I’ve lived alone for seven years, and this is the first year that my refrigerator has had so much food! I have more perishable items than ever before, because I’m cooking regularly and eating hearty salads, drinking fresh juice, and eating fresh fruit. I mentioned ‘perishable’ because I’m buying fresh foods, and not throwing anything away! I also have an assortment of hard cheeses, cottage cheese, cream cheese, eggs, fresh vegetables, and whole grain breads. Also, I keep skinless chicken breast in my freezer, along with some breakfast meats. I buy fresh fish often, usually twice a week. The reason I’m cooking more often is because I don’t eat out as much as I once did. Now days, I have to be careful with my budget. Luckily, I never enjoyed fast food, and I don’t waste my money on mediocre restaurants. This year, fine dining is a luxury. What I do miss is good wine … (I can’t stand the ‘cheap stuff’), and I do miss having a bottle or two of good chilled champaign on hand. I now settle for a glass of chilled (spring) water with a slice of lime or lemon. Prior this year, I seldom cooked. But, actually I’m beginning to like it … even though I usually dine alone. Bon a petite!

I’m thinking of blitzing Joni Evans’ pad…it looks like a party waiting to happen!

Had to laugh at Joni’s fridge. I belong to FaceBook wine groups from around the globe. Some of the Northern California ones have amusing names: “Yes I want a BIG glass of Wine!” “I don’t have a drinking problem I’m from Napa!” Joni would be very popular in Napa! Everyone is gearing up for harvest time right now. A pretty exciting time in Northern California. Love Mary’s SubZeros too. I love to cook and love great kitchen design, too. My fridge is always full of lots of colorful produce, organic everything, good white wine…the red is in the pantry. Am waiting in line for a jewel of a boutique Pinot. 95 points. Underpriced at $50. The founder of the label created Sonoma-Cutrer, which was the #1 chardonnay in the US that he sold to Brown Forman for $125M and purchased new land in the Russian River and Sonoma Coast. Most of his wine is sold to top U.S. restaurants. He has limited quantity reserve that is sold direct to consumers from the winery. He’s one of Napa’s very good guys, raises a lot of money for children’s charities, etc. Here he is on his 7 minute video that is very interesting: http://www.emeritusvineyards.com/ And speaking of cooking etc, I posted this a long time ago, Dona really liked it. For those who haven’t seen Boudain’s vid on The French Laundry. It’s amazing. Love Anthony Boudain (but hey, what an intro…calling SF run down….yes parts like all cities, but comeon!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-5Sol8K-3o And if haven’t seen it, “Bottle Shock” will be released Aug 22. I saw the SF opening last Sat and met the producer. Really loved it. If you enjoyed “Sideways” you’ll love this Indy film. Emma, I am weirdly fond of really well designed refrigerators, too.

Window light, candle light, and now refrigerator light may be a new trend. Liz, the watermelon adds a nice warm look to your lovely lit portrait.

My freezer’s always packed with meat, fish, frozen tamales, homemade beans and soup, grated cheese, and popsicles (the no-sugar kind). The refrigerator always has Diet Pepsi, ice tea, eggs, tortillas, beer (for my brothers), condiments, fresh veggies and left overs (because I like to cook, even though I live alone). There’s a lot more room in the frig part than in the freezer.

I don´t need to show you my refrigerator - just have a look at Liz´s! Minus the soda cans and the vodka plus a greater variety of candy bars and the occasional yoghurt. And I totally LOL´ed at Joni´s.