Year: 2014

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 …

a quick stop in solvang, california

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On my way to Santa Barbara, I stopped off in Solvang for some good old-fashioned Dutch waffles breakfast, temporarily thinking I was in Europe. It was a perfect few hours, strolling through the quant town, almost Disney-like for all tourists, listening to conversations in German, Dutch and French among locals and tourists. Of course I stocked up on pastry, admitting to my followers shamelessly of course.        

summer time make up suggestions borrowed

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I am not a make up expert nor do I claim any one brand over the other being the best. I’ve used the same brand for decades and since they evolve with time/or simply repackage, I stick with what I know best and that is them – the colors always subtle, the foundation perfect and the touch almost natural. So, I seldom try new things for fear of looking pasty or scary or too Kardashian-like since I come from the same makeup 🙂 overly covered up, often camera ready. But…I found some information from an expert and feel it necessary to share with my readers, running to the store over the weekend to invest in the regiment, suggested for use during the summer months.  (FOR FULL CREDIT ON THE ARTICLE, PLEASE CLICK HERE) The Five Step Summer Makeover 1. Instead of using foundation which is not always needed for the summer months, Giorgio Armani luminescence CC cream gives a light coverage and subtle glow with the added benefit of SPF 35.  Apply all over the …

indulge: white truffle french fries

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There is nothing wrong with eating ‘junk food’ and it all depends on your personal interpretation I suppose when doing it (giggle). My weakness is french fries and I do stay away from it as often as possible unless of course I see a load of white truffle french fries, then it’s fair game and I’m stuffing my face bite after bite, very seldom regretting it: Here’s one I love. White Truffle Oil French Fries Ingredients: 2 pounds russet potatoes 1 ounce white truffle oil 2 ounces grated Parmesan reggiano 1 ounce shaved Parmesan reggiano (use a peeler or large-sided grater) 3 quarts peanut or soybean oil Pinch sea salt & pepper Directions: Rinse the potatoes and then cut them into sticks by cutting the potato in 4 or 5 vertical pieces, and then cut each piece into sticks. Place them in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Allow them to soak, 2 hours. Drain water and lay potatoes on baking sheets and blot with paper towels. Heat the oil in a heavy bottom-handled …

stroll along the neighborhoods in san francisco

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I love the city, but hate the cold summer days near ocean beach. So, I decided on sunday to ditch the car and go for a walk. A long walk across town from SeaCliff to  inland, aiming to get to Fillmore street in time for lunch. I had originally planned to walk to the Golden Gate Bridge, but the cold and windy weather discouraged that idea. Of course all of this had to happen before the US-Portugal soccer game at 3pst. Along the way, I took photos as usual, of things I felt stood out, captivating me someway or another. Of course I had to censor the addresses 🙂

what’s going on this week

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It’s crazy how busy I’ve been this week, like most of you I am sure. The way I handle my busy schedule so not to stress is, detailing on a board all that I need to do both long-term and short, so I can cross off what’s completed from the list, making myself feel better in the meantime that  I’ve accomplished my tasks as planned. This coming week is no different and so here’s a list of some of the things I have planned: