Today’s feature was brought to you by Ziftit

I’m not sure exactly what happened, or when, but somewhere along the line we lost the “art” of gift giving and it became a chore. Which is a shame – it should be a joy, a pleasure, a bit of fun finding a little gift to treat someone special.

Today I’d like to smash some of those gift-giving cliches. Let’s get started.

First, can we stop with the gifting stereotypes, please?

I really am sick of the gift stereotypes that continue to perpetuate our culture. You know the ones: the ladies all want aprons and perfume and bath salts, the men want cuff links and lawn mowing equipment, and kids get candy on their birthdays. It’s even hard to find a card these days that doesn’t comply with these biases.

I highly encourage you to skip the stereotypes and pick your gifts based on the recipient’s personal interests and desires, not their gender or societal role. If mom needs a tie for her improv class, awesome. If dad wants fuzzy bunny slippers, go out and find ‘em.

Secondly, get past that “I don’t want anything” problem.

When someone says they don’t want or need anything, that might be true. However, everybody loves to feel appreciated, and your job as a Plum Deluxe gift giving expert is to not think about “what does _____ want since they don’t want anything,” but ask yourself “what could I do/get/give for ______________ that would totally surprise/please/thank them for what they do?”

See how changing the question changes the perspective? The fact is that most folks, even if they’re on a penny-pinching budget, are able to get the things they need and want (except for those long-term savings pushes, like vacations-of-a-lifetime). The goal of gift-giving is not about filling a physical need or desire, but providing an emotional response to thank or appreciate.

Tips for High Quality Gift Giving

Now that I’ve rattled on about gift giving, let’s talk about some positive tips for better gift giving. We’ve partnered with Ziftit, a site designed to eliminate the guesswork of gift giving and demystify the gift giving experience. Their site allows you to send friends and family members a list of gifts that you want, and vice versa, you can ask someone to signup and create a zift (gift) list. The list can be tied to an event, an occasion, or my favorite: “just because.” Here’s an example of some of the items you can find via search:

Along with Ziftit, some additional gift-giving thoughts to consider:

• The best way to find out what to give as a gift is to look at your gift recipient’s current habits. You can ask someone what kinds of gifts they want, but maybe they’re resisting a Ziftit account and they don’t have a “stuff you should buy me” Pinterest board. I’m one of those people – to me that’s too much bragging and I’d shy away from it. If you are trying to buy for someone like that, you need to watch their current habits. What magazines do they read/subscribe to? Where do they go out to eat, or what’s running low in their home bar? Their current activities will tell you a lot more about what to get them than anything they’ll self-identify.
• Consider events that have a more meaningful impact than more traditional days of celebration. I used to manage a team of employees that were all from different countries, and we had a tradition of celebrating the national holidays of each person. It was a lot of fun because of all the unique foods and treats, but it was also a reminder that not everyone has the same background and perspective. What’s important to your gift recipient? (Tip: Ziftit has a spot to track “occasions,” so you can plan ahead.)
• Remember, gifts do not have to be physical items. Experiences, like a weekend getaway or cooking lessons, are often the best gifts (especially since companies have now figured out that making their product easy to gift is a good thing). And if you truly can’t figure out what to gift someone, how about making a donation on their behalf to a charity or cause that is near and dear to their beliefs? (Ziftit offers you the option to donate to those in need, such as the recent tornado victims in the Midwest.)

What tools do you use for gift-giving? Any good tips? Join the conversation over on our Facebook wall.

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Eliminate the guesswork and get the right gift, every time with the social shopping & gifting platform, Ziftit.

Click here to build your Zift List today!

I have a confession to make, something very few people know, but it accounts for around 7-8 hours of my day.  I can’t sleep without a fan on.

I’m not sure where my habit started; I kind of remember it being a habit in college, but it suffices today I’ve been at the fan habit for a long time.   It’s not that I can’t sleep entirely without the fan, but I definitely notice the difference in my quality of sleep and the amount of time it takes for me to fall asleep.  And as I find a good night’s sleep harder and harder to find every year I age, I’ll take any help I can get.

It’s not about the fan, it’s about consistency.

I researched this issue with the National Sleep Foundation, who confirmed my suspicions:  the fan isn’t what makes the sleep so good, it’s the consistency and the ambient noise.  I know this to be true because when I stay in hotels, I try to make sure the air conditioning runs for a bit so I can to sleep soundly, and it works — though I hate when I make a mistake on the settings and wake up almost able to see my breath.

And when I stay somewhere on the beach or coast, with crashing waves?  I fall asleep quickly and soundly.

But, is sleeping with a fan a bad thing?

I researched the facts and find a bit of differing opinions on whether or not it’s a good or bad idea to sleep with the fan on.  The ever-so-popular Dr. Oz says no to the fan because it dries out your throat and sinuses – but then many other doctors say it’s just fine.

I wonder if the difference is sleeping with a fan directly on you versus just having it on in the room; I know I can’t sleep with a fan or any kind of air conditioning blowing at my face because I’ll wake up with a sore throat, but I do like to have plenty of air movement while I am sleeping.  It’s also a fact that most of us have better quality sleep in lower temperatures – I always prefer a cold room and bundling up in blankets over sleeping in a hot room.  As long as you aren’t drying out your throat & sinuses, I don’t think there’s any harm in sleeping with a fan.

Try some white noise.  You might like it.

White noise when you’re trying to sleep, though, is universally considered a good thing – even Martha Stewart and Oprah say so.  During the workday I’ve been known to fire up SimplyNoise, which offers a variety of peaceful levels of white noise on demand.  However, dragging a laptop or leaving a mobile app running overnight is not exactly ideal for sleeping– and you shouldn’t be sleeping with your smartphone anyway.

The best option I’ve found for sleepytime white noise? The Dohm from Marpac.  It is the official “sound conditioner” from the National Sleep Foundation, a wonderful little device that has become my new best sleep friend.  With two levels of white noise and a few adjustments you can make to the noise impact itself, I am soundly impressed at how much this device cancels out any noise in the immediate surroundings.  It’s not as loud as my usual fan, and yet I find it much more effective, even on the lower setting (though I do love having it on full blast).  In fact, a couple of times it has left me in such a sound sleep I’ve missed the buzz of my phone alarm going off as the phone was on the other side of the sleep machine.

The size isn’t too bad for slipping into a suitcase if you’re going on a trip, either, though it does take up some room; it is the perfect pair for an afternoon siesta, though.

Summer season is creeping upon us here in the Northwest, and with no central air conditioning, we’ll likely have the fans going at night in the bedroom – and having the fans and the Dohm is a bit overkill.  But rest assured (pun not intended), I’ll be enjoying a bit of sound conditioning as soon as the temps come back down.

What are your tricks for getting better sleep?  Come tell us over on our Facebook page – I’d love to hear!

Editorial Disclosure:  Marpac offered to let me try the Dohm at no cost, to which I obliged.  They were not aware of my fan sleeping habit, nor was I required to write blissfully nice things.  I tried the product, and these were my real experiences.  Your mileage may vary.

It is no secret how dearly I love the Oregon coast.  I’m not sure whether it is the peaceful beaches, the lighthouses, or the hospitality, but I can’t get enough.

I’ve highlighted all of the best places on the Oregon Coast; today, I’d like to go in the details of a weekend getaway to one of the best of the best, Pacific City.  It’s just the perfect little spot.

What to do in Pacific City? Relax!

Honestly, you can count on one hand the number of things to do in Pacific City. (Oregon = less is more.)  Really, it truly is a place to visit and do nothing and you’ll have a lot of fun.  Try hiking the dune.  A tough 45+ degree hike, the hustle up the sandy slope rewards you with one of the best views of the coast – the bonus is you’ll burn off all the calories you’ll be consuming over the weekend.  By far my number one experience on the Oregon coast.

Speaking of consuming calories, three hot spots in Pacific City to eat, drink, and bliss out:

• Reading while sipping in the local coffee shop.  With fantastic pastries and snacks as well as excellent tea & coffee, time spent in Pacific City’s Stimulus Cafe is time well spent.
• Snacking on some pastries at the Grateful Bread bakery.  Your accommodation will likely have breakfast, but that’s fine – have second breakfast, you’re on vacation.   Cookies, breads, pies… you can’t go wrong here.
• Sampling the tasting tray at the Pelican Brewpub. Oregon has plenty of craft breweries, and the Pelican is the only one literally on the beach.  It’s one of the better eateries in town, though the service on our last trip was “just ok.” The tasting tray isn’t always on the menu but just ask.

Getting out of Town

If you want a bit of a “daytrip” out of Pacific City (all that sitting around and relaxing does wear one out, I know), consider heading north.  Your end destination is the Tillamook Cheese Factory, where you’ll find a popular creamery that has free cheese tastings as well as plenty of ice cream flavors. If you want to buy cheese at the factory, the large blocks of misshaped pieces are the only product discounted, and this is the only place to get Tillamook cheese curds, but they are often sold out.

