Month: April 2014

fashion: spring to summer transition dresses

I’d like to think we have a proper summer here in San Francisco, when buying spring/summer dresses. And although the fog rolls in at the end of May/early June, downtown where I work,  is pretty sunny and warmer than the coastal neighborhoods. So, it’s fine that I shop for these dresses but I also know, having a warm sweater around is also a must. Here are my favorite picks for someone like me who is a little conservative in my fashion sense.

dessert: lemon and ricotta cheesecake

One of the disadvantages of eating way way way too healthy is avoiding desserts rich in sugar and calories, even butter, for sure processed flour and whatever other ingredients you can think of, not worth packing on the pounds. But in the midst of all the stress of eating right, a girl can’t help but crave dessert here and there. This recipe which I found here, I’d like to believe is border-line okay to eat, in moderation of course (well, in my case, just a spoonful or two) and it is delicious and if done correctly, a good choice to take to a party, where you’ve been asked to bring dessert – and even if you aren’t asked to bring anything. 🙂 Ingredients {you have to click here to get a step-by-step visual} 3 lbs ricotta, fresh or not 1 tablespoon butter, softened 1/4 cup grated or smashed cookie of choice, Jules Detrooper butter waffles are so good 1 teaspoon plus 1 1/2 cups sugar 6 large eggs 1 cup mascarpone 2 teaspoons vanilla extract …

happy easter from rawsilkandsaffron

Easter could very well have different meanings to different people, I accept that. But for me, it’s a time to celebrate, to embrace, to get a clear perspective on what my beliefs are. Easter is color, happiness, love, acceptance and every adjective that makes you feel happy.  It’s also the beginning of the best season in a year. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, bridal showers, weddings, baptisms, graduations and the height of the travel season. Here’s wishing to all who celebrate – Happy Easter.

easter egg decorating ideas 2014

I swear a second ago it was only Christmas and now, with a blink of an eye it’s almost Easter and aside from the religious aspect of the holiday, people take pride in coloring eggs.  And every year I tell myself that I would take the time to do just that. Color, decorate and do things over the top with a dozen eggs, tapping mostly into my artistic side.  Here are some ideas I am using to draw from. Can you guess which theme I picked for 2014? *The black and white ones will be the 2014 Easter egg color theme and since it’s an adult activity in my household, a bottle of bubbly also. {Click here for photo reference}

a new take on a BLT sandwich

I know I normally prefer adding healthy recipes on my blog to share, but on occasion its okay to cheat :). Also while I was in Scotland in March, most of the restaurants offered fried egg, bacon, and for sure arugula for breakfast. So, I have to say I was really over the moon when I saw this recipe reminding me a little of Scotland. There are a few changes I’ve made for myself anyway. I do not like sourdough, yes though I am a San Franciscan, I don’t care for the bread. Instead I used Fresh baked Italian olive bread from Trader Joe’s. I also don’t care for mayonnaise so I left that part out. I figured the runny egg, tomato, plus the arugula was enough to keep the sandwich moist. Sorry, I always add my own touch to every recipe I find online, no matter how great they seem. Although that is the case, I have included the original recipe below for your reference: Ingredients: Sriracha Mayonnaise: 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1 teaspoon sriracha …