GREEN
SEA SHELLS

Imagine lounging on the deck of a luxury yacht, the Caribbean sun warming your skin, and the gentle sound of waves lapping against the hull. This scene is not just a dream but a reality for many travelers who rent a charter boat for their Caribbean vacation.  The Caribbean, with its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and exclusive destinations, offers an unmatched experience for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. Today, let's explore the compelling reasons why chartering a boat in the Caribbean  is the ultimate way to elevate your vacation. Flexibility and Freedom Chartering a boat in the Caribbean has numerous advantages, starting with its unparalleled flexibility and freedom. When you stay at a traditional resort, you focus on that singular location. A chartered yacht allows you to explore a variety of exclusive spots at your own pace. From the secluded beaches of the British Virgin Islands to the bustling harbors of St. Barts, the Caribbean is your oyster. Personalization Personalized itineraries are another significant benefit. When you charter a boat, you tailor your experiences to your preferences. Whether you want to spend your days snorkeling in hidden coves, dining at five-star waterfront restaurants, or simply soaking up the sun on a deserted beach, your crew will ensure that your itinerary reflects your desires. This level of personalization is hard to achieve with standard vacation packages. Exclusivity and Privacy Privacy and exclusivity are also key factors that make chartering a boat so appealing. On a yacht, you are away from the crowds and can enjoy your own private paradise. This perk is especially valuable for those who cherish their space and wish to avoid the hustle and bustle of popular tourist spots. The sense of seclusion you get from a yacht charter is unmatched, providing a sanctuary where you can truly unwind. Tips for Choosing the Right Charter Boat Selecting the ideal yacht charter rental is an important step in ensuring your Caribbean adventure exceeds expectations. Start by considering your group size and the activities you wish to pursue. Are you traveling with family and need ample space for everyone, or is it a romantic getaway where a smaller, more intimate vessel would suffice? Budget is another important consideration. While it’s tempting to go for the most luxurious option, balancing comfort with financial practicality is essential. Reputable charter companies offer a range of options to fit different budgets while maintaining high standards of service and quality. Find what you and the others feel most comfortable with.  Choosing the right yacht charter to rent  involves researching reputable companies. Look for those with positive reviews and a proven track record of excellence. It’s also wise to consult with a charter broker who can provide expert advice tailored to your specific needs and preferences. They’ll point you in the right direction and ensure your vacation exceeds your expectations.  Chartering a boat in the Caribbean  offers an extraordinary way to experience one of the world’s most beautiful regions. The  benefits  are immense, from the freedom to explore exclusive locations to the personalized experiences and unparalleled privacy. For travelers seeking to elevate their next vacation, chartering a yacht in the Caribbean promises an unforgettable adventure.

There is nothing better than traditional, age-old wisdom. In many cultures, women tend to pass on the culture to their future generations, and my case is no different. I am always documenting my mom's kitchen tips and recipes and herbal remedies - This is one of those! Today's traditional home remedy is for healthy hair. India, with its rich heritage of natural remedies, has long been known for its holistic approach to wellness. When it comes to healthy hair, Indian herbal remedies have gained considerable recognition for their effectiveness and gentleness. Here is one such remedy that can help you maintain vibrant and healthy hair. What you need: 1 teaspoon curry leaf powder 1 teaspoon amla powder 1/2 teaspoon hibiscus flower powder 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel 2 teaspoons of sweet almond oil (optional) 1 tablespoon of yogurt With these ingredients, we will create a hair gel which should stay in your hair for at least 30 minutes. Start with these proportions above. My suggestion is to start small and then increase the quantity as you see fit, and if you like it. You can mix all these ingredients by hand. You can also mix all of them in a blender and turn it into an easy-to-apply paste. I recommend using the paste within 15-20 minutes. Why these ingredients? Click on the links to see what the products look like and / or to purchase on Amazon. Curry leaf powder is for hair color. Ayurvedic science suggests that the Vitamin B in curry leaves helps hair follicles restore the natural color pigment and prevents graying of hair Amla powder works on root health. It is made by grinding leaves of the Indian gooseberry and has a ton of other benefits too. It is rich in Vitamin C, has antioxidants and also makes your hair shine Hibiscus powder helps with hair growth. Hibiscus flowers contain flavonoids & amino acids and regular application gives you an overall healthier scalp Both aloe vera gel and sweet almond oil are great natural conditioners Yogurt conditions and also binds all the ingredients into a paste Like all traditional treatments, you need to add this one to your daily living. Do the treatment weekly or bi-monthly to continue having wonderful and healthy hair!

I have known Melissa for a long time now. She is physically fit and mentally strong, and I have always admired her for that. Mel is a licensed clinical psychologist and a wellness enthusiast, empowering women in building healthy mind-body connections. I am excited to share her story with all of you - read along to explore how you can follow her example and stay happy and healthy every day! Q. You have always been about fitness and wellness. What motivates you to live this lifestyle? I’ve always been an athlete. I ran track and cross country and played basketball competitively throughout my childhood into high school. I did intramural sports at the collegiate level and still run now. It’s in my DNA. As a child, being involved in sports helped to organize me and forced me to be great with time management and balance. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed that exercise and living a healthy lifestyle keeps me grounded. It’s the one thing that is predictable for me. Not to mention, exercise highs are AMAZING medicine for my mental health. It helps to decrease my anxiety, boost my mood, and just feel overall great about myself for focusing on myself. Q. Describe your fitness routine. I work out 5-6 days a week, mostly from home. I’ve also had periods where I’ve attended cycling classes once a week or run during warmer weather. I’m usually doing workouts first thing in the morning because I know as my day progresses, it’s much less likely that I will work out. But this is about knowing what works for me and I STRONGLY encourage people to be honest with themselves about what actually works for them. My routine can vary based on if I’m following a specific program or not. I LOVE intense cardio, especially HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts. However, it’s so important to engage in weight and resistance training, especially as I get older. So, my routine involves both throughout the week. Q. I have often seen your photos on FB where you include your kids into your fitness program. What's your secret sauce to get them so excited to participate? Yes, I love sharing my passion for fitness and health with the girls. I never force the girls to workout with me. However, they know that mommy works out regularly. They see it almost daily and I’m trying my best to model a healthy lifestyle for them. They will often ask me to join because they want to do things like me and they find the equipment or moves fascinating. Allowing kids to explore at their own pace is a great way to give them space to grow their own love for exercise and health. I even bought a couple sets of lighter weights for them to use. I also try to make it fun and encourage them while we are working out together. I will show them proper form and then let things progress organically after that. I’m their BIGGEST cheerleader and I think that’s important when your kids are joining you. This helps to boost confidence. Q. What would you recommend folks who are at home and want to start a fitness routine? I’ve been working out at home for years! It’s definitely possible to get great workouts accomplished from the comfort of home. If you’ve never worked out before or haven’t worked out in a while, I recommend easing into a workout routine. Set yourself up for success. Perhaps commit to being active a few times a week, with more intense sweat sessions at least twice. There are tons of programs out there, both free and paid, that have varying levels for beginners through advanced. My two favorites are Beachbody on Demand (BOD) and MAWARRIOR programs with Massy Arias . I love BOD because it’s only $99 a year (much cheaper than most gym memberships) and you get access to a wealth of programs, including new programs that have been created for kids. I love me some Massy Arias because her energy and vibe is just so warm and positive. Her programs include both a meal plan and workouts. Nutrition is 85-90% of your results, so having meals laid out takes a lot of the guess work out of things for you. I’ve also recently put together an awesome toolkit to help people start building their home gym. It includes things like a pull-up bar, dumbbells, resistance bands, an exercise ball, and even a sturdy folding chair. Workouts are also more fun with people. Encourage your partner to join you, ask a friend to be your accountability buddy, or join a challenge group. The program I just completed with Massy Arias had a large FB accountability group and it DEFINITELY helped me stay motivated throughout the challenge. About Dr. Mel Melissa Robinson-Brown, Ph.D (aka Dr. Mel), is a licensed clinical psychologist in NY and NJ as well as an educator, speaker, and health and wellness enthusiast. She is the founder of Renewed Focus Psychology Services , a NYC-based Private practice. Dr. Mel wants to help women to feel like the badasses they were truly meant to be…PERIOD! You will find her hanging out in the “in between” helping women navigate the world and level up when life’s structure just doesn’t fit! You could call her an empowerment enabler, a self-acceptance guide, and a mind-body connector. She takes a holistic approach to her work, encouraging her clients to focus not only on mental health and mindfulness, but also physical health and wellness. Dr. Mel resides in NJ with her three amazingly gifted, energetic, beautiful, and mini badass daughters and her supportive, ambitious, loving partner, AB. Find her here IG: @melrbphd FB: @drmelphd Twitter: @dr_melrb LinkedIn: drmelphd Buy her empowering Tees

For those spontaneous adventurers among us, last-minute plans often come with a price tag. Instead, consider the charming neighboring towns of Carpinteria or Goleta for a more budget-friendly stay. However, if you have the luxury of planning ahead, Santa Barbara offers a selection of exquisite hotels that promise an unforgettable experience. Here are some of the most popular and highly-rated options to consider: La Playa Inn La Playa Inn offers an exceptional balance of affordability and convenience. Its pristine property is a mere five-minute stroll from the Pacific Ocean, placing guests within walking distance of the beach and nearby restaurants. Despite its central location, the inn maintains a peaceful ambiance. Guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast and free WiFi throughout their stay. Santa Barbara Inn Situated on the serene East Beach, the Santa Barbara Inn boasts 70 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites with stunning ocean or mountain views. The hotel features a pool, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. Its prime location allows for leisurely walks to the wharf while avoiding the usual tourist crowds. Kimpton Canary Hotel The newly renovated Kimpton Canary Hotel offers a luxurious retreat in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. A short five-minute walk from State Street, this hotel features an outdoor rooftop swimming pool and lounge with breathtaking views. Each guest room includes complimentary WiFi, ensuring a seamless blend of comfort and connectivity. Hotel Californian A personal favorite, the Hotel Californian exudes opulence in the vibrant Funk Zone. This Spanish Colonial Revival-style gem is steps away from the beach and offers sumptuous guest rooms and suites. The hotel boasts an outdoor pool, several on-site dining options, and a luxurious spa, making it the quintessential choice for discerning travelers. Ritz Carlton Bacara For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the Ritz Carlton Bacara delivers an unparalleled experience. Nestled adjacent to the Sandpiper Golf Course, this beachfront resort offers breathtaking ocean views, multiple pools, and exquisite on-site dining. The resort’s 358 guest rooms, suites, and luxury cottages each feature private patios with stunning vistas. With a spa and several restaurants, guests will feel like celebrities during their stay. Belmond El Encanto Perched in the hills overlooking Santa Barbara, the historic Belmond El Encanto provides an idyllic escape with its bungalows and suites, each offering private patios or balconies. The boutique hotel features a spa, an outdoor pool, and fine dining, all set against a backdrop of sweeping ocean views. Located just a five-minute drive from Central Santa Barbara, it offers the perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility.

Home cooked meals? Wellness. In a world where flavors transcend borders and cherished memories are etched onto each dish, SHEF emerges as more than just a digital food delivery service. Tailored for the discerning palates of devoted food enthusiasts and families eager to celebrate their authentic heritage, SHEF creates a bridge between cultures and kitchens. As I delve into the heart of this culinary phenomenon, I find its roots intertwined with the resilience of immigrant communities, where the preservation of culture often finds its last bastion in the realm of food. A pertinent illustration of this concept arises from my own doctoral thesis and my work with Cook Aunty . Here is where I discovered a profound interplay between culture and the immigrant experience, specifically highlighting how the baton of cultural identity is passed down through generations, with food often emerging as a steadfast vessel for these cherished traditions. It's in this context that SHEF's significance resonates. With the platform connecting individuals with home chefs who ardently uphold their culinary heritage, SHEF becomes a dynamic thread in the tapestry of cultural continuity. Launched in 2019, SHEF is currently in several markets including NYC, Houston, Chicago, Seattle, Boston, LA, DC, Atlanta and more. See the list here . The company offers a delectable array of cuisines, ranging from Italian and Indian to Mexican and beyond. Review the list of authentic global cuisines. Join me as I delve into a conversation with Joey Grassia, the visionary catalyst propelling SHEF's mission forward along with his business partner, Alvin Salehi. Discover the heartwarming journey that breathed life into this culinary haven, and learn about how it is revolutionizing our approach to food in everyday life! Komal: Could you provide insights into the underlying inspiration that drove the establishment of your business? Joey: My journey to create a more inclusive food system began when I lost my mom over a decade ago. I am a first-generation Italian American, so family and food were both important growing up, as was the idea of building a better future for our family and those around us. From a young age, I felt immense gratitude for the opportunities I had because of my parents, as well as a sense of responsibility to extend these opportunities to as many people as possible. The path to pay it forward was unclear until my mother passed away in 2010. I fell into a bit of soul-searching and kept coming back to the importance of food, both the role it plays in communicating culture and identity, as well as its impact on well-being, something I experienced firsthand after being hospitalized due to my diet in college. For me, everything since then has been a way of honoring my mom. There's no better way to honor her than by empowering other amazing women to share their passion for food and earn a meaningful income doing what they love. Komal: Amidst the proliferation of online food delivery services, what distinct attributes differentiate your business and position it as a compelling and distinctive choice? Joey: We did not start Shef to compete with other food delivery companies; we started the company to empower talented cooks like our own mothers - to enable them to share their culture and food for the first time. Unfortunately, prior to Shef, this opportunity was unavailable to most. It costs, on average, $300,000 to open a restaurant, and there are myriad challenges that make a brick-and-mortar facility out of reach for most people. Shef creates a cost-effective way for amazing cooks to share their food with others and get their start in the food industry. Shef currently supports thousands of shefs around the country! 85% of shefs on our platform are women, and 80% are people of color. Shef invests time and effort into working with people who haven’t had access to opportunities to share their incredible, authentic cuisine with others! The result for consumers is something magical. The quality and types of dishes you find on Shef are unlike any other service. Most shefs are cooking recipes that have been handed down through generations, and they are preparing them meticulously for each individual consumer, using the freshest ingredients and cooking each dish in small batches. As a result, the quality and flavor is far beyond what you find anywhere else. Komal: What criteria guides your process of choosing and integrating home chefs into your platform? Which qualities or skills are prioritized to ensure a varied and top-tier culinary assortment? Joey: Alvin & I started Shef to honor our own mothers and the homemade meals that shaped our childhoods. The platform has grown into a place where passionate chefs everywhere can earn a meaningful income by sharing their own handcrafted recipes. Anyone interested in joining Shef can visit our site's “Become a Shef” page where they will work directly with our team to ensure they have the support they need to get their business up and running - from food safety requirements to menu formulation and marketing. Once shefs are approved and live, our team provides ongoing support, coaching and marketing help to ensure that shefs can hone their business and grow. Komal: Can you share a particular case where a customer's experience with a dish prepared by one of your featured home chefs had a lasting impact? Joey: Many of the dishes on our platform are recipes passed down through generations, so we often receive heartfelt notes from consumers trying a dish for the first time in years- in many cases, for the first time since their mother or grandmother made it for them. I had this exact experience when I flew out to launch Shef in New York in 2020. I connected with one of our first Shefs in New York named Gessica. She had recently immigrated from Italy with her husband. We started talking about braciole, my favorite Italian dish and one that has been close to my heart since my mother made it for us growing up. It’s also a dish that you’ll never find at an Italian restaurant because of the amount of time and care it takes to make. Turns out, she makes braciole for her husband every week and I asked her to add it to her menu. When it came time to launch, I called my dad to tell him about Gessica, and he ended up ordering braciole for the entire Shef team in New York. There’s a bit of an embarrassing video of me tearing up as I was eating it. It was just like my mom’s, right down to the sauce, and it was one of the most memorable meals I’ve ever had. That’s the experience we want to give to our customers, allowing them to more deeply experience their daily meals, whether they are rediscovering a taste of home or exploring something entirely new. Komal: Looking ahead, what exciting developments or expansions do you envision for your business? Joey: Our focus right now is nationwide expansion. We currently deliver to nearly 700 cities across the country, but every state has different regulations when it comes to food preparation and delivery. Our top priority is making sure every meal delivered exceeds the utmost food safety standard, which means a slow and steady race to empower talented food entrepreneurs across all 50 states. There are incredibly talented cooks in every community in this country, and we want to ensure every one of them has access to this opportunity. With SHEF, the culinary experience becomes a celebration of roots, a communion of cultures, and a testament to the enduring legacy of flavors that unite us all. I love discovering & supporting the local cooks in my area and I think you will too! Here's $20 off to try it ($10 off first 2 orders) when you order using my link: https://shef.com/refer/greenseashellsl How to order: Head to Shef.com and enter your zip code! The delivery date will automatically be set to the soonest possible option—in as little as 24 hours! Choose your ideal delivery date at the top of the page to browse cuisines from local Shefs including photos, ingredient information, and more. Pro tip: you can order multiple dishes from different Shef’s in the same order. Select your ideal delivery date in cart and check out!