Tillamook has several other foodie finds, including Tillamook County Smoker, where you can try a variety of jerky from a shop in factory!  On your way there, take your time and stop at anything that catches your eye on 101, the coastal route.  Two spots I loved:

• Munson Creek Falls:  Oregon has many wonderful falls, but there are few along the north coast.  Munson Creek Falls (above) is one of the exceptions – easy to miss, so have your phone GPS at the ready; the hike is a short 15 minutes each direction, and easy but somewhat muddy train, but enjoyable.
• Bear Creek Artichoke Shop: Foodies, everyone knows about Tillamook Cheese, but Bear Creek is a true local find.  It’s just a bit of a shack along the road, but inside you’ll find rows of jams, dips, jellies, and sauces; you can easily spend an hour in here snacking.  They also have flowers, toys, and other boxed & jarred gourmet foods.  So much fun.
• Octopus Tree & Cape Meares Lighthouse: If you managed to get a good start on the day and have time after Tillamook, you can head on up to the Cape Meares Lighthouse, a gorgeous spot with a rather unique feature: the Octopus tree (below), an old Indian ceremonial tree that’s quite a sight.

A Good Night’s Sleep

I always sleep peacefully at the Oregon Coast – there are the crashing waves and the crisp, moist air.  But my favorite hotel on the entire Oregon Coast is the Inn at Cape Kiwanda.  It’s located literally across the street from the Pelican Brewery, and rooms have ocean views, refrigerators (for those fresh cold brews), all with a tasteful nautical theme.  The lobby has movies to borrow for free for your in-room DVD (kind of fun to flip through them instead of a Netflix queue) as well as a nice fireplace sitting area.  Romantic Oregon chic.

Another great B&B that I haven’t stayed at, but friends give it rave reviews, is the Craftsman Bed and Breakfast, which I hear has super-comfy guest rooms and plenty of areas throughout the hotel to just relax and enjoy a brew or Oregon pinot, such as the lovely garden.  Don’t miss the freshly baked treats in the lobby each afternoon, which are just as good as the yummy breakfast.

Spring/summer/fall are the best times to visit the coast, but in winter you’ll find many Groupon and Livingsocial deals that are hard to pass up.  And the Oregon Coast is always charming, no matter the weather.

All photos by author.

“The mistake by the lake” is just one of the nicknames of my birthplace of Cleveland, Ohio. Believe it or not, a weekend in “the 216” might just be what your travel plans need. This resurging city is home to a world-class market and orchestra, a fantastic ethnic food scene (pierogi, anyone?), a top-notch brewery, and downtown ballpark, and is only 90 minutes from the world’s best amusement park.

West Side Market

Since the 1840s, the West Side Market has stood proudly on Cleveland’s west side, offering fresh meat, produce, pasta, pierogi, and flowers. This huge public market has both indoor and outdoor vendors. Head over there first thing in the morning and, before you start shopping, grab a hot breakfast and a copy of the morning Plain Dealer from the West Side Market Café.

PlayhouseSquare

PlayhouseSquare, a huge performing arts center, is smack in the middle of downtown. In fact, it’s the largest theater complex outside of New York City’s Lincoln Center. Made up of seven different theaters and cabaret acts, the area was brought back from the brink of the wrecking ball in the 1970s and now is home to touring Broadway shows, the Cleveland Opera, the Cleveland ballet, and the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra. On certain dates, you can pop your head behind the scenes on a tour of the PlayhouseSquare complex. Even if there isn’t a performance going on during your visit, this massive performing arts complex is still worth a trip.

Great Lakes Brewery

Great Lakes Brewing Company brews nearly 15 beers, including a seasonal beer that has become legendary (just ask any beer fan about Great Lakes Christmas Ale  – or just look for the crowds in Ohio grocery stores around early November). If you’re a beer fan, a visit to their brewery and café is a must-do on your trip to Cleveland. After all, any brewery that has a pale ale which celebrates the fact that its home city’s river once caught on fire because it was so polluted should be applauded.

Progressive Field

Home to the Cleveland Indians, one of Cleveland’s much maligned sports teams, Progressive Field is one of the most beautiful ballparks in the league. Tickets can usually be purchased by walking up to the box office the day of the game, and there’s not a bad seat in the park. For a real thrill, grab a seat in the outfield bleachers next to the drummer. While you’re there, don’t be surprised if you hear Clevelanders call it “The Jake” (in homage to the stadium’s original name, Jacob’s Field).

Cedar Point

Cedar Point has been voted the Best Amusement Park in the World 15 years in row, so they must be doing something right. Located about 90 minutes west of Cleveland in the coastal town of Sandusky, Cedar Point is definitely worth a day trip — even if you’re not a coaster lover. In addition to their 14 roller coasters and numerous other rides, the park is situated right on Lake Erie and has a rather wide beach. Stay overnight at the historic Hotel Breakers for an authentic experience.

Stay a While

For a great place to relax for the weekend, check out the Glidden House Inn, a boutique a short walk from the Art Museum or Wade Park. There’s a tasty complimentary breakfast for guests, and once you’ve finished your day of sightseeing, return for a refreshing beverage at the bar of the on-site restaurant. If you’d prefer earning your hotel points, you won’t be disappointed at the Marriott downtown at Key Center, either.

So get yourself out to Cleveland — it’s definitely worth your weekend!

Photo credits author, Rob Dauphin, Melanie Lukesh, author and Andy Hayes

At the outset of this piece, I should say that I don’t believe that drinking coffee or otherwise consuming caffeine is “evil.” I don’t think it’s inherently unhealthy, even. I understand people’s love of it.

But from an abundance of personal experience backed by many years of research (sparked by my wanting to figure out if I was crazy or was in the possessive grip of some special personal problems), I’ve come to share the viewpoint of renowned martial artist, illusionist, concert pianist, and master of energy matters, Garin Bader, who I only recently heard say (in so many words): “There’s nothing wrong with coffee or caffeinated beverages; however, there is something wrong with being dependent on them.”

I recall reading the book The Nature Doctor by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel, wherein the author refers to coffee as “nerve poison.” This was a long time ago and I was in love with my coffee, so I concluded that the good and wise doctor was exaggerating. But that was then, and this is now.

And that description of Vogel’s can still be interpreted as an exaggeration. But depending on context, it can be a frighteningly accurate description, too.

For the Love of Coffee

I never drank much coffee or consumed much caffeine before I went off to college at age 18. Then, just because I was there and it was something that college students did (especially literature majors, who inevitably learn all about Honore de Balzac and his “black water” obsession), I started drinking a lot of it. I drank it with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, every day. Several cups at a time. One of my favorite breakfasts became black coffee and sliced oranges.

When I was at home, in between semesters, I loved the ritual of coffee brewing. (Because of this, many years later, I would once try to quit coffee by replacing it with Teeccino. That wouldn’t work.)

I’m someone with naturally high energy levels, which even as I age are kept high by a customized, healthy diet. Additionally, I’ve been a runner since age 14, at which time I voluntarily went on a low-sugar diet. And I’ve never smoked.

As the months and then the years went by, now and again, I found myself questioning my passion for coffee. Because there were weird things going on with me.

While at college, I started sleeping an unusually large amount of the time. This was way out of character for me, the natural early riser who has never once relied on an alarm clock. I became really alarmed when my roommate said to me one day, “Brant, you’re sleeping your life away!” I was only 19. I thought perhaps I was stressed out.

I kept on drinking coffee even though once in a while I would mention my suspicions about its “polluting” me to select other people, the majority of whom would understand my viewpoint on the matter.

As graduation came and went and the years went by, I noticed that I no longer found mornings all that bright, even though I was still the natural early riser. I was also finding it increasingly hard to eat breakfast which, given my high-octane metabolism and appetite, wasn’t a good thing at all.

I developed a horrific morning cough, (shared by my coffee-drinking stepfather, coincidentally enough) which got gradually worse through the years. (One guy, who smoked, asked me if I was lying about not smoking after he had heard the cough a couple of times.) I also could have some pretty wild mood swings and found my Scots-Irish temper becoming white hot, especially in the mornings and early afternoons. (I quit drinking coffee after lunch once I was out of college.)

I experienced “racing thoughts,” could not relax unless I drank alcohol, and often slept poorly.

Often I was too uptight, or too drained, to run or run as far as I knew I felt I could. I felt like I was unable to summon my own natural energy — and after awhile, not just with running. Occasionally, I had trouble breathing to such an extreme extent that it seemed like I had asthma. I am grateful that these times were few and brief, for when they took place they were terrifying.

Clearly, something had to change. But I quit coffee three times, only to come back to it within two months or less each time. Could my writer’s passion for the geek rocket fuel that millions of people drink really be the problem?

At Last, an Answer

Dr. Mark Hyman has a list of 10 reasons to quit coffee that he was inspired to put together, and this list sums up all of my own research and self-observing succinctly. I had been right all along: I’m caffeine sensitive.

About three months ago, I was able to permanently throw away the coffee and the supercharged caffeine supplements, (like those which can be found in little squirt-bottle water flavorizers) which I tried toward the end. I came across some new energy supplements based on ginseng and other herbs all mixed together in a miraculous blend of liberating natural energy.

Now, mornings are bright and beautiful again, and evenings relaxing. I leap out of bed, ready to attack the day. I don’t care about brewing or finding coffee. I don’t get a headache from lack of caffeine, even if I don’t have any. I can breathe deeply and cleanly again. My Scots-Irish temper is under control. Energy flows through me. And I am hungry for a delicious breakfast (usually a Clif bar or two) upon waking.

