Year: 2017

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

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

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

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  

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 …