Strive with Heart

Travel Notes: San Francisco

Travel Notes: San Francisco

It has been damp and chilly here in Philly which got me thinking of my most recent trip to San Francisco.  I packed warm clothes expecting it to be cooler but the city was unseasonably warm on the week that I was there.  I stayed at a Marriott Hotel on Union Square which turned out to be the perfect spot especially for those who love to shop.  I did spend some time beyond Union Square.  Here are some photos taken from that trip. City by the Bay Golden Gate Bridge Twin Peaks

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Travel Notes: Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC

Travel Notes: Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC

We were fortunate to catch the cherry blossom at peak bloom this weekend.  It coincided with spring break so we decided to spend a day in Washington, DC. Not surprisingly, everyone had the same idea. The lines were long at the popular Smithsonian museums but walking around National Mall and the Tidal Basin was in itself a treat. Without a doubt, the city is at its prettiest this time of the year when the famed cherry blossoms and flowering trees are in full bloom.              

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Minted’s Inspiring Office Space

Minted’s Inspiring Office Space

Lonny just came out with a feature on Minted’s new office headquarters in San Francisco. For those not familiar, Minted is an online marketplace of independent artists and designers whose work gets voted on by the public. The winning entries are produced and sold by Minted as stationery, wall art, and home décor. As one would imagine, the company’s new space is amazing! The décor is fresh, beautiful, and inspires creativity. I’m already a big fan of the Minted products and now even more so after seeing a glimpse of their new space. For more, visit Lonny.com.

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Recipe: Braised Sweet Corn with Chile, Cilantro, Feta and Lime

Recipe: Braised Sweet Corn with Chile, Cilantro, Feta and Lime

  Source: Conde Nast Traveler I love corn and so I could not resist sharing this recipe with you. INGREDIENTS 6 ears corn, shucked Kosher salt 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 medium-hot green or red chiles, preferably Fresno, minced 1 shallot, minced 2½ oz [70 g] feta cheese, crumbled Juice of 1 lime ¼ cup [7 g] fresh cilantro leaves PREPARATION Using a knife, shave the corn kernels off the cobs into a medium bowl and set aside. Working over a small bowl, scrape the cobs with the back of the knife to extract the milk. Set aside…

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Favorite Skin Product: Savannah Bee Royal Jelly Body Butter

Favorite Skin Product: Savannah Bee Royal Jelly Body Butter

I have been obsessed with the Royal Jelly Body Butter ever since I “discovered” it at the Savannah Bee Company while walking along Broughton Street which is Savannah’s equivalent to Charleston’s King Street. The Royal Jelly Body Butter comes in three formulas – the original, tupelo honey and sensitive skin. The packaging is so pretty and I just love the smooth and velvety texture, the delicate scent, and the fact that it’s very hydrating – I highly recommend! Since my trip, I have repurchased the big container of the sensitive skin formula. My daughter occasionally gets eczema and she…

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Tory Burch Ella Tote and Purse to Go Organizer

Tory Burch Ella Tote and Purse to Go Organizer

I have owned the black nylon Tory Burch Ella tote for a couple of years now and it has been my go-to work bag since.  It’s light, capacious, low-maintenance, and stylish.  I pretty much toss everything in it – files and folders, planner, books, cosmetic bag, sunglasses, wallet, keys, scarf, umbrella, and the occasional breakfast or lunch bag.  It holds everything and despite almost daily use, it still looks brand new!  On the downside, except for a zipped pocket and a couple of open pockets on each side, it’s a big wide open space that offers little organization or security.   Enter…

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Favorite Travel Shoes: Ugg Jasper

Favorite Travel Shoes: Ugg Jasper

As I was waiting for my connecting flight from Atlanta to Savannah on my most recent trip, I glanced down and realized that lately, I have been quite attached to my Ugg Jasper.  Its weather resistant leather upper has comfortably brought me from the chilly weather of the Northeast Coast to the milder temperature of South Carolina and Georgia and back.  Taking them off and on when going through security is fast and easy.  It also transitions well from super casual to a bit more dressy because it pairs so well with leggings, jeans, and dresses. For me, it…

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Travel Notes: Bonaventure Cemetery

Travel Notes: Bonaventure Cemetery

Bonaventure means good fortune and this cemetery is one of the most visited places in Savannah.  Located on what was originally a plantation, it ranks among the most beautiful cemeteries in the country.  Old growth oak trees covered in Spanish moss, Victorian grave markers, and gothic sculptures all contribute to its haunting beauty. This place was made famous by the 1994 novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt and in the movie directed by Clint Eastwood based on the book.  The Bird Girl statue which appears on the cover photograph of the book was…

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Travel Notes: Savannah, GA

Travel Notes: Savannah, GA

“There are vaster and wealthier cities, but for architectural simplicity, for an indescribable charm about its streets and buildings, its parks and squares, there is but one Savannah.”  – Timothy Harley, a minister who visited Savannah late in the nineteenth century. It seems that I have been forever fascinated by the Low Country since my first sight of big oak trees splendidly draped in gray-green Spanish moss in hot and sultry Jekyll Island many summers ago.  This fascination led me to Charleston and now, Savannah.  I am enamored!  This place is beautiful, romantic, genteel, laid-back, and mysterious all at once.…

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