Starting Fhom Scratch

12/07/2024

Let’s keep it real—most deodorants are trying way too hard. Sticky, streaky, and those overpowering scents? Miss me with that. It’s time for a deodorant that does what it’s supposed to: keep you fresh, naturally.

Here’s what’s in my rotation:

CRYSTAL Mineral Deodorant Roll-On

This roll-on is all about subtlety. The lavender and white tea scent is soft, refreshing, and calming. It glides on effortlessly, leaving no sticky residue, just smooth, natural freshness that lasts all day.

CRYSTAL Sea Salt & Sage Deodorant Stick

When you want to feel clean and refreshed, this is the one. The sea salt and sage combo creates an earthy, invigorating feel, perfect for those who appreciate a deodorant that feels as natural as it smells.

CRYSTAL Body Deodorant Spray (Unscented)

Sometimes, you just want to stay fresh without any added fragrance, and that’s where this spray comes in. It’s quick-drying, lightweight, and powerful enough to keep you feeling confident through even the busiest of days—all while staying completely scent-free.

The best part? No toxins, no harsh chemicals, no white streaks—just simple, natural protection that actually works.

Tired of playing roulette with deodorants that don’t deliver? These are your new faves waiting to happen. Check out today (your armpits will thank you).



– Scratchella

11/20/2024

I was driving down J Street here in Sacramento when I spotted Steve’s Pizza and thought, “Why not give it a try?” As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles and the kind of fresh pizza aroma that makes your stomach do a happy dance.

I decided on their Club Pizza—perfectly cooked crust, juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, Roma tomatoes, green onions, and, to top everything off, creamy garlic ranch sauce. Being the mushroom lover I am, I added some mushrooms (which cost extra), and let me tell you, it was the perfect addition. Every bite had a little bit of everything—tender chicken, crispy bacon, and that garlic ranch sauce tying it all together like it was meant to be. The crust? It is chewy with just the right amount of crispiness. Just the way I like it.

Now, I’m not gonna lie—over $20 for a small pizza had me thinking twice, but the flavors really delivered. If you’re in East Sac and feeling like treating yourself, stop by and give it a try.

🍕 Rating: 8.3/10
💸 Worth it? It’s a splurge, but hey, sometimes good pizza is worth it.

What’s your favorite pizza spot? I’m always down for a recommendation!

11/19/2024

Our last day in Napa Valley ended on the perfect note. After a laid-back afternoon exploring Yountville’s Artwalk, we hit the road back to American Canyon with one final mission: dinner at Morimoto Asia in Napa.

The evening breeze and stunning views convinced us to dine outdoors, and the meal didn’t disappoint. I went with the Thai basil fried rice—bold, spicy, and perfectly balanced with a creamy sunny-side-up egg and crispy garlic. My food partner in crime chose the house fried rice, loaded with chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, and fresh veggies. Both dishes were flavorful, comforting, and easily 8/10s.

Afterward, we took one last walk across the Third Street Bridge, watching the beautiful sunset over the river. It was a quiet, reflective end to an unforgettable weekend filled with amazing food, beautiful sights, and lasting memories.

Thanks for following along. For those just tuning in, here’s where it all began…wait... you'd have to visit Starting Fhom Scratch for the full deets.

11/18/2024

Our last day in Napa Valley was all about taking it easy—no plans, no rush, just soaking up the gorgeous views and savoring every second. Sometimes, the best memories happen when you let the day unfold on its own. We started on the Silverado Trail, winding through vineyards and rolling hills, taking it all in one breathtaking view at a time. Somewhere between Napa and Calistoga, we decided to take a random turn and little did we know, that spur-of-the-moment decision would lead to the most unforgettable moment of our trip.

We found Yountville.

This cute little town wasn’t even on our radar, but something about it drew us in immediately (maybe it was the name?). Right in the heart of Yountville, we stumbled onto the Yountville Art Walk. Sculptures seemed to appear around every corner, seamlessly adding to the beauty of the town. We spent hours exploring the streets, pausing at every turn to admire another beautiful piece. Each sculpture seemed to carry its own story, a history you could almost feel if you stopped and paid attention.

But honestly, the thing that really stood out wasn’t just the art—it was the people. Every single person we passed greeted us with a smile or a quick “hey,” like we were part of Yountville. It didn’t feel like the usual small talk—it felt real. For a little while, we weren’t just visitors. We were part of something special.

Yountville wasn’t something we planned for, but it ended up being the perfect way to close out the trip. Funny how the best moments always seem to find you when you least expect them.

Yountville, you’ve left a mark on us. We’ll be back, no doubt about it.

11/12/2024

Y'all really thought I was done with Napa, huh? Giggles! Nah, not even close. After exploring the Petrified Forest (which was so much fun), diggin' into smoky BBQ deliciousness at Buster’s, and catching the geyser in all its eruptioness, we still had one more day left to soak up every last bit of this beautiful valley.

Our final day had us taking the scenic route—no plans, no rush, just us, rolling along the Silverado Trail, letting the road guide us wherever. The morning sun was casting this gorgeous soft glow over the vineyards, every twist and turn giving us a new view that felt too beautiful to be real. I had to keep telling myself to stay focused on the road, though, because every view was begging us to pull over.

The trail (however) led us back to Buster’s, and, of course, we couldn’t resist one last BBQ stop. Refueled and ready, we made our way to for the Art Walk. The is like an open-air gallery with sculptures that make you stop and admire with a smile. There was a ‘sidewalk judge’ and even a chef statue skewered on a fork that had me scratching my head while cracking up. I also snapped a pic of a cute little rock mushroom garden, too. However, the semi-warm weather had us wrapping it up a little early, but we enjoyed every piece.

As our day wound down, we decided to end our Napa adventure with a dinner at Morimoto’s—a meal that hit all the right belly spots (stay tuned for the review). Then we took a beautiful sunset stroll across the Third Street Bridge, Napa’s lights flickering as the sky deepened, giving us one last memory before we headed back to the room to rest up for our trip home to .

Escaping to Napa was exactly what we needed. The views, the food, the art, and those random chats with friendly faces—it’s all coming home with us. But trust me, there’s more Napa to share, so stay tuned. 🥂✨

11/11/2024

After a day packed with adventure—hiking through the beauty of the Petrified Forest and watching the Old Faithful Geyser erupt right before our eyes—we started becoming hangry. BBQ was all we could think about, so we made our way over to Buster’s Southern BBQ in Calistoga, hoping for that perfect end to the day.

As soon as we stepped out of the car, the smoky smell hit us, and our stomachs knew we were in the right place and it was about to be poppin'. There was an extremely long line at the ordering window, and even though we were seriously hungry, the wait just made it better. Standing there with the smell of BBQ in the air, we were practically drooling, counting down the minutes until it was our turn to grace the ordering window.

Finally, with food in hand, we grabbed a spot right near the grill and went all in. The ribs? Tender, smoky, and falling right off the bone—basically BBQ perfection. The hotlink had a nice kick, and the sides tied it all together. My husband, my food partner in crime, went for the tri-tip sandwich, juicy with just the right amount of sauce, and of course, I had to steal a few bites. We even tried some BBQ oysters for the fun of it, and they didn’t disappoint—smoky with that perfect char.

After a full day of exploring and this BBQ feast, we were stuffed and totally satisfied. Calistoga came through with some real gems, and this was definitely a day to remember. Catch all the details and my favorite stops from the trip on Starting Fhom Scratch!

11/05/2024

Leaving the Petrified Forest, we were still riding high, windows down, that cool breeze flowing in as we headed toward the next stop—Old Faithful Geyser of California. It was one of those drives where everything just felt right—the sun hitting just right, hair whipping around, no hurry, just letting the moment sink in.

We arrived, got out of the car, snagged our tickets, and started down the path. Succulents were displayed at the start, alongside other unique items that added to the vibe as we joined a small crowd already waiting. We found our spot, eyes locked on the geyser, just waiting for some erupting to happen. Thirty minutes passed by, and every so often, a low rumble rolled through, keeping the suspense alive. And then, suddenly—the geyser erupted, water shooting high like the earth itself was putting on a show just for us.

Everyone stood there, caught in it, like we’d all just shared this raw, real moment together. Calistoga wasn’t done with us yet, but this right here? Definitely a lasting memory.

Catch the full story and my favorite moments over on Starting Fhom Scratch. Trust me, you’ll want in on this.

11/04/2024

Sunday morning finally arrived, and I was super excited, already up—no alarm, just that pull in my chest, like something big was about to happen. Today was the day I’d been circling on my calendar for months. By 8:30, I was out the hotel door, coffee in one hand, keys in the other, feeling like I was on the edge of something unforgettable.

The road to was quiet, with barely a car in sight—just us, with the windows down, and the cool morning air brushing across our faces. My playlist played softly, setting a chill, relaxed vibe for the road. I caught myself smiling like a kid, totally in the moment as the music played, ready for whatever was next.

Then, out of nowhere—Boom. A sign for the appeared. This wasn’t even on our itinerary, but something about a road trip makes you want to chase every random sign. So we turned, just trusting that little spark telling us to go for it.

Walking into the Petrified Forest? Whole other vibe. It felt like we’d stepped into a beautiful forest with so many untold stories. Huge trees, fossilized, standing beautifully like they’ve experienced it all. The beautiful morning air held onto stories from a time before us—a place that makes you want to just stop and breathe it all in.

The hike up wasn’t exactly a walk in the park, but each step felt like I was climbing toward something big. And when we hit the top? I felt small but connected to it all. It was beautiful. It was amazing. It was the perfect experience.

And here’s the thing—this was just the start of Calistoga. For the full story and every spot I loved, check out Starting Fhom Scratch. Trust me, this is one you don’t want to just read about. Go.

09/23/2024

Ever had one of those days where everything falls into place? That was Calistoga for us. We started at the Petrified Forest, walking through those ancient, stone-like trees and feeling connected to the universe. After that, we watched Old Faithful Geyser erupt, and it was pure excitement—nature showing up and showing out. And then we hit Buster’s BBQ… let me tell you, those ribs? Absolute fire. 😋🔥

But honestly, the best part wasn’t just the main stops. We discovered hidden gems along the way, took scenic roads that had us stopping every few minutes to soak it all in, and even came across this random Water Truck Sculpture—unexpected and photo-worthy. Every turn brought something new and different.

If you’re into good food, unique finds, and road trips that skip the typical tourist spots, follow along with us at Starting Fhom Scratch. This Napa Valley adventure is only just beginning, and trust me, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.

P.S. Check out StartingFhomScratch.com for fun adventures, recipes, foodie finds, and behind-the-scenes fun. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!

— Scratchella

09/23/2024

After an amazing meal at Mary’s Pizza Shack, we noticed Sonoma State Historic Park across the street and decided to check it out. The first thing that caught my eye was the Sonoma City Hall—this beautiful building that’s been standing since 1908! I had to snap a few pics. 📸🏛️

As we walked through the park, the whole vibe was so chillaxing. The cool evening air made everything feel calm and laid-back. The people around us were friendly, smiling, and chatting as they walked by. Some were even stopping to take pictures, just like us. It’s one of those places that makes you feel like you’re in the right spot at the right time, just being part of the moment.

We took time, soaking in the fresh air and enjoying the views. Then we stumbled on a quiet little duck pond tucked away in the park. It was so peaceful, watching the ducks swim across the water like they had nowhere to be. 🦆💖 It was the perfect way to slow down and unwind after a full day of exploring.

Want to know more about the park and what else we found? Head to our website for the full rundown, and don’t forget to follow along for more of our Napa Valley adventures! 🌿✨

09/11/2024

On our recent Napa Valley trip, we made a stop in Sonoma and found the perfect dinner spot—Mary’s Pizza Shack! This family-owned gem, right near Sonoma Plaza, was exactly what we needed after a day of exploring.

We kicked things off with their Mozzarella Garlic Bread—cheesy, garlicky, and absolutely delicious. For the mains, I went with the Meatball Sandwich, and my foodie partner-in-crime tried Mary’s Famous Hamburger. Both hit the spot after a long day of checking out the town.

What made it even better? The outdoor patio seating. We caught a cool breeze while eating, and after dinner, we took a relaxing walk around Sonoma State Historic Park, which was just a few minutes away. It was the perfect way to end the night.

If you ever find yourself in Sonoma, definitely check out Mary’s Pizza Shack for a comforting, delicious meal. You won’t regret it!

Want more foodie adventures and details on our Napa Valley getaway? Head to my website!
🔗 startingfhomscratch.com

09/10/2024

Saturday morning started off slow—trust me, rolling out of bed wasn’t exactly easy. But once we got cleaned up, packed, and made a quick stop to get the car all shiny and fresh (because who doesn’t love starting a road trip in a clean car?!), we were officially off! By 9:15 AM, we were driving through vineyards and those iconic California hills, the excitement was heavily kicking in for our Napa Valley weekend.

First stop? American Canyon, where we stumbled on Tacos Michoacan. And let me tell you, those tacos did not disappoint. After grabbing some travel guides and settling into our hotel, we headed straight to Sonoma for dinner at Mary’s Pizza Shack. That meatball sandwich? Game. Changer. We finished off the night chilling by a peaceful pond in Sonoma State Historic Park, soaking in the calm vibes after a fun first day.

And the best part? We’ve only just begun! Tomorrow, it’s all about Calistoga—hot springs, and all the unexpected finds that make these trips unforgettable. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it! Follow along for the full ride. 🚗✨

09/06/2024

Napa Valley, here we come!

We’re headed to this weekend and the best part? No set plans! That’s right—no itinerary, no reservations (except for the hotel), just pure freedom to explore whatever catches our eye. I’m so excited to see where the road takes us. Whether it’s a spontaneous dip in a mud bath or walking through a fossilized forest, I’m ready for whatever comes our way.

And you already know we’re not leaving without finding some good ass BBQ. It wouldn’t be a real adventure without satisfying our cravings with something smoky and delicious. There’s just something about stumbling upon a spot and savoring every bite of BBQ that hits the spot after a long day of exploring.

We’ve decided to let Calistoga surprise us, so who knows what kind of hidden gems we’ll find? That’s the beauty of this trip—no pressure, just vibes, and some much-needed downtime. I love trips like this, where the adventure isn’t about crossing things off a list but just being in the moment and seeing where it takes you.

So, make sure you’re following along to catch all the spontaneous stops, eats, and surprises we run into on this journey. I’ll be sharing it all—good, great, and everything in between. Can’t wait to take you along for the ride!

Here's your Uber: https://startingfhomscratch.com/f/i-cant-wait-for-our-upcoming-trip-this-weekend

Hey, Travel Besties! I hope you’re all having an incredible summer, soaking up all the fun and sun! I’ve got a little confession, though—until recently, I realized I hadn’t traveled much beyond Sacramento since summer st...

07/29/2024

I had such an incredible time at the California State Indian Museum! I walked in thinking, "This should be interesting," but by the time I left, I was blown away by how much I’d learned. The different tribes, their cultures, and the powerful stories behind every artifact were just amazing. I found myself getting completely wrapped up in their history and realizing how much we still don’t know about the people who originally called home.

And the artifacts? They were mind-blowing. From the beautiful handmade baskets to the amazing beadwork, every piece had so much history and meaning behind it. I kept asking myself, "How did they even create this back then?" It was one of those humbling moments where you realize just how much skill and creativity people had, long before we had modern tools.

If you love getting lost in a good museum like I do, the California State Indian Museum needs to be on your list. I’ve got the full rundown over at Starting Fhom Scratch—trust me, you don’t want to miss this one. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after you’ve left.

07/13/2024

Hey, Sac ! Let me put you on to Tori’s Place in Sacramento because this spot is serving up some of the best soul food I’ve had in ages. Let’s start with the fried red snapper—it was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned to perfection. Pair that with their tender green beans and hot water cornbread? Game over. That cornbread? I’m telling you, it’s the stuff dreams are made of. Fluffy inside with just the right amount of crisp on the edges. I could’ve easily eaten a whole plate of it!

And then they brought out the fried chicken. One bite, and I was hooked. How is this chicken even real? Juicy, crispy, and everything you want in fried chicken. And the mac and cheese? Creamy, cheesy, and the perfect match for the chicken. Oh, and of course, more of that hot water cornbread—because once you’ve tried it, you can’t stop.

If you’re serious about good food, do yourself a favor and check this place out. Full review and all the details are up on Starting Fhom Scratch. I’m still thinking about that meal! Damn!!!!

Check our website for the full review: https://startingfhomscratch.com/blog/f/our-first-bite-experience-at-toris-place-in-sacramento