Month: December 2011

no need for a new year resolution if you have a dog

I  actually came up with the  title of this blog entry while I watched my dog eat his dinner in  a dark  kitchenette last night.  I had just entered my home from a long and exhausting day consisting of work, running errands and visiting with my mother, when I heard a crunching sound coming from the kitchenette.  I slowly walked towards the room, only to discover my dog eating in the dark.  I was heart broken to see him there, because I knew that he waited for me for  as long as he could to eat his food , but seeing that I was so late, he just couldn’t wait any longer. I quickly knelt down to give him a reassuring hug and although he was starving, he  paused  eating to allow me the gesture and after making sure I was satisfied, he continued to eat his food until he was done.  He then drank some water, and  slowly walked towards me to give me his unconditional thank you lick for being there, no matter …

healthy eating: avocado and roast carrot salad

The best thing about finding a great recipe like this, is that in between Christmas and the New Years festivites, I can actually take a break from all the goodies of the holiday season and indulge in something healthy. Recipe 1 pound medium differently colored carrots, with their leafy tops • 2 level teaspoons whole cumin seeds • 1 or 2 small dried chillies, crumbled • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • 2 cloves of garlic, peeled • 4 sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves picked • extra virgin olive oil • red or white wine vinegar • 1 orange, halved • 1 lemon, halved • 3 ripe avocados • red wine vinegar • 4 x ½-inch-thick slices of ciabatta or other • good-quality bread • 2 handfuls of interesting mixed winter salad leaves (like Treviso, arugula, radicchio or cavolo nero tops), washed and spun dry • 2 bunches of cress • 2⁄3 cup of sour cream • 4 tablespoons mixed seeds, toasted Preheat the oven to 350°F. Parboil your carrots in boiling, salted …

holiday gift idea: exquisite furniture pieces

My other half and I often discuss gift ideas for one another, but ultimately we come to the decision (every year) to buy something unique or exquisite for us, which we both can enjoy for years to come. I am not a fan of uniformity when it comes to furniture and love just picking pieces which would, not only compliment one another, but will also give me the feel of classic Europe or just Parisian 🙂  So for this year’s gift to ourselves, we are shopping for a multi-purpose chest for our current small but stylish apartment. I have found some ideas here and was glad to discover all the pieces are crafted in the US, which of course make for happy purchase. Merry Christmas to us 😉

unique gift ideas for her – holiday and beyond

Unique gift ideas for the woman over 40 is sometimes challenging when the person you are shopping for has various self conscious issues. To play it safe, I have  complied some gift ideas from here,  which I feel are pretty low key even for the most conservative woman you have ever known. 1. Jimmy Choo Sepia two tone pumps 850USD 2. Gucci 1973 leather bag 850USD 3. Yves Saint Laurent Arty Gold plated earings 495USD 4. ACNE Pistol suede ankle boots 570USD 5. Miu Miu I-Pod case 150USD 6. Tara Matthews hand embelished swimsuit 495USD 7. Nixon Chromo watercolor Sterling silver watch 450USD 8. Maison Martin Margiela distressed suede boots 855USD 9. Illesteva sunglasses 295USD 10.Anya Hindmarch glitter clutch 550USD 11.Alexander McQueen Leopard Cashmere silk blend scarf 725USD 12.John Hardy Sterling silver and saphire ring 895USD

holiday classic film recommend on a cold winter’s eve

While I understand, this week may be hectic for most as they shop last minute for gifts and draft up the menu for the holiday dinner, I suggest taking one evening off from all the madness and having a date night with a loved one by simply watching a class film, while munching on popcorn and drinking champagne. Fireplace is highly recommended but optional, the original classic film (from list below) is most recommend, a remake just won’t do for this particular experience.