I normally walk into my local drug store or Target for sunscreen, but lately I’ve wanted more, since I’m getting older and want to preserve and protect my skin at a whole new level – considering the damages caused by sun, air, pollution and more. So, I’ve looked online, searching for that sunscreen, you know the one for grown-ups and here’s what I found: These are some of my favorites
Sometimes while I search the internet for inspiration or ideas to blog about, I stumble upon the best of things, stopping midstream to scroll through photographs which uplifts my spirit and put a smile on my face. See for yourself what I mean: {for photo credits please click here}
The Summer months are the toughest time for me to stay inspired, since the weather is not the best in San Francisco to uplift my spirits. I stay indoors a lot and often spend countless hours daydreaming of places to visit with sun and warm weather, restlessly needing to get away. Of course having been a travel agent at one point in my career, adds to my distress since I find myself searching online, while bundled up in sweat pants and a sweater, information about travel. One particular story caught my attention recently, enlightening me naturally since I had no idea it existed. But apparently there is a secret garden worth seeing nestled in Fresno, California, a place most of us locals don’t consider a vacation spot. It’s called Forestiere Gardens. Please click here to read the article and see photo credits. I think I just added Fresno to my list of things to do in California.
I’ve got the bug again to go somewhere, although not sure yet where. I’ve tossed around the idea of Europe, then considered places where I intend to use for my next novel, taking in between, my much-debate about the location, weekend getaways to here and there. Interestingly enough, I came across this article and figured I needed to share the suggestions with everyone, some I consider brilliant naturally and from the list of 40 tips, I chose my top favorite five. For more of the article please click here: {I take no credit for the article or the photographs, for that click here} {feature image source}
A unique hotel is always fun in my opinion, with old world decor and charm, a wonderful escape from the modern amenities of today. Casadiva is a really amazing property – perched along the edge of lake Como, accessible by local bus, car and water taxi. A great location to escape to when looking for peace and quiet and amazing views of mountains and lake. Of course hoping to get a glimpse of George Clooney somehow somewhere is also a plus. The other bit of news about this property, it’s mentioned in my novel – Piazza Navona – a significant part of the story takes place there and one I have no doubt you would appreciate.
Although I am a week late in posting this, mostly sidetracked by all the World Cup games, I still think it’s fine to share. I spend a weekend in Santa Barbara, driving down from San Francisco on a Friday morning and returning early Monday morning. A four-hour drive at best, without traffic and almost five with, taking Highway 101South to get there. We arrived at our hotel Friday at noon and were checked in right away, which was pleasant. I decided to treat myself since it was my birthday and stayed at the Bacara Resort and Spa – a luxury property in Goleta about twenty minutes from downtown Santa Barbara. The beauty of this property is that you actually feel like you’ve escaped the norm, secluded at the farthest point of a dead-end road. Access to the property is via valet parking only, and the guests, destined to spend a weekend pampering themselves. The minute I swiped the card-key and opened the door to our suite, I felt at peace, smiling right away knowing I have …
On my way to Santa Barbara, I stopped off in Solvang for some good old-fashioned Dutch waffles breakfast, temporarily thinking I was in Europe. It was a perfect few hours, strolling through the quant town, almost Disney-like for all tourists, listening to conversations in German, Dutch and French among locals and tourists. Of course I stocked up on pastry, admitting to my followers shamelessly of course.
It’s crazy how busy I’ve been this week, like most of you I am sure. The way I handle my busy schedule so not to stress is, detailing on a board all that I need to do both long-term and short, so I can cross off what’s completed from the list, making myself feel better in the meantime that I’ve accomplished my tasks as planned. This coming week is no different and so here’s a list of some of the things I have planned:
{all photographs borrowed from the internet, no harm intended, simply appreciating the suggestions}
When I worked in the travel industry, I thumbed through hundreds of travel and tour marketing brochures, aiming to learn everything about the business. At the time, I turned the pages, marking with a sticky note or a paperclip, all the places around the world I wanted to see. Portofino was one of those places. I finally got a chance to go there two years ago, and the moment I arrived From Genoa by train-to-bus to the small fishing village, I was completely taken aback by how perfectly surreal the place was. Enchanted if you will, surely one of the best places to photograph and fall in love with. I spend hours at an outdoor eatery, people watching and taking in all that I could about the place, while imagining how people lived and vacationed in the quant town. I couldn’t get enough of the best facaccia bread also , baked perfectly with local olives and grilled onions among the dozen or so other ingredients; all choices displayed in small bakeries, lined along the narrow …
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