Today, March 2nd, is Read Across America day — the nation’s largest celebration of reading. The purpose is to excite children and adults about this waning pastime. People from all walks of life engage with their community, spurring on enthusiasm to get lost in the pages of a good book. This day resonates with many people, myself included. As a journalist, I spend a large portion of my day with the written word. Afterwards, I want to veg out in front of the TV. But, then I remember the pleasure of a good novel. Books teach us, open our eyes, make us laugh, let us escape, and expand our minds. In honor of Read Across America day, here are a few of my favorite books I think you’ll enjoy. Their genres run the gamut. Many have stood the test of time and are still relevant today. A few you’ll want to purchase, allowing you to reference them anytime. Here are 10 favorite books for Read Across America Day! Winterdance I read this book prior to an Alaskan Iditarod vacation. But that needn’t be a prerequisite to thoroughly enjoy Gary Paulsen’s adventure. The escapades of Paulsen and his lovable team of misfit mutts will make you belly laugh! Their collective lack of wilderness knowledge results in a roller coaster of emotions during the 17-day, 1,180 mile Alaskan Iditarod race. This is a book you'll read more than once. Click here to purchase: https://amzn.to/3uh79z9 What Should I Do With My Life? At the age of 41 I made a career change. After years working in advertising, I segued my skills of writing press releases into writing travel articles, and never looked back. But, it wasn’t without a bit of angst. Given the current employment climate, many of you may be wanting to make
Today, March 2nd, is Read Across America day — the nation’s largest celebration of reading. The purpose is to excite children and adults about this waning pastime. People from all walks of life engage with their community, spurring on enthusiasm to get lost in the pages of a good book. This day resonates with many
Oaxaca, Mexico is known for its mole — a rich, velvety sauce comprised of chilis, spices, nuts, fruit, tomatoes, and chocolate blended and served over browned meat. The state claims seven different types of mole, each with a unique flavor. They range from savory-sweet to spicy. While the indigenous dish takes approximately one hour to prepare, the steps are simple and a good way to spend time with friends and family in the kitchen. Cooking mole from scratch requires about two dozen ingredients. However, it's the perfect recipe to make in large batches and pop in your freezer for future meals. As I learned on a recent visit to Oaxaca, no trip to the southern state is complete without taking a mole cooking class. My husband and I enrolled with Me Encanta Oaxaca. Due to COVID-19, they currently only offer private classes. Our chef, Betsaida Lopez Dias, was wonderful! We called her Betsy. She speaks perfect English and her culinary skills are top notch. Me Encanta’s tour includes transportation to and from your hotel, a stop at the local mercado, and an at-home cooking class with Betsy’s sweet Mama and Papa as sous chefs. Their authentic Mexican kitchen and cookware enhances the experience. You’ll enjoy lots of laughs while learning to create this delicious dish. I chose to make almond mole. Other options include rojo, verde, negro, amarillo, coloradito, chichilo and more. You can learn about each one in the cookbook “Oaxaca: Home Cooking From the Heart of Mexico.” Here is how to cook Mexican mole from scratch! Ingredients The ingredients can be found at your grocery store or local Mexican market. Measurements are simple — a pinch of this, a handful of that. It’s how Betsy cooks, adding to the fun! ● 4 pieces of chicken — 2
Oaxaca, Mexico is known for its mole — a rich, velvety sauce comprised of chilis, spices, nuts, fruit, tomatoes, and chocolate blended and served over browned meat. The state claims seven different types of mole, each with a unique flavor. They range from savory-sweet to spicy. While the indigenous dish takes approximately one hour to
Flying during COVID-19 is a personal decision. There is no right or wrong. Remaining close to home is understandable. And with precautions, venturing further can be done safely. This month, I’m taking my first international trip since the pandemic started in February. Mexico is the destination to celebrate my 60th birthday. I’ve taken extra safety precautions outlined by the CDC to protect myself and others. These provisions in conjunction with airlines’ strict sanitizing protocols will help reduce the chances of contracting coronavirus. Here are five tips on flying during COVID-19 Book With Airlines Who Block Middle Seats Aircrafts are cleaner now than they’ve been in years. Mandatory fogging and daily deep cleaning ensure sanitation measures are at their utmost highest. Commercial aircrafts use a HEPA filter in their cabins, according to Collins Aerospace. These generate air as clean or cleaner than in a hospital operating room. The environmental control system replaces the air in the cabin every 2 - 3 minutes on commercial aircrafts. The addition of required face masks for passengers and crew helps lower the risk of being exposed to coronavirus particles. To take safety one step further, choose an airline which blocks the middle seat in each row. The empty seat between you and a fellow passenger helps create social distance. The list of U.S. carriers who adhere to this standard changes daily. As of now, these airlines do not sell the middle seat when flying during COVID-19: Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian & Southwest. Take a Sanitation & Immune Boosting Kit Sanitizing your seat, and surrounding area, as well as maintaining a strong immune system are both important. Put together a kit with essential items to take onboard the plane when flying during COVID-19. My sanitation and immunity kit contains the following ten products. I’ve provided links
