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Greatest Inspirational Goat Quotes Ever!
I have been a goat Mom for four years now. My goat family began with my two girls Aliyah and Anushka, and we recently welcomed a Dwarf Nigerian buckling (baby boy goat) named Yoda. Caring for goats has been a wonderful experience. Joyful, lovable and playful, goats bring such happiness and fun to life. They are a non-stop source of amusement. If you are looking for some inspiration to brighten your day, here are the greatest goat quotes, puns and sayings ever!
Take that bad day & headbutt it in the face!
My goats are not contemplative, accepting, or introspective. They are the Greek chorus of my farm, sometimes of my life. They watch me closely and remind me that I am foolish.~Jon Katz
Goats: cheaper than therapy.
I want to go about like the light-footed goats.~Johanna Spyri
In the silence, I could hear the distinct sound of goats maa-ing in the barn. Lying there listening to them made me smile, too. I’d always loved goats – every one of them different from every other one, and all of them goofy and playful.~Steve Watkins
Whatever floats your goat.
Stand back, I goat this.
Be the goat in a world of sheep.
It’s good for a person to be terrorized by a goat. Hard to get high and mighty when there’s something chasing you for vegetables.~Natasha Pulley
Sorry, I didn’t mean to get your goat.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Goats are the greatest! I hope you enjoyed my goat inspiration. You may also like reading My Cozy Covid Christmas on the Farm. Wishing you peace, joy, and beautiful vistas!
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My Cozy Covid Christmas on the Farm
If you read my last post you will know I am really feeling the Christmas spirit this year. The Covid quarantine has really put me in the mood for celebrating a holiday that we often associate with togetherness and fun. I have been listening to Christmas music (since before Thanksgiving), and have put all my decor up and dressed my fur and feather babies in their best holiday finery. Since Covid has stymied my ability to invite people over to enjoy our farm festivities, I thought I would just post some photos on the blog. I hope you enjoy them!
Sasha is not a fan of frivolous attire, but she will tolerate things like this red plaid bow on her collar.
The kitties are enjoying snuggling up on cozy Christmas throws.
Covid can’t stop us from having fun on the farm. Even the chickens are feeling festive!
The goats are pretending to be reindeer in hopes that Santa will hire them to pull his sleigh.
The stockings have been hung by the chimney with care.
The kitchen is ready for baking some holiday goodies! My friend Brian gave me the California holly, also known as Christmas berry-he has it growing in his yard.
Holiday poinsettias in an antique wood bucket from Argyle, Wisconsin my Dad gave me long ago. The wreath is from Hobby Lobby.
Georgie enjoys hanging out by the Christmas tree.
My doormat reminds me to keep my spirits bright!
A snowman and some tiny trees on a vintage chippy table I found at a thrift store in Monterey.
Now we have only three days “til Christmas! I found this cute little sign at Target.
Sometimes, you just need a warm cup of cocoa or tea while you snuggle up and watch Christmas movies. My favorite is “It’s a Wonderful Life”!
If I start feeling the quarantine blues, I look at my Christmas cards and remind myself that it won’t be long before I can visit my friends and family again.
With sons Nick & Peter at a previous Christmas. Missing all my boys. Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you enjoyed my snapshots of my cozy Christmas on the farm. You may also enjoy Christmas in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Wishing you peace, love, joy, and Christmas kisses from Aliyah and Anushka the goats.
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Christmas in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Let’s face it, 2020 has been a pretty yucky year overall. Maybe that’s why I am so into holiday feels this year. Christmas is the season for celebration and cheer, for togetherness and twinkling lights and good tidings. I am so grateful for all good things, my family, friends, neighbors, and my list goes on and on. I also give thanks to be able to live in such a beautiful area that provides me with joy daily. The following are some of my favorite Christmas views from Carmel-by-the-Sea. So grab yourself a hot cup of cocoa, or eggnog, or a glass of wine, and enjoy!
