.Lifestyle & Home

June 27, 2025

A coastal escape offers waves, wildlife and worry-free luxury

While dreaming of travel and craving respite from summer season busyness, I received a fortuitous email in May that planted a seed-like idea. Short on time for two weeks abroad or a similar stint at a destination in the U.S., could a three-day, two-night beach excursion to a location...
A recycling love story births Urban Ore
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December 31, 2024

A recycling love story births Urban Ore

Two tiny steps and a 15-minute kiss launched the 40-year marriage of Daniel Knapp and Mary Lou Van Deventer. The couple lives close to the Richmond border in Contra Costa County and are co-founders of Berkeley-based Urban...
Town Love duo pick local gifts
November 29, 2024

Town Love duo pick local gifts

There’s an old adage about gifting that long predates Amazon and free shipping and Instagram targeting: It’s the thought that counts. The notion conjures up images of painstakingly hand-made gifts imbued with profound personalization. It’s a nice...
Embracing non-digital giving
November 29, 2024

Embracing non-digital giving

Everything in the universe is becoming high-tech “smart.” When refrigerators, clothing, shoes and vehicles talk to people more than people talk to each other, the craving for low-tech, no-tech escape is no surprise. Especially when it comes...
Body love leads to thoughtful giving
November 29, 2024

Body love leads to thoughtful giving

The premise was simple: Search out local artisans and makers to best complete the ellipsis-ended phrase, “When you love your body, you…..” Here is what we’re calling “starter suggestions” for loving one’s—or a beloved’s—body. When you love your...
East Bay stylistas extra: Most Stylish Teacher
October 29, 2024

East Bay stylistas extra: Most Stylish Teacher

Andie Patterson, a drama teacher and theater costume designer at Head-Royce School in Oakland, is someone who can always be counted on to light up a room with her cheerful personality and colorful attire. A style as...
East Bay stylistas show where there’s style there’s fashion
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October 29, 2024

East Bay stylistas show where there’s style there’s fashion

Coco Chanel’s famous aphorism, “Fashion changes, style remains,” is as true as ever. Images from bygone eras often include one person clad in an outfit that stands the test of time. Here are three very different East Bay...
Vintage tried and true
October 29, 2024

Vintage, tried and true

Oakland’s vintage shops may be one-of-a-kind, yet many have similar beginnings. Karen Fort, owner of Mercy Vintage in Rockridge, attests: “There’s a lot of origin stories that start like mine.” Her mom was an antiquer, she says, and...
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