Even with COVID on the rise or not yet fully contained, Americans are itching to travel – or pretend travel somewhere in their state, or across the nation and this list has a few suggestions to offer up for August. Where would you go if you could right now? Featured image full credit and source}
In light of the fact, we are still on lockdown, more so in the states, I am often times searching for inspiration for when I renovate my mother’s house. To create the sanctuary I feel is necessary to sustain the current lifestyle which could very well turn into a permanent one: Working from home, vacationing from the couch, and creating dining experiences throughout the house, mainly of course the dining room, kitchen nook, backyard/garden/patio. Here’s what I am pinning to my architecture/design/decor wall: So are you in the mood to renovate? If so what part of your home? {featured image full credit}
A friend asked if we could zoom at some point or another, sooner or later, and all things you type over text. But she actually organized the invite, which had me running to the grocers to pick up a bottle of wine to pair with ‘already made pizza dough’ I had in the fridge while stocking up a month back to avoid going to the grocery store and stand in a long line. Every time I opened the freezer door, I stared at the dough wondering when I was going to actually use it. So – wine and sheet pan pizza it is going to be instead of the normal cocktails and dinner we opted for over the years. By the way this recipe settled my decision: INGREDIENTS 1/2 pound pizza dough, homemade or store-bought 3 cups cherry tomatoes 4 cloves garlic, 2 whole smashed, 2 grated 2 teaspoons fig preserves or use honey 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried) 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes 1 pinch kosher salt and black pepper 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for serving (or 1 …
I think we can all agree and some may disagree that we have lots in common during this pandemic lockdown/half-lockdown/possible opening/maybe closing/much reservation in the season ahead – that we have found new ways to keep busy or distracted. In my case, updating the house, swooning over travel destinations, cooking, watching movies on various apps, and tapping into my artistic side – oh and don’t forget walking, lots of walking (which I used to do anyway) I’ve never been a fan of the gym. So this Thursday, while juggling a bathroom renovation, painting the kitchen cabinets to a lighter color – grayish-blue, and updating the bedroom, I am mostly focused on home renovations and what I am taking from each one: What’s got you distracted, or busy these days?
Mother does not like Kale
I’ve been craving salmon almost every day and normally, I’d oven-grill one with ginger, butter/olive oil, salt/pepper and that’s it. This morning, I found this recipe I want to try, which is very close to the way I grill mine – except there is feta cheese and orzo and a whole bunch of other wonderful components. So, here you go – in case you want to attempt the same recipe for tonight’s dinner: INGREDIENTS 4 (5-6 ounce) salmon fillets 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (or 1 tablespoon dried oregano) 1 shallot, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1-2 lemons, sliced and seeds removed – use to your taste 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled 1/2 cup fresh basil, dill, and or mint, chopped (I use a mix) ORZO SUMMER SALAD 3 cups cooked orzo 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 cup fresh basil, dill, and or chives, chopped (I use a mix) 1 roasted red pepper, chopped 1 (14 ounce) can chickpeas drained 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup green olives 1/2 cup cucumber 1 avocado, diced {more} {featured image and recipe full credit}
Last week I had no intention of being online for work or play while I took a few days off to come to terms with a milestone birthday 2020 style. I did my best, drove out of town, day trips mind you, to places I haven’t been and some places I have and got a glimpse of how much different things are since the lock down. I was disappointed in some places, where folks did not wear their masks, and other places where too many people were grouped together for dinner or lunch. I felt very nervous, especially since the U.S. is not on track with recovery or making conscious efforts to adhere to the rules to help slow down the virus. As a result I am afraid that we may be headed for another lock down if we continue to play as entitled as we are bred in this country. As it stands EU has rightfully banned American travelers from going abroad and who knows which other nations will follow suit? But I am …
I decided to take this week off – from work and even the new /strange lifestyle we’ve all been living since the social distancing and all. It is a staycation naturally, where I had to find creative ways to be outdoors and away from San Francisco’s dreary ‘summer months.’ In case you don’t know, San Francisco has the coldest summer with heavy fog, drizzle, wind and nothing but gray. I’ll be talking about the staycation next week, once I’ve put my concept together on how to present the blog post to you all. In the meantime, just know, I am still cooking at home, in the evenings and this recipe is the winner for tonight’s dinner: Yes mother, we are having chicken 🙂 INGREDIENTS 1 large egg, beaten 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or use gluten free 4 boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets (about 3/4 inch thick) kosher salt and pepper 10 tablespoons cold salted butter, cubed (see note) 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes 4 cloves garlic, smashed 2 tablespoons fresh chopped thyme 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes 4 ounces buffalo or regular mozzarella, torn 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup fresh basil, …
It has been a week – on a personal level, with a car break in, plumbing issues lost driver’s license, and health related concerns, and yet I am buying a bouquet of flowers, and sprucing up the house, to do my best in staying positive or even optimistic. Photographs of pretty things help, especially these lovely ones. Hang in there if you are having an equally tough week. {featured image source and full credit}
Before I travel to any destination, or discussed it while I was a travel agent, I always did my part and continue to do my part in learning and understanding about even the most simplest of details about the country I was visiting. So, there is no better time than the present to with virtual travel or wanderlusting, to simple soak in all the information available to keep us yearning for when we could actually travel.
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