Navratri, a major Indian festival, spans nine nights between September and October, following the lunar calendar. It celebrates the goddess Durga with lively Garba and Dandiya Raas dances. Thanks to Bollywood's influence, Navratri has gained immense popularity in the USA, transcending religious boundaries and bringing together people from various backgrounds. The Rhythmic Heartbeat of Garba and Dandiya Raas Whether you're an experienced dancer or a curious newcomer, Garba and Dandiya Raas events offer an unforgettable dive into Indian culture. During Navratri, the dance floor transforms into a whirlwind of vibrant hues. Garba's graceful twirls and rhythmic footwork, combined with the lively beats of Dandiya Raas, where dancers tap and clash sticks in perfect harmony, create an entrancing atmosphere. Dress Your Best, Your Way Traditionally, women don Chaniya Choli – a flared skirt paired with a blouse and a dupatta, often adorned with mirrors and embroidery. Accessories like bangles, earrings, and a bindi complete the ensemble. Men usually opt for a Kurta paired with traditional pajamas or dhoti. While traditional Indian attire adds authenticity, creativity knows no bounds. Ladies can choose flowing skirts with vibrant blouses, capturing Chaniya Choli's essence. Men can embrace the festivities in comfortable attire, adding traditional accessories. The key lies in embracing the vibrant spirit of the occasion. What to Expect at a Garba Event Prepare for a lively atmosphere, filled with vibrant outfits, energetic music, and contagious enthusiasm. Traditional and Bollywood tunes set the mood, the dance floor alive with intricate footwork and colorful costumes. Pro Tips: Most people bring their own sticks, so purchase a pair of dandiya sticks online . Carry water if the event allows it. Avoid wearing real jewelry. Bring some cash and wear a small, light crossbody purse to keep your hands free for dancing. How to Participate Don't hesitate – join in the fun! Garba is inclusive, so don't worry if you don't know the steps. Many events offer beginner's sessions before the main event, providing a perfect opportunity to learn. Alternatively, feel free to approach a group and ask to join – most people will be more than happy to welcome you. Simply tune into the rhythm, observe the seasoned dancers, and let the music guide your steps. Happy dancing! Garba and Dandiya Across the USA Garba and Dandiya events are held in many cities across the United States. Community centers, cultural organizations, and Indian temples often organize these festive nights, bringing together people from all backgrounds to celebrate. From New York to San Francisco, and everywhere in between, these events light up the nights with their vibrant energy and communal spirit. Top Bollywood Melodies that Echo the Spirit of Navratri "Chogada" "Dholida" "Nagada Sang Dhol" "Sanedo" Chogada Dholida Nagada Sang Dhol Sanedo Top Traditional Melodies that Echo the Spirit of Navratri "Dholida Dhol Re Vagad" "Rangtaali" "Non-stop Garba" by Falguni Pathak Dholida Dhol Re Vagad Rangtaali Non-stop Garba by Falguni Pathak

What drives someone to spend eight years in Italy to master the art and science of traditional pasta making? This question lingered in our minds when we first heard about Chef Evan Funke. Since then, we've been eagerly anticipating the chance to sample his culinary creations. In 2017, Funke launched Felix in Venice, CA . Given its proximity to our home, it became a must-visit spot for us. After months of patient efforts, a reservation was finally secured for a Sunday evening last month. Dressed up for the occasion and buzzing with excitement, we were not disappointed. The service was impeccable, with attentive staff ensuring a delightful dining experience. We started with a couple of drinks: a Negroni and a nice wine. Our appetizer was a dream.I can't stop thinking about the focaccia bread we had. It was a cloud of perfection, with lots of air bubbles that made it cut beautifully and taste heavenly. This bread, known as Sfincione (focaccia Siciliana, rosemary, sea salt, and olive oil), was simply unforgettable. The pizza was quite good too. The crust was lovely, and the pizza melted in the mouth. We had a Margherita pizza with fior di latte (fresh cow's milk mozzarella), basil, Pomodoro, and olive oil. However, the highlight of the evening was the two vegetarian pasta dishes we ordered. One was Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, a pasta with black pepper and pecorino Romano from Central Italy. The other was Trofie, a pasta variety from Northern Italy, served with an outstanding pesto. At Felix, "al dente" takes on a whole new meaning. Both pasta dishes had a slightly chewy texture, and both were fantastic. I absolutely loved this experience and hope to return to celebrate a birthday or an anniversary. Felix is definitely still on my mind.

Planning the perfect Diwali celebration involves attention to cultural nuances, ensuring your home resonates with the essence of this cherished festival. Here, we delve into the heart of Diwali preparations, focusing on culinary creations, entertaining activities, and thoughtful gestures that enhance the joy of the occasion. If you are looking for home decor ideas, click here. Diwali Feast: Crafting a Spice to Sweetness Menu Vegetarian Traditions Diwali traditionally emphasizes vegetarian cuisine, but incorporating meat dishes is entirely up to you. Opt for a sit-down meal for smaller groups and buffet-style for larger gatherings. Catering vs. Home Cooking Decide based on the gathering's size, balancing the emotional connection of home-cooked meals with the convenience of catering. Both celebrate Diwali's spirit. Plan for approximately 1 lb. of food per adult and 1/2 lb. per child to ensure everyone's satiety. Serving Ware For small events, use copper or stainless steel serving bowls for an Indian touch. A Kansa dinner set is an investment but lasts forever. For catered events, choose a glam or Diwali theme for plates and napkins. A Chafing Dish Buffet Set with wire rack stands is easy to store and reusable. Fuel cans can be replenished for each party and keep food warm with a decent burn time. Curating a Diwali Menu Seek menu inspiration from culinary experts like Ministry of Curry, Simmer to Slimmer, Spice Cravings, Piping Pot Curry, My Heart Beets, and Vegan Richa. Review here: Ministry of Curry: How to Host an Indian Party + Sample Menus Simmer to Slimmer: Indian Dinner Party Ideas (Sample Menus + Recipes) Spice Cravings: Indian Dinner Party menu with sample menus Piping Pot Curry: Diwali Food Ideas My Heart Beets: How to Create an Indian Dinner Party Menu + Sample menus Vegan Richa: Indian Dinner Party menu ideas vegan and dairy-free Colorful Curries, Vegetables & Bread Create an appealing spread with a red tomato-based curry and a green spinach-based curry. Include a dry vegetable along with a few more with gravy. Keep one curry vegetarian and dairy-free to accommodate various diets. Naan can be purchased from an Indian grocery store or Costco to save money. Always offer rice for those with a gluten-free diet. Savory Appetizers Offer at least two savory Indian appetizers served with chutneys. Dessert Delights Prepare traditional Diwali sweets like ladoos, gulab jamun, and barfi. Indian grocery stores offer authentic alternatives for time-saving options. Beverage Extravaganza Set up a tea corner with masala chai, cardamom tea, and ginger tea. You could also offer thandai, mango lassi, Indian beers, red and white wines, and India-inspired cocktails. Diwali Entertainment Rangoli Competition Organize a Rangoli-making competition, allowing participants to unleash their creativity with vibrant colors and intricate designs. Buy rangoli stencils and involve the kids! Bollywood Dance-Off & Sparklers Stage a lively dance competition with Bollywood tunes, encouraging participants to dress in colorful, traditional attire. Consider bringing in a dancer to lead a session for both kids and adults or hire a DJ. While fireworks are certainly a big NO in our books, a few handheld sparklers are enough to add a little magic to your celebrations. We often find them at our local Indian grocery stores a few weeks before Diwali. Tambola Thrills Host a game of Tambola, a beloved Indian pastime similar to Bingo, offering exciting prizes to winners and enhancing the festive spirit. Henna Art Elevate the cultural experience with a henna artist to adorn guests' hands with intricate designs symbolizing Diwali's joy and celebration. Temporary tattoos are also a fun alternative. Thoughtful Diwali Favors Send guests home with Diwali-themed favors like decorative diyas, incense sets, or traditional Indian sweets in ' Happy Diwali' bags . Capture moments through group photos, sharing them post-party with heartfelt notes of gratitude. Create photo-booth opportunities with Diwali props and backdrops. Websites like Etsy offer a wide range of Diwali-themed props and backdrops . The Religious Side of Diwali Puja or No Puja? The debate about incorporating the religious facets of Diwali into the house party remains. For some, beginning the celebration with a communal Puja and Aarti is an integral part of honoring the festival's religious significance. Others may prefer to focus solely on the cultural and festive elements of Diwali. There are subtle ways to infuse cultural depth without overwhelming newcomers to the traditions. This is especially significant when introducing the festival to non-Indian friends and family keen on learning about your heritage. Lighting a diya signifies enlightenment over ignorance, and rangoli patterns welcome guests with warmth. The tradition of exchanging gifts and sweets transcends language, while sparklers and dancing bring joy to all. Acts of kindness, like charitable donations, echo the festival's core values of compassion and community. By infusing your Diwali celebration with great food, entertainment, and heartfelt gestures, you create a multi-sensory experience that envelops tradition, culture, and profound gratitude. As Diwali unfolds, savor the flavors, dance to the rhythms, and build memories. Wishing you a joyous and prosperous Diwali!

Are you a beer enthusiast or simply looking to explore the local culture? Check out this list of beer gardens, breweries and tasting rooms to appreciate a symphony of flavors, from carefully crafted small-batch masterpieces to audacious concoctions! LA Ale Works Love this spot. It has a huge indoor and outdoor space. They have one location in Hawthorne and another one in Culver City. They have food trucks and great beer and dogs are allowed. Perfect spot for game nights, btw! Project Barley Beer and live music, and pizza. Family friendly environment. Three different locations in the area in Lomita, Torrance and Redondo Beach. Great beer and wine, lovely people! Common Space Lovely spot, especially the outdoor area has a great ambience! They host a ton of events, and they are open 7 days a week. Child and pet friendly! Monkish Enjoy craft beer, Belgian beers, IPA and sour beer at this Torrance spot. Outdoor and indoor areas that are child and dog friendly. Nice tasting room! Smog City This is an award-winning brewery based in Torrance. They give back to the planet and they even had a food truck! Great beers! El Segundo Brewing Amazing tap list and even a food truck schedule. Right on Main St in El Segundo, this spot is locally owned and has independent craft beer. Hermosa Brewing With locations in both Torrance and Hermosa, this spot offers great beer as well as a full food menu. Their Hermosa location is right in the middle of all the action! Lagers, IPAs or Pilsners, you will find them all here. Culture Brewing Co This spot is one of the new tasting rooms in Manhattan Beach but they have two other locations near San Diego. This is an award winning brewery, nice open space!

