Month: January 2019

Food: Dinner Tonight – Sticky Korean Chicken

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It is Friday. I’ve managed to complete most everything on my to-do list this week, leaving (intentionally) a few minor items for next week – in an effort to lessen the anxiety I feel when I think I must do more and then some more. One of those things was that  I finished watching Amazon Prime– Marvelous Mrs. Maisel season two – and I have to say, the show thus far is fascinating in every sense of the word – from entertainment, content, decor and naturally the fashion – best yet since Mad Men.  Which I will be discussing more about over the weekend but for now, here’s what I am aiming to make for dinner tonight, serving it up with a bottle of lite beer – yes you read right – beer is the only go with sticky Korean chicken. INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari 1/4 cup honey 1-2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil 1 inch fresh ginger, grated 2 cloves garlic, grated 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts steamed white rice, for serving 1 cup kimchi 1 mango, sliced toasted sesame …

Travel: New England Bound

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I have a journal where I log in all the places and things I want to see in my lifetime, as well as some recipes I’ve come up with while commuting home, and a list of must-read books, hopefully I will get around to in between the many other to-do items listed there as well. On one of the pages, I have planned my trip to New England, which is a part of the U.S. I haven’t been – well, if you consider a train ride from Montreal to New York – having been – then I have, over twenty years go. So, the planning has happened, the driving route settled on and the hotels handpicked by yours truly – the only thing left is deciding which season is best for New England travel, because I hear, all seasons are the best season to experience the region. But if you happen to be fortunate enough to leave near by, here’s a list of 20 romantic weekend getaways in New England and my favorites: {featured image …

Food: Puff Pastry Treat

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I saw this recipe, which reminded me of something I’d done over a decade ago. When  I found  a packet of puff pastry nearing  its expiration date in my mother’s refrigerator and asked if I could take it home. I had a jar of Nutella (naturally) and a jar of apricot jam. So I layered the puff pastries all buttered up in a pan and baked them in the oven.  Then I cut them into squares the size of brownies, and pulled them apart in the middle to drop a spoonful of Nutella in some and apricot jam in others and served my creation to the family for breakfast.  Rich – sure, tasty – of course, worth the carbs – yes indeed. But I love what the below recipe calls for – Ingredients Ingredients for the rustici Approximately 80https://en.julskitchen.com/savoury-cakes/rustici-a-street-food-from-salento0 g of ready-made puff pastry 3 rectangular sheets 200 g of fresh mozzarella 2 peeled tomatoes 1 egg Ingredients for the béchamel 25 g of butter 25 g of flour 300 ml of whole milk 1 …

Decor: For the Detail Oriented

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There was a period in my life – a decade ago, where I would visit new home sites around California just to get a glimpse in person, the best of shabby chic with a twist to Roman or Venetian  style decor choice used for all the model mansions border lining villas. They made it easy, near seamless, putting the collection of furnishings together to create the illusion the buyers all needed to have, to sign the dotted line. I grew out of that phase  – and now prefer to create my own whimsical, with a touch of modern flare. But that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the finer decor details in this beauty of a mansion and from it take a few details to add to my lifestyle. Enjoy!

Lifestyle: Golden Globe Wrap

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The interesting thing about the Golden Globe’s nominees and winner, it often times sets the tone for how the Oscars will pan out. Although there have been many surprises over the years, with the shift from the winners at the Golden Globe and the surprise winners at the Oscars. But this year’s winner did not surprise me as I am one who appreciates a stand out performance from all the normal or expected contenders. The flip side to this concept, is that each actor nominated or not, I believe does make  a conscious effort to give their best to portray the characters they have agreed to take on. So, with these awards choosing the best of the best is difficult in the world of the arts. It may work in sports, but I feel the arts should not be compared or measured against the past. But what do I know. So here are the highlights for me: And the list of winners – Best Motion Picture – Drama – Bohemian Rhapsody – not a surprise …

Boutique Hotel Pick – The Old Hudson – New York

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Normally, my boutique hotel picks consists of a property with at the very least 10 rooms and the entire property filled with charm, or a uniqueness worth experiencing. But The Old Hudson – although two unit studio set-up, this property is ideal for the smallest of special occasions. I’ll let your imagine do the thinking.  Hint: This will be the place I add to my 30-day milestone birthday celebrations:   Learn about the Hidden gem of Hudson, New York 

Decor: If Renovation Is Your New Year Goal

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If  renovation – minor or major – is the goal for 2019, then you might appreciate what’s trending or simply just ideas to incorporate in your own style.   {Lake Tahoe home tour} – Screened in porch or outdoor dining – is the key in this wonderful home in Lake Tahoe as if from a fairytale   Bathroom’s might be the easiest to revamp in my opinion and this list of 80 suggestions are fun to consider   {featured image source}

Travel: Winter Weekend-ish Getaway

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In the states there are two long weekends during the winter months – one in January, and the other in February and if you plan it just right – the one in February can also be considered a romantic Valentine’s getaway to one of these destinations:   For chalet rentals and ski accommodations, go here, here, here , and here {featured image photo source}

Food: Butternut Squash Cake And A Cup of Coffee

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When I work from home, I opt for a slice of something baked from scratch with my cup of coffee. More so,during the winter months. And this gluten-free cake will be baked tonight for my Friday work from home ritual. Ingredients 350 g of butternut squash peeled and cubed 180 g of fruity extra virgin olive oil 3 free-range eggs 180 g of cane sugar 150 g of gluten-free flour mix * 100 g of almond flour 15 g of baking powder 1 teaspoon of grated nutmeg 1 teaspoon of orange powder or orange zest 100 g of shelled pistachios coarsely chopped Ingredients to decorate the cake 4 tablespoons of apricot jam 1 tablespoon of water 100 g of shelled pistachios coarsely chopped {More} For how to convert grams to ounces and more go here

January Films To Help Kick Start Your New Year Goals

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While on a ten-hour flight to and from England last month, I had ample time to see eight films on the plane. Some were repeat, but overall I felt I had a selection of films worthy of mentioning here. The interesting thing about movies, is that, although they claim to be fiction, but really borderline some truth, impact us in ways where we are often times considering to make changes – whether it be a makeover, a new decor just like that loft or house in the country as the backdrop in a film, travel to all the filming locations, and  of course, relationships – mostly relationships – the how, why and the search for happily ever after – films play a pretty major role in our lives – like…