I used to surmise that I had an allergy to the oils in coffee beans, hence the terrible coughing and phlegm. Now, I know better. I feel like a drug addict who went clean after 24 years — born again.

Mostly Gone, Definitely Not Forgotten

I am not an abstainer from caffeine. As I did with sugar, I’ve gone on a low-but-not-zero diet. I still sometimes drink black tea (I love chai), and in my herbal energy supplements, caffeine is there because they contain extracts of green tea and yerba mate.

The source of caffeine matters as much as the amount, as it turns out. It’s alright for me to have caffeine drip-fed into my system. Other phytochemicals in tea and yerba mate cause the caffeine to be absorbed slowly and steadily into me.

Coffee and tea and other sources of caffeine itself are, to my mind, proven to confer health benefits on us, including helping to stave off age-related mental diseases like Alzheimer’s. But yes, I really have to say that I think Garin Bader is onto something with his admonition against coffee dependency.

What do you think?

Photo Credits: cwsillero, rhfldntm, jeltovski, Alvimann, author, and puddleduck.

I’m about to impart a startling truth, a truth that will have some folks’ mouths agape and others shouting, “Amen!” You ready? Here it is: Not everyone likes beer.

I know, right? You thought you were the only one, sitting at the edge of the crowd, quietly sipping your alternative beverage and hoping no one notices. As a matter of fact, what are you drinking? Chances are, it’s hard cider.

A Few More Facts

Hard cider, in various forms, has been around since at least Medieval times; it was brought to England by the Norman Conquest in 1066. In Colonial America, it was often the preferred choice of beverage with meals. Hard cider is still wildly popular in England, Ireland, and Europe.

The beverage itself is more like wine than beer, though it is usually slightly carbonated. Color can range from almost clear to dark amber. Almost all hard cider is also perfect if you want to treat yourself when you are gluten-free.

And since we’re talking facts, it would be worth it to mention that not all hard cider is made from apples; some of my favorites are made from pears and are referred to as “perries.” There’s also cider’s kissing cousin, cyser, which is made of apples fermented with honey to create a beverage that’s at once both cider and mead.

Let’s Talk Taste

An apple’s an apple, right? And hard cider is made from apples. So they all taste the same, right? Yes and no. Just as different varieties of apples taste different from each other — some are sweet, some are tart, and others are crisp and refreshing — so do hard ciders. Variety in the brewing process and other ingredients used (spices, flavorings, other fruits) will also change the flavor, sweetness, and effervescence from cider to cider.

To illustrate this principle, I gathered a variety of hard ciders along with two other willing taste testers. We carefully considered each beverage and categorized it according to how and where we would drink it. It was a tough job, but somebody had to do it. Below you’ll find our recommendations on what — and what not — to drink.

Good on a Summer Day

One of our favorite ciders was Fox Barrel Pacific Pear Cider. It’s light, dry, and refreshing and finishes like a sparkling wine. It would be perfect to sip while relaxing in your backyard hammock or while chatting up friends at a social event. It would even do well as a substitute for white wine in a fruity sangria at your next party.

Also recommended: ACE Premium Hard Ciders.
Not recommended: Harpoon. This was like the light beer of ciders and reminded us of apple-flavored seltzer water.

Best at a Cookout

Hornsby’s doesn’t have the greatest aroma, but it certainly packs on the taste. This fresh and flavorful cider is pleasant and sweet with hints of honey, and it was a surprise favorite of our tasting panel. Take it to your next barbecue or tailgater and enjoy it with some good ol’ American fare.

Also recommended: Magner’s Irish Cider, Strongbow.
Not recommended: Woodchuck. Generally, it’s just too sweet and heavy.

Best with Asian Food

Why, yes, you can pair hard cider with that chicken and broccoli dish. Angry Orchard Apple Ginger has a tart and tangy flavor that finishes with hints of ginger; one of my taste testers compared it to Chinese beer. Next time you dine at your favorite BYOB Asian restaurant, pack some of this in your bag.

Best Craft Brewed

One of our top picks — and hands-down my favorite — was Crispin Original. Dry and fizzy with the essence of green apple, this cider is light and flavorful and also has the best scent of all the beverages we sampled. I would happily drink this at the bar or any social event.

Also recommended: Original Sin Pear.

So next time you’re out in a crowd, stand proud and tall, fellow cider drinker. And raise your glass high.

Photo credits: expressiveDan0724, author, Phoebe Canakis, and Phoebe Canakis.

When I was taking graduate classes, I sat in the same classroom all day, only to return home in the evening and sit to write my papers. This sedentary lifestyle would have driven me crazy, but I found small ways to maintain my sanity and waistline (which I’ll share below).

Even those of us who are active and health-conscious spend the majority of our day sitting. Think about it: we sit to eat, we sit at the computer, we sit at work meetings, then we come home and sit in front of the television.

The idea that sitting is the smoking of our generation (the public health issue that has been left unaddressed) comes from Nilofer Merchant, an author, lecturer, and former CEO who has worked for many successful business firms. In a TED talk earlier this year, she encouraged other professionals to take walking meetings, saying the (ahem) bottom line is “walk and talk.”

Moving meetings from conference rooms or coffee shops to the great outdoors is one way to get more walking in. If this isn’t feasible, there are other ways you can kick the habit (I’ll give you a hint: there’s an app for that).

An app called Time Out reminds you to periodically take a break. Picture it: you’ve been working at your desk for 50 minutes and lost track of time. You’re prepared to sit for two more hours when suddenly your computer screen dims and gently reminds you to take a 10-minute break. So you walk up and down a few flights of stairs, maybe go outside for some sun, rest your eyes, then return to work.

The Time Out app can also be set to give you “micro breaks,” which are shorter, more frequent breaks that are ideal for stretching. A simple Google search for “office stretches and exercises” will yield lots of helpful charts and videos (ergonomics sites have wonderful lists of stretches). Stretching once every half-hour can relieve stiffness and soreness from sitting at a desk.

Taking the stairs rather than the elevator is another great way to sneak some activity into the work day. If you work on, say, the 10th floor, you can always climb the first couple flights then take the elevator the rest of the way. When running errands on other floors throughout the day, always take the stairs.

You can also force yourself to get more walking in by parking farther away from your building. Similarly, instead of circling the grocery store lot for the closest space, park out in the back (it saves you time and gas anyway!). At school, I opted to walk instead of taking the shuttle bus from the lot where students parked.

Side note: for the ladies, following these suggestions may require keeping flats or sneakers handy in the car or office (as taking on the stairs, parking lot, and walking meetings can be quite painful in heels).

A long day of sitting is surprisingly draining. Upon returning home from class, I was always inclined to retire to the sofa; there were a few ways I resisted this. One way was by packing a bag of workout gear in the car and driving straight to the gym after class. Another way was by stopping at the nearest mall or shopping center after school and browsing for an hour or so. Other days, I would swing by home to pick up my dog and head to the park for some green time.

At the end of the day, we all just want to sit down and watch a little television. But researchers are saying that this activity is taking years off our lives. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, the average U.S. citizen spends five hours a day watching television—while the recommended amount is two hours or less. Try cutting back to two hours of television a day. And during commercial breaks, instead of watching the ads (many of which seduce you with images of food), do jumping jacks, planks, push-ups, or crunches.

If you spend most of your day sitting, now is a great time to kick the habit. With summer upon us, the weather is warm, beautiful, and perfect for taking walks. Spending more time on your feet will clear your mind, get your blood flowing, and may even help you lose a few pounds.

Let’s face it—stuff happens. If you’re having one of those days when something goes wrong, nothing goes right, or you’re just not feeling happy, I encourage you to try some of the following tips to turn it around.

Start with creating some good karma. Check out The Karma Challenge, an app that challenges you to do a good deed every day. Here’s how it works: you spin a wheel to select the category (donation, animals, self, family, etc.), and the app assigns you a specific good deed, such as “plant a tree.” Not only will this give your day more meaning, it will also help improve others’ days. If you have doubts that you can make a difference through a small act of kindness, this inspiring video might change your mind.

Practice deep breathing. Breathing through your nose, inhale until your lungs are full—hold it there for a few seconds—then slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat this exercise several times, or until you feel relaxed. Slowing your breathing not only allows more oxygen to reach your vital organs, it also reduces stress. Stress triggers our bodies’ sympathetic nervous system, or “fight or flight” response, which causes us to breathe quick, shallow breaths (which was great for our hunter-gatherer ancestors when they encountered predators, but not so great for our everyday lives). Deep breathing can switch off this response, thus lowering blood pressure and stress hormone levels.

Soak up some sun. Many of us spend even the most beautiful, sunny days indoors because our jobs or schoolwork requires us to do so. But the lack of sunlight may dampen our mood, lead to a vitamin D deficiency, and deny us other benefits that natural sunlight offers. Spending just a few minutes in the sun daily can help ward off depression and allows your skin to convert cholesterol into vitamin D, a vital nutrient for bone health.

Create good feng shui. Try taking five minutes before you leave the house to de-clutter, make your bed, and hang up any scattered clothes. This way, when you return at the end of the day you can relax, knowing that your home is tidy and ready if any company drops by.

Try a new look. Ever notice how you feel better when you look better? If you never wear makeup, take a few minutes to put on a little (not that you need it, of course!). Try curling or straightening your hair. If you usually dress in yoga pants and a t-shirt, try wearing some nice jeans and a cute top. These small changes can give you more confidence to take on the day.

Do some jumping jacks. I know what you’re thinking: I don’t have enough time to exercise. But exercise doesn’t have to be a long, planned-out activity. Our bodies respond to short, sporadic bursts of activity. Do some jumping jacks while dinner is heating up, during commercial breaks, or while your computer is buffering. You’ll be surprised how much time you do have for exercising.

Smile. Studies have shown that using your facial muscles to create a smile activates the parts of the brain responsible for the happy feelings that induce smiles. So, in a sense, forcing yourself to smile (whether or not you feel like it) can improve your mood by tricking your body into thinking you’re happy.

Laugh. Much like smiling, laughter can help turn a bad day around. But did you know research has indicated that the act of laughing can burn calories, decrease pain, aid in relaxation and sleep, and increase blood flow? Perhaps it really is the best medicine. If you’re in need of a laugh, check out these YouTube videos: two hamsters one wheel or dog’s own leg tries to steal bone.

Drink an extra glass of water. If you’re feeling fatigued, or your skin looks dull, or you feel weak during your workout, it could be that you’re dehydrated. A glass of water might be just the pick-me-up you need. Water hydrates our bodies more efficiently than sports drinks or soft drinks (many of which actually dehydrate us). Though not all health experts believe that eight glasses a day is necessary, they all agree that we must take in enough water to balance the fluids our bodies lose throughout the day.

Learn something new. Read an interesting article, learn a new word, ask someone a question. Being a lifelong learner will not only keep life interesting, but it also makes you a more interesting and knowledgeable person—a trait many people desire in their friends and partners. Plus, you never know when your new tidbit of knowledge could be useful in conversation.

Sunset photo courtesy of Andrew Hayes.

Few things are as synonymous with relaxation and enjoyment as a cup of coffee. Whether it’s sipping a café au lait on a Parisian corner or gulping down hot espresso shots at a bar in Rome, coffee has long been my chance to enjoy a few minutes of luxury without breaking the bank.

In Hawaii, these veins of relaxation run much deeper. A visit to Hawaii may be the trip of a lifetime, but for a truly unique experience, take some time to explore Hawaii’s working coffee farms.

Café Culture? Try Coffee (agri)Culture!

As the only place in the United States to grow, harvest, roast, and process coffee, the Hawaiian coffee farms are much more than a divine culinary experience; they are a working, breathing, cultural legacy.

Taking some of my limited vacation time to visit coffee farms was well worth the investment. It’s a rare crossroads of history, agriculture, and nature that culminates into an unparalleled connection to the people of Hawaii. Immerse yourself in the labor of love that is the lifeblood of their farms. Even if you aren’t a coffee drinker, you’ll still enjoy the visit — I know I sure did!

So What Does It Taste Like?

I wasn’t used to drinking single source coffee and was pleasantly surprised by the taste. Hawaii’s volcanic soil produces a unique neutralizing effect on the coffee’s acidity, resulting in a smooth, creamy product, lacking in bitterness.

Equally important to the process is the handpicked harvesting method which ensures only the finest beans are promoted to the roaster. Slight differences in soil composition ensure this exceptional crop has subtle regional variations. The Kona region on the Big Island is the most famous, but coffee is produced throughout the Big Island, as well as on Kauai, Molokai, Oahu, and Maui.

Coffee Tour Dos and Don’ts

When you visit a Hawaiian coffee farm, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the product. Start by taking small samples and try as many as possible — trust me, I went back for seconds and thirds! If there’s no cream or sugar on display, don’t ask for it. The staff wants you to taste their coffee in a pure, unaltered fashion.

The tours are free of charge, and it’s good form to make a small purchase at the gift shop. These are working farms, and it’s important to show your appreciation for their time and effort. It’s not appropriate to bargain like you might at a farmer’s market, but it is okay to ask if there’s a difference in price if you buy 5 or 10 pounds of one variety.

If the idea of sampling some of the finest and rarest coffee in the world hasn’t already convinced you to tour Hawaii’s coffee farms, perhaps some of these extra amenities will. Here are some of my absolute favourite destinations — farms and locations so lovely that the coffee is just the icing on the top.

Best History

If you love history as much as I do, explore Kona’s Greenwell Farms. This historic property offers a very comprehensive tour and I loved their staff’s passion and enthusiasm. Greenwell has the most generous selection of coffee samples; I tried eight different varieties! Their next door neighbour, H.N. Greenwell Store Museum, is part of the Kona Historical Society and is well worth a visit.

Best for Non-coffee Lovers

Kona Blue Sky Coffee will make non-coffee fans very happy. Their tour focuses on diverse and beautiful flowers, plants, and produce. I loved seeing so many fruit trees hidden among the lush, tropical plant life. Non-coffee lovers will also enjoy their shop where they sell macadamia nuts, Hawaiian pancake mixes, and Tahitian vanilla beans. There’s a friendly house dog on site as well!

Best Views

I could have spent all day here! If you have a modest interest in coffee and are short on time, stop by Hula Daddy Kona Coffee. The tours are basic, but their views are spectacular. I can’t remember being so relaxed as I sipped coffee samples on their deck, melting away with the gorgeous ocean views. They also have a fascinating cupping room/kitchen/laboratory you can see.

For the Purists

Holualoa Kona Coffee has a very modest tour and not much in the way of fancy finishes. But this is the real deal – just small batches of great coffee. When they replaced their old roaster with a newer model, they noticed a slight change in the coffee flavor. The old roaster got a death row reprieve and now they sell coffee from both roasters to cater to their customers’ discerning palettes. I loved their dedication to their craft.

For the Fantasy

A drop dead gorgeous house on a hill top, overlooking an endless expanse of ocean, surrounded by acres of coffee? This is a reality at Lahaina’s Maui Grown Coffee, which welcomed me to pick up a map and drive around the coffee and housing estates and imagine which plot I’d put my own house on! When I win the lottery, this is where I’m going to live. In the meantime, I recommend the Maui Mokka coffee. This tiny bean, often referred to as the champagne of coffee beans, isn’t available anywhere else in the world.

Heart and Soul

Island X Coffee roasters welcomed me into their facility and stayed late to give me a hands-on tour of their production. They are the heart and soul of their tiny community, leading an economic revival. This was my first experience meeting Hawaiian coffee growers and really set the stage for a love affair! They also grow and process one of the rarest single source cocoas in the world. Coffee AND chocolate? You’re welcome.

In Hawaii, not only can you talk with passionate locals about their craft, but you will also have the opportunity to drink a cup of java the way it was meant to be enjoyed: pure, unaltered, and farm fresh. There’s nothing like it! Just take heed — one cup might have you flying back for more!

All photos courtesy of author.

Let’s face it: being in the kitchen can be stressful. What’s even worse is when the news media and interwebs are all aflutter about what kinds of foods to eat — or not eat. Holey shmoley, kitchen friends! One of those foods is oils. What to use, when to use it, and what will not kill you slowly. How do you get to the bottom of it all? Sheesh.

I’m going to break down some favorite oils I like to use in my kitchen. Am I the authority, a nutritionist, or the final word on this? Uh, no. But I’ve spent many, MANY hours reading up on the subject with my family in “food transition” — oh, and in the kitchen trying all these things out. So, let’s break it down and make it easy to understand what oils (or other fats — yes, I said fats) you should think about using. At least then you can make a more informed decision.

Oils for Every Occasion

There is a time to cook, a time to dress a salad, and a time to bake. These all take different oils to make them work (and taste good). A least one of these might surprise you! So, what the heck should you use in the first place? Here are my top five favorites:

Nut and Seed Oils

These can be on the spendy side, but they have so many varieties! Lucky you, there are LOTS of options, flavors, and places to get them. Look in your area, or search online for artisan blends.

When to use it: Finishing (read: for flavor), i.e., corn on the cob, salads, steamed/roasted vegetables, or a twist on pestos.

What to look for: My favorites are macadamia, walnut, sesame, and hazelnut (organic, if available). Try one at a time and discover luscious, buttery flavor you never knew could come from a nut!

(Bonus tip: Replace butter with a nut oil on your corn on the cob. Delish!)

Olive Oil

Yes, it’s the food darling of the kitchen (with cute acronyms like “E-V-O-O” thrown around by celebrity chefs), and for very good reason. This oil has been used in the Mediterranean and beyond for many, many years. It’s great for your heart and has even been said to help you live longer. Oh, and it tastes good!

When to use it: Extra virgin is for flavor, i.e., cold salads or for flavor after cooking. Refined olive oil is better for cooking at high heat, or baking.

What to look for: Extra virgin, cold-press, organic is better, if available.

Note: For all of the above, we are looking for a “cold-pressed” oil. Why? Because those that aren’t use solvents to extract the oil. Um, would you like to pour solvents over your salad? I didn’t think so.

Coconut Oil

This is somewhat of a newcomer to mainstream USA. This medium chain fatty acid is great for your insides AND your outsides. Coconut oil does have a strong odor which some people aren’t accustomed to. Try a little jar, and if the flavor isn’t for you, that’s ok. Use it as a moisturizer instead, and all is not lost.

When to use it: Mostly for cooking, unless you are in love with the coconut flavor

What to look for: Extra virgin or refined (organic, if possible). The refined, or filtered, has a less strong coconut-y taste, which some people will prefer.

Ghee

If you haven’t tried ghee (pronounced with a “hard G” — “GEE”), you’re in for a treat. Ghee is a step beyond clarified butter, meaning all of the milk solids are removed through a cooking process. Why is that good? Two reasons: It keeps at room temperature for a while (read: soft), and also is able to cook at a higher temperature (those pesky milk solids can burn).

When to use it: Ghee cooks and sautés like a dream (pancakes, anyone?). Oh, and pouring melted ghee on air-popped popcorn is a transcendent experience. Go on, try it.

What to look for: “Pastured” or “grass fed.” If you can’t find it already jarred, turn to your friendly internet search to see how simple it is to make at home.

Lard

See? I told you one might surprise you. Lard has less saturated fat than butter. Yes, it’s true. Ask your grandmother how her mother made biscuits or pie crust. I bet she’ll say lard. The fat in lard is ideal for baking, giving you a light, feathery crust unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. (I like a 60/40 butter/lard ratio for sweet pies.)

When to use it: Baking or for the occasional fried chicken, if you are so inclined. (It freezes well for easier storage.)

What to look for: Pastured or humanely-raised pork. Read up on this and you’ll never want conventional pork again, trust me. What we are NOT looking for is the hydrogenated, shelf-stable bucket. That stuff WILL kill you slowly, so leave it alone. Ask your butcher if they have “rendered leaf lard,” or see if you can get some leaf lard and render it at home. It’s pretty simple to do, and most times it’s really inexpensive! Oh, and everyone will want to know your crust secret. Shhhh…

Try Something New

Many of the oils above have different temperatures they are better suited for, but in general, refined or filtered is better for higher temperature sautéing, baking, etc. Try experimenting with one from the list (I would start with that lard and make the best pie of your life), and go from there. You might be surprised!

Photo Credits: frenchbyte, CTG Publishing, Victor M. Vicente Selvas, Tom Woodward, I Believe I Can Fry, and roboppy.

As important as fresh sunscreen is, you need more than that for a fun and safe day at the beach. Having lived at the beach for many years, my family and I have had lots of time to determine what items are most necessary. The same reasons we love the beach – sand, sun and surf – are also its challenges; here is our list of items for safely and happily conquering them.

Large Beach Bag

Beach bags with lots of pockets and space to hold at least two or three large towels work best. Mesh makes it easy to shake out the sand at the end of the day, and allows contents to “breathe,” which anyone who spends time in a humid environment knows is important. Canvas or other 100% cotton models are other good choices.

The Whale Bag is one of my favorites and always comes in lots of fun color combinations.

A Lightweight Chair

Look for models that have straps or can be worn as a backpack and leave your hands free for carrying other articles. In the past, I have used and like the Land’s End backpack chairs. Most recently I’ve found chairs that are very similar in style, weight, and construction, minus a few fancy details (such as monogramming) at Costco.

Extra-long Beach Towels

Most beach towels are barely long enough to allow a child to sprawl out on, so check dimensions and look for ones that are longer. “Plush” isn’t necessarily a desirable quality, however, as towels that are thick and absorbent tend to get heavy with moisture and sand by the end of a long beach day.

Heavy Duty Beach Umbrella

A sturdy and vented beach umbrella used with an anchoring device can make the prospect of staying at the beach a bit longer much more appealing. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people using wimpy umbrellas that with the first puff of midday breeze get blown inside out. If they aren’t anchored correctly, they go tumbling down the sand – potentially much more treacherous than anything you can find in the water!

Sunglasses

Choose sunglasses for the entire family that block at least 99 percent of both UVA and UVB rays. For anyone who is particularly light sensitive, select darker shades or a pair of this year’s popular mirrored models. Be sure to get an eyeglass cord for keeping them on your face. No one wants to lose their expensive sunglasses in the ocean.

Sunscreen

For sunscreen, I take special care on my face and décolletage using products which are paraben-free and contain zinc oxide, that blend into skin relatively easily. Instead of grabbing whatever is on sale at the drugstore, in recent years, I have learned to do a quick scan on the ingredient label. I look for products that say “paraben-free” and list antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C or E, green tea, soy, or lycopene high up in the ingredient list. Supergoop and Banana Boat Natural are currently in my bag. Products formulated for babies often fit the bill. Paraben is essentially a preservative, making upscale products and those available at the health food store good bets.
A spray sunscreen is nice for chasing down family members who can’t wait to get in the water. Even though we go through sunscreen like paper towels around here, I always remind myself that in regards to health, cheapest isn’t always best.

Lip Balm

Lips are particularly sun sensitive and a good lip balm with SPF is a must. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 is a personal favorite. Never waxy, it goes on smooth and a little goes a long way. Being neither shiny, nor tinted, makes it ideal for everyone in the family and it comes in all kinds of yummy flavors, such as lemon and chamomile.

Sun Hats

Having worn sun hats for years pretty much every time I step out of the house in the summer months, they deserve much credit for staving off the signs of premature aging. Two fashionable brands with styles that include SPF sun protection are Scala and San Diego Hat Company.

Waterproofing for Electronics

These days cell phones, cameras, and e-readers on the beach are a fact of life, but when it comes to electronics, the beach is an extremely hostile environment. There are many options for protection available, from small waterproof plastic baggies, to larger dry bags that are favored by campers and professional photographers. I have found the combination of these two works well.

What are your beach must-haves? Hop on over to Facebook  and tell us.

Photo credits: Andrew Hayes, amazon.com, Margo Millure, Andrew Hayes, and alliecouture.

Swimsuits. Doesn’t the thought of that tiny little piece of summertime staple clothing just send a chill up your spine? Tugging at the cups to prevent a poolside wardrobe malfunction. Hiking up the bottoms as they weigh down with ocean water. And, my most feared, the band slip-up that has you exposed in all your glory.

Well, here is some good news: it doesn’t have to be that way. With the advent of a swimsuit that is sized like a bra, all those embarrassing mishaps can go right out the window.

Top It All Off

To explain what I mean when I say, “sized like a bra” — well, that is exactly what these are. Most styles will have a band that starts at a 30 and goes to 38, and the cups will run anywhere from D through H. The bonus of these swimsuits, too, is that they fit much easier than a bra. The swimsuit fabric has a lot more stretch than that of a bra, so coverage is a little easier to achieve.

My two favorite brands that offer true bra-sized swimwear are Freya and Fantasie. Let’s start with Freya.

Freya works in brilliantly colored fabrics with unique and somewhat funky prints. Their bikini tops are either a sweetheart or a halter plunge style. They also offer a variety of tankini styles that run slightly shorter at the waist.

My winner for the 2013 season from them would be “Hello Sailor,” a nautical inspired white stripe and polka dot on a blue lagoon background, all accented with a red bow in just the proper place. What I like about this swimsuit set is the padded sweetheart bikini top, which has ample coverage so a game of beach volleyball won’t have you running for a cover up. The cup is slightly lined so unexpected cold water won’t be an issue, either. My favorite pairing for this top is the ‘50s style retro short, which provides just the right coverage and look great on a variety of body types.

Fantasie, I always describe as the older sister to Freya. Fantasie tankini tops tend to run a little longer through the waist and usually will sit at about the hip. Their bikini tops are available in a variety of styles including full coverage and bandeau. Although still available in wonderful colors and prints, they are a little more subtle than Freya.

The best seller from Fantasie this season would have to be the “Guadeloupe” Twist Front Tankini in Radiant Orchid. The top is a full coverage top that has an ingenious pull string side that can be tightened to give a shorter profile, which makes this the perfect suit for a long or short torso. With two full coverage bottom options, it is certainly a suit you will feel comfortable wearing.

Bottoms Up

Speaking of bottoms, there is a secret to getting the best fit with your swimsuit bottoms, too. One simple rule: don’t go too big!

First, don’t go too big with coverage. If you have a shorter, fuller leg, you will generally look better with a tap side or side tie bottom. A short style or skirted bottom will actually make your legs look shorter, but a tab side or side tie will set higher up on your leg and give the illusion of more length since more is exposed.

Second, size. Don’t think an extra-large will provide better coverage than a large. If you go too big in size, once the bottoms get heavy with water they will just slide down and become baggy. You want the bottoms to fit snugly against your derriere and for the fabric to lay nice and flat.

As you know, Memorial Day marked the beginning of swimsuit season — so happy shopping. And remember: don’t be so super critical in the dressing room; swimsuits should always be both fun and comfortable. There are two easy steps to get the perfect bikini body: get a bikini, and put it on your body. Enjoy the summer!

Photo credits: Jannes Pockele, freyalingerie.com, and fantasie.com.

If you haven’t noticed, there is a Washi Tape obsession happening at the moment.  Haven’t come across it yet? Washi Tape is a colorful Japanese paper tape being used for crafting. It’s light and almost transparent, similar to masking tape. You can stick it to something and it will easily peel off without leaving any residue or marks.