Manhattan Beach is a beautiful beach town in Southern California that is known for its stunning beaches and restaurants. See the best five things to do in this coastal city . There are a variety of hotels to choose from in Manhattan Beach. Here are some that we would recommend. Here are some Manhattan Beach hotels to consider when you visit the Los Angeles beach cities of California! [HIGHLY RATED] MANHATTAN BEACH HOTELS Shade Hotel This luxury boutique hotel is located in the heart of Manhattan Beach. It features 38 spacious guest rooms and suites with modern amenities and elegant decor. Many of the rooms offer views of the Pacific Ocean and the Manhattan Beach Pier. The hotel also offers several on-site amenities, including a rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views of the ocean, a full-service restaurant called Zinc at Shade, and a fitness center. The restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. This hotel is just a block away from the beach and in proximity to many local restaurants and shops. It is upscale and has a rooftop pool. Their penthouse suite, luxury suites and spa suites are pretty amazing! Westdrift Manhattan Beach, Autograph Collection Westdrift Manhattan Beach is a 4-star hotel with its coastal-inspired design and laid-back atmosphere. The hotel has 235 rooms and suites, all of which feature ocean views, private balconies or patios, and modern furnishings. Amenities include a heated outdoor pool, a fitness center, a spa, and a rooftop bar with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The hotel also has a restaurant, Jute, which serves California cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients. This hotel is less than 2 miles from the beach and 15-minutes from the Los Angeles airport. [PRETTY GOOD] MANHATTAN BEACH HOTELS Residence Inn Los Angeles LAX/Manhattan Beach Each studio at the Residence Inn Los Angeles LAX/Manhattan Beach is equipped with a stovetop and oven. Free Wi-Fi is included along with a 32-inch flat-screen cable TV and HBO. The hotel has barbecue facilities. Guests can also use the on-site laundry facilities. (Don't get confused while booking, this one is on Sepulveda in Manhattan Beach) Best Western Plus Manhattan Beach Hotel Located in Manhattan Beach, California, just 6 minutes’ drive from the beach, this hotel offers a complimentary hot breakfast buffet and an on-site gym. All comfortably furnished guest rooms include free Wi-Fi. Each modern room features a flat-screen TV with cable. Boasting a full kitchen or kitchenette, each en suite unit is equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities. The Belamar Hotel Manhattan Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton This Manhattan Beach hotel is within a 5-minute drive of the Pacific Ocean and downtown. Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi. The rooms include a refrigerator and coffee maker. Guests can dine at Second Story Restaurant, which serves local, organic foods and wines. The concierge service assists guests in finding restaurants and entertainment around the city. The Sea View Inn At The Beach Only 2-minute hike up from the beach, The Sea View Inn At The Beach provides accommodations with free bikes, and private parking. Some units at the property feature a patio with a sea view. At the hotel, each room has a desk. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, all guest rooms at The Sea View Inn At The Beach have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms have balconies. [DOES THE JOB] MANHATTAN BEACH HOTELS Seahorse Inn Featuring a restaurant and a seasonal outdoor pool, this Manhattan Beach, California inn is 1.2 mi from Manhattan Beach Pier. Free Wi-Fi is offered in all rooms. Each room provides a flat-screen satellite TV, a desk and an private bathroom at Seahorse Inn. All rooms are air-conditioned and come equipped with a refrigerator. Hi View Inn & Suites Offering views of the city skyline, Manhattan Beach Pier is 1.5 miles away from the hotel. A flat-screen TV with cable is featured in each room at Hi View Inn & Suites. A small refrigerator, microwave and coffee-making facilities are included. Each bathroom provides free toiletries. Free parking. Wave Hotel Manhattan Beach This hotel is within 1 mi to Manhattan Beach Pier. This hotel offers free WiFi in every room. Rooms are equipped with a flat screen TV with cable channels, a hairdryer, hardwood floors, and an iron and ironing board. Free parking is available. Landing into LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) and need a hotel to stay? When it comes to finding a hotel near LAX, the key is striking a balance between convenience and quality. If you're just passing through for a quick overnight stay, the hotels about a mile from the airport are actually your best bet. However, it's essential to choose wisely because not all areas around LAX are created equal. If you're looking for a safe and pleasant experience, El Segundo emerges as a top choice. Its proximity to both the beach front and excellent dining options make it a standout among the rest. Click here for hotel suggestions near the airport, near El Segundo and in Manhattan Beach. Read more on Manhattan Beach A Family Day in Manhattan Beach, CA Manhattan Beach, CA, is a gem of Los Angeles, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for families. With its beautiful beach, diverse dining options, and various activities, you can easily spend an entire day (or two!) exploring this charming coastal town. Here's a detailed guide to making the most of your visit. Read about Redondo Beach Redondo Beach Coastal California Adventure: Fun, Food and Sun Redondo Beach, a city on the Southern California coast, offers an inviting mix of natural beauty and endless activities perfect for families. Consider a visit to this town on your Los Angeles holiday. Located just a short drive from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), this beach city is an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy a few days of sun, sea, and fun. Read this article to learn more.

Redondo Beach, a city on the Southern California coast, offers an inviting mix of natural beauty and endless activities perfect for families. Consider a visit to this town on your Los Angeles holiday. Located just a short drive from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), this beach city is an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy a few days of sun, sea, and fun. The city is divided into North Redondo and South Redondo, each with its own unique charm. Morning & Afternoon Activities: Fun and Games The historic Redondo Beach Pier, built in 1889 is the center of everything so you must plan on spending time here. The Redondo Beach pier offers stunning ocean views and beautiful sunsets. You should walk around on the pier - there are many different shops and businesses! If you are looking for immersive experiences, you have a few options: Rent a paddle board and explore the waters of King Harbor. Check out Paddle House . They even offer a free lesson with rentals. Rent a boat Pedal Port for Pedal Boats, Kayaks and SUPs Private boat rentals from GetMyBoat.com The Portofino Adventure Center also offers kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, SCUBA, deep sea fishing and boat charters. This center is part of The Portofino Hotel and Marina. Go Sport Fishing Check out the tour Learn to sail - 90 minute class Introduction to Sailing - a crash course for beginners! Discover marine life beneath the waves without getting wet! Check out the Glass Bottom Boat Tour Enjoy a romantic and picturesque tour of the harbor on Gondola Amore A must-visit for families with young children, the Seaside Lagoon features water slides, play equipment, and picnic areas. The lagoon is open during the summer months and provides lifeguards. Know that this is a fully enclosed saltwater lagoon. For older kids and teens, the Redondo Beach Skatepark is a local hotspot where they can practice their tricks and meet other skateboard enthusiasts. Visit the Fun Factory Arcade nostalgic spot filled with vintage games that will delight both kids and parents alike. Take a scenic ride along The Strand, a beautiful coastal bike path that runs through Redondo, Hermosa, and Manhattan Beaches. Rent bikes from Hermosa Cyclery   in Hermosa Beach or from Marina Bike Rental in Redondo Beach. Book a whale-watching tour to see magnificent marine life up close. Depending on the season, you might spot gray whales, blue whales, or playful dolphins. Window Shopping and Beach Time Riviera Village in South Redondo Beach is perfect for leisurely activities. It is a good place to relax and grab a drink. It is filled with unique shops and cafes. While Redondo Beach itself offers plenty, a short drive will take you to Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach , both excellent for a classic Southern California beach day. Hermosa Beach is known for its vibrant pier and lively atmosphere, perfect for volleyball and sunbathing. Manhattan Beach, on the other hand, boasts upscale dining, a picturesque pier and an aquarium, making it ideal for a relaxing family day out. Article alert: Read: A family day in Manhattan Beach, CA Read: Escape to Coastal elegance: Top hotel picks in Manhattan Beach Finally, there is the South Coast Botanic Garden : A short drive from Redondo Beach, this 87-acre garden in the neighboring town of Palos Verdes features themed sections, including a whimsical children's garden, a Japanese garden and a rose garden. Evening: Entertainment The Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach: Just a short drive away, this renowned comedy club often features big names like Jay Leno performing on Sunday nights! This is for adults only. There is a two-item minimum per person inside the showroom and seating is first come / first-seated. Buy tickets directly through the club only. Seasonal Events Beachlife Festival : One of the largest beach party and live music festival takes place every year in Redondo Beach! A celebration of music, art and Southern California beach culture. Festival of the Kite : A colorful spectacle held every March on Redondo Beach Pier, where you can see kites of all shapes and sizes soaring above the beach. Redondo Beach Summer Concert Series :During the summer months, live music on the west end of the pier provides a perfect backdrop for an evening stroll. Holiday Concert on the Pier : In December, featuring festive music and holiday cheer. Foods Options in the Area Lunch Spots Redondo Beach offers an array of lunch options that cater to various tastes and preferences. For those seeking a waterfront dining experience, R10 Social House provides a menu featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. If you're in the mood for gourmet burgers in a casual setting, head to The Standing Room . Their Napoleon burger, stacked high with toppings, is a popular choice. For fresh seafood, Captain Kidd's Fish Market & Restaurant offers a laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy clam chowder and fish tacos either to dine in or take away. Another excellent lunch option is Guisados in Hermosa Beach, known for its authentic Mexican tacos filled with flavorful and fresh ingredients. Dinner Destinations When the sun sets, choose local Redondo Beach standout restaurants for dinner. Kincaid's Fish, Chop & Steakhouse is renowned for its upscale American fare and ocean views. Their prime rib and Dungeness crab cakes are highly recommended. For a nostalgic dining experience, visit Tony's on the Pier , open all seven days of the week. This local favorite serves up fresh catches with panoramic ocean vistas, with the seafood platter and Mai Tai cocktails being particular highlights. Cheesecake Factory , located just off the pier, boasts an extensive menu with options for every palate, from snacks to elaborate meals. Another exceptional dining spot is Gabi James , featured in the Michelin Guide, offering a unique Spanish and coastal French dining experience. Additionally, Barans 2239 stands out with its eclectic menu and modern take on American cuisine - and its famous breakfast burritos! Their sister restaurant, Tigre's Fuego also offers these burritos. Best Spots for Drinks Naja's Place is a hotspot for craft beer enthusiasts, featuring an extensive selection and live music. Project Barley is another laid-back brewery with a great selection of beers, including their renowned West Coast IPA. For a more intimate setting, The Slip Bar & Eatery offers a cozy environment with a great selection of drinks and bar bites. Their signature cocktails and sliders are highly recommended. For evening drinks, you can consider going to Vista in Hermosa Beach , a beautiful spot to sip cocktails while watching the sun go down OR to The Strand House in Manhattan Beach which offers a similar perspective but in a more upscale setting. Vegetarian-Friendly Eateries This is Los Angeles, baby! Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty of options in Redondo Beach. The Green Temple is a standout for wholesome, organic dishes, with the tempeh burger and macro bowl being popular choices. Pura Vita is an award-winning 100% plant based Italian restaurant. Lil' Vegerie is a wonderful vegan spot right off Sepulveda. The Grain Cafe in King Harbor Plaza is vegan and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bollywood Zaika has vegetarian Indian street food. Rabano in Hermosa Beach has several vegetarian options.

Goodbye, Anemia. Hello, Hemoglobin. Understanding your body's needs is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. Hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, plays a vital role in carrying oxygen to organs and tissues while transporting carbon dioxide back to the lungs. Low hemoglobin levels can lead to various health issues, including anemia. Fortunately, there's a natural solution – hibiscus tea. Hibiscus, a flowering plant in the mallow family, offers a simple yet effective remedy. The red variety of hibiscus is ideal for making this tea, and you can use fresh or dried hibiscus flowers OR hibiscus powder , You can also buy hibiscus tea bags . Here's how to prepare it: Ingredients: 3 cups of water 1 teaspoon hibiscus flower powder (or 2 flowers) 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder 1-2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice Optional: sweetener (agave, maple, or honey) Process: Boil water and add hibiscus flower powder, cinnamon powder, and lemon or lime juice. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain and adjust the flavor with sweetener if needed Regular consumption of hibiscus tea not only boosts your iron levels but also offers various health benefits. Make it a part of your routine and experience the positive changes in your overall well-being.

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!

