Road Trip Essentials :: My Open Road Wish List

Thursday, May 29, 2014

I *heart* summer road trips with all of my might. They keep me running, they really do. Sunshine, breezes, new sights and adventures, how can you go wrong? I'm also pretty sure they're the glue in my relationship with Jimbo - our best talks and adventures always happen on the road. We've done two cross-USA road trips, a Euro-road trip, and each summer we end up taking countless rides on summer weekends. There's something so freeing about it! If you've packed correctly, that is - otherwise they're no fun at all. Here are some of my favorite summer road trip essentials:
1. blanket // to be used for warmth, for a pillow, and for that impromptu picnic you're sure to have.
2. cotton beach dress // something comfy, stretchy, and begging to be photographed.
3. shovel // for safety - sometimes cars get stuck.
4. rosewater spray // it's nice to freshen up with a spritz of rosewater after a few hours on the road.
5. comfy shoes // something versatile is good, you never know where you'll end up...
6. dry shampoo // if you'll be on the road for a few days, your hair might crave a pick-me-up.
7. favorite wine // beautiful views and sunsets sometimes call for wine.
8. wine opener // because, wine.
9. notebook // how else would you record all of your adventures and brainstorm your future together?
10. sunglasses // I need a new pair...love these guys.
11. cash // folks these days often depend on cards, but cash might be necessary to pay for state parks, parking, roadside fruit stands, and other emergencies like that.
12. snacks // I like to pack nuts, fruit and dark chocolate.
13. music // we use Spotify for our road trip playlists (see our Sunshine Drive playlist below!)
14. SPF chapstick // a must have.
15. a knife // you'll be surprised how much you'll use this thing, plus - safety first.

Do you have any unique road trip essentials? How about road trip songs?


This post is part of the RelayRides Road Trip Essentials campaign. RelayRides is a car rental service based on peer-to-peer car sharing - you can borrow others' cars and rent out your own!

Horoscope

Friday, May 23, 2014


What a week! This Aries forecast courtesy of Free People Blog sums it up pretty well. Apparently I agree with Mars, who has been "suggesting that I can't go on like this". My energy has been bottle necked I've been questioning where and how to direct my will and how to conduct myself with person(s). I'm ready for the new direction that apparently, next week will bring!

Do you believe in horoscopes? If so, what ones do you read?


On another note -- it's Memorial Day weekend everyone!! Though 3 day weekends are exciting for everyone, I think us New Englanders take Memorial Day especially seriously. In the Northeast, after what's usually a looong winter, this holiday weekend signals summer, sun, sandals and BBQs. Having the ability to finally stretch your toes and breathe in some fresh air with friends.  Here in California it seems to be less momentous, but I'll be spending it with my favorite East Coasters so I think the celebration will translate :). 

Enjoy it, friends! 

Happy Weekend :: 7 Weekend To-Dos

Friday, May 16, 2014


Ohh yes, TGIF.

This weekend I'm in the mood to...

  1. Shop (which is rare for me!). I'm inspired by this lovely southwest style compilation.
  2. Eat breakfast. Here are 5 egg sandwiches and some healthy smoothie recipes to try.
  3. Do everything on this list to re-energize.
  4. Not work. I love my job, but a girl still needs her weekends ;). Check out this article about the love/hate work relationship.
  5. Primp, perhaps with some of these lovely products.
  6. Have a cocktail or 2 with my sistah.
  7. Relax by the pool. I haven't done nearly enough of that. These images really make me want to jump in.

Enjoy the weekend, amici! 


Date Night :: Sonoma

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Last night me and my bubba took an impromptu drive up to Sonoma. We zoomed through the 96 degree heat, peeled ourselves off the scooter, sipped chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet and syrah, and watched the sun go down over the hills. We raced each other at a crossword puzzle (I won), and a word search (he won). We ate burgers and truffle fries, cracked each other up, then rode home listening to joyful music, with a view of the full moon the whole way.  

(From the Bay Area? You must check out Scribe Winery in Sonoma)
 (Mmm, Boon Fly Cafe, we love you.)

It's little evenings like this that I end up remembering most! Have you had a good date night lately? 

Spring :: According to iPhone pictures

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

I hope everyone is enjoying the same bright sunshine and warmth that we are getting over here in the East Bay this week. We probably don't need the 100 degrees we're supposed to get tomorrow...but I'll take it!

Ok now that we've discussed the weather...can I get real for a second? I'm putting too much pressure on myself lately. I feel generally overwhelmed, like I'm not getting enough done to be successful and reach my goals. Every night lately, I feel a bit distressed, going over in my head the list of things I didn't get to or milestones I haven't achieved. Does this ever happen to you? A self-doubting funk? I enjoy setting goals and I always have high expectations of myself. Sometimes it comes back to bite me in the ass. 

Right now I'm wishing that I was traveling, exercising, blogging, reading and sleeping more. That I was working toward my long term goals and spending more time enjoying friends and embracing my hobbies more. That I was cooking, cleaning, shopping and learning more, and knocking way more off my to-do list at work.

I unload here because if there's anything I've learned from my experience in this ol' blogosphere, it's that in general, we "bloggers" (though I really hesitate to call myself that) have quite a lot in common. I'm constantly impressed by the goals, dreams, introspection, authenticity and beauty that I see out there in this community. I see people chasing dreams, taking risks, capturing the simplicity and beauty of life along the way. I can't imagine that it all comes without a few "ahhhhh panic!" moments, for any of us. I'm so grateful that when that happens, we all have the ability to get it out there like this. It helps!

Anyhow, although I do feel this way, what I know is that I'm doing fine. That it's my own mindset that needs to be altered, so I'm working on that. 

Because when I look at these photos from the past couple of months and I'm reminded that I have it pretty darn good. It's been an absolutely beautiful spring. 

















1. best salad ever
2. tasting at St. George spirits - so amazing
4. pup snuggles
5 - 8. shots of a birthday on the beach
9. tiny flower / man hands
10. Easter display
11. simple moments with my mama
12. backyard martini
13. Tahoe beachin'
14. clear water / happy pups
16. new Miz Mooz shoes (on sale, I must say)

Getaway Weekend :: Bodega Birthday

Monday, May 5, 2014

I had the most amazing time with my family a couple of weekends ago. It was the first time that my brother, Mom and Dad had come out West to see me and my sister - we were so proud to be able to show of this beautiful area of the country which we've grown to love to much. It was also Easter, and my birthday, and one of the most beautiful sunny weekends so far this spring. 

It was also one of the only a few times that my brother, who is not much of a traveler, has been on plane. I felt so lucky to be able to adventure with him for the first time ever. Adventuring is definitely more my thing than his, but he was happy to partake, which made me happy. Dave is 7 years younger than me, which never feels like a lot when we're together, but growing up it meant that we didn't get the same amount of quality time that I did with my 2-years-younger, usually-side-by-side sister. Having him out here was my favorite birthday present :). **hint hint to David: move out to Cali!**

I soaked my family in long and good!! And it was my favorite weekend ever. Here are some scenes from the getaway.

*It's known to be true: Rowes know how to vacation*

Where we stayed: We stayed at an amazing Airbnb place with a beautiful view of the ocean (by the way, have I raved about Airbnb enough yet? It's not much of a secret these days, but if you still haven't checked it out, click here for my referral link). Bodega Bay is one of our favorite places to "getaway" because it's so close - it's just 2 hours, or a bit longer if you take the highly recommended Rte 1 coastal drive.

