I want to welcome the new month with open arms... Looking forward to work on my new home in sunny Los Angeles and attend a couple of events in this great city!
Have a lovely new month and see you tomorrow!
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Friday, September 18, 2015
High and Dry Friday
What a week this has been! Running around, getting things done, finishing the week with the last Friday Happy Hour with one of my co-workers and friend, who is leaving for greener pastures. This weekend the plan is going to the beach, hoping the sun will finally come out after three days of rain and grey skies.
I leave you this week with a great song by Pete Kuzma, featuring Bilal (Amazon link). It is a version of "High and Dry" by Radiohead, but with a cool and sexy rhythm that makes you want to curl into a hammock with a glass of wine and unwind, listening to the music.
Have a cool weekend!
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Not Just for Pesto
I have never had much of a green thumb, but over the past few months I've been growing a beautiful basil plant that is so beautiful, I feel bad when I take any leaves from it.
I have always enjoyed the fresh, sweet flavor of this popular herb, because you can use it in your favorite pasta, as an addition to your salad, and even as a desert - I've had basil ice cream and it was delicious!
When using basil in ho dishes, chop it julienne style or by shredding it into the food directly... However, add it when you are ready to serve your dish so it has enough time to release its flavor, but it does not wilt with the heat of the dish.
Per my personal experience, keep your plant in a place where it gets about 4 hours of direct sunlight, keep the dirt wet but not soaking with water, and in a place where insects don't munch on them, as mine was victim of a dark grasshopper that was enjoying it during lunch and dinner.
Have a sweet day!
Monday, September 14, 2015
On Relaxation
I have always been amazed at how difficult Mondays can be, especially after a relaxing weekend. The best would be if could maintain the same positive and relaxing attitude at the start of the week that would take us through the rest of the days. For today's links I wanted to offer eveyone a few notes on how to relax everywhere, even at work.
This article by the Harvard Business Review talks about the relationship between sleeping, technology and the anxiety that comes with them that leads to sleep deprivation... very interesting!
This weekend I went on a shopping spree to make my own relaxing oil and spays, where the most important ingredient is Lavender. Quick tip... add as few drops to a carrier oil and put it on your pulse points for the smell to rise and relax you!
One technique to start the day on a good note is to do Sun Salutations first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach and before you sower. I try to do it as often as I can and besides contributing to relive stress, this practices gives me clarity and that boost of energy to start my day.
Have a fantastic week!
Friday, September 11, 2015
A Day of Remembrance
Today, I want to honor the lives lost fourteen years ago in New York. As we remember where we were, what we were doing and how we found out, we should send a prayer for those that are no longer here, and to their families that miss them terribly.
In times like these, when so many people are suffering, I hope we can find a way to leave behind those things that separate us, and find common ground to build a better future.
Have a good day!
Thursday, September 10, 2015
A Greek in Florida
Part of my Labor Day weekend trip to Saint Pete included a drive up to Tarpon Springs, a place I have heard a lot of. This little town, just north of the Tampa Bay area, was founded mostly by people coming from Greece with a rich tradition for fishing and everything coming from the ocean.
One of the main attractives of this place is the sponge docks, a street by the canal lined with stored that sell all kinds of marine products, especially sea sponges of all sizes and shapes.
Stores are decorated with the sponges, creating garlands and displays showcasing them along with beauty products made with Greek olive oil and goat's milk.
Of course, no trip to an area well known for its Greek heritage is to end without trying its good food. My favorite, as always, was the delicious spreads traditional of their cuisine, with warm and soft pita bread. Definitely a delicious treat for a trip to be remembered!
Have a delicious day!
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Dream World
As part of my visit to the Dali Museum over the Labor Day weekend was the actual exhibit of the artist. As an arts major, I have always admired his work, but after seeing for the first time one of his paintings in real life, I was amazed that so much detail went into such a small work of art.
One of the things that always called for my attention was the way everything flowed, like the eggs, water and things that looked like they were melting. One the other hand the things that sort of scared me were the desolated landscapes, the people without faces and the mysticism that governed most of the artwork.
