Ziplines at Pacific Crest

Flying down the mountain!

Ziplines at Pacific Crest in the San Gabriel Mountains, north of Los Angeles California, is an adventure course through the treetops. Not for the faint of heart, these are some high speed rides over heights that equal a thirty story building and lines that go more than a quarter of a mile in length. This is a great way to spend the day out in nature and enjoying a view you can get no other way. If you feel the need for speed and enjoy a thrill this is the place to be.

They offer a couple of  options to enjoy the excitement at Ziplines at Pacific Crest with their Canopy or Mountain View Tours. These half day adventures will take you above the San Andres fault and into the heights of the California mountains. If you can’t make up your mind between the two consider the Ultimate Day Package which includes both options and a provided box lunch and drink.

Mountain View Zipline Tour – this package is made up of 6 ziplines, 2 free-fall rappels, and 3 hikes that take visitors through the countryside in a 2.5 hr. trip.

Canopy Tour – this 3.5 hr. course includes 9 ziplines that reach 306 ft in height and run as long as 1500 ft. Crossing 3 bridges, lowering yourself down 2 rappels, a sky stair, and 3 hikes round out this route.

Either choice or both will give visitors an adrenaline rush. Even the van up to the start point will get you going with a rumbling ride. From there it is a continued climb on foot to the first launch. After the guides run through the basics of braking and safety details you are ready to fly. I felt some butterflies with the anticipation of my first run and before some of the other elements that make up the course, like rappelling.

In between the zipping visitors get a hawk’s eye view from decks in the tree tops. Our Canopy Tour even saw a pair of red tailed hawks checking out the featherless high fliers. Our guides, Ray and Will, pointed out the different trees, wild life, and were very informative about more than just the ziplining.

Reaching speeds of up to 55 MPH while dangling from a line mid air is an experience to remember. Perfecting braking and landing took a bit of work and I happily never failed to make it to the platform. Tours go all year round so be prepared that no matter the weather you can hit the trail. Participants from ages 10 to 80 are said to have completed the course, so as long as you fall between 90-250 lbs. you can join in.

The instructions warn that participants need to be able to walk 1 mile as part of the course, but keep in mind that is a mile at 7,000 ft. So those with altitude issues be prepared for the added challenge. Comfort with heights helps as well since the treetop stops between lines are sunny spires above the arid mountain side. Even the bridges are a heart pounding part of the adventure.

Check the Ziplines at Pacific Coast site for specials like the June “Buy one tour, get the second tour 1/2 off with the code BOGOZIP or their newest adventure, a night time Moonlight Tour! For the full moon July 7th & 8th you can fly under the stars after watching the sun set in the mountains. This is an outdoor event that will not disappoint.

Contact Ziplines at Pacific Coast to book a tour on their site, ziplinespc.com or find out more about them on Facebook and Instagram.

Snuggle-Pedic Pillow Review

Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow is a combination of two popular approaches to sleep comfort. This pillow comes with a bamboo outer cover that is removable for easy washing and a memory foam stuffing that is adjustable to make for the ideal level of support. Snuggle-Pedic has developed a perfect partnering of natural fibers and the technology that scientifically keeps your pillow from going flat.

Other memory foam pillows I have used have a solid center of foam which is a different sleeping experience. What I like about this pillow is the crushed filling makes resting your head more comfortable no matter what position you like to sleep in. I am all over the place at night, stomach, back, and side, so this versatility is very important.

I received the Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Pillow around the time I purchased some cheaper bamboo pillows for around $10. These quickly lost shape and proved to me that the investment in a pillow that is durable and comfortable is worth every penny. It took a little bit of work finding the right level of softness and adjusting the filling, but now that I have it is the pillow I won’t share and travel with.

Another key portion to me with pillows is washability. The Snuggle-Pedic Pillow is completely washer and dryer safe. Yes, this is true of most pillows, but other products do not have the double layer. If I want an added pillow protection it is a separate purchase. This product has the removable bamboo cover which gives me two washing options, a plus for keeping clean.

These pillows and their mattress products are also completely Made in the USA with CertiPUR-US® certified foam that has been independently tested for quality. We spend hours every day with our face pressed against our pillows and and bodies to the bed, it is reassuring to know that all of the materials used have been checked and manufactured in America to meet the highest standards. The 90 Day Guarantee and 20 Year Warranty prove how confident Snuggle-Pedic is about their products.

The pillow has a very long and descriptive name, Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow Combination With Adjustable Fit and Zipper Removable Kool-Flow Micro-Vented Cover“. What it all comes down to is a product that will last using the newest innovation and customization for sleep comfort.