Black Friday is HERE! This selection of discounts spans diverse categories: encompassing state-of-the-art electronics, enchanting toys, luxurious home essentials, elegant fashion pieces, coveted beauty collections, and an assortment of sought-after Amazon devices. Check out these handpicked deals worthy of exploration. ‘Tis the Season for Savings National Tree Company Deals - up to 47% off! Save up to $400 on select De'Longhi coffee and espresso machines Save $100 on the Sony ZV-1F Vlog camera Save up to 70% on select Amazon devices and bundles Echo Pop with free smart bulb bundles This compact smart speaker with Alexa features full sound that's great for bedrooms and small spaces. Small enough to blend in and mighty enough to stand out. Ring Video Doorbell with Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) bundles Monitor your home, your way with the all- new Ring Video Doorbell. Enjoy improved 1080p HD video, crisper night vision, and adjustable motion zones - including the added near zone that reduces false notifications. eero Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi Systems eero Pro 6E works as a smart home hub so you can use Alexa to control compatible Thread and Zigbee devices. It also doubles as a border router to facilitate connections with Thread-enabled devices. Luna Gaming Controllers A high-performance controller designed to provide an ideal playing experience on Luna, Amazon's new cloud gaming service. Save up to 50% on select new Amazon devices All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K What's new with this generation? 1.7 GHz processor and more than 25% more powerful vs. 1st gen Wi-Fi 6 support for smooth streaming 2GB memory Fire HD 10 Kids Great for on-the-go. Enjoy up to 12 hours of reading, browsing the web over wifi, watching videos, and listening to music from anywhere. Power back up via the USB-C (2.0) port. Kids Pro tablets Get a full-feature tablet (not a toy) made for big kids ages 6–12, and includes 1 year of age-appropriate Amazon Kids+ content and a slim Kid-Friendly Case, versus items purchased separately. Blink Outdoor 4 (4th Gen) Outdoor 4 is a fourth generation wire-free smart security camera that helps you protect your home inside and out right from your smartphone. See and speak from the Blink app — Experience 1080p HD live view, infrared night vision, and crisp two-way audio. Two-year battery life — Set up yourself in minutes and get up to two years of power with the included AA lithium batteries. Enhanced motion & person detection. Save up to 50% on select NERF products Save up to 50% on select IT Cosmetics skincare and makeup Save up to 44% on select Ninja kitchen appliances Save up to 43% on select Shark hair care products Save up to 42% on BISSELL Little Green, CrossWave, and HydroSteam vacuums Save up to 33% on select Le Creuset Dutch ovens and cookware Save up to 30% on select Lancôme makeup, skincare, and fragrance - Lowest price of the year so far! Save up to 30% on Peloton Bike, Bike Plus, Guide, accessories, and apparel - Lowest price of the year so far! Save up to 30% on select Barbie dolls and playsets Save up to 30% on select LEGO sets - Lowest price of the year so far! Save up to 30% on select Disney toys, apparel, bedding, and décor Save up to 30% on select Marvel toys, apparel, bedding, and décor Save up to 30% on select Star Wars toys, apparel, bedding, and décor Save up to 30% on select Dyson vacuums and air purifiers (November 22-27) Save 30% on Blake Lively’s Betty Buzz Sparkling Soda Save up to 29% on select Kindle e-readers including Kindle Scribe , Kindle Paperwhite , Kindle Paperwhite for Kids , and Kindle (2022) Save 25% on Ruggable x Sarrah and Verena washable rugs - lowest price of the year so far! Save up to 20% on Blueland's plastic-free dishwasher tablets 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.

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.

"Oh, this looks so clean and green!", I said to my partner as I walked into Tulsi, a vegetarian restaurant, a few minutes away from the UCLA campus. Often when I walk into an Indian restaurant, I know what I am getting into. Spicy and creamy food, cooked either North Indian OR South Indian-style. Definitely delicious but also sleep-inducing! The Tulsi experience was a bit different. The restaurant offers vegetarian regional specialties from various parts of India. They offer curry combos at three price points, food from Western, Southern and Northern India, and section called 'Regional Influencers'. Some of the food has a 'fusion' feel, and also has plant-based options. Their drinks are interesting, provided by a company called 'Tractor' - certified organic lemonade and limeade with turmeric, mandarin juice with cardamom, and berry patch with strawberry, cherry and apple cider vinegar. Overall, a healthier feel to the restaurant. And I love that you get to buy, pay for and be served your food in an interesting, fast-food kinda way! Come to Tulsi to experience this. This is what to expect: Order at the counter Pay for your food, and get one of those buzzers that buzz and vibrate when your food is ready Wait for a super cute robot to come to your table with your food and silverware! These are the things we ordered: Bhel Puri Pav Bhaji is a popular Indian street food consisting of a thick spicy vegetable curry served with soft bread rolls. In Hindi and Marathi, the word 'Pav' means 'Bread' and 'Bhaji' means 'a vegetable dish'. Since these are served together as a meal, it is known as Pav Bhaji. The veggies in the bhaji are typically potatoes, peas, onions, cauliflower, carrots. The red color comes from tomato paste. Ask for lemon and onions to make it fun. Bhel Puri This is a popular street food made with roasted puffed rice, fried chickpea vermicelli, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, brown and green chutneys. A sprinkle of lemon and cilantro adds to the charm. Chutneys add to the spice. If you find the dish to be mild, ask for a spicy chutney alternative! Tulsi Special Masala Dosa If you haven't had a dosa before, you are definitely missing out. Dosas are popular in South India, often served for breakfast or lunch. The thin pancakes / crepes are made from a fermented batter of lentils and rice. The Tulsi Special Masala Dosa is a rice crepe with cheese, onions and tomatoes and a potato-onion stuffing. Served with sambar (lentil soup), coconut chutney and tomato chutney. You can also order their plain dosas which have no cheese or stuffing - those are the most popular and child-friendly! Sarson Ka Saag with Makki Ki Roti With traditional origins, this authentic dish has flavors that must be celebrated! It is a classic dish from the state of Punjab in India and is eaten during winter months. You may not always find it in Indian restaurants but it is often prepared in Indian households. This dish at Tulsi is a spinach curry in ginger and with mustard leaves. Served with a flat corn-bread. Mango Kulfi This is one of the desserts we tried. It is a frozen dessert made with mango puree, milk and cream, and of course - sugar. It's a great after-dinner item that helps you cool off from all the Indian spices. This was delicious, and super kid-friendly! Salted Caramel Gulab Jamun This dessert is quite a popular item in the Indian subcontinent - small dough balls, fried and soaked in a sticky syrup. At Tulsi, their salted caramel gulab jamuns are delectable Indian mini doughnuts soaked in sweet and salted caramel syrup. Well made and not crazy-sweet. I was excited to know that Tulsi also caters! We saw a board and then inquired for more details. I am actually more interested in their LIVE counter option as I haven't seen that anywhere near me, yet. You can call them and also find information on their website. We will certainly be using their service for one of our events! For me, it is so important to connect with those who cook for us - because food and cooking is an emotional act. It was wonderful to meet with and chat with Vicky, who handled the food service for us. Tulsi has several locations in Los Angeles, so there is likely one that is in driving distance from you: Northridge, DTLA, Westwood and Riverside. If you visited the restaurant, and have a favorite dish, share it here.

Los Angeles is home to a thriving Ethiopian food scene. There are dozens of Ethiopian restaurants in the city, and they offer a wide variety of traditional Ethiopian dishes. Those who know me know that I love going to Ethiopian restaurants. We went often when we lived in the New York area, and I think Los Angeles offers even more Ethiopian food options. I also like the idea of the whole family eating from one plate - its a change from the fork and spoon routine! This (see photo) is how an Ethiopian plate is served. You always eat Ethiopian food with friends and family. The platter is communal, everyone eats from one plate. The etiquette is to serve food on the Injera bread that soaks up all the flavors of the stews that are on top of it. I promise it tastes better when you eat with your hands, no silverware :) There are two amazing spices that make the food distinctly Ethiopian. Berebere powder and Shiro . You can find both of these in an Ethiopian market. The history of Ethiopian food in Los Angeles is a long and rich one. The two Ethiopian restaurants in the city were Messob and Rosalind. Messob was founded by Rahel Woldmedhin on La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles in 1985. Rosalind, opened in 1988 on Fairfax Avenue, founded by Fekere Gebre-Mariam. Over the years, more restaurants were established on this strip and the Ethiopian food scene grew in Los Angeles. Over the last 7-8 years, the Little Ethiopia area near Culver City has been my go-to for traditional Ethiopian meals and I have been to most of the restaurants on the strip. Parking during dinner time is difficult in this area. I like the idea of Ethiopian Sunday lunch! Since we are a vegetarian family, we always order the Vegetarian Platter, which has a mix of vegetables and protein (lentils) preparations, served with Injera bread, made from teff. The cuisine is known for its use of spices and its focus on vegetables. Here are some of the most popular vegetarian preparations in Ethiopian food: Yemisir: This is a lentil stew that is flavored with onions, garlic, and spices. Misir Wot: This is a red lentil stew that is flavored with berbere, a spice blend that is made with chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and other spices. Shiro: This is a chickpea stew that is flavored with onions, garlic, and spices. Gomen: This is a cabbage stew that is flavored with onions, garlic, and spices. Atkilt Wat: This is a tomato stew that is flavored with onions, garlic, and spices Injera: This is a spongy, sourdough flatbread that is made from teff flour. It is the traditional eating utensil for Ethiopian food, and it is used to scoop up the stews and vegetables Timatim Fit Fit: This is a salad full of injera soaked in tomato-pepper-onions in lemon juice If you are meat-eater, check out their lamb, beef and chicken preparations. Meat is commonly eaten in Ethiopian cuisine. Some of the most popular meat dishes in Ethiopian cuisine include doro wat (chicken stew), tibs (sautéed meat), and kitfo (raw beef). Ethiopian Restaurants in Los Angeles Lalibela is a newer Ethiopian restaurant in Los Angeles, but it's quite popular! The food is delicious, the service is excellent, and the atmosphere is modern and stylish. Lalibela is a great place to go for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. Thoughts: This restaurant is my daughter's favorite. I love how quick the service is, and it feels Americanized, and I say that in a good way. My daughter can eat without being worried about spice levels. I like that they have a Veggie Utopia which has many more vegetarian items that are not available in their regular combos. Rosalind's s one of the oldest Ethiopian restaurants in Los Angeles, and it has been serving up delicious food for over 30 years. The food is authentic, the service is friendly, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Rosalind's is a great place to go for a taste of traditional Ethiopian cuisine. Thoughts: We like Rosalinds' because of its flavor profiles. If I have friends visiting who like spicier food, I would choose Rosalind. Their berebere dishes are spicy! Service is a little slow but the place is bigger and they have a bar area too. Right next to Rosalind is Merkato . It is affordable than the other spots, it is smaller, like Buna. These are also good spots to buy Ethiopian grocery, if you plan to cook. Messob is also a great restaurant choice. Fancier look and feel. It has some good media around it! Messob was founded in 1985 by Rahel Woldmedhin on La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles, and then the restaurant relocated to Faixfax. The restaurant is now run by her son, Berhanu. Thoughts: This is a good date night place as there is a full bar, with Ethiopian beers, wines and cocktails. Rahel has been around since 2000, founded by Rahel Woldmedhin. I like that Rahel is vegan. They have a brunch buffet thing that is a must do! The focus is on vegetable stews! Don't miss their vegan desserts and interesting juices. Thoughts: I distinctly think of cardamom-forward dishes when I think of Rahel! And gluten-free. Ask in advance, and you might find GF options. Finally, there is Awash , founded in 1992 by Mesfin Bekele. This place is the real deal (it's a secret gem) and you see mostly locals here. You might see dishes here that you may not find on the strip - This place is not on the strip, just maybe a mile off! Food is great. Thoughts: I would go here with an Ethiopian friend to feel a little less out of place! First published: 5/25/2022 Revised: 4/18/2023

