In January, I decided to embark on an Eat-Pray-Love (myself) journey. I felt my healing had hit a plateau, and that I lost myself in a string of unhealthy relationships. And, well, nothing changes if nothing changes. Six months later, I feel like I’ve woken up from a coma. I became the Phoenix rising out of the ashes. I walked through the fire, and faced and released a multitude of fears. I tested my own limits, traveled far and wide, emotionally, and physically (seven countries). I sat with Ayahuasca and other plant medicines, a handful of times, and stuck with the “dieta” in preparation and in integration.

If you're looking for a weekend getaway, San Luis Obispo County, or SLO as it's commonly referred to, has a multitude of hotels and activities to offer a weekend traveler. Located on the central coast of California, SLO is home to Hearst Castle, DAOU vineyards, the Monarch Butterfly Grove, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, and hundreds of miles of walking and biking trails, sure to excite any outdoor enthusiast.

Full article: https://www.ediblesandiego.com/articles/how-to-spend-the-perfect-weekend-in-san-luis-obispo-county

November is a grand time to visit Yosemite National Park. Crisp mornings and cool evenings, sunny days, chromatic views, and the chance of first snow all paint your next perfect travel picture. It is the least crowded time to visit the park, which means quieter and more intimate outdoor adventures. Plus, you can catch the last glimpse of Glacier Point, Tuolumne Meadows, and Mariposa Grove before they close for the season. We’ve come up with eight reasons your visit to Yosemite should be in the few remaining weeks of November. And remember to pack layers and tire chains, just in case!

“Each year, hundreds prepare and gather in various locations throughout Yosemite Valley, in hopes of witnessing one of the world’s most amazing natural phenomena, the fire lit Horsetail Fall, also known as ‘Firefall.’ The stunning visual phenomenon occurs when an ephemeral (seasonal) waterfall that flows after snow melt or heavy rainfall on the west side of El Capitan, pairs with a cloudless sky and bright orange sun setting in just the right position to reflect off the granite rock behind the falls. When all those factors combine, it causes the waterfall to light up and transform into what looks like molten lava pouring down the massive rock for a solid 10-12 minutes. There is generally a two week window each year to potentially witness the Firefall. Typically this time window is starting around Valentines Day (how romantic!).”

“The Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area, previously known as Badger Pass Ski Resort is located 17.6 miles (about 30 min. drive one way) from Wawona inside Yosemite National Park. Conditions permitting, it is open from mid-December through mid-March, and brings many visitors to visit and test out its slopes each year. With an elevation difference of 7,200-8,000 feet, and a vertical drop of 800 ft, it offers 88 acres of groomed ski area, 10 ski runs, and five chairlifts. It’s ideal for all-levels of snowboarding, downhill and cross country skiing, tubing, and much more. Plus, it’s affordable and family-friendly. “

“Winter in Yosemite is magical! We are talking snow covered peaks, frosted trees, frozen waterfalls, frazil ice, little to no crowds, and a heap of activities including ice skating, downhill and cross-country skiing, hot cocoa, quality time next to a roaring fireplace, and more. And these are just a few of the essential activities to create your perfect winter family vacation.”

Tioga Pass Road aka Highway 120 makes way for perfect summer and early fall adventures in Tuolumne Meadows. After a heavy winter, the waterfalls are still strong, and there is even some snowmelt on some of high country trails. We have a list to plan your perfect day of trail hiking, whether you’re just looking for a short and sweet stroll or something to test those limits. The best part? Even with its popularity, and short season, Tuolumne tends to be much less crowded than Yosemite Valley (cue prayer hands).

Check out the free Tuolumne Meadow Shuttle if you’re planning to knock out a few trails in a day. 

Article I wrote about Morley Field in South Park, CA for Edible’s Winter 2020 issue.

After five years of business, this beloved allergen-free baker has opened her first brick and mortar in San Diego.

California Roasting Collective is not only San Diego’s first and only coffee roasting collective, it's one of the first anywhere.

For those who are celiac, gluten-intolerant, vegan, lactose intolerant or all of the above, consider this list your dining guide. READ MORE

Yosemite National Park brings in over four million visitors each year!  Since 4 million yearly fans can’t be wrong, there are many reasons to want to visit Yosemite, and plenty of reasons to stay within the park boundaries during your next visit. During peak season, we expect large crowds, heaps of cars, traffic delays (sometimes 1-2 hours), busy attractions, and limited parking and lodging. Here are five reasons why staying in Wawona will allow you to spend less time in your car, and more time enjoying what this great park has to offer… 

It is time to take the local conversation beyond farm-to-table and start talking about seed origins.

“We talk about food-to-table, but seed-to-table is just as important,” explains Brijette Romstedt-Peña, founder of the San Diego Seed Company, which is currently the only local seed distributor in San Diego and the only certified organic urban seed producer in the country.

“Everything served in the newly opened Ranch 45 restaurant is locally sourced and responsibly raised, including their poultry and beef.

The coffee beans used for their espresso bar are from Cafe Virtuoso, while the Free-Ranch Chicken is from Mary’s. Vegetables come from Chino Farms, and their eggs from Eben-Haezer .

The star of the menu is Brandt Beef, sourced from a family-owned ranch in Imperial County dedicated to using sustainable practices to produce their premium natural beef that’s free from antibiotics with no added hormones.

In the front-of-house and behind-the-line, General manager Pam Schwartz and Executive Chef DuVal Warner run the show.”

"When you visit Yosemite, every view in the park feels like a wonder. Every minute you are surrounded by the sheer beauty and natural amazement everywhere you look; a rushing river, a waterfall, a glistening lake. You are confronted with breathtaking vistas, a seemingly never-ending redwood trees, giant granite cliffs that have seen the beginning of time, and more. We've come up with a list of the most spectacular places in the park."

I’ve been traveling there with my family since I was a young kitten, and it remains one of my favorite spots in the world. Gorgeous natural surroundings, amazing cuisine, great coffee, vintage shopping, mid-century homes and furniture, miles of hiking, hot springs and a tiki culture. Is there much more you need from a vacation destination?

“It’s spring in Yosemite! The snow has melted in nearly all of the lower elevations, the rivers and streams are rushing, the baby animals are strolling, the flowers are blooming, and the mountains are calling. What better way to see the natural beauty of Yosemite than by taking a hike during this exciting time? Whether you are looking for a short and sweet hike through the meadow, along the river, or crave a more strenuous hike to visit a raging waterfall, we have you covered with this post.” 

“Most people who have had the opportunity to venture through Yosemite National Park, have driven through the famous and historical Wawona Tunnel. It is part of three main roads in Yosemite Valley, transporting you down to Tunnel View and Yosemite Valley, or up to Wawona and Mariposa Grove on California State Route 41, towards on the south entrance. There isn’t anything more spectacular than driving through Wawona Tunnel to reach one of the most stunning views in the park. The spectacular Tunnel View looks eastward into Yosemite Valley, including the Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall. Here are other great facts about the tunnel…”

I think Spring in Yosemite might be my favorite, and I got to write exactly why that is for Redwoods in Yosemite... 

Humboldt County is a beautiful destination for hiking, fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and all things outdoors related. Once you hit that redwood curtain on the 101 you know you are amongst the hippies. If you are vegetarian, vegan and of course gluten free this will be a farm fresh food haven indeed. I have been navigating the gluten-free world for the past eight years and come to love the following restaurants.