It can be used in a variety of fun ways. I’ve seen it used in scrapbooking, decorating items such as glass jars and clothespins or being used to create cupcake toppers and jewellery.

You shouldn’t have much trouble finding a shop that sells it online. Cute Tape has a nice selection, and ships free in the US (plus options to ship internationally). I was inspired by Kira’s DIY Washi Tape Keyboard on Her New Leaf and decided to give it my own spin as a nice addition to Krista’s A Bit of Flair for Your Office.

Rather than decorating every key, I chose to put highlights on about a third of the keys. I had a mix of four tapes, two patterned and two solid shades, but you could use any variation of this. I think the solid colors give a nice balance to the patterned tapes.

Start by wiping your keys clean with a rubbing alcohol or wet wipe. It will help the Washi Tape stick and stay longer.

The tape is the perfect width for most of the keys. I found it tough to tape the top row and arrow keys and chose to exclude those.

I matched and stuck the tape to the key, and then cut the end with scissors. It is okay to have a bit of excess tape on the edge. This can be wrapped around, and smoothed down to stick to the side of the key. I used an exacto cutting knife to help smooth the edges as well. You could try using a stencil to be more precise with the length, but I found it was more work than it was worth.

The best part is that if you mess up, cut the tape unevenly or place it off-center, it’s okay. You just lift it up and try again. I had a few keys I chose to re-tape.

You might look at placing some type of clear keyboard protector over the keys when finished to help preserve your work. For me, it didn’t matter as much because I plan on changing up the pattern later. I think I might buy some new patterns and give my keys a makeover when they start to wear out.

The keys on the MacBook and most other laptops light up and can be seen through the tape. It’s a nice way to brighten up your every day work life with a bit of color. Have fun creating your own style with the Washi Tape keyboard.

All photos by author.

I took another sip of wine. Shadows of orange and banana trees stretched across the Spanish Garden Inn’s courtyard. Far above, doves cooed and rustled in the palm thatch.

In search of an anniversary destination out from under the hem of Seattle’s blanket of clouds, my husband and I had swiped down a map of the West Coast. A hundred miles from Los Angeles on a stretch of south-facing coast, we found Santa Barbara.

There, at the foot of a jagged range of bobcat-colored hills, Spanish missionaries established a mission in 1786. The United States claimed California sixty years later, but the city never lost its Spanish flavor. When a disastrous 1925 earthquake nearly leveled the town, the residents determined to rebuild in a style befitting their heritage. The result is a charmingly harmonious cityscape in which everything from Nordstrom to the County Courthouse is tucked into cream-colored buildings with red-tiled roofs. It looked like the perfect spot for a romantic weekend.

A Perfect Place to Stay

Hidden in a thicket of bougainvillea and birds-of-paradise a few blocks from Santa Barbara’s historic center, The Spanish Garden Inn lived up to the reviews that had enticed us to book. Our suite had a palm-shaded terrace overlooking the pool, a fireplace, and a deep soaking tub. Wi-fi, parking, and breakfast in a light-flooded room were included, as were nightly cookies and twice-daily room service. The breakfast room converted to a wine bar in the afternoons, offering chances to taste the bounty of the nearby Santa Ynez Valley’s vineyards.

The hotel was an easy walk past some of Santa Barbara’s original Spanish adobe buildings to the shops and restaurants of State Street. The early nineteenth century Presidio of Santa Barbara sits across from today’s civic center, and both seem architecturally comfortable with each other. State Street itself is lively with college students and visitors who fill a good mix of local boutiques, pubs, and national chains.

We strolled down State Street past cascades of bougainvillea in crayon colors to the historic Stearns Wharf. Walking the rough timbers to the pier’s end, past the fish restaurants and the roosting pelicans, we turned in circles looking from the mountains to the sea. A nearby path climbed a cliff with vistas of the uninhabited Channel Islands and stairs to an uncrowded white beach. The view was punctuated by distant dots of offshore oil rigs, a strange and slightly surreal necklace strung the length of the Santa Barbara Channel.

Delicious Things to Eat

Since our arrival, we’d been searching through Santa Barbara’s ample restaurant listings for a suitably romantic anniversary dinner venue. We settled on Bouchon Bistro. Located just beyond the bustle of State Street, Bouchon has an extensive list of local wines by the glass and a menu of refined wine country cuisine in a quiet but friendly and unstuffy atmosphere. Alerted to the occasion, the staff had scattered rose petals on our tablecloth. We nibbled on sautéed mushrooms in Chardonnay emulsion and herb-crusted yellowfin tuna with chorizo before walking hand-in-hand back to the hotel.

Dining well in Santa Barbara is not all goat cheese foraged greens, however. When the first European explorers arrived they found the indigenous Chumash seaside village so friendly and boisterous they had to move inland to get some sleep. Today, The Santa Barbara Brewhouse sits on that very site, carrying on the tradition of cheerful bustle in the shadow of an immense Moreton Bay fig tree. Along with other pubs along State Street, the Brewhouse upholds the excellent and innovative local craft beer scene. We were so enamored of the chocolatey yet tangy Casey’s Black IPA that we felt obligated to visit the pub twice just to make sure it was as good as we remembered.

We were not the only ones with a warm spot in our hearts for Santa Barbara’s less formal restaurants. The great cook and writer Julia Child catapulted La Super Rica Taqueria to national prominence by praising it on a television show. What was it about the humble Mexican restaurant in a weathered building on Milpas Street that attracted the attention of the author of “Mastering the Art of French Cooking”? We joined the line one afternoon to find out. Inside, we found a woman making tortillas by hand and stuffing them with an array of fillings. We ordered the most expensive thing on the menu, the “Especial,” and were hard-pressed to spend $20 for two, including beer and hibiscus-infused agua fresca. We sat under a plastic tent in the restaurant’s courtyard and devoured warm corn tortillas filled with an earthy mix of roasted chiles, dissolvingly tender marinated pork, and sharp cheese.

Beautiful Things to See

Fortunately for our waistlines, Santa Barbara appeals equally to senses beyond taste. We wandered the Botanic Garden amid a staccato symphony of birds flitting among the live oak branches. On the way back, we stopped at Mission Santa Barbara. It was easy to imagine the Franciscan friars going about their duties 200 years ago among the cream-colored buildings with their cool, dark timbered interiors, perhaps pausing as we did to breathe in the scent of the church’s tranquil courtyard rose garden.

The shadows slanted further across the Spanish Garden’s courtyard. The fountain murmured softly. Tomorrow, we were flying home. We sipped the last of the liquid sunlight in our glasses and thought of the bottles lovingly bubble-wrapped in our suitcases.

“Next anniversary?” I said to my husband.

“Santa Barbara, of course,” he answered.

All photos are courtesy of the author.

Do you want to take control of your clutter? Master your messiness? Rule the unruly? If you want to be an organizational queen, it’s time to become a DIY Diva.

And forget about spending hours of time trying to clear out your junk drawer only for it to get messy again three days later. Nope, these organizational projects are quick and easy fixes that will actually last.

Here are four problem areas and how to give them an organizational make-over.

The Rats’ Nest of Cables Behind Your Desk

Problem: You know that big tangle of cords and cables from your various electronic devices? Not only is this wire nightmare incredibly ugly, but it is also impossible to unplug the device you need without getting lost in the maze of cables; when you try to pull anything out, they all just get more tangled.

Solution: With a few extra kitchen items you can organize your cables once and never have to do it again! Start saving the twist ties and plastic tabs from old bread items — you know, the plastic thingy that keeps your bread bag from imploding.

Once and for all, sit down and sort all of your cables. On each bread tab write the name of your device and put them on the end of each cord. This way you know exactly which cord is attached to your devices. Lastly, gather the cords together and use the twist ties every foot or so along the bottom of the wall. This helps them not get wrapped around stray chair legs, themselves, or your foot when you walk by.

Key Confusion

Problem: My husband and I constantly get our keys mixed up. We also have a thousand keys to shelves, storage units, diaries, and who knows what else, lying around our house. We tried to put them on key rings and we tried those little plastic shell cases, but they always fell off or were just plain ugly. There is a prettier way!

Solution: Paint your keys like they are your nails! We all have such beautiful nail polish, why should we only use it on our nails? You can differentiate your keys by color-coding them with your favorite nail polish colors. Just lay your keys on a flat surface and apply a thick coat of a different hue to the top of each key. You can do this with copies you give out or hide in the garden so you don’t confuse which key goes where.

Bobby Pin Nightmare

Problem: Sometimes it feels like bobby pins spontaneously materialize out of thin air and invade every small crevice of my purse, apartment, and bathroom drawers. Do you either lose your bobby pins or find them in annoying places all the time? You are not alone.

Solution: Did you know that bobby pins and magnetic strips are soul mates? They have instant attraction! You can get a magnetic strip or magnetic tape at any local hardware store. Then put it up on the inside of your medicine cabinet, shelf, or makeup table. The bobby pins will stick to the strip and be ready when you next need them!

Hanger Heaven

Problem: Your closet is sacred space; not only do you need to optimize every inch, but you also want it to be easy to get in and out of for those woke-up-too-late mornings. How can you make the closet your heaven? It all starts with some handy hanger tips.

