I traded in my 2800square foot home in the suburbs for a studio apartment in the city by the bay-San Francisco. Simply because I enjoy the cottage feel of a small space. I call it my artists loft. Which by the way, is all neutral in décor with pops of color – all in line with the coastal living vibe. So you can imagine how this home grabbed my attention and hence the need to share here.
When I initially started this blog, it was simply to share all things travel. However, as we all know, 2020 put an unpredictable pause on the best form of escapism mankind has ever known. Fast forward to the present, and I am happy to report that the RS&S travel series is back, not just due to popular demand, but also to keep my head in the clouds while I navigate through some challenging times. Here’s how I escape during a distressing situation: Exploring the small villages perched along the shores of the Greek islands. Discovering Ireland one castle at a time Spending hours in a Parisian cafe with breathtaking views Paying homage to Piazza Navona (Rome) for inspiring me to write my first novel Switzerland…need I say more How do you escape?
Last week was a continuation of previous weeks x two. Which has me wondering – why does everything require a zoom meeting? The idea of needing a scheduled call to ‘be on the same page’ has me booked up through the end of April. Not complaining just sharing too much information. But in all honesty I have missed staying connected here and do want to know how everyone is truly doing out there as we watch our world shift and change. And humanity be swayed in every direction imaginable to feel and think a certain way. I do my best to focus on the positive and live my life as simply as possible. Some of the things that keep me motivated are the stuff I am thankful and very grateful for. Have a nice day…
This week means different things to different people. For the Christian religion(s) it is holy week – the week between Palm Sunday and Easter where various worship oriented events take place. And for others it is simply a time to go on a holiday break from school and work. Whatever your interpretation of Spring – Holy Week, take a few moments to be grateful and appreciate all that life has to offer.
The end of March was bit bittersweet because there were many ends to certain things and a few heartwarming moments. None of which I want to bore you with. Except maybe one happy event – my garden is starting to bloom and I am so very happy and proud of myself for learning the ins and outs of gardening on a slopped, sandy space. So here’s what I want to share for this week. All renovation projects for my household are paused at the moment, due to the ballooned cost of just about anything. But that doesn’t mean I can’t stop admiring and sharing an interesting decor find. I’d love to recluse here for the summer, is something you’ll always hear me say every time I come across a dreamy retreat. Interesting take on why a cold oven is best for pound cakes? is offered up here. More and more I am starting to read and research about travel. I had paused the habit back in 2020, and seldom brought it up in 2021. But …
Whatever plans you have for the weekend, I hope it gives you the tiny bit of joy or happiness, or simply distracts from all things unpleasant. But just in case… Last night while aiming to decompress from another stressful week, I opted to watch Netflix-The Parisian Agency . This is of course because I ached to live vicariously through those wealthy Parisians searching for their perfect home somewhere in France and even out. Note to self: Become a fashion designer and move to France. Inside the ethical beauty boom – article talks about the rituals we have established globally for self-care. I’ve been watching Netflix films from Spain. Naturally dubbed in English, but they have actually been super entertaining and somewhat enchanting. Not to mention I enjoy filmmaking techniques from different parts of the world. Having said that, this article about Spain’s white gold super drink had me doing a double take – considering how amazing Spanish cuisine is from all my travels to the region. I had to see what this was all about. …
Someone on a work call reminded us – how happy he gets when Spring is in the air – and everyone on camera bobbed their heads. Here’s to the Happiest of Springtime
Things that continue to escalate or shift every week, has us all on edge. Whether we feel helpless, or need help, we need to balance ourselves however way possible in order to cope. What’s in your Airbnb? Here’s one woman’s effort to create unique experiences. {read more} I found this article very interesting while doing research for my next book – Ancient guide to uncertain times. I have yet to come to terms with losing my dog. Each time I think I have progressed in the way I feel about it, I find myself getting all choked up. Strangely enough this article has defined everything a person feels after losing a beloved pet. In certain cultures, there are healers of many ailments. This article shares with the reader one particular healing of ‘bad luck’. Do you believe?
Each evening, while on a time crunch between work-attending meetings and putting out fires and work–to play catch up, I prep a quick meal for the family, which includes Mum. I do the best I can under the circumstances, alternating between chicken or beef for the protein and some starchy side and greens. Not everyone in the household appreciates seafood, so that variation only happens once a month. Last night my mother told me no more chicken and no more beef, and no more spaghetti, and for sure no more hamburger, while I was adding the final touches to her dinner consisting of roast chicken, rice-pilaf and a salad with my own dressing. I think I laughed. So tonight, I am going with this recipe, hoping she’d already forgotten her demands. 1 jar (8 ounce) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes 2 small shallots, sliced 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1 teaspoon spanish or smoked paprika red pepper flakes kosher salt and black pepper 1 pound short cut pasta 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 cup grated parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons salted butter 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh …
A couple of weeks back, while experiencing bright sunny, very warm days, I felt that it was time to invest in more plants for my sandy-soiled garden and add them to my collection of those that are still holding on from last year. Although, due to supply shortage in my favorite local nursery, the choices were limited. So I ventured out to Marin county one weekend and google-mapped my way to a few nurseries, to see about their selection. After hours, I managed to settle on seven or so potted plants. This is after consulting with an expert, who approved my selection, stating that they should grow and thrive in coastal soil. I say should, because she wasn’t that sure of herself, having never been to San Francisco, and in reality not really an expert, but merely a part-time employee of the shop. Nevertheless, I was fully invested in nurturing and conditioning those beautiful plants to become part of my blended garden family. I brought them home, and lovingly set each pot in the very …
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