.Lifestyle & Home

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October 31, 2025

The art of home that’s built to last

Long before they founded SOBU, the design-forward furniture and home décor store on College Avenue in Oakland’s Rockridge district, Laleh (née Zahedi) and Alessandro Latini met as teenagers at Redwood High School in Corte Madera—a pairing that, in hindsight, feels like a design collaboration waiting to happen. They didn’t...
Farmers markets offer fresh harvest and local finds
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September 26, 2025

Farmers markets offer fresh harvest and local finds

Egyptian tomb paintings and archaeological evidence suggest that there were farmers markets more than 5,000 years ago. Agricultural communities throughout Northern Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia had farmers markets in the following centuries. The Boston Market...
Transitions: When a daughter becomes a son
September 1, 2025

Transitions: When a daughter becomes a son

I just wanted to say how proud I am, proud of the young woman you’ve become.” There was a pause as my daughter took what I said in. Then she began to tremble, big wet tears rolling down...
A coastal escape offers waves, wildlife and worry-free luxury
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...
Vegas when it sizzles
June 27, 2025

Vegas when it sizzles

Yes, summer in Las Vegas is hot. Very hot. Sometimes super hot. Yet there are reasons why a short, zippy trip in July or August can be a fun choice. Hear me out. Since, in fact, Vegas summers...
How to fireproof homes
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February 28, 2025

How to fireproof homes in style

Recent images from Los Angeles and in 2023 from Lahaina, Hawaii, of homes left untouched and intact while surrounding houses were entirely destroyed by wildfires are dramatic and compelling. How did one home survive in a neighborhood...
Pantone picks 'Mocha Mousse' as Color of the Year
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February 28, 2025

Pantone picks ‘Mocha Mousse’ as Color of the Year

Every year for the past 25 years, Pantone has announced their Color of the Year. Last year it was Peach Fuzz. The year before that was Viva Magenta. For 2025 they have chosen Mocha Mousse.  It’s a choice...
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...
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