The Voice of East Bay Living

Do you want to landscape your garden? Do you need rocks or flagstone?  Check out American Soil and Stone in Richmond at 2121 San Joaquin near Central Ave. This fantastic resource specializes in high-quality soil products and natural stone from all over the world. They have an 8 acre site and will help you make your dreams come true!

Former chefs at the Tribune Tavern in downtown Oakland, Joe Schnell and Tracey Belock, have now opened Chowhaus . The mission of Chowhaus is to provide a family-friendly community gathering place and delicious Traditional American fare. Check it out –

When you have an empty front porch , you can create an interesting floral design on the wall with Curley willow and red Anthuriums. This fresh arrangement will last for weeks.

This wonderful exhibit t races the evolution of fashion in the 20th century. These fashions worn by American women reflect the nations tastes and transformations during the decades between 1910 and 1980. Significant looks from French couture houses include designs by Lanvin, Vionnet and Schiaparelli and Charles James. Additional attention is given to the pioneering generation of American women designers in the 1930s through the 1950s, such as Bonnie Cashin, Elizabeth Hawes, and Claire McCardell. These beautiful gowns are on exhibition at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco through July 19, 2015.

The Tibetan word for warroirr is pawo , which means to ignore the challenger. The warrior is one who does not engage in aggression. When there is no aggression -trust takes place. When you begin to trust genuinely, you will feel at ease.  How is it possible that one moment I am driving myself mad, distracted by the things happening around me, and the next I am able to be relaxed?  When we resist the temptation of conflict, we are at peace.  Here are my top 3 tips for staying calm in the workplace: 1. Add a touch of beauty to your work station. I love putting up photos and having fresh flowers on my desk.  2. Spread positivity by performing random acts of kindness in the office. Bring cookies for your receptionist or an extra coffee for a co-worker.  3. Responding out of anger isn't the best path. Take deep breathes and gather yourself before replying.

Castoffs from a garden join beautiful blooms to become a gorgeous flower centerpiece.