<![CDATA[Vacation Rentals In LA

<![CDATA[Vacation Rentals In LA - Blog]]>Fri, 21 Apr 2023 10:17:56 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Living Vicariously Through The Dodds]]>Fri, 02 Jan 2015 16:32:33 GMThttp://www.vacationrentalsinla.net/blog/living-vicariously-through-the-dodds

Introducing Ashley and Wesley Dodd, a wonderful American couple who have inspired us to no end. Their's is a story of hope and courage.

Most Americans today have fallen into the debt trap and unwittingly have become slaves to their high monthly payments, making it difficult to save additional funds to be able to travel. And even if we could save enough for a nice trip, our jobs keep us on a short leash, allowing only two to three weeks a year for vacation time. The reality is, you can't get very far or do very much in only three weeks.

Well, the Dodds have broken the chains that bind them by following Dave Ramsey's, "Total Money Makeover" plan (http://www.daveramsey.com - Get REAL debt help: Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover Plan) and they are now enjoying a SIX MONTH vacation.

Let me digress for a moment. This is one thing that we and the Dodd's had in common. My husband and I also followed Dave Ramsey's plan to get out of debt using 3 key components:
1. Get on a budget (not as painful as it sounds. Liberating even.)
2. Use the debt snowball to pay off your debt with gazelle intensity. (Instead of 23 years, it took us 2 1/2 years to pay it off!)
3. Be willing to be uncomfortable. Dave Ramsey says, "Live like no one else, so you can LIVE like no one else."

Well, that is exactly what Ashley and Wesley are doing. They are now able to travel for 6 months. That's right. I said SIX months. How's that for a vacation?! This is typical for Europeans and Australians, but almost unheard of for Americans. I tip my hat to Ashley and Wesley for breaking free of the American debt mindset and living their dreams. I am inspired and hope to follow in their footsteps very soon.

Meanwhile, I will continue to live vicariously through them by following their blog and Youtube channel as they learn about permaculture, WWOOFING and organic gardening...which is another interesting topic in itself. Follow them and learn more.

]]><![CDATA[Lamb Tagine]]>Thu, 18 Dec 2014 21:27:52 GMThttp://www.vacationrentalsinla.net/blog/lamb-tagine

Magical Tastes From The Tagine

A tagine is a ceramic bowl with a conical lid decorated elaborately with many different designs and colors. The variety of tagines attests to the variety of foods they can contain, usually delicious stews made with Moroccan spices.

Here is the recipe for Lamb Tagine, an amazing dish that our Moroccan guest prepared and shared with us.

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb of Lamb (shoulder or neck)
6-8 onions peeled and sliced in long thin strips
1 Cup Olive Oil
1 tsp Baking Powder
2 Tbsp Flour
2 tsp Paprika
1 Tbsp Cumin
2 tsp Turmeric
1/2 tsp Cinammon
1 tsp Saffron
2 Cups Water
1 Cup Raisins-added at the end

Moment of Truth

METHOD:

Prepare the marinade
Combine a 1/2 Cup of Olive Oil with the flour and all of the spices in a bowl. Coat the lamb meat well with the mixture and leave in the refrigerator in a covered bowl for 30 minutes to marinate.

Prepare the sauce
Add 1 Cup of olive oil and the sliced onions to a large pot on the stove. Let onions simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes until cooked down to a sauce.

Cook the lamb
Add the marinated lamb meat and all of the savory goodness of the marinade to the pot on the stove with the onions. Add water and bring to a boil over high heat. When it begins to boil, reduce heat to medium and simmer for 30 minutes to 1 hour until the meat is tender and the sauce is thick.
*Note - You may add water to prevent burning but keep the consistency thick, not watery.
Add raisins and simmer for 15 minutes more.

Pour your masterpiece into the most beautiful Tagine you have on hand and cover to keep warm until ready to eat. Enjoy the-most-amazing-dish-of-Lamb-Tagine-you-have-ever-tasted with an aromatic rice or crusty bread.

For more great Moroccan recipes, visit www.cookingwithalia.com.

]]><![CDATA[Women's Roller Derby]]>Wed, 19 Mar 2014 17:19:48 GMThttp://www.vacationrentalsinla.net/blog/womens-roller-derbyIntroducing, "The Harbor Girls" Women's Roller Derby Team From Germany!

Once again, we meet the coolest people. As vacation rental hosts, we are always learning about new things going on in the world. Well, I guess I shouldn't say "new things" because they have been around for a long time, they just weren't things we were aware of previously, things that aren't common to our Southern California experience, culture or lifestyle. So when we recently hosted three women from Germany, we were surprised to learn that they all knew each other because they are on the same women's roller derby team, a team called the Harbor Girls.

Well, they had a great time while they were in Los Angeles for a few days, doing all of the "typical touristy" things and enjoying our beautiful Southern California weather. But before they left, they invited us to tune in to see them compete in the Roller Derby World Cup, coming up this December in Dallas, TX. We will definitely be watching and cheering them on!

