Month: October 2017

Dessert: Apples, Cognac, and Cardamon in cake that is

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Here’s a pick me upper I think I am going to bake for tonight bypassing dinner all together. I think I owe it to myself to indulge a little. And if you are feeling the same way I do, then by all means…. INGREDIENTS 1 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 2 large eggs, at room temperature 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3 tablespoons cognac (Calvados, rum, or bourbon work well too) 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/3 cup buttermilk, at room temperature 3 medium Honeycrisp apples 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the pan 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar confectioners sugar, for dusting

RS&S Topic of Interest: Friday The 13th Explained

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I am not superstitious much – but I do have to bring to attention that today is Friday the 13th – and although the day and date has not much meaning to me, it does to some folks. So I decided to find out what the hype is all about. Check out what I discovered: According to the Brits, the Mirror reports: National Geographic explains the history behind the superstition: The Irish have their take on the matter: And then there is a list of 13 blizzare historical events according to ABC7 News

Lifestyle: How To’s

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Today’s list of how-to’s are for those of us – sometimes in need of a reminder or a new outlook on doing the same old thing. For example: How to CULL your wardrobe. Since I’ve taken this week off from work to do my bit of ‘AUTUMN’ cleaning – I am having trouble deciding what goes and stays in my closet. These suggestions from Chronicles of Her are pretty cool to keep in mind, to strip your closet of all things cluttering it. Here’s what they say: “Things that are out of sight, out of mind and not missed over the next few weeks are begging to be sold, swapped or donated to charity.” ASK YOURSELF: “Does it suit my current style? Is it flattering on me? If I saw someone wearing it, would I wonder where they got it? What are my reasons for keeping it?” (more) ♦ Best make up tips to learn, although the article states before you turn thirty – I think we can all learn a few things at any age.  Especially if you look at yourself …

Doing a Bit Of Thinking Lately

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I realize that there are more important concerns, or worries on everyone’s minds these days about everything that’s going on around the world, and/or in their own homes. And it would be insensitive of me not to say that I am fully aware and feeling just as down and helpless as the next person. I even contemplate  daily if I should simply stop the ‘all things beautiful’ outlook on this blog and open up a forum to allow folks to express their feelings and fears and just talk about whatever it is that’s bothering them so that perhaps together, we can figure out how to repair the damages we are causing to ourselves with every single headline we read on social media. Everyone is angry, everyone has something to bring to light – and I am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. But it is definitely a scary and worrisome thing that most topics today are stemming from anger rather than for the sake of making a positive change. …

Travel: Is Still A Good Idea

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This year I switch my travels abroad to March instead of the usual October trip I take every year, and believe me I regret that decision. But only because it is now October, and my brain is programmed for Europe. Now since most of my friends are smartly taking their holidays or vacations for a two-week trip to my favorite part of the world, I figured I’d share a few helpful things, just in case you are itching to take a trip.

Stay-cation in Full Gear and What’s On My Mind

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I decided to take two weeks off from work to simply do ‘Autumn’ cleaning, and a few minor projects around the house.  I realized when I woke up this morning, while unable to breathe from the smog blanketing over San Francisco, due to the Napa/Sonoma fires, that our country has had one of the most challenging years so far in the 21st century.  Whether it is because of natural disasters, or otherwise, there is a certain, it almost feels, an incurable chaos, and madness taking  shape at an accelerated pace. And no matter how hard I try to avoid expressing my concerns on RS&S; I can’t get past the fact: If we don’t make a collective effort to put the breaks on, we are going to be the producers of our own demise. {source}  

Sunday Morning Reads 100817

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I felt the chill of Autumn this morning – after leaving my window wide open overnight – since the 70 degree temps from the evening before. Something we experience here in San Francisco in October. Even though it was cold, it felt wonderful to breathe in the clean early morning air, and opening my eyes to the moon glistening over the Pacific. Soon enough with a cup of tea in hand, I came across these cool articles to share: Food: First breakfast or brunch idea – pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes: Decor: Old World Parisian Decor meets modern according to Dwell Online     Travel: 12 Museums in Paris not to miss especially when you plan a trip in late Fall And How Long A Vacation Should Be:   Lifestyle: If you long to work from home – here’s a list of companies that are hiring to do just that. Also the affects of anxiety and what it does to your body {featured image credit}

Food: Roasted Squash, Caramelized Figs and Feta Salad

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I normally don’t eat as much salad as I should once it’s Autumn and surely not at all once it’s Winter. But I will pass on this amazing recipe of the perfect Fall Salad I am going to surprise my family , paired with a wonderful bottle of wine of course 🙂  My choice Cabernet Sauvignon from the central coast, California Ingredients 1 kabocha or acorn squash, sliced 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup honey 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves kosher salt 16-20 fresh or dried figs, halved 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon orange zest black pepper 4 cups baby arugula 4 ounces feta cheese crumbles arils from 1 pomegranate