Thursday, April 22, 2010

Celebrating Earth!




In honor of Earth Day, I've compiled some spectacular images capturing the splendors present on our planet. If only I could take pictures like this.... Which probably explains why I don't work for National Geographic. Enjoy! 

Reef-ringed Bora-Bora
Sand dunes, Rub al Khali
Dallol Volcano, Ethiopia
Aurora Borealis, Snow
Bird Feathers
Matanuska Glacier, Alaska
Dendrite Snowflake
Pictoee Pansies
Ochre Sea Star Pair
Purple sea urchin

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Flora and Fauna



Monday evening I was walking Delphine and couldn't help but notice how beautiful the landscaping looked in the Meyer Amphitheater park! I found the flowers lush and artfully arranged based on their vibrant colors and mixes. I was really surprised to see all the colors and diversity. I just had to capture what a stunning job West Palm Beach did with the plantings this time around! Make sure you stop and take in the sights of the town around you and appreciate the beauty that nature intended.






        

Monday, April 19, 2010

Blueberry Nectarine Smoothie

If there is one thing I hate to do, it is waste fruit! When I see my produce on its way out or wilting on the countertop, I try to think of ways in which I can savor the last few moments of its over-ripened goodness! Typically I go through a lot of blueberries, but when there is a week when I don't eat as much yogurt or cereal as intended, blueberries happen to get shriveled and soggy by week's end. In that case, I keep a baggie of blueberries in the freezer and pull them out when I get in the mood to make a smoothie. I love to combine blueberries with any other fruit I happen to have available. Just recently, I was in a nectarine phase as it happens when certain fruits catch my fancy at the supermarket. Well, as it was getting a little soft to the touch and certainly exhibiting gross mouth appeal had I sliced up the stone fruit, I decided to combine it with the blueberries for a delicious breakfast accoutrement. I feel that blueberries are the little black dress of the fruit world. You can pair it with anything really, and it still tastes great. Plus they're incredibly healthy for you. So anyways, getting back to using up what I have in the pantry/fridge already, I like to remain healthy and limit the amount of sugar that these frozen drinks usually accumulate!

Here goes... my somewhat healthy breakfast smoothie with blueberries and whatever fruit that's lying about that's seen better days (bananas, pineapple, strawberries, kiwi, raspberries, peaches, plums). 

-1/2 cup or so of frozen blueberries (or fresh in the fridge if you have them!)
-wilted fruit of choice - sliced, peeled (optional)
-Fage fat-free greek strained yogurt (1/2 of this little cup shown below, eat the rest w/some Splenda or Stevia; granola)
-2 Tablespoons ground flax seeds (they've been holed up in your fridge, time to use this too!)
-About a cup of Sweetened Vanilla flavored Almond milk (Skim milk is fine too. If using unsweetened almond milk, the honey in the next step is imperative!)
-A couple squirts of honey
-Handful of ice cubes
Ingredients du jour!

On the smoothie setting.... blend until the consistency is pretty fine

And voila! Pretty heavy stuff, eh? I know, a truly simple recipe that we've probably seen a dozen times in our lives! But just a reminder to use what you have and put it in the blender! It's the "stew of the morning" and it makes you feel good to know all those healthy grocery store purchases are being put to good use! 

Enjoy!

*Note: This smoothie usually accompanies an egg white omelet w/spinach and an english muffin w/jam so that is why I keep the smoothie relatively low in sugar and carbs when I can. Plus with being pregnant, this drink alone can't sustain me, please!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Jersey Shore Meets Upper East Side!

Lesson of the day: Stand up straight, napkins in your laps, elbows off the table, and always act like a lady! 

The Jersey Shore guidettes (pronounced "gwee-dettes") get a ladies' reform school makeover as guided by Lizzie Post and Tinsley Mortimer, two elegant, well-bred debutantes. Quite the antithetical pairing which makes for such an entertaining layout in Bazaar magazine, out April 27th. If anyone has been watching the reality show, High Society, however, I think a few other society peeps need to check back into manners school. Do we really need to waste good champagne by tossing it in people's extensions?


Looks here like you can take the girls out of Jersey AND Jersey out of the girls!
Snooki, JWoww and Sammi looks SMASHING!!!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Muy Bonito!

On a recent trip to Los Cabos, Mexico, which was spectacular by the way, I was able to capture some beautiful settings and images that inspired me. Whether I was driving through the entry gates to my resort, watching a sunrise or sunset, or perusing a neighboring hotel's fine appointments, I found a stunning image to capture nearly everywhere I went. The caveat here is no, I do not think I am the beautiful one featured in the second picture, but I particularly like the composition of the flowers and the fountain along with the lighting and the colors. Mind you, I am pregnant and just withdrew a popsicle from my mouth! Viva la Mexico!

Entry gates to The One & Only Palmilla
The feeding prego woman amidst the fountain and flowers
Early morning sun from our balcony
A detail of one of the windows at the chapel at our resort (O&O)
The chapel at the resort
Waves crashing up against the many rocks that line the beach
Cocktail hour....
Walking along Lovers' Beach/Divorce Beach at Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean
Blue agave plant at Las Ventanas (another chic hotel!)

Minimalist desert oasis style at Las Ventanas
Seating vignette at Las Ventanas

Design element of stacked pottery at Las Ventanas
View from one of the pools at One & Only, overlooking Sea of Cortez
Detail shot of railing on balcony overlooking Sea of Cortez

All pictures courtesy of Brandie Herbst 

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Glam Eggs

Aaaah....to be like Martha Stewart and be able to lay golden, jeweled, latticed, or tie-dyed eggs in a delicious array of colors. I mean, the woman can do anything, right? These eggs are too gorgeous to eat in my opinion and would make a spectacular centerpiece or gift for your hostess at Easter brunch. Have a wonderful holiday weekend. Xo.







photos from www.marthastewart.com