TBT--travel addition

Another installment of throwback travel edition.
This time, I felt like returning to California.  I so love it there.  The focus of this edition is Napa Valley.  I have spent some time in Los Angeles, Temecula, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Francisco and Paso Robles.  I would like to say that I love them all, equally, but I don't know if that is possible.  The wine regions associated with San Francisco hold a special place in my heart.  And, of course, I am enticed by the central coast wineries as well.  I mean, my namesake winery is located there.  Population 18 is the town of Harmony, California. I have visited there a few times and sampled the wine.  If you are driving along that stretch of road, stop in and try the chardonnay.  It is right by the Hearst Mansion.  I discovered it while on a road trip in 2006.  Of course, I had to stop and take a few photos and drink wine.
Back to the travel edition...This is from my last trip to Napa Valley.  I convinced my friend, Sara Jo, to run the Napa to Sonoma half marathon.  It's part of the wine destination series and is their flagship race.  The registration fills up within twenty minutes.  I am not kidding!  I tried for a few years to get in to this race and finally succeeded.  Of course, we had run the Healdsburg Half and the Santa Barbara Half Marathon.  I think being in their system increased our odds of finally registering for this race.  I think I became interested in the race as it was listed as a marathon bucket list.  It combined two of my favorite loves--wine and travel.  Running could motivate me to be healthy.  Moderately, mostly.  I did manage to train while living in Santa Fe.  I lived next to a paved running trail that was perfect.

This is us, post race.  Great expo with lots of opportunities to check out wine and celebrate life.  The race takes place in July and we were a little concerned about the weather.  I do not love running when it is hot.  I tend to overheat.  Thankfully, it  was an overcast day.  Ideal for running 13.1 miles.  Conveniently, they do have a Guinness stop at one of the mile markers and a gewürztraminer is available in front of Gundlach Bundschu winery.  On another trip to California, I toured this winery and have fond memories of that experience.  I have always been an avid fan of their wines.  So, imagine how ecstatic I was to sample their wine while running?  It was motivating and fueled my half marathon.  We met Jen (Sara's friend) and the Goddess at the finish line.  I think a bloody mary was involved somewhere as it tends to be a post race must.  I really should consider finding a race, locally, if only to have a reason to toast the effort with a bloody mary afterwards.

We were fortunate to stay at this property located in south Sonoma.  Benziger Estate winery has one of the best tours available.  They have an organic, biodynamic winery and explain how they utilize and reuse everything in their property.  They are knowledgeable and informative without coming across as know it alls or snobby.  I would definitely recommend their tour for anyone that is not familiar with the wine making process.  The landscape is stunning.  I was fortunate to arrange a stay in their guest home.  This view is incredible.

We did the tour and sampled some of the wines on Saturday when we arrived in Napa.  It was a quick tour before having dinner at Oenotri restaurant.  I like tapas and love sharing meals with friends.  Tapas enables me many items to try and share.  We settled in to the house and had an early night. I wanted to be able to wake with ease in the a.m. and run the miles.  

 Of course, no trip to Napa would be complete without a little wine tasting.  I think this was stop #3 of the day.  Miner Vineyards along the Silverado Trail.  Lovely chardonnay that I drink on a fairly regular basis at a spot in Denver.  This was our final day in wine country before heading back to the city.  I thought I would have enough time to stop by the Buena Vista for an Irish coffee.  Our chauffer, the Goddess, had to alter her return flight and so that did not happen.  Next time for sure.

