Gourmet French Fries

Instead of pairing my french fries with plain ketchup I made a quick aioli.  I am now completely obsessed with this dipping sauce!  I'll link the recipe from Epicurious down below.

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/easy-aioli-242695

Mona Lisa Smiles

I know, not the best shot.  I had to fight the crowd for this picture, but; I'm glad I got to spend some time with Mona!

Food Upgrade

Simple food doesn't have to be plain. These blueberry muffins are quick boxed muffins I got from our local market.  Yes, I  can hear the gasps of indignant, horrified foodies everywhere.

As a single, working mom, many days I don't have time for "from scratch" baking.  So yes, from a boxed mix the muffins came.  However, for a little added flavor, I soaked the blueberries in Chambord and added lemon zest to the batter.

I'm definitely not a chef, but I believe it's important to make the simple foods I serve to my family extraordinary. They're worth it.

What Should I Do With My Life?

If you want to change your life for the better, find a way to do it.  You don't need to explain why.  What have you always wanted to do?  If you're not sure, then ask yourself, when you're old what will you regret not having done?

The Weight Of Beauty

The world puts so much on emphasis on looking beautiful.  However, I've found that personally, I don't want the attention that so many women crave.
Sometimes beauty can bring unwanted attention and at times, I find that to be uncomfortable.  Fear comes in many forms.

However, one morning I was at Pont Neuf in Paris, gazing at the ethereal morning sunlight.  I was surrounded by the beautiful antiquities that are commonplace for Parisians with Notre Dame on one side of the city and the Eiffel Tower on the other.

I breathed in all that beauty and realized I wanted to be a part of it.
I'm learning is that it's not healthy to try to hide my light out of fear.  It's our right is to be a part of the beautiful world around us.  Don't be afraid to be fierce!

I found myself in Paris...

Dior Is Divine!

Just because something beautiful that you want to buy is financially out of reach, doesn't mean you can't derive enjoyment from it.  Many things in life serve the sole purpose of providing us the opportunity of pleasurable admiration.

Enjoyment of beautiful things, does not require possession of those things. Some things are created to just to make to make us smile.

I Finally Had My Cry

My trip to Paris isn't all about beauty and Joie De Vie.  This time of year is very difficult for me.   Last month was the anniversary of my husband's death and next month would have been our wedding anniversary.

This evening, I sat in my rented Paris flat, and even though I thought I was happy; I burst into tears.  I cried until I was too exhausted to cry anymore.

As I sat there with hot tears streaming down my face, I felt an extreme release.
A release of sadness over the losses I've experienced in my life, and a release of the stress that my body has held on to.

However, I  also realized that I was shedding tears of joy over the blessings in my life.  I am blessed with a close relationship with God, beautiful kids, and a generous doting mother who worries about her grown-up  baby girl.

I'm glad I had that cleansing cry in private with no one within earshot to unduly worry.  Next time, I won't wait so long.

Steak and Bordeaux in the 6th Arrondissement

What a perfect night.   Lingering over dinner and a bottle of Bordeaux at Danton with wonderful friends. Magnifique!

A Leisurely Sunday Morning In Paris

It is incredible to wake up to a beautiful, sunny Sunday morning in Paris with the delicious knowledge that I don't have to be any place in particular.

Ah, it's time for my cafe au lait.

Au Revoir!

In The Words Of: George Bernard Shaw...

Toast with peanut butter and bananas.  I had seen this before and it looked really weird.  I tried it, and, it's now my favorite quick breakfast.  This is way better for you than jelly on toast.  Enjoy!

Hair Products Galore!

The girly girl version of a candy store!!!

Me Time

Time for an envigorating clay mask.  I'm making my favorite mask from bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar.

Activated bentonite clay helps the skin to heal fungal infections like eczema and helps regenerate skin tissue.

Just mix a tablespoon of clay with a tablespoon vinegar.  Add more or less till you get a paste consistency.  Put it on your face avoiding eye area.  Leave it on it till it dries.  Remove gently using warm water.  If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test first.

My skin is sometimes rosy when I  remove the mask.  I follow with a rosewater spritz and a light moisturizer. 

I love being a woman!

An Afternoon At The Salon

There's nothing like spending an afternoon at the salon with my daughters.  I normally like to do our hair at home, but now I feel it's time to defer to the experts. 

We found this curly girl salon tucked away off High Street.  If you've got naturally curly hair, give Ambushed a call.  http://ambushedsalon.com/

Poetry Is Meant To Be Read Aloud

This was a previous post, but I love the way Benedict Cumberbatch performs this piece Ode To A Nightingale by John Keats.  Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/64eonMsecAA

Photo by Gypsy Purple 

15 min Healthy Tortilla Pizza!

Here is a recipe for quick healthy pizzas. I got the ingredients from Aldi, so this is also easy on the budget.

