A Favorite Quote

“…Love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction.”

  - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Wind, Sand, and Stars, 1939

Photos above from Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, one of Mexico's largest nature reserves and one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Sian Ka'an (Mayan for “where they sky is born”) is a practically uninhabited tract of 1.3 million acres set aside in 1986 to preserve tropical forests, savannas, mangroves, and marine habitats, and coastal reefs. While in Tulum, Mexico last year, we toured the reserve with CESiaK (Centro Ecológico Sian Ka’an), which is an organization dedicated to the conservation/preservation of Sian Ka’an . They help promote awareness of the area through education programs and community-based low-impact tourist activities.

Spice Bazaar and Saffron Orzo

This summer, I was fortunate to spend two glorious days in Istanbul. To say I loved Istanbul would be an understatement. I especially enjoyed Istanbul's Spice Bazaar, a marketplace built in the 1660s and named so because spices were the main goods sold there. Today, you will find much more than spices. You'll find everything from nuts to lokum (Turkish delight) to trinkets. While there, we purchased saffron, which I put to use in this recipe from Giada de Laurentiis' book, Everyday Pasta. This easy recipe turned out wonderful and each bite reminded me a little of Istanbul.

Other Istanbul sights that should not be missed: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar amd Topkapi Palace.

Happy Anniversary!

Two years ago today, I married my best friend, who I love, trust and respect more than words can describe.

Photos by Jeremy Lawson.

A New Beginning

A new season, a new blog! Fall, my favorite season, officially begins at 5:19 PM ET tomorrow. With the new season, I thought it would be the perfect time to begin a blog to house all things I am addicted to--travel, food, design, etc.

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.

- Stanley Horowitz