The Mediterranean Diet was ranked #1 by US News and World Report for the best overall diet. Fellow wine and cheese lovers rejoice! Source: The Best Diet Of 2019 Is Basically A Wine And Cheese Diet Continue reading
Dreaming of Italy, One Cafe at a Time
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One of the things I miss most about France and Italy is the amazing coffee or cafe. Americans may have a Starbucks on every other corner, but there's nothing like sipping a creamy and slightly sweet cafe latte while overlooking the coastal waters in Positano, watching the boats pull into port. Like Continue reading
9 November 2014 
Memories of Cassis
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Cassis, France - located on the Mediterranean coast - was our last stop during our side trip to Provence. Cassis is located about 30 minutes Southeast of Marseille, another port village in the South of France. But where Marseille is a large, gritty, commercial port, Cassis remains a small, colorful Continue reading
29 October 2014 
Enchanting Gordes
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On our third day in Avignon, we made our way to one of the most enchanting towns in France - Gordes. The small Provincial village is set in the hills of the Luberon region. The narrow hillside driving can make it a challenge to reach the hill town in poor weather. However, to our good fortune, we Continue reading
26 October 2014 
Roman Influence in Southern France
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On our second day in Avignon, France, we drove straight west to visit the small towns of Arles and Nimes. Both towns have been highly influenced by Roman architecture and monuments. While in Arles, which is a quintessential provincial town, we toured the very large Roman arena dating back to 1st Continue reading
25 October 2014 
Road to Avignon
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We said au revoir to the Royal Champagne hotel very early on Tuesday morning and drove back to Paris. From Paris Gare de Lyon, we caught an early train to Avignon, in Provence in Southern France. The 2.5 hour train ride was relaxing and gave us both a chance to catch up on our writing. On a side Continue reading
4 November 2013 
Floating Gardens of Sausalito
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Last week, I mentioned my recent trip to the little seaside town of Sausalito, CA, and gave you a snapshot of the many unusual floating homes. This waterfront community, formed just after WWII ended, started with just a few makeshift houseboats and now has more than 400 floating homes. Long, Continue reading
19 August 2013 
A Taste of Italy: Summer Caprese Salad
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Numerous studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet - one that is rich in fresh, plant-based foods, olive oil, herbs/species, and more - has significant benefits for the heart. But the use of high quality, fresh ingredients may also provide you with a more enjoyable eating experience. According Continue reading
15 October 2012 
12 Ways to Order Espresso
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When my husband recently started drinking espresso (via our Nespresso), I tried to explain the difference between the many "fancy" espresso drinks - mocha, cappuccino, macchiato, etc, most of which seemed to have originated in Italy. Even this weekend, as we dined in our hotel restaurant, I found Continue reading
18 August 2011 
Spain and the Second Breakfast
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While in Barcelona a few years back, I remember ordering breakfast from a quaint but bustling cafe on one of the city's main streets. It was full of business professionals and young adults grabbing un cafe and a quick breakfast, which was, amazingly, churros dipped in chocolate. Up to this point, Continue reading
4 August 2011 
Finding Europe in My Own Backyard
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(photo source) In my previous post, I shared with you several ways that you could have your very own European-themed staycation, no matter where you live. While writing that post, I realized that there are still several experiences I wanted to add to my summer to-do list. And, it just so Continue reading
1 August 2011 
12 Ideas for a European Staycation
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(photo source) Have you ever wished you could experience Europe or even a different country, without the excessive expense or time away from work? With one month to go until the unofficial end of summer, why not plan a few European-like experiences right in your own area - a European Staycation Continue reading
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