Immersive experiences are certainly revolutionizing entertainment. From theatrical experiences like Sleep No More , immersive art like Beyond Van Gogh , or an AYA park trip full of stars, interactive Instagrammable displays evoke wonder everywhere! This week, I was invited to an early VIP showing of Bubble World: An Immersive Experience in Los Angeles, about 15 minutes away from DTLA. I decided to take my daughter with me so we could write about our experience from two perspectives - adult and teen. And we had such a blast! Read along for details. Bubble World premiered in Milan, Italy earlier this year and is now open in Los Angeles at the Exhibition Hub Art Center at 1345 N Montebello Blvd in the city of Montebello, Greater Los Angeles. You can arrive via Pomona Freeway by car or bus lines 287 and 106. There is a ton of parking available outside the facility. Bubble World is very family-friendly and perfect for children of all ages. I personally feel that middle and high school children will really enjoy this indoor experience! The exhibition should take you 60 minutes to complete, and perhaps slightly more if you want to take a ton of photos! Tickets are available for purchase now at bubbleworldexperience.com , starting at $31.90 for adults and $23.90 for children. VIP tickets, group bundles and family passes are also available. BubbleWorld is closed on Tuesdays. The exhibition has 13 rooms, each offering multi-sensory, unforgettable optical illusions that enchant both kids and adults + countless photo opportunities! One of my favorite rooms was the 'Bubble Ocean' - a room full of balloons! It was fun to have balloon fights with my kiddo and bounce balls around. With each step of this fantastical adventure, I felt an undeniable connection with my inner child. The symphony of pastel colors and mesmerizing lasers was just magical and I embraced the delight of the moment. As part of the VIP package, we got the VR experience, a pretty cool immersion where we became one with a floating bubble, gliding and soaring in the sky. What fun! My teen had this to say about her experience: "The bubble world experience was really fun. I have never jumped into a ball pit the size of a swimming pool, or a room full of balloons. The free cotton candy was also a nice touch. I love the idea and the bold colors and unique rooms. I loved all thirteen of them but I would have to say my favorites were the ball pit, balloon room, and VR room. The room where you could pull a bubble around you was also really cool. 10/10, definitely recommend." What an exciting journey through giant bubbles, selfie room poses, whimsical bubble baths and robotic bubble shows, and then concluding the evening with a yum bubble-shaped cotton candy treat. All in all, a great time. Highly recommend this experience! For those of you not in Los Angeles, this experience may be coming to you! According to the website : Europe: Brussels - Opens August 2023 London United States Los Angeles: Tickets available The exhibition is expected to come to the following cities: Atlanta Boston Chicago Miami New York San Francisco Seattle Washington DC This was a gifted experience.

When it comes to entertainment and sports, Los Angeles and its surrounding areas offer a treasure trove of iconic venues. Whether you're a local looking for a night out or a tourist seeking a memorable experience, here is a list of must-visit stadiums, arenas, and concert halls in Los Angeles, Greater LA, Long Beach, and Orange County. Plus, we'll recommend nearby hotels, event highlights, and transportation tips. Los Angeles Crypto Arena formerly called Staples Center (Downtown LA) Events: Home to the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, as well as the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, this stadium is a mecca for sports fans. More popular sporting events held here include basketball & ice hockey. It also hosts chart-topping concerts, and shows. Capacity : 20,000 Where to Stay: Downtown Los Angeles boasts a vibrant hotel scene. Consider the luxurious JW Marriott , the opulent Ritz-Carlton , or the stylish Hotel Figueroa for your stay. Getting There: Accessible via the Metro's Blue and Expo Lines, rideshare services, and taxis. The venue provides convenient parking options GOOD TO KNOW L.A. Live: This is a sports and entertainment district that surrounds Crypto.com Arena and Peacock Theater (formerly called the Nokia Theater / Microsoft Theater). Find the Grammy Museum here as well as the West Coast flagship location of the Regal Cinema. It also houses the Lucky Strike Bowling alley Hollywood Bowl (Hollywood Hills) Events: Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, the Hollywood Bowl is synonymous with world-class concerts, classical music performances, enchanting movie nights, and unique special events. Capacity: 17,000+ Where to Stay: Immerse yourself in the Hollywood experience by choosing from a range of hotels in Hollywood or the nearby Hollywood Hills area. The historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and the chic Loews Hollywood Hotel are excellent options. Getting There: Consider using rideshare services or parking in designated lots near the venue. The Hollywood Bowl also offers shuttle services Rose Bowl (Pasadena) Events: The iconic Rose Bowl stadium hosts college football games, legendary concerts, the historic Rose Bowl Game, and a variety of special events. Capacity : 96,000+ (biggest venue in Los Angeles!) Where to Stay: Pasadena offers an array of hotels, including The Langham Huntington , Pasadena, and the Westin Pasadena . Getting There: Easily access the venue via rideshare services and taxis. The Rose Bowl provides on-site parking for attendees. Dodger Stadium (Chavez Ravine, Los Angeles) Events: The iconic Dodger Stadium hosts thrilling MLB games with the Los Angeles Dodgers, electrifying concerts, and special events. Capacity : 57,000 Where to Stay: Stay in downtown Los Angeles, Echo Park, or Chinatown to access a variety of hotels, including the Omni Los Angeles Hotel and The Line Hotel . Getting There: Arrive via rideshare services, taxis, or public transportation. The stadium offers ample parking facilities for guests. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Events: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum hosts a wide range of events, from thrilling NFL games to legendary concerts and major sporting events. It's also known for hosting the USC Trojans' college football games. Capacity: Approximately 77,500 Where to Stay: There are various accommodation options near the Coliseum, including hotels in downtown Los Angeles and the University Park area. Check out the USC Hotel which is about a 15 minute walk and some other downtown hotels such as the AC Hotel , and the Downtown LA Proper Hotel . Getting There: Easily accessible via the Metro's Expo Line, rideshare services, taxis, and public transportation. The venue offers parking for attendees. BMO Stadium Events: BMO Stadium is home to the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and showcases thrilling MLS soccer matches, as well as concerts and other events. Capacity: Approximately 22,000 for soccer matches. Where to Stay: Discover accommodation options near downtown Los Angeles or the Exposition Park area. Ritz-Carlton is certainly a good option and so are AC Hotel , and the Downtown LA Proper Hotel . The Intercontinental is also a good choice! Getting There: Conveniently reach the stadium via rideshare services, taxis, or the Metro's Expo Line. Parking is available for attendees. Near the Los Angeles Airport (LAX) SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) Events: Home to NFL powerhouses, the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, SoFi Stadium hosts electrifying NFL games, blockbuster concerts, and major sporting events. Capacity: 70,000+ Where to Stay: Find a comfortable stay near LAX, with options including Marriott, Hilton, and Sheraton properties. Airport hotels are generally cheaper. Check out Hilton LA Airport , The Westin LA Airport , or the Holiday Inn LAX . If you need a little more room / kitchenette, consider Residence Inn by Marriott LAX or Hyatt House LAX . Getting There: Accessible via rideshare services, taxis, or the Metro C Line (Green Line). Ample parking facilities are available. Kia Forum (Inglewood, CA) Events: Known for its legendary concerts, Kia Forum also hosts thrilling sporting events and captivating entertainment shows. Capacity : 17,500 Where to Stay: Choose from hotels near LAX or Inglewood, such as those lining Century Boulevard. Suggestions are same as above: Check out Hilton LA Airport , The Westin LA Airport , or the Holiday Inn LAX . If you need a little more room / kitchenette, consider Residence Inn by Marriott LAX or Hyatt House LAX . Getting There: Conveniently reach the venue via ride share services, taxis, or the Metro C Line (Green Line). Kia Forum provides parking for attendees. Long Beach Long Beach Arena (Convention and Entertainment Center) Events: From electrifying concerts to large conventions, live performances, and side-splitting comedy shows, this venue has it all. Capacity : 13,500 Where to Stay: Find your perfect stay in downtown Long Beach, with options such as the upscale Hyatt Regency and the elegant Renaissance Long Beach Hotel . And of course, there is The Westin Long Beach - very fancy and pet-friendly! Getting There: Utilize rideshare services, taxis, or public transportation. Multiple parking garages are available nearby Dignity Health Sports Park (Carson, CA) Events: Dignity Health Sports Park is home to the LA Galaxy soccer team and hosts exciting MLS matches, concerts, and various sporting events. It is on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills Capacity: 27,000 Where to Stay: Find hotels in Carson and Long Beach, including options near Long Beach Airport. The Hampton Inn LA is probably one of the closest chain hotels. About two miles away, find the Holiday Inn LA Gateway in Torrance and the DoubleTree by Hilton in Carson. Getting There: Consider rideshare services, taxis, or the Metro A Line (Blue Line) to reach the venue. On-site parking is available. Orange County Honda Center (Anaheim, CA) Events: Catch thrilling NHL games with the Anaheim Ducks, world-class concerts, family-friendly shows, and unique special events. Capacity : 18,900 Where to Stay: Opt for accommodation near Disneyland in Anaheim, offering a wide range of hotel choices, including the luxurious Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. The Ayres Hotel in Anaheim is close and highly rated. Other options are Hampton Inn at the Anaheim Resort Convention Center, Element and Clementine Hotel . Getting There: Easily access the venue via rideshare services, taxis, or public transit. The Honda Center offers ample parking for guests. Angel Stadium of Anaheim (Anaheim, CA) Events: Attend MLB games with the Los Angeles Angels, star-studded concerts, and adrenaline-pumping events like Monster Jam. Capacity : 45,000 Where to Stay: Choose from hotels near Disneyland such as the Anaheim Marriott . Some of the other popular choices include the same as above: the Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. The Ayres Hotel in Anaheim is highly rated. Other options are Hampton Inn at the Anaheim Resort Convention Center, Element and Clementine Hotel . Getting There: Reach the stadium via ride share services, taxis, or public transportation. The venue provides ample parking for attendees.

