Outside In

For women in Business

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Thu, 12 May 2011 13:34:00 +0000

I hope it brings you some inspiration.

Happy Shopping!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 19:19:00 +0000

A couple of months ago I became a member of Beyond the Rack an invitation-only site that gives you access to great sales. My First purchase was my favorite perfume, Michael Kors, at half price, and I got hooked.

After that I heard about The Foundary,a home furnishing sale site were I got a Chilewhich floor mat again 50% off original price.

Another one of my favorites Gilt, high end products at extremely low prices, they have apparel, accessories for men, women and children and also a section for Jetsetters that offers deals on luxury vacations.

Almost all the sales start at 11:00am each day and last from 24-36 hours. Sales can give you up to 60% off, after becoming a member.

Below are the links to my favorite sites if you want to join.

Have a happy shopping.

En la cocina - Enchiladas

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:42:00 +0000

Last night I decided to try a new recipe, Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Tomatillo Chile Salsa, is a Tyler Florence recipe. If you like Mexican food, you must try these enchiladas. Very easy and super tasty, will definitely make you want more.

Roasted Tomatillo Chile Salsa:

1 pound tomatillos, husked
1 white onion, peeled, sliced, quartered or whole
4 garlic cloves
2 jalapenos
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1/2 lime, juiced

Enchiladas:

Extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken stock, storebought
Chopped cilantro leaves
1 deli roasted chicken (about 3 pounds), boned, meat shredded
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
10 large flour tortillas
1/2 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
2 cups sour cream
Chopped tomatoes and cilantro leaves, for garnish
Spicy Black Beans, recipe follows
Yellow Rice, recipe follows
Guacamole, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

For the salsa:

On a baking tray, roast tomatillos, onion, garlic and jalapenos for 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer the roasted vegetables and any juices on the bottom of the tray to a food processor. Add the cumin, salt, cilantro, and lime juice and pulse mixture until well combined but still chunky.

Enchiladas:

Meanwhile heat a 2 count of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and caramelized - this should take 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin then cook for a further minute. Sprinkle on the flour and stir to ensure the flour doesn't burn then gradually add the chicken stock to make a veloute. Continue stirring over a low simmer until the flour cooks and the liquid thickens. Turn off the heat, add half of the roasted tomatillo chile salsa, some additional fresh chopped cilantro and fold in the shredded chicken meat. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Change the temperature of the oven to 350 degrees F and begin assembling the dish. Take a large baking dish and smear the bottom with some of the reserved tomatillo salsa. Now take the flour tortillas and briefly flash them over the stove-top flame (or put them briefly under the broiler if using an electric stove). Using a shallow bowl, coat each tortilla lightly with the reserved salsa mix. Put a scoop of the shredded chicken-enchilada mix on top of the tortilla followed by a sprinkle of the shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla over the filling and roll like a cigar to enclose it. Using a spatula place the tortillas in the baking dish and continue to do the same with all the tortillas. Finally pour over some more of the salsa and top with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until bubbly and cracked on top. Garnish, cilantro and tomato.

Red Cross for the Red dot.

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 01:42:00 +0000

Japan needs our help. Please donate to Red Cross or charity of your choice for relief efforts.

http://www.redcross.org/

Via Greg Melander

En la cocina- Rasperry Mascarpone Macarons

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:28:00 +0000

So I finally decided to make the famous macarons. I used Tartelette's recipe, it seemed pretty easy. First I made the big mistake of confusing parchment paper with wax paper, needless to say the macarons got stuck to the paper, but still pretty tasty, so I had them like that.
Last night I got the right paper and tried again, and they came out great, of course they don't look professional, I still need to work on shape and size but the flavor was great.

There is nothing to fear about making macarons, it looks more scary than what it is. I'll keep practicing and in the process hubby for sure will be enjoying the samples.

5 Things I like Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 02:27:00 +0000

Kyle Bunting Hide Rugs

Made with hair-on-hide leather, with luxurious texture and great design.

Lotus Bed from Environment Furniture

On sale right now at Gilt Group, I'm so tempted

Everglades Square tray from Z Gallerie

I'm getting one, but still trying to decided between the turquoise or orange, which are the main two accent colors for my house.

Our vegetable garden

It is looking great, and we have enjoyed a couple of delicious peppers.

The best part of my week, My niece

Seeing her gorgeous face and hearing say papapa.

Your Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 01:20:00 +0000

It has arrived! Enjoy your weekend.

5 Things I like Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 22:18:00 +0000

Tulle Era Dress - BHLDN

Via BHLDN

Anthropologie’s new bridal store BHLDN opened this week, and I love some of their gowns. I would totally wear this one.

Beautiful People

Via Scattered Impressions

Whiskey Stones

Via Uncommon Goods

For a manly looking Whiskey.

Faux Croc Portofolio

Via ebags

Cute and stylish way to carry your laptop

Kikkerland First Aid Box

Via Velocity Art & Design

Happy Valentine's day

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:59:00 +0000

May your day be full of happiness, love, hugs, kisses and everything else that brings a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

VIA http://thesammerson.tumblr.com/

To my Love

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:57:00 +0000

Happy Valentine's Day to my Love. I can't imagine my life without you.

Paul Suskey

5 Things I like Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 04:40:00 +0000

MICHAEL KORS Rose Golden Oversized Chronograph Watch

Cute & girly, a modernized take on the classic gold watch.

THEIT Camera bag

For chicks that click, THE IT camera bag is the fashionable take on the old bag.

Canon Lens Mug

This lens travel mug is a must have for every photography fan.

Christian Louboutin-Maggie 140M

Just because they are gorgeous.

Michael Kors Wallet Clutch

Classic and chic, the Michael Kors wallet Clutch blends an iPhone case and a designer wallet. Perfect for a night out.

Vietnamese night

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 03:44:00 +0000

I have been craving some Vietnamese food since New York, there is no Vietnamese places close to my house that I know of, so I decided to adventure and try some recipes.

I made a Vietnamese Bistro Burger, I have never had one but it came out pretty good. It was really tasty and not to heavy.

Also in the menu Vietnamese Summer Rolls With Shrimp.

Must try...

New York Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:46:00 +0000

Last week Paul was in New York for business, so we decided that I should join him and spend the weekend with him.

The night before I left there was a big snow storm and all the morning flights were canceled, the afternoon flights delayed up to 4 hours, and my flight that was leaving early evening surprisingly left on time, a good star for a great weekend.

We got a chance to do a little bit of everything. Visit touristy spots, shopping, see friends, comedy club, bar hoping, dancing, hangover, Broadway show, people watch, and my favorite the amazing food.

"If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves". Maria Edgeworth

Flip phone by Kristian Ulrich

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 20:21:00 +0000

I just saw this flip phone design via Wired Blog, designed by Kristian Ulrich. It's a three sided flexible touchscreens with a keyboard on the reverse. The screens can be transformed in different ways depending on what the user wants to do.

Check out the video at the end of this post for a better idea of how this phone works.

Images via Kristian Ulrich

What is being creative? from Kristian Larsen on Vimeo.

The Sartorialist

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 21:12:00 +0000

The Sartorialist is a fashion blog by Scott Schuman in New York. Here is a very nice short documentary that shows some cool behind-the-scenes of Scott’s process for his blog. A treat for any fan of his work.

Morocco Journey III

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 21:30:00 +0000

Day 5 - Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes (Merzouga)

So the day arrived to visit the Dunes, we had been looking forward to this part of the trip.
Erg chebbi is located near the village of Merzouga, 30 miles from the Algerian border.

Erg Chebbi

Erg Cebbi

Visiting the dunes was an inspirational experience, well worth the effort. Being saddled on a camel with nothing around you, just sand and wind forming amazing shapes, with a glowing orange under the Saharan sun.
Life here hasn’t changed in thousands of years, having no electricity or running water seems at first like a big problem but one adapts quickly and even after a day it all seems rather normal.

Erg Chebbi

The sunset is magnificent, and at night the crisp air, clean and clear with sky covered by million of stars.

Merzouga

Day 6 - Merzouga, Le Camp Du Desert.

We left Merzouga and drove a couple of hours. We arrived at a small town were we had lunch and then headed to or second camp, Le Camp du Desert.

Le Camp du Desert is located on the site of an ancient nomadic camp in the hollow of a valley, surrounded by a mystical, awe-inspiring landscape, far off the tourist tracks.

It is a very comfortable stay but the desert itself was the main attraction during our stay.

Upon our arrival we decided to explore the nearby dunes, and spent hours playing in the sand.

We spent two nights at this gorgeous place.

Le Camp du Desert

Morocco Journey II

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 21:04:00 +0000

Day 2-3- Camp Oasis

Camp Oasis was the ideal starting point for discovering the Dades Valley. The arid, barren landscapes of the Dades are stunning. The camp is located next to a river in a Oasis, so when the sun sets, the valley glows with magnificent colors.