I am always looking for things that make me smile or warm my heart. This list below keeps on changing every few months. Here is the most current list :) Laughter Yoga Laughing voluntarily is often considered an exercise, believe it or not! It is also considered to have the same benefits as spontaneous laughter. It is playful, fun, healing and so great for our body! It prepares your brain for happiness! Laughter (or Hasya Yoga as it is called in Sanskrit) is often done in groups but you can always just find a YouTube video and join the fun in your own private space if you prefer that. A nice glass of Vino with friends Grape juice may be healthier but you have to admit that wine has some definite social benefits! Drinking with friends is the best thing ever. It also boosts your self-confidence and relaxes you enough to have a heart-to-heart conversation. Choose reds like Malbecs, Pino Noirs, Syrah or Cabs and if possible, choose organic. Drink wine along with some sheep cheese like Manchego and to that, add simple olive oil and rosemary crackers and a sour cherry spread. Oh, yum. Ride a bike down the slope Wheeeee! Down the hill we go...Cycling is great for your body and mind. If you get tired riding a bike, find yourself an e-bike, which is a breeze to ride...literally! A ride by yourself is good time alone. It also reduces stress, is low impact and good for the environment. Most importantly, it is good for you! All that wind on your face and in your hair is likely to make you smile. Dance like no one is watching! Some of us dance because we enjoy it more than exercise. Create a little private space (could be your bedroom, closet or bathroom), put on some music (on your phone, maybe?) and dance away for instant happiness! Dance is said to release dopamine which is great for both physical and mental wellness. It is also liberating! Mirrors make you pose so choose a room without mirrors! Add a disco light to a dark room to create an interesting ambiance. Light a candle or two. Candles are soul soothing. Smells such as rosemary, lemon and jasmine create happy and positive energy. Candle light makes one reflect and focus and sometimes help us achieve a state of calm. The best kind of candles to buy are clean burning with beeswax, cotton wicks and pure essential oil. Tea light candles give us the same pleasure as the big jar ones. Be safe and happy.

My husband introduced me to Pushkin Industries, a collaboration between Jacob Weisberg and Malcoln Gladwell. In their podcast, Revisionist History , Malcolm introduced listeners to The Happiness Lab , a podcast series created by Dr. Laurie Santos, Professor of Psychology and Head of Silliman College at Yale University. Dr. Santos is an expert on human cognition and the cognitive biases that impede better choices. I listened to a 42-minute episode of the Happiness Lab and absolutely loved it. Via scientific research, Santos shares surprising stories that alters the way we think about happiness. She makes us wonder if our intuitions about what will make us happy, like winning the lottery or the Olympic silver medal are wrong. She says, our minds are programmed in a way that makes it hard for us to actually enjoy the wonderful things are already have. Santos explains the science of reference points and the psychology of alternate realities. She suggests that as humans, we tend to compare ourselves with other people and measure our happiness against those benchmarks. In the end, she offers ways to be happy by recommending changes to our mental habits. It's a really a great listen. Check it out.

I have been in Los Angeles for four years but I never had the chance to explore Pasadena. We had a few hours of a summer Saturday last month and we needed to find a way to check out a city with mostly driving and a lot of social distancing. So, Pasadena, it was. First, lets start here. Pasadena is part of the San Gabriel Valley. Although it is a bit suburban, the downtown is pretty big and lively. Pasadena is an old city and parts of it definitely smell like old money. Historically, it was a place for the wealthy, so let that not surprise you. The one thing we do when we want to explore an area is drive through town. Our first stop was the Huntington Gardens and Library. Given COVID, we needed reservation to get in but we knew that we needed a whole day to enjoy the property, so that was not on the agenda anyway. But, it is totally worth a visit and we will need to check it off our list some day. Here is a snapshot of what their website looks like: The area around Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens is pretty posh. We saw the fancy Langham Huntington Hotel on the way as well as the Huntington hospital. There are roads named after the Huntington family everywhere in Pasadena - This family is known for its wealth, art and library collection and philanthropy for several hundred years. The city has some interesting employers like Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena City College, Parsons, Avon, AT&T etc. We even saw the campus of the prestigious private school, Polytechnic. Then there is a row of what is called the Millionaire Mile (Orange Grove Blvd) which has a row of mansions (Georgian / French / Swiss architecture). Some of those mansions are now converted into condos or museums. If this interests you, look up and visit the Gamble House, the Denham House, the Fenyes mansion and the estate of Hulett C Merritt. Find the American Red Cross building which was owned by John Cravens of Light and Myers Tobacco. One of the buildings we decided to visit was the Wrigley's Mansion which is now the official HQ of the Tournament of Roses. There were roses at the back, and beautiful lawn in the front with palm trees. Quite pretty, actually. And here come the roses! These are mostly hybrid varieties so it is unlikely that you have seen them in a store! Here's me at the mansion, which is currently closed, but the grounds are open. And Anya had fun collecting mushrooms when we were there. What fun! The one thing you would notice on a fun drive like ours are the mid-century houses in Pasadena. Some look super modern with Japanese influences - many were built around the 1960s, some earlier. Kids would find the fork in the road interesting, but be careful because it is so small that you might miss it! Another thing you may see on your drive is a bridge called the Colorado Street Bridge. The story goes that the bridge was a popular suicide spot so now they have a high metal net that would make it nearly impossible to jump off it. In any case, look at the sides of this bridge when you are there, it's a huge structure. Before you make your way down to Old Pasadena, definitely drive by the City Hall and the Jackie and Mack Robinson Memorial. The City Hall is a nice piece of architecture, probably influenced by 1920s architecture. The memorial is basically a huge outdoor sculpture of Jackie who was a baseball player and his brother Mack, an Olympic track athlete. Old Pasadena is beautiful. It reminds me of downtown NYC, near Wall Street. The Pasadena Old Town is full of restaurants, bars, cafes. There are parking lots that make exploration easier. You will find shops such as Anthropologie, Apple, Athleta, Banana Republic, Blick Art Materials, Crate & Barrel, etc. A place called Blind Donkey seemed interesting - We were so tempted to go there, but with a kid, a bar didn't seem like the most exciting place to visit. A few places like the Gold Bug were closed. We saw a loud political car rally when we were there - but people didn't seem bothered by all the honking. Next to this restaurant was a cobblestone street called Kendall Alley which has been around since 1930s. It has been featured in films such as Pulp Fiction, The Sting and Live Free or Die Hard. Eventually, we decided to eat at this spot called Luggage Room. We choose this place because the restaurant actually used to be a luggage room (it is next to the train station!) and they have kept that decor, which is really cool. Food was okay, it would have been nice to sit inside but right now, one has to be super careful. I thought it was a good three hours of exploration, and time well spent. I know we will be back for the Huntington Gardens and also to check out a family owned Cactus store which unfortunately closes early in the afternoon.

If coffee and tea went on a date, it would look like this... Coffee would pull a Gibraltar. Pretty design, hot and sexy cup. Rose to impress. To impress coffee, Tea would easily opt to be Earl Grey. Delicate with a dash of sweet agave. Present herself with such ingenuity... how would coffee ever forget her? These pictures are from the Boy & The Bear , a local cafe and coffee roastery. They have three locations - The Black Store, the Grey Store and the White Store. The one we visited was the Black Store which is in Redondo Beach, CA. Their coffee is grown and harvested in Columbia. While parking can be tricky, once you are all situated, you will really enjoy the laid-back ambiance and their offerings. Note: This is not a sponsored post. This local cafe is really quite wonderful and cozy, check it out!

Having friends and family over from out of town? Where will you take them? Here is a list of our favorite restaurants with the most vegetarian dinner options and beautiful ambience in the South Bay / beach cities. Please make reservations a week in advance. Love & Salt, Manhattan Beach Go for the cocktails, stay for the food. Definitely try the Freekehlicious salad and pizzas and request a vegetarian pasta. Yum! Esperanza, Manhattan Beach or Palmilla, Hermosa Beach (same menu, same owners) Yes, they do brunch but this place comes alive at night! Music, happy people, great cocktails and a separate vegan menu. All you need :) Joey's, Manhattan Village Mall This is a Canadian chain with a great atmosphere! Be welcomed with a complimentary glass of champagne, order their guacamole and Korean cauliflower and try their Bollywood butter tofu. And then, there is always pasta. Slay Italian Kitchen, Manhattan Beach OMG, their pizza base is out of this world. Many antipasti and salad options for vegetarians, good pastas too. Their menu has items harvested from the Slay Estate and Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills in Santa Barbara. Ask for the focaccia of the day! True Food Kitchen, El Segundo Clean, fresh and healthy seasonally rotating menu. Don't miss their edamame dumplings, chopped salad with dates, manchego and farro, Kimchi friend rice bowl and margarita pizzas. Honestly, it's hard to choose as everything is so good. Jame, El Segundo Great salads, appetizers and hand rolled pasta. Go for the 36-hour Roma / San Marzano tomato sauce. Order the wine. Petros, Manhattan Beach Interesting flavors, try their flat breads, vegetarian farm platter and a cup of their soup! Tin Roof Bistro, Manhattan Beach American fare casual spot with vegetarian salad and soup options, pastas and pizzas.

Gift-giving for the home doesn't need to break the bank. From small, budget-friendly gestures to grander, high-end offerings, there are numerous ways to bring joy to someone's space. Here's a range of gift ideas designed to suit various budgets and occasions, ensuring that there's something special for every home and every celebration. Coasters Set:   Discover the perfect blend of function and style with coasters that shield surfaces while adding flair to any space! Explore a range from personalized options to ethnic and rustic farmhouse designs: Elevate your decor with Personalized Coasters for a touch of individuality. Starts at $19. Find it on Amazon Embrace cultural aesthetics with Ethnic Coasters featuring vibrant designs. Starts at $15. Find it on Amazon . Infuse charm with Rustic Farmhouse Coasters for a cozy, countryside feel. Starts at $15. Find it on Amazon . Candle Gifts:   Enhance any ambiance with a curated selection of scented candles! Discover: The Boxed Candle, a sophisticated and giftable option perfect for any occasion. Starts at $19. Find it on Amazon . E mbrace the seasons with the diverse Seasonal Candle Set, capturing different atmospheres throughout the year. Stars at $25 . Find it on Amazon . Indulge in relaxation with the Aromatherapy 4-Candle Set, offering serene scents for tranquil moments. Starts at $20 . Find it on Amazon . Tea Towels:   Elevate your host's kitchen with these versatile Tea Towels—a perfect blend of utility and elegance! Choose from: Turkish Hand Towels, adding a touch of sophistication to their kitchen space Starts at $15 . Find in on Amazon. Gift them Multi-purpose Bar Towels, catering to various kitchen needs with style. Starts at $25 . Find it on Amazon . Herb Garden Kit:   Nurture the host's green thumb with the gift of freshness—a compact Indoor Organic Herb Garden Kit! Delight them with: An all-in-one solution for cultivating fresh, homegrown herbs right in their kitchen space. Starts at $30. Find it on Amazon . Monogrammed Door Mat Add a personal touch to any home with a versatile Personalized Welcome Door Mat —a practical gift perfect for weddings, anniversaries, housewarmings, or simply to elevate home decor. Featuring a slip-resistant back and a customizable family name, it's a charming addition to any doorstep. Starts at $25 + $10 to customize! Coffee or Tea Mugs: Warm up their mornings or evenings with a thoughtful gift—stylish and functional Coffee or Tea Mugs! Consider: Double-walled Mugs, a sleek choice perfect for keeping beverages at just the right temperature. Starts at $13 . Find on Amazon . Opt for the Porcelain Large Mug Set of Four for their favorite brews. Starts at $27. Find it on Amazon . Gift the Multipurpose Vintage Coffee Cups with spoons, lids, and coasters, a complete set for a charming coffee experience. Starts at $27 . Find it on Amazon . Spice Sets: Encourage your host's culinary adventures with diverse Spice Sets that elevate every dish! Explore: Spicewalla Essential Spices and Seasonings Set 10 Pack / 18 Pack Variety    crafted by a renowned chef (James Beard-nominated chef and restauranteur, Meherwan Irani) for a unique flavor journey in top kitchens. [Variety Pack: Kosher-Keto-Paleo friendly, gluten-free, non-GMO, and no artificial flavors]. Starts at $60. eat.art Spices of Africa Blend Collection , 8 Pack is a  vibrant gift set with natural flavors adding flair to every recipe. [Non-GMO and no added MSG]. Starts at $32 Spice Train is a Cooking Essentials Gift Set, a direct infusion from Indian landscapes, boasting traditional spices for authentic, flavorful dishes. [Includes moringa powder, ginger powder, cardamom powder, cumin, and coriander powder]. Starts at $30. Cookbook + Holder:   Impress your favorite host with a personalized touch—the $40 Horizonal Personalized Cookbook / iPad Kitchen Stand from The Wedding Party Store ! Elevate this thoughtful gift by pairing it with one of these engaging cookbooks: Vegetables Unleashed: A Cookbook by Jose Andres:  Exploring creative and innovative ways to prepare vegetables. Crossroads: Extraordinary Recipes from the Restaurant That Is Reinventing Vegan Cuisine by Tal Ronnen: Offering inventive vegan recipes for diverse palates. The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100 by Dan Buettner : Exploring longevity through globally inspired recipes. The Sioux Chef's Indigenous Kitchen by Sean Sherman : Rediscovering indigenous culinary traditions and flavors. Love Real Food: More Than 100 Feel-Good Vegetarian Favorites to Delight the Senses and Nourish the Body: A Cookbook by Kathryne Taylor: Featuring wholesome and delicious vegetarian dishes. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat" by Samin Nosrat: A comprehensive guide to mastering the essentials of cooking. "The Flavor Bible" by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg : A go-to resource for creating flavor combinations. " Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering" by Joanna Gaines : Filled with comforting and approachable recipes. " Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat" by Chrissy Teigen : A fun and flavorful cookbook with a variety of dishes. " How to Cook Everything" by Mark Bittman: A versatile cookbook covering a wide range of recipes and techniques. Custom Cutting Boards:   Impress your host with the an essential kitchen tool - the humble cutting board— Consider these options: The Personalized Cutting Board, engraved with a special message, adds a personalized flair to their culinary space. Starts at $35 . Find it on Amazon . Elevate their hosting game with the Multiple Use Reversible Large Pastry & Charcuterie Board, perfect for versatile kitchen tasks. Starts at $49. Find it on Amazon . Gift the Cheese Board featuring a food tray, accessories, and ceramic sauce dishes, enhancing their entertaining experience. Starts at $49. Find it on Amazon . Throw Blankets / Duvets:   Warm their home and heart with cozy Throws and Duvets—a thoughtful host gift for comfort and relaxation in style! Goose Feather Duvet from Canadian Down & Father Company. Give the gift of unparalleled comfort this holiday season! This amazing puffy duvet, filled with premium goose feathers, offers all-season coziness without compromise. Free shipping! Use code ' GREENSEASHELLS ' for an extra 5% off the sale price. Find it at the Canadian Down and Feather Company. Starts at $56. Valid until December 31, 2023 Textured Knit Throw Blanket with Tassels from the Chanasya Store. You can turn any room into a stylish space with this polyester throw blanket’s chic and simple design! Find it on Amazon. Starts at $41. Affordable Wall Art Prints:   Adorn your host's home with thoughtful Wall Art—a perfect gift to elevate their space and showcase your appreciation! Art.com   is a great spot to buy a perfect art gift! You can choose gifts by price, style and frame. You can also schedule and send out Art.com  gift cards Society6   is a great shop to find pieces by emerging artists. Check out their Wall Art section If you are looking for more abstract or landscape art , Juniper Print Shop   is a good one to consider. Their prints are affordable and also fit into IKEA frames! They are known for their budget large framed pieces and they also offer digital downloads Gourmet Gift Baskets:   Give a sophisticated gift - a delightful treat for any celebration! Explore: Harry & David's array of gourmet gifts, ensuring a perfect choice for every occasion. Starts at $79. Find it on Amazon . The Godiva Chocolatier Gift Basket, presenting an assortment of signature gourmet chocolates elegantly packaged for an indulgent experience. Starts at $89. Find it on Amazon . Treat them to the Premium Gourmet Gift Basket by Wine Country Gift Baskets, a curated selection of gourmet delights for an exquisite taste adventure. Starts at $98 . Find it on Amazon . Murray's Cheese Club :  Check out themed collections and cheese towers, browse assortments of gourmet cheese, meats, pantry items and sweet accompaniments, or build your own personalized gift. Starts at $65. Find it at Murray's. Vosges Haut-Chocolat:   Oh yum, chocolate! Starts at $50. Find it on Vosges. Artisanal Olive Oils / Vinegars Surprise your host with an Artisanal Olive Oil—a flavorful gift that delights their palate with exceptional quality oils! Fat Gold California Extra Virgin Olive Oil  . $179 for a year. Find it on Fat Gold. Brightland Awake & Alive - A great two-pack olive oil set costs about $74. They also have a 4-pack ($150) which is on Oprah's Favorite Olive Oils list. Find it on Amazon. Kosterina 's The Dipping Duo Gift Set - EVOO + Balsamic Vinegar Starts at $54. Find it on Amazon. Cookware Gifts: Enhance your host's kitchen with our selection of cookware, offering popular luxury brands known for timeless quality or celebrity-endorsed lines that blend performance and style. It's the ideal housewarming or thoughtful gift for those valuing top-tier kitchen essentials. Popular brands Le Creuset's Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven is a versatile shape for everyday use that is perfectly sized for casseroles, side dishes, reheating leftovers and more. Find it at Macy's (Starts at $180) Sleek and durable, The Cellar's 11-piece cookware set includes the essentials you need most, plus a handy silicone trivet to protect surfaces from hot pots and pans. Find it at Macy's (Starts at $150) Enjoy the classic gleam of copper and exceptional heat performance with this set from Cuisinart, 10 pieces of sleek cookware essentials with Heat Surround Technology. Find it at Macy's (Starts at $200) Celebrity brands Nonstick pots and pans from Rachael Ray are crafted with durable aluminum and sturdy hard enamel porcelain exteriors to stand up to busy kitchens. Starts at $125. Find it on Amazon The Lockton 10-piece Aluminum Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set from Martha Stewart is a contemporary suite of pots and pans accented with gold-colored stainless steel handles for a stylish cooking experience and presentation. Starts at $125. Find it on Amazon HexClad has a patented hybrid tech that utilizes tri-ply construction – aluminum between two layers of stainless-steel - laser-etched with hexagonal nonstick surface to deliver the searing power of stainless, durability of cast-iron and easy cleanup of nonstick. Gordon Ramsay-approved. Starts at $340. Find it on Amazon Robotic Vacuums: Simplify housekeeping with a robotic cleaner —an ideal housewarming gift that helps the host effortlessly manage cleaning tasks through phone control, adjust modes, schedule cleanings, and enjoy hands-free convenience with voice commands, compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant for a hassle-free experience. Starts at $129. Find it on Amazon. Speciality Subscription Boxes: Indulge your host with a culinary or tea subscription! Three months of Luxury Food Crates Subscription. Starts from $350. Find it at Williams Sonoma Blue Apron provides subscription boxes with chef-designed recipes and high-quality ingredients. Buy a Blue Apron e-gift card   for your host. Starts at $70. Consider Atlas  - Gift a tea subscription with each box complete with two premium loose teas, tasting notes and compostable tea filters. Starts at $15 a month. Personalized Wine Club Memberships Impress your host with the gift of exquisite wine! Gift a Wine Access   Wine Club:  This is one of the best clubs for learning about wine, with somm-selected bottles starting at around $25. It ships only four to six times per year SommSelect : i s another great club for learning about wine, with sommelier-selected bottles starting around $25. This one is a better choice if you prefer a monthly shipment or you want to build your own case Gift a 6-bottle All Reds JUSTIN Wine Society membership , which includes two shipments per year at an estimated price of $260-280 per shipment Buy a very exclusive age-worth y three-bottle boxed set from Corison Winery that is known for its power and elegance. Home Theater Projector: This is a versatile Home Theater Projector gift offering wireless or wired projection using WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, or other cables. With real 1080P resolution, 15000 Lumens, and excellent color reproduction, it provides vibrant visuals even in bright rooms. Featuring Integrated Optical technology for stability and extended durability, this projector impresses with its quality, complete with stereo speakers, a projector screen, and a tripod stand in the package. Was on sale for $200 at the time of publishing. Designer Pieces Gift your hosts the epitome of sophistication with designer pieces and luxurious art! Discover exquisite photographs, explore original artworks, and exclusive design. Consider a beautiful photograph from Sej Saraiya, an ethnographic & fine art photographer who has spent the last several years documenting indigenous cultures worldwide. Photographs are in $250-$4000 range. Check out her shop Saatchi Art   has a million pieces of original artwork - Paintings, photography, sculpture and drawings! Originals are $1000+ but you may find prints for cheaper For over two decades, 1stDibs  has been the go-to digital destination for exceptional design. Their platform bridges the gap between seekers of the world's most stunning pieces and revered sellers and creators in vintage, antique, and modern furniture, home adornments, art, exquisite jewelry, luxury watches, and haute couture. Prices start at $5000. No matter the occasion or budget, finding the perfect home gift can create a lasting impact. These thoughtful suggestions, spanning from small, heartfelt tokens to larger, more luxurious items, aim to enhance the recipient's home experience. Whether it's a housewarming, a gracious host, or simply showing appreciation, these gifts speak volumes, turning a house into a warm and welcoming home.

