Travel Adventures and Photography
Julian is a little town in the mountains about an hour from San Diego, California. It is especially picturesque if you are lucky enough to get a bit of snow, pretty common in the winter season. Actually, Julian has become a very popular getaway destination, one reason being that they have four distinct seasons. Julian was a gold mining town in the 19th century. It's actually a registered California Historical Landmark. Read More
We are inspired by the foods and flavors experienced when we venture abroad, whether it's across an ocean or across the street. For me, it's all about continuing to learn to cook at home. Here are some great some great kitchen additions which contribute to the fun of it. When I saw these items at the World Market, I couldn't get enough. And what a great gift to encourage someone you love to keep trying new things in the Read More
I was recently drawn to a cocktail bar in San Diego, California called Polite Provisions, who call themselves 'Manufacturers of Local Tonics, Elixirs and Cures'. Alcohol certainly has a long history of therapeutic or medicinal function, to varying degrees. In the Middle Ages, drinking distilled spirits flavored with juniper berries was thought to protect people from the mysterious and deadly plagues and was widely Read More
Here is a great suggestion if you're going to Chicago and like me, you prefer the road less traveled with a little bit of history. The Berghoff is the oldest restaurant in Chicago and the oldest continuously operating business in the city, having survived the Chicago Fire of 1871. It's right near the center of the Chicago Loop. Amazon.com Widgets They were originally famous for their homemade Beer and later Root Beer, Read More
'The Road Less Traveled' is a series from me with recommendations of things to see and do that are lesser known or off the beaten path. If you’ve been to Chicago, you know that the city is filled with exceptional museums, restaurants and sights. One of my favorites is the historic Palmer Hotel. The hotel was built in 1925 and at that time was famous for being the largest hotel in the world. In 2009 it was renovated Read More
The Santa Ynez Valley is a collection of six distinctive communities encircled by the Santa Ynez and San Rafael mountains. It is a fantastic destination if you’re looking for a mellow-paced trip to California wine country. It is just 35 miles from the Santa Barbara Coast, 125 miles up the coast from Los Angeles and 300 miles south of San Francisco. I suggest it as a destination no matter where you are from, no matter the time Read More
The Anahola Granola company has a new bar called MacaMania, and man, I am hooked! All handmade, fresh ingredients, no preservatives and full of exotic flavors. They use a healthy portion of nuts and seeds, the best unsulphered tropical fruits available, canola oil and Hawaiian honey. The special flavoring is pure vanilla made from Madagascar beans. MacaMania bars come in Original, Chocolate Chip, Mango Ginger and Tropical Read More
