Month: March 2011

boutique hotel pick – hotel splendido – portofino, italy

Published by

Ahh, the wonder of Portofino, Italy. As if I need to sell the idea of Italy to anyone. The most amazing thing about Italy is that no matter what part you visit, it is a must see for sure and so if you ask me to add a part of Italy that is a must see, just in case you haven’t been, I would have to say Portofino here. As you know I leave the tourist information details to someone else to talk about, but I do suggest a boutique hotel in most places I have visited often and love dearly. So, with my own personal blog tradition, I have included yet one of my favorite hotels, Hotel Splendido to consider to make your trip to Portofino a dream vacation for sure.

incorporating the color sage in decor

Published by

In light of St. Patrick’s Day and the much anticipated Springtime coming our way anytime in the next few weeks, (depending on what part of the  world you are) I have decided to pay homage to the color “sage” in decor. Now, this is one color, I truly love and will only consider incorporating throughout my home in a subtle fashion. Such as a vase or flower pots here and there, a unique serving dish, candles and I think that is about it. Even though that is the case, I couldn’t help raising an eyebrow at some of the interesting decorating suggestions in the photos below (My favorite is the bedroom). Anyway, I figured I better share them with my readers. Enjoy and Happy St. Patty’s Day to you all.

to japan with love – from the other side of the pacific ocean

Published by

In light of the devastating events which have occurred and continue to do so in Japan, I want to dedicate today’s blog entry to expressing my deep sadness for what has happened to the people of Japan. Although I know the Japanese culture dictates strength and durability through most anything life throws their way, I am nonetheless touched by the courage and order the people of Japan have shown during these trying times. It is most admirable and commendable. How Can We Help: There are many relief organizations involved in fund raising and coordinating helping Japan cope with their tragedy, I have included some here, here, and here for your reference just to make it easier. Keep in mind at times like this there are alot of internet scams, so before making your contributions, look into the charity organization carefully and ask alot of questions. Also, I found  a site here, which I am not sure how reputable it is yet, but wanted to share with you and maybe we can judge it together. However, …

trends for 2011 – reversible tote bag from tiffany and co

Published by

Tiffany & Co has a selection of  reversible tote bag with suede on one side and metallic leather on the other  available through their website here. They range between $395 to $595 and come in a variation of colors and styles. It’s an interesting concept with one possible downside, in my opinion. When you flip the bag inside out, you probably will expose the dirty inside of the bag on the outside, either way you flip the bag. Hope I didn’t confuse you with this. So in order to avoid exposing soiled suede or vice versa as a result of the junk women tend to keep inside their tote bags, I suggest putting “your stuff” inside several large plastic ziploc bags or smaller carry all pouches before placing them inside the tote bag, that way when you want to flip the bag inside out, it hopefully looks clean. Anyway, tell me what you think of the bag?

recipe: panna cotta perfected

Published by

Yes I am going to start the week off with a recipe because I feel as if I need a pick me up and usually sensual – yes food can be sensual – dessert recipes will do the trick, that is only if I cannot travel to Europe at the particular time. Anyway, I found this recipe here and in my opinion it is one of the best Panna Cotta I have ever tasted, well, outside of my “late” chef cousin who used to make them for me. So here it goes and if you try it, please let me know how you liked it. One piece of advice, get creative with the toppings. Also, if you are on a strict diet or a healthy eating kick, this recipe is not one to follow. Panna Cotta Eight servings Adapted from Secrets From My Tuscan Kitchen by Judy Witts I love this dessert and the great thing about Panna Cotta is that it demands to be made in advance. You can make them up to two days …

boutique hotel pick – hotel balzac – paris, france

Published by

Need I say more. I mean I can spend the entire year picking hotels throughout Paris and all of France to recommend on this blog and believe me I am having a heck of a time controlling myself. But, once in a while I will let one slip by. Here is another one of my favorite places to stay while in Paris, Hotel Balzac which is located just off the Champs-Elysses and close to the Arc de Triomphe. The reason I love this property, besides it’s romantic ambiance, is the fact some of the rooms have skyline views of the Eiffel Tower (You must request this and it’s also based on availability).  This is the hotel I can honestly spend weeks in, while writing my novel. Anyway, I will stop writing and let the photos do the walking. Have a great weekend everyone!

inspiration: outdoor special occasion table setting

Published by

Call me crazy but I am ready for Spring, although it isn’t officially Spring until around March 22nd, I am ready for it right now. So, as I feel my stress level escalating to code orange from being cooped up indoors most of the day, I have decided to turn to my collection of outdoor special occasion table setting photos  to put a smile back on my face and give me a moment to daydream about Springtime. If you feel like I do today, find something that inspires you  and take a moment to escape mentally.

spring fling 2011 – designer – carolina herrera

Published by

Spring to Summer and early fall, most of us are invited to bridal showers, Mother’s Day Luncheons, graduations, weddings, baptisms, bar/bat mizvahs and more and finding just the right dress for the occassion can be challenging. I am not much of a long gown fan, when it comes to dressing up, but give me colors and Spring/Summer wear and I am right on it. Now, I know I have stated before that I am not a fan of one specific designer when it comes to fashion, but I am a fan of the best choices presented to us by EVERY designer out there. Caroline Herrera is no exception to that rule and when it comes to women over 40 friendly fashion, she is one to count on for sure. Here are my favorites from her Spring 2011 collection. What do you think?

recommended reads and e-books for springtime

Published by

I haven’t bought books for a while because I am toying with the idea of  “e-booking” – but only for the novels and nothing else (Just in case you are wondering – cookbooks, photography and travel books, collectables I still want in hardcover form). I don’t know, I am not sold on it yet, the e-booking thing, but either way I have made my list of books to read and recommend (above) for Springtime. I would love to hear from those who have read the above books or if they recommend others.

for the love of cupcakes

Published by

What is the craze with cupcakes? I mean they have been around for years but just in the last 5years or so, every woman I can think of considers cupcakes for their get togethers more so than cakes. I suppose they are more fun, less fattening and perfectly sized for most anyone and any occasion – in America that is – just in case everyone else is scratching their heads with what I am stating here. Anyway, I won’t deny it, I love them too and often search for cupcake specialty stores most anywhere I go in the states. My favorite is Sprinkles here and although quiet pricy, they are the best I have ever had, especially on the first day – not so much second day and after. So in light of this subject matter, I have included photos of some of my favorite cupcake decor for your viewing pleasure. Also, please drop me a line with your favorite cupcake speciality store.