Then, when I started studying and learning Dali's life, what motivated and interested him, the fear was replaced by curiosity, which lead to find the symbolism and details in every scene. For example, in many of his works of art you can see his wife, Gala, everywhere. She was his muse, and the driving force that made him explore many facets throughout his career.
One painting that became one of my favorites was the woman with roses head, which I got to see on a trip to Spain years ago. So, when I saw the one of the ladies with the skin of an orchestra, I have to say I fell in love all over again... and have to admit making plans to take it home with me... haha!
To end the tour, I tagged along with the guide that explained this
painting that was over 10 feet tall (about 5 meters). Beyond the amazing
details of the painting, what caught my attention the most was the
symbolism, the hidden characters and friends of the artist hidden within
the painting, and the many historical references and homages to the
world that surrounded him.
If you have not seen any Dali paintings in your life, I thoroughly encourage you to include a museum that contains his art in your trip... You will be amazed by his mastery and the beauty that each brush stroke expressed.
Have a colorful day!
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Surreal World
Hope everyone has a good weekend, especially those that enjoyed on the U.S. extended one. I got on my little Fiat 500 and drive to Saint Petersburg to enjoy the Florida Gulf Coast. Even though the place was really beautiful, the thins that hit the spot with me was my visit the Dali Museum.
The building is a perfect concrete box surrounded by s large bubble like glass window, made of several triangular panes that allow a view of the gardens, the marina across the street and allow plenty of natural light the wash the interior space.
Besides the art, I went to take a yoga class there. I thought of nothing more inspiring and conducive to well being than being surrounded by the genius are housed within the wall of the large building. As I arrived early for the class, I took a walk around the gardens that are full of surprises and little details symbolic to Dali and his mastery.
The visit to the gardens must be done with an open mind to find all the details hidden there. My favorite was the little bird with the mustached sitting on a large rock that had been flattened for people to sit on it. I thought he was there to tell you stories in your ear about the artist's life, his love for nature, mathematics and the world of dreams.
Everything in the garden points to Pi, which was one of Dali's obsessions, and one he shared with many of his contemporaries, such as M.C. Escher. I name Escher, because the current exhibit at the museum was of his work, one I have always admired due to his use of space and illusions of the world.
Even though I was not able to get the #dalistache famous selfie, I couldn't leave the place knowing I didn't have a picture of the gigantic recreation of Dali's mustache.
Finally, as I awaited for my class, I took some time to gaze at the Tampa Bay, where vacationers leisurely glided on their boats over the water, bathing under the sun. I was ready for my class and enjoy the amazing art from the second largest Dali collection in the world, outside of Spain.
Have a nice one and see you tomorrow with more art...!
Friday, September 4, 2015
Leon for Friday
The other day while listening to Morning Becomes Eclectic and typing at my work's computer, I heard one of the most amazing voices I've hears in a long, long time. It was smooth and soothing like a good glass of red wine. The name of the singer was Leon Bridges, and have to admit for a while I was transfixed with his music with notes of soul that reminded me of Marvin Gaye, mixed with some sexy lyrics.
As I plan my trip for the long Labor Day weekend, this album will be on a loop on my road trip all the way to the Florida West Coast. Check out the presentation I heard (LINK!) and you'll agree this guy's voice will be part of your next dinner party , or romantic escapade!
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, September 3, 2015
A Positive Attitude
This week my morning news delivered one of the saddest stories I've heard in a long time, the passing of Wayne Dyer. I have never been much into self help, but have to admit his book "Wishes Fulfilled" gave me the hope and courage I needed during times when many people were pushing me down.
Even though I didn't follow the teaching of his book to the T, the thing that I absorbed the most was to believe in myself, and isolate those that did not believed in me. By doing that, last year I was able to beat the odds and made one my dreams come true.
No matter is you believed in his teaching, of if you didn't one thing is certain, he dedicated his life to spread hope, positivism and the idea that we have to be kind to one another in an increasingly difficult world. For those reasons alone I am saddened that we have lost someone that did a lot of good in this world.
Have a day filled with great things!
