tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108Sat, 18 Apr 2026 23:52:39 +0000FunnyThings to Make You LaughNot Baaad SundaysDecorTravelRecipesbest in showPuppy MadnessBeautySleepComicHow to Sleep Better & Mattress ReviewsHome Decor & Entertaining With Anxietywine festivalweddingDentistryAbout Kitty Deschanel & Sexy NerdAffiliate DisclosureFood, Wine, and Travel Adventures in an Airstream Basecamphttps://www.kittydeschanel.com/noreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)Blogger1126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-7801989176263781224Sat, 14 Mar 2026 20:23:00 +00002026-03-15T10:49:28.889-06:00wine festival Were you one of the lucky few to join us last weekend? Move over elephant seals because the Santa Lucia Highlands Sun, Wind & Wine Festival at Mer Soleil Winery was the highlight of our trip to California.Sexy Nerd and I attend food and wine events around the world. Although not as well known as others, such as the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta and Cherry Creek Al Fresco, the Sun, Windhttps://www.kittydeschanel.com/2023/05/sun-wind-wine-festival.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)33820 River Rd, Soledad, CA 93960, USA36.4307709 -121.4203754-17.705535383332915 168.2671246 90 -51.1078754tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-2918218296273459190Sat, 14 Mar 2026 16:30:00 +00002026-03-14T14:26:01.899-06:00FunnyMaking Friends As An Adult Popular, you're gonna be popular. I'll teach you the proper poise when you talk to boys. Little ways to flirt and flounce, ooh! I'll show you what shoes to wear, how to fix your hair. Everything that really counts... I was very popular today. Popular, I'll help you be popular. You'll hang with the right cohorts, you'll be good at sports. Know the slang you've got https://www.kittydeschanel.com/2018/05/make-adult-friends.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-5936842061944508547Fri, 13 Mar 2026 20:24:00 +00002026-03-14T14:24:22.980-06:00FunnyTravelLet me start this post by stating, for the record, that I stay at Marriott hotels all the time. I'm in it for the breakfast and when a hotel doesn't include this, I stay elsewhere. I am a hotel waffle-making pro. Then again, making your own waffle is easy peasy, right? Behold, the tower of waffle batter goodness. How many gallons does it contain? We would soon find out. I always look https://www.kittydeschanel.com/2014/10/breakfast-most-embarassing-meal-of-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-6439017935818194976Sun, 04 Jan 2026 21:06:00 +00002026-01-04T20:25:56.929-07:00Recipes *Do not add chia seeds - see note at the end of this recipe. In response to my popular Instant Pot Explosion blog post, I've had a few blog readers ask for my oatmeal with quinoa recipe, which is made in the Instant Pot. This seems a bit odd...you guys aren't trying to recreate that gooey mess in your own kitchens, right?  My recipe does make delicious, foolproof Instant Pot oatmeal. It's https://www.kittydeschanel.com/2018/01/instant-pot-oatmeal-and-quinoa-recipe.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)United States37.09024 -95.7128918.780006163821156 -130.869141 65.400473836178847 -60.556641tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-7038123378364588570Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:11:00 +00002025-08-07T14:18:48.165-06:00Where to Eat in Charleston, SC Planning a trip to Charleston? This historic coastal city is a foodie paradise, offering everything from Lowcountry classics to gourmet donuts, fresh seafood, and farm-to-table dining. Here’s our list of the best places to eat in Charleston, based on our week-long culinary adventure. Top Charleston Foodie Highlights Nigel’s Good Food – Famous for Bam's Gumbo andhttps://www.kittydeschanel.com/2025/08/best-places-to-eat-charleston.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)Charleston, SC, USA32.7833163 -79.93196644.4730824638211573 -115.0882164 61.093550136178848 -44.775716399999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-8667611523656474067Sun, 22 Jun 2025 23:13:00 +00002026-03-14T20:30:56.351-06:00TravelFestival Highlights Fresh lavender bouquets and plants for sale. Handmade lavender soaps, lotions, and culinary treats. Live music and artisan market stalls. Tips for Visiting Arrive early for the best selection of lavender goods. Bring a sunhat and water—it gets hot! Check the festival schedule for cooking demos and workshops. Lavender in the VillageNew Mexicans dress to https://www.kittydeschanel.com/2022/08/lavender-in-village.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)Albuquerque, NM, USA35.0843859 -106.6504226.7741520638211554 -141.806672 63.394619736178846 -71.494172tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-2835433104359413470Sat, 21 Jun 2025 23:00:00 +00002025-08-06T18:27:17.672-06:00wine festivalUpdate: Was that the Culligan water man or not?More Than Beer at the (AMAZING!) NM Brew Fest My husband and I have seen ads for the New Mexico Brew Fest, which coincides with Albuquerque's world-famous Balloon Fiesta, year after year. Why haven't we ever gone? Obviously, we are ridiculous fools because the New Mexico Brew Fest was the best time ever! It's our all-time favorite beer festival. (https://www.kittydeschanel.com/2019/10/nm-brew-fest.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)Albuquerque, NM, USA35.0843859 -106.65042230.97044989056478 -111.04495325 39.198321909435222 -102.25589075tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-3486121999163825290Wed, 18 Jun 2025 23:19:00 +00002025-08-06T17:57:50.650-06:00TravelWhere to Eat in Charleston, SC Planning a trip to Charleston? This historic coastal city is a foodie paradise, offering everything from Lowcountry classics to gourmet donuts, fresh seafood, and farm-to-table dining. Here’s our list of the best places to eat in Charleston, based on our week-long culinary adventure. Top Charleston Foodie Highlights Nigel’s Good Food – Famous for Bam's Gumbo andhttps://www.kittydeschanel.com/2022/05/nigels-good-food.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)Charleston, SC, USA32.7764749 -79.9310512000000134.3072888567584826 -115.08730120000001 61.245660943241511 -44.774801200000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-5253635163371420450Thu, 05 Jun 2025 00:13:00 +00002025-08-06T18:19:33.914-06:00TravelDreaming of a farm-to-table experience on an actual farm? Sexy Nerd and I have discovered Field & Vine, an Oregon company that hosts special dinners and events.Don't get too attached to Bessie over there...Clarification: Bessie is a cow over in the field, not me. You cannot see the cow in the photo. Again, I am not Bessie. What is Field & Vine? Field & Vine produces seasonal https://www.kittydeschanel.com/2024/05/field-vine-reviews-oregon.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)Oregon, USA43.8041334 -120.554201215.493899563821152 -155.7104512 72.11436723617885 -85.3979512tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-1341378517687017848Fri, 30 May 2025 18:32:00 +00002025-06-22T17:07:22.379-06:00If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to visit Magnolia Market in Waco, TX, get ready to live vicariously through photos. (Through food too - how handy that their recipes are shared online.) Sexy Nerd and I made our way there for a cozy fall getaway. Though the insane wind had my hair impersonating our chihuahua, Puff, it was totally worth it.Does Sexy Nerd look nervous? He just brought me to a https://www.kittydeschanel.com/2024/11/magnolia-market-photos.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)601 Webster Ave, Waco, TX 76706, USA31.5525509 -97.1294427000000133.2423170638211545 -132.28569270000003 59.862784736178845 -61.973192700000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-439884207048008272Wed, 07 May 2025 01:49:00 +00002025-06-22T17:09:22.577-06:00wine festivalWe're home from Oregon, where Sexy Nerd and I attended the International Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC). Oh my goodness, it was so much fun! This was a truly spectacular event filled with the finest Pinot Noirs and an atmosphere that exuded sophistication and charm.Photos from the IPNC's Passport To Pinot: https://www.kittydeschanel.com/2023/08/international-pinot-noir-celebration.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)Oregon, USA43.8041334 -120.554201215.493899563821152 -155.7104512 72.11436723617885 -85.3979512tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-7484073310264887089Tue, 22 Apr 2025 23:20:00 +00002025-06-24T20:11:00.133-06:00Travel Sexy Nerd has an annoying habit of calling me to complain when he's on business trips. "It's too hot here in Napa Valley," and "That chocolate lava cake was too rich after such a big dinner."  After a morning surrounded by screaming pediatric dental patients and their overprotective, crazy parents (my generation is nuts, BTW), I'll check my voicemail during lunch and learn Sexy Nerd'shttps://www.kittydeschanel.com/2017/02/a-perfect-day-in-solvang-california.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)Solvang, CA 93463, USA34.5958201 -120.13764816.342593685977338 -155.2938981 62.84904651402266 -84.9813981tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-6914487358122213737Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:53:00 +00002025-06-22T17:10:31.832-06:00wine festival Be sure to check out Part Two of this post, Beer + Pizza = Heaven(ly Village) I'm always insisting to my readers that certain events are worth traveling across the country for, such as the Taos Summer Wine Festival. Well, I finally took my own advice. Three missed days of work, two delayed flights from Albuquerque, and a peppy VW rental car later, I was glad I did.  