You need:
6 corn tortillas
4 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato pesto
1 medium red onion
1 medium yellow bell pepper
1 medium orange bell pepper
4 mushrooms (no stem)
1 tablespoon of sea salt (or less)
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder (more or less to taste)
1 teaspoon onion powder (more or less to taste )
Cilantro
Chopped green onions
Avocado
Basil
Heat oven to 410F
Stir fry vegetables on high heat in coconut oil, seasoning with salt, garlic and onion powder.  Set aside.
Line an oven tray with foil and place tortillas on top
Spread pesto on each tortilla and top with the stir fried veggies. You can sprinkle with a little dried basil
Put in the oven for 7-10 minutes or until the edges of the tortillas are golden.
We added fresh cilantro, chopped green onions and avocado once the pizzas came out of the oven.  #healthyfoodlove

Today's Tip: Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is one of my favorite oils. I add a few drops to my favorite oil and massage my scalp. This oil is known to help with hair loss and promotes circulation to the scalp.

Lavender oil helps to calm the nervous system. It reduces stress and improves sleep quality.

Blends well with most oils like grapeseed oil, but my favorite oil is coconut!

https://www.youngliving.org/luxelife

Eating Healthy Doesn't Have To Be Expensive!

Healthy Breakfast!  Plain yogurt, green tea matcha, raw honey, flax seeds, banana, fresh blueberries. 

Except for the matcha, you can get everything at Aldi.  I love eating healthy on a budget!

Please enjoy my audiobook!

Listen to my audiobook.  I created it just for you!

Https://soundcloud.com/feli-nelson/the-luxurious-life-of-the-1

A Healthy Lunch with My Workout Partner

After our workout today,  my youngest daughter and I had lunch at our favorite spot.  I had a fantastic soup, with cabbage, carrots, green onion,  mushrooms, and spiced tofu. She had a beautiful salad,  and we shared a pot of Moroccan Mint and Cardamon tea. 

There's nothing like the feeling of doing things that are healthy for you!

The Road To Hotness Is Not Paved With Goodies

I'm betting this is not going to be delicious but here goes!

Healthy Is Luxurious!

Plain Fage Greek Yogurt, Bananas, Dried Cranberries, and a drizzle of Raw Honey- so much better for me than ice cream!

I love the feel of iron in the morning!

Let it begin!

Breakfast In Springtime

Have a great day!

Be Fiercely Feminine

What is femininity?  My daughter asked me this question. It's a great question,  because somehow femininity as it has been quantified and analyzed, most women have been found wanting.

So I ask you, is femininity having  long hair, a tiny waist, and being a size six?  What if you are 5'10" or your hair is short, and your waist isn't tiny?  Does this make you a manly woman?

I prefer to see womanhood as it really is.  Some women have bigger hands than they feel are feminine.  Those are the same hands that cook for their families,  clean, and provide a gentle touch to those they love. 

Your hips and waist may not be small,  but, like a dear aged friend once told me; your hips are strong like a tree.  These women are the anchor and strength of families.

The beauty of femininity, is that it has different hues, just like a rainbow.  A rainbow would not as magnificent if it was only one color. 

Be fiercely feminine, by not only using your power and your strength in the service of others, but; in loving and nuturing yourself!

Treat Yourself Right!

Today I stopped by my favorite bakery. Normally, I try to avoid sugar, but today was not the day for that.

My rule of thumb when indulging, make sure it's exactly what you want, otherwise; you're wasting carbs.

Today's indulgence was an amazing  gluten-free pink lemonade "twinkie".  Admittedly,  I feel guilty about doing things for myself.  I can still hear my dad's reproving voice in my head, making me feel bad about my needs. 

Nevertheless, I've learned that an occasional indulgence is a need. Keeping this in mind helps me fight my guilt, and helps me to enjoy my life.  As women, we have to fight,  every day of our lives to take care of family,  and home.  So, if I must fight, I'll throw my punches with my right, and eat my pink gluten-free twinkie with my left!

Thought For Today

The Flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.

- The Emperor 

Bubble Tea!

I know this a cheesy picture, but I don't care!   This is my absolute  favorite drink.  Green tea, with tapioca pearls, floral and not too sweet.  It's the little things in life!

My daughter made lunch

Doesn't food taste better when someone else makes it?  Thanks Catherine!

Tea Party Memories!

I loved creating this tea party for my sister in law. I can't wait for the next one!

http://www.magisto.com/int/album/video/fygqDUVeGVYjI3gHDmEwCXx5?l=vsm&o=a&c=o

Always The DivA!

Check out my sparkly phone.  I love being a woman!

Night Cap!

Green tea ice cream and Thai basil. An incredible way to end a wonderful day.  Bon soir!

Joys Of Singleness

Getting nails done and going make-up shopping. I love being a woman!