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Plans for the Weekend
If it was any other regular week I would totally agree it is a little premature to star making plans, but since this coming weekend is sort of special in the U.S. it is totally fine. Actually, if you didn't have plans days ago, chances are you were not going to find much to do or have to pay a high price for it.
I was later making my plans but decided to take a trip to an area of Florida I've never been to but always heard it is beautiful... the Tampa and St.Pete area. Shamefully, I admit that even though I have lived in Florida (at different times in my life) for many years, I have never ventures to the West Coast of the state.
I've a;ways wanted to go because one of the best Dalí museum in the world is located there, and that is something one cannot miss. Besides that, the beach is famous for its beautiful Gulf water beaches and will be taking a little trip to a small town called Tarpon Springs, known as having a large Greek population and selling antique and natural sea sponges!
What are your Labor Day Weekend plans? And if you are not in the US, we'd like to hear yours as well!
Have a lovely middle of the week!
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Hello September
I want to send big hello to everyone out there at the start of this great month. You might think why it's great... Well, this year I enter the last of my 30s and want to do it fabulously.
It's been six months since I blogged and have to admit I have missed it greatly. Life got seriously in the way of some projects dear to my hear, but slowly and surely I'm making changes to put my personal projects in the Top Five of my priorities.
Taken at the Braker's Hotel in Palm Beach
I want to add a few trips I have planned, more food and drinks recipes, and tons of inspiring images. Look forward to renew my contacts with amazing bloggers I've met through the years, as well as getting to know new ones along the way.
Have a lovely month!
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Portland
Yesterday, while watching my Instagram feed, I came across a photography workshop with Chris Burkard in Portland and was saddened I cannot make it... but also want really badly to go across the U.S. to see this beautiful city.
This city located in the Pacific Northwest has such natural beauty all around that people flock there just to enjoy of astonishing outdoor activities. It's weather is a contrast of warm summers and chilly wet winters, which makes it the ideal place for growing roses.
A heaven for food enthusiasts, coffee and beer drinkers, this town counts with the most independent and micro breweries than any other city in the world, along with creative cuisine and tons of food trucks.
So, if I get to go to the workshop, be sure I'll let you know. But no matter what happens, this place has moved to my must visit list!
Have a lovely day!
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Honey, honey!
For the past couple of months I've been growing a beautiful lavender plant. A couple of weeks ago it bloomed with the most beautiful little flowers and I was so excited about them that I got late to work... ha!
That same night I got on the internet and found a few recipes of what to do with the flowers once they dried. While doing my research I found recipes for infused honey, which sounded like a fabulous idea as an ingredient to add to my breakfast green tea.
Honey not only tastes great but is also an alternative to sugar, especially refined sugar. Used your infused lavender when drinking tea, to sweeten lemonade, add it your morning plain yogurt to make it interesting, and make it the best companion to fresh fruits when having desert.
Have a lovely day!
Monday, March 2, 2015
Happy March!
I want to wish everyone a beautiful new month of March... As I was looking at how long it's been since I wrote anything, I was quite shocked at how much time had passed.
As I sit here and reflect on all the things that have happened since then, I am happy to be back in this space and share with everyone ideas, photos and happenings that I find all around. Today's image is very symbolic for me, as I have started a new life not long ago and new opportunities are presenting to me.
Have a lovely month!
Monday, September 15, 2014
Travel Clicks
I love traveling but hate today's schedule is a little foul because I've been awake since 4 am, a pretty difficult time for someone who loves to sleep as much as I do... ha! Once again I'm on my way to Miami to see my friends and enjoy of some time off and relax a lot.
Here are a few links to start off the week:
This is an amazing article about the blogger who is pulling $8 Million a Year... Amazing!!!
I loved reading this about Avoiding Hidden Hotel Fees to save myself a little headache on this trip... ha!
Wherever you go, you should always dress the part you're trying to play... your Personal Brand!
With fall fast approaching, I'm definitely planning on getting up to date with the Season's Lipstick Color.
Finally, here's the best of NYFW!
Have a lovely day!
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