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Aspen, Colorado, is a playground of luxury, offering the perfect mix of stunning natural beauty and refined living. Whether you're visiting during the action-packed ski months or the summer season, Aspen’s top hotels and resorts promise an extraordinary stay year-round. From chic, downtown retreats to secluded mountain escapes, these accommodations deliver unrivaled service, world-class amenities, and breathtaking views, ensuring your Aspen experience is as luxurious as it is unforgettable. The St. Regis Aspen Resort At The St. Regis Aspen Resort, experience exceptional comfort with 179 elegantly furnished rooms equipped with high-quality bedding, stylish toiletries, and eco-friendly amenities. The resort offers convenient access to the slopes with its ski shuttle, equipment rentals, and storage. Guests can unwind at the spa with Thai massages and body treatments, or enjoy diverse dining options at the three on-site restaurants. Other highlights include an outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center with fitness and Pilates classes, and upscale shopping. The property also features a garden, library, and complimentary in-room WiFi, making for a memorable stay. Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection Situated near Aspen Mountain and the Aspen Art Museum, Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection offers a luxurious boutique experience with 93 elegantly designed rooms featuring premium bedding, Egyptian cotton sheets, and video-game consoles. Guests can unwind with spa treatments, including massages and facials, or enjoy gourmet meals at any of the hotel's three on-site restaurants. With amenities such as an outdoor pool, a terrace, and valet parking, this esteemed property provides both relaxation and convenience. Recognized in the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List and Travel + Leisure 500, Hotel Jerome promises a refined and memorable stay. The Little Nell Located in vibrant downtown Aspen, The Little Nell combines family-friendly comforts with upscale amenities. This boutique hotel features 92 elegantly appointed rooms with fireplaces, 24-hour room service, and private balconies. With ski-in/ski-out access, guests can easily hit the slopes or enjoy nearby mountain biking and ecotours. The hotel offers a range of dining options at its two on-site restaurants, a spa for deep-tissue massages, and an outdoor pool with sun loungers. Additional perks include free airport shuttles, valet parking, and childcare services. As a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, The Little Nell promises an exceptional stay for all guests. Viceroy Snowmass Situated near Snowmass Mall, Viceroy Snowmass offers a refined retreat with 173 stylish rooms featuring fireplaces, kitchens, and premium bedding. This ski-in/ski-out hotel provides direct access to slopes and a range of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Guests can enjoy Latin American cuisine at TORO Kitchen, relax with spa treatments, or unwind by the outdoor pool. With amenities like yoga classes, bike rentals, and valet parking, Viceroy Snowmass caters to both adventure seekers and those seeking relaxation. Proudly affiliated with the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, this boutique hotel warmly welcomes all guests. Aspen Square Condominium Hotel Aspen Square Condominium Hotel offers a home-like retreat with the convenience of a downtown Aspen location. Each condominium features a full kitchen, free WiFi, and entertainment options like flat-screen TVs with cable and DVD players. Heated floors provide extra warmth during winter stays, while the property’s outdoor pool and 24-hour fitness center cater to active guests. With free self-parking, a 24-hour business center, and conference facilities, it's ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Aspen Square blends cozy, apartment-style living with all the perks of a high-end hotel. Limelight Hotel Aspen Located in the heart of downtown Aspen, Limelight Hotel offers a boutique experience with 126 stylish rooms, each featuring premium bedding, kitchenettes, and modern amenities like HDTVs and video-game consoles. Guests can enjoy a free breakfast buffet, relax in one of the two spa tubs, or dine at The Limelight Lounge with views of the pool. With an outdoor pool, bike rentals, and complimentary airport shuttle service, the hotel caters to both adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts. Its convenient location and top-notch service make it a prime choice for exploring Aspen year-round. The Gant Experience the best of Aspen’s slopes with The Gant’s complimentary ski shuttle, offering easy access to the mountain before you unwind at the resort’s restaurant or bar/lounge. This upscale condo-style resort features spacious accommodations, each equipped with a full kitchen, dining area, and entertainment options like flat-screen TVs and DVD players. After a day of adventure, relax in the on-site sauna or spa tub. Open year-round, with a brief seasonal closure in spring, The Gant combines comfort, convenience, and luxury for your perfect Aspen getaway. Aspen Meadows Resort Set along the river and refreshed in 2023, Aspen Meadows Resort offers a boutique experience with 98 spacious rooms, complete with premium bedding, wet bars, and separate sitting areas. As part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, this property seamlessly blends mountain elegance with outdoor adventure, offering a golf course, ski passes, and storage for winter activities. Guests can relax in the steam room, outdoor pool, or enjoy spa treatments. With free airport shuttles, bike rentals, and dining at Plato’s Restaurant, Aspen Meadows provides the perfect balance of nature and luxury for any season. W Aspen Located in the vibrant heart of downtown Aspen, W Aspen offers a chic and upscale retreat perfect for year-round adventurers. This stylish hotel features 88 rooms, all equipped with 24-hour room service, premium bedding, and eco-friendly amenities. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool with cabanas, enjoy the firepit, or sip drinks at the poolside bar. Dining at the on-site restaurant, 39°, adds to the luxury experience, while a free ski shuttle, ski rentals, and passes make it a prime winter destination. With free bike rentals and a 24-hour health club, W Aspen is equally ideal for a summer escape.

In a world where seasoned runners and athletes dominate, the idea of stepping into that realm as a 45-year-old woman, previously unacquainted with exercise, can seem overwhelming. But what if I told you it's not just achievable, but also life-changing? Let me share my unexpected journey from a complete non-runner to conquering 5Ks, and how you can too. Embracing the Challenge My journey began in August 2023 with a casual challenge from family members preparing for a half marathon. Initially, the thought of running seemed unimaginable. I wasn't athletic and had never gone beyond a quarter-mile. Yet, the challenge lingered, nudging me to consider the seemingly impossible. Starting Small: No More Procrastination! As October arrived, I realized I urgently needed to take that first step. I began running on a treadmill—a safe haven from the outdoor intimidation. My journey started with a $15 a month iFIT membership, dreaming of Bali runs alongside a charismatic trainer. Overcoming Hurdles Running even a mile felt insurmountable at first. But I refused to let doubt win. After numerous trials, here's what truly made a difference: Compression Gear: A Comforting Addition Introducing compression socks to my running gear was a game-changer. These snug-fitting allies embraced my calves and feet, offering remarkable relief from post-run discomfort. Each step felt cushioned, transforming even the most challenging runs into more bearable experiences. Suggested buy: Physix Gear Compression Socks for Men and Women Once my calves were stronger, I chose to replace compression socks with compression knee sleeves. Those certainly helped with pushing myself to run a little more. Suggested buy: Copper Fit Elite Compression Knee Sleeve (also available at Costco) Electrolyte Hydration: Enhancing Endurance Fueling my body with electrolyte packets before hitting the pavement amplified my running experience. Beyond mere hydration, these packets acted as a stamina booster, enabling me to endure longer without succumbing to premature fatigue. They provided an added reservoir of vitality, making tackling those extra miles feel effortless. Suggested buy: Liquid IV for on-the-go Running Gear: Convenience in Motion The addition of a shoulder bag with a built-in water pouch transformed how I stayed hydrated during runs. No longer did I need to interrupt my stride for water breaks or juggle unwieldy bottles. This hands-free hydration solution ensured uninterrupted, fluid runs, allowing me to focus solely on maintaining rhythm and stride. Suggested buy: Hydration Pack Wireless Headphones: Freedom in Sound Adopting Bluetooth wireless headphones liberated my running experience from tangled cords and device concerns. It wasn't merely about music; it was about immersing myself in the rhythm of my run. With no cords hindering movement, my focus sharpened, enhancing the pure joy of running. Each beat synchronized seamlessly with my steps, intensifying concentration and enjoyment. Suggested buy: Beats Powerbeats Pro High Performance Bluetooth Ear Phones Motivational Music: Inspiring Rhythms Crafting a personalized playlist became my ultimate motivator. It wasn't just about the beats; it was about syncing tunes with my pace, transforming each step into a motivational dance. Vibrant melodies intertwined with my strides, pushing beyond mental barriers. It wasn't just music; it was an unstoppable rhythm propelling motivation. Suggested app: YouTube Premium (no ad interruptions) Proper Running Attire: Functionality Meets Style Transitioning to specialized gear was functional empowerment. Breathable, lightweight fabric enhanced agility and comfort, empowering me to push boundaries. I felt liberated in gear designed for optimal running performance. Consider: KORSA from Road Runner Sports (for athletic wear) Visit your local Road Runner Sports and get measured for the kind of shoes you should buy. It is suggested to replace your running shoes every 300-500 miles. The best brands of running shoes as recommended by experts are: HOKA, Brooks, Asics, Adidas, Reebok, Nike and New Balance Measuring Progress: Tracking Momentum Utilizing my Apple Watch and apps like Strava served as visible progress indicators. Metrics—heart rate, distance, and pace—were tangible reminders of improvement. Watching these metrics evolve fueled my daily motivation. Another motivating device in addition to the Apple Watch that kept me going was the Smart Scale for Body Weight and Fat Percentage (real value for money at $26) Dietary Changes: Energy Boost Shifting to higher protein and fewer carbs was a revelation. Protein-rich shakes and natural sources provided sustained energy for every run. It wasn't just a change; it sparked newfound vigor. Consider using Lumen - expensive but a great metabolism hacker Strength Training: Building Resilience Incorporating core workouts was about fortifying resilience. Each session became a stepping stone toward a more robust foundation, fostering stamina for longer, enduring runs. The article that helped me with this was from the Woman's Health Magazine - it had moves in video format that I could just blindly follow. I bought three products that I needed for these exercises: Kettle Bell (15 lbs) Set of Dumb Bells (8 lbs each) Resistance Bands - Type 1, and Type 2 Warm Up: A Good warmup is important if you are want to run I realized that a good warm up before a run really helped me with my running. I would spend five minutes on my rower, about ten minutes with functional training and stretches and even run for five minutes. There was less cramping when I took the time to warm up. Highly recommend! Muscle Relief Cream: Post-Run Recovery Applying specialized cream post run and before bedtime actively facilitated recovery. Its comforting properties eased muscle strain, ensuring a faster rebound. It emerged as a crucial element in maintaining a consistent routine without prolonged discomfort. Suggested buy: Bengay or Sagely Naturals Relief and Recovery (find it at CVS) The Transformative Journey These adjustments became habits. I progressed from struggling to run half a mile to conquering 5Ks. As I update this article with some photos and product links (as requested) this February 2024, I have already run two 10Ks and one 5 K this year. Beyond enhancing my running, this exercise has transformed my lifestyle—shedding weight, gaining strength, and embracing challenges I once dismissed. The Takeaway If a non-runner like me could conquer 5Ks, so can anyone. Start with walking, then run-and-walk and then run. Commit to incremental changes, and believe in every step you take. With determination and courage, you'll achieve feats you never thought possible! Authored by our editor / publisher, this heartfelt narrative is a testament to the remarkable transformation achievable through sheer dedication and unwavering perseverance on the path to embracing a healthier, more vibrant life. It stands as a beacon, motivating countless individuals to leap over their doubts and stride towards their own remarkable fitness milestones. May her story inspire you! This article may contain affiliate links from Amazon. If you buy anything from those links, we may get a commission but at no additional cost to you.

Located equidistant between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Paso Robles captivates with its scenic hills, California wine regions, and the vibrant ambiance of a lively small town. This San Luis Obispo county gem boasts an array of around 200 wineries, each offering a unique experiences. Embark on a journey through Paso Robles, where we unravel the world of wine tastings, culinary delights, olive oil adventures, and the captivating Sensorio exhibition - enough excitement for a two or three day holiday! Wine Tasting Escapades in Paso Robles Daou Winery A standout choice, Daou Winery perches atop the Adelaida district, standing proudly at an elevation of 2200 feet. This family estate beckons with an extensive collection of wines and panoramic views. Select from a range of tasting experiences, including vineyard tours, bespoke food pairings, and an immersive dive into the winemaking process. While premium options carry a substantial price tag, affordable alternatives start at $50 per person. Reservations are essential to ensure a front-row seat to the sun setting over the mountains. Justin Justin Winery, renowned for its Bordeaux-style blends, is a must-visit for aficionados. Whether opting for their downtown tasting bar or the estate, patrons are treated to a feast for the senses. Indulge in a Michelin-rated dining experience overlooking the vineyards, explore à la carte lunch options, or embark on a scenic bike tour through the picturesque property. With unique tasting options, including a deconstruction of the celebrated Isosceles, Justin provides an educational odyssey into the world of wine. Reservation is a prerequisite. Gary Eberle's Cave For a distinctive experience catering to both imbibers(!) and teetotalers, Gary Eberle's Cave offers a fascinating subterranean tour of its 8000 sq. ft. cave. Gary's journey, from a defensive tackle at Penn State to a wine legend, adds a compelling narrative. The cave, naturally providing ideal wine storage conditions, hosts a complimentary tour. Delight in seated tastings at the Eberle Winery, explore the intriguing wild boar room, and savor a cheese platter. This family-friendly winery ensures everyone revels in the experience, with reservations highly recommended. A Vegetarian Culinary Journey Through Paso Robles Paso Robles offers an eclectic mix of dining options. Consider vegetarian-friendly restaurants such as Cass Cafe , Cello Ristorante & Bar at the pet-friendly Allegretto Vineyard 4-star Resort and Thomas Hill Organics . Other establishments to check out are Ziggy' s, Thai Classic & Basil Thai , Odyssey World Café, and local chains like Blaze Pizza . Whether craving vegetarian ramen or exploring local joints like the Red Scooter Deli, vegetarians will most certainly not go hungry! The Alchemist's Garden  is a good cocktail spot. Negranti Creamery is where you pick up sheep milk ice-cream! Alternately, opt for a cozy night in with local groceries for a simple meal at your Airbnb. Beyond Wine: Olive Oil Tasting For those less inclined toward wine or traveling with children, the world of olive oil tasting is yours to explore! Visit Pasolivo Olive Oil Tasting for a delightful experience at about $15 per person. Immerse yourself in the nuances of olive oil, explore diverse flavors, and indulge in interesting blends. Other noteworthy olive oil destination is Killer Ridge Olive Farm . Venture into downtown Paso Robles for additional walk-in tasting opportunities. Sensorio: A Dazzling Outdoor Spectacle for All Ages No trip to Paso Robles is complete without experiencing Sensorio , an expansive outdoor exhibit crafted by artist Bruce Monroe. Traverse the enchanting field of light, comprised of 10,000 flickering points. Exhibits such as "Gone Fishing" and "Fire Flies," enhance the allure. Opening soon is 'Dimensions', a new exhibit by LA-based artists HYBYCOZO. For an elevated experience, consider terrace seating with assigned spots, an airstream bar, and panoramic views of the exhibition. Plan ahead and buy your tickets! Planning Your Paso Robles Getaway: Optimal Times to Visit While Paso Robles welcomes visitors year-round, October emerges as the prime month. Mild weather, grape harvest season, and individual winery events make it an enchanting time to visit. Partake in grape stomping, educational sessions, and special dinners by executive chefs. October also hosts concerts, dance and wine clubs, and a myriad of activities for a truly immersive visit. Exploring the Heart of Paso Robles Beyond the main attractions, meander through downtown Paso Robles, especially during the holidays when it dons a festive glow. Uncover hidden gems, explore local haunts, and immerse yourself in the distinctive experiences that Paso Robles has in store. Whether sipping on exquisite wines, relishing farm-to-table delights, or immersing oneself in an outdoor art spectacle, Paso Robles caters to every traveler. Plan your visit and unravel the enchanting fusion of wine, culture, and nature in this Central California gem.

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 Shellsis an online magazine that encapsulates the vibrant essence of Indian-American life, culture, and family travel. Join our community and subscribe to our complimentary monthly newsletter, Roots & Routes. Some of our GSS articles contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking a link, we’ll collect a share of sales at no additional cost to you.

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

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.

In a world where the conscious choice to prioritize health and sustainability often comes with a hefty price tag, discovering affordable, organic, and eco-friendly products can feel like an elusive quest. However, earlier this year, we embarked on an exploration of a digital marketplace that would transform our shopping habits. Enter Thrive Market – an online haven that offers a remarkable assortment of products that not only elevate well-being but also resonate with our ethical principles. Unlocking a World of Savings: Thrive Market Membership Thrive Market functions on a unique membership-based model. To access their treasure trove of offerings, one must invest in a Thrive Market membership. At first glance, this may seem like a barrier, but the membership quickly reveals its worth. With this pass, you gain access to exclusive discounts and deals, effectively making the membership fee an investment that often pays for itself through the savings accrued on high-quality products. However, Thrive Market's value proposition transcends personal gains; it extends a helping hand through its Thrive Gives program. For every paid membership, the platform donates a free membership to a low-income family, teacher, veteran, or first responder. This initiative not only nurtures affordable health choices but also fortifies the bonds within our communities. A Dive into the Top Ten Finds Thrive Market Organic Apple Cider Vinegar This liquid gold transcends its counterparts, boasting a delightful taste crafted from the fermented cider of fresh, organic apples. It's raw, unfiltered, and organic, laden with the 'mother' – a cloudy sediment teeming with enzymes, proteins, and beneficial bacteria. Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw D3 2000 IU 60 capsules per bottle A clean and vegetarian vitamin D complex, this product brims with chlorella, live probiotics, enzymes, and the absence of gluten or dairy. It champions bone, breast, prostate, and immune system health. Thrive Market Organic Tamari Gluten-Free Soy Sauce 10.1 fl oz bottle The answer to gluten-free culinary adventures, this soy sauce alternative derives from organic soybeans, fermented and aged for a minimum of nine months. It enriches your dishes with a rich, full-bodied taste, without overwhelming the palate. 2-Pack Jovial Organic Grain-Free Cassava Penne Pasta 8 oz box Simplicity reigns supreme in this pasta made from a singular ingredient – cassava, paired with water. Certified gluten-free and free from the top eight allergens, it bears the USDA Organic and Non-GMO certifications. Garden of Life mykind Organics Vitamin B-12 Spray 2 oz bottle A delicious and efficient means of ensuring your B-12 intake, this spray is crafted from real, organic whole foods, powered by vegan methylcobalamin – the natural form of B-12. It fuels energy, metabolism, and supports the formation of healthy blood cells and DNA synthesis. Thrive Market Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Hailing from the revered Koroneiki olives, this olive oil boasts 100% organic credentials. It's grown, harvested, and bottled on a single estate in western Crete, Greece, ensuring freshness and lower acidity. Thrive Market Organic Sencha Green Tea 20 count Sencha, a centuries-old tea from Japan, is a testament to tradition and a way of life. Crafted with organic green tea leaves sourced from Japan, this tea offers a smooth yet strong flavor, rich in antioxidants, and imbued with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Thrive Market Organic Black Medium Grain Rice This black rice, cultivated in the Po Valley of Italy, mesmerizes with its deep purple hue and a scent reminiscent of freshly-baked bread. Ethically sourced, it adds a nutty flair to both sweet and savory culinary creations. InHarvest Organic Farro Sourced from family farms in Italy, this ancient grain, known for its creamy texture and buttery flavor, provides a protein-packed option with 6g per serving. Semaine Health Urinary Tract Cleanse & Protect Jar 30 capsules This daily supplement, formulated with vegan ingredients and rooted in scientific backing, offers a plant-based approach to supporting urinary tract health and overall immunity. We extend an invitation to explore Thrive Market and its exceptional product range. Embrace a way of life where your conscientious decisions not only enrich your well-being but also make a meaningful contribution to the shared world around us. 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) Instant 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.

Welcome to a culinary odyssey tailored for the South Asian soul and anyone captivated by the allure of Indian gastronomy. In this vibrant showcase, we spotlight extraordinary Indian-American food bloggers who are redefining the art of cooking. From the sizzle of authentic spices to innovative twists on traditional favorites, these bloggers invite you into their kitchens, offering a tantalizing blend of heritage and modernity. Ministry of Curry Discover a food blog that transforms cooking into a joyful and effortless experience. Packed with easy-to-follow recipes infused with authentic flavors and modern techniques, it brings the essence of culinary art to your kitchen. Meet Archana, the talented creator behind this NYC-based blog. In October 2018, she introduced "The Essential Indian Instant Pot Cookbook," a fantastic culinary guide authorized by Instant Pot and published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Archana has been featured in Oprah, brit + co, Dr. Oz Show, The Washington Post, Food52, Epicurious, Taste Cooking, Austin360, Journal nowThe Telegraph, The Week, The Parkersburg News and Sentinel and People Magazine. Piping Pot Curry Discover the flavorful world of Piping Pot Curry, a blog curated by Meeta, a passionate food enthusiast, recipe developer, and skilled photographer. Meeta's website, PipingPotCurry.com, is your go-to destination for effortless and wholesome global recipes. She effortlessly blends Indian and international cuisines using modern kitchen gadgets like the instant pot and air fryer. With a background as a former product specialist, Meeta infuses her culinary creations with expertise and creativity. Her recipes have earned recognition from esteemed publications such as Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, BuzzFeed, Delish, Country Living, and Taste of Home. Explore the culinary wonders Meeta has to offer, and let your taste buds embark on a delightful journey. Vegan Richa Vegan Richa is a vegan food blogger, cookbook author, and recipe developer. She is known for her flavorful and easy-to-follow Indian vegan recipes. Her work has been featured on Oprah.com, Huffington Post, Glamour, Babble, VegNews.com, Rediff.com (top 50 Indian food blogs), TheKitchn, Cosmopolitan, BuzzFeed, and many more. Her first book Vegan Richa’s Indian Kitchen, about easy and delicious Indian Vegan recipes, is in stores and is a #1 Best Seller on Amazon. Vegan Richa is a passionate advocate for veganism and plant-based eating. She is based in Seattle. The Chutney Life Palak Patel shares her passion for food, lifestyle, and travel on her blog, The Chutney Life! This vibrant website is a hub for Indian food enthusiasts, offering a delightful mix of recipes, lifestyle tips, and product reviews. Palak finds joy in cooking, experimenting with recipes inspired by her mom, and discussing all things food-related. Alongside mouthwatering dishes, her blog explores articles about Indian culture, fashion, and beauty, making it a one-stop destination for anyone who loves the rich tapestry of Indian living. Playful Cooking Indulge in the flavors of Eastern India with Kankana Saxena, based in California! Explore a delightful assortment of Indian and global recipes on this website. Dive into the essence of Bengali Cuisine with a dedicated section featuring both modern and traditional dishes, reminiscent of Kankana's childhood meals. A Pale Blue Dot Dive into the enchanting world of "A Pale Blue Dot," a captivating Instagram account curated by Manasi. Immerse yourself in stunning food videos paired with Manasi's personal audio commentary, creating a truly mesmerizing experience for viewers. 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.

Turmeric is that amazing natural spice that gives a beautiful yellow color to our food. I grew up in India so this spice was part of my life - Indians put turmeric in everything! In India, they call this spice 'Haldi' or Haldhar'. It is said to have originated about 4000 years ago! Turmeric has a free, natural active ingredient called Curcumin which has antioxidant properties. It helps flight inflammation in your body It Improve brain function - less chance of getting Alzheimer's, perhaps? It improves function of the endothelium that regulates blood pressure and clotting It contributes to killing cancer cells of particular kinds of cancer It helps with depression issues It revives your skin, reduces scars and makes the skin glow It also helps with psoriasis It is good for joints and helps folks with arthritis issues What's not to like about a spice with such amazing bioactive components? K's TIP: Start with tiny portions to ensure you do not have an allergy to turmeric. Also, turmeric will make everything yellow, a little bit goes a long way. Too much turmeric may also make your food bitter so less is more. Good to Know: Pt1: There is a debate out on whether black pepper should be consumed with turmeric because traditionally, black pepper was said to activate the curcumin in the turmeric. Some studies say YES but some of the more recent ones say there are no obvious, proven cases. Pt.2: Turmeric is a great spice but it is not the only great spice...Use it with other spices, do not obsess over it. Whether you're a seasoned turmeric enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of herbal remedies, finding the right turmeric products can make a world of difference in reaping its rewards. In this article, we will explore a curated selection of exceptional turmeric products available on the market today. Ground Turmeric Organic is the best but definitely buy what you can afford. I buy mine at Whole Foods but most grocery stores carry this in spice bottles in the Seasoning section. You can sprinkle turmeric on rice, veggies, curries, chickpeas, etc. You can also make lattes or golden milk, which is good to have in the evening, especially if you are fighting a cold. Here is my recipe. Don't want to make your own? You can buy a ready to go turmeric latte powder which is slightly sweetened too. You can also make turmeric face masks (with ground powder) which are great for the skin. Hello Glow has some wonderful turmeric face mask ideas! Fresh Turmeric Root for Juices or Shots Best for juicing. You only need a tiny portion to make a quick smoothie drink or even to make your own homemade turmeric shot. The Minimalist Baker has a good carrot-ginger-turmeric smoothie recipe with turmeric powder The Goodie Godmother has a wonderful Fresh Turmeric smoothie recipe with turmeric root The Alpha Foodie has a decent Turmeric-Ginger energy shot recipe. For those folks who do not own a juicer or prefer just buying them, you can always buy little shot bottles. Turmeric Ghee Anything you cook with this will turn pretty yellow and give you the taste of ghee. Definitely buy this if you like ghee. Personally, I prefer buying plain ghee because I apply it on bread, and I don't always want that yellow color. But it is a good two-in-one product and it works for so many people! Turmeric Cereal There are a few breakfast cereals in the market that turn your cereal milk yellow. This one here is from Nature's Path and it is organic and vegetarian. It is interesting to see that they have black pepper in the cereal. The taste reminds me of a turmeric latte. By the way, you can always use almond milk instead of regular milk and it will still taste pretty good. Turmeric Pasta Turmeric Pasta, what's not to like? A pasta like this one has brown rice, quinoa and amaranth. It is also vegan, corn-free, organic, gluten-free and it has turmeric in it. Worth a try, eh?? Turmeric Tea / Coffee Creamers You can make your own fresh turmeric tea but you can always buy teabags if that is easier! I absolutely swear by the Laird Plant-based coffee creamer. There is slight turmeric aftertaste but with coffee being a strong, overpowering taste, it tastes just fine! Turmeric Supplements Over the counter supplements may be an easy way to increase your turmeric intake, but you must consult with a physician before you do this. Why? Because, maybe you don't need THAT MUCH turmeric in your body...ask the experts! Few ideas here - take tablets or take it in liposomal form. Mary Ruth's has some interesting options, I generally like her products and I tend to find them at Target. LA-based Green Sea Shellsis an online magazine that encapsulates the vibrant essence of Indian-American life, culture, and family travel. Join our community and subscribe to our complimentary monthly newsletter, Roots & Routes. Some of our GSS articles contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking a link, we’ll collect a share of sales at no additional cost to you.