Los Angeles, often dubbed the "Entertainment Capital of the World," boasts a vibrant and multifaceted sports culture. Whether you're a passionate sports enthusiast or simply seeking an exhilarating night out, LA provides an extensive array of options to witness thrilling games. This guide will help you navigate the City of Angels' sports scene, covering baseball, basketball, ice hockey, soccer, and NFL games. Get tickets to see a baseball game In LA, we've got two awesome baseball teams: the LA Angels and the LA Dodgers. They both play at Dodger Stadium and Angel Stadium. But when it comes to the ultimate baseball vibe, Dodger Stadium is where it's at. It's right in Chavez Ravine, with the stunning San Gabriel Mountains as a backdrop. Watching a game with the legendary Los Angeles Dodgers, who've been around the block, is a total LA thing to do. The place buzzes with excitement, and don't forget to grab one of those classic "Dodger Dogs." The LA Angels are a big deal too, and they share the baseball love with the Dodgers. You can catch their games at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, which is super close to downtown LA. So, you've got two great teams to root for in the City of Angels. Get tickets to a NBA Game! You'll catch the Lakers, Clippers, and Sparks playing at either the Crypto.com Arena or the Honda Center. Now, when it comes to hoops action, the Crypto.com Arena in downtown LA is where it's at. The Lakers are like the kings of basketball with loads of championships and some mega-star players, so their games are always a blast with super hyped-up fans. The LA Clippers also bring the heat with their flashy moves and quick plays on the court. Plus, the Sparks are the city's WNBA team, and their games are all about showcasing top-notch women's basketball skills. It's a real slam dunk for fans of any age! Watch a fun game of ice hockey Los Angeles and nearby Anaheim have two cool ice hockey teams. The Los Angeles Kings play at the Crypto.com Arena, and they're all about fast action and going for that Stanley Cup. Over in Anaheim at the Honda Center, you've got the Anaheim Ducks, who bring their own excitement and lots of fans. Want to watch football? Explore the upcoming NFL games in Los Angeles When it comes to NFL action in LA, you've got two teams—the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers—battling it out at SoFi Stadium. This stadium is a real showstopper, with top-notch facilities, and the capacity to host over 70,000 fans. It's the go-to spot for Rams and Chargers fans to catch all the thrilling NFL action right in the heart of Los Angeles. Check out the latest schedule Buy tickets that are already on sale! Check out the NFL Regular season tickets on StubHub . Catch a soccer game! For soccer enthusiasts, Los Angeles serves as an exciting hub of Major League Soccer (MLS) action. Two prominent teams share the spotlight in this vibrant soccer landscape: LAFC, based at Banc of California Stadium in downtown LA, and the LA Galaxy, who call Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson their home. Check out the Major League Soccer Tickets Buy Women's World Cup Soccer tickets on StubHub. Helpful Read: Guide to top entertainment and sports venues in the LA area + where to stay on your visit

In a world seeking holistic well-being, 2024 emerges as a pivotal year, marked by transformative trends reshaping the landscape of wellness. From metabolism tracking devices flooding the market to the resurgence of weight-loss initiatives, this year heralds groundbreaking innovations that redefine our approach to health. Join the journey into the compelling trends and revolutionary tools defining this evolving sphere of wellness. Precision Wellness: Navigating Your Body's Blueprint Body composition encompasses the proportion of fat, bone, and muscle within your body, distinct from the body mass index (BMI) which doesn't account for body fat. Numerous methods exist for measuring body composition, ranging from body pods to underwater weighing techniques. At the forefront of cutting-edge body analysis technology stands the Dexa body scan, offering detailed assessments of bone density, muscle mass, and fat distribution. Renowned destinations like The Mayo Clinic or smaller shops like BodySpec in Los Angeles provide Dexa scans, empowering individuals to curate tailored fitness and nutrition plans with precision. This non-invasive procedure is reasonably priced, taking approximately 15 minutes, and involves zero discomfort. Metabolic Mastery: Your Path to Personalized Vitality Optimizing your metabolism can significantly impact how effectively your body burns fats and carbs, ultimately aiding weight loss and overall well-being. Lumen's breath analysis technology offers real-time insights into metabolic health, guiding meal timing for improved efficiency. While the device itself costs $299, with an additional $19 monthly subscription fee for access to the Lumen app, investing in understanding your body's metabolism can prove valuable if you're committed to tracking it. Real-time glucose tracking is another emerging trend, involving a small sensor attached to the skin to monitor glucose spikes via a smartphone. Even for non-diabetic individuals, this monitoring can assist in weight management and diabetes prevention. However, it's a costly trend, with quality monitors priced around $100 and requiring replacement every ten days. Some popular monitors in the market include Freestyle Libre, Dexcom G-7, and Nutrisense. Cold Therapy Revolution: Use of Cold for Healing The use of extreme cold for therapeutic purposes has surged in popularity. From basic methods like ice baths to sophisticated cryo chambers, these therapies aim to rejuvenate and aid in post-exercise recovery. Cold therapy, categorized as an alternative treatment, currently lacks insurance coverage or regulatory oversight. It encompasses whole-body cryotherapy, subjecting the entire body (except the head) to freezing temperatures, and localized cryotherapy, targeting specific body areas. Some medi-spas have introduced cryo facials, employing vaporized nitrogen to cool the skin on the face, scalp, and neck. Moreover, cryotherapy services are now available even in hotels. Notably, Accor's Fairmont Windsor Park proudly features a multi-person cryotherapy chamber! Flex & Flow: Enhancing Mobility and Flexibility Flexibility remains a cornerstone of exercise, especially in preserving mobility as we age. The rise of specialized stretching centers signals a surge in demand for guided stretching services. These venues cater to the recognized benefits of flexibility and mobility training. Under the guidance of certified professionals, these sessions strive to enhance physical capabilities, fostering agility and adaptability. Entities like Stretch Lab, Stretc*d, and Stretch Zone curate customized stretching regimens that amplify flexibility, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of injuries. A notable evolution in the fitness sphere, particularly among middle-aged individuals, demonstrates a pronounced preference for strength training. Centered on low-impact exercises and resistance training, this movement aims to safeguard muscle mass, augment bone density, and prioritize recovery. Mindful movement practices, breathwork, and meditation are seamlessly weaving into fitness routines, constituting integral elements. Advancements in Wearable Health Tech Health-oriented wearable devices and smartwatches are poised to experience a more profound fusion into daily routines. These gadgets are transcending their conventional role as mere monitors and are transforming into proactive health assessment tools. Smartwatches are embracing advancements in health and fitness tracking, encompassing heart rate monitors and sleep trackers. Some clothing now have features that regulate body temperature via embedded sensors. Wearable devices specifically designed for sports activities are becoming adept at tracking an array of metrics including speed, distance covered, and movement patterns. The evolution of these devices extends beyond fitness metrics; they are becoming instrumental in the early detection of medical conditions. Moreover, these gadgets offer the convenience of remote monitoring, bridging the gap between healthcare and everyday life. Brands like FitBit, Apple, Nike, Medtronic, Garmin, Vital Connect, among others, are pioneering this innovative integration. Longevity as an Enduring Priority Health trends such as sleep and gut health continue to underscore the pursuit of longevity, a prevailing priority in 2024. Innovations in sleep health continue to thrive, ranging from smart mattresses, sleep earbuds, and anti-snore pillows to innovative solutions like smart rings and sleep pods. Complementary therapies like floating in saltwater bathtubs and infrared sauna sessions have gained popularity for promoting better sleep and aiding muscle recovery. The emphasis on gut health remains a dominant trend, witnessing substantial growth in the prebiotic and probiotic markets. Many products now differentiate themselves based on digestive wellness while incorporating mood and mind benefits. Yakult Honshu, a Japanese brand, and Probi Sensia from Sweden exemplify this trend by offering probiotic drinks addressing mood, sleep, and stress. Innovations like Zbiotics, engineered for pre-alcohol consumption to prevent hangovers, reflect the growing interest in this space. Even pet gut health is gaining traction, with companies like Animal Biome making significant headway. Consumers are increasingly drawn to wellness approaches backed by clinical studies and research. Brands like Headspace and Calm are gaining favor for their evidence-based mindfulness solutions. The mainstream acceptance of functional, adaptogenic mushroom drinks, exemplified by Arepa from New Zealand, signals a shift in dietary preferences toward functional ingredients. Similarly, Japanese brand Esaki Glico's functional chocolate, targeting mental balance, aligns with this trend. Companies like General Mills are introducing products with ingredients that minimally impact blood sugar levels, aligning with the shift toward better blood sugar management over traditional weight management approaches. Products with reduced carbs and higher fat content are gaining traction, emphasizing protein and blood sugar management rather than weight control. Collagen's surge in popularity for skincare, hair, and nails underscores its recognition for gut health benefits, notably seen in bovine collagen products. Self-Care and Mind Body Integration An evident trend toward self-care has emerged, manifesting in diverse forms such as meditation apps, skincare regimens, intermittent fasting practices, and an amplified focus on mental well-being. Notably, red light therapy has gained traction as a therapeutic technique employing low-level red light wavelengths, offering benefits for various skin conditions like wrinkles and psoriasis. Anticipations extend to alterations in social media preferences, with a predicted shift toward following fitness influencers possessing official credentials and showcasing a diverse range of body types. In seeking reliable sources for mental health support, individuals are projected to pivot toward platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace, preferring expert guidance over unverified content prevalent on social platforms. Weight-Loss Resurgence Fueled by Ozempic Health experts foresee a resurgence in weight loss-centric trends throughout 2024, attributed to medications like Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and the diabetes treatment Ozempic, which shares the same active ingredient. These drugs emulate a hormone's action, slowing digestion and enhancing feelings of fullness. The emergence of these trends poses significant dilemmas for healthcare professionals, as they grapple with identifying the most suitable candidates for these drugs and ensuring their accessibility to those in need. This surge may pave the way for a wave of health-oriented products adopting comparable weight loss methodologies. The Emergence of Wellness Tourism The travel sphere is experiencing a notable uptick in wellness-focused tourism, where travelers seek journeys centered around health, rejuvenation, and overall well-being. Emerging trends like slow safaris, star bathing, mindfulness immersion and sylvotherapy are gaining traction. Destinations such as Bali are now offering transformative spiritual voyages, somatic healing practices, restorative yoga packages, shamanic healing sessions, and chakra harmonization opportunities. Whether it's the Ananda in Rishikesh, Atmantan in Pune, Shreyas Yoga Retreat in Bengaluru, or Amal Tamara in Kerala, a growing roster of highly specialized alternative and integrative retreats is expanding across India. Elevated Focus on Social Connections In the aftermath of prolonged isolation due to the pandemic, there's a growing thirst for meaningful social connections. Wellness venues like salons and spas have taken on a new dimension by curating events that foster a deep sense of community among their clientele. Meanwhile, gyms and fitness studios have evolved beyond being mere workout spots; they've become vibrant centers that cultivate motivation! This transformation has brought about a more inclusive atmosphere in everyone's fitness journey. Groups involved in communal fitness activities, whether through sports or hiking expeditions, are now forging bonds among their members. They're embracing the essence of togetherness, seen in everything from collective meditation sessions to community spaces offering alcohol-free beverages. These social wellness initiatives are poised to nurture a profound sense of belonging among participants. Undoubtedly, 2024 stands at the forefront of a paradigm shift. These emerging trends and innovative technologies promise a redefined outlook on health, ensuring that holistic well-being takes center stage in our lives. With an array of transformative strategies and advancements, this year paves the way for a healthier and more informed future.

Rio de Janeiro, renowned for its vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty, offers visitors many unforgettable experiences. Among its many attractions, going up Sugarloaf Mountain stands out as a must-do activity for any traveler seeking panoramic views of this captivating city. Start by purchasing cable car tickets at the mountain's base. Then, wait in line to take the first cable car up the mountain. The first ride treats you to sweeping views of Rio's busy streets and majestic mountains. Upon reaching the midpoint station, explore dining options and souvenir shops. Then, board the second cable car for the final stretch to the summit. At the summit, unwind at a drink spot while taking in the stunning scenery. You can also shop here for souvenirs. Be sure to go to the ramp for a great shot. From this high vantage point, admire iconic landmarks like the Christ the Redeemer statue, the concrete Rio jungle and the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. On clear days, witness the sun setting over Rio's skyline, casting a golden glow over the city below. Pro Tip 1: Time your visit for sunset to enjoy a truly magical experience atop Sugarloaf Mountain. Pro Tip 2: Plan to stand in line early to head back down via cable car. The line gets crazy long!

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!

