Inland Empire Family Pancakes and French Fries

Bass Pro Shops

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 16:57:00 GMT

I have a friend who by divine or design has managed to date from most of the male food groups. There was the skater, the surfer, and the rockabilly rocker. The politician was smooth, the construction worker rough, and the married guy exactly what you would expect. The short guy, the fat guy, the good ol' boy, and the guy who liked to drink each proposed marriage within weeks of meeting her. Not so with the guy from Italy or the guy who didn't know he was gay. You can imagine how that one ended. She dated at least one Catholic, but is now living with the guy who is Jewish.

It was the good ol' boy who told her about Bass Pro Shops. She, in turn, mentioned it to me as we passed it on our way to Victoria Gardens a while back.

"You know, it's kind of a big deal that we have a Bass Pro Shops."

I looked briefly at the imposing structure before acknowledging the fish.

"I'm going to assume it's some sort of tackle store?"

"Yeah, but they have other stuff in there, too. I'm not 100% sure what. Outdoor stuff? I know that they aren't in every state, and in some of the states it's a major tourist stop. People come from all around to visit."

"To visit a tackle store."

"That's what they say."

"Who is they? How do you even know this and since when are you into tackle?"

"Rob told me. He's from West Virginia. He knows these things."

So I can thank Rob for introducing me to Bass Pro Shops. Rob, the good ol' boy from West Virginia who made the mistake of falling in love with a girl who thinks sleeping in a Holiday Inn is camping. I can't help but think of him every time I pass that fish in the sky, and after almost a year I finally broke down and told The Mister and the boys to get in the car. We were going to look at tackle.

The Mister was excited about the idea.

"You know, it's kind of a big deal that we have a Bass Pro Shops."

Et tu, Brute?

I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't an outdoor-themed Wally World. The Mister said he thought there might be a café inside. Maybe. The café turned out to be a full service seafood restaurant with enormous aquariums and taxidermied predator fish hanging from the ceiling.

Of course, there was plenty of fishing supply and tackle.

Be it nets...

or lures.

These ducks are proof that the hunting department is well stocked.

And may I just add that I have never before seen such reverent lighting display? I felt like I should drop a coin in a wooden box and light a candle.

There was even bait of the human variety.

They have walls to scale, rivers to cross, and herbivores galore.

After all the sight seeing, it was good thing they had a fish bench for me to rest my laurels...

and gaze at the flying fish.

We went in February and Mikey is still begging for us to go back. If you have little boys (or big boys) who like to play with mud, it is a trip I highly recommend. I admit, it was pretty cool.

Inland Empire, purple and green

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:17:00 GMT

Is it a coincidence that purple, the color most associated with the Lenten season, happens to be everywhere in nature right now? I doubt it. I have dozens of images of flowering plants and bushes in every possible shade of this royal color. I really thought I was going to make this month’s color story a botanical adventure around the Inland Empire, but it turns out that purple (and it’s best friend, green) are just about everywhere in every shape and form.

You can find it in the drape of a cloth on church steps, a symbol of the pain and suffering leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus and the hope and newness celebrated in the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Or in a simple field of flowers.

Purples awnings and a canopy of green both provide shade, although the weather has been so lovely you won’t find me underneath either one.

It has been so lovely, in fact, that no one wants to stay inside…or mow the lawn.

If you must stay inside, the vintage shops all around the Inland Empire are a great way to hide from the sun. Some hot-pants (with matching cardigan) from the 1960s should keep you cool, yes?

If you enjoy academic pursuits, rest assured that even our books got the memo on March’s green and purple theme.

You can buy one with a pretty cover and enjoy it under an even prettier tree…

…on a blanket of vintage linens.

Please click on the image if you would like to see the pictures in a larger format.

Inland Empire, pink and red

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 17:21:00 GMT

There is no short of pink and red around these parts, and I imagine the same goes for you. Nothing says February like a warm blush and passionate vermilion.

These magnolias are pink, and most definitely not made of steel.

A red balloon satisfies a boyish boy.

A Chinese Pavilion.

Pink balloons, a mighty tree, and twinkle lights all aglow.

Candy, good and plenty.

A red bridle.

Pink awnings shade you from a persnickety sun.

Cotton candy stairways leading to sweet, sweet books.

