Month: February 2011
boutique hotel pick – il sogno di giulietta – verona, italy
Keeping in line with the Valentine’s Day theme and also with my Italy obsession for 2011, I decided to include a boutique luxury hotel, (which I recommend by the way), located in the heart of Verona, Italy. In case there are a handful of people who are wondering what Verona has to do with Valentine’s Day theme, well I am here to tell you that Verona is not only one of the most romantic cities in the world, but it is also the hometown of Juliet, from Romeo and Juliet (just in case I wasn’t clear enough). Of course their story goes without saying, but just in case I need to clarify, it is the most famous love story ever told by William Shakespeare and many tourist go to Verona just to pay homage to that fact. What’s so interesting is that this particular property shares a courtyard with Juliet’s house. In fact, it has a view of the famous balcony where Romeo expressed his undying love and devotion to Juliet. The hotel is called Il …
valentine’s day romance – suggestion 4 – dinner and a movie
Now, I saved the best for last, well at least from where I am sitting. Dinner and a movie suggestion for a romantic evening at home is ideal in every sense of the word, if done right. This suggestions would be best if, those with children, are able to find a sitter away from home and if one partner can surprise the other with it. Rent a couple of the movies I have suggested above or others that you think are in line with a love story/romantic theme. Contact your local purveyor of fine foods or a restaurant to order a steak or seafood dinner for two. I prefer Dean and DeLuca’s Valentine’s Day Meal from their menu here . They also carry a large selection of champagne as well as sparkling wine or wines in general so it makes the planning easier. Organize the living room or family room (wherever the television is) for the setting. Setting up the center coffee table with candles, flowers and fine china is ideal place to eat, while …
valentine’s day romance – suggestion 3 – spa day
Cliche you might say, but couples over 40 tend to mostly dream or talk about a spa day, more so than actually do something about it. Either because, they are too busy or just, don’t consider to include it in their budget. So don’t laugh when I suggest a couples spa day as a Valentine’s Day gift for one another. Either the weekend before or on the actual day – again depending on work and kids. For example, just outside of San Francisco, in Napa and Sonoma county we have dozens of spas ranging in price and techniques to consider. And although we have them all over the bay area, for some reason I feel on this special occasion, it is more romantic to go to the wine country and have a spa day then just around the corner from where I live. However, planning for this day takes alot of work. A partner has to be willing to take the time to research and organize it in order to surprise their loved ones properly. …
valentines day romance – suggestion 2 – date day
Most people in their 40s have children or teenagers and since February 14th falls on a school and a work day, the fun of celebrating the holiday usually takes a back seat to soccer practice and piano lessons and work. So, I suggest celebrating it on Saturday or Sunday the 12th or the 13th instead just to get the most out of the holiday. Again, these suggestions can be considered for birthdays and anniversaries as well. First: Make arrangements for a reliable sitter on either day you want to surprise your spouse or loved one with children. Second: Clear your partner’s calendar for the day – make sure you pick the day with the least pre-arranged appointments for the children and their school events. Third: Organize a slew of events or activities for the two of you to do for the entire day – this could be an entire day spent in the country or a metropolitan city, depending on where you reside – do the opposite. For example for those living in the bay …
valentine’s day romance suggestion 1 – flowers
I really feel bad for everyone who gets caught up in the Valentine’s day madness. I mean, in my opinion, the true sense of romance should be ongoing and sometimes even when a person least expects it. That’s what makes it special and more personal. I guess that is why I appreciate birthdays and wedding anniversaries more. But for all those people who get a kick out of planning for Valentine’s Day, I have decided to dedicate this entire week for some of my suggestions to take into account, while frantically searching for gifts and “interesting” things to do for/or with your loved one. Take note, these suggestions also work for birthday and anniversary celebrations as well. So here we go with suggestion 1. Every one loves getting flowers, unless of course they are allergic to them, but whether you believe it or not, most woman “over 40” are okay with just getting flowers on Valentine’s Day. So, this year instead of giving the usual boring bouquet of over priced red roses (yawn) why don’t …
all things tuscany, italia
Earlier this year, I can actually start saying that now since we are in February, I had stated that I normally pick a country to vacation in and end up writing everything about it until I drive myself and my readers (probably) crazy. Well except for one of my good friends here, I know she doesn’t get sick of Italy or all things Italian no matter what. So here’s to my friend and to Italy (cross fingers and hope I can go there this year), I have included photos of Tuscany to hold me over until I can make my vacation plans into a reality. Have a great weekend everyone!
inviting apartment hallways – first impressions
First impression is important in most anything we do. Having an impressive hallway to walk into, from the front door of an apartment, is right there on the list, along with physical appearance on a first encounter with most anyone. (Wow, that was a mouthful, but you get the point.) Seriously, in my opinion having a clean and well organized hallway is truly important when making a first impression. So with that I have included some of my picks, which I plan to incorporate into my hallway decor. What do you think?
spring 2011 fashion trends – designer versace
It seems the Spring 2011 fashion inspiration comes from the 60’s, nothing wrong with that in my opinion, the 60’s had some of the most memorable fashion trends in history and for sure should have a come back. In line with the trend, Versace has come up with some of the most beautiful styles for the Spring/Summer 2011 collection. Ah, to be young again. Anyway the slideshow is a collection of styles I wish I could wear this year but since I can’t, I hope to see the youth embrace the choices this coming Spring/Summer. Let me know what you think? Did you enjoy the 60’s fashion and are you glad it’s back.
healthy eating: understanding champagne
I admit I am one of those women who have converted from drinking wine to drinking champagne. The funny thing is it took me a while to learn about wine and by the time I finally got a clear understanding of wine types and pairing, I decided to convert to champagne when I made the decision to eat healthy. So now I am trying to understand and learn about what makes for a good or excellent champagne or since I am from California – sparking wine. I know, I know there is no comparison and the two are not the same. But, now that I am able to address the beverage by its proper title based on what part of the world it’s from (California, USA or Europe), I want to understand how to choose quality “bubbly” so that I am in line with my healthier eating agenda. I found my answer here, from one of the best (French of course) wine conesuir I can think of 🙂 and based on what she says, these are …
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