Find out more about Snuggle-Pedic and their products on their site – Snugglepedic.com – Twitter – Facebook

 

Brouwerij West at San Pedro, Ca

Beer Enthusiasts Stop Here!

Brouwerij West, pronounced Brewery West, is an amazing destination for visitors to Los Angeles and Long Beach in particular. They are more than just a brewery, with their tasting room, daily food trucks, pop-up restaurants, historical building, and proximity to other local attractions, they are a perfect stop. Kids and dogs (leashed of course) are welcome and the parking is free. Add the beer itself, which is excellent, and Brouwerij West is a great lunch break location or evening outing.

Visitors from further away can take advantage of the Brouwerji West special with the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Pedro, Beaches and Brews package. Then schedule a tour and tasting! The two-night travel package starts with two Brouwerij West beers when you arrive at the Hotel, transportation to a hosted tour of Brouwerij West; and a five beer tasting. Learn more about the process and how water, hops, barley, and other ingredients come together in the fine art and science of brewing.

Located in a converted U.S. Navy Port Warehouse that was built during World War II, the brewery gives the area a new life after the building sat abandoned. Visitors can come and get a look at soaring ceiling and brick walls initially intended to house ships, now home to beer barrels and brewing tanks. The tour was a real highlight of the visit for me as I knew very little about beer before.

Another aspect that deserves attention is that Brouwerij West is a green company running entirely off solar energy and 30% more efficient in their water usage than traditional breweries. This is possible with the use of a super fancy mash filter. Obviously when using terms like “super fancy” you can see I’m not an expert, so for true beer enthusiasts and home brewers here is an article from beerandbrewing.com about how the process really works. I did walk away from my tour far more knowledgable about the brewing process and ready to test some beers!

Brouwerji West has a sense of humor when it comes to their products. Some of the beers carry long and occasionally silly names like “Dog Ate My Homework” and “Smart for Never”, but you can make the intelligent choice and sit down at the bar, one of the indoor picnic tables, or the outdoor beer garden and sample a few of the craft brews. It helps to have a little something in your tummy too. Food for the non-drinkers in the family is another draw to Brouwerij West. There is always a selection of Food Trucks and Pop-up Restaurants like Shady Grove Foods to try. We enjoyed fresh fried chicken and their delicious thick cut bacon while enjoying our beers on a sunny SoCal afternoon.

The shiny tanks, wooden barrels, and time honored tradition come together and the results are refreshing and in a few cases surprising!



Coffee Tripel
– My favorite, and I confess it is the first
coffee beer I have ever had. I am not a coffee addict either and this Belgian style ale still came out on top. The smell is an added treat, rich with the aroma from the whole coffee beans used in the aging process.

Friend-o – Sweet and hoppy when it first hits the tongue. A great choice to get a feel for the beer. If this one is available grab it up and one for a friend-o.

Dog Ate My Homework – Blackberries! Just like the fruit themselves this beer has a tart dry flavor and a deep color. Not overly sweet or even overly fruity, the beer is a great balance between the additional blackberry and the beer flavors. The pretty color doesn’t hurt its appeal either!

Whether you are close by or traveling from afar, make the time to check out Brouwerij West. With nearby attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary, and other stops in the Port of Los Angeles like the indoor craft fair aptly named Crafted right across from the brewery there is plenty to see besides just the beaches. Come for a drink and a meal, take a few cans or bottles back home with you!

Find out more about Brouwerij West on InstagramFacebook, and Twitter

Shady Grove Foods on Facebook, Instagram, and their site Shadygrovefoods.com

 

Food Harmonics in Ojai California

A Dream stop for Foodies!

Food Harmonics is so good they merit a trip to Ojai, not just a stop in if you are already in town. Located in Ojai California, a fun little city overlooking the beautiful mountains of Los Padres National Forest between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, Food Harmonics is an absolute must.
Don’t be fooled by the quick order appearance when you first walk in, this place is quality food made fresh and worth sitting down to savor. There is great seating in the back or on the outdoor patio where you can look out and enjoy nature.

Don’t be intimidated by the menu board either. Take your time, ask questions, and know that everything we tasted blew us away. Homemade bread, soups, unexpected drinks both hot and cold are a mix of the familiar and items that might be foreign to you.

The entire menu is organic and gluten free. There are also amazing Raw, Vegan, Vegetarian, and Paleo options. I know, very California Foodie but don’t roll your eyes until you have their Raw Vegan Pizza on your tongue and then it will be completely pleasure induced. Yes the Raw Vegan Pizza is my top pick!

