Month: July 2014

fashion: mid-summer shopping

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I don’t usually go shopping in the summer months, but the way the weather has been in the city, of course I’m drawn indoors, unwillingly walking through the mall just to be out. Of course, Nordstrom is having their half-yearly sale I discovered, making my roaming the malls very pleasant. Here’s my latest finds: From top left to bottom right: Kate Spade dress USD595, Maggie London Jersey dress USD98, Deborah Lippman nail color USD18, Print midi-shirt in mint USD36, Roalnd ankle bottie USD187, Xenia pointy-toe pump USD79. Burberry quilted jacket USD595

useful travel tips

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I’ve got the bug again to go somewhere, although not sure yet where. I’ve tossed around the idea of Europe, then considered places where I intend to use for my next novel, taking in between, my much-debate about the location, weekend getaways to here and there. Interestingly enough, I came across this article and figured I needed to share the suggestions with everyone, some I consider brilliant naturally and from the list of 40 tips, I chose my top favorite five. For more of the article please click here: {I take no credit for the article or the photographs, for that click here} {feature image source}

boutique hotel pick – casadiva resort and spa – lake como, italy

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A unique hotel is always fun in my opinion, with old world decor and charm, a wonderful escape from the modern amenities of today. Casadiva is a really amazing property – perched along the edge of lake Como, accessible by local bus, car and water taxi. A great location to escape to when looking for peace and quiet and amazing views of mountains and lake. Of course hoping to get a glimpse of George Clooney somehow somewhere is also a plus. The other bit of news about this property, it’s mentioned in my novel – Piazza Navona – a significant part of the story takes place there and one I have no doubt you would appreciate.

best advise from my mother

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My mother is by far the most influential person in my life,I know this more and more everyday as I grow and become wiser in all I try to do. Although sometimes my head is still in the clouds and my focus seen through rainbow-colored glasses. Always reaching for what others may perceive as impossible or unobtainable. On occasion, I still need my mother, running to her as if I were still ten, needing her to comfort me, grounding me, putting at ease all my worries and insecurities. She’s an amazing woman, my rock, my angel, her words ringing in my ears, always:  

photography: shades of blue in san francisco

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A month or so ago, as I went for my usual walk near SeaCliff (hint hint) I noticed there was a calming blueness to the scenery, the light effects from the sun playing tricks to my eyes. I have to say I was mesmerized, snapping over fifty photos to capture the beauty of it all, with some to share here:   {photographs are the property of rawsilkandsaffron and cannot be borrowed without prior consent}

a weekend in santa barbara – bacara resort and spa

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Although I am a week late in posting this, mostly sidetracked by all the World Cup games, I still think it’s fine to share. I spend a weekend in Santa Barbara, driving down from San Francisco on a Friday morning and returning early Monday morning. A four-hour drive at best, without traffic and almost five with, taking Highway 101South to get there. We arrived at our hotel Friday at noon and were checked in right away, which was pleasant. I decided to treat myself since it was my birthday and stayed at the Bacara Resort and Spa – a luxury property in Goleta about twenty minutes from downtown Santa Barbara. The beauty of this property is that you actually feel like you’ve escaped the norm, secluded at the farthest point of a dead-end road. Access to the property is via valet parking only, and the guests, destined to spend a weekend pampering themselves. The minute I swiped the card-key and opened the door to our suite, I felt at peace, smiling right away knowing I have …

post u.s.a. – belgium world cup game – belgian waffles

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  I was on the fence with US-Belgium  game. I figured it was wonderful the U.S. made it thus far, but I knew deep down, it wasn’t our time yet to go all the way. I say give it a decade or maybe soccer or football isn’t really our thing and we should stick to American football. Either way, we played, not so well,  but now it’s time for the team to come home.  So, since I am not a sore loser, much luck to Belgium against Argentina in a few days and to go with that thought process, I have included a healthy version of Belgian waffles.  Ingredients 2 cups buckwheat flour (all-purpose or whole wheat flour will work) 4 tsp baking powder 1 tbsp. coconut sugar (granulated sugar will work 1/4 tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon 2 large eggs, separated 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted (other oils will work) 1-3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (any milk will work) 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract Instructions Prepare waffle iron with natural cooking spray and turn it …