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checkered hardwood floors – in decor

I have no idea why I love checkered hardwood floors. I am always drawn to them but will never consider incorporating it in my own home. Check these photos out, they are really amazing and will probably work somewhere in the bay area – particularily suburbia –  just outside San Francisco,  in case my international followers don’t know where I am talking about. What do you think, would checkered hardwood floors work in your part of the world? I would love to hear from anyone who has tried the decor.

boutique hotel pick – hotel splendido – portofino, italy

Ahh, the wonder of Portofino, Italy. As if I need to sell the idea of Italy to anyone. The most amazing thing about Italy is that no matter what part you visit, it is a must see for sure and so if you ask me to add a part of Italy that is a must see, just in case you haven’t been, I would have to say Portofino here. As you know I leave the tourist information details to someone else to talk about, but I do suggest a boutique hotel in most places I have visited often and love dearly. So, with my own personal blog tradition, I have included yet one of my favorite hotels, Hotel Splendido to consider to make your trip to Portofino a dream vacation for sure.

to japan with love – from the other side of the pacific ocean

In light of the devastating events which have occurred and continue to do so in Japan, I want to dedicate today’s blog entry to expressing my deep sadness for what has happened to the people of Japan. Although I know the Japanese culture dictates strength and durability through most anything life throws their way, I am nonetheless touched by the courage and order the people of Japan have shown during these trying times. It is most admirable and commendable. How Can We Help: There are many relief organizations involved in fund raising and coordinating helping Japan cope with their tragedy, I have included some here, here, and here for your reference just to make it easier. Keep in mind at times like this there are alot of internet scams, so before making your contributions, look into the charity organization carefully and ask alot of questions. Also, I found  a site here, which I am not sure how reputable it is yet, but wanted to share with you and maybe we can judge it together. However, …

inspiration: haute couture 2011

I love an ensemble of haute couture fashion, it doesn’t even matter that I don’t plan to wear any of them. It’s just the perfect visual as well as mental escape I needed this week  to feel inspired. But wouldn’t it be nice to just indulge in one of these outfits just for the heck of it 🙂 Anyway, breath deep, find your inspiration and escape to it, even if it’s for a few moments from your hectic day. Have a great weekend!

designer kate spade and the woman over 40

I love walking into a Kate Spade boutique. It is a happy place in my opinion, one filled with color, beauty, order and just pure elegance. What I also love about it the designer’s consideration of fashion  appropriate for most woman at any age. In light of my excitement over Kate Spade’s Spring 2011 collection, I have included some of  my favorite pieces from here. Enjoy: 1. CobbleHill Leslie $425 2. Nera $298 3. The Journal Medium Flat Pouch $65 4. Karolina $298.00 5. The Journal Bon Shopper $145 6. Black Eyed Susan Necklace $195 7. CobbleHill Small Cynthia $345 8. Year of Color January Ring $75 9. Dot to Dot Necklace $95 10. English Tweeded Jacket $475 11. Solid Grace Top $195

valentine’s day romance – suggestion 3 – spa day

Cliche you might say, but couples over 40 tend to mostly dream or talk about a spa day, more so than actually do something about it. Either because, they are too busy or just, don’t consider to include it in their budget. So don’t laugh when I suggest a couples spa day as a  Valentine’s Day gift for one another. Either the weekend before or on the actual day – again depending on work and kids. For example, just outside of San Francisco, in Napa and Sonoma county we have dozens of spas ranging in price and techniques to consider.  And although we  have them all over the bay area,  for some reason I feel on this special occasion, it is more romantic to go to the wine country and have a spa day then just around the corner from where I live. However, planning for this day takes alot of work. A partner has to be willing to take the time to research and organize it in order to surprise their loved ones properly. …

inviting apartment hallways – first impressions

First impression is important in most anything we do. Having an impressive hallway to walk into, from the front door of an apartment, is right there on the list, along with physical appearance on a first encounter with most anyone. (Wow, that was a mouthful, but you get the point.) Seriously, in my opinion having a clean and well organized hallway is truly important when making a first impression. So with that I have included some of my picks, which I plan to incorporate into my hallway decor. What do you think?

spring 2011 youthful fashion ok for the woman over 40

Finally! this year I have to say I am pleased with the Spring fashion trends, especially ones that a woman over 40 can actually consider wearing without wondering if she is within the  “age appropriate” guidelines. Now, it may look like I keep tooting Badgley Mischka’s horn, but that is really not the case.  I simply like showing off fashion trends, one designer at a time because it keeps me organized and I think it helps my readers  stay focused as well. Now the catalog I have attached here details all of the BM trends, but the photos I have below are my favorites and also suggestions for the woman over 40 to consider. Keep your eyes open, these items will soon appear in your favorite department stores or BM boutique stores.  

boutique hotel pick – hotel denieli – venice italy

My first boutique hotel pick for 2011 is none other than the Hotel Denieli in Venice, Italy.  This particular property is one of my favorites to recommend to clients, who want to plan a romantic holiday and/or are celebrating a special occasion. The hotel is walking distance from San Marco Square, cafes and restaurants  and a quick water-taxi ride from the Rialto Bridge. This boutique hotel with a five-star rating is  one of the most luxurious and glamorous properties in Venice and although the building structure is  a 14th century masterpiece, it has been renovated in 2008 to include modern day amenities for those guests who need to stay connected. Some of the most amazing decors to take note of are, the  Murano glass chandeliers, pink marble columns and stained glass windows and high ceilings. It is truly  an architectural wonder in my opinion and a must stay for sure. Planning ahead is ideal for Hotel Denielli during the high season stay (Late Summer  to early Fall) and rates are the best for off season travel.

penne with eggplant and parsley

I know I said I wasn’t going to write down my own recipes in this blog, but I guess it doesn’t hurt to write recipes which I have used from various magazines throughout my life. Here is one of my favorites since I am a huge fan of eggplants, cheese of course and parsley. I can’t remember which recipe magazine I got it from but when I remember I will reference it accordingly. In the meantime you need the following items/ingredients: 1. One whole eggplant (medium size).  I use a large size because I love eggplants 2. Sausage: I use Jimmy Dean Spicy but you can use any sausage you want.  If you go with Jimmy Dean, you should only use half the packet unless you love a meaty pasta. **Note: sausage has to be ground, remove skin before cooking 3. One bunch parsley, again you can use whichever type parsley you like but I prefer the one in the photo. 4. One can stewed tomatoes, any brand, even homemade if you are into that sort of thing. I …