I call it serendipitous when I saw persimmons hanging like on a clothes line at Folktale Winery in Carmel Valley last week. The timing was too coincidental as I had just been chatting with my friend Lakshmi a few days earlier about this drying technique, when she was sharing with me about a friend of hers who dried persimmons on a clothes line the Japanese way.
Continue reading Hoshigaki – The Japanese Art of Drying PersimmonsTag Archives: artisanal
Granville Island, Vancouver. British Columbia, Canada
Granville Island was an artisanal find in Vancouver for us. We found out about this creative place from our friends John and Lorraine and their kids Meghan and Mathew with whom we had dinner the night before while vacationing in Vancouver this summer.
Continue reading Granville Island, Vancouver. British Columbia, Canada
Visit to a Goat Farm in Pescadero, California
The twins were turning 10, and this was one of those times when I just didn’t want to plan and organize yet another kids birthday party. I really wanted to something more low-key, fun with the family, and memorable. Continue reading Visit to a Goat Farm in Pescadero, California
How to Make Artisanal Soap
In my previous article on Artisanal Soaps I mentioned that I have a friend Rose M. who makes her own homemade artisanal soaps. To get a better understanding of how these soaps are made I asked Rose to share with me the process of how she makes her soaps. I was blown away at the instructions. It’s not a quick “let’s make soap” type of project. Making artisanal soaps take time, effort and precision.
Artisanal Soaps. Aromatherapy in the Shower
Want to feel like you just walked in a field of lavender? Or went for a hike in a pine forest? How about a feeling of spiritual sandalwood to bring a sense of calm? Want to take the ordinary task of bathing and turn it into something extraordinary? Try using artisanal soaps in the shower. These hand made all-natural soaps will transform any shower into a spa-like experience. Continue reading Artisanal Soaps. Aromatherapy in the Shower
Bianco: A Parisian Boutique in Los Gatos, California
Do you long to step into a charming boutique in France? But not sure when you will get a chance to go there? Get transported to another world, to France to be specific, just by stepping into this charming Parisian style boutique, right here in Los Gatos, California. Continue reading Bianco: A Parisian Boutique in Los Gatos, California
Bert’s Bites Chunky Snack Granola
Bert’s Bites Chunky Snack Granola is a delectable and decadent granola that I discovered recently. I know, somehow the words decadent and granola don’t seem to belong in the same sentence to describe a healthy snack like granola. Continue reading Bert’s Bites Chunky Snack Granola
Rani’s Goat Cheese, Apple & Honey on Cracker
Such a fresh and delectable appetizer that’s sweet, tangy, and creamy and all on your favorite cracker. Give this creamy goat cheese and apple appetizer a try.
Continue reading Rani’s Goat Cheese, Apple & Honey on Cracker
A Scenic Drive to Bolinas Lagoon. Marin County, California
Sometimes you just want to get in the car and go on a drive and enjoy the open-road. You know what I mean? Especially after a rough week, it’s a great feeling to get away from all the noise and be out in nature. Once in a while I love doing this. Take a drive on a panoramic road where the destination is not something touristy, but rather something more simple; it could be just to check out a farm-stand, or to stop by a special nursery, or in this case, to see a few grey and white seals. Continue reading A Scenic Drive to Bolinas Lagoon. Marin County, California
Visit to the Kazuri Bead Factory in Nairobi, Kenya
Every time we travel to Kenya to visit Hitesh’s family, I would stop by the Kazuri boutique in Nairobi and pick up a bracelet. I have been buying Kazuri bead jewelry for over two decades now, and even today, when I wear those bracelets I get compliments on them. They are timeless pieces. Continue reading Visit to the Kazuri Bead Factory in Nairobi, Kenya