The Autumn Food https://www.kittydeschanel.com/2019/10/autumn-food-wine-festival.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)Lake Tahoe, United States39.0968493 -120.032350738.7024873 -120.6777977 39.4912113 -119.38690369999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-4314723387123447551Fri, 07 Mar 2025 23:59:00 +00002025-06-22T17:10:14.713-06:00wine festivalI'll let you in on a little secret. I love wine festivals.What's that? You say you already know? But how?Mere grape juice! Photos prove nothing.Touché.Despite spending my free time traveling to wine festivals, I've been missing out. Can you believe I've never tried a ROAR Pinot Noir? I intend to remedy this soon. I've discovered an exclusive wine event near the gorgeous California coast.Although https://www.kittydeschanel.com/2023/05/santa-lucia-highlands.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)California, USA36.778261 -119.41793248.4680271638211551 -154.57418239999998 65.088494836178853 -84.2616824tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-628349002753188141Wed, 12 Feb 2025 16:09:00 +00002025-03-31T06:37:07.019-06:00Recipes Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. -Michael PollanThis salad recipe might make the second part of the above quote a bit tricky! Out of all the recipes I've made with Knorr Homestyle Stock, my favorite use for it is as a salad dressing.Specifically, my Homestyle Mayonnaise. It's the perfect complement to an assortment of veggies, leaving even my carnivorous Sexy Nerd happy to https://www.kittydeschanel.com/2020/02/knorr-homestyle-stock.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)United States38.7945952 -106.534837910.484361363821158 -141.6910879 67.104829036178842 -71.3785879tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-3346360514565652119Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:29:00 +00002025-06-22T17:08:35.794-06:00TravelHey there, fellow flavor fanatics! Hold onto your ladles because last weekend, my Sexy Nerd and I embarked on another culinary adventure at The Food Depot's Souper Bowl in Santa Fe, NM.Here's the scoop: Picture 24 local chefs in a soup showdown extravaganza, like the Super Bowl, but with more slurping and less tackling. The 30th-anniversary Souper Bowl drew 2,000 hungry souls, VIPs storming the https://www.kittydeschanel.com/2024/02/souper-bowl-2025.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)New Mexico, USA34.9727305 -105.03236356.6624966638211518 -140.1886135 63.282964336178843 -69.8761135tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-5902678644003157857Sat, 01 Feb 2025 03:25:00 +00002025-06-22T17:22:06.209-06:00TravelHow is pimento cheese not a thing in New Mexico? We can add green chile to it!Sexy Nerd and I were fortunate to spend a day in Savannah recently. With such a limited amount of time for our first visit to the city, I made sure to research the best restaurants and local foods to eat. From brunch through dessert, I've done my homework (and my taste testing - being a travel and food blogger is such ahttps://www.kittydeschanel.com/2021/05/best-food-savannah.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)Savannah, GA, USA32.0808989 -81.0912033.7706650638211556 -116.247453 60.391132736178847 -45.934952999999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-8839995857390852794Wed, 29 Jan 2025 22:13:00 +00002025-06-22T17:14:45.069-06:00Travel After our 2-week Tasmania road trip, my plan is to retire in Hobart one day. There are so many fun things to do! Just call us Tasmaniacs. For the Hobart portion of our grand Australian adventure, we did not need a rental car. Other than an occasional Uber (the Hobart airport is much further away than we'd expected), we found Hobart to be a pleasantly walkable city, even in May.Remember kids, Mayhttps://www.kittydeschanel.com/2019/09/what-to-do-in-hobart.