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The 5 Reasons You Will Love These Summer Finds!
What are you up to this summer? Planning any trips? Get-togethers with family or friends? My summer is off to a great start. My keyword for this summer is “optimism”. I was able to recently get together with a group of colleagues for dinner and it just really felt good. Like, finally, a return to normalcy. I have been planning some fun day trips and also some fun activities, such as making homemade soy candles (new post to come!) and working in my garden. Father’s Day will be pretty sad, since I recently lost my Dad in January, but I know he is in a better place. I can carry on all the things we both loved, such as enjoying the sunshine (with sunscreen!), gardening, going to thrift stores, and wearing hats!
Summer = Happy
Whether you will be heading to the beach, the lake, or just chilling out in your own backyard, here are some great summer selections, from sandals to slushies. They are not only comfy, cute, happy, colorful and fun. but will also help make your summer the best one ever. I am obsessed with these and hope you love them too.
Source: birkenstock.com
Summer = Cute
Birkenstock Yara Sandals. One thing about these is that if you are like me, they run about a whole size bigger than your regular size. Crazy but true. Also these are sold out in black on Zappos, but you can still get them at Birkenstock. Super comfy, super cute, and will make your feet super happy this summer
Source: anthropologie.com
Summer = Colorful
Brightly Colored Tops & Dresses. Tired of all the monochromatic trends? Coming out of Covid we all need brighter and happier times. Be gone Voldemort shades. This top from Anthropologie definitely fits the bill.
Source: oldnavy.com
Summer = Comfy
High Waisted Straight Leg Jeans from Old Navy. Have you ever been forced to perform the skinny jeans dance, struggling to free your feet from the teeny tiny pant leg bottoms when trying to take them off? Not so with these guys, loving them! FYI, they run a bit small so you may have to go one size larger than what you usually wear.
Summer = Sweet
Watermelon Slushies. Sometimes the best finds are sweet treats! I love this one. It’s like putting a big ol’ bunch of summer in a glass. Recipe: Freeze 3 cups fresh watermelon cubes overnight. In a blender, combine frozen watermelon with an extra 1 cup fresh watermelon, juice from 1/2 lemon/lime, and add 1 tablespoon of raw honey/ agave/ organic maple syrup. Garmish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Enjoy!
Summer = Old-Fashioned Fun
Picnic Baskets. Pack up the fam and head out to your happy place with this cute picnic basket from amazon.com. Nothing is better than having an old-fashioned picnic with the peeps you love.
Summer is a time to enjoy longer days, more sunshine, and good times with family and friends. Thank you for visiting my blog. You may also enjoy Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley, California! Hope you have a beautiful and blessed summer. Wishing you peace, love, joy, and beautiful vistas!
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The Most Beautiful Instagrammable Spots in Monterey!
Central coastal California offers so many spectacular attractions. From sun drenched beaches, to dramatic rock formations, to fabled architecture, there is beauty everywhere. As a result, photographers are naturally drawn to the area. Instagrammable opportunities abound not only in Monterey, but also in neighboring Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Pacific Grove. Follow along with me to see some of the most beautiful Instagrammable photo spots here in Monterey County!
1. McWay Falls in Big Sur. First on my list is McWay Falls. Featuring stunning views of an 80-foot waterfall cascading into the Pacific Ocean, this spot is Instagrammable gold. It is a long drive, however, it is definitely worth it! To read about the area’s history see McWay Falls. For park info, see Julia Pfeiffer Burns. Location: Located 37 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1 near mile marker 35.8.
2. The Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur. For a few brief weeks during the winter solstice, the sunset casts an ethereal glow through the Keyhole Arch, however, the area is absolutely gorgeous year round. The magenta tinted sand and unique rock formations offer boundless photo ops. For more information, see Keyhole Arch. Location: Just south of the Big Sur Station at mile marker 45.64 on Highway 1. Be sure to watch for the hairpin turn on the right. Follow Sycamore Canyon Road approximately two miles to the parking area. For park information see Pfeiffer Beach.
