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The Very Best Books About Monterey County
When I first moved to Monterey County there was so much I did not know about the area. Thankfully, I became educated by not only visiting places but also reading about them. I thought I would share some of my favorite books about Monterey County. If you are visiting, and want to learn more about the area, I suggest you check them out!
Elkhorn Slough, written by Mark Silberstein and Eileen Campbell, is amazing. It is part of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Natural History Series. If you visit Monterey, I highly recommend you visit Elkhorn Slough, which lies near the middle of Monterey Bay. It is home to a rich habitat for plants, fish, birds, and other animals. My favorites include the playful sea otters, egrets, and harbor seals. Elkhorn Slough is also one of the top spots to go whale watching. For an up close and personal experience with wildlife here, you can also go kayaking. This book provides a very detailed history of the area and also paints a vivid picture of all the beauty you will find here.
Monterey Peninsula, The Golden Age, by Kim Coventry and Monterey County’s North Coast and Coastal Valleys by Margaret Clovis, are great to read if you love history. Coventry’s book covers the southern scope of Monterey County, from Big Sur through Point Lobos, Carmel, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, and finally Monterey. From Castroville, the “Artichoke Capital of the World” to Moss Landing’s fishing and canning operations, Clovis’s book covers the northern part of Monterey County. Both books are filled with legend and lore about the area, combined with wonderful old photos.
The Monterey Pine Forest by The Monterey Pine Forest Watch, includes captures all the amazing things you will find here in the unique ecosystem of California’s central coast. The Monterey pine is considered rare and endangered in its natural habitat. It is thought that the foggy, cool conditions in the Carmel and Monterey Submarine Canyons offshore have provided the favorable conditions to sustain the Monterey Pine Forest for thousands of years. I love this book because it provides not only beautiful photos, but also tells you where you can find the Monterey Pines along with detailed maps. There is also a great deal of information about local flora and fauna.
Know that when you arrive in Monterey County, you are entering wine heaven. The distinctive soil and diverse microclimates here produce some spectacular wines! From the Highlands to the Sea, Exploring the Wineries of Monterey County is a complete reference guide to more than 40 wineries here in Monterey County.
The delightful Fairy Tale Houses of Carmel, by Joanne Mathewson, features illustrations and descriptions of all the storybook cottages designed and built by Hugh Comstock in Carmel-by-the-Sea from 1924 to 1930. It is just adorable!
Carmel-By-The-Sea, by Monica Hudson, offers a glimpse of the history of this charming village. There is so much you can learn from this book. For example, did you know that Carmel was originally named Carmelo by Carmelite friars in 1602? The author states that the area was depicted on a map “well before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock”. Who knew?
Big Sur, A Complete History & Guide by Tomi Kay Lussier, is an authentic guidebook to the Big Sur Coast. It includes landmarks, points of interest, and more. Big Sur is simply breathtaking, and not to be missed. I love all the history and information this book contains, and highly recommend it!
Thank you for visiting my blog! You may also like Top 10 Free Things to Do in Monterey and The Most Beautiful Instagrammable Spots in Monterey! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas!
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Autumn Nail Trends You Should Try!
Source: Pinterest-Moosie Blue Who doesn’t love pretty nails? With falling leaves and sweater weather on the way, it’s time to think about fresh autumn nail looks. Popular this season are ombre designs featuring a different shade on each finger, geometric art, and designs inspired by nature. From rich fall hues to simply fun styles, here are some of the prettiest fall designs you should try.
I am loving these pumpkin spice latte ombre shades from oliveandjune!
Deep, dark, and mysterious, Every Month is Oktoberfest by OPI is a classic fall shade.
Source: @britniesue Brown, copper, and neutral nails with natural and geometric designs are fall fabulous!
Fall feels here with plaids, florals and textures, by @4nailedit.
How about some caramel apple spice ombre colors from oliveandjune?
What is not to love about these fab fall colors from Essie?
Source: @eweuleeek Show off your scary side with these hauntingly cute pumpkin nails!
Some sweet autumn shades by Color Street by @manicures_by_manda.
This nail design by Whats Up Beauty is perfect for autumn.
Thank you for visiting my blog! You may also enjoy Pretty Fall & Winter Pedicure Toe Nail Art Ideas and Sugar & Spice: My Favorite Fall Flavors. Wishing you peace, love, happiness & beautiful vistas!
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Find Your Zen Zucchini Bread Recipe
The days are starting to get shorter and cooler, and I am gathering the last of my zucchinis and tomatoes from the garden. This is the time of year I begin to think about bringing out snuggly throws, building cozy fires in the fireplace, and baking my favorite fall fare. Nothing says comfort like fresh bread warm from the oven. I shared some of my favorite sugar & spice fall flavors on Tuesday. You can add this recipe to the list!
This is my all-time favorite recipe for zucchini bread. It has always been a favorite for my three boys too. This recipe makes two loaves of bread. Just cut all the ingredients in half (you can use two eggs instead of three) if you only want one loaf. It can also be made gluten free. It’s perfect to take on fall picnics with a thermos of coffee or tea. Or just cuddle up with your love bunnies and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 cups grated zucchini
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 3 cups unbleached flour (for gluten free bread use all purpose gluten free flour blend)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts OR pecans (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla. Add grated zucchini. Gradually sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon into mixture and continue to beat until smooth. Nuts are optional.
Pour into two greased loaf pans. Bake for one hour. Wait until cool to remove from pan. Run a butter knife around all sides of the bread and gently tap on the bottom to remove from pan.
Thank you for visiting my blog! You may also like Sugar & Spice: My Favorite Fall Flavors and The Very Best 2021 Halloween Pet Costumes. Wishing you peace, love, happiness & beautiful vistas!
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Sugar & Spice: My Favorite Fall Flavors
Summer is ending and cozy fall feels and comfort food are here. Here are some of my favorite fall flavors. I hope that you get to try some!
Best Cinnamon Toast Ever – Southern Bite
What I love about this is that it is so simple, yet so good. And you can use gluten-free bread! Southern Bite’s Cinnamon Toast.
Coffee Mate Natural Bliss Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer
When I saw there was only one left on the shelf at Target, I had to try it! My boys still laugh at me for this idea, but hey, I have found some great products this way! You will never need Starbucks for your pumpkin spice latte fix again after trying this. So good.
Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal – The Pioneer Woman
Yum. This woman knows how to cook and this is a fall favorite. Check it out! Pioneer Woman’s Pumpkin Oatmeal.
Maple Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Together as Family
Ask my co-workers how much I love sweet potatoes. I used to bring one for lunch at least every week. This recipe is the perfect combination of fall flavors, and a healthy must try if you enjoy sweet potatoes like I do! Maple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes.
Oui Apple Pie Yogurt
I love this apple pie flavored limited edition yogurt. Getting my calcium and delicious fall flavor at the same time!
Sweet & Spicy Pecans – Trader Joe’s
You can buy them ready to eat at the store, or make them yourself using this copy-cat recipe from The Modern Locket: Sweet & Spicy Roasted Pecans.
Fall Quinoa Buddha Bowl With Apple Cider Maple Dressing – Eating by Elaine
Eating healthy food doesn’t mean you have to skimp on flavor, and this delicious recipe proves it: Fall Buddha Bowl.
Trader Joe’s Spiced Chai
Trader Joe’s Spiced Chai will satisfies all those sweet & spicy fall cravings with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, star anise, nutmeg and more.
I hope you found something new and delicious to try for fall. I would love to hear what your fall favorites are! Thank you for visiting my blog. You may also like Fun & Fabulous Fall Porch Decor and Eight Fall Fun Activities in Monterey County. Wishing you peace, love, happiness & beautiful vistas!
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Sensational Sunflowers: Fun Facts You May Not Know!
Have you ever looked at a field of sunflowers and just smiled? Something about their bright, cheerful colors just makes you happy. In fact, the sunflower is a symbol of positivity. There is so much more to these blooms than just their prettiness, though. Here are some fun facts about sunflowers you may not know.
The scientific name for sunflower is Helianthus. This comes from the Greek word helios (sun) and anthos (flower). They are native to America and there are at least 70 known species. It is said that Native Americans cultivated sunflowers, possibly even before they grew corn. The artist Vincent Van Gogh was so enamored with them he devoted an entire series of paintings to them.
Sunflowers can grow up to 12 feet tall, but require full sun and well-drained soil to reach their optimal height. In 2014, a sunflower in Germany broke the world record at a whopping 30 feet, one inch! They are the state flower of Kansas and the national flower of Ukraine. The center of the sunflower attracts bees, but they are actually self-pollinating.
Sunflowers have a very unique feature called heliotropism which starts as they begin to bud. Almost magically, the sunflowers face the sun at all times, from early in the morning when the sun rises in the east until sunset when it sets in the west. The French call sunflowers tournesols, meaning “turned sun”, to describe this behavior.
Some people, like me, love sunflowers, but for some people they are scary. I was once acquainted with a well-known photographer who was frightened by sunflowers. The scientific name for the fear of sunflowers is helianthophobia.
Sunflowers are also a perfect example of the Fibonacci sequence. This process involves a special number called the divine proportion, or golden ratio, for its widespread presence in nature. It’s amazing to think of all the symmetry and order that occurs in our world as the result of this! To understand the Fibonacci sequence, check out the video, “Nature by Numbers”, by Cristobal Vila.
Sunflowers growing on my farm. Thank you for visiting my blog. You may also enjoy Flowers & Other Stories: Spring Gardens I Love and What the Color of Your Flowers Says About You. Wishing you peace, love, happiness and beautiful vistas!
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The Very Best 2021 Halloween Pet Costumes
With Halloween approaching, many of us with pets are wondering what costumes to get or make them. Here are some of the very best costumes for pets this year. From guinea pigs to dogs, there are so many super cute choices. I hope you find some inspiration for your pet!
Source: @littleprinceofcrownheights This jailbird costume is super cute for any naughty sock (or shoe) thief. Perhaps he will be pardoned by the puppy priest below. Made by California Costume Collections, the Holy Hound is available on Amazon.
This cute butterfly costume by Animal Planet is available at Walmart and other stores.
Source: @longboy_lincoln Cruella de Vil never looked cuter!
Your cat will go batty for these wings by MadeByCleo on Etsy.
Do. Or do not. It’s hard trying not to love this Jedi costume, available at Target.
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Witch, I mean which chicken wouldn’t love this hat and tutu? Available on Etsy in StudioCluck’s shop. Or how about Day of the Dead costumes for your feathered friends, like those below?
Source: @pagepardo 
Your cat will feel like royalty wearing this cape and crown, by ISewDreams on Etsy.
Your rascally rabbit can be a detective or one of the Queen’s guards in these outfits by Binkying Cottons on Etsy.
Source: @minuit_bunny.love Baby shark doo doo doo doo doo doo. Hey wait, that’s a bunny!
Ketchup anyone? Made by Thrills & Chills, both this costume and the biker one below are available at Petsmart.
Source: @wafflethetabby Did somebody say McDonald’s? I’m lovin’ it.
This Despicable Me costume is sure to please the Minions.
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Your puppy will love this costume a latte! Available at Party City.
Thank you for visiting my blog! You may also like Fifteen Fabulous Pumpkin Designs For Halloween and Eight Fall Fun Activities in Monterey County. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas!
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What? I Need New Glasses?
I recently had my eyes tested and discovered that not only was my astigmatism (an imperfection in the curvature of the eye’s cornea or lens) getting worse, but my presbyopia (gradual loss of the ability to focus on close up things) was also on the downslide. I would need new glasses.
Getting new glasses can be daunting. The torture of trying on umpteen pairs of eyeglasses and the insecurity that arises are something nobody likes to go through. And no matter how many people tell you a pair looks good on you, ultimately it is your decision. The fact that these glasses will be a part of what you present to the world every day just adds to the stress level. However, what is really cool nowadays is that you can try eyewear on virtually in the privacy of your home. Just type it in your browser and several sites with this feature will pop up! Better than sitting in the optometrist’s office for an eternity.
Previously I always chose the same type of frames, either black or dark colored rectangular ones that were pretty boring. This time I decided to be a bit more adventurous. I tried on cat-eye, round, and hexagonal glasses, and a myriad of different colors and materials. Somehow, I kept coming back to the pair I ultimately chose. I am pretty happy with my decision!
If you are getting new glasses, here are a few helpful tips:
- Try wearing your new glasses for only a few hours at a time the first week to help reduce sore eyes, headache and other sensitivities.
- Clean your glasses only with cleaning solution for glasses or soap and water. Never rub them with a dry cloth as this can cause scratches on the lens.
- When you are not wearing your glasses, keep them in a case or a specific place they will be safe (and easy to find!)
Thank you for visiting my blog! You may also like Pretty Fall & Winter Pedicure Nail Art Ideas and Cute Fall Captions You Will Absolutely Love. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas!
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Cute Fall Captions You Will Absolutely Love
Fall offers so many opportunities for taking great photos that you simply have to share. From silly puns to sweet quotes, here are my favorite fall captions. If you are looking for some good Instagrammable captions to go with your fall photos, check these out!
Sweater weather is better together.
Source: @southernlivingmag Keep calm and enjoy fall.
Caption variations: Hello gourdgeous. Feeling gourdgeous!
Channel the flannel.
Don’t even chai to say you like fall more than me.
A falling leaf is nothing more than summer’s wave goodbye.
The pick of the pumpkin patch.
Autumn skies and pumpkin pies.
FALLing in love.
Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.
My favorite color is October.
Pumpkin kisses and harvest wishes.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you found some fall captions you can use! You may also like Cutest & Spookiest Fall Kids Playhouses Ever! and Eight Fall Fun Activities in Monterey County, Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas!
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Simple Tips For Making Homemade Soy Candles
Natural handmade candles are beautiful but also can be quite expensive. I decided to make my own. This was my first experience making candles, so I am going to share things I did wrong, or learned, to help you if you want to make candles. Why did I want to make candles? I just love the ambiance candlelight offers and I also wanted to create my own scents using essential oils. Using soy also made me feel more comfortable since it is organic and more eco-friendly than other materials. Also, with unexpected power outages here in California, candles come in quite handy.
This is what I used. I ordered both on Amazon. The canning jars are leftovers from when I canned plums. Other items you will need include a large pan filled halfway with water, a smaller container such as a large measuring cup that will fit inside the larger pan, and a candy or candle thermometer.
It was great that they included very clear directions with pictures (even though I did not use any dye). If you choose to use dye, be aware that normal food coloring will not work–you have to use oil-based dyes. Once the wax is melted, you can add your scent or essential oil.
I used floral essential oil scents for my candles including jasmine, rose, freesia, gardenia and lilac.
Helpful Tips I Learned:
- The wax flakes will cook down, down, down and often you only have 1/2 to 2/3 of what you originally measured so plan on adding a bit more than you need at the beginning to avoid this.
- When you add a bit of wax on the bottom of your wick and stick it to the bottom of the jar, wait at least 15-20 minutes for it to dry before pouring your melted wax in. I didn’t wait long enough for my first two candles and the wicks moved away from the center. I had a heck of a time getting them in the center again.
- Know how tall your mason jars will be before you order your wicks. When I ordered my wicks several months ago, I had planned on using short canning jars but then ended up using the tall ones. I only had 6 inch wicks so I tied yarn to the top of the wick and draped it over each side to hold the wick in place.
- Make sure to not add too much essential oil because it can be flammable, I added about 15 drops to each quart jar.
- Use something old or that you can throw away to stir your wax, like an old spoon. I used a wooden spoon but then found that a wooden chopstick left over from Chinese takeout worked just fine.
- The last part of the melting seems like it lasts forever! There are several little chunks that you think will never melt, but hang in there.
- It takes approximately 12 hours for the candles to solidify.
Next on my candle making list: using pressed flowers like this beautiful candle from terrain.com The next time I make candles I am going to try using pressed flowers on the sides to add a bit of prettiness. I love the look of these. Or maybe I will create some cute paper labels to put on the outside. Or add some twine and cinnamon sticks and give some as Christmas gifts.
Thank you for visiting my blog! You may also enjoy Don’t Sweat That Unfinished Baby Book and Get Super Healthy Hair With Herbal Vinegar! Wishing you peace, love, happiness & beautiful vistas.