Okay, vacation planning is in full swing for me, so while I search for new accommodations to try out, I stumbled upon this wonderful place in one of my favorite places in the world. Bordeaux, France.
So, if you happen to be a wine connoisseur like myself, you’d appreciate the location of Le Boutique Hotel in Bordeaux or if you happen to be just looking for a romantic getaway that works too.
Have a great weekend!
I woke up this morning with a sudden need to travel somewhere, even if only for the weekend. I guess it’s that time of the year again, when I get the travel bug and no matter what I shift my focus on, I remain distracted until I finally organize a holiday getaway of some sort.
Baccara Resort and Spa is a place I’ve been to, twice. Once for a wedding and the other, just to run away. I had forgotten about the destination until I scanned my memory for quick get-away places from San Francisco and lucky for me, I remembered.
The hotel is sprawled on the sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean, in the middle of California, very close to the town of Santa Barbara and offers some of the most prestiges resort and spa amenities one would need to get their bearings back.
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
{for more Valentine’s Day recipe ideas, please click here}
{Click here for details and pricing}
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 
I am now back in the states and aimlessly trying to get adjusted to everyday life. I avoided it for a couple of days while I recovered from jetlag, but knowing there was no alternative, I put on my work clothes and commuted to work early Thursday morning.
Vacations or holidays, as they are referred to, throughout other parts of the world, are the most difficult to return from, especially if they pan out to be as beautifully as you envisioned it while planning. I am aware of the fact. But it’s not so much that I regret it’s over, it’s the fact I had to leave Paris, once again as a tourist.
The funny thing about annual vacations, at least for me, is that I use the time to not only regroup, but also to reflect on the past year and decipher what I need to do to improve my life and lifestyle. Whether it be, a career change, a move to a new neighborhood, or realigning our long term plans. And every year I come to the same conclusion. I must live in Paris.
{photos are the property of http://www.rawsilkandsaffron.wordpress.com and may not be used without permission or credit}
Day 1: We arrived in Florence city center late Sunday afternoon to torrential downpour and thunder storm and after checking into our hotel, decided to immediately tour the city on foot, just long enough to wean ourselves from the jet lag.
Along the way and in between the downpour, we experienced the following:
Waffle sandwich filled with hot nutella – yummy
A peak of the Duomo
A taste of Firenze chocolat and nugats
Ornate architecture
Breath taking view of ponte vecchio with a film scene on the lawn
A canteloupe gelato break – a must
Fountains and statues in piazza della signoria
{Photos are the property of http://www.rawsilkandsaffron.wordpress.com and may not be used without permission}
I love analyzing photos and putting my own interpretation of them into play. So, if someone where to ask me today, on my special day, how would I see it pan out. I would have to say like this:
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)
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.