3. Nepenthe in Big Sur. This iconic bohemian restaurant has been the haunt of artists and writers such as Henry Miller, Anais Nin, Man Ray, Ernest Hemingway and more. Why Nepenthe? Because it features not only jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Big Sur coastline, but also a colorful kaleidoscope of other Instagrammable shots. For more information see Nepenthe and Menu & Hours. Location: 48510 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920.
4. Bixby Bridge in Big Sur. While you are not guaranteed the perfect shot at this popular spot, you most certainly won’t be disappointed. One of the most photographed bridges in California, Bixby Bridge is 13 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1.
5. The Mural in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Doesn’t this just holler “fashion/style shots”? This was completed just last year, and is meant to depict the ocean and the rebirth of hope. Location: Corner of Mission St. and 6th Ave., across from Devendorf Park in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
6. Fairytale Homes in Carmel-by-the-Sea. One of the magical things about this area is the abundance of fairy tale homes, many originally built by Hugh Comstock in the 1920s. For more information on these homes see Fairy Tale Cottages in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Getting a shot of one of these cuties is undoubtedly a must when visiting Carmel! Location: While you will find these sweet cottages tucked away throughout the town, there are several in the area bordered by Torres St., Ocean Ave., 5th Ave. and Santa Rita. Storybook Cottage is located within this region on Santa Fe.
7. Lovers Point in Pacific Grove. Featuring breathtaking views stretching from Monterey to Pebble Beach, Lovers Point, located in Pacific Grove, is simply stunning. Lovers Point has been the setting for several films, for instance, the “Big Little Lies” HBO series. You will definitely find many Instagram-worthy shots here. For more information see Lovers Point. Location: 17th Street and Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove, CA.
8. Asilomar State Beach Gazebo in Pacific Grove. Stretched between Lover’s Point and Pebble Beach, this magnificent beach features walking paths, boardwalks, and benches overlooking crashing waves and stunning rock formations. A solitary gazebo, accessible from the boardwalk, provides the backdrop for dramatic photos, especially at sunset. For more information, see Asilomar. Location: Sunset Drive, Pacific Grove, CA.
9. Pacific Grove’s Quirky Victorians. Pacific Grove is known as “America’s Last Hometown”. Beautiful Victorians line the streets of this seaside village, providing the perfect Instagrammable shots. Location: Pacific Grove, California.
10. The Lone Cypress in Pebble Beach. This iconic tree towering above crashing waves will undoubtedly provide the backdrop for your next epic shot. Location: 3212 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA.
11. Cannery Row in Monterey. Historic buildings, charming restaurants, shops and hotels line the streets. Further down Cannery Row you will find the Monterey Bay Aquarium. There are so many Instagrammable shots here, so little time! Location: Cannery Row begins at San Carlos Beach Park at the corner of Reeside Ave. and Cannery Row, Monterey, CA.
12. Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey. There are so many visual stories to tell here. Firstly, the buildings are painted in eye-popping pastel colors. Secondly, the harbor houses a variety of boats. Thirdly, sea life abounds, including pelicans and seals. Finally, the long strand of beach and flowers blooming on the banks add further appeal. As a result, you are sure to find some Instagram-worthy shots. Location: 101 Washington St., Monterey, CA.
Thank you for visiting my blog! I hope you found some inspiration after viewing my favorite Instagrammable spots here in Monterey County. If you can think of more, let me know in the comments section. Wishing you peace, love, joy, and beautiful vistas.
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Thrift Store Treasures: How to Find the Best Deals
I have been a thrift store addict all my life, as well as a consummate estate saler and flea marketer. There is nothing like the search for a bargain to set my heart racing. Whenever I travel, I always look for thrift stores! Why? One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. I also love that I am preventing more debris from going into our landfills. Plus, getting something at a fraction of what it cost new can feel pretty good. Pre-loved items are definitely a win-win. Here is my guide to what to buy and how to get the best deals.
Source @pinterest.com Clothing. Name brand apparel that was originally ridiculously priced can be found for a fraction of that at the thrift store. Jeans are one item that you can find for far less than you would pay retail. I highly recommend trying clothing on before you purchase it as many stores have a no refund policy.
