Oh Nuts! and How to Eyeball Carbs

Have I mentioned lately that I write two monthly pieces for the American Diabetes Association on food and nutrition? This month’s articles just dropped. The first looks at the nutritional benefits and pleasure of eating nuts. As I say, “What’s as crunchy as potato chips, has more flavor than pretzel rods, and is healthier than both? Nuts, of course!” You can learn why they’re so good for you—and how to eat portions that stay within your food plan.

My second piece is a quick explanation of how to eyeball a serving of carbs—especially helpful when eating out and you don’t have a scale. I’ve got examples of serving sizes for bread, fruit, cooked cereal, milk, and meat/fish among many others. Plus, the visual image to have in your head by visualizing measuring cups and even using your cupped hand or the image of a deck of cards. If your good health relies on portion control, lots of useful tricks like these can help you stay on track.

Lighter Hues, Smart Design Give Santaluz Home New Life

Paula and Mark Waxman’s 2003 Monterey-style Santaluz home came with walls in shades of dark gray and taupe, and the flooring was dark beige tile — all of which appealed to them when they bought it in 2012. It had been a model home for the community, so it came with black wrought iron fixtures and coffered ceilings. While it had an open floor plan, the home was so dark it didn’t feel open. Eventually, the couple decided it was time to bring light into the home. Arise Interiors owner and designer Traci Taylor did just that, with a focus on trained chef and baker Paula’s large kitchen. My story in the July 2022 issue of The San Diego Union-Tribune’s real estate magazine Hot Property Estates shares the transformation and the journey to getting there.

Get Organized! Cool Design Options for a Streamlined Home

Visual clutter is stressful — and life is stressful enough these days. And, yeah, people are probably starting to come over to your home, too. Maybe a total decor overhaul isn’t in your future, but you can find some great, very cool storage-oriented furniture and accessories to piece together an interior space that gives you some breathing room. My new story in the San Diego Union-Tribune shows off beautiful, design-forward furnishings as well as organization tips from a professional organizer.

American Diabetes Association: Dining Out or Ordering In Choices

I'm so enjoying writing two food pieces a month for the American Diabetes Association. This one, which offers tips for how to eat out or order in without blowing your meal plan, was just published.

Gorgeous Guesthouse and Backyard Change Family Life in Solana Beach

When a Solana Beach couple with two small kids decided to transform their large backyard, they transformed their lives. With a new guesthouse, inviting to friends and family, a pool, and an outdoor dining area, complete with full kitchen (should we mention the spa, outdoor shower, and gorgeous plantings?), their home is the ultimate retreat inside and out. My new story for Hot Property Estates…

How to Create a Serene Bedroom

We’ve all been through a lot over the past couple of years — grief, isolation, anxiety, overwork, underwork, home schooling, home working. And some of us have been sick or caring for someone who was ill. In short, we’re stressed to the hilt. We need rest. We need respite. We need our own personal sanctuary. The default space for sanctuary ideally is our bedroom. But the same mindfulness we reference for activities that calm us down is also necessary to design a space that enhances our serenity. Check out my new story in the San Diego Union-Tribune on how to create a serene bedroom.