Road Trip Gift - Spring Break Essentials

"Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road."

                                                                                                              -Jack Kerouac

What better gift can you give to yourself than a road trip?

Loading up the car, the open road, singing along with your favorite songs,
exploring new places, 

expanding your mind, learning life's lessons.

My daughter has big road trip plans in the coming months,

 so I'm giving her a few gifts to commemorate her adventures.

What you pack and what you pack it in is key.
You have to look cute, be colorful and comfortable and this shirt definitely fits the bill.
And we are all looking for an escape, right?
This bag says it all...

North, South, East or West?
GPS is great but a compass ring is so much cuter!

Road Trips are usually not equated with First Class travel

 but fueling up the car can get expensive.

A little gas money wrapped in a toy car adds to the whimsical adventure...

There is nothing better than rolling down the car windows 

and breathing in the clear air of the open road.  

Just in case the air inside the car becomes less than pleasant, 

festive and fragrant fresheners will come in handy...

Digital cameras are great but road trips are old school and the photos should be too.

Printing pictures on the road has never been so retro or instant...

Never stop exploring!

5 fun things to do in Los Angeles - mostly with food!

Fall has set in and I'm finding myself longing for the easy, breezy, sunny vibes of summer.
Since it is always summer-like in LA,
I wanted to share our favorite spots around the city of Angels.

1. Head to Pasadena for a meal at Lincoln

I grew up in this charming town that is the home of the Rose Bowl. 

My parents still live there and when I frequently saw Lincoln's stunning food 

and amazing venue on Instagram I was totally intrigued....

Our breakfast was wonderful and
can we talk about the natural light streaming in and graphic tile tables?
A dream!

and so are the baked goods.
Go early, be hungry and enjoy...

2. See The Conan O'Brien Show and have lunch at The Smokehouse

Let me just tell you, after our day at The Conan O'Brien Show I am totally #TeamCoco...

I was incredibly impressed with our experience.
We got our tickets on-line a few weeks prior and headed to Burbank the day of the show.
We arrived promptly for the check-in time and were thrilled to find out that they are first come, first served.  They give you a number upon check in to hold your place in line, then you are free to leave for lunch and come back just before show time. Very organized, extremely friendly and professional.

The Smokehouse is an epic, iconic old Hollywood jewel.
It is close to the Warner Brothers Studios and like stepping back in time.
Dark walls, red banquets, leather menus and waiters in crisp white shirts and black ties.
You'll want to stay all day and eat their infamous cheese bread and sip martinis but you can just as easily have a nice lunch while you kill time before the show.

We couldn't take pictures during the show but we ended up in the first row
and could practically touch Conan as he gave is monologue.
He is gracious, hilarious and smart. His show was such a treat.

3. Have lunch at Philippe's

We didn't really go to downtown Los Angeles much when I was a kid, but when we did we went to Philippe's.  It started in 1908 and they were the originator of The French Dipped Sandwich.  

It's no frills, there is sawdust on the floor and you'll eat alongside LAPD officers, 

Beverly Hills socialites and hipsters.  

The "double dip" is by far the sandwich to order
and scoops potato and macaroni salad on the side are a must.
Unfortunately I didn't get too many pictures because I was heckled by an older couple.
Once she said to her husband, "Look, Harry she's got her sandwich in the air"
then he yelled, "It tastes better on the table."
 I decided I should just sit down and eat!

My son was such a fan, he wore his Philippe's shirt proudly the rest of the summer...

4. Venture into LA's Art District and to the infamous Polka Dot Wall at The Springs

I'm addicted to finding painted wall murals.  I love how they can liven up an otherwise ho-hum building and turn it into a show stopper.  

The Polka Dot Wall is in the back of The Springs, 

which is an amazing space to eat, have a meeting, do yoga, have a massage or just hang out.

The wall as a background makes anything and everything look great 

and it is just so colorfully fun...

and then behind a pile of boxes ready for recycling we found a honey bear...

and a yoga, smoothie loving ape...

We really could have chilled out there forever...

5. Grand Central Market

This eclectic downtown landmark, 

started in 1917 and brings together all of the cuisines and cultures of LA.  

It is not only a culinary feast, it will have your senses in overload.  

The neon signs, the wonderful smells, the hustle and bustle.  

You won't know where to look or eat first!

They have it all, and you can't go wrong with whatever you choose...

One last secret... Head back to Pasadena and go to Pie 'N Burger

I mean with a name like that, need I say more?

