Month: August 2014

a ghastly story: the phantom of the opera

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I love reading about the story behind the story. I do it for all films and write  about it of course here. So, it’s no wonder that I stumbled upon this story and had to share it. I think I became a fan of The Phantom of the Opera when I saw the performance on stage in San Francisco circa in the 90s. But what solidified my admiration of the musical was seeing it with Gerard Butler years later.  At least I admit it :).  The interesting part about it is that I’ve gone to Paris at least once a year, if not twice for decades, and never once considered setting foot inside the Garnier Opera House. I’ve made a trip to the area, and stood across the street from the monumental building admiring it from the outside, always feeling too eery to go inside. Then of course I found this story, reading it at some ungodly hour of the morning – to be exact at 3:00 a.m. when I couldn’t stay asleep anymore, my …

something’s going on

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Every year around this time – always nearing September – I feel a little uninspired, and overly emotional. I think it’s the impending season change. I rectified this problem  in recent years with a two-week trip to Europe  – the first part of September. Which helped in the transition of changing seasons and all. This year however, I won’t be doing that. Instead I am going to stay local, and take a very short trip down to Los Angeles to unwind and reflect – planning how 2015 would pan out. Yes, one may believe it’s too early but not for me. I have way too much to do next year, and need to plan. In the meantime, I try to stay a little distracted, by writing, working on my third novel, and by finding photos online to help me escape. This photo, although not my decor style, for some reason put a smile on my face. Perhaps because it reminded me of my aunt’s house in South of France – whimsical, light, airy and very …

decor: bedroom escapes

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Lately, I’ve been spending so much of my time working on my third novel. I normally prefer to sit in bed and type away until I can’t feel my legs anymore and need to get up. For that I am considering a bedroom makeover – since half the battle of being inspired to write, is being in the right place.    

healthy recipe: french lentil kale soup

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I found this recipe mostly by accident. I was researching online for info on organizing a local expo and strangely enough this recipe popped up. So I clicked on it for a number of reasons. French->Lentil->Kale-> Three of my favorite things. I tagged it and saved it, slowly getting ready for soups I plan to make this coming Fall/Winter (which technically is our summer here in San Francisco) but, just in case we experience a real winter this year, dipping down below 50degrees F, I will turn to soups, paired with toasted tortilla pieces for some substance. Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 yellow onion, chopped 2 small carrots, diced 2 celery sticks, diced 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon ground cumin 32 ounces vegetable stock 5 kale leaves, washed 1 1/2 cups precooked French lentils Salt and pepper Method: Heat the oil in a large saucepan. When the oil is hot, add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic. Saute on medium-low heat until the onion is translucent. …

boutique hotel pick – shutters on the beach – santa monica, california

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I just realized, I share with all of you boutique hotel picks everywhere but my home state  – California. Well, in light of the fact I will be down in Los Angeles very shortly, to spend an entire week of promoting my books and research for my next book :), I decided to include one of my favorite spots to stay while in the Santa Monica area. In fact, you might just run into to me if you are in Los Angeles – details to follow shortly. In the meantime, Shutters is a uniquely fun property to stay. A place some may consider overpriced, but it is definitely worth every penny.  There are also some amazing deals on every travel site possible for the property, and also some on the hotel’s own website here, so consider the hotel for sure – especially for a romantic weekend getaway and who knows, you may very well run into some celebrity while you are there.  I also love the fact 3rd street is walking distance as well as the …

french films – and why i love them

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I wrote a piece about French films here and it was one of the most viewed entries I’ve had in the history of my movie blog. I had no idea so many people are interested in French films, or perhaps I am a little out of touch. But I have to say I do watch French films, almost nightly, appreciating them in a ‘French’ sort of way :). Here’s one I recommend for those unfamiliar with French films – Mood Indigo. Although corky, the film is truly wonderful, amazing cinematography, great actors and everything French just as I like it. Read this article also, if you want to explore more films. Then let me know what you think.