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RisssaLou's Biography

Larissa Dahroug is a self employed jewelry artist and medium living and working with her husband and three cats in Santa Rosa, CA. Santa Rosa is located in the heart of Sonoma County (aka Wine Country) just one hour north of San Francisco. Though she was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she grew up mostly in Rochester Hills, Michigan. She studied metalsmithing under Thomas Madden, and Susan Holt at The Center for Creative Studies College of Art and Design, now known as The College for Creative Studies, in Detroit, Michigan. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in crafts with a specialization in metalsmithing in May 2001, winning the "Best Capstone Paper Award" for her department, Crafts. For the past 4 years she has been operating her own custom jewelry business, Larissa Louise Designs LLC. Since August 2005 she has also been elected to the board of the Metal Arts Guild of San Francisco (MAG), where she serves as the Guildletter Editor. The MAG Guildletter is a bimonthly print publication sent out to the entire MAG membership. Larissa has also taught art for all ages for the City of Sunnyvale, CA's Department of Parks & Recreation and the San Jose Museum of Art in San Jose, CA. In addition to her metals work she is also a certified Reiki Master/Teacher schooled in the traditional Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki method, receiving her Reiki Master/Teacher certification from Brenda Siemering in November 2006. As a Reiki Master/Teacher, she is able to train and certify other Reiki practitioners. The following is a list of web sites that she currently maintains: ~Her personal blog: www.spatoochna.com ~Her jewelry business, Larissa Louise Designs, site: www.larissadahroug.com ~Her energy work/Reiki site: www.clearandbalanced.com ~Her North Bay Holistic Practitioner's Network (NBHPN) site: www.freewebs.com/nbhpn. In their free time, Larissa and her husband Omar enjoy volunteering for local causes, hiking, reading, dining out, visiting the theater, keeping up with current events, doing yoga, traveling, enjoying all the bounties of living in California Wine Country and spending quiet time with their three kitties, Miss Kitty Pants, Sweet Cheeks and Mr. Meekus-Peekus.

RisssaLou's Articles

THE WINERY GUIDE: A Closer Look At J. Pedroncelli Winery

Again, as I said in a previous post, while being able to visit big name wineries is fun, one of the biggest advantages of a trip to wine country is seeking out the smaller wineries with unique blends and eclectic atmospheres. Today I will tell you of another small family owned winery we've tried: J. Pedroncelli Winery.

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Posted On: Apr 18

THE WINERY GUIDE: A Closer Look At Geyser Peak Winery

Every now and then I like to check out a big name winery just to see what their business "culture" is like. Usually I stick to buying wine, most ...

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Posted On: Apr 18

THE WINERY GUIDE: A Closer Look At Frick Winery

As I said in a previous post, while being able to visit big name wineries is fun, one of the biggest advantages of a trip to wine country is seeking out the smaller wineries with unique blends and eclectic atmospheres. Today I will tell you of another small family owned winery we've tried: Frick Winery.

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Posted On: Apr 03

THE WINERY GUIDE: A Closer Look At Wilson Winery

One thing (of many) that makes visiting wine country so much fun is, as you drive around from one giant winery to another you pass lots of other, lesser known wineries. Now, just because a winery is smaller or lesser known does not mean that it is of smaller or lesser quality. Actually, often it is just the opposite. Smaller wineries with smaller production rates are frequently family owned and operated. This usually translates to more interesting labels, friendly and knowledgeable staff that is truly invested in the well being of the winery, wine makers who have more time to develop and experiment with blends and techniques, a cozy atmosphere...in short a more unique experience, not to mention a taste of a wine you probably couldn't find anywhere else. Recently someone commented on one of my other posts asking if I knew anything about Wilson Winery. As I love going wine tasting...well, drinking wine in general...and I do read and consider the comments on my posts, I am happy to pass this information along.