In all, we toured Benziger, Imagery, Alpha Omega, Ferrari Carano, Miner, Grgich Hills and a few others in Healdsburg.  I told the ladies would be dining at Scopa in Healdsburg. I insisted that we wait for an available table or belly up to the bar.  I loved the fare at their restaurant.  I wish I had some photos to share of the food factor their.  Our final night in Sonoma we dined at another tapas place that was not memorable.  I should have researched better to provide another food associated experience.
I think I did okay touring the valley.  Of course, I would have loved to have had more time.  I like to criss cross both spots but know with the driving it limits multiple spots.  Also, I would recommend hiring a driver to safely guide you through the valley.  There are too many wineries to sample.  So pick two to three a day if you are driving and space them out.  Find a picnic area and buy a baguette and relax.  Even that is welcoming and blissful in Napa and Sonoma.  Sorting through photos and thinking about past trips is inspiring me to book a ticket to northern California and make it happen.  I do want to return to wine country.  This trip is overdue and I must rectify that!
It probably won't involve a half marathon unless I actually put one foot in front of the other in the next month.  I have the next few months planned out in terms of travel.  Visiting in the fall is a definite possibility.  Harvest is a lovely time of year to visit.  A great energy of wine, family, sharing, creating memories is possible.  I am thinking about it.  I wonder if I can convince one of my friends to join me.
Til next week for the travel throwback, cheers!!!

making dinner on days off and other thoughts

Finally, a pure night of sleep. In bed early.  Little stress and home cooked meal.  Translation, clean living.  I was tempted to meet Jenn for sushi and had she agreed to change the venue I would have met her.  I am growing tired of dining at the same spot and I think, in a way, she does know it.  It is convenient for both of us to meet and I like their happy hour offerings. Buy one, get one--who wouldn't like that?  

I wish they would improve their wine list or at least update it.  Not to mention, their sushi is dated, too.  They do have specials but typically, the same ones offered daily.  As noted, had she agreed to meet elsewhere, I would have been in and caved on my decision to eat clean.  I considered being healthy for a few days and wanted to try it starting on Tuesday.  Mid afternoon, Jenn texted me and asked me to meet her for sushi and I was on the fence.  It's too easy to abandon plans of clean living to meet friends for happy hour.  It is a healthy distraction, social and fun.  I suggested a few other spots and could tell by her response that she was uninterested.  I asked her to meet me at an izakaya and her response was that she was not interested in French tonight.  I chuckled and responded that the spot offered poke, ramen and edamame (one of her favorites) and noted where it was located.  It fell flat.  She was determined to go to her designated spot.  It's convenient and she enjoys it.  Kindly, I asked for a raincheck and plotted my dinner.  I had lentils in my cupboard that I keep looking at.  I could easily make soup.  Normally, I have mirepoix on hand and garlic.  I would need to purchase a red bell pepper and maybe an avocado to bulk up the soup.  I declined on the avocado since the selection looked tired and bruised.  

I have made variations of green chile lentil soup and the recipe I found last night was actually quite tasty.  I think the addition of the paprika and cumin helped with the spice./flavor component. I would add more garlic next time still.  Recipes, in my opinion, minimize the garlic factor.  I always add more.  I have a fair amount of left overs and figure I will add more garlic today if I choose to eat soup for lunch.  Or, I have greens, tuna, capers, garbanzo beans and a few other staples in my kitchen. I try to keep things on hand to minimize my desire to dine out.  I live by two greek restaurants, a thai place and a delicious sandwich spot.  In an attempt to stop dining out due to convenience, I am picking up items to sustain hunger. I always have protein bars and coffee.
I needed to resupply some of my necessities and wanted to drop some books off at one of the local free library spots in the city.  Conveniently, I am familiar with a location near a dollar tree and coffee shop.  I could be healthy by bringing my own cup to be filled with coffee, drop off books to be read by others and pick up a few essentials at the dollar store. I buy dishwashing soap and other cleaners there.  I have been trying to incorporate more natural products into my daily life.  Instead of buying my normal laundry detergent I bought a natural product.  In the past year, I have been using natural shampoo and conditioner, too.  One small change does impact others and my daily life.  I am more mindful of what I am buying and how it effects me.  I have even switched to making my own mouthwash instead of buying the commercial products.  I love the addition of essential oils in my daily life.  Try peppermint and clove and see how you feel.  I feel invigorated!
I should go for a walk or enjoy being outside.  It is a gorgeous day in Denver!  Enjoy your day!

