Inspirational Weekend Quote

This inspirational weekend quote reminds me to measure myself in different ways then I've been taught to. In my life I've spent a lot of time trying to learn this lesson. Haven't you? Acceptance is a very difficult measurement to learn. And then we tend to struggle with just being still...

Numbers and statistics do not define me as I define me!

I want to be measured by what kind of wife, daughter, sister and friend I am. Measured by my positive energy and outlook on life. Does it matter what the scale says about me or what age I got married?

Not to me!

My inner thoughts should outshine how I look on the outside. And I believe that beautiful on the inside equals beauty on the outside.

Sometimes I struggle with taking care of myself by eating the right things and getting exercise. That's because there is high blood pressure and cancer in my family. I've learned the lesson that I need to take care of myself for the people that I love as well as feeling well day to day. This inspirational weekend quote touched my heart and encourages me to try and be still. How did this quote touch you?

Loved our Italian cooking class

Getting a couple a wedding present can be a difficult task. And if you don't like the idea of getting them hand towels or spoons from their registry then here's another present idea. Our really good friends found out that we were traveling to Italy on our honeymoon and arranged a cooking class in Rome as our present. And I wanted to share with you this wonderful gift...s

After 2 weeks of traveling it was wonderful to meet Chef Andrea Consoli who created a menu that could be created at home. Honey and I entered the air conditioned kitchen and was thrilled to meet the 7 other California cooking class participants.

Le Fate Restaurant is located on Trastevere Street in Rome. Chef Andrea was thrilled to find out that we lived in the Italian neighborhood in San Francisco as he used to cook at a restaurant down the street from Honey's work.

Our cooking class began in the kitchen where we familiarized ourselves with the fresh ingredients. I was super excited about learning how make fresh pasta.

Our meal began with cooking the appetizer zucchini parmigiana which was grilled and then layered with sauce and cheese. It was my favorite of the entire meal.



This was a picture of one of our cooking class friends. She was twelve and a genius in the kitchen. Her mother had just gotten engaged and the newly formed family was having a ball in Italy.

Chef Andrea moved on to teach us to make perfect risotto with asparagus and cheese. Plus he paired it with a regional wine. It was a religious experience!



For the third course we made an easy orange sauce chicken dish. After a long day at work this can be an easy and yummy entree to make.

Our dessert was a strawberry tiramisu and presented to me like this. Le Fate Italian cooking class made a fuss of us on our honeymoon and helped us make more wonderful memories. So if your thinking about a creative wedding present idea may I suggest this one? And if you go to Le Fate please tell Chef Andrea I say hello. Would you have liked a present like this one sweetie?

I wish they all could be California girls!

Ah to be a California girl, but a Caly girl's fashion is completely different between Northern and Southern. The weather has a lot to do with how much you wear or don't wear in the Sunshine State. And since I've lived in both locations, the main fashion difference is... in Northern Cali scarfs are a must and in Southern flip flops just about rule. Come along sweetie for some California dreamin'.

J'adore Antonio Genevia flickr stream. He's a photo talent that sees great color in every pic. This outfit would be a perfect in San Francisco.

I miss how my freckles go away from the dull San Francisco sun, but come alive when I'm back in L.A.



Jason Christopher Photography captures L.A. fashion with sun kissed California girls.

Love this retro San Francuisco boutique design, sweetie don't you?



7x7 magazine is filled with color, restaurant ideas, society locals, neighborhoods and advice colums. All you need in one little magazine... 7x7|Insider's Guide to the Best of San Francisco.





That was a fun California girl photo shoot! I wonder if these office pumps would be worn more in San Francisco or in L.A.? What are some of your favorite fashions from Cali? Have a great day lovely.

Inspirational Weekend Quote

Not sure how much of an inspirational weekend quote this will be, but sometimes I feel like saying this out loud when I see an amazing outfit. "Your clothes...give them to me now!" And this usually happens when I walk down Union Street in San Francisco or along the boardwalk on Third Street Promenade in Los Angeles.

Someone will walk past me and I am inspired by their clothing creation. Plus I love their confidant swagger when a woman or man knows they look good. So if I can't ask them to give me their clothes, I can at least use the fashion inspiration the next time I open my closet.

Don't they say that imitation is the best form of flattery!

It took me until my middle twenties to grow into my own skin and find my own sophistication, but my clothing choices change when I travel. The universal fashion inspiration that I've learned is to feel comfortable in your own skin. Tell me if you agree or disagree with this inspirational weekend quote sweetie?

Coffee talk: Why do I blog?

Time for some coffee talk...it's been one of those weeks where my life twisted and turned. And sweetie I'd love for you to send some positive vibes over my way. It took me a couple of days to realize that sitting down and writing can help. But when did this blog turn into a security blanket for me? Under the Sheets~shhh is there in times of good and ready to catch me if I fall.

Why do I blog?

I've been asked this question many times when I proudly talk about my little blog. At what point did I feel the need to share all of my thoughts with the world? My blanket includes every comment that I get, every picture I take and every thought for a post.

When times are busy I love to ask you to guest post and when times are slow I have somewhere to turn to be creative and free.

It seems when I 'm on a road something happens and I have to change my way. I seem to always land on my feet and can see later on see why the road has changed by a move or change of job. What advice would you give someone to keep their chin held up high ?

Editorial falling in love

Happy Monday all! I spent my weekend on a quick trip to L.A. Are you a good car traveler? I am OK if I'm driving, but I get really bored in the passenger seat without the right music. But its so much cheaper to take the car down from San Francisco to L.A. Road trips always make me reminisce to the first time Honey and I traveled together so I wanted to share with you these feelings in editorial falling in love pictures.

Capturing love in a photo must be difficult, but look at how the emotion is caught? What title of the picture would you give this one? How about, "Hold on Tight because you'll miss him when he's gone!"

This picture would be perfect for 'the name that picture contest'. Do you think she's happy in love or broken hearted?

That's right baby! All you need is love is one of the best Beatles songs ever.



Incredible Los Angeles based photographer Amelia Strauss captures editorial love perfectly.

Did you like the book Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck? It was one of my father's favorites...



This is a stunning autumn falling in love picture. That I think would feel totally different in color.

Rachel McAdams Vogue shoot is strong, bold, retro and that dress is killer. I wonder if she's staring at her new beau across the room. Ah editorial love... sometimes soft or strong, but always creative. I hope you had a good weekend sweetie! Which picture do you love the best...bet you can choose mine.

Inspirational Weekend Quote

This inspirational weekend quote speaks volumes to me. The Zen tea bag message reminds me to think of others before myself. That way the rewards are endless and will come back like a boomerang. When I try to uplift others by thinking of them I do feel uplifted. It's just like the joy I feel when I give someone a present. It means the world to see the receiver of the gift happy and thought of.

Now flip the feeling and remember what it's like when someone lifts you up with a phone call or a smile. It makes my day to know I was thought of. I do believe what you put out you get back. Don't you? So let's take this one step further and help uplift someone today. If you do then imagine watching the situation out of body and appreciate how much you cared for another. Loved this inspirational quote? Do you find it easier to be positive or negative sweetie?

The twenty question link back contest

I love getting to know my blogging friends better. So I'm reaching out to you with twenty questions that I hope you will answer on your blog. Post these questions and your answers on your blog, link back to Under the Sheets-shhh and comment back to me when you’re done. I promise to link to your post. And bonus points if you become a follower...take it away sweetie.
~
1) Dressing up or casual?
I'd have to pick dressing up over casual.

2) Most original Halloween costume?
You can’t beat being the sassy green M&M!

3) What would your talent be if you were participating in a beauty pageant?
Interpretative dance.

4) What do the words retro boutique design mean to you?
Red, creative, pinup girl and unique.

5) What do you see as your greatest achievement?
Surviving in this crazy mixed up world.

6) What household chore pacifies you?
Emptying the dishwasher.

7) Favorite type of weather?
Either Spring or Fall weather.

8) Do you sleep with the sheets tucked in or out?
I like the sheets tucked in.

9) Do you have freckles?
All over my nose.

10) Favorite kind of sandwich?
Simply turkey sandwich.

11) Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?
I wish I could.

12) What’s your name spelt backwards?
Arual and I kinda like it.

13) What message is on your voicemail machine?
You’ve reached Laura. I can’t talk to you, but you can talk to me!

14) What was the name of your first pet?
Munchkin (he was 80 pounds)

15) Do you believe in karma?
Yes, I do.

16) Do you believe in luck?
Absolutely.

17) Do you have a nickname?
Lala.

18) Are you a shopping addict?
The say admitting it is the first step to acceptance.

19) Favorite superhero?
Wonder Woman. I’d love to borrow her invisible jet!

20) Chocolate or vanilla?
Chocolate.
~
Ok now its your turn to enter the twenty question link back contest and I am looking forward to reading your answers. Go on, I know you can do it. All the cool kids are...

Wishing for favorite summer things

Today I sit here and write to you, longing for summer. That must sound crazy as your probably sitting in a heat wave begging for air conditioning. Well you can borrow some of ours because San Francisco has been cold all week. Cold like I'm asking myself, "Which scarf should I wear today" or "Is this coat too much?" Weatherman says San Francisco will warm up soon as typically September is our summer, but brrrr sweetie! So let's look at some of my favorite summer things and try to encourage the warmth. OK?

Watermelon has to be one of my most fav summer things. I love how it has just a hint of flavor, the green and red color and the crisp cool feeling in my mouth after I've taken a bite.

Spinning has to be one of my most wonderful things...letting go during the heat and spinning.

My prescription sunglasses save me during the summer because I have the worst eyesight. I was in second grade when I got my first pair of E.T. reading glasses. Think that's funny then imagine when I upgraded my next pair to mother of pearl!



Ice cream sandwiches seem to make everything in my life OK. When I bite into the yummy goodness, I forget about how hot it is outside and how sticky my dress feels against my back.



