The simple wine that takes us all back to a very specific time in our youth. Just remember the line. "I remember when 30 was old." The recipe is as simple as it gets, no additives, just basic, natural ingredients, and let science do the rest (please see note about Campden tablets and other additives … Continue reading Simple 1 Gallon Strawberry Wine
Without having some sort of wine making mentor, I have had to rely on the use of books and some rough internet recipes to convert a 5 gallon recipe down to my 1 gallon recipe. Prickly Pear wine is so region-specific and unique, you just do not come across this recipe very often. So I … Continue reading Arizona Prickly Pear Wine
All roads lead to... Flagstaff? In September 2018 I found myself with a job offer for my dream job in International Education. It was in Arizona (one of my requirements at the time), and it was right atop Arizona's tallest peak. Flagstaff, Arizona has a vast array of seasons that most people never realize Arizona … Continue reading The Mother Road
I was tasked with creating an all-inclusive great American Road trip for myself, my partner Brent and my good friend visiting from Germany. It should include Page, Arizona and Horseshoe Bend, the Grand Canyon and Sedona wine tasting. Beyond that, I was free to share whatever aspects of my beautiful home state I wished. In … Continue reading Best Road Trip Ever: Arizona
I don't know about you, but my holiday shopping doesn't usually begin until December. Maybe it's because I grew up in the desert, where I have to put myself into the holiday spirit by sipping pumpkin spice frozen drinks and playing constant Christmas music throughout December to remember that it is December, because it is … Continue reading Unique holiday gifts inspired by change
I guess it's time to admit that while I speak German and lived in Germany, my real beauty obsession comes from the French. I love their natural, effortless femme, I love the Breton stripes and Coco Chanel suits. I love how their hair is tossed up in a carefree knot and their skin always looks … Continue reading Très chic! Why using natural shampoos takes patience
I was Couchsurfing at a house in northern Germany when I met the first person I had ever heard say, "Ich stehe nicht auf Plastik." The phrase means, "I do not agree with," or, "I am not keen on" plastic. It was the most bizarre comment to me at the time. This was 2011. The … Continue reading Not so keen on plastic in my food
Apache Junction may not seem like much, but for history buffs like myself, this little nook of Arizona has a slew of history to be uncovered. Shadowed by the eerie Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction sits at the intersection of the Apache Trail and U.S. Route 60, which runs roughly parallel to the better-known Route 66. And … Continue reading Visiting Arizona’s Historical Superstition Mountains
I remember my grandma would always try to make sure I had healthy food when I went to her house. I'll never forget one specific occasion she said, "Oh Kaysha, look at those chubby little fingers!" I can't remember how old I was, but my ice cream and over-eating habits began to catch up with … Continue reading It’s okay to eat chocolate sometimes
Beginning a garden in Phoenix wasn't just going to be difficult because of the heat, I also don't own the property where I live and thus didn't want to plant anything into the ground. Could I successfully keep garden plants without planting a real garden, in Phoenix? The seasons are different from most other states. … Continue reading My green thumb
Poesie Sans, Souci 