PASADENA, Calif. My love of 100-year-old California Craftsman bungalows — those low-slung, early 20th century Arts and Crafts-era homes known for their clean, horizontal lines and sturdy woodwork — runs long and deep. I grew up in one in Hollywood, outfitted with dark, wooden, built-in cabinets and exposed beams, and my family lives in one […]

Each year after the winter solstice I take some time to think about my garden of the past year and to make plans for the upcoming garden season. What worked? What didn’t? It’s good to think about such. I won’t say I’m making any gardening resolutions this year, but I’ll share with you my aspirations. […]

We didn’t need science to assure most of us that when compared to females, some men respond differently to interruptions from their children. Scenario A: Kid: Dad, can I take the vacuum into the backyard? Dad: Huh? What? Sure, yeah. Scenario B: Kid: Mom, can I take the vacuum into—? Mom: Nope. No, we didn’t […]

Brownies are one of those classic desserts that almost everyone loves to eat — but making them can be tough when there are dietary restrictions involved. The latest trend is a glutenfree diet, which means saying no to what is arguably the more widely-used baking ingredient: flour. However, there are now more alternatives than ever […]

LOS ANGELES At this hotel, guests get welcomed with a wagging tail or a warm lick to the face. A dog will bound out from behind the registration desk, clad in an “Adopt Me” vest, as visitors arrive at the Aloft hotel in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, believed to be the only hotel in the […]

More than 200,000 ceramic tealight wax warmer sets are being recalled because they pose a potential fire and burn hazard. Here’s a more detailed look: Tealight wax warmers: Ceramic tealight warmer sets sold at Costco Wholesale stores nationwide from August 2014 through October 2014. They include four tealight candles, four sets of scented wax cubes […]