how do you live your life?

I have always been an advocate of living life to the fullest, without waiting for anyone else to give me the happiness I know I deserve in life.  I learned this  a long time ago, when my family immigrated to the United States and I realized through  hard times and the hard way, the grass wasn’t greener on the other side of the fence.  So I chose the positive lifestyle, the happy-go-lucky attitude and the less I know, about some things, the better I feel method and this way of thinking has made me a better person, a happier individual and one who lives life to the fullest.

This doesn’t mean that I don’t occasionally stress out or feel like the world is coming to an end, but then immediately after feeling that way,  I find a way to snap out of it and go back to the way I choose to live.  It has worked and comparatively to other members of my family, I feel I am stronger, more durable and open to everything life has to offer, even in the worst of times.

How do you live your life?

 

month in a nutshell

The month of April, almost over, was the busiest month for me, even though I thought last year this month was, when one of my favorite people got married.

Although I spend the month, rekindling family get togethers, bridal showers, business lunches and company after work happy hours, not to mention moving friends across the state,  I had enough time to think about what I foresee in the near future – meaning the next 6 months remaining for 2013, for myself.

I had set goals, like everyone else at the beginning of the year and one by one, the daily challenges, altered my course or direction.  However, I haven’t forgotten what I needed to do still and so, I wrap up this month with a laundry list of things yet to achieve.

1. Launch book to kindle and other electronic reading tools
2. Work with a personal trainer to sculpt my body
3. Manage a garage sale in an effort to downsize
4. Donate entire wardrobe and revamp my style
5. Travel with those near and dear to me – even for a week
6. Re-establish Sunday afternoon tea time with my mother
7. Consider renovating the bathroom
8. Open an Etsy account to sell my paintings.
9. Recharge my blog(s)
10. Partake in events surrounding the America’s Cup in San Francisco

why blog when you have a thousand things on your mind?

Just last night, while overwhelmed with all that I needed to do in the next month or so, I decided in order to stay sane, to make a list and cross out all the things that may be considered trivial. Blogging was on that list. So I put the list on the nightstand and fell asleep. When I woke up this morning and had the typical opportunity to ponder over everything, while commuting to work, I realized there was no way on earth I could give up blogging. No matter how challenging and how low on the priority list. 

The reason for this insight is  the fact, most of the items  on my list were doing something for others and there were only two items which were for me, that I was willing to give up, just to  fit everything else into my hectic life . Blogging and pushing to publish  the novel I continuously revise. I decided not to give up on either of them because it wouldn’t be fair for me, not take care of me, no matter how  difficult or challenging life can be. Writing is my passion, blogging is my therapy.

I’ll be fine.  I just need to breathe and accept everything as they are and persevere and you my friends should do the same. Never give up on anything which make you feel good about yourself, even in the darkest hours of the day.  

 

 

working through stress and being upset

Ooccasionally, while thumbing through beautiful things that make me feel amazing and blogging about it, I find that, I need to touch up on every day realities, which are often times swept under the rug.

Two of the most concerning issues for all women are stress and being upset. Mind you there are other issues, but if think about it, they all stem from being stressed and therefore becoming upset.

Recently, I’ve had several medical scares, which have literally  shocked the living daylights out of me. I mean, I feel I am in control and can manage most anything life throws at me. But apparently, although my mind can, my body can’t. Hence, stress and often times being upset over the fact.

To help myself work through the stress, I’ve decided to make a few changes, or actually to reinstate what I used to do to alleviate the stress and control myself from being upset if things get out of control.  Here is my list:

1. Buy the finest bedding possible and revamp your bedroom to make it a sanctuary.
2. Take a half hour a day to close the door and nap in the bedroom, in total quiet.
3.  Sign up for Pandora and listen to relaxing or spa music at least an hour while you work – at home or at a desk.
4. Have an array of candles on hand, while dining – no matter what part of the house.
5. Ask loved ones to give you space to re-evaluate whatever is bothering you.
6. Draw a bath and soak while listing to the sounds of a tropical rain forest on your i-pod.
7. Spend a Saturday morning – going for a walk alone and then stop for coffee afterwards at your local coffee shop and read a traditional paperback novel.
8. Go wine tasting or champagne sampling with a few girlfriends anywhere.
9. Get dressed up and go for a romantic dinner with your partner and have someone else watch the children away from home.
10. Plan a spa weekend getaway for you and your partner.
11.  Indulge in your guilty pleasure on Sunday afternoons.
12.  Make a list of things you are thankful for.
13. Watch classic films – based on your favorite parts of the world. 
       Roman Holiday,  Funny Face, An American In Paris
14. Have  a romantic evening at home with champagne and the finest chocolat
15. Walk
16. Visit a Museum.
17. Experience a new cafe or eatery.
18. Climb to the highest point in your city and enjoy the views.
19. Instagram and antiquate your photos
20. Remember: Nothing in life is worth stressing over or being upset from.

nostalgia in photographs

While I recover from some form of a flu I have acquired without even knowing, I have done nothing but stare at photographs online to inspire me to: 1) Work on the finishing touches on my book. 2)To stay positive to get well sooner than later. 3)To stay focused to help a friend hand address her wedding invites since I volunteered my services. (Mind you this is besides having to cook and clean up even while sick).

