We recently visited South Korea for 2 weeks. I was very impressed with this country and would highly recommend it.
Friday, September 29, 2023
Friday, August 25, 2023
Lefkada, Greece
Saturday, July 22, 2023
Photo Tour of Kifisia ( Athens, Greece)
We were recently in Greece, it has been 20 years since I had been, and even got to meet up with a dear college friend there. We started our trip in Athens and walked in Plaka and around the Acropolis. Then the next day drove to Patras my friend's home town and then spend a few days in Lefkada an amazing island, expect a post soon!
But on the way back before flying out we decided to stroll around Kifisia a beautiful northern suburb of Athens and one to put on your radar.
It has lovely tree-lined streets and parks, high-end international stores, and great places to eat. It also has a wide range of cool architecture and lots of beautiful homes.
It feels cooler than other parts of Athens and many big companies have their headquarters in this area.
If you are in Athens be sure to put this neighborhood on the list of places to visit, my friend used to live here and can you believe she got married in January in the snow and rode to the church on a horse.
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Kefir and Radish Yogurt Salad
This tasty salad is inspired by my friend's recipe. I had a radish and dill salad at her house and wanted to re-create it, not sure about you but I often get inspired to try new recipes this way.
Also, I wanted a recipe that used Kefir as it's a lovely source of probiotics, Kefir is a fermented milk that is made from kefir grains, a specific type of mesophilic symbiotic culture. It is prepared by inoculating the milk of cows, goats, or sheep with kefir grains.
It is also lower in lactose than regular yogurt.
Kefir and Radish Yogurt Salad
Ingredients -
- kefir about 2 cups
- Radish or cucumber - I used about 4 small radishes - grated and 1 small cucumber
- Dill - a handful of fresh dill finely chopped
- Garlic -one clove chopped
- Cilantro a handful finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- Paprika a sprinkle
- 1/4 of a red onion chopped
Method -
1. chop and prepare all the ingredients and mix together,
2. enjoy as a snack or a vegetable side with a meal.
Some other ways to use kefir may include
Trying it
- with fruit
- mixed into yogurt
- in a smoothie
- with oats
- in salad dressings

Sunday, May 28, 2023
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Monsaraz, Portugal
On our recent trip to Portugal and Spain, we wanted a stop en route back from Sevilla to Lisbon and stumbled across Monsaraz and we are so glad we did. I remember driving to the hillside village through an ancient archway over the cobbled streets to arrive at the AirBnB and being blown away by this beautiful and ancient abode with views over the countryside below.
Thursday, April 27, 2023
Tips for Lisbon
It also has a wonderful botanical garden called the Tropical Botanical Garden, once called The Colonial Garden it was founded in 1912 by the Jerónimos Monastery. There is a little more about it here and apparently, it was neglected for many years, you can really see this in one of the Greenhouses that's all overgrown. It is home to ducks and peacocks and has some lovely tropical greens and peaceful places to sit.
Address: Largo dos Jerónimos, 1400-209 Lisboa, Portugal
The country has seen a few economic crises and bailouts and austerity measures. The guide in fact shared that when houses were left empty as people moved overseas the government would sell them. Houses in the Alfama area are now very expensive. Families who have been there for generations are proud and live in old homes. I was surprised to learn that some do not have a washing machine or shower and the locals use community laundries and these are by hand! there is a picture below. The area has cool shops, street art, and a great vibe.
I would highly recommend a tour with Xenia. It was also fascinating to learn that many thousands of Americans have been moving to Portugal in the last couple of years due to a golden visa scheme many are digital nomads and invest in properties. While this is good for investment it has recently been stopped as it's hurting local people who struggle with lower salaries many only making 1000-2000 Euros a month and struggling to afford rent. Most folks can't afford to live in the Center but stay in High rise apartments on the outside of the city center. These are complex issues and with high inflation presently there have been recent protests by transport workers, teachers and others for better conditions and pay.
Of course while in Portugal you must have a Pastel de nata a custard tart you can find these all over the city, one of our favorites was Santo António R. do Milagre de Santo António 10, 1100-351 Lisboa, Portugal they are heavenly when warm.
Another super cool area to visit is LX Factory a hip old factory area with shops, cafes and restaurants.
We ate in The Therapist tasty and healthy options. We also had a dessert and coffee.
Here is the address Address: R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-501 Lisboa, Portugal
When we returned to Lisbon after being through rural areas and seeing the big picture Lisbon really grow on us. It's a city with a rich history and resilient friendly people, with a bright future.

Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Carrot Pilaf
This is a super easy recipe, and a fun way to use carrots, adding shredded carrots to rice is fun and adds nice flavor and color.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium carrots grated
- one cup of basmati rice
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of Turkish spices (I got this from Penzeys)
- one small zucchini chopped
- 2 gloves of chopped garlic
- one small onion chopped
- salt to taste
- a pinch of mustard seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
Method:
- sauce onion, garlic, mustard seeds in a little canola oil, with the zucchini for 5-7 min
- add the spices and garlic, salt to taste
- then add the rice and 2 cups of water
- cook for about 15-20 min in a pan with a lid and try to keep the lid on.
- enjoy
We just returned from a fun trip to Portugal and Spain a fun road trip taking in history, a Spanish horse show and so much more, stay tuned for blog posts!

Monday, March 20, 2023
Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 2 white potato cubed
- 2 sweet potato cubed
- 2 beetroot cubed
- 1/4 of a medium eggplant cubed
- a dash of Italian herbs
- salt and pepper to taste
- about a tablespoon of olive oil
- about 1/4 of a teaspoon of paprika and chipotle pepper
Method:
1. cube the vegetables, with the beetroot using a glove is wise then boil them for about 15 min until soft
2. then add the veggies to a baking sheet with the oil and spices and bake at 425 for 15-20 until crispy.
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Salmon and Vegetable Soup
I made this simple and nourishing soup recently it was the perfect light meal before I attended a local business networking meeting where I spoke on self-care and Nutrition.
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Barley Salad
This is a simple and tasty salad, that makes a great side dish or lunch.
Barley salad
- 1/2 cups of barley
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 a chopped cucumber
- A pinch of parsley
- A handful of feta
For the dressing
- 1/2 teaspoon of Italian herbs and a pinch or chipotle pepper, 2 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoons of white balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoons sugar
Method
1. Cook the barley in boiling water for 25 min then drain and place on a baking sheet to dry for 15 min
2. Then chop the tomato and cucumber and mix with barley
3. Add the dressing and feta
Barley is a whole grain and a wonderful source of soluble fiber, it helps to have a good lipid profile and lower your risk of heart disease.

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