Author: MS

finding time to yourself: a must for every woman

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Occasionally and as expected, women feel overwhelmed by all the things they need to accomplish or take care of on a daily basis and based on that fact, tend to be considered moody or emotional. I suppose the opposite sex will never understand.  But to cope with a hectic schedule or a lifestyle without losing it, every woman needs to take a few hours, even if just one day a week and pamper herself.  Not only does it feel good to do it, but it is almost a requirement.  When I get “emotional or moody” I stop whatever it is I am doing and plan out how to recharge, regroup or revive and here’s what I do: Walk in my favorite neighborhood on Sunday morning by myself here Pamper myself with a facial and a body massage from here Go to brunch with my mother here, here or here Watch old classic films, curled up on my bed on a Saturday night from here Create something with my hands here, here, or here Go to …

healthy recipes: skinny red velvet cupcakes

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My weakness for sure, red velvet cupcakes. I can eat them by the dozen and make them everyday meal replacement if I had it my way. But, since I have to watch my weight and eat right, blah blah blah, 🙂  I decided it was time to search for a ‘skinny’ version of this wonderful dessert. I found the recipe here: Skinny Red Velvet Cupcakes Gina’s Weight Watcher Recipes Servings: 26 • Serving Size: 1 cupcake • Calories: 141 • Points: 3 pts • Points+: 4 pts 1 1/2 cups cake flour 1 cup white whole wheat flour 1 cup sugar 1 tbsp unsweetened dutch-process cocoa 1 tsp salt 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp white vinegar 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce 1/4 cup butter, softened 1 egg 2 egg whites 2 tsp vanilla 1 1/3 cup light buttermilk 1 tbsp red food coloring Preheat oven to 350. Line cupcake tins with liners. In a large mixing bowl, stir together flours, salt, cocoa, and baking powder. In another large bowl beat sugar, applesauce and butter. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl mix baking soda and vinegar. Add half of the dry ingredients …

boutique hotel pick – grand hotel quisisana – capri, italy

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While travelling through Italy, I always make a point to take a ferry to the island of Capri. In my opinion, one of the most beautiful exotic destinations on this planet.  The charm and elegance of the island is a simple reminder of classic Hollywood. Don’t ask why, but the moment I step foot off the ferry, I feel as though I am back in the 1950s. To celebrate my love and appreciation of this amazing romantic destination, I have included one of my favorite hotels – Grand Hotel Quisisana :  Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend.  

designer sandals for the woman over 40 – summer 2013

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There are so many sandals to consider while putting an outfit together, especially this Summer season. There is a color and pattern for every style and some, although gorgeous are not designed for the practical woman over 40. I tend to stay fashionable each season, by choosing pieces which work with body type and age. Here are some of my favorites:

healthy snack: vacation inspired granola bar recipe

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First day back from any vacation is always the hardest, especially from a relaxing one. (Meaning mostly spent by the poolside or under an umbrella at the beach, sipping cool drinks). The funny thing was, while I wondered what to post on my blog at the start the week after a vacation, I came across the perfect recipe to make the transition and bring a little of the island back with me. Tropical Chewy Granola Bars Makes 12-16 bars Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. chia seeds + 6 Tbsp. water 2 cups / 200g rolled oats (certified gluten-free if possible) ½ cup / 150g raw buckwheat groats 1 cup / 50g coconut flakes ¾ cup / 100g macadamia nuts, chopped 60g / 2 oz. dried banana, chopped (or Medjool dates) 60g / 2 oz. dried mango, chopped ¼ cup / 60ml coconut oil 1/3 cup / 80ml honey (or maple syrup) 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 1 tsp. extract) 2 very ripe bananas ½ tsp. coarse sea salt Directions: 1. In a small bowl, combine chia …

travel photography: oahu, hawaii

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There isn’t too much to do, in my opinion on Oahu, outside of the tourist sites and shopping, so the only other hobby one can enjoy is definitely photography. The funny thing is, I walked in and out of a dozen wall art stores and wondered how the photographers painted photos with extreme colors. Meaning, I felt most of the photographs were color enhanced. Last night, while I walked back from the pre-wedding dinner get together, along the beach, back to my hotel, I actually were able to capture photographs, with seemingly enhanced colors. I didn’t touch up any of my photos, but was proud that I was able to capture, such colorful photography. {photos are the property of http://www.rawsilkandsaffron.wordpress.com please ask if you wish to borrow}

fall fashion: termpereley london

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While in Hawaii, waiting for my good friend’s wedding to take place on Friday, I decided on my day 2 – free day to walk the streets adorned with designer boutiques. Which then led me to surf “the net” for fall fashion releases.   You can take a girl out of her city, but you can’t take the city out of the girl. Check out Termpereley of London from here: