California lifestyle
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Blog & Instagram Photo Prop Ideas from Amazon to Elevate Your Flat Lay Photography
Buy blog & Instagram photo props & flat lay styling pieces from Amazon! It's convenient, affordable, & you never have to leave your house! Shop for Instagram photo prop in your three-day-old hair, giant sweatshirt, & no pants. Ahhh, that's the dream. Want to be a digital influencer, Elevate your flat lay photography with these Instagram-worthy Amazon props that are my top recommendations! Let's go shopping. Jazz up your Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and blog images with some simple items that you can use over and over again.
This elevates every blog post & photo. A faux sheepskin rug is always a good idea. It also helps to frame the shot and get a feel of the set up. It's chic, simple, & acts as a palette cleanser. Sometimes I put it out when guests come over because I'm cool like that. It helps that it's incredibly soft. Choose from multiple sizes to fit your blogging/room/dimensional needs. If you're wondering how to be a blogger & digital influencer, this prop is a good place to start.
*Disclaimer: this post includes affiliate links.
Faux Sheepskin Rug
This elevates every blog post & photo. A faux sheepskin rug is always a good idea. It also helps to frame the shot and get a feel of the set up. It's chic, simple, & acts as a palette cleanser. Sometimes I put it out when guests come over because I'm cool like that. It helps that it's incredibly soft. Choose from multiple sizes to fit your blogging/room/dimensional needs. If you're wondering how to be a blogger & digital influencer, this prop is a good place to start.
Social Media Photo Frame
You can buy Insta-Themed social media party photobooth frame with emojis & personalized speech bubble props. You can buy it on Amazon or try to make one that is similar. You can reuse this for birthday celebrations, wedding, graduation, holidays, events etc. The price isn't too bad and it's a great decoration. Ideal to promote your Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to add a little fun kick.
Get A Custom Sign Made
You can even don't fancy and get the custom sign me on Etsy as a custom order. You can have a sign made for birthdays, weddings, events, baby shower, etc. This is perfect for realtors, teachers, doctors, therapists, and other roles. It's a unique idea and perfect for marketing yourself, the event, or your job. You can add your name, website, whatever you want. It adds to the ambiance and decorations.
Faux Marble Contact Paper
Faux marble contact paper is the best!!! This beautiful wine, marble, & succulent set up is A LIE!!! I taped this white & grey glossy faux marble contact paper onto a poster board & it works wonders. Spill something on it? Simply wipe it away with a sponge. Gets too dingy? Replace the used contact paper. I've had the same sheet for over a year & haven't needed to swap it out. The roll is worth it! This is one of my favorite flat lay photography props as a digital influencer.
Gel Pens
Flashback to the 90s, right? Okay, hear me out here. This gel pen pack comes with 48 pens to suit any rainbow your heart desires. Pick & choose colors to go with your theme or Instagram feed. Style the pens with stationery for any blog-related photography. Personally, I write with gel pens too since the colors keep me organized. You can even get specific with it. There are pastel gel pen packs and other cool color sets. Order whichever you like best.
Wall Tapestry
These plant wall tapestries are enormous & beautiful. I pinned mine up & I use them all the time. Stand in front of them for a selfie. Hold your coffee up for a cool background. The options are as limitless as your imagination. Plus, I get compliments on them all the time. Get a mountain tapestry or maybe something botanical.
Which Instagram photo prop would you use? What are your goals as a digital influencer? Tell me. Leave a comment. :]
Drinking Fresh Mint Tea Benefits + Is Fresh Mint Tea Good for You?
In this post I'll answer your top questions such as: Should I Use Peppermint or Spearmint? How Do I Make the Fresh Mint Tea? What's the Difference Between Peppermint & Spearmint? How Does Mint Tea Help Relieve Symptoms?
My stomach gurgles. The thought of eating food causes my stomach to turn. Every bite I take feels dry, deliberate, forced. Everything I eat leaves my body just as quickly as it entered. Gross, but real life. My body turns against itself for a week, which makes me take a moment to appreciate my body & the healthy moments. My mint tea ritual started one evening after I read that mint tea might help an upset stomach. So I bought a pot of fresh green spearmint. I love an herbal tea.
"I'll try anything." I thought. Bland foods like applesauce & toast weren't helping. It's day 3 & I can barely eat. My insides slosh around. I tried fresh spearmint tea that day. Sip sip sip.
"What is this feeling? This feeling of...comfort." My gut stopped doing flips long enough for me to smile as I watched The Office. My stomach stopping singing long enough for me to take a couple bites of my soup from lunch that I hadn't eaten. Plus, it's caffeine-free. Peppermint tea may help too.
"I'll try anything." I thought. Bland foods like applesauce & toast weren't helping. It's day 3 & I can barely eat. My insides slosh around. I tried fresh spearmint tea that day. Sip sip sip.
"What is this feeling? This feeling of...comfort." My gut stopped doing flips long enough for me to smile as I watched The Office. My stomach stopping singing long enough for me to take a couple bites of my soup from lunch that I hadn't eaten. Plus, it's caffeine-free. Peppermint tea may help too.
HALLELUJAH! Relief.
I sip fresh mint tea anytime my stomach starts feeling a little funky. It truly helps when I have peppermint tea. Keep reading to learn about the potential health benefits of peppermint and spearmint. Drinking peppermint is soothing. Mint tea can even help with bad breath. It's been used for centuries around the globe. Do you like peppermint tea or herbal tea? The fresh mint tea benefits felt soothing right away. Even when I travel, I like to have mint tea on hand.
I sip fresh mint tea anytime my stomach starts feeling a little funky. It truly helps when I have peppermint tea. Keep reading to learn about the potential health benefits of peppermint and spearmint. Drinking peppermint is soothing. Mint tea can even help with bad breath. It's been used for centuries around the globe. Do you like peppermint tea or herbal tea? The fresh mint tea benefits felt soothing right away. Even when I travel, I like to have mint tea on hand.
Should I Use Peppermint or Spearmint?
Mint is that flavoring in toothpaste or breath mints or candies. Spearmint & peppermint very closely related, so they have similar properties in relation to their appearance, flavor, use, & cultivation. It all boils down to personal preference; you may use both peppermint or spearmint. Oh yeah!
What's the Difference Between Peppermint & Spearmint?
Peppermint has a higher menthol content, making it more minty refreshing taste & potent in flavor: think peppermint bark. Peppermint is often used medicinally to soothe aches or relax muscles. Peppermint packs a punch. It's considered spicier than spearmint, giving it the "pepper" name in peppermint. Good for drinking too.Spearmint is lighter, more delicate, & less likely to overpower other spices. Spearmint can be found in sauces or your next mojito. Spearmint goes well with feta, tomatoes, olives. You might find spearmint in Greek food like tzatziki or maybe Vietnamese Banh Mi. Spearmint is used in foods & for drinking.
How Do I Make the Fresh Mint Tea?
1. Boil water & pour into a mug.2. Pluck a couple stems & fresh leaves. Add it to the hot water.
3. Let the stems & peppermint leaves steep in hot water for 5 minutes.
4. Muddle or mash the mint or spearmint leaves & stem to release more flavor & the natural oils in the water. Hooray for herbal tea medicinal properties.
You could always add mint leaves to water for infused cold water! Feels great on a hot day. You can blend peppermint and spearmint together. You can't go wrong with a hot cup of tea.
Allergies - Mint contains an antioxidant & anti-inflammatory agent called rosmarinic acid, which means drinking peppermint tea may help with allergies, boosting your immune system.
Do I Only Use Leaves? Do I Throw Away the Stems?
Use both! Both the leaves & the stems contain flavor. It comes down to which you like better. If you toss the stems, you're not getting the maximum benefits from the mint. Pluck off parts of the leave & stem simultaneously. It's better to use the whole thing if you can.Fresh Peppermint Tea Benefits: How Does Mint Tea Help? What is the Benefit?
Is mint tea good for you? Mint has a potent but pleasant smell. Botanicals like ginger, peppermint, spearmint, & fennel are known for their natural herb remedies. Are there potential health benefits? But mint is pretty cool herb because of its versatility. Oh yes, there are mint tea benefits! Here are a few things peppermint & spearmint can help with:Allergies - Mint contains an antioxidant & anti-inflammatory agent called rosmarinic acid, which means drinking peppermint tea may help with allergies, boosting your immune system.
Bad Breath - Have bad breath? Well, drinking peppermint tea may help with that! It'll leave you with a fresh minty taste, especially if you chew the leaves. Thanks to the menthol.
Caffeine-Free - Sip this any time of day without jitters or crashing. No caffeine! I enjoy drinking peppermint before bed for calming effects.
Common Cold / Sore Throat - The menthol can have a soothing, cooling effect on your throat.
Decongestant - Mint contains menthol which is a natural aromatic decongestant to may help break up phlegm & mucus.
Indigestion / Gas - Need some help with your IBS symptoms? Studies show that mint improves symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome like abdominal pain or menstrual pain or menstrual cramping. This may help with digestion.
Caffeine-Free - Sip this any time of day without jitters or crashing. No caffeine! I enjoy drinking peppermint before bed for calming effects.
Common Cold / Sore Throat - The menthol can have a soothing, cooling effect on your throat.
Indigestion / Gas - Need some help with your IBS symptoms? Studies show that mint improves symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome like abdominal pain or menstrual pain or menstrual cramping. This may help with digestion.
Can I use a peppermint or spearmint tea bags instead?
Yes, totally. Use whatever you have on hand. Relief is relief. You'll get more of the natural nutrients with the fresh version, but organic peppermint tea or spearmint packaged/bagged tea might do the trick. You can also buy organic dried peppermint tea leaves or dried spearmint leaves in bulk to use for tea. Peppermint tea is very popular! The benefits of peppermint tea make it even tastier! I love drinking peppermint before bed. Choose whichever you like better.Where can I buy it?
Ready to enjoy the mint tea benefits or the health benefits of peppermint tea? You can buy fresh peppermint or spearmint at your local farmers market, grocery stores, or herbs section. It can be fresh potted mint or loose leaf tea, use what works. You might be able to find edible essential oils too. If you can't find it, here are some online options:- Peppermint tea bags
- Spearmint tea bags
- Organic peppermint leaves
- Dried organic loose leaf spearmint
Find an edible peppermint oil or, which is not the same as peppermint essential oil. You can mix the mint teas as well. You can even add your fresh leaves to colas, fruit juice, soft drinks
Can I drink this if I feel totally fine?
Of course. Peppermint tea or mint tea genuinely tastes amazing (if you're a mint fan). By all means, drink your fresh organic peppermint tea with breakfast; sip your spearmint tea on a cool winter afternoon or a hot summer's day; drink mint tea in the evening as you read a book. It's naturally caffeine-free (unlike green tea leaves which has caffeine) so you can drink it whenever you get the urge. Drink peppermint tea hot or cold!Prepare mint tea at home with fresh peppermint leaves. Do some research to see what properties there are. Sometimes I pick off the peppermint leaves just to taste it! It's a healthy alternative to always chewing a mint chewing gum, especially for your jaw. Make a cup of tea tonight!
What other mint tea benefits do you know of? Do you like peppermint tea or peppermint oil? Can you find it at your local grocery store? How do you drink peppermint tea? How can it help your health?
How To Use Google Flights to Find Cheap Flights
Hello friend! I hope you're having a thoughtful, interesting, productive day. The last several weeks zoomed by in a ridiculously rapid haze of writing, creating, clients, emails, & making moves. During all the hubbub, Fred & I looked for flights throughout Europe. I get a lot of questions asking how I afford to travel. My secret? I use Google Flights as my own personal flight scanner.
It's a strategic process. I used Google Flights to search for tickets to Paris last year. I used it to find the best prices to Portland, Oregon. I've used Google Flights for several trips & it's my favorite way to save money on flights. We used Google Flights to book our latest trip too. In October, I headed to Spain, Germany, & Norway using tickets found via Google Flights!
Dying for more travel secrets? Sign up for travel tips, hacks, best photo spots, & behind-the-scenes designed for blogger, influencers, & travelers.
In an ideal scenario, we'd fly out from San Diego International Airport since it's the closest airport to us, but sometimes you can save $200+ from flying from LAX. It adds several hours of travel time but $200+ can make all the difference if you're on a budget or trying to travel affordably. Play around with the closest airports to you & to your destination to see price fluctuations. For example, roundtrip tickets from San Diego to Paris cost $560, whereas roundtrip Los Angeles to Paris is $360.
You're less likely to get a good deal if you have to travel during a specific timeframe. If possible, keep your dates open. Check different dates & compare prices. That's why our winter trip to London was so affordable. Cloudy, frigid, with a dash of snow, but holy moly, Christmastime in London still warms my soul when I think about it. Because we keep our calendar open, we accidentally booked Bucket List moments every time we travel: Christmas in London, Autumn in Portland, Spring in Paris, Halloween in Oslo.
We kept it simple by booking roundtrip flights the first couple Google Flights excursions. 7 nights in France. 9 nights in London (10, if you count the night we spent at London Gatwick Airport). If you're keen to explore multiple cities or countries on your trip, one-way flights or multi-city option is your best bet. It cost us a little over $29 for our flight from Barcelona to Berlin. $29. Less than a tank of gas & I'm off to a new country.
The $506 roundtrip LAX to Amsterdam flight with a 3-hour layover seems perfect until you look at the fine print: you have one stop in London where you have to transfer from London Heathrow Airport to London Gatwick. You'd have to deboard the plane, take your luggage, get a ride to a completely different airport, go through customs & security in 3 hours?! Sounds like a missed flight to me! Be aware of flight times & layovers on Google Flights. You might find a great price but there might be some sort of weird layover or stop or time. After playing around with dates more, I found a $493 roundtrip LAX to Amsterdam flight with 1 hr 45-minute layover in Philadelphia. Now that's doable.
Google Flights gave you affordable options & now you're ready to make a purchase. Heck yes! Save dollars when you book directly with the airline. Go to their website, search for your exact flight, date, & time, then make the purchase from there. Don't forget to sign up for any rewards to maximize potential savings.
Now that I booked my affordable flight tickets, time to find Airbnb accommodations, research things to do, eat, experience, & start my countdown! You have a trip planned? Have you used Google flights to find cheap flights? Do you use a flight scanner?
Sign up for travel tips & behind-the-scenes, a newsletter for blogger, influencers, & travelers who want the best, most current information & ideas.
* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Learn more about my disclosure. :]
Sinking House near Montmartre by the Sacre Coeur. |
It's a strategic process. I used Google Flights to search for tickets to Paris last year. I used it to find the best prices to Portland, Oregon. I've used Google Flights for several trips & it's my favorite way to save money on flights. We used Google Flights to book our latest trip too. In October, I headed to Spain, Germany, & Norway using tickets found via Google Flights!
Dying for more travel secrets? Sign up for travel tips, hacks, best photo spots, & behind-the-scenes designed for blogger, influencers, & travelers.
Play Around With Airports
In an ideal scenario, we'd fly out from San Diego International Airport since it's the closest airport to us, but sometimes you can save $200+ from flying from LAX. It adds several hours of travel time but $200+ can make all the difference if you're on a budget or trying to travel affordably. Play around with the closest airports to you & to your destination to see price fluctuations. For example, roundtrip tickets from San Diego to Paris cost $560, whereas roundtrip Los Angeles to Paris is $360.
Related reading: How I Decided to Quit My Corporate Job While Traveling in Paris
Keep Your Dates Open
You're less likely to get a good deal if you have to travel during a specific timeframe. If possible, keep your dates open. Check different dates & compare prices. That's why our winter trip to London was so affordable. Cloudy, frigid, with a dash of snow, but holy moly, Christmastime in London still warms my soul when I think about it. Because we keep our calendar open, we accidentally booked Bucket List moments every time we travel: Christmas in London, Autumn in Portland, Spring in Paris, Halloween in Oslo.
