Author: MS

Holiday Series: Vegan Pumpkin Mousse

Published by

I am not a fan of pumpkin pie, or cake but I am a fan of pudding or mousse alternative, so I feel like this year, we are going to have this vegan pumpkin mousse on our dessert table for thanksgiving.  So easy to make and naturally spoon right out of the blender. Okay, no I’ll do my best to scoop the masterpiece into serving bowls for a more civilized way of indulging. Ingredients 1 cup (225g) full fat coconut yogurt or coconut cream* 1/2 cup (125g) pumpkin puree  1/4 cup (80g) maple syrup 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 tsp salt  {more} On another healthier alternative to desserts – here’s a banana Chia pudding recipe – although this one I’m considering for breakfast come Sunday morning.  {featured image source and inspiration for this post}

Boutique Hotel Pick – Kimpton Charlotte Square – Edinburgh, Scotland

Published by

One of the favorite destinations from around the world is Scotland, and the inspiration for my third novel coming your way soon. And although there are many wonderful hotels throughout the country, one in particular I wanted to feature in RS&S since it meets all of my eclectic taste in accommodations.     {for a list of 20 small luxury hotels in Edinburgh- visit this site}

Decor: Fireplace Revamp Ideas

Published by

I stare at my mother’s living room fireplace with every visit, wishing I could update it and then I realize the 1930s build suits the house she calls her home. Well, maybe a minor update might do the fireplace some good and perhaps become the center of the space once more. {photo credit and source}

Decor: The Pantry Perfection

Published by

When we sold our house in Sacramento and moved back to San Francisco, wow… a decade ago,  we settled for a studio apartment near sunset beach until we figured out where we wanted to live next in the bay area. But, since we made the small space our perfect home, I cannot see myself living anywhere else. So, after much consideration, we decided to stay, and last year renovated the living  space and bath, with the intend we would tackle the makeshift kitchen which is currently a build-out as part of the garage. The most important item on my list is a pantry or two, kind of a combination of these perfect options. Which is a kitchen concept from here  and I love the industrial feel to the design perfect for a garage build-out

Lifestyle: How to Boost Your Mood

Published by

Mostly in the winter we tend to feel not the best version of ourselves. Blame it on the shorter days, the dreary weather outside, the chill factor, the heavy downpours, the aches and pains that come creeping up when you get out of bed, not to mention feeling unmotivated to do much of anything, including exercise. So to ward off those feelings until the first sign of spring – consider these cool suggestions… and what I normally do to make it through the winter months. Get more light– sit by the window facing east, or west if possible and read for an hour or so wake up to dawn – something I do religiously, helps welcome in the day redecorate in brighter colors is my idea of snapping out of a funky mood exercise – my suggestion a couple of laps in an indoor pool if you are missing a summer activity watch what you eat – if comfort food is all you crave, make soup. switch up carbs for plant-based staples, eat dark chocolate …

Food: Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies

Published by

I don’t bake too much, but I do help my mother when she is in the mood to bake a batch of brioche and other Mediterranean pastries. But this cookie recipe is worth a share, and one I am going to bake for the office holiday party this year – or in our case, they are calling it a fall festival party at the office set for next Thursday. INGREDIENTS 3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) salted butter, at room temperature 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar packed 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 2 eggs at room temperature 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus more as needed 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ginger 1/2 teaspoon cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground all-spice 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper BROWNED BUTTER FROSTING 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature 3 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 2 cups powdered sugar 1/3 cup real maple syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract melted white chocolate, for dipping (optional) chai sugar, for …

Decor: Fall Inspired

Published by

Every season I normally feel the need to switch up my decor, even if it means changing my throw pillow covers, and adding a few trinkets throughout the home, the need to feel the seasons indoor is in full force – especially Autumn…I mean how can anyone resists? And there is always the fall wreath collection to consider from here Ideas from Target – one of my favorite, and I am sure one of your favorite stores to walk into to buy one thing and end up with a dozen or more things you may or may not need, and doing everything in your power to hide that receipt from your hubs. 🙂    

Fashion: Autumn Wear Even For The Casual Weekends

Published by

On Sunday I was invited to breakfast with a friend and since the weather was super cold, I opted for warm athleisure wear, tennis shoes, no makeup and hair up in a messy ponytail. And then I arrive at the restaurant, and the first thing I noticed was how chic some folk, mostly the women were dressed to the occasion. Then I felt self-conscious of course, and vowed that I would make an effort to rummage through my closet and create these looks for the holiday brunches, and shopping  I plan to do over the course of the next few weekends.  

A Lazy Saturday Topics of Interest

Published by

This time of year, I prefer the indoors, spending most of my weekends in my pajamas craving hot chocolate, baked goods, and naps. Don’t misunderstand. I have a list of chores I need to tackle, but for some reason, the gloomy outdoors has me needing to find inspiration… {featured image source and inspiration for this topic}