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

Protein powders are a convenient way to increase your protein intake, which can help you build muscle, lose weight, and improve your overall health. Protein is an essential nutrient that helps your body build and repair tissues, produce hormones, and regulate enzymes. It is also important for muscle growth and strength. When you exercise, your muscles break down and need protein to repair and rebuild themselves. There are many different types of protein powder available, made from a variety of sources including whey, casein, soy, egg, and plant-based proteins. Each type of protein has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. I am personally quite particular on the powders that I use. Some dairy or whey heavy powders give me an upset stomach, other cause gas and bloating and then subsequently, headaches. These are the five protein powder brands that I have either used in the past or am currently using. I most certainly recommend them. ALSO NOTE: When a recipe calls for a scoop, I use a 1/4 of a scoop. This way, I am not sick and the powders last longer too. Vega Organic All-in-One Vegan Protein Powder French Vanilla (18 Servings), Superfood Ingredients, Vitamins for Immunity Support, Keto Friendly, Pea Protein for Women & Men, 1.5 lbs Protein-packed goodness. Add extra plant based protein and fiber to your favourite smoothie with Vega Original Protein. Each serving has 25g of protein, 3g of fiber and tastes great with 0g of sugar. No clumps or grit just add two scoops, shake or blend and enjoy! This is by far my favorite one, I use it everyday. Unsweetened almond milk, frozen mango and a a spoon of this powder. That adds enough sweetness to enjoy! Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder, Creamy Chocolate Fudge - 21g of Plant Based Protein, Low Net Carbs, Non Dairy, Gluten Free, No Sugar Added, Soy Free, Kosher, Non-GMO, 2.03 Lb Orgain organic creamy chocolate fudge protein powder is a naturally smooth and delicious nourishment drink with 21 grams of organic protein and 7 grams of organic fiber per serving. Each serving is USDA organic, gluten free, kosher, vegan, non-GMO, soy free. No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. This protein shake powder is great to mix with water or milk post workout or while you're on the go through your busy day. This is great for the entire family, including kids. This one is my daughter's favorite! Unsweetened oat milk, a spoon of this powder, and that's breakfast for Thursday run-day at school! Orgain also has a vanilla flavor which is good, but I do like the chocolate one better. I have heard that folks also use this powder to make brownies! You can find this brand at Costco as well but I am not a fan of HUGE quantities. Global Healing Vegan Protein Powder Vanilla, Plant Based Protein Powder for Women & Men, Organic Protein Powder Meal Replacement, Vanilla Protein Powder (20 Servings, 20g of Protein) This plant-based powder has a blend of certified organic ingredients include: Organic Pea Protein, Organic Pumpkin Protein, Organic Hemp Protein, Organic Sacha Inchi Protein, and Organic Watermelon Protein. Flavor Ingredients: Organic Vanilla Extract. A few months ago, someone gifted me this particular powder. It is probably the healthiest one of them all, slightly grainier and not much sweet. I would recommend an almond shake full of strawberries and a handful of dates, and a spoon of this one. If you haven't bought a single protein powder yet, let this not be your first one, as it is an acquired taste, less sweet and all. But if you are a seasoned protein-shaker, please jump on the less-sweet bandwagon. It is better for your body! Herbalife Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix, Cookies and Cream, 750g A healthy and delicious meal that provides essential nutrients and quality ingredients in an enhanced formula. Key Benefits: 20 vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients. 9g of protein and healthy fiber help support weight management. Includes the antioxidant vitamins C and E. Contains Aminogen, plus bromelain and papain, to support protein digestion. 0 cholesterol; 0 trans fat. One of my former college students has a military background and now runs a fitness bootcamp. As a certified HerbalLife coach, he shipped me trial packets of the Cookies and Cream formula and I just really fell in the love with taste. Instead of using it for just one glass, I used one packet for 3 glasses. That was good enough. So, a little bit goes a long way! And it's so very tasty. Cookies and cream, yum. Shakeology Strawberry 30 Servings (bulk) in a BAG Shakeology is your daily dose of dense nutrition. It's simply the most delicious, superfood-packed protein shake on the planet. Shakeology contains more than 70 super-nutritious ingredients: Proteins, Vitamins, and Minerals _ to help reduce hunger and food cravings. Antioxidants and Phytonutrients _ to help detoxify and protect the body against free radical damage. Adaptogen Herbs _ to help increase energy and combat stress. Prebiotics, Probiotics, Fiber, and Digestive Enzymes _ to aid digestion and promote regularity. I was introduced to the Shakelogy brand via a friend who was really into Beach Body fitness. I find these packets to be more expensive but OMG they are delicious. Amazon offers them at a better rate than other places but maybe you have a friend who has a friend with discount coupons? I like this flavor but I have tried both the chocolate and vanilla before and they are both awesome! 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.

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.

Let's recap 2022? These were the most played Indian songs this year. Thank you to everyone who responded to our survey. Current Laga Re: Cirkus | Ranveer, Deepika | Nakash, Dhvani, Jonita, Lijo | Dj Chetas, Kumaar Deva Deva - Brahmāstra | Amitabh B | Ranbir Kapoor | Alia Bhatt | Pritam | Arijit | Amitabh | Jonita Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (Title Track) Kartik A, Kiara A, Tabu |Pritam, Tanishk, Neeraj, Anees B, Bhushan K Doobey - Official Video | Gehraiyaan | Deepika Padukone, Siddhant, Ananya, Dhairya | OAFF, Savera Raataan Lambiyan – Official Video | Shershaah | Sidharth – Kiara | Tanishk B| Jubin Nautiyal |Asees Coke Studio | Season 14 | Pasoori | Ali Sethi x Shae Gill Kesariya - Brahmāstra | Ranbir Kapoor | Alia Bhatt | Pritam | Arijit Singh | Amitabh Bhattacharya Manike (Full Video): Thank God | Nora,Sidharth| Tanishk,Yohani,Jubin,Surya R |Rashmi Virag|Bhushan K Chilla Chilla - Thunivu Lyric Song (Tamil) | Ajith Kumar | H Vinoth | Anirudh | Ghibran Maan Meri Jaan | Official Music Video | Champagne Talk | King Chann Sitare | Ammy Virk | Tania | Simerjit Singh | Avvy Sra | Oye Makhna | New Punjabi Songs 2022 Ranjithame - Varisu Lyric Song (Tamil) | Thalapathy Vijay | Rashmika | Vamshi Paidipally | Thaman S Apna Bana Le - Bhediya | Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon| Sachin-Jigar, Arijit Singh, Amitabh Bhattacharya Chaand Baaliyan – Aditya A. | Trending Song 2022 | Official Video Pushpa: Saami Saami - Full Video Song | Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna | Sunidhi C | DSP | Sukumar Los Angeles-based Green Sea Shells explores the world with a South Asian lens. It is filled with personal stories, Indian and American entertainment, culture and traditions, vegetarian food suggestions, Indian-American events, festive celebrations with family and friends, and global travel adventures. Subscribe to our updates and follow us on our social media platforms on FaceBook and Instagram. This article is updated often. Share your inputs and we will consider adding them to this list.

