I write about the things I actually spend my time on: home projects that never go as planned, food worth traveling for, and figuring out which plants will survive my Northern California garden. When I'm not writing, I'm probably on a paddle board (I race competitively), exploring a new city for the food scene, or reminding people that I've raced both camels and ostriches and won both. All true. MK Library is where I share what I've learned the hard way, from real costs and real mistakes to the occasional thing that actually worked on the first try.
Mushroom foraging for morels is far from glamorous. After a day spent traipsing through the woods, my pockets may have been filled with mushrooms, but my bare feet held together a displeasing combination of bear scat and red dirt. The area around Mount Shasta had received plenty of rain during springtime and was primed for …
Discover the best breakfast in Sacramento, where every morning offers a culinary adventure suited for every palate. Whether you’re a local resident or a traveler eager to taste the best of the city, Sacramento’s vibrant breakfast scene is a delightful blend of locally sourced farm-to-fork dishes and classic greasy spoon comfort foods. These restaurants, often …
The Banana Old Fashioned cocktail is a sleeper of a beverage. I’ve made this for several friends now, who’ve turned up noses at the banana and ended up asking for more. A beautiful old-fashioned variation, this is one worthy of printing out and keeping on deck. This particular banana old-fashioned is really easy to make. …
In this episode of Spark Chasers, Michael Kahn engages in a fascinating conversation with Chris Glab, the innovative mind behind Wildbrine and the Chief Innovation Officer at Bubbies Fine Foods and Fermented Food Holdings. Recorded at the bustling Natural Products Expo West, this dialogue delves into the intricate world of fermentation and food cultures, showcasing …
Badwater Basin, nestled in the heart of Death Valley National Park in Inyo County, California, holds the title as the lowest point in both North America and the United States, plunging 282 feet below sea level. Remarkably, it lies a mere 84.6 miles from Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, showcasing …
I spent a few days kayaking Death Valley National Park and lived to tell the tale. Whether you want to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, this is a proper guide full of tips gleaned from kayaking alongside folks who live in the park and first-hand experience. Kayaking on Lake Manly, nestled within the striking landscapes of …
Explore the wonder of Lake Manly, part of Badwater Basin inside Death Valley National Park. Glean essential tips and insights for adventurers eager to discover the beauty of North America’s lowest point. From current conditions and where to stay to the best vantage point in order to experience the rare transformation of the prehistoric lake, …
One of my favorite parts about the holidays are ugly Christmas sweaters. They can be hilarious and horrible at the same time. These are some of the (worst) best ones you’ll be able to find. I’ve personally bought and worn way too many horrible holiday attire pieces. While there was once a time where you …
Figuring out the best wine ratings means not only identifying reputable reviewers you can trust, but finding wine critics whose taste and palate most aligns with yours. Alongside with what you can find online, here’s how to vet your local sommelier and wine buyers. The 100 Point Scoring System The 100-point wine scoring system, a …
In the beginning days of my blogging and Instagram, utilizing services like AirBnB and Uber had a much different charm and feel to them. It was magical and new, an inviting way to meet new people and share stories. Adventure seemed to come about and manifest itself. Something happened with the gig economy, where it …