Outside the picturesque town of Danville, California Mount Diablo welcomes you. It is interesting that California hosts a home for Diablo…some might say it is fitting while others just shrug their shoulders blissfully unaware of “Devil Mountain” rising just a short distance from the city of San Francisco (fyi: diablo means devil in Spanish).
Tag Archives: California
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Shrine in Redlands, CA
Ah, the joys of a long holiday weekend! Having our original plans dashed last-minute, Spacecowboy and I quickly researched and scheduled some spontaneity. Yes, I realize that sounds like a contradiction “scheduling spontaneity” which it is, but my sweet husband craves structure so we re-grouped and headed out to honor one of our country’s most beloved presidents (on Valentine’s Day no less), President Abraham Lincoln at his Memorial Shrine in Redlands, CA. I had learned of this spot a few months earlier and had been hankering (love this word!) for a visit ever since.
Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove
I love butterflies, always have, always will. They are so delicate and beautiful to watch flutter through the air but in reality they are fierce survivalist. One of the most beautiful groups is the Monarch and (to my delight) they migrate each year through California with a “rest spot” for some fun and friskiness (they mate here) at the Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove.
Jeannine’s for Breakfast in Montecito, California
My honey and I were visiting Montecito for my niece’s wedding recently and had the good fortune to eat at Jeannine’s Restaurant and Bakery. To say their french toast is good would be like saying Van Gogh had some nice paintings. This place has french toast like no other!
A Shining Light in Palos Verdes
Something about lighthouses takes me out of the confines of today and launches me into daydreams of nomadic travelers and great adventures. It makes me want to grab a pipe and start saying “hey matey!” to everyone I meet (this may not go over well with my husband). What better place to do this than in God’s Country (aka the Palos Verdes Peninsula) at the Point Vicente Lighthouse?
Facial with Martinis by the Beach
Pampering is probably one of my favorite pastimes. I love to get pampered as well as treat others to some pampering. It is such a cathartic experience, having someone whose sole purpose is to make you feel relaxed and coddled for whatever amount of time you have scheduled. In the quaint ocean side town of El Segundo (really it’s like what Mayberry must have been) lies a salon that delivers just such splendor, Advanced Skin Care by Marilyn.
Going Vegan in Ojai, California
So, as those who know me know, I am not a big vegan person. I love my meats, fish, dairy, all of it. However, my husband likes to go on these fasts where he will only eat vegan. Being the doting wife (or maybe it’s because we are still in year one of our marriage), I try to accommodate him and do the same (or at least until we pass an ice cream store). This is how we came to visit Hip Vegan Cafe in Ojai, California.
Lacy Park Stairs – Just Do It!
View looking up
The Lacy Park Stairs are nestled among bougainvillea plants and beautiful homes in San Marino, California. I stumbled upon them as my husband and I were bike riding through the neighborhood. He was easily cruising up the never ending slope of the street we were on while I was panting and searching for any break spots (this seems to be a pattern with us). When I noticed the steps my mind began to race, “This could be my new exercise ‘club’!”
Heart-Healthy Elixir in Ojai
Looking for a heart-healthy day trip that is a short (and scenic depending on your route) drive from Los Angeles, California? Head to Ojai! Nestled in the rustic hills of this laid-back community is Ojai Olive Oil Company, a family owned and operated fully organic and sustainable treasure.
Yum to Mendocino Market and Deli!
My husband and I took a road trip up the coast of California recently, as all respectable Californians must do, and turned off Highway 1 into the artsy town of Mendocino. It felt good to stretch my legs as we walked the town streets. We passed teenagers flirting with one another, a dog fast asleep in the sun while on guard duty in front of the millinery shop, and artists discussing the latest openings dressed in tie-dye while checking their iPhone…you’ve got to love California!