rainy day thoughts

Last night, I returned home and made a salad.  I felt like trying to be healthy.  I think I have been decreasing my results by overthinking and ultimately, guilt.  Guilt is such a powerful emotion.  I must release my feelings of guilt when it comes to what I ingest and inhale.  I enjoy the social aspects of drinking wine and also the health benefits.
I made a salad and chatted with my aunt.  I will be visiting her in Minneapolis next week and wanted to touch base on our itinerary.  My friend, Shari, also lives nearby and so I wanted to coordinate with the two to arrange a dinner or dinners.  My aunt seems agreeable and I appreciate that very much.  I have spent time in Minneapolis but it's been ten plus years.  My last visit was in February.  I'll leave it at that.  After confiding in my aunt that I would be interested in reflexology or something along those lines, I retired to bed.  I could use a good night of sleep and wanted to do just that.  I fell asleep and then was rudely awakened by a rustling of bottles.  It was nonstop and so my first thought as I refused to open my eyes was that an animal was rummaging through the trash.  A quick disruptive search through the garbage.  It wouldn't stop though.  I look outside and there is a man throwing recycling all over the alleyway.  I want him to stop but don't want to get involved.  He won't stop.  He walks to another spot and decimates the trash there.  I think I can stop listening and then he returns.  A car alarm goes off which I think will force him out of our alley.  Instead, he intensifies his crazed search.  I try to block him out and he keeps going.  I see an officer and lights on him. It looked as if they were trying to help him find whatever it is he is searching for.  I finally fall asleep and awake to debris all over our alley. I have no idea what this man was looking for or why he was not escorted out of the alleyway. It was disruptive and incredibly loud.  I thought about calling the police and then thought-why, what will they do?  Is this what we are heading towards.  Apathy and inability to have results?
I, sincerely, hope not.  I mentioned it to a few people while working and they knew all of the drill.  How people are going through trash, actively, and how they do not care how they leave the trash everywhere.  It is annoying!
Today I woke up to some mixture of snow and rain.  Definitely the type of day to remain indoors, couch side with a blanket and book.  I made more coffee a little bit ago to nestle in and inspire more reading.  Jenn wanted to meet for sushi but I am growing tired of dining at the same spot.  I suggested another place and she felt it was too far from her house to make it work.  I declined to meet her.  I prefer staying in and making soup.  I have lentils, carrots, onions and a few other items that should make a nice soup.  And, the weather absolutely motivates soup!
I attended a barre class this morning.  I wish there had been a yoga class that matched up my day today.  Unfortunately, they keep changing the classes at my gym and the other studio, I attend, did not have any class that I wanted to check out this morning.  There is a class at 5:30 but that requires moving my car and finding parking.  I think I will do an early class tomorrow instead.
Enjoy your evening!  What motivates you on rainy days?

Friday Funday....

