Escaping Reality

Living in a crazy world, that is constantly throwing us information and busy schedules, it tends to make it difficult to unplug and find peace. The " I need to", " I should do", " I must do" compete with our ever so frantic lives and soon creates stress.

When I was young my most enjoyable days were being outside. Nothing greater than riding my bike, walking to the local corner store for slurpees, and climbing olive trees until the street lights turned on. Even then I was able to find peace.

As I grew older and became an adult it turned into a struggle to find use of the simple activities that are truly enjoyable. Even simple things like going for a run on some local trails didn't prevent me from "hurry up and get back to"... the email, the missed calls, social media accounts, or whatever else was waiting for me.

So after some thought, I have come to an answer to find this peace, which was to explore things I have never done before. In order to find quiet and peace is to venture out to the edge, the place that allows me to release all the "human" thoughts and concentrate on simply just "being".

This weekend I made time to make peace with Yosemite Valley. I was able to look up and stand in complete awe of the soaring peaks that brought a sense of calm. It was breathtaking and emotionally stirring to know that there is something greater.

Hiking 6 miles on the mountain trails, splashing in a Tuolumne River, and driving through the rolling hills just outside of a hectic environment was so relaxing. This was the place to pause, reflect and gain a sense of perspective again.

After hiking a couple miles it was time to refuel with some nutritious food. Nothing better than a packed picnic lunch. 

Pirate Booty does the body good!

Maybe some day in my lifetime I will have the privilege of calling myself an Ahwahnee Hotel guest. Oh how nice that would be. Good food, nice people, and a spectacular atmosphere. While stopping for a bite to eat at the hotel, I cheated a little and had a beer. Ahwahnee Amber Ale that is. 

Before heading back somehow getting across the river was a must. Guess crossing with our shoes on wouldn't hurt. 

Where is the jaw dropping, eye opening, place that you enjoy? Where is the magic for you and more importantly, where do you find peace?

-Natalie

Little Obsession

Fall is here... well at least that's what the weather man says. Last I checked, the weather was still in the 100's. I'd say the valley has been pretty lucky this summer. My armpits were still an issue, just not as severe. My running was difficult, but manageable. My acne was flaring, just not as noticeable. Let's just say... Im thankful for changing colors, temperatures, and pumpkins.

I have an obsession, some may claim I'm crazy. I'm fine with that. I most definitely have to blame my mother for this disorder. From a very young age, my mom introduced me to pumpkin. Here's how it went...

Our family started out with pumpkin pie during the holidays, then to ice cream.

Gradually we started buying things that smelled like pumpkin. Fall smells hit the spot. So, not only could you taste the pumpkin in my house but smell it too.

 Pumpkin candles.

Hand wash.

Bathroom spray... It smells so good it makes you wanna go all the time. 

Bath & Body works is a good friend of our family's. Just about every sale they have, I would bet you both my mom and my aunt are there! Last year Bath & Body had Pumpkin Paradise 3-in-1. I loved it. I'm sure walking around smelling like a pumpkin isn't the most attractive thing so I used it for evening baths. Totally relaxing.

Ok, now we're talking. My mom bought our very own pumpkin bread making kit. Too bad it's not gluten free. I am on the lookout for a good g-free pumpkin bread recipe!

My favorite of all, pumpkin spice coffee. Starbucks gets way too much of my money. Luckily this week I found Pumpkin Spice Coffee grounds at TJMaxx. I've never been so excited. It's delicious! Sorry Starbucks, I won!

I think I've shared enough of my pumpkin disorder. Although; some may think it's completely normal. If you're interested, check out the latest pumpkin centerpiece.  Fall moves too fast around here. People get so excited for Christmas, starting countdowns and buying decorations months before. When we rush by changing of the seasons we miss many things: Fall colors are simply the best, carving pumpkins, eating all the delicious foods and so forth. There is just so much to enjoy and be thankful for. 

What's your favorite thing about fall? 

Gluten Free Italian Pasta Salad

This is one of my summer favs! It requires a minimal amount of ingredients and there is no wrong way of making it!

Ingredients:

- 1 red bell pepper

- 1 yellow bell pepper

-1 red onion

-2 tomatoes

-1 cucumber

-1 can of whole black olives

-feta cheese or mozzarella

-1 bag of gluten free brown rice pasta
- gluten free salami (optional)

- 1 cup of Gluten Free Greek Italian dressing. (you can make your own, but this is quicker)

Tutorial:

- Begin boiling water and cook pasta according to package.

- Slice the red onion into rings. *Allow rings to soak in a bowl of ice water to extract the stingy bite, then the onion will taste sweet.

- Chop up the red & yellow bell pepper, tomatoes, and cucumber into bite site pieces.

- Once pasta is cooked, drain and rinse with cold water until cool. 

-In large bowl, combine pasta, veggies, olives, cheese and salami.
*slice the salami into to halves.

- I usually add the cheese last to prevent it from getting too soggy.

-Toss well with dressing, place in refrigerator for a few minutes and it's ready to be served!

- 

Fig Fest

Never thought I was a fig fan, until today. Meandering around to several different booths sipping on vino, listening to a local band, and eating figs set the mood straight. Not just plain raw figs but a variety of fig creations.

Here it is... a lonely fig.

And more... lonely figs. 

It's a dangerous event, since you're not quite sure how much wine the body is consuming. Little sample here, little sample there, with a fig bite in between.

Several restaurants were showing off their version of fig inspired food. Trelio, a local favorite restaurant won with a Creme Brulee Stuffed Fig dessert. Yummmmmmmmmmy.

Have you ever had a chocolate dipped fig, sprinkled with walnuts? Well I did, and to say the least it was phenomenal. I would have gone back for thirds & fourths if I wasn't concerned about looking like a crazy woman.

Little did I know, a local company Bouquet of Fruits creates this delectable treat. They provide whole fruit gift baskets that can be shipped across the United States. 

The event was very well organized and fun. Fresno State was a great venue with trees providing lots of shade. The food was a hit too. 

Note to self: Arrive earlier next year, as the food was almost gone during the last hour. 

Mom & I enjoyed our afternoon, tasting wine and sampling creative fig foods. My calendar is already cleared for next years Fig Fest. 

Next time I'll take a picture WITH wine IN the glass.

Blissful Week

Bet ya'll think I'm a traveling junkie. One minute here, another minute there. That is somewhat accurate. This has been one of those go everywhere do everything summers. It's my first year working for a school district and taking advantage of a work free pay included summer! Lovin' it... to say the least! 

Mom & I decided to do a random girls trip to Avila & stay at the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. It's a wonderful getaway surrounded by preserved wildlife. I absolutely love the spanish style decor and architecture. While we were here we relaxed & took advantage of the Mineral Spring tub on our own deck outside our own cottage.. jealous yet? Not to mention the Deep Sea Custom Facial that made our skin feel renewed. Everything about this adventure has been relaxing.

Be ready, scary picture coming up soon... real soon...

Bam! Post Facial 

Once we fixed ourselves up and covered our enlarged pores we traveled down to the Olde Port Inn for  lunch. Lunch was fabulous but the dessert was even better. It makes a gluten free gal's dream come true. 

Butterfinger Ice Cream Pie. 

A man asked if we were sisters... 

The pier was windy and filled with those birds that you fear will poop in your hair while flying over. 

These guys!

oh and... 

These guys!

Boats filled the bay. All out of my price range. 

Ok, maybe this one isn't...

To conclude this long eventful post, lets just say its been a great getaway and much needed relaxation.