Pike's Place, Fish In Hand

We are now in Seattle, spending some time on business and pleasure- truly a delight. Above is a gorgeous view from the plane; you can actually see snow blowing off the top of the mountain, too. Very pretty.

So, a visit to Seattle to me also means a must visit to Pike's Place! The oh so famous fish market is even greater in person- too delicious also- sooooo yummy, wow the size of some of those beauties.

Soooo, we are having an absolute great time here. They even let me go behind the counter- too cool. They are all very nice and you can tell they have fun doing what they do.

Here are some photos from Pike's Place ;) More to come, soon!

Lifestyle Luxury From An At Home Income & Someone Dear To Me

An answer to the old... "So what do you *do* anyway" question. What I do has more to do with why we do anything- to achieve the luxury of a certain lifestyle.

"A luxurious lifestyle" and "the comforts of home," we may say the phrase casually but it does hold a meaning to us all. We all yearn for it and after all is said in done there is nothing as luxurious as having all the time you wish to spend in your very own little place. It is all about having your own quality time.

I don't think I have formally introduced him so here he is, someone very dear to me and someone who has allowed me to live this lifestyle that I cherish.

He is my fiance, Timothy Black. Together through his experiences and knowledge we are able to live the lifestyle that we do. Oh, and by the way, neither of us work. And in case you are wondering, there was no inheritance or trust fund or anything of that sort involved! We don't have any bosses, or schedules, or meetings.. we pretty much do whatever we want to each day, it's really great.

Sometimes I think I take it for granted and don't share enough about it to you, and I want to. Especially as it is something that is open to anyone who wants our lifestyle, too.

It doesn't matter how much you earn if you work until you are so tired you have no time to yourself. There are more important things in life and nothing should keep that away from you.

Enjoying a great dinner with friends, Timothy is on the right and I am in the braids.

So we travel, and shop (he has a great eye for style, I seem to have rubbed off on him nicely), and eat, and drink wine, and spend time with family and make great new friends along the way. He is great at what he has created for the brilliant thing is that it is all from home. He shows those who want to discover an income at home how to do it and do it well, too. He is a great coach- he taught me and I couldn't believe how easy it was, or how fun it could be especially when you are in control.

It brings me great new shoes, dresses, jewelry, spontaneous trips, and most importantly the time to do what I want when I want with the people I want.

It really rocks, lol.

For his birthday I took him skydiving in Lake Wales- what a great time. We were delayed a day though since there was a tornado warning or watch in effect- not something you want when you are jumping out of a plane! The next day was beautiful and I would do it again in an instant.

When I first met Timothy (over six years ago) and found out a bit about him, I also found out that he shouldn't be alive by the opinions of many doctors. Getting into a relationship, that isn't something you want to hear, let alone throwing him out of an airplane like this.

We've come a long way, and I wanted to share our story with you. I think it is important.

You can find out more about why he "shouldn't be alive" and then visit http://www.concealedcash.com

And it is an amazing story, just take a look and see for yourself. You can also see how it is that we make a living at home and have the lifestyle that we do.

This is something I want available to you since it can improve your life no matter where you are.

Much Love and Best Regards,

Bombshell Beauty

Barbecue Capital Of TEXAS Is Lockhart

This is the reason we drove 150 miles west out of Houston; Kreuz. It is worth it every time. We had sat around the house with no power or water for a day when we and the neighbors began talking of warm food and instantly we all agreed to drive to Kreuz before they closed for the night (which meant we had to leave right away if we wanted any chance).

We made it in record time and enjoyed the magical experience of what is Kreuz. The smell of the building when you walk in is like nothing else- Oh how I love it!

The rub is perfect and the rule of the house is "No Fork No Sauce."

It doesn't need it either. (Sauce is thought to hide the lack of quality in a meat). It just melts and falls apart lovely- especially the fatty brisket pieces. So yum. (Shhh, secretly, this place is my favorite)

(Less photos though, simply because the meat did not last in front of us- too delicious. We had limited timing too!)

So the next day (Sunday, and Kreuz is not open) we visit Smitty'S, the rivalry of Kreuz. When it all began they were both Kreuz, and then a man by the name of Smitty's joined the family in business. After the passing of the father, the children argued and eventually one kept the Kreuz name to a new building while the other kept the original building and called it Smitty'S.

Three of the number one barbecue best are all located very near each other, two being in Lockhart and the third being in Lulling (only minutes away really).

All three use the same technique of having a fire with the smoke traveling a slight distance to the meat- it requires much patience and attention and so very few continue this style of barbecue but the results go extremely far. It is well worth it.

Next, finally, is Monday's visit to Lulling's City Market. I cannot recall the name at the moment, but the editor or one of the writers for Gourmet Magazine named this their favorite meal ever (stating even though you would think it would be something fancy and expensive, the meat was so true and divine nothing has been better).