A few days late but memorable nonetheless.  I worked Thursday night and arrived at home around 2 a.m.  It was unexpected and atypical.  I had arranged an early morning training session and knew that my body would need lots of rest.  Courtney has been intensifying our sessions over the last month and so I knew it would be in my best interest to arrive fresh and rested.
I changed my in time with her since I had a client at 9:30 following my session.  Roxanne was heading to Breckenridge and so it was time sensitive.  On Thursday night, she reached out to see if I would mind if one of her friends joined our session.  I thought about it and decided it would be good to try a group session in a safe place.  I didn't know her friend--her fitness level, familiarity with yoga or if she had any injuries.  When I work out with Roxanne, I take into account that she does not love yoga and that we are building her practice up.  Lots of push ups and building postures.  I wanted to make sure that the class would be challenging for her and her friend.  In the morning, she texted me to tell me that her friend had plantar fasciitis.  I am familiar with that ailment and have some tools to ease the discomfort.  I wanted to stop by my place to grab those items to introduce in our session.  Overall, it went really well and I appreciated the opportunity to work with both of these ladies.  We were all sweating and I think that Roxie was more comfortable with the breath work working alongside her friend.  It was like things started clicking.
Afterwards, I rushed home and set up my place to meet Sara Jo.  She has injured herself recently--lumbar/sacrum discomfort.  I knew that I would be altering my flow to customize a strategy for her.  More stretchy and building strength.  Less flow and chatarangas.  I wanted to see how much flexion she had in her hip.  We tried down dog and it's not quite there yet.  I incorporated some core and of course, pushups.  I know that in order for her to recover she needs to strengthen her core and stabilize her lower back.  I believe we will be practicing once a week to aid in her recovery.
We had made plans to check out the Degas exhibit at the art museum.  It's been years since I have been at the museum and it's lovely.  Eventually, we did tour the exhibit after a wine inspired lunch in Cherry Creek.  Downtown was busy with the baseball game and onslaught of 420 supporters.  I wanted to avoid that celebration and so we stayed east to celebrate the day.  Boozy lunch followed by a quick tour of the museum.  I do enjoy days off in Denver.
We chose to walk back to our neighborhood instead of hiring a car.  We made a brief stop before finding a new ramen spot on Colfax.  I had dined there for lunch in the last month.  They offer poke and ramen which I enjoy.  I told Sara that we should check it out and we caught the tail end of happy hour.  The place was packed and patiently we waited watching the one bartender take care of the entire place.  I think she was a little overwhelmed.
We tried the spicy edamame, some ramen and octopus.  I didn't love the octopus or the ramen but I would return to check out other items.  The edamame was delicious.  I loved the flavors and it was a great way to begin the meal.  They offer $3 Sapporo during happy hour which is also nice.  We finished the night by hiring a car to take us back to our neighborhood.
I woke up on Saturday and was immediately struck by how sore I was.  I know that a lot of it is due to my training session with Courtney.  She beat me up.  And then I extended the work outs by practicing with Roxie and then Sara Jo.  I did all of the push-ups with them.  Let's just say, I still feel sore.  And my core is screaming at me, too.
Today, I think a more restorative yoga class is in my future.  I have been attending a gospel type of class on Sunday mornings that I enjoy. However, I have plateaued a little with this particular instructor.  I need to distance myself from her class to return and be inspired.
Yoga beckons.  More growth and expanding my personal practice.  Enjoy your day!

TBT--travel addition

I have been thinking about NOLA...mostly, due to the fact that three people in the last few weeks have been talking about trips there.  One girl had never been there and I immediately flooded her with places to go--eat, drink and explore.  I suppose I have been thinking about NOLA the entire month of April.
For me, exploring cities involves the food factor.  Here are some of the highlights--starting with oysters at Mariza. This place was highly recommended by a friend of a friend.  She insisted on checking out this spot in the Marigny.  I made reservations for our first night in the city.  The oysters were the highlight and the amaro flight for after dinner drinks.  Recently, I found a fondness for amaro and wanted to share my love of this Italian spirit with my friends.  They range in smoothness to bitter which I am not a huge fan of.  Regardless, Mariza had an industrial feel and was very welcoming.  And the best oysters we found while dining in NOLA.

Of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without a coffee at Café Du Monde.  Iconic and always busy. We walked from our rental in the Bywater and arrived ready for some coffee and beignets.  We waited in line for 15 minutes and listened to the saxophone player that has been playing that spot for years.  He now offers cd's in addition to listening to the music.  Every trip to the city (five times for me) and I have purchased at least one beignet.  Since the Goddess had not yet arrived I knew that we would be venturing back to this must do so that she would also experience the beignets.

In an effort to be healthy, we rented bikes and rode through the central business district and Magazine St.  The place we selected was referred to us by local residents.  However, I think I would have put more thought into selecting a bike in the future.  We were greeted and paid and that was about it.  They didn't offer to help us select bikes, make sure there was air in the tires of give us any tools that would help us.  In their defense, there was a protest about to happen and people were on edge.  Regardless, we pumped up the tires and rode away.  It was a nice ride and I knew that eventually, I wanted to make a stop at the Bull Dog.  We parked the bikes and had a few beers before heading back to the Bywater.  Almost immediately one of the bikes lost brakes.  We would stop and Shari would be at risk of crashing.  She kept trying to fix the screw on the chain and finally we called the bike shop to have them come and get us since it was becoming more and more frequent and dangerous.  They refused to grab us due to the pending protest and possible riot.  They told us to get back on our own.  That was unimpressive!  We rode back to the shop and dropped off one of the bikes and explained why we were unhappy with them--no customer service, fitting of bikes, etc. and they told us they would handle it tomorrow.  I would still definitely recommend exploring the city on bike.  Just check out your options!

