VIDERI CHOCOLATE FACTORY   ESSE QUAM VIDERI Latin for “To be rather than to seem” Tucked away in Downtown Raleigh's Warehouse District is a bumpin’ little slice of cocoa heaven. Years ago, I researched artisan chocolate makers across the country and found this magical mini-Willy Wonka chocolate factory while I was looking for chocolate to use for my signature chocolate chip cookies. I tasted through dozens of chocolate makers. Not a bad gig, right? Most importantly, I wanted

hope – noun a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen, a feeling of trust               hope - verb want...

I phreaking’ love a good coffee shop. You know the kind that is inviting, artsy, loungey, filled with a slow bustle of happy people and...

The spa at Wyoming Inn Jackson Hole Wyoming Miles of vast beauty, the kind of people-free bucolic terrain my eyes longed for. Entering the most unpopulated state in the U.S., the powder-white, blistered mountains rose to the heavens, with quaking aspen, ponderosa pine, blue spruce, Douglas fir, Eastern cottonwood, and Engelmann spruce. They sprung through the surface, creating patches of intricate patterns. As I write this, I wonder why some of the tree names deserve the Capi

Best eats before you die. Best BBQ in the country.

Poetic Paws Pet Sitting

Poetic Paws Pet Sitting

Harvested Olives at Seka Hills in Capay Valley, CA.

The Bonneville Salt Flats

The wild horses in Sparks, NV.

Charbay Meyer Lemon whole fruit infused vodka.

Beautiful fall leaves on the vines in Napa Valley, CA in the Vaca Mountain Range.

Whetstone Winery in Napa Valley, CA. Historic winery specializing in Syrah, Pinot Noir, Viognier, and Cabernet Sauvignon and Southern hospitality.

A Bed & Breakfast Cottage in Mendocino, CA.

Red Rocks concert venue listening to The Brandi Carlile, xxoo bc.

Strawberry Auga Fresca on a hot summer day in Napa Valley, CA.

Petit Sale white wine blend at Cadet, Napa Valley, CA.

Yank Sing dim sum restaurant in San Francisco, CA.

Froze in Napa Valley, CA.

Jeffries General Store in SoFi district Napa Valley, CA.