Pinterest-ing

Very cool new thing I'm trying online called Pinterest. http://pinterest.com/

I'm still trying to fully figure out what it is, and how I'm going to use it, but essentially it is a bunch of people who compile information on different "boards" (like bulletin boards), and "pin" new things to them. There is a universe of interesting ideas out there to explore. Thus far I'm having fun exploring other people's gorgeous boards, and am mainly using mine as mood boards. It is far less work than trying to do the same in a paper version at my desk, not to mention far neater (love that), and versatile.

Check out my boards: http://pinterest.com/dubravkad/

Don't get turned off by having to sign up for an invitation, it is just the way they roll. the invitation comes lickity split fast :)

Give it a try, it's FUN!

Divine Dubrovnik

Travel to Croatia (where I'm from) has become all the rage as of late. While I'm thrilled others are discovering what I have known for years, that Croatia is magnificent, I do also feel a tiny twinge of regret that it's become more touristic.

The Croatian coastline is beautifully dotted with one gorgeous island after another. The choices of places to visit are virtually endless. However, no first time visit to the Croatian coast is complete without a stop in Dubrovnik (my namesake city).

Dubrovnik is a magically medieval seaport city, steeped in rich history while boasting a glorious view of the sea.

I recently stumbled upon an incredibly accurate and helpful guide to travelling in Dubrovnik online. It is written by Americans who now live in Dubrovnik. It is replete with helpful tips to help you navigate all the practical considerations for your time there, honest information about some of the challenges you may encounter, and even has a link to rental places to stay. Really well done, very professional service (I booked my place to stay through them).

http://www.dubrovniktravelinfo.com/search?updated-min=2011-01-01T00:00:00%2B01:00&updated-max=2012-01-01T00:00:00%2B01:00&max-results=30

I'm going there this summer with my family. I have been there before, but it will be my first time sharing it with them. I'm beyond excited :)

Happy travels to all those who decide to experience this adventure firsthand. 

Sretan put!

POM-tini

This is my twist on the many versions out there. The reasons I gravitated towards this drink to begin with are I love martinis, especially sweet ones, and I don't love cranberry juice.

Very simple, yet super yummy! The exact proportions can vary depending on how much of a punch you want this drink to have.

• 1 part vodka (especially in a cocktail, I can't taste the difference between brands)
• 1 part Cointreau
• 2-3 parts POM Wonderful pomegranate juice
• 1/2-1 part fresh squeezed lime juice (4+ limes)
• small amount of agave nectar to taste

If you are making 1-2 at a time, then by all means shake away in your martini shaker. Otherwise, you can make a big batch in a pitcher as long as you stir it very well.

The drink should be super chilled before you drink it (I chill all the components beforehand as well), and personally I do not add ice as I don't like drinks getting watered down. Serve it in a nice martini glass. You can garnish it with anything you like, from a sugar rimmed glass to pomegranate seeds or lime in the glass. I'm not big on garnishes, I find they don't add to the experience of the drink because they get in my way. I serve it straight up, and people always ask for seconds!

Cheers!

B-ling!

Every girl needs at least a little. Some special girls need much more...   :)

While I love gorgeous valuable pieces for the sentimental attachment I develop with them over time, I love the fake stuff for the fun they bring to a wardrobe. I believe "dress" jewelry is an art form in its own right. It is a delicate balance between not trying to pretend to be the real thing, not looking too cheap, and embodying a certain amount of whimsy and artistic cache. Not an easy twist to balance.

While there are many companies who fashion exceptional pieces of "fake" jewelry, my most recent favourite happen to be Forever 21 because they strike that ever important balance between style and price. After all isn't it always more fun to be able to play with more toys, rather than a select few?

To say their jewelry line is VAST, is an understatement. There is a truly something for everyone, and all of it is a big load of fun! You can browse the extensive selection online. Some of you may be hesitant to purchase these kinds of items over the internet, even if they are exceptionally inexpensive... I would offer that they are very accurately represented. From the way the items look on the magnified image to the description of their actual size, you will not be surprised with the item once it gets to you in the mail. While they do have the very same jewelry in their store, personally I find looking through the mass of twisted chains and such in the stores entirely overwhelming and underwhelming, and overall uninspiring. However, I have marvelled at the amazing lots I have ordered online, and have gotten plenty of compliments for them.