In the hustle of today's fast-paced existence, discovering solace and delight in life's small treasures often seems like a rare extravagance. But in reality, the skill of crafting and gifting a haven of comfort is well within our grasp. Picture a thoughtfully curated assortment of delights, nestled within a beautifully adorned gift bag, fashioned to envelop one in tranquility! Here lies a meticulously chosen array of items that promise to transmute ordinary moments into indulgent escapes, offering a sliver of serenity amidst life's frenzy. Select a handful of these gifts, assemble them in a charming gift bag with tissue paper and a heartfelt card—A perfect gift awaits! Gift Selections Cozy Socks Treat a loved one to a pair (or two) of luxuriously soft and plush socks, perfect for both bedtime comfort and lounging around the house. Available for $30 as a pack. Find this product on Amazon. Indulgent Hot Chocolate Mix Gift a delightful cup of rich, creamy cocoa—an indulgent ritual to comfort the soul. This package includes Ghirardelli double chocolate cocoa mix accompanied by a snug ceramic sweater mug and mini marshmallows. Is there anything more delightful? Starting at $20. Find this product on Amazon. Aromatherapy in Creams & Candles This splendid set features both candles and hand creams, each boasting carefully crafted scents that offer soothing aromatherapy without overwhelming your senses. With 4 x 30ml Scented Hand Creams and 4 x 80g Scented Candles in each basket, you can choose to gift a couple and reserve the rest for later. Starting at $16. Find it on Amazon. Gratitude Journal A companion for serene moments, this 90-day journal invites contemplation and tranquility amidst life's chaos. Each spread in this positivity journal provides space to jot down expressions of gratitude, personal affirmations, positive memories, and reflections on their significance. A perfect gift for self-care! Starting at $11. Find it on Amazon. Relaxing Shower Steamers This pack of 6 calming shower steamer tablets boasts delightful scents including Watermelon, Grapefruit, Menthol & Eucalyptus, Peony & Pear, Cacao & Orange, and Lemongrass & Coconut. Individually wrapped for easy gifting. Starting at $13. Find it on Amazon . Silk Eye Mask Handcrafted with pure organic silk, this lightweight and breathable eye mask is ideal for aiding sleep or relaxation. Starting at $10. Find it on Amazon. Artisinal Bath Bombs Within this package lie 7 exquisitely handcrafted bath bombs, each around 2.5oz and 2 inches in diameter. Individually wrapped to preserve their freshness—gift a couple and keep the rest for future occasions! Starting at $14. Find it on Amazon. Luxurious Soaps A set of four individually packaged soaps from Age of Sage, boasting unique scents—Hydrangea, Plumeria, Jasmine Lime, and Wild Passion. Crafted using the cold process soap making method in small batches to ensure exceptional quality. Gift them individually or as a set! Starting at $20. Find it on Amazon. Personalized Greeting Cards Acquire a box of greeting cards that can be personalized with your own heartfelt messages. This set of stationery cards features vibrant motifs with matching envelopes—ideal for various occasions and suitable year-round! Starting at $12.. Find it on Amazon . Whether shared with a friend in need of a serene moment or reserved for your personal indulgence, this collection embodies the essence of finding joy in life's simple pleasures. Amidst the chaos, these treasures serve as poignant reminders: the pursuit of comfort is truly an art to cherish!

Moving into a new home is a milestone worth celebrating, and what better way to mark this occasion than with a thoughtful housewarming gift? If you're on the hunt for unique and memorable presents that go beyond the usual, here's a curated list to inspire your generosity. From artisanal creations to functional yet beautiful household items, these ideas promise to bring a touch of warmth and charm to any new abode. Nova Deruta Platter ($35) This vivid, colorful platter is perfect for serving favorite dishes. Inspired by the Umbrian region of Italy, this traditional Nova Deruta earthenware is handcrafted in a style that dates back to the Renaissance. The Nova Deruta collection dinnerware showcases the bright palette of its namesake city and makes a vibrant addition to any table. Volcanic Lava Stone Molcajete/Tejolote Mortar and Pestle ($40) Buy a Mexico-made product for an authentic tasting guacamole. This is a great product for the kitchen and a wonderful center piece at a house party. The gift needs 'curing' so suggest a quick Google look-up on pre-conditioning the molcajete before use. Gift a plant from Bloomscape ($50) Based in Detroit, MI, Bloomscape comes from five generations of greenhouse growers and floral industry innovators, and their roots go all the way back to ancestors who were pioneers in the Netherlands’ horticulture industry. Plants are shipped with care and come with a 30-day guarantee! Why not give a gift that keeps on giving....? Cast Iron Sitting Women Bookends, Set of 2 ($64) This beautiful bookends are a product of CCDG, an interior design firm in Park City, Utah with a curated shop called Root'd. The bookends are 100% Iron with Gold Finish with the following dimensions: 8.8 x 2.3 x 6.3. Home full of book enthusiasts? This is a gift they will appreciate. Personalized 8" Oval Door Plaque With Three Blue Fleur de Lis ($75) Add a name, address or welcoming message to this Fleur de Lis Oval Door Plaque for a personalized flair to the entryway of a home or office. Visit their website to see many more options! With predrilled holes, the plaque comes with screws and washers for immediate mounting. Stoneware is naturally resilient, resisting scratches and fading. And because Stoneware is frost- and freeze-proof, it will stand up to the elements. Stoneware & Co. was established in 1815 so there is much tradition and old timey techniques involved in this one. Kamsah Plate Set & Serving Platter, Custom Hand-Painted Ceramic ($79) Family operated since 2015, and created by women artisans in Tunesia, this is traditional pottery that adds beauty to the table. This fair trade 'Fatima Hand' is bright and colorful and symbolizes peace, prosperity, and protection. And this piece will be a conversation piece, guaranteed. Acacia Wood Slab Cheese & Charcuterie Boards (starts at $79) Handcrafted with impressive cuts of acacia, the Wood Slab Serveware Collection is an entertaining must-have that creates the perfect groundwork for showstopping displays. The wood’s natural grain and live edge gives this stunning cheese board its rustic warmth and character. Giada's Italy Gift Box ($92) Giada De Laurentiis lavishly explores her food roots and the lifestyle traditions that define la bella vita, with the contemporary California twist that has made her America’s most beloved Italian chef. In Giada’s Italy, she returns to her native Rome to reconnect with the flavors that have inspired the way she cooks and shares what it means to live la dolce vita. From pastas to tomatoes, Calabrian chili paste and beyond, give someone a chance to use these Italian ingredients to start cooking their way through Giada's Italy. Brushed Antique Bronze Picture Frame Gallery, Set of 3 ($104) Three frames in two sizes make it easy to create a stunning display of favorite photographs. Brushed antique bronze frames make a fantastic presentation, featuring shadow-box styling and generously sized off-white mats. Set includes one 3-4x6 and 2 5x7 frames. Art.com (starts at $138) Art lovers, rejoice! Explore the designer-curated gallery walls of Art.com . You can find great art sets to gift ($138 - $1000+) and even best seller prints starting just $15. Find canvas and framed art across myriad subjects - Abstract, scenic, landscape, coastal, botanical and fine art. Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle (starts at $140) This is a well-crafted kettle - Simple aesthetic meets powerful design! A stainless steel gooseneck kettle that pours as good as it looks for the ultimate brewing experience. It is designed for a powerful but precise stream for the optimal pour over flow rate, and the counterbalanced handle provides a sturdy grip encouraging a slower pour. San Fransisco-based Stagg has received great reviews from many media and is highly rated even on Amazon. You will also find that many high-end stores are carrying this product. Always Pan ($145) This do-it-all wonder FROM OUR PLACE pan is designed to replace eight traditional pieces of cookware. And it looks pretty good too. It is non-toxic and non-stick with a ceramic coating, compatible with all other cooktops. It comes with spouts, a beechwood spatula, steel steamer basket and a modular lid to let off steam. Pure Bronze Kansa Matt Finish Ayurveda Dinner Set (Starts at $155) The 6 piece plate set includes: One 12 inch Dinner Plate, two Bowls , one Low Bowl, one Spoon and one glass. You may have to buy two sets to make it a house-warming gift - which may set you back at least $300. Pre-ordering is essential as this products ships from India and is handmade. Le Creuset Buffet Casserole With Glass Lid, 3.5 Qt ($200) Featuring a shallow base, this does-it-all pan is perfect for searing, braising, slow cooking and more. A durable tempered glass lid makes it easy to monitor food while it cooks. Versatile enough for use in the oven, on the stove or at the table, Le Creuset cast iron is beloved for both its chip-resistant enamel exterior and superior heat retention that locks in flavor and keeps food moist and tender. This casserole is the product of time-honored casting techniques and rigorous hand finishing at Le Creuset’s foundry in northern France. Game Night Gift Set ($267) With all the essentials for playing, eating and drinking, this gift set is sure to be your go-to for game nights with family and friends. Poker-themed snack bowls add a playful touch and pair perfectly with the luxe leather poker set and double old-fashioned glasses. A fun gift for friends and family, you can add a custom monogram for a personal touch. Set includes Poker Snack Bowls, Leather Poker Set and 4 Double Old Fashioned Glasses. Tea Gifts ($75 - $290) Japanese-style tea serving set has a cast iron infuser teapot with two cups. Embossed with a bursting gold pattern inspired by hanabi fireworks, this pot is coated with an enamel interior to prevent rust. Cast iron teapots have been prized for their superior heat retention and iconic designs since the Sencha era of 17th-century Japan. Give the gift of quiet conversation with Tea Forte ($75). This duet gift set has everything you need to create a memorable moment for two. Includes one Tea Tasting Assortment Petite Presentation Box, two porcelain Café Cups, and two Orchid White Tea Trays monogrammed with the Tea Forté logo. This gift set comes in a keepsake blue-grey gift box wrapped with a ribbon, featuring our gold foil stamped logo on the top. If you are looking for something much more fancier, consider the unique Wonderlust Teacup and Saucer Set ($290). Find it at Macys or get it cheaper on Amazon. Take a journey around the world with the Wonderlust collection. This striking Teacup & Saucer Set, available as a set of four. Perfect for afternoon tea, they each boast a striking and detailed pattern from the Wonderlust collection: Blue Pagoda, Camellia, Crimson Jewel and Yellow Tonquin. Taking inspiration from exotic locations and eclectic treasures, this diverse set is crafted from bone china and presented in a signature blue Wedgwood gift box. Vitamix FoodCycler, 2L Capacity ($349) Great gift for those who live sustainably! The smallest powered food waste recycler in the world creating soil fertilizer in mere hours. It cuts down volume of food waste by up to 90%. It is easy to operate and to store. Vitamix is a fourth-generation family owned American company. Bartesian Premium Cocktail and Margarita Machine ($367) Give the gift of endless craft cocktails in the comfort of home — no need to measure or pour. Just insert a cocktail capsule into the Bartesian drink mixer machine, select preferred strength and press mix. The system draws the spirit from the appropriate reservoir and mixes the cocktail in seconds. The capsules are sold separately and cost $15 for a pack of 6. 18th Century Brass Indian Urli Bowl Collection at RH ($820) Pricey? Yes. But sometimes, we are looking for gifts that are meant to be passed down. This is one of them! These handcrafted bowls are inspired by ceremonial cooking vessels used in temples throughout southern India during the 18th century. Intricately detailed with concentric rings, scrolling strap handles and a narrow, tapered foot, it bears the antique luster of a treasured artifact. RH members get a discounted price, so please explore this option. Gift Cards are often the best gifts! Finally, cash is always a good way to go. Here are some options to explore: Amazon Apple Target Best Buy Bed, Bath & Beyond Pottery Barn Crate & Barrel Container Store Macy's Williams Sonoma Finding the perfect housewarming gift isn't just about the item itself; it's about the sentiment and the thoughtfulness behind it. Whether it's a personalized plaque, a handcrafted kitchen essential, or a piece of art that adds character to their walls, these gifts aim to make a new house feel like a cherished home. Ultimately, the best gift is one that reflects the unique tastes and interests of the recipients, making them feel truly welcomed and celebrated in their new space.

