Year: 2017

Lifestyle: What Makes You Instantly Attractive

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.

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

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

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

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

Are you Into French Films?

I’ve been a little off this past week in terms of craving soup, wanting to watch only classic films and longing for a trip to Paris.  Last night, I selected a dozen French films to see, even if I’ve seen them before. Here’s a list of my favorite and highly recommend French films (From top left to bottom right) 1. A Cat In Paris. 2. The Fairy. 3. I Do. 4.  Populaire 5. Romantic Annonymous 6. Amelie 7. Heartbreaker 8. The Intouchables 9. OSS 17: Cairo Nest of Spies 10. A Woman is a Woman.  

Photographs That Speak Volumes

Over the weekend, I hit a wall – in terms of writing and blogging. I was in Sausalito on Saturday, just enjoying the Indian Summer, and all of sudden, I realized I had nothing to talk about. I know this happens to most people striving to be creative.  Then I went home that night and watched 3 classic films and suddenly, I came to. More about that later. But for now let your imagine wander with these photos that speak volumes. {source from here, and here}

Lifestyle: What Not To Say At Work

I know, it’s Monday morning and you have the blues. Well, I’m here to tell you to snap out of it, and instead look forward to your day. Except this time, taking a new approach to being who you are at work so that your day and even week can flow nicely. Here’s the changes to consider: 1. If someone asks you how your weekend was? Stop yourself from telling them how hungover you are. Stop yourself from telling them about the one-night stand or any part of your sex life or lack thereof. Don’t discuss your marriage or divorce. or Brag about your upcoming wedding/planning. Instead Discuss an event or something fun that happened in your city How much you love the (insert season here) The results of a (insert your favorite sports team) game. A new restaurant you discovered or a show you saw 2. In a Meeting or at your desk or someone else’s work space Don’t bad mouth your boss. Don’t bad mouth your co-workers Don’t disclose-  how much you hated …

Friday Movie Night Debate and The Weekend

Every week, or Monday actually, I check the list of films being released over the week-end and decide whether it’s nachos and champagne and Nutella covered fresh strawberries, and streaming a movie or at home, or an actual going out to the movie theater night, with popcorn, a large Cola Icee and a box of chocolate covered raisins.  🙂   the better alternative. Just to give you an idea, last Friday night I decided on going out to see the American Assassin. I  appreciated the film so much that I had nothing but good things to say about it here.  Tonight, I am contemplating seeing the second installation of Kingsman: The Golden Circle,  Or a repeat viewing of the film Man Up on Netflix.   In case you are leaning more towards a night at home, curled up on the sofa, with no idea what to watch, here’s some suggestions of films I’ve seen in the past that are now streaming on Netflix Man Up Clouds of Sils Maria Sing Street Following Midnight Paris Hot …