Usually around the holidays we tend to panic, mostly women, about needing to refresh the home decor. And although husbands disagree, then do give in, and embark on a major renovation project, just before, or opt for small changes. If small is your idea, then consider these options: {featured image source and inspiration for this post}
I start out with one menu – and then shift it throughout the week leading to Thanksgiving, so with that mindset, here’s what I am considering for the holiday, perhaps even leading to smaller dinner parties up to New Year’s eve. {featured source and inspiration for this blog post}
Although I followed loosely the making of Crown 3, mostly who will play what role, and the era the season would cover, I had no idea what to expect. The element of some surprise is very important to me in films. And so I was, completely intrigued by the ‘Hollywood style”of story telling about the events which shaped the monarchy throughout the 1960’s. Thus far watching episodes 1-4. The true story behind Princess Margaret’s visit with the American President Johnson – covered in episode two Princess Alice, Philip’s mother – who was misunderstood and perhaps a historic figure worth learning about – covered in episode four In episode two and three – cover up of Prince Philip’s connection to a affair and the fallout from it all had me doing research and connecting the dots – sort of in the approach the filmmakers took to make Season 3 relatable to stories we are all currently following or not of the royal family’s lifestyle. Churchill’s funeral played a significant part in episode one – and the …
What you plan and what really happens is always the case, it seems lately for the weekends and I’m starting to consider not making a list of what I’d like to do but rather simply wait and see how the days pan out. 🙂 This past weekend I had a tough time with anxiety, where I was hyperventilating over just about everything imaginable from Venice floods, to global warming and beyond. Even the Hallmark Christmas films I watched back to back in the evenings, didn’t seem to help. I suppose we are now a society riddled with stress, depression and anxiety which by the way we have all had a part in manifesting, and since seem to have trouble coping with it all. How did the generations before us handle it all? Was it because the less they knew the better they lived? Do we know too much or have access to much ‘fake news,’ that we have lost sight of reality and/or are not able to see the truth any longer because of it? …
I am not a fan of Turkey, never have been and I doubt I’ll ever be. So this year, while searching for a main dish recipe I can live with, I stumbled upon this one, while reading an article on ‘how to have a sustainable Thanksgiving.’ And guess what? We are having A butternut Squash Vegducken! INGREDIENTS 1 cup pecans 1 (7 1/2″-long) zucchini 1 (9 1/2″-long) globe eggplant 1 (11 1/2″-long) butternut squash 2 scallions 2 garlic cloves, divided 1 shallot, coarsely chopped 1/4 pound shiitake mushrooms, trimmed, coarsely chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil 9 sprigs thyme, divided 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup 2 large eggs 1 cup finely grated Parmesan 1/2 cup fine plain breadcrumbs 6 tablespoons coarsely chopped parsley, divided Kosher salt 2 tablespoons mint, coarsely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Special equipment: Kitchen twine {follow recipe here} And in case you are curious about the sustainable Thanksgiving suggestions, I have included the article here. {featured image credit}
I am not a fan of pumpkin pie, or cake but I am a fan of pudding or mousse alternative, so I feel like this year, we are going to have this vegan pumpkin mousse on our dessert table for thanksgiving. So easy to make and naturally spoon right out of the blender. Okay, no I’ll do my best to scoop the masterpiece into serving bowls for a more civilized way of indulging. Ingredients 1 cup (225g) full fat coconut yogurt or coconut cream* 1/2 cup (125g) pumpkin puree 1/4 cup (80g) maple syrup 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 tsp salt {more} On another healthier alternative to desserts – here’s a banana Chia pudding recipe – although this one I’m considering for breakfast come Sunday morning. {featured image source and inspiration for this post}
One of the favorite destinations from around the world is Scotland, and the inspiration for my third novel coming your way soon. And although there are many wonderful hotels throughout the country, one in particular I wanted to feature in RS&S since it meets all of my eclectic taste in accommodations. {for a list of 20 small luxury hotels in Edinburgh- visit this site}
I stare at my mother’s living room fireplace with every visit, wishing I could update it and then I realize the 1930s build suits the house she calls her home. Well, maybe a minor update might do the fireplace some good and perhaps become the center of the space once more. {photo credit and source}
When we sold our house in Sacramento and moved back to San Francisco, wow… a decade ago, we settled for a studio apartment near sunset beach until we figured out where we wanted to live next in the bay area. But, since we made the small space our perfect home, I cannot see myself living anywhere else. So, after much consideration, we decided to stay, and last year renovated the living space and bath, with the intend we would tackle the makeshift kitchen which is currently a build-out as part of the garage. The most important item on my list is a pantry or two, kind of a combination of these perfect options. Which is a kitchen concept from here and I love the industrial feel to the design perfect for a garage build-out
Mostly in the winter we tend to feel not the best version of ourselves. Blame it on the shorter days, the dreary weather outside, the chill factor, the heavy downpours, the aches and pains that come creeping up when you get out of bed, not to mention feeling unmotivated to do much of anything, including exercise. So to ward off those feelings until the first sign of spring – consider these cool suggestions… and what I normally do to make it through the winter months. Get more light– sit by the window facing east, or west if possible and read for an hour or so wake up to dawn – something I do religiously, helps welcome in the day redecorate in brighter colors is my idea of snapping out of a funky mood exercise – my suggestion a couple of laps in an indoor pool if you are missing a summer activity watch what you eat – if comfort food is all you crave, make soup. switch up carbs for plant-based staples, eat dark chocolate …
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