Roaming the Russian River - eat, play & stay in Guerneville

There is nothing like a weekend getaway, 

exploring somewhere you've never been.

Oh Russian River,  you had me at warm days, a roaring river, sandy beaches and farm fresh food 

in the middle of wine country and majestic forests... 

then throw in a little fun and funky and I may never leave!

Here's a little bit about our stay in Guerneville...

We stayed at The Applewood Inn.

Nestled in the redwoods and close to downtown Guerneville, it was the perfect spot.

It is small and homey with gracious staff, beautifully appointed rooms, stunning grounds, a spa- 

it has it all...

Their restaurant, Revival, was under renovations while we were there but it promises to be gorgeously rustic with sustainable food from the inn's amazing garden...

the pool is a serene oasis...

and the amazing complementary breakfasts each morning were such a treat...

and my favorite part... 

Bear the hotel dog!  

He was the sweetest, friendliest ambassador I have ever met.

Guerneville is right on The Russian River so a day at Johnson's Beach is a must.

It is lively and colorful...

and the day we were there full of duck, flamingos and mermaids!

Digging the Earth and providing amazing food must be the town motto,

you couldn't get a bad meal there if you tried.

The first night we had dinner at Boon Eat + Drink.

It is intimately casual, modern California bistro with incredible farm to table fare.

The next night we had a BBQ bonanza at The Juicy Pig, 

kicked off with their amazing grilled Shishito Peppers...

Um, and we hit the Guerneville Bank Club every night for dessert.

It houses Chile Pies Baking Company and Nimble & Finn's Handmade Ice Cream,

need I say more?

Because no getaway is complete without an outstanding sandwich (or 2)...

you've got to hit Big Bottom Market...

There is nothing better or more rewarding after a day canoeing.

Until next time...

Postcards from home - best views of the Golden Gate

Thank you to Coca-Cola for sponsoring this post.  All opinions and content are my own. #IworkwithCoke

It is no secret that my family loves where we live.
We are less than an hour south of San Francisco,
 and we take advantage of the city whenever we can.
Our getaways to this city, where we left our hearts, could be for just a few hours or overnight.
Great restaurants, exciting sporting events, inspiring museums, dynamic concerts...
San Francisco has it all,
 but there is one thing that leaves me breathless every time we venture north -
The Golden Gate Bridge!
This vibrant, majestic icon gives me a feeling of hometown pride every time I see it.

Our latest San Francisco adventure was all about the bridge.
During a fun lunch at Red Robin, on our drive up to the city ,we plotted our course.
Armed with their infamous Onion Rings and lots of Gold Peak Tea,
we debated on the best ways to see the Golden Gate.

We started in the Marina, at Crissy Field...

If you look to the right, you'll see Alcatraz...

I highly recommend doing a tour of "The Rock", 

it is fascinating and the views of the city are incredible.

Look behind you and you'll see the Presidio...

It is one of the nation's oldest and most beautiful military posts. 

The stately buildings now host cultural gems 

such as the Officers' Club, Walt Disney Family Museum 

and George Lucas's Industrial Lights and Magic.  

The grounds have fog-shrouded forests, beautiful fields 

and even weekly Food Truck festivals all with amazing views of the bridge.

But one of my favorite ways to enjoy the bay is strolling

the Crissy Field path on to Fort Point.

Summers in San Francisco can be colder than the winter,

 so often a quick stop at 

The Warming Hut is mandatory.

It is full of treats and gifts and a welcome cozy atmosphere along the way...

In typical Bay Area style, you never quite know what you will see.

For some, it is still the summer of peace and love in a festive VW Bus...

Before you know it, 

you are at the base of the bridge.

As you look toward Marin, the bay is on your right and the mighty Pacific Ocean to your left.

No trip to Fort Point is complete with out touching Hopper's Hands. 
Legend has it that a GGB iron worker named Hopper, 
noticed that visitors were ritually tapping the fence as they turned around.  
He made the infamous sign so everyone could slap the hand as they reached the end of the trail.
(and I am convinced it is good luck!)

There is nothing better than refueling your mind and spirit with a day on the bay.

Afterward, we relaxed on the Crissy Field Beach, took in the view and sipped on Gold Peak Tea.

It's home brewed taste is crisp, refreshing and comforting just like the city we love.

Enjoying life's simple pleasures is what it's all about...

and finding those special "golden" moments with family and friends is priceless.

Don't forget to drink it all in!

(view from Land's End, another favorite vantage point)