From the beautiful coastline in southern Mexico, this country’s cuisine has found it’s way to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Cultura, located in an interior courtyard on Dolores Street, echos the earthy, organic flavors of Oaxaca. Pronounced… Continue reading →

   Set in Carmel Valley at the organic Earthbound Farm Stand, Camp Vintage is host to some 25 vendors who bring to the party their collections of linens, farmhouse, ranch, kitchen kitsch, furniture,… Continue reading →

This was my first cooking class, ever.   What intrigued me, was the connection to Tyler Florence. Love his solo cooking show, where I learned how to prepare his Brussels sprout, pancetta, sweet potato,… Continue reading →

Chelsea Antiques, in the quaint town of Petaluma, poised between San Francisco and the Wine Country, owes its allure in part to its historical landscape. Framed by rolling green hills dotted with cattle… Continue reading →

On a quiet side street in Pacific Grove, a bright flash of color will stop you in your tracks.  It’s Tessuti Zoo. “Tessuti” means fabric in Italian, and “Zoo,” because it’s a wild… Continue reading →

On one glorious October Sunday, Carmel Beach transforms into a myriad of sand sculptures created by locals vying for the coveted “Golden Shovel” award. This year’s theme was “Postcards from the Sea.” Contestants… Continue reading →

To all you weekend junkers, it’s the season for road trips, Calamari, and cocktails by the bay. CAMP VINTAGE was host to some 25 antique dealers set in picturesque organic Earthbound Farm Stand… Continue reading →

Minutes from San Francisco, rolling green hills greet you while cruising into this little farm-chic town of historical antique buildings with glorious architecture. It’s Petaluma. Once known as “The Egg Capital of the… Continue reading →

This is the way we celebrate Cinco de Mayo on the coast. Schooner’s Coastal Bar served their “Chili de Mayo Margarita,” as seagulls and sea otters frolicked in the background at Monterey Bay.… Continue reading →

The countdown to Camp Vintage has begun.  On June 13th, the area’s most creative vendors set up their goods at the picturesque Earthbound Farm Stand on Carmel Valley Road. The theme is “Vintage… Continue reading →

Discovered on this overcast day above Carmel River State Beach, a Plein Air Artist named Tim.  His easel was set up at McGinnis Bench, which overlooks the surf, a special place where I… Continue reading →

A Pebble Beach tradition since 1947, the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am is a 72-hole PGA TOUR golf championship dating back to the 1930s when Bing Crosby gathered a ‘few friends’ to raise… Continue reading →

Amongst the Waves will remind you of the beach on a tropical day. When applying the perfume oil, the scent gets softer and rounder as the hours pass and is a wonderful fragrance… Continue reading →

The coastal season for mushrooms starts each fall after a few weeks of heavy soaking rain, winding down in March. The oak strewn fields and damp forests of the Monterey Bay region are… Continue reading →

        Pressed glass seahorses & octopus, gold gilt starfish & shells, with an appearance from huge blown glass insects and critters.  The Holidays . . .coastal style.  

  Voted “One of the Top 3 Shows in California” by Romantic Homes, Goat Hill Fair is everything collectors, designers and junkers-at-heart love. At 8:30am on a Saturday, some 300 “Early Goat” ticket… Continue reading →

It’s been over a year since I shopped Alameda Antique Faire, and I wonder why I am not driving there each month to get inspired. Arriving at 7am, lines to enter were already… Continue reading →

Halloween came early for the kids in this seaside town, as shops and cafes welcomed trick or treater’s with chocolates and sweets, one week before October 31st.

Pickings is brim full of wicked Halloween fun and antiques. A “not-to-miss” October event, going on now. Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 472 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, CA. 10am-5pm. Antique tins, rare wooden… Continue reading →

Set amidst a backdrop of agricultural fields, the Farm Fresh Produce Stand just south of Moss Landing is a great stop for traditional and exotic pumpkins at great prices. I selected a cream-colored… Continue reading →

The Glass Pumpkin Patch annual event was staged in an earthy setting at the 10-acre Hilton Bialek Habitat in Carmel Valley, featuring exquisitely hand-blown glass pumpkins displayed on bales of hay with a… Continue reading →

The much anticipated outdoor Antique & Vintage Market opened with a bang on August 17th in Monterey. Over 100 vendors offered the coolest stuff ranging from coastal collectibles to industrial iron. Their opening… Continue reading →

It was a misty morning here in Carmel-by-the-Sea. I awoke to the sexy sounds of the Ferrari’s deep hum as they raced about the empty streets before the crowds filed in for Concours.… Continue reading →

Drove to the village today to sit outside at Forge in the Forest with my dog Newport for a quick glass of wine and some steak nachos, but stopped in my tracks as… Continue reading →

  Pismo Beach captures the real essence of a funky California seaside town. By day, summer vacationers head to the shore for surf, sun and foraging for sand dollars. At night, the town… Continue reading →

Every few months I love to drive over to Salinas. To see the green crops and smell the dark rich earth through open windows. I usually take my dogs, Newport & Biscotti, as… Continue reading →

Arriving with camera in hand, an aroma of simmering chili and the soothing sound of country music, led me up the walkway to a spectacular venue set on the lawn surrounding the pool… Continue reading →

“Once Upon a Castle,” the historic sandcastle competition, drew crowds to Carmel Beach, as competitors carved, sprayed, raked and formed their masterpieces vying for the coveted “Golden Shovel” award. Sand artists started as… Continue reading →

People have been fascinated by the smooth touch of stones and rocks since the beginning of time.  Some placed to mark a path, an event or confirm prayer; we are aware of its… Continue reading →

SAND CITY WEST END CELEBRATION – CITY IN MOTION AUGUST 23-25 Hidden away on the west end of Sand City, just 15 minutes from Carmel, jazz musicians take the stage amidst great eats… Continue reading →