what i think about while commuting home from work

While most people fidget with their i-phones or i-pads or i-pods to release tension, I allow my mind to wander off during my commute  home from work.

It, not only relaxes my eyes from staring at a computer or gadget, but also refuels my soul. I think about:

My childhood summers in Lebanon

Picnics with extended families on a hilltop far far away from civilization

Saturday morning tea and fresh baked brioche with my mother and girls

Romantic walks through most any garden around the globe

And most of all my dog who is waiting for me to get home

if i could do it all over again

There are times, like most people of my age group, I contemplate the fact, if I were able to do it all over again what would I change. Although this adult game is mostly played over a glass of wine or two in my household with friends, I can’t help but wonder how other women feel about the question?

If I could do it all over again, I would have:

lived in Paris during my twenties and thirties

duplicated the Grace Kelly look for my wedding

Raised my children in the French countryside

Written  a novel years ago

followed my passion – acting

Became an inspirational speaker for women

How about you?

inspiring thoughts to live by – part deux

A challenging week, yet again, but no worries, I know how to pep talk myself out of a bad thing and into a pleasant one.  The main thing to remember, while feeling like the world is caving in, stay positive and focused and live like you mean business and remember no matter what “this too shall pass”

Happy weekend!!!

When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” Franklin D. Roosevelt

“The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be only the beginning.” Ivy Baker Priest

mother’s day gift ideas 2012: destination spa getaways

What mother wouldn’t appreciate a destination spa getaway. Since this gift idea is a bit costly, I suggest the family pitching in for the spa fund instead of buying separate gifts for their mother.

For some interesting destination spa getaways and more, please click here:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

modern mother’s day gift idea 2012: accessorizing the watch wrist

I have to admit I’ve worn several bracelet on my watch wrist, oh probably for over twenty years (even before it was fashionable) and I will continue to wear them for the rest of my life (even when or if they go out of fashion). I really honestly can’t see my watch wrist with just a watch, so I figured any modern mother would appreciate accessorizing their watch wrist as much as I do.

So, gentlemen, sons and daughters please take note for what I am about to suggest from my favorite department store:

Charriol stainless steel bangle w pearls 395USD

Meira t 14k yellow gold evil eye 625USD

Meira t 14k white gold bar bracelet 875USD

Gurhan silver and 24k gold dome bracelet 1675USD

Gucci Sterling Silver Britt Bracelet 225USD

Gucci 1973 collection exclusive silver charm 345USD

time to reflect while i descend from cloud 9

For the past four months, I have done nothing but run around while I organize “the wedding” and although it’s been a few days (mostly 3) since the occasion, I find myself periodically reflecting on the most beautiful event I have experienced in my lifetime. I honestly believe we were all on cloud 9 (as I smile from ear to ear).

The most I want to remember is, the bride and groom’s humble smiles and blushed cheeks, the family and  friends who made an effort to be there, the laughter and sincere gestures of all the guests, and finally the most amazing Springtime weather San Francisco had to offer.

Thank you everyone…

wedding day countdown

Tic toc, tic toc is the best I could jot down to express the number of hours and day remaining to the wedding of the century (at least from where I am sitting:) ).  And of course I don’t need to tell anyone, weddings are probably the most stressful thing to experience (I am still trying to figure out why that is)

While we plow through the to-do list, I can’t help but go over the details in my head over and over and over again just to make sure we don’t forget anything. Being a wedding planner is a b**** (oops did I say that out loud).

Anyway, through photos, I can give a glimps of what goes through my head, even while I am writing this blog entry.

bridal party in pinks and lavender

It is officially “the wedding season” and with it, the collection of beautiful pastel colored bridal party gowns are finally making their way, slowly but surely into the traditional department stores and boutiques (online doesn’t count in this case) and although there are many beautiful colors on display, I can honestly say various shades of pinks and lavender from here are my favorites:

fashion trend: white dress, black shoes

Black and white, my favorite fashion trend and probably the best staple any woman could ask for. Check out some of my favorite pairings.

Dresses
1. dolce and gabbana chiffon trimmed lace dress 1195USD
2. erdem cecile lace dress 2185USD
3. giambattista vallie jute blend dress 1670USD
4. donna karan drapped stretch jersey dress 1495USD
5. marc jacobs silk duches dress 1200USD

Shoes
6. jimmy choo morgan crystal embelished suede sandals 1095USD
7. yves saint laurent candide paneled suede pump 1140USD
8. giambattista valli embelished satin peep toe sandals 1355USD
9. giambattista valli chain bow two tone satin sandals 1105USD
10.brian atwood aura polka dot calf hair sandals 1370USD
11.valentino jewelry couture satin peep toe pumps 895USD

fashion sense: sparkle and lace

Can’t help falling in-love with this seasons’s special occasion dresses.  Especially neutrals with a little sparkle and lace. Check out some of my favorites from here and guess which one I have chosen for an upcoming special occasion.

1. Sue Wong Dress 528USD. 2. Aiden Maddox Sequin mini dress 310USD. 3. Sue Wong Beaded V-neck 468USD

1. Manolo Blahnik Opporeta pump 945USD. 2. Valentino Couture Bow pump 775USD. 3. Red Valentino high heel sandals 450USD