While at the camp I was able to learn more about Islam. There was a little village close by and we could hear the calls to prayer, 5 times a day. While at the camp we found out that an important religious holiday was taking place, the Eid al-Adha or "Festival of Sacrifice". The families get together and after prayer, a ram is offered in sacrifice.

Day 4 - Camp Oasis - Boumalne Dades

We left Camp oasis to head to Boumalne Dades, and on the way there we saw a couple of sacrifices next to the road. We spent the day on the road, had some delicious meal on the road. We got to our hotel and decided to stay in and relax. The hotel was so nice we didn't mind, we played some cards, ping pong and after a delicious dinner we were off to bed, we were leaving early next morning to visit Gorge du dades and head to the desert.

Having her last meal

Boumalne Dades

Day 5 - Gorge du Dades - Merzouga Desert.

After a short drive we arrived to Gorge du Dades an extraordinary red rock formation. This is a spot that is visited by rock climbers looking for a challenging spot. After some obligatory photos of the Gorge and amazing vistas of the meandering road which lazily climbed steeply off the valley floor we were gone.

Gorge du Dades

Old water wells in the desert

After some more hours of driving we finally made it to the desert. We got ready for the sand dunes the morning after.

Morocco Journey

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 02:54:00 +0000

Morocco was absolutely amazing. From the Atlas Mountains, the breathtaking Sahara Desert, to the coastal town of Essaouira. Every moment of our 12 day trip will forever be ingrained in my mind.

We drove a total of 1,300 miles.

DAY 1 - Marrakesh "Red City"

We arrived at the Marrakesh-Menara Airport at night after a short flight from Madrid. We had a quick talk with Corbin Bernsen while waiting for our bags, pretty cool guy by the way.

Marrakesh has an old fortified city, called medina, and an modern city, Gueliz. On our first day we stayed in the medina, at the beautiful Les Jardins de la Koutoubia.

The hotel was located a couple of blocks away from the largest traditional market in Morocco, the magnificent Koutoubia mosque, and the busy square of Djemaa el Fna. We went for a stroll after dinner and walking into the square we could see the smoke, and thousand lights. There were acrobats, story-tellers, water sellers, snake charmers, musicians, and food stalls that looked like a huge busy open-air restaurant.

DAY 2 - Atlas mountains

We drove out of Marrakesh, up the Atlas Mountains where the road snakes along precipitous cliffs. After a couple of hours on the road and so many curves i started feeling sick, too many turns for my weak stomach, I thought.

The views from the mountains were incredible.

On our drive we passed by Ourzazate city, were we visited Kasbah of Taourirt, I wish I could say I remember everything about it and could describe it for you, but I can't. While Paul enjoyed the tour of the kasbah, I was visiting their bathrooms, yes I admit it, I got the tourist bug.

After 6 hours on the road we arrived to Camp Oasis. It is located between two palm groves in the valley of Oued Izerki, halfway between the oasis of Skoura and Ouarzazate.

The camp is welcoming, with carpets, low lighting, excellent food and great service. The experience of the desert with the full comfort of a luxury hotel.

It's been three years

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 02:01:00 +0000

Paul and I's third wedding anniversary was on November 17th. We were in Morocco, on the road heading to Boumelan Dades.

paul suskey & andrea Suskey

We stayed at this gorgeous Kasbah called La Perle Du Dades, we couldn't have asked for a better place to be on our anniversary.

We had an amazing day. At the end of the day we had a delicious meal, sat down by the fire enjoying some wine and each others company.

We had a chance to look back three years, and see that we weren't much different then, we looked younger, but we are the same, all the things that brought us together keep us together.

Things have changed around us, we have shared experiences, learn about each other, had differences, but at the end we are there for each other, unchanged and we the same purpose of growing our bond.

Happy anniversary my love.

I made this little video for Paul, that i shared with him on our trip, I'm a hopeless romantic.

3 years from andrea suskey on Vimeo.

I'll be sharing more of our trip later.

Vacation Time

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:51:00 +0000

The day has finally arrived, its time to leave on our vacation to Morocco, I'm so excited about this trip.
While on our vacation we will be celebrating our 3rd Wedding Anniversary. I can't think of a better way to celebrate than traveling to a new place, being immersed in a different culture, delicious food, and building new memories with my hubby.
We will be back in 2 weeks, and I'll be sharing our experience.

Until then.....
Enjoy Life.

Via Spotlight

Dreaming of Morocco

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 14:07:00 +0000

One week from today, Paul and I will be finally be taking off for a well deserved vacation, our destination, Morocco.

We will be visiting Marrakesh, Merzouga, Valley of the Dades, Ouarzazate and Essaouira. It is going to be an amazing experience.

Right before a vacation, the days feel longer and work so much harder than usual. My mind and body are already in vacation mode, I can't wait until takeoff, but until then I'll be Dreaming of Morocco.

Via Tnt Mag.

Via Adam Salkeld

Via Girls guide

En la Cocina - Homemade Granola

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 01:30:00 +0000

I have always liked granola, but I've never been 100% satisfied with the options at the store. I have purchased almost every brand available, and most of the boxes have stayed in my pantry for months after trying them just once. So instead of continuing to complain about not finding the right brand , one that tasted like I remember granola to be while growing up, I went on a mission to create my own (insert mission impossible theme song)

I have been making this granola for a couple of months now, and I have to say that I am more than happy with the outcome, and so is my hubby.

So if you want to give it a try, the recipe is below.

Ingredients

6 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup chopped almonds
1/4 cup chopped pecans or cashews, even both if you like.
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup honey
1/3 cup pineapple juice
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking spray
Your favorite dried fruit. I like the ones below
1/4 cup dried cran-cherries
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
1/4 cup dried blueberries.
Sprinkle some coconut flakes

Preparation

Preheat oven to 300°.

Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl combine the maple syrup, honey, juice, almond and vanilla extract;
Pour honey mixture on the oats mix, toss well.
Spread mixture evenly onto a pan coated with cooking spray.

Bake at 325° for 45 minutes or until golden brown, stirring every 15 minutes.
When done, stir the dried fruit, you can even add some chocolate chips. Cool completely. Store in a zip-lock plastic bag or air tight container.

Delicious with some yogurt or sprinkled over ice cream, and its a great and healthy substitute for my husbands midnight cookie attacks (seriously he can't be stopped)

Enjoy!!!

Terrarium

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 20:39:00 +0000

Finally this weekend I did a project that I have been postponing for a while. A succulent terrarium, It is really easy and awfully cute. Below are my how-to steps. I highly recommend it!

SUPPLIES

GLASS CONTAINER: If you are using succulents, it is best to have a glass container with a large opening. Succulents prefer dry, desert-like conditions.

ROCKS: You need a bag of rocks for drainage and air circulation for the roots.

HORTICULTURAL CHARCOAL: This is the second layer in the terrarium. This helps lessen the chance of any molds or bacteria.

SOIL: Use cactus soil, or potting soil mixed with sand. Succulents and cacti need soil that have extra good drainage.

PLANTS: When you pick the succulents, select ones with similar sun conditions.

Pour around 2" layer of rocks, smoothed them out and then pour in 1"-1 1/2" layer of charcoal.

Pour in soil 2-3" and smooth out evenly.

Plant the succulents, Arrange them before planting so you can decide what set up you like better. I went through a few configurations before deciding on the winning one.

Plant them and pack the soil surrounding them. If you are using cacti, make sure to use thongs to move them around, I tried without them and got pocked more than once.

Care: Water every 2-3 weeks. Test the moisture of the soil before you water.
So easy and also almost no care needed. Perfect for me.

One Picture Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:17:00 +0000

The photographer Marina Ekroos has a collection of lovely photographs. In one shot she shows the ingredients and all the steps of a recipe. Beautiful and clever.

All images via Marina Aurora Portfolio

Our Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea Suskey-Diaz) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 01:10:00 +0000

Hello, how was your weekend? We had a great one.

On Saturday we worked a little in the backyard. Paul did all the hard work, I was his assistant. We started a path between the pool area and the cabana, it is not done yet but it was a big improvement. The rest of the day we relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful weather by the pool, well deserved.

At night we went to the Fillmore in South Beach, to watch Tosh.0. I have to say I really enjoyed it, he is a really good comedian. I laughed so much, I ended up with soared face muscles, well worth it. .

Sunday Paul got up really early to participate in a sprint triathlon, were he did the swimming part, and they got second place. Great job Pablo, Carlos and Paul.

On the way home Paul went to do some groceries for our delicious BBQ, and he surprised me with a pumpkin, at the beginning i thought he wanted me to make him a pumpkin pie from scratch, which I'm still not ready for, but he had a better idea. We decided to do some carving. Today after 31 years I did my first pumpkin carving.

Our Weekend from andrea suskey on Vimeo.

This weekend once again, I enjoyed every little thing that we did. The joy of simple things in life.

I hope you had a great weekend too.