All posts filed under: flowers and romantic gestures

Boutique Hotel Pick – JK Place – Capri, Italy

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I haven’t been to Capri in 20 years, but I remember it fondly. So last night, my wanderlust had me searching Netflix and Amazon Prime for films based on the Island and naturally all of Italy. Which I found and listed below for your reference. But for the sake of this post, a boutique hotel pick in Capri was all I can think about for the planning stages of a trip this year to this romantic destination, brimming with breath-taking scenery, cuisine and nightlife, and some of the best beaches in the world.  As for me, I crave smaller details and sometimes luxury in accommodations , because I spend a great deal of time in my room, penning from the inspiration I draw by my environment, whether here or the next novel. And this hotel will suit me just fine, while in Capri. Care to join? Here’s a list of films made in or about Capri, but my all time favorite classic – It Started in Naples – but really mostly in Capri  {featured image …

Food: You Had Me at Rose, Lemon, Shortbread Cookies

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I teared up when I saw this beautiful pic online leading to a simple shortbread cookie recipe which by the way is wonderful to have on-hand for not only Valentine’s Day, but for bridal showers and even a simple wedding in a friend’s backyard or another.  The hardest part is finding the perfect ensemble of cookie cutters – past the heart-shaped ones, perhaps parasol for showers, baby carriage for, well baby showers and so… INGREDIENTS 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon dried rose petals, finely crushed (optional) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour LEMON GLAZE 2 cups powdered sugar 2 tablespoons Meyer (or regular) lemon juice 1-2 drops blood orange juice (optional)   {more}  Cookie cutters in the U.S.  from here, here, here and here And my favorite from here

Visual Therapy – That’s All

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What is it about greenery or flower and fauna that puts a smile on our faces? This beautiful collection of greenhouses from around the world couldn’t have come at a better time for me – and I hope for you – to ward off the end-to-summer blues I’m feeling right about now. Greenhouses are the nearest thing to holding on to summer days, even in the worst of weathers outdoor. I remember a trip to Montreal a few years back, in the middle of dead-winter, I visited a local greenhouse and was taken away by the beautiful collection of greens and colorful plants and flowers, a contradiction to the freezing all-white scenery outside. It was pure therapy, visual and mental.    

Boutique Hotel Pick – Le Regina Biarritz, France

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The weather has been crazy lately, with a glimpse here and there of warm sunny weather and then all of a sudden a downpour, thunder, lightning, and high winds, overall, making me want to get away even more – to a tropical or seaside destination somewhere in the world. While I was going through a list of places I have logged into a travel journal (yes it is paper bound), this property came up for Biarritz, a place I’ve only been to as a day trip from somewhere near by, over a decade ago, I can’t for the life of me remember any details, nor the fact if the coastal destination is something I’d like to explore. Now, I’ve done all my reading online about Biarritz, being a luxury destination near the border of Spain visited by royals and the famed Hotel du Palais, which has a history worth reading about and if you are an architectural and decor buff like I am, you would appreciate details of its renovation and such. But even still, …

happy easter from rawsilkandsaffron

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Easter could very well have different meanings to different people, I accept that. But for me, it’s a time to celebrate, to embrace, to get a clear perspective on what my beliefs are. Easter is color, happiness, love, acceptance and every adjective that makes you feel happy.  It’s also the beginning of the best season in a year. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, bridal showers, weddings, baptisms, graduations and the height of the travel season. Here’s wishing to all who celebrate – Happy Easter.

designer handbags: kate spade for her

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While I strolled through Bloomingdales in San Francisco during my lunch hour to check out the Spring/Summer handbag collection, I have to admit I was drawn to the Kate Spade “wall of fame”display of colorful handbags on the main level of the department store and I must mention,  the photos do no justice to the real goodies.