Check for One-Way Flights or Multi-City
We kept it simple by booking roundtrip flights the first couple Google Flights excursions. 7 nights in France. 9 nights in London (10, if you count the night we spent at London Gatwick Airport). If you're keen to explore multiple cities or countries on your trip, one-way flights or multi-city option is your best bet. It cost us a little over $29 for our flight from Barcelona to Berlin. $29. Less than a tank of gas & I'm off to a new country.
Be Aware of Flight Times & Layovers
The $506 roundtrip LAX to Amsterdam flight with a 3-hour layover seems perfect until you look at the fine print: you have one stop in London where you have to transfer from London Heathrow Airport to London Gatwick. You'd have to deboard the plane, take your luggage, get a ride to a completely different airport, go through customs & security in 3 hours?! Sounds like a missed flight to me! Be aware of flight times & layovers on Google Flights. You might find a great price but there might be some sort of weird layover or stop or time. After playing around with dates more, I found a $493 roundtrip LAX to Amsterdam flight with 1 hr 45-minute layover in Philadelphia. Now that's doable.
Book Directly With the Airline
Google Flights gave you affordable options & now you're ready to make a purchase. Heck yes! Save dollars when you book directly with the airline. Go to their website, search for your exact flight, date, & time, then make the purchase from there. Don't forget to sign up for any rewards to maximize potential savings.
Did these tips help you?
Now that I booked my affordable flight tickets, time to find Airbnb accommodations, research things to do, eat, experience, & start my countdown! You have a trip planned? Have you used Google flights to find cheap flights? Do you use a flight scanner?
Sign up for travel tips & behind-the-scenes, a newsletter for blogger, influencers, & travelers who want the best, most current information & ideas.
* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Learn more about my disclosure. :]
Read This If You're on the Verge of Giving Up
Hello my friend,
It sounds like you're on the verge of giving up on that thing you've been working toward. That's a totally normal feeling. It's hard out there, been there myself. So, you're on the verge of giving up but you haven't quit quite yet. I just wanted to say...
THINGS ARE HAPPENING FOR YOU SO DON'T YOU STOP!!!
Don't forget that every single minuscule effort & thought that you put in matters. It matters in life, it matters for your dreams, it matters for your work, it matters in your relationships. Those big moments matter, but so do those teeny tiny ones!
The current struggle is that you can't see it. Since you can't see the changes, improvements, benefits, it feels like nothing is happening. Know that sometimes you have to BELIEVE. It's there. It's happening. Things are HAPPENING.
Believe in yourself. Believe in the process. Just believe.
I know that seems like a near impossible task.
But keep on keeping on.
Remember your goal.
Remember that success is a series of small wins.
Remember to do something each & every day, even if it's super small. After a year of daily effort, 365 tiny things turns into something huge.
Sometimes you have to do something scary or out of your comfort zone.
Ready for some real talk? I feel the saaaaame way. Sometimes I genuinely have no clue what to do next, which step to take, if it'll work. But that's all a part of the process. We're ALL winging life. We're ALL the oldest we've ever been.
I got out of my comfort zone just a few days ago at the Vans Warped Tour 2018 press kick off event. It's always a bit nerve-wracking for me to go to events. I have to hype myself & pump myself up just to step out the door. But it gets easier every time I do! I ended up having a blast eating rainbow sprinkle & Oreo ice cream, scoping out the Vans headquarters, & doing something new.
When I feel on the verge of giving up, I remember to breathe in & out. I remember that everything takes time & effort. I remember to focus on things that bring me joy, happiness, knowledge, love, friendship. I remember to believe. I remember that baby steps count, even if it's just a few steps out the door. It counts!
Remember to do something each & every day, even if it's super small. After a year of daily effort, 365 tiny things turns into something huge.
Sometimes you have to do something scary or out of your comfort zone.
Ready for some real talk? I feel the saaaaame way. Sometimes I genuinely have no clue what to do next, which step to take, if it'll work. But that's all a part of the process. We're ALL winging life. We're ALL the oldest we've ever been.
I got out of my comfort zone just a few days ago at the Vans Warped Tour 2018 press kick off event. It's always a bit nerve-wracking for me to go to events. I have to hype myself & pump myself up just to step out the door. But it gets easier every time I do! I ended up having a blast eating rainbow sprinkle & Oreo ice cream, scoping out the Vans headquarters, & doing something new.
When I feel on the verge of giving up, I remember to breathe in & out. I remember that everything takes time & effort. I remember to focus on things that bring me joy, happiness, knowledge, love, friendship. I remember to believe. I remember that baby steps count, even if it's just a few steps out the door. It counts!
What are your goals for 2018? What do you think of comfort zones? What are you struggling with right now? Leave a comment & join the discussion.
40+ Things To Do In Conejo Valley, California
Prefer spending your afternoons sipping wine at a local winery? Want to sleep in, go shopping, & get pampered? Want to take the day to get back to nature? No worries, Conejo Valley has your back. No matter what you love, Conejo Valley has more than enough things to do to keep you occupied.
Whizin Market Square in the morning. Agoura Hills, California |
Where is Conejo Valley?