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Posted On: Apr 01

REMEMBERING TO BREATHE: Experience Spa Culture in the North Bay

For me, yesterday was one of those days you know are inevitable on life's journey but try not to dwell on and just hope that you are up for when the challenge presents itself. I got a phone call from my Dad just before lunch informing me that he had taken my Mom to the emergency room with chest pain and dizziness and they were running tests to see if it was in fact a heart attack. This news hits anyone hard but my Mom and Dad are young (early 50's) especially in comparison to the the parents of most people my age (nearly 30) and I wasn't really ready for that phone call. Thankfully, my Mom is OK. It wasn't a heart attack. Her symptoms were most likely caused by her oh-so-stressful job of being an elementary school principal. We hope some rest and changes in the way she handles stress will help her weather her present situation...not to mention prolong her life. This got me thinking about my own stress factors, how they effect my health and what I can do to not follow down the same path as my way-too-stressed-out Mom. It seems a no brainer that if something compromises your health to the point that you are admitted to the hospital that you would naturally refrain from that something. However, this is not always practical in our society where it often feels like it's 'eat or be eaten' and most employers are more beholden to their bottom line than the well-being of their staff. Stress is something that is present in all of our lives. The difference lays in the reaction we choose to have when it rears its ugly head. Yes, I said 'choose'...don't freak out just yet...hear me out first and if you feel the need afterwards, freak out all you want...but that's your choice. See what I mean? Besides writing about the lovely area I have the privilege of living in, I am an artist and energy healer. I should be aware of stress and how to deal with it, as that is what I help my clients with on a day to day basis. But even I need to be reminded once in a while for my own well-being. You know the old saying, "Healer heal thy self!" Whether you believe in the legitimacy of energy work, for this or other purposes, doesn't really matter here. The fact is that all of the people who have come in search of my services have been in need of new and healthier ways of handling their stress, and that is what I offer. (You can learn more about the healing work I do on my web site.) What I often find myself suggesting to people is: take more time to nurture yourself, care for your body, mind and spirit. Duh...right? Perhaps, but it seems that hearing this from someone other than ourselves is like getting permission and helps us get past our guilt or feelings of weakness at needing a break. Luckily for me and my clients, as well as for California visitors as a whole, there are lots of options locally available for one to do this. A whole industry and culture flourishes here based on the idea that self nurturing is important. What is this industry? You guessed it...spas! If you are coming to California to visit can you afford to not experience the abundant spa culture?

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Posted On: Mar 27

"Drink" For Thought For First Time Wine Country Visitors

As I sit on the deck of my house sipping a glass of zin (red...not white of course!) I survey the transformation that is taking place all around me. In much of the country it is still cold, snowy and gray, but in Santa Rosa it is bright and green. The breeze has lost its chill most days and tiny buds are starting to poke out from the limbs of trees. Some have even already started to bloom. Daffodils and tulips greet me. The apple and cherry trees all have blossoms. Spring has arrived in the Sonoma Valley and I am lucky enough to be able to see it all unfold. On any given day there is plenty to see and do and the arrival of spring is great motivation to get out of doors to experience it all.

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Posted On: Mar 22

Private Romantic Escape To The Mendocino Coast

One of the many perks of living in (or visiting) California is proximity to a plethora of beautiful remote romantic get-away spots. Just jump on Highway 1, head in either direction (north or south) and you will be sure to find some hidden nook or cranny that is home to a sleepy little town full of spectacular views, cozy B&B's and fresh local seafood.

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Posted On: Mar 20

Take a Safari Adventure in the Heart of California Wine Country

Just over an hour's drive north of San Francisco you will find all the beauty and bounty of the Sonoma Valley (aka Wine Country) unfold before your eyes. Traditionally known for the grand variety of award winning wineries and rolling vineyards, Wine Country isn't just for grown-ups. There are plenty of activities to be found fit for the whole family to enjoy. One of these fabulous family friendly activities is the well kept Santa Rosa secret: Safari West, a 400 acre wildlife preserve specializing in endangered and extinct-in-the-wild African animals including but not only: Cheetahs, Zebras, over 20 different species of Antelope, a White Rhino as well as a couple different species of Ibis.

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Posted On: Mar 16