THE LATEST FROM FRAN BERGER
Friendships
Valentine’s Day for Singles?
Valentine’s Day is less than a week away and when it does come I will have been single for the last three of them. It’s not exactly the most fun day- evening thing to look forward to if you don’t...
Read More
Fran’s Soapbox: There’s Only One Winner
I’m going to step on my soap box now so be warned! When I was growing up, medals, trophies and awards were all things that you worked hard for, practiced hard for. It was still the case when my kids...
Read More
My favorite recipe for a Girls Night – YAH!
I’m often asked what my favorite “girls night” recipes are. I like the ones that are good for catching up and remind us of old memories. Especially once the summer and the backyard cookouts are over, I’m also more interested...
Read More
Date Night Wine from Gruet Winery
I love when I’m asked my wine recommendations because there are so many wonderful options to explore! Date night wines for a romantic dinner at home have been a popular discussion recently, so here are a few of my romantic...
Read More
Travel Lightly and Deal With The Issue Now
A favorite saying of mine comes from Confucius: “Wherever you go, there you are.” And I find that this philosophy never fails to bring out deeper meaning to just about every situation. I was having dinner with one...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
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 –...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
Relationship Recipes: Who Do I Want Around My Table?
I love to read recipes. I think I always have. I have often purchased cookbooks just because there are recipes in them that look so interesting that I think I will make them some day. Of course, there are also those...
Read More
Plans for Thanksgiving? The “To-Go” from The Farm
Every year, for the last 20 years, we have offered Thanksgiving To-Go from The Farm of Beverly Hills. We start about a month ahead with emails, postings, advertising (print when it was big and now Facebook/Instagram/Twitter as well) and cards on...
Read More
Simple Recipe for a Night With a Friend
Simple Saturday Night with a Girlfriend There are those nights when you’re tired but you’d still like to get together with a girlfriend. They’re easy to do with almost no planning at all. I always keep some fresh pasta in...
Read More