And here’s what I came up with this week to keep me going:

A much needed escape to a place like this

Move to Paris and live here, wherever that is

Missing the innocence of black and white photography

Valentino dress which reminds me of one I wore for Easter when I was five

Oh how I wish for breakfast in bed

 

fashion statement: romance and cocktail parties

I love getting dressed up, even if only for one night out of a month and going on, what is known to any generation – a date night.  But what I love the most is surprising, my significant other with how I look. I insist on making a fashion statement, whether it be for romance or simply a cocktail party for two.

So, here’s to fashion statements and date nights and here are my latest inspirations to duplicate:

1. Valentino Cotton and Silk-blend dress 1990USD
2. Thakoon Embroidered organza and printed cotton and silk blend 2150USD
3. J. Crew Printed silk and cotton blend dress 495USD
4. Donna Karan Belted draped stretch jersey dress 1495USD
5. Alice & Olivia Essie printed jacquard dress 597USD

oscar 2013 – fashion for the woman over 40

I have to say, women over 40, have come a long way. Not just in Hollywood, but also in the real world.  The funny thing is, that when I was in my 20s,  I dreaded being 40 and now that I have reached that point, I couldn’t be more proud.  Now my only wish is that I could look as good as Jane Fonda when I am in my 70s.

With that said, check out some of my favorite looks at this year’s Oscars.

fashion: free people and the woman over 40

There are fashion trends and wardrobe suggestions, which I, being a woman over 40, wish I could wear and while I second guess myself about whether the pieces are age appropriate, I do, on occasion, give into the temptation. I mean why not, if it looks good, wear it.  Here’s my latest loves from Free People and yes ladies, they are age appropriate:  

FP High Rise Skinny,  Quilted Leather Jacket, Tristo Leather Tote,  Solitaire Heel, We The Free Ragtime Raglan-top

inspired by nostalgia

Photographs are probably the most inspirational medium known to mankind to and often times a great way to reflect, reminisce and remind. With that said, occasionally, I find photographs online, which touch me to a point; I have to share them with anyone who understands where I am coming from.  

 Pictures do tell a thousand words and here are mine.   

waking up to endless possibilites

childhood memories of playing with my mother’s make up

remembering elegant perfume trays in my aunt’s bedroom

even as a child I knew I would live in paris

reminder of classic photographs of my great aunts

longing for spontaneous romantic moments

what I’d wear for my renewal vows

 

healthy recipe: glazed beat and carrot salad

Normally, on the weekends, I seldom crave wholesome foods. By that I mean, pastas, meats, potatoes, rice, even peanut butter and in all reality a good cup of coffee will do just fine, except when I come across an amazing salad from my favorite site here. Then I just can’t stop craving.

GLAZED BEET + CARROT SALAD // Serves 4

• 1/2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 large yellow beets, roasted and peeled, cut into 1/2” wedges
• 3 carrots, halved, large halves quartered if needed
• sea salt + pepper
• 2 tsp. honey
• 3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. tahini
• 1 Tbsp. orange or lemon juice
• 1/4 cup finely chopped flat leaf parsley, divided
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 12 cups mixed baby lettuces
• 1/3 cup cooked garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds, white or black or mixed

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter in the olive oil. Add the carrots and beets and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook over moderate heat, stirring once or twice, until the carrots are crisp-tender, about 5-6 minutes. Add the honey and 2 tablespoons of the vinegar and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly glazed, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl to cool.

Whisk the remaining tablespoon of vinegar, tahini and citrus into the skillet along with the cumin and a generous pinch of the chopped parsley.

Toss the baby lettuces, remaining parsley and garbanzos with a light coating of the tahini dressing. Plate the greens and top with the carrots, beets and sprinkle the sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

* You can prepare the salad a day in advance by making the carrots and beets as directed, and keeping them covered in the fridge overnight. The dressing can also be kept covered in the fridge for up to a week. Toss everything and assemble just before serving.

{please click here for photo and recipe credit}