Many of us fly to Asia via Helsinki on Finn Air. If you have a layover or a slightly extended stop in Helsinki, plan to step out of the airport and spend some time in this beautiful city! Here are the seven spots to visit: 1. Kamppi Chapel of Silence, a chapel in a beautiful wooden building in the Kampinmalmi neighborhood of Helsinki 2. Helsinki Cathedral, a piece of majestic architecture in Helsinki's Vironniemi neighborhood 3. Oodi Central Library in Helsinki gives us an elevated library experience with a gorgeous modern facade 4. Sibelius Park's Organ Pipe structure dedicated to composer Jean Sibelius 5. Also known as the 'Church in the Rock', Temppeliakio Church has a copper dome. It is a special experience, very well worth it. There is an entrance fee to get in. 6. Helsinki Central Railway Station is an iconic building with very nice architecture 7. The Three Smiths statue of three naked men hammering on an anvil symbolizes human labor and cooperation between people. It is realistic with tones of classicism. Find it at the intersection of Aleksanterinkatu and Mannerheimintie next to the Stockmann department store. It was made by Felix Nylund and unveiled in 1932 What else? Take a minute to look around - There are some classic designs in architecture, and even on handbags and glassware - Look up Marimekko and Iittala! And take photos of all the cool stuff! Stop by a post office and see how easy it is to mail a letter! Take a walk at The Esplanadi Park by the water...and listen to a local playing an instrument! Remember to try some rye bread and bilberry-infused gin (or just plain old bilberry juice!). And if you happen to like meat, some reindeer meat! Helpful stuff: Food There are vegetarian food spots in Helsinki. Yes Yes Yes is a sweet spot, seasonal menu. Food is vegetarian, yay! Levant offers Middle Eastern appetizers Just Vege is also Middle Eastern with vegetarian options Zucchini is Helsinki's oldest vegetarian restaurant that serves vegetarian and vegan food Other information Prefer to see the city at your own pace? Sign up for the Hop On, Hop Off buses operated by Royal Line Oy Rather be on Segway tour? Check that out Admire Helsinki from the water on a 1.5 hour sightseeing cruise! If you are in the city for longer, consider buying a Helsinki Card City or Helsinki Card Region. This could be a 24-48-72 hour card that you use to get complimentary admission into museums and attractions such as the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress or Amos Rex as well as even for some public transport to and from the airport Experience a Finnish sauna and campfire lunch along with a national park hike! Visit Tallinn in Estonia! Only 50 miles away, a day trip to Estonia is actually a great idea. With its cobbled streets and colorful architecture, a trip to Tallinn is well worth it. You can make it easier by joining a tour by Carisa Travel OY and discover fun parts of the city Also about 50 miles away from Helsinki is Porvoo. The old town is significant and so is the river valley. Helsinki Tour company takes you to this historic city where to get to hear stories and experience the sights and sounds of Porvoo 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.

If you have just one day to explore Cardiff, here is a list of things you should do to make the most of your time in this beautiful Welsh city. Cardiff Castle Begin your sightseeing at Cardiff Castle, where you can explore its rich history and stunning architecture. This is a magnificent medieval castle that combines Roman and Victorian architecture. You can buy a ticket and go inside the castle to explore almost 2000 years of history, from Roman times through to the second world war. There are a lot of stairs and it's not fun when it is raining so those with serious walking difficulties should just plan to enjoy the grounds as entrance to this large public square is free. Given we had limited time, we also chose not to go inside the castle. We were able to walk along the castle walls and through a few tunnels and that was a wonderful experience. Bute Park Not far from the castle, is the 130-acre Bute Park - what a peaceful escape! This is a nice spot to walk or to just sit. Enjoy its winding pathways, landscaped lawns and lines of beautiful trees! The park features remnants of the Blackfriars Friary and the enigmatic Gorsedd Stones, adding an interesting historical element to the experience. The entrance to the park is free. Over the last 10-15 years, the Cardiff Council has been restoring parts of the garden by adding new facilities, bathrooms, extending historic buildings and creating educational centers. Millennium Stadium / Principality Stadium The national stadium of Wales serves as the primary residence for the Wales National Rugby Union team and has been a notable venue for numerous national football team matches. With seating for 74,500 spectators, this all-seater stadium boasts a retractable roof, making it the second of its kind in Europe and the world's largest football stadium to possess this distinctive feature. Beyond its sports events, the stadium's versatile space has accommodated boxing matches, concerts, and motorsport competitions, even doubling as a cinematic backdrop. Notably, scenes from the 2001 Hindi film "Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam" were shot on its grounds. They offer a tour of the stadium. Explore the tour here. Cardiff Bay Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront of Cardiff Bay! Cardiff Bay's waterfront is a captivating blend of old and new, where historic docks meet sleek contemporary architecture. How to get to Cardiff Bay from Cardiff City Center? You can get to Cardiff Bay from the city center by train, Bus No.6 or Uber. If you are already at Bute Park, look for the water shuttle that takes you to Cardiff Bay. This is the service we took and the running commentary was added bonus. Plus, we got to see swans on the boat ride which was really cool. Here are a few things to check out when at this stunning waterfront location. Mermaid Quay This is a beautiful waterfront location with over 30 different restaurants, cafes and bars. It is a perfect place to grab a drink while enjoying the ocean views. There is often something going on, this place is pretty lively! There is a giant ferris wheel which runs in the morning, and the Aqua Park (next to the Cardiff Bay Sailing Center) is an interesting summer attraction to check out. The Roald Dahl Plass This is a huge public space, named after the Cardiff-born author, Roald Dahl. This is an oval shaped basin which is often used to host concerts and events. The plaza was first used during the filming of Doctor Who, a sci-fi drama. Senedd The Senedd building in Cardiff Bay houses chamber and committee rooms of the Welsh Parliament. This structure cost almost $70 million to build and the design is sustainable and modern. It's a sight to see! Millennium Center This is a beautiful national arts center, the principal receiving venue for large-scale opera, ballet and musical events. The main theater can seat almost 2500 people, and there are also two smaller theaters at the venue. Even if you can't watch a show, the exterior of the building itself is awe-striking! Inside, you may find a coffee shop and a restaurant and many locals having conversations around art and culture. National Museum Cardiff If you like museums, this museum houses an impressive collection of art, natural history, and archaeological exhibits. It's a great place to delve into Wales' cultural heritage. We did not have the time to go into the museum but it is a popular place to visit. Food in Cardiff You will most certainly find vegetarian food options in Cardiff. Many restaurants offer a few vegetarian items and there are also exclusively vegan / vegetarian spots around the city - You can Google and find some great options. Here (below) are a few of our tried and tested suggestions on our short trip to Cardiff. It is interesting that two of the three suggestions are from South Asia. We certainly did not plan it but we went for award-winning chefs / restaurants and these two seemed most promising! WELSH FOOD Welsh House As they say, when in Rome, do what the Romans do :) There are a few Welsh items that every vegetarian tourist should try when in Cardiff and we did too, at this restaurant. Welsh rarebit on sourdough toast - Sounds like meat but a rarebit is toasted bread covered in cheese sauce with spices! Curried leek and potato soup w/ mature Welsh cheddar crouton - Leeks are a national emblem of Wales! You will find it on many restaurant menus! Things to find on the streets of Cardiff on your walk: Bara Brith is a traditional Welsh tea bread flavored with tea, dry fruits and spices. We found one at our hotel but one of the best spots for this is in the Penylan Pantry Welsh cakes: Fabulous Welsh Cakes. Find this place right across the castle. They only sell this one product, and its made fresh in front of you! Welsh Tea - is a family brew tea business. It is an iconic brand that has been around for 30+ years ETHNIC CUISINE Srilankan food at The Coconut Tree Affordable small plate options, we really loved the food and the vibe. It has a whole vegetarian and vegan section. It was better than most Srilankan food out there! Beautiful flavors. Interesting story behind the start of this award-winning restaurant brand. It already has 9 locations, and will probably show up in London at some point soon - That's how good it is! Nouvelle Indian Cuisine at Purple Poppadom Fabulous food by award-winning chef, Anand George - one of UK's most acclaimed chef. You can't go wrong with anything you order. Note that this is not family style, each person orders their own dish - unique to this restaurant as Indian food is often not ordered this way! DRINKS Many options out there but this one is different and therefore gets a mention. The Alchemist for cocktails! Darkly decadent décor, flaming atmosphere and creative cocktails! This 'experience' has many locations - the one in Cardiff is on St. Mary's Street. You can choose a drink that has light or dark theater and even non-alcoholic beverages. From lava lamps, color changing cocktails, light bulbs, drinks served in pipes and tongues in glasses, you will be theater-served! 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!

In the heart of Santa Monica lies The Victorian , a beautiful venue that promises an unforgettable experience. Recently, I had the pleasure of exploring this unique space and its perfect atmosphere for dancing, dining, and enjoying a variety of drinks. Upon arrival, the convenience of private parking immediately set a positive tone for the evening. As I ventured further into the venue, I couldn't help but notice the mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, offering attendees the choice to enjoy the pleasant evening breeze or revel in the cozy indoors. The occasion was marked by the launch of their new seasonal food and cocktail menu. We were welcomed into the VIP room which was a special little room, often rented out for small events. It was here that we tried a variety of cocktails and bites. We also met a friendly bartender who was testing out really cool cocktails for the holidays! Thursday nights at The Victorian are dedicated to salsa lessons, allowing guests to learn the art of Bachata and Salsa from talented instructors. Lucky us - It was a fantastic opportunity to embrace the rhythm and enjoy the vibrant music that echoed through the venue! The charm of The Victorian however, extends beyond Thursday nights. Each day of the week offers something special for its guests. Wine enthusiasts can indulge on Wednesdays with an extensive wine list offering a variety of flavors to explore. Fridays come alive with music as lively DJ sets echo through all three floors. Saturdays are perfect for leisurely brunches outdoors, followed by a night of dancing to diverse tunes in every corner of the property. For me, The Victorian is more than just a venue; it's an experience. Whether you are a tourist or local, dance enthusiast, a food connoisseur, or someone simply seeking a good time, The Victorian effortlessly delivers a vibrant and diverse ambiance. Pro Tip 1: Incidents of pickpocketing are often common in crowded places, especially where people are engrossed in fun and not paying attention to their belongings. Make sure to keep your purse / wallet close at all times, a precautionary measure that everyone should consider when attending dance events in bustling venues! Pro Tip 2: Parking costs $15. Look for street parking first before pulling into the property. This was a gifted experience. 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!