Conejo Valley is that sweet middle spot north of Los Angeles & south of Santa Barbara, located less than 30 minutes from the beaches of Malibu. Conejo Valley consists of Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, & Oak Park.
Lavender latte from Longevity Coffee. Thousand Oaks, California |
If you need caffeine...
1. Sip on a lavender latte or nitro cold brew at Longevity Coffee.
2. Get a coffee at Ragamuffin Roasters.
3. Head to Five07 Coffee Bar and Eatery for coffee, tea, smoothies, or acai bowls.
4. Reserve a space at Tranquility Tea Room or pick up tea to go.
4. Reserve a space at Tranquility Tea Room or pick up tea to go.
Mouthful Eatery after the lunch rush. Thousand Oaks, California |
If you're hungry...
5. Get coffee & breakfast at Wildflour Bakery & Cafe.
6. Try the crispy yuca with huancaina sauce from Mouthful Eatery.
7. Eat a taco (or two) at Bad Ass Tacos.
8. Have one of Urbane Cafe's vegetarian-friendly sandwiches.
9. Snack on the mushroom flatbread from Twisted Oak Tavern, made in-house with beer-infused dough.
10. Share some seasonal California comfort food from Lemonade.
11. Find organic, plant-based, gluten-free food at JOI Cafe.
13. Try the Chevre Goat Cheese Chocolate from TIFA Chocolate & Gelato.
14. Find homemade Italian desserts at Carrara Pastries, an authentic pasticceria.
7. Eat a taco (or two) at Bad Ass Tacos.
8. Have one of Urbane Cafe's vegetarian-friendly sandwiches.
9. Snack on the mushroom flatbread from Twisted Oak Tavern, made in-house with beer-infused dough.
10. Share some seasonal California comfort food from Lemonade.
11. Find organic, plant-based, gluten-free food at JOI Cafe.
Cheesecake bite from Carrara Pasteries. Agoura Hills, California |
If you have a sweet tooth...
12. Eat a cupcake from Sprinkles Westlake Village.13. Try the Chevre Goat Cheese Chocolate from TIFA Chocolate & Gelato.
14. Find homemade Italian desserts at Carrara Pastries, an authentic pasticceria.
Random find at Conejo Open Space. Thousand Oaks, California |
If you like nature...
15. Tour the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden.
16. Hike Tarantula Hill.
17. Find peace in the Gardens of the World.
18. Channel your favorite movies in Western Town, a real-life set at Paramount Ranch.
19. Hike the Paramount Ranch trails.
20. Swing on the swings at Chumash Park.
21. Spend the afternoon hiking Modelo Trail.
22. Take a quick stroll through Chaparral Park in Oak Park or Old Agoura Park.
23. Explore the wonders of the Conejo Open Space.
25. Sip your way through the Conejo Valley Beermuda Triangle: 5 Threads Brewing, 14 Cannons, & Westlake Brewing & Libation.
26. Find the perfect pour or cocktail at Public School 805 in Thousand Oaks.
27. Take a beer home from Bottle & Pint.
29. Go to the Alma Sol Winery tasting room.
30. Enjoy live music & wine at Aldabella Winery in Westlake Village.
17. Find peace in the Gardens of the World.
18. Channel your favorite movies in Western Town, a real-life set at Paramount Ranch.
19. Hike the Paramount Ranch trails.
20. Swing on the swings at Chumash Park.
21. Spend the afternoon hiking Modelo Trail.
22. Take a quick stroll through Chaparral Park in Oak Park or Old Agoura Park.
23. Explore the wonders of the Conejo Open Space.
Trying tasters at 14 Cannons. Westlake Village, California |
If you like beer...
24. Go to a European-style brewpub (LadyFace Ale Companie).25. Sip your way through the Conejo Valley Beermuda Triangle: 5 Threads Brewing, 14 Cannons, & Westlake Brewing & Libation.
26. Find the perfect pour or cocktail at Public School 805 in Thousand Oaks.
27. Take a beer home from Bottle & Pint.
If you like wine...
28. Do a wine tasting Giessinger Winery.29. Go to the Alma Sol Winery tasting room.
30. Enjoy live music & wine at Aldabella Winery in Westlake Village.
Fabric exhibit at Conejo Valley Art Museum. Thousand Oaks, California |
If you like history, art, & culture...
31. Check out the Conejo Valley Art Museum.
32. Make a stop at the California Museum Art Thousand Oaks (CMATO).
33. Learn about 150 years of California history at Reyes Adobe Historical Site.
34. Explore the Stagecoach Inn Museum complex & permanent exhibits.
35. Watch a play at Conejo Players Theatre.
36. Board Air Force One at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum.
37. Surprise yourself with a $5 mystery read from The Open Book.
33. Learn about 150 years of California history at Reyes Adobe Historical Site.
34. Explore the Stagecoach Inn Museum complex & permanent exhibits.
35. Watch a play at Conejo Players Theatre.
36. Board Air Force One at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum.
37. Surprise yourself with a $5 mystery read from The Open Book.
Handmade baskets from Bolga Bae at Westlake Promenade Farmers Market. Westlake Village, California |
If you like shopping...
