Month: September 2017

Healthy and Beauty – Skin Serum

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I have been doing a lot of research lately for the best serum to apply to my skin – in hopes I can preserve the outer layer of my being, just as much as I am doing everything to take care of mind and body. Here’s what I’ve tried so far, and because I am the only person staring at myself in the mirror every day, I cannot for the life of me determine if what I’ve been using so far has worked. For all I know, it’s been doing what it is supposed to because thankfully I’m always told I don’t look my age (whatever that means 🙂 Anyway, here’s what I’ve tried so far for years:  Lancombe, Clinique, Oil of Olay   Here’s what I am contemplating giving a try since from what I have been told and read by facial experts, switching up care products is always a good idea since our skin type changes over time:     I would love to hear your take on any of the serums’s mentioned …

Friday Fun Finds And Winding Down For The Week

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By Friday I feel a little spent – mostly mentally. Because I am a good sounding board for my family and friends. And although they feel good at the end of our conversation, I end up feeling the worst possible. Perhaps I bear all of their burdens upon my shoulders. Bad way to be. I need to learn to just let go or not worry past the conversation. Anyway, that is the plan, to work on my not getting all too caught up in other people’s problems. Until then, I find my mind drifting to other topics just so to keep a balance:  I am often amazed at how some people can aim, click and take a really cool photo of themselves and post it right before my eyes and when I take a peek at their smart phone screen, I see nothing but beautiful. So for that, here’s a list of suggestions to take better or in my case a descent selfie. Love this article about an entrepreneur who is changing the way we …

Fashion: Fall 2017 Topshop Picks

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While in London in March, on my way to the theater to see a show – if you must know – An American In Paris on stage. Which was amazing by the way. I stumbled upon an actual brick and mortar of the boutique store – Topshop. Which for us in the states is only available to buy online. Well, let me clarify – until I noticed a few pieces on display at Nordstrom a couple of months ago. Anyway, the great thing about seeing merchandise in a store in person is that you can actually feel the fabric, and get a good look at stitching and make of the product. Even the colors are more realistic in a store. But I get it, in today’s world most things are purchased online. So, either way, online or some of the items appreciated in Nordstrom, here’s my list of picks:  

Health: Flatter Stomach Debate

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Let’s face it. Losing weight around the belly is the most difficult for anyone whose body doesn’t metabolize through good genes (a.k.a naturally skinny folk) The sad thing is – most everything we eat can cause bloating, swelling and all things that strip our changes to a flatter stomach.  The foods that come to mind quickly are beans, broccoli, sprouts, and even tomatoes and carrots. So even though this list has nine foods to avoid if you want to achieve the flatter stomach – there is much more to the science of eating the right way to achieve a healthier stomach-> which could appear flatter. Such as probiotic and well-managed portions. Nevertheless, here’s the list of things to avoid.  I’d love to hear your take. Have you tried the suggestions and if so did you see any results? {featured photo source}

Lifestyle: What Makes You Instantly Attractive

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Based on a list in Town & Country mag, what makes you instantly attractive is everything cosmetic, and based on my own observations on the street, in restaurants, department stores, and even buying a car. The more you look your best, the better the service you get. One day I decided to look my worst. Meaning to say, not paid too much attention to how I was dressed in an ill-fitting pair of jeans, an old T-shirt, and tennis shoes. My hair was collected up in a bun, and I wore my glasses instead of my contacts. That day, I walked into various high-end department stores, and not a single person took me seriously, nor approached me. Getting the attention of the waiter during lunch was also difficult. A week later, I dressed the part. A Pencil skirt, and top in black, and high heels in nude. full make up, hair done up and I went to the same stores. And I was not only welcomed in, but quickly offered personal attention to my shopping …

Boutique Hotel Picks – Most Beautiful National Parks – U.S.A.

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I think Autumn is a great time to take a weekend or a few more days off from your day-to-day and just escape to any number of these beautiful ’boutique’ national park lodgings throughout the US.  I am excited that San Francisco’s Cavallo Point Lodge made it to that list:

Food: Dinner Tonight – Pumpkin Beer Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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Yes, even with the 80 plus degree weather in the city, I am craving soup. The only benefit is that I will eat it after sundown – when the temperatures begin to cool down to Autumn  weather mid 50’s. Which is pretty crispy-chilly where I am by the coast. So this morning while commuting to work, I craved something made with pumpkin. Then after having a slice of Tillamoo’s single servicing cheddar cheese for a mid-morning snack with sliced granny apples, I realized I wanted soup from my go-to recipe site: Ingredients 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons butter 1 small sweet onion, diced 1 carrot, diced 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 cups whole milk 2 cups low sodium veggie or chicken broth 1 12 ounce pumpkin beer 3-4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for serving 2 bay leaves 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, or more to taste 1 large pinch kosher salt and pepper 4 cups broccoli florets 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, plus more for serving

Travel: Well-Traveled Citizens

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Good morning everyone! Hope your week is going well. Here in San Francisco we are in full-swing with the beautiful and HOT Indian-summer days. When we can finally wear our summer clothes or pretend we even own any here. Although this morning I did see a lot of people on the train wearing heavy coats, ankle boots and even gloves. And apparently today is going to reach the high 80’s. Anyway, Yes I am still talking about travel even in late September. I think I live and breathe the subject and will probably be talking talk about it all year long. Because as you know or may not, there is beauty to every season,  and if you happen to be an avid traveler like myself, the subject will always remain interesting. Here’s one I found this morning on Condé Nast Traveler, I felt the need to share:  About citizens of various countries who are considered well-traveled. These are facts based on the number of days and various other time off the locals get to do their …

Food: Apple Cider French Crullers

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Yes I am on a French kick today for sure.  This morning I was craving something sweet, and as always the internet knows exactly what I am thinking because there is this recipe I found which will certainly satisfy the sweet cravings: Ingredients 1 cup apple cider 1 stick butter 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 cinnamon stick 1 cup all purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 3-4 eggs Chai Glaze 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ginger 1/4 teaspoon all-spice 1/4 teaspoon cardamom 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract