The Essence of Mexico
January 30, 2012
The author used to think that Tony Bennett’s song about leaving his heart in San Francisco was just that—a song. But that was before she visited Mazatlan, and now she completely understands what he was talking about. Twenty years ago, she left my heart in this charming Mexican city on the Sea of Cortez, and every May since, she’s returned with her husband, Don, to check on it. Read more….
On The Bayou
January 23, 2012
Michael, my cooking teacher at the New Orleans School of Cooking, claims that Cajun food is “the only real American cuisine.” Michael is admittedly subjective—he passionately loves his city and its cuisine. One thing is true; N’Awlins offers some of the freshest produce and seafood around due to its climate and location. That fact, coupled with a culinary history that originates from French-speaking Canadians immigrating to Louisiana, makes this cuisine a true North American foodie favorite. Read more….
Winter Wonders – African Violets
January 16, 2012
For gardeners, winter can be a terribly long and colorless
season. But if you’re a plant lover who’s discovered the joys of growing African
violets, just the opposite is true. Their dainty blooms, in a wide array of
purple, pink, blue, white, and multicolored combinations, will appear almost
constantly and brighten any gloomy January day. Read more…..
When Less is More
January 9, 2012
Another Design International, took on the task of remodeling a 1,000-square-foot
residence for a young family in Hong Kong, his primary goal was to improve the
design while proving the old adage that less is more. Read more…
Heidelberg and Wurzburg
January 9, 2012
the castle Walt Disney replicated, and a shop devoted to chocolates rumored to
be aphrodisiacs— busy packing your bags for France, Italy, maybe Spain? Not so
fast; these schatz, or treasures in English, are located in Germany.
Forget your stereotypes of bratwurst, beer, and Bavarian costumes—think Baroque
architecture, bittersweet chocolate aphrodisiacs, and broken-heart memorials.
The Great Escape
December 27, 2011
of Interiors by Sandra Espinet, in Los Angeles, California, and Los Cabos,
Mexico—approaches each project with a fresh point of view. Her philosophy is
evident in the eclectic interiors of Casa Walker in San José del Cabo, Mexico, a
10,000-square-foot hideaway for a family based in Dallas, Texas. Read more….
International Cookie Swap
December 19, 2011
for me until my kitchen counters are dusted in a blanket of flour and sugar and
every room smells of freshly baked cookies. As much as I love hauling out my own
rolling pin, I can’t wait to receive edible gifts from friends and family
featuring their own beloved and traditional cookie recipes. So what better way
to kick off the holiday festivities than to turn on the oven and gather with
friends for a cookie swap? You’ll have an overflowing cookie jar of sweet treats
to share and enjoy all month long. These holiday cookie recipes from around the
world will be a perfect globe-trotting addition to the sugary exchange. And
because no cookie extravaganza is complete without the perfect drink to wash it
all down, I’ve included a variation on hot chocolate that is guaranteed to keep
your party guests warm and cozy. Read more….
The Confident Conversationalist
December 12, 2011
By the time December rolls around, your calendar is likely
filled with holiday work parties, social engagements, and gatherings with family
and friends. Such merriment is part of the season and welcomed by many a
socialite. But if you’ve struggled making small talk with strangers and distant
acquaintances in years past, those same gatherings can be a source of anxiety
and dread. Read more….
Beachfront in Brazil with Jaw-Dropping Views
December 5, 2011
remarkable artwork, luxurious fabrics, and antique furniture to complete a
living space; other times, all they need is a view.
city known for its lavish Carnival and tropical landscape, it’s the windows that
frame the city’s natural works of art. In this ninth-floor penthouse apartment,
towering above the world-famous Copacabana Beach, an entire wall of
floor-to-ceiling windows showcases a breathtaking view of the South Atlantic and
all the excitement of this desirable destination. Read more…..
British Columbia’s Thompson Okanagan Valley
November 28, 2011
Growing luscious table fruit has always been a mainstay for
farmers in British Columbia’s Thompson Okanagan Valley, which lies in the center
of the province, with the Vancouver mainland and Fraser Valley on the west and
the Rocky Mountains on the east. Read more….
