by Chrysa Smith If you've ever planted a seed, you know the name Burpee. But perhaps, what you don't know is that Burpee maintains some 60 acres of beautiful gardens in the heart of Central Bucks County, PA---gardens which have been the testing ground for many an herb, vegetable and flower you know---and those you don't. Several times each year, Fordhook Farm is open to the public. It is both the growing and [...]
by Chrysa Smith I love the Sean Kingston song, but yesterday, calling 911 was not about somebody burning it up on the dance floor. It was about the unusual shaking of the ground that those of us on the east coast don't often experience---the short-lived earthquake that measured 5.9 on the Richter scale. My friend Janine and I shot off to the shore for a late summer afternoon relaxing, leisurely on the beach. [...]
by Chrysa Smith 'Faire thee well.' That's one of the lost phrases you'll hear at your local Renaissance Festival. And for me, that's the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire: http://www.parenfaire.com/. I haven't gotten there yet this year, but I will--as soon as my son heads off to college. Because an afternoon spent at a Renaissance Festival is equal to a mini-vacation; entering an ancient world filled with queens, knights, beggars, jesters and of course, those [...]
by Chrysa Smith Would you look at that? Who wouldn't want to eat there. It's got it all. A sensational view, great location, combination of formal dining and casual outdoor setting. And you could be there for the price of a ticket to Tanzania. Yes--not a quick dinner out. It is the Ngorogoro Crater Lodge, situated on the African Plains--volcanic land. The closest I've been is watching The Lion King or Madagascar on [...]
by Chrysa Smith Before I am accused of being a horrible daughter-in-law, let me say this: it's not my sign! I swear! I was on vacation when I walked into a lovely home furnishings store. Among the elegant beds and armoires were some very funny signs---this one, among them. It struck me not only because, let's face it, who doesn't love a good mother-in-law joke? But also because my friends and I---all mothers [...]
by Chrysa SmithBefore the magazine business dropped like a sunken souffle, my love for food writing began with some celebrity chef interviews. One of my favorites: Eric Treuille, pictured to the right in apron. http://www.dorlingkindersleyuk.co.uk/nf/Author/AuthorPage/0,,1000056407,00.html. If you've been reading since the beginning, you may already know this. Besides being cute (right?) he is one genuine, down-to-earth guy whose life is food. Situated in the UK, the French chef, who has authored dozens of [...]
by Chrysa SmithWe were on a nice family outing to a nice family party about three hours from home. My mother, now 88, reminisced about the days spent up in that area of NY; the younger days when the family would meet up for the day at a park, grill, swim, chat and generally enjoy each other's company."You know," I said, "whatever happened to picnics? Nobody does them anymore." The car was quiet.Is [...]
