specials are the specialty (and are listed on the website below) as well as several beers on tap and house drafts for a (semi) decent price. Personally, I recommend the Mai Tai, They're a good start (or finish) to forgetting... anything. And yes, It gets busy.

www.proofbar.com
Myspace
YELP!

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700 E Bay Ave
Newport Beach, CA 92661

Located on the balboa peninsula, the Balboa Saloon is typically filled with locals. Drinks are exceptionally well priced, the same friendly bartender/co owner is always there. There's an Internet juke box, darts and two pool tables. The walls are plastered with sport fishing and historic balboa island memorabilia. There are many snackies offered including some staple oddities. Anyone for a pickled egg?

www.balboasaloon.com
YELP!

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654 E 1st Street
Tustin, CA 92780
714-669-9818

This "grill" serves food during the day and until 9pm, but that's certainly not the reason to go. The karaoke scene at Pineapple Hill Grill gets started around nine or ten p.m. and is unusual to say the least. Drinks are well priced, the bartender will pretty much make you anything you'd like or can contrive at the moment. It's a great atmosphere with ample tables and booths. Pineapples dominate the decor in the form of lamps, chandeliers, upholstery, etc. Whether you're looking for a dive bar, or somewhere to belt out some tunes, go with friends... sing or don't. Pineapple Hill Grill is great for a laugh.

www.phgrill.com
YELP!

Parmesan Zucchini Pasta

6 cups small shape pasta (shell, farfalle, etc)

1 tbsp Margarine or Butter (melted)
1 tbsp Margarine or Butter
1 zucchini (cubed)
4 tbsp Italian bread crumbs
1/2 tsp garlic, chopped
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt
Pepper

Preheat oven or toaster oven to 400 degrees.
Bring 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil for pasta.
Add garlic to 1 tbsp melted butter. Coat zucchini in melted garlic butter.
Toss in bread crumbs and parmesan and spread evenly on non stick baking sheet.
Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Cook pasta until desired doneness.
Coat pasta with butter and season to taste with salt and pepper. Top with zucchini.

Can substitute Eggplant or squash for zucchini or any combo of the three.

Fiesta Chicken Tenders

Fiesta Chicken Tenders

6 Pieces of Chicken Tender Meat
2 Cups finely crushed Corn Tortilla Chips
1/4 Cup Lemon Juice
1/4 Cup Melted Butter
1/4 Cup Flour (OK to sub Gluten Free flour substitute)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. For prep, put each of tortillas chips, lemon juice, butter and flour on separate plates. Dip chicken first in lemon juice, then flour, then tortilla chips then butter. Place on baking sheet and drizzle with remaining butter. Bake at 350 for 25 min.

Top with Salsa, Mango Salsa, etc.

MONGOLIAN BBQ

This may be more of a philanthropic effort than a true restaurant review. If you grew up in south orange county, I'm sure you're familiar with the history behind the Laguna Hills Mall and the Mission Viejo Mall. During the Late 90s, the Mission Viejo Mall transformed from a ghost town into "the beautiful shops at Mission Viejo", while the  Laguna Hills Mall, still resembles something something straight out of the 70s. In the past few years, El Toro Rd EAST, and the city of Lake Forest has just undergone a huge revamp. Tucked back in a shopping center behind Fudrucker's, next door to Office Depot and Smart and Final is one of MY childhood favorite's Geghis Khan's Mongolian BBQ. They've been there for over twenty years, and are definitely struggling to keep up with the increasing rent prices due to all of the new development. However, they just did sign a 10-year lease and will be around until 2017. This place has been a favorite in my family for years; it's a small-time business, the owners are REAL people, they'll remember you if you're there frequently enough. Please go check it out, it's very special to me, and I promise you'll love the experience and the food.

Genghis Khan Monglian BBQ
 Have you ever been to a Mongolian BBQ in the mall? First of all, this is SO much better! Second of all, there are no noodles here, forget that. Let me walk you through what Mongolian BBQ is like at Genghis Khan. Personally, I think that it's the most fun to go with a large group, and sit in a big corner booth, (there are a few). The BBQ menu is fairly self explanatory ( see image below, copyright... thanks to someone from Yelp) There are choices A-F. All come with various sides, all include rice and pocket biscuits. Some include soup of the day, which is usually Hot and Sour (best I've had, egg drop is pretty good too!). Some include different combinations of Cream Cheese Crab Wontons, Tempura Shrimp and Mini Egg Rolls. One letter is a veggie option and one is chicken, also an all you can eat option. All others are self-serve Beef, Lamb, or Pork. Soup is served first with crispy noodles.

The BBQ bar is self serve, whenever you're ready. First, bowls, next frozen meat shavings, (chicken option is actually brought to the table steamed bc of salmonella scare) topped with lots of veggies (options usually include: green bell peppers, celery, chinese parsley, water chestnuts, carrots, cabbage, broccoli, zucchini, bean sprouts, and  tomatoes). Next there are a 3 formulas of sauce mixtures spicy, medium and mild to follow, combining a variety of sauces to be poured over the stir-fry like mixture. The bowl then gets passed through a tiny window to a BBQ chef, who mans a VERY hot circular grill (he's been there since I was in elementary school!) He whips up the mixture, and with the flip of a stick, piles it all into a new, clean, bowl.

Back at the table, side dishes are waiting. Most people like to rip open the top, and fill their pocket-like biscuits (they aren't biscuit-y for anyone who hasn't had them... more like a very thin tortilla or pita bread) with the BBQ mixture and eat like a sandwich. This place is absolutely delicious, you must try it if you haven't. I'll admit, the decor is dated! Cute Koi-like fountain in front. But the food is to die for. They also have a great chinese food menu, if that's what you're in the mood for. (This is great for take-out in my opinion)

Let us know what you think!

Here is a couple of external reviews:
YELP!
SPORQ
23615 El Toro RdSte PLake Forest, CA 92630(949) 951-8296