Do Napa Valley Right

Just in time for Valentine's Day.

A few weekends ago we enjoyed some much needed R&R in über romantic Napa Valley. We stayed and played in the cozy town of Calistoga. Here's a play-by-play of how we did Napa Valley right.

Relaxin' at the Solage Calistoga spa and resort.  Complimentary pilates and yoga classes that kicks your butt in the AM and convertible Mercedes options to drive around town in the PM - yes, please. We also couldn't miss out on the must-eat-at and be-seen-at Solbar.  Their inventive menu offered healthy spa options from local organic farms. Definitely yummy.

Cruisin' around town on beach cruisers. Its the best way to wine taste and get around town.

Explorin' the local vineyards of Calistoga. The valley is beautiful, even in the winter time.

Sippin' at our favorite wineries in Calistoga and St. Helena. Our favorites: Duckhorn (Three Palms Vineyard Merlot) and Rombauer (Zinfandel). 

Noshin' at Dean & Deluca in St. Helena. Forget Yountville and the French Laundry. Instead, we snacked on the local goods from Dean & Deluca's artisan market: freshly baked Bouchon baguettes, olives, honey and dried fig compote (from our favorite Sonoma restaurant The Girl and The Fig).  

Shoppin' for fine gourmet oils and savories at Olivier in downtown St. Helena. This local store sells delicious olive oils that you can bottle yourself. So fun! These bottled oils made great souvenirs for our friends and family back home.

Santa Barbara: Bacara & 26.2 Miles

After spending the last few months running our neighborhood trails after work every day and training with his buddy, a marathon pro, during long early morning runs every weekend, Ronnie was ready to run his first 26.2 miles at the Santa Barbara International Marathon this past weekend. With the proper training under his belt, we decided that the best way to overcome the nervous mental energies would be to get some rest and relaxation the night before the race.  And the best place for some plush R&R in Santa Barbara....the Bacara Resort of course. We spent our 1st anniversary at Bacara and always longed to return. Thankfully, Bacara graciously extended marathon participants a special rate, of which we happily took advantage. After  checking-in we explored the lush meandering grounds of the resort, ordered some wine, took a romantic walk on the beach, watched the sun set over the ocean and enjoyed a healthy carb load at the resort's outdoor bistro. 

3am came too early the morning of the race. Ronnie was surprising calm and bushy-tailed - R&R accomplished. After the obligatory morning coffee I drove Ronnie to the drop-off location, wished him all the love and luck in the world, and began to plan my spectator route from where I would snap pics of him along the race course. I caught up to him at Mile 6, Mile 12, and Mile 17.  He looked great and was maintaining a 3:20 marathon pace. I was so proud of him and happy to see that he would be fulfilling one of his dreams/goals. And I was happy to be snapping the pics instead of worrying about electrolyte replenishment and blisters. By Mile 22 Ronnie began to experience debilitating cramps in his quads. But he toughed it out to the finish! No longer a mere runner, Ronnie has joined the elite ranks of people (1%) that can call themselves a marathon runner. He's hooked and already planning for the next marathon.

Bacara grounds and village room

Bacara Pool

On our way to the beach

Trail to the beach

Impromptu photo shoot

Watching the sunset while enjoying a glass of wine

Santa Barbara sunset

3am the morning of the marathon 

Looking fresh at mile 17

From runner to marathoner

Mission accomplished!

Goodbye Summer

113 degree temps in SoCal???? It sure doesn't feel like Fall around here. So rather than spend the first weekend of Fall in AC, our family escaped the heat and headed up to Bucks Lake in NorCal for some boating, s'mores and much needed R&R.





Plan B

What can we say? We’re gluttons for punishment. Today we put in another offer on our Dream House. Remember our Dream House? The one that cheated on us and went into escrow with another buyer. The one that caused our real estate heartbreak. Well, its BOM and this time we have a Plan B. If the bank does not accept our offer we are going on a vacation! We get it, we get it. Going on vacation may not be the most responsible thing to do. Yes, we should probably save our little pennies for Dream House Numero Dos. Blame it on emotional exhaustion. But, we really need something happy to look forward to. So, Cabo here we come……(maybe).

Cabo Villa

Images via here 

Pascua at the Padre

We spent Easter weekend in Bakersfield, CA with family.  Unfortunately we didn't make it to (6am) mass. Instead we slept in, went on an 8 mile bike ride, then had lunch at and toured the newly renovated Padre Hotel.  If you are ever in Bakersfield, this hotel is a definate must-see.  Think 21st century baroque meets oil baron chic.....

Top three photos by Henry A. Barrios / The Californian via here