Summer sandals free my feet and help cool me down. I swear I'd like to sleep in the pair I just bought in Italy. The Italian leather, the unique shape and design...oh my.



During the summer one of my favorite things is to walk barefoot in the grass and watch the warm sunlight through the trees. Today in San Francisco all I can do is pull my boots up and try to see through the fog. Kidding lovelies... well not really. I can't wait to hear about your most favorite things to do during this summer...

Inspirational Weekend Quote

This inspirational weekend quote reminds me to keep everything in perspective. Yes, we need to react to a crisis as it's happening, but in hindsight we can learn to laugh it off. When I'm in a crisis, life seems to move in slow motion. I hold my breath, clench my stomach and wonder how I'll get through.

With a new day brings me new perspective...

Joking might be a little too relaxed for difficult situations, but learning to let go can change everything. Sometimes my girlfriend will make a joke, no one laughs and she'll have to ask us, "Too soon?"

This quote by H.G. Wells is great to remember when things get tough. And this is why we aren't all fortune tellers. If we were then we would hardly take anything seriously?

Imagine saying to someone, "Breaking up with him is actually a good thing as he's going to cheat on you anyway and your about to meet someone wonderful!"

With every life's twists and turns, I find it hard sometimes to let things roll off my back. Just as I'm starting to feel safe and comfortable a crisis seems to arise. I promise to keep this inspirational weekend quote in mind if you do? Tell me how do you keep your cool in a crisis?

Newlywed first test drive

Imagine the newly married couple has just survived their wedding. They are looking at each other happy and continue to glance down at their left hands to see wedding rings. So what’s the one thing I’d advise them not to do after traveling 17 hours from San Francisco to Rome on their honeymoon? Uh rent a car and drive in a country they've never been to.

Could this be the first bumpy road in their new marriage?

OK so I’m being a little dramatic, but this was actually our honeymoon plan that we survived. A couple of weeks ago, we arrived in Rome and drove from the airport to a little town in Tuscany called Montalcino.

As Honey and I headed onto the Italian open road, our Fiat rental car was stuffed with suitcases, Italian translation books and maps. When we got lost, what saved us over and over was Honey’s iPhone. Thank g-d for Google maps! In fact I imagined myself writing this post to you while I fought through my jet lag and played front seat navigator to his driving. I would fall asleep, wake up, give him the next directions and then crash again.

Our true newlywed test came when we decided to drive from Montalcino to Florence for the day. Driving to Florence in the morning was amazing because we got to watch the sunrise over the Tuscan countryside. The pictures we took didn’t seem to do it justice. All the trouble started when we drove back from Florence to Montalcino leaving at 11 at night. I promise it took us 4 hours, three maps, iPhone apps and some breathing exercises to get us back to our Tuscan bed and breakfast.

After a long day of sightseeing in Florence we were lost, like really LOST. Our maps weren’t helping and we only had 16% left on the iPhone battery. If it wasn’t for the iPhone, I think we’d still be on an Italian highway driving in circles.

When it was all over it was our calm heads that got us through the newlywed driving. Well it wouldn’t have been the worst thing in the world if we had to sell all of our things and move to Italy, now would it? What was one of your first newlywed tests sweetie?

Diet later: Rome and Tuscany food

Who gave us the best advice before we left on our trip to Italy? It was from my father. And boy was he right. He told me to diet later and enjoy every piece of Italian food I could get my hands on. I have to say that I took his advice literally and breathed a little deeper to make more room for the amazing gelato and perfection pasta.

Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World: Rome: Authentic Recipes Celebrating the Foods of the World. Try cooking some authentic Italian recipes at home with this cookbook.

Tiramisu has always been my favorite, but I learned something new in Rome about this classic dessert. We can make our tiramisu with fruit. You can use whatever is in season like juicy strawberries, blueberries or even mango.

Finger foods and appetizers complimented most of our four course Italian meals. Here are some bruschetta pieces and olive oil mushrooms. These first course examples helped encourage my pallet to wake up for the main course.

Oh amazing gelato...where have you been my entire life? Plus I loved how we got to choose two types of gelato that complimented one other. And most of the gelato places believed that they had the best gelato in Italy. So I had to try them all, right sweetie?

And we discovered what pizza was meant to taste like in Rome. Napoli pizza and pizza bianca eaten folded over is still calling to me. All of the pizza had fresh ingredients, thinner crust, basil, fresh tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and was cooked to perfection. We're trying to recreate it at home. I'll let you know how we do!

It wouldn't be a honeymoon in Tuscany without wine tasting some Brunello wine. We stayed in a sleepy, cobblestone and lovely town called Montalcino which is famous for their brunello's. The residents even cook with this wine and braise beef and chicken in it. Yum!



Dieting later was a wonderful way of encouraging us to let go and enjoy. To live in the moment and enjoy all Italy had to offer. Good food, wine, dessert, music, fashion and people surrounded us. And I would travel back in a second. Do you agree with my father's advice to us?