Flying during COVID-19 is a personal decision. There is no right or wrong. Remaining close to home is understandable. And with precautions, venturing further can be done safely. This month, I’m taking my first international trip since the pandemic started in February. Mexico is the destination to celebrate my 60th birthday. I’ve taken extra safety
With travel plans on hold due to COVID 19, many of us had to cancel our summer vacation. But, not all is lost. You don’t need to visit far flung destinations to feed your sense of adventure! Most people haven’t explored their own backyard! Now’s the time for a staycation. An unforgettable weekend is waiting in your own hometown. Here are tips to plan a fun staycation! Mark Dates on the Calendar As you would with any vacation, choose the dates and mark your calendar. Make sure family events or previously scheduled commitments won’t interfere with your plans. Next, begin searching for gentrified neighborhoods which offer hidden attractions. A great source is Atlas Obscura . They profile unusual attractions and sites in cities nationwide. I’ve referenced their online content numerous times when traveling and found the recommendations to be lots of fun. Rent an Airbnb or Hotel Room We all need to get out of the house! A change of scenery is good. Rent an Airbnb or hotel room in a neighborhood you’ve always dreamed of living. Try the city life at a downtown high-rise hotel, or enjoy a quaint Airbnb cottage in the country. I've rented Airbnbs around the world — from Paris, France to Seattle, Washington. This allows me to live like a local. Charming boutique hotels and their many amenities are also fun. I like to alternate between Airbnbs and hotels when I travel. Try a New Restaurant No need to leave your city to try cuisine from other countries. Lots of local ethnic restaurants welcome diners to try flavors from other lands. I find the small, family run, hole in the wall is usually best. Immigrants put their heart and soul into the preparation. Food is the consummate unifier. Gathering for a meal is the
With travel plans on hold due to COVID 19, many of us had to cancel our summer vacation. But, not all is lost. You don’t need to visit far flung destinations to feed your sense of adventure! Most people haven’t explored their own backyard! Now’s the time for a staycation. An unforgettable weekend is waiting
These past few months have seen many of us snack a bit more than usual. Home isolation close to the pantry has savory and sweet treats constantly available. One of my achilles heel in the munchie world is pretzels. Salt and dough. What’s not to love? They’ve long been ranked around the world as a top 10 favorite snack. Most people have a preferred brand. But, few know about Hammond’s, the oldest family operated, handmade pretzel bakery in America. It opened in 1931, and the fifth generation now runs the small factory located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. How The Pretzel Began “Pretiolas” as pretzels were first known in 600 A.D., are the invention of an Italian monk who came up with the unique twist. It was embraced throughout Europe and became a symbol of luck and prosperity in the German culture. They brought pretzels to the United States during immigration in the 1800’s. William Hammond, along with his grandson William Lichty, started Hammond’s pretzel in their adjoining garages during the Great Depression. They used a Pennsylvania Dutch style recipe from when Hammond was a pretzel baker. Subsequently, family members joined the business. Fast forward 80 years, brother and sister, Brian and Karen, are keeping the shelves stocked for their fans. The Secret to Their Success Today the business continues to operate in the original Lancaster location. Bakers still hand roll and twist the sour dough. It's then baked in an oven on a soapstone hearth, and removed when golden brown. The result is an amazingly crunchy delight! Hammond's makes eight different varieties including regular salt, light salt, no salt, and extra salt, as well as chocolate covered and chocolate clusters. Hammond’s Pretzels are sold in stores throughout Pennsylvania. Those living outside the state can order off their website. I order a
These past few months have seen many of us snack a bit more than usual. Home isolation close to the pantry has savory and sweet treats constantly available. One of my achilles heel in the munchie world is pretzels. Salt and dough. What’s not to love? They’ve long been ranked around the world as a
In honor of National Apple Pie Day, over three dozen bed & breakfasts and boutique hotels are sharing their recipes for scrumptious baked apple goods. It's part of a "Still Inn Business" joint force to help these small business owners stay visible during the COVID-19 shut down. Inn keepers around the world miss their guests. By nature, those in the Bed & Breakfast industry relish welcoming people from other countries into their homes. As one innkeeper said "if the travelers can't come to us, we'll go to the travelers." There are 43 recipes. Following is a snippet of the inns' slice of comfort ! Torta di Mele Italy is know for many things, including their amazing food. Al Nifontano B&B, located in northern Italy, has shared their recipe for a traditional apple tart. Apple Roses This is a fun twist on the traditional dessert. And less calories! Only two apples make six roses. The presentation is beautiful. Give it a try. Apple Pie Forsyth Innkeeper, Tamara, went to culinary school. This is one of the first desserts she learned to make. Tamara says it is the perfect breakfast pastry with coffee. Not too sweet. It's based on a French tart Normande. Oatmeal Crusted Apple Crisp Pie Crisp and pie — yummy! The colonial style Miller-Dunham House in Delaware opened in 2017 and knows how to bake. Enjoy! Apple Crumb Pie This is the way to eat apple pie...no plates needed. Thanks Twin Pine Manor for showing us the correct way to indulge. The inn is located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania — Amish Country. At any given time you may see a horse and buggy trot by. Here is a complete list of all the participating inns and their recipes. Bon Appetit! Related Posts: How to Cook Mexican Mole From Scratch
In honor of National Apple Pie Day, over three dozen bed & breakfasts and boutique hotels are sharing their recipes for scrumptious baked apple goods. It’s part of a “Still Inn Business” joint force to help these small business owners stay visible during the COVID-19 shut down. Inn keepers around the world miss their guests.
Memorial Day gives us pause to remember those in the military who serve our country both past and present. This commemoration began soon after the Civil War, and became a national holiday in 1971. We celebrate the day gathering with family and friends for a picnic. Usually quintessential American food is served — burgers on the grill, apple pie — and a whole lot more. This year with COVID-19, we’ll be celebrating in spirit, instead of together with our loved ones. No doubt, Zoom picnics will ensue. Should you be called upon to make a covered dish for a virtual barbecue, wow viewers by taking conventional dishes up a notch. Here are classic Memorial Day recipes with a twist ! Hot Dogs With Quick Cast-Iron Beans Beans and franks are at many Memorial Day picnics. But, instead of beans from a can, this year try an easy to cook version. INGREDIENTS: Canola oil for grill grate 1Tbl. olive oil 1 small onion, diced 1 (15-ounce) can small white beans, rinsed 4 plum tomatoes, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 Tbl. molasses Salt & pepper 2 tsp. red wine vinegar 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 6 hot dogs 6 hot dog buns Ketchup, mustard, and relish for serving Set up grill for direct and indirect heat. Once grates are hot, lightly grease with canola oil. Heat olive oil in a 9-inch cast-iron skillet over direct heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, 2 to 4 minutes. Add beans, tomatoes, garlic, and molasses. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer skillet to indirect heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from grill. Stir in vinegar and Worcestershire. Grill hot dogs over direct heat turning occasionally, until warmed through, 5 to 6 minutes. Lastly, Grill buns, if
Memorial Day gives us pause to remember those in the military who serve our country both past and present. This commemoration began soon after the Civil War, and became a national holiday in 1971. We celebrate the day gathering with family and friends for a picnic. Usually quintessential American food is served — burgers on
National Lemonade Day is the first Sunday in May. Started in 2007 by computer network guru, Michael Holthouse and his wife Lisa, their mission was to empower youth to become tomorrows entrepreneurs by teaching them to operate a lemonade stand. During this COVID-19 pandemic, it seems like the world is giving us lots of lemons. As adults, there are ways we can turn them into "lemonade". The citrus’ versatility reaches far beyond the childhood drink. Its folded into everyday life in myriad ways, including food, aroma and decor. The fresh smell is an instant pick-me-up, as are household linens tastefully festooned with it’s image. Having been isolated in our homes for the past six weeks, let’s embrace the little yellow fruit with so many uses to brighten up our households! In honor of National Lemonade Day, here are a few items to make lemonade out of lemons! Lemon Print Table Linens When visiting French shops, I notice they often use the uplifting citron pattern on their table linens. Sun yellow and olive green tones on 100% cotton like the ones above connotes a fresh summertime meal with family and friends. It’s an easy way to spruce up your kitchen. Place a vase of white daisies in the middle and voilà! The History of Limones Italy’s Amalfi Coast is know for its special lemons — sfusato amalfitano. Their wrinkled skin and amazing aroma made these limones popular worldwide. Italians cook with every part of the fruit, including its leaves. Author Helena Attlee writes beautifully about Italy’s history of citrus in her book “The Land Where Lemons Grow.” She explores Garada’s lemon houses and bergamot groves. Although not a cookbook, it includes interviews with locals in the industry, resulting in old family recipes few have access. And we learn lemons' place in
National Lemonade Day is the first Sunday in May. Started in 2007 by computer network guru, Michael Holthouse and his wife Lisa, their mission was to empower youth to become tomorrows entrepreneurs by teaching them to operate a lemonade stand. During this COVID-19 pandemic, it seems like the world is giving us lots of lemons.
