Beauty

Romantic Beauty

Whether you're planning on celebrating the advent of spring with your significant other, or considering some quality alone-time to get back on track with your New Year's resolutions, I have the ultimate destination for you! Cal-a-Vie, voted the #1 Destination Spa in North America by Travel & Leisure, will exceed your expectations. Read More

Beauty

Magical Beauty

Spring is in the air and I have some wonderful new beauty products to share with you that will make this fresh new season truly magical! While the sun makes bees happy and helps the flowers bloom, it can harm delicate skin, which is why being conscious of sun protection as the first hint of spring arrives is extra important! Read More

Cheers!

New Cabernets to Clamor For

California is studded with vineyards whose names are enough to send fans of their wines into paroxysms of joy at the mere mention of them. To Kalon. Dr. Crane. Garys’ Vineyard. Bien Nacido. Durrell. Each of these represents a unique plot of land, a specific and often idiosyncratic source of some of the most interesting wines produced in America. Read More

Cheers!

Harlan Estate: One of the Greats of the Wine World

When Bill Harlan set out to create an American “First Growth” 25 years ago, consumers could have been forgiven for thinking the endeavor was crazy. How, after all, could anyone really believe that we were capable of producing a wine that would achieve the same level of complexity, longevity, and--perhaps the most vexing part of all--terroir-specificity that the greats of Bordeaux had been peddling in for centuries? Read More

Entertaining

For the Love of Coconut

The coconut tree has been called the 'tree of life' because of its multifarious uses- the leaves for matting, weaving, and hatching; the fibrous husks for making rope; the oil for soap, shampoo, and cosmetics; and, of course, the edible part of the coconut for ingredients in countless sweet and savory recipes. Read More

Entertaining

The Signature of Spring

With spring around the corner, it’s time to start planning for Easter, Mother’s Day, and outdoor gatherings.  When I think of spring, I am typically reminded of soft pastels, bouquets of daffodils, and grilled snapper on the open barbecue.  Of course, in Texas, we weren’t as winter-weary as other parts of the country ―but we still welcomed the gentler hand of spring. Read More

Etiquette

Etiquette Rules for Social Networking

Research indicates that over 51% of online users have joined a social network, while 73% are consuming some form of social content on a regular basis. There are hundreds of social networking sites but currently the most widely used by adults are Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. It is up to you to determine why you want to join, and how you will use the website effectively. Do you want to use it personally or professionally? Read More

Etiquette

Minding Your Manners

In a world where rudeness runs rampant, parents have the responsibility to raise children as well-mannered adults, ones who are properly prepared for their places in society.  Parents - it is crucial for you to consistently set the right example that you expect your children to demonstrate. Children always pay more attention to what you do than to what you say! Read More

Health & Wellness

Diet Food vs. Real Food

One of the quickest ways to feel deprived is to give up all of your favorite foods, but if you’ve been struggling with your weight, it is time to think about words. I used to think of “diet” as a verb, as something I had to “go on” to conquer overweight, and for the longest time, I went “on a diet” every Monday. With the best intentions, I’d buy all the foods on the plan and would be “good” for a day or two, maybe three. Read More

Health & Wellness

Health-Wise Cooking Tips

Dietary fat is a nutritional paradox—all fats are equal in terms of calories per gram (nine, compared to protein and carbohydrate’s four); but it’s useful to remember that some fats are healthful, and some are harmful (think trans fat in shortening and hydrogenated oils including stick margarine).  We are faced with a physiological and sometimes psychological dilemma: fat tastes very good.  Fat brings flavor to foods, and many fat-free products aren’t worth the plastic they’re packaged in. Read More