Mexico Site
	Deborah Mounts BellaOnline's Mexico Editor

Behind Closed Doors
Have you been curious about what is behind those huge wooden doors guarding colonial homes in Mexico? Here is a description of what you will see as you peek inside and the reasons for those gated compounds.

Flowers fit for kings! Mexican culture and the importance of flowers.
Mexico is a gardener’s delight. Flowers and plants have held an incredibly important role in the lives of the Mexicans. For centuries that have provided food, medicine, beauty, and use in religious ceremonies.

Hamelia or Mexican Firecracker Plant
Hamelia (Mexican Firecracker plant) is a native plant that grows profusely in the southern part of the State of Veracruz. The leaves have long been used by traditional healers for healing wounds. This article describes how a woman's coop produces cosmetics and natural products from this plant.

Mexican Vanilla
Vanilla has a wonderful flavor and, as it turns out, is originally from Mexico. This article gives you a brief history of vanilla and a wonderful vanilla flan recipe.

Veracruz Garden Tour
For those of you who love gardens and flowers here is a tour for you! Join us on a very special tour to the Mexican garden State of Veracruz.