Author: MS

Travel: October Destinations

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If I could drop everything for a year simply to travel the world, I would. In a heart beat. In a blink of an eye. In a split of a second and all other  clichés you wish to insert here, to convey my dedication to traveling. I consider it a wonderful addiction that only some of you can relate to. Travel awakens my senses, and offers a wider perspective – whether political, social, cultural – to build upon my wisdom so that I can approach my everyday life in the most positive manner. So here’s to the best  travels for October –   {featured image – Upstate New York}

Decor: San Francisco Gem In The Marina

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I adore fine architecture and design and often times walk through different neighborhoods in the city to see what all the renovations are about. You know incorporating the new among the Edwardian and Victorian homes perched along the hillside – in this case near and around the Marina district. Here’s one of my favorite home with streamlined design and decor    Home Tour Video https://players.brightcove.net/5699924528001/default_default/index.html?videoId=ref:60ad810f-ed97-4c59-837f-c24484f13848

A Day Of Remembrance

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I never forget the horrible Tuesday, as I stood in front of my bathroom over-the-sink mirror, attempting to put on mascara, in the reflection, I could see the bedroom television, set on channel 7-news, at that moment streaming the horrific image of one of the twin towers on flames. I turned around, and inched closer to the television set, increasing the volume; I stared in disbelief, hoping that what I was seeing on the screen was a preview to a movie stunt – because I wasn’t going to allow myself to believe what I was hearing was real. Never realizing that the rest of the day and weeks to follow would be one of the worst I have experienced in my lifetime – as the news of multiple (air) attacks on our nation spread. After watching the news on repeat for an hour, I assumed I needed to report to work, not really  knowing what was expected of me during a national crisis of this caliber. So I left the house in a state of shock, and drove to Stanford University, where I was manager of the on-campus student travel agency. During my 40-mile commute along an unusually traffic-free highway, I wondered if I was doing the right thing going into to work, more so when I sensed the uncommonly quiet across the skies, more obvious  as I passed SFO International. Upon unlocking the door to the shop, which was located in the student-union building, I noticed a crowd of students and faculty gathered around a television set, starting some in silence, some crying, while others vocalizing-trying to make sense of …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Chipotle, Lime Chicken and Fries

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The weather has finally turned for the better in the city – with warm days and SUNSHINE throughout the city and not just downtown. I love this time of the year, when the mornings are crispy cold-ish and the days although shorter are sunny and hot. The only challenge is while other parts of the world are turning to comfort food, or soups to wards off the colder temperatures, we in the city are aiming to cool down by eating all things summer. So I am naturally pretty conscious on how best to proceed with my weekly meal plan, and I think this one will do just fine to half-Keto for me and the original recipe for the family. INGREDIENTS 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, chopped 1 tablespoon honey (cut out for hardcore Keto) 1 teaspoon cumin 2 limes 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated kosher salt and pepper 2 sweet potatoes, cut into matchsticks  (I can cut this portion out for Keto, but I may just cheat today)  2 avocados, lightly mashed 3 heads romaine lettuce …

Fashion: Fall Wear 2018

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Living in a techy city like San Francisco, the best approach to fashion is to fit in. Meaning to say that SOMA (south of Market) the dress code is more comfortable and functional. Which I completely appreciate after years of my corporate ensemble while employed in the financial district. So, shopping for these transitional weekday work wear to weekend hangouts is the most fun I have, especially online.

Food: Dinner Tonight – Skillet Chicken and Peaches

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Growing up in a Mediterranean home meant, fresh seasonal fruits were used to create the most interesting of meals and the tastiest fruit salads to indulge. So, you can imagine my excitement when I found this recipe – which in addition to reminding me of my childhood – is going to be the most talked about dish in our household. In a good way, I can assure you.  Also, pretty Keto friendly if you leave out the rice pilaf I’d consider pairing up with this meal. INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons smoked paprika zest and juice of 1 lemon kosher salt and pepper 1 yellow onion, chopped 1 inch fresh ginger, grated 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated 1 cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth 2 peaches, sliced 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons toasted pistachios, chopped 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese {more}

After The Labor Day Weekend

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I stayed indoors the entire weekend, even after planning countless day trips to places encompassing the central coast. I don’t know what really came over me on Saturday morning, when I woke up early and made myself a cup of coffee and turned on the television set, for a few minutes I said to myself, while the friend I was visiting woke up to start ‘our day’. Instead neither of us pushed the other to actually get ready to start the day. But you know what?  I was just fine, sprawled across the sofa, watching films and television shows, and dozing off in between while she handled her chores and other obligations. The only trouble is that by Monday night, 11 p.m. to be exact, I felt overly energized and too well-rested to fall asleep. Has that ever happened to you? So, I stayed up, reading until four in the morning, when I finally fell into deep sleep, only to jump back up at six and start my day. Realizing while staring at myself in …