Year: 2013

happy blog anniversary from wordpress.com

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Over the weekend, WordPress.com sent me a happy blog anniversary note, which was nice and I do appreciate it very much, since I’ve started this blog three years ago, but for some reason, this year has been the most challenging, in terms of blogging. Just to give you a bit of background. Most blogging sites offer you an option to track your visitors and determine which topics work and what really doesn’t. Year one, I was fine with the wealth of information and blogged accordingly. Year two my blog sky rocketed and I was completely and utterly pleased to know I was on the right track. January of this year, all of a sudden, the wealth of information provided from, what appears to be, all blog hosting sites, instantly diminished and have become inaccurate, disheartening and even discouraging. I am now unable to tell the accurate number of followers, interested in topics and much more. When I reached out to WordPress, they expressed it was something google had changed and not to pay too much …

interior design: dutch oil painting inspired checkered floors

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When I was a child, maybe six or seven, I received a tin can full of wrapped candy in cellophane. Instead of being excited about the contents of the box, I was more impressed with the art work on the four sides of the box.  As a child I had no idea what it was but stared at the art work for years on end, impressed by the beauty of it. It was a dark room, with checkered floors and the only light was from a small window, reflecting against it. When my family was migrating to the states, I asked to take the box with me. I cherished it and it was the only reminder of my wonderful childhood. Since then, I’ve been to museums throughout Europe and have learned enough about art in school, to know that particular painting etched unto the four sides of the  box was  inspired by Baroque Dutch Oil Paintings. I was in love with the flooring then and I have remained that way since. Because of my fascination …

finding time to yourself: a must for every woman

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Occasionally and as expected, women feel overwhelmed by all the things they need to accomplish or take care of on a daily basis and based on that fact, tend to be considered moody or emotional. I suppose the opposite sex will never understand.  But to cope with a hectic schedule or a lifestyle without losing it, every woman needs to take a few hours, even if just one day a week and pamper herself.  Not only does it feel good to do it, but it is almost a requirement.  When I get “emotional or moody” I stop whatever it is I am doing and plan out how to recharge, regroup or revive and here’s what I do: Walk in my favorite neighborhood on Sunday morning by myself here Pamper myself with a facial and a body massage from here Go to brunch with my mother here, here or here Watch old classic films, curled up on my bed on a Saturday night from here Create something with my hands here, here, or here Go to …

healthy recipes: skinny red velvet cupcakes

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My weakness for sure, red velvet cupcakes. I can eat them by the dozen and make them everyday meal replacement if I had it my way. But, since I have to watch my weight and eat right, blah blah blah, 🙂  I decided it was time to search for a ‘skinny’ version of this wonderful dessert. I found the recipe here: Skinny Red Velvet Cupcakes Gina’s Weight Watcher Recipes Servings: 26 • Serving Size: 1 cupcake • Calories: 141 • Points: 3 pts • Points+: 4 pts 1 1/2 cups cake flour 1 cup white whole wheat flour 1 cup sugar 1 tbsp unsweetened dutch-process cocoa 1 tsp salt 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp white vinegar 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce 1/4 cup butter, softened 1 egg 2 egg whites 2 tsp vanilla 1 1/3 cup light buttermilk 1 tbsp red food coloring Preheat oven to 350. Line cupcake tins with liners. In a large mixing bowl, stir together flours, salt, cocoa, and baking powder. In another large bowl beat sugar, applesauce and butter. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl mix baking soda and vinegar. Add half of the dry ingredients …

boutique hotel pick – grand hotel quisisana – capri, italy

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While travelling through Italy, I always make a point to take a ferry to the island of Capri. In my opinion, one of the most beautiful exotic destinations on this planet.  The charm and elegance of the island is a simple reminder of classic Hollywood. Don’t ask why, but the moment I step foot off the ferry, I feel as though I am back in the 1950s. To celebrate my love and appreciation of this amazing romantic destination, I have included one of my favorite hotels – Grand Hotel Quisisana :  Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend.  

designer sandals for the woman over 40 – summer 2013

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There are so many sandals to consider while putting an outfit together, especially this Summer season. There is a color and pattern for every style and some, although gorgeous are not designed for the practical woman over 40. I tend to stay fashionable each season, by choosing pieces which work with body type and age. Here are some of my favorites:

healthy snack: vacation inspired granola bar recipe

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First day back from any vacation is always the hardest, especially from a relaxing one. (Meaning mostly spent by the poolside or under an umbrella at the beach, sipping cool drinks). The funny thing was, while I wondered what to post on my blog at the start the week after a vacation, I came across the perfect recipe to make the transition and bring a little of the island back with me. Tropical Chewy Granola Bars Makes 12-16 bars Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. chia seeds + 6 Tbsp. water 2 cups / 200g rolled oats (certified gluten-free if possible) ½ cup / 150g raw buckwheat groats 1 cup / 50g coconut flakes ¾ cup / 100g macadamia nuts, chopped 60g / 2 oz. dried banana, chopped (or Medjool dates) 60g / 2 oz. dried mango, chopped ¼ cup / 60ml coconut oil 1/3 cup / 80ml honey (or maple syrup) 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 1 tsp. extract) 2 very ripe bananas ½ tsp. coarse sea salt Directions: 1. In a small bowl, combine chia …