All posts filed under: inspiration

when i was growing up…

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When I was growing up, the children of my generation (or perhaps just the ones in our extended families)  weren’t allowed to ask questions, seek answers, nor challenge any decision our elders made on our behalf. So, even though that was the case, I occasionally, challenged the rules, the decisions, and stood up for what I believed in and while being ‘rebellious’ the only thing I ever heard from every woman in my family – be it my mom, grandmothers and aunts and a few much older cousins is: And now, over 40 and still growing, everything is slowly making more sense than I had ever imagined possible. What was my rush? I should have listened. 😉

birthday thoughts

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Never in hundred years I would have ever considered spending my birthday in Las Vegas. I am more of a Napa kind of girl for a birthday celebration. But I am here (on business) so I will make the best of the day, I consider my very own special day (like millions of other people). I don’t know why, but I always wake up very early on this day, somewhat anxiety stricken. Not sure if it’s because I am a year older or just concerned with the fact, I haven’t yet reached the goals I had set for myself. Either way, I am almost positive it is a natural behavior for any woman over the age 25. Here is the list of thing I remind myself each year: 1. Not to think about the age, because it’s just a number. 2. Not to feel bad about the things I haven’t yet accomplished, focus on what I have. 3. Embrace the future by drawing from the past to strive for a more positive lifestyle. 4. Never …

seasonal inspiration

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As many of you may know, San Francisco, mostly outer, is probably the worst place to be during the summer months if you happen to be a sun worshiper.  It’s foggy, cold and somewhat uninspiring. This past weekend was the first reminder of how summer may very well be in the city, when I sat the entire weekend, working on my book, in my sweats, blanket, thermal socks, drinking hot tea.  Believe me I wasn’t happy. So, for those of us, stuck in this wonderful city, mostly in the avenues, I recommend, escaping at least one day out of the weekend, just to get inspired, while frolicking 🙂 in the sun.  I’ve already planned my list of things to not my spirits go dow. 1. Drive to Napa for a day to picnic in V Satui Winery- here 2. Spend a day at Burlingame Avenue shopping and enjoy lunch  in an outdoor cafe – here 3. Drive Inland, South or East anywhere there is water, sun and grass – here and here 4. Visit Muir Woods …

the need to tone my body

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I’ve been watching what I eat for years. This is of course, after turning 40 and realizing I’ve started to finally put on some weight. But in talking to friends, about the best method, over a few cocktails mind you, they suggested diet pills. I refused naturally, since every single addiction, has an adverse affect. Then I read the book French Women Don’t Get Fat and learned a few things, but realized I didn’t have the luxury to follow it (due to my hectic schedule).  I decided to go with Weight Watchers ready to eat meals. After losing over 17 pounds in less than 2 months and hating every bite I ate, I stopped losing weight, because I got sick. High blood pressure and ailments I had never experienced before in my life. I was completely over it. The diet food, the idea of pills, not eating, eating too much fiber. I even tried vegan and gluten-free. Some worked, others were misleading. I know what you are thinking, this is sounding too much like an …

interior decor: bathroom plants

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I’ve always had plants in my bathroom, no matter how small the space or how big. I just think, its therapeutic and a nice color to add to any decor. Mostly leafy greens that is. Recently however, I’ve tried several plants in my space and for some reason, they haven’t bloomed as I had hoped. Either it’s too moist for the plant or too dark a space. However, when I saw this idea here, I couldn’t help but consider copying the suggestion. It’s  simple, clean and hopefully will work. I don’t even mind seeing the roots. The only set back (maybe) is the fact,  I’d want to change the water perhaps. Either way I am going to duplicate the suggestion and see what happens. Have you any ideas you’d like to share, about plants in a bathroom and what works and what doesn’t.

finding time to yourself: a must for every woman

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Occasionally and as expected, women feel overwhelmed by all the things they need to accomplish or take care of on a daily basis and based on that fact, tend to be considered moody or emotional. I suppose the opposite sex will never understand.  But to cope with a hectic schedule or a lifestyle without losing it, every woman needs to take a few hours, even if just one day a week and pamper herself.  Not only does it feel good to do it, but it is almost a requirement.  When I get “emotional or moody” I stop whatever it is I am doing and plan out how to recharge, regroup or revive and here’s what I do: Walk in my favorite neighborhood on Sunday morning by myself here Pamper myself with a facial and a body massage from here Go to brunch with my mother here, here or here Watch old classic films, curled up on my bed on a Saturday night from here Create something with my hands here, here, or here Go to …