Discover The Loire Valley’s Grand Châteaux

chateau Chenonceau

Planning a trip to France, then visit the Loire Valley with more than 300 châteaux. Enchanting castles and medieval towns with delightful rose covered white limestone houses are architectural jewels in an incredible setting in a region that is nicknamed the “Garden of France” for its abundance of vineyards and orchards. In 1415, the English forced […]

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Huevos Rancheros Or Rancher’s Style Eggs

huevos ranchero

You don’t have to travel to Mexico to enjoy huevos rancheros. The flavorful breakfast of fried eggs rancher’s style are easy to make at home. For easy entertaining, serve this dish as part of a Mexican themed brunch along with pitchers of Margaritas, perhaps this Sunday for Cinco de Mayo. Fried eggs sitting on top […]

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Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, Two Years After My Diagnosis

Dr. James Parkinson tulip

Everyone’s experience of living with Parkinson’s Disease is different and I thought it was time to share mine during Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. It has been two years since my diagnosis yet most people that meet me for the first time are unaware that I have PD. The red tulip is the international symbol of […]

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Roasted Garlic Potato Wedges Or Steak Fries

roasted garlic potato wedges

Roasted garlic potato wedges are the perfect side dish for almost any meal as well as making a terrific snack. They couldn’t be easier; potato wedges are tossed with olive oil and seasonings then baked 30 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Similar to French fries but thicker, […]

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Fish Almondine (Amandine)

fish amandine or almondine

Fish “almondine or amandine” is usually prepared with flounder, sole or trout. Pan sautéed, topped with sliced almonds browned in butter then finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon that adds just enough acidity to balance the butter and complement the light taste and texture of the mild fish. When you see this dish listed […]

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The Seven Seas Grandeur, A Destination In Itself

seven seas grandeur

My husband and I were thrilled to be on one of the inaugural winter sailings of the Grandeur, Regent Seven Seas’ new cruise ship. With its elegant public spaces, wonderful restaurants and all balcony suites, the luxury ship is a destination in itself. Today some of the new mega-ships are as big as small cities […]

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Bangers And Colcannon, Irish Comfort Food

bangers and colcannon

Bangers and colcannon, a traditional dish of Irish pork sausages on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, cabbage and scallions, topped with caramelized onion gravy can be found in most pubs in Ireland, England and the US. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or anytime you want to enjoy simple Irish comfort food. Here in the […]

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Biltmore Hotel, Miami – Coral Gables

Biltmore Hotel Miami - Coral Gables

The Biltmore, a Mediterranean Revival style hotel, opened in 1926 in Coral Gables. Florida. It quickly became one of the most fashionable resorts in the country hosting world leaders, celebrities and the leading socialites of the time and still does to this day. Coral Gables, called The City Beautiful, is a vibrant city located in […]

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What To Wear On A Caribbean Cruise

what to wear on Caribbean cruise

Planning a Caribbean cruise is fun but deciding what to pack can be a challenge. What is the ship’s dress code, will there be any formal nights and just how many outfits can you possibly fit into your luggage. Relax, you are going on vacation. A cruise to the Caribbean usually means warm, humid weather […]

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Turn Leftovers Into Fried Rice

duck fried rice

Turn leftovers into flavorful fried rice, a wonderful side or main dish that’s different and often more enjoyable than the original meal. Use your imagination and reinvent small amounts of meat, seafood or vegetables and rice into a quick and easy weeknight dinner that tastes new and delicious. Transforming remnants of last night’s dinner into […]

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