Year: 2018

A Day Of Remembrance

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I never forget the horrible Tuesday, as I stood in front of my bathroom over-the-sink mirror, attempting to put on mascara, in the reflection, I could see the bedroom television, set on channel 7-news, at that moment streaming the horrific image of one of the twin towers on flames. I turned around, and inched closer to the television set, increasing the volume; I stared in disbelief, hoping that what I was seeing on the screen was a preview to a movie stunt – because I wasn’t going to allow myself to believe what I was hearing was real. Never realizing that the rest of the day and weeks to follow would be one of the worst I have experienced in my lifetime – as the news of multiple (air) attacks on our nation spread. After watching the news on repeat for an hour, I assumed I needed to report to work, not really  knowing what was expected of me during a national crisis of this caliber. So I left the house in a state of shock, and drove to Stanford University, where I was manager of the on-campus student travel agency. During my 40-mile commute along an unusually traffic-free highway, I wondered if I was doing the right thing going into to work, more so when I sensed the uncommonly quiet across the skies, more obvious  as I passed SFO International. Upon unlocking the door to the shop, which was located in the student-union building, I noticed a crowd of students and faculty gathered around a television set, starting some in silence, some crying, while others vocalizing-trying to make sense of …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Chipotle, Lime Chicken and Fries

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The weather has finally turned for the better in the city – with warm days and SUNSHINE throughout the city and not just downtown. I love this time of the year, when the mornings are crispy cold-ish and the days although shorter are sunny and hot. The only challenge is while other parts of the world are turning to comfort food, or soups to wards off the colder temperatures, we in the city are aiming to cool down by eating all things summer. So I am naturally pretty conscious on how best to proceed with my weekly meal plan, and I think this one will do just fine to half-Keto for me and the original recipe for the family. INGREDIENTS 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, chopped 1 tablespoon honey (cut out for hardcore Keto) 1 teaspoon cumin 2 limes 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated kosher salt and pepper 2 sweet potatoes, cut into matchsticks  (I can cut this portion out for Keto, but I may just cheat today)  2 avocados, lightly mashed 3 heads romaine lettuce …

Fashion: Fall Wear 2018

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Living in a techy city like San Francisco, the best approach to fashion is to fit in. Meaning to say that SOMA (south of Market) the dress code is more comfortable and functional. Which I completely appreciate after years of my corporate ensemble while employed in the financial district. So, shopping for these transitional weekday work wear to weekend hangouts is the most fun I have, especially online.

Food: Dinner Tonight – Skillet Chicken and Peaches

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Growing up in a Mediterranean home meant, fresh seasonal fruits were used to create the most interesting of meals and the tastiest fruit salads to indulge. So, you can imagine my excitement when I found this recipe – which in addition to reminding me of my childhood – is going to be the most talked about dish in our household. In a good way, I can assure you.  Also, pretty Keto friendly if you leave out the rice pilaf I’d consider pairing up with this meal. INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons smoked paprika zest and juice of 1 lemon kosher salt and pepper 1 yellow onion, chopped 1 inch fresh ginger, grated 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated 1 cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth 2 peaches, sliced 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons toasted pistachios, chopped 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese {more}

After The Labor Day Weekend

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I stayed indoors the entire weekend, even after planning countless day trips to places encompassing the central coast. I don’t know what really came over me on Saturday morning, when I woke up early and made myself a cup of coffee and turned on the television set, for a few minutes I said to myself, while the friend I was visiting woke up to start ‘our day’. Instead neither of us pushed the other to actually get ready to start the day. But you know what?  I was just fine, sprawled across the sofa, watching films and television shows, and dozing off in between while she handled her chores and other obligations. The only trouble is that by Monday night, 11 p.m. to be exact, I felt overly energized and too well-rested to fall asleep. Has that ever happened to you? So, I stayed up, reading until four in the morning, when I finally fell into deep sleep, only to jump back up at six and start my day. Realizing while staring at myself in …

Food: Chocolate Panna Cotta for Breakfast?

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This morning I craved pudding of sorts. Don’t ask, and no I’m not expecting. I simply and utterly craved pudding+chocolate, but had to be careful of the ingredients when searching for a recipe, which as you know, I am always adjusting to make it Keto-friendly.  The one I found here is filed under gluten-free, which sometimes can cross over to Keto and it sounded delicious enough to make and have for breakfast. Okay, okay – I had my usual cup of coffee, two boiled eggs very early in the morning, and for a mid-morning snack while working on my next novel, I craved this wonderful pick-me-up. {Take note, I love recipes from international bloggers} ORIGINAL Ingredients For the chocolate panna cotta 500 ml 16,89 fl oz – 2 cups + 1 3/4 tablespoons of fresh cream 100 ml 3,38 fl oz – 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons of fresh whole milk 1 to nka bean 50 g of sugar 1,76 oz – 4 tablespoons 15 g of gelatin sheets 0,53 oz 150 g of dark chocolate 5,29 oz – 1 1/3 bar   *** I use organice 70pct to 90pct  …

Fashion: Ted Baker Hints of Fall

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I walked into a Ted Baker store in London in May and immediately fell impressed with the clothing line and since then, I’ve ordered this and that from their U.S. online shop. But now, I am considering a few of their Fall/Winter fashion.  I get it, you might be thinking it’s too soon to think about anything past back to school and the Long (Labor Day) Weekend (US) – but planning ahead is always a good idea and sometimes even fun when shopping is involved: