Susan Fogwell

Does the Francophile mother in your life have an appreciation for products from the continent? Here are my top three picks for Mother's Day, ranging from $80.00 to $500 and a must-have extra for under $20.

Sleeping with Yves Delorme
Since we spend a third of...

Now you can learn how to make your own perfect, piping hot pizza at Pizza a Casa Pizza School in Manhattan. Mark Bello, owner and preeminent pizza-maker, teaches how-to classes at his pie-making business on Grand Street.

Students jump right in making dough for light and crispy 12-14-inch...

Knitting is a centuries-old pastime. In the past decade, it has made a colossal comeback. It's hard to pinpoint where knitting started, but it more than likely was introduced by Arabian sailors and merchants who sailed and traded throughout the Mediterranean.

For many, knitting is a form of therapy...

Colonial St. George is lovely slice of Bermuda that offers not only the visual delights of pastel homes, but also an alluring history. It's a place I plan to return to again and again.

All you need is a little hunger for history and this UNESCO World Heritage...

Last week, I spent four blissful days at Elbow Beach Resort & Spa on the South Shore of Bermuda. At one time, this landmark property was considered the grand dame of Bermuda, where well-heeled guests, honeymooners, and preppy spring break ivy leaguers mixed and mingled.

Today, Elbow Beach...

Queenstown, New Zealand is the "Adventure Capital of the World." This international resort town is located on the south island and is situated beside a promontory reaching far out into Lake Wakatipu.

Thrill seekers gravitate to the bungee-jumping capital for the maximum adrenalin rush. For those who have no sense...

Standing on the dock at a marina in Bas-du-Fort, Guadeloupe, Alain, a Belgian transplant, pointed his finger at a group of islands on the French West Indies chart.

"You must sail to Terre-de-Haut, it's a mini St. Barts, but not many people know about it," he says. Soon after, my...

I discovered Marin County-based Branch Handmade while perusing Etsy shops. Ashley Redmond is an interior designer and co-owner of the hand-screen housewares and apparel textile business. It has been going strong since launching in 2008. (The textile line is sold in over 40 boutiques nationally and abroad.)

Sausalito is in San Francisco's backyard and it happens to be one of my favorite small American towns. It immediately begs the question: "Wouldn't it be cool to live here?" Residents live in bungalows on hilly streets with beautiful bay and skyline views. From San Francisco, simply cross the sometimes...

The Windward Islands are at the southern end of the Caribbean island chain. For experienced sailors, it is thrilling to sail among the four main islands: Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenada. They are far enough apart to allow for open ocean sailing and they lie across the easterly...

Not many people go to the tiny island of Barbuda. The out of the way leeward island in the British West Indies is accessible to those who make the effort: The 11-mile long powder soft beach is specked with crushed pink coral.

For the most part, Barbuda is unspoiled, remote...

A bareboat charter is literally bare of a skipper, crew and food. The chartered yacht is a floating vacation platform giving the part time sailor freedom of exploration. Bareboating in the Caribbean requires sailing experience and navigational skills. It also requires choosing a destination.

The Caribbean offers a...

The thriving restaurant scene in Seattle, Washington is eclectic, creative and inspiring. The city's chefs have access to fresh seafood, organic meats and local produce. Wake up to locally-roasted coffee beans and pleasing pastries at standout bakeries. For breakfast and brunch, start your day off with traditional hearty hot cakes,...

Where: Kennebunkport, Maine
When: December 2011

The Scoop: It's all about location. The Kennebunkport Inn is the only inn smack dab in Dock Square. Built in the 19th century by a wealthy tea merchant, this classic, trapped-in-time New England mansion blends the old with the new. Depending...

Some of the world's best sailing is in the protected British Virgin Islands. It is a perfect cruising paradise for sailors. This archipelago is famous for its short hops from island to island and line-of-sight sailing. From mountainous Tortola, you can set sail for more than 60 islands and hundreds...

Composting has been part of global culture since ancient times. In today's world home composting diverts in upwards of 700 lbs of material per household annually. Not only is composting an effective and excellent way to reduce waste in landfills, but it also produces high quality soil amendment. To shed...

The three things I find most charming about Holland are the architecture, the tulip fields, and profusion of old bicycles. Another major draw is that so many of the Dutch speak perfect English and reach out to foreigners.

There are also a number of expats living in...

If you're flying to Europe or the UK this summer, consider the following three destinations.

Bruges, Belguim

Bicycling in Bruges among the winding cobblestone streets and picturesque canals is a ticket to fun in one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. Visiting romantics seek out the world famous...

For city dwellers who wish to grow their own organic vegetables, it can easily be achieved with a container garden.

Place the container on a rooftop, fire escape, front stoop, back stoop, balcony or patio. Since containers are portable, they can be turned to face the sun, brought indoors...

Boothbay Harbor is a small town on the rugged Maine coast defined by tradition, salty air, foggy mornings and pine needle paths.

For many people, mentioning of Maine conjures up an image of a sweeter world. The state famously known as Vacationland offers summer camps, lobsters, L.L. Bean, and outdoor...