Identity Crisis

I think it is interesting that there are millions of people everyday ordering coffee at local coffee houses, Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee and Coffee Bean. Many of these places choose to get personal with their customers by calling out coffee orders using the customer’s name.

My name (Parlene—that’s right, with a “P”, it’s not a typo) being far from common is always botched. On a boring day I might just order my coffee and croissant and use the name D-arlene. Nothing too complicated. But on those days when I’m feeling pretty good I like to try names that are a bit bold. I’ve tried a variety of names. Everything from London to Paris to Madeleine. I like to use European cities as different names from time to time. Other times I use my friend’s names, even if they are standing right next to me.

It occurred to me that I may not be alone in my quest for unique and exotic names. I am taking a guess that about 75% of people don’t use their real names when placing orders or whatever it may be that beckons giving a name.

I once was very surprised when a friend who calls herself “shy” boldly gave the name “Lola”! The next time you enter a coffee bar and declare your name, think of something foreign or zany. And when your fascinating name is called out, walk tall and proud!

I’m interested in hearing what names people are inventing for themselves. Leave a comment on my blog and give your real name and your favorite fake name to use. Thanks for sharing.

Corsica, France By Becky Dolman

We arrived on the island of Corsica in the month of December for a three month stay. During the winter it can be very cold here, it even snowed! We thought, "Hey! We are supposed to be in the Mediterranean!” But when the clouds parted and we took our first stroll around the city, it was oneof the most beautiful sites we have ever seen!

The city is overlooked by a huge fortress built four or five centuries ago. I enjoy walking around town taking in the picturesque view. There is only one main shopping street called Boulevard Wilson. The town is quite small (5,000 people) so one easily meets friends on the street or in the grocery store. The Corsican custom here is to kiss when friends meet each other. Even the men kiss each other with two kisses – one on each cheek. It was strange for my husband Edwin when he had his first "public kiss". We were at the grocerystore and he came across two friends and they gave their two customary kisses. I have to say it’s a bit unusual for me also to see my husband receive a kiss on the cheek. A few weeks later Edwin played soccer and he was the last to arrive. Every player greeted him with the two kisses and then played a competitive game of soccer! Bizarre but so cute at the same time!

We eat all the typical French food. Especially the Corsican cuisine, such as the local wine, cheese and Charcuterie. Corsicans even have French Corsican Cola! My French cooking is not that great yet. I’ve had a hard time understanding the recipes. I was starting to get a bad reputation with my cooking but I redeemed myself with American Chocolate Cookies and Carrot Cake (which most Corsicans have never tried) Everybody is crazy for them!

I also had to change my name. In the states I go by “Becky”. I am now Rebecca. Apparently my name sounds too close to “bequille” – the French word for “crutch”.

The Corsicans are incredibly nice and generous. We have received as gifts homemade brioche, fresh eggs, vegetables, fruit, homemade jam, and oranges from an orchard from the 14th century! A few friends even surprised us with a surprise anniversary party after only 2 weeks on the island. The party was complete with decorations, food (quiche of course!) champagne and presents. My husband even had tears in his eyes!

Mais bien sur (but of course), I love France! We buy everything French from the Provence scented toilet paper to the Ratatouille Kleenex picture boxes. VIVE LA FRANCE!! Even though we are only here for three months, all these experiences have taught us how to live another day in a European style life.

By Rebecca “Becky” Dolman
France Correspondent

Chili Recipe

I am not sure if Chili can be considered haute cuisine, but it sure is comfort food that can keep any man happy. Try this Chili recipe for cold days, game days or the Super Bowl. Coming home to a warm homemade dinner is just another day in a Euro style life.

Chili Chili

2 pounds ground beef or ground turkey (browned and drained)

1 large onion, chopped

1 large can (28 ounces) of diced tomatoes, with liquid

1 can (8 ounces) tomato puree

1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, with liquid

1 can of black beans, without liquid

2 cans (4 ounces each) diced green chilies, with liquid

1/2 cup of water

1 teaspoon of minced garlic

2 tablespoons of chili powder (or more if you like it spicy)

2 tablespoons of Tabasco sauce (or add individually to servings when done)

salt and pepper to taste.

Combine all ingredients in greased 4 1/2 to 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on high 2-3 hours or on low heat 4-6 hours. Serve in bread bowls or serve with tortilla chips or cornbread. Makes 10-12 servings.

Garnish with sour cream, chives and grated cheddar cheese.

Are you a Branché girl?