]]><![CDATA[Marie's Raw SuperFood Chocolate]]>Sat, 08 Mar 2014 18:09:42 GMThttp://www.vacationrentalsinla.net/blog/maries-raw-superfood-chocolate

Just give me some organic red wine and some superfood chocolate and I am good to go. Women, you know what I'm talking about!

Marie Exley was one of our recent guests and she has studied health and nutrition for many years. She treated us to her very own "Raw Superfood Chocolates" and at the same time, introduced us to several new healthy ingredients such as Maca powder, Spirulina and Reishi mushroom.

What Makes it a Super Food?

Cacao is the main ingredient in "Marie's Raw Superfood Chocolate" and it is a superfood powerhouse. Note the subtle difference in the spelling. As a kid, we all loved our hot cOcOa, which was mostly sugar and some chocolate from a questionable source thrown in. But simply rearrange the letters and you have cAcAo, which is the best antioxidant around. In fact, on the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) chart, raw cocoa powder is at the top of the antioxidant list with almost four times the amount of antioxidants (anti-aging guys) as Goji Berries. However, in high concentrations, Cacao can be hard on your nervous system. But limit your dosage to 40-50 grams of raw cacao per day and it is beneficial as well as quite enjoyable.

Coconut Oil, organic virgin coconut oil specifically, is the second main ingredient in these delectable chocolate bites and it has many health benefits:

resistance to both viruses and bacteria that can cause illness
helps to fight off yeast, fungus and candida
positively affects our hormones for thyroid and blood-sugar control.
improves insulin balance
boosts thyroid function
helps to increase metabolism, energy and endurance.
increases digestion and helps to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
lowers cholesterol
and last but certainly not least, it can even help you lose weight! Really?!

One 2009 study found that women who consumed 30 milliliters (about 2 tablespoons) of coconut oil daily for 12 weeks not only did not gain more weight, but actually had lowered amounts of abdominal fat, a type of fat that is difficult to lose, and contributes to more heart problems.

Maca is the superfood of the Andes. Maca is an herbaceous plant native to the high Andean Mountains of Bolivia and Peru. It is one of the only food plants in the world able to thrive at such a high altitude. Maca, and more specifically the root of the plant, has a long history as a superfood. The maca root was prized throughout the Incan empire for its adaptogenic-like qualities that enable it to nourish and balance the body's delicate endocrine system, and to help cope with stress. It also energizes naturally, without the jitters and crashes of caffeine, and it can aid in reproductive function, helping to balance hormones and increase fertility. Navitas Naturals Maca Powder is the raw and natural form of this special root.

Reishi Mushroom is a fungus that is used for boosting the immune system and lowering blood pressure. Consider any allergies you may have before adding this ingredient as it can cause a reaction for some people.

Spirulina, a blue green algae found in warm, fresh-water bodies, nourishes your body by providing:

most of the protein you need to live
reinforces your immune system
helps control high blood pressure and cholesterol
helps protect you from cancer
prevents the annoying sniffling and sneezing from allergies. Wow! Now that is super!

There are many types of spirulina out there so it is important to do your homework before making a purchase. Since spirulina grown in an uncontrolled environment has the potential to become contaminated with heavy metals and other toxins, it is important to choose organic spirulina from a reputable source.

Spirulina comes in capsules, tablets, powders and flakes. The recommended daily dose is typically between three to five grams. You can spread the dose out to twice or three times a day if you like. It is safe to take higher doses, but this is a good place to start. Remember to increase your intake of spring or filtered water when taking spirulina to help it absorb into your system.

Recipe for "Raw Superfood Chocolate"

Now that you understand the benefits of these superfood-packed chocolates, I'm sure you are as eager as I am to start eating them. So without any further adieu, let's get to making our very own batch.

It is important to note that there is no heat, cooking or baking involved in making these chocolates. This is wonderful because heat can so often destroy important enzymes in the food. By using our freezer to "bake" the chocolates, we are preserving all of the natural goodness and potency of the powerful ingredients in our healthy chocolate. Let's begin.

Ingredients
1 C Cacao powder
1 C Coconut oil (melted)
1/2 C honey
2 Tbsp Maca powder
2 tsp Spirulina
3 drops Reishi mushroom
Optional: chopped nuts of your choice; walnuts, pecans or almonds.

Method
Mix all ingredients together into a glass Pyrex measuring pitcher. Pour into your favorite chocolate mold, filling 2/3rds of the way full. If you want to add nuts, crumble a few pieces delicately into each form. Then fill each one to the top with more chocolate. Now carefully transfer to the freezer and let set for about 30 minutes. Once set, remove and add to a container and store them in the freezer, as they can begin to melt quickly at room temperature. Makes about 45 pieces.

Marie recommends enjoying 2-3 pieces per day for optimal health.

I have to tell you, when I tried these, my bliss meter went off the chart. Marie said, "And they're good for you. How awesome is that?!"

Indeed, Marie. INDEED!