Take a walk on the lighter, funner, easier side of life, and enjoy the bling of it all ;)

http://canada.forever21.com

Uniqlo cool

I think Uniqlo is one of THE coolest clothing stores in existence. First of all, I have been a life-long sweater fanatic (that anyone who knows me even a bit can likely attest to), and they understand sweaters down to perfection. They have excellent quality sweaters of every color, style and material (simple cotton to luxurious cashmere), that are created to complete rather than overtake your outfit. Exactly what I love! Secondly, their prices are truly a pleasure. While most stores are jammed with exorbitantly priced clothing, their's are not more than you would pay at other more common chain stores, but way cooler. And finally, even their store aesthetic speaks to my soul. If you have ever been to one of their stores you know exactly what I mean. They are clean lined, orderly, bright, and well stocked with all those basics you crave and trekked there for. Very Japanese indeed.

They have a store in NYC, in Soho, right on Broadway between Spring and Prince (in the heart of the hustle and bustle of fabulousness). It is huge, but it is always busy. Well worth the trip, even if you just want to browse, and explore what chic simplicity is truly about. This is your go-to place for reliable basics we all need and love. I'm planning to go next month - cannot wait!!!

Words to live by - Siddhartha

I love things that make me think.
This was recently passed on to me from a work colleague.


"[1] In the case of words that I know to be unfactual, untrue, unbeneficial, unendearing & disagreeable to others, I do  not say them.

[2] In the case of words that I know to be factual, true, unbeneficial, unendearing & disagreeable to others, I do not say them.

[3] In the case of words that I know to be factual, true, beneficial, but unendearing & disagreeable to others, I have  a sense of the proper time for saying them.

[4] In the case of words that I know to be unfactual, untrue, unbeneficial, but endearing & agreeable to others, I do  not say them.

[5] In the case of words that I know to be factual, true, unbeneficial, but endearing & agreeable to others, I do not say them.

[6] In the case of words that I know to be factual, true, beneficial, and endearing & agreeable to others, I have a sense of the proper time for saying them."

You have to read it through a few times to grasp all the nuances (at least I did). 
Very simple, yet very profound at the same time. 


Incredible.

goLITE

I wasn't sure whether to blog about this or not. However, given I find it truly remarkable, I couldn't help myself...

I'm convinced I wasn't made for winter, period. I could live the rest of my life quite blissfully without any snow, or cold, or dreary overcast days. For several years I have noticed I truly don't feel like myself during the winter months. My overall energy is down, I tend to find decent amounts of sleep less refreshing, and I find myself more snappy and less joyful about the world around me, even with those closest and dearest to me. Not a good thing.

I had heard and read about light therapy, but I was sceptical. Then this winter proved to be exceptionally dark and dismal, even as far as winters go (Montreal winters can be cold, and very snowy, but generally sunny), so I started to research it more seriously.

Finally I decided I had nothing to lose. It seemed plenty of people had found it useful, at worst others found it entirely useless, and I had scouted out a decently priced light, that I could return for a full refund within 30 days. Perfect.

I bought the Philips goLITE at www.costco.ca for $149.99 + $9.33 for shipping. If you don't have a Costco membership, you can also buy it at www.amazon.ca for $180.97, and shipping is free. It comes with a comprehensive manual explaining how you should use it depending on what your exact symptoms are.

I use mine for two 15 minute sessions right after I wake up, and within two days I noticed an INCREDIBLE difference with my ability to wake up and feel refreshed in the morning, my energy during the day, and my mood. Keep in mind, I was honestly convinced I would give it a try for a couple of weeks, and then I'd be giving it right back. Instead, I LOVE it!!! This product has changed my life for the better, and I think that is worth sharing.

Happy summer sunshine :)

Please keep in mind that I'm writing about my experience with this is an individual, not was a health care professional. If you think you are suffering from more serious symptoms related to the "winter blues" (i.e.. seasonal affective disorder), I strongly recommend you seek professional help.

Fettunta

There is only one real way to make this delectable creation, and that is Mario Batali style. This is garlic bread reinvented, though really the way it was intended to be. It will forevermore be fettunta to you as well...

You take the best crusty bread or French baguette you can find, you slice it up and put it on a baking sheet. Then you generously douse it with the best olive oil you can find (truly, the better the olive oil the more delicious the fettunta, so splurge). You put these soaked little breads into an oven at the broil setting for about 3-4 minutes (depending on the oven), until they are crunchy and golden brown. Alternatively you can grill them (even better!). Then you swiftly rescue them from the oven or grill, and quickly rub them vigorously with cloves of garlic you have prepared ahead of of time. Just before serving, sprinkle them with obvious showers of corse salt (my favourite is French sea salt). Serve them warm.

TO DIE FOR! Life was meant to be savoured in precious moments like the ones you can create as easily as this fettunta.

Give it a try, you will be delighted!