Author: MS

Lifestyle: Movie Night and Wine

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Saturday night has become the official movie night in our household. Where we prep all fun snacks and buy a couple of bottles of wine and get comfy in our favorite spot on the sofa, with a dog in tow, and watch two films, we’ve either seen before or for the first time.  Here’s the beauty of movie night – there is so many ways to see films and shows now, that I don’t need to direct you to any particular streaming site, you know what you need to do. The only thing I am going to say is that – you can actually show up in your pajamas and messy hair and no one will care. So, here’s a list of films I do recommend just in case you are either on the fence about them or feel they are not your favorite genre, or even that they are on your radar. But here is the list:

Travel: In Celebration of Ireland

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Although St. Patrick’s Day is tomorrow – some of us folks begin all the festivities today, at work and after work, and well into Saturday :).  Any reason for a good party, we Americans believe.  Although last year, while in Scotland on St. Patrick’s day I got a bit of the partying there too in Edinburgh, with a pop up outdoor (really indoor due to the unpredictable weather), bar, and a week long celebrating throughout the fair city. So, in celebration of Ireland, I have listed a few fun facts, just to prep you for some good old-fashion beer chugging and conversation.

Food: Dinner Tonight – Pasta with Artichoke is in order

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Rain and more rain, which means I need comfort food paired with a good bottle of cabernet. I laugh because I never ask the family what they crave for dinner, I simply prep the meal and serve it.  Tonight we are having Pasta with artichoke and peas in a creamy sauce, something I haven’t made for a while, since watching my intake of heavy creams. But this one works just fine, especially when washed down with a glass of this cab. INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced or grated 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 1 (12 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained 1/4 cup green olives 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes 1 cup white wine kosher salt and black pepper 1 pound rigatoni or other short cut pasta 1 cup frozen peas 1 cup grated parmesan cheese zest and juice of 1 lemon 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped fresh peas and pea sprouts, for serving (optional) {more}

Decor: Inspired By An Old Monastery

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There is a design store in San Francisco, Restoration Hardware, which took a huge leap a couple of years ago to revamping their style into sort of a weathered European look. Very classic antique style furniture, upholstery and linen adorning their every store. I’ve  admired their efforts since then and I  visit the headquarter, and various retail stores every chance I get, to feel inspired by their choice of color, and perfectly designed pieces. In line with this topic, I recently stumbled upon this site, detailing an old East Sussex monastery conversion into a living space – unique in style and one to surely draw inspiration from:

Food: Carrot Cake Cheesecake with Shredded Coconut

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My family has a few birthday in March – and I mean back to back and each year I buy a ready made cake from a specialty bakery for the wow factor. This year however,  I decided to try baking at home and after searching high and low, I came across this yummy treat. I hope the family feels that way as well since I think I am the only one who appreciates carrot cake. I’ll let you know how it all worked out. INGREDIENTS CHEESECAKE LAYER 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla CARROT CAKE LAYER 1/2 cup canola oil 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon pinch of nutmeg 1 1/3 cups grated carrot 1/2 cup unsweetened or sweetened shredded coconut COCONUT CREAM TOPPING 1 (14 ounce) can cold full-fat coconut milk* 1/2 cup …

Travel: Planning Stages Have Begun

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This morning alone I noticed so many of my friends, and those in the same blogging world have planned a trip to Paris – a girls getaway is the theme of their travel. Which got me in the mood to begin my planning. I am aiming for late May-early June this year and hope I can manage a three-week getaway mostly because of logistics. Dog-sitting, care for an ailing mother, and so on. You know the drill. So, here is what’s trending in the midst of what I am considering for my getaway: