Author: MS

Health & Beauty: Core Exercises Without the Gym

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I endured the worst backache recently – the pain so severe, it zinged down to my knees, and my entire body felt as if out of proportion.  Not sure what I was suffering from, a cold, a virus, a pinched nerve and by the time I could see a doctor, it sort of – well  almost – went away.  So on Sunday I went for a long walk, for the first time in a while, and I remembered a woman I was buying fruit from at a farmer’s market in Florence, told me walking is the best medicine to cure most ailments. And she was right – the walk helped and I feel like finally I am on track to recovery. Of course the internet sensed my latest issues, and sent this article my way  – 6 Best Core strengthening Exercises to do at home and I like the idea that they only take 10 minutes: 1. Bridge The bridge exercise strengthens the whole abdominal region, the lower back and the glutes. 2. Straight Leg …

Monday Morning Starts Off with Things Italians Do Better

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Monday we all need a little push to get going, although right about now the day is winding down in some places, and others, oh, it’s the start of another day.  So, I want to keep the subject light – especially after last week, and although I am still not over the shock of losing a beloved family pet, I am going to do my best to move forward. This article had me amused and sort of longing I can’t figure out how to express. So here it is – 13 Things Italians Do Better: And of course Italian’s approach to aging – is something I’ve decided to adapt the older I get.

Lifestyle: Growing From Your Pain

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Self-discovery is something we do, more so when we are faced with a traumatic event – such as losing a loved one, a job, an unexpected breakup, health issues, and even children acting out in ways so very unpredicted. The suffering we endure is the most traumatic and although most of us have gone through similar situations  at one point or another, there are no words that could ease the individualized hardship we face or have faced. I know in my case, the most I am told is ‘time will heal all wounds’ and yes it does, but what is the measure of time when coping with a traumatic event. A week, a month, a year, a decade.  The only thing that has helped me is that  I don’t look at timelines. Meaning to say, I don’t wait around for the universe to dictate if I am ready to grow from my pain and suffering. I simply do my best daily to distract, to pamper, and to move on slowly in bits and pieces. Sure …

A Moment To Reflect

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I got the worst kind of call last night – from someone very dear to me to tell me she was faced with the most difficult decision – to put her beloved Yorkie to sleep. A 2.5 pound beauty she’d had for 14 years. His sudden illness – while driving back from a trip to San Francisco over the weekend to visit her family – tearing her world apart. I can still hear her gut-wrenching cry over the phone last night, asking for the best course of action, when she knew deep down she had to make the worst of decisions. She’d been up for over 20 hours since Sunday afternoon at the Pet Hospital 50 miles from her home, hopeful that her forever pup would pull through… So forgive me for taking a few days to figure out how to help her cope.

Health & Beauty: Healthy Blood Pressure

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It used to be health concerns were only for those over a certain age, but not anymore – health issues are hot topics for anyone at any age. I found out recently a person who is in her 30’s has to worry about high blood pressure and just the other day, a co-worker was rushed to the emergency over high blood pressure. Which got me thinking of finding solutions to maintain a healthy blood pressure in the most natural way possible. I’m not a doctor, but I am optimistic that watching what you eat plays a major role in your health. So if certain foods can help keep the blood pressure down, than by all means, I will abide.  

Boutique Hotel Pick – Soho House – New York, Istanbul, Chicago

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I sort of slowed down with my hotel picks over the holidays but I’m starting to get the itch to travel again – as I said many times before, if I could do it full time, I would without a second thought. But for now, traveling is spread across the year. But believe me the dreaming hasn’t stopped, where one day I can simply travel. Here’s a hotel pick – Soho House – New York, Istanbul, and Chicago, perfect decor, elegance, and charm are what come to mind for these home away from home hotels. And the history behind each building is something wonderful to read as well.  

Lifestyle: Healthy Food Swaps For A Better You

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Well this year started out not so well in terms of watching what I eat or intake actually. Because although I watch what I eat no matter at home or out, I have to now watch which food pairings work best for me or my metabolism to function properly And no this is not really age related. It’s more how a person’s body works since we know being overweight is something many folks struggle with. I’ve learned in the last year or so that, even if you diet, you may not lose the weight you hope because it comes down to individual metabolism and/or digestive processing. So if a diet works for one person, it may not do so well for another. I always go back to researching how I can eat healthy, and eat the right foods, not only to lose or maintain my weight, but also feel healthy in the belly.  There are many places that can help individuals obtain their goals, and  then there are the self-help sites online that can help …

Food: Let Them Eat Cake…

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Better yet, let me eat cake. Especially this one with hints of lemon-lime in the recipe based on the chef, is one baked good paired with a perfectly brewed cup of tea. I mean why not get a slow start this morning and simply indulge. l i m e , y o g h u r t & o l i v e o i l c a k e INGREDIENTS | wet 1 cup whole full fat greek yoghurt 1/3 cup of olive oil 1 cup caster sugar zest of one lime 1/4 cup lime juice 2 eggs INGREDIENTS | dry 1 3/4 cups of sifted plain flour 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt [more]