Month: October 2017

Travel: October Onward

Believe it or not this is the best time to travel – past the summer craziness. Airfares are reasonable, destinations are less crowded, and the cooling air make it a pleasant stay even the hottest of locations. So I am going to share the interesting of finds online regarding travel. Maybe I’ll slow down or stop in November 🙂

Lifestyle: Distractions Are Always A Good Idea…

Distractions are always a good idea during trying times to help get you through the fears and the stress. I am not saying to ignore what is going on around the world, or in your own hometown, but please try not to dwell. Dwelling intensifies the fear factor which then turns into an obsession and combined together; can paralyze you sometimes to the point that you are too worried about – well, just about everything, and suddenly you forget how to live in harmony. How I cope is by shutting off social media, and tuning in to Pandora. Next I meditate for twenty minutes at the least, to find clarity. Then I make time to watch the sunset, and take pictures. Afterwards, I read an actual paperback – a novel I picked up in the UK or France, or I draw/doodle. This time to myself is priceless, because it helps me become less angry, more rational and even allow me to see the best of the world and the people in it.

Fashion: Coats and Jackets Fall-Winter 2017

This morning I walked out of the house, dressed for the 70 degree temps expected today, but found myself shivering at the train stop in the early morning chill. Then the train ride was freezing as well, not sure if the driver got the memo about the chilliness outside, but she kept the train at a very cooold 20 degrees it felt like. So, coats came to mind, and the idea of shifting my clothes in my closet to bring forward the sweaters, and boots and so on.  With that said, here’s my favorite coat and Jacket picks for this season:

Food: Brussel Sprouts, Mushroom, Sage Pizza

Over the weekend I walked into Rise Pizza restaurant in Burlingame, California only because I was craving pizza. Although the decor was inviting, I noticed my favorite and normal all inclusive wasn’t offered on their menu. I was hesitant, until I realized while  making my way down the line that I could actually add a few toppings  and create my very own pizza. The place was rustic, inviting and the staff very friendly. Which made my first-experience less stressful when they worked with me in creating  the perfect artisan pizza with the most freshest of ingredients and the tastiest crust. I was in pizza-heaven. In light of my experience, I decided to search for a pizza to make at home and here’s one that stood out for me this time around: Ingredients 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 8 fresh sage leaves 1 pound mixed wild mushrooms or cremini mushrooms, sliced kosher salt and pepper 2 tablespoons butter 1 clove garlic, minced or grated 1/2 cup fresh herbs, roughly chopped (I like basil and thyme) 1 pound brussels sprouts, shredded 1/2 pound pizza dough, homemade or store-bought 2 tablespoons apple butter 1 pinch crushed red …

Healthy and Beauty: Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Recently, or as I see myself aging, I search for ways to stop or slow down the process. First consideration is always trying to maintain as peaceful a life as possible, with minimal stress and maximum time to breathe in and out, and a good night sleep. In addition to the simple steps that my grandparents had in the past practiced, even through the toughest of times, I discovered the benefits of apple cider vinegar. The reason I am acting like I discovered it – is because I was in a store once, and while in the health food section, noticed a bottle of the ‘potion’ if you will and quickly googled it. Sure enough, there were a few details about all the benefits one can achieve by using or consuming ACV. At first I couldn’t imagine drinking anything labeled vinegar, but after the first few sips, I got used to it. The claim, if you search online is that: So, I’ve been drinking ACV for a few days now and in 30 I’ll have …

Travel: Emerging Destinations

When I was a travel agent, and probably still am, with all the topics I share here, I am always searching for something exciting and new in terms of travel. And I believe we don’t have enough days in our lifetime to do all the traveling to the wonderful places on this planet of ours – which we need to respect and handle with care. Today’s topic:  Conde Nast Traveller has listed 14 emerging destinations which from the looks of things – can also be considered exotic destinations: {featured image: Chennai and Pondicherry, India}

Lifestyle: Humor Circa 1955

I’ve been binge-watching the Dick Van Dyke show on Netflix – aiming to see all 5 seasons before the holiday months are upon us.  Now, if you don’t know anything about Dick Van Dyke or the show. It’s about a married couple, in this case Rob played by Dick Van Dyke and his wife Laura, (Mary Tyler Moore), as always going through struggles or just day-to-day stuff – like any other show, but this one is set in the late 50’s to early 60’s. At times I laugh so hard, and at times I smirk at the things the men in the show say to the women   – although efforts to be sensitive to the gender’s feelings are expressed throughout, the comments are still made.  Nevertheless, those were the times, and I  laugh, taking everything said and done with a grain of salt. I’m not one to freak out over every word that comes out of every person’s mouth on any given day nor take offense on a level that I need to blast …

Decor: Picking The Right Exterior Design For Your Home

We’ve been procrastinating on the idea of replacing our roof and with that of course refreshing the paint or the look of the exterior. Although the wait list for a roof replacement is a mile or two long and the cost – very out of to control in comparison to other places around the country, it needs to be done. We know we are getting ripped off, but what can you do. The price one has to pay for living in such an expensive city. Anyway, while we wait out our turn – it looks like early March or late March – who knows anymore, I am already doing research on the rest of the exterior decor with minor design updates. Here’s my favorites so far: And here’s the rest of my favorites from Home Designing 🙂 just because I love modern architecture and design:

Travel: Ireland In All Its Glory

A friend of mine just came back from Ireland, and based on all the photos she posted through the usual means – Instagram, Facebook, I couldn’t help myself but hit like on her posts. So in honor of my friend and her husband taking their first trip together abroad and enjoying every bit of it, I share with you an article on my favorite Conde Nast Traveller magazine about the most beautiful places in this fair country of Ireland to jump kick your Monday or to heighten your wanderlust: And by the way, if you can’t take a trip just now, then consider seeing Leap Year available on Netflix right now to get you by. Have a good Monday everyone.