Source @pinterest.com Shoes & Handbags. While it is highly unlikely that you will find a Chanel bag like this at a thrift store, never say never. Sometimes things turn up that you would have never thought possible. It is not uncommon to occasionally find high end shoes and handbags.
Books. Tired of paying top dollar for books? I have found so many good books at the thrift store, including recently released best sellers, usually for two to three dollars. It would seem that many people read a book once and then donate it? Lucky me! There are also cookbooks, textbooks, and children’s books galore.
I discovered this vintage handmade tatted lace handbag at a thrift store in Carmel-by-the-Sea for $2.00! 
Shabby Chic table I found in Monterey for $20.00. Vintage/Antique Items. I have found lovely furniture, beautiful vintage china and all kinds of treasures at thrift stores. There are also always vintage pyrex dishes, candle holders, wine goblets and more, all very modestly priced.
Artwork and Frames. We have all heard stories of someone purchasing a painting at a thrift store that turned out to be worth a fortune. Clearly, this is rare, however, you can often find beautiful artwork and lovely frames at extremely reasonable prices. It’s always fun to find something beautiful for far less than it would cost new!
Source: @pinterest.com Children’s Toys and Games. As an occupational therapist working with children, I am always looking for things to improve fine motor, motor planning, and visual perceptual skills. Thrift stores never fail me.
Seasonal Decor. Looking for holiday decor at an affordable price? Thrift stores will never disappoint. There are always amazing deals for Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and more.
Monterey Farmgirl’s Tips for Finding the Best Bargains:
- Shop frequently. The more you visit the greater your chances of hitting the jackpot.
- Nearly every store has sale days. Sometimes this can mean up to 50% off or more. Check with stores to learn about their specials.
- The early bird gets the worm. Go early in the morning to get first pick, and find out when the store restocks merchandise.
- Don’t forget to ask about senior citizen or military discounts.
- No time to go shopping in person? Check out these fabulous online thrift stores: thredUP, Worn Wear, and Swap.com.
Three super cute tops I found at Goodwill a few days ago, all for $20.00! Here are some of my favorite thrift stores in the Monterey area: Branches Resale Shoppe, Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop, Central Coast Goodwill, and St. Vincent de Paul. Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you found some helpful information. You may also enjoy Best Guest Dresses for a Beach Wedding and Scrumptious Strawberries: Fanciful Finds You’ll Love! Wishing you peace, love, joy, and happy thrifting!
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Scrumptious Strawberries: Fanciful Finds You’ll Love!
Strawberry season is upon us! Did you know that California supplies 80 percent of America’s strawberries? Here in Monterey County there are strawberry fields everywhere. The climate here is perfect for growing these ruby beauties. I love strawberries, not just because they are so delicious and healthy to eat, but also because they are so pretty! Here are some sweet strawberry finds you will love, no matter where you live.
This Kate Spade pink wallet embellished with strawberries is jam-packed with cuteness, at eBay.
This linen blend ruffle sleeve strawberry dress from Ann Taylor is sure to please. Simply scrumptious!
I like that you can add not just one initial, but two to this cute strawberry keychain, on Etsy.
Affordable? Yes! Strawberry T-Shirt plus solid 2-Pack at Old Navy.
Bath & Body Works Strawberry Pound Cake Shower Gel will have you feeling like you have just emerged from a field of fresh strawberries!
Stawberry Candy Marshmallow Macarons from Laduree are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
This super cute sign is available on Etsy. Perfect farmhouse decor!
This sweet strawberry cake is actually a candle! You can have your cake and smell it too. Available at Etsy.
Thank you for visiting my blog. You may also like Nine Best Fresh Herbs To Use In Your Kitchen and Add Charm to your Garden with Beautiful Birdhouses! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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Cottagecore 101: An Introduction for Monterey Farmgirl
Recently, a friend of mine asked if she and her photographer could scope out my farm for a photo shoot for her business based in Carmel-by-the-Sea. “Sure thing!” I replied, although adding that the wildflowers here are a bit deflated this year due to lack of rain. “It’s going to be a cottagecore theme!” she said. At this point I admit I was a bit befuddled. What the heck is cottagecore?, I thought. I completely forgot about this word until she and the photographer arrived at my farm. The photographer and my friend starting discussing that word again–cottagecore. It still sounded very ambiguous to me. I went online to see if any of the local libraries carried books on cottagecore. Nope. It was time to get down to business. I had to know.
Mrs. Frizzle and our colorful eggs on the farm. According to Good Housekeeping, it is a “dreamy aesthetic taking over the internet”. Okay, still ambiguous. The article goes on to say that cottagecore “embraces the charm of the English countryside, creating an idealized representation of farm life – no matter where in the world you may live.” Hmmmm. Examples of this include tending a garden, sipping tea, and foraging for mushrooms to recreate a “pastoral fantasy”. At this point, I am thinking, “My God, I am cottagecore!” But am I? Am I unwittingly part of a trend? The answer is no. I am just living my own ding dang life with my animals on the farm, I love nature, and that is authentically who I am. No trendy Wendy here.
The Mushroom Forager’s Festival I attended in Big Sur. Blogger Sara McDaniel calls cottagecore “Narnia combined with Little House on the Prairie…a charmed, fantastical, dreamy way of life absent of modern stresses and combined with sustainable living”.
Wild lupines growing on my farm in 2020. Cottagecore is also referred to as farmcore and countrycore. Huffington Post states that it is returning to “our roots”, which they define as staying home, going green, wearing flowery dresses, writing letters, baking bread, embroidering, and everything DIY. It also stipulates that to be cottagecore, you should look and live “like you’re in some sort of pastoral painting”. But I do! I do!
My dancing goat, Yoda. I discovered that someone has indeed written a book on this topic. The Little Book of Cottagecore, by Emily Kent, has yet to be found anywhere locally. I am certain that since it is an internet sensation it is readily available online, should someone want to delve further into this. And it’s not just any old book, but a little book which sounds much cozier, does it not?
Monterey Farmgirl wearing a flowery dress in a pastoral setting on her farm in 2020. In the meantime, I am going to return to my granny square crocheting and think about making hand-dipped soy candles while the aroma of homemade banana bread wafts from my oven. Damn it, I am cottagecore.
Thank you for visiting my blog. You may also enjoy reading Prettiest Wildflowers in Monterey County, From A-Z and Greatest Inspirational Goat Quotes Ever! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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Twelve Best Places to Hike in Monterey County!
Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt~ John Muir. One of the nicest things about living here in Monterey County is the plethora of areas to hike. No matter your age or experience, there is always a trail for you here. The following is my list of the twelve best places to hike in Monterey County.
Lined up like beach bananas, these harbor seals have found a peaceful paradise in which to snooze at Point Lobos. #1. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Located three miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, Point Lobos has very easy walking trails as well as more challenging hiking trails from .8 to 2.9 miles. It provides a tantalizing sensory experience with the sunlight sparkling on the bay and the fresh scent of towering cypress trees. You will also have some great views of wildlife here. Park your car outside the park and enter for free! No dogs are allowed. For more information, see Point Lobos: Crown Jewel of State Parks.
#2. Andrew Molera State Park. This is located 20 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1. Some of my die-hard hiking friends swear this is their #1 go-to hike. The shortest hike here is 1.7 miles and the longest, per my hiking friend Brian, is about 10 miles. Hikes vary from easy to strenuous. Keep in mind that in the spring, the Big Sur River can become swollen and you will have to wade across. Otherwise, there is a seasonal foot bridge when the river is low. A really cool thing about this area is the magenta and purple hued sand. This is due to the dramatic manganese cliffs along shoreline. It is not uncommon to spot whales from the beach here. It is one of the local favorites for sure! No dogs are allowed. For more information, see Andrew Molera.
#3. Garrapata State Beach. Located 6.7 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, Garrapata is another local favorite. It features spectacular views of rock formations, cliffs, and wildflowers that are simply magical. In addition, Doud Creek runs through exquisite Calla Lily Valley to the sea near this 1.1 mile loop. This is a moderate level hike due to the steep staircase and uneven terrain. Dogs are allowed but must remain on leash.
#4. Partington Cove. Address: 51354-51358 Highway 1, Big Sur. This is a 1.1 mile trail featuring wildflowers, a waterfall, a wooden bridge, and a cool tunnel. I would highly recommend this for families with kids, it’s super fun and not too strenuous. For more information, see Partington Cove: Tanbark Tunnel to the Sea. Keep in mind you will need to navigate a steep hill to get back to the road.
#5. Jade Cove. This is pretty hard to find, but oh so worth it. Located on Highway 1 approximately 60 miles south of Carmel and 30 miles north of San Simeon, this is a hidden gem. This is a .3 mile hike that offers breathtaking views of the ocean and also an enchanting hike down to the beach to look for beautiful Big Sur jade. Because it is very challenging to get from the cliffside down to the beach, this is a moderate hike. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash. For more information, see Sand Dollar Beach & Jade Cove in Big Sur.
#6. Fort Old National Monument-Badger Hills Trailhead. This is located between Salinas and Monterey at 692-696 Highway 68. In the early spring, hundreds of goats dot the hillside, munching away to help mitigate wildfire risk. The wide former military roads are perfect for social distancing, but there are also many more secluded and narrow dirt trails. This is good place for beginners through advanced hikers as there are multiple levels of difficulty and lengths you can choose. Tons of mountain bikers come here too. Dogs are welcome but must be on leash. For more information, see Fort Ord.
#7. McWay Falls. Located at 52801 Highway 1, Big Sur, this is another family friendly, easy hike from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The Waterfall Trail is only .6 miles and the reward is seeing the majestic 80 foot waterfall plunging to the turquoise ocean below. For more information, see McWay Falls: Beauty & History in Big Sur.
#8. Tanbark Trail & Tin House to Ewoldsen. For a pretty difficult and longer hike, try the Tanbark Trail and Tin House Loop to the Ewoldsen Trail which will bring you to McWay Falls at the end. This hike starts across the road from Partington Cove. The trail travels through groves of redwoods to a dilapidated yet iconic tin home built in 1944 by Lathrop Brown. It then winds down through the forest to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and McWay Falls. It can be quite confusing to make sure you are on the correct trails, so I would recommend studying up exhaustively before attempting this. For more information, see Big Sur Hikes.
#9. Inspiration Point at Palo Corona Regional Park. Address: 4860 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, CA. You start out walking past dozens of black mooing cows in a peaceful pasture before you start up a steep incline through coastal oaks. This is a 1.3 mile 850 foot elevation hike with gorgeous birds eye views of the Carmel coastline. I think this would be a great romantic date hike, especially at sunset. Dogs on leash are allowed only in the north park area; no dogs allowed south of South Bank Trail. for more information, see Palo Corona.
#10. Jack’s Peak County Park. Address: 25020 Jacks Peak Rd., Monterey, CA. This park features breathtaking views of the ocean at Monterey Bay. It also has the largest native pine forest in the world. It has eight moderate trails from 1.8 to 6.6 miles. Most trails are fairly narrow so there is a great deal of squeezing by oncoming hikers. Dogs are allowed on leash. There are lots of picnic tables and benches so it’s a great place to enjoy a snack or meal after your hike! For more information, see The Strange Saga of Monterey Jack.
#11. Garland Ranch Regional Park. Located at 700 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA, this is a very popular spot for hikers with dogs. To enter the park you cross above the lovely Carmel River on a bridge. Inside the park are trails for everyone, from beginners to advanced hikers. Some of the most challenging hikes here include the Snivley’s Ridge Trail which is 14.2 miles and The Pinyon Peak Trail which is an 8.7 mile loop to the old fire lookout tower. For more information, see Garland Park.
#12. Pinnacles National Park. Address: 5000 Hwy 146, Paicines, Ca. Formed from volcanic activity millions of years ago, Pinnacles is simply stunning. From waterfalls coming through the cave roofs, to stone spires, to doorways formed in rock, to Bear Gulch Reservoir, to wildflowers and more, this is the crème de la crème of hiking areas. There are trails here for everybody, from easy to strenuous. Located in the far southeast corner of Monterey County, Pinnacles has two entrances, one off Hwy 25 south of Hollister, and also east of King City. Dogs are not allowed on any of the hiking trails. For more information, see Pinnacles.
My friend Brian and I hiking with friends in Big Sur back in 2015. I hope you enjoyed this post on my twelve favorite hikes in Monterey County. Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, joy, happiness & beautiful vistas.
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Hats are Fun! Why You Can and Should Wear Hats.
Have you ever told someone, “I love your hat!” while secretly wishing you could rock a hat? You can! Fall is the perfect time to try out hats. The weather is cooling down which certainly justifies hat wearing. You may also be thinking about holiday vacations which also offer an opportunity to try out hats amongst people you do not know and increase your hat confidence. Wearing a hat is about you and what makes you happy, anyway!
Celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston exude confidence and style with their hats. Hats not only add style to your look, but also fulfill other needs. Having a bad hair day? A hat can fix that. Cold? A hat can help retain your body’s warmth. Have a somewhat boring outfit? A hat can transform it from weary to wow. Hats can also advertise your favorite sports teams, protect you from sunburn at the beach, and even help you go incognito (with the help of sunglasses.). And wearing them really is fun!
Annie Hall’s outfit, including her hat, captivated me as a young girl. I have been inspired throughout my life by hats and hat wearers. From Annie Hall in the 1980s to my fave celebs to Downton Abbey to vintage thrift shop discoveries, I have always adored hats. While I don’t wear hats all the time, when I do, I feel in my element.
I love classic fedoras like this one. 
Same hat at Moonstone Beach in Cambria, California. 
My “Hello Sunshine” beach hat protects my scalp and face from the sun at Carmel Beach at Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. 
My Fall 2020 merino wool newsboy cap is so soft, warm and comfy! (From amazon.com) 
Letting my inner witch out for Halloween (with friend Lauryn). 
Showing some love for my team back in the Midwest. Wearing hats is truly enjoyable. If you don’t believe me, try out a virtual hat in private using a filter on an app like Snapchat. Even if you decide wearing hats is still not for you, it should at least make you smile or even chuckle. And that is what it’s all about. Being happy with yourself and having fun.
Fall colors inspire me, I am loving this copper brown fedora! (From amazon.com) Thank you for visiting my blog! I hope you found some hat inspiration. You may also enjoy Eight Fall Fun Activities in Monterey County or Five Favorite Fall Finds to Make Your Home Cozy. Wishing you peace, love, happiness & beautiful vistas!
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Puppy Love! Favorite Dog Quotes
Puppy love is blatantly apparent everywhere in the Monterey area. Back in the Midwest, where I am from originally, dogs are treated like, well, dogs. You see them in dog parks, or walking on trails with their humans, or occasionally you will see a service dog in a traditionally “humans only” place. In Monterey County, dogs are treated a little differently. When I first moved here, I remember walking through the Whole Foods Store in Monterey and being shocked when suddenly a Pomeranian poked its head out of a handbag held by the lady standing in front of me. Far from being excluded from human gathering places, dogs are instead embraced and treated like family.
From Doris Day’s Cypress Inn in Carmel-by-the-Sea to Wine Tasting Rooms in Carmel Valley Village, to beaches, stores, and more, dogs are EVERYWHERE here. Stores place dog water bowls outside their doors for parched pooches. There is even a psychologist in Carmel for those dogs who need canine counseling. If you come to Monterey County, you will soon grow accustomed to, and enjoy encountering a bevy of breeds and their owners in nearly every setting.
I will never forget that day. I was ten years old, and I had brought a puppy home. My father was telling me that I could not keep the puppy. I grew up in a home where dogs were not wanted. I cried, and cried, and cried. My heart was shattered. Flash forward twenty plus years, and as an adult, I had a new puppy, a beautiful Scottish terrier named Ally. Then I added a West Highland terrier named Emma.
My son Nick with Ally and Emma. Ally & Emma drove with me across six states to our new home in California. They were able to see the ocean and play on the beach. They were able to run around on the farm and play with all the other animals. I am glad they lived out their lives to ages 13 and 14 and were able to experience a beautiful climate where they could be outdoors year round.
Ally & Emma at the beach in Carmel for the very first time! I then adopted a German Shepherd puppy named Sasha.
Sasha became my best friend and enjoyed her job guarding the farm and antagonizing the goats and chickens.
Because dogs are so beloved I thought it would be fun to put some dog quotes together for my blog. I hope you enjoy them.
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”~Josh Billings
Puppy kisses with my son’s dog “Swisher”. 
“Home is where the dog runs to greet you.”~Unknown
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”~Josh Billings
“There is nothing truer in this world than the love of a good dog.”~Will Rogers
“Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, and filling an emptiness we didn’t ever know we had.” ~Thom Jones
I am going to end this with a beautiful quote that my friend provided. “I will never move and not take you with me. I will never put you in a shelter and leave. I will never let you starve. I will never let you hurt. I will never desert you when you get old, nor will I leave you when you go blind. If that time comes, I will be there to hold you. Because I love you, and you are FAMILY.” ~unknown. This, dear hearts, is true puppy love.
I hope you enjoyed my dog quotes. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & warm puppy snuggles.
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Eight Fall Fun Activities in Monterey County
Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.~Emily Bronte 
Why is fall so enchanting? Witnessing the transformation of foliage from green to a bright kaleidoscope of reds, oranges and golden yellows is beautiful and inspiring. It reminds us of the importance of letting go of the old and embracing the new. The cooling temperatures encourage us to slow down and snuggle up under an afghan or quilt with a hot cup of tea or cocoa and a good book, or light candles and sit in front of a crackling fireplace. Conversely, the crisp autumn air may also encourage us to spend more time outdoors and is the perfect time to visit the apple orchard, the pumpkin patch, or have a picnic outdoors.
Fall is also a time for seasonal favorites. Who doesn’t look forward to all the yumalicious fall drinks, such as pumpkin lattes and apple cider? Fall is a comfy, cozy season of layering sweaters and soft flannel shirts and warm nourishing foods. Fall is also the gateway to creative and fun holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving. Monterey County has many fun activities this time of year. Here is a list of some of my favorite things to do in Monterey County in the fall.
1. Visit a pumpkin patch, such as Borchard Farms or Earthbound Organics Farm Stand.
A mountain of pumpkins awaits at Earthbound Farms on Carmel Valley Road. 
Fall fun feels at Borchard Farms near Castroville. 
2. Visit an apple orchard such as Gizdich Ranch and enjoy fresh apple cider and homemade pie.
3. Bring a picnic and a bottle of wine to the ocean’s edge in Carmel-by-the-Sea and have a bonfire on the beach.
4. Attend the annual MEarth Glass Pumpkin Festival in Carmel Valley.
5. Sit in a rocking chairs next to the crackling fireplace at Asilomar Lodge. Originally called Monterey Peninsula’s “Refuge by the Sea,” Asilomar is located on 107 acres of state beach and conference grounds in Pacific Grove. Asilomar was designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan between 1913 and 1928. Thirteen of her original structures remain today and represent her largest collection of Arts & Crafts style architecture in one location.
6. Snuggle under a blanket with a drink near the cozy fire pits at the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach and listen to the bagpipes at sunset. You don’t need to be a golfer to appreciate the majestic beauty and magical atmosphere here.
7. Visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove. In October, you will see them clustered together on pine, cypress and eucalyptus trees in the Sanctuary. Their migration to Pacific Grove is so unique that Pacific Grove is nicknamed “Butterfly Town, U.S.A.”
8. If you love the ocean like I do, there is nothing more memorable than an adventure on the open sea. Take a sailboat ride at the end of the day and enjoy the magical autumn sunset.
