Year: 2013

healthy eating: lavendar granola

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I have to say I love granola, more so soaked in Almond Milk than over yogurt, although I’m not that picky. But the store bought version tends to have too much sugar, which is something I am trying to definitely cut down.  So, I was happy to find the recipe from here to try and also to share.  The only difference is, although, I love lavendar, I prefer not to incorporate it in my food, so I substituted the exotic flavor with a dash of cinnamon (my favorite) instead. Lavender Granola Ingredients: 2 cups Oats 1/4 cup Flax Seeds 3/4 Nuts of choice or mix them all! (A mix of almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds) 1 tsp Vanilla 4 Tbsp Honey 1 Tbsp Lavender Buds Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, bring all ingredients together and mix well. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden, dry and toasty. Let cool, then transfer to a mason jar to store. Serve over yogurt and top with fresh berries …

boutique hotel pick – baccara resort and spa – santa barbara california

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I woke up this morning with a sudden need to travel somewhere, even if only for the weekend. I guess it’s that time of the year again, when I get the travel bug and no matter what I shift my focus on, I remain distracted until I finally organize a holiday getaway of some sort. Baccara Resort and Spa is a place I’ve been to, twice. Once for a wedding and the other, just to run away. I had forgotten about the destination until I scanned my memory for quick get-away places from San Francisco and lucky for me, I remembered. The hotel is sprawled on the sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean, in the middle of California, very close to the town of Santa Barbara and offers some of the most prestiges   resort and spa amenities one would need to get their bearings back.   

fashion statement: romance and cocktail parties

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I love getting dressed up, even if only for one night out of a month and going on, what is known to any generation – a date night.  But what I love the most is surprising, my significant other with how I look. I insist on making a fashion statement, whether it be for romance or simply a cocktail party for two. So, here’s to fashion statements and date nights and here are my latest inspirations to duplicate: 1. Valentino Cotton and Silk-blend dress 1990USD 2. Thakoon Embroidered organza and printed cotton and silk blend 2150USD 3. J. Crew Printed silk and cotton blend dress 495USD 4. Donna Karan Belted draped stretch jersey dress 1495USD 5. Alice & Olivia Essie printed jacquard dress 597USD

healthy recipe: fajita burgers

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As I stated many times before I eat healthy and with that there are many sacrifices I have made in order to stay within the guidlines of eating well.  On occassion, however, I crave the fat, the cheesy, the breads and carbs and when I stumble upon a recipe which gives me the chance to indulge in a healthy way, I jump right on it. Here’s one recipe I absolutely love and have included in my monthly menu planning. Ingredients 1 pound 90%-lean ground beef 3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion 1/4 cup chopped scallions 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 tablespoon chili powder, preferably New Mexican 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, preferably Mexican 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon chopped chipotle chile in adobo, (see Ingredient Note) 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese 4 French rolls, preferably whole-wheat, split and toasted 2 roasted Anaheim or poblano peppers, (see Tip) 1 cup shredded green cabbage 4 slices tomato …

fashion sense: shoes for spring 2013

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The moment, there is a sense of Spring in the air, I feel the need to go shoe shopping (if that makes sense to anyone else) and what choices I have. Check out my favorites from here: 1. Dellman pump laci slingback kitten heel 250USD 2. Kate Spade Pointed toe pump licorice high heels 250USD 3. Kate Spade Pointed toe Paloma heels 348USD 4. Lillypulitzer Peep toe platform wedge 228USD 5. Michael Kors pointed top pumps avery high heels 145USD 6. Pourlavictoire peep toe ankle strap pumps ninette high heels 240USD 7. Tori Burch wedge selma heel 295USD

oscar 2013 – fashion for the woman over 40

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I have to say, women over 40, have come a long way. Not just in Hollywood, but also in the real world.  The funny thing is, that when I was in my 20s,  I dreaded being 40 and now that I have reached that point, I couldn’t be more proud.  Now my only wish is that I could look as good as Jane Fonda when I am in my 70s. With that said, check out some of my favorite looks at this year’s Oscars.

fashion: free people and the woman over 40

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There are fashion trends and wardrobe suggestions, which I, being a woman over 40, wish I could wear and while I second guess myself about whether the pieces are age appropriate, I do, on occasion, give into the temptation. I mean why not, if it looks good, wear it.  Here’s my latest loves from Free People and yes ladies, they are age appropriate:   FP High Rise Skinny,  Quilted Leather Jacket, Tristo Leather Tote,  Solitaire Heel, We The Free Ragtime Raglan-top

inspired by nostalgia

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Photographs are probably the most inspirational medium known to mankind to and often times a great way to reflect, reminisce and remind. With that said, occasionally, I find photographs online, which touch me to a point; I have to share them with anyone who understands where I am coming from.    Pictures do tell a thousand words and here are mine.     

healthy recipe: glazed beat and carrot salad

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Normally, on the weekends, I seldom crave wholesome foods. By that I mean, pastas, meats, potatoes, rice, even peanut butter and in all reality a good cup of coffee will do just fine, except when I come across an amazing salad from my favorite site here. Then I just can’t stop craving. GLAZED BEET + CARROT SALAD // Serves 4 1/2 Tbsp. butter 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 2 large yellow beets, roasted and peeled, cut into 1/2” wedges 3 carrots, halved, large halves quartered if needed sea salt + pepper 2 tsp. honey 3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar 2 Tbsp. tahini 1 Tbsp. orange or lemon juice 1/4 cup finely chopped flat leaf parsley, divided 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 12 cups mixed baby lettuces 1/3 cup cooked garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds, white or black or mixed In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter in the olive oil. Add the carrots and beets and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook over moderate heat, stirring …