Month: June 2020

Travel: Italian Beaches

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Hello everyone! Hope your weekend was as good as it can be under the circumstances. I know I tried my best to stay on the upside, even while the downside was eating away at me. I walked across town on Saturday, and did much pondering and decision making over the current events shaping up or dismantling all that we have known and many things we never knew about but should. Sunday, I spent the day writing, and editing and figuring out all the wonderful topics and things I want to share this week with you all right here. Starting with this list of Italian beaches I want to experience, when travelling is safely altered to align with today’s environment. Until then, I’ll just be dreaming and adding to my travel bucket list. {featured images and source full credit}

Friday Reads You Might Appreciate

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As our world turns, in many ways this year, I cannot help but feel helpless, overwhelmed and sad by either direction all matters are heading. And since I struggle with a form of anxiety, I try to focus mostly on the positive in order to get me through. However, that does not mean all these thought are not racing through my head…and perhaps even yours? Topics which have me thinking and pondering this morning are: How emotionally sensitive are you? Is it a good or bad thing – take this quiz to find out. Does Scandinavian self care really work? Why we need older women in the workplace you might want to know is a topic that came to mind after a friend called to discuss her struggle with age-in-a-workplace. The truth about losing a parent – has been on my mind as I watch my mother’s health on the decline faster these days and the idea of it all has me scared I don’t believe in regret, I only believe life happens to you …

Food: Dinner Tonight- Coconut Basil Chicken

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I’ve been craving flavorful meals, zesty, spicy and full of energy (yes food can have energy) so with chicken breast being thawed today, I am going to attempt this recipe for tonight’s dinner – in hope my mother will appreciate the cuisine. A little less on the spicier side for her palette INGREDIENTS 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced 1 1/2 tablespoons yellow curry powder 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper using more or less to your taste kosher salt and black pepper 3 tablespoons sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil 2 zucchini or summer squash, diced 2 ears sweet corn, kernels removed from the cob 2-3 medium shallots, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated 1 inch fresh ginger, grated 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes 1 can (14 ounce) coconut milk juice and zest from 1/2 a lemon 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly torn 2 cups cooked basmati rice toasted sesame seeds for serving {more} {featured image and recipe full credit and source}

Tuesday Beautiful Things

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June gloom is how Californian’s see this month – due to the relentless heavy fogs along the coast and sometimes even inland. Surprisingly, we had a few gorgeous days at the start of the month, so we took to the streets, parks, and sandy beach walks soaking it all up. Today, the fog has rolled in as expected, and we are once again indoors, wearing sweaters and socks and all things winter related. For this very reason, I felt the need to share some beautiful things to help stay focused on positive thoughts… {featured image source and credit here, here, here, here}

Travel: European Beautiful Villages To Plan To See

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Last night I had trouble sleeping, especially when my mind was racing over a health related conversations I had with my mother, among the many other day-to-day. So I tried to take off the edge by focusing on some of my travels through Europe and eventually fell asleep with thoughts of Salzburg, and the Sound of Music tour I took in early 90’s. A friend asked if we are allowed to travel later this year, would I consider it. And my answer was yes and this is  the first trip I’d put together – a glimpse of five small European villages.   Where would you go from this list of European Villages {featured images full credit and source}

Food: Dinner Tonight – Salad with Avocado, Mango and Feta Cheese

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I bought mango over the weekend – not the usual kind but Ataulfo – which I remember having a version of it in the middle east as a child. Weird I know. But I did – in the hills of Lebanon, somehow, someone had sliced and chilled a few and served it to us one very hot summer evening, seated on a terrace, chatting up with friends and family. Anyway, this is the reason I bought the Ataulfo mango and I guess the internet realizing my nostalgia, offered up this recipe for me to consider for tonight’s dinner –  and instead of feta which I don’t have at home, I will be slicing up Cotija cheese. Recipe 2 ripe mangos, cubed 1 avocado, cubed 6 oz of feta, cubed handful of mint, chopped handful of chives, chopped handful of basil, chopped 1/4 cup of pistachios, chopped juice of 1 lemon 2 tbsp good olive oil flakey salt to taste fresh ground black pepper to taste {more} {featured image and recipe full credit On another note …

Decor: Living Room Statement

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During lockdown, like most of you, I’ve spent some of my time contemplating Springish(now) cleaning and sprucing up the house, in this case where my mother lives. So we talk, once a a day about my vision and she simply stares at me. I can tell she isn’t too thrilled about the idea of brightening her beautiful living and dining room first and then we’ll talk about tackling other parts of the house. So she said, show me what you are talking about and of course, here’s what’s happening this beautiful Monday in the city after experiencing some unbearably high winds over the weekend, which had the Golden Gate bridge howling – so eerie if you ask me. (Take a listen here) But before you go  – check out some of my favorite ideas I want to throw around and 54 more from here  in case you are also in the mood to create a new living room space or just go outside and enjoy the weather  – it’s summer and some of the restrictions …

Food: Saturday Brunch or Dinner – Includes White Beans

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During the mad rush to stock up the kitchen cupboards, I decided cans of Cannellini beans would be in order. Since I do love them- cooked, drizzled with olive oil, dash of Thyme , sprinkled with Parmesan. Easy, and filling – it was also my go-to for lunch at the office. So, I stood with the cabinet doors opened, staring at four cans of Cannellini beans and two of chickpeas wondering how to spice it up – since as usual my mother would be my worst food critic to please. 🙂  Don’t get me wrong, she’s awesome. Here’s the recipe I’ll be testing for this evening’s dinner minus orzo/pasta option. Can you taste it? I can: 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 medium onion, halved and cut into 1/4-inch slices 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons tomato paste 3 cups water 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 1/2 cups orzo or ditalini pasta 14 ounces diced tomatoes, juices included (one can) 14 ounces cooked cannellini beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained (one can) Finely grated zest plus juice from 1 small lemon 3 cups to 4 cups chopped Tuscan or curly kale, any …

Travel: Today’s Topics of Interest

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The world is changing faster than we are able to cope with it, or know how best to adapt or even get involved to make differences that are mindful of everyone around. So we struggle and ponder and take time so that we may find a solid way to become the better version of ourselves and do our part in making this world a safe, and sound place for every single human being, particularly our children. Featured image source and full credit. Article contest full credit by clicking on photos