By, Sue Hoyuela

]]><![CDATA[Breakfast With Danny Ratigan And A Lesson In Healing Foods]]>Fri, 28 Feb 2014 16:32:42 GMThttp://www.vacationrentalsinla.net/blog/breakfast-with-danny-ratigan-and-a-lesson-in-healing-foodsThe Ratigan Scramble

Danny Ratigan, professional poker player and winner of the 2009 California State Poker Championships shared his breakfast specialty with us, the "Ratigan Scramble". It is packed with superfoods like coconut oil, garlic, sea salt, cayenne pepper and avocados which are nutrient-rich foods that are beneficial for health and well-being.

Could this be the secret to his poker-playing success?

Danny explained that it is very important to use all natural ingredients, organic whenever possible, to allow the body to heal itself. He raised our awareness of how many chemicals our bodies have to filter when we eat processed foods with high sugar content. If we give our bodies whole foods, the way nature made them, our bodies can then begin to purge the toxins from our cells and function better. Making intentional food choices to eliminate processed food-like products from our diet over time results in increased energy, better sleep, fewer mood swings and increased libido.

Ratigan Scramble Recipe
Start by cooking bacon in a frying pan until crispy. Set aside. (See Danny's Surprising Tip below.)
Using the same pan and those marvelous drippings from the bacon, add 1 Tbsp of organic coconut oil and saute 1/4 chopped Red Bellpepper, 1/4 chopped onion and 1 clove of chopped garlic for about 5 minutes.
Add 1 chopped tomato, 1 Tbsp of chopped cilantro, 1 chopped avocado and 1 aidelles Organic Cajun Style Andouille Sausage. Now add your sea salt, pepper and cayenne pepper to taste and let simmer for another 5 minutes. As you may have guessed, this has a bit of a kick with so much pepper and spices.

DANNY"S HOT TIP: To make your breakfast even better, wash your dishes as you go. That way, when you sit down to enjoy your meal, you only have to wash your plate when you're done.

Last but not least, scramble two organic eggs and add them to the pan to complete the Ratigan Scramble. Once the eggs are cooked to your liking (Danny prefers them dry) serve with bacon and enjoy.

DANNY'S SURPRISING TIP: Do not drain off the fat from the bacon. On a no-carb, no-sugar, no-gluten diet of just meat and vegetables, fat is what keeps you satiated. And, get ready for this spoiler alert...contrary to what many believe, eating fat does not make you fat. Fat on your body comes from a simple mathematical calculation. If you eat more calories than you burn, regardless of whether they come from fat, sugar and carbohydrates, protein or alcohol, your body stores them as fat. In fact, fat is a good thing because your body needs fat for insulating your body organs, regulating your temperature and providing energy. Eating fat is not the enemy. And by eating good fats, it will not increase your risk of disease or damage your heart..

Danny is also a huge Seattle Seahawks fan (Note the Seahawks watch our featured master chef is wearing in this episode), so here's a shout out to the 2014 Superbowl champions who annihilated (this is the word Danny and I agreed on was an apt description of the one-sided epic, history-making football game) the Denver Broncos 43-8. At times it was a comedy of errors, at others it was just painful to watch but the Seattle Seahawks emerged victorious as the clear champions, truly worthy of the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Danny Ratigan and the "Ratigan Scramble"

]]><![CDATA[Grace's Coca Cola Chicken Wings]]>Mon, 17 Feb 2014 21:32:10 GMThttp://www.vacationrentalsinla.net/blog/graces-coca-cola-chicken-wings

We had the privilege of hosting David and Grace from Shenzen, China. In all of our years of hosting, these guests surprised us by making us feel as if we were their guests!

They insisted on making dinner for us and having us try Grace's famous Coca Cola Chicken Wings recipe. Not only did we get to try her delicious chicken wings, but they made an entire feast for us.

David was the official assistant to the head chef, Grace, and he chopped and prepared all of the vegetables and meats for cooking. Along with the Coca Cola Chicken Wings, we also had one tofu dish with spare rib sauce, fish ball soup with seaweed, a dish that was made with sauteed bell peppers, onions and eggs, and another dish that was sauteed sliced cucumbers with bits of pork and garlic. We also had long green vegetables that looked like green onion tops. David explained that they were "good for men to eat".

Coca Cola Chicken Wing Recipe
12 chicken wings, washed and scored
Sauce:

1/2 C soy sauce
dash of salt
2 cloves chopped garlic
2 TBSP sugar
2 eggs - use the whites only

Marinate wings for 30 minutes in sauce.

Fry the wings in oil until browned. Then add 1 Cup of Coca Cola (Pepsi is fine too).
Cook on low heat. Let simmer until it has reduced down to a thick sauce, about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Serves: 4.

Our family celebrated Chinese New Year with David and Grace in style. It was such a special treat to be able to share their food and their good company. And now it is my privilege to share this recipe for Coca Cola Chicken Wings with you so that it may bring you prosperity by helping you to build long-lasting friendships as well.

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