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I did get a little too carried away back in the day...
…but the tranquility of “Normandieville“, can make you believe there is rest for the wicked (and not so wicked.) Being there is tantamount to a mini vacation right smack in the middle of LA.
Lee Lindsey and hostess Normandie Keith
the secret garden
I’m sure our hostess must be hiding a genie in a bottle since she not only throws the most exquisite parties, but decorated this entire slice of heaven in just a few short weeks…including the landscaping and safari animals.
Spiderman Finn swimming with his buddies
…and the girls
Always the most beautiful spreads of food…
and it’s hard to stifle the giggles when you see this “when the queen is happy the land is happy” sign between Anna and June.
Anna Friel and June Sarpong
In case you haven’t already deduced this…spending the holiday weekend with friends is my idea of bliss…my friend Lee even flew in from Vancouver to be here…
Lee Lindsey and me
June’s cool brother Sam Sarpong and Amos Pizzey
Kim Porter and birthday girl Deia Pizzey
little Anna
Michael Wincott and me
…and what better way to end the day than being serenaded…by actor Michael Wincott doing his best impression of Keith Richards on Finn’s toy guitar.
HUGE THANK YOU to Normandie Keith for another brilliant party! I think the only thing you may fail at is at being boring.
..NEVER a boring or dull moment around you my gorgeous friend!
..NEVER a boring or dull moment around you my gorgeous friend!
DAY 2
Even though I missed out on the South of France this year, Malibu is definitely the next best thing. My friend Mikki Pallas whisked Lee, Francesca, and me off to Malibu for a most enjoyable afternoon on Sunday. Breathtaking views, beautiful people, and excellent food.
view from the house in Malibu
up close and personal with the seagull in the infinity pool
the sushi bar that belonged in an art museum
buffet of salads and various grilled meat
…and some very happily satiated girls (Francesca took the pic)
Me, Mikki, and Lee
Just in case you need an easy hostess gift to bring to your Memorial Day celebrations….try these simple grilled vegetables that go with everything, and can be made ahead then eaten at room temperature. You can of course use any vegetables you like. I just happened to use this combination today…
Simple Grilled Vegetable
Serves:12
Ingredients:
- 2 red peppers, sliced into large chunks
- 1 large eggplant, cut into rounds about 1/4″ thick
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into slices about 1/4″ thick
- 3 medium yellow squash
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- salt and pepper or seasonings of choice (I usually add some Cajun seasoning salt)
1). Heat a well oiled cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat.
2). Toss vegetables together with oil and seasonings in a large bowl.
3). In batches, grill the vegetables until marked and beginning to soften, about 2 minutes per side, then flip and grill other side the same way. Vegetables should still have a little crispness to them.
4). Package in a large container, but do not put lid on until cooled to room temperature. Refrigerate until 30 minutes before serving to allow to come to room temperature again.
HAVE A FABULOUS BUT SAFE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!
