The Channel Islands have always been this alluring beacon to me to come explore. They always seem just out of reach as I can see their shadows from the Ventura Coast. My mentor, my friend, my confidant and advisor Kristin joined me for a few days exploring the Ventura Coast. We hiked up through the hills of the Ventura Botanical Gardens, and each twist around the...
When I need to feel peace and calm, I go to the beach. The salty breezes, warm sand, and cold water are cleansing and seem to wash everything away. Watching the waves put me in a meditative state. The mountains give me strength and as soon as we go above 6,000 feet my adrenaline kicks in when I see the tall pines and the amazing views. Hiking through the trails seems...
One thing I miss about the Midwest is Fall. Driving along roads full of trees so full of color you can’t keep your eyes on the road. Leaves change here in Los Angeles, but its still weeks away. The peak time for viewing leaves in Indiana is the first two weeks in October. Sharing some of the photos I snapped during an October trip...
I came to this country as a 5-year-old little girl with just my small suitcase and my dolly. I remember my first few weeks and how different everything seemed, so big and loud. I was used to the country with wide-open spaces to run and play, and now I only had a Chicago yard. It was stressful and scary and when I went to the park to play in the sandbox, I...
(Day One of Our trip can be found here ) Waking up on Sunday wasn’t easy because of the extra comfortable, luxurious bed and the effects of hanging out at the Gaslamp District the night before, but the beach still called, and today we continue exploring La Jolla and hike Torrey Pines. Luckily, the ocean was about 30 feet from the hotel. The early wake-up was...
We took a romantic getaway weekend in San Diego to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. To be married 20 years in no easy task. Marriage is a lot of work, compromise, understanding, and trust. A marriage at 20 years looks very different than its earlier version, especially after children, and pets and balancing a career and my husband’s decision to leave the...
It's ironic that my husband and I are both bloggers given that we met back in 1995 on this new little thing called AOL.
JD spent a few days touring Rota and Cádiz during her time in Spain. The ancient port city of Cádiz surrounded by the sea charmed her, and then enjoyed time with family in the Naval Station town of Rota. Sharing the beautiful beaches and architecture while she soaked up the culture of Spain outside of Barcelona.