Solution: First, make sure that your hangers slide easily. Before learning this tip, my hangers used to be impossible to slide around and made this awful nails on the chalkboard sound. To solve this, just rub your clothes bar with wax paper and they will begin to slide perfectly.

Then, start saving the hangers with the little plastic size tabs on top. These are actually great organizers. Simply cover the size label with your own handwritten labels like “shirts,” “skirts,” “dresses,” and “jackets” and use them as dividers in your closet.

I hope these DIY tips will give you some great ideas for upcoming weekend activities. Even if it takes a little time upfront, your bobby pins, hangers, keys, and cords will thank you!

Photo Credits:  dieraecherin, kconnors, Morrhigan, and pentacs.

When the temperatures start to rise and we pack away the jackets and long sleeves, we also replace our warm, winter drinks with summer thirst quenchers. Here are some refreshing cold counterparts to our favorite hot beverages.

Cold-brewed Coffee

Cold-brewed coffee (also called toddy coffee) is new to me, but I’m hooked. As a fan of iced coffee, the rich flavor and lower acidity of cold-brewed coffee makes it a better option over double strength, hot-brewed coffee. The downside is that it takes 12 hours to brew, but the depth of flavor extracted from the bean makes it worth the wait.

To get started, you’ll need a cold-brew coffee maker and coursely ground coffee beans. Generally speaking, you’ll want to mix one part coffee to three parts water and ice; however, I make it with one part coffee, one part water, and one part coconut milk, adding stevia to sweeten. You can add flavored syrup, half-and-half, or soy milk, and sweeten to your own preference.

Adult Version: Add Bailey’s Irish Cream to turn your iced coffee into summer’s merry-making elixir.

Iced Tea

Living in the South, sweet tea is as common as water, and when summer ramps up, good, old-fashioned iced tea is my first choice for a refreshing beverage. Whether you make sun tea in a glass jar on your back porch or brew it with an iced-tea maker, there are many variations to consider.

If you want more variety than a simple wedge of lemon, consider infusing your next pitcher with strawberries, raspberries, or mint leaves for extra flavor. Another option is to add a splash of your favorite flavored syrup; I use sugar-free vanilla.

Adult Version: Add a fruity kick to your iced tea with one (or two) ounces of peach schnapps per glass — this is my favorite poolside sipper. Or if you prefer something a bit stronger, try it with your favorite whiskey or vodka.

Frozen Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate doubles as a comfort beverage when it seems winter will never end, but sometimes we need comfort when it’s hot outside, too. Frozen hot chocolate satisfies on those days when only the comfort of chocolate will do.

For a quick and easy option, toss 1 cup of milk in a blender with 1 cup of hot chocolate mix and 1 cup of ice. Blend and serve. You can also whisk the same amounts of milk and chocolate mix, then pour it over ice with a handful of mini marshmallows on top for hot chocolate on the rocks.

For something more rich and delicious, melt 2 ounces of milk chocolate chips and ¼ cup Nutella with a packet of your favorite powdered hot chocolate mix — either in the microwave or on the stove in a double boiler. Add 1-1/2 cups of milk and stir until smooth. Blend the mixture with 2 cups ice until it becomes thick and creamy. Don’t forget the whipped cream on top.

Adult Version: In a cocktail shaker, mix 1 cup of milk, 6 ice cubes, and a packet of hot chocolate with 1 ounce of whipped cream vodka. Shake until frothy and enjoy a comforting after-dinner delight.

Iced Chai

If chai is your usual choice, whip up an iced version by using a store-bought pre-made mix, or steep chai tea bags to make your own concentrate. I’m not a regular chai drinker, so I use the pre-made mix when I’m in the mood for it.

Mix one part chai tea with one part milk and pour over ice. Super fast and easy. The ice will dilute it some, so you may prefer more chai concentrate, but be sure to add a sprinkle of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Or, you can forgo the milk and mix equal parts of lemonade and chai for a citrus twist.

Adult Version: For a spiked version, rum and bourbon mix well with chai. I prefer the chai mixed with almond milk over ice with 1 ounce spiced rum, but feel free to experiment with your own variation.

Iced Cider

Spiced apple cider may be synonymous with fall, but it’s another tasty drink that makes the seasonal switch without a hiccup. Certainly, pour apple cider over ice, but don’t stop there. Squeeze the juice from half an orange into your glass for a refreshing citrus blend. Or add a splash of cranberry juice for a subtle tart hint.

Adult Version: Hard cider is a popular beer alternative for those who are gluten-free as well as those who simply enjoy a carbonated apple drink with low alcohol content. Another alternative is to mix your non-alcoholic, cold apple cider with 1 ounce of cinnamon schnapps, 1 ounce of dark rum, and 2 ice cubes for a cold cocktail that will warm your insides.

Now, go chill out!

Photo Credits: Elizabeth Thomsen, red_fred, kawaiikiri, dixieroadrash and Renée Suen.

I’d always preferred my berries fresh, until I the day I bit into a succulent roasted strawberry. It was a revelation: The tartness of the fresh strawberry had disappeared and in its place was a wine-rich depth of flavor that at once mellowed and intensified. I was smitten.

I still love fresh strawberries, especially those picked in the wild or from the garden still warm from the sun, but I now have a soft spot for the roasted variety. They’re especially compelling on cool spring or summer nights when a storm rolls in.

Let Me Count the Ways…

I not only fancy roasted strawberries for their flavor and melting texture, but I also like them for their versatility.

They are brilliant roasted with fresh lemon zest, and are even better with fresh lime zest. I also like stirring in a bit of balsamic vinegar with a few sprinkles of black pepper or lemon pepper, or mixing in different sweeteners like real maple syrup or organic honey. I always use salted butter, loving that little bit of saltiness on my tongue that further enhances the flavor of the berries.

Roasted strawberries are delicious eaten all by themselves, but they take dishes that are normally the domain of fresh strawberries to a whole new level.

They’re great stirred into yogurt and creamy semolina porridge or scattered over thick slices of French toast or crispy hot waffles. They elevate your morning toast when combined with a thick smear of fresh goat cheese, and a lunch time spinach salad becomes a thing of beauty and richness by adding creamy Chevre, toasted almonds or pine nuts, and the jewel-like roasted strawberries.

They go marvelously over vanilla ice cream, especially with a drizzle of bittersweet chocolate sauce, and become the simplest of desserts with a few dollops of thick cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon.

Luxury at Tea Time

Although all of those are scrumptious options, my favorite way to use roasted strawberries is in a cream tea. Today, I indulged this craving by making lemon vanilla scones, which I halved, mounded with freshly whipped cream, and topped with lavish amounts of berries.

It was a blissful interlude on a busy day.

All photos by Krista Bjorn, except lead photo by saaleha.

Although a great number of people love herbs for their different uses (flavoring food, perfumes for home and body, decoration, and to cure illness), most homes do not have herb gardens. This is a problem I seek to fix, for growing an herb garden is a simple pleasure that can grace the inside or outside of your home.

Gather Your Supplies

So let’s get down to it. The first thing you are going to want to do when you plant an herb garden, which can be both inside and outside your house, is to pick the vessel that will hold your herbs. Since I live in Pennsylvania, I need to be able to bring the herbs in during the winter and also during large storms, so for my own garden, I chose a large wooden box that my grandfather had stored in his garage.

The vessel that you choose should be large enough to fit the basic herbs, fit the space that you have designated, and fit your personal taste. If you are going to keep the herbs in your kitchen for easy access, a medium clay planter is a good idea.

Once you have decided on your vessel, you will need to acquire the right potting soil for your plants. This can be done by going to your local garden mart or nursery and asking the man covered in dirt if he can help you find potting soil. At this point, he will point out to you the different types of soil and help you pick the one that is right for you. I will tell you right now that the price of the soil does not matter; you just need one that is good for growing vegetables.

While you are purchasing your soil, this is also a good time to get your herbs. Take your time and walk around the garden center and start looking through the selection of herbs that they have. Now, there are a few good starter herbs that I planted in my garden; however if you know you would like to grow an herb that I have not selected or you happen to hate parsley, by all means, change up what you are planting. This garden is for you.

I would recommend that you pick one of each of the following herbs: parsley, basil, chive, dill, oregano, sage, rosemary, and thyme. I picked these herbs because they are great for cooking with and basil and sage are very pretty, decorative herbs.

Once you have acquired the herbs and potting soil, make your way home, (maybe stop for some coffee on your way) and let’s get to planting.

Planting Your Herbs

Planting is best done outside, but if you don’t have that option, take a large trash bag, lay it out on a table or the ground, and put your materials on top of it. Fill your potting vessel with the soil, leaving 1 ½ to 2 inches of space between the top of the pot and the soil. The reason that you are doing this is that some herbs spread faster than others over the side and through your garden; if you leave space, it allows you time to trim back and contain the herbs.

Pack down the soil lightly. Take your herbs from their little cartons, and place them on the soil. Look at your arrangement and make sure to leave a hand space between the herbs; remember that the herbs will spread out. Once you have the arrangement that you would like, dig a small hole large enough to fit each herb’s root bundle in the potting soil. Then carefully break apart the roots and place the herb in the hole. Add soil around the herb as you pat it down in the hole. Repeat these steps for each herb.

When you are done, place the herbs in sunlight — either on a sunny windowsill inside or outdoors on your porch — and give them some water. And that’s it.

