All posts filed under: inspirational women over 40

Travel: London Eats While On Vacation or Anytime

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A good friend of mine moved to the UK a few months ago, and ever since I’ve been trying to recruit her to become a guest writer on this very site of mine that I love so much. She’s thinking – she’s told me, and after 3 months I realize I am not going to hold my breath. Now although she lives a few hours outside of London, she frequents one of my favorite metropolitan cities quite often – on weekends – and with my recommendations has been testing out the following eateries (which I cannot wait to try when I visit her). In the meantime I am taking her word for the fact that what I think would be worth a try, she is liking every bite of it (nudge nudge). So, just in case you happen to be visiting this fair city, in a country on the brink of making some of the most drastic changes since the EU was  originally formed decades or a century ago depending on how you look at …

A Scene From A Movie – Saturday Brunch

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A very dear friend of mine made a surprise visit on Saturday. Meaning she drove into the city, and called me to ask if I wanted to meet her for lunch after her hair appointment. Naturally, I set aside my writing, and jumped into the shower, got dressed, and drove across town to the Marina to meet her. The weather was unbelievably gorgeous for a usually foggy near summer’s day in San Francisco, and when that happens to the city, everyone makes a conscious effort to be outdoors, hence the crazy traffic taking nearly an hour to get across town. I endured thanks to my Pandora station, and after twenty minutes of searching for parking, finally walked into the salon, where we were to meet, seconds before she finished settling her bill. She asked where I wanted to eat, and since I had just passed by a newly  remodeled or revamped restaurant on my way to the salon from where I parked my car, I suggested we give it a try.  Both of us laughing …

Lifestyle: You Know What I Miss The Most?

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A proper gathering of family and friends, outside of the holidays…that’s what I miss the most. Life has certainly taken a toll on most of my friends and family who seldom get-together at someone’s home for dinner, or cocktails and appetizers and a good old classic film or a board game. No two individuals I know can spare the time to make the time…if you know what I mean. Maybe, it’s an age thing. The older we get the less we make the effort…or we figure Facebook will just have to do…to stay in touch. I would love to  mail, the old-fashioned way, an invite to my family and friends and invite them over for a proper dinner and some good old conversation, and this is how I see it going down: Indoor/Outdoor Set Up:  *inspiration from here and here Pre-Dinner Wine and Cheese Pairing & Catching Up: Salad Exotic for Appetizer:   Main Dish – Coq au Vin & Perfectly seasoned asparagus  Dessert Cake – You had Me with Coconuts and Fresh Fruits: 

Decor: Think Like The French

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I’ve always know that  I had some sort of deep-rooted connection to the French way (in this case) of decorating. Something my immediate family doesn’t find so appealing, when I recommend the style to add a certain flair to their homes and such.  So you know what I did? I shared this article with them about 10 Things The French Always Do When Decorating, and it got them thinking since they are going to see more of these concept in my over the summer remodel. Maybe that will inspire them (smile).  Here’s what the article says in a nutshell or two or three:  “There is more perfectionism in American style than in France.” The French treasure family heirlooms and pieces that aren’t pristine. They won’t dismiss a chair if the leather is stained, and don’t mind a crooked hardwood floor. The result: a space that feels more lived-in than immaculate. “The French love to mix vintage and contemporary furniture, whereas there is more homogeneity in the American style,” “Don’t worry too much about how pieces …

Travel: Suggested Read While Travelling to Italy or Anywhere

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Choosing the right book to read while travelling is very important. It can either set the mood or destroy it. I, for one, would never consider reading a mystery novel on a vacation planned strictly for some rest and relaxation. The story would bother me so much, I wouldn’t be able to relax.  I do however, choose books themed for the places I visit or a novel-escape. Such as a million and one books (okay 50 or so) books I’ve read and collected on Paris to read while on the plane to my favorite city, or upon my return, to keep the momentum going. So, here’s my suggestion if you are planning a trip to Italy this year or long to travel to Italy just in general and wish to get inspired. Order Piazza Navona (paperback) or e-book, and immerse yourself in the most delightful, funny, charming, lovable story you can possibly imagine. Here’s what others are saying about the book: Anne-Marie Reynolds for Reader’s Favorite – 5 star ratingPiazza Navona had me laughing, crying, and …

My Request On This Easter Day

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The past several months, I’ve been sad and very frightened about what is going on around the world and here in the U.S. Stemming mostly from information overload that is truly driving everyone to some sort of madness. At work, at home, and even on Facebook, expressing nothing but hatred towards mankind, global warming, economic issues, war, terrorism, religion, sexual orientation and political corruption. Since when in modern times, have we become so scary intolerant of anyone voicing any sort of opinion, or taking a stand on what they believe? and if we continue on this path, where will this world end up? So I plead on this Easter day for the world to stop, and take a moment to reflect upon the beauty of life, and the universe and everything that was bestowed upon us to make the best of it all. And if you find yourself still in an evil state of mind. Then for heaven’s sake go seek solace in whatever religion you believe in, and pray the heavens above for mental …

Lifestyle: Married Couple Hobby Travel Turned Lifestyle

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Every years the hubs and I remind ourselves how great we are when we travel together. Jokingly discussing doing it as a permanent career, if you will. Or better yet opening a business together of some sort while traveling the world. And then I think real hard and although I truly appreciate having this man in my life, I couldn’t for the life of me see myself traveling full-time or running a business with him. I am one who needs and values her space too much. So it was interesting to read this article from a couple detailing how they ditched their lives, to travel together, creating a new lifestyle and relationship, and along the way discovering  a new kind of business.  It got me thinking, that perhaps I wasn’t seeing the glass half full and that maybe, just maybe it was possible for us to consider such a lifestyle. Because, as tired as we are of the mundane and the norm, we tend to be the better person of ourselves when we actually do …

Beauty: Keeping Healthy in Hair

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While sick with the cold/flu/worst cough ever, I relied on medication for relief, taking the remedy religiously every four hours, just so I could sleep, or move about, even to talk. I realize in a weeks time that my face and hair became super dry, and it got me to understand the effects of medication inside and outside of our body. That’s why I try to minimize all medications, and opt for natural healing instead. Anyway, I came across this article about ways to keep your hair strong and shiny, stating that certain deficiencies in our diets are the cause of most damaging effects on our hair.  Although the article is pretty helpful, and one I abide by, I do also wonder does this apply to aging hair, and what if you  have to be on medication? For those questions, I have included the following links for: Medication AGAINST Hair, and aging hair. Do you have tricks, or secrets for healthy hair that you want to share with us?