Raw Vegan Pizza – Not the first thing you think to order, but it should be! Not exactly the gooey cheesiness we usually associate with the term, but I would eat this any and every day that it is offered. The crust has a surprising crisp texture, thick and hearty. The toppings are so fresh they make you feel good from the first bite. Pesto, cashew cheese, mushrooms, fresh tomato, and pickled onion give the pizza a unique taste. It couldn’t be better proof that healthy and tasty can go hand in hand especial when added to the long list of dehydrated goodness that make up the crust! Honestly one of the best things I have ever eaten.

Smashed Avocado Toast – The highlight of this item is the bread. Avocados are always delicious and with the optional egg and pesto you have a SoCal favorite. At Food Harmonics they raise it to the next level with their homemade bread. Thick and full of grains it takes a simple snack and makes it a meal.

 

Salad Bowls – Complete with Bison Burger and you have one killer salad meal. Greens, tomato, avocado, beets, cabbage, sauerkraut, pickled onion topped with pesto dressing and cashew cheese will have you feeling good and full before you know it. The plate is also pretty in pink since the sauerkraut was made using red cabbage. cashew cheese was a new experience for me, but I have since looked up recipes to start using it at home.

Hot Turmeric Matcha Latte – It took me a minute I confess. The drink has an interesting greenish color that takes a moment. The taste also has a distinct flavor that the more I drank the more I wanted. We were informed that patrons come in just to get their fix of the drink which is healthier than coffee and has the benefits of turmeric which is good for inflammation, healthier skin, and is a super strong antioxidant. There are a lot of interesting options, but add this one to your “To Try” list.

Water Kefir – Fermented in house this probiotic drink is a bit intense. Think kombucha but without the caffeine since this is water based. This is a great source of healthy bacteria and yeast.

Food Harmonics is a must for every eater, the fact that it is Organic and so healthy becomes secondary to the taste and quality of their meals. Spend the day, enjoy Ojai, then finish off your day on a harmonious note here.

Find out more about Food Harmonics on Facebook and Instagram

 

All-Inclusive Spa, The Oaks at Ojai, Ca.

Ready to take time for yourselves ladies?

Then the Oaks at Ojai is your destination.

When you think about Southern California beaches come to mind, but there is so much more to see just a short drive from other destinations like Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Diego. A highlight is Ojai and the destination, the all-inclusive resort the Oaks at Ojai.

Surrounded by picturesque mountains is an oasis of green housed in mission style architecture and the luxury of modern amenities. A retreat from the high speed and high pressure daily grind is hard to find. Even traveling carries the burden of planning and transporting yourself place to place for meals and activities.


The Oaks all inclusive resort is the answer to that. This is a place for women, though men are welcome. Leave the rest of the family at home and come with a friend or go alone. Either way you will have a great time relaxing poolside, enjoying exercise classes, and eating healthy, tasty, energizing meals and snacks. This isn’t a boot camp, though there are ample opportunities to get you up, out, and moving. Hikes, swimming, yoga, dance, and exercise classes engage all guests at the level of their choosing.

Take the morning walks as an example. They come in three “speeds”, Hikes, Walks, and Strolls. Hikes start at 6:30am and last 90+ minutes. I took the morning hike and adventured up into the hills of the San Pedro National Forest for a view of the valley well worth the early start time. If a later wake up call and slower pace is more your speed then definitely catch the Ojai walking tour that will point out the highlights of the town and fill you in on the historic points and current details that make this spot a great destination.
I took my first ever pool exercise class and loved the shade sail over the area. This allowed you to stay out of the sun or embrace it while working up an appetite and working out your muscles. I loved it for the variety of moves I learned that I now bring to my solo swims to get an extra burn and stretch. I also enjoyed sitting poolside and being close to nature under the flowering trees.

Outside the water there are activities that you can add on to your stay, or on week days some different adventures are offered like a kayaking trip. Private hikes are available or get together with some new friends and plan a small group outing. If you like to bike there is a great local trail that even takes you all the way down to the ocean. You can rent on your own or take the guided ride that comes with a lunch and car ride back up the road to save you from peddling miles uphill.

If you aren’t too tired from a full day and a possibly early morning walk, get out and see a bit of the town. The shops are great, no chains or franchises allowed in the Ojai city limits so everything is one of a kind. Two of my favorite stops to shop? Heavenly Honey Company and Fig Curated Living. Just steps from the Oaks resort a sweet treat awaits with a honey tasting that will take you from blackberry to buckwheat and a quirky shop that has planters, wind chimes, and household items for in or outdoors. On a Sunday you can visit the farmers market for local produce, baked goods, and sundries like soap and olive oil to take home as gifts.

Evenings are quiet, like a lot of small towns, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do. Sunset is the perfect opportunity to enjoy an odd local custom. Instead of looking west when the sun goes down, in Ojai you look up and east. Why? Since the valley runs east to west there is a direct line from the last rays of light against the white rock face of the mount
ains which reflect back a pink picture you have to see to fully believe. It is even known as the Ojai “Pink Moment”.

For some quietly watching the sunset might not ignite a fire to their night so another option is the Vine just down the road for live music from local and guest bands like Danny McGaw. The talent and sound drew me in from my evening stroll and others for a drink and live strumming. True the Ojai Mule for the flavor of the valley, pixie tangerines! A local citrus specialty that is celebrated in the valley in April every year with the Ojai Pixie Tangerine Festival.

In the cute and tiny town center of sits the historic hotel, originally the first in the valley and now home to the Oaks at Ojai. Another historic building across the street is the Ojai Post Office. This charm and history is carried into the resort. The large fireplace when you walk in and wood front desk set the tone. We stayed in one of the newer back casitas which were lovely and spacious. Visitors should keep in mind though that not all rooms have their own bathrooms attached in the main hotel building. Like other converted buildings and historic B&Bs that is a difference from the generic hotel experience. Some rooms show their age at the Oaks.

If the good living, excellent food, and engaging company is not enough to help you shrug off some years there is also a first rate spa at the Oaks. Massages, facials, and body treatments are all options you can embrace. A common sight at the Oaks Spa is the blissful look on a robe clad woman with mussed up hair after they return from the spa. That or the polished look of a guest just leaving the onsite salon. Those are gifts that keep on giving even after you leave.

Best of all perhaps is the results you walk away with internally. I have never had more energy and felt better than when I left. The next day when I walked down the isle of the grocery stores all I could think was, “Not healthy enough.” Sadly that only held true for so long, but almost everyone I saw checking out stretched those results a bit by taking home some of the frozen soups and goodies the Oaks sells. I took home their famous, healthy, chocolate bark… didn’t survive long as a gift to my dog sitter though. I can’t wait to try out a few of the recipes that I learned at their demonstration too!

The Oaks at Ojai is a great match for those looking for an escape with great company and a healthy focus. Enjoying the mountain air and the active lifestyle of the Oaks is a great kickstart to motivating yourself during and after your stay. To reap the greatest benefit I would recommend a stay of three nights, minimum two and a number of the ladies I met were staying for even longer. Get away from it all, put your cell phone on silent, and enjoy a trip to Ojai.

Find out more about the Oaks at Ojai on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest

Last Minute Gifts for Mom

Here are a few ideas for those that are running late or had Mother’s Day sneak up on them. A little thought and a few options that might surprise that special lady in your life.

Quick Combinations

Only have time for a fast stop before you next see mom? Grocery stores or Costco have gift cards and goodies to put together a quick gift basket.


Movie Passes
 – Mom might enjoy a trip to the cinema so scope out what theater chain is nearby and grab some passes. Amp up this gift with a bag of popcorn and a couple of boxes of candy!

Go Green

– Any local home goods store will have plants, grab one with your gift card. You can also throw in an IOU for a shopping or planting date to use the card together! No one says the gift garden needs to be in the ground today! Or if a live plant is not an option a few bags of seeds will fit in any card envelope.

Something Homemade

– You may not be crafty yourself but you can give mom a gift that opens the door to all kinds of handmade goodies at Etsy.com

Set a Date

– Groupon maybe a good match for picking out a treat for mom. Plan an afternoon together and buy two, or send mom to the spa for some pampering and alone time. Buying for the woman in your life? Grab two too and have her bring a friend!

– Living Social is another option to search out experiences for mom, as a couple, or for the whole family. Try something new together, or plan an adventure with the packages offered locally or a bit further away.

Bed & Breakfasts

– Give a getaway to Mom. Keep it relatively local and travel costs will be low. Most Bed and Breakfasts offer added goodies to the usual hotel experience and give mom an excuse to be a tourist without the impersonal feel. Many B&Bs are located near local attractions, if you have questions call and ask. This has the added benefit of supporting local businesses.

Continued Entertainment

– Movie subscription! HULU, NetFlix, or Amazon Prime allow for gift subscriptions and give mom endless options to enjoy some audio visual entertainment. Not her cup of tea? Amazon has some great options beyond a regular gift card. Audible.com is a great option or Kindle Unlimited for book readers!

– Note for HULU and NetFlix you need to buy a gift card for them to use.

For the House

– Get mom something comfortable for the kitchen with an anti-fatigue mat from GelPro. Gift cards are available and with all of their options they have to jazz up mom’s kitchen this is a perfect option!

Pajamagrams will keep mom comfy at home, or a gift card for her favorite store. Make the delivery a little fancier with a gift bag and tissue paper.

No matter what plans you have for the day enjoy yourself and this day celebrating all women. Happy Mother’s Day!

GelPro Anti-Fatigue Mat Review and Giveaway


Let’s face it, standing in the kitchen is not the most comfortable spot in the house, or at least not without some help. Anti-fatigue mats make doing dishes, cooking, and chores painless and GelPro mats make it stylish. Made in America and with hundreds of options GelPro comfort mats marry form and function to enhance the design of any room you add them to. Before discovering the company which is based out of Texas and does all of their manufacturing in America, I thought comfort mats were boring one color, gray or brown, floor covering. GelPro opened my eyes to all the possibilities with their custom designs and innovative options.

The gel filled mat is engineered with a non-slip bottom and the custom durable designed top. I loved the mat. It is heavy which kept it from moving around, and
the added cushion was a benefit with my bad knee and back. Even when I was cooking and cleaning up after a big party the GelPro mat did its job and kept me comfy. Normally after that much time on my feet the soles can be sore and my knee aching, but not while I was on the mat. If you like to go barefoot like I do this is a must.

The most common place in the home may be the kitchen but laundry rooms, garage, and even ideal for standing desks and work stations there are different size options and commercial options. Mats have a 5 year warranty too.


The GelPro site is unbelievably helpful. Many sites just show color options in little images against a white backdrop. Their site shows you each mat as a full image and examples of what the mat looks like against different floor types! The trick I used in matching the perfect GelPro mat to my kitchen? Opened an image of the mats I was most interested in on my phone and sized it to fit the screen then walked around the kitchen to compare my top choices in the space.

What better gift for the house, whether it is for Mother’s Day, the Holidays, or as a house warming gift! Keep in mind orders take 7-10 days, before shipping, on the designer patterns, but the results can do a lot to update your space so worth the wait. You may want to consider a gift card or sitting down together to shop if you want to give a mat as a present. With all the options and color choices available there are hundreds of possibilities! Find out more at GelPro.com

You can find out more about GelPro and all of their products by visiting their site – Gelpro.com

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GIVEAWAY

GelPro is giving away one of their 20×36 GelPro Elite comfort mats to a luck winner! If you would like to enter use the RC form below.  Good luck!  Ends May 26th, 2017.

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Woodloch Poconos Resort

all inclusive resort

An all-inclusive family resort, located in the Pocono Mountains, Woodloch offers the best in lodging, dining, and entertainment for all four seasons. Rent a cabin or a room and enjoy time with family and friends. With views of Lake Teedyuskung and mountain vistas a vacation here is a chance to relax and renew yourself.

Kids will never lack for indoor or outdoor adventures. In warmer months, hit the mountains and climb the hills. In winter, you can ski or snow tube. Too cold outside? Try the six sided rock climbing wall which is available any season. Swimming is always an option as well, as the resort has indoor and outdoor pools. For those that like a little speed and some motorized fun there, are the bumper cars, go karts, and even bumper boats! If you crave some quiet, you can glide silently through the water on a kayak trip and experience a new view of nature and the surrounding wildlife. You might even catch a peek at an American Bald Eagle flying the skies.

Fishing, golfing, skiing, hiking, boating, and horseback riding can fill your daylight hours. After dark there is more still to come. Comedy acts, live music, magicians, and jugglers are just the start of family-friendly show options.  Many nights, they show a family friendly movie as well.

If you like, there is also skeet shooting, paintball, and bow and arrow shooting for both kids and adults- some age restrictions do apply, so check in before you head over.

Between all these options day and night, you will need to keep your energy up. The family-style meal service is an original feature of the resort, and started with the owners back in 1958. Sit down to your meals in the main dinning room, which serves up three squares a day year round. Feel good while you eat knowing that Woodloch is part of a national  “seed to fork” and other initiatives that pride themselves on using regionally grown ingredients. The full American Plan offered makes every meal an all-you-can-eat feast.

Make your trip as easy to plan and enjoyable as possible with an all inclusive vacation. Quality time together with family and friends is the best part of escaping the distractions and demands of our daily schedules.

Indoor Children’s playground- this is a great place for cold weather, rainy days, and running off any random energy the kids have when you don’t.