Year: 2017

Travel: Emerging Destinations

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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

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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

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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

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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.

The Art of Crafting

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My favorite of all is actually Football season in October. Because while my household enjoys sitting around in the family room, watching game after game the entire day on Sunday, I cuddle with my dog on the bed, plug-in my music and begin drafting up my plans for crafting something for the holidays to giveaway right here on RS&S, and even for gift exchange at work and among friends. It is a tradition of mine to, in addition, to the typical generic gifts everyone dreams about getting, I sneak in a homemade something or another. Surprising the person getting the gift from me: Here are my favorite ideas for this year’s crafting projects from my favorite station store – Paper Source:

Travel And Other Topics

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I don’t know what possessed me to watch Father of the Bride last night. The one with Steve Martin, not the classic tale from 1950 with Spencer Tracy.   Anyway, back in 1991 when the film was first shown, I watched it with a different perspective.  So, when I watched it again a few nights ago, the first thing that stuck to me was the opening dialogue – where Steve Martin’s character reflects on his life, family/kids, and the town they life – San Marino, California. Back in 1991, the thought of living in such a small town would have never crossed my mind watching a film. Instead I focused mainly on the fashion, and the decor aspect of the movie, and the cuteness of the storyline. But my mind was fixed on San Marino, and I quickly paused the story to get a glimpse of the small town and all information available online – making a note that on my next trip to Los Angeles, I would detour to the area and get a …

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}