boutique hotel pick – il sogno di giulietta – verona, italy

Keeping in line with the  Valentine’s Day theme and also with my Italy obsession  for 2011, I decided to include a boutique luxury hotel, (which I recommend by the way),  located in the heart of Verona, Italy.

In case there are a handful of people who are wondering  what Verona has to do with Valentine’s Day theme, well I am here to tell you that Verona is not only one of the most romantic cities in the world, but it is also the hometown of Juliet, from Romeo and Juliet  (just in case I wasn’t clear enough). Of course their story goes without saying, but just in case I need to clarify, it is the most famous love story ever told  by William Shakespeare and many tourist go to Verona just to pay homage to that fact.

What’s so interesting is that this particular property shares a courtyard with Juliet’s  house. In fact, it has a view of  the famous balcony where Romeo expressed his undying love and devotion to Juliet.

The hotel is called  Il Sogno Di Giulietta. ( Juliet’s Dream) and although the courtyard  is a tourist trap during the day, at night  the gates are closed to the public so that the guests could have their privacy. So if you appreciate the renaissance period as much as I do and want to give your partner  the ultimate romantic vacation, surprise her this Valentine’s Day  with a travel dossier containing a week’s trip to Verona, Italy and a stay at Il Sogno De Giulietta, I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.  Have a great weekend!

boutique hotel pick – parco dei principi – roma

As promised I am including some of my favorite luxury and also boutique hotels for Italy. This particular five-star property, the Parco Dei Principi,  is located in the heart  of  Rome, near the Villa Borghese park and in my opinion a wonderful place to stay in order to detox from the realities of every day life.

To me, as I have stated before, hotels must be romantic or charming in order for me to feel like I am truly on vacation or holiday (as some would say) and although some of these properties are a bit pricy, the experience of staying in this particular one will be  most memorable – take my word for it.

Have a great weekend!

all things coffee

I didn’t start drinking coffee until I hit 40-somthing. I guess I was naturally hyper enough in my younger days and didn’t need the stimulant to jump-start me. But now, if I don’t have a cup of coffee in the morning, I simply cannot get in gear. I try some days to not have a cup and I am okay with it, but by the next day I feel it is somewhat crucial to down a cup.

I love to explore unique coffee shops, especially while traveling and often times settle on out of the norm places, because of the type of coffee they use to create their blends, the style in which the coffee is served, and the ambiance and decor. The type of music emanating from their speakers helps as well.

My  favorite coffee shops are of course throughout Europe, mostly France and Italy and while there, it is really difficult to turn any corner without seeing a unique coffee shop or coffee bar. What is most enjoyable for me is the fact, they are served in cups and saucers, whether fine china, mostly porcelain or some creative glassware, which is a clear indication that coffee is an experience meant to be enjoyed rather than rushed off in a “to go cup”.  Although, more and more places are starting to use “to go cups” in Europe, go for the sit down experience.

Anyway, there are a few amazing coffee shops around San Francisco and Napa, (listed at the end of this blog entry) where you could actually experience some European flare and service, but I would like to also hear about coffee shops which you think is worth a mention most anywhere you have visited. So drop me a line or a link.

San Francisco Bay Area: La Boulange, Cavalli Cafe, Bouchon Bakery (Yountville, CA), Cafe Roma, Cafe Grecco

how do we choose our role model?

When blogging, the author has the option to view stats which tell her (in this case) what articles or topics are the most popular and since I have been blogging, I noticed every time I write about Jennifer Aniston, people listen.

This doesn’t really shock me much, because I like Ms.Aniston myself, even though I poke fun of her alot, but I am amazed that out of most celebrities over 40, the usual choice is Jenny – not from the block.

So, I guess my question to my readers is, how do you choose your role model? Better yet, who is your favorite women over 40 to follow and want to be like?  I know this may sound like a childish game but in all reality women over 40 like to play games also. No matter how silly or trivial. Besides it takes the edge off raising their kids and dealing with their day-to-day life.

shoe fashion for fall 2010

I was looking through fall 2010 shoe trends and I came across photos of shoes they plan to sell this coming season. I don’t know about you but I am not sure what the message is or what the thought process is in regard to sho fashion.

The thing is that bizarre clothing fashion trends come and go and then come back again and then go back and ok we can live with that, but shoes in my opinion are a different thing.  They can either harm you or put you in a hospital as a result of designer’s craze. 

Do the designers realize how damaging these so-called trends are to any woman old enough and sometimes not old enough interested in owning a pair or two for the sake of being in fashion?  The other question I have is, when these types of shoes are marketed and sold in stores, does the fashion industry understand the impact these designs have on the women over 40, who craves to feel young and sensual but cannot physically handle the contraption on their feet due to the  serious damage they may cause to their bodies, feet, legs and brain? 

I don’t know what your opinion is on the topic, I would love to hear from you. As for me, I need to find a shoemaker in a village in Italy and hire him for my personal shoe design and call it a day.

getting ready for two weddings

Maggy London Illusion Back Pleated Matte Jersey Dress (Nordstrom)$148.00 – This is my best black dress choice for an evening wedding in Sausalito, California this June. I prefer wearing black for most evening occasions, it is the fall back dress for me when I feel self conscious about anything physically or just plain self conscious. Be careful however, with a dress like this one, you want to make sure your curves and bulges are in the right location of your body otherwise your attempt will be disastrous.

Alex Evenings Portrait Collar Mesh Dress (Nordstrom)For a more full figured and bustier than myself woman, I suggested going with the following choices.

Eliza J Ruffle Print Wrap Dress (Nordstrom) $158.00 – This is the dress I decided on for a daytime outdoor wedding in Santa Barbara July 2010. Again this style works for my body type but may not do justice for the full figured woman over 40.

