All posts filed under: romantic evenings

what happens after dark?

I have often wondered what happens in a store after dark? I mean this question could be for anything: churches, bars, museums, and much more, but for me it’s always been about the stores. Retails, boutiques, so forth. So, when I came across this article my eyes lit up at the opportunity of spending just an evening in a shop, a small shop full of intrigue and fascinating things.  Click on the photo to get there:

boutique hotel – st. james hotel – paris, france

This is the time of the year I crave Paris, and no matter what I do to not think about it, it just comes to me, beckoning me to take a trip. With this desire, I begin searching for hotels just to be prepared, in case my travel partner gives the okay to go. Since I try a different one each year, the ST. James Hotel is my hotel of choice for this year. I’ve passed by it many times, and have added it to my list way back in 2012. As usual the château style is what attracted me to the building, and I realized it was a hotel, when I took a closer look. I think I fell in love with it even more when I stumbled upon this article. Definitely it will be the place I stay, when I go this year. Keeping my fingers crossed. {Photo source from here and here}

boutique hotel pick – le boutique hotel – bordeaux, france

Okay, vacation planning is in full swing for me, so while I search for new accommodations to try out, I stumbled upon this wonderful place in one of my favorite places in the world. Bordeaux, France. So, if you happen to be a wine connoisseur like myself, you’d appreciate the location of Le Boutique Hotel in Bordeaux or if you happen to be just looking for a romantic getaway that works too. Have a great weekend!

boutique hotel pick – baccara resort and spa – santa barbara california

I woke up this morning with a sudden need to travel somewhere, even if only for the weekend. I guess it’s that time of the year again, when I get the travel bug and no matter what I shift my focus on, I remain distracted until I finally organize a holiday getaway of some sort. Baccara Resort and Spa is a place I’ve been to, twice. Once for a wedding and the other, just to run away. I had forgotten about the destination until I scanned my memory for quick get-away places from San Francisco and lucky for me, I remembered. The hotel is sprawled on the sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean, in the middle of California, very close to the town of Santa Barbara and offers some of the most prestiges   resort and spa amenities one would need to get their bearings back.   

valentine’s day: red velvet cupcakes

Although in my household, we seldom celebrate Valentines Day, this year I decided to surprise my hubby with a dozen red velvet homemade cupcakes, just to get a chuckle or two out of him.  It’s always fun seeing your partner be caught off guard, when they least expect something. RED VELVET CUPCAKES 1/2 cup butter 1 1/2 cups white sugar 2 eggs 1 cup buttermilk 1 fluid ounce red food coloring 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon salt Directions   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease two 12 cup muffin pans or line with 20 paper baking cups. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, buttermilk, red food coloring and vanilla. Stir in the baking soda and vinegar. Combine the flour, cocoa powder and salt; stir into the batter just until blended. Spoon the batter into the prepared …

photography: night views of san francisco

I dont’ think I’ve voiced enough lately how much I love the city I live in. San Francisco is probably one of the most beautiful cities in the world, providing there is no fog of course. So, I was glad when I found these photos here and posted them on my blog for not only my viewing pleasure, but yours as well. Enjoy 🙂

travel journal – holiday end – paris to san francisco

I am now back in the states and aimlessly trying to get adjusted to everyday life. I avoided it for a couple of days while I recovered from jetlag, but knowing there was no alternative, I put on my work clothes and commuted to work early Thursday morning. Vacations or holidays, as they are referred to, throughout other parts of the world, are the most difficult to return from, especially if they pan out to be as beautifully as you envisioned it while planning. I am aware of the fact. But it’s not so much that I regret it’s over, it’s the fact I had to leave Paris, once again as a tourist. The funny thing about annual vacations, at least for me, is that I use the time to not only regroup, but also to reflect on the past year and decipher what I need to do to improve my life and lifestyle. Whether it be, a career change, a move to a new neighborhood, or realigning our long term plans. And every year …

day 1 – travel journal – firenze, italy arrival

Day 1: We arrived in Florence city center late Sunday afternoon to torrential downpour and thunder storm and after checking into our hotel, decided to immediately tour the city on foot, just long enough to wean ourselves from the jet lag. Along the way and in between the downpour, we experienced the following: {Photos are the property of http://www.rawsilkandsaffron.wordpress.com and may not be used without permission}