Finding the perfect gift for the women in your life can be a joyful yet challenging task. Whether you're looking for a birthday surprise, a Mother's Day treat, or a thoughtful Christmas present, the quest for something special is universal. From luxurious indulgences to practical yet elegant items, this curated list offers a diverse range of gifts that promise to bring joy and warmth to the hearts of your girlfriends, spouses, or daughters. Vella Box Candle Subscription ($12 a month) Choose from 3 different sizes – starting at $12 per month + free US shipping! Artisan-made, natural ingredients, seasonally inspired and elevated designs. AirTag from Apple ($29) Literally the best gift for a traveler friend! AirTag is a super easy way to keep track of luggage. Attach one to a bag and just like that, it is on the radar in the Find My IPhone app. Bamboo Bathtub Tray Caddy ($29) A bathtub caddy completes a luxurious in-home spa treatment! The cup holder secures your favorite glass of wine… or a cup of herbal tea… or even a cup of decaf organic coffee before bed. The adjustable book holder holds a tablet or phone or any device you bring with you to the bath. Virtual Organic Wine Tasting Kit ($30) What a special way to treat someone! Experience one of Lucid Wines' at-home wine tasting kits, with 3 or 5 unique wines per lineup! Each kit comes with tasting notes, food pairing suggestions as well as music, lifestyle & literary pairings. BathHouse Mani Set ($30) This set offers a manicure sugar scrub, a yogurt hand glaze and a lemon almond cuticle butter. BathHouse is based in St. Charles, MO and Hot Springs, AK and comes highly recommended. Airome Lotus Medium Ceramic Essential Oil Diffuser ($32) This diffuser is accented with elegant suzani blossoms from top to bottom and sits on a brown base. It works by using slight vibrations to emit a fine mist of cool water carrying your favorite essential oil for up to 8 hours. This particular brand was listed #1 out of the brands tested by Reviewed.com in 2022. Tranmix Portable Solar Phone Charger with 4 Solar Panels ($39) This is a 20000mAh high capacity solar power bank that can charge an iPhone 11 about 8 times, a Galaxy S20 about 6 times, and a tablet about 2 times. It recharge the battery itself under sunlight, is eco-friendly and ideal for outdoor activity. The Towel by Lululemon ($42) Whether it's soaking up sweat during hot yoga classes or drying off post-shower, this absorbent microfibre towel handles it all. Versace Bright Crystal Eau De Toilette Spray ($42.95) This is a sweet, floral and fruity fragrance with top notes of pomegranate and yuzu, middle notes of peony and base notes of musk. ELEMIS Skin Health Trio | Superfood Cleanser, Moisturizer, & Toner ($45) This is an amazing travel gift that cleanses, nourishes, and brightens the skin! Elemis is a premium skin care British wellness brand with an aromatherapy soul, an artist's spirit and a scientist's commitment to results. Roxanne Assoulin Jewelry (starts at $85) Stack up with the set of five, the set of three, or mix and match and create your own stack with more. The colors are gorgeous - From little sets to big sets and to gift cards, there is something here for everyone! Roxanne Assoulin has had a long love affair with the fashion industry, working with the best of the best, from Marc Jacobs to Oscar de la Renta in a career that has spanned over three decades. In 2016, she established her own eponymous jewelry brand, famous for its use of enamel. GUESS Katey Mini Top-Zip Shoulder Bag ($88) Featuring a snakeskin-embossed finish, this compact shoulder bag is styled with a small logo emblem, detachable strap and draped chain detail. Labradorite Pebble Cuff | Aureus + Argent ($100) This engaging shape is hand-cut and crafted from brass. Madagascan labradorite shimmers and flashes gossamer layers of blue, green, and gold with every shift of movement. A single oval labradorite cabochon is embraced by flat prongs on a double-banded, satin brass cuff. Kate Spade New York Women's Park Row Watch ($113) Kate Spade is a celebration of women across time zones, generations, and style creeds. This stainless steel and quartz watch has a gold-plated metal case, a slender adjustable black and cream silicone strap, a standard buckle closure and a three-hand analog display with quartz movement. Presentation box is included. Kindle Paperwhite - 8 GB, 6.8" display and adjustable warm light ($139) Kindle Paperwhite is thin, lightweight, and travels easily! A single battery charge via USB-C lasts up to 10 weeks. The best kind of gift! Loulou de la Falaise pâte de verre tear drop earrings ($150) Wow with beautiful gold-plated earrings from Creel & Gow. The jewelry maker, Loulou de la Falaise was an English fashion muse and accessory and jewellery designer associated with Yves Saint Laurent. Merit's Five Minute Morning Core Collection ($170) + Add on Makeup Remover Towels w/ Makeup Embroidery ($19) The full five minute morning line up - everything you need to get ready in five minutes, nothing you don't. Works great as a daily or travel set. Includes cheek color, complexion stick, tinted lip oil, highlighting balm, mascara, pomade and blending brush. Formulated in partnership with esthetician Biba de Sousa, whose No List includes 72 potentially acne-triggering ingredients - all eliminated in this make-up. Clean, vegan and cruelty-free. To this gift, a great add-on idea: Black towels that do not look shabby or dirty after multiple uses! Great way to save those white towels with make-up stains! These are 13x13 soft cotton washcloths, pack of 6. Gwyneth’s Morning Routine: The Kit ($250) These are the essentials GP uses to start her day (and kick-start her glow). Get one full-size routine at a truly beautiful price. It comes with a Cloudberry Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser, Flower Acids Resurfacing Toner, 20% Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Glow Serum, Nourishing Face Cream and Nourishing Eye Cream. Fendi O’Lock Sunglasses ($460) These are low bridge fit square sunglasses in black acetate. Temples with gold-colored metal O’Lock logo and black gradient lenses. Made in Italy and headquartered in Rome, Fendi is now owned by Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the French luxury conglomerate. Burberry Classic Check Cashmere Scarf ($520) This 100% Cashmere Scarf is made at a 200-year-old mill in the Scottish countryside. Using 30 different steps, the scarf is woven on traditional looms. The fabric is washed in local spring water and carefully brushed with teasels for a super-soft finish. This Burberry classic check design was introduced in the 1920s and has a rich history. Every woman deserves a gift that reflects her uniqueness and celebrates her passions. Whether it's the elegance of a cashmere scarf, the allure of a signature fragrance, or the functionality of a tech-savvy gadget, the art of gift-giving lies in understanding her preferences and interests. These thoughtful presents are tokens of appreciation, emphasizing the special place she holds in your life and the thoughtfulness you've put into selecting something that resonates with her.

Giving back to society is a powerful way to boost your own well-being while helping others. When you do kind things and give generously, you feel a sense of purpose and joy that improves your mental and emotional health. This give-and-take not only helps communities grow stronger but also makes you feel more connected and part of something bigger. It’s a simple, effective way to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. Once a year, on 'Make a Difference Day', our family donates hygiene kits to the unhoused. I find this to be a fun activity that teaches children about giving back by doing something meaningful. In the US, Make a Difference Day is an annual observance that encourages individuals and communities to come together and make a positive impact in their surroundings. Celebrated on the fourth Saturday in October, Make a Difference Day serves as a reminder of the collective power of small acts of kindness and service. It is a day when people volunteer their time, skills, and resources to engage in various community service projects, ranging from environmental clean-ups to food drives, from mentoring programs to educational initiatives. Of course, you don't have to wait until October to give back to society. If you would like to participate in a hygiene kit donation activity, this article will help. There are FOUR simple steps here: Contact a local shelter to check if they will accept hygiene kits. Check if there are specific products they need or don't need Buy bags to separate and transport the kits, and have a stapler and sharpie pen handy Go shopping at your local dollar store (or hit sales at Target / Walmart / Amazon). Remember to buy bags. Buy ribbons and labels if you want things to look pretty Create packages as a family activity and drop the bags off Obviously, you can have any budget, big or small. It is really the thought that matters, and the fact that we are doing what we can to help. For our hygiene kits, we spent $100. We bought everything from our local dollar store. We bought the following items: Toothpaste Toothbrush Disposable razors Socks Bar soaps Shampoo Lotion Sunscreen Deodorant Chapstick Sanitary napkins Kleenex tissues You can buy something similar, mix and match, make and label separately for men and women, depending on the products you buy. My daughter had a good time 'decorating' the bags and felt quite included in the process of giving back. Then, we drove about thirty minutes to drop off all the kits at the Union Station Homeless Services in downtown Los Angeles. This is a simple and meaningful family activity. Hopefully, this inspires some of you to do something special too. Remember, YOU are enough. It starts with YOU. What YOU do makes a difference. #giveback #togetherwecan

Having traveled through Singapore several times, I've come to appreciate the country’s unique blend of efficiency, hospitality, and cultural richness. On my recent trip to India, I experienced a 13-hour layover each way at Singapore’s Changi Airport. This provided me with the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into what makes this airport, and by extension Singapore, so special. From seamless immigration processes, free WiFi and engaging free tours, here’s a detailed look at my experiences and insights into maximizing a layover at Changi Airport. Should we start with a map? There are four terminals at this award-winning Changi airport, and a fifth one is anticipated to be ready at some point. I spent most of my time on T3 and also at the Jewel - which you can visit once you clear immigration. I walked across terminalsthrough an internal walkway and also took a sky train once from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 to see the Jewel waterfall from the train itself. The Jewel of Changi Airport When transiting through Singapore’s Changi Airport, one of the highlights is undoubtedly the Jewel. Situated just outside Terminal 1, the Jewel is a stunning lifestyle and retail complex that offers much more than just shopping. Even with a short layover, you can enjoy the incredible Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, which is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a serene rainforest ambiance. Adjacent to the Rain Vortex, you’ll find the Canopy Park, which features a hedge maze, bouncing nets, and slides. On the lower level of the Jewel, there’s a well-stocked grocery store perfect for picking up healthy snacks, fresh fruits, and learning about local cuisines. This store is a convenient stop for grabbing some nutritious bites for your onward journey. So, consider visiting this little grocery store, especially if you are looking for fruits to eat instead of restaurant food. Terminal Highlights Changi Airport offers numerous attractions within its terminals. The best way to explore it is to download the Changi app and be on a mission to spot all the different attractions. The airport and all its terminals are internally connected. You can walk or take the sky train. First things first, explore the Jewel. Then start with Terminal 1. Terminal 1 features fascinating art installations and the serene Water Lily Garden and the cactus garden. Then, off you go to Terminal 2. Here, the Sunflower Garden provides a cheerful and sunny atmosphere with beautiful sunflowers in an open-air setting. You have to visit the enchanted garden (which is a thing of beauty) and the magical Dreamscape! Just grab a coffee and walk around... Then, go to Terminal 3 - By far my favorite terminal! It is home to the Crystal Garden and Butterfly Garden, as well as one of the tallest airport slides in the world. I also watched a free animation movie at the movie theater right next to the Butterfly Garden. The seats were so comfortable! Remember that some of the attractions are in the public viewing area and others are in the transit areas. You may need to clear immigration to visit some of those public attractions but in some cases, the attractions are visible from the transit areas. These are some that are visible: For those looking to unwind, the SATS Premier Lounge provides a quiet space with decent food and shower facilities. This lounge takes Priority Pass. If it is full, try the Maharaba Lounge on the same floor, just three minutes away. I did not see the Amex lounge in Terminal 3 but I was told I may find it in Terminal 1. (Honestly, I didnt find it there either!) The Ambassador Lounge also takes Priority Pass and offer services (including showers, massages and gyms) in both Terminal 2 and 3. Not a Priority Pass (or any other pass) member? Not to worry! You are likely to find showers and other services for a small fee on multiple terminals! Finally - You can always go shopping! Or window-shopping - Look at this Louis Vuitton store, its marvelous. If you do happen to visit Terminal 4, check out the Heritage Zone and entertainment corner with arcade machines. Dining at Changi Too many options! For quick food, check out the food courts / hawker stations as each terminal has a ton of options. Are there vegetarian options to consider? Yes - There are some vegetarian options - from Chutney Mary in T2 L3 to Bikanerwala in T3 L4. There are also juice bars and several vegetarian-friendly restaurants such as Pezzo in T1 L2 that serves pizza, Greendot Plus near the Jewel B1, Din Tai Fung in Jewel L 3 which has sautéed veggies, Hard Rock in T2 L2, the Satay Club in T2 L2 which has contemporary (not so healthy!) options, etc. Lounges will also have some decent vegetarian food. My favorite experience was at Kaveri at a hawker station in T3 which served amazing dosas. At all such hawker stations, you need to order at the kiosk (the machine takes international Visa and Mastercard credit cards) and then give the ticket to the stall for a quick pick up. To kill time, I also picked up a juice at Boost in Terminal 2, and then watched live sports. What fun! Terminal 2 is home to the Gourmet Garden. This juice bar is located right in that area. Unique Coffee Experience One of my best finds was Bacha Coffee, located in multiple Changi airport terminals. This business, founded in 1910 in Marrakesh serve a variety of exotic coffee blends, including a memorable Brazilian coffee accompanied by a whipped cream and a large honey sugar stick for sweetening. It’s a must-try for coffee lovers looking for a unique experience. Spa Experience For those looking to relax, Changi Airport offers excellent spa facilities. Be Relax spa in Terminal 3 provides a range of chair and reflexology massages. If you choose to just sleep, right across from the spa is the free Snooze Lounge. You may also find a few full service spas on other terminals that offer face and body treatments. After a long flight, a quick visit to the spa can rejuvenate you before your next leg of travel. The facilities are clean, the staff is professional, and the experience is truly relaxing. Transit Hotels at Changi If you have a longer layover and need some rest, Changi Airport offers several transit hotels. The Aerotel in Terminal 1 and the Ambassador Transit Hotels in Terminals 2 and 3 provide comfortable rooms. These hotels are convenient, clean, and come with amenities like showers, Wi-Fi, food and complimentary toiletries, making them perfect for catching up on sleep during a long layover. You can get yourself a room for even just 6 hours. Rooms start at USD $200 or so. These hotels offer bare-minimum facilities (what else do you need besides sleep on transit, though!) and are for transit passengers only! Immigration and Customs One of the most seamless aspects of transiting through Changi Airport is the immigration process. For passengers eligible for visa-free entry into Singapore, the process is straightforward. Ensure you have your passport at hand + onward boarding pass handy, as you may be asked to show it. During my layovers, I found the immigration officers to be courteous, helpful and efficient. You can go in and out of the airport only once as a transit passenger so plan accordingly. IMPORTANT: Upon arrival, you’ll need to fill out an immigration card (SG Arrival Card), which can be done electronically at kiosks before reaching the immigration counters. You can actually fill out this form online upto three days before you enter Singapore. I highly recommend that you do this and print out your confirmation copy for records. Signing Up for the Free Singapore Tours Changi Airport offers free Singapore tours for transit passengers with a layover of at least 5.5 hours. These tours are a fantastic way to get a glimpse of Singapore without venturing too far from the airport. Spots are limited, so early registration is recommended. You are only allowed to register for one tour. I booked my tour at least a week in advance, online. A confirmation email was sent to me immediately. I had to show this confirmation + registration barcode at the kiosk. Review this website to choose and to book your tour. Here’s how to sign up: Eligibility Check: Ensure your layover is between 5.5 and 24 hours and that your onward flight is confirmed. Download the Changi App! It is so helpful :) To register: Tour Registration Desk: Locate the Free Singapore Tour booths in Terminals 2 and 3. The booths are near the transit area, and signs are clearly marked. You can also sign up for the tours via the Changi Airport app, though I found that you might have to try multiple times, as the mobile network can be inconsistent. If the app doesn’t work, head to the registration desk asap. Required Documents: Bring your passport, boarding pass, and any necessary visas. You’ll need these for first-time / final registration Show up / Register at least 1.5 hours before the tour departure time You will be asked to meet at the tour registration booth an hour before the tour starts. From there, the group goes through immigration together. You will be guided to meet outside by McDonald's or a specific spot. Following a head count, you will make your way to your bus along with your group. Things to remember: Stay with your group the whole time. If you wander off, the bus will leave without you (not a threat, its real!) If you have roll-on luggage, you will be asked to check it in with luggage storage at the airport for a fee. Only backpacks are allowed on the bus Keep those backpacks light. Each time you alight for a tourist attraction, you are required to take all your luggage with you - nothing gets left behind in the bus. And you walk with your luggage for about 60 minutes These tours are not handicap-friendly Carry water or be prepared to pay for it on the bus You cannot eat or drink on the bus. Only water is allowed to be consumed There are three different tour experiences: The Heritage Tour: delves into Singapore’s rich cultural history, with visits to Chinatown and Kampong Glam. This tour is perfect for those interested in exploring Singapore’s multicultural heritage and traditional architecture. Highlights included the vibrant streets of Chinatown and the historic Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam. The City Sights Tour: offers a modern perspective, showcasing iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion Park. This tour is ideal for those wanting to see the modern side of Singapore’s skyline and urban development. The Changi Precinct Tour: provides a unique look into the local life of Singaporeans, including a visit to a local market as well as a community center. This tour is perfect for those wanting to experience the history and community spirit of the Changi area. Best of Singapore: A Tourist Guide Whether you're visiting for the first time or are a returning traveler, there's always something new and exciting to explore in Singapore. Here are some things you can do!

Get ready for a shopping spree extravaganza! Amazon's Cyber Monday weekend event is fast approaching, starting from Saturday, November 25, and continuing its whirlwind of deals and discounts until Monday, November 27. To make your shopping experience a breeze, here's an exclusive sneak peek at some of the incredible buys awaiting you during this unmissable sale. Whether you're hunting for tech gadgets, fashion finds, home essentials, or more, these deals are sure to captivate savvy shoppers! Save up to 46% on select Instant Pot kitchen appliances Save up to 37% on select Vitamix blenders Save up to 37% on select KitchenAid mixers and kitchen appliances Save up to 30% on select Casper mattresses Save up to 30% on select Nespresso coffee machines Save up to 30% on on select Anastasia Beverly Hills products Save up to 30% on select Living Proof products Save up to 30% on select Burt’s Bees skincare and gifts Save up to 25% on select Lemme by Kourtney Kardashian Barker products Save up to 20% on select Le Domaine by Brad Pitt products Save up to 30% on select Fisher-Price toys Save up to 20% on select Ninja Premium Bakeware Save up to 20% on select Kérastase hair care Save up to 30% on select Amazon exclusive men’s, women’s, and kids’ fashion from Amazon Essentials Save up to 15% on select essie nail polishes and sets Save up to 35% on Amazon Echo Studio Save up to 35% on Amazon Fire TV 55" Omni QLED Series 4K UHD smart TV All-new Fire HD 10 tablet Lowest price ever on Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundles Sale on CeraVe Sale on Helly Hansen Up to 45% off Hey Dude Up to 30% off La Roche-Posay Up to 30% off OPI nail colors and treatments LA-based Green Sea Shells is an online magazine that encapsulates the vibrant essence of Indian-American life, culture, and family travel. Join our community and subscribe to our complimentary monthly newsletter, Roots & Routes. Some of our GSS articles contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking a link, we’ll collect a share of sales at no additional cost to you.

