Letters From Abroad Part 1

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Hello. ..how’s your week going? 

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I’ve been doing a little traveling.

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  Here’s an overview of Part 1 of a two week excursion.

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It’s been fun returning to California, and visiting a few of my favorite spots.

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It feels like forever since I’ve been here.

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With that said, it also felt a little strange to return to a place where I had once lived. so many things change

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These visits are a powerful reminder that my home is no longer here, and now somewhere else.  Below are photos of the home I had lived in & how it’s now in the process of being transformed. not unlike my own life since moving to the coast

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As beautiful as this “new” home will be,  it was bittersweet to see this once 1926 sweet cottage only a shell of what it had been. you can’t return home again

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My first stop was Studio 145  at Dos Lagos for a hair appointment. Dos Lagos is a great shopping area located in South Corona.

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There’s a fabulous bakery Creme de la Creme where you can relax over a latte, or choose from a variety of sandwiches and delicious pastries.

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unless you are new to my blog you know how I love living on the Oregon Coast embracing a new simpler lifestyle, and at the same time whenever I visit California I can’t help returning to my favorite shops. Barbara Cheatleys in Claremont is a must stop for me, along with Anthropologie at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.

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I had read that this location was recently renovated. just looking

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So naturally I was excited to check it out for home inspiration.

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I took a quick peek at Mozarts in Redlands just to see their February decor.

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love can be found everywhere

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Besides perusing my fave places I was able to catch up with friends & family. ❤ always the best part of any get~away

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For me a trip to California is never complete without a day at Disneyland😎 forever a kid at heart

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a great way to spend the last part of the first month of the year!

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❤Hope you had a wonderful January❤

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Looking  forward to seeing you next Month when I’ll be sharing a bit more about this trip.

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I’m not really sure if it has anything to do with my growing up in SoCal, however I am crazy about avocados. Here’s a yummy salad recipe.

GRILLED AVOCADO SALAD

Serves 6

Prep time: 15 min.

Total: 20 min

3 firm, ripe avocados, peeled and halved

3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 2 times), divided

1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided

1/2 tsp. black pepper, divided

12 oz. multicolored cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

1 1/2 oz. Cotija cheese, crumbled (about 1/3 cup)

1/2 cup Pickled Red Onions (recipe follows)

1. Preheat grill to medium (350° to 400°) Brush avocado halves evenly with 1 tablespoon each of the oil and lime juice. Sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Grill, cut side down, uncovered, until edges begin to char, 5-7 minutes. Carefully remove from grill; set aside.
2.  Toss together tomatoes, cilantro, and remaining 2 tablespoons each oil and lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Let stand 5 minutes.
3.  Place avocado halves, cut side up, on a platter. Top evenly with tomato mixture, Cotija, and Pickled Red Onions.

PICKLED RED ONIONS

Makes about 1 cup

Prep time: 5 minutes

Total time: 1 hour, 5 min.

1 cup hot water

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1 Tbsp. granulated sugar

1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1 red onion, thinly sliced

Stir together hot water, vinegar, sugar, and salt until sugar dissolves. Place onion slices in a medium bowl; pour vinegar mixture over onions. Cover & let stand 1 hour or up to 24 hours.