Caring for Your Garden

You will need to read the watering directions on your herbs, but for the most part, you are going to want to water the herbs every other day or every day, depending on the climate you are in. You can also consult the garden mart or nursery when you buy your plants.

Well, now you have your own herb garden with its perpetual foliage and season-long colors. Take this opportunity to look on your hard work and smile. You have done something that will have lasting effect and blessing on your cooking.

Now, have a drink and take a nap! You’re done.

All photos by Carrie J. Keplinger

Sometimes, fashion can make you literally stop in your tracks and look. And when I first saw these high heel shoes – the first shoes that were made by the support of a 3D printer – I couldn’t get my head around them. They’re so… funky… and fabulous.

Designer Julian Hakes describes them as the first “digital to physical to catwalk shoe.” Of course, a former architect turned fashion designer comes up with this. We need more cross-industry innovation like this!

Beyond the 3D uniqueness, this shoe has a few other unusual features. It is the first “soleless” shoe to support your foot without actually having a sole. It’s also made a polycarbonate material that is used to make aircraft parts, meaning they’ll last a long time.

They’ll be available in July at both Aberrant Sole and CityBlis. Will you be getting a pair? Jump over to Facebook and weigh in on the conversation.

All photos courtesy of Tyson Sadlo, London/Milan

Nothing is more romantic than sipping a chilled glass of Chardonnay while overlooking a lush valley of vines and palms. Are you thinking of a vacation in Napa Valley? Think again! The Chilean wine-growing region of the Colchagua Valley is the South American Napa — but with even more treasures yet to be discovered.

How to Get There

The long, thin country of Chile looks a lot like an upside down California and has the same amazing climate and soil for growing grapes. The Colchagua Valley is about two hours south of the capital city of Santiago and is nestled about halfway between Chile’s cool Andes Mountains and the piercingly blue Pacific Ocean.

It is easy to rent a car in Santiago and drive down the Pan-American Highway, or you can hop on one of Chile’s many bus wine tours; Ruta Del Vino Wine Tours and EcoTours are good choices.

What to Drink

It is easy to do your own self-guided wine tour, but the biggest problem you will have is trying to choose from all of the options. Here are some favorites:

The Viña MontGras winery is centered around a large Chilean-style villa where guests can do tastings, spend the night, or take a tour of the vineyards. Their tasting rivals the best of Napa Valley and consists of fresh appetizers paired with four MontGras wines that are sipped while sitting on the veranda overlooking the grapes. Their Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2009 is a real treat with currant, fruit, and vanilla notes.

The wines from Viña Estampa are particularly noteworthy, especially their new 2012 Del Viento Sauvignon Blanc, which has a juicy palate of pink grapefruit and passion fruit. You can partake in an Estampa tasting in the barrel-lined tasting room or take your glass out onto the large patio to drink overlooking the vines.

At Laura Hartwig’s boutique winery you can do a horse-drawn carriage ride around the vineyards and end your journey sipping a rare Laura Hartwig Carménère Reserva wine. Chile is known for its Carménère; it is one of the only countries that can still produce it after the phylloxera vine pest destroyed most of the world’s Carménère crops in the 1860s.

Where to Eat

In between tastings, there are a few great restaurants in the Colchagua Valley that can satisfy even the most particular foodie.

Viña Montes’ Café Alfredo is a charming little restaurant that serves fresh salads, grilled sandwiches, and a small selection of entrees. The best part of the dining experience at Café Alfredo is that you can do it on their large patio surrounded by vines, blooming trees, and local artwork. Be sure to stop in for a tasting on your way out!

It is hard to find authentic Italian food outside of Italy, but family-owned Vino Bello has made the cut. Nestled in the vines of Laura Hartwig’s winery, Vino Bello’s outdoor patio and courtyard seating encourage luxurious three-hour lunches and sumptuous pasta-filled dinners. If you are a meat eater, their Osso Bucco is mouth-watering and goes perfectly with a bold red wine from the surrounding valley.

Peruvian restaurant La Casita de Barreales serves up dishes packed with flavor and loaded with culture. Their Aji de Gallina — a famous Peruvian dish of chicken, garlic, and cream will leave you satisfied and wanting to visit Peru.

What to See

There are tons of sites to visit in the Colchagua Valley mainly centered around the charming town of Santa Cruz, Chile. Driving through the valley is a wonder itself — the lush hills, numerous vineyards, and groves of olive trees make you think you are in California one minute and Italy the next.

In the heart of the small town of Santa Cru,z you will find a delightful little plaza surrounded by artisan shops, a large church, and a few small museums. Take a stroll through the town and be sure to visit the Colchagua Museum, which has some unique Chilean artifacts from both mining and wine.

The Viu Manent Winery has horseback riding, wine tastings, a café, and a fine dining restaurant, so there is no shortage of things to see and do on the property. If you are lucky enough to go to Chile during harvest (their autumn, our spring) you can horseback ride through the vineyards as the grapes are being hand-picked.

Las Ninas winery is run by nine French women and has expansive grounds filled with grapes, olive trees, and a flock of geese. If you visit Las Ninas, they will give you a hiking map of the property where you can walk along the edges of the hills overlooking the vineyard.

Where to Sleep

Even though Santa Cruz is a small town, there are quite a few places to stay. Here are a few great options in different price ranges:

The Terra Viña, bed and breakfast hotel, is a hidden gem. Located right outside of Santa Cruz in the middle of a vineyard, this hotel has 19 charming rooms overlooking surrounding wine country.

If you want to splurge, Lapostolle is the luxury hotel in the Colchagua Valley, ranging from $500 to $1,000 per night depending on the time of year. Their winery, gourmet restaurant, and grounds are breathtaking, if you can afford the nightly rate.

Hotel Santa Cruz is located right in the center of town and has easy access to restaurants and the casino. Its charismatic old building makes you feel like you have stepped into Chile in the 1850s!

Making a trip down to Chile’s Colchagua Valley will be a trip wine lovers will never forget. From the boutique wineries to the gourmet meals, this trip is a connoisseur’s paradise.

Photos are courtesy of the author except 2nd photo by Lourdes Cardenal.

June is always an interesting month. It feels like all the seasons wrapped up into one: dark and cold one day, warm and sunny the next. The tease of summer leaves us all daydreaming about how we are going to spend the months ahead. From barbecuing to boating, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the warmer weather, but none as wonderful as an outdoor picnic.

Whether you’re a planner or a last-minute picnicker, here are ten easy upgrades to make you look like a picnic all-star this summer!

Cutlery Pockets

The easiest way to make plastic utensils feel fun and fancy – package them up with desired seasoning packets, cute patterned napkins, and paper straws for each picnicker. I love the ones I found at Garnish– practical and absolutely adorable.

Homemade Condiments

For the perfect finishing touch on your meal, your friends will be thoroughly impressed when you take homemade condiments out of your picnic basket. From ketchup to mustard and pickles, fresh condiments truly make a picnic feel special.

Wrap It Up

If you are a sandwich picnicker, tie up your go-to sandwiches in parchment paper and string. Because everything wrapped in a bow screams, “Open me! I’m fabulous!” not only will it help hold the sandwich together, but it looks a touch romantic.

Using Jars

Instead of using plastic tupperware or ziplocks, package your picnic meal — from potato salad to coleslaw — in individual canning jars. That way you don’t have to worry about assembling on-site and dealing with plates!

Picnic on a Stick

Similar to jars, try pre-packaging your picnic food on a kebab stick. No mess, no cutting, no plates! Separate fruit, veggies, and meats, or string them all together for a unique approach to picnic finger food.

Get Your Grill On

We often think about barbecuing hot dogs or hamburgers in the summer. They’re an easy way to feed a crowd, but not very original. If you’re looking for a simple way to upgrade these classics, pick up salmon patties instead of beef for a delicious (and healthier) alternative to the classic burger.

And to upgrade your hot dog, try grilling peppers and onions together to top off your normal sausage recipe. It’ll give an extra kick to this classic! Plus, you can pre-cook the pepper and onion recipe for extra convenience.

Think Beyond Meat

Or, forgo the meat all together (why is it that we always associate grilling with meat?). Fruit and vegetables are great on the grill as well, and will add a pretty touch to your picnic spread. Try grilling pineapple, peaches, colorful peppers, asparagus, or your own favorite fruits and veggies.

Cheese Plate

If you don’t have a lot of prep time, skip the PB&J sandwiches and instead opt to throw together a cheese plate with fruit and a fresh baguette. No one will know it took you all of five minutes; it’s a no-cook meal that will leave your friends impressed (and satisfied!).

Melon Punch Bowl

Believe me, I know that sometimes picnics come together last minute. You don’t always have time to make everything from scratch. But even store-bought beverages look extra special served in a hollowed-out melon. Try it with your favorite beverage, from punch to lemonade — or even a spiked beverage for a grown up picnic!

Individual Pies

One of my favorite dessert “tricks,” your picnic-mates will swoon over these individually made pies in jars. Bonus: These jars are way easier to transport than a traditional pie – and you won’t have to worry about leftovers!

So there you have it: ten easy picnic upgrades. Happy Summer!

Photo Credits: Jeremy Noble, French Tart, David Reber and author.