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)Hobart TAS 7000, Australia-42.8821377 147.3271949-42.905408200000004 147.28685439999998 -42.8588672 147.3675354tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-1153061810091402355Wed, 29 Jan 2025 05:47:00 +00002025-05-10T09:28:21.616-06:00DecorWe've (and by that I mean Sexy Nerd solely on his own) been transforming our home little by little. I never post photos though! It's weird because I was really looking forward to being able to share our decorating progress, back while we were designing the house for all those years.So let's do this! Here are the photos I shared a few years ago. I'll take some updated shots toda...tomorr...by nexthttps://www.kittydeschanel.com/2020/04/spring-decorating-ideas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)United States37.09024 -95.7128918.780006163821156 -130.869141 65.400473836178847 -60.556641tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-2946843620051854539Sun, 26 Jan 2025 18:33:00 +00002025-06-22T17:09:43.712-06:00RecipesHere in the Land of Enchantment, we're known for our green chile. You can easily eat this for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and desserts every day without thinking it's weird. (Yeah, I see you out-of-staters over there thinking it's weird. It's not.) We even have Hatch Green Chile wine - delicious! Gloves? Pshft, who needs 'em. Also, I am totally an expert, despite making the biggest BBQhttps://www.kittydeschanel.com/2022/07/nm-green-chile.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-7684750977909338878Fri, 24 Jan 2025 20:11:00 +00002025-09-01T19:21:00.014-06:00Recipes When making Cake Mix pancakes, the scrumptious possibilities are endless. Red Velvet cake mix pancakes. Chocolate cake mix pancakes. Butter Pecan cake mix pancakes. Funfetti cake mix pancakes. (Yes, Funfetti cake mix pancakes!) With this 2-ingredient recipe, you can turn your favorite cake mix into your favorite pancakes. Pancake making at its finest. Cake Mix Pancakes with No Eggs https://www.kittydeschanel.com/2018/06/cake-mix-pancakes-no-eggs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)United States37.09024 -95.7128918.780006163821156 -130.869141 65.400473836178847 -60.556641tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-5534147862348063434Sat, 04 Jan 2025 04:01:00 +00002025-06-22T17:19:21.781-06:00FunnySN has been restoring a '73 Corvette, which spent decades outside in rusty pieces prior to coming into our possession. I'm not a fan, as this car has been "almost done" for 2 years. It is affectionately (not-so-affectionately, if you ask me) known as 'Money Pit'. Our neighbors may have spotted us stranded near The Triangle grocery store recently. Despite my pleas to take our Chevy Volt https://www.kittydeschanel.com/2021/09/street-rod-nationals.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)Albuquerque, NM, USA35.0843859 -106.6504226.7741541124447622 -141.80666931779098 63.39461768755524 -71.494174682209021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-7419503418453863401Thu, 02 Jan 2025 04:08:00 +00002025-06-22T17:23:57.005-06:00TravelHow long is the flight to Australia? Oh, not too long - just 16 hours (!) or so from LAX to Melbourne. Of course, few of us start in Los Angeles. Our journey took us from Albuquerque to LAX (5 hours because there were no nonstop options available), from LAX to Melbourne, and from Melbourne to Hobart (another hour or so, plus several hours to kill at the airport). By the time we arrived at our https://www.kittydeschanel.com/2019/06/how-long-is-the-flight-to-australia.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)Hobart TAS 7000, Australia-42.8821377 147.3271949-42.905408200000004 147.28685439999998 -42.8588672 147.3675354tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-2260998683449293017Thu, 02 Jan 2025 03:16:00 +00002025-06-22T17:15:39.121-06:00wine festivalYou know how I was feeling sad about the Sun, Wind, and Wine Festival being over until next year? No more raising glasses of pinot noir in a tipsy toast. No more chef-prepared meats and cheeses and cakes. *Sigh* It seems the festival gods were listening. Did you know there's another amazing event starting this week? We don't even need to wait until the weekend to attend. That's right. https://www.kittydeschanel.com/2023/05/telluride-food-vine-festival.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)Colorado, USA39.5500507 -105.782067411.239816863821154 -140.93831740000002 67.860284536178852 -70.6258174tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473998123352296108.post-7845097942822159303Tue, 24 Dec 2024 14:03:00 +00002025-06-22T17:09:04.702-06:00DecorTravel SN and I recently had the pleasure of attending the ARTsmart Art of Home tour in Santa Fe. Sponsored by Keller Williams Realty, it's an annual, free event that combines art from local galleries with luxury homes for sale. This year, the event fell on the same weekend as Santa Fe Restaurant Week, pairing two of my greatest loves, houses and food. How could we possibly resist? If you're https://www.kittydeschanel.com/2019/03/artsmart.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kitty Deschanel)Santa Fe, NM, USA35.6869752 -105.9377989999999835.4806132 -106.26052249999998 35.8933372 -105.61507549999999