Book Swim

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:42:00 GMT

Oh, have I got a treat for you! Do you love reading as much as I do? Because, trust me, reading is my greatest passion. I will read anything, but when I find that story that captures my mind completely, it's like the world stops. I don't eat. I don't sleep. I don't do anything other than curl up into a paper-filled fantasy land.

I must admit, I've been deep in a book the last few days. I'm thrilled my children our bathed and fed, really.

So, if you are a book lover like me, you know that the habit is a touch expensive. Oh, sure, we have the library. But, alas, Inland Empire residents are avid readers. Best sellers are checked out almost immediately and the wait list is pages long. Never fear, I have a solution! Rather, Book Swim does. Book Swim is to books what Netflix is to movies. I am not even kidding.

You pick a rental plan. You receive your books in the mail and return, with free shipping, when you are done. Like the book too much to part with it? It's yours with a click of the button.

Unlimited books. Free shipping. Buy if if you love it. How sweet is that?

Rain gear

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 09:11:00 GMT

So, you may have noticed it's been raining lately. A few sprinkles, nothing terribly unusual. Just one, two, maybe three dozen inches in four days.

You know, just another January.

Last year I bought my first pair of rain boots. My friends scoffed and wondered when I anticipated having the need for rain boots in the Inland Empire. Not laughing now, are they?

I can't recommend rain boots enough for those who have yet to make the plunge. They come in all styles and budgets. They're comfortable. They allow you to splash smugly through puddles while onlookers gingerly tip-toe their way through with furry suede boots from Australia. Don't believe me? Here is but a mere smattering the of the rain boots you can find in stores and online.

The Aesthete:
Even sartorialists have to deal with the rain. Christian Dior allows you to do it fashionably.

The Traditionalist:
The Hunter and Lands End wellies you buy today will see you through many years of rainstorms thanks to your clean, classic style.

The Tom Boy:
Whether your rushing out to make sure your rose garden doesn't get flooded or taking the dog on a quick walk around the lake, Sperry and Converse can help you maintain your active lifestyle with dry tootsies. Sure, those Converse boots are for boys--but you don't care, do you?

The Skater Girl:
Metallic rain boots for when you are feeling tough, pink Hello Kitty for when you are not. (Apparently there are a few of you feeling like Hello Kitty. The ones in the picture are from Amazon and out of stock. The linked ones are just as fun.)

The Prepster:
Just because it's raining doesn't mean you have to eschew your lady-like style. Bows, argyle, and delicate heels to lengthen the leg keep your sunny personality in check even when it's cloudy.

See what I mean? There is a rain boot out there for everyone. So, tell me, do you wear rain boots?

Coffee lover

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:07:00 GMT

My husband and I met 12 years ago at the T.G.I. Fridays in Riverside. He was a bartender, I was a graduate student ditching class. I had a crush on him for weeks, so when he finally noticed me and asked me out to coffee I opened my mouth without thinking and said, "Um, no thanks. I don't really like coffee."

What sort of brainless twit turns down the man of her dreams because she hates coffee? This brainless twit.

My husband was persistent; we ended up going to a museum instead. Still, it always bothered me that I didn't share his passion for ground up beans in water. Coffee. Whatever. After thinking about it for ten years (some things take time) I decided to finally do something about it. Surely with all the chemicals, cream, sugar, and candy they put in coffee these days I could find a flavor I liked, right? I imagined myself aksing a young barista for a grande "Tiramisu" or a tall "Haagen Daz Coffee & Almond Crunch." See? I like coffee(ish) stuff.

I started training myself to like coffee the same way some people train themselves to drink less.

Anything spiced was out of the question. I had a Caramel Macchiato on the advice of every other person I know. I tried it and, much like the last two seasons of Heros, I just don't get it. Likewise with the vanilla latte, another drink high on the list of coffee addicted bloggers. It tasted like vanilla. But with coffee. Two questionable flavors in one cup. Yummy. Then there was the orange-scented tar I tried as an homage to the Inland Empire. No words.

One morning, while I was debating which coffee sounded the least repulsive, I saw it: White Chocolate Mocha. Chocolate flavored coffee with more coffee on top? And then whipped cream? I suspected victory, and victory I achieved. Finally, I could take my husband on a coffee date and not have him drive-thru somewhere so I could get a diet coke!

Things were looking up. I eagerly awaited our coffee runs on the weekend. I even ordered one on my own during a long day of Christmas shopping. This coffee thing wasn't bad after all. So, when my husband called me yesterday afternoon and asked me if I wanted a coffee I said yes and actually meant it. I went out to the large tree in our front yard and carved Jules + White Chocolate Mocho = Forever.