One of the most iconic places in Carmel is the Cottage of Sweets. It was originally built in 1922 as a weaving studio. When the Court of the Golden Bough Theatre was built, the quaint cottage was loaded onto logs and rolled down Ocean Avenue to its current location, where it served as a ticket office for the theatre. Fast forward to today, where the tiny shop is jam-packed with delicious British sweets, chocolates, fudge, and more than 90 different licorices. It just radiates “Merry Christmas”, do you not agree?
Bluebird Cottage at the Lamp Lighter Inn is guarded by a husky this Christmas. If you did not know, dogs are such beloved in this seaside town. Here, they are treated (as they should be!) with dog friendly beaches and hotels, water bowls in front of many shops, and even doggy massages, surf lessons, and yappy hours. It is the perfect place to visit with your furry friend!
During the holiday season, Carmel has not only magical sights, but smells and tastes too! Who could resist the enticing goodies in this window?
Christmas is all about good food too! Carmel has some of the best, and often in super cute vintage dwellings. I love this one located adjacent to the Cottage of Sweets.
Entering through the gate to the Tuck Box English Tea Room is like entering a winter fairyland.
Carmel has the most enchanting little secret passages everywhere. You never know what you will find at the end! Maybe some mistletoe?
All the shops are so festive and fun in anticipation of holiday shoppers. And even though you may not be able to visit in person, you can always shop online for that special person who just loves Carmel!
Doris Day’s Cypress Inn sparkles with holiday cheer. This dog-friendly hotel features a “Yappy Hour” where folks bring their pooches and enjoy cocktails.
The Lincoln Green Inn’s lush flower gardens shower the holiday season with romance and color. Built in 1925, the Lincoln green Inn features four quaint cottages named after the tales of Robin Hood, including the protagonist as well as Maid Marian, Little John and Friar Tuck.
Uh oh, Santa left his boots! Maybe he just wants an excuse to come back to Carmel? 
One of the most enjoyable things to do during the winter holidays is stroll the streets and enjoy the lights and decor. This little cottage has always been a favorite of mine. Loving the little dachshund on the roof!
Whether simple or fancy, holiday decor adds extra charm to the already lovely homes here.
Thank you so much, dear hearts, for visiting my blog. If you enjoyed this post you may also like Quarantine in Captivating Carmel-by-the-Sea and Fairy Tale Cottages in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For more information on visiting Carmel, see carmelcalifornia.com.
Wishing you peace, love, joy, and a beautiful holiday season. We can get through even the most challenging of times, if we are there for each other. Hugs!
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12 Storybook Cottages to Enchant You!
Storybook, or fairy tale style cottages are found all over the world, but there happen to be a plethora of them here in California. They originally became popular in the Los Angeles area, especially in Hollywood. Featuring such things as sloped roofs with steep pitches, crooked walls, odd shaped doors and windows, and rustic cobblestone chimneys, these fantastic homes are simply enchanting.
The iconic Witch’s House was built in 1920 as a set for silent films. A studio producer purchased the building after plans were made to demolish it, and moved the structure to Beverly Hills. Nothing was off limits with these homes and they began to sprout turrets, towers, eyebrow windows and other elements. Soon, the cartoonish, stylized homes because all the rage, and builders across the country began to create them.
This fanciful building is in Carmel-by-the-Sea, another city where the storybook style became quite popular. It was supposedly based on illustrations from a Swedish folktale book. I love the miniature turret popping up from the rear!
Also in Carmel-by-the-Sea, this building was designed and built by Hugh Comstock. During the 1940s, two sisters converted it into a tea room and named it “Tuck Box”, after the traditional trunks British schoolchildren used to carry their books, food and supplies.
The Hansel Cottage in Carmel-by-the-Sea was the home of Hugh Comstock and his wife Mayotta. Comstock built this as well as the adjacent Gretel Cottage, which served as a showroom for the handmade dolls his wife created.
The Cottage of Sweets in Carmel-by-the-Sea was built in 1922. It was originally a weaving studio, but when the Court of the Golden Bough Theatre was built, it was rolled down Ocean Avenue on logs(!) to be used as the theatre’s ticket office. After the theatre closed, it had a brief stint as a dress shop before becoming the iconic candy store in 1959.
This storybook home was built by William Yelland in the 1920s for a client who wanted a home that evoked the north of France. It is located near the University of California in Berkeley.
This storybook home is in Pacific Gove, California. I don’t know its history, but I love its simple charm, from the little window next to the door, to the picket fence.
This charming storybook home is in Salinas, California. From the stone path leading to the door to the shake roof, this cottage provides a most welcoming allure.
This charming storybook home was built in 1926 by R. C. Killen in Oakland, California. Delightful touches include a dovecote and birdhouse!
While California probably has more storybook homes than anyplace else, you still see these lovely vintage homes all over the country. This beauty is in Cleveland, Ohio!
This final home is in Pacific Grove, Calfornia. Would you like to live in a storybook home? I think it would be so much fun, because every day would feel like stepping into a fairy tale! You may also like Fairy Tale Cottages in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love, 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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Five Favorite Fall Finds to Make Your Home Cozy
Fall is here! I love this season because it is so fun to decorate! We all have some seasonal decor that are our go-tos every season. These are some of my favorite fall finds to make your home super cozy without breaking the bank.
- Fall Scented Candles. One of my favorites is “Leaves” from Bath and Body Works. It smells wonderful without being overwhelming and the decorative container looks beautiful.
2. Fall Rug or Doormat. I like this colorful mat because it is easily cleaned, which is a plus when you have lots of pets like me! It also looks super cute layered over a white and black buffalo plaid rug. I found this at Amazon, but it is currently sold out.
3. A fall wreath. There are so many beautiful fall wreaths, for a selection of my favorites see Say Hello to Fall: Favorite Autumn Wreaths. This wreath was previously available on Etsy.
4. A soft, cozy throw blanket is essential for snuggling under when fall’s chill arrives. This pumpkin colored one from Anthropologie fits the bill.
5. I found this on a trip to Target. The scent of clove and nutmeg in their Everspring hand and dish soap is so amazing! I just love using this. They also have soy candles in this scent.
I hope you have the coziest fall ever. Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas!
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Ten Most Romantic Picnic Spots in Monterey County
Photo @aesthetic_and_inspiration_ Monterey County is filled with so much history and beauty. It can be overwhelming with so much to see and do. Inbetween all the sight-seeing and activities, you may want to just regroup, find a quiet spot to relax and eat lunch, or just unwind with your love(s). Picnic lunches offer the perfect opportunity for this. Whether you pack your own or grab take out, these are the very best places for intimate and romantic picnics.
- Lovers Point. Nestled next to the sea, this area features striking views and intricate rock formations. For more information see Lovers Point: Legendary Park in Pacific Grove.
2. Moss Landing. Wildlife is abundant here, including sea lions, sea otters, whales, and a plethora of birds. What better place to enjoy the scenery with a picnic lunch? For more information, see Elkhorn Slough & Moss Landing.
3. San Carlos Beach & Breakwater Cove. Located just north of Cannery Row in Monterey, this area offers a view of all the fun ocean activities available here. You can claim a picnic table or bench and watch scuba divers, kayakers, and fishermen from the beautiful shoreline. For more information see Cannery Row: What to See & Do!
3. Point Lobos. Magical and serene, this is one of the most popular attractions in the area. Captivating views surround you, creating a most romantic scene for an unforgettable picnic. For more information, see Point Lobos: Crown Jewel of State Parks.
4. Carmel Beach. Enjoy a cozy bonfire on the beach and snuggle under a blanket while enjoying a lovely picnic at this unforgettably gorgeous beach. For more information see Quarantine in Captivating Carmel-by-the-Sea.
5. Asilomar Beach. Follow the boardwalk to this secluded cabana and enjoy the sunset with a picnic lunch and a bottle of wine. For more information, see Asilomar Beach.
6. Garrapata Beach in Big Sur is breathtakingly romantic. Follow the beach until you see Doud Creek as it rushes into the sea. If you follow the creek inland, you will find exquisite masses of calla lilies blooming in early spring. For more information, see Calla Lily Valley’s Springtime Beauty.
7. Pebble Beach. After a few rounds of golf or a day of sight-seeing, bring a picnic lunch to the Seal Rock picnic area in Pebble Beach and enjoy the views. Be aware that it can be quite cool and gusty here, be sure to bring cozy jackets and blankets. For more information, see Pebble Beach & 17-Mile Drive’s Beautiful Vistas.
8. Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur. In late December through early January, there is a seasonal alignment of the sun with the Keyhole Arch here. What could be more romantic? Be prepared for amazing views. For more information, see Purple Sand & Stone Arches at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur.
9. Sand Dollar Beach in Big Sur. No sound but the ponderous crash of waves as the break on to the beach and the whispering of the wind through the foxtails. Jagged cliffs plunge recklessly below to the sea. This is wild Big Sur at its best. The perfect place for a romantic picnic. For more information, see Sand Dollar Beach & Jade Cove in Big Sur.
10. Pinnacles National Park, located in the southeast corner of Monterey County, is well worth the trip. The result of volcanic activity millions of years ago, the park features spectacular rock formations, caves, and in the spring, waterfalls. Native Americans left stone artifacts here 2000 years ago. There is a feeling of the sacred here even now. Pinnacles is the perfect place to take in nature’s beauty and serenity while enjoying a picnic. For more information, see Pinnacles.
Thank you for visiting my blog! I hope you are able to enjoy a picnic at one of these beautiful and romantic places in Monterey County. Wishing you peace, love, happiness & beautiful vistas.
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Cutest (& Spookiest) Fall Kids Playhouses Ever!
The witches fly across the sky, the owls go “Who? Who? Who?”, the black cats yowl and green ghosts howl, “Scary Halloween to you!” ~ Nina Willis Walter. Fall is here! While we adults may enjoy decorating our homes for the season, kids deserve to take part in the fun too. The following are some of the cutest kids playhouses ever, all decked out for the season.
Photo @the.pink.dream Mums, pumpkins and a sweet wreathe make this playhouse a dream come true.
Photo @tmfontana Let the fall festivities begin! This little playhouse is ready!
Photo @squishandsprout Little boos will love this hauntingly happy house!
Photo @thejessstyle Hocus pocus! This spooky playhouse is sure to be a hit.
Photo @thenewmrshamilton Hanging ghosts and skeleton lights add Halloween charm to this playhouse.
Photo @jensgatheringnest Pumpkin spice and everything nice will bewitch you in this playhouse.
Photo @pro.fessorpumpkin Creepy, crawly, spooky and scary. Enter this playhouse at your own risk!
Photo @abundleofbeginnings A little bit mickey, a little bit tricky, a little bit fun!
Photo @we_dabble You can count on this playhouse to put the fun in fall!
Photo @pro.fessorpumpkin Who wouldn’t want to trick or treat at this cute playhouse?
Photo @bhg.com I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers ~ L. M. Montgomery. Thank you for visiting my blog! I hope you found some fall playhouse inspiration. You may also enjoy Fifteen Fabulous Pumpkin Designs For Halloween and Fun & Fabulous Fall Porch Decor. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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Fifteen Fabulous Pumpkin Designs For Halloween
Carving pumpkins is a Halloween tradition enjoyed by people of all ages. Looking for some new and creative ideas? From simple to elegant, the following fabulous pumpkin designs are guaranteed to inspire you!
- This simple design using cookie cutters to cut shapes out of your hollowed pumpkin is easy and beautiful.
Photo @the.real.horrorshow 2. This owl pumpkin will lend fall spirit to HOO-ever sees it.