I watch Top Chef--always have.  I knew that one of the finalists had a restaurant in New Orleans and made reservations to dine there.  Compere Lapin did not disappoint.  Amazing!   I am very thankful to have found this spot and dined here.  Innovative drinks, wine list and incredible food.  And, we saw a wedding party arrive at the hotel where the restaurant is located and watched a Second Line descend.  It was awesome!  The Goddess chose to join the celebration by dancing on our table.  The owner came by and insisted on meeting our group since we were having fun and celebrating life.  I had a fantastic piece of carrot cake here, too.  My favorite dessert!

 We found this spot by perusing open table and looking for brunch spots.  I knew there would be five of us and so I made reservations instead of waiting in the humidity as we had the previous day.  I won't mention what spot that was.  It was forgettable.  Sylvain's was lovely.  We arrived right as they opened and insisted on a round of cocktails and bubbly.  Our server, although hungover, was knowledgeable and attentive.  I think he warmed up to us as we continued to drink bubbly.  We shared a few brunch items before heading back towards the Bywater to meet Tiffany.  She flew in to meet us for 36 hours.  Crazy lady and too much fun! I had made the main event (birthday dinner) reservations at Commander's Palace.  Festive with all of the pomp and circumstance.  I loved every minute of it!

There are so many restaurants, neighborhoods and music to check out while in N.O.L.A.  We did a little in the Quarter, Magazine St, Marigny and Bywater.  I would love to return to discover Vietnamese food in the city.  I have heard many amazing things about it.  Or more music and restaurant recon in the Bywater.  We found Bacchanal and Henry's.  There were others that I would have loved to explore.  Seriously, there are too many options and my liver hated me for about a week after my return.  Let's just say spending five days in New Orleans is similar to three nights in Vegas.  Both are geared to be unlimited hedonism and excessive.  I outperformed myself, lol.
Til next time, enjoy!  I do love revisiting beautiful cities that I have visited in the past.  Maybe next week it will be International.
Cheers!

some plateaus and upside down

I went upside down.  A few times this morning.  I forced myself to go to a class that I frequent on a regular basis.  I adore John but find, sometimes, that I get bored.  I know his routine and my mind wanders if I attend his class a bunch.  He teaches on Mondays and Wednesdays and I have in the past attended both days.  Recently, though, I feel it is too comfortable and typical.  I have semi-broke up him, lol.  Today, started off with the typical sequence and I found myself losing interest.  Maybe he sensed it.  For whatever reason, suddenly he is teaching dolphin and instructs us to use the wall.  He gave us a few minutes to play and I loved it.  I did handstand, dolphin and multiple crows.  Loved it!
Yesterday, I went to another studio to check out one of their popular instructors.  I purchased a class package with twenty available classes with no expiration date.  There is one instructor that I enjoy and have been attending her class regularly.  Yet, I am finding that I am plateauing, a little, with her and so I wanted to expand my circle of classes that I can attend regularly.  I was familiar with the female instructor's class that I chose to check out.  I really wanted to see what was out there and what she was doing.  In the past, I went to one class and felt that she held some awkward postures too long and that she gave great hands on adjustments.  It had been a challenging vinyasa class with some inversions.
That was my expectation.  I thought it would be astanga based with inversions thrown in at the end.  Imagine my surprise when we meditate the first ten minutes of class.  Then, we hold poses that are typically designed to be performed towards the end of the class.  I almost always have tight hips and so forcing myself into a supine bound angle posture is not ideal to begin with.  Eventually, she got around to introducing a few sun A and sun B's.  I had my phone--I know, bad Harmony--but I was curious as to what point in the class she was introducing these with about 18 minutes left in the class.  I struggled to finish the class.  It just wasn't my jam.  I left feeling incomplete and knowing that I do not need to attend another one of her classes.  She isn't my style.  She thinks her class is challenging.  Ironically, there were people that were having difficulty breathing.  The woman next to me actually started eating a protein bar midway through the class.  I didn't really know what to think of that, haha.
I left and considered taking an evening class.  A studio near to me had a class at 5:30.  Again, with a renowned instructor that I have attended her class.  I thought about it and then reconsidered.  I re-read her profile which highlighted her breath work.  I knew that her class would be centered on breathing and it wasn't what I was looking for last night.  I stayed home and focused on eating clean.  Finally, I consumed a meal that was vegetable driven and healthy.
I am thankful for going upside down and it sort of reinvigorated me.  We did a bridge and wheel and I thought about the last time I have taken an astanga class or mysore. I would benefit, greatly, from incorporating that back into my personal practice.  I think of how I can inspire my students to try inversions, and believe, it all begins with foundations.  Building a strong core and having the faith to do more.
I am off to work and greet the day. The early morning class inspires me to be the best version of myself.  What are you inspired by today?

days off and planning

I must eat clean the next few days.  I fell off the clean living wagon and realize that unless I really make changes, my weigh in on Friday will be horrifying.  Courtney will not let me live it down!  I'll be swimming in planks and pushups til my arms fall off.  Lol...she did try to break me last Friday and almost succeeded.  I was sore for a few days afterwards.  In terms of dining, I tried to be good.  I worked Friday night and ate shrimp at 2 am.  Saturday, I managed to eat a little cleaner but joined my friends for a night cap.   I had posole with chips and salsa, Sunday followed by spaghetti for dinner that night.  Wine was involved on both occasions.  Let's just say, I took recess from my prescribed schooling and effort.
And, I know I will feel better if I take a day or three off from excessive dining and wine.  Last night, my intention was to eat clean.  Then, Jenn texted me that we should meet for sushi and I obliged.  I wanted to enjoy happy hour with her.  And, who doesn't like sushi?  We frequent this that is super close to where we live.  I enjoy the happy hour offerings--two for one wine, beer or sake.  Not to mention, they do have a nice array of sushi.  Last night, I would have preferred checking out another place that I found recently.  It is further away from my apartment and I don't think the wine list is as varied.  However, they do offer a bunch of sushi that I would like to check out.  Next time for sure.
I walked home and threw my clothes around my apartment. I should get better about tidying up.  I fell asleep and woke to an early morning text from my yoga client.  They were up working still at 2:00 am.  Kristina was giving me the heads up that they would be canceling our session since they were still working and would continue til they were done with their project.  It was kind of her to let me know and she offered to pay me for my time which I also appreciated immensely.  Granted this is the second time she has canceled at a late date.  I agreed that I should be compensated for my time.  I am making strides in establishing my yoga clientele. I want to continue that momentum and see where it leads.
I reached out to a friend in Santa Fe about meeting him next month for lunch.  He travels frequently and so I wanted to see if our schedules would sync up.  I am waiting to hear back from him before committing to a trip.  I also need to see what my work schedule looks like next month.  Of course, if I do manage a trip to New Mexico, I will be heading to Ojo Caliente with the beauty, Melody, and lunching at La Choza.  I have other friends who I would like to see and there is the farmer's market that continues to attract and beckon.  There is Lawrence, Libby, Teo and a handful of others that I always enjoy meeting up with.
I need to book my trip to D.C., too.  I have confirmed my dates with Megan and see a dinner or lunch in my future.  I will not be staying with them as their situation has changed since my last trip to D.C.  Two kids and I am a little uncertain as to where they physically live.  Just seems more convenient and conducive to arrange an airbnb or VRBO.  Moreover, Jennifer will be with me, I think.  I don't know exactly how long she intends to stay in the city.  I am sure that I can entertain myself by checking out bars, restaurants, neighborhoods.  It will be my third visit to this city and I know it will not disappoint.
Upcoming travel is always fun to arrange and look forward to.  Heading to a vinyasa class at noon and perhaps finishing up with a  walk around City Park.  It is time to enjoy the sunshine and thrive!