Every season is full of wonder, but I think fall is my very favorite season here in Monterey County. I hope you enjoy it too.
I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. ~L. M. Montgomery. Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, joy, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
An autumn sunset at my farm. -
Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley, California!
Napa and Sonoma may be the first names you think of when wine tasting is mentioned. Yet, Carmel Valley, southeast of Monterey and Pebble Beach, may be the area’s best kept secret, as it is home to dozens of amazing wineries. Surrounded by the picturesque Santa Lucia Mountains and just inland from beautiful Monterey Bay, it features a climate of warm days and cool nights just right to produce some pretty outstanding wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. I am fortunate to live just over the hill from Carmel Valley Village. Here is my list of the best wine tasting venues in Carmel Valley. All of the wineries I have listed are located within walking distance from each other, with the exception of Folktale.
1. Folktale Winery. Originally, this estate was called Chateau Julien Wine Estate, but in 2015 it became Folktale Winery. While it is more than a stone’s throw west of the quaint Carmel Valley Village, Folktale Winery is not to be missed. You can visit their fairy tale castle and also listen to fabulous bands while sipping on wine in their rustic barrel room. There are awesome food and wine pairings at their events as well. Some of the performers I have seen here include Anderson East, Chris Cab, and Iyla. Can I say more?
2. Cowgirl Winery. Want to sip wine in the midst of clucking free range chickens and a cute vintage pick up truck? Would you like to belly up to a bar with rustic cowboy boots lined up above it? This place has so much character I dedicated an entire blog post to it, see: Cowgirl.
3. Talbott Vineyards Tasting Room.
You will love Talbott’s not only for their wine but also their spacious and elegant ambiance. They are located just south of Cowgirl Winery.
4. Georis Winery, located across from the Corkscrew Cafe, showcases exquisite mosaic artwork at their entryway, and is surrounded by beautiful floral landscaping and both indoor and outdoor tables. They often feature live music on the weekends as well.
My friend Lauryn and I enjoying the beautiful artwork and yummy wine at Big Sur Tasting Room. 
5. Big Sur Vineyards. I first visited this a few years back with my buddy Lauryn, and I have never forgotten. What I love most is not only the wine, but the exquisite hand-painted labels featuring iconic Big Sur images.
6. Testarossa Winery, & 7. Joyce Wine Company. Joyce and Testarossa are connected by a series of rooms.
Bernardus features an expansive and comfy outdoor seating area where you can enjoy delicious charcuterie platters with your wine. 8. Bernardus Winery. This winery was started by Ben Pon, who was a race car driver for Porsche for many years as well as a participant in the Olympics in 1972 in skeet shooting. The crest on the Bernardus wine label represents Mr. Pon’s Dutch Heritage. This has an intimate indoor tasting room as well as a more expansive patio with comfy seating.
9. Boekenoogen Vineyards and Winery. This tiny tasting room is packed with pizazz. Many folks are keeno for their pinot.
10. Joulian looks like a petite French Chateau, showcasing beautiful decor in addition to their award winning wine.
11. Cima Collina. Like Cowgirl, Cima Collina has a super cute old truck, this one complete with wine barrels.
Helpful Tips:
- Most flights cost around 15.00-20.00 and involve 4-6 tastes.
- During the summer and early fall months Carmel Valley can get warm; dress accordingly.
- Parking can be challenging to find, I recommend getting there before 2 pm when most of the wine tasting begins. Most tasting rooms are open between 12 and 5:30 pm.
- If you don’t want to deal with parking, a Wine Trolley is available from Monterey, or you can hop on Tractor Pete’s rustic wagon to visit local wine tasting rooms.
- Most of the wine tasting rooms are dog friendly.
- There are several notable restaurants and cafes interspersed between the wine tasting rooms, including the Corkscrew Cafe, Roux, Cafe Rustica, and Holman Ranch Tavern.
- If you have time left for shopping, there are some cute shops in the area. I highly recommend Quail & Olive, just north of Georis. It features delicious olive oils, vinegars, kitchen items and lovely gifts.
Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!