As we approach the gifting season in 2023, it's essential to stay updated with the latest trends and products that are taking the online shopping world by storm. Amazon, the e-commerce giant, is not only the go-to destination for shoppers worldwide but also a treasure trove of top-selling and highly wished-for items. In this article, we'll take you through a handpicked selection of Amazon's best sellers and most wished-for products for 2023. Gift Card Starting with the classic, a gift card is a versatile choice. It allows the recipient to select their preferred items, ensuring they get something they truly desire. Amazon offers a wide range of gift card options, including personalized and themed cards, making it a thoughtful and practical present. Crockpot Electric Lunch Box For those who appreciate the convenience of hot, home-cooked meals on the go, a Crockpot electric lunch box is a game-changer. This portable device allows users to heat up their favorite dishes at the office or while traveling, making it an excellent choice for busy individuals. Apple AirTags Apple AirTags are a must-have for tech enthusiasts and anyone prone to misplacing their belongings. These small, Bluetooth-enabled devices can be attached to keys, wallets, or bags, helping users track their items with ease using the Find My app on their Apple devices. Insulated Tumbler Staying hydrated in style is a breeze with an insulated tumbler. Whether it's for hot coffee in the morning or a refreshing cold drink in the afternoon, these tumblers keep beverages at the ideal temperature while reducing the need for disposable cups. Podcast Microphones & Gaming Headsets As the podcasting trend continues to grow, a high-quality podcast microphone makes for a thoughtful gift. Budding podcasters and content creators will appreciate the boost in audio quality that these microphones provide, allowing them to produce professional-sounding content. Travel Backpack A reliable and stylish travel backpack is a versatile gift for adventurers and commuters alike. With multiple compartments, durable materials, and ergonomic designs, these backpacks are designed to withstand the rigors of travel while keeping belongings organized. Laptop A MacBook laptop is a dream gift for anyone in need of a powerful, sleek, and user-friendly computer. Whether for work, creative endeavors, or entertainment, the MacBook is known for its top-notch performance and stunning Retina display. Adult Crocs Comfortable, versatile, and available in various colors and styles, Crocs have become a footwear staple for many. Gifting a pair of Crocs is a practical choice, suitable for everyday wear, gardening, or quick errands. Pilates Bar For fitness enthusiasts, a Pilates bar is a versatile piece of equipment that can enhance home workouts. It provides resistance for various exercises, helping individuals tone muscles and improve flexibility without the need for a gym membership. Shower Steamers Shower steamers are a luxurious way to turn an ordinary shower into a spa-like experience. Infused with essential oils, these aromatic tablets release soothing scents when they come into contact with water, promoting relaxation and stress relief. Vegetable Chopper The Full Star Chopper is a kitchen gadget that simplifies meal prep. Its multiple blades make chopping, dicing, and slicing vegetables a breeze, saving time and effort in the kitchen. Mighty Patch Acne can be a nuisance, but Mighty Patch offers a solution. These hydrocolloid patches are designed to target and absorb impurities from blemishes, promoting faster healing and reducing the appearance of breakouts. Sleeping Mask A sleeping mask for nourishment is a skincare product that works its magic while you sleep. Packed with hydrating ingredients, it helps rejuvenate the skin, leaving it refreshed and radiant when you wake up. Gel Nail Salon Set Bring the nail salon experience home with a gel nail salon set. This kit includes everything needed for long-lasting, salon-quality manicures, making it a perfect gift for those who love pampering themselves. LA-based Green Sea Shells is an online magazine that encapsulates the vibrant essence of Indian-American life, culture, and family travel. Join our community and subscribe to our complimentary monthly newsletter, Roots & Routes. Some of our GSS articles contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking a link, we’ll collect a share of sales at no additional cost to you.

In Los Angeles and looking for something fun to do this weekend? Contemporary art museum, The Broad in Downtown Los Angeles is one idea. I visited it with my family a few months ago and I want to share my experience. The one thing I really like about the museum is its social media presence - you can get a lot of updates on standby lines by following the Broad Museum on Twitter (@TheBroadStandby). It does get really busy so watch the line and plan accordingly. The standby line closes 60-90 minutes before the museum closes, and earlier on busy days. It is closed on Mondays. Anyway, in this post I want to share some photos to give you an idea of what to expect. First, the museum is generally child-friendly. There were a few nude paintings and sculptures which embarrassed my 10-year old and she kept asking me why artists would care to paint naked people. My answer to that question was 'everything goes in the creative world of art and that the human body is too beautiful not to paint'. That answer worked for her on that day. For how long, I am not sure. Be sure to have an answer ready, should you take children along. My brother who joined us at the museum sighed, 'Oh, the things that pass off as ART'. But then he took a lot of these photos so all credit goes to him for keeping these memories alive. Personally, I like this modern art stuff. I have always admired the techniques that allow the creation of such unique things and the ability of artists to create newer and beautiful things from imagination rather than just history. I thought it was a fun visit. From infinity mirror rooms to clever installations and the gift store, I found several things fascinating. I was most familiar with and excited to see Jeff Koons' work - you see (below) several exhibits as part of that collection: Balloon Dog; Tulips; and Michael Jackson & Bubbles. I tried to explain things to my daughter as we walked past the different exhibits. She loved the Blue Balloon Dog as well as Takashi Murakami’s work (esp. Hustle & Punch) which is all anime-inspired and reminded her of cartoons with big eyes. And since she likes anime, it made her appreciate the work a lot more. One of my favorite pieces at The Broad though was Robert Therrien's Under The Table. Here, you see us Under the Table - that's how tall the exhibit is! It makes you realize how toddles feel about their giant parents. It is just a beautiful installation. It took us a couple hours to do a complete walk-though of this museum. Totally worth our time. Plan a visit, it will be memorable. After Broad, eat at Otium. Read about what we ate and our overall experience here. Please reserve this in advance! About Green Sea Shells Discover the world's wonders with us. Dive into cultural experiences and tastes as we journey across the globe. From breathtaking landscapes to mouthwatering dishes, let us be your guide to unforgettable experiences. Join us and uncover the excitement that awaits in every corner of our beautiful planet. Your next adventure is just a click away!

Editor's note: The author of this article did not receive compensation for this review, nor was she given any complimentary stay or services. However, the hotel kindly welcomed her with a thoughtful and luxurious gift in her room after informing them of her visit. During my parents' visit from India, my husband and I were determined to make their trip memorable. Choosing the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach in Dana Point, CA, for its stunning location, we had no idea that this hotel would become the highlight of our entire journey. From the very moment we arrived at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, our spirits were lifted as we found a luxurious welcome gift awaiting us in our room, setting the perfect tone for our stay. Friends, let me introduce you to this exquisite gem on the shores of Dana Point, where sophistication, refinement, and indulgence blend effortlessly, creating a timeless masterpiece. More than just a place to stay, the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach offers an unforgettable experience, complete with beautiful memories! Approaching the hotel, one is immediately drawn to the Mediterranean-influenced architecture, cascading fountains, and regal elegance. Upon entering the lobby, one is enveloped in a seamless blend of classical charm and contemporary sophistication. The beautiful chandeliers, curated artwork, and resplendent flooring create an ambiance of warmth and serenity. The hotel accommodations are not only spacious but thoughtfully designed as well. Lavish marble bathrooms, plush bedding, and round-the-clock personalized service ensure a truly comfortable stay. Though the water-facing rooms are desirable, they can be quite expensive. We opted for two adjoining rooms with balconies facing the lush green lawns, allowing us to admire the lovely view just steps away from our door. The hotel's main café near the reception area opens early, offering a delightful selection of coffee and baked goods to enjoy on the expansive outdoor balcony adorned with fire pits and umbrellas. And I can assure you, the food tastes as good as it looks! The Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach is an oasis for wellness and leisure, featuring a world-class spa where expert therapists pamper guests with an array of treatments. They have a special wellness area with pools for spa guests. Additionally, the hotel offers rejuvenating activities such as yoga and sound baths, which we had the pleasure of trying and thoroughly enjoying. For relaxation, the hotel boasts two heated leisure pools and jacuzzis with lots of lounge chairs, tables, umbrellas and cabanas with breathtaking ocean and golf course views, providing the perfect spot to unwind while sipping on refreshing cocktails. While we decided not to golf on this particular trip, golf enthusiasts can indulge in the Monarch Beach Golf Links' 18-hole championship course, offering an unparalleled golfing experience amidst picturesque ocean vistas. A notable perk we appreciated was the hotel shuttle, which conveniently transported guests to the ocean through tunnels and the golf course. This service was a huge plus, making it easier for everyone to explore the vast property. The shuttle was really frequent and it was cool to ride on it down to the ocean, under the PCH and to the Monarch Bay Beach Club. And then, back up - again! We used this service multiple times during our stay. We were also able to reach the restaurant by renting bikes—a delightful way to feel the wind in our faces and get our daily exercise in. This was really fun! The restaurant by the ocean offers spectacular water views, and we found ourselves under a cozy umbrella, soaking in the breeze and sunshine, while pondering what delicious treats to order. As the day turned into night, the magic of the Waldorf Astoria continued. The hotel's vast bar area beckoned, and many guests gathered drinks and stepped outside to marvel at the splendid view of the property, pools, ocean, and skyline—a true treat to behold! Overall, our experience at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach surpassed all expectations. From dressing up and taking a ton of photos to playing board games at night, every memory is precious! Spending quality time with my parents and showing them a good time at this resort property was a wonderful experience that we will all cherish for a long time.

Choosing the perfect gift for teen girls can be a fun adventure! From skincare goodies promising glowing skin to cute accessories and thoughtful stationery sets, there's a world of exciting options on Amazon waiting to be explored. Let's dive into a collection of fantastic finds to create a special gift basket that'll bring a smile to any teen girl's face. Peach & Lily Glass Skin Discovery Kit This bestselling kit includes a complete Glass Skin routine: Power Calm Hydrating Gel Cleanser (1.0 oz), Wild Dew Treatment Essence (1.0 oz), Glass Skin Refining Serum (0.5 oz) and Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream (0.67 oz). Suitable for all skin types - including sensitive skin. Find it on Amazon. Celavi Essence Facial Sheet Face Mask Variety Pack A deeply-hydrating, revitalizing skin therapy helps create firmer, healthier, more balanced skin. For dry, oily, or sensitive skin. Find it on Amazon . Burt's Bee Travel Products Pamper from head to toe with this giftable set including 6 travel size Burt's Bees favorites: Honey & Grapeseed Oil Hand Cream, Coconut Foot Cream, Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, Almond & Milk Hand Cream, Hand Salve & Pomegranate Lip Balm. Find it on Amazon . Sol De Janeiro Jet Set Caffeine-rich guarana visibly firms and tightens skin while cupuacu butter provides fast-absorbing hydration. Find it on Amazon. Funky Socks   These cute socks feature lovely bee patterns and beautiful colors. Find it on Amazon. Constellation Jewelry Box The travel jewelry box is both fashionable and portable. It contains sponge strips for rings, compartments with detachable dividers, and elastic pockets for chains. Small accessories such as lipstick and watch can also be saved. Find it on Amazon. Journal or Planner This A5 (5.7in*8.2in*0.66in) Notebook contains 925 dotted grids with X25 * Y37 dots for daily organizing and journaling. It comes with 1 teal Bullet Dotted Journal Notebook, 15 colors Fineliner pens, 5 Pieces of Reusable Stencils, 6 Sticker Sheets, 6 Washi Tape set, and 1 Black Pen. Find it on Amazon . Hallmark Stationery Set This set includes 10 blank cards and envelopes, 20 writing sheets and envelopes, a 75-sheet memo pad, and 30 stickers for sealing notes and letters, all in coordinating floral designs. Box is reusable for card storage and features dividers for easy organization. Find it on Amazon. Book Gift The must-read mystery series everyone is talking about that began with A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is now available in a three-book paperback boxed set! Find it on Amazon! PopSockets:   PopSockets PopGrip allows your teen to kickstand their phone on-the-go, use their phone one-handed, and prevent phone drops. It collapses flat. Find it on Amazon . Putting together a gift basket for a teen girl is all about capturing her interests and preferences. Whether it's skincare sets for that radiant glow, funky socks to express her style, or a beautifully crafted journal for organizing thoughts, each item adds its own touch of joy. Amazon's diverse offerings allow for a personalized and thoughtful gift selection, making it easy to curate a unique and delightful present that reflects her personality and passions.

My dog, Haiku is a beautiful labradoodle and after 18 months of having her, here are the products that I use currently and would recommend you consider. My choices are fairly reasonably priced (nothing fancy!) but the products are quality! DOG LEASH This leash is great, I have been using since I got my dog. Still pretty intact. The company is reliable. 5-feet is a good length to walk a medium size (40 lb) dog. BAAPET 2/4/5/6 FT Dog Leash with Comfortable Padded Handle and Highly Reflective Threads for Small Medium and Large Dogs (5FT-1/2'', Black) NO-PULL DOG HARNESS Tried a few, bought and returned them. This one is my favorite. In general, my dog prefers the collar during regular walks but this is great for the car and when she is in the mood to just run-run-run, and I need to control her craziness...! rabbitgoo Dog Harness, No-Pull Pet Harness with 2 Leash Clips, Adjustable Soft Padded Dog Vest, Reflective No-Choke Pet Oxford Vest with Easy Control Handle for Medium Dogs, Pink, M DOG COLLAR Again, tried a few and was annoyed with how difficult it was to adjust. I finally found a great one and I have never looked back. It is expensive but you won't need to buy another one. I love that it is padded, and comfortable and has a metal d-ring where I can add my dog's name tag. Medium was the size I bought. KONG Comfort Neoprene Padded Dog Collar Offered by Barker Brands Inc. CHEW TOYS You will be buying so many chew toys if your dog is an aggressive chewer! When my dog was teething or just plain bored, she totally attacked her toys, like with a vengeance! I bought these toys a year ago, some she took to right away and some a little later as they were slightly bigger. I am happy to report that these toys are still intact. She plays with them, chews on them, we play fetch with them. All great! The blue one is her favorite because (like you see in the picture), it's easy for her to hold it. The orange one is her second fav. LUKITO Dog Chew Toys 3 Pack, Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers Large Breed, Multifunctional Teeth Cleaning and Gum Massage, Tough Dog Toys with Natural Rubber for Large and Medium Dog POOP BAGS When I first got my dog, I was really focused on getting things that were super environmentally friendly, compostable, etc. Truth is, I am not really sure how compostable any of those brands are that claim it. Also, these bags go into garbage and not my recycle bin. And I refuse to put them in my fruit and vegetable compost. So, I have graduated to these Amazon Basics bags. The size is right for my dog and 40-rolls, with 15-bags per roll last me literally...for ever. I have bought these only twice since I got the dog. So ...! I love that it comes with a dispenser, which I have attach to my dog's leash. Amazon Basics Unscented Dog Poop Bags with Dispenser and Leash Clip, Standard 13 x 9 Inches, Black - 600 Bags (40 Rolls) New York Times Best Seller BOOK When I first got my dog home, I was like a new parent, trying to learn everything about keeping this beautiful life healthy and happy. That's when I started reading this book, and I have revisited it several times. How we feed our dog makes a huge difference. In my opinion, if you love your pet, you should read this book. The Forever Dog: Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer EYE WASH There are little things that no one tells you, but now I know. Dogs have this gunk on the outside of their eyes when they wake up - and if you don't clean it, it gets crusty and can lead to infections. I use this eye wash to flush out the corners of my doggy's eyes. Just a little goes a long way in keeping them clean. And it does not hurt or burn at all. Vetericyn Plus All Animal Eye Wash-Pain-Free Solution for Abrasions and Irritations, Helps Relieve Pink Eye and Allergies Symptoms, and Part of Regular Eye Care-for Dogs and Cats PLAY PEN When my dog was little, we wanted to control her movements. She was jumpy around other people and she had no sense of etiquette how to behave, not to bite, stay safe - all that stuff. So we bought this foldable metal enclosure for our backyard and we liked it so much that we bought another one for the front yard! For the most part, we don't use it anymore as she is smart enough and better trained but it is a great product for puppies. It can also be attached to a crate, and this way you can keep your dog confined to a certain area without restricting their movement. I have used it both ways! MidWest Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen / Pet Playpen. Black w/ door, 24"W x 30"H, 1-Year Manufacturer's Warrant CRATE I will be honest. When I first got the dog, I thought my dog will always need a crate and she will be sleeping in the crate at night. Truth is, my dog does not sleep in a crate. We don't even have a crate anymore. But when she was little and we were potty training her, this crate was super helpful. There are very expensive crates out there, but this single-door one is fairly priced, and its pretty good quality. I like slightly bigger crates so that the dog does not feel so cramped. Some people might disagree, and also not like my parenting style of letting the dog roam free, but this is my preference! I know of dogs that only sleep in their crates, so it really does depend on their upbringing and habit. MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate, Includes Leak-Proof Pan, Floor Protecting Feet , Divider Panel & New Patented Features DOG SEAT Literally the cutest, and a great product to bring your puppy home! It is very easy to install and quite helpful for first-time dog parents! It is a safe way to transport a pet that has never been in a car before. We bought ours and then in 3 months, gave the product to someone who was bringing their dog home. If you have a smaller dog, under 25 lbs, this is also a product you can use daily. Henkelion Small Dog Car Seat, Dog Booster Seat for Car Front Seat, Pet Booster Car Seat for Small Dogs Medium Dogs Within 30 lbs, Reinforced Dog Car Booster Seat Harness with Seat Belt - Black DOG SEAT COVER As your dog grows, you can move to a seat cover instead. I am not a big fan of the hammock-style covers, but a general bench-like cover protects the backseat and its great for road trips! iBuddy Bench Dog Car Seat Cover for Car/SUV/Small Truck, Waterproof Back Seat Cover for Dog and Kids Without Smell, Heavy Duty and Nonslip Pet Car Seat Cover for Dogs, Machine Washable DENTAL TREAT This is my dog's most favorite dental product. I like that I can control the quantity, as the treat can be broken into two parts. If you can find it on Costco.com, that's great - it's the best deal, but I also know that not all Costcos carry this product. I don't have a Costco membership, and I buy them on Amazon. It is wheat-free as it's made of potato flour. My dog looks forward to one-half every morning and one-half every night and I think it works really well. Clean teeth, fresh breath! US and Canada sourced ingredients, accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. Checkups- Dental Dog Treats Queen Haiku is our beloved family pet - the baby in the family, stealer of hearts and giver of kisses. Follow her amazing, royal life on Instagram. LA-based Green Sea Shells is an online magazine that encapsulates the vibrant essence of Indian-American life, culture, and family travel. Join our community and subscribe to our complimentary monthly newsletter, Roots & Routes. Some of our GSS articles contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking a link, we’ll collect a share of sales at no additional cost to you.

