Year: 2011

all things tuscany, italia

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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

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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

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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

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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 …

decor: splashes of white kitchen design

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No matter how hard I try to avoid the color white in the kitchen, the more I seem to lean towards it. I guess it is my way of making sure all things are clean and bright since I spend a good amount of time in the kitchen cooking and baking. For some reason dark cabinetry doesn’t inspire me enough to spend any time in the kitchen. I feel a kitchen is a canvas and all food products are the colors which give it the character to be a warm and inviting kitchen. So, here I go again, looking at white cabinetry as an option, but this time I would use white marble countertops. As for  the floor color, texture and style, that is yet to be determined because it is contingent upon the actual location of the kitchen in the apartment (a.k.a flats and lofts)  I am currently searching to purchase and redecorate. Here are my top pics for ideas, let me know what you think?

boutique hotel pick – parco dei principi – roma

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As promised I am including some of my favorite luxury and also boutique hotels for Italy. This particular five-star property, the Parco Dei Principi,  is located in the heart  of  Rome, near the Villa Borghese park and in my opinion a wonderful place to stay in order to detox from the realities of every day life. To me, as I have stated before, hotels must be romantic or charming in order for me to feel like I am truly on vacation or holiday (as some would say) and although some of these properties are a bit pricy, the experience of staying in this particular one will be  most memorable – take my word for it. Have a great weekend!

decor: the do’s of art walls

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Lately I have been looking at suggestions for art walls. Since I plan to live in an apartment type dwelling I think this decorating suggestion may work, not sure in which room but I am considering the option. Now, art wall is a tricky thing to incorporate in a home and if not done correctly it can be an eye sore for sure. Hanging photos of your family along a hallway, in my opinion, does not constitute an art wall. A true art wall is a group of odd size and shape black and white and/or some tasteful color photos stratigically grouped together to create, well, a work of art 🙂 So, for this piece I have included photos of some of my favorite art walls in hopes I will find a way to dupplicate or even create my own style from it. Tell me what you think?

spring 2011 youthful fashion ok for the woman over 40

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Finally! this year I have to say I am pleased with the Spring fashion trends, especially ones that a woman over 40 can actually consider wearing without wondering if she is within the  “age appropriate” guidelines. Now, it may look like I keep tooting Badgley Mischka’s horn, but that is really not the case.  I simply like showing off fashion trends, one designer at a time because it keeps me organized and I think it helps my readers  stay focused as well. Now the catalog I have attached here details all of the BM trends, but the photos I have below are my favorites and also suggestions for the woman over 40 to consider. Keep your eyes open, these items will soon appear in your favorite department stores or BM boutique stores.  

healthy eating – beef stew with red wine and dried plums

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For some  reason I love beef stew, I suppose because it is the American version of Boeuf Bourguignon, which happens to be one of  my favorite French dishes (yes I said French again).  The wonderful thing about beef stew is that you can actually make it a day in advance and in a large quantity for a fun meal, for the entire family or while entertaining friends during the winter months. Now, although I enjoy traditional beef stew with potatoes and carrots, on occasion I am always looking for “out of the norm” recipes to make the meal exciting and yet weight watcher friendly and thankfully I was able to do just that with the beef stew recipe that I found here. It has no potatoes or carrots, instead it’s made with dried plums and celery celeriac. I actually made this version minus the vanilla bean and it was pretty good and I didn’t feel guilty about watching what I ate.  I paired it with a  *robust Cabernet and sliced, *rustic French (yes I said …

decor – all things powder blue

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I wish there was a way we could redecorate our homes with every season because I just can’t seem to get enough of the variations in decorating styles for a home makeover. One choice of color I have always loved and consider the most peaceful is the color powder blue, however incorporating the color throughout an entire house is a bit much in my opinion. For me it would probably be a bedroom or a bathroom and maybe the kitchen in the photograph below. Wow. Anyway, check out the pictures below and let me know what you think or if you have considered the color powder blue in your decor, how did it turn out?