COVID-19 quarantine has found me organizing my closet. Sorting through the garb has been a trip down memory lane as I arrange favorite clothes and accessories I pack for every trip. They’re not fancy items, but comfortable, durable and easily transportable. After years on the road, I’ve complied a “must have” list when traveling. Some pieces are so cozy, I find myself wearing them while in isolation. Here are a few favorites you’ll use whether staying home or on the road. Converse All Star A picture's worth a thousand words, and that's about how many miles I've walked in these Converse. They're not only super comfortable, but the brand is popular all over the world, making them a fashion statement. With most of us sequestered at home now, Converse All Star are perfect sneakers for walks and grocery shopping. I own multiple colors. They look cute with pants, shorts, even a sundress! Lavanila The Heathy Deodorant Many of us try to be healthy. This includes watching what we eat and what products we put on our bodies. I came across Lavanila a few years ago when searching for a deodorant void of harsh chemicals. The aluminum and paraben free brand not only keeps perspiration and odor at bay, its velvet soft formula goes on clear and smooth. I love it! There are numerous scents to choose from. Each has the perfect amount of fragrance and doesn't vie with your perfume. Lavanila offers a travel size, too. Women's Classic White Cap Not all hats are created equal. It may seem like you have enough ball caps, but when you purchase the correct one, all others pale in comparison. The most comfortable are lightweight and made with a mesh fabric for breathability. Styles specifically made for women tend to fit them properly.
COVID-19 quarantine has found me organizing my closet. Sorting through the garb has been a trip down memory lane as I arrange favorite clothes and accessories I pack for every trip. They’re not fancy items, but comfortable, durable and easily transportable. After years on the road, I’ve complied a “must have” list when traveling. Some
Travel may be on hold right now. But, with a few creative ideas, travel treasures collected on past vacations can infuse your home with memories. While we all stay home these next few weeks, it’s the perfect time to rethink how to display items we purchased on trips. It's easy to mix souvenirs into your decor! Looking for inspiration? Here are a few tips how to decorate your home with travel souvenirs! Frame Foreign Currency Often we return from a trip with one or two extra paper bills from the visited country. These can be colorful, small art pieces to be framed. Gather bucks from numerous destinations. Layout those which compliment each other. If both sides of a bill are interesting, stager them, displaying each surface. Frame a few or a lot. The amount is up to you. Exhibit Fragrances From Around the World Not all perfumes formulated in other countries are exported to the United States. Foreign, family-run perfumeries make limited batches only sold locally. Just as food and traditions vary by region, so do fragrances. The Middle East leans towards aromatic blends with oud. South Pacific islands distill florals for a light scent. Olfactory souvenirs are equally as evocative as visual. Fragrance takes us back to strolling an Italian piazza or sun bathing on Bermuda’s beaches. The bottles are beautiful, easy to pack, and a unique way how to decorate your home with travel souvenirs. Display an assortment of perfumes on a clear, glass tray in your bathroom. Decorate Glass Front Cupboards Many kitchen’s have glass front cupboards. Here, a display of food or dining travel mementos look great. My cabinets host a bright orange can of paprika from Hungary; a napkin holder from Quito, Ecuador; matcha tea from Tokyo; and French porcelain féves from galette des
Travel may be on hold right now. But, with a few creative ideas, travel treasures collected on past vacations can infuse your home with memories. While we all stay home these next few weeks, it’s the perfect time to rethink how to display items we purchased on trips. It’s easy to mix souvenirs into your