10 / 10. Beautiful, poetic food. Contemporary restaurant by Chef Timothy Hollingsworth. Otium is probably one of our most favorite restaurants in downtown Los Angeles. We first heard of Hollingsworth when we watched Netflix's Final Table. Hollingsworth was a contestant on the show and came with some exceptional honors - Ex-chef at Thomas Keller's The French Laundry, and James Beard Award for Rising Star Chef of the Year. First to manage your expectations: Otium is a celebrity-chef restaurant, it is a little pricey, quantities are small. Perfect for a celebration, costly for a regular lunch stop by DTLA. Great idea to check out The Broad, a contemporary art museum on Grand Ave when you visit. Brunch or lunch times are good times to visit. Reservations in advance will help. The restaurant offers valet, that's the best way to go. The restaurant has an open kitchen concept with indoor and outdoor spaces. They had a huge wine list, and we saw folks making pasta. The Otium menu is fascinating with a lot of vegetarian options. The servers were super-duper knowledgeable which is rare to see. Of course, these photos below paint an artistic picture. These are all the things we ordered. The menu keeps changing so you may find different items, but there are no bad choices - this place is fabulous! I also do hope they bring back some of these dishes. This fancy omelette costs $36. Ooh, la la. I know! crazy. It was made with an ancient recipe and it was fantastic. The Farro salad with cranberries, watercress and sumac was amaze-balls. Hummus and Muhammara - lovely....tiny portions though. Not dairy free. Grilled asparagus. Tastes nothing like what you may had had. Just gorgeously grilled! Grilled cheese (Read: GET OUT! I don't want to share this with my child...!) Saffron lemonade (just delish, one is enough to make you very happy!) Website: https://otiumla.com Address: 222 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Opening hours Brunch - Walk Ins Only! No Reservations. Saturday-Sunday 11:00 AM-2:00 PM Lunch - Walk Ins Only! No Reservations! Tuesday-Friday 11:00 AM-2:00 PM Dinner - Tuesday-Thursday 4:30-9:00 PM Friday-Saturday 4:30 - 10:00 PM Sunday 4:30-9:00 PM Closed - Monday First published: 2/25/2020 Revised: 4/18/2023 LA-based Green Sea Shellsis an online magazine that encapsulates the vibrant essence of Indian-American life, culture, and family travel. Join our community and subscribe to our complimentary monthly newsletter, Roots & Routes. Some of our GSS articles contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking a link, we’ll collect a share of sales at no additional cost to you.

It must be in our stars to get to this quaint restaurant. On our way to Temecula, we decided to stop by and take a little walk in San Juan Capistrano (SJC), a little town in south Orange County. known for its beautiful Mission San Juan Capistrano, the jewel of the California Missions that welcomes over 300,000 visitors each year. In the Old Town area, there are a few little houses that have been converted into stores and restaurants. We parked our car by the train station, and walked toward the historic district area. If you have been to an artisan village, there is a tiny street in SJC that feels just like that. This is where we found The Tea House on Los Rios, with plenty of outdoor and indoor seating - just about 100 steps of the train depot. The tea house's beautiful setting and friendly staff make it a truly special place to visit. It is known for its afternoon tea service, which includes a selection of loose-leaf teas, scones, salads, and pastries. To start, we ordered a couple hot teas for the adults and a strawberry tea for the child. For food, we ordered a scone that came with fresh raspberry compote and a chocolate ganache cake. We also got a fruit plate. Everything looked so pretty and tasted as delicious! The service was fantastic and accommodating. Our daughter did not like what she had ordered first but the server was nice enough to exchange it for something different. We were told that we probably needed reservations if we wanted to visit again on a weekend - Apparently they are well known for their brunch as well. This tea house is such a romantic place and it also feels very English. The tea varieties were unique and they have several of their own blends. It is truly an awesome place for a cup of mid-morning tea and fresh-out-of-the-oven baked goods. The cherry on the top is the sound of wind chimes from the store next door. Just magical. Check out their site for upcoming events. They often have a Mothers Day Brunch, Springtime menus and other garden parties! They are open Tuesday through Friday, 11 AM with last seating at 4 PM and weekends from 10 AM with last seating at 4 PM. Quick tip: There is a $20 minimum per person, so share the tea and order a few salads or entree items. Website: https://theteahouseonlosrios.com Reserve a tea time here: https://theteahouseonlosrios.com/pages/reservations First published: 11/26/2020 Last revision: 04/18/2023 LA-based Green Sea Shellsis an online magazine that encapsulates the vibrant essence of Indian-American life, culture, and family travel. Join our community and subscribe to our complimentary monthly newsletter, Roots & Routes. Some of our GSS articles contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking a link, we’ll collect a share of sales at no additional cost to you.

Nostalgia has a magical way of enhancing the culinary journey. It's not just about savoring an ice cream that captures the essence of pao (which is remarkable in itself). It's about reliving the cherished moments when your dad and grandfather used to spread malai on toast, considering it the best breakfast ever. Years later, you tried it with your uncle, and it became a cherished memory. Even though you couldn't enjoy it again, that one taste became a repository of all your memories and regrets. Enter Bombay Sweet Shop, and as you take a bite, those long-forgotten memories come flooding back, transporting you to a realm of pure euphoria. Bombay Sweet Shop offers a unique dessert called Malai Toast, available exclusively for dine-in. Instead of traditional toast, it features a pao ice cream adorned with rusk crumbles, malai (Indian clotted cream), and sugar. When in Mumbai, don't miss out on this delightful experience that is sure to sweeten your day! Thanks to Bombay Sweet Shop, you get to embark on a nostalgic journey with their incredible Malai Toast! This is a guest article by Pranjal Shah for GSS Lifestyle Magazine. Pranjal has been on the road for over 15 years with no permanent address. He says that Home is where he is at the moment. Follow him on his adventures! "I have designed my life so that travel is front and center of it, first via IT consulting and then gradually by adopting the digital nomadic lifestyle. I got introduced to travel via a study abroad program in sophomore year of college and then after graduation I started looking for jobs that geared towards it. What motivates me as a traveler is the knowledge that every person and every place is unique and will teach me something new. Food is something that connects me to a place and the people in it. As a vegetarian, I am always trying to understand how the locals relate to nature around them.The evolution of food through history also helps in understanding the local culture and customs. To me that is the most fascinating aspect of travel."

Looking for a wellness advantage? Read along. Indulging in a warm, comforting beverage is often a cherished ritual that can bring solace and nourishment to our daily routine. Enter the turmeric latte, a delightful concoction that combines the soothing qualities of a latte with the powerful health benefits of turmeric. Drink a cup of this warm golden milk to boost your immunity and your mood! What you need: 1/2 tablespoon of ground turmeric 1 cup of milk (substitute with almond milk, if you like) 1/2 tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter) Pinch of salt Warm the milk. Add the turmeric and salt, stir it well. Add ghee and turn off the heat. Serve warm. Ghee is optional, but if you are nursing a sore throat, I would recommend it. Assess the proportion of turmeric - Too much, and your drink becomes bitter. Put less initially and then adjust. Turmeric has great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and it so great for you.

We have been searching for good bread, so yesterday, we went to the Lodge Bread Company to pick up a loaf. This place is located at 11918 WEST WASHINGTON BOULEVARD, pretty close to the Culver City area. This was our first time here. We could not go into the store, but they had a nice display set-up outside. They also had tables, and at 9:15 AM, all tables were full, there was a line for pick-up. Lodge has interesting bread. I wish they offered smaller loaves because it would have been nice to try a variety basket. Here is their menu. I was particularly interested in the rye bread because it was 100% rye, but we had to choose one. We were told the most popular one was their seeded country loaf, loaded with seeds such as white and black sesame, nigella seeds, sunflower, pumpkin and poppy seeds. So, that's what we picked up. We did not realize how big the loaf was, we should have requested it sliced! Overall review: It is heavier but it is flavorful. The seeds definitely add to the taste. It felt freshly baked - it still had the fresh-bread smell on the next day. Just on its own, it is chewy and harder to eat - but that's a personal choice. While I do not recommend eating it just toasted with butter (you would do no justice to it!), the bread is versatile and will work well with hot and cold sandwiches. Also add some chutney or sauce or juice of tomatoes, the bread holds and soaks them so well. We cut half the bread and used it for bruschetta as well as with a goat cheese spread, and it was beautiful. Next time, I will make a trip to pick up their pizza dough or perhaps their $20 bread-maker kit. I have always wanted to make my own bread. By the way, if you have visited the famous Tartine Bakery in San Francisco (or their location in Santa Monica), you will likely to find some similarities in the way the Lodge bread tastes. That's the thought we had when we put this bread in our mouths. Los Angeles-based Green Sea Shells is all about healthy and fun vegetarian eating, green living, family travel and adventures in Los Angeles. Subscribe to our updates and follow us on our social media platforms on FaceBook and Instagram.

If you have an afternoon to spare, make your way down to Anaheim. This city is in Orange County, Los Angeles and is home to Disneyland, the Honda Center (hockey) and the Angel Stadium (baseball). Yesterday, we visited Anaheim downtown. It had a nice feel to it. In the downtown area is the Packing District which has historical landmarks, parks and the Anaheim Packing House - one of the last remaining (Sunkist) citrus packing warehouses in Orange County which has been preserved. Valet was $5 so we parked in that section and made our way to the packing house. This photo below is the inside of the packing house. It has two levels - upstairs and downstairs with a ton of indoor and outdoor seating and a variety of restaurants. There are also entertaining spaces like a tiki bar outside and a tiny music performance stage inside - what vibrancy this place will promise after the pandemic?!! The beauty about this warehouse food court lies in its eclecticity and its dedication to culture. And the beautifully placed plants!! You will find restaurants celebrating Thai and Mexican cuisines to Italian gelatos, Indian and British food. One thing that unmistakably meets the eye is the decor. There are cultural elements everywhere - from stories and lanterns to wall designs and artifacts. We had a hard choosing what to eat! Eventually, Anya and I had Thai food from the White Elephant and Puneet picked up a PoBoy, Southern influences and all at Georgia soul food.. There were plenty of vegetarian options and also opportunities to try out interesting drinks and ice creams. Outside, in the park area, we saw these two restaurants which also had great menus and wonderful outdoor seating. We will plan to eat at 18 Folds next time! I would say, this is a great place to spend your afternoon. OR you could grab a bite and then drive over to the Orange outlets for some (slightly) guilt-free shopping.

Kahare Kan darkar. Bina matlab re ede Bada kama ta karinathibu And we did. We asked for some regional cuisines from parts of India that are not available outside of those states and The Green House @MG House in Ahmedabad started home chef weekends. Since the pandemic has almost stopped us in our tracks, we are lucky enough to have home chefs in Ahmedabad from everywhere in the country come to us. Every weekend a chef takes over the restaurant and gives us a thaali which is like a culinary journey across their state. This weekend we tried a thaali from Orissa. The chef is always around and is always so passionate about the food. Our Odiya home chef was actually a hobby chef who generally cooks just for family and friends. The food was curated and cooked with the help of the restaurant's chefs who adjust it for the gujarati taste but it doesnt generally take much away from the experience. If anything it add to it. Here's my video! Jagannath Temple, Puri is a 10th Century Temple that is one of the most important Vishnu Temples in India. They have a Khichadi that has been served to every devotee and is made on this akhand chula (uninterrupted fire) with a 1000 year old recipe. That was the first time we tried with the pachedi or coconut yogurt which in itself was a treat. In combination with Khechudi, it was divine. Next we went for the Saru Chakuli which were like neer dosas with the Tomato Date Khata. Another fantastic combination that could be a meal in itself. I was lucky enough to have mom next to me, who quickly took down the notes from the chef and made the Khata at home the very next day. The Janta Ruti was very unique yet familiar. Stuffed with a mildly sweet filling, it was the best thing for Dad (our chief mithai taster). The ruti went really went with the Saag which tasted very fresh and had a crunch thanks to the vadi crumbles, Our complete menu: Before I wrap up, I have to make a special mention of the Rasabali, a cottage cheese dish similar to rasmalai but with some amazing flavors that balance out very well in the mouth. Its a specially cooked age old dessert that's been mentioned in texts as old as 10th century. India is a composite of multiple countries with their own cuisine made from various influences from different part of the country and outside. I love the fact that we could try Odia cuisine in Ahemdabad. I cant wait to try another one of these incredible home chef take overs from another beautiful part of India!

In today's post, I talk to PJ about his trip to Antarctica: A land of extremes, the coldest continent on Earth with the highest average elevation and a place almost untouched by humans. So....why Antarctica? I have been intrigued by the continent for a long time. Honestly I had been saving up for it for a while, I just didn't have anyone to go with. When my uncle approached me with the idea, I jumped on it. Once I had mentally decided that it needed to happen, the stars just aligned. I got a balcony room on the Quark for half the price for an expedition that was to depart in 5 months. Most of the expeditions are booked years in advance, so these were the left over cabins that couldn't be sold and the agent needed someone to fill them and gave heavy discounts. Talk me about your journey - Where did you land? How did you get there? How long did it take? Does Antarctica have an airport? Going to Antarctica while living in North America means you have to leave from Argentina or Chile. There are no commercial flights to Antarctica, in fact even with the boat you are only able to go to the Antarctic peninsula. Antarctica proper is divided between 7 countries and they only have bases there which are manned maybe 3-4 months a year. My boat left from Ushuaia which is the southern most tip of Argentina so I had to fly into Buenos Aires to get there. Quark Expedition met us at Ushuaia airport, we stayed there for 1 night. Most of us had last minute shopping to do from the list that we were provided. Ushuaia's economy thrives on Antarctica tourism and had everything that we wouldn't normally get in REI or other outfitters. Once you get on the ship, it takes 3 days at least to get through the drake passage, the most turbulent seas in the world. More than 50% of the ship got major sea sickness during this time. If the storms cooperate and you have a good captain (which most ships do) you will get to the Antarctic peninsula in 3 days. The cruise is considered an expedition because you really don't know the ports that you will be able to get to, it is all based on the storms and weather. It changed everyday but once you are sailing past these amazing icebergs, it really doesn't matter where you dock. There are penguins and seals and whales everywhere and they come so close to the boats. Its simply breathtaking! They say, its all about the ice. Tell us about the adventures. Did you go in a group? Were there activities planned? Did you need to be at a specific fitness level to partake? It's a lot more than just ice. It really is about the wildlife and the atmosphere that these icebergs create. Our ship had about 150 passengers and I was part of a smaller group of 20 kayakers. We were more fit than the rest of the group, but you definitely need a certain level of fitness to be able to withstand the cold on the zodiacs and able to walk on ice. There are activities planned on the ship, but off the port, it was all about getting on the zodiacs or kayaks and getting close to the penguins, seals or whales and seeing these massive ice bergs. We did have one port where we could visit a small British outpost, Port Lockroy. They let us mail post cards because they had postal delivery once every 6 weeks. Some of us were crazy enough to do a polar dip where they tied us to a rope and let us dip in the freezing cold water. We even had an outdoor BBQ in freezing temperatures surrounded by icebergs. The kayaking however was the best part, we were on the water for hours at a time. Sometimes just drifting in awe of the place and sometimes being chased by whales or chasing penguins! How did it feel to be in such a remote part of the world? Lonely, peaceful, dangerous or just plain cold? It feels absolutely ethereal! You go through all the emotions getting there - cold, scared, lonely but once you are in the kayak or the zodiac in the middle of these icebergs, you feel perfectly in tune with nature. Like you are meant to be there, that your body and mind knows this place though you have never been here before. Its a feeling that is hard to describe but ask anyone who has been the Antarctica and they will tell you the same thing. You are vegetarian. Was food an issue? How did you prepare? Considering we were on a cruise ship, it definitely wasn't an issue. We didn't have loads of food like a normal cruise ship, we had 1 or 2 choices for dinner and lunch was generally a buffet but they had plenty of food to sustain us. What are the things you will most remember about this extraordinary visit? I remember being in the middle of the ocean, on my kayak trying to chase this whale when all of a sudden it was right below our kayak. The feeling of seeing something so spectacular and at the same time freaking out because one small touch and we would be right in the freezing ocean. It came right up to us but didn't even brush us because it was going back down and next second a few meters away surfacing to blow water from its blowhole. I think we both probably let out our breath at the same time! About PJ Pranjal (who we lovingly call PJ) has been on the road for over 15 years with no permanent address. He says that Home is where he is at the moment. Follow him on his adventures! About our travel nomad, Pranjal (PJ) "I have designed my life so that travel is front and center of it, first via IT consulting and then gradually by adopting the digital nomadic lifestyle. I got introduced to travel via a study abroad program in sophomore year of college and then after graduation I started looking for jobs that geared towards it. What motivates me as a traveler is the knowledge that every person and every place is unique and will teach me something new. Food is something that connects me to a place and the people in it. As a vegetarian, I am always trying to understand how the locals relate to nature around them.The evolution of food through history also helps in understanding the local culture and customs. To me that is the most fascinating aspect of travel."