If you’re planning a trip to EPCOT in Orlando, FL, get ready for a journey that’s as expansive as it is exhilarating. As one of Disney World’s largest parks, EPCOT is twice the size of Magic Kingdom, and there’s no shortage of exploration ahead. But before you lace up your walking shoes, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your adventure. EPCOT’s vast layout demands stamina, so comfort is key. The holiday season adds an extra layer of enchantment with twinkling lights, festive music, and a spectacularly adorned globe that enthralls visitors. But beyond the magic, here are some practical tips to enhance your experience: The Essentials Grab a Map: Knowing where you’re going will save time and energy. Plan Ahead: Use the Genie+ pass to schedule your must-see attractions the night before. Pack Smart: Bring an extra pair of socks, charge your phone, and carry portable chargers. Book Dining: Make reservations for sit-down restaurants to avoid long waits. Prepare for the Weather: Pack sunscreen, carry water, and bring a layer if visiting during cooler months. Top Attractions Maximize your EPCOT visit with these top experiences, best enjoyed with a Genie+ pass or some patience: Soarin’ Around the World – This exhilarating journey offers a breathtaking global tour from the comfort of your seat. Test Track – Design and test your own car on a high-speed track for a thrilling ride. Ratatouille – Dive into a clever 3D adventure that’s a bit spinny and packed with charm. Frozen Ever After – Experience a delightful ride with a splash of excitement and a roller coaster that goes forward and backward. Gran Fiesta Tour – Enjoy a festive boat ride through a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture. World Showcase: A Global Adventure EPCOT’s World Showcase is where the park truly shines. Take a leisurely stroll through 11 different countries, each offering unique cultural experiences: Mexico: Enter a colorful Mexican market and enjoy a boat ride. Dining options reflect the country’s vibrant spirit. China: Visit a tea stall, explore a shop with traditional artifacts, and learn about Disney World’s connection to China. Norway: Savor Kringla, School Bread, and Lefse, experience the Frozen ride, and meet Elsa and Anna in a Norwegian-themed area. Germany: Relish beer gardens and pretzels, and enjoy classic German fare like schnitzel and currywurst (vegetarian options may be limited). Japan: Japan stands out with its unique cultural offerings. Visit the Mitsukoshi Department Store for a range of traditional and modern Japanese goods, and delight in the playful exhibits at the Kawaii Museum, celebrating Japan’s love for cuteness. In addition, experience the festival markets featuring African drum performances, adding a lively rhythm to your visit. Savor diverse options like Italian pizza and American BBQ available in other pavilions. For those with dietary restrictions, Morocco offers a delightful food experience with three dips and warm pita bread. For additional fuel, consider packing some snacks like peanut butter sandwiches and cereal bars.

Hollywood Mirage is a resort situated in the heart of the Urbanización Oasis del Sur, next to the popular tourist spot of Los Cristianos in the South of Tenerife - in Canary Islands, Spain. My goal with this post is not to rank the hotel but to provide some insider tips that may help you make or choose not to make certain decisions during this hotel stay. Also, through this post, I would like to introduce you to beautiful Tenerife. Also, we visited this place several years ago, some things may have changed, but in general, things are pretty much the same (I checked.) When we stayed here many years ago, they did not have a shuttle to and from Tenerife airport - it cost us 25 Euros to get to the hotel. The staff was friendly and the room that we got was very nice. Our apartment had a balcony which was lovely. The kitchen was nice - we had to buy everything though - no salt and pepper shakers either. The appliances are decent, no dishwasher though. The maid service was fantastic. They came in everyday to sweep the place, clean the bathrooms. We actually loved the grocery store on the campus - it had everything that you need - all the basic stuff. SPAR was 10 minutes away (walking), but the walk uphill after your shopping experience was tiring, with hands full of grocery bags. Not always easy to get a cab from the grocery store - but you could call a cab if you need. This is a baby-friendly hotel - I remember asking for and receiving a baby cot, a high chair, bottle warmer, diaper disposal bags etc - which was fantastic. However, when it came to traveling - we were recommended boat rides and bus rides by the front desk which were real bad ideas. I would say, do your research and think twice if you are traveling with infants. Volcano Mount Teide is at quite a high elevation and our baby just could not handle it (new parents, we did not know!); and waves were so choppy (we were specifically told at the front desk that they were not choppy on that day) that whale and dolphin watching on the boat was a disaster for us. We do not suggest those kind of trips for babies, and the front desk also should not. That said, Teide is beautiful and black volcanic rock formations are gorgeous. Couples traveling alone should have no problems whatsoever, of course. The hotel has two lovely pools, and at least one restaurant in the complex. The restaurant was great. For 15 Euros a week (might be a little more now), you could use the gym, sauna, play squash, get pool towels etc - not a bad deal. The spa offered some great services: Reiki, Thai massage. One Euro per minute kind of charge, if memory serves me right. The laundry facilities were expensive. For one round of washing and drying, we paid 8 Euros. We are generally light travelers so we found this price a little on the higher side. Wines on the other hand are cheap! Try not to get too drunk! The shuttle to the beach is great. The frequency is perfect, and the 10 odd minute ride to the beach is nice. No traffic issues ever :) Alcohol available at the beach is cheap-cheap-cheap! Food is decent too. What will take your breath away is the black sand on the beach. Beware of restaurants that say "the best" mexican/chinese/indian restaurant in Tenerife :) We fell for that one and feel quite stupid about it now. The Mexican restaurant we went to was HORRIBLE! Also, culturally the place is quite different from the USA. We talked about renting a car and we did rent a smaller car. Then we felt it was too small and we want a bigger one, and an automatic and not manual. They would not change it. They would not cancel it. Not much customer service here. Language can be a slight problem if you don't know Spanish - We talked about going for a boat trip, we handed the credit card to the front desk member and asked for more information before the booking. Before we knew it, booking was already done. Huh! ?? So, there could be some problems like that -- but if you are careful, (we were not) you can avoid these issues. Overall a great stay! Tenerife is a great place to practice your Spanish and get a fantastic tan. Lots of topless people just lying on the beach and enjoying the sun! Have fun. Los Angeles-based Green Sea Shells is all about fun family experiences, and healthy vegetarian eating. Subscribe to get LA's fun things to do in your mailbox. Follow us on our social media platforms - FaceBook, Instagram.

