Month: March 2020

Lifestyle: Self Reflection and Some Form of Exercise

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In my efforts to remain positive, I find myself veering towards topics about lifestyle changes or if not for changes, then to learn to cope with all the things life has thrown in our direction. Do you believe self-reflection gives you a happier and a more successful life? If so, then here’s how you proceed. Consider tapping into your creative side, when feeling anxious during a period of isolation to effort a speedy recovery of any sort. How to recognize that you need a lifestyle change? Some helpful tips to consider while out and about during these worrying times – to completely adapt – even beyond today’s concerns. How to deal with anxiety in a nutshell – sheds some light on topics you may otherwise feel you cannot discuss with loved ones or friends for fear of being dismissed.

Food: Corned Beef and Cabbage Pie Altered

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A Topic very difficult to avoid right now is the concern and fear over COVID-19, which is naturally on all of our minds . Even if we pretend a strong front, the worry about spreading the disease or contracting it, has become part of our daily routine, as we figure out ways to adapt to a new lifestyle. The only thing I want to ask, is that we don’t freak out, nor become obsessed, but rather do our part through legitimate sources online to help contain the spread of the virus. Not to say that I am downplaying the situation, but panic is the worst enemy in times of global threat or affliction. For the time being I keep my family engaged in much cooking, and alternative conversations to help distract – and finding interesting recipes to consider fits both of my efforts. INGREDIENTS 2 lb. russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 2″ pieces 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided 1 head of Savoy cabbage 3 thick-cut bacon slices (about …

Decor: Defining An Artist’s Home

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I watched a film last night – Poison Pen – and in it, someone mentioned  how one can tell when they’ve landed in an artist’s home – which I am proud to say includes my detached studio apartment –  in the San Francisco home I grew up in – all by the shear eclectic of it all. Kind of like this beauty: Do you ever watch a film by accident, and think it is actually pretty good even if its the cheesiest film you’ve seen in a while? That happened Sunday night – Poison Pen 2014 and not the classic film 1939 – is the story about a writer with writer’s block needing to fulfill a contractual obligation for not delivering a finish book three years overdue. The deal he would write a gossip column for a Celebrity trash magazine.

Food: Dinner Tonight – White Bean and Kale Soup

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I took a tumble, and landed on my right hand, while walking through Golden Gate Park the other day and I must say, typing is a b****. Hence the minimal in posts. But since cooking is one of my favorite topics, and dinner is around the corner, I had to share what it is we are – as a unit – aiming to prep for dinner tonight – wish me luck and wish my fam luck for putting up with my demands across the kitchen. At least it’s an easy recipe, but I still won’t use a crockpot 😉 INGREDIENTS 6 cups low-sodium chicken or veggie stock 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa 1 small sweet onion, chopped 2 carrots, chopped 1/4 cup basil pesto 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 4 sage leaves kosher salt and pepper 1 parmesan rind 3 tablespoons lemons juice + 1 tablespoon lemon zest 2 cups roughly torn Tuscan kale 2 cans (14 ounces) cans cannelloni beans, drained grated parmesan, for serving {more} On another note – you know what’s the coolest? When you stumble upon your toddler grankid’s Netflix account and want to watch everything. Cause you miss …

Decor: Rooms With Views in Sonoma, California Is My Ideal of Homes

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Everyone who knows me, knows that I swoon over homes with windows on every wall and sometimes even the ceiling. Yes our 1930’s home in San Francisco has skylights. So, when I came across this beauty nestled or perched really near a hillside in Sonoma, California, I had to share the craftsmanship of this modern take on a farmhouse? Notice all the windows in all the right places. {featured image full credit}

Food: Carrot Cake And A Princess One Too

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I had a slice of carrot cake at a restaurant, I swear was made with almond flour instead of the usual. I could taste it, and at first I had my reservations, but after bite three, I was hooked. It was a cross between Princess Cake and a whole lot of wonderful. But I must say, I still prefer my carrot cake and a princess one with their own traditional recipes: Carrot Cake Recipe  2 2/3 cups (319 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 3/4 cup (160 grams) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) lightly packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 4 large eggs, at room temperature 4 medium carrots, unpeeled and finely shredded (about 211 grams shredded) 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, finely chopped (optional) 1/2 cup golden raisins (optional) Cream cheese frosting: 1 cup (4 ounces/113 grams) full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature 2 sticks (8 ounces/226 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature 4 cups (1 pound/454 grams) confectioners’ sugar 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon white vinegar 3 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream  {more} Recipe …