I never dreamed I would find myself traveling to Modena, Italy. For years I longed to visit other parts of Italy. I wasn’t really sure where. I knew I was attracted to the wine country. I had family which originated along the coast from decades gone by. The area of Emilia-Romagna had never previously been …
Cycads are easy to take care of, fun to look at, and will surely add interest to your backyard landscape. Over two hundred million years ago, cycads could be found in every continent and made up about 20% of the world’s plants. Because they are so ancient, they are known as “living fossils.” These mighty …
Discover the magic of hiking Colorado Springs with this guide to the area’s most epic trails. From the geological wonders that await at Garden of the Gods to the strenuous climb of the Manitou Incline, these trails showcase the best of Colorado Springs’ natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking serene walks through lush forests or challenging …
The Liquidambar styraciflua, or Sweetgum tree, is a beautiful tree that comes with a few notable downsides. Keep reading to determine whether one of these trees is right for your yard. You can recognize this tree by its five-pointed, star-shaped leaves and green or brown fruit balls. The sweetgum tree produces a full canopy in …
Learn how to care for olive trees and turn them into a lovely, unique feature in your garden landscape that’s sure to catch the eye and spark conversation. Olive trees are not only beautiful, but they’re also perfect for adding a touch of charm and Mediterranean flair to your Californian garden. Olive trees are versatile, …
My first authentic Pisco Sour cocktail was hand-crafted for me by my very dear Chilean friend, Jorge, during one of my trips to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I had tried them afterwards in bars, but they simply did not compare to a Pisco Sour created by someone who learned from an authentic region. Jorge has fine-tuned his craft …
This seasonal California Style Aperitivo takes all of the goodness of the traditional Northern Italian Aperitivo and adds a local farm-to-table twist. This plate is full of fresh, local ingredients and is perfect for small gatherings with LOTS of wine and excellent conversation. An aperitivo is a pre-dinner drink and light fare meant to whet …
Two camphor trees grow on my block, and I love them from a safe distance. They are massive, fragrant, green year-round, and absolutely stunning shade trees. They are also vigorous growers, prolific seeders, and capable of cracking a sidewalk in half. The camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) is that kind of tree. Beautiful and complicated. This …
This vibrantly layered Irish whiskey cocktail celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day in all of its glory. Paying homage to the famous Irish playwright and poet Oscar Wilde, several of these spirit forward cocktails will have you spouting prose into your drinking glass. “I can resist everything except temptation!” Much like the nuances of Oscar Wilde’s flamboyant …
Happy Paddy’s Manhattan is a spectacular modern remake of the classic Manhattan cocktail using Irish Whiskey as the base. Best served as an aperitif or evening cocktail, this Manhattan derivative will inspire thoughts of a magical Irish journey. Allow each sip of absinthe and chartreuse to take turns dancing Irish jigs on your taste-buds. As …