Branché means trendy in French. Branché is also the name of my jewelry collection. There are a lot of trendy girls out there strutting their Branché jewelry. If you are one of them, I'd love to hear all about how you wear your jewelry, where you wear it and compliments you've received from wearing it. You can also include comments and suggestions for new styles and pieces you'd like to see. Click on the link marked "comments".


Visit http://www.parlene.etsy.com/ to see more of my jewelry collection and you too can say "Oui, I am a Branché girl!" Naming necklaces after people is one of my favorite things to do. And who knows, maybe the next Branché neckalce will be named after you!

Lake Arrowhead, California

There are times when a weekend get-a-way is all you need to get a little R&R. We decided to head for the mountains and enjoy nature. Lake Arrowhead is about an hour and a half from Los Angeles and about half hour from Big Bear Lake.

We selected a Bed & Breakfast in Lake Arrowhead called the Storybook Inn. This small B&B has 10 rooms all themed after storybooks. One highlight is their spectacular views because of their location on "the rim of the world". The house was built in the 1940's and later was converted into a B&B. While the house could use a little TLC, we found our room to be quite comfortable. Breakfast in the morning includes eggs, sausage, toast, fruit and other breakfast items. The Storybook Inn generously offers evening hospitality with your choice of complimentary wine or soft drinks. You may also choose to have your complimentary beverage at dinner in their restaurant.

Of particular interest is the restaurant located on the premises called Eligio's. Open Wednesday-Sunday, Eligio's offers Italian cuisine and an Italian chef from the north of Italy. We ate dinner there each night during our stay and were not disappointed. Prices range from $14-$25 per plate and all entrees come with soup or salad. We received above expected friendly service offered by the chef's wife and daughter. The restaurant is popular among locals not only for the fantastic cuisine but also for the view of "the rim of the world". Be sure to make reservations and request a table with a view.

The B&B along with great food and an amazing view make for a romantic weekend without putting much thought into it. Whether you are going skiing for a day or staying the weekend, be sure to stop by Eligio's for a wonderful dinning experience. Maybe it's not the Swiss Alps but with a delicious Italian dinner, it's just another day in a Euro style life.

Toscana Soup Recipe

Nothing can bring comfort to the soul like a great bowl of soup on a cold rainy day or to ease symptoms of the flu. Try this simple recipe for a healthy and comforting dinner. If you try the soup recipe, I'd enjoy hearing your comments. Please post them for all to enjoy!

Toscana Soup

1lb uncooked Hot Italian sausage links (note: the spicier the sausage, the better the soup. You can also use turkey sausage.)

1/2 chopped onion

8 strips of bacon diced

2 garlic cloves minced

4 c water (or replace with all chicken stock)

2 cans (14.5 oz) chicken broth

3 cups potatoes

3 cups sliced spinach or kale

1 cup of heavy whipping cream

Remove sausage casing. Cook sausages fully. Drain. Cut into bite-size pieces. Saute onion and bacon until onion is tender. Add garlic; saute for 1 minute so that garlic doesn't get bitter.-add water, broth, and potatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 20 min or until potatoes are tender. Add sausage, spinach (or kale), and cream to soup; heat through but do not boil. Yield: 3 quarts

Colmar, France

France has much to offer to the experienced tourist. While the city of Paris remains one of my favorite places in France to visit, I hope to introduce my readers to various parts of France that are not so commonly known. Or if they are known, they are rarely visited because they are away from the major cities.

One city takes the cake on European charm, Colmar, France. About 30 minutes from Strasbourg is this little city referred to as Petite Venise because of it's narrow canals resembling Venice. It is also the capital of Alsatian wine.

Colmar became an imperial town in the 1200's. During the Thirty Years' War, the city was taken by Sweden in 1632 and had possession of it until 1634. The city was conquered by France under Louis XIV in 1697.

Colmar seems just the place to escape the busy city life or hectic schedule of the tourist traveling from one city to the next. One can take in the sights, go wine tasting and take a boat ride down a canal. You can also purchase handcrafted goods from the local artisans of this region.

Colmar is the place where tourists go to experience old Europe. It is a very unique city in the sense that it is greatly German influenced. One of the best times to visit Colmar is during December during their Light Festival. The entire town is lit up with twinkle lights. This adds to a nostalgic feel and to the village's storybook charm.

Whether it's your first time to Europe or yet another stamp in your passport, take the time to visit this storybook romantic city of lights and tiny canals. Who knows, maybe you'll be inspired to write the next folk tale to last centuries.