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

 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease two 12 cup muffin pans or line with 20 paper baking cups.
2. 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 cups, dividing evenly.
3. Bake in the preheated oven until the tops spring back when lightly pressed, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool in the pan set over a wire rack. When cool, arrange the cupcakes on a serving platter and frost with desired frosting.

{for more Valentine’s Day recipe ideas, please click here}

valentine’s day fashion: red shoes for every taste

{Click here for details and pricing}

boutique hotel pick – montana art deco hotel – lucerne, switzerland

With freezing cold temperatures in San Francisco, I cannot help but want to be tucked in under the covers in a room of a beautiful hotel perfectly located near snow capped mountains.

One place I have always loved and haven’t been to for a while is Lucerne Switzerland and this year, while I plan my annual trip to Europe, I am going to consider a day or two here - except I would prefer the destination during the winter months.

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

boutique hotel pick – tharroe of mykonos, greece

Right about now, exactly right now, I am seeing myself in a far away place, where I could nap alongside the pool, or sit on a lounge chair on the balcony of my suite and watch the world go by and just maybe make an effort to leave the hotel just to experience the nightlife on the island of Mykonos, Greece.

To make this happen, I have to include one of my favorite hotels on Mykonos – Tharroe Of Mykonos, to set the stage for one of the most relaxing holidays/vacations imaginable.  BTW this would make a wonderful Mother’s Day gift:

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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…

boutique hotel pick – baglioni hotel – london, england

In light of the fact the Summer Olympics are in England this year, I had contemplated spending my vacation or holiday (I like that word better) attending some of the games.  I am still on the fence about it, but it doesn’t hurt to dream, just in case I can’t make it a reality.

Anyway, here is my dream hotel pick for London: Baglioni Hotel , which according to the chain’s website  is “luxury with an Italian touch”. What more can I anyone ask for?

movie night for valentine’s day

Just like most women, I love getting dressed up and going out for dinner, but not really on Valentine’s Day. My favorite way to celebrate the occasion is to stay home  and cook, believe it or not and rent a  few mushy films  and watch them while munching on popcorn and drinking champagne.

Here are some of my favorite films for this year. They are mostly available through online rental or for a few bucks at a local megastore (i.e. Target)

unique gift ideas for her – holiday and beyond

Unique gift ideas for the woman over 40 is sometimes challenging when the person you are shopping for has various self conscious issues. To play it safe, I have  complied some gift ideas from here,  which I feel are pretty low key even for the most conservative woman you have ever known.

1. Jimmy Choo Sepia two tone pumps 850USD
2. Gucci 1973 leather bag 850USD
3. Yves Saint Laurent Arty Gold plated earings 495USD
4. ACNE Pistol suede ankle boots 570USD
5. Miu Miu I-Pod case 150USD
6. Tara Matthews hand embelished swimsuit 495USD
7. Nixon Chromo watercolor Sterling silver watch 450USD
8. Maison Martin Margiela distressed suede boots 855USD
9. Illesteva sunglasses 295USD
10.Anya Hindmarch glitter clutch 550USD
11.Alexander McQueen Leopard Cashmere silk blend scarf 725USD
12.John Hardy Sterling silver and saphire ring 895USD

holiday classic film recommend on a cold winter’s eve

While I understand, this week may be hectic for most as they shop last minute for gifts and draft up the menu for the holiday dinner, I suggest taking one evening off from all the madness and having a date night with a loved one by simply watching a class film, while munching on popcorn and drinking champagne. Fireplace is highly recommended but optional, the original classic film (from list below) is most recommend, a remake just won’t do for this particular experience.