Gorgeous and majestic Madrid, Spain, is a city of palatial splendor, ornate monuments, historical landmarks, art, and elegance. It is the capital and cultural hub of the country and a doorway into its illustrious past. Find a local guide in Madrid, here. While we were there, we took side trips to the old city of Toledo, the Valley of the Fallen, and El Escorial. See … [Read more...]
Soak in the Romance of Seville, Spain
You can't go to Spain without visiting the seductive city of Seville, known as the "Pearl of Andalusia." The opera Carmen, by George Bizet, takes place there, and tours are available to visit some of the opera locations, such as the old cigarette factory. Find a local guide in Seville, here. For other photo galleries from our trip to Spain, click on the links … [Read more...]
Granada, Spain, and the Magnificent Alhambra
One of our stops on a 3-week vacation in Spain was to the mystical city of Granada. It's the home of the Alhambra palace and fortress, which Moorish poets have described as "a pearl set in Emeralds." It began as a small fortress in 889 AD and was converted into a palace for the Moorish emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar of the Emirate of Granada in the mid-13th century. Its … [Read more...]
Are Your Anti-Aging Skin Care Ingredients Harmful?
It seems that everything we put inside and outside of our bodies has a harmful effect. Makeup and skincare ingredients are no exceptions. As a former sales director for a major direct sales skincare company, I often wondered how safe my products were and had concerns about the chemicals used to formulate them. As we grow older and are more prone to diseases like cancer, … [Read more...]
Blackberry Baked Oatmeal
The Oregon Raspberry & Blackberry Commission sent me this recipe for Blackberry Baked Oatmeal in honor of Heart Month (February) because it is heart-healthy and rich in antioxidants. One of the best things for heart health you can eat for breakfast is oatmeal because it lowers your blood pressure. When you add berries to the mix, it's even better. Berries help you … [Read more...]