Month: March 2022

Weekend Bound

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Whatever plans you have for the weekend, I hope it gives you the tiny bit of joy or happiness, or simply distracts from all things unpleasant. But just in case… Last night while aiming to decompress from another stressful week, I opted to watch Netflix-The Parisian Agency . This is of course because I ached to live vicariously through those wealthy Parisians searching for their perfect home somewhere in France and even out. Note to self: Become a fashion designer and move to France. Inside the ethical beauty boom – article talks about the rituals we have established globally for self-care. I’ve been watching Netflix films from Spain. Naturally dubbed in English, but they have actually been super entertaining and somewhat enchanting. Not to mention I enjoy filmmaking techniques from different parts of the world. Having said that, this article about Spain’s white gold super drink had me doing a double take – considering how amazing Spanish cuisine is from all my travels to the region. I had to see what this was all about. …

Topics of Interest For The Weekend

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Things that continue to escalate or shift every week, has us all on edge. Whether we feel helpless, or need help, we need to balance ourselves however way possible in order to cope. What’s in your Airbnb? Here’s one woman’s effort to create unique experiences. {read more} I found this article very interesting while doing research for my next book – Ancient guide to uncertain times. I have yet to come to terms with losing my dog. Each time I think I have progressed in the way I feel about it, I find myself getting all choked up. Strangely enough this article has defined everything a person feels after losing a beloved pet. In certain cultures, there are healers of many ailments. This article shares with the reader one particular healing of ‘bad luck’. Do you believe?

Pasta For Dinner

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Each evening, while on a time crunch between work-attending meetings and putting out fires and work–to play catch up, I prep a quick meal for the family, which includes Mum. I do the best I can under the circumstances, alternating between chicken or beef for the protein and some starchy side and greens. Not everyone in the household appreciates seafood, so that variation only happens once a month. Last night my mother told me no more chicken and no more beef, and no more spaghetti, and for sure no more hamburger, while I was adding the final touches to her dinner consisting of roast chicken, rice-pilaf and a salad with my own dressing. I think I laughed. So tonight, I am going with this recipe, hoping she’d already forgotten her demands. 1 jar (8 ounce) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes 2 small shallots, sliced 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1 teaspoon spanish or smoked paprika red pepper flakes kosher salt and black pepper 1 pound short cut pasta 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 cup grated parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons salted butter 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh …

Garden Woes – Almost Spring

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A couple of weeks back, while experiencing bright sunny, very warm days, I felt that it was time to invest in more plants for my sandy-soiled garden and add them to my collection of those that are still holding on from last year. Although, due to supply shortage in my favorite local nursery, the choices were limited. So I ventured out to Marin county one weekend and google-mapped my way to a few nurseries, to see about their selection. After hours, I managed to settle on seven or so potted plants. This is after consulting with an expert, who approved my selection, stating that they should grow and thrive in coastal soil. I say should, because she wasn’t that sure of herself, having never been to San Francisco, and in reality not really an expert, but merely a part-time employee of the shop. Nevertheless, I was fully invested in nurturing and conditioning those beautiful plants to become part of my blended garden family. I brought them home, and lovingly set each pot in the very …

Childhood Reflection

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I have always paid attention to detail, even at the age of five or six, when my parents opted to take me along on a family visit. Which was customary in the Mediterranean upbringing – you visit with relatives for tea and trays of winter dessert, or for refreshments and servings of fresh summer fruits. The adults spoke, and the children listened. It was wonderful! But while I did much listening, I also paid loads of attention to the home decor of those family members who were cultured if you will, or wealthy enough to set up their home in French inspired decor trends. So when I stumbled upon this breathtaking mansion, I had to share what I was referring to: As this particular set up is a true reminder of days from my childhood, where I sat on an oversized sofa, watching the adults discuss whatever topic of interest. There, I simply nibbled on cake or ice cream and admired all the intricate details of my surroundings. Source full credit, referenced above for your …

Saturday Topics of Interest

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We are swayed by the news, whether positive or negative, the photographs and captions tug at our heart-strings. Either making us smile, or cry, or remain in some sort of shock – the reaction seems to impacts us down to our core. Or so we believe… Because I always do wonder – how different people around different parts of the world really process or handle news that are transmitted to the masses through social media or in print. For example: Those near the North Pole, or deep in the Amazon, or the Himalayan mountainous regions, or somewhere pretty isolated from all things metropolitan – I would love to know how is it they feel about world news. On that note – I decided to share some interesting topics for you to react however way you see fit. The topic of what not to say in a job interview is one most of us in the work-force understand all too well. Or maybe not. But this article is one I thought I’d share just in case …