Author: MS

Travel: What You Might Want to Know – If It’s Your First Trip Abroad

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I was excited to discover my first cousin has taken his family to Europe for the first time – and while they Instagram their trip, I smile at the thought of how excited his three daughters might be for experiencing something outside of the norm. So, while on the train commuting into the foggy downtown-San Francisco, I decided to compile a few interesting topics to cover what you might want to know if it’s your first trip abroad: And just in case you have trouble deciding how to pack for your first trip – here are some interesting of tips

Food: Dinner Tonight – Peanut Noodles

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Decades ago, I’d go into the grocery store and buy ready made peanut sauce and coconut milk and put together the perfect chicken noodle meal, which was intended for a two-day dinner, but the family always had seconds, it was so delicious. But now, it’s very difficult to find ready made peanut sauce, since all the nut allergies have come to light, the local grocers have all pulled the product off their shelves. So, since I have peanut sauce and know the family has no allergies, I was happy to come across this recipe. INGREDIENTS CHILI GARLIC OIL 1/3 cup peanut oil or extra virgin olive oil 2 small shallots thinly sliced 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or smashed 1-2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes PEANUT NOODLES 12 ounces rice noodles or long cut pasta 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari 1-2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup 1 inch fresh ginger, grated 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for serving fresh cracked black pepper  {more} on another note – this cool article about a …

Travel: Where to Go In August

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I normally travel to Europe off season or end to a season or the beginning to a season. Meaning May or Mid September through October – not so much for the great fares and hotel rates, but rather for the quiet before and after the student travelers have passed through the continent. But this list of best places to travel in August can also carry through the end of October just fine, I know, I’ve been there: {featured image} Also this How To article had me smiling – my favorite: How To Sleep Like A Pope In Rome

Monday Beautiful Things

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I’ve been having to juggle a few unexpected things which have recently come into my life and until I can get a good handle on it, or a rhythm, I must unfortunately streamline my most favorite distractions, to stay focused and in tuned. Until then, all I can think about are beautiful things to get me through… {featured image source}

Decor: Screened-In Porches For Lazy Summer Days

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Screened-in porches are not the norm in California, so when we bought our house in Sacramento a decade ago (and sold it since) – we never considered attaching a porch and so the summer nights, and early mornings were spent indoors just so I wouldn’t get attacked by mosquitoes – since I am very allergic. Which made me often wondered, why have such a perfectly landscaped backyard if I wasn’t able to enjoy the outdoors in the warmer months. Recently, I’ve been considering a renovation project for a home of a friend in the suburbs, about two hours from San Francisco, where a screened-in porch would be ideal – at least for my visits 🙂 Would you consider a screened-in porch or have one you adore?    

Food: Chicken, Veggies and Avocado

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This recipe is titled California Chicken – which naturally sparked my interest – because I am often curious about the naming of recipes. California chicken in this case, has to do with Avocados I think.  All I know, is that I have chicken thawing in the refrigerator and at first considered a simple fajita dinner, but now – well, we are making California Chicken for dinner tonight. INGREDIENTS CHICKEN 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon lemon zest 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried) kosher salt and black pepper THE RICE + VEGGIES + AVOCADO 2 red bell peppers, cut into fourths 1 zucchini, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 avocados, mashed very well juice of 1 lemon 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced or grated 2 cups cooked basmati rice 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped 1/2 cup crumbled feta, goat, or blue cheese  (and Cotija cheese it is, considering it is a California thing)  – {more} On another note, …

Lifestyle: Wedding Or A Great Milestone Venue

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I went all out for the party on Saturday – with the most and the best of decor. Not bragging, just stating how much I enjoyed planning and executing the event. Since then, I’ve been fixed on more party planning,  and have already received a few phone calls to help organize a small wedding venue from the caterer, who I thought was kidding when she said she knew how to get a hold of me if need be. And naturally, the internet reads my mind and sends my way, topics geared towards whatever it is I am obsessing about – like this gorgeous wedding venue.   Also, would you consider wearing a colorful gown for your wedding?

Just A Recap and a Favorite Recipe

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I oversaw a huge event taking shape over the weekend, where I spend the entire week prior – prepping and designing and then on Saturday, floating about the venue making sure all things were in place, and everyone was happy. As a result, I left this happy place to simply float in space. Today is the first day back to almost normalcy and first stop to that endeavor is here with one of my favorite easy online recipes: INGREDIENTS 1 pound bucatini pasta 1/4 cup chopped guanciale, pancetta, or chopped unsmoked bacon 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 3 cans (14 ounce) San Marzano cherry or regular tomatoes freshly cracked black pepper 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano fresh basil, for serving (optional)  {more} Also on another note – would you stay here for a week?   

Decor: In Elegant Whites

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Since I live by the coast, my decor choice is sort of beachy, with soft blues, whites and sand colored backdrops and bold, I would have to say, in pop of colors only throughout my bookshelf. I love the look and feel, and probably wouldn’t change a thing, or maybe add whites. {inspiration source}