It was very difficult for me this morning, to get up and get ready for work. Especially after having a week to simply explore my city – San Francisco, for those just joining in the fun here. I realized while commuting in, that my mind is blank, even though I have a list of to-do’s a mile long, which I’ve written down, I feel completely numb this morning, and can only focus on beautiful things I found online: {source}
I did not realize just how much time away from a computer was needed until I decided Monday morning last, to simply not get online, or check work emails, or blog or write. There was a feeling of calm, even while running errands, and doing chores, the idea of not being plugged in made a world of difference in how I felt overall. So, I vowed to myself that – this sort of unplugging will be done several times throughout the year. Where I simply leave my phone on Do Not Disturb mode and my computer logged off and find joy in the simpler things in life. Like walking six miles across the city. Sitting by the ocean and taking in the views. Reading in a park. Lunch in a new farm-to-table eatery I’ve wanted to try out forever. Reconnecting with a solid friend and be completely entertained by her Schnauzer. Taking photographs of everything . Walking across town again, buying a new lipstick or gloss. Enjoy watching a herd of grazing goats for hire …
I am taking next week off from work. A much-needed break, I’ve avoided for four years. Meaning, even while on vacation over the past four years, I tend to check my work emails and respond and or get asked for guidance on various matters from the team – thinking that nothing can get done with me. Well, I am here to say that even if nothing can get done without me at work, my brain needs some time away from the norm – to play tourist, even if it’s just in my town, or a few towns over, I am going to make a point to experience things I have not-yet and things I haven’t for over a decade or more… so stay tuned for some interesting hopefully interesting travel topics. On another travel note – May is my favorite travel time of the year – and I love the idea of this list offering up places I haven’t been yet and are longing to explore, just not this May: {featured image source}
I love spontaneous visits – as my home is always open to family and a handful of friends visiting from out-of-town. In this case, family + her beautiful German Sheppard I cannot wait to hang out with over the weekend. He’s adorable, but not at all interesting to my 15-year old Yokie, who although will have a tough time having T around, I am sure deep down he will be a great host. Here’s the thing about these visits – full on breakfasts and long conversations over coffee, while both of us are curled up on the sofas with our loyal companions at our feet. Best feeling ever, I can assure you. So I looked up breakfast options to prepare – and this recipe popped up for me to alter a bit to fit our dietary needs: INGREDIENTS MAPLE CANDIED BACON {I will be using Uncurred Turkey bacon from trader Joe – best I’ve had so far and bypassing the added ingredients} 1/2 pound thick cut bacon use peppered bacon if possible 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup 1/4 cup brown sugar …
I normally don’t shock easily – about the goings on around me or even around the world. But recently I’ve raised an eyebrow or twitched an eye at a few strange comments – which I felt the need to share – to either put a smile on your face, or have your jaw drop. Never tell a middle-aged woman you see daily, ‘oh I see you are wearing makeup today,’ when she wears makeup everyday. ♦ At a retail store – while consulting with a makeup artist about a facial primer – he says ‘this one is used on dead people, so it is lasting and oil-free. ♦ ‘This product will help your dull hair look alive, not like a young person, but you know, for your age, you should try it.’ ♦ Ordering a salad with no mention of fat-free in the ingredients, the gal behind the counter asks if I would like fat-free dressing? ♦ Walking in through the front door, you pre-warn you’ve had a bad day, and he decides that moment …
Sometimes it is very difficult to pick just one hotel to highlight in RS&S, so I have included some of my favorites from this hotel list – just in case you are having a tough time deciding where to holiday this year:
I have a weakness for pasta – so, here we are, with me thinking pasta for dinner tonight. I mean, I have a wonderful bottle of organic cab sitting in my kitchen, ready to be consumed. So, here we go – this is the recipe I am going for – even the ricotta cheese, or maybe I’ll go for Halloumi cheese, seared in a pan – yes I think I will Halloumi this pasta: INGREDIENTS 1 large head of broccoli, roughly chopped 1/2 cup fresh basil 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil kosher salt 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes 3/4 pound of your favorite pasta 1 tablespoon salted butter 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced zest and juice of 1 lemon black pepper 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, whipped in the food processor, if desired {more} My go-to wine these days –
This morning, I needed an escape of sort. I’ve been reading a memoir I borrowed from the local library a week ago, and I have to say I’m turning the pages with a mix of emotions, not sure yet by the end how the story will have an impact or not. But, I know that I needed a visual escape…such as this wedding venue
Spring is just around the corner, and I couldn’t be happier. Sure, winter has its benefits, or beauty, but Springtime is…well simply amazing – where there is still some crispness to the air in the early morning hours, and perhaps light showers mid-morning, all leading to the best days ahead. And with the idea of Spring, a closet rotation is in order…
There are constants reminders to be and do positive things, or the need to think of yourself a winner, or how to be the best person you can ever be, and well, even the suggestion to persevere no matter how difficult the road ahead. This got me thinking to see the glass half full this morning – or to some of you perhaps, filled to the rim 🙂 Enjoy my craziness. {featured images source} ♦♦♦ What book are you reading now? I am reading Inheritance by Dani Shapiro
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