Wanderlust-Venice

If there’s one thing I yearn to do more in my lifetime, it’s to travel.

To get a chance to explore the major European countries has always been a major goal of mine. On the top of that list is none other than the city of romance itself, Venice, Italy. The very thought of Venice brings thoughts of romantic gondola rides on the grand canal beneath the buttery glow of the moonlight to mind. In my opinion, a person simply cannot go to Venice and not have that experience. I would also love to explore the narrow picturesque streets and to lose myself in the Venetian culture and food. -- can you think of anything more sublime? 

I hear the Rialto Market is the place to go to really get a sense of the local lifestyle.

Cuteness Alert!

Have you ever seen anything more adorable than this little baby lop ear bunny? I think not.

Flavor Paper

Flavor Paper produces exceptional contemporary and custom hand screened wallpaper that will add character to any room. They were voted best wallpaper in New York City by New York Magazine and after checking out their website, I completely understand why. This is such a great find! Flavor Paper is definitely on my to do list. Oh, and you’ll be happy to know they have a location in Brooklyn, take a look at their site here.

Dr. Seuss Says

Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known to the world as the beloved Dr. Seuss, was born in 1904 on Howard Street in Springfield, Massachusetts. He is a literary genius in his own right. The simplicity of his words has inspired children all over the globe and will continue to do so for many generations. In honor of his birthday, take a look at his most memorable quotes below.

Here are a few more timeless Dr. Seuss quotes:


Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.


You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.


We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.


Why fit in when you were born to stand out?


Be who you are and say what you feel,

because those who mind don’t matter,

and those who matter don’t mind.


Today I shall behave as if this is the day I will be remembered.


Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.


If things start happening, don’t worry, don’t stew, just go right along and you’ll start happening too.


Only you can control your future.


I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living.


You’re off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting,

So . . . get on your way!

And will you succeed?

Yes, you will, indeed!

(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed).

Last Great French Restaurant in New York City

I was a Writer for Dual Show for a short while but we have recently parted ways. I now write for Chaos magazine but I thought it would be fitting to post the last article I wrote for them about La Grenouille, an upscale french restaurant located in the heart of Midtown. Read about it here.

Latest Novel from JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood

Lover Reborn, book ten from JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series was released this week. I pre-ordered it from Amazon a few months ago and my copy arrived on Thursday. I’ve been pacing myself but somehow I already read half of it. In case you forgot, I’m obsessed with Mrs. Wards dark, genre bending, vampiric world. This should be evidence enough, read about my love affair with the warden here.

Foods We Thought We Hated

I know, I know, very few people like anchovies -- including yours truly. These little buggers look quite unsavory and as a matter of fact, I’m still trying to wrap my head around them being used as a pizza topping. I think the reason why noses are upturned at the very mention of these briny little treats is mainly how they are prepared. Anchovies aren’t meant to be the grand puba of any meal because of their strong, overpowering flavors. But, added as a flavor enhancer, they take on this complex and robust nutty quality that will knock your socks off. 

I caught wind of this little culinary secret from a close friend of my mother’s and decided to give it a try. I recently made my own variation of pasta puttanesca and when added to olive oil, they simply melt into the background. I’m still not in love with anchovies, but I’m pleasantly surprised that I actually enjoyed them in a dish.

Major Cattitude - Meow

What does Kourtney Kardashian and I have in common? Our desire to sport the latest eyewear trend, cat-eye sunglasses. These funky shades were seen on the visage of every fashionista at NYFW. The brown Zebra and Havana frame from Ralph Lauren pictured aboved is quite chic, don't you agree?

I bought a less pricier version from Forever 21 about a week ago and it arrived today. I haven't been able to stop staring at it, I'm just tickled pink :)

How Cute are These Ombre Tights?

 

I spotted these ombre tights on Etsy, naturally I just had to share it with all of you. Aren't they darling? I know spring has just begun but that isn't going to stop me from ordering a pair for next season. I'm especially partial to the coal, which fades into ivory towards the bottom.

Peter Pan Collar

The Peter Pan Collar has been around for quite some time. I love that it's been making a comeback lately. Those scalloped collars instantly add a lady-like flair to any ensemble, don't you agree? I hope this chic, feminine trend doesn't disappear again -- not soon anyway.

Pretty Toes

 

One of the best things about the warmer weather is wearing pretty sandal and showing off your newly painted toes. Exciting hues like oranges and yellows are great to liven thing up. I just love this metallic shade, don't you?

Odd Eats

Picture courtesy of Globetrotter Diaries

                                                                                   The Durian Fruit

Until recently, I'd never been anything but anxious about trying new foods. But playing it safe with your palette along with anything else is just plain boring. While I'm willing to try new ingredients, I do have my limitations, absolutely no bugs, brains, hoofs...etc.

 

Gastronauts, an established dinner club for adventurous eaters have been serving exotic yet innovative fare to it's members by taking over a  restaurant each month in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. It sounds like such a unique experience.  

Spring Has Officially Sprung

I thought I'd commemorate this second day of spring with these impossibly adorable creatures. Aren't they just precious? Happy spring my darlings.

Looks Delicious, But Is It Worth Dying For?

Picture courtesy of Sweet Salty Things

This just in: a diet rich in red meat increases a person’s risk of premature death. Is this news really a shocker?

 

Researchers have shown that for every daily serving of red meat, i.e., beef, sausages and bacon, the risk of dying from diabetes, heart disease and cancer increases by a whopping 12%.

 

A single serving of red meat is around the size of your fist. With a society heavily concerned with super-sizing our meals, the recommended portion will be a challenge -- but one worth taking on. By replacing red meat with fish, poultry and nuts, people can prolong their lifespan by up to 19%.

You don't necessarily have to abolish red meat from your diet, but as always, moderation is key. If you are an avid red meat eater, shoot for two servings per week. As delicious as that burger looks, it's definitely not worth dying for. 

Safe eating my darlings!

Style Crush: Miroslava Duma

Miroslava Duma is a fashion icon in her own right. Her sense of style is awe-inspiring. This pint-sized fashionista can transition from casual to chic effortlessly, she even looks fantastic pregnant. She simply can do no wrong. Take a look for yourself!

You can read more about Miroslava Duma here.