Sometimes I have to remind myself of the spirit of Louis and Clark when I am out and passing by a place I’ve always wanted to explore but just never feel like I have the time.  When I remind myself of these fellow Americans, passing by a shop without going in seems unpatriotic. 
Recently I took some time to cross uncharted territory (i.e., cross a street) and take a look at Chi Chocolat in Point Loma.  This chocolate boutique moved from their Little Italy location in downtown San Diego to quaint …

Stationery is a guilty pleasure for me. I love stationery and don’t really need a particular reason to buy it. I love the tactile designs of letterpress in particular. And, spending time in a stationery store is something I love. I realize it is old fashioned in a way that is neither hip nor edgy. But I believe it is cool and modern; terribly so in fact.
I recently had an opportunity to take a peek inside India Ink stationery in Hillcrest, San Diego. Relocated from its previous location on India …

Refined hot chocolate is such a treat.  I love indulging in a cup of hot chocolate during fall and winter evenings.  I have a few favorite haunts to sit and enjoy a cup – but that isn’t always practical.  And, sometimes, I just want to be cozy at home.
But I am picky.  (Selective?)
I don’t care for the highly sweetened hot chocolates that you often find available at the market.  These produce a thin cup of watery chocolate flavored drink.  It can be hard to track down the perfect hot chocolate …

The reality is that we all need drama.  It is a forgotten component on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.  And, drama-created-through-risk is all around us –  and we live in that state of delicate tension more frequently than may be recognized.   That is why shows like Dancing with the Stars and Celebrity Apprentice don’t romance me.  The thought of following those shows seems so dull.  After all, they are so…safe.  Where is the risk?  Brilliant editing can create the look of drama, but when really examined, is performing the fox trot …

One resource everyone needs in their back pocket is a Place for Important Conversations.    In the movies, it seems that dark restaurants with a well stocked bar, quiet corners, staff who know how to provide great service while leaving you alone, and menu items you can take time over sit on every corner.  In real life, finding this location is a little trickier.  And yet, it is something that every one needs in their little electronic black book of resources.  You need one of those places where the setting adds …

After much consideration I have concluded that cheap is the way to go in certain areas of life.   Quality is always important.  But quality doesn’t always come with a huge price tag.  And, the level of quality needed in some areas should be scaled toward the planned obsolescence of an item.  Some things, like celebrity relationships, are practically issued with an expiration date.  Why lay down a lot of money for things that have a fragile life span?  This list is a starting point, but you can use the same …