Coastal Decor
For most of my life I have been the perennial California girl from the beach. Fit, athletic, tanned, and living by the water in Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
My favorite places, people, activities, ocean and decor are also targeted: Coastal Living Magazine. Cooking California coast. Even my goddess favorite, Aphrodite rose from the sea in a shell.
It seems that everyone finds renewal on the shore with their positive ions, oxygenated air and abundant life. Perhaps our spiritual relationship stems in part from the sea and our own bodies that share the same mineral composition.
What is certain is that there is nothing not be valid after lunch or dinner at some of the 'splendid beach dives' up and down the California coast that serve outstanding clam chowder. Some of my favorites include: The Crab Kitchen Balboa Island. Gladstone for fish in Malibu. Chez Jay in Santa Monica. Brophy Brother's in Santa Barbara. Swan Oyster Depot in San Francisco. And the old fisherman Grotto in Monterey.
I have often noticed that people who consume large amounts of fish and shellfish appear to be stronger, healthier and younger. Besides being delicious and comforting, Clam Chowder is rich in riboflavin for healthy hair, skin and eyes. Calcium for bones. Iron build red blood cells and muscles. Selenium for a healthy immune system. Phosphorus for resistance. And B-12 - the energy vitamin.
During my years of beach life, my own recipe has evolved. Thick, rich and creamy that is a meal in itself. Serve California style with sourdough bread hot, and a glass of California Chardonnay outstanding. A suggestion came from the link as follows:
The Girl Clam Beach, California's Chowder:
3 (6.5 ounce) cans chopped clams.
2 cans whole clams
3 - bottles clam juice
4 slices bacon cut into pieces of an inch from a
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 cup diced celery
2 cups cubed red potatoes new
1 cup chopped carrot
3 / 4 cup butter
3 / 4 cup cornstarch
1 medium room and half cream
2 tablespoons little red wine vinegar (optional, gives a taste of fish soup)
1 1 / 2 teaspoons sea salt
ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup chopped fresh thyme
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Drain juice from canned clams in a large frying pan the onion, celery, potatoes and carrots. Add bottled clam juice to cover, adding water if necessary. Cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender.
Meanwhile, in a large heavy saucepan cook the bacon pieces until crisp, set aside on paper towels. Wipe the skillet and melt butter over medium heat. Whisk the cornstarch into ½ cup of cream until smooth, then beat the rest cream with the butter, whisk in cornstarch mixture and chopped fresh thyme. Stir until thickened and smooth.
Stir in cooked vegetables and clam juice. Heat through but do not boil. Stir in the clams just before serving and heat through but do not burn or to be difficult. Add vinegar red (optional), salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy the cheers of the Golden State!
Wine selection: Tamayo Family Vineyards Sonoma Chardonnay: a seductive white crafted with just the right vibrancy, aromatics, and nuanced undercurrents of spiced oak to accent this delicious chowder to delight your family and friends: http://tamayofamilyvineyards.com/
© 2008 -Suzanne de Cornelia. All worldwide rights apply. This article may be reprinted on websites as long as the entire article, including website link and resource box below are included and unchanged. Suzanne de Cornelia is a freelance writer, and author of "French Heart." Contact Suzanne on Facebook, or Twitter @SuzanneDeC. And click-on her site now for a blogroll of free and fascinating resources: http://suzannedecornelia.com/
What types of plants are best for nautical decor / Coastal Living?
I'm on the set for cabin by the sea and I wonding what types of plants best fit in the designs? What is the easiest and cheapest way to achieve that look with silk plants and trees?
Hello, I would use different types of tall grass in decor. Most silk plant stores or craft stores will grass plants. One of my favorites is Petals catalogs, you can view their website: http://www.petals.com Here are some examples of a grass plant: http://www.petals.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=203&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=6&iSubCat=24&iProductID=203 http://www.petals.com/shopping/ Product / detailmain.jsp? itemID = 2135 & itemType = product & iMainCat = 4 & iSubCat = 92 = 2135 & iProduct You can even go so far as cattails: http://www.petals.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=1964&itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=1964 Good luck and enjoy!
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Wall Art 3D Metal Decor Coastal Sea Turtle 3-Pack (10,8 & 6) - Regal Art #S599
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Average Rating: 
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This Wall Art 3D Metal Decor Coastal Sea Turtle 3-Pack (10,8 & 6) by Regal Art #S599 is hand-painted metal with stunning three dimensional details and rich colors. Special painting techniques create a 'patina' effect, and the use of richly colored automobile paint sets the finish apart from the competition...
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Pink Murex Seashell Beach House Decor
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Each beautiful pink murex shell retains it's natural coloration, and displays the most beautiful shades of pink interiors! I hope you get the chance to see these true beauties for yourself. Each shell measures approx...
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"Coastal Memories" Beach Lighthouse Accent Throw Pillow 17" x 17"
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"Coastal Memories" Beach Accent Throw Pillow Item #PTP821 A beach themed pillow, featuring a lighthouse, boats, seagulls and other nautical items Measurements: 17" x 17" Design is on one side Material(s): Front: 60% Cotton/40% Polyester Back: 70% Polyester/30% Cotton Filling: 100% Polyester Care instructions: Spot or dry clean only Made in the USA
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Grass Stalk Night Light Table Lamp
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Grass stalk cut-outs adorn this attractive and casual table lamp. Bone finish body with grass motif. A built-in night light provides a dramatic glow. White bell shade. Uses one 150 watt bulb and one 7 watt night light bulb (bulbs not included)...
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Alabaster Bowl Pull Chain Ceiling Fan Light Kit
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Alabaster bowl ceiling fan light kit with multicap. Pull chain operation. May also be operated from a wall or hand-held remote. Multi caps are included. Includes matte black, white, satin white, oil rub bronze, antique brass, brushed steel, natural iron and black rust caps...
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Chelsea Collection Wastebasket - Coastal Blue
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The Chelsea Collection is another favorite of the Redmon line of fine products. This six (6) piece collection incorporates a familiar pattern of machine woven wicker. Industrial grade particle board is used in the bottom of this collection instead of plastic to add additional weight and substance...
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Blue Villa Coastal Tray
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This wooden tray with built in handles can be placed on an ottoman or used for servingThe featured pattern is a grouping of sea shells against coral in blue shadingDark blue trim lines the edges and contrast against the white backgroundThis item is 100% hand painted with six coats of paint and then carefully the design is added Construction Material- Wood
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Coastal Living: By the Sea Home Decor.Com Introduction