Where we ate/drank: 

  • Mexican at La Bodeguita was legit. Careful of that green salsa, it might try to ruin your tongue, forcing you to pound sour cream with your meal like never before.
  • Dutcher Crossing took care of us on my birthday with free tastings and an amazing fruit and cheese spread. I love them. 
  • Right down the street, we enjoyed a reservation by the creek at Truett Hurst, where we relaxed with some salami and their delicious Chardonnay. I could go for a glass right about now...
  • We also stopped at Quivira, with their lovely expansive organic garden - it's fun to walk around and enjoy the sun before or after a tasting. 
  • I've already talked about the chowder at the Bodega Country Store HERE and HERE - we just love it.
What we did: Took walks to the beach, played the Game of Things, cracked ourselves up for hours, played Pin the Tail on the Donkey on Tom Cruise's face (just b'cuz), tasted vino, ate ice cream, started reading The Goldfinch (b-day gift!), smoked cigars, and hugged a lot. 

Thanks for coming, Rowes - let's do it again soon. 


Mindful 04 :: Eat Mindfully

Thursday, May 1, 2014

I love to eat. Don't you? I think we all do. It's so fun...and yummy.

Ever since I've been practicing mindfulness, it's amazing how much more I've enjoyed my meals. I thought I enjoyed them before, but now they are more calm, filling, and delicious than ever before.

Here are some tips for developing your mindful eating practice. Not only will you enjoy your meals better, but you might just improve your health a lil' bit! 


Eating Mindfully


1. Check in

How hungry are you, from 1-10? It's smart to get in a habit of noticing your hunger level before you dive in to a meal.  The goal of the meal is to make you feel satisfied and to give your taste buds a treat. You'll be better able to do this if you think for a moment before you begin.

2. Notice everything

What does your food look like? Are you excited to eat it? Does it smell good? Notice as much as you can about your food, and this moment to be grateful for the yumminess you're about to behold. 

3. Chew too many times

I think the number of times we're supposed to chew is what, 25? I'm not sure about that, I haven't counted lately. But it's definitely a mindful process to slow it down, and chew. Your brain will register the food more, and appreciate it more. Plus you'll be less likely to choke and cough all over your friends when you start laughing mid-bite.

4. Use chopsticks

Not only will this make you eat more mindfully, but you'll also really impress people the next time you go out for garlic noodles. But really, trying this will slow you down a bit. I know, we don't have time. I'm a naturally fast eater, so I'm with you. But as they say, it takes the brain 20 minutes to register that it's full, so by eating nice and slow we give it time to catch up with your stomach.

5. Or try being a lefty

Just another way to make your eating more difficult and slow, and therefore more conscious! By having to purposefully work through each bite, you'll be even more ready and aware of what you're doing.

6. Put your fork/sandwich/burrito down

In between bites, take a break. This is essentially the same tip as #3 and #4 - to slow it down. I have trouble with burritos and messy/delicious sandwiches that are falling apart. It seems like holding them the whole time is the right way to go. But I promise, the amazingness will last longer and taste better if you slow it down a bit. 

7. Close your eyes

If you're in a position where this isn't overly awkward, try to shut your eyes for part of the meal. Without the distraction of vision, you can focus solely on the experience of eating.  Focus on the flavors, smells and textures in your mouth. This will help you both appreciate your food and eat more slowly.

8. Taste the rainbow

What's inside your dish? Can you try to taste each of the ingredients? I think I used to just mow a salad, hoping to breeze over the flavors I didn't think I liked (cucumbers and raw mushrooms, for example). But once I stopped to check out each of those individual flavors I realized...I kind of like cucumbers and mushrooms after all. It's also fun and a good skill to develop if you're interested in becoming a better cook - at a restaurant, if you can taste the ingredients, you can mimic the recipe at home :). 

9. Serve yourself a plate, sit at the table

Try to formalize your eating experience a bit so that you can fully appreciate and acknowledge what, and how much you're about to eat. It makes it feel more special, and you're definitely more likely to remember the "meal" (even if it's just a snack).

10. Eat in Silence

Any sensation that you experience outside of taste and smell while you’re eating can distract you and make mindful eating more difficult. It's nice to be quiet sometimes isn't it?


Want to hear more? I like this article about the "BASICS" of mindful eating

And click here for a great mindful eating exercise - a raisin has never tasted so delicious!