THE LATEST FROM FRAN BERGER
Blogs
I’m a Really Nice Person, but Kindness is not a Weakness
People tell me that I’m really nice. Friends say that I’m very supportive and that they call me for opinions because they know I’ll be honest with them. They know that I will always tell them what I believe but that...
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Don't Cry Wolf, Be Honest With Yourself
Threats only work the first time – Never Cry Wolf Always do what you say you will do. If you’re not sure you can, then just don’t say anything. How many times have we seen people, either with their kids...
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Travel Light with a Matched Set of Luggage
I find it pretty interesting when people refer to how much “baggage” someone is or isn’t carrying around with them. Baggage is just another word for luggage and I don’t know about you but I love my luggage – dark...
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Recipe for Sauteed Pears with Bacon and Mustard?
Three Great flavors on One Plate The author of this recipe is Chris Morocco, published in the November 2015 issue of Bon Appétit. You should know that any recipe that combines three of my favorite things – bacon, pears and of...
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Sex
I’m just going to say it… Sex makes women STUPID! I’ve been saying this for ages and eventually all my girlfriends agree with me. You have to understand, I’m all for having sex, making love, having a deep connection with...
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Wine Enthusiast's Delight: The Coravin Wine Preserver
I can’t say how many times I’ve made dinner and wanted to have just one glass of wine, but I knew that I wouldn’t finish the bottle so I didn’t open one. Seriously disappointing if your dinner would go perfectly...
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Kid's Choices
I have never understood parents who don’t give their children rules and boundaries in their lives; it always ends with kids who grow into adults who think they can do anything they want with no consequences. It’s not how the world...
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Memories Can Take Your Breath Away
Memories are funny things. There are those that make us happy (a special event) or sad (a loved one dying) but sometimes there are memories that we react to differently depending upon what else is going on. You know the...
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The 3 Essentials for Any Home Bar
Party at home? Better get equipped. I always love to learn simple tricks and I got lucky today!! I spoke with a good friend (a guy I’ve known for several years) about dating who told me a secret. He asked...
Read MoreToo Many Steps?
One thing I know when I’m looking for something new to cook is that it has to be simple. I don’t mean three ingredients and one pot (although if you have a recipe like that and it tastes great –...
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A Memorable Night
On December 16th, I was honored to be able to co-host an amazing holiday party at The Farm of Beverly Hills. The invitation was sent out by Lisa DeTanna of Raymond James’ Global Wealth Group. Lisa and I were joined...
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3 Glasses You Need in Your Bar
There are only three types of glasses that you absolutely need in your bar at home: The old-fashioned short, squatty, wide base glass, that typically holds about 6-10 ounce drinks. Then there’s the highball glass (often referred to as a...
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The Power to Make You Happy
The happiness that we can bring to ourselves. I’ve always found it interesting when someone says to me, “that person made me so unhappy”. What I’ve found in my life and tried to instill in my sons’ is that their...
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Shorts and Flip Flops
I live in Los Angeles, the land of perpetual sunshine and heat. You know, the place where everyone is in t-shirts at the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day and everyone back east watching the game is angry because they’re...
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The Cure for the Holiday Season Blues: A Nice Trip
This year, the holidays snuck up on me. Usually I’ve finished my shopping for gifts long before everyone else, am feeling quite smug about it and am ready to put on my dancing shoes. This year, not so much and,...
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Just Choose Already!
Something that drives me absolutely crazy is when someone I know is presented with a decision/choice and they procrastinate. This goes for work related choices all the way to dinner decisions. I’m not saying that there shouldn’t be discussion or...
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Saturday Morning Recipe: Not Your Mother’s Oatmeal
This Is Definitely Not Your Mother’s Oatmeal The author of this recipe is Heidi Swanson. If you know me, you know my favorite meal of the day is Breakfast. I found this recipe on one of my favorite sites for inspiration,...
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Stopped by a Recipe: Cider-Brined Pork Roast with Potatoes and Onions
Cider-Brined Pork Roast with Potatoes and Onions Author: Recipe by Dawn Perry If a recipe stops you more than once then you definitely need to actually make it. I have seen this recipe reprinted on a couple of different...
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Celebrate Every Birthday
I love my birthday, I always have. No, my parents didn’t throw great birthday parties for me, elaborate or otherwise. When I was growing up, there were several years when one or both of my parents were in school so...
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Recipe for Noodle Kugel – Good Anytime
I Love Good Noodle Kugel I think this recipe from Smitten Kitchen’s Deb Perelman (apparently her Mother’s own family recipe) first published October 2008. I’m thinking of using this recipe to serve at a dinner party this week. But you can...
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