Although I follow my own taste when it comes to decorating by adding the old and the new, I still consider the shifting trends put in place for each year, to gauge just where the industry is headed. For example: {source}
Considering 2020 I’ve claimed as the year of travel – I’ve done much research on where I would stay during my travels. I’ve considered villas in Tuscany, Resorts along the Riviera, castles throughout U.K. and country estates in the French wine region. Now, I am adding this list of best European apartments to rent to my bucket list of places I would stay.
Although in England for business for two weeks, I am also hoping to get a chance to play tourist in a country I consider my second home for so many reasons. But in case I don’t get a chance to see outside of a working environment, and report back on whatever discoveries I’ve made along the way, I promise I will stay in touch. My favorite reference this week “you’re either in or you are out.” I wonder if I’ll have a chance to visit some of the best restaurants in London from this list Or a bar or two or three from the best bars in London 2020 U.K. best festivals for 2020 – I’ve emailed to family living in England, hoping to experience some of them Sustainable is the word for 2020 – and so are these shops in London to add to your list, in case you plan a trip out this way. Finally, Love this article about – How to Sustainable Travel in 2020
Soup is in order – considering the crazy cold, stormy weather in my neck of the woods. The interesting thing about this soup is that in is made with Halloumi cheese? Are you familiar with Halloumi cheese, if not, consider adding it to any salad, in soup or grilled, just by itself. In this case, instead of diced chicken, added the cheese to this spicy peanut soup INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons sesame or extra olive oil 2 small shallots, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated 3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste 4 cups vegetable broth 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter 1 (14 ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups) 1 bunch Tuscan kale, chopped 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 8 ounces halloumi cheese, cubed 2 tablespoons sesame seeds fresh limes and chopped peanuts, for serving {more}
Keeping in line with my commitment to talk more travel in 2020, I am kicking off the topic with a list of the best hotels in Europe from here, and some of my top picks: {Featured image source, and a favorite hotel of mine – Le Meurice, Paris}
After a week or more of pure sunshine, we experienced heavy rains overnight – and colder temps. So, soup is in order – especially since I am really craving Mexican food. This vegetarian and tortilla soup will do the trick minus the crockpot suggestion for my love of cooking. INGREDIENTS 1 medium yellow onion, diced 1 poblano pepper, diced 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon dried oregano 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth 2-3 canned chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped 1 (28 ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes kosher salt and pepper 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa juice and zest of 1 lime 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more for serving tortilla chips, diced mango, sliced avocado, feta, and yogurt, for serving {more} On another note – what movies have you seen at home or at the movie theater? Here’s what I’ve been up to.
As I ‘mature’ I realize I’m developing a sense of calmness when dealing with everyday life. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do need to vent here and there, well mostly after enduring a situation for a long period of time, I need to let it all out, but not as emotionally as I used to. I realize as I type this, that with maturity, there will also come a time, where I see myself not even venting anymore. Instead, simply shaking my heading and carrying on. Until then, I am simply sharing a few things that have grabbed my attention this morning and wanted to know your take on them.
I am seeing more and more dark gray to black exterior paint popping up all over San Francisco – after a complete renovations of the various homes throughout the city. I stare in aw, when I come across one of them and wonder how the interior decor is in line with the trend. Naturally, the exterior color is one I wanted to paint our family home last year, after we had the roof done up, but the majority voted for a ‘safe’ color – Stonington Gray – which looks wonderful. But I was hoping to give the family home a vintage modern feel – like this beauty on the outside, and in. {photo source from here, and here}
I’ve been dragging my feet in getting back into the swing of things in much of everything defining my life. But I know I am not alone in this – you know the holiday withdrawals and all. And frankly today is the first day I returned back to work and figured we need to catch up. First of all, I hope your holidays were just as you had expected and the plans you’ve laid out for 2020 are set in motion, and ready to unfold just as you hope. Me too. 🙂 Here’s a recap of some of the things I experienced and naturally wish to share here. In between the holidays, which did not include me shopping like a mad woman for gifts for anyone. Since somehow I decided there would be no gift exchange with family. Instead, I opted to do the traditional things with them. Like cooking, baking, talking, spending quality time walking through the city, hours in cafes and being mostly outdoors. And I have to say, it felt wonderful to …
There were no resolutions made on New Year’s eve, nor discussions about self improvement among the family members. No conversations about politics, or any issues outside of our simple existence – which was wonderful. Because the entire day felt surreal, and at midnight, we turned off all the lights, except the Christmas decoration lights, and watched the fireworks along the coast, from the comfort of our home. I couldn’t ask for a better way to welcome the New Year. I decided, just before turning in that 2020 would be the year of travel, and self reflection, and in line with that concept, I share with you my list from the ten places to travel in 2020. Just in case you are undecided, consider this month to month 2020 suggested travel destinations guide {Source here and here}
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