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On Location: Dream Trips – January Hit the Slopes: Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia and Free Calendar Wallpaper
January is the perfect time to hit the slopes and Whistler Blackcomb in beautiful British Columbia, Canada is one of the best places to go! Not only is it the largest ski resort in North America, with slopes for all abilities and ages, it was also home to the 2010 Winter Olympics making it a world class resort for much more than just skiing. I was able to snowboard there many years ago for an adventuresome long weekend. We flew from San Francisco to Vancouver, and spent the night enjoying this world class city filled with urban attractions and surrounded by incredible nature. The next day, we drove the scenic Sea to…
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Wanderlust Bookclub: A Cook’s Tour by Anthony Bourdain
I can confidently say, I think I’m the last one to join the Anthony Bourdain train. I’m not quite sure where I’ve been while his restaurants, books, television shows and live entertainment events have been chugging along with great fanfare for some 20 years, but I can now say I am ready to hop on board! A few months back, I finally discovered what everyone else loves about him while reading his 15 year old book, A Cook’s Tour. His straightforward, cynical style had me hopping in random cars and taxis all over the globe following him as he indulged in once-in-a-lifetime food experiences. I was thoroughly entranced as he took me to France for oysters, Japan for fugu and Russia for vodka…
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Culture: Food – Hot Sauces from Around the World
I will always remember the time my brother bet my cousin that he wouldn’t be able to eat a slice of pizza covered in a spicy hot sauce. Of course, this cousin couldn’t refuse the challenge. He gobbled up the slice and within minutes was out the door running around the block trying to cool down his mouth! I’m pretty sure this is not the way hot sauce is intended to be used. A month ago, I had my own hot sauce challenge. In response to a call for spicy recipes from the illustrated recipe website, They Draw and Cook, I decided to illustrate a series of hot sauces from around the…
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Culture: History – A Trip to Ellis Island, New York
It should be required that every American take a trip to Ellis Island. It is a historic site that truly embodies the spirit of this country. It is a place that gave hope to 12 million immigrants who passed through its walls between 1892-1954. Regardless of whether you or your ancestors came through here or the Port of Philadelphia, Port of Baltimore, Port of New Orleans, Angel Island or any number of other ports or entry points in America, the museum at Ellis Island captures the essence of how this country has been built. It illustrates how the hopes and dreams of generations of immigrants felt when they first laid eyes on the Statue of…
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On Location: Road Trip – Winding Through Texas Hill Country
Discover some of the best kept secrets in the Lone Star State when you wind your way through Texas Hill Country! Saddle up in Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of the World, and ride through the serene landscape. After your ride, head to Medina for a slice of homemade pie in the Apple Capital of Texas. Continue your journey and seek out the German heritage of Kerrville and Fredericksburg. Next up, spot a Texas Longhorn at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park. Then make a splash in the afternoon by taking a dip in Hamilton Pool Natural Preserve. Once refreshed it’s time to reflect on your Texas adventure with a wild…
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Culture: Food – Fresh Farmers Markets of the Midwest
I remember stumbling upon the Dane County Farmers Market in Madison, Wisconsin in October. The variety of apples that were for sale astounded me. This is where I tried my first Honeycrisp apple and fell in love (luckily, this variety is a staple at most stores even out on the West coast now.) Below are some highlights of delicious Farmer Markets in the midwest – most of which are even open (at indoor locations) during the harsher winter months. Boulder County Farmers Market – Boulder, Colorado With one of the longest market seasons in the state, Boulder County Farmers Market has been a thriving community event for almost 30 years.…
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On Location: Dream Trips – Illustrated Travel Bucket List vol. 2
It doesn’t matter the time of year, I’m always dreaming of another trip. Below is a continuation of my illustrated Travel Bucket List. I’ll take you to Africa and Asia, South America and Europe– come see the next 10 incredible spots that are a must-visit in this lifetime. Soak in the Blue Lagoon – Grindavik, Iceland The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located about 50 minutes from Reykjavik or 20 minutes from the Keflavik International Airport. Although it is a man-made lagoon, the water is fed by a nearby geothermal power plant and renewed every 2 days. The water temperature averages a balmy 99-102 degrees F year round, so even in the…
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Culture: A World of Flavors – Brazilian Tempero Baiano Spice Mix
Brazil’s rich and varied cuisine is a reflection of its native and immigrant population and long history of colonialism and slavery. Many European nations including Portugal, Spain, Netherlands and France at one point colonized a portion of Brazil. Slavery became such a huge business, that by 1888, almost 40% of all the African slaves brought to the new world were in Brazil. The indigenous people of Brazil had many trials and tribulations as well. Nearly faced with extinction from new diseases brought over from Europe, they were also enslaved with the Africans under colonial leaders. This mixture of cultures and people from Europe and Africa influenced the flavors of Brazil’s delicious cuisine. One of…
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Wanderlust Bookclub: The Secret to Happiness in the Year of Living Danishly
When Helen Russell’s Lego-loving husband gets a job offer at the number one toy company in the world, they decide to leave their hectic life in London and move to rural Denmark to discover the secrets to the one of the happiest countries. With her sarcastic style, Russell dives into specific Danish aspects of life each month and shares her experiences. Her stories have many laugh-out-loud moments as she realizes how different her surroundings are, and how best to adapt. I was hooked from the beginning. The Year of Living Danishly was the perfect book to get me excited for my first trip to Denmark and to give me a small taste of Danish culture– from societal beliefs to cultural traditions. The author…
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Culture: Entertainment – Opera Houses of the World
Growing up my father used to blare opera in his car on his way to and from work. I’d always know when he was home as I heard his car rumble down the driveway with a woman “screaming” at the top of her lungs. Well, screaming is what I thought of opera when I was young… but lo and behold, the more I listened to it, and the more my dad educated me on the stories, the singing and more, the more I liked it. Some of my most favorite memories of living in New York City was when my father came to town and took me to the Met. One…