38. Discover The Oaks Shopping Center in Thousand Oaks.39. Enjoy a boutique experience at Whizin Market Square.
40. Go to The Lakes at Thousand Oaks for shopping, dining, & entertainment.
41. Shop around Janss Marketplace.
42. Stop by The Promenade at Westlake farmers market.
Posing like a badass at Conejo Botanical Garden. Thousand Oaks, California |
My Favourites
♥ wandering around Conejo Open Space ♥ lavender latte from Longevity Coffee ♥ browsing local vendors at Promenade at Westlake farmers market ♥ late night movie at Muvico Thousand Oaks 14 ♥ mushroom flatbread from Twisted Oak Tavern ♥ Conejo Valley Botanic Garden ♥ pretzels with mustard at 14 Cannons ♥ pretending to be a famous actor on set at Paramount Ranch ♥ all the nature options ♥ chai tea from Tranquility Tea Room ♥
Are you a nature lover? Beer lover? What's your favorite thing to do in Conejo Valley?
* Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Augustine Agency. As always, all opinions are 100% mine aka Carmen's. Learn more about my disclosure. :]
Spending the Night at The Clement Hotel in Palo Alto
Northern California is beautiful fall and winter as the red, yellow, & orange leaves gather on the ground, creating a squishy rainbow padding as you walk around. The evening air of Silicon Valley cools down to the point where you always need a protective layer for warmth. I'm from San Diego, where it's hard to find any sign of the seasons — leaves & layers included. An adventure to Northern California is just what I needed!
Located at 711 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301, The Clement hotel Palo Alto is an all-inclusive hotel that has a fitness center, business center, free wifi, parking, and everything you could need for your stay.
Due to Covid, valet parking has been suspended temporarily. Self-parking is available. The whirlpool and roof top pool are currently closed until the summer, but pool cabanas are available. We had fun hanging out on the roof in the cabanas.
Fred & I created a mini trip out of it. We maneuvered our way out of Southern California, stopping in Bakersfield, Santa Maria, & Palo Alto along the way. The Clement is a luxury hotel with personalized service based in Palo Alto, California. The location is beautiful; The Clement hotel Palo Alto is one of those things you'll just have to see for yourself. From the rooftop pool to the delightful food, The Clement Palo Alto is an all-inclusive boutique hotel for those who are ready for the finer things in life. Breakfast lunch dinner, they've got it! Stanford University campus is just a hop, skip, & a jump away. They have a fire pit,
Palo Alto, California is about 35 miles south of San Francisco & 14 miles north of San Jose. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, The Clement Hotel focuses on first-class accommodations in a boutique atmosphere. The location is right near Stanford University. Enjoy the energy of downtown Palo Alto.
Living Room
Fred & I chatted on the Outdoor Dining Terrace, checked our email, & scoped outside before heading back to the elegant Living Room for the evening. We enjoyed a cocktail as well as a charcuterie board right by the fireplace. Warm & toasty!
Jury Room
The Jury Room makes for the perfect business center whilst you're on your travels or you can host a business meeting in their state-of-the-art boardroom.
Kitchen
Want to venture outside of the guest rooms? The Kitchen adjoins the Dining Room & features a fully stocked Guest Pantry. There's also an on-site chef if you desire something more in-depth. I love that the Pantry is available 24 hours a day. That means if you're hankering for a snack at 3 AM, you could head down to the dining room & grab water, fresh cut fruit, a cheese board, ice cream, or other munchies. The Clement hotel Palo Alto offers a seasonal menu with starters, sandwiches, entrees, sides, and desserts.
Clement Hotel Palo Alto Guest Suites and Rooms
Your guest suite is sure to be freaking fabulous. We had a separate living room, bedroom, & bathroom, including cool gadgets like two 65 inch Samsung televisions, Nespresso Vertuoline coffee machines, & an in-room refrigerator stocked with a handful of beverages like mango juice, Coca-Cola, Sprite, & Voss water. This guest suite is seriously the size of a large 2-bedroom apartment with tons of amenities to boot. I love that I could make a piping hot cup of chamomile tea right in the room, or get room service delivered straight to our door. The Clement is a boutique hotel heaven in Silicon Valley's Palo Alto, giving guests a peaceful place to rest, unwind, eat, sleep, & simply enjoy their time in town.
Bath
The bathroom includes two sinks, a super rad television built into the mirror, a soaking tub, separate rain head shower, & a Toto Washlet toilet with a heated seat, which my mom raved about during her stay in Toyko, Japan. I adored the ODE Natural Beauty Verde Olive Oil Sea Salt Scrub; it's genuinely one of the best body scrubs I've tried! I relaxed in the big tub as I checked myself out in the mirror. Okay, I was watching The Simpsons on the TV built into the mirror! Talk about all-inclusive luxury.
We loved panoramic views of Stanford & Palo Alto from the roof-top deck. The location is impeccable. Who doesn't like a rooftop pool? We found ourselves there at least twice during our under 24-hour stay. Up there you'll find a swimming pool, whirlpool hot tub, & private cabanas. There's even individual sunglasses & sunblock set out for anyone to use. If you're there in daylight, enjoy the bustling view of Palo Alto. If you're on the rooftop deck at night, stay cozy by the heaters & jam to the music with a cocktail. Don't miss out on the rooftop pool, seriously. You don't even have to go inside of it if you're not a swim fan. Just breathe in the view & the trees. Sip champagne in your cabana then dip your feet in the hot tub & call it a day.