Photo @builtbykids.com 3. It is always pumpkin time with this clock jack-o-lantern. It was designed by a kid and won first prize in a contest!
Photo @pinterest.com 4. This intricate carousel design took the creator five hours to make. Wow!
Photo @victoriamagazine 5. These elegant monogram and leaf designs are simply stunning.
Photo @wyntersolstice 6. This delightful fairy pumpkin is sure to be a hit.
Photo @julesmcverne 7. A Dia de Muertos pumpkin will add festive flair to your Halloween decor.
Photo @mrjamesalderson 8. Hello Kitty! Feline friends will enjoy these cat carvings.
Photo @travelingslacks 9. A pumpkin trailer will drive you to Halloween happiness.
Photo @theautumnland 10. The sick pumpkin is always a popular and easy project, although a little messy.
Photo @pinterest.com 11. Harry Potter fans unite! This fabulous Hogwarts pumpkin is simply magical.
Photo @pinterest.com 12. The beautiful outer green color of this pumpkin contrasts with the intricate vines filled with light.
Photo @belihouse.com 13. This beautiful sunflower is pumpkin perfection.
Photo @glaminati.com 14. Sail away towards Halloween with this pumpkin pirate ship.
Photo @jols_lou 15. A cinderella coach pumpkin will make all your Halloween dreams come true.
For more information on carving pumpkins, see tips & tricks. You may also enjoy my posts Say Hello to Fall: Favorite Autumn Wreaths and Fun & Fabulous Fall Porch Decor.
Photo @pinterest.com Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you found some inspiration for carving your pumpkin. Wishing you peace, love, joy, & beautiful vistas!
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Frida Kahlo Love at Las 2 Fridas
Here in Monterey County, we have been having an unusual heat wave. During the midst of this heat wave, I noticed the cutest place on Fremont Street in Monterey and it was hopping busy. I was immediately drawn to the name: Las 2 Fridas. I am a big Frida Kahlo fan. I loved her before she was as immensely popular as she is today. It started with an art history class I took as a college elective in my early 20s. In this class I learned about her tragic backstory as well as her art.
Photo courtesy of fridakahlo.org She was born in 1907 in Mexico City. Polio struck her at age six, causing her right leg to be affected. According to writer Nichola Daunton, Kahlo’s father encouraged her to gain strength through traditionally male activities such as “wrestling and boxing”. Daunton also states that “despite the conservative attitudes of the day and the disapproval of her mother, she spent much of her childhood dressed as a boy”. A trolley accident when she was 18 broke her spine and pelvis and she spent nearly a year in a full-body cast. Pain would become an issue for the rest of her life. Art would become the medium for her to express her suffering as well as her passion.
Photo courtesy of fridakahlo.org 
Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera, photo courtesy of fridakahlo.org Frida Kahlo married another Mexican artist, Diego Rivera, in 1929 and the two spent the next 20 years traveling between Mexico and the United States. Frida and her husband formed an unusual couple. Her husband Diego was 20 years her senior and a big, clumsy-looking man. Nonetheless, deeply besotted with Diego, Frida often wrote things in her diary including that he was “her everything” and “your armpit is my refuge.” If the weather was as hot then as it is now, this seems highly unappealing. But who am I to judge?
Back to Las 2 Fridas. I was initially lured in by the super cute pink chairs and tables set up outside featuring sugar skulls and other colorful motifs. I also was hot and thirsty and the sight of people carrying out dishes of ice cream, fresh fruit, and smoothies attracted me like a magnet.
Photo courtesy of Las 2 Fridas. Their website indicates they offer “a variety of Mexican snacks such as spicy fruit, chicharrones, churro sundaes, and tamales”. They also offer other extremely healthy items made fresh, including açaí bowls, juices and smoothies. You can order online for carryout or delivery or sit outside at their cute tables. This is going to be my new favorite!
Photo courtesy of Las 2 Fridas. I hope if you are in the Monterey Area, you get a chance to check it out. For more information, including hours and complete menu, see Las 2 Fridas.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas.