Year: 2014

shoes – mostly flats for a san francisco gal

I had a busy weekend, mostly celebrating mothers days of course, so I didn’t get a chance to catch up on my weekly blog posts. No matter. I decided to focus on shoes this morning, while I commuted to work on a warm sunny day in the city. Since most of us in San Francisco try to walk everywhere possible – well mostly in the downtown area, we consider flats our choice of shoes. Although a while ago, I used to use flats to get to work and then change into high heels. But since then, the shoe industry ‘wisened up’ enough to realize, flats can also be a sexy alternative to any outfit, and definitely more practical. So, in light of that fact, I have chosen some of my favorites from here for a not-so-dressy work wear or in our city casual dress code attire.

happy mother’s day – a touching interview

MOther’s day  has a special meaning to all women who gave birth to a child. It is a day their children take the time from their busy schedules to honor them, remembering all that their mothers have done for them. I first saw this video a month ago, while searching for ways to interview via telecom. Watch and see for yourself how it unfolds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB3xM93rXbY

a strange week indeed – let’s move on

  The funny or maybe even interesting thing about life is, you never know how it will turn out. Sure, there are some things you can control day-to-day, month to month and even in a year, but most times, life throws you curveballs, I suppose to keep you on your toes.  That’s the kind of week I’ve had so far this week. Not at all complaining, just excusing why I haven’t kept up with my blog. So, today, I am hoping to catch up, get back on track and whatever it takes to minimize the surge in my stress level juggling too many of those curve balls.  Thanks for your patience.

eating healhty for breakfast or not

  Every morning with the except of Sundays I eat healthy. Oatmeal and a cup of black coffee. On Sundays however, I take great pleasure in making breakfast. Whether it’s pancakes, eggs and bacon or an egg sandwich or a frittata. I use healthy ingredients of course but also don’t mind if there are a few fatty ingredients either. This past Sunday I made pancakes with the recipe I found here the week before. I was excited and although I often do make pancakes with buckwheat instead of regular flour, I appreciated the recipe; adding of course a few of my favorite ingredients  instead. The Original Recipe 1 cup buckwheat flour 1 tbsp baking powder pinch of salt *** I never use salt in my cooking 1 cup milk *** I used almond milk instead 2 tbsp melted butter 2 tbsp maple syrup *** I used agave syrup instead 1/2 cup green onions, shredded blue cheese, cut in small pieces *** I used caseco Mexican cheese, not a fond of blue cheese bacon, fried olive …

boutique hotel pick – monastero santa rosa – amalfi coast, italy

I’ve always loved Italy and will make sure during my annual trips across the pond, to include at least one city here and there. This year, while I plan my trip, I have decided to include the Amalfi coast, feeling the need for some rest and relaxation. It’s been a busy year so far and planning such a getaway is much needed. Monastero Santa Rosa was a hotel that caught my attention while searching for boutique hotels I normally consider to be the best accommodations while travelling. And based on the website here and the photos here, I have to say, I am convinced that this is where I’ll spend a week, plotting my next novel.

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 …