Experience
Everything you need is right there on the property. You can relax from the moment of welcoming arrival until you leave. You can access snacks when you want or perhaps you're in the mood for cocktails. Visit the facilities and familiarize yourself. I had a blissful but short experience at The Clement Hotel. From the TV in the mirror to the comfy white linens, The Clement Palo Alto gives guests a place to rest, unwind, eat, sleep, & simply enjoy their time in Palo Alto. It felt special to receive such personalized concierge service. It felt like what I'd imagine Kim Kardashian's everyday life is like: everything is taken care of, always the best of the best, & if they don't have it they'll get it for you! Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me! The Clement hotel Palo Alto is one of those fantastic hotel experiences you'll remember for a lifetime. Plus, it has such a fantastic location close to Stanford University.
What part sounds the best to you? Have you ever had an all-inclusive luxury stay before? How was it?
Staying Organized While Traveling, Blogging, & Working from Anywhere
Thank you to Tile, Inc., for sponsoring today’s post & inspiring me to keep track of everything that matters.
The last couple months have been so hectic as a new entrepreneur & there are no signs of it slowing down. Yesterday, I came home from a wedding only to realize I still hadn't unpacked from my Palm Springs trip two weeks ago. I kicked off my baby pink velvet pumps & walked over to my wall calendar to tally up the days until the next excursion.
Just as I thought. Later this week, I'm heading to Northern California for a media trip. I get to stay in a hotel room for one night to create buzz on my blog for their holiday amenities. It's going to be a blast! Then, yep, London is in 2 weeks.
I love this.
I love that this is my life.
I love that I am free. I can work from anywhere as long as I get Wi-Fi. Whether I'm crafting a blog post, sharing an update to my social media channels, or chatting via video call with one of my coaching clients, my workday feels like the summers of my childhood — long, exciting, beautiful, hopeful, marvelous, inspirational. But I always knew those childhood summer breaks from school would end.
Summer ended, but I'm still here. That's the beauty of it. That's the beauty of being your own boss, of being an entrepreneur, of being self-employed, working from ANYWHERE. You don't know what next month will hold or next year. It's all within my own hands.
But that's also the challenge.
I'm constantly switching suitcases, bags, folders, backpacks. Sometimes it's hard to keep track where everything is. Did I leave my camera charger in the Palm Springs suitcase? Where the heck is my planner? Which backpack is my favorite sweater in?
Cue Tile.
Use Tile & the Tile app to be a part of the lost-and-found community, where friends & strangers come together to find everything that matters. You can easily hook, stick, or slide a Tile onto or into anything you don’t want to lose like the earrings your grandmother gave you or Earnie the stuffed panda, & of course, keys, phones, wallets. I put Tile in my business planner.
My planner contains receipts, deadlines, tasks, & everything I could possibly need to stay organized while traveling, blogging, & working from anywhere.
Use Tile & the Tile app to be a part of the lost-and-found community, where friends & strangers come together to find everything that matters. You can easily hook, stick, or slide a Tile onto or into anything you don’t want to lose like the earrings your grandmother gave you or Earnie the stuffed panda, & of course, keys, phones, wallets. I put Tile in my business planner.
My planner contains receipts, deadlines, tasks, & everything I could possibly need to stay organized while traveling, blogging, & working from anywhere.
Tile gives me peace of mind so I can track my item in a jiffy. I use my phone to locate my planner & figure where it is. It ended up saving me time because rather than sifting through yesterday's suitcase & today's purse & everything in-between. Beep beep beep. I can find it right away.
My planner means a lot to me. It keeps me on track. It keeps me organized. It keeps me moving forward. It shows every single client session I've had this year. It's been there with me as I transitioned from corporate cubicle to the world of entrepreneurship. If there is something you can't stand to lose, put a Tile on it!
* Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Tile, Inc. As always, all opinions are 100% mine aka Carmen's. Learn more about my disclosure. :]
Fun Things to Do in Reno, Nevada and Tahoe
Looking for a quickie trip to the Reno Tahoe area? Well, you came to the right place! I have to be honest with you though, there is so much to do there. Seriously, so much. The best way to explore the area, especially if you're in a rush, is to spend one day in Reno & one in Tahoe. From art galleries to local restaurants, there are plenty of fun attractions and things to do in Reno, Nevada. It's the perfect weekend trip. And of course, your list of Reno things to do isn't complete without a visit to the casino.
The Reno Tahoe area is incredibly versatile. Reno, Nevada calls itself "The Biggest Little City in the World.” After visiting the city, I understand why. There's such a range of fun things to do in Reno, Nevada depending on your preference, so I broke it down into some essentials.
Pick & choose what you're into. You can get a lot done if you figure out what you're interested in.
Pick & choose what you're into. You can get a lot done if you figure out what you're interested in.
This 48-hour guide to Reno Tahoe is meant to help you figure out how to get the most out of a limited amount of time.
If you want to explore in a jiffy, here are a bunch of attractions and fun things to do in Reno, Nevada.
Let's begin with the essentials: food, drink, & nature. These are my favorite parts of Reno Tahoe, the things that you can't live without. Let's get to it!
