Author: MS

in search of fall colors: a walk through napa

As I stated before I have fallen in love with Autumn and feel it is probably the most romantic time of the year and wish there were enough trees planted throughout the city of San Francisco to get a glimpse of the leaves changing color.   But since that’s not an option, I usually take a day trip to Napa in the Fall to get a glimpse of some of the most breath taking scenery.   {photo credits} http://fineartamerica.com/featured/napa-valley-fall-bill-gallagher.html   http://www.jharrisonphoto.com/Landscapes/Napa-Valley-Fall-Colors http://winecamp.squarespace.com/journal/2009/11/17/photo-camp-fall-colors-napa-november.html http://www.cbspittsburghtrip.com

healthy recipe: white bean and shitake mushroom soup

Every year I collect  a dozen or more soups to try during the winter months and this year is no exception.  I found this recipe here mostly because I love anything made with white beans and what better way then to incorporate them in a light soup. White Bean + Shitake Soup with Herb Oil Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 small white onion diced 2 large cloves of garlic finely chopped 1 box of organic chicken stock. Equal parts water 1 parmesan rind 2 cans of white beans drained and rinsed 5 to 7 Shiitake mushrooms sliced very thinly Salt + pepper to taste mint parsley basil meyer lemon Sauté the garlic + onion in a stock pot with olive oil over a medium heat until the onion is translucent and fragrant. and the beans and sauté for a few minutes adding salt + pepper to taste. Add the broth, water + rind and raise heat slightly, allowing the soup to simmer for 20 minutes. For the last five minutes add the sliced shiitakes. Once …

women’s fashion 2013 by bottega veneta

The first time I saw the name Bottega Veneta was at the perfume counter at Nordstrom’s USA and I fell in love with the name and then the perfumes and when I dug deeper I discovered a whole new world of fashion  and more from the luxury designers. Now, I pretty much live and breathe Bottega-Veneta and of course I had to include some of my favorite women’s fashion for Spring 2013 from here:  Also very glad with a boutique store in San Francisco (near Union Square) 🙂

the black and white of kitchen decor

Although most kitchen remodel today suggest modern and clinical, I tend to lean towards French country inspired suggestions while searching for new ideas. There is something to be said about white cabinetry and subway tiles. A bold chandelier, a touch of color. A slab of marble or distressed counter tops and a dark wood center island perfectly ensembled in a brightly lit area of a home.

please stand by while i watch

A busy day on 10-11-12, for baseball fans and ones who appreciate the playoffs. I want to ask my readers to please stand by while I watch the San Francisco Giants vs Boston Red Socks and then NY Yankees vs Baltimore Orioles. I promise I will be back to my normal self tomorrow. Well actually that depends on who wins. I occassionally am a sore loser.:)

healthy recipe: artichoke soup with salami, quinoa, lemon and parsley

Usually during the colder months I tend to eat heartier, but this year, I have decided  to try and stick to a leaner meal plan (well at least as much as possible). I figured soup is a good way to start and I have found a recipe here,  which I couldn’t wait to try and one that I highly recommend. Artichoke Soup with Crispy Salami and Lemon-Parsley Quinoa Serves 4 For the soup: 2 (14-oz.) cans artichoke hearts, drained 2 cloves garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped 1 cup chicken stock 1 cup heavy cream 2 tsp fennel seeds Salt and pepper For the quinoa: 1/2 cup dried quinoa 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves 1 tsp. lemon zest (from about 1 lemon), plus 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice Extra-virgin olive oil 4 large thin slices genoa salami Preheat the oven to 350º. In a medium saucepan, add the artichoke hearts, the garlic, half of the chicken stock and half of the cream; cook over medium heat until warmed through. Add the fennel seeds and season …

fashionable ankle boots for fall to winter 2012

It goes without saying, most women love shoes and will probably shop for a pair at least once a month if not more. So, it goes without saying that I frequent shoe stores almost on a bi-weekly basis in an actual store and online on a daily basis. What can I say an addict is an addict 🙂 And for that, here are some of my favorite finds for this Fall to Winter season. One: Jimmy Choo Lornes Suede Boots 895USD Two: Acne Pistol Leather Ankle Boots 570USD Three: Haide Rackermann Lace Up Suede 1182USD Four: Rag and Bone Harro Leather Biker Boots 495USD Five: Burberry Shearling Lined Leather Boots 950USD

awkward friday: a prelude to a weekend

Have you ever had a day when one thing goes wrong, three other things do as well? And what you planned to do and ends up having to happen  alters your frame of mind. Well that definitely is the case for me this Friday morning and now I am faced with a backup plan, a new outlook, a change in plan, an analysis of some sort and a lot of sense of humor to deal with.  (I don’t need to bother you all with the details, just needed to throw it out there) So, while I take a few days to figure things out, I am staying focused on: