Month: September 2019

Autumn Days and The Whirling Thoughts…

We got a glimpse of Autumn over the weekend, with cold weathers, strong winds, and rain, then sun, and it stayed brisk through last night. Which is hardly news, considering the snow storm over the mid-west and all other havoc around the globe. I do love this time of year, where all foliage are slowly turning various shades of red, yellow, purple, black, some blue, orange, magenta, and brown, the visual bringing a certain calmness to my soul. With the quiet there is much thinking going on, about the year, and the future, and all things necessary to sustain a ‘content’ life – happy is overrated. I learned that over the course of my life and I am now happy to be content. Doesn’t mean I’ve given up, but I am less stressed about finding the happiness detailed in fairy tales, and the need to have the lifestyles of the rich and famous. I am fine with who I am, and what I stand for, and have found ways to maintain a descent quality of …

Five Interesting Articles From Around The Internet

We’ve had a couple of very hot days around San Francisco, to the point it was stifling. San Franciscans are never happy with our climate – too cold, too hot, too foggy, too windy. But it is what it is – global warming or not, we have seen the same pattern year in and year out. Doesn’t mean I don’t believe in global warming or are not concerned with all the issues surfacing across the globe, I am simply stating around this part of the world, we have grown accustom to the seasons. Today, after finishing up a conference call, working from home, since my beautiful dog isn’t feeling his best. Hasn’t really for a while, I realize I needed a distraction or two and what better way then to focus on some not front-page topics. {featured image source and inspiration for this blog entry}

Fashion: Autumn In Style

It matters not the brand so much as the ability to duplicate the style’s I found here and decided to ‘Pinterest’ if you will on this post, and to help remind me of how to switch up my wardrobe to create these styles. Do you do that? Where you see an outfit you adore, and save the phone? And what is it about this classic rose or dusty pink color which can be worn throughout all seasons, when paired with the right accessories. Stylish Fall shoes are something to admire – in a variety of styles.

Food: Fall Harvest Salad

Oh the delight of cooking with seasonal fresh ingredients and the idea of Superfoods, or mostly plant-based, which I am testing out recently is the inspiration for tonight’s dinner. INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 small butternut squash, halved, peeled, and cut into 1/4 inch half circles 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 cup raw pepitas 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 head kale, shredded 4 cups shredded brussels sprouts arils from 1 pomegranate 4-6 fresh figs (optional) 1/2 cup shredded gouda cheese  {no cheese for me or feta if you twist my arm dear family} POMEGRANATE VINAIGRETTE 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 shallot, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage 1/4 cup pomegranate juice 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons honey kosher salt and black pepper 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes {more} {featured image source} In case you are also wondering what to watch on television tonight – here’s a couple of suggestions now streaming on Amazon Prime or otherwise. 

Food: Dinner Tonight – Chicken In French Wine and Mustard

Told the hubs I wanted to go to dinner tonight. But what I was meaning to say is that I wanted to indulge in a meal that is different from the normal cooking I do in my household. So while he thinks we are going out, I am going to surprise with this wonderful variation to the otherwise mundane chicken. INGREDIENTS 1 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc 1/3 cup heavy cream or canned full fat coconut milk 2 tablespoons dijon mustard 2 tablespoons grainy dijon mustard 2 shallots chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated kosher salt and pepper 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, skin on or off 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage 2 tablespoons salted butter 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese 1/2 bunch kale, chopped mashed potatoes or steamed rice, for serving {more} Followed by this Avocado-Chocolate pudding dessert and if avocado isn’t your thing, here’s a list of other healthy dessert options.   

Why Treating Yourself Is A Wonderful Idea

I haven’t shopped much this year, thinking I already have all that I need in my efforts to downsize and live a simpler life. But, sometimes, one has to simply treat themselves to the smallest of things, to elevate the otherwise bleakest of emotions surfacing during this time of year. For that very reason, I did a bit of window shopping over the weekend, and without plan really ended up with these goodies. What have you treated yourself to recently?  {featured image source and inspiration for this post}

Weekend Recap and A Few Topics To Ponder Over

I realize this morning, I forgot to drop a post for Friday before jumping into the weekend. I was a little lost in all the things that took shape over the weekend, mostly in a good way, and a few sad ones – but overall, I found solace in some me time, and did a lot of not dwelling over the inevitable and the process of this thing called life. The weather cooperated on Friday and Saturday, so I explored the city, (San Francisco) to places I haven’t been in years – kicking off the year long bucket list I aim to fulfill before my milestone birthday next year, which will be documented here shortly for your reading pleasure. Which got me thinking, that I need to carry a journal with me at all times, to jot down all that go through my mind, or that I see and feel and topics I want to share, because when I woke up this morning, focused on work and chores, I realized I couldn’t remember a thing …

We’ll Just Take It All In

Woke up this morning to pick up a package Amazon had left at my doorstep and noticed the flashing lights of a police cars a few houses down, and all of a sudden a flash light was pointed at my face-the officer asking me if the car parked out front which was hit was mine, to which I answered No and pointed out my car, parked behind the one hit.  He shone the light on my car and asked me to inspect the side facing the street with him. Apparently someone hit a row of cars half an hour earlier and the officer wanted to make sure my car wasn’t impacted.   You can imagine my stupor, followed by the need to walk down the street to see if my neighbors were okay. Then after all the conversations, I decided it was best I work from home and find  ways to self-distract before diving into a meeting call as if nothing had happened. Here’s What to focus on today – Enjoy the moments

Fashion: Oscar De La Renta – Spring 2020

In New York the best of fashion was introduced for Spring 2020, and naturally one of ‘our’ favorite designers did not disappoint: Speaking of fashion – Did you also know that due to the current popularity of the TV show Friends, or perhaps being inspired by the 25th Anniversary of the series, Ralph Lauren is creating a Rachel Green clothing line – which by the way, I am completely fine with that decision. Do you or did you (ehm) adore Rachel Green’s wardrobe and tried to duplicate? 😉 And that hair naturally