The Essentials
Food
Whether you're craving pan-friend dumplings, homemade soup, or an all-you-can-eat buffet, there's a huge selection of restaurants in the Reno Tahoe area. My tip: Figure out what you're in the mood for because the options are vast. If you need some help, Visit Reno Tahoe has an extensive list of eateries by category.Reno
Midtown Eats has a fantastic beer-battered cauliflower appetizer. My friend swears that Jox Sports Bar & Grill has the best wings in town; Fred loved the honey-glazed barbecue wings. If you're into pasta & pizza (who isn't?!), Campo came highly recommended. The city has a lot of tasty grub to offer.Tahoe
Do a search for Lake Tahoe lakefront restaurants to see what comes up. Lone Eagle Grille has lakefront Tahoe views & an entire vegetarian menu (if you ask for it). I recommend the Vegetable Linguini, Roasted Cauliflower Pizza, & the Baked Tahoe for dessert. Drool. The jackfruit “carnitas” tostada bites from Bite American Tapas sound absolutely heavenly too.Drinks
From bar crawls to wine walks, there's no shortage of coffee shops, breweries, bars, pubs, sports bars in Reno & Tahoe. It all depends, do you want a cocktail, a beer, a coffee? Well, they have it all. Visit Reno Tahoe has a cool interactive map of breweries & distilleries in the area.Reno
IMBĪB Custom Brews has delicious sour beers. Death & Taxes has photo-friendly cocktails. Seriously, just look at this drink. My favorite: the Arlington Tea made with Earl Grey. A local recommended 1864 Tavern. French-inspired Chez Louie sits inside the Nevada Museum of Art & has an incredible maple latte.Tahoe
From porters to pale ales, Alibi Ale Works has core beers, rotating seasonals, & some fancy limited release brews too. Get fresh orange, grapefruit, & even carrot juice at Fire Sign Cafe. There's also Tahoe Mountain Brewery, Jake’s on the Lake, & West Shore Café.Nature
Are you a fan of the great outdoors? Me too! Reno, Nevada & the Tahoe area offer a range of natural beauty, vista points, & exciting activities. Whether you want to brush up on your ice skating, camp for a couple nights, picnic by the beach, or simply take a walk along the river, Reno Tahoe genuinely has whatever you're looking for. Stroll the scenic Truckee River and savor some of the free things to do in the heart of the city. Your outdoor adventure includes parks, trails, river views, and more. Enjoy Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Washoe County. At 580 acres, Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is Washoe County's largest and most dynamic park with a range of amenities and facilities. Hit the trail!Reno
You can get a stunning view of Reno from the Nevada Museum of Art penthouse. Enjoy a scenic stroll with bridges, walking paths, & art installations as you promenade along Reno's Truckee River Walk, the RiverWalk is a popular spot. Take a walk at Wingfield Park, Mount Rose, or San Rafael Regional Park. Take off your shoes & get your feet wet. Better yet, hop in & go tubing or swimming. We took an evening saunter through Idlewild Park & it was quiet, relaxing, & peaceful. The list of Reno things to do just keeps growing.Tahoe
Take in as much nature as you can & stay at one of the many Reno Tahoe campgrounds. My tip: book in advance because campsites often get fully booked during peak season. Lake Tahoe has endless possibilities that range each season. In winter, you can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowboarding, or maybe you want a sleigh ride instead. Once it warms up, try biking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or just lounging around at the beach. Go skiing at Mount Rose Ski Tahoe if you want to savor the snow.Now for the fun stuff: go shopping, check out the casinos, explore the events, & then browse through my favorites!
The Fun Stuff
Shopping
Get in, we're going shopping! Like seriously, there's everything. The Reno Tahoe shopping options are extensive. From The Legends Outlet at Sparks to The Summit in Reno to The Shops at Heavenly Village in Tahoe, you could spend your 48 hours just shopping if you wanted to. Definitely stop by Junkee for clothes & antiques.Casinos
Your visit wouldn't be complete without a trip to the casino(s). There are casino options nearby in Reno, Tahoe, & also the Sparks area, such as Atlantis Casino Resort. Whether you gamble or not, it makes for great people-watching. Fred & I did a couple dollar slots then left to explore the area more. You could opt for a spa day at the casino resort spa. Read more about my experience Playing & Staying at the Atlantis in Reno, Nevada. Visit here.Museums
If you like museums and exhibits there's the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, National Automobile Museum, Nevada Museum of Art. There are local art galleries as well. Take the family and take in the interesting culture and exhibits.
Events
Local events and entertainment change daily & range for every single season. My tip: check the events calendar & do a little bit of online research to see what's happening while you're in town. Or maybe the whole reason you're visiting is because of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, The Great Reno Balloon Race, or Northern Nevada Pride. So much to do, so little time.Hotels
In Reno, you will find hotels near the center of town such as Whitney Peak Hotel, Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, Plaza Resort Club, Sands Regency Casino Hotel, and more.
My Favourites
♥ Arlington Tea cocktail from Death & Taxes ♥ Blue waters of Lake Tahoe ♥ Strolling the Truckee RiverWalk District ♥ Midtown Reno's murals ♥ Nevada Museum of Art ♥ Browsing Junkee for hidden treasures ♥ Evening walk through Idlewild Park ♥ Stillwater Spritzer at Stillwater Spa & Salon ♥ Driving through the mountains in Tahoe ♥ Dipping your toes in Truckee River or Lake Tahoe ♥ Beautiful nature ♥ Hanging out with an old friend in Reno ♥ Baked Tahoe at Lone Eagle Grille ♥
Have you visited Tahoe or Reno? I'd love to hear your top recommendations. :]
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