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….
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….
History Restored
November 28, 2011
A few years ago, when Molly Fienning and her husband, Ted, who flies F18s for the
U.S. Marines, found out they would be stationed in Beaufort, South Carolina,
they immediately knew they wanted to live in a historic home. Having grown up in
Sumter, South Carolina, Ted was aware of Beaufort’s rich heritage, which is
chock-full of significant Civil War history and antebellum architecture. “We
wanted to support the historic district,” says Molly. “We love the idea of being
in an old house—that’s part of the charm of Beaufort. The antebellum
architecture is breathtaking.” Read more….