Twelve hours later and wide awake at 3:45 am, I went back out to the tree, crossed out the above and underneath it carved Suck it, Coffee.

The Bright Side Project

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:27:00 GMT

I thought telling you a little bit about one of my crazy projects would be a fun way to bookend the week. As many of you know, I write about my life and family on my personal blog, Pancakes and French Fries. What started off as a fluke has become a fulfilling endeavor that has given me an opportunity to express myself creatively as well as meet many wonderful and inspiring people. Through that blog, I challenge myself to be better and live more creatively and authentically.

Artistry, butterflies, and unicorns aside, a girl still likes shop, right? Right. I love to check out what's new and fabulous and highly covetable just like the next girl. Well, I am lucky enough to author a second blog called The Bright Side Project that allows me to get my fill of everything pretty, every day of the week. You can stop on by and get your share of pretty, too, of course, but you have an advantage over me. You see, we give away everything we feature on The Bright Side Project. Yes, really. And, no, the stuff we give away does not suck in the least, unless you are opposed to handmade leather purses from Holland, inspiring workshops created to help you lead a better life, or sweet hand-stamped necklaces in sterling silver and solid 14kt gold.

If you find such things atrocious then perhaps The Bright Side Project is not for you.

Many people ask my why and how my business partner and I started The Bright Side Project. It's simple, really. Last year was the year of collective complaints. We couldn't turn on the TV or get online without hearing one person after another claiming the world was ending. We just got tired of the negativity. It was actually my business partner, Tristan, who decided people needed proof that life was still beautiful and that we all had much to be thankful for. She contacted all her favorites artists and friends and they agreed to give away something every day for the month of February, 2009. The readers only had to answer a thoughtful, positive question for a chance at winning. The idea was an immediate hit, the readers loved the opportunity to reflect positively on their life, and the rest, as they say, is history.

We don't get paid for any of the work we do on The Bright Side Project, but we are drowning in riches all the same. We get to meet some wonderful artists and bring attention to their company or craft. We make people happy, especially the winners. And, of course, we stretch ourselves creatively, even when we don't think we can prepare another feature without losing our minds.

Have you ever done something like this? Come up with an idea, followed it through, and experienced the thrill/terror/confusion that comes about when you realize it just might be one of your best ideas ever? I recommend everyone try it at least once, even though it's intimidating and exhilarating at the same time. So, tell me, now that we are entering the weekend and you will have a little more time to reflect on your life--what would you do if you were not afraid of failure?

Inland Empire, grey and white.

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:01:00 GMT

Although the Inland Empire can boast it lies less than an hour east and west from the ocean and mountains respectively, this prime location means that, for the most part, our climate is rather temperate. We don’t see the fiery reds and golds dance across the mountains like you do on the east coast every autumn. We don’t spend winters snuggled beneath a blanket of snow with a crackling fire to keep us company. We don’t suddenly hear birds chirping in the spring or rush out to feel the weight of the sun drape across our shoulders come summer. We just don’t. There is a little bit of each all throughout the year, never in excess.

Moderation rarely wins the prize, and here is no exception. The Inland Empire has developed an unfair reputation among those who season four times a year. There is a misconception that because the seasons aren’t demarcated black and white, everything must be beige. Not so, nonresidents. The Inland Empire is a beautiful place to live, full of vibrancy and color. You only have to look briefly to find a world saturated and pulsing.

This is my Inland Empire color story. Every month I will celebrate the colors that fill our 60-mile haven nestled between the ocean and the mountains. January is a study in grey and white. You won’t find the churning ferocity of a rain storm or the eerie quiet only snow can bring but, I hope, you will find beauty nonetheless.

Because there is still beauty in trees without leaves, even if their shape is a bit nontraditional.

On our doors hang wreaths that sparkle silver,

guarded by ferocious lions with a sense of humor.

Icicles of a different sort dance beneath a cloudless blue sky

while a skater whizzes by in short sleeves.

It is always easier to shop when you don’t have to worry about your packages getting wet,

and this allows you to rest your holiday finds on the ground at an outside patio while you

watch the breeze play with a flock of donations

and drink a white chocolate coffee laced with orange, of course.

Said coffee being just what you needed to wash down a homemade treat. Or two.

