Bangkok Beauty

While in Bangkok we stayed at the Mandarin Oriental. Located on the legendary Chao Phraya River when you enter this hotel you go back in time. Rich in history it exudes an old world feeling. We spent a full day touring the Grand Palace which is made up of numerous buildings, halls and pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. One of the highlights was the temple of the Emerald Buddha. People travel from all over the world to pray and give offerings to this Buddha. 

Check out our borrowed shirt/pants so we met the dress code.

Cute husband

Wearing my favorite purchase for the trip - Zara dress. Bag: Chloe

Good to EAT - Salmon Cakes

My mom is always on the lookout for recipes that are easy, healthy and quick to make. With my new found interest in cooking, her latest recipe find was right up my alley. While in Islamorada, Florida Keys she showed me how to make Giada's salmon cake recipe and all I can say is "yummy"! This one is definitely being added to our go-to favorites and we hope you'll try it. We cooked for our hubbies and my grandpa and everyone was raving (big complement coming from them all).
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 14 minutes
- Makes 8 salmon cakes

Lemon-Caper Yogurt Sauce
1/2 cup full-fat plain Greek Yogurt
1 1/2 Tbsp capers, rinsed, drained and chopped
1 Tbsp grated lemon zest
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the ingredients, refrigerate until ready to use.
Salmon Cakes
1 (14.75 oz) can boneless, skinless pink salmon, drained
1 large egg, beaten
26 saltine crackers, finely crushed
1/3 cup chopped chives
1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp capers, rinsed, drained
1 Tbsp grated lemon zest
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp unsalted butter

Step I: Using a fork, flake salmon into 1/2 inch pieces into a bowl. Add egg, 1/2 cup crashed crackers, chives, corn, mayonnaise, mustard, capers, lemon zest and lemon juice.


Mix gently until just combined.

Step II: Form the salmon mixture into eight 3-inch patties, about 3/4 inch thick.


In a separate bowl coat patties in the remaining crushed crackers and place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.

Step III: In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil butter over medium heat.


Add salmon patties and cook 6 to 7 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy. Drain patties on paper towels.

Serve with sauce and enjoy!!

Flowers from my grandpa's garden. 

When You Wish Upon a Star

I wanted to share yesterday's daily quote from the Abraham-Hicks website, "Whatever you have the ability to conceive, this Universe has the ability to provide. Anything, without exception. So your work is on the conjuring of the idea, period. The Universe has the stuff to deliver the goods, and will." I love creating vision boards - cutting up magazines and putting images together of items I most desire. Different than a universe list, a vision board is comprised mostly of images. When doing this only include items you are really passionate about attaining. It's a fun way to help you realize what you most desire. I took a virtual approach to this and made a board using Polyvore. So this weekend take a little "me" time, grab a glass of wine, put on your favorite tunes and dream away.

Vision Board by ldewind featuring tiffany & co jewelry

Pretty Pastels

Pretty Pastels by ldewind featuring leather handbags

Pearl of the Andaman - Banyan Tree, Phuket

After 3 nights at Naka Island we headed to mainland Phuket. We stayed at the Banyan Tree Resort. The resort is comprised of Thai-inspired villas and the property which overlooks a lagoon is just breathtaking. This resort was much larger than our intimate oasis at Naka Island but just as beautiful.

Our villa

Hot On Hiking Yoga

I can't rave enough about my first Hiking Yoga experience in Central Park. It was amazing and I loved every second of it. The group was small, about 8 of us, and it was the perfect mix of cardio and yoga. We got our heart rate up by power walking through the park and then stopped at about 4 spots (some I have never been to) to do yoga. Being outdoors made my soul go pitter-patter. It was a great break from practicing in a yoga studio and the perfect way to enjoy the spring weather. They also offer classes throughout California and in Portland, Phoenix and Dallas. www.hikingyoga.com

One yoga apparel company I am a huge fan of is Heidi Hat & Bottoms based out of Aspen, Colorado. What makes their yoga pants standout is that you can customize the print. I love the cropped leggings in animal print - so adorable. The below pics are from the Heidi Hat website. http://www.heidihat.com/fabrics.php