In this post, I talk to PJ about his trip to the Indonesian island, Raja Ampat. Through our chat, I learned a lot about what Raja Ampat has to offer, the rich biodiversity that he saw, and about mushroom shaped islands of Wayag. Read along. Q. Most people have never even heard of Raja Ampat. Where is it located, how did you get there, and where did you stay? A. Having learned to dive in 2006 in Honduras, I mostly dived in Hawaii and Caribbean on weekend trips when I lived on the US West and East coasts. I was looking for something with a biodiversity that was different from here. As I searched for the best dive sites in the world, one of them had a name that was so familiar yet I had no idea where it was: Raja Ampat Turns out it was in Indonesia and was popular mostly for 'live-aboards' (which is where you live on the boat and dive in a new destination everyday). Since I had to be in Bali for a wedding that Thanksgiving, this would work out perfectly as an add-on trip. However after doing extensive research online, I understood that the live-aboard wouldn't work for me - For one, I wanted to do other things besides diving and secondly they wanted a minimum stay of 7 days. I found an eco-resort on a private island in Raja Ampat that could only be reached by a boat. They had an Instagram account, check out the photo for details. The resort seemed to be doing all their business on Whatsapp and they had one cottage available. Raja Ampat while not terribly expensive has a shortage of places to stay so I wired my money and got the reservation with 5 dive packages and all inclusive vegetarian food. I had to fly to Jakarta and connect to Sarong in West Papua (yes, same island as Papua New Guinea!) and then take a public ferry to Wasai. They picked me up in their boat from Wasai. Getting there wasn't easy but it was totally worth the 20+ hours of travel. Q. So, what's so special about Raja Ampat? What does it have to offer? A. Raja Ampat (which literally means 4 kings), is a collection of 1500 islands, cays and shoals. The one I booked was one of them. People come here to dive because of the bio diversity. It is truly a great site for people who like scuba and snorkeling too! Wonderful Indonesia states that the 'territory within the islands of the Four Kings is enormous, covering 9.8 million acres of land and sea, home to 540 types of corals, more than 1,000 types of coral fish and 700 types of mollusks. This makes it the most diverse living library for the world's coral reef and underwater biota." Q. Tell us about all the experiences that Raja Ampat have to offer. What were the most memorable ones? Did you use a travel company for the excursions? A. Turns out its a lot more than just diving. I did five dives in five days including a night dive right off the island. There was a shark family living right next to the dining cottage. The resort had their own boats and diving gear and dive masters. There were ten other tourists on the island in the cottages, two from France and the rest from Asia. The owner's son ran the logistics, his wife cooked very authentic local food and he ran the excursions. The water was so clear that you could literally just stand at your cottage and look before to see the incredible bio diversity. The temperature of the water was perfect, no dive suits required. The depth wasn't that much so we could spend a lot of time underwater. The pygmy sea horses and the sea turtles were my favorite but for me the shoals of fish surrounding us constantly was the most exciting part. I also loved that the corals here were alive in all their magnificent colors which wasn't the case back in the US. The most memorable experience however wasn't diving, it was a visit to Piaynemo or the mushroom shaped islands of Wayag with snow white sand around them. Our boat trip took us around these islands and we stopped by some of the pink sand banks to take a quick dip before continuing on, it was a breathtaking experience, that I don't think I have ever had all over the world. The hiking to the top to see an aerial view was definitely the highlight! Q. Talk to us about authenticity - Traditional culture, dress, food, people, language and family life. A. On the island of Sarong, we saw a lot of people dressed in the namesake, both men and women. The language is almost all Bahasa Indonesian and even though West Papua used to have its own language, no one really speaks it. Very few people could speak English. The locals are not used to tourists that aren't European or Chinese so it took them a minute to figure out how to deal with me. The younger generation is very tech savvy and were very friendly, I made some good friends that are now my Indonesian Instagram (very popular there) buddies. My exposure to the local food was strictly based on what the resort owner's wife cooked for me. These are all the meals I had there: Potato spring rolls, macaroni and rolls with peas, jack fruit curry, tempeh and rice balls in sugar syrup, mustard greens, mushroom satay, watermelon, tempeh curry and rice. Their tempeh was the meat substitute that was in everything and it was delicious! Q. Any tips for foodie vegetarians? Where to eat, what to order? A. Vegetarian food is not difficult if you can adjust to the taste of tempeh. They have delicious fruits and good mushrooms. And if all fails, get the rice balls, they are filling enough to last you until a better meal! About our travel nomad, Pranjal (PJ) "I have designed my life so that travel is front and center of it, first via IT consulting and then gradually by adopting the digital nomadic lifestyle. I got introduced to travel via a study abroad program in sophomore year of college and then after graduation I started looking for jobs that geared towards it. What motivates me as a traveler is the knowledge that every person and every place is unique and will teach me something new. Food is something that connects me to a place and the people in it. As a vegetarian, I am always trying to understand how the locals relate to nature around them.The evolution of food through history also helps in understanding the local culture and customs. To me that is the most fascinating aspect of travel."

Where is Tanzania? It is a country on the east of the African continent. Dodoma is the legislative capital of Tanzania and Dar es Salaam is its most prominent city. I talk to my travel nomad brother, PJ who tells me all about his trip - where he stayed, what he saw, and his recommendations. Q. Why Tanzania? How do you get there? It's been my dream to see the wildebeest in migration ever since I saw Lion King! When Mom and Dad said they wanted to go for a safari, that's the first thing I looked up. Serengeti is the best place to see the wildebeest migration so that's how we ended up in Tanzania in November. We landed in Kilimanjaro (its too bad we didn't have time to climb it) and then we rented a private bus to take us to the different national parks in Tanzania. Q. Which cities did you visit and why? Since this was a trip dedicated to safari's we planned it accordingly: Lake Manyara National Park : The best birds in the region Serengeti National Park: The 'Big 5' Ngorongoro Crater National Park: Best place to see elephants! We added Zanzibar as an add-on since we wanted to see some ocean and learn some history before leaving. Q. One of the main tourist attractions is the Safari. Did you see any wildlife on your visit? What stood out? For anyone travelling to the Serengeti, spotting one of the “Big 5” — a lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo, or elephant — is the main event. We were able to see all of them on our trip. The Serena Lodges were fantastic, each one more special than the other. The Manyara Lodge had a beautiful view of the lake, the Serengeti one had an open concept where the animals can wander right through the lodge, and the Ngorongoro one had a fantastic view of the whole crater where we could watch the animals from our balcony. The lodges and the safaris were quite the surprise for me. I was there for the animals but the scenery, the beautiful lodges and the experience of chasing a good sighting were as much an attraction. What stood out were the East African people! They were so welcoming and had such a good grip on English. We may be 8 hours on the road but none of the drivers ever complained, they were extremely friendly and they genuinely cared about these animals. They were so good about never scaring them, never going too close or interrupting the natural rhythm of life in the wild. In terms of food, the Africans went above and beyond at these lodges. We were assigned a chef at each of these lodges who would sit with us at the beginning of our stay and create a menu for us. We asked for Indian food and they made us some of the best vegetarian Indian food we could have gotten. There was always a beautiful buffet with live counters for fresh food and lots of fruits to choose from. Q. Describe your experiences: The culture and history, adventures, eco-tourism, and the tranquility of this beautiful country We had two mind blowing experiences: Wildebeest - Lion stand off at Serengeti: We were at the wildebeest migration path and were following along quite closely when suddenly everyone stopped (must have been 3-4 jeeps with us).  A little distance ahead we spotted a pride of lions, 2 big males, 5 females and 5 cubs. The lions started spreading out in the path where the wildebeests were about to cross. Next thing we know they pounced right in the center stopping the advance of thousands of beests. The beests turned around, they were on a standoff. Every time they tried to cross, the lions would charge towards them, the biggest of the beests started moving to the front and testing the waters. We were there for close to 5 hours where we kept wondering if there was going to be a kill. We were told this would go on till the lion pride is relocated and then the beests will continue. The beests have a fixed path that they will follow and will eventually make it. It was truly awe inspiring to see the raw power of lions that could turn back thousands of beests. Zebra - Hyena hunt at Ngorongoro: We were on an early morning safari in the crater where we saw a hyena following a zebra that was standing apart from the rest of the herd. As were explained, zebras weren't social animals like the beests, if one of them goes apart from another, the others wont come to rescue if they get attacked. They only travel in herds so that the chances of them getting hunted down are less. The hyenas however hunt in packs and they go for the lone rangers, by surrounding them, injuring them and then harassing them for hours at a time till they get tired and then pouncing on them. It was very painful to watch this zebra getting maimed part by part by these 10-12 hyenas while none of the other zebras came to help. It was still incredible to see the strategy of these hyenas, because one kick from the zebra could have injured or even killed them but they came in pairs from all sides and never stood close enough or long enough to get kicked. About our travel nomad, Pranjal (PJ) "I have designed my life so that travel is front and center of it, first via IT consulting and then gradually by adopting the digital nomadic lifestyle. I got introduced to travel via a study abroad program in sophomore year of college and then after graduation I started looking for jobs that geared towards it. What motivates me as a traveler is the knowledge that every person and every place is unique and will teach me something new. Food is something that connects me to a place and the people in it. As a vegetarian, I am always trying to understand how the locals relate to nature around them.The evolution of food through history also helps in understanding the local culture and customs. To me that is the most fascinating aspect of travel."

Several years ago, my brother went on an expedition with Dr. Woods from University of Chicago's Graham School to find Genghis Khan's tomb in Mongolia. In our most recent chat, he relives those memories and tells me all about them! Mongolia is definitely an untold story. So - Why Mongolia? Who did you go with? How did you get there? A lot of my journeys start with a book. In this case it was 'In Search of Genghis Khan' by Tim Severin. Here's a glimpse of why it was so fascinating: "For those who know him only as a character in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, the real Genghis Khan (known to the Mongols as Chinggis Khan) is the Asian-history equivalent of Napoleon or Alexander the Great. The thirteenth and fourteenth centuries were all about Genghis and his descendants, the Great Khans. At its height, the Mongol empire stretched from modern-day Korea to Poland and from Iraq to Vietnam. By the end of the 1200s, Genghis’s sons and ­grandsons—including Marco Polo’s pal Kubilai—had amassed the largest contiguous land empire in world history. It was more than twice the size of the Roman Empire and more than four times the size of Alexander the Great’s." -In Search of Khan; AmericanWay Magazine, June 15, 2007 I was mesmerized by the book and it referenced works by Dr Woods from Chicago. I was living in Chicago at that time and was taking classes at the Graham School. I decided to drop an email to Dr Woods who invited me to join an expedition that he was leading to meet the archeologists doing work in Mongolia. I jumped on the opportunity. We were about ten of us who were brought together by Dr Woods from various walks of life and from all over the US. I flew from Chicago to Seoul and then hopped on a MIAT (Mongolian Airlines) flight to Ulaanbaater, the capital of Mongolia where I met with the group. What was your base city? Tell me about the excursions. We used the Bayangol Hotel in Ulaanbaatar as a central base, and made excursions of several days each from there to other parts of Mongolia. First Excursion: Blue Lake of the Black Heart Mountain, found about 175 miles east and slightly north of Ulaanbaatar - At this spot in 1189 the 27-year old Temujin was first elected a Khan (ruler) by a khuriltai (council) of his family and neighboring Mongol tribes. Second Excursion: Genghis Khan Expedition Site at Öglögchiin Kherem - the "Almsgivers Wall", a 3.2km-long stone wall believed to date from the 8th Century. It surrounds a rocky hillside ("Almsgivers Castle") on which more than 60 graves have been found in minimal excavations to date. The expedition had an exclusive permit from the government of Mongolia to map, study, and excavate at this site. The main objective was to discover if the site contained the graves of Genghis Khan or other Mongolian royalty of his period. Although this was not conclusively established before the Expedition's budget ran out, there were many other noteworthy discoveries. Additional information can be found here. Third Excursion: Further northeast of the Genghis Khan Expedition site is the village of Binder, located at the confluence of the Khurkh and Onon Rivers. Not to be outdone by a foreign-led expedition, a Mongolian Government official subsequently had a grander marker installed nearby. Leaving Binder, we stop at Rashaan Khad, a prominent rock bearing a great many carved inscriptions in Orkhon, Hidan, Arabic-Persian, Chinese, Tibetan and Mongolian languages. Our overnight stop is at the Khödöö Aral Ger Camp at Delgerkhaan, fairly typical of ger camps for tourists in Mongolia. There is a central building with showers and toilets, a large central dining ger (picture above), and a number of smaller guest gers. Second part of our trip lets us explore some of the other areas of Mongolia. In this part of our tour we visit the Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, then depart for the Khustain National Park and its Prezewalski horses before going on to Kharkhorin. At Kharkhorin we enjoy a concert featuring traditional instruments, throat singing and acrobatics; view the annual Naadam Festival; inspect Turkic artifacts being preserved while a new museum is constructed; and tour the Erdene-Zuu Monastery. I am told Mongolia is very different from most places we know. Did you a feel a sense of culture shock? Is the country an amalgamation of different cultures or is there such a thing as 'Mongolian' culture? Do they have their own language, dress, customs? "MONGOLIA SHOCKS first-time visitors, and not just because things like the local drink (a beverage traditionally made with fermented mare’s milk, called kumis) are slightly less than appetizing, but because the whole experience feels a lot like an interplanetary journey — to planet Genghis. Imagine combining George Washington with Justin Timberlake. Genghis is that ubiquitous, and that revered." There's definitely a shock when you land in Mongolia and start talking to people about Genghis Khan. "Mongolia is three times the size of California and has about 2.83 million people, about half of whom are concentrated in the capital, so a journey into the sparsely populated countryside can seem like a trip back in time. Many rural Mongolians still live the same way as those who lived during the time of the Khans. They learn to ride horses before they can walk; they dress in traditional deels (gowns); and they dwell as nomads, moving their circular gers (yurts) from valley to valley, just as their famous ancestor did. Genghis is omnipresent. Everyone knows the story of his life, death, and secret burial. " There is a very strong sense of the nomadic culture that I haven't seen anywhere else. On our way south from Binder to Delgerkhaan we visit a Mongol family at their camp, which consists of three gers, a shed, a few dogs, and a great many horses. The ger we are invited into seems to be primarily the realm of the grand papa and children. We are entertained with conversation (a bit strained in translation) and snacks, including the ubiquitous fermented mares milk. Yummy. Can a vegetarian survive on Mongolian food? It was quite difficult to get anything vegetarian outside of UB. I mostly survived on Rice and Goat Milk. I would recommend anyone who decides to go there to take some camping food with them. Mongolian diet is primarily meat based. What are your most special memories of Mongolia? What advice do you have for folks who want to travel to this almost untouched adventure? The adventure of an expedition was the most exciting part. We were living in gers, traveling hundreds of miles in Russian jeeps and meeting archeologists from all over the world searching for the tomb of Khan. There was a respect for history and an interest in discovering more of this unknown territory, The beauty of the steppes was another thing that took me by surprise, the landscape is like no other, you want to just immerse yourself in it. One of the things that I loved was the Nadaam Festival, people from all over Mongolia came with their horses to race them. We saw  some really fun exchanges, dances, music from all over the country. If you plan on visiting this country, look up the dates of this festival and visit during that time. About our travel nomad, Pranjal (PJ) "I have designed my life so that travel is front and center of it, first via IT consulting and then gradually by adopting the digital nomadic lifestyle. I got introduced to travel via a study abroad program in sophomore year of college and then after graduation I started looking for jobs that geared towards it. What motivates me as a traveler is the knowledge that every person and every place is unique and will teach me something new. Food is something that connects me to a place and the people in it. As a vegetarian, I am always trying to understand how the locals relate to nature around them.The evolution of food through history also helps in understanding the local culture and customs. To me that is the most fascinating aspect of travel."

