Month: April 2018

Boutique Hotel Pick – Chateau de Berne, Lorgues, France

Ah the idea of being in a place like this for a week or two, to regroup and clear the mind and body and soul is an idea I’ve had for a long time. Escaping the hustle and bustle of city life and the never ending list of chores and realities of every day life. Nevermind the hotel is 57 miles from the nearest airport. Isn’t that the whole idea? 🙂

Fashion: Have you Seen Phantom Thread?

If you haven’t seen the film Phantom Thread – do make an effort to see it. The film has been playing for months now and it is definitely worthy – not only because of the haute couture fashion and the era it is set in, but also the remarkable character play by Daniel Day Lewis, Vicky Kriepes and Leslie Manville. {photo source} And if you leave the theater a little nostalgic for the era and fashion and need a less dark in drama of the Phantom Thread, consider this film to help settle your nerves:  

Sharing A Few Things…

I was revamping my author site a few days ago, and decided to add a page about what inspires me to write – or to develop a chapter or even help with my blog right here with topics. And then this morning, I decided to share what inspires me here, hoping you will also share a piece of what keeps you inspired to do what you love most: {featured image}

Food: No Carb, No Sugar Avocado Smoothie

I’ve been on this plan since April 2nd and I have to say, I am proud of myself for not falling off the wagon. Meaning, ordering chili fries and beer, or the need to munch through a large bag of skittles just because it is forbidden on this healthy eating plan. I can actually look at rice, or potatoes just to name a few, or sit through a meal with friends eating starchy foods and be okay.  So I guess my body has adjusted – hopefully well into the rest of the year. This morning, after eating two eggs in scramble, or boiled, every morning past, I decided to try this smoothie, even though I had a tough time thinking avocado to be a tasty option in smoothies – but it was fine and a great alternative to the usual eggs and bacon option. Ingredients 1/2 avocado (3-4 oz) 3/4 cup full – fat coconut milk (from a can) 1/4 cup almond milk 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (about 1/2 inch piece) 1/2 tsp turmeric 1 tsp lemon or lime juice (or more to taste) 1 cup crushed ice …

Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day or Just Because

Mother’s day is exactly a month away – May 13th to be more precise and so the planning stages including gifts from kids should now be officially the topic of sibling discussions. So in line with that, I think these  budget friendly gadget gifts are fun suggestions for kids on a budget – or maybe for siblings to put a basket together for a joint gift, while whisking mom away to a fancy restaurant for a family dinner.  And then again, they might be useful for anyone – well – just because: Where to shop 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 For unique Mother’s day pop up greeting card go here    {Featured image photo source}

Food: Healthy Nachos Alternative

Two weeks into this healthy eating plan – no sugar, no carbs – I find myself having a withdrawals here and there, or maybe its my mind playing tricks on me. But today I woke up craving Nachos, knowing very well the typical tortilla chips included in the recipe is not a smart idea when aiming to wean myself off all things carb-heavy. So naturally the first thing on my list today was to find an alternative to the traditional tortilla chips and aim to make the healthier version of one of my favorite meals/snacks/comfort foods for dinner tonight.  I’ll let you know how it goes, unless of course you’ve tried this recipe and can share your experience with us here. Ingredients Fat Head Tortilla Chips 170 g pre-shredded/grated mozzarella 85 g almond meal/flour 2 tbsp cream cheese 1 egg salt to taste 1 tsp cumin powder 1 tsp coriander/cilantro powder pinch chilli powder Nacho Meat Sauce 1 red onion diced 500 g ground/mince beef 400 g tinned/canned tomatoes diced 1/2 tsp chilli powder, or to taste 1 tbsp tomato paste Topping Options guacamole salsa shredded/grated cheese sour cream jalapeños