Pachamama Explorers
Meaning “Mother Earth,” Pachamama Explorers run a tour company that, among other things, hikes the Inka Trail.
There are a lot of companies that hike the trail. Pachamama is the company I used for the 4-day trek to Machu Picchu. To me they are awesome. Awesome because they kept me safe. Awesome because of the amazing meals they fed us three times a day. Awesome because of the feeling of family that I had while on the trail. The porters who carried our food and tents were beautiful men who shared their heritage and their hearts with us. They called us “brother” and “sister” because their language has no word for “friend”. Friend is not enough.
The Pachamama Explorers company was awesome, because it took care of its porters and guides. Unlike some of the men we saw working the trail, our porters wore the best outdoor clothing. They were clearly compensated for the backbreaking work that they did for us.
Our guide was excellent. His knowledge of the trail was vast, and his willingness to sit with us and play cards led to some of the most memorable time we spent. For anyone looking to hike the trail, this is the company to use.
Olive fingers
One of my favorite parts of the holidays is eating with my family. We have traditions. There are recipes handed down for generations. There are stories told every time we’re together. And there are olive fingers.
Olive fingers
Some of us are olive finger people. Some of us are not. But me…I’m an olive finger kind of girl.
Canoli
One of the most excellent pastries of all time, canoli are Italian, delicious, and awesome.
Canoli
The crispy shells are filled with beautiful, sweetened mascarpone cheese, and embellished with chocolate chips or pistachios or candied fruits.
Beaba Babycook
Beaba Babycook
When my sister was pregnant, there was one thing she was clear that she wanted. A Beaba Babycook.
This thing is magical. It steams, purees, heats and defrosts. All in one. It even saves the water that condenses during steaming, it keeps the nutrients from fruits, vegetables and meats. Fast, easy baby food that allows you to know exactly where it came from.
Beaba has a ton of awesome other products, like freezable portion containers and soft baby spoons. Good stuff.
The mountains
I grew up in the mountains. Magic happens in the mountains. The sun shines bright in the clear, blue sky. Birds float on the crisp breeze, and foxes skitter over the snow. The snow.
The snow in the mountains transforms from frozen water into ribbons of spun sugar.
Snow candy
Beautiful. And awesome.
Laughing baby
This child right here is awesome. He is awesome because his laughter is infectious. It’s pretty much impossible not to laugh, or at least smile ridiculously when you watch him.
He’s awesome, too, because he is a reminder of the beauty and pure delight that a child sees in the world. Whether it’s my nephew Owen, or this laughing guy, I try to see the world through their eyes, even if it’s only for a few minutes every day.
You Are One Third Daffodil
You Are One Third Daffodil
Like trivia? You’ll love this book!
You Are One Third Daffodil is full of interesting facts and stats. For example, did you know:
- advertising wine is banned on French television
- 70% of Land Rovers (first built in 1948) are still on the road
- The IRS has a computer devoted soley to Bill Gates’ tax return
- In 90 days a single toad can consume nearly 10,000 insects
- Drivers named Ben are most likely to crash their cars; Ians are the safest
- Isaac Newton invented the cat door
See? Fascinating! And awesome.
Hire Just One
Hire Just 1
Philadelphia philanthropist Gene Epstein wanted to help put Americans back to work, so he started an organization called Hire Just One that encourages businesses to hire even just one currently unemployed person with the promise that it will lead to a donation to charity if the company keeps the employee for six months or more. From their website:
HireJustOne offers an opportunity for the first 250 businesses that sign on, to employ just one additional person from the unemployed ranks for a minimum of six months. In doing so, each will receive a $1,000 donation to one of many important charities. These national charities fund job retraining programs, wounded warriors from Iraq and Afghanistan, homeless shelters, and more. In the end, you win, charities wins, and most of all, the nation wins.
That’s pretty awesome.
Humanity, in photos
Humanity
If a picture is worth a thousand words, this collection of images is priceless.
Humanity: A Celebration of Friendship, Family, Love & Laughter showcases the work of 150 new photographers. Yes! magazine has put a small collection of them online for us to enjoy.
These images come from all over the world, and remind us that we’re really all the same.
Humanity. Awesome. Lovely. Human.
Calamari
Jake's in Portland
Calamari is easily one of the yummiest of all seafood. But done poorly, it can be downright icky. ‘The calamari at Jake’s Famous Crawfish in Portland, Oregon is always done fabulously. A light breading on tender rings. Delicious.
If you haven’t tried the calamari at Jake’s, I’d highly recommend it the next time you’re out.
