Here’s my wild hair #437: creating airy and colorful bridal bouquets just because I like doing it. Being in the faux floral trade keeps me busy and brings in the bucks, but I can’t say that other than curating the most realistic-looking artificial succulents, air […]

I can’t rightly remember how long I worked at the Orange County Register–13 or 14 years or something close. Considering that I didn’t apply for the job in the first place, it’s been a long ride. After Gary Krino retired, the editors were searching for […]

Sue Grafton’s mysteries are among a few that I read straight through without looking at technique. It does no good trying to pin her down. I get sucked into the story and before I know it, am surprised at the end. She brilliantly planted her […]

We swoon over the soft teal fabric with a touch of citron, and the orange accent lamp with the brocade shade. We fall for the red bedspread, and the hand-woven rainbow rug. When our color lust is over, we choose beige. Why? Susan Sargent, author […]

Canned hams and tin can travel — not so suddenly trailer lingo is on the tongue. There has been a revival of vintage camping that shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, old-school trailers are the new focal point at weddings and parties, serving […]

According to Orange County Public Works, Santa Ana has received 1.58 inches of rain this year when our average for the area is closer to 12. Every drop counts when it comes to the rainy season not only for washing our landscapes clean and hydrating large […]

Here is an illustration I did a while back and it works for my novel, The Victory Garden, about a Japanese farm girl interned at Manzanar. It turns out the word manzanar means apple orchard in Spanish! I’ve finally completed the full-length manuscript and am […]

Okay, so something special is going to happen. You’re a bridesmaid in a wedding, your high school reunion is coming up, and you have a big day planned with friends or family. You need to feel good for one single day, at least! 6 tips […]