Hong Kong, a dynamic metropolis teeming with culture and commerce, is an ideal destination for those with a brief layover seeking to immerse themselves in the pulse of the city. Let's embark on a 36-hour virtual expedition, mapping out a few must-see spots and attractions, ensuring a memorable sojourn in this Asian gem. Day 1: Tsim Sha Tsui - Kowloon Island Arriving early in the morning, take a cab to the vibrant district of Tsim Sha Tsui on Kowloon Island. This is where you should plan to book your hotel. Pro Tip 1: Settle into the luxurious comfort of Intercontinental Hotel Grand Stanford, boasting panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. Opt for a room with a harbor view for an unforgettable experience. After a rejuvenating rest, venture out to explore the bustling streets of Tsim Sha Tsui. Board the iconic Star Ferry for a scenic journey across Victoria Harbour to Hong Kong Island Marvel at the breathtaking skyline as you glide through the shimmering waters, capturing postcard-worthy moments against the backdrop of towering skyscrapers. This is the Star Ferry stop that takes you across from Kowloon Island to Hong Kong island. This ferry service is frequent, super cheap and offers gorgeous views of the Hong Kong skyline. Day 1: Sheung Wan - Hong Kong Island Crossing over to Hong Kong Island, immerse yourself in the vibrant neighborhood of Sheung Wan. PS: These photos were our first impressions of Hong Kong! Hustle-bustle - indeed! Explore the enchanting Man Mo Temple, where fragrant incense fills the air, creating an atmosphere of tranquility amidst the urban bustle. This video does not do it justice but it will take you there! Participate in the time-honored tradition of offering incense, embracing the spiritual essence of this sacred site. As the afternoon unfolds, meander through the narrow alleyways of Sheung Wan, discovering hidden gems and local treasures tucked away amidst the bustling streets. Embrace the rich culture and history that permeates every corner of this eclectic neighborhood, from traditional markets to contemporary art galleries. Pro Tip 2: Satisfy your culinary cravings at 'Home - Eat to Live,' a vegetarian oasis offering organic fare in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. Here is the menu photo during our visit. Indulge in flavorful dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, setting the tone for a gastronomic adventure. In general, for vegetarian food, look up 'Happy Cow' on Google. Pro Tip 3: Look for musicians on the street playing Hang drums that look like upside-down wok pans with little bumps. The sound is so unique! Day 1: Tsim Sha Tsui - Evening Return to Tsim Sha Tsui as evening descends. Indulge in a feast of vegetarian Thai fusion cuisine at Nara Thai, savoring the harmonious blend of Hong Kong flavors. Take it easy and get ready for Day 2! Day 2: Kowloon Island Awakening to a new day, embark on a journey of exploration on Kowloon Island. Navigate Hong Kong's efficient subway system, making your way to the serene enclave of Chi Lin Nunnery. Pro Tip 4: Take the time to review the map of the city as well as the subway system. Once you understand the lay of the land, it becomes quite easy to navigate! Pro Tip 5: You need smaller bills to buy the tickets as the machines don't take credit cards or big bills. An easy fix is to go to the information booth at the station and buy tickets from a real person! The Chi Lin Nunnery was one of our favorite places in Hong Kong and a must-see. Discover the tranquility of this ancient monastery, where Buddhist chants echo through the halls, offering a moment of respite amidst the urban chaos. The entrance to the monastery had a lovely lotus garden, wooden structures and wonderfully-trimmed shrubs. Adjacent to the nunnery lies Nan Lin Garden, a verdant oasis of serenity amidst the bustling cityscape. This spot is peaceful, with a big yellow and orange bridge structure in the middle of the park. There is a shop in the park, a couple of restaurants open for late lunch, a tea house and a pretty waterfall.  You can easily spend 2-3 hours in this area. Day 2: Nathan Road - Tsim Sha Tsui Conclude your Hong Kong adventure with a leisurely stroll along Nathan Road, Kowloon's bustling thoroughfare lined with shops, eateries, and cultural attractions. This is an aerial view of Nathan Road, and an atypical photo. It is rarely this sparse! Pro Tip 6: While on Nathan Road, indulge in the quintessential Hong Kong experience of sampling egg puffs from a local vendor! This food looks like waffles with goose-bumps! Pro Tip 7: If you are a fan of Chinese clothing, find it on Nathan Road. Here, we are trying out a cheongsam to wear at an event when we go back home from our travels. This dressmaker was very sweet! As the day draws to a close, return to Tsim Sha Tsui, reflecting on the myriad experiences and memories forged during your whirlwind journey through the streets of Hong Kong. If you have more time (another day?), consider two more attractions: Lantau Island to see the world's biggest Buddha Victoria Peak - to see the city from high above! 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!

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.

Birthdays are always a special occasion in our family. We don't give gifts on birthdays, we just go to an interesting place to eat. That's our thing. This year, we decided to celebrate a birthday at Scopa Italian Restaurant. It is a great place to go for a special occasion. The food is perfect for a romantic dinner, and the atmosphere is perfect for a night out with friends. I love that this restaurant has a female chef - Yay! Chef Antonia Lofaso cooks food that reminds us of Italian food in New York City, and while not everyone cares about that, we do because we spent a decade there! The ingredients are fresh, and the taste is simple. The staff is lovely and so is the ambiance. This is what we ordered: Fried Cauliflower with lemon, chives and parmesan (antipasti) The Rigatoni pasta with vodka sauce, chili flakes, basil and fresh ricotta The Chitarra pasta with pecorino and black pepper The Ravioli pasta with corn, mascarpone and parmesan, and basil Of these four items, the Rigatoni pasta in vodka sauce was our absolute favorite! Then came the dessert, or should I say desserts...! The Italian flag-colored cake was a sweet surprise that our server brought out to celebrate the birthday! The 'Spumoni' has three ice-cream flavors - Pistachio, cherry and chocolate (this is a traditional Italian dessert) Affogato which was Espresso coffee poured over a glass of vanilla gelato I think it is a wonderful place for a celebration. Plan to book ahead. Tips for diners: Is the restaurant expensive? Yes, for its portion size, it is. On Yelp, it shows up as $$$ Is the food good? Yep. Do you need reservations? Probably. Make them via RESY. Restaurant site: https://www.scopaitalianroots.com Address: 2905 W. Washington Place, Venice, CA 90292 Hours: Dinner Daily from 5pm to 10pm Weekend Brunch (Sat. & Sun.) from 11am to 3pm First published: 11/20 Revised 4/23 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 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.

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 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.

For South Bay locals seeking a sweet treat to brighten up the day, this guide is your ticket to the most delectable donut spots in the South Bay. Whether it's a delightful surprise for the kids or a tempting office treat, here is a fun list of must-visit donut havens! Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee 3026 N Sepulveda Blvd, Ste G-110, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 Has vegan options Randy's Phone number: (310) 616-3406 2181 Rosecrans Avenue, El Segundo, CA 90245 Timings: 6am – 8pm on weekdays and 6am – 9pm on the weekends. The Inglewood store is 24/7 Helpful information from Randy's: The classic selections are the most popular, glazed raised, specifically Donut cost: Classic’s – $1.90, Deluxe – $2.20, Fancy – $2.70 & Premium - $3.70 Cost for a dozen: Classic Donut ($20.80), Deluxe Dozen ($24.40), Fancy Dozen ($30.40) and Premium Dozen ($42.40). Mixed Dozen ($22-$29) Adult flavors: The Fancy Donuts (Apple Fritter, Roasted Coconut Raised, Coconut raised, Butter Crumb raised, Maple Long John with Cream, Bear Claw, Glazed Crondy, Chocolate Crondy, Chocolate Long John with Cream) Offers Delivery: Yes Email address for larger orders - catering@randysdonuts.com Instagram account - randysdonuts Niko's Donuts 2429 190th St, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 Best Donuts Phone number: (559) 361-8396 2514 Pacific Coast Hwy Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (Artesia & PCH) Moon Donuts Phone number: (310) 543-1867 1000 Torrance Blvd Ste E Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (Torrance and Prospect) Dunkin' 1100 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 Did we miss any great donut shops? Comment below and we will consider adding them to our list. Related stories Must-try breweries in the South Bay Best scoop shops in South Bay South Bay dining for family + veggie friendly spots Five amazing things to do in Manhattan Beach Best hotels in Manhattan Beach

Getting your home ready for Diwali is a deeply enriching experience that goes beyond the aesthetics of decoration. It's a celebration of the vibrant Indian culture, an opportunity to reconnect with your roots, and an occasion to share the warmth of tradition with your loved ones. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into heartfelt ways to adorn your home for Diwali, specifically curated for the American diaspora. All the links in this article are from Amazon.com so that its easy for you to access any product you wish to add to your home decor. Decorating Your Home for Diwali The Festival of Lights is synonymous with vibrant decorations that illuminate homes and hearts. Here are some thoughtful ways to infuse your space with the spirit of Diwali: Rangoli Designs Create stunning rangoli patterns at your doorstep using vibrant colored powders, rice, flower petals, colored sand, stickers or acrylic designs. You can find rangoli stencils online to assist you in crafting intricate patterns that reflect the festival’s exuberance, so we would encourage you to go the traditional route but there are many options available on Amazon. Amazon Finds: Ready to draw rangoli stencils + colors Rangoli Floor Pattern Stickers , easy to apply & remove Large Acrylic Floor Rangoli - readymade! Small Acrylic Floor Rangoli - readymade! Diwali Diyas and Lights Illuminate your home with traditional clay diyas and lanterns. Place them on windowsills, along staircases, or create beautiful arrangements on tables. The warm glow symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. Here are some of our Amazon finds! Traditional Lights Metal candle holders - can be used with tea lights or with oil-based cotton wick candle Clay Diya Holders - can be used with tea lights or with oil-based cotton wick candle Clay Diyas with Wax (Set of 9, Ready to go!) Easy Diya Ghee Wicks (SO easy to use, perfect for puja) Tea Light Candles (Set of 64, colorful, with Sandalwood, Patchouli, etc) Never leave a burning diya unattended, and always burn it in a safe place, away from children. If you want to decorate your entire home with these diyas, another great alternative are the battery-operated diyas or the solar ones. Battery / Solar Lights Flameless LED Tea Light Candles (Battery-powered - small) Flameless Flickering Votive Candles (Battery-operated, set of 24) Solar Powered Tea Lights (outdoor, waterproof, LED) Hanging Solar Lanterns with Handles (set of 2) Diwali Curtain String Lights (Flame-shaped lights) LED Curtain String Lights (party backdrop) Diwali-inspired Decor Majestic Mandala Art: Adorn your walls with mandala art. These intricate, circular patterns not only represent unity and harmony but also add an elegant touch to your interiors. Mandala decals are easily available online. You can also use mandala cutouts as Diwali party decor. Amazon Finds: Diwali Elephant Cutouts + Mandala Wall Decals Peel & Stick India-Inspired Decor: Utilize colorful saris as curtains, table runners, or cushion covers. Invest in Diwali-themed tablecloths, placemats, and napkins. All of this should add a festive touch to your home. Amazon Finds: Silk Bohemian Cushion Covers Diwali table runners Mandala shower curtains Diwali polyester washable tablecloth Gold Sequin Tablecloth (glam element!) Diwali purple placemats (goes with white & orange pumpkins, so multi-functional) Floral Ambiance: Decorate your home with flower arrangements. Marigold garlands, rose petals, and jasmine strings not only add a natural fragrance but also evoke the essence of traditional Indian celebrations. If you live abroad, you know that it is not easy to find fresh marigold flowers. Not to worry, we got you covered! Just buy fake marigold strings from your local Indian store or from Amazon. The best part of these flower strings is that you can reuse them every Diwali. Amazon Finds: Diwali Marigold garlands with LED lights (10 piece) Marigold Garlands (5 piece) Marigold Flower Heads with stems (50-200 pieces) Marigold Orange and Yellow Garlands (pack of 5) White rose flowers with green leaves (8 garlands) Jasmine (Mogra) and Rose string garlands Toran, Banners & Wreaths: Hang decorative torans made of mango leaves, beads, or fabric at your entrance. Torans are considered auspicious and signify a warm welcome for your guests. Alternatively, get a simple wreath for your front door. The aim is to incorporate an Indian ambiance without relying heavily on religious symbols. While the swastika holds deep meaning in Hindu philosophy, representing ancient Sanskrit texts, Gandhi's birthplace, and Buddha in Buddhism, it's crucial to exercise caution. The symbol can be misinterpreted due to its resemblance to the Nazi emblem and white supremacist imagery at certain angles. Given the limited awareness of its context in our foreign environment, it's recommended to display it indoors, within your home, rather than outside. Amazon Finds: Toran with cotton embellishments and religious Hindi lettering Happy Diwali Door wreath Toran with Multicolored bells Torans do not need to have a religious significance. This porch banner is a perfect one as it has all the same Fall colors - so it adds to your Fall decor while giving it a little Indian-touch! Find the Peacock banner on Amazon. Pick the banner that says 'Happy Diwali', instead . Diwali Party Magic: If you're planning an Indian party with a Diwali theme, here are some helpful ideas. If you can't hire a henna artist, consider buying temporary tattoos. Photo booth props are always enjoyable, creating lovely memories. To enhance the theme, opt for colorful and festive plates and napkins. Typically, a package serves 25-50 people, so consider this option to embrace the event's spirit instead of making a trip to Costco. Amazon Finds: Diwali Temporary Tattoos Photo Booth Props Happy Diwali Paper Plates & Napkins Ethnic Artifacts: Showcase traditional Indian elements on wooden or brass artifacts. Buy an Urli bowl and adorn it with tea light candles and flowers. Regular candles don't float in water, so buy floating candles . Amazon Finds Urli Bowl for Flowers and Tea Light candles Urli Bowl for Floating candles and flowers Elephant Wooden Tea Sampling Caddy A decorative brass diya is certainly a showpiece! Here are some suggestions to explore. Amazon Finds Kerala Diya Kutthu Vilakku Samai Diya for Diwali Antique Finish Handcrafted Brass Parrot Showpiece Pooja Corner Finally, the religious aspect of Diwali. Not everyone celebrates Diwali with puja so you don't need to do any of these but if you want to, here are some ideas. Create a serene pooja (prayer) corner with idols, incense, and candles. Adorn the backdrop with intricate tapestries or curtains to infuse the space with spiritual energy. Amazon Finds Pooja Thali set Lotus Hanging for Puja Room Indian God idols: Lakshmi and Ganesh Indian God idol: Durga on Tiger Puja Samara / Puja Kit Incense Sticks + Holder 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.