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

Located in Ojai Valley, Ojai (pronounced: Oh-Hi) is a city northwest of Los Angeles and east of Santa Barbara. Last month, we drove 64 miles (a little less than 2 hours) from Manhattan Beach to Ojai to spend the day in this spiritual and charming city. If you have a day to spare for Ojai, I would recommend you do these three things: 1. Get to Ojai Olive Oil around 11 2. Lunch at Ojai Valley Inn 3. Spend the afternoon at Topa Mountain Winery This is what we did: We started our day with the Ojai Olive Oil tour. This was an informative session where we learned about the trees on their farm, difference between green and black olives, how olives are plucked and crushed for oil. Their shop is open Monday-Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM. Call them to check about the tours - +1 (805) 646-5964. They are located at 1811 Ladera Rd., Ojai, CA 93023 - but keep in mind that the quiet, slightly zig-zag road to their farm may feel like you are going the wrong way...BUT you are not! Post the tour, there were several free olive oil tastings. We also had the opportunity to buy oil bottles. The Provençale was our favorite so that's what we bought. I also bought an olive oil face cream which was made locally using the company's oil. It was expensive at $25 but it was nourishing...and the smell was heavenly! After the olive oil experience, we made our way to the famous Ojai Valley Inn Resort & Spa for lunch. This is beautiful retreat that has been around since 1923. The resort feels quite luxurious with wonderful accommodations, pools, a spa, tennis courts and a championship golf course. It has over 300 rooms that overlook the mountains and the golf course. Photo credit: Ojai Valley Inn The resort has an event venue called The Farmhouse which is a really creative space. I know of it because my husband's workplace had a retreat there last year. It also has huge open lawns, and a huge tree with lanterns (gorgeous in the evening!). Photo credit: Ojai Valley Inn Did you know that you can eat at their restaurants even if you are not staying at the resort? Valet is free and the shuttle service is quite convenient. There are many options to eat at this beautiful resort, but we went with the healthiest option at Spa Cafe, which is right by the spa. We loved the food - I am going to definitely steal some of those ideas to make them at home. The food was fresh - all our bowls and salads were well balanced and really quite tasty. The food combinations were interesting and they worked well. The server was quite accommodating. He was happy to substitute and provide us with vegan, vegetarian and dairy-free options. I would recommend the fitness bowl. Check out their menu here. I know we will be back! Finally, we made our way to the Topa Mountain Winery . Best decision ever...! This is a great place to unwind, to enjoy some great wines in a dog & family-friendly venue (Think: look and feel of German beer gardens!). The winery is framed by the Topa mountain range, and there was live music and food trucks at the venue as well. We met a sweet family there and we shared a table with them - kids played, we wined. It was perfect. Topa Winery has a wine club program, btw if anyone is interested to explore and they ship their wines all over the country - you can order them online. We tried their wine flights (5 tastings) which set us back $18 a person, and I thought it was a good deal. So, when you go to Ojai, don't forget to stop by this winery's tasting room located at 821 W. Ojai Avenue in the beautiful Ojai Valley - you won't regret it. It is open Thursday – Monday from 12 noon – 7 PM. (closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)

Napa Valley is pretty far from Los Angeles. If you like wine and want to spend your day looking at vineyards, consider Temecula. The town of Temecula is couple hours drive from Los Angeles. It is a tourist-friendly city known for its golf courses, hot air balloon rides, Old Town charm and award-winning wineries. You could stay in Temecula for a couple nights or you could do a day trip. Both are viable options. If you want to stay in Temecula for a couple nights, there are several options. South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is set on 63 acres of vineyards and is one of the most popular hotels to stay. Carter Estate Winery and Resort has a Mediterranean-feel and has 40+ bunglows. Temecula Creek Inn is on a golf course and has nice size rooms. Ponte Vineyard Inn is newer, luxurious, boutique-like and more expensive. The Inn at Europa overlooks Europa Village and is a bed & breakfast. Wilson Creek Manor has a very popular winery and restaurant and the accommodations are welcoming. The Inn at Churon Winery is on a hilltop and has spectacular views. On our last day trip, we made our way down to Temecula to check out a micro-boutique, family-owned winery called Doffo , known for its reds. The winery was founded in 1997 by Marcelo Doffo. It is a small batch, limited production winery with wines made in the old world style. The winery houses a small motorcycle museum, Motto Doffo. Bikers will definitely feel at home here - the owner is a motorcycle enthusiast and so are his son and daughter-in-law. If you are member, you can even stay at this winery. The service was lovely and the atmosphere, relaxing. They had 4-5 different flight options and also a menu by the glass. We requested a $45 2017 flight to share. We started our tasting journey with the 2017 Salute, which I thought was definitely dry. Then we moved on to the Malbec. Most bottles of Malbecs in general come from Argentina but this highly rated 2017 Malbec that you see in the photo above is from Temecula - with grapes grown and the wine bottled and packaged at Doffo. The Malbec tasted quite different from the Malbecs we were used to, but it was okay. The 2017 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was Puneet's favorite but their award-winning 2017 Zinfandel was mine. I know I will be back for the Zin :) We had a lovely evening at Duffo. My recommendation is - Come for the Zin. Stay for the sunset.

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.

Two hours and seventeen minutes. That's how long it will take you to get to from Los Angeles to Los Alamos, a city in Central California that is often referred to as the 'city that time forgot'. And, I promise an evening well-spent. Read along if you are looking for a local weekend getaway idea. We made this trip in May 2021. It was mostly impromptu - The only thing that we booked was a one-night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Lompoc. I am recommending this hotel because it is brand new and seemed like a decent deal. The hotel also has free electric car charging stations. Here is a rough plan you can follow. Saturday around 10 AM: Drive to Los Alamos You may face some traffic getting out of Los Angeles but in general, it is a scenic drive all the way. If you are lucky, you will see wildflower blooms along the way Break for lunch at Oxnard, CA. Then, drive straight to Los Alamos. The Collection at Riverpark is a good place to stop, lots of restaurants and shops (and a Tesla charging station if that matters to you). We had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and my daughter bought make-up (for the first time in her life) at the MAC across the restaurant Spend the afternoon and early evening in Los Alamos With its old town charm, this place really does take you back. Be sure to walk into all the little markets Plan to spend early evening in Los Alamos. There are several great restaurants and wineries in town. Bell Street is the main touristy street in town. If you are looking for a fancy dinner, reserve at Bell's in advance. Bob's Well Bread Bakery is popular, check their timings though. Pico is another interesting spot Presqu’ile Winery , Foxen Vineyards, Bedford Winery, Lo-Fi Wines, Casa Dumetz are some of your options if you are looking to drink! Giving our vegetarian food and child-friendly requirements, we had dinner at a wonderful flatbread place with great wine selection. Look up Full of Life Flatbread . We ordered two different flatbreads (think pizza with a pretty thin crust) and red wine from the Brave & Maiden winery, which was admittedly fantastic. My daughter had to prep for an upcoming math quiz so we took our laptop along as well. It turned out to be an amazing evening, actually - despite the nerdy stuff :) Drive to the hotel in Lompoc and spend the next morning in downtown Lompoc checking out the beautiful murals. They are unique and very well maintained. Even the crossings have murals! Grab coffee and breakfast at South Side Coffee - tons of vegetarian options + check out the music shop next door! If you have had an early start, check out the missionary and the La Purisima Mission State Park. If it interests you, check out flower and vegetable fields in Lompoc Flowers generally bloom April through September. Summer is the best time! On your way back, make a quick lunch stop in Buellton at Andersen's Pea Soup Make reservations to be safe, and get their All You Can Eat Traveler's Special Split Pea Soup for $13.99 Drive back to Los Angeles via beautiful Santa Barbara!