Instead, for daytime or outdoor events, I suggest sticking to neutrals and whites with some sort of sheer wrap to cover the arms, the ideal skirt should cover the knees and have flares in order to give the illusion of height and in my opinion the confidence you may be looking for to minimize feeling self conscious.

I hope I am not offending anyone, but merely sharing my thoughts and suggestions. In my opinion every woman, no matter what shape or size can be sexy and sensual when taking the time to wear clothes that will compliment their physique. Settling on the love of a designer or a favorite color sometimes may not be the best thing. Also remember an outfit does not need to be expensive to look good. Shop wisely and take pictures of yourself in the outfit you chose to make sure you actually look good in them.

angelina’s Cafe

I must have driven by Angelina’s Cafe on California Street and 22nd (in the Richmond District in San Francisco) about a hundred times and said to myself, wow what a cute place, I have to go there sometimes.

Well, finally today, after years of contemplating and planning, I finally decided to eat breakfast there after my one hour walk. As I parked my car half a block from the corner where Angelina’s Cafe is situated, I got a great feeling in my stomach as I walked by the French bistro table and chairs lined along the outside of the cafe. When I entered through the door, I noticed the customers lined up along the deli counter, waiting to order their food. Some were holding on to their dog’s leashes. I instantly knew I would love this place since they allowed dogs to be in the store. (Just in case you are wondering, I feel dogs should be allowed everywhere)

I ordered a sesame bagel with eggs, cheddar cheese and bacon and was asked if I wanted it lightly toasted and although I don’t like toasted bread, I agreed to doing so in this case. I also ordered a cup of coffee, then noticed a cranberry/orange scone tray nicely displayed above the deli counter and ordered one as well, overlooking the guilty conscience about the calorie overload.

When they called out my order, I picked up my wicker tray of goodies and walked over to the French bistro style chair and table on the inside and sat so I could take in the ambiance while I ate.

My eyes wondered to every nook and cranny of the tiny deli and I was fascinated by the Italian flare with a bit of French twist decor of the place. Everything in the deli made sense and was organized esthetically so very pleasing to the eyes. I devoured my sandwich and gulped down the delicious coffee while I watched a gourmet cheese truck deliver a new batch of perfect cheeses to the deli and I smiled.

Soon thereafter, I bused my own table and left the place, while planning out my next visit a week from today. My recommendation when you visit Angelina’s Cafe , consider doing so on a weekday if you can, but if you must go on the weekends, be prepared to wait. The place is always packed and there is a bit of wait for entering the store to order your meal.

no recipe here just good food

I love “good” food like most individual with an artistic palette. I refer to palettes as artistic because if you think about it, those who lack creativity, lack a taste for good food (in my opinion).

Good food to me is something that has to compliment my taste buds, it has to enhance my sense of smell from the array of spices used to create the dish, and finally it has to fulfill my innermost sensuality. Believe me if you think about it, you will understand what I mean.

I am always in search of good food and when I find myself settling due to my financial state at the time I frequent the restaurant, or the party I am with doesn’t have an artistic palette, I leave the restaurant feeling unhappy and a bit grumpy.

Keep in mind I am not implying that only expensive restaurants or those who claim to work with the best chefs in the world have the best meals. I am stating that even the simplest and most inexpensive places have quality meals which will also do the job.

I have a few places that I frequent in San Francisco which I want to share with you, where you can get a good meal without $$$$ too much:

Burgermeister – For the best burgers in town
NanandCurry – For good to great Indian Food
Squat and Gobble- A girls gotta have her crepes
Osha Thai – Inexpensive Thai food at its best
Tarboosh – Middle Eastern Restaurant
Specialty Cafe – Excellent Coffee, pasty and sandwiches
Mozzarella Di Bufala – Excellent Pizza

Feel free to suggest your favorite restaurant in your area.

poached halibut with saffron fennel cream

I love it when grocery stores give a complimentary booklet or a magazine advertising their products with a few good recipes. I collect them all and use them frequently. I found this amazing recipe on Nugget Market’s website and magazine and it is amazing to say the least. Here it is – enjoy

• 4 Halibut fillets
• Court Boullion:
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups white wine
• 1 yellow onion, quartered
• 2 ribs celery, rough chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 fennel frond, rough chopped, reserve one more for garnish
• 12 to 15 whole peppercorns
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Fennel Cream:
• 1 pint cream
• 1 head fennel, small dice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon saffron
• salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Court Boullion:

Combine all the ingredients in a sauce pan.  Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.  Strain.

 Fennel Cream:

Combine the ingredients and bring up to a simmer over medium-low heat.  Reduce the cream by half.  This should take 10 to 15 minutes. Puree and season to taste with salt and pepper.

 Poach the halibut in the Court Boullion at a bare simmer for 6 to 8 minutes.  Dab the fish dry on paper towels and serve with the fennel cream.  Garnish with fennel fronds.

no mini skirt needed to feel sexy

I don’t consider my self too conservative when it comes to wearing skirts or dresses, but I do consider my limit when choosing the length of the skirt.

Sure, mini skirts are sexy and is intended, in my opinion, to stear attention from other parts of a woman’s body. But, a woman over 40, no matter how sexy and shaply should stay away from mini skirts. I don’t care how good they feel and look.

If I want to go for sexy, I choose a black knee (or just below) lenght pencil skirt and compliment it with a nice pair of high heels instead. I wear super sheer taupe stockings for evening time and go with au natural (bear legs) during the day unless my workplace requires me to wear stockings.

Mini Skirt: D&G Bouche Miniskirt $285.00 At Nordstrom
Pencil Skirt: Ingenuity Pencil Skirt $86.00 At Nordstrom