I met a culinary historian today and we talked a lot about food from different cultures. Thats what inspires me to write today's blog entry. Have you heard of Wanderlust Creamery? We drove to Venice late evening to check out this spot. And let me tell you, it is no ordinary ice-cream. The brainchild of Adrienne Borlongan, this brand redefines ice cream with its global influences and yet familiar flavors. So many creative conceptualizations here and interesting and unusual combinations. Both with dairy and without. Sticky rice with mango, very Thai. She didn't forget the coconut either! Very European hazelnut praline ice-cream Violet and marshmallow flavors, very South of France Filipino influenced ice cream with malted milk and purple yams Matcha, black sesame - so very Japanese Earl Grey ice cream with black tea and bergamot...yeah, you guessed it - British The New Zealand Hokey Pokey with honeycomb candy Brazilian flavors with passion fruit and cacao The list goes on. This is a MUST VISIT creamery that celebrates cultures and flavors. You will not regret it.

We have been in Austin since January 25, and I have been documenting our time - food, culture, restaurants, etc. I wrote about our journey from Los Angeles to Austin, explored the area to see how Austin has exploded, different areas of Austin and its suburbs, and also about the food scene. I have to tell you, we love Austin, and we will be back. If you have plans to visit, don't cancel them now - In a few weeks, the temperature will be wayy higher and things will be back to normal. But right now, Austin is not the best place to be, and weather permitting, we will probably head out of here this weekend and continue our journey outta this state to my cousin's home in Atlanta, GA. Lets start here. I recorded this video of Anya and Puneet - so much happiness after we picked up hot coffee for us, hot chocolate for Anya and some warm vegetable stew! This week has been one of those once-in-a-lifetime events. The Historic Winter Invasion. That's what Weather Channel is calling this winter storm.. It is Wednesday afternoon as I am starting to write this blog. We actually finally have access to a TV and to power, water and to heat in a hotel some thirty miles from Austin. Took us only 50 hours to get to this state of nirvana. OK - today is Thursday. We have not lost power or water. It is snowing outside. We feel so spoiled and totally guilty knowing we are the lucky ones. We could work today in the hotel. We had warm food, life is good. Let me share how this journey has been so far. We started looking for a hotel on Wednesday morning. After much searching, we found and booked a hotel in San Antonio, 90-minutes away from Austin. Once we got to San Antonio, we were told that the city had just turned off the hotel's running water. We canceled that booking, no penalty and then made our way to another hotel in a small German town called New Braunfels. So, that's where we are right now, and we are OK. We have food we can cook in our Instant Pot, we just bought water from the local Walgreens (last few bottles, crazy!) and we have wine. It has been an interesting few days. We woke on Monday morning with no power and a slightly cold home. We thought the power would be intermittent so we had planned our grocery visit on Thursday and we had everything we needed for a week. Anya enjoyed the snow for a little bit, but then she was done. The power didn't come back that day, or on Tuesday or on Wednesday. The house got cooler and it got harder to sleep comfortably at night. There was no problem with water but the water was too cold to shower. The stove in our AirBnB was electric so we could not cook any food. We thought - Maybe we just venture out and find some hot food if any places were open? Just by the entrance we found a young lady trying to get her car out of a ditch, Her truck tires were stuck. Puneet went to help. Two other men stepped up too. It was so cold that in 20 minutes, Anya just wanted to go home. She was done running around and rolling in the snow, so we did and Puneet followed soon after. We abandoned the idea of hot food. Later that afternoon, we thought the roads looked better so we decided to pull the car out but in 5 minutes, we turned out around with the realization that the roads were like an ice-skating ring for cars. The city has not treated any of the roads. No mowers came to the street to clean until Tuesday afternoon so we were basically stuck indoors until then, no coffee, no hot food, no heat. But we were thankful for water. On Tuesday afternoon, after Puneet heard the mowers cleaning the street, we thought it was time to venture out again. There were more cars on the road so that gave us the confidence to be brave. The lines in the grocery stores were long (not many were open). We thought we may find some prepared food at HEB, but the line was an hour long. The line at Trader Joe's was longer and people were waiting outside for an hour in 10 F weather. We found one coffee shop that also served vegetable stew so we decided to go for that instead. Best idea ever! Also, this is where we got some signal so we could check our messages and update our friends on FaceBook about what was going on in Austin. Our apartment was in South Lamar, just a few blocks from downtown Austin which actually had power the whole time. The city of Austin's energy department explained in tweets that some areas that have power are close to big hospitals, warming stations or other critical areas. But people were understandably furious! We spend much time reading tweets while charging our devices in the car. Austin Energy was ready to distribute power but the state authority, ERCOT had restricted them. While the downtown areas was lit, entire neighborhoods were without power for 50+ hours and counting. Old age homes had no power! Just a sad situation. Few observations and thoughts I want to note: Sliver lining: Sharing what was going on with us with a FB update made us realize we were not alone. That people were vouching for us and that a few friends across Texas were going through something similar. I heard from people I hadn't heard from in years. We also had each other - best family bonding time ever! Positive attitude: This is essential. We had conversations with Anya about the things we were grateful for. We had a roof over our heads, we had cold food, we had a car to charge our devices and to warm ourselves. We had family members who messaged us several times a day. Good people everywhere: We heard on the radio that one good Samaritan alone rescued 90 cars in one day with his big truck. We knocked on a stranger's door to request a can opener and she packed us a care package with pretzels, water, toilet paper, kitchen rolls and fruit. Must-haves: The Instant Pot is a great invention. So is a Brita jug. And so are flashlights, candles & hand-cranked radios. Always pack extra underwear when traveling and keep blankets, headache pills and non-perishable food in the car. Crossword puzzles for kids are actually fun for adults too. Never miss an opportunity to fill your gas tank. Invest in a tiny cooler - it comes handy! So do de-icers and scrapers. Social media know-how's: Have an Instagram account to follow stores and their updates. Most stores and restaurants post opening / closing and other details on Instagram now. Also, know how to use Twitter - City updates are easiest to follow via Twitter and via hashtags, you can quickly learn about public sentiment. You don't even need an account! Weak Infrastructure: The city of Austin was quite unprepared for this freezing rain and snow event. With 150+ people moving to Austin daily, this city does not have the infrastructure to handle a disaster. It is insane to think that the Texas power grid was on the verge of collapse., and that this state had learned nothing from its past mistakes and from other states. Maybe Elon Musk should do something about energy in Austin, now that he is moving here? Also, lots of conversations around frozen windmills and how wind energy was not the way to go in an oil-state! Global warming and climate change are real - It is always a good time to reiterate this! Hot food and coffee are definitely more fun than wine!

I am totally biased here because this brewery is owned by my work colleague Tori's hubby. That said, it is an awesome place which will get even more awesome post-COVID. Website: https://projectbarley.com What's the USP of this brewery? Well, it's all about local, live music and small batch beer. Definitely a Southern California, beach vibe! Brewery owner Brent Reger's band used to play at The Standing Room restaurant and he and Lowell Bakke, the owner of the restaurant came up with the idea of opening a brewery. This is where it all started and the rest is history. The ambience of this place is solid. They have an outdoor seating area at this point so explore that or just pick up their beer. They deliver too!

Valencia is the undisputed home of the paella. Do you know what paella is? Paella is a rice dish. The most popular version is a seafood paella but Valencia is known for its green vegetables with duck/rabbit/snails/chicken paella with a special seasoning. The Valencia paella is supposed to be the original paella. The Spanish are proud of their paella. Paella Amor's blog has so many photos of the world's largest paella made in a huge pan that holds 13,000 lbs of rice. The 4,300 sq. ft. paella pan was stirred by giant cranes. How fascinating! I was always so curious to taste what authentic paella tastes like, so in 2017, we found a really good deal on Scott's Cheap Flights and took a flight to Valencia, in Eastern Spain. You know me. I was not about to kill any animals or fish so I called several places before this Spanish trip to find a spot that would serve me up some vegetarian, almost authentic paella. And, I did. We made our way down to an area called Passeig De Neptu. It was indeed a beautiful area, right by the beach. Here, we found a restaurant, right on the beach called El Coso - which had both vegetarian and gluten-free options. What you see here is a medium-grain rice (looks a bit like arborio but less creamy). It was full of eggplant and zucchini and you can taste the saffron too. No beans, or carrots or peppers or peas - but I wish it did. We did not order any alcohol but we saw the award-winning La Papica wines everywhere. Apparently, La Papica has a legendary restaurant down the street from where we were as well as four great wines. The restaurant is frequented by celebrities and has been around since 1898. The next day, I went around the streets of Valencia looking for a paella pan. I had spent time at home browsing paella pans on Amazon, but I thought getting the real thing from Valencia itself would serve me well. This was a really good idea, because I got lucky and found the pan size I was looking for. I also bought a paella seasoning and the paella rice. Very grateful for this cultural experience. I am looking forward to making paella at home on Friday, March 27 - because it is National Spanish Paella Day! ¡Buen provecho! If you would like to celebrate with me, you can find these things on Amazon. Note: This is not a sponsored post. I was not paid to mention any of these brands or wines or restaurants. I am just documenting my experiences.

Lets start here. I began preparing for this COVID shit show a couple weeks before all hell broke loose here in California. My grocery was done, I had everything at home to keep my family safe for a month. I even had a day schedule for my kid and a family meal plan for each day of the month. Let that not surprise you. My friend AB says, I am built for disaster. But I gotta say, slowly but surely...I am losing my shit. And I know, I am not alone. I am fed up of cooking and cleaning. I am tired of recording my University lectures that most of my students are not really watching. I crave alone time. I've put on the weight that I spent six months last year trying to lose. My muscle mass is gone because I can't row at the gym anymore. I am drinking more wine than I really should. My partner's job has been just insane and non-stop - and that means I am doing everything else in the home, except his job. I still can't find toilet paper or an Amazon grocery delivery slot. I agree that my issues are so tiny in comparison with what's going on around me but I am definitely feeling that contextual stress - Such despair on my social media feeds and on the news. We lost a family member in India last week. I have a friend in Detroit who has lost 13 of his friends. Two people I know lost a parent. Two more found out their dads had cancer. A student with a documented disability has serious anxiety because two of her family members were admitted to the hospital. Another student is now living in a trailer that leaks. A couple students in the restaurant industry have lost their jobs, some in retail are afraid they will get sick and infect their older parents at home. Several of my friends in healthcare are on the front lines. One friend had to lay off a bunch of her team members. Another had to close her practice and lay off ALL her staff of ten years. It's just all really sad and depressing. Yesterday, I watched a three-hour MBUSD board meeting online. Budgets are being slashed. Amazing teachers are being laid off. The Music program is on shaky grounds. Students and parents are holding on to some hope that there may be in-person graduation ceremonies. Conversations are around how we need to grade students this year, struggles with teaching online, and if district schools will open again this year. Really, all the same conversations that we are having at the college level and for our students. I am already so exhausted with what's going on around me but I think that we are in this for the long haul. The shit show is about to get a lot more shittier. We are seeing more furious reactions to Trump's tweets or Fauci's comments, depending on which camp you are in. More folks feeling lost, or suffering. Some are dying. There are supposed medicines that work, and then they don't. Conspiracy theories. Prayers vs. science. People demanding to open beaches. Folks gathering (!) to protest stay-at-home orders. You may or may not call them covidiots but in all honesty, people are just sick and tired. And understandably so. So, where do we go from here? Do we wait for this shit show to be over, for the beaches and the schools to open, for the social media shaming to end? How long do we wait for our life to go back to how it was? Do we let the storms pass and wait for the sunshine? Do we wait for Godot? Truth is, we have no choice but to brave what comes our way. We need to be strong enough not to let this virus hold us hostage. Yes, there are losses, sorrows and sad stories. This is a terrible time in our lives. But we have to make our way out of this darkness. And while all of us have different realities, we have to push ourselves each and every day to work on our dreams, to live our stories, and to create and enjoy happy moments in whatever way we can. Positive thinking will help. A willingness and an open mind to look for that silver lining will make all the difference. Smell a flower. Watch a plant grow. Meditate. Give each other massages. Call an old friend. Foster a puppy. Write a blog. Call a parent. Make a new friend online. Pray. Read a book. Draw. Watch something funny. Sing. Learn a skill. Entertain your children and be entertained by them. Play a board game. Light a candle. If you can, donate to food bank or feed staff at the hospital. Be grateful that you have a roof over your head. Celebrate that you finished a book. That the earth is healing. Little steps to a happy soul. Let's not wait for the darn sunshine. Don't surrender, resist. Find inner joy, despite of the storms. You got this.

This brand of coffee has been here since 1990. It is a small-batch roaster that focuses on organic coffee, impacting communities both locally and at origin. It was this mission that caught my eye. I just celebrate brands that believe in fair trade practices and also participates in community events. And I am not really a coffee drinker but this coffee, I like. Strongly recommend. PS: I don't mind their teas either. Probably best as afternoon tea, as it is has a super light profile.

La Brea. Saturday morning 10:45 AM. Here we are, in mood for a pastry. The line is long, we wonder how much we would have to wait. I can't but admire the industrial planters that are outside on the sidewalk. There is a huge outside dining area. It looks welcoming and communal but it's full. Their parking lot is, too. We are asked if we have pre-ordered the pastries. Apparently, you go to exploretock.com and pre-order food in advance. There is a separate pre-order window. We had done no such thing, and I am now thinking this was a waste of a trip but then we are told we can still order pastries at the counter so we decide to wait in line. The menu could be easily accessed with red labels on the floor but then someone handled us a physical one too. Most folks are here for the French-inspired brunch. Us, not so much. We had already ordered Ethiopian food, and we were picking up baked goods for the week. Soon, we were inside. Really high ceilings and so much on display. We were definitely in for a treat! We picked up a bunch of different things (Raspberry Pistachio Kouign Amann, a savory Danish, a fruit tart) from the bakery, see below. We also picked up a bag of chocolate meringue cookies and biscotti. After this COVID nightmare ends, we will be back here. Unquestionably. Their menu has several vegetarian items, perfect for brunch. And, this place has great reviews, it's an easy sell to throw a brunch party here.

The Torrance Bakery has been a South Bay staple for 25+ years. It is best known for its cakes. For almost 30 years, The Daily Breeze newspaper has invited friends, neighbors and customers to vote for their favorite people, places and things. A few weeks ago, we saw that the Torrance Bakery was recognized as the best bakery in South Bay (Southern California) by Daily Breeze. We are new to the area. When someone wins an award, we are always curious about WHY. So, we made our way down to Torrance to find out what the buzz was all about. There was a line outside when we went but it went quick. There were tables outside too but everything was taken. We picked up a bunch of stuff: A slice of cake, a cupcake, a cookie, a macaroon, a vanilla donut w/ sprinkles, a plain croissant and a bran muffin. They packed it all quite well. We refrigerated all the bakery items and consumed them over a whole week. My personal favorite was the chocolate ganache cake - no cream, just chocolate and fudge, just fabulous. My daughter's favorite was the cupcake with a colorful marshmallow candle on the top. Everything worked out perfectly. Lovely experience. We'll go back someday.

I am going to make this quick. If you like ice cream and you are into multicultural flavors, check this place out. It's in Westwood, in what we call ' Little Persia'. And be prepared to wait in line. Saffron and Rose is a Persian ice-cream shop. The founder, Ali Kashani-Rafye began making ice cream in Tehran 75 years ago. His photo is on the wall of the shop. The ice cream uses whole milk and has authentic flavors - saffron, dates, rose and pistachio. It feels premium with delicate flavors. Ingredients seem natural and vegan options are also available. We bought a couple scoops to try - Rose, saffron, dark chocolate and mint chocolate chip. We took a pint of Orange Blossom for home. Interesting tastes, all of them. Overall verdict: The ice cream is pretty amazing. Some recipes go back 2400 years. The rose flavor reminded us to Roohafza. Anyone interested in Persian ice cream and its history, look up Bastani Sonnati. This is the traditional Iranian ice cream. If you have terms such as Falooda, and Sharbat, know that they are from Iran and have interesting histories.

Looking for classic, old-fashioned ice cream? This is it. Welcome to Fosselman's in Alhambra, ladies and gentlemen. This store has been serving up ice cream for 100 years. The ice cream is delicious, real quality. I am told this is the oldest ice cream shop in Los Angeles. A 100-year traditional recipe is what separates this ice cream from so many others. We visited this store on a hot summer day. It was the perfect solution to the heat. I think my complaint was TOO MANY FLAVORS! But that's a good problem to have. We got a parking spot right in front of the store but there was still a line outside. Lots of locals here, it is definitely a popular store. Just look at the colors and flavors. Just amazing. Last year, Fosselman's celebrated their 100th year, and I am sure they are here to stay. If you are a LA-local, you have definitely had their ice cream somewhere. You may not have visited one of their two retail shops, but these folks have 500 wholesale clients! Retro by design, this reasonably-priced ice cream shop is definitely a LA-must visit.