Kitty Deschanel

Let me start this post by stating, for the record, that I stay at Marriott hotels all the time. I'm in it for the breakfast and when a hotel doesn't include this, I stay elsewhere. I am a hotel waffle-making pro . Then again, making your own waffle is easy peasy, right? Behold, the tower of waffle batter goodness. How many gallons does it contain? We would soon find out. I always look forward to creating a decadent hotel waffle. The fateful Monday morning after the Summit County Parade of Homes was no exception and I was pleased to discover that no one was using the waffle iron, despite the crowd in the hotel breakfast room. It's no secret that I'm a social-anxiety mess, even with something as basic as navigating a shared waffle iron, so this was a relief and a great start to my day. I picked up my little plastic batter cup. I pressed down on the dispenser nozzle, as I've done 100 times. And then... The nozzle broke off. It just snapped right off...

Festival Highlights Fresh lavender bouquets and plants for sale. Handmade lavender soaps, lotions, and culinary treats. Live music and artisan market stalls. Tips for Visiting Arrive early for the best selection of lavender goods. Bring a sunhat and water—it gets hot! Check the festival schedule for cooking demos and workshops. Lavender in the Village New Mexicans dress to impress. Established in 1994, Lavender in the Village is a lavender-focused event held in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM every July. It's the largest Lavender Festival in the Southwestern USA and is fun for lavender-enthusiasts and lavender-newbies alike. The mission of the Lavender in the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque is to preserve and enhance Los Ranchos public open space, stimulate an interest in sustainable agriculture, with an emphasis on educating the public, including such matters as historic agriculture, lavender and its uses, and fostering community spirit. Lavender in...

Where to Eat in Charleston, SC Planning a trip to Charleston? This historic coastal city is a foodie paradise, offering everything from Lowcountry classics to gourmet donuts, fresh seafood, and farm-to-table dining. Here’s our list of the best places to eat in Charleston, based on our week-long culinary adventure. Top Charleston Foodie Highlights Nigel’s Good Food – Famous for Bam's Gumbo and Lowcountry Ravioli. Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit – Southern biscuits served fresh at the Historic Charleston City Market. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – Creative flavors like Brambleberry Crisp and Raspberry Rose Jelly Donut. Glazed Gourmet Donuts – Inventive flavors including The Red Nosed Goat and Sweet Corn Blueberry. The Grit Counter – Customizable grits with bold flavor options like Pimento Cheese and Smoked Gouda. Fair warning though - you know when you're thinking about Southern food, it can lead to... A Change in Plans Step 1: Sexy Nerd and I have way too muc...

Dreaming of a farm-to-table experience on an actual farm? Sexy Nerd and I have discovered Field & Vine, an Oregon company that hosts special dinners and events. Don't get too attached to Bessie over there... Clarification: Bessie is a cow over in the field, not me. You cannot see the cow in the photo. Again, I am not Bessie. What is Field & Vine? Field & Vine produces seasonal farm-to-table dinners in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, partnering with local farmers, vintners, and chefs to create multi-course outdoor feasts. Tips for Booking Reserve early—events often sell out months in advance. Dress in layers for evening outdoor dining. Bring a camera for vineyard sunset shots. A Night of Culinary Connection and Wine-Fueled Friendships Last July, on a quest to conquer Oregon's wonders and combat adulting fatigue, we stumbled upon the "Dinner in the Field" event at Marion Acres hosted by Field & Vine. This wasn't your average dinner party;...