"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." I've been on the east coast visiting my family in Jersey for over a week. Between fitting in seeing my loved ones, being in the midst of my parents doing a major kitchen renovation (I'm excited to cook & bake in their new, beautiful kitchen the next time I come home!), and still working while I'm here, things have been very busy! Some trip highlights have included spending time down the shore with my parents while the weather has been gorgeous & mild here, and catching up with girlfriends from both college and high school. Oddly enough, when I left San Diego we were having a serious heatwave, and when I got to Jersey, it was unusually cool for the beginning of September. After living in a house that was a sweaty 85 ... [Read More]
featured adventure post
SUP Date in Coronado {Facing My Water Fear: Summer ’17 Edition}
Growing up on the Jersey shore, I would spend my summers on the coast, where my family has what we call "bungalows" on the Navesink River. While I often would get the chance to go for rides on boats and try activities like water skiing and tubing, sports on the open water has quite honestly, always made me kind of nervous...and it still does. The ocean is a mystery, and I don't like not being able to see the bottom. Or the countless numbers of jellyfish that make their way into the Jersey waters in August for that matter! I can remember certain instances from years ago when the ocean scared the hell out of me: On vacation in Thailand, a huge wave crashed towards me while I was swimming, and I got swept under for a few seconds longer than I was comfortable with. One time ... [Read More]
My Top 10 Favorite Experiences Traveling In & Around Portland, Oregon
Last week was my birthday.... a BIG birthday. I'm no longer a 20-something, and I'm still getting used to telling people that I'm 30 when I get carded (happens almost every time, and I suppose I should be happy about it now). I commemorated the occasion by going skydiving, chopping off my hair & donating it, and taking a trip up to Portland, Oregon with my hubby. Big birthdays should be met with big celebrations, right? ;-) I had been wanting to see Portland for awhile now, and my birthday seemed like the perfect reason to see Oregon for the first time! Between the exciting plant-based friendly food scene, outdoorsy activities, and wine country, I had a lot I wanted to experience during this getaway.. and just a long weekend to do it! Today I want to share with you my ... [Read More]
Face Your Fears to Get to the Best Things in Life {Skydiving 2017}
"The best things in life are on the other side of your fear." This is the quote I was repeating in my head last weekend, as I dangled my legs over the side of a plane from 13,000 feet in the sky. Earlier that day I was feeling mostly excited, but at this moment, I was feeling mostly terrified. Just go for it. Adrenaline pumping, I refused to look down at that second, but I took a deep breath and let go, backflipping into the air with my tandem instructor. We went flying - literally - out of the plane and into the sky.... and then, stillness. I could barely catch my breath, but I had my eyes wide open as I tried to take in everything about that moment. I gazed out at the Pacific Ocean - the ocean that I've marveled at every time I go for a coast walk, to practice sandy yoga, ... [Read More]
Blogfest 2017 Recap + Trying STRONG by Zumba {IDEA World ’17 Recap #1}
Hello friends! Long time no talk. I'm back in California after a trip to Vegas last week to attend IDEA World Convention - the place to be for all things fitness! This was my fourth year attending IDEA World, and each time it has been such an inspiring place to be. This year I also attended a wonderful conference within the IDEA World Convention, called Blogfest. It's hosted by my friends over at Fit Approach, who I've enjoyed partnering with over the years for fun blogger collaborations, Instagram challenges and more. Blogfest brings together health & wellness bloggers from all over the country, and it's a lot of fun! Not only does Blogfest and IDEA World offer the chance to learn in the sessions and try new workouts, it also gives me the opportunity to connect with ... [Read More]
My 7 Favorite Hikes in San Diego County
Since I moved to California 7 1/2 years ago (cannot believe it's been that long!), I've become an avid hiker. Hitting the trails offers a workout, stress relief, time in nature, and exercise for my dog all at once. I've realized that hiking is also a spiritual experience for me. It leaves me feeling centered, grateful, and connected to the earth. I believe in the interconnectedness of everything in life, and hiking seems to always remind me of that. It's also a lovely chance to practice mindfulness. I can only describe it as losing myself for a few hours to really find myself. Hiking just with my trail buddy, my pup, also gives me time and space to clear my head. There's always so much going on - lots of noise, distractions, and busyness - but on the trails, everything sort ... [Read More]