If you’re like me, you have a dog or two who feel obligated to let you know—very loudly—that someone is walking down the street in front of your home, or that there’s another dog he believes is breaching the perimeter. But that barking gets old fast. The good news is that dog behaviorists have techniques to help your dog calm down. I was able to share these techniques in the January/February 2022 issue of Eating Well magazine. See below!
How to Memorably Display Your Collections
Shells. Hats. Teapots. Snow globes. Cartoon lunchboxes. Any one of these items has pretty much nothing to do with the other. But gather several of any one of them and you have a collection. How effectively are you displaying yours in your home? In my new story for the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Home and Garden section, I've gathered lots of tips for helping you turn your stuff into art that makes you smile.
The Benefits of Home Staging Even in a Seller's Market
Photo from Pineapple Labs
Even in this overheated real estate market, experts say homeowners selling their houses will still command more money and fewer days on the market if they stage it. My story for the San Diego Union-Tribune's Home & Garden section explains how it works.
Chef Anthony Sinsay's Passion for Filipino Heritage Lives On
I feel so honored to have been able to write a tribute to my late friend chef Anthony Sinsay for today's San Diego Union-Tribune food section. I am so appreciative of the contributions of his wife, Elyse Sinsay, and his friends Tara Luansing Monsod, and Evan Cruz, who all helped me convey what I hope is an honest, full picture of a lovely and talented man who died too soon. We even have a recipe of Anthony's—his Mussels Adobo above—that he gave me several years ago and recipes from Tara and Evan that reflect their relationship with their dear friend. May Anthony's memory always be a blessing.
Beautiful Home Design, with Kids and Pets? Yes, You Can Have Both!
Got kids and/or pets at home? Good news! It doesn't mean you can't have nice things after all! In my new story for The San Diego Union-Tribune, two designers share tricks of the trade for creating beautiful homes that can withstand all sorts of havoc and enhance your home life.
Design by Traci Taylor of Arise Interiors. (James Bradley Architectural Photography)
Time for a New Ceiling Fan? Let Me Help You!
After going down the rabbit hole of research into ceiling fans when I needed to replace the one in my kitchen, I thought other shoppers could use some help in figuring out what's important besides style. My editor at The San Diego Union-Tribune agreed. Thanks to Tim Jackson of Urban Lighting, I was able to speak to ceiling fan experts and write a story that provides all the “must knows.” Now you have no excuse to put off a new purchase! Writing about design is fun!
The Mollywood fan from Matthews Fan Company. (Matthews Fan Company)