Month: July 2018

Boutique Hotel Pick – Villa Tortuga – Mustique Island

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The very private Mustique Island, streamed across my screen the other day, while searching for a secluded island getaway I’ve been considering for a week long hideaway early summer in 2019. Just a hundred miles west of Barbados, just in case you are wondering, this island provides with me just the right amount of privacy, and the simplest pleasures to help you disconnect from the brutal realities of every day life. With a dozen or so villas to choose from to rent, and invite a close nit of family or friends to share in the experience. Although it was difficult to choose my favorite property, I have to say Villa Tortuga stuck with me and so the planning begins now with an email-invite to a handful of family members proposing for a trip in June 2019. Here’s to crossing my fingers we can make it happen. {featured image source}

Food: Peach Dessert

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Got a sweet tooth all of a sudden this mid-day while working on a few chapters of my next novel – and I realized that I had a dozen ripened peaches sitting in the refrigerator. So I clicked over to my favorite recipe site and saw this inspiration – except I wanted to avoid all things flour and too much sugar. So, here’s what happened to the original recipe below. I raced over, well more like, walked over to the neighborhood grocery store and picked up mini-fillo dough cups, and sliced up the peaches, and sautéed in the butter, cinnamon and vanilla – NO SUGAR – and filled up each fillo dough cup and created a near Keto-friendly variation. But you don’t have to  – here’s the original recipe: INGREDIENTS 6 tablespoons butter 1 peach, thinly sliced 4 eggs 2/3 cup whole milk 2/3 cup all purpose flour 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons granulated sugar whipped cream and maple syrup for serving {more}

Decor: Under The Tuscan Sun Villa is For Rent

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I don’t know of any woman who was not taken away by the film Under the Tuscan Sun – when it first came out in 2003. Imaging a life as colorful as Frances Mayes’ in the film.  It’s funny, I still watch the movie now and again, feeling warm and fuzzy about the story as it unfolds onscreen. So – guess what made it to the top of my travel bucket list?

Boutique Hotel Pick – The Landsby – Solvang, California

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I never say no to a weekend getaway to Solvang, Calfornia – where I get a dose of all things Danish. Naturally, indulging in amazing Danish pancakes, and other pastries in a number of cafes and eateries adorning the simple town. It is my near-fix in between my trips to Europe. Over July 4th weekend this year, while in Solvang, waiting at curbside to be seated for breakfast here, I noticed The Landsby and after breakfast walked across the street to take a closer look – and talk to the staff at reception about the property and all things relevant for me to make a reservation for a weekend getaway in October, when the weather is most ideal in California, in  particular , the Santa. Inez wine country. And what’s wonderful for me,  is that the hotel is pet-friendly.

Travel: Simple Pleasures – London Bakeries

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I do my best to stay away from all things dessert because I do not have an off-switch. But while travelling, I tend to cheat a whole lot.  Recently, I was in England, Cornwall and otherwise, and stopped in a local bakery here and there, so while planning a second trip to England during the holidays, later on this year, I decided to find out where all the good bakeries were in London proper – for, well, you know – winter time comfort food 😉 Dominique Ansel, Kova Patisserie, Bread Ahead, Lily Vanilli, Nordic Bakery, Violet, more… Do you have a favorite bakery recommend?

Food: Dinner Tonight – Lemon Chicken – Grilled

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Who doesn’t love grilled chicken? And if you haven’t had a taste of it, consider this recipe – which is pretty keto friendly for those following my healthy eating plan. And really, no side dish needed – in my case – I will be sprinkling shredded parmesan cheese over the top of each bite. And if you are not following Keto, but need to stay healthy in your choice of recipes – then add a simple salad, or steamed broccoli. INGREDIENTS 1 (3 1/2 to 4 pounds) whole chicken or chicken pieces 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar  ( I will not be using balsamic vinegar for my recipe)  juice + zest of 1 lemon 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated pinch of crushed red pepper flakes kosher salt and pepper fresh basil for, serving {more} {photo source}