It comes very close to Kreuz in my opinion, VERY close. In fact I absolutely love them all. Just look at it in its divine beauty- oh so perfect. Yum!

This is barbecue done to perfection and with love. It is always the same people you see working at these places, too. I love that. They know and truly love what they do and do it extremely well.

They have been doing this for years and years, and it shows. Even the cash register has soaked in the smoke throughout the years, lol. What a lovely place to be.

Museo Del Prado, My Greatest Love Of Art

A true love of mine has always been art; it began as a child and will never leave me. Of all the collections, by far, Museo Del Prado in Madrid, Spain is the greatest of them all. A humble collection perhaps when viewed against the Louvre in Paris; but a dear and exquisite collection if there ever was one.

Velasquez, Goya, Picasso and many of the Spanish old masters are found here with impressive paintings and sculptures at every step. The renown Las Meninas by Diego Velasquez is displayed and a must see by all.

I could spend a lifetime here and never be bored. It holds a dear place in my heart with the highest respect and admiration.

Of course other museums are grand and marvelous and should also be well appreciated, but there is something special about the Prado that just needs to be experienced and cherished.

Of your travels, don't let this one slip you by. Madrid is a wonderful and beautiful city with many gems to show. Be sure to make Museo Del Prado one of them.

Key Lime And Vodka Luxury

Key Lime Martinis- not only a lovely drink but from my favorite hotel in Miami Beach, The Delano. It combines the two things I miss most since having moved away from Miami. My love of key limes and my love of the Delano.

Vodka is always a pleasure of mine, as are the drinks it inspires such as the lychee or in this case key lime martini. Its great on its own, but if you are going to mix it then mix it well.

If ever the chance you have to be in South Beach, relax by the Delano Pool (make a day plan and an evening plan) and relax with a luxurious drink. Locals and tourists alike mix comfortably in the beautiful designs the Delano brings, and the atmosphere is like nothing else.

Bring a little of Miami to your home with the Key Lime Martini- and make it your own. Use key lime juice, or even a flavored vodka if you prefer, and keep it simple or make it fun. I've seen variations with coconut or pineapple in the mix that all sound lovely. Even a little bit of vanilla can make for an interesting twist.

The point is to have fun and bring in a little luxury. Finding the recipe that works best for you is only the beginning of the fun, and experiment to create your own. The key lime pies of Miami are one of my favorite treats- and its not surprise to see it turning up on the drink menu.

Make it sweet or make it sour- make it your own and enjoy.

Candy on the Chic

Pure divine fruit preserved in the traditional way of Southern France, still today is within grasp in a delicious way. Of my travels, Nice has such a wonderful feel that can really be noticed at the Confiserie Florian through their creations. Keeping true to history and tradition, the factory is more than happy to guide you through the process- samples along the way a delight to enjoy.

A favorite of mine is the ostrich eggs- a velvety smooth chocolate wrapped in a fragile candy coating. Its all the right textures and balances that melt in just the right way- impossible to ignore or save for later, I devour them in an instant.

Fruit and Chocolate is grand- however do not miss the selection of candied flowers and liquors. Rose and Violet have always been a favorite of mine as a child- simply beautiful and delicate.

Nice alone is quite beautiful, and the Confiserie Florian is a direct reflection. Visit their site www.confiserieflorian.com and you can have them delivered to your home- such a convenience especially when the flight is so long.

Candy lovers everywhere, this is one to indulge and adore.

Luxury Of Spa V

Living in a world where luxury knows no bounds, a true gem and loving favorite of mine remains in Spa V of the Hotel Victor Miami. It is an underground world of serene luxury. Indulge in the eucalyptus steam room or simply melt away in the appropriately titled cool down room. STRETCH ME is a particular favorite of mine, consisting of a mix of anything from Thai massage to deep tissue- they construct the massage to your needs and desires. It is a must, not to mention the many treatments they offer to combine with it.

Pool and parking is complimentary to guests of the Spa and Hotel and are to be taken advantage of, especially as the beaches can become quite crowded and parking on a sunny day impossible.

Another indulgence I would recommend is having a bite or drink from the Vix- service is welcomed in the cool down room for a bite before or afterwards, meaning you need not move an inch for luxury. They're menu is as beautiful as it is delicious; with so many playful drinks it is hard to decide. Though I must admit, when detoxing after a massage- drink plenty of water and avoid the tempting alcohol.

Make a day of it instead- arrive early and enjoy the pool with some lunch and a drink. Unwind in the cool down room and prepare yourself by relaxing in the steam room. It is a beautiful way to end the massage as well.

Find a time earlier in the day or week and you will often find the spa to yourself- another luxury.