BuenQamino Spirit

Musings about adventure and becoming

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One Day (and Gluten and Dairy-Free) in Ojai, CA Guide

We decided to spend a recent weekend getaway in Ojai, CA. I only heard great reviews about this mountain-side “small town” saddled between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara and wanted to check it out for myself. I imagined a true small town, far inland, and away from it all. Like one of those Hallmark channel Christmas movie settings (is anyone else obsessed with those? I’m going to imagine you just said, yes.). What I got was a quaint town, only 15-20 minutes inland from the coastal city of Ventura. Surrounded by mountains and ranches, and filled with things to do and see (and eat), especially during our weekend stay, Ojai is definitely a unique place to visit. Here are a few of our favorites, to create your own ideal itinerary… 

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The Ultimate Weekend Guide for Joshua Tree National Park/City, CA and The High Desert (Gluten-free, plant-based-friendly)

Most people agree that Joshua Tree is a magical place. Situated between California’s Mojave Desert and the lower Colorado Desert, it’s home to the native Joshua Tree (hence the name), Joshua Tree National Park and Little San Bernardino Mountains. Due to its beautiful topography and nature, it has a long history of luring in artists, hikers, rock climbers alike. Only located 2.5 hours away from both Los Angeles and San Diego, it’s no wonder why so many Angelinos and San Diegans purchase second homes here. Joshua Tree has quite a bit to offer, whether you’re there for a day, the weekend, or forever. Here’s our must-dos…

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One Day (and Gluten Free!) in Las Vegas, NV

I attended the Women’s Rally at the Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas this past January, and although this isn’t my favorite city in the world, or in the USA for that matter, it is surrounded by some amazing natural beauty and delicious allergen friendly eats (perhaps even worth revisiting). If you find yourself in, or passing through Las Vegas, do check out this must-visit-and-eatlist for your enhanced enjoyment on, and off the Las Vegas Strip.

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YOSEMITE VALLEY HAS RE-OPENED! HERE IS WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO VISIT AT THE END OF THE SUMMER IN YOSEMITE

The Ferguson fire that roared through the Yosemite region was scary but was no match for the brave firefighters who defended our amazing National Park.  Now that the park re-opened, we have compiled a list of must-sees and dos during your next visit. Late Summer is a great time to jump in the cool water, take a hike on a misty trail and visit the phenomenal high country. Read more via the link... 

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One Day (and Gluten and Dairy Free) in Seattle and Snoqualmie, Washington + A DIY Twin Peaks Tour!

The state of Washington is just beautiful. You can have the best of both worlds; the awesome city of Seattle, and the surrounding natural countryside, including majestic waterfalls, mountains and forests. Sitting just 30-45 minutes east of Seattle, the city of Snoqualmie is a stunner and is also known as the fictional town of Twin Peaks. So, rent a car and follow these steps to make the most out of the city and country in one day... 

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One Day (and gluten and dairy free!) in Vancouver, Canada

I’d been wanting to visit Vancouver, Canada for quite some time. Most of my family lives on the east coast, in Toronto, but I had a feeling this little city in the PNW would tug at my heart strings, and I was right. We decided to visit in the spring, which felt like the perfect season. The air was crisp, but not too cold, perfect for outdoor exploring. Although there is tons to see and do, we felt like we got a lot done in just one day with the help of a rental car. Here is our guide... 

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The 10 Best Bakeries and Gluten Free Restaurants in San Diego

We can all agree that living with an autoimmune disease such as Celiac, or with any food intolerances or allergies is not very fun, or convenient, for that matter. Especially when trying to find something tasty! The amount of San Diego restaurants who cater to these communities, makes it feel almost effortless to find allergen-friendly food! As someone diagnosed with Celiac and other food intolerances, who is San Diego based, I have tried and tested most of what America’s Finest City has to offer time and time again, and the results have been delicious! I have compiled a list of my ten favorite spots that I regularly visit, and I recommend them to anyone visiting or living in San Diego.

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Guide for Hiking to, and within Havasupai/ Supai Falls, Arizona (and Gluten-Free!)

I can’t stop dreaming of our recent trip to Havasupai, Arizona. Miles of hiking through the deepest reds of the Grand Canyon’s walls, only to find an isolated Native American reservation, home to hidden cascades of bright turquoise blue waters running off ancient cliffs, hugged by the greenest of flora and fauna. It’s magical, to say the least. However, planning to check this off the ol’ bucket list wasn’t easy. As you have heard in other blog posts, this paradise is both physically and logistically difficult to reach, but entirely worth it. The information below is based off my own experience and information I found prior to our trip, and while within the reservation. 

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One Day in Idyllwild, California (and Gluten-Free!)

Tucked in the mountains of San Jacinto, and just a hop, skip and jump away (aka 2 hours) from both busy metropolises of Los Angeles and San Diego exists the beautiful and quaint town of Idyllwild. The town serves as nice escape for anyone. Whether that’s a solo getaway, camping trip with friends or family, or a romantic adventure, driving up the hill will sure be worth it.

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Intro to Dhammaland - The Happiest Place on Earth: A 12-day Journal of my Vipassana Silent Meditation Retreat Experience

For many years, I wanted to complete a 10-day Vipassana retreat. Why? Because I wanted to know myself in the truest sense. I spend so much time avoiding myself, and trying to fill up my time with every activity in the book so that I do not have to hang out alone. Despite this proclivity for self-avoidance, I truly wanted to find out the root of my anxiety, my chronic guilt, and to finally understand my impulsiveness, my indecisiveness, and my need to keep busy with a million things to feel happy, to feel ‘satisfied.’ I know I am literally the grandmaster at avoiding myself, which is why I thought a retreat, where just me, my ego, and potentially the dark night of my soul could get together for an overdue intervention. The thought of being alone for 10 days in silence simultaneously excited and scared the shit out of me. Hence I chickened out twice before, and gave up my spot to someone I thought would be a more worthy goer. Plus, I was not ready! I had to take the time off work, financially prepare myself, etc etc etc. Finally, I convinced myself that there was no more avoiding. I had to do it.

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