Year: 2012

modern mother’s day gift idea 2012: accessorizing the watch wrist

I have to admit I’ve worn several bracelet on my watch wrist, oh probably for over twenty years (even before it was fashionable) and I will continue to wear them for the rest of my life (even when or if they go out of fashion). I really honestly can’t see my watch wrist with just a watch, so I figured any modern mother would appreciate accessorizing their watch wrist as much as I do. So, gentlemen, sons and daughters please take note for what I am about to suggest from my favorite department store:

boutique hotel pick – tharroe of mykonos, greece

Right about now, exactly right now, I am seeing myself in a far away place, where I could nap alongside the pool, or sit on a lounge chair on the balcony of my suite and watch the world go by and just maybe make an effort to leave the hotel just to experience the nightlife on the island of Mykonos, Greece. To make this happen, I have to include one of my favorite hotels on Mykonos – Tharroe Of Mykonos, to set the stage for one of the most relaxing holidays/vacations imaginable.  BTW this would make a wonderful Mother’s Day gift:  

fashion: inspiring necklines

While choosing a gown, dress or even a simple top, one important part I take into consideration is the neckline. If the neckline isn’t right for my body type, I forgo the entire piece no matter how beautiful. Believe it or not choosing the wrong neckline will only become the focal point of a fashion disaster, unless of course you are Lady Gaga or Madonna or Rihanna or {fill in the music artist}. You get my point. With that said, I have included some inspiring necklines. Which is your favorite?

healthy maybe recipe: lemon almond coconut ice cream sandwich

I normally don’t indulge in ice cream and only eat gelato in Italy, so when I came across an ice cream sandwich here with lemon, almonds and coconut, I figured it would be as healthy eating as I wanted it to be. A girl should be able to cheat once in a while on a diet plan. Anyway, I figured since I don’t have the patience to make my own coconut ice cream, I can find some at the grocery store, but the cookie part, I have no problem making.  Check it out: coconut ice cream 1 can coconut milk, preferably full fat 3 tablespoons maple syrup 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract pinch of salt In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Process according to your ice cream maker manufacture’s instructions. Place in a freezer safe container and allow to freeze for at least 3-4 hours before assembling the sandwich cookies. lemon almond cookies 2 1/2 cups almond flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 …

healthy recipe: herbed ricotta tart

I’ve never been a fan of ricotta cheese, but since my diet, I experienced it while indulging in lasagna with ricotta cheese. It wasn’t that bad.  So to keep the diet going, while I ween myself off of Nutrisystem, I am looking for ways to incorporate ricotta cheese into my favorite eats. Hence the herbed ricotta tart which, once again, I found on my favorite site here. Check it out and let me know what you think? Oh and if you happen to be on a diet like myself, consider a smaller portion with 3/4 plate full of veggies. (see photo below) half-pound (250g) spring onions (See headnote) 1 tablespoon butter 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, plus more for sprinkling over the finished tart 8 ounces (285g) fresh goat cheese or fresh ricotta 1 large egg 1/2 cup (125ml) crème fraîche or heavy cream 1/2 cup (125ml) whole milk 2 ounces (55g) spicy Spanish-style chorizo sausage, finely diced salt and freshly-ground pepper one pre-baked 9-inch (22cm) tart shell (see Note) 1. Slice the spring onions into 1/2-inch (2cm) …

shifting gears to travel

By the beginning of April I am planning my next trip to (mostly) Europe. However, as we know it, the wedding got in the way 😉  But after taking a few days to recover I am now  mentally prepared to plan a trip. The problem is there are too many places I want to visit this year and not enough time to accomplish my goal, so while I click my way through the internet for ideas, I can’t help but include some of my favorite staircases around Europe from here to inspire me to make a choice:  

time to reflect while i descend from cloud 9

For the past four months, I have done nothing but run around while I organize “the wedding” and although it’s been a few days (mostly 3) since the occasion, I find myself periodically reflecting on the most beautiful event I have experienced in my lifetime. I honestly believe we were all on cloud 9 (as I smile from ear to ear). The most I want to remember is, the bride and groom’s humble smiles and blushed cheeks, the family and  friends who made an effort to be there, the laughter and sincere gestures of all the guests, and finally the most amazing Springtime weather San Francisco had to offer. Thank you everyone…

wedding day countdown

Tic toc, tic toc is the best I could jot down to express the number of hours and day remaining to the wedding of the century (at least from where I am sitting:) ).  And of course I don’t need to tell anyone, weddings are probably the most stressful thing to experience (I am still trying to figure out why that is) While we plow through the to-do list, I can’t help but go over the details in my head over and over and over again just to make sure we don’t forget anything. Being a wedding planner is a b**** (oops did I say that out loud). Anyway, through photos, I can give a glimps of what goes through my head, even while I am writing this blog entry.