Buckle up, shopaholics, because Prime Day 2023 is here to redefine your shopping experience! Amazon, the retail giant that never fails to impress, has once again outdone itself with a dazzling array of deals and discounts. Here are some amazing finds you don't want to miss! Martha Stewart Towel, Oven Mitt & Potholder Set - 59% off (Martha Stewart Fav) Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream Moisturizer - 57% off Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones - 53% off Paris Hilton Iconic Nonstick Pots and Pans Set - 50% off (Kris Jenner Fav) Vitamix 5200 Blender, Professional-Grade - 45% off Oral-B Pro 5000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush w/ Bluetooth NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Ultimate Shadow Palette - 46% off (Marianna Hewitt Fav) Watches from Citizen, Bulova, Fossil and more - 57% off Foldable Hyacinth Storage Baskets with Iron Wire Frame - 43% off (Tayshia Adams Fav) JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan, 3 IN 1 Hand Fan, Portable USB Rechargeable - 42% off (Whitney Port Fav) iRobot Roomba i4 EVO Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum - 44% off Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Blue - 37% off Lemme Chill Stress Relief Gummies with 300mg KSM-66 Ashwagandha, Lemon Balm, Passionflower & Goji - 30% off (Kourtney Kardashian Barker Fav) I nstant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker - 30% off Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) - 24% off Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine - 25% off Prime Day Gift Cards - 20% off 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 the lively city of Los Angeles, where cultures collide and dreams take flight, I, like many immigrants have often embarked on a mission to preserve my South Asian heritage. As an immigrant devoted to Indian food and culture, I frequently long for the familiar scents and tastes of my homeland. Little did I anticipate that my culinary journey would lead me to an online treasure trove, Flavor Temptations, meticulously crafted by Sara Parthasarathy & Partha Sabniviss. In the world of flavors, Flavor Temptations transcends the realm of mere meals; it emerges as a potent tool for empowerment. For individuals like us, caught in the delicate balance between nostalgia for our roots and the embrace of new beginnings, these spice kits wield a magical influence. They help us recreate the flavors of our childhood, bridging the gap between places like Los Angeles and every corner of India. This is especially poignant for our college-bound children, born in a foreign land yet raised on the aromatic notes of Indian spices. For them, Flavor Temptations becomes a slice of home, a connection to their heritage, and a celebration of their roots amidst the hectic pace of college life. Join me as I sit down for a chat with Sara Parthasarathy, one of the two visionary founders behind Flavor Temptations. Komal Kapoor: What inspired you to start Flavor Temptations, and why did you see a need to teach customers about Indian cooking? Sara Parthasarathy: When our son Gautam left home for college, I sent him off with a ‘masala dabba’ of spices and told him to use a bit of each spice when he cooked. But he kept messing it up since he didn’t understand the layering and flavor-building process unique to Indian cooking. So I had to measure out specific spices for each of (my mom’s) recipes to teach him how to cook. Soon this concept became a business idea when many of my American friends wanted to learn to cook Indian food. Komal Kapoor: How do Flavor Temptations' spice blends and ready-made sauces help people go from being curious about Indian food to being confident in cooking it? Sara Parthasarathy: All the recipes are easy to understand (no chef language in them) and the spices are numbered 1-5, so people can feel confident that they are adding the spices at the right time in the cooking process. Ex: toasting mustard and cumin initially, etc. The cayenne powder is always packed separately so folks can customize the spice level in their dish. The sauces come with easy-to-cook recipes consisting of 3-4 steps. Additionally, none of our products have any added sodium, and are made with all natural organic spices that are very aromatic. People love the fact that they can cook authentic Indian food (instead of adding just curry powder) and can also control their sodium and spice level, something that other products don’t provide. Komal Kapoor: What are some of the special challenges and rewards of teaching people about Indian cuisine? Sara Parthasarathy: Challenges: Explaining that curry is not a spice and need not be hot (spicy); that Indian food is about flavor, not spicy heat Rewards: The ‘aha’ moment when people taste the flavorful food, and understand the flavor-building concept behind Indian cooking, and know that they can also do it! Komal Kapoor: How does one order from Flavor Temptations? What are your best selling products? Sara Parthasarathy: The best option is to shop our website - www.Flavortemptations.com. Our best selling products are the Butter Chicken Spice Kit, the Butter Chicken Sauce, the Palak Paneer Spice Kit and the Chana Masala Spice Kit. With each spice measured, every taste perfected, Flavor Temptations is not just about cooking. They are weaving a legacy that echoes our Indian heritage, wherever we are in the world. Flavor Temptations is also now helping school districts across the country introduce wholesome and flavorful Indian food to their students and learn about Indian culture! They have created larger institutional sized spice kits and sauces for schools to easily make Indian food from scratch or speed-scratch when using their sauce. For our Los Angeles readers: Starting in 2024, LA Unified School district will start serving Aloo Curry made with Flavor Temptation spice kits! 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.

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."

Living in Los Angeles, I’ve noticed how easy it has become to embrace a vegan lifestyle. The city offers an array of restaurants serving plant-based options, and my social media is flooded with tips on swapping meat for vegan alternatives. Personally, I consider myself a ‘part-time’ vegan—focusing on plant-based, minimally processed foods, while occasionally consuming small amounts of dairy. I believe cruelty-free eating is essential, not just for animal welfare but also for the health of our planet. About a year ago, I made a shift from regular milk to nut milk for my shakes. I even bought a nutmilk maker to make nutmilk at home. I’ve also started using oil instead of butter and replacing eggs with chia and flax seeds in recipes. These simple changes feel healthy and sustainable, allowing me to reduce my reliance on animal products. The rise of innovative plant-based products like meatless chicken, dairy-free cheese, and Beyond Meat patties has made it easier to cut down on animal products without sacrificing flavor. From lab-created shrimp to vegan sausages and bacon, the options are expanding rapidly. This trend reflects our growing awareness of what we put into our bodies. We know red meat isn’t the healthiest choice, so these plant-based alternatives become appealing. According to the Good Food Institute, the plant-based meat industry was valued at $939 million in 2020, with sales growing 18% in the past year alone. But as these products become more popular, I find myself questioning their impact: Are these plant-based foods truly healthy, or are they just better for the environment? The Good Plant-based meats are indeed a win for the environment. They generate significantly less greenhouse gas emissions, require less energy, and use minimal water and land compared to traditional beef production. Additionally, they eliminate the risks associated with E. Coli and antibiotic resistance, common issues in the meat industry. The Bad However, when it comes to health, the picture is more complicated. While plant-based burgers like Impossible or Beyond may have less saturated fat and no cholesterol compared to beef, they are often high in sodium—up to 370 milligrams in a 4-ounce patty, compared to just 75 milligrams in a beef patty. Another concern is the use of 'heme,' an iron-containing molecule that gives plant-based burgers their meaty flavor and appearance. Derived from soy plants and fermented in genetically engineered yeast, heme has been linked to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. Though Beyond Meat uses a different method to mimic meat flavors, the potential health risks are still worth noting. Moreover, while a beef patty has one ingredient—beef—a plant-based patty can have up to 18, many of which are unfamiliar and highly processed. To match beef's nutritional profile, additional nutrients must be fortified into the mix, making these patties far from natural. The Ugly Processing is another major issue. The production of plant-based meat often involves high-temperature extrusion technology or other methods that expose proteins to thermal and mechanical stress, which can degrade the nutrients in the food. Conclusion So, is going vegan a good thing? Absolutely, especially if it’s for social and environmental reasons. Avoiding dairy with alternatives like chia seeds and oil is easy and worthwhile. But when it comes to plant-based meat, I’m not convinced. Despite their environmental benefits, these products are highly processed and may not be as healthy as they appear. As Mark Bittman, a New York Times best-selling author, wisely puts it: “The truly healthy alternative to a processed chip is not a fake chip, it’s a carrot. Likewise, the alternative to sausage is not vegan sausage; it’s less sausage.” After my research, I’m recalibrating my approach—opting to make my own burger patties from whole foods like grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts. My recommendation? Don’t stop eating meat if you enjoy it, but do so in moderation. Be discerning when choosing vegan products: check the labels, count the ingredients, and watch the sodium content. Remember, just because it’s vegan doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Real food is always the better choice.

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 i s 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.

Dim sums are from China. Historically, they originated in Southern China and made their way down to Hong Kong. I have been looking for a good dim sum place, and this particular restaurant came highly recommended. Dim sums can be baked, steamed or fried. Legend goes...dim sums were first served in tea houses - even today, they are often served with tea. The stuffing in the dumplings is pork or shrimp but they can be vegetarian too. Bao's in West Hollywood has pretty decent vegetarian dim sums. As you can see, they are served as small plates - due to COVID, we obviously picked up - and they stayed well and tasted amazing. These Hong Kong style dim sums had mushrooms, cabbage, carrots - you know - the usual stuff that vegetarians eat! I would recommend this spot for vegetarians. There are several other things you can try too - I would particularly recommend the noodles, spring rolls and the scallion pancakes. The bokchoy was decent as well - cooked in a delicate garlic sauce. How much does this meal set you back? Dim sums are not cheap...especially if you are a hungry! (lol!) A family meal is likely to cost you around $75, not including tips and drinks. But it is well worth the experience...if you are into trying new things and celebrating beautiful food cultures! Visit Bao's and explore this website for details: https://baodimsum.com

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!