Month: September 2019

Lifestyle: Back Pain and Other Remedies

I’ve been dealing with the worst of back pain lately – sitting at a desk for eight hours doesn’t help either. But the pain is border line agonizing. Tylenol helps and walking seems to do the trick temporarily, there is apparently seven yoga moves that also help relieve the pain.   While efforting to Superfood my way to a healthier me – I learned about Lucuma Powder – and just figured I’d put it out there, in case, you struggle like most of us with all sorts of health issues. Animals are probably the best creatures to aid in your well-being, past the meds, and all other stimulants, I prefer the holistic method to calm and tranquility: Struggling to set your boundaries, or perhaps you feel setting them is out of your control – since being so mindful of other people’s feelings – but, take it from me, not setting them will impact your overall mental and physical health: Can social media cause depression? I’ve been considering this claim and have included a supporting article, …

Food: Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup

First craving for soup means my body is acknowledging that Fall is around the corner and although we normally have our Indian Summer this time of year, too bad, soup is officially on the menu and this one is a great start – at least I think so: INGREDIENTS • Drizzle of coconut oil • 1 white onion, peeled and roughly chopped • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped roughly • 2.5cm/1in piece of root ginger, peeled and chopped roughly • Pinch of salt • 1 tsp ground turmeric • 1 butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and roughly chopped • 1 tbsp tamari • 1 x 400ml coconut milk, plus a little to serve • 1 ltr/1 3/4pt vegetable stock • 4 heaped tbsp nutritional yeast • Dried chilli flakes and sliced fresh chilli, to serve {more} {featured image source and recipe inspiration} On another note: Do you adore watching classic films during the Fall/Autumn months? I do – here’s a list in case you’ve forgotten which ones. 

Decor: Cabin In the Woods

I often speak of downsizing – which I’ve done and really will never go back to owning stuff and more stuff to fill a home. I prefer a small space, a loft or a studio filled with the simplest of decors and a handful of memorable collectables – that’s all I need to feel content. So, this site with a list of modern prefab cabins got me interested – as each one represents a piece of what I would incorporate if I were building my own cabin in the woods-which by the way is something I’ve discussed and considered over the past year or so:

Monday Off-Day Thoughts

The upside to being a writer is the fact, you can turn most any situation into a story. The downside is that – you cannot turn off your observation sense, in that you see every detail, hear too much and feel even more about all that is around and that emotion can sometimes be debilitating. This was my weekend. Now, to be fair, I am already titter-tottering on a slew of emotions, which usually happens  around this time of the year – Fall-ish, where I am not in the best place emotionally. Not sure why this happens?  But it does. To the best of us. So it is challenging to remain on course-the steady pace of happiness, positive thinking and perseverance when the environment all around is set in dismal mode. But such is life, and we must do our best to stay busy, challenge ourselves and dabble in creativity to help distract the otherwise bleakest of moods. Do you feel the same? Are there too many negatives people in your life? And how do …

Food: Apple Desserts So Fun To Make

A decade ago a friend of mine introduced me to a flaky apple dessert at a French restaurant in Los Angeles, that was divine. And since then, apple dessert are my go-to when I eat out.  So this year, I am determined to bake – at home – this Fall/Autumn season with plenty of apples and lucky for me this site has 77 variations to consider. Here are some of my favorites: {featured image source and recipe} Is there a recipe you’d like to share? Apple or not, we’d love to hear from you. On another note – how to plan a wedding in less than six-months

Saturday Edition – Home Decor and Alarm Clocks

Normally on Saturdays I don’t post much about anything because I feel this is the day we need to take a break from all things internet. But I got a burst of energy this morning and felt that I needed to share a few things that’s in the back of my  mind or yours about home decor/revamp/refresh for the upcoming holidays, or realize like me you need a new nightstand clock – even though yes, we can use our smart phones, I prefer some things to remain traditional. Then there is the idea of buying luggage, for that off-season travel you might be planning like me or even trying out a new dish or bake something with apples – after all it is the season for baking. So, for all those things in common we may be having today, here’s what I have to share:

Fashion: Fall Coats for 2019

The best ‘weather’ in season for San Francisco is Autumn, in that we get our Indian Summer – hot sunny days, and cooler evenings and we can literally see the moon at night (no fog). So thinking about coats for that season right before Winter sounds weird to us locals.  But, I can’t help share a few of my favorite coast from this list of twenty stylish fall coats for 2019 {featured image source and inspiration for today’s blog post} On another note – just started watching Mozart in the Jungle – and at first hated it, and now I am very curious to see the progression/story unfolding. Have you seen it? Will you see it? Does the show interest you or not your cup of tea? 

Today’s Lovely Things

It’s already Thursday – and thoughts for the weekend are in full-swing. Although, mine entail running too many errands and having little time for fun, I am excited to have a busy weekend no less. Strange you might say, but I thrive on busy. But in the back of my mind, I want to plan a few Fall/Autumn activities over the coming weekends – such as Street Fairs about the bay area, Apple picking farm, a trip to Tahoe before the snow and one to Napa, to see the Autumn colors taking shape throughout the fields. This season has become one of my favorites and I will do everything to make the most of it. In the meantime, I’ve got some questions for you. {source for featured image}

Food: Dinner Tonight – Oh Grilled Cheese Sandwich

…you had me at first photo. I love the idea of grilled onions, cheese and this one is the winner of what dinner will be in my household tonight. INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons salted butter 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced kosher salt and black pepper 3/4 cup apple cider 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes 4 slices prosciutto (optional) 8 slices sourdough bread 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 1/2 cups shredded fontina cheese 1 1/2 cups shredded gouda or white cheddar cheese 1 honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced  {more} I am going to let the pictures do the rest – tantalizing much? {photo and recipe source and credit}

Fashion: Dresses for The Mature Woman

Or as I’d like to call it – those over 40, since sometimes maturity has nothing to do with wearing age-appropriate or those that compliment the figure. But then again, if it makes a person feel good, by all means, I say flaunt it as you vision it. But just in case you are curious, here’s what’s suggested and as always my favorites below. Let me know if you agree or disagree, if a certain dress code should be followed after 40. On another note – are you as excited as I am about the Downton Abbey Movie – which opens in the U.S. on September 20 {featured image source and credit}