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!

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

Today, we ordered pick-up from Tara's Himalayan Cuisine's Venice Blvd location. They also have a Brentwood location, by the way. I found the Himalayan cuisine to be quite unique and influenced by several countries: India, China, Nepal and Tibet. Here is what we ordered: Happy to report that their vegetarian Momos were great. This is a Nepalese-style dumpling made from flour, filled with veggies and then steamed. In our order, we got six handmade dumplings. We also ordered their Chow Mien. This dish is influenced by Chinese-style stir-fry noodles and has a bunch of mountain spices. It was quite tasty, and although I don't like squash in general, it tasted quite delicious in this dish. In addition, we ordered the Chana Sadeko, a chickpeas, cucumber and tomato cold salad, slightly sweet and definitely citric. That was one of my favorite items. Finally, their Thukpa Sherpa's Stew was lovely and perfect 'soup' for a cold winter day. It had the perfect mix of vegetables and noodles simmered in spices in a medium-spiced broth. Thukpa is eaten frequently in the Himalayan 'Sherpa' culture. I recommend this restaurant. I know we will be back! Who are the Sherpas? The Sherpas are an ethnic group. They live high in the Eastern Himalayan mountains, and many have fantastic climbing skills. Most Sherpas belong to an ancient sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Their diet is starch-heavy (lots of potatoes), vegetables, noodles and meat. Himalayan Mountain cooking uses a lot of turmeric, ginger, garlic, cumin and szechwan pepper. Their spicy stews are great to keep the cold away. Their yak-butter and yak-meat are popular. This article will tell you more about the Sherpa Diet for Legendary Mountain Strength.

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

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

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

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

Yesterday, we tried out a new restaurant in town called Chin Chin. I did not know of this restaurant until I looked it up. It classifies itself as California Asian Cuisine and has five locations in Los Angeles (Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Brentwood, Studio City, and El Segundo) and one in Las Vegas, at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino. I could not make a reservation online (although you can order delivery from Door Dash). I made a reservation via phone and talked to a wonderful staff member. Our table for three was ready when we arrived. Parking was easy, this restaurant is actually right in the complex of the movie theater, there were plenty of spots as well as a valet service. The restaurant decor was pretty and welcoming. The staff was really friendly and the servers were really accommodating. The first thing I noticed was their plant-based as well as gluten-free menu options. I was thrilled to see the number of vegetarian dishes on the menu. They also had a kids menu with an ice-cream treat, which is always a good idea. For two mains, one kids meal, and two appetizers, we paid $60 or so, including the tip. The quantities were decent, we had enough left over for lunch the next day. So, I say, not a bad deal for dinner. So, what did we order? For appetizers, we ordered some delicious edamame (can't go wrong with that!) and also pan-fried vegetable dumpling. This was OK. I thought the mushrooms were too much, and my daughter said she liked all the veggies in the dumpling but she they did not taste good together. I take what she says with a pinch of salt, but I guess we can safely assume that some kids may not like the dumplings. She did really like the Lo-Mein kids noodles with tofu (requested) though, and the ice-cream was lovely. Moving on. We ordered two vegetarian items to share. One was the Drunken Noodles with veggies which was great and the other one was a 'Superfood' Cauliflower Rice, a bit bland but definitely healthy. I would have liked a little more seasoning and also the cauliflower rice needed a bit more saute. I want to appreciate their sauces which enhanced the flavor of our food: Mustard, Chilli, Peanut and Sweet & Sour. I must recommend you request these if you like more flavor in your food. I am happy to see this restaurant in my neighborhood. For its food offerings, I would give it a 6.75/10. I definitely see the effort put in to create a vegetarian Chinese menu. Chin Chin is a good place to satisfy your cravings for Chinese food when Din Tai Fung is too far away! Note: This restaurant just opened in my neighborhood so we checked it out. This is not a PR push, or a sponsored post.

When we first moved to Los Angeles, we made our way to a town called Calabasas. Of course, my daughter was hoping to spot a Kardashian or Miley Cyrus or Brittany Spears or Justin Bieber or Selena Gomez - because you know, that's where they all live. Imagine her disappointment when she saw NO ONE. My goal, in contrast, was to check out a local hang called Pedalers Fork. And, disappointed I was not. This restaurant, folks. It rocks a bike theme. Even the restrooms are something to write home about. They have an outdoor and indoor, a huge bar, and a little bike store at the back. They also roast their own coffee beans and the smell is incredible in their coffee area. And the food is awesome. We ordered a few breakfast items and could not resist their fresh orange juice mimosas. One thing we don't see in too many restaurants is giant sized coloring worksheet for kids. My daughter is used to getting smaller sized sheets but this one kept her busy for a while! The service is fantastic and I highly recommend this place! Note: This is not a sponsored post. It's a cute spot so want to tell others about it!

Traditional cooking methods. Delicious food. This place is a FIND! Very unassuming and in a super industrial area, no signs, warehouse feel but simply great food. Eatalian Cafe in Gardena is a pretty large facility with crispy-thin Italian-style pizzas, decent size portions, great gelatos and desserts and good wine. Nice servers. This is a great spot for vegetarians. Call (310) 532-8880 to make reservations. Their address is 15500 S Broadway, Gardena, CA 90248 They also deliver. One time, we got food delivered from Eatalian to LA Ale Works, which is a wonderful child-friendly brewery with indoor-outdoor spaces. It took an hour of planning ahead of time and scheduling the delivery - everything was perfect. My rating for Eatalian: 8.5/10. Note: This post is not a sponsored post. I just like the place and so I am writing about.

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

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

Should there be a special post for a sourdough company called Boudin? Methinks, YAASSS. Boudin is supposedly called The Original San Francisco Sourdough, and they have several shops in Northern California but only a couple here. We found a Boudin shop in Los Angeles - closer to Irvine. So, we just had to make our way there. The bread is pretty good, folks. We got it sliced and had it with baked beans. But if you are a sourdough fan, then the pizza crust is your best buy! The taste was just incredible, we will need to go back to get another five pies. We love making pizza at home because we can customize it and this was absolutely wonderful. Highly-highly recommend you to try the pizza crust.