Stuffing stockings before Christmas

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:18:00 GMT

There are few Christmas sights as satisfying and homey as a line of stockings hanging in a row on a fireplace mantel. My only quibble, voiced internally the last ten years to avoid looking too insane, is that the stockings twist, turn, and pretty much hang lank and listless until Christmas. They aren't exactly a Norman Rockwell picture. This year, I did something to make them look a bit better.

I'll be honest--this tip may satisfy only the persnickety among us, a group of uptight individuals I consider my people. I'll be even more honest--the tip isn't all that original, and I can't believe this hasn't occurred to me sooner.

When I bought new stockings to replace the ones I damaged last year from candle wax (don't ask), I decided to go with ones that would match the new Christmas decor I am slowly incorporating throughout the house. I knew they wouldn't match my tree (the trimmings are next on my list to replace), but I didn't realize the differences in style would so clearly highlight how forlorn stockings look before Santa stuffs them with goodies on Christmas Eve.

And then it hit me--I don't have to wait for Santa. This year, I stuffed my stockings before Christmas with plastic bags from the market to give them shape. I was also going to pour a tiny bit of dried beans or rice in the toes to keep them from twisting, but the bags provided just enough weight to keep them straight. Of course, keep in mind the heat from the fireplace. If you like to burn bonfires, you may want to stick with newsprint, paper towels, or old rags and t-
shirts. You could even use old burp clothes, proving yet again there is no end to their usefulness.

Phenomenally indecisive since 1972

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:44:00 GMT

It’s a good thing I have been sick with the flu (and then bronchitis) the last two weeks. Had I been healthy, I would have had time to contemplate what I would write for my first post as an Inland Empire Family blogger. By contemplate, of course, I mean analyze with maniacal zeal using a complex decision matrix outlining the potential themes and motifs. It’s very similar to what I use to decide what I will make for dinner. No, instead of thinking about Inland Empire Family, I spent the last 14 days Googling things like, “What are the odds the flu will kill you” and by logical extension, “California Wills & Trusts formation.” Before I knew it, the deadline for my post arrived without me agonizing one minute. Thank you, virulent viremia.

The crux, naturally, is that now I’ve got nothing.

Not that readers of my blog, Pancakes and French Fries, expect anything less (more?). No, they have learned over the last two years that my blog is much like visiting an all you can eat buffet. You never know what you are going to get and, so long as you don’t analyze the contents of what you are eating too closely, you’ll be fine. Additionally, I’ll go ahead and disappoint the foodies among us right now by stating that, despite what the blog name and food analogies would suggest, this isn’t a food blog, either. Aside from a couple of kitchen experiments, my love of brie cheese, and references to the size of my thighs, I don’t write about food. What do I write about and what can you expect from me as an Inland Empire Family blogger? Well, I suppose that will become clearer when you learn the meaning behind my blog name.

In the spring of 1987, I was 14 years old and staying the night at the house of a friend. At around 2:00 in the morning, still bushy tailed and bright eyed after a night of boy talk, magazine reading, and Saturday Night Live, we decided to make ourselves a little snack. The problem? We couldn’t decide if we wanted something sweet or something savory. Pancakes…or French fries. Of course, at 14 years of age, that wasn’t exactly a deterrent. Instead, we did what any enterprising teenage girls would do: we made both. At 2:00 am.

The next morning(ish) we had a bit of explaining to do (maybe we could have cleaned up better). The utter confusion our menu selection induced was just enough to deflect attention away from the grease and syrup. To this day, that late night snack lives on in infamy with my friend’s family.

So what does this have to do with my blog?

I toyed with the idea of starting a blog for the better part of a year, but the thought of committing to one focus had me itching for my decision matrix. You hear repeatedly that great blogs have focus. Focus?! I usually skip lunch just to avoid the hassle of making a decision. In the end, I decided to be true to myself and write about whatever suits me. I try to write about nothing. Or everything. Just not something. Consider Pancakes and French Fries an homage to the indecisive: those creative individuals who love their spouse, and their kids, and fashion, and design, and cooking, and art, and science, and math, and are looking for someone else who loves it all, too.

I guess if I had to sum it up, I’d like to think Pancakes & French Fries, the blog, is a bit like the story that inspired the name. Spontaneous. Odd. A little bit sweet, a little bit savory. Like my life, and most likely your life, too.