tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31832051390408395652024-03-19T02:23:20.683-07:00Edible SkinnyKat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.comBlogger563125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-58862571105777135292022-11-30T09:49:00.002-08:002022-11-30T09:50:28.855-08:00Focusing on Authenticity: Cornerstone Vietnamese Cuisine with Chef Hang Truong’s Noodle Girl<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFC3wS9RSIvziB-fr_sisTYZBD-ed1bBN8EWdfidhP3FhgexOfTSoAkjyDrmyowCVfhEi1ufxIVPUI9EkDcQWvuNz2dG9b-zGnEqSF0t6ukLl2Lv5sSF1bH6Rhp8QtvSlsKGvSgDAKQkZsQnlB_mYTOzPDtoEy2bcoEA-e92tQeIuET9QEBfaFrixH/s3958/Chef%20Hang%20Truong.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3958" data-original-width="2968" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFC3wS9RSIvziB-fr_sisTYZBD-ed1bBN8EWdfidhP3FhgexOfTSoAkjyDrmyowCVfhEi1ufxIVPUI9EkDcQWvuNz2dG9b-zGnEqSF0t6ukLl2Lv5sSF1bH6Rhp8QtvSlsKGvSgDAKQkZsQnlB_mYTOzPDtoEy2bcoEA-e92tQeIuET9QEBfaFrixH/w480-h640/Chef%20Hang%20Truong.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></h2><h1 style="text-align: left;">Focusing on Authenticity: Cornerstone Vietnamese Cuisine with Chef Hang Truong’s Noodle Girl</h1><h3 style="text-align: left;">By Kat Thomas</h3><p><b>“A recipe has no soul. You, as the cook, must bring soul to the recipe.”</b></p><p><b>—Thomas Keller</b></p><p>Consider a kernel of corn, Chef Hang Truong sure has. </p><p>When Chef Hang’s company, <a href="https://www.noodlegirlrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Noodle Girl</a>, recently released their Vietnamese Corn Snacks, there was quite a discourse on kernel size. Turns out American kernels are just all wrong. “We tried using them but the kernels were too large and not sweet enough to be authentically Vietnamese.” Naturally the only logical solution was to start importing Vietnamese corn to America, because for Chef Hang this dish's savory soul is found in the authenticity of its ingredients. </p><p>And Chef Hang should know what makes this dish authentic as these Vietnamese Corn Snacks were one of her favorite bites growing up in South Vietnam. During the Vietnam war, her uncle grew maize, as it was the cheapest food people could afford at that time. With this corn, Chef Hang's mother developed her Corn Snack recipe. The perfect nosh, composed of fried Vietnamese corn and then tossed with a mixture of chilies, salt, and sugar. This mouth-watering recipe then migrated with Chef Hang from Vietnam to the Bay Area to evolve into Noodle Girl’s first snack option. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibB7N9fplg2v37XxxBXAku0hg6LjuZQcOqtMxV3hS8W1qk5fFGgqesoUs_XHfChlzI4RzJnz-idURwDHJ1D4wDgAIjWerJQo85ei-3-OnINy3w4EnqNKPp_EQOJJEudx1yungAuC0rUQQVRsARYXWlJXvQVty-v_5WgfBpR-BAq8xe6ADW8N8l0ReL/s4032/Vietnamese%20Corn%20Snacks.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibB7N9fplg2v37XxxBXAku0hg6LjuZQcOqtMxV3hS8W1qk5fFGgqesoUs_XHfChlzI4RzJnz-idURwDHJ1D4wDgAIjWerJQo85ei-3-OnINy3w4EnqNKPp_EQOJJEudx1yungAuC0rUQQVRsARYXWlJXvQVty-v_5WgfBpR-BAq8xe6ADW8N8l0ReL/w240-h320/Vietnamese%20Corn%20Snacks.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p></p>Noodle Girl is a Bay Area catering company providing fresh, modern Vietnamese food with garden-fresh produce, bright flavors, and high-quality, local organic ingredients. Traditionally the Vietnamese cuisine is prepared with minimal use of oil and dairy and relies more on the light, fresh flavors of herbs and vegetables. As a result, Vietnamese cuisine is considered one of the healthiest cuisines in the world.<p></p><p>Noodle Girl was born out of the San Francisco based food incubator program: <a href="https://lacocinasf.org/" target="_blank">La Cocina</a>. This non-profit program is designed to support low-income entrepreneurs, mostly immigrant women and women of color. It provides affordable commercial kitchen space, industry-specific technical assistance, and access to market opportunities. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJn6D0mfI7TQpRfryq7LbAA_rqvzyBLm6Z1Jl8joYfFyo8Xe12rYNgiQpdhOhDdRfN33A_8kiwliYBIFhryW73sb416uhKN8bXdtrnZZ0fN96_7NnQG9-vrF5_Yu5uSr-amnfDPQ5Q_kB51qt9FwV4rrCMfib0QnqEZEdkGoSvGGI2bf60qHWDye-x/s3024/Blue%20Pea%20Flower%20Rice%20Bowl%20with%20Chicken%202.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJn6D0mfI7TQpRfryq7LbAA_rqvzyBLm6Z1Jl8joYfFyo8Xe12rYNgiQpdhOhDdRfN33A_8kiwliYBIFhryW73sb416uhKN8bXdtrnZZ0fN96_7NnQG9-vrF5_Yu5uSr-amnfDPQ5Q_kB51qt9FwV4rrCMfib0QnqEZEdkGoSvGGI2bf60qHWDye-x/s320/Blue%20Pea%20Flower%20Rice%20Bowl%20with%20Chicken%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p></p>Since opening its doors in 2005, La Cocina (Spanish for “The Kitchen”) has had a hand in helping launch almost 120 food businesses, whose entrepreneurs have gone on to open more than 30 brick-and-mortar locations. They’ve boot-strapped such diverse budding food businesses as an Arab bakery, an Algerian restaurant, a Cambodian bakery, a Gumbo joint, and a Nepalese restaurant. La Cocina helps the underutilized carve out their niche in the Bay Area’s culinary landscape; and Chef Hang Truong of Noodle Girl is one of their shiniest success stories. <p></p><p>Chef Hang has a deep connection with the noodles and soups of her native country. Growing up in the South of Vietnam, Hang began working in her mother’s noodle shop when she was just ten years old. Each morning was focused on serving noodles and as Hang painstakingly learned, the art of creating appetizing noodle dishes.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv0l0VtVZCA7aMeExewnsAXJYSGmRazwUvI2ft7MYP95GS7tJYfVxYbUPDVkE3lJGis6qu8evQCsquLpugnegIoGC4NMJhCewDAghBE4mzjnzUKPe0lzOOGewp5_h8EzTl4tddPTlMIzWA7io3oouLdnDVqSjNykcdr0KWj0FrmyW1xh2dAizzcfJ/s4032/Blue%20Pea%20Flower%20Rice%20Bowl%20with%20Chicken%201.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv0l0VtVZCA7aMeExewnsAXJYSGmRazwUvI2ft7MYP95GS7tJYfVxYbUPDVkE3lJGis6qu8evQCsquLpugnegIoGC4NMJhCewDAghBE4mzjnzUKPe0lzOOGewp5_h8EzTl4tddPTlMIzWA7io3oouLdnDVqSjNykcdr0KWj0FrmyW1xh2dAizzcfJ/s320/Blue%20Pea%20Flower%20Rice%20Bowl%20with%20Chicken%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Chef Hang’s love of cooking became a cornerstone of her life as she married and moved to the U.S. But it was the necessity of caring for her husband during serious illness that prompted her to explore healthy cooking like never before, combining the nurturing dishes she had learned so early in her life with fresh vegetable-forward, highly nutritious ingredients.<p></p><p>When Chef Hang's husband passed away two years after she moved to San Francisco, she suddenly found herself in need of a way to support herself and her young daughter in the most expensive city in America. Her nostalgic memories of her mother's cooking, her passion for creating dishes from fresh ingredients, and her deep roots to Vietnam inspired her in 2016 to start Noodle Girl. Three years later, Hang was nominated in 2019 for a <a href="https://www.jamesbeard.org/awards" target="_blank">James Beard Award</a>, the food equivalent of the Academy Awards. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXhlgRjRPeB_bXl_Wdc_IXsJ_lKO5lQyxU0KmVoi7XB8xZNfkQZF9toQWrDCbWaCzPQBK2QbTVL7-e3PoBJTrg3RkPFx8Y68-afqHYJNIjgZ3C09VWGUaUtLQ1YNrOdgx1r_SDHbVlnRuw6AGk307UKcZVlQxgcUMxtiHvfGmB8viKVlCORtL2wVP/s4032/Vietnamese%20Style%20Pork%20Baby%20Back%20Ribs.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXhlgRjRPeB_bXl_Wdc_IXsJ_lKO5lQyxU0KmVoi7XB8xZNfkQZF9toQWrDCbWaCzPQBK2QbTVL7-e3PoBJTrg3RkPFx8Y68-afqHYJNIjgZ3C09VWGUaUtLQ1YNrOdgx1r_SDHbVlnRuw6AGk307UKcZVlQxgcUMxtiHvfGmB8viKVlCORtL2wVP/s320/Vietnamese%20Style%20Pork%20Baby%20Back%20Ribs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Noodle Girl’s dishes are now served at Golden State Warrior games. Chef Hang’s recipes were featured in La Cocina’s first cookbook: We Are La Cocina: Recipes in Pursuit of the American Dream. Her Noodle Club serves a bi-weekly rotating selection of truly authentic Vietnamese style noodles and noodle soup dishes with choices including Noodle Bowl Salad with Five Spice Lemongrass Chicken, Vietnamese Style Pork Baby Back Ribs, and Blue Pea Flower Rice Bowl with Chicken. And of course, there’s those authentic Vietnamese Corn Snacks!</p><p>So here’s to life being delicious, all your moments being postcard worthy, and every day being the perfect pairing of sweet and spicy as authentic as Chef Hang’s cuisine. </p><p><b>Kat Thomas is the Editor in Chief of Edible Skinny, a site dedicated to making your life postcard worthy. When not on an investigative culinary adventure, she is the Creator of <a href="https://thiswayadventures.com/" target="_blank">This Way Adventures</a>, a Creative Media Company focusing on Peter Pan Ideas and Pixie Dust Magic. </b></p>Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-44883316494212952442021-11-18T08:18:00.005-08:002021-11-18T08:25:40.610-08:00Searching for Less Stress in a Can with Zenify<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFngG1KwqMMrojfsaY4s9S11f9g4EfVwjTIzl6jaKaOMVhMwi03PPUUG8yUW1ZxKFcbyXRvgWT4H56dWvCVh8eKDY-U-PoH-qBEoJayrAFfkD-nEoIKxR_UZKw6O2kIaO0_Tv3J-YjLHs/s2048/Omid+Vojdai+with+a+Can+of+Zenify.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFngG1KwqMMrojfsaY4s9S11f9g4EfVwjTIzl6jaKaOMVhMwi03PPUUG8yUW1ZxKFcbyXRvgWT4H56dWvCVh8eKDY-U-PoH-qBEoJayrAFfkD-nEoIKxR_UZKw6O2kIaO0_Tv3J-YjLHs/w480-h640/Omid+Vojdai+with+a+Can+of+Zenify.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Searching for Less Stress in a Can with Zenify</b></h3><p><b>By Omid Vojdani, Edible Skinny</b></p><p>I’ve been fairly absent from the blog for a while. With trying to keep up a thriving therapy business during a pandemic, buying a home, starting a 3 year program to become a holistic healthcare practitioner, and as of 6 months ago becoming a father, life has definitely been a whirlwind. Time as well as simply brain bandwidth has become an incredibly important resource (as well as sleep with a 6 month old), and I had resided myself to putting aside product reviews for a time to catch up on life. </p><p>Until I was told about <a href="https://zenifydrinks.com">Zenify</a>. </p><p>What is Zenify?</p><p>Zenify is a beverage that touts being able to keep you alert yet calm with zero caffeine and no drowsiness. They achieve this with all natural ingredients, including a helpful dose of a variety of B vitamins for energy. But the magic of Zenify comes from the combination of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theanine">L-Theanine</a>, GABA and Glycine, all three of which have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. The LA based company says the drinks have the antioxidant equivalent of 25 cups of green tea with zero of the caffeine. </p><p>What’s even better is Zenify has a zero sugar option for people like me who want to keep blood sugar spikes to a minimum. They achieve this by switching out the 13g of Non-Gmo Crystalline Fructose with a combination of Erythritol, Stevia and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siraitia_grosvenorii">Monk Fruit</a>, all of which do not raise blood sugar levels. And while the original flavor is only 50 calories, the zero sugar option is only 10 calories, so I can have multiple in a day without feeling calorically guilty. </p><p>MY EXPERIENCE</p><p>I want to start out by saying both the original and the zero taste excellent, but the taste is quite difficult to describe. Some people say it has a mild citrus taste, but I don’t feel like that’s an accurate description. Before I became a health and wellness guy, I had a bad habit of enjoying Red Bull energy drinks a little too much. I loved the effects, but hated the chemical taste. Zenify does have a slight ‘unnatural’ taste to it like those other energy drinks, BUT in a slightly sweeter, more pleasing way. It’s sort of like the difference between eating watermelon and a watermelon flavored something. It’s never going to be watermelon, but it can still be very enjoyable. </p><p>The effects of the drink for me were honestly slightly mixed. My busy dads-life self was hoping for an antidote to stress, almost like ‘Zen In A Can.’ The reality was that these antioxidant beverages really only rounded the sharp corners of a stressful day. But honestly, that’s more than enough for me. We all know what it’s like to be so wound up that even just a small amount of tension release can be the difference between making it through the business meeting and burning the building down. </p><p>Lastly, I did notice that the zero sugar was slightly better when it came to the wind down effects. Both have the same amounts of L-Theanine, GABA and Glycine, all which are supposed to promote Serotonin and Dopamine. But I ended up finding that the original with 13g of sugar was better as a post lunch drink, and the zero sugar was better with or after dinner. </p><p>FINAL THOUGHTS</p><p>I can’t describe Zenify as the anti coffee, but I definitely can say Zenify fulfills its promise of being a drink that helps reduce stress. The taste for me is amazing, just sweet enough without being candy. The effects are just enough to take the edge off and wind down from a stressful day, and even make that slog after the 2pm slump more enjoyable. </p><p>While you can find Zenify in some grocery retailers and amazon, zenifydrinks.com is the best place to go for all the information and occasional sales on the original and zero sugar. Also be sure to check them out on socials @zenifydrinks as well. They do partner with the Coexist Foundation, and post many helpful tips to increase a little bit of Zen in your life. </p><p>So, if you’re feeling stressed at all in life, which is pretty much everyone during a pandemic especially, give Zenify a try, and see if you love it as much as I do! </p><p><b><a href="http://www.succeedwithomid.com">Omid Vojdani </a>is a health and wellness expert with over 10 years of hands-on experience focusing on injury rehabilitation, postural alignment therapy, relationship counseling, and spiritual growth. You can find more info at succeedwithomid.com</b></p>Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-77943266513583499942021-04-26T10:51:00.001-07:002021-04-26T10:51:26.568-07:00The Event People Launch Party!<div class="px9k8yfb hk9dxy2p" style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-top: 7px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 ns63r2gh fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb hrzyx87i o0t2es00 f530mmz5 hnhda86s oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.1667; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> </span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="298" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OVqsYzx_NK0" width="539" youtube-src-id="OVqsYzx_NK0"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Talk about Socially Distanced parties done right! CHECK OUT this fun video highlighting <a href="https://www.theeventpeoplelv.com" target="_blank">The Event People</a>’s Launch Party on November 20, 2020. This Las Vegas Creative Co-Op’s artfully Socially Distanced private networking picnic featured Edible Skinny’s Sister Brands: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blingosaurus/" target="_blank">BlingOSaurus</a>' Mowgli the Dinosaur and typewritting poets <a href="https://www.thezeldafitzgeralds.com" target="_blank">The Zelda Fitzgeralds</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The event included so many other amazing Professional Artists including:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">—Live Entertainment by the <a href="https://www.swingitgirls.com" target="_blank">Swing It Girls</a> & Becky Fullington</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">—Build-Your-Own Flower Crown Station by The Petal Pushers (Sponsored by <a href="https://www.dorightind.com" target="_blank">Do Right Industries</a>) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">—WineStation by Napa Technology </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">—CBD Cocktails by <a href="https://www.thegldexperience.com" target="_blank">The Green Light District </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">—Vegan & Gluten-Free Food Options by Debois Tacos </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thanks for inviting us to the Swinging Party!</div></div>Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-36011928843210102222021-02-10T09:35:00.003-08:002021-02-10T09:35:40.398-08:00Solving the World in Solvang, One Glass of Wine at a Time!<h1 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6RCvi6hNlACr0l1PbsvG95B7h9TYSY0ysPFVJJwXKQBde-z-mZ3J1iUaznIQ-B8kfxMQEtyEBgE0DFf29J4goaHeFR4fERq16Z3-379u-A6g848O3trugKX0L3_7nF65OkFvi6hVl-w/s2048/Kat+and+Windmill+Pandemonium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6RCvi6hNlACr0l1PbsvG95B7h9TYSY0ysPFVJJwXKQBde-z-mZ3J1iUaznIQ-B8kfxMQEtyEBgE0DFf29J4goaHeFR4fERq16Z3-379u-A6g848O3trugKX0L3_7nF65OkFvi6hVl-w/w480-h640/Kat+and+Windmill+Pandemonium.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Solving the World in Solvang, One Glass of Wine at a Time!</h1><h3 style="text-align: left;">By Kat Thomas, Edible Skinny</h3><p><br /></p><p><b>“Travel brings power and love back into your life.”</b></p><p><b>--Rumi</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BMfaMXz3EMMCg3hZsoNnv9bVxDm6pte2Ybch87ESYkKlMXDQkneGiIMZctvkVGfpbU6TjPuJXtvmCpN4foodC_Wrk-WNtnQ5agKeEyzj5BEFQfaum2JG6n6hnj1GAdWVW7wfK4yvvf4/s2048/Kelly+and+a+Danish+Guard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BMfaMXz3EMMCg3hZsoNnv9bVxDm6pte2Ybch87ESYkKlMXDQkneGiIMZctvkVGfpbU6TjPuJXtvmCpN4foodC_Wrk-WNtnQ5agKeEyzj5BEFQfaum2JG6n6hnj1GAdWVW7wfK4yvvf4/w240-h320/Kelly+and+a+Danish+Guard.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Some say a vacation isn’t defined by the length of the distance you go, but the ability to allow yourself to step into another world. And with Covid severely restricting airplane expeditions, the day-trip adventure has become the way to hack travel in 2020. Which is why Edible Skinny delighted in voyaging to the perfect Los Angeles Stand-In for Europe: <a href="https://www.solvangusa.com">Solvang</a>, CA. The trip might have been just two hours north of the City of Angels, but it sure felt like a world away. <p></p><p>As Psychology Today reports, “vacations allow your body to “re-set’ and to be more present in the moment.” Even if we can’t escape to Europe we still need to escape. “Worry ages a person and vacations, whether around the globe or around the backyard fire pit, allow you to turn off the worry and allow your mind to shift into neutral.” A couple hours in the car and Kelly and I were overnighting to a drivable fantasy: exploring old-world European architecture, savoring Burgundy quality wines, and reveling in food experiences that rival the Food Halls of Italy. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO_ZJ4UFmtd1CX0Aj6Ily5SnYy4a3ijSZLYHVFaRJaI_PmoJ98wWTHRTL4fxCZEYqHFRU9SCMwzjWKPy_C1er_GHfmc2OOWfywcfObq2eQ9bOv7EQljZ-j7WBMDWTzRz4N3QWvOGcvjA/s2048/Welcome+to+Solvang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO_ZJ4UFmtd1CX0Aj6Ily5SnYy4a3ijSZLYHVFaRJaI_PmoJ98wWTHRTL4fxCZEYqHFRU9SCMwzjWKPy_C1er_GHfmc2OOWfywcfObq2eQ9bOv7EQljZ-j7WBMDWTzRz4N3QWvOGcvjA/w240-h320/Welcome+to+Solvang.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Solvang is a little slice of Denmark in Southern California. Known as the Danish Capital of America, this tiny hamlet has the quaintness of Carmel, the wine quality of Sonoma, and the foodie experiences of Napa. The town, of course, is housed in the middle Santa Barbara wine country. This expansive wine region is composed of a patchwork quilt of micro-climates and terrains, resulting in one of the most diverse grape growing regions in the world. That’s 275 plus wineries in the seven approved American Viticultural Areas (AVA) harvesting a total of 16,166 acres of land. If you close your eyes you’ll think you’re in the south of France. <p></p><p></p><p>So in preparation for your own great escape, the following are some places of note to explore when you want to discover yourself in your backyard. Here’s to life being delicious, all your moments being postcard worthy, and power and love returning into your life. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppwnIrG3n8VZoW0uptiaik8kGXxR7G7Vzd2Cp8emSS2uJKcb2xkXaUx3tvBnAeEXVEdSQVvXl7LzFcNssEb47LpJ4UFUDmXHss2LotjM0IElSYMazY_inrPRYeEqO18gf4I0eK_0Erz4/s2048/The+Hamlet+Inn+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppwnIrG3n8VZoW0uptiaik8kGXxR7G7Vzd2Cp8emSS2uJKcb2xkXaUx3tvBnAeEXVEdSQVvXl7LzFcNssEb47LpJ4UFUDmXHss2LotjM0IElSYMazY_inrPRYeEqO18gf4I0eK_0Erz4/w320-h240/The+Hamlet+Inn+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></u></b></div><b><u>THE HAMLET INN</u></b><p></p><p><b><a href="http://www.thehamletinn.com">http://www.thehamletinn.com</a></b></p><p>Upon arrival in Solvang we contactlessly checked-in to The Hamlet Inn. It’s a simple hotel, but it’s simplicity done right. </p><p>For a wandering traveler, a hotel space that incorporates specific individual distinctions will completely transform their time from a “hotel stay” into a “hotel experience.” All of The Hamlet Inn’s 15 Danish-inspired rooms are Scandanavian in design and decor from an offset sink allowing for easier access to your toiletries to the plethora of hooks to hang your clothes on to the red and white colored Danish flag bedspread. Instead of having these rooms just be a place to sleep, each space also includes a dining area, with a coffee maker and fridge, and a workstation/productivity area with lots of plugs. The free Wi-Fi was perfect for a traveling telecommuter like Kelly. On the entertainment side, the hotel offers free use of their bicycles providing guests with alternate transportation to nearby shops and wine tasting. And for those who just want to chill and drink some of the wine they bought during their day’s tastings, there is an outdoor gazebo. Added bonus, vouchers at Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery for a breakfast pastry the next day! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyAfnL1A51QeEnpWVpkGj3lTyUL1tzx9LoOutmZB9Qm5EEk5t8ZsHH0i9k6AbNpDlY58QLGY2b724N2IcE1XyI1MUUQms3sjd2BV2zUWpV19ae_Hz0VYV2b_oUCngLEyr6exinH_FYM4/s2048/The+Hamlet+Inn+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyAfnL1A51QeEnpWVpkGj3lTyUL1tzx9LoOutmZB9Qm5EEk5t8ZsHH0i9k6AbNpDlY58QLGY2b724N2IcE1XyI1MUUQms3sjd2BV2zUWpV19ae_Hz0VYV2b_oUCngLEyr6exinH_FYM4/w320-h240/The+Hamlet+Inn+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>LUCAS & LEWELLEN</u></b></p><p><b><a href="https://www.llwine.com">https://www.llwine.com</a></b></p><p>Louis Lucas and Royce Lewellen met in 1975. Louie was a third generation grape grower who had been supplying premium wine grapes for reputable Napa and Sonoma wineries for decades, while Lewellen was a Superior Court Judge who was a passionate wine enthusiast with a vision for the future of the Santa Barbara County wine industry. Over time their friendship blossomed into a 25 year old business, 400 estate acres, three major wine labels, two popular tasting rooms in downtown Solvang, and a state of the art winery. </p><p>Kelly and I sat down for some delicious wine with Michael Lewellen, Managing Partner, Sales and Marketing Director, and son of founder Royce Lewellen. 2020 was quite a year for <a href="https://www.llwine.com">Lucas & Lewellen</a>. Besides the issues with the Vid, this summer was one of the hottest on record in Santa Barbara County (115, not ideal for grape growing). And then there were smoke issues from the fires in Napa and Sonoma (once again, not ideal for grape growing). But positivity prevailed and the harvest was successful! Plus the city of Solvang closed the street that their two downtown tasting rooms are located on. This allowed Lucas & Lewellen to create a patio experience tasting room so their wines could still be discovered in an al fresco environment. It’s been quite a wild ride, but Lucas & Lewellan’s steadfast focus has allowed their brand to have one of their best sales years to date.</p><p></p>Lucas & Lewellen have been crafting wine for generations, and you can taste it. All of Lucas & Lewellen wine is made with 100% estate fruit (which means the grapes are grown solely on their property) from three different vineyards from three of Santa Barbara County’s separate and distinct climate zones. Each property creates a different style of grape, that when blended with an alchemist style of attention to detail create some fantastic wines for an amazing price point. And with 24 grape varieties, the permutations are endless. This is a brand where creativity is embraced. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDJyLxX5Otii4kAOCp0jjiFvCMhTvpAXhK81rt3_wju4EvC_0zB6PykUWICCUbmmGontbUX43M505G4Thbt7yUOW5P2ngp6yxKVH3SQItEzzKm5hYHXvfThuc_ee8i_wyHUDHXo0zSMg/s2048/Louis+Lucas+of+Lucas+%2526+Lewellen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDJyLxX5Otii4kAOCp0jjiFvCMhTvpAXhK81rt3_wju4EvC_0zB6PykUWICCUbmmGontbUX43M505G4Thbt7yUOW5P2ngp6yxKVH3SQItEzzKm5hYHXvfThuc_ee8i_wyHUDHXo0zSMg/w240-h320/Louis+Lucas+of+Lucas+%2526+Lewellen.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>One standout wine for Kelly and I was their “High 9” Pinot Noir. This is a limited vintage from the highest nine acre block of the Goodchild Vineyard, which also happens to be an outstanding location to grow the superior clone 667. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels, creating bright red fruit flavor and a lingering finish. As Kelly said, “It’s like it’s saying ‘I’m here’ with a lot of pucker; like it’s the wink on a semicolon.” An opinion that’s echoed in the 91 points rating they received in the July 2020 edition of Wine Enthusiast. <p></p><p>Another amazing discovery was their “Cote del Sol” Cabernet. The “Side of the Sun” is Lucas & Lewellen’s reserve level-Cabernet crafted from a combination of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Syrah. This bottle toys with the aspects of time. The Cabernet grapes are first harvested from the “sunny side” of their Valley View vineyard. Once these grapes are grabbed, Mother Nature puts her time and effort into energizing the grapes on the more shaded side of the mountain. After a week or two these shadow grapes become more complex in nature, they too are then harvested. And while this is happening, the winery is also delaying the harvest of the 8% Syrah grapes for an extra 2-3 weeks. Even though these two varietals are not traditionally harvested at the same time, through the magic of creative farming Lucas & Lewellen make it so. Thus allowing for them to be crushed together so that the grapes, and their juices, can co-ferment. The result is a wine that hints at the secrets of dark plums and garden herbs with a subtle softness that begs for a sunset to toast to. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>TOCCATA TASTING ROOM</u></b></p><p><b><a href="https://www.llwine.com">https://www.llwine.com</a></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8v3ZiiUh_6PTxNvSsB-XopUf01RXEHnkkH2Y2Cu2544EOvda3rBwJTIV75hbPTjHDOJMNaT8JYBSZEvv-0By528dm7moKx6orqUJBY-1k2gRT0ekHkJltjBwPdGQoO3sbYoINlgD6z4/s2048/Michael+Lewellen+of+Lucas+%2526+Lewellen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8v3ZiiUh_6PTxNvSsB-XopUf01RXEHnkkH2Y2Cu2544EOvda3rBwJTIV75hbPTjHDOJMNaT8JYBSZEvv-0By528dm7moKx6orqUJBY-1k2gRT0ekHkJltjBwPdGQoO3sbYoINlgD6z4/w320-h240/Michael+Lewellen+of+Lucas+%2526+Lewellen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Once we finished up at Lucas & Lewellen, Kelly, Michael, and myself crossed the street directly to their sister brand the <a href="https://www.llwine.com">Toccata</a> tasting room. The old world meets the new world at Toccata, which pours estate-grown classic Piedmontese varietal wines. But there’s no bad blood here. In the spirit of sibling harmony, if you purchase a wine tasting at one tasting room Lucas & Lewellen will take half off the regular tasting fee at the other tasting room. <p></p><p>All this attention to detail has created quite a following for these brands. In Santa Barbara wine country the average wine club retention rate is 2 ½ years, but for Lucas & Lewellen it’s double that. Speaking about their wine club, it is a total steal at its price point. It includes bi-monthly releases of 2-3 wines to compliment each season. Wine club members automatically get 25% of the wines in the shipment and a 20% off savings on all non club wine purchases. And for those fussy drinkers, the brand will tailor your shipments to match your preferences. Their events include experiences such as the ability to prune a vine, opportunities to participate in (pre-Covid) wine cruises, and of course parties! You could say it’s totally La Dolce Vita. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>INDUSTRIAL EATS - RESTAURANT & BUTCHER SHOP</u></b></p><p><b><a href="https://industrialeats.com">https://industrialeats.com</a></b></p><p>After sipping the high life, it was time for some Eats, Industrial Eats that is! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHumWdaYeHZOFnxgm7R8hXG2Qk4SG5vEp1qNlHXXqkzijPo55DVJQ9qIlq8pp0e_otok2Ao-LNU2xR637sm9y1Xc_wsnMQi3QJytHACeXGErEjS5nRx0unGaZkOHc4OkpcyU5MOfIf9o/s2048/Industrial+Eats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHumWdaYeHZOFnxgm7R8hXG2Qk4SG5vEp1qNlHXXqkzijPo55DVJQ9qIlq8pp0e_otok2Ao-LNU2xR637sm9y1Xc_wsnMQi3QJytHACeXGErEjS5nRx0unGaZkOHc4OkpcyU5MOfIf9o/s320/Industrial+Eats.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://industrialeats.com">Industrial Eats</a> is a quality focused dining experience tucked away in a repurposed warehouse on Industrial Way in Buellton, California. As its Instagram bio explains the restaurant was “born on december 9 2013 with one big ass fan and two wood fired ovens.” Owners Jeff and Janet Olsson, who have operated New West Catering since 1998, said their intent with creating Eats was to open a restaurant that they themselves would want to frequent. The result was a foodie wet dream built on prices and flavors that speak to the masses. <p></p><p>Details matter here. The space is tattooed with graffiti of produce on its exterior walls, there’s a craft butcher counter filled with house made treats, and multiple dishes unexpectedly involve caviar. Kelly and I started off with one of their “Get In My Belly,” aka salads, which consisted of Smoked Pheasant, Basil, and Citrus. This lettuce had the Bliss Point perfection of the richness of a smokey gamey meat and the healthiness of farm to table veggies. One bite and we knew: this is the type of place where skilled chefs have just plain mad respect for honest ingredients grown in their backyard. </p><p>Eats’ two wood fired ovens churn out thousands of seasonal dishes every year, all sourced from sustainable farms and food pioneers. So Kelly and I went for their best selling Fennel Sausage Pizza. This was no hum-drum pie, this was a lesson in gastronomy. The crust was thin and crispy, the fennel sausage was homemade, and the crispy basil on top was the piece de resistance!</p><p><br /></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstm-AEYs6amvUjUeEURvv8mW-wWWnAlYVIk7gXq5d3D8-oaL9BQ1GIOlS2nX7u1A72KvVKvKJrCt-7HmkaomEm4OE8qLLLCnJueP9ebSwch6mP2oamOGgy4uHxomOmYlLaOf5jujWuk8/s2048/The+Good+Seed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstm-AEYs6amvUjUeEURvv8mW-wWWnAlYVIk7gXq5d3D8-oaL9BQ1GIOlS2nX7u1A72KvVKvKJrCt-7HmkaomEm4OE8qLLLCnJueP9ebSwch6mP2oamOGgy4uHxomOmYlLaOf5jujWuk8/s320/The+Good+Seed.jpg" /></a></u></b></div><b><u>THE GOOD SEED COFFEE BOUTIQUE</u></b><p></p><p><b><a href="https://goodseedcoffeeboutique.com">https://goodseedcoffeeboutique.com</a></b></p><p>The next morning, I rolled out of bed and strolled over to <a href="https://goodseedcoffeeboutique.com">The Good Seed Coffee Boutique</a>. This micro-roastery is owned by Brad and Leyla WIlliams, whose mission is to create coffee for a thoughtful life. As both a Q Grader (someone who ranks coffee quality similar to a wine comelier) and a roaster, Brad is intimately attentive to each new batch of coffee seeds for their coffee house guests and club members. The barista explained to me, “he’s like a mad scientist when it comes to roasting.” Dedication is what transforms dreams into a reality and when that dedication is directed toward the perfect cup of coffee the result is a cup of joe where just one sip can transport you to another universe. And just to add a bi<br />t more quickness to their tale, Brad’s wife Leyla crafts and sells 8 different types of sourdough bread loaves made per pre-order, with a 3 day fermentation process beginning on Wednesday for Friday pickup. Swing by and sample one of their Superfood Lattes! </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Kat Thomas is the Editor in Chief of Edible Skinny, a site dedicated to making your life postcard worthy. She is also the CEO of the creative media company <a href="http://www.thiswayadventures.com">This Way Adventures</a>. You can find more about both brands at: <a href="http://www.thiswayadventures.com">http://www.thiswayadventures.com</a></b></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-73965319420615010732021-02-09T10:54:00.004-08:002021-02-09T10:54:38.829-08:00The Pain-Doughlorian from One House Bakery<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGeId0vjdsJaChBebJlDIcsHMNLoF45zzkqRMqcMN1I5YdkBw1s4FjPuuyjxnSVPUp3kIa3cIDMGZ9OyTHOZgD_mJCSGS-mBKlxYosZ7NMXvJYzYAZc3-ywYbPAcdnMOHEpRDRdw1wRQ/s2048/IMG_9032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGeId0vjdsJaChBebJlDIcsHMNLoF45zzkqRMqcMN1I5YdkBw1s4FjPuuyjxnSVPUp3kIa3cIDMGZ9OyTHOZgD_mJCSGS-mBKlxYosZ7NMXvJYzYAZc3-ywYbPAcdnMOHEpRDRdw1wRQ/w480-h640/IMG_9032.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><h1 style="text-align: left;">The Pain-Doughlorian from One House Bakery</h1><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMiS8TKNlqcQwS4TmIjiYNSrWD2FYew_Ib2qrLclqbv8IclVR1MvDwp-03S-kAevyvOEviU7Sdh7MLWn29bgRkLXqkGBWFdlFEaMA-Dm9mgAICb0XBpMztboqeKQbB_9uIS4EjAcXGmo/s2048/IMG_9025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMiS8TKNlqcQwS4TmIjiYNSrWD2FYew_Ib2qrLclqbv8IclVR1MvDwp-03S-kAevyvOEviU7Sdh7MLWn29bgRkLXqkGBWFdlFEaMA-Dm9mgAICb0XBpMztboqeKQbB_9uIS4EjAcXGmo/w240-h320/IMG_9025.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>By Kat Thomas, Edible Skinny</h3><p></p>In October, I was lucky enough to be in <a href="http://beniciamainstreet.org">Benicia, CA </a>during the town’s annual Scarecrow Contest where one edible scarecrow was creating quite a bread buzz!<p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.onehousebakery.com">One House Bakery</a> took Benicia's straw mannequin game into hyperdrive with what they referred to as the “Pain Doughlorian,” a series of baked life-size replicas from <a href="https://www.starwars.com">The Mandalorian</a> made from everyone’s favorite carb to love-to hate-to love. </p><p>"I Have Spoken!" Named for “pain,” the French word for “bread,” the collection included three full-sized recreations: Din Djarin’s “Pain Doughlorian,” “Baby Dough-da,” and “The Pandroid,” the bounty hunter lethal-android-come-retooled-babysitter IG-11.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSVZ8PiJqfu3bFwD14_vYHVpjuz3qOB7IBt2NTBOqTUuqA-qWNY7xOZpIDSqwsPFMy8cfGD7DfqwosVbB5VCMIOG5BAmaSm5MRLENYbzwG0ZfNAgaAZMO4I1yTK-0SevD6DnXLMMwE-o/s2048/IMG_9029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSVZ8PiJqfu3bFwD14_vYHVpjuz3qOB7IBt2NTBOqTUuqA-qWNY7xOZpIDSqwsPFMy8cfGD7DfqwosVbB5VCMIOG5BAmaSm5MRLENYbzwG0ZfNAgaAZMO4I1yTK-0SevD6DnXLMMwE-o/w240-h320/IMG_9029.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>"Don't Eat That!" The immersive art installation took two weeks to create by One House owner Hannalee Pervan and her staff and family. The Pain Doughlorian’s armor was crafted entirely of bread, Baby Dough-da utilized bread while floating in mixing bowls, and the Pandroid consisted of “pans and other kitchen tools'' from One House's bakery. <p></p><p>The result was magically awesome! The perfect fusion of Star Wars nerdiness blended with Cordon Bleu culinary prowess. This was the way...to a fun time!</p><p>Kat Thomas is the Editor in Chief of Edible Skinny, a site dedicated to making your life postcard worthy. She is also the CEO of the creative media company <a href="http://www.thiswayadventures.com">This Way Adventures</a>. You can find more about both brands at: <a href="http://www.thiswayadventures.com">http://www.thiswayadventures.com</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEASkkoQbCsR9APAqpIvtjb6RfGZ_wfj30Xe2ng8GD05YjhsA4ArKfVv3gSb4wyTVEWOX3J2jL_GKcXqASZ7mYaxUuVx9rvfP4Voy0pcGaJqU2N0o0BzO_mn7LRc0zqo-vYiZmpgtHHFY/s2048/IMG_9028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEASkkoQbCsR9APAqpIvtjb6RfGZ_wfj30Xe2ng8GD05YjhsA4ArKfVv3gSb4wyTVEWOX3J2jL_GKcXqASZ7mYaxUuVx9rvfP4Voy0pcGaJqU2N0o0BzO_mn7LRc0zqo-vYiZmpgtHHFY/w480-h640/IMG_9028.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWzyp8T5RdxzwEZJXjwOy0JuYDKwjUu5HJCl2wFHL3pLzG0BlN14FbP1vfYfiVGIBN8HZgJ8B57W4VEnFQjv-DMNg0VVLm1DcyKI4MxiuFQieSbi1y34WWabTAVMhci1lLHOcrLFEWmA/s2048/IMG_9031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVtU301m5tu3q8ecjp8rWMugTMl9IliIhmH14lWMSkB9ehAaPnU5qnpzcDpJumAIeCuPjXcrkV3LdaHupSHu_FkJvZf2Dw8yhJ7AHIa49QfKA01r59S_Zy9Qg7YRaDJSuN5-mTXqKN24/s2048/IMG_9027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVtU301m5tu3q8ecjp8rWMugTMl9IliIhmH14lWMSkB9ehAaPnU5qnpzcDpJumAIeCuPjXcrkV3LdaHupSHu_FkJvZf2Dw8yhJ7AHIa49QfKA01r59S_Zy9Qg7YRaDJSuN5-mTXqKN24/w480-h640/IMG_9027.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3vNuPi9zmYSOBZQ9GWg9Mud_a8GN4NCE-yKfoQBL0Es2mT9-mjCFQYsGEYBwLuGlGpxswGD95Fb513xSAIQO60AID5yIg0ZELo8DWUZ_YSreOQ3geEdvJKG1ARoo9VgiLQfe57UCHPM/s2048/IMG_9026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3vNuPi9zmYSOBZQ9GWg9Mud_a8GN4NCE-yKfoQBL0Es2mT9-mjCFQYsGEYBwLuGlGpxswGD95Fb513xSAIQO60AID5yIg0ZELo8DWUZ_YSreOQ3geEdvJKG1ARoo9VgiLQfe57UCHPM/w480-h640/IMG_9026.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><br />Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-46768724192015410092021-02-08T19:06:00.009-08:002021-02-08T19:16:00.758-08:00Keep Summer Blue: Lake Tahoe, the Perfect COVID Vacation - Part Two<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmzx7mV3SiW7dxh1uDSwEmEtYJRDxQNWjPn0K14gNK_cpSsqn2WlRt9L6Td1bCVkJAJAfwTb23fbMeXWX2Wjoly4L2mbNm7Gqdpfqibx1wlwT84I3r85Dp6BHZCdl12WmtHGRKHF01Fs/s2048/IMG_3157.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmzx7mV3SiW7dxh1uDSwEmEtYJRDxQNWjPn0K14gNK_cpSsqn2WlRt9L6Td1bCVkJAJAfwTb23fbMeXWX2Wjoly4L2mbNm7Gqdpfqibx1wlwT84I3r85Dp6BHZCdl12WmtHGRKHF01Fs/w640-h480/IMG_3157.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><b></b></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"></h2><h1 style="text-align: left;"><b>Keep Summer Blue: Lake Tahoe, the Perfect COVID Vacation - Part Two</b></h1><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizffInY6eX-Q275Y1haXZ1oKIbdQRWjJ40XVaL9MfeH7lj8XbiVJ4CB_GqgS-d6czspQjNFZ6cWMvEh0Uiec73oQg6EWVf-W7EWYUhK7xMdvrILK-9bkUOw9bTOopEk4MNVFYo0gTCWu0/s2048/IMG_2938.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizffInY6eX-Q275Y1haXZ1oKIbdQRWjJ40XVaL9MfeH7lj8XbiVJ4CB_GqgS-d6czspQjNFZ6cWMvEh0Uiec73oQg6EWVf-W7EWYUhK7xMdvrILK-9bkUOw9bTOopEk4MNVFYo0gTCWu0/s320/IMG_2938.jpg" /></a></div>By Kat Thomas</b></h3><div>Part Two in the Adventures of Tahoe Summer for the Thomas Gals! When we last left our fearless sisters they were living the lake life while residing in the teeny tiny town of Tahoe City, CA. We will now continue on the epic greatness that was their six-day summer vacation! </div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>TRUCKEE RIVER RAFTING</u></b></div><div><b><a href="https://www.truckeeriverrafting.com">https://www.truckeeriverrafting.com</a></b></div><div>Tahoe in the summer is all about water sports and thus Kelly and I, ocean babies that we are, were about to become something we would have dreamed possible: River Rats. But there’s a first time for everything! So we signed up for a Truckee River Rafting trip, the IRL equivalent of a waterpark’s lazy river!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZ2hR1QqiEDBP4NxsJXyOwyPOJcqGqrMfYRHS4OClz6RCmJQ4xZKboeqZxhyphenhyphenWJNTiu-5-hL9_u4aRuPHHJZ7zi53RXpwxNwpLUKdbHRbkBd7fZFapR1waMK1GUCQW_Ex39xDm16bj2PU/s2048/IMG_2835.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZ2hR1QqiEDBP4NxsJXyOwyPOJcqGqrMfYRHS4OClz6RCmJQ4xZKboeqZxhyphenhyphenWJNTiu-5-hL9_u4aRuPHHJZ7zi53RXpwxNwpLUKdbHRbkBd7fZFapR1waMK1GUCQW_Ex39xDm16bj2PU/s320/IMG_2835.jpg" /></a></div>The Truckee River Rafting trip is a self guided raft trip offering commercial grade rafts (2, 4, 6, and 8 person in size) allowing adventurers to idol the day away on the Truckee River. The 2-3 hour trip floated us through tranquil stretches of scenic meadows, mountains, and small rapids.</div><div><br /></div><div><br />We began our leisurely float in Tahoe City, along a peaceful stretch of the Truckee River, ended at the River Ranch Restaurant. The website suggested you bring a small cooler with snacks and drinks (but no styrofoam or glass) for impromptu picnics along the way! </div><div>I ate one too many edibles at the beginning of our ride and as a result my cat-like reflexes were not up to snuff. READ: we hit a fallen tree because I was too Stoned. Rest assured we were fine as we were in an inflatable rubber tube going a maximum boat speed of 3 miles per hour… Let’s just say hilarity ensued and it was hysterical both in physical reality and the altered state of consciousness I was in! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji97uJG-yl3hybgA5Zo5yKyuHURYplpFrtYm7aHmDsKpmkh160VFbXEZaws1pr3xqckpkVnU7gDOCmKfWYWzxI-YvzZLjfCnTuS1H_j1mrC2f8yoDxuQeXgXWhTL4omxCrrfal_7JNgmw/s2048/IMG_2634.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji97uJG-yl3hybgA5Zo5yKyuHURYplpFrtYm7aHmDsKpmkh160VFbXEZaws1pr3xqckpkVnU7gDOCmKfWYWzxI-YvzZLjfCnTuS1H_j1mrC2f8yoDxuQeXgXWhTL4omxCrrfal_7JNgmw/s320/IMG_2634.jpg" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Luckily the edible’s effects lessened, allowing me to more consciously experience the numerous impromptu photo shoots of the Thomas Gals. Adventuring included: pulling over to a side bank for our picnic lunch, swimming in a giant natural whirlpool where we lazily spun circles, pulling over for an al fresco glass of wine in our matching Seafoam Yeti cups (so Bougie, but at the same time such an amazing cup!), joining an impromptu riverbank dance party (a direct byproduct of a couple stationed at the water’s edge with a table, two beach chairs, a bottle wine, and a massive old school Boombox). All of it was Absolutely Fabulous!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NjP2O2Rd9VYPZTQ9j2-Gw7wPd4bjK1pe8MTHFlvLLgpMBGKteY0RJ5PB73eOk1auRFvXFwOu8qU5-QZVJ_WzjFdeW4aCuK9aCsXi6kj2XzvDSzu7w_isEnKVW0fCKNkIwRu2ssC7ADA/s2048/IMG_2821.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NjP2O2Rd9VYPZTQ9j2-Gw7wPd4bjK1pe8MTHFlvLLgpMBGKteY0RJ5PB73eOk1auRFvXFwOu8qU5-QZVJ_WzjFdeW4aCuK9aCsXi6kj2XzvDSzu7w_isEnKVW0fCKNkIwRu2ssC7ADA/s320/IMG_2821.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The ride finished with a bit of Level One Rapids (truthfully I’ve seen scary drops on the Log Flume ride on the Boardwalk, but it’s still fun to boast you did some Level One Rapids...). This water adventure was fantastically fun with hints of Tom Sawyer, J. Crew, and a Moveable Feast. </div><div><br /></div><div>I guess you could say, it’s a Waterful Life!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>PIONEER COCKTAIL CLUB</u></b></div><div><b><a href="https://pioneertahoe.com">https://pioneertahoe.com</a></b></div><div>Marg my words, after all the bumper boat adventures, it was time for Happy Hour! </div><div><br /></div><div>So for our post-tributary libation we headed over to the Pioneer Cocktail Club, a rustic-chic tavern serving innovative cocktails and an eclectic bar menu, including Amazing wood-fired pizzas. Yummm! This is as Hipster Bougie as Tahoe City (with its population of 2,100 people) gets.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9tV0PLdCWccxuESFR8Zb9z_OSItwLLndTurZFY2j4GPz3Dq0o8k1G10gDf7yvEMefuXD0PqbKsDCoKmAojekm6BdOHeHUmc0GTKNfoH-rh_eogn5N32c00P3PrNgQNmI3a_zCT2Bspo/s2048/IMG_2699.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9tV0PLdCWccxuESFR8Zb9z_OSItwLLndTurZFY2j4GPz3Dq0o8k1G10gDf7yvEMefuXD0PqbKsDCoKmAojekm6BdOHeHUmc0GTKNfoH-rh_eogn5N32c00P3PrNgQNmI3a_zCT2Bspo/s320/IMG_2699.jpg" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Pioneer Cocktail Club’s cocktails are divinely simple. Each craft cocktails is made with artisanal spirits (including Tahoe Blue vodka), fresh juices, and house-made syrups. For our imbibing adventure, Kelly started with an Autumnal Mexicano cocktail: the Spiced Pear Mule crafted with Tito Vodka, Spiced Pear, Ginger, and Lime. I chose something more Mad Men Hipster: the Oaxacan Old Fashioned made with Mal Bien Mezcal, Chocolate Bitters, and an Orange Twist. The next round included the delightful Ta-Hoe’s crafted with Gin, Watermelon, Lime Juice, Apricot, and Serrano for Kelly. Totally summer in cocktail form! I went for the Tree Hugger’s Gimlet composed of Gin, Douglas Fir Brandy, and Fresh Lime. (I told you it was Hipster Bougie…!)</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2Q_YKzxJGRquvhC028L9G11JBliOuMBaB1aGXaKG9ta3Y25MtEM9raVgtWQhs5r9w1oKJJ-CK53txcHdHezsj91vdiErpt9SweDPkOYKmOCGMf7bFiwySCAiSeCTOha_YEFquiTRJRg/s2048/IMG_2485.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2Q_YKzxJGRquvhC028L9G11JBliOuMBaB1aGXaKG9ta3Y25MtEM9raVgtWQhs5r9w1oKJJ-CK53txcHdHezsj91vdiErpt9SweDPkOYKmOCGMf7bFiwySCAiSeCTOha_YEFquiTRJRg/s320/IMG_2485.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Kelly and I went Halvies on the dinner splitting two showstoppers from the menu. The Derby Burger with Pimento Cheese, House Pickles, Garlic Mayo, and BBQ Fries was the perfect blend of Americana and Down Home Southern. We complimented it with one of Pioneer Cocktail Club’s famous wood-fired pizzas: Bitches Love Burrata concocted from Basil Pesto, Tomato, and Burrata Cheese. They say money can’t buy you happiness, but those people have never had burrata pizza under the redwood trees while watching the sunset reflected in Lake Tahoe. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YP0dA0zaK9G7p5N-MJTtUiM5GOXcD91B72sb-hjsJhdSxmB2IXsa-zz0pNnStN-Qr5Gv5DJ0CUWTeF3yNRUsglIh4S4zuDhD45yV3WmbqpQ-y6UE1hz9E3NJBVcv-UdiTz_ozj9e7VQ/s2048/IMG_2475.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YP0dA0zaK9G7p5N-MJTtUiM5GOXcD91B72sb-hjsJhdSxmB2IXsa-zz0pNnStN-Qr5Gv5DJ0CUWTeF3yNRUsglIh4S4zuDhD45yV3WmbqpQ-y6UE1hz9E3NJBVcv-UdiTz_ozj9e7VQ/s320/IMG_2475.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div><b><u>POPPY’S FROZEN YOGURT & WAFFLE SHOP</u></b></div><div>The inside scoop on feeling like a kid again! After discovering that Pioneer Cocktail Club didn’t offer dessert options (too Hipster Bougie to care about losing out on the dessert market share), Kelly and I sauntered next door to Poppy’s Frozen Yogurt & Waffle Shop for a summer ice cream nightcap (a rite of passage at the Jersey Shore). Like every perfect cone shop, Poppy’s has a walk-up window for ordering and outdoor seating. Their ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet comes in a variety of flavors that change daily. A few examples of their playful options include blackberry, cake batter and sparkling pink lemonade. It turns out life is better with sprinkles! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>TAHOE SAILING CHARTERS</u></b></div><div><b><a href="http://www.tahoesail.com">http://www.tahoesail.com</a></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVZ2GBovYxtp5ZZnCQUVVq7iVVwGNUBbXwiyeBCeru7Iz9jLuk6bMXlpZqspV6-6v53QeN1tee-_3joPS18Up4OVhvDxoVra-BDLBD-0HkwufdJjSXN-RvT4XDJqhGfkCiuKUkt867D4/s2048/IMG_2486.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVZ2GBovYxtp5ZZnCQUVVq7iVVwGNUBbXwiyeBCeru7Iz9jLuk6bMXlpZqspV6-6v53QeN1tee-_3joPS18Up4OVhvDxoVra-BDLBD-0HkwufdJjSXN-RvT4XDJqhGfkCiuKUkt867D4/s320/IMG_2486.jpg" /></a></div></div><div>Home is where the sailboat is! Kelly and I finished out our Tahoe Summer Adventure with a sunset cruise with Tahoe Sailing Charters. With a slogan of “turning winds into smiles,” we knew the two of gals were in for a fun time with this one!</div><div><br /></div><div>They say that life is just a series of obstacles preventing you from sailing, which a philosophy the Thomas Gals thoroughly embrace having grown up on the shores of Long Beach Island, NJ. (Tahoe, with its plethora of water sports activities, constantly reminds us of a freshwater version of Barnegat Bay!) </div><div><br /></div><div>I like big boats and I cannot lie... At 5:30pm, we boarded the Santa Cruz 50 aka the “Tahoe Cruz” and headed for a sunset cruise on The Hoe’s blue waters! Although there was not a ton of wind, just being on the water was the perfect cap to a delightful Covid-y socially distanced vacation. Plus, the bottomless Costco Champagne didn’t hurt either!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYpUcYdcZc3o8n8TNdsiHynXeyRy5aQ9gevtpZIdeQvsGp95Q_JplJN1WxDJXldaEKzgxB7PtJrAN4XH0hw-ayqcCr9vyDky90El7pamfTw1C0YrOgGrrKyoTgte_wu2ZzU4GR11j8Bo/s2048/IMG_2490.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYpUcYdcZc3o8n8TNdsiHynXeyRy5aQ9gevtpZIdeQvsGp95Q_JplJN1WxDJXldaEKzgxB7PtJrAN4XH0hw-ayqcCr9vyDky90El7pamfTw1C0YrOgGrrKyoTgte_wu2ZzU4GR11j8Bo/s320/IMG_2490.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As Kelly and mine toes skimmed the sapphire blue water, Tahoe Sailing Cruises First Mate spun us tales of local Tahoe lore such as where Marilyn Monroe REALLY died (Hint: it was on Lake Tahoe) and whether or not there’s a fully preserved elephant from the 1940s named Mingo at the bottom of the lake. BTWs, the later lore is a total falsehood (later Googled), as after residing in the area for a few years Mingo the Elephant returned to his first home in Woodside, CA because it did not like Tahoe’s mountainous elevation and hated to be away from his zebra love.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxl_hTi33U3_3JmLDkRdsPQUy1v-rJvrA5qUT_ITPsT1o50CYeAZi0go7bXA_sjtGKFrk1JL-2gwNr5ORuOE5tfnXEQPe6-8V_VUW-fu-WJtXf58W70AbsAl-pZ6ks_G6PMYk7_7-U8M/s2048/IMG_3183.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxl_hTi33U3_3JmLDkRdsPQUy1v-rJvrA5qUT_ITPsT1o50CYeAZi0go7bXA_sjtGKFrk1JL-2gwNr5ORuOE5tfnXEQPe6-8V_VUW-fu-WJtXf58W70AbsAl-pZ6ks_G6PMYk7_7-U8M/s320/IMG_3183.jpg" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>What a picture perfect way to finish off the Thomas Gals magical Tahoe adventure, gliding on towards a rose quartz sunset sky with the wind at our back and the waves playfully kissing our feet! Here’s to life being delicious, all your moments being postcard worthy, and summer adventures that go on forever! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Kat Thomas is the Editor in Chief of Edible Skinny, a site dedicated to making your life postcard worthy. She is also the CEO of the creative media company This Way Adventures. You can find more about both brands at http://www.thiswayadventures.com</b></div><p></p>Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-50672668088374467432020-10-08T11:03:00.007-07:002021-02-09T10:59:52.597-08:00 Keep Summer Blue: Lake Tahoe, the Perfect COVID Vacation - Part One<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAl1M4sFKm0FyAXNgOITaIs8hSAka2tbRJ4d_iumt15SrgkhJO2dIV3UfXBAowzKJM1JPy3w8_pI6dbXdg7cd2hz_cLoidgI-yqlb74i8b9fJFaviFGYq3-4j7ZtEmDWpbowhYrU-9pyw/s1930/SUP+Sisters%2521.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1930" data-original-width="1450" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAl1M4sFKm0FyAXNgOITaIs8hSAka2tbRJ4d_iumt15SrgkhJO2dIV3UfXBAowzKJM1JPy3w8_pI6dbXdg7cd2hz_cLoidgI-yqlb74i8b9fJFaviFGYq3-4j7ZtEmDWpbowhYrU-9pyw/w480-h640/SUP+Sisters%2521.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Thomas Gals!</td></tr></tbody></table><h1 style="text-align: left;"><b>Keep Summer Blue: Lake Tahoe, the Perfect COVID Vacation - Part One</b></h1><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>By Kat Thomas, Edible Skinny</b></h3><p>This summer multiple members of the Edible Skinny family were lucky enough to vacation in Lake Tahoe, CA! As anyone in 2020 knows, COVID-19 was the hurdle to this year’s summer, with many metropolitan dwellers searching for the perfect relaxable place, ideally somewhere that was easily drivable so you could nix a plane ride and embraced the world of social distanced activities. And thus Lake Tahoe, with the pine-scented atmosphere and its multitude of summertime water sports, became the perfect solution (as if it wasn’t already) for anyone living in the Bay Area. </p><p><a href="https://visitinglaketahoe.com">Lake Tahoe, </a>located 200 miles northeast of San Francisco, is widely considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. Nothing can diminish the first impression of driving towards the lake and seeing this giant pool of indigo-blue water cradled between mountain ranges. The lake is located 1,897 meters atop the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range on the California and Nevada border (2/3 in California and 1/3 in the state of Nevada). The clear, cobalt blue lake welcomes about three million visitors annually while the year-round resident population is about 53.000.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz_nkmiE8qGOHPuQ6ezdeTLaI4lmylUn4A3k_R3VsM7JK8GgtyZ_0-x_64CBZi3xEgYFHnEVFH-YuZnAs6SaN1SZmteQhifLsr0fkjpVVforqxvAh27eU5_ZhKSczSMDX1SE_4DzIIKA/s2016/Tahoe+City+View.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz_nkmiE8qGOHPuQ6ezdeTLaI4lmylUn4A3k_R3VsM7JK8GgtyZ_0-x_64CBZi3xEgYFHnEVFH-YuZnAs6SaN1SZmteQhifLsr0fkjpVVforqxvAh27eU5_ZhKSczSMDX1SE_4DzIIKA/w320-h240/Tahoe+City+View.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tahoe City View!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />First there’s the Lake itself at a depth of 1,644, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. Having been on this earth for 2 million years, the lake is considered an ancient lake. It is the second deepest lake in the United States (Crater Lake is the winner winner chicken dinner!) and one of the deepest in the world. The most popular visual image used for contexts is that you could completely submerge New York’s Empire State Building, which stands at 1,454 feet at the tip, and you wouldn’t see it at all. At the longest and widest, Lake Tahoe measures 22 miles by 12 miles, with a shoreline circumference of 72 miles. <p></p><p>Then there’s the water in this lake; it’s as pure as drinking water. The water in Lake Tahoe is 99.994% pure, according to the Tahoe Fund, making it one of the purest large lakes in the world. For comparison, commercially distilled water is 99.998% pure, so it’s pretty darn close! Pretty much everywhere you dine urges you to kick your bottle water habit and replace it with <a href="https://tahoe.com/articles/tahoe-tap-best-best">Tahoe Tap!</a> </p><p>I had visited Tahoe once in the winter for a skiing adventure (which was simply fabulous and rightfully so as this location hosted the Winter Olympics in 1950), but this was my first time at the Lake during the summer. Now I knew I was in for an entirely different experience, but truthfully I hadn’t fully comprehended the Perfect Storm of water sport activities that is Lake Tahoe. The lake is the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy the 300 plus days of sunshine: sailing, standup paddle boarding, and river rafting. No wonder it had become one of the Bay Area’s favorite playground’s even before a certain buzzkill disease!</p><p>So with that in mind, here’s some fabulous things we experienced during our times in Tahoe this summer (there were enough, we broke it into 2 articles)!</p><p>Here's to life being delicious, all your moments being postcard worthy, and 300 plus days of sunshine allowing you to do every <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_water_sports">watersport</a> under the sun! </p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>WELCOME TO TAHOE CITY</u></b></p><p><a href="https://visittahoecity.org">https://visittahoecity.org</a></p><p>The areas of the Lake itself are as varied as the activities you can do upon it. The south shore is more popular among those looking for socialized entertainment and nightlife experiences such as bars, restaurants, and casinos, but not during the time of COVID. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0Ik32hNO8SxsIQN7ngmBLIyt28-0ftyfvsMH_yDvD6W39OJBoz8qOMnBx5tnDMwXgb0EBx2AVNic72VkwE2Iq03OrdFtHox5lYmfK9ZqngR9wkfoSoYvv_y4oZA-iLYpgWEZQcZ7ex0/s1908/Kat+on+the+Dock+at+Sunset.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1908" data-original-width="1429" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0Ik32hNO8SxsIQN7ngmBLIyt28-0ftyfvsMH_yDvD6W39OJBoz8qOMnBx5tnDMwXgb0EBx2AVNic72VkwE2Iq03OrdFtHox5lYmfK9ZqngR9wkfoSoYvv_y4oZA-iLYpgWEZQcZ7ex0/s320/Kat+on+the+Dock+at+Sunset.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting on the Dock of the Lake!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Instead the Edible Skinny crew stayed in the small town of Tahoe City on the north side of the Lake (mainly because that is where the house we were staying at was located). Overall, north Lake Tahoe is more known for its quieter, more laid-back atmosphere. On this side of the Lake, the towns are smaller in size and most businesses have earlier closing hours, resulting in visitors experiencing a quaint community feel. And the shining star of the north Lake Tahoe experience is Tahoe City!</p><p>Located at an elevation of 6,250 feet, this small mountain town has a quiet relaxed hamlet feeling as the town’s population is only 1,557 people. The city’s heritage dates back to the Gold Rush, when fortune hunters passed through on their way to mine for silver in the Comstock Lode. Tahoe City is perched on the north shore of Lake Tahoe at the headwaters of the Truckee River, the Lake’s only outlet. The walkable downtown is four city blocks long, yet despite its size contains a vibrant mix of recreation, innovative cocktail culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. That along with the night sky make it a five billion star vacation! </p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>STANDUP PADDLEBOARDING AT TAHOE CITY KAYAK</u></b></p><p><a href="http://tahoecitykayak.com">http://tahoecitykayak.com</a></p><p>We like big boards and we cannot lie! The best experiences at Lake Tahoe are on the water so to ensure a constant smile, Kelly and I rented 2 paddleboards from Tahoe City Kayak. Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) offers a fun way to play on the water, with the added benefit of a full-body workout to boot! And, since you (eventually) stand at full height on your board, it gives you a unique vantage point for viewing what’s down under the water and out on the horizon. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-DJdfufJWYkmzISecThVpC-sMBZIMC2AkdorJOJhdYcM3c-v0er73bLa8H8voORHa7Tsn0hAhoJPKaOA9vMLqWKppSNd4zLyH5pjhx1iYZ1MpkGEJJYCILXeL2mw0B-biCAez7WYGzs/s2016/SUP+Kelly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-DJdfufJWYkmzISecThVpC-sMBZIMC2AkdorJOJhdYcM3c-v0er73bLa8H8voORHa7Tsn0hAhoJPKaOA9vMLqWKppSNd4zLyH5pjhx1iYZ1MpkGEJJYCILXeL2mw0B-biCAez7WYGzs/s320/SUP+Kelly.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelly Blue Crushing the Lake!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The calmest water for paddling is in the morning, so it's ideal to paddle early in the day. And the ladies and gents of Tahoe City Kayak made it super duper easy with a water launch site located right at Commons Beach, the public beach in the four block town. Opting for the half day experience, Kelly and I packed sandwiches for the ultimate waterfront dining experience on Carnelian Bay. Up close and personal the water of Lake Tahoe is amazingly clear, and more than a bit chilly billy! A plunge into Lake Tahoe can literally take your breath away. Lake Tahoe’s average surface temperature in the summer is 63 Degrees, and can drop to 53 Degrees just 18 inches below the surface. But that didn’t stop the Thomas Gals from jumping in multiple times to experience some of the freshest water in the largest plunge tank on the planet. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv5uZ8yqDc1a193J-CmWJ7j7manNKRxEzYMS-PzWl2bDGp-1HOaalYSBfmAZQIdbhSSdCpl0LoI1LrnfBOlEflL5hE2m079Ltxr7V_UXWD2AZM8Ws36OTId6i5xY72ps9LBzm73dQ_iA/s2016/SUP+Katie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv5uZ8yqDc1a193J-CmWJ7j7manNKRxEzYMS-PzWl2bDGp-1HOaalYSBfmAZQIdbhSSdCpl0LoI1LrnfBOlEflL5hE2m079Ltxr7V_UXWD2AZM8Ws36OTId6i5xY72ps9LBzm73dQ_iA/s320/SUP+Katie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kat Headstanding it Up!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Girls just want to have sun! Now anytime Kelly and I vacation together we always decide to make some of our adventures epic photoshoots! What do you expect from two sisters who spent all their time pretending to be Madonna when they were kids? Especially considering the backdrop it couldn’t get better! The beautiful hues of emerald, green and blues, shorelines peppered with massive boulders, and multiple costume changes. Once we got the basic poses, I started experimenting with some simple yoga poses. Humble never felt so crisp and refreshing as I fell into the water an infinite number of times. In the end, we had hundreds of shots to remember the perfection of this day for years to come</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfoVGXUqRTHlPfSO_nYrWX06xhJZ6UETUD9k0xc90ijENTuWe7rG1yUxbdG8_gHEds9N1RqUnSQlypZ3OLj3GCugvbYlkEQNMFe-NFAc7g1oev5ov9AxcMzXDgJWjt_wBN9m6i9EMJcI/s2016/Kelly+Paddleboardingn.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfoVGXUqRTHlPfSO_nYrWX06xhJZ6UETUD9k0xc90ijENTuWe7rG1yUxbdG8_gHEds9N1RqUnSQlypZ3OLj3GCugvbYlkEQNMFe-NFAc7g1oev5ov9AxcMzXDgJWjt_wBN9m6i9EMJcI/s320/Kelly+Paddleboardingn.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Endlessly Blue!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><b><u>JAKE’S BY THE LAKE</u></b></p><p><a href="https://www.jakestahoe.com">https://www.jakestahoe.com</a></p><p>They say you should never chase anything but drinks and dreams! And the perfect place to do both is Jake’s by the Lake with a Kimo’s Mai Tai, one of Jake’s signature cocktails from the shores of Lahaina aka “Aloha in a Glass.” Family owned and operated since 1978, Jake’s On The Lake is the ultimate lakefront dining experience in Tahoe City. Now I have to admit, I was a bit surprised that Mai Tais would be a “Lake Thing,” but it turns out Jake’s Tahoe dining philosophy is: “come to altitude and let Tahoe change you with Jake’s Mountain Aloha.” </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrzQYQh6xdsoEaYE331d-VWgIqQxBEz8zuXcM_a0lJgks02j8u_1gu2iCIBMo5RDa-fqAo9Qw9mSeRIdmlB4vXSJhSQokqDy9IRl85v0XjrFLBavnybnzI-SIq9gxASmuPfmopVVDmBc/s2016/Jake%2527s+On+The+Lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrzQYQh6xdsoEaYE331d-VWgIqQxBEz8zuXcM_a0lJgks02j8u_1gu2iCIBMo5RDa-fqAo9Qw9mSeRIdmlB4vXSJhSQokqDy9IRl85v0XjrFLBavnybnzI-SIq9gxASmuPfmopVVDmBc/s320/Jake%2527s+On+The+Lake.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden Menus!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Jake’s restaurant menu is inspired by California and Hawaiian flavors. Our entrees reflected this island's vibe! I sampled the Macadamia Nut Halibut, where the fish was wild line caught and paired with Black Forbidden Coconut Sticky Rice, Asparagus, and Passion Fruit Beurre Blanc. With every bite I felt like I should be on the shores of the Maui instead of the middle of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Kelly had the Pacific Sea Bass with Ginger Saffron Coconut Risotto, Summer Squash, Pancetta, and Sweet Chili Pineapple. All she could say was Mahalo Jake’s! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-wohzuLTqMbb5Bl0677ryOJzDhKdBugSFAQJYL4S8cCaQwQsa6EP11J34LfejT0B9t3Ff2sE10Z5TYQ2aA5p2fWjRDer25-48-6toDDtKuOx4Av06FUYGfRfqjoztmFK07V6TKHSyho/s2016/Kelly+%2526+Omid.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-wohzuLTqMbb5Bl0677ryOJzDhKdBugSFAQJYL4S8cCaQwQsa6EP11J34LfejT0B9t3Ff2sE10Z5TYQ2aA5p2fWjRDer25-48-6toDDtKuOx4Av06FUYGfRfqjoztmFK07V6TKHSyho/s320/Kelly+%2526+Omid.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovebirds Kelly and Omid!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>But the shining moment of the meal was Jake’s famous Aloha Pie. As we sat down to dinner, a slice of it caught my eye from across the (social distanced) aisle and right then and there I declared by the end of the night that pie would be mine! Hula Pie originated at Kimo’s in Maui and has since spread to other restaurants across Hawaii and the mainland. It even makes an appearance at a few restaurants like Jake’s and Sunnyside the shore of Lake Tahoe. This pie is so famous it comes with its own special pie plate and although it is portioned for sharing, it rarely goes unfinished. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZNAViMbi5pEJ3iIEHu_b5Az1h0UUXSOeMVhbaf6gPSv_AzHEOFAWpYkD3HZ-Mgzt6iUBHzEsmOAg4ibz8__XI9F6viM7hk3Z55QKixRhQfzfoFv_rr_Sa9FtiaoKbHb6U5C-4R3Bmpw/s2016/Hula+Pie+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZNAViMbi5pEJ3iIEHu_b5Az1h0UUXSOeMVhbaf6gPSv_AzHEOFAWpYkD3HZ-Mgzt6iUBHzEsmOAg4ibz8__XI9F6viM7hk3Z55QKixRhQfzfoFv_rr_Sa9FtiaoKbHb6U5C-4R3Bmpw/s320/Hula+Pie+1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hula Pie on its Special Plate!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Hula Pie is made with macadamia nut ice cream stacked high on a scrumptious chocolate cookie crust. A layer of cool chocolate fudge sits atop the ice cream giving form to this delight. Whipped cream that is carefully applied to resemble a hula skirt dances at its base before decadent hot chocolate fudge is poured over the top and drizzles to each side. Finally more toasted macadamia nuts fall and cling to the hot fudge bringing together everything your taste buds need for a vacation. The tip of the Hula Pie is always pointed towards the “I” on their signature plate because first impressions are everything when it comes to something as serious as dessert. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGoZT4tmUW8nhnrILJCcwa7sow_iiz8U-nhYXwD_Olv0921neNYEA_L73ZsaAi3QMyRQCPThmvPp8BWKuR-7AsUKpvjfmMmhEikHOlMYNW9_jS8Z1YbbAorX_OfszzvspvAE7ES6CpXw/s2016/Hula+Pie+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGoZT4tmUW8nhnrILJCcwa7sow_iiz8U-nhYXwD_Olv0921neNYEA_L73ZsaAi3QMyRQCPThmvPp8BWKuR-7AsUKpvjfmMmhEikHOlMYNW9_jS8Z1YbbAorX_OfszzvspvAE7ES6CpXw/s320/Hula+Pie+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just Hum the Jaws Theme While Looking at This...!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>All I can say is A Hui Hou Jake’s (Translation: Till We Meet Again)!</p><p><b>Kat Thomas is the Editor in Chief of Edible Skinny, a site dedicated to making your life postcard worthy. She is also the CEO of the creative media company This Way Adventures. You can find more about both brands at <a href="http://www.thiswayadventures.com">http://www.thiswayadventures.com</a></b></p>Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-40145880813718962372020-09-02T17:43:00.009-07:002021-02-09T11:01:24.076-08:00 Carmel-By-The-Sea: the Perfect Socially Distanced Bay Area Day Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaJBiWx3kfN1DDi93q3vQTOsx8c3IiW9mSEk976FXoDJOB3LLojLs1w00zhURGjNEBhwhHmlBx1Lqyj0Z3FGmy9ORXEp9YTjekHH4GOM8dzGXyhqix3IUqVFHQD2IOP7zgavSBgupRxg/s2016/California+Girls.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaJBiWx3kfN1DDi93q3vQTOsx8c3IiW9mSEk976FXoDJOB3LLojLs1w00zhURGjNEBhwhHmlBx1Lqyj0Z3FGmy9ORXEp9YTjekHH4GOM8dzGXyhqix3IUqVFHQD2IOP7zgavSBgupRxg/w480-h640/California+Girls.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Girls</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><h1 style="text-align: left;">Carmel-By-The-Sea: the Perfect Socially Distanced Bay Area Day Trip</h1><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>By Letty Thomas, Edible Skinny</b></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With Covid-19 curtailing a lot of travel plans, the perfect remedy for a Bay Area resident is a day trip to somewhere new. Last month the four of us (myself, my sister Kathy, and my two daughters Katie and Kelly) planned a trip to <a href="https://www.carmelcalifornia.com/" target="_blank">Carmel-by-the-Sea </a>or Carmel for short. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCf3KafepKMhdYX7EqSSNr0kIERiFo8irSrwXC2-zMB5JxzjUKcE44OVGO1JT9QQwSqpgZaNccreuNGemjPQDFAj6RvHfD763cmS_px-zNcoD6vTTB-SrGWbedeHW5BtuGGAVAxwZDLg/w320-h240/Covid+Spies.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">COVID Spies<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Located on the central coast of California about 120 miles south of San Francisco in Monterey County – Carmel is a hidden gem. It is primarily a residential community with a passion for the ocean and the arts. It was developed after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake when many artists, writers and actors left the city.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4g42qjIPQ6ZcGflb-mWJvF5GLTMZyMvXxAEoj4lJ6S7mBhwD1TQ5od-e_nNquUN8LbmkH7jhpctG9Lmp0LsRJCfPAmzvVJuB28DR5B3RErV8e-falpfC_ijkxdtIWSze_2jH2mtmXviQ/s2016/Driftwood+on+the+Beach.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4g42qjIPQ6ZcGflb-mWJvF5GLTMZyMvXxAEoj4lJ6S7mBhwD1TQ5od-e_nNquUN8LbmkH7jhpctG9Lmp0LsRJCfPAmzvVJuB28DR5B3RErV8e-falpfC_ijkxdtIWSze_2jH2mtmXviQ/w240-h320/Driftwood+on+the+Beach.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driftwood on the Beach<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />We packed a picnic lunch and headed down the coast. It was a two hour drive to the one square mile village. It was a Saturday so parking at the beach was a bit challenging. It was a beautiful day, Carmel has a beautiful beach, and apparently lots of beautiful people were enjoying it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANMo9nM3c7JrmoXeQyuTVhMYUGlz73cBgLWAHZC5dsq3iRjySfzUI0FCUhofYSG_wJF1JHnKfUJ6ym96h35tZEfNTJBUfCzVU1UCHVXtXre9b3FpvKlurfUmkKfiCkdhE6iBCRUKcMUk/s2016/Sandwich+Time.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANMo9nM3c7JrmoXeQyuTVhMYUGlz73cBgLWAHZC5dsq3iRjySfzUI0FCUhofYSG_wJF1JHnKfUJ6ym96h35tZEfNTJBUfCzVU1UCHVXtXre9b3FpvKlurfUmkKfiCkdhE6iBCRUKcMUk/w240-h320/Sandwich+Time.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandwich Time</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />One advantage that aided us on our quest for a parking spot: there are no parking meters in town. In fact Carmel has some other unique claims. There are no street lights and no house numbers on any house or business, which also leads to no home mail delivery. Even stranger is the law making it illegal to wear high heels in town without a permit!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_4Uvz9JBl4uptFtDyQovTfaJlPKwxIobL_x3KFdOrbi1RjCr6-8bs84RK1pdoTqmTvC_YD6TBof9tPS3Sr2Io-iTvloGcqUrJVRJTJkWiG3vnExJWBBRmg8U0apwVadW-0IYfi3Er-o/s2016/The+Whole+Gang.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_4Uvz9JBl4uptFtDyQovTfaJlPKwxIobL_x3KFdOrbi1RjCr6-8bs84RK1pdoTqmTvC_YD6TBof9tPS3Sr2Io-iTvloGcqUrJVRJTJkWiG3vnExJWBBRmg8U0apwVadW-0IYfi3Er-o/w240-h320/The+Whole+Gang.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Whole Gang</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Once that ever illusive park spot was secured, we found an ocean view bench to eat our picnic lunch. The smell of the ocean and sound of the waves breaking was so relaxing. After eating we decided to go down on the beach. The sand was soft and wide, with a gently sloping hill leading down to the water. It's a lovely waterfront and reminds me of the beaches of the east coast. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEblLJf5Ho3aAPAWB-eussUsle9Ah5QP56LsT0lCDwvmFcS1x1NTT_-3MSzuAP7qhd6qAna7A-wUFeH2uk-GQvUJlvBqhZtD6zh_sVvxn6jZ_cRHB0pi4IdffNX3HPTRbUex8JF7UtlM/s2016/Beach+Time+with+Kelly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEblLJf5Ho3aAPAWB-eussUsle9Ah5QP56LsT0lCDwvmFcS1x1NTT_-3MSzuAP7qhd6qAna7A-wUFeH2uk-GQvUJlvBqhZtD6zh_sVvxn6jZ_cRHB0pi4IdffNX3HPTRbUex8JF7UtlM/w320-h240/Beach+Time+with+Kelly.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach Time!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After an hour or so, we decided to go into town and do some shopping before our early dinner. I must say, it was easier walking down the hill to the water's edge than walking back up. But made it back up the hill we did. We retrieved the car from that treasured spot, and headed up the few blocks to town. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In Carmel there are many cute shops built around fountains and plantings. We headed to <a href="https://store.nexternal.com/lulas/storefront.aspx" target="_blank">Lula's Chocolates</a> for some of their delicious sea salt caramels. It has been a family run business since 1945 using the same original recipes. They are the best caramels I've ever eaten and melt in your mouth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_KZieA-mtf7L4z23NcNX_YCoTExxvdhyphenhyphensiGMwi_eHPexgt7uSXPhL3oNCP571PV9s9j6Pjz8KeayHWkDqKY7evzopeMCC2ZpDBbrG35wQT7jOjseo0PWjqrZhxUhm7H2Ln5bX0drMgU/s2016/Lula%2527s+Chocolates.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_KZieA-mtf7L4z23NcNX_YCoTExxvdhyphenhyphensiGMwi_eHPexgt7uSXPhL3oNCP571PV9s9j6Pjz8KeayHWkDqKY7evzopeMCC2ZpDBbrG35wQT7jOjseo0PWjqrZhxUhm7H2Ln5bX0drMgU/w240-h320/Lula%2527s+Chocolates.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lula's Chocolates</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />We got back in the car and toured around the winding, narrow streets. The homes each having a unique name (instead of a house number) looked like something out of a Mediterranean travel brochure. Every yard had blooming flowers, bushes, and trees.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was time for dinner. We found our restaurant: <a href="https://www.flahertysseafood.com/" target="_blank">Flaherty's Seafood Grill and Oyster Bar</a>. Due to Covid -19 we ate outside on the sidewalk. The food was delicious and the atmosphere charming as I felt I was in Europe at a sidewalk cafe. The local wine complimented the seafood dinner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOie9fRPY2an1fagYtetiPp9AlpkIqOCtZkjRK0hwU2OMrw-BpbjaOa02wyGQ1cOxmKmR85ti3RCGxpdIrtkqgEutjUUhz457u6SZYamYXnLHYm9ZerLx5QUKtzA4_K6Vv72smJb84B4/s2016/Dining+at+Flaherty%2527s+Seafood+Grill.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOie9fRPY2an1fagYtetiPp9AlpkIqOCtZkjRK0hwU2OMrw-BpbjaOa02wyGQ1cOxmKmR85ti3RCGxpdIrtkqgEutjUUhz457u6SZYamYXnLHYm9ZerLx5QUKtzA4_K6Vv72smJb84B4/w320-h240/Dining+at+Flaherty%2527s+Seafood+Grill.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining at Flaherty's Seafood Grill</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After dinner we took one last look at the ocean as the sun was beginning to set. It was time to head home after a very satisfying day in Carmel. I highly recommend a visit to this charming village by the sea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Letty Thomas was born and raised in multiple towns in NJ. She attended college in Vermont and Connecticut. She dreamed of working for Vogue or Glamour magazine but her love of salt water and boating got in the way. She happily managed a yacht club “down the New Jersey shore” for almost 20 years before jumping into the world of beauty and travel writing. She has two grown daughters that make her smile.</b></div></div>Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-55192123389332826362020-04-21T09:33:00.005-07:002021-02-09T11:02:46.149-08:00The Ocean Calls, a Two Day Voyage to Pismo Beach, CA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAowauO0uT8gOnhW6gIk2jzv6cgnZvjaVVql59GQh-rcl_l6m719PTn9VFHH84d3RWMOujT7OW5hlD4w8ih81yW_07yNiE5XIXgiw6Z-ggQIcEXWoF9EdJ_yMHRN17mGzU6zQyNxu1T4w/s1600/Photo+Feb+05%252C+8+44+05+PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAowauO0uT8gOnhW6gIk2jzv6cgnZvjaVVql59GQh-rcl_l6m719PTn9VFHH84d3RWMOujT7OW5hlD4w8ih81yW_07yNiE5XIXgiw6Z-ggQIcEXWoF9EdJ_yMHRN17mGzU6zQyNxu1T4w/s640/Photo+Feb+05%252C+8+44+05+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h1 style="text-align: left;"><b>The Ocean Calls, a Two Day Voyage to Pismo Beach, CA</b></h1>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxOZ03GmjOSydBJlePVCXV0k0G5YLqob8f9pj_I575nIbhUAAlUsH8Q8aiNtiQjlifBG5lb8FusorVYvL2Y1tPCV7hM-GMknaohUNYkLc-lrvPqEBs6qvu-MMKHt4cNj7MJ3D6hcpNAk/s1600/Photo+Feb+07%252C+4+06+33+PM.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxOZ03GmjOSydBJlePVCXV0k0G5YLqob8f9pj_I575nIbhUAAlUsH8Q8aiNtiQjlifBG5lb8FusorVYvL2Y1tPCV7hM-GMknaohUNYkLc-lrvPqEBs6qvu-MMKHt4cNj7MJ3D6hcpNAk/s320/Photo+Feb+07%252C+4+06+33+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>By Kathleen Berry, Edible Skinny</b></h3>
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My sister and I are originally from the Jersey shore and although we live in a Bay Area waterfront community it doesn't offer the sights and the sounds of the ocean, any ocean. So after some research we planned a trip to the seaside town of <a href="https://pismobeach.org/930/2019-Portal-Page">Pismo Beach</a> on the central California coast. Our trip was in early February, not a month with temperatures for swimming, but warm enough to enjoy a few days at the beach, south enough to be slightly warmer than in our hometown of Benicia.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xg7_Y5OhlHx3wmDfHO6HpEtc29-i12oGveLhATmFEvG4T-nqf_8G6vjc_QH3RfuN-3dcnGSv1ognSJWC3FubLEvjy27kKekZeOtbUWkDbl1XP3RcHitJPQieHn6biGbGm-1WI0Oz5sA/s1600/Photo+Feb+04%252C+5+29+52+PM.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xg7_Y5OhlHx3wmDfHO6HpEtc29-i12oGveLhATmFEvG4T-nqf_8G6vjc_QH3RfuN-3dcnGSv1ognSJWC3FubLEvjy27kKekZeOtbUWkDbl1XP3RcHitJPQieHn6biGbGm-1WI0Oz5sA/s320/Photo+Feb+04%252C+5+29+52+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a>We knew it would be a five hour plus drive so we started our vacation with a mid-trip stop at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Nuestra_Se%C3%B1ora_de_la_Soledad">Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soledad</a> along the historic El Camino Real in Soledad. The mission was filled with wonderful displays of items from the different time periods in its past. The pretty courtyard offered a shaded porch perfect for some moments of quiet contemplation and then we were on the road again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7C811z8QrjUZ6sukCHtY680aGfvDX4ucnhWvjcBOZKjnENpwRqDbfdiFfo6gSHXgv6FvNzVUOgtlra26DT_qLHnlGkVQFvxCwHD9Dd3xlE-ndFd6H1u31a4KIvzrKmQQDlGOx60btwTU/s1600/Photo+Feb+04%252C+8+14+14+PM.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7C811z8QrjUZ6sukCHtY680aGfvDX4ucnhWvjcBOZKjnENpwRqDbfdiFfo6gSHXgv6FvNzVUOgtlra26DT_qLHnlGkVQFvxCwHD9Dd3xlE-ndFd6H1u31a4KIvzrKmQQDlGOx60btwTU/s320/Photo+Feb+04%252C+8+14+14+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a>Oh, the sound of the ocean, waves gently breaking, circling gulls calling to each other. Oh, the smell of the salt, sun and sea. And how beautiful - the blue of the water with the afternoon sun sinking over the waves, creating a path of gold. We did our homework right because we could not have picked a nicer hotel with a better location. <a href="https://www.seacrestpismo.com/">The SeaCrest Inn</a> is located on a stretch of low cliff above a broad expanse of beach. The ocean view rooms overlook a large lawn area with heated pool, hot tubs, and outdoor seating groups with fire pits to sit around on a chilly night.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDm8DORYwQ22RCB6U9P1nwjzqVox6MDkkH4e49zOAJnfPM-9nJqSruD3BHo42fc_g1HKQzoejvorLzTGybVEgH5NePFbj25xJnztcyhI1dRThIH3YO0OmYnAkkF5rRt-tYyEWDn11lzdw/s1600/Photo+Feb+04%252C+5+30+31+PM.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDm8DORYwQ22RCB6U9P1nwjzqVox6MDkkH4e49zOAJnfPM-9nJqSruD3BHo42fc_g1HKQzoejvorLzTGybVEgH5NePFbj25xJnztcyhI1dRThIH3YO0OmYnAkkF5rRt-tYyEWDn11lzdw/s320/Photo+Feb+04%252C+5+30+31+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a>The first night we had dinner at <a href="https://www.adasfishhouse.com/">Ada's Fish House</a>. The decor was minimalist seashore rustic and the food was delicious. My sister had a lobster roll, rare in our new California hometown, but amazingly on almost every menu in the Pismo area. I had the local fish, sand dabs, prepared Piccata style. The service was great and when we questioned our server about the local area she sent over someone who was happy to suggest places to see and things to do.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_k4_iIAbniX_Pqg3MU-QCn2zeHT_eLnb7tNy9FvJCVn-3YSi-2Dsp1zjwsMTiOyH3ypCA8jDo5bM_JlSC6w7tgdJzR12ddIhCTDiCEJ-r9s5ZvrD5XzZdGLZbIjxtDFyo8HbyAE3e5Q/s1600/Photo+Feb+04%252C+8+36+22+PM.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_k4_iIAbniX_Pqg3MU-QCn2zeHT_eLnb7tNy9FvJCVn-3YSi-2Dsp1zjwsMTiOyH3ypCA8jDo5bM_JlSC6w7tgdJzR12ddIhCTDiCEJ-r9s5ZvrD5XzZdGLZbIjxtDFyo8HbyAE3e5Q/s320/Photo+Feb+04%252C+8+36+22+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a>The next morning we drove to the south end of town to the <a href="https://www.experiencepismobeach.com/beach-and-outdoors/monarch-butterflies/">Monarch Butterfly Grove</a>. February is the tail end of the monarch season, but there were still some butterflies flitting among the eucalyptus trees. The docents had telescopes set up for viewing of large kaleidoscopes (groups) of butterflies bunched higher up in the very tall trees. We were horrified to learn that the monarch population in that grove had dwindled from 150,000 years ago to just 1,000 this past winter. (Free)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Er5qlfl7KPGxun0Tqsxm6f93kp8n0BwNQ3Uh5u8eB6IRzO2yCADE6OVYSijqp4lqj0z6eF-jG24dJ6Kd5s23J-0INJnmbxptSH29nUaG03yXwAEY0Ca0qghpmHI1M_PScgiXLDb3rXs/s1600/Photo+Feb+05%252C+3+21+40+PM.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Er5qlfl7KPGxun0Tqsxm6f93kp8n0BwNQ3Uh5u8eB6IRzO2yCADE6OVYSijqp4lqj0z6eF-jG24dJ6Kd5s23J-0INJnmbxptSH29nUaG03yXwAEY0Ca0qghpmHI1M_PScgiXLDb3rXs/s320/Photo+Feb+05%252C+3+21+40+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a>A lazy afternoon was followed by one of the nicest of Pismo traditions – the sunset. Because the arc of Pismo Beach faces west, the sunsets are spectacular as the sun sets into the sea and the sky changes colors from flaming orange to soft pink to pale lavender. A perfect time of day to have a glass of wine, take some pictures, and pick a restaurant for dinner.<br />
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Our second dinner was at <a href="https://www.rosasrestaurant.com/">Rosa's</a>, an Italian restaurant that is decorated in old school Italian style and offers homemade pasta and sauces. The chef studied in Italy and you could tell in every bite. Deliziosa!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZkdqdCghItz5QrUxq8I6WAeWW2t4auG8T1Lm2EMTV9fwjSQst6-ufQFfoQ2CVumgVGDUhT3ndl93HxDbmyu53AtIq1fttKIOuTH7XnTfuUg1L3fZZ8nBOwXA1hZ1vrYYtJntGlbarNo/s1600/Photo+Feb+07%252C+4+07+39+PM.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZkdqdCghItz5QrUxq8I6WAeWW2t4auG8T1Lm2EMTV9fwjSQst6-ufQFfoQ2CVumgVGDUhT3ndl93HxDbmyu53AtIq1fttKIOuTH7XnTfuUg1L3fZZ8nBOwXA1hZ1vrYYtJntGlbarNo/s320/Photo+Feb+07%252C+4+07+39+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The next day we were off to the beach at the SVRA – the <a href="http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1207">State Vehicle Recreational Area.</a> What is that you ask? Well, you can drive your car on the beach! And is it fun! You can drive for five miles within a few feet of the water, passing surfers, horseback riders, ATV rentals, and people camping. You don't have to walk across a wide beach to put your toe in the water, just drive to the water's edge and hop out. ($5.00)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDf-XK42VisCQDEEUb75kHejtxNWl9QzDvvzycFTkefmsDFlKB-nOlUcS15tQkxymMdSFx86wSde5DjKUjitzhsV6ZYOSQ2Db6KWH_a4Mvf-39tQHY5_io5TsZkx0oqjSfFHbwLfm7orE/s1600/Photo+Feb+07%252C+4+17+39+PM.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDf-XK42VisCQDEEUb75kHejtxNWl9QzDvvzycFTkefmsDFlKB-nOlUcS15tQkxymMdSFx86wSde5DjKUjitzhsV6ZYOSQ2Db6KWH_a4Mvf-39tQHY5_io5TsZkx0oqjSfFHbwLfm7orE/s320/Photo+Feb+07%252C+4+17+39+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a>We then took a quick drive to the north to the town of Avila Beach, much smaller than Pismo, but with a sheltered harbor full of boats. We admired the view as we ate lunch at <a href="https://fatcatscafe.com/">Fat Cat's Cafe</a>. It's a true cafe with a varied menu, good food, and many, many pictures of cats on the walls sent in by past diners/cat owners. There is a long pier with restaurants on the end that you can drive to. I dared to drive on the beach at Pismo, but I was far too timid to drive on the pier at Avila. (The pier at Pismo Beach was currently under renovation so I cannot offer any details.)<br />
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Before leaving town the next day we stopped in at <a href="https://www.winesneak.com/">Tastes of the Valleys</a>, a wine shop with tastings of their wares so that you can sample a multitude of bottles all from different wineries. It was fun to try some new varietals that I hadn't experienced before. My favorite was a local zinfandel; Pismo Beach is about an hour drive from Paso Robles, a region known for its zinfandels and cabernet sauvignons. Our stop at the wine store evolved into a lunch, as we enjoyed a nice cheese plate with several unusual offerings that paired well with our samples.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYV7rvCgXbvde2cP8EZLjYowXJIAvUGNIyR6UuJuXnYQI-X5EjdoO6pzqIGGu_IHeI30TSpaOFW1YQcPWAf7gjHOicir-Vj1Wew9N8Ufpc8wguCZxppcZA1It70K1ZpQRq27IQ0b9Ww_g/s1600/Photo+Feb+06%252C+2+37+39+PM.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYV7rvCgXbvde2cP8EZLjYowXJIAvUGNIyR6UuJuXnYQI-X5EjdoO6pzqIGGu_IHeI30TSpaOFW1YQcPWAf7gjHOicir-Vj1Wew9N8Ufpc8wguCZxppcZA1It70K1ZpQRq27IQ0b9Ww_g/s320/Photo+Feb+06%252C+2+37+39+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a>It was a great trip with hours spent looking at the ocean and listening to the ocean, enjoying breathtaking sunsets, and seeing and trying new things. We felt like we were far from home even though it was only a five hour drive. We relaxed, we refreshed, we drove home and once again we miss the ocean.<br />
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<b>Kathleen Berry is an adventurous senior who loves to travel. She recently moved to the San Francisco Bay area from the Jersey Shore. She has traveled extensively on both shoestring budgets and go-for-broke grand scale. She is fond of cruising and has shipped out on various cruise lines from a variety of ports. She truly believes the way to find the best local food is to always ask a local.</b><br />
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Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-30326814737696137172020-03-18T13:36:00.003-07:002021-02-09T11:03:14.747-08:00Sex Goes Mainstream at the AVN Novelty Expo at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStqQro1dQ3zV3gFekUa4hcsXx9qHRcnGqsr3SUv2Y8i-mLFf1BESwuiBJmehMLTkROH9SYLCAP6YaI_rxzkgi2Mhy7J5m7v-5txFRwJauN_z1_iKcq08sLt6r0j3XVe2_yKcqxcoXs6o/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-03-17+at+10.29.39+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStqQro1dQ3zV3gFekUa4hcsXx9qHRcnGqsr3SUv2Y8i-mLFf1BESwuiBJmehMLTkROH9SYLCAP6YaI_rxzkgi2Mhy7J5m7v-5txFRwJauN_z1_iKcq08sLt6r0j3XVe2_yKcqxcoXs6o/s640/Screen+Shot+2020-03-17+at+10.29.39+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3></h3><h1 style="text-align: left;"><b>Sex Goes Mainstream at the AVN Novelty Expo at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino</b></h1>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>By Kat Thomas, Edible Skinny</b></h3>
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In late January, Edible Skinny was lucky enough to attend the <a href="https://avn.com/">AVNS</a>, the Adult Video News Novelty Expo at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas (BTWs RIP the iconic Hard Rock, which has since closed and is metamorphosing into a Richard Branson Virgin Hotel/Casino/Extravaganza!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDH1JYS56YXKFPnBA3kfkJmp18UoO-VSbQOlE5MnGKwHpozhrmdkcR20pRE91SEJbLnvYxkJCic2FFPD6sFZj8yr22MpAdBxIbqwVZ2smNtAT1-3mftsQvdvl2kH2B7dy6Z8ZzbW8OhU/s1600/IMG_8204.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDH1JYS56YXKFPnBA3kfkJmp18UoO-VSbQOlE5MnGKwHpozhrmdkcR20pRE91SEJbLnvYxkJCic2FFPD6sFZj8yr22MpAdBxIbqwVZ2smNtAT1-3mftsQvdvl2kH2B7dy6Z8ZzbW8OhU/s320/IMG_8204.jpg" width="320" /></a>But Back to the SEX!<br />
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The AVNs is a Disney World emporium of adult experiences from robot sex dolls (Hello Westworld!) to flogger salesmen. With a No Judgements attitude, it is really ALL here! And, along with these sexy "Show and Tell" items, there are more than 1,000 stars from the adult industry walking the Floor, fluffing themselves up for the BIG Saturday Night event: the AVN Awards aka the "Oscars of Porn." (Which BTWs was broadcast on Showtime this year!). Presenting the 37th AVN Awards were CamGirl <a href="https://theemilybloom.com/">Emily Bloom</a> and Adult Star Nikki Benz, Comedian Aries Spears co-hosted the Festivities with Musical Performances by Rapper Doja Cat and DJ Diplo. Sounds Fancy, right? Like a hipper version of the Grammys, right? Well it is!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKdw4M1dwl3K5Zm0lZDGB7HLtMxvMpY9RV163XXHYy5jvyOhyphenhyphen7h1pfzuHzIxB3Z4mmIL137ZvveVZ1r5NhYFNA-10a0DJXBQX8DWW76lr476joCiiqQXR8NA1eOlENNrOiXyTgr9ae-8/s1600/IMG_8200.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKdw4M1dwl3K5Zm0lZDGB7HLtMxvMpY9RV163XXHYy5jvyOhyphenhyphen7h1pfzuHzIxB3Z4mmIL137ZvveVZ1r5NhYFNA-10a0DJXBQX8DWW76lr476joCiiqQXR8NA1eOlENNrOiXyTgr9ae-8/s320/IMG_8200.jpg" width="240" /></a>This was my fourth year attending the AVNs (Yeap, I really am that cool!). Four is a number where you start seeing business trends in the adult industry (Once again, Yeap, I really am that cool!). I've seen the evolution of the narrative of sex, from one whispered behind closed doors to a casual conversation you'd have a cocktail party. When I was a kid, porn was something hidden away in closets or cable tv. Well, not anymore! (Thank God!). The "Beast with Two Backs" has become mainstream because (Deep Breath), it's just sex. So with that casualness in mind, here are some new products Edible Skinny discovered at this year's AVN Expo.<br />
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Here's to life being delicious, all your moments being postcard worthy, and coming out of the closet with whatever you want to do, because this is 2020 and you can be whoever you want to be!<br />
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<b><u>NAUGHTY BITS</u></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4a_umm3TNaQbCGpcHz-zznlM2-ya_JnDLPNVhana3yi-X-IeOvFHID5bETKro2gaTj01uNtPQgo6L5cg2RBwiSiweF1JfSzDwBy9pdtGMmo1qwkRq_9t0R58l5Yxvkfqg_9nPYqONdA/s1600/IMG_8220.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4a_umm3TNaQbCGpcHz-zznlM2-ya_JnDLPNVhana3yi-X-IeOvFHID5bETKro2gaTj01uNtPQgo6L5cg2RBwiSiweF1JfSzDwBy9pdtGMmo1qwkRq_9t0R58l5Yxvkfqg_9nPYqONdA/s320/IMG_8220.jpg" width="320" /></a>Tickle your Yonia's Funny Bones! Naughty Bits is a brand of nightstand products that stands out from the rest! These unique designs will put a smile on your face before and after use. With kitschy playful names such as: Party In My Pants, W.I.L.F. (Wand I'd Like to Fuck), Horny AF, and Screwnicorn they are the perfect for your improv comedy significant other.<br />
<a href="https://www.jackandjilladult.com/">https://www.jackandjilladult.com</a><br />
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<b><u>HUNEYBAKED OF MYFREECAMS.COM</u></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OMdrjoffIoXYSMxr_sr2pyr4mIpAK-kcNVbBIbN1ckmmeeR25lUimRJSfr_Fm9rUlf-vh_koFK6rcX7mSskn9XADlhXXaAScFhC_Uuj3K4KngeDMp9FYQCM74MUL2QABmjc-oPzQTB8/s1600/IMG_8226.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OMdrjoffIoXYSMxr_sr2pyr4mIpAK-kcNVbBIbN1ckmmeeR25lUimRJSfr_Fm9rUlf-vh_koFK6rcX7mSskn9XADlhXXaAScFhC_Uuj3K4KngeDMp9FYQCM74MUL2QABmjc-oPzQTB8/s320/IMG_8226.jpg" width="240" /></a>While at the AVNs, I ran into my friend Huneybaked who is a WebCam Model and Content Creator on <a href="http://myfreecams.com/">MyFreeCams.com</a> (we know each other from my days of dancing at Hustler Las Vegas!). This chance encounter made me realize that in the four years covering AVNs, Edible Skinny has never really delved into the world of streaming sites such as MyFreeCams, Camsoda, and Chaturbate. Webcamming allows models to interact with their viewers in chatroom communities, offering fans an intimate connection with performers playing the role of both porn star and virtual girlfriend. Camming gives entrepreneurial women (like my friend Huneybaked) the opportunity to reclaim profits from the traditionally male-dominated pornography industry. Girls create a variety of videos (from naked yoga to intricate porn narratives) which members of MyFreeCams.com pay to watch and/or download. Webcamming allows performers the ability to maintain their porn image and dictate the terms and conditions on which they are viewed, all from the comfort of their own home. Talk about working from home!<br />
<a href="https://www.myfreecams.com/">https://www.myfreecams.com</a><br />
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<b><u>THE GEMINI</u></b><br />
Sounds Gay, I'm in! The Gemini is the vibrator hack for lesbians aspiring to reach the eye contact intimacy of the (somewhat overrated) missionary position. This dual vibe vibrator allows for remote control activation once it's nestled against the first partner's g-spot. Once Female One is up to speed (Hee Hee), then the other Double X Chromosome can slip the second part into herself. And voila, the ultimate menage a trois!<br />
<a href="https://us.honeybirdette.com/">https://us.honeybirdette.com</a><br />
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<b><u>LIQUID NYMPH</u></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGAwBuJIWcEM0cH75RXwnhvL88zlzhwxSqJpR3CTQfO-OGQ4mdFKs7lOzp6EsKPzuNMlztQmH5BbgnsrYMhR9uIXDPmNWLF5IIBcEKMf3IpTnRGR787424YxZ-8uu6NLAoHnkviHe8dI/s1600/IMG_8215.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGAwBuJIWcEM0cH75RXwnhvL88zlzhwxSqJpR3CTQfO-OGQ4mdFKs7lOzp6EsKPzuNMlztQmH5BbgnsrYMhR9uIXDPmNWLF5IIBcEKMf3IpTnRGR787424YxZ-8uu6NLAoHnkviHe8dI/s320/IMG_8215.jpg" width="240" /></a>Show me the ropes! Why does all the bondage out there have to be so serious and boring? Well Liquid Nymph believes getting tied up can be elegant, cute and feminine. (Think Eyes Wide Shut minus the creepiness… or the murdering...). Liquid Nymph's BDSM company offers Collars and Day Collars, Fetish Cuffs, and Leashes. With looks inspired by Lolita, Gothic, SteamPunk, Orientalism, Sissy Maids and more you can play out your ultimate fantasy while still tied up in style!<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/">https://www.etsy.com</a><br />
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<b><u>FUKUOKU MASSAGE GLOVE</u></b><br />
You need me to knead you! Perfect for when you want to want to give your partner and massage, minus all the hard world! Fukuoku's dual-speed vibrating massage glove heightens essential massage, sending 45,000 vibrations per minute at full speed. It's even waterproof and submersible so you can share these relaxing moments with your partner in the shower, bathtub, Jacuzzi, sauna! Rub-A-Dub-Dub!<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/">https://www.amazon.com</a><br />
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Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-69533250948173223582020-02-27T09:22:00.001-08:002021-02-09T11:03:52.072-08:00A Pirate’s Life For Me: a Two Day Father/Daughter Getaway to Key Largo, FL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>This article is dedicated to my beloved travel writer StepMom Carol Jertson. We'll see you down the road Sunshine! </b><br />
<h1 style="text-align: left;"><b>A Pirate’s Life For Me: a Two Day Father/Daughter Getaway to Key Largo, FL</b></h1>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>By Kat Thomas, Edible Skinny</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGgOOSdSijJ9JmOzhFtNH89r1Ho4NYFQuAXB36koxlokvhn-ioJBUMX5hHsNyXjTM-a1WjrY82-QAq83_EBhkgnK3yP4UEdCaHOMZETeps4TfVQ4SegowNsIBVv1RasEoYl1CJecgWAo/s1600/69862558_2330486393715333_3934702750561992704_o.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGgOOSdSijJ9JmOzhFtNH89r1Ho4NYFQuAXB36koxlokvhn-ioJBUMX5hHsNyXjTM-a1WjrY82-QAq83_EBhkgnK3yP4UEdCaHOMZETeps4TfVQ4SegowNsIBVv1RasEoYl1CJecgWAo/s320/69862558_2330486393715333_3934702750561992704_o.jpg" width="240" /></a>Last Year, Edible Skinny was lucky enough to do a father-daughter getaway to the Florida Keys. For those not in the know, Tony Thomas is the designated pirate of the Thomas Family. Tony aka Skippy adores all things water, boat, and/or boat drink related. So it was TOTALLY fitting when we slipped away to visit one of the jewels of the Florida Keys: Key Largo!<br />
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For the uninitiated, the Florida Keys are an archipelago (aka a group of islands) of 1700 islands in total. However, most are very small and very few of those are populated. 43 of these islands are connected via 42 separate bridges thus composing this 125 mile chain of Florida fun in the sun. And the central tourist spot in this geological daisy chain: Key Largo.<br />
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The island of Key Largo, at a length of 33 miles, is the largest section of the Keys. Located at approximately mile marker 100 (the Florida Keys’ mile markers reference their relative location to the number of miles north of Key West). So if you’re traveling by auto from the North, it’s about a 2.5 hour drive from Miami.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QnSqTIVd2AJMlUeDLwrQKnnLI6y1maysKox7oYvGgOA0ZOQQ1WTg7jf_5d6lkG0p3eyEFGAe76oNLuYQiMwISny8geTc4X1PA_IJLuTI9ssBmIpE6OwCGhEQoGbN84UEs-MrcJHlgnE/s1600/69861807_2330486013715371_6319419810509750272_o.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QnSqTIVd2AJMlUeDLwrQKnnLI6y1maysKox7oYvGgOA0ZOQQ1WTg7jf_5d6lkG0p3eyEFGAe76oNLuYQiMwISny8geTc4X1PA_IJLuTI9ssBmIpE6OwCGhEQoGbN84UEs-MrcJHlgnE/s320/69861807_2330486013715371_6319419810509750272_o.jpg" width="240" /></a>The island gained fame as the setting for the 1948 Humphrey Bogart movie Key Largo, but apart from background filming used for establishing shots, the film was shot in Hollywood, CA. BTWs, that didn’t stop a budding entrepreneur from buying the boat used in the African Queen, a film made 1951 that also stars Humphrey Bogart, and moving it to Key Largo for evening canal cruises.<br />
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Key Largo’s natural claim to fame is that it is the “Diving Capital of the World,” attracting thousands of scuba divers, snorkelers, and sport-fishing enthusiasts every year. The coral reefs of Key Largo are home to the world's second largest artificial reef, the 510 foot USS Spiegel Grove, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and the famous Christ of the Abyss underwater statue.<br />
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So here’s to life being delicious, all your moments being postcard worthy, and tropical trips with your family’s designated pirate! ;-)<br />
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<b><u>The Bayside Inn Key Largo</u></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAd6WlGZDcui5MYO0XBVxP5gh6P61H7why4vEaqvgjmUNJDBS5gS7qKAcBft3tWwEIG9YONJ8k2R0j6yE8X0Su2Ize3q5fvJC83SOD2AIp67BSwKJLD8Jni8i8GyIvI3EKN9Q2sJn1q0/s1600/69518545_2330483740382265_5591218580898185216_o.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAd6WlGZDcui5MYO0XBVxP5gh6P61H7why4vEaqvgjmUNJDBS5gS7qKAcBft3tWwEIG9YONJ8k2R0j6yE8X0Su2Ize3q5fvJC83SOD2AIp67BSwKJLD8Jni8i8GyIvI3EKN9Q2sJn1q0/s320/69518545_2330483740382265_5591218580898185216_o.jpg" width="240" /></a>We started our adventures by checking into the newly renovated <a href="https://www.baysidekeylargo.com/">Bayside Inn Key Largo</a>! Located on a beautiful stretch of the Florida Bay, this 56 room property offers some of the Keys most stunning sunsets from their private beach. The rooms are decorated “Postmodern Keys Kitsch” and contains in-room refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers for families on a budget. And with a pool, car parking directly onsite, a small 24-hour gym with up-to-date equipment, and free WiFi, this resort offers all the amenities of home. Also BONUS: hotel provides their guests complimentary use of kayaks and paddle boards allowing them to explore the Florida Bay on the life aquatic level. <br />
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<b><u>Snooks Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki</u></b><br />
After checking into our room, Tony and I moseyed over to <a href="http://www.snooks.com/">Snooks Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki</a>. The newly redesigned Snooks offers lunch and dinner. And the BEST part about <a href="http://www.snooks.com/">Snooks</a>, EVERY seat in the house has an unobstructed waterfront view! The entire property is set within tropical lush plantings accented by tiki torches. The new Grand Tiki is illuminated by chandeliers and the 5,000 sq. ft paver patio is surrounded by a Bar ledge that allows you to sit right on the waters edge under their new state of the art misting system.<br />
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Tony and I checked out their Happy Hour, which runs from 4pm-6pm everyday. With offerings of Domestic Bottle Beers for $2.75, Well Drinks and House Wines for $4.50, and Specialty Drinks for $6, these waterside drinks won’t break the blowfish’s bank. Both Tony and I opted for the Jimmy Buffet classic of a Margarita comprised of Gold Tequila, Lime Juice, Triple Sec, and Sour. Like a pair of red and green buoys, the tropical libation perfectly compliment the sinking sun.<br />
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<b><u>How Do You Solve a Problem Like Iguanas? </u></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDsO_ojq1hI8qiaBqR999FarUizs7n6gRIBeWqw81lHSNs_klTt3mFacVufLcctFwaFlUshGA_mi0r0ZPTha5sY7ZA_TXpNBHHYztFIoeckFHJu-4SdqLsuT0GHR4kjSmhaIVk2evdQg/s1600/69707738_2330485733715399_5001051479851663360_o.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDsO_ojq1hI8qiaBqR999FarUizs7n6gRIBeWqw81lHSNs_klTt3mFacVufLcctFwaFlUshGA_mi0r0ZPTha5sY7ZA_TXpNBHHYztFIoeckFHJu-4SdqLsuT0GHR4kjSmhaIVk2evdQg/s320/69707738_2330485733715399_5001051479851663360_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>At the far edge of Snooks Bayside Restaurant is situated the “Iguana Beach,” what the property has named a small grotto ornamented with Adirondack Chairs. Which gives us a perfect excuse to tell you about the iguana plague of South Florida.<br />
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Originally the small<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iguana"> iguana</a> population in the Florida Keys were stowaways on ships carrying fruit from South America. But over the years, more and more iguanas were introduced into the wild, mostly originating through the pet trade. Some lizards escaped, but more were intentionally released by their owners. These large lizards (or mini dinosaurs because more than once I spotted one sunning on the highway and thought I had accidentally ended up in Jurassic Park) can grow to be over five feet in length.<br />
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Iguanas thrive in Florida because of the state’s subtropical climate, its ever-growing human population (which allows the lizards plenty of food and shelter), and a lack of natural predators. Unfortunately these mini dinosaurs can do a lot of damage; they dig tunnels that can erode and collapse sidewalks, seawall, and the foundations of homes. The only thing that stops them from spreading north is the colder weather. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnf8eXtmE24vwhD12us6Dl20ni2mMRyB66tyIzG8CCen5Oaxl4q2Cx3wAg8Jdqr-gSLgunjtaCI7im5oe6V3U7Zb7CHDppPsoknzCZB37EpAxoRuDaQiEoWJWLK9VYWCk6dlfOIPm2v_0/s1600/69746897_2330484883715484_6182121856519110656_o.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnf8eXtmE24vwhD12us6Dl20ni2mMRyB66tyIzG8CCen5Oaxl4q2Cx3wAg8Jdqr-gSLgunjtaCI7im5oe6V3U7Zb7CHDppPsoknzCZB37EpAxoRuDaQiEoWJWLK9VYWCk6dlfOIPm2v_0/s320/69746897_2330484883715484_6182121856519110656_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
In colder winters such as 2018, large numbers of iguanas dropped from the trees in which they lived, due to uncommonly cold nights that put them in a state of torpor (a fancy word for physical inactivity) and caused them to lose their grip on the tree branches. Local media described the phenomenon as a "frozen iguana shower" in which dozens "littered" lawns, parks, and bike paths. Once daytime temps returned to a standard operating procedure of warmth, the iguanas “woke up” and resumed their normal activities.<br />
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The problem is so prevalent that the State Wildlife Commission ruled that homeowners do not need a permit to kill iguana on their own property. In fact, the Wildlife Commission encourages homeowners to kill green green iguanas on their own property whenever possible. Iguanas can also be killed year-round and without a permit on 22 public lands in Florida.<br />
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<b><u>The Fish House Restaurant & Seafood Market</u></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7fj2n0MyqYllkMbPR0VHchAyv-QJ5CGPRWu7zWDzdFeEj3TFpWc9pCt4E3mFeq8aOX6jiXAYFxLGwmRSrarQqZrxD_nLVvQh1fysNvsC9EwwHkK0kcieV7_i2aQuiFqsefBzEsygbwg/s1600/69891994_2330485133715459_3826441610170728448_o.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7fj2n0MyqYllkMbPR0VHchAyv-QJ5CGPRWu7zWDzdFeEj3TFpWc9pCt4E3mFeq8aOX6jiXAYFxLGwmRSrarQqZrxD_nLVvQh1fysNvsC9EwwHkK0kcieV7_i2aQuiFqsefBzEsygbwg/s320/69891994_2330485133715459_3826441610170728448_o.jpg" width="240" /></a>A chance encounter with Michelle, manager of<a href="https://fishhouse.com/"> The Fish House Restaurant & Seafood Market</a>, during our first cocktail at Snooks brought us to this Key Largo classic. But it was the simplicity of fresh cooked fish that brought us back for dinner again the second night.<br />
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Located at Mile Marker 102.4, this restaurant is CLASSIC Florida Keys; fish so fresh you can taste the Atlantic Ocean. So we got laid back like the locals do, and dug into their scrumptious conch style cooking. Decorated with fishing nets and bright colored boat drink lights, you wonder if Jack Sparrow was going to walk through the door at any moment and order a cocktail. <br />
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We started off both our meals with a Caribbean classic: Rum Punch. This boozy “boat drink” (a cocktail made of bottles of alcohol with boats on them) was concocted with Dark and Light Rum and then mixed with orange, pineapple, and cranberry juices. It was the perfect way to relax into the crustacean vibes of the restaurant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDWQcBQA1sG27F9LoWpTAMgSdebdnwEf00Lh6kWzD6qZXsTDQo_SHwX3jDWYrDZwCCK7BV2Kgj4rqiVXxFyILZXIpH-ISGoGoZ-UCvRm91xrbvXUEDNHsm4WQPgnO-BBnmcIgXyeFJl0/s1600/70263668_2330485513715421_6606756618715529216_o.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDWQcBQA1sG27F9LoWpTAMgSdebdnwEf00Lh6kWzD6qZXsTDQo_SHwX3jDWYrDZwCCK7BV2Kgj4rqiVXxFyILZXIpH-ISGoGoZ-UCvRm91xrbvXUEDNHsm4WQPgnO-BBnmcIgXyeFJl0/s320/70263668_2330485513715421_6606756618715529216_o.jpg" width="243" /></a>The first night we got the most popular dishes on the menu! Michelle was a doll, and comped us a classic Caribbean appetizer of Fried Conch. Tenderized Conch meat, cut into stripes, breaded and fried, and served with cocktail sauce. Can we say Yummm (with 3Ms). For Tony, The Mantecumbe with Yellowtail (a House Specialty). Topped with fresh tomatoes, shallots, fresh basil, capers, olive oil, and lemon juice then baked. I partook in the Hemingway, lightly coated with Italian breadcrumbs and baked, and then topped off with white wine, garlic, and basic cream sauce. Can we say Yummm (with 3 Ms)! But don’t take our word for it, The Fish House favorite has been featured on the Food Network with Bobby Flay and Guy Fieri’s Dinners, Drive-In’s, and Dives.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDu9zN01rdYoYtO4xYuJRd_8XFQ5_nwmK0ScRX7E-itPmboLNrU8IsjndLGpClQNwn8Jjc7B2GQwyusVLlHcmN-0zwxB__h0JizdmA79BKNt5vQnGCQGyrhv1PyLa-sEo7PUZOeBagjA/s1600/69785087_2330486547048651_5766483083712790528_o.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDu9zN01rdYoYtO4xYuJRd_8XFQ5_nwmK0ScRX7E-itPmboLNrU8IsjndLGpClQNwn8Jjc7B2GQwyusVLlHcmN-0zwxB__h0JizdmA79BKNt5vQnGCQGyrhv1PyLa-sEo7PUZOeBagjA/s320/69785087_2330486547048651_5766483083712790528_o.jpg" width="240" /></a>The second night Tone got a whole Fried Yellowtail. He got to pick out his fish from the seafood case before the brightly colored fish was fried up to perfection. It was like a carnival midway for your mouth. I went for the Fish Encore, offering my choice of fish breaded in Japanese breadcrumbs, sautéed, and then finished off in the oven. The steaming hot platter was then topped with chopped tomatoes, scallions, shredded Parmesan cheese, and key lime butter sauce. I chose the grouper over the yellowtail snapper. And once again, I cannot stress enough the freshness of these scaly animals. You could taste the salty life force in every bite!<br />
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<b><u>Sundiver Snorkel Tours</u></b><br />
And after eating fishes the first night, we decided we needed to see them up close a personal on Day Two! We opted for a <a href="https://snorkelingisfun.com/">Sundiver Snorkel Tour</a> in Key Largo which provides daily snorkeling tours to shallow Coral Reefs. We enjoyed a salty 2.5 hour tour to shallow coral reefs in Key Largo's National Marine Sanctuary.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKL3KSTZiJh12mAlDvXyHpOOXZe7FSSDb0e4NrbgRJajUlZd0OBYoAgoLo7kPDWWn8CCMZsCiMUrX6x6DrGjHGnJdGpju3BD5-DZ7qiwqbkxfB5u_75vn5g415chCylJTDIFuHGqUxp5U/s1600/69698635_2330484213715551_1426464759053549568_o.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKL3KSTZiJh12mAlDvXyHpOOXZe7FSSDb0e4NrbgRJajUlZd0OBYoAgoLo7kPDWWn8CCMZsCiMUrX6x6DrGjHGnJdGpju3BD5-DZ7qiwqbkxfB5u_75vn5g415chCylJTDIFuHGqUxp5U/s320/69698635_2330484213715551_1426464759053549568_o.jpg" width="240" /></a>Their staff was knowledgeable in everything sea worthy! There was an informative lecture about suntan lotion (the spray type is not good for the coral reefs so you can’t use it when snorkeling) and safety. After which Tone and I pelican plunged into the water discovering parrot fish, barracudas, and moray eels. It was a great way to rediscover the undiscovered country of the Atlantic Ocean. Other Sundiver snorkeling options (but sold out for that day) include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park which bring swimmers face-to-face with the famed Christ of the Abyss statue, an 8.5-foot-tall replica of the bronze cast of Jesus Christ in the Mediterranean sea, submerged in about 25 feet of water.<br />
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<b>Kat Thomas is the Editor in Chief of Edible Skinny, a site dedicated to making your life postcard worthy. She is also the CEO of the creative media company This Way Adventures. You can find more about both brands at <a href="http://www.thiswayadventures.com/">http://www.thiswayadventures.com</a></b>Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-55967023031329506542020-02-25T11:25:00.002-08:002020-02-25T11:25:09.184-08:00The Next Superfood: Economical Caviar with Imperia Caviar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz37e9rqB-7lRd_F4unUr9PxohgPkde5RQv4LS1R0E9xL7W_5es29b0VY9N9KYOTGTqmlVn1hb2sE3XpspOHUmMf_0Vuzyfu-y2-FdezWHd29LapwBv3BH9BBo_xkXXmZ_Go7NGaxoAlE/s1600/Imperia+Caviar+3+%2528Photo+Credit+Imperia+Caviar%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="998" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz37e9rqB-7lRd_F4unUr9PxohgPkde5RQv4LS1R0E9xL7W_5es29b0VY9N9KYOTGTqmlVn1hb2sE3XpspOHUmMf_0Vuzyfu-y2-FdezWHd29LapwBv3BH9BBo_xkXXmZ_Go7NGaxoAlE/s640/Imperia+Caviar+3+%2528Photo+Credit+Imperia+Caviar%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<h3>
The Next Superfood: Economical Caviar with Imperia Caviar</h3>
<b>By Omid Vojdani</b><br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caviar">Caviar </a>as the next coconut water? A superfood for the wellness masses out there? I couldn’t believe it when I first heard it. What came to my mind first when I was told to write about caviar was tuxes, monocles and mansions, not the biggest health food trend coming to the wellness community since avocado toast.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhC26BPwHB0rofnWY05GacPLSgaGh8QlHhHJhZOyv2Jdr0o1C-JvkfEk_-sVukbbsjtYajVwCyBpWG7n3VOxStF1p7a8hk6YALHyVNa2lODI2fjorOeGMgGLb2YwXtWSRgrC6sJdyZsM/s1600/Imperia+Caviar+1+%2528Photo+Credit+Imperia+Caviar%2529.jpeg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1500" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhC26BPwHB0rofnWY05GacPLSgaGh8QlHhHJhZOyv2Jdr0o1C-JvkfEk_-sVukbbsjtYajVwCyBpWG7n3VOxStF1p7a8hk6YALHyVNa2lODI2fjorOeGMgGLb2YwXtWSRgrC6sJdyZsM/s320/Imperia+Caviar+1+%2528Photo+Credit+Imperia+Caviar%2529.jpeg.jpeg" width="320" /></a>That all changed when I had the pleasure of speaking with Sony Mordechai, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Santa Monica, CA based <a href="https://imperiacaviar.com/">Imperia Caviar</a>. Sony founded Imperia in 2018 with a vision of making caviar more than just an elite luxury delicacy. While Imperia will still have top tier caviar for those already appreciating caviar, Sony plans to dramatically shake up the caviar space in the next few years by creating a variety of brands that will cater to the wellness community.<br />
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Why? Well, that’s where my expertise comes in. Let’s put the price aside for just a little, but nutritionally, caviar has lots of vitamin B12, arginine, loads of omega 3’s, iron, calcium, vitamin d, and very bioavailable vitamin A. All of these nutrients packed into a low calorie, easy to consume package, and is keto and paleo friendly.<br />
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Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: price. Affordability has been the main barrier to entry for people to enjoy this apparent superfood. Historically, caviar has retailed for $4-6 per gram, making it an unrealistic addition to the diet, and making me envision caviar as an enjoyment reserved for royalty. With Imperia, the price per gram is getting close to the $1 per gram range, and still tastes amazing.<br />
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The analogy that comes to my mind is that there will always be a need for the Rolls Royce’s of the world, but also the Honda Civics. Both great cars, offering different benefits to different crowds, and a much different scale of production. Sony plans to bring the same scalability to caviar, and introduce ‘wellness’ brands of caviars to consumers worldwide over the next few years.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdVQZYdkJIGE0WFz3DKb9aMLDsnhAtbzGazlvgYXC5PfPdEZxO9R1jjVoLq__3shd1KySWG5o5wR35KoGyB_1BuXPxDInJFl_3maeYmsLK-FyDGbtytvpSoCbUUrNkbktbyqkdKzGam4/s1600/Imperia+Caviar+2+%2528Photo+Credit+Imperia+Caviar%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdVQZYdkJIGE0WFz3DKb9aMLDsnhAtbzGazlvgYXC5PfPdEZxO9R1jjVoLq__3shd1KySWG5o5wR35KoGyB_1BuXPxDInJFl_3maeYmsLK-FyDGbtytvpSoCbUUrNkbktbyqkdKzGam4/s320/Imperia+Caviar+2+%2528Photo+Credit+Imperia+Caviar%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a>On the topic of scalability, Sony told me something that really made me happy. Too many times, I’ve looked into industries that have scaled by cutting corners and using synthetics and chemicals to bring costs down. Sony said that aside from the customer, the fish is the most important thing to take care of throughout the supply chain. “The happier the fish, the tastier the product.” He really does care about the sustainability of this, telling me that his company promises no antibiotics, and will try to keep as close to nature as possible for these fish.<br />
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Lastly, I should mention the taste of the product. I’ve only ever had caviar once before trying Imperia, but my wife has had it dozens of times. She and I both felt like the Imperia (in this case the Royal Ossetra) had all the same taste, mouthfeel, and freshness as the other brands we’ve tried, at a fraction of the price. We tried it straight out of the tin, but my personal favorite was with some persian lavash bread.<br />
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With<a href="https://imperiacaviar.com/"> Imperia</a>, Sony has already proven that his production model is scalable which is already bringing costs down, without sacrificing taste and quality. Continuing to apply the scaling model to different brands, and it sounds like something matching an olive oil club, where the customer is shipped samples of different brands to try and then can subscribe to specific brands they love based on personal preference.<br />
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With all of the nutritional benefits to caviar, especially to those that are paleo or keto inclined, it seems like this could be a no brainer to add to a food rotation as a superfood, rather than reaching for another bottle of omega 3 supplements.<br />
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You can find out more about Imperia at https://imperiacaviar.com/, or find out more on their instagram @imperiacaviar.<br />
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<b>Omid Vojdani is a health and wellness expert with over 10 years of hands on experience focusing on injury rehabilitation, postural alignment therapy, relationship counseling, and spiritual growth. You can find more info at <a href="http://succeedwithomid.com/">succeedwithomid.com</a></b><br />
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Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-7260178436642195122020-02-10T11:03:00.000-08:002020-02-10T11:03:38.514-08:00Navigating 36 Hours in Phoenix: Downtown PHX to Scottsdale to Tempe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3qoEfVliEAceogA7D4ZRqSmGr9OOXZmYAR7Cf_3eDnPNBg41eYbUMVS1PliF170izDMde29-kNs-jXJI4pSHcWcjignkmHNWiW9qiEVVqRX3vW65SKCGli9JnQ8IR68kt-zQjtNFAV0/s1600/IMG_0700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3qoEfVliEAceogA7D4ZRqSmGr9OOXZmYAR7Cf_3eDnPNBg41eYbUMVS1PliF170izDMde29-kNs-jXJI4pSHcWcjignkmHNWiW9qiEVVqRX3vW65SKCGli9JnQ8IR68kt-zQjtNFAV0/s640/IMG_0700.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h3>
<b>Navigating 36 Hours in Phoenix: Downtown PHX to Scottsdale to Tempe</b></h3>
<b>By Kat Thomas</b><br />
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“You know you're from Phoenix when you feed your chickens ice cubes to keep them from laying hard-boiled eggs.”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3qoEfVliEAceogA7D4ZRqSmGr9OOXZmYAR7Cf_3eDnPNBg41eYbUMVS1PliF170izDMde29-kNs-jXJI4pSHcWcjignkmHNWiW9qiEVVqRX3vW65SKCGli9JnQ8IR68kt-zQjtNFAV0/s1600/IMG_0700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3I1vKUC9kPHUl8AJxqQHcQWMrOPg5kZ7OFvCDRLVBwaRc-OKGCA_053_Lpd3fWmcri1ZUChgoyq7VMdrmTGnC2aYkGW3G2FyDOoW7PBSsT9oHFAuvgqNOZ5rxbzuVZBTRp3jXZ3ljpss/s1600/62176779_10157356456982265_1185630313380839424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3I1vKUC9kPHUl8AJxqQHcQWMrOPg5kZ7OFvCDRLVBwaRc-OKGCA_053_Lpd3fWmcri1ZUChgoyq7VMdrmTGnC2aYkGW3G2FyDOoW7PBSsT9oHFAuvgqNOZ5rxbzuVZBTRp3jXZ3ljpss/s320/62176779_10157356456982265_1185630313380839424_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>In June of last year, Edible Skinny was lucky enough to visit Phoenix again (I know, I know, with 3 visits in 2 months, the Valley of the Sun was becoming our new favorite hotspot...). Having already spent time checking out the overall city with the Visit Phoenix tourism bureau, our 36 hour getaway found us celebrating some specific neighborhoods within the city: Downtown PHX to Scottsdale to Tempe.<br />
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So here’s to life being delicious, all your moments being postcard worthy, and taking the road less traveled in the PHX. <br />
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<b><u>FIRST FRIDAY PHOENIX ON ROOSEVELT ROW</u></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUuAh6ybzc6y_C_XNwefT6ElEizd8zjILh_s25mBNZDyi2rUe9jXSK6obGzL44VVOzkkhtxFftzYHhK-X4_V9D_hHLV3VpBtMFxJtx0ZVQFFmwjWjCOcHx73t3sSq5UwOpoO3o7oyzY0/s1600/62271385_10157362116987265_1318308355734765568_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUuAh6ybzc6y_C_XNwefT6ElEizd8zjILh_s25mBNZDyi2rUe9jXSK6obGzL44VVOzkkhtxFftzYHhK-X4_V9D_hHLV3VpBtMFxJtx0ZVQFFmwjWjCOcHx73t3sSq5UwOpoO3o7oyzY0/s320/62271385_10157362116987265_1318308355734765568_o.jpg" width="240" /></a>Our first stop on this journey was <a href="https://www.rooseveltrow.org/fridays-in-phoenix/">Roosevelt Row</a> for their June First Friday. Roosevelt Row serves as a hub for art, culture, creative expression and innovation in downtown Phoenix. During each monthly First Friday event, the Row curates creative collaborators including Full Moon festival, featuring a 100+ person silent disco and art installations, and Zen Nights, the state’s largest plant-based food and lifestyle festival. With an audience of 20,000-30,000 monthly attendees, Roosevelt Row was named a Great Place in America by the American Planning Association and was highlighted by USA Today as one of <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2013/04/13/10-best-neighborhoods-that-tourists-havent-found-yet/2078741/">“The Top 10 City Arts Districts in the US.”</a> And it just so happens that the June First Friday at Roosevelt Row had two of This Way Adventures creative activations: Mowgli the Dinosaur and The Zelda Fitzgeralds. <br />
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Mowgli the Dinosaur is a bedazzled T. Rex with 150,000 hand applied rhinestones of pure bling! He’s the perfect activation for the fun loving art crowd having become a mainstay at First Friday Las Vegas, the Dope Cup in the High Desert of California, the Cannabis Cup in Sacramento, CA, the Cannabis Cup in Riverside, CA, and private parties and photoshoots in Tucson, Austin, Las Vegas, Hollywood, and Portland. Using Royal Epoch Portable Manual Typewriters, The Zelda Fitzgeralds create Custom Crafted One-Of-A-Kind Typewritten Poetry On-Site using Nationally Ranked Poets (Poet Laureates, Neil Postman Award for Metaphor, Pushcart Prize Nominees, Fellow for the Kenyon Review, etc). After spending a few minutes getting to know a person by asking a series of questions that allow them to remember the best moments of their lives, the Zelda then crafts a one-of-a-kind personalized poem that will be used as a keepsake for years to come! The Zeldas have been featured at events in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Ojai, Phoenix, Portland, Riverside, Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Tucson. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eQzSBMjVWM3sGYst40nfeQngpUf_nB2j44IdtbA4Dilg6bBd-6hbtTHGwnddxYz8vEn4LzgZ4vOeiCM4CrJWP3jrSRRNngV8yELhZKfqfe9uOKFERtiGm2oVR6XD8Xv9jvX-1VYY80M/s1600/IMG_E0750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eQzSBMjVWM3sGYst40nfeQngpUf_nB2j44IdtbA4Dilg6bBd-6hbtTHGwnddxYz8vEn4LzgZ4vOeiCM4CrJWP3jrSRRNngV8yELhZKfqfe9uOKFERtiGm2oVR6XD8Xv9jvX-1VYY80M/s320/IMG_E0750.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Both activations were a swimming success at First Friday on Roosevelt Row creating both magic and mischief!<br />
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<b><u>PATTIE’S 1ST AVE. LOUNGE IN SCOTTSDALE</u></b><br />
Later on that night I caught up with my Bestie Brad Twigg! After tending bar in Santa Monica at the Basement Tavern for many years, he picked and moved to Scottsdale, AZ. Luckily for me he was willing to play tour guide host through the sights of Scottsdale. The first place we checked out was the classic Old Town dive bar of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Patties1stave/">Pattie’s 1st Ave. Lounge</a>. With an “Always Sunny in Philadelphia” vibe, Pattie’s is a no-frills locals hangout with obligatory pool, ping-pong, darts, and shuffleboard tables. The decor is textbook twinkly tacky, Christmas lights help illuminate the dollar bills that plaster almost every inch of wall space. Oh, and drinks are only $3! Perfect for the blue collar cliente, or anyone else who wants to save a buck or two while have a FUN night!<br />
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<b><u>STARLITE BBQ IN SCOTTSDALE </u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxAreKSALBxl9I66pmxgTZGgWNOqPFnk9BqwbUxNvaC8rl3VNpVbp_07FJX3GO7IGV9iuRFa02VUcaBAdCb9ahBu8sm7MLcejABNnb7drYx1aTVYxk6aVqoIHTua2sqR0VZrlE2X8VyY/s1600/IMG_0771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxAreKSALBxl9I66pmxgTZGgWNOqPFnk9BqwbUxNvaC8rl3VNpVbp_07FJX3GO7IGV9iuRFa02VUcaBAdCb9ahBu8sm7MLcejABNnb7drYx1aTVYxk6aVqoIHTua2sqR0VZrlE2X8VyY/s320/IMG_0771.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsPn1agFnufeHauej1LYOq1XANtit4oIQHiCDalpQS5ST-lJwf5qgn9ce0SbjuOicrpzRSQzlKEePnzH2zE0myVO_37lzLTPZcnXxY2sg5fEq7GdrIumJX4O69sVRfFKOFkypgPa62eY/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsPn1agFnufeHauej1LYOq1XANtit4oIQHiCDalpQS5ST-lJwf5qgn9ce0SbjuOicrpzRSQzlKEePnzH2zE0myVO_37lzLTPZcnXxY2sg5fEq7GdrIumJX4O69sVRfFKOFkypgPa62eY/s320/IMG_0774.jpg" width="320" /></a>In the morning it was off to <a href="https://www.starlitebbq.com/">Starlite BBQ Scottsdale and Whiskey Bar</a> with Bestie Brad. Starlite is a casual restaurant with a full service bar offering specialty cocktails, craft beers, and wine. Bestie Brad helps run the place, so I HAD to come support! This place does Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner in style. FYI, it’s easy to grab a table during the day, but if you plan of noshing at night make sure to make a reservation! <br />
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The joint is known for BBQ (I mean come on, it’s in the name!) In addition to a wide variety of smoked and grilled meats, Starlite offers vegetarian, vegan, and other healthy choices. The restaurant even supports local using vendors such as: Arizona Beef, organic produce from McClendon’s Farm, fresh breads daily from Arizona Bread, along with local pecan and mesquite woods native to the Arizona desert. <br />
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While there I sampled their Pickled Fried Green Tomato Sandwich on Brioche from the Dinner. Traditionally garnished with Lettuce and Pimento Cheese, Brad suggested I add an Egg over Medium to make it more Breakfast-y. This was complemented by Starlite BBQ’s version home fries aka Crispy Starlite Potatoes. Tossed with Smoked Paprika and Vinegar the tang perfectly balanced the crispness of the taters. And you can’t come to a bar and not have at least one alcoholic drink! I sampled their Huckleberry Mule: Ginger Beer, Vodka, and the tiny purple power of a Huckleberry! It was the Cat’s Pajamas and more! Yummm, Yummm, Yummm (with 3Ms!). <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGOtQcMKoXSeKm3yyH-Sw6r1FyyetJjAcK-9dV-96dvYbPqCIqo-GgtbiKNiQ2YPz8fE1nYevHX9UR_IQXmPX_tJaAYZWU_Fp2yNw2aDwiWywqxhrquyt-4XPBwP_znbiqTx0omDLa3c/s1600/IMG_0775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGOtQcMKoXSeKm3yyH-Sw6r1FyyetJjAcK-9dV-96dvYbPqCIqo-GgtbiKNiQ2YPz8fE1nYevHX9UR_IQXmPX_tJaAYZWU_Fp2yNw2aDwiWywqxhrquyt-4XPBwP_znbiqTx0omDLa3c/s320/IMG_0775.jpg" width="240" /></a><b><u><br /></u></b><br />
<b><u>BIG SURF WATERPARK IN TEMPE</u></b><br />
After my delightful meal at Starlite BBQ, I had officially decided it was HOT! We were in Phoenix in June so the temp had reached 100… It was then and there I decided it was time to go to a waterpark!!! So it was off to <a href="https://bigsurffun.com/">Big Surf Waterpark</a> in Tempe, AZ. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpci2HtAEylnHrxV5E_jqwF-kAcE9VAmfxFCpnyPiX5I5LcBeNO4UCwzGiVyZSuWEmI_kS1wbs4gQQZ6CHv7lWP0_qq9zNrgcN2oLYipB950H9XS3m1WoNgp2KY0iDCoSW47bjc5SVEpU/s1600/62395802_10157356908407265_890164910200193024_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpci2HtAEylnHrxV5E_jqwF-kAcE9VAmfxFCpnyPiX5I5LcBeNO4UCwzGiVyZSuWEmI_kS1wbs4gQQZ6CHv7lWP0_qq9zNrgcN2oLYipB950H9XS3m1WoNgp2KY0iDCoSW47bjc5SVEpU/s320/62395802_10157356908407265_890164910200193024_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>Nestled on 20 acres of fun on the northern tip of Tempe and just south of Scottsdale, Big Surf offers rides for the whole family, boasting children’s fun zones, surfing and boogie boarding sessions, and over 3,000 feet of thrilling water slides! Big Surf Waterpark is “America’s Original Waterpark,” boasting the 3rd largest wave pool in the world, Waikiki Beach. Also I found this on Groupon and it was a STEAL compared to water parks in other areas of the country (Score Me!)! <br />
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<b><u>FOUR PEAKS BREWING COMPANY IN TEMPE</u></b><br />
After my FUN in the sun and chlorine, I decided I needed a beer and some WiFi (BTWs breweries are the adult version of coffee shops for those low on bandwidth). A simple game of Yelp roulette and I was off to Four Peaks Brewery!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfm8KY30vBphph_A6Bcocomy7AxG68Y99tVhV4i9qvjFDc13Lk4amPYNov3ieFj-ceiEPaMlIldHKbcpzMoru21turp4KN5dSpbwCPw9kkow5N4v7KIlViS5ytsxfDykFsZpoJNLu1p6U/s1600/IMG_0796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfm8KY30vBphph_A6Bcocomy7AxG68Y99tVhV4i9qvjFDc13Lk4amPYNov3ieFj-ceiEPaMlIldHKbcpzMoru21turp4KN5dSpbwCPw9kkow5N4v7KIlViS5ytsxfDykFsZpoJNLu1p6U/s320/IMG_0796.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Based in Tempe, Arizona, <a href="https://www.fourpeaks.com/">Four Peaks Brewery</a> helped define craft beer in the Southwest since its founding in 1996. The brewery is named for the Four Peaks, a prominent landmark on the eastern skyline of Phoenix. Housed in the Tonto National Forest, the massif’s summit offers four distinct peaks to the north–south ridge. Four Peaks has gained nationwide fame in recent years as a result of earning numerous awards at the annual Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado. The brewery’s flagship ale is a Scottish-style ale infamously named: The Kilt Lifter. In December of 2015, Four Peaks announced that it has been acquired by AB InBev, makers of Budweiser and the world's largest brewing company, and it will include the brewery as part of its High End unit.<br />
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But onto the alcohol!According to the menu description “peaches thrive in Arizona” (who knew!) and “the sweet flavor of the fruit is integrated perfectly into this light-bodied Ale.” I found this hazy honey colored Ale (due to the fruit puree base) was a burst of malty peachness and just a bite of hoppiness! Perfect for a hot summer day after a water park extravaganza!<br />
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My second adult beverage was Lima, Four Peaks’ Spiked Limeade drink. It's "crafted with summer in mind, every ounce of Lima contains cool flavor made for pool parties and chill sessions alike." Flavored with real lime juice and naturally sweetened with agave nectar (so it won't run your bathing suit body) it’s a refreshing imbibing alternative. I drank the Lima straight, but you can also use it as a mixer at the beach or just in your backyard. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFgxHSmd6b2Dk7Qmaj0oCpa2rcIZR7LL0CAV2by9N6tLWcLGW-H5-5g-oix37FxkU2jy-cJYdg7SJGpzX00fSRGTVBnxOj7EILXSCrGI36NNpQOao-EQ5QxrU0suT0ci06gjz9C0rdu4/s1600/62597651_10157357798872265_8708955840943489024_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="750" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFgxHSmd6b2Dk7Qmaj0oCpa2rcIZR7LL0CAV2by9N6tLWcLGW-H5-5g-oix37FxkU2jy-cJYdg7SJGpzX00fSRGTVBnxOj7EILXSCrGI36NNpQOao-EQ5QxrU0suT0ci06gjz9C0rdu4/s320/62597651_10157357798872265_8708955840943489024_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><b><u>PHOENIX LIGHT RAIL BRIDGE IN TEMPE</u></b><br />
The last order of business in my 36 hour navigation of Phoenix was the Phoenix Light Rail Bridge. Arizona's only light rail bridge turns into a colorful show of lights whenever a train crosses the Tempe Town Lake. This 1,546 foot-long bridge parallels the Union Pacific Railroad bridge a few yards to the west and Mill Avenue bridges to the east. It was <a href="https://www.tylin.com/en/projects/tempe_town_lake_light_rail_bridge">designed by TY Lin International </a>with art by Buster Simpson. The LED lighting system runs the length of the Phoenix Light Rail Bridge and is programmed to create a variety of effects ranging from lights “chasing the trains across the bridge” to holiday themes and more complex shows. This colorblast is then reflected back in the dead calm water below. The Phoenix Light Rail Bridge is visible not only from the road, but also from the ground and even the sky, as the Light Rail Bridge sits right below Sky Harbor Airport's flight path. It’s an architectural structure worthy of Rainbow Brite and her Color Kids!<br />
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<b>Kat Thomas is the Editor in Chief of Edible Skinny, a site dedicated to making your life postcard worthy. She is also the CEO of the creative media company This Way Adventures. You can find more about both brands at <a href="http://www.thiswayadventures.com/">http://www.thiswayadventures.com</a></b>Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-28224039980964025762020-02-07T07:35:00.002-08:002020-02-07T07:35:24.770-08:00Making an Impact at Meteor Crater in Winslow, AZ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6WA1FZIvdXGDifpqllHJ7Bkiiw8BRM0gvGwaf6WSWQ7SyGc3ULBAYBLj_Vsnj5jWLfHvKINgcO0zLEuPdtHLoXgUnXRPxUSogHRmWSlzHsbnXFKtfClBX-I4qsHYfpdrGULc8G_t8UQ/s1600/IMG_2123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6WA1FZIvdXGDifpqllHJ7Bkiiw8BRM0gvGwaf6WSWQ7SyGc3ULBAYBLj_Vsnj5jWLfHvKINgcO0zLEuPdtHLoXgUnXRPxUSogHRmWSlzHsbnXFKtfClBX-I4qsHYfpdrGULc8G_t8UQ/s640/IMG_2123.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3>
<b>Making an Impact at Meteor Crater in Winslow, AZ</b></h3>
<b>By Kat Thomas</b><br />
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Those who have driven Interstate 40 through Arizona, understand that there’s a lot of “there out there” in The AZ. Out there is the world of timing your gas station fill-ups so you don’t get stranded, zero bars on your phone, and limited cuisine choices (french fries are a culinary staple!). But nestled between these modern day landmines is a FABBY SCIENCE distraction, the world of <a href="https://meteorcrater.com/">Meteor Crater.</a> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxwLDZFShhwXdXgcvVttKM0MrHJeDDmZI7B6l9kSjXWYN0rpH-W3sl88y013tq4zfi9IST-YXaikm94yC6PvfGPNWqeDpFKplYJc5zXGWtJd_dixehUs96GHCN9gFs8_bW3ssZ_vKVFI/s1600/Photo+Dec+18%252C+3+15+33+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxwLDZFShhwXdXgcvVttKM0MrHJeDDmZI7B6l9kSjXWYN0rpH-W3sl88y013tq4zfi9IST-YXaikm94yC6PvfGPNWqeDpFKplYJc5zXGWtJd_dixehUs96GHCN9gFs8_bW3ssZ_vKVFI/s320/Photo+Dec+18%252C+3+15+33+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a>Situated under the wide skies of the Arizona High Desert, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteor_Crater">Meteor Crater</a> is a meteorite impact crater approximately 37 miles east of Flagstaff and 18 miles west of Winslow. The site is the explosive result of a collision that shocked the American Southwest approximately 50,000 years ago with the energy of more than 20 million tons of TNT! Talk about rocking our world! ;-)<br />
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Truthfully, although I had driven the Main Street of America (aka Interstate 40) through Arizona many times, the existence of Meteor Crater had never even registered. But when planning our cross country drive from New Jersey to Las Vegas last year with my Mom and Aunt, I discovered it had been a lifelong dream of my Aunt Kathy to visit this site. 2,540 miles of driving and the only stop she wanted to make was to finally see Meteor Crater! <br />
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The hole with many names! The site was formerly known as the Canyon Diablo Crater and fragments of the meteorite are officially called the Canyon Diablo Meteorite. Because the United States Board on Geographic Names commonly recognizes names of natural features derived from the nearest post office, the feature acquired the name of "Meteor Crater" from the nearby post office named Meteor. Scientists refer to the crater as Barringer Crater in honor of Daniel Barringer, who was first to suggest that it was produced by a meteorite impact. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Q4LD3g4NS_95t695tSY7Tku-q-0u8GmM6syiXCihgv9VyyoNY3ZXnbZYgjbMX6tiZIAGihlxn3L7En8ih3Fg3aVE2tHxM3DJ4baTwD82wbhelDJ97C2l0ek_czxOupl5y26XrwBn5j8/s1600/IMG_2126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Q4LD3g4NS_95t695tSY7Tku-q-0u8GmM6syiXCihgv9VyyoNY3ZXnbZYgjbMX6tiZIAGihlxn3L7En8ih3Fg3aVE2tHxM3DJ4baTwD82wbhelDJ97C2l0ek_czxOupl5y26XrwBn5j8/s320/IMG_2126.jpg" width="213" /></a>Terrestrial space tourism at its best, the Meteor Crater Visitor Center on the north rim features interactive exhibits and displays about meteorites and asteroids, space, the Solar System, and comets The crater is privately owned by the Barringer family through their Barringer Crater Company, which proclaims to make it the "best preserved meteorite crater on Earth." In regards to price point a visit will run you $18 for general admission, $16 for seniors, $13 for kids up to age 12 years old. <br />
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It’s fun enough for kids, but geeky enough for <a href="https://mashable.com/2016/09/08/space-station-nasa-star-trek/">NASA Nerds</a>. The center features the American Astronaut Wall of Fame and artifacts on display such as an Apollo boilerplate command module (BP-29). One of jewels of their artifact collection is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canyon_Diablo_(meteorite)">Holsinger Meteorite</a>, which weighing in at 1,406-pounds is the largest fragment of the 150 foot meteor that created Meteor Crater. Another fun nerdy fact: during the 1960s and 1970s, NASA astronauts trained in the crater to prepare for the Apollo missions to the Moon.<br />
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But really the shining star of the attraction is the the crater itself. It’s only when perched out on the crater’s rim that you can understand how small we are compared to a single rock from space whose aftermath created a hole nearly one mile across, 550 feet deep, and 2.4 miles in circumference.<br />
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So here’s to life being delicious, all your moments being postcard worthy, and making an impact on the world!<br />
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<b>Kat Thomas is the Editor in Chief of Edible Skinny, a site dedicated to making your life postcard worthy. She is also the CEO of the creative media company This Way Adventures. You can find more about both brands at <a href="http://www.thiswayadventures.com/">http://www.thiswayadventures.com</a></b><br />
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Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-36361480507920496812020-02-06T11:14:00.001-08:002020-02-06T11:14:26.797-08:00Ironhill Brewery in Philly, PA - The 20 Plus Year Consecutive Winning Streak Proves Its Greatness!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zrc-rm6Tu290cY-cgKgYHsgWszaf8eG9zB8H0dPQNDHpeFww0aegwsWN-iDvAiY6LANI3dxouEoBclvntrMxpL5ViYGKSB6R7PWODt2Qkuj4q8PkZzt71hV7JCjUipU2U9V_WpLzTHw/s1600/IMG_5629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zrc-rm6Tu290cY-cgKgYHsgWszaf8eG9zB8H0dPQNDHpeFww0aegwsWN-iDvAiY6LANI3dxouEoBclvntrMxpL5ViYGKSB6R7PWODt2Qkuj4q8PkZzt71hV7JCjUipU2U9V_WpLzTHw/s640/IMG_5629.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Ironhill Brewery in Philly, PA - The 20 Plus Year Consecutive Winning Streak Proves Its Greatness!</b><br />
<b>By Kat Thomas, Edible Skinny</b><br />
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<b>“Beer’s intellectual. What a shame so many idiots drink it.”</b><br />
<b>--Ray Bradbury</b><br />
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A little while ago, Edible Skinny spent a few months on the East Coast of the United States and we were lucky enough to check out <a href="https://www.ironhillbrewery.com/">Ironhill Brewery & Restaurant</a>!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87WmAo-5O7Lg0nZqf29HE0qUvLVnnqRZntVUoc5o7oTZI4hRPc_akCM6P2EAAKvGoLc5MHHn5sVrvx87AecaAanGz1SDOV6tTRkkJa-Ds9F2znwXX-91saw-mhwDMBAC-4H3_TFsXN_A/s1600/IMG_5627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87WmAo-5O7Lg0nZqf29HE0qUvLVnnqRZntVUoc5o7oTZI4hRPc_akCM6P2EAAKvGoLc5MHHn5sVrvx87AecaAanGz1SDOV6tTRkkJa-Ds9F2znwXX-91saw-mhwDMBAC-4H3_TFsXN_A/s320/IMG_5627.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Named after the historic <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Hill_(Delaware)">Revolutionary War landmark in Delaware</a>, where General George Washington battled the British, Iron Hill is among the most enduringly successful craft brewers in the United States. Their 20 plus year consecutive WINNING STREAK at national and international beer competitions is the longest by any craft brewery!<br />
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Founded by homebrewers Kevin Finn, Mark Edelson, and restaurateur Kevin Davies in Newark, DE in 1996, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant has blossomed from one restaurant and brewery to 16 locations up and down the East Coast, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and South Carolina. Each brewery/restaurant has their own craft kitchen and scratch brewery, allowing individual chefs and brewers the creativity to pair the freshest local ingredients with the highest quality grains and hops.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5Hbmdh9WI5ygmHDeriYxTf2R2V-o5zDFA_rMlnKJSJ6C16-1EEpeLoUt1vdfLmIhxfAWSuw11ZmG6-o2brVdalGhdwX0S5xyrGNXA5vZGetinC4nYjCZ0IIE0RwdyDbQdZjOJK2t3ng/s1600/IMG_5631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5Hbmdh9WI5ygmHDeriYxTf2R2V-o5zDFA_rMlnKJSJ6C16-1EEpeLoUt1vdfLmIhxfAWSuw11ZmG6-o2brVdalGhdwX0S5xyrGNXA5vZGetinC4nYjCZ0IIE0RwdyDbQdZjOJK2t3ng/s320/IMG_5631.jpg" width="320" /></a>The Ironhill Brewery & Restaurant menu involves a detailed pairing guide as they want you to enjoy more than just a beer or dish. This brewery wants you to fully EMBRACE a great BEER experience to enhance the flavors of the meal and (of course) compliment their cravings. Some of Ironhill’s recommendations included:<br />
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--Hot & Spicy. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India_pale_ale"> IPAs</a> go well with Chipotle or Buffalo Wings. Hoppy bitterness helps to cut through heat while notes of spice and citrus plays well with each dishes’ underlying flavors.<br />
--Smoky chargrilled caramelized. These party ears are rude to stand up to hearty dishes. They’re dark roast and malts complement chard and smoked ingredient flavors. Pairs well with Brewski Burger, Grilled Brewben Sandwich, and Char Grilled Flank Steak.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvxujS7UJWg0nNyJXAzhqIsmtnL1iclqFfyavQG7LiJbHrpeFGpJLbw57HjYZk24tBlPk4AtMj7B_11HCbS2WfblWjuT9tXH9xONj8g5IFCslzTKUCbJknKl77YfR8FuJE_JnPSUaP7s/s1600/IMG_5625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvxujS7UJWg0nNyJXAzhqIsmtnL1iclqFfyavQG7LiJbHrpeFGpJLbw57HjYZk24tBlPk4AtMj7B_11HCbS2WfblWjuT9tXH9xONj8g5IFCslzTKUCbJknKl77YfR8FuJE_JnPSUaP7s/s320/IMG_5625.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
After analyzing my list I chose a spiced and fruity <a href="https://untappd.com/b/iron-hill-brewery-and-restaurant-witberry/876636">Witberry Belgian Wheat</a>. Perfect for a non-beer drinking Gal with flavors of raspberry orange and coriander. AND it paired perfectly with my nosh-ing choice of Fried Cauliflower with arugula pine nut pesto, pecorino romano cheese, fried capers, red pepper flakes. Can we say Yummm (with 3Ms)!<br />
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So here's to life being delicious, all your moments being postcard worthy, and Witberry Beers properly paired with Fried Cauliflower! ;-)<br />
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<b>Kat Thomas is the Editor in Chief of Edible Skinny, a site dedicated to making your life postcard worthy. She is also the CEO of the creative media company This Way Adventures. You can find more about both brands at <a href="http://www.thiswayadventures.com/">http://www.thiswayadventures.com</a></b><br />
<br />Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-39875956219724279762020-02-03T14:33:00.002-08:002020-02-03T14:33:09.553-08:00Edible Skinny Does MOD PIzza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEI31ARk2JHqvfHGsZczAdGJ1I6dLzjGEgZCOSmB2kkw_K9V1JX29j9aUsuoNLxkKR7s8mXcOTWrK63H0sgnZ3LRVj6dGgMzJvXEinmhoTsODu9rUZpg7i_ISfUa8nAHtPv3r7WT2zNHk/s1600/IMG_5979+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEI31ARk2JHqvfHGsZczAdGJ1I6dLzjGEgZCOSmB2kkw_K9V1JX29j9aUsuoNLxkKR7s8mXcOTWrK63H0sgnZ3LRVj6dGgMzJvXEinmhoTsODu9rUZpg7i_ISfUa8nAHtPv3r7WT2zNHk/s640/IMG_5979+%25281%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>Edible Skinny Does MOD Pizza</b><br />
<b>By Kat Thomas</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHG471hE3FdFoJIkcm99D5TOazpMfUI6PCeOajdQAblLpNDpfNbY5sRAwV_rppSZqrGAGlksGn2exLgNx31RcJSPuM19D_cztiVgWA9mtsAioVpPhYJCwjm-uLiGbSCaMCDYT-811RiA/s1600/IMG_5981+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHG471hE3FdFoJIkcm99D5TOazpMfUI6PCeOajdQAblLpNDpfNbY5sRAwV_rppSZqrGAGlksGn2exLgNx31RcJSPuM19D_cztiVgWA9mtsAioVpPhYJCwjm-uLiGbSCaMCDYT-811RiA/s320/IMG_5981+%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a>Have a Slice Day! Edible Skinny was lucky enough to introduce our newest contributors Kathleen Berry and Letty Thomas to the world of Fast Casual pizza dining with <a href="https://modpizza.com/">MOD Pizza</a>! <br />
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Founded in Seattle, Washington, in 2008, MOD has more than 400 locations in the United States and United Kingdom. The acronym "MOD" in the company's name stands for "Made on Demand." Restaurant trade publication<a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/"> QSR News</a> (Quick-Service and Fast Casual Restaurant News and Information) has characterized the concept as the "Chipotle of the pizza industry."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdD_i4YDU6gUUGdBSTE-ZvJ_w6Pbn-IAX_G5pfIcJElyy4A35aXisZ0hLMwm82FqXVpfay8C4oKoXErtr4ZbHkpNNGsgU6nS_GPgDT4LWm7VdLUmb-SApMrWq-3rYoqZoKRO_df8ho44/s1600/IMG_5980+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdD_i4YDU6gUUGdBSTE-ZvJ_w6Pbn-IAX_G5pfIcJElyy4A35aXisZ0hLMwm82FqXVpfay8C4oKoXErtr4ZbHkpNNGsgU6nS_GPgDT4LWm7VdLUmb-SApMrWq-3rYoqZoKRO_df8ho44/s320/IMG_5980+%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a>MOD was founded in 2008 by husband and wife, Scott and Ally Svenson, in their hometown of Seattle. After moving back to their hometown of Bellevue, Washington, the Svensons started MOD Pizza after being unable to find fast, affordable healthy meals for their four sons. The Svensons previously founded Seattle Coffee Company, a successful UK-based coffee company that sold to Starbucks in 1998. The couple started to wonder if there were a better way of doing pizza, and business. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCI2YwdJykmBRsqMA_oX5SrX_CrBYEM4PMISTJN1NHEfWs2n4GWE7MgDq_mEvBInSytFt3ajiqNZvHQi3o2XtNgjhuj7qgdEULWY11QcLFaL_i84wR4bX2zxPuW5vMpCBsZNHTbUHFGI/s1600/IMG_5983+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCI2YwdJykmBRsqMA_oX5SrX_CrBYEM4PMISTJN1NHEfWs2n4GWE7MgDq_mEvBInSytFt3ajiqNZvHQi3o2XtNgjhuj7qgdEULWY11QcLFaL_i84wR4bX2zxPuW5vMpCBsZNHTbUHFGI/s320/IMG_5983+%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a>MOD Pizza offers individual, artisan style pizzas, which are baked for approximately three minutes in an 800-degree Fahrenheit (425 °C) pizza oven. Customers can build their own pizza or salad, which cost the same no matter how many toppings they choose. MOD also offers 9 classic pizzas, a pizza salad, and a seasonal pizza and salad. MOD’s pizzas and salads are offered in three different sizes: Mini, MOD, and Mega.<br />
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So here's to life being delicious, all your moments being postcard worthy, and whatever you choose to put on top, we know that MOD Pizza will always have a pizza of your heart! ;-)<br />
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Kat Thomas is the Editor in Chief of Edible Skinny, a site dedicated to making your life postcard worthy. She is also the CEO of the creative media company This Way Adventures. You can find more about both brands at <a href="http://www.thiswayadventures.com/">http://www.thiswayadventures.com</a><br />
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<br />Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-35196515372720384472020-01-28T08:57:00.003-08:002020-01-28T08:57:27.079-08:00Twenty-Four Hours of Magic in Carmel-by-the-Sea!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXNjd7jWGc4dJGz4lN-hpyCIu6HJ8o4CH55yti8hQA8it0z-TJ9XIItjVeY24U9INZYl_rZdH9-fM_txcsPHTM3wu0P4gTEAsz7yu22YMc35gdZN-BuLZQFT93Wp_wZnINHxURiKGnKA/s1600/83867371_10158024552272265_7126534703338749952_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXNjd7jWGc4dJGz4lN-hpyCIu6HJ8o4CH55yti8hQA8it0z-TJ9XIItjVeY24U9INZYl_rZdH9-fM_txcsPHTM3wu0P4gTEAsz7yu22YMc35gdZN-BuLZQFT93Wp_wZnINHxURiKGnKA/s640/83867371_10158024552272265_7126534703338749952_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Twenty-Four Hours of Magic in Carmel-by-the-Sea!</u></b></h3>
<b>By Kat Thomas</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmDngmB2Et5yHjChPDbZAz6pQlTphOaUJ5uysqA2wZbxznXpeiTDe-S9h-w-ghcBXM_dV64daBH4ArZkQ1prODholiWDGnk2jZpqYe1zS2lyENLTTNgY7ZD888ZSsEQUefM5OKGyAoOM/s1600/83853851_10158024553102265_1878579516578725888_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmDngmB2Et5yHjChPDbZAz6pQlTphOaUJ5uysqA2wZbxznXpeiTDe-S9h-w-ghcBXM_dV64daBH4ArZkQ1prODholiWDGnk2jZpqYe1zS2lyENLTTNgY7ZD888ZSsEQUefM5OKGyAoOM/s320/83853851_10158024553102265_1878579516578725888_o.jpg" width="240" /></a>Otter this world! Edible Skinny was lucky enough to get to do a weekend getaway to Carmel-By-The-Sea in early January! Carmel-by-the-Sea's is a one-square mile village drenched in European charm. Nestled two and a half hours south of the Bay Area on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel is known for its breathtaking natural scenery and quirky bohemian lifestyle. Sited at one of the most scenic meetings of land and sea in the world, it was the perfect destination for a twenty-four hour Thomas Gal getaway! Below are some of the charming highlights from our magical time in Monterey, Big Sur, and Carmel-by-the-Sea!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhyYzetaRAj33qE19sZccyfU0bwqVbOLSXMYVvuPmScxTtrjtTJM8xd2tFU2nDHFyUFkscHn5nIqB6XCjyTsWABlVqrv9JAX-CHQ0RZjs_D8QL2GiKcpwlPMFYD7fk9XrVoPpp1ck0AU/s1600/83718134_10158024553922265_1333020920826036224_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhyYzetaRAj33qE19sZccyfU0bwqVbOLSXMYVvuPmScxTtrjtTJM8xd2tFU2nDHFyUFkscHn5nIqB6XCjyTsWABlVqrv9JAX-CHQ0RZjs_D8QL2GiKcpwlPMFYD7fk9XrVoPpp1ck0AU/s320/83718134_10158024553922265_1333020920826036224_o.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Founded in 1902, Carmel’s bohemian beachside residents were unwilling to see their village become "citified.” Thus the hamlet’s founding fathers rejected the practice house-to-house mail delivery in favor of a central post office. To this day, there are still no addresses, parking meters or street lights, and no sidewalks outside of Carmel's downtown commercial area.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8nfPaQtYoIjXGia-mAoBul6zaVyVDzKFDYl8UCV1CWJIHvUs1m_yqkD1Unaz8GGjJCmq2W9Imkoo43UJGrYYFw-zYwyXjTKL3MTCLaxvhGwezKPBzJroTf-a0da7GstS2EU2PBdtjXk/s1600/83814307_10158024553572265_6079161341426270208_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8nfPaQtYoIjXGia-mAoBul6zaVyVDzKFDYl8UCV1CWJIHvUs1m_yqkD1Unaz8GGjJCmq2W9Imkoo43UJGrYYFw-zYwyXjTKL3MTCLaxvhGwezKPBzJroTf-a0da7GstS2EU2PBdtjXk/s320/83814307_10158024553572265_6079161341426270208_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>Newbies seeking directions receive hints by way of the house’s playful architecture or the legendary names bestowed on most houses, such as "Hansel" or "Sea Urchin." BTWs buyer beware: it is bad luck to change the name on a Carmel cottage. Other quirky snippets of this fairytale community include a no high heels law, Clint Eastwood was once mayor, and Doris Day helped make Carmel-by-the-Sea a dog heaven on Earth!<br />
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So here’s to life being delicious, all your moments being postcard worthy, and finding the perfect beachfront house to sip rose all day, regardless of the lack of street address!<br />
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<b><u>THE GETAWAY</u></b><br />
For this getaway, the Thomas Gals decided to shack up at newly designed B&B near the beach... <a href="https://thegetawaycarmel.com/">The Getaway!</a> And all we can say is ADORABLE!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92-RUd-dkVDkqHhyphenhyphenhJE0SBos_B8YdczxoUKCVD_oaBSk-Fqr_XeiVPHoK_z1JtY37JexZ-LAwIwAP_khmQd1aDFKKHYuLOypmtzbtnZlFUaCQ_D4WW9NYFg7saWxTNEEDt4qaw-B7w-Y/s1600/83882287_10158024552967265_471268439059595264_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92-RUd-dkVDkqHhyphenhyphenhJE0SBos_B8YdczxoUKCVD_oaBSk-Fqr_XeiVPHoK_z1JtY37JexZ-LAwIwAP_khmQd1aDFKKHYuLOypmtzbtnZlFUaCQ_D4WW9NYFg7saWxTNEEDt4qaw-B7w-Y/s320/83882287_10158024552967265_471268439059595264_o.jpg" width="240" /></a>This 34-Room Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of downtown on Ocean Avenue, steps away from Carmel Plaza and Devendorf Park. While residing there guests can enjoy a short walk to boutique shopping, craft based restaurants, and Carmel’s magnificent seascape with its white sandy beaches and brilliant blue ocean waters.<br />
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The Getaway offers a playful personality to the art of hospitality! Details abound as guests enjoy a daily breakfast in the lobby by a crackling fire. And let’s just say the Getaway takes complimentary breakfast is to infinity and beyond! Avocado toast, homemade quiche, and artisan coffee; can we say Yummm (with 3 Ms). Also during the golden hour of sunset, the hotel offers a reception with bubbles (sparkling wine, not the wand kind), wine, and savory snacks to be enjoyed by the chic outdoor fire pit. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7M15ntxa1LJ9hcWHzmgPMPtE8fVnfX-hC4nmJEVfO8EEMKUZBzA7Ju749hToeZCgJGTYl-1hT8138oLOP3NWin54S_L9Z2_CuCcKuTzVVspBTo-37-FrsVsUvrEc-POydvsEyVtTyfgY/s1600/84011192_10158024550282265_4834758472228667392_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7M15ntxa1LJ9hcWHzmgPMPtE8fVnfX-hC4nmJEVfO8EEMKUZBzA7Ju749hToeZCgJGTYl-1hT8138oLOP3NWin54S_L9Z2_CuCcKuTzVVspBTo-37-FrsVsUvrEc-POydvsEyVtTyfgY/s320/84011192_10158024550282265_4834758472228667392_o.jpg" width="240" /></a>Intricate decor details enrobe The Getaway’s rooms. Gorgeous Art Deco bathroom tiles, hand painted do-not-disturb signs, and floor length mirrors on both sides of the bathroom doors (for when multiple females need to put on makeup at the same time). As they say, God is in the details, and with this hotel we felt we had gone to heaven and back.<br />
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And if you’re up for putting the pedal to the metal, there’s hosted Electra bikes for The Getaway’s guests. (Just don’t ride them after dark as there’s an ordinance against doing so). And don't forget your best friend as this hotel (along with almost everything else in Carmel) is dog friendly.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqf4TqII4_y6Bx6sLRVKFxGdzviRHQWZzdGD4VJ3JdpOWWMikX2xsZA_eysyXbZWdD1Ft95BB6wjebEofY3-QJIeYXcQgiRsMrgrrbsBGs2KSjfTpezXR2yS3X6hnV9gGr4w42YlIFJ4M/s1600/83821443_10158024553867265_25993850744995840_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqf4TqII4_y6Bx6sLRVKFxGdzviRHQWZzdGD4VJ3JdpOWWMikX2xsZA_eysyXbZWdD1Ft95BB6wjebEofY3-QJIeYXcQgiRsMrgrrbsBGs2KSjfTpezXR2yS3X6hnV9gGr4w42YlIFJ4M/s320/83821443_10158024553867265_25993850744995840_o.jpg" width="240" /></a><b><u><br /></u></b><br />
<b><u>GARRAPATA STATE PARK</u></b><br />
Once checked in, we were off to <a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=579">Garrapata State Park</a> for a picturesque hike. Garrapata is an unknown Big Sur jewel! Garrapata State Park's unpopulated hiking trails provide access to both the passionate Big Sur coastline and the breathtaking Santa Lucia Mountains and located only a short drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea. Some of the best Big Sur hiking trails are cloistered within this state park. Choose to explore the incredible rocky coast and beach on the west side of Highway 1 or the 1.25 mile Soberanes Canyon Trail which heads inland with views of redwoods and the Santa Lucia Mountain Range.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeV99OjnFHJCkPuNXhNzMwUXn4FdVu1heeA-sokRG_ZJIPiIlLgD_W8jWqxlYsIbgdAlCZWRvtSxTAjrJvMCnSeq6oKliFtiKwrmO6OsN1QHzslcO5S7gHG1julrW7c_ZbGoYsSLNj4U/s1600/83688230_10158024551282265_5982704691014795264_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeV99OjnFHJCkPuNXhNzMwUXn4FdVu1heeA-sokRG_ZJIPiIlLgD_W8jWqxlYsIbgdAlCZWRvtSxTAjrJvMCnSeq6oKliFtiKwrmO6OsN1QHzslcO5S7gHG1julrW7c_ZbGoYsSLNj4U/s320/83688230_10158024551282265_5982704691014795264_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<b><u>YEAST OF EDEN</u></b><br />
With no fast food restaurants in the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the town’s charming eateries and tasting rooms offer a full range of craft cuisine. Planning to later dine in Monterey, Kelly and I knew we needed to experience something local, so we opted for the <a href="https://yoebeer.com/">Yeast of Eden Brewery</a> for a pint!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGks1cBCFW0vQjTEfU4RFqQqA8I8ETXwus0IN03jrwXUPPDv8ITCKHjH1bdGgL-W4vq43exrZSnA6W0SAhC1E2l1gzmdTTtlUHkYeLjbX9BGSX2Sp-kSz8r_GHuEfXbDx6K1KyLxgzxEE/s1600/83731212_10158024554292265_395563322570702848_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGks1cBCFW0vQjTEfU4RFqQqA8I8ETXwus0IN03jrwXUPPDv8ITCKHjH1bdGgL-W4vq43exrZSnA6W0SAhC1E2l1gzmdTTtlUHkYeLjbX9BGSX2Sp-kSz8r_GHuEfXbDx6K1KyLxgzxEE/s320/83731212_10158024554292265_395563322570702848_o.jpg" width="240" /></a>Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy! Yeast of Eden is a mixed fermentation brewery dedicated to developing small-batch, terroir driven beers that exhibit complex and nuanced flavors endemic to Monterey County. I engulfed the Sage Laced Winds, a tart Saison made from Big Sur Sage Honey and Black Honey. Kelly danced with the Odellalle, a mixed fermentation Saison with locally sourced Olallieberries (like Blackberries). Both were Coltrane Jazz to our taste buds!<br />
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<b><u>MONTEREY’S FISH HOUSE</u></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYrRLR2Y7zBAYDqIIFfgstrP-TwMjPkrw_erc00QQCTnIMXz_vocrpOm5M0_uCUlrTdBoq7r2l2y0QA-Nq_8G_F6OsPTR6Be8b7C0x5fkFh9l3SMeHFaVZ1nzqLa4AAdaSeFBYRXBSl8/s1600/83817187_10158024549032265_1433433133037912064_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYrRLR2Y7zBAYDqIIFfgstrP-TwMjPkrw_erc00QQCTnIMXz_vocrpOm5M0_uCUlrTdBoq7r2l2y0QA-Nq_8G_F6OsPTR6Be8b7C0x5fkFh9l3SMeHFaVZ1nzqLa4AAdaSeFBYRXBSl8/s320/83817187_10158024549032265_1433433133037912064_o.jpg" width="240" /></a>Later in the night, we met a local friend at the AWESOME <a href="http://montereyfishhouse.com/">Monterey Fish House.</a> Blocks away from the tourist traps, this is where the townies (and woke travelers) find the freshest seafood, steaks, and homemade pasta. It’s the perfect East-Coast-Seafood-Joint-by-way-of-the-West-Coast. And everybody wants some! Even if you have a Rezzie, don’t be surprised to wait in a line out-the-door for a table.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1ytrjXPxkNJm3baBHvoMezajblBT3MoYU_oJMwhdKNWL8cotITDSwMZZHZGxINWRyS2HT5mwTdKOy9XGKZEgfrxJD-YM-abGOf8z4j1XRBLGWhLsfTxG_QOh5Jin1vdocFk3CewN5DQ/s1600/84041319_10158024554087265_1926525683907952640_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1ytrjXPxkNJm3baBHvoMezajblBT3MoYU_oJMwhdKNWL8cotITDSwMZZHZGxINWRyS2HT5mwTdKOy9XGKZEgfrxJD-YM-abGOf8z4j1XRBLGWhLsfTxG_QOh5Jin1vdocFk3CewN5DQ/s320/84041319_10158024554087265_1926525683907952640_o.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
Monterey’s Fish House is owned and operated by the DiGirolamo family, with deep roots in the Monterey fishing and restaurant industries. David DiGirolamo grew up working in his family’s restaurant, Angelo’s on Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, preparing and serving fresh fish his father caught daily. The restaurant has been voted Best Seafood in Monterey year after year and mentioned in Sunset and Coastal Living Magazines.<br />
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Monterey’s Fish House was featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives where Guy Ferrari feasted on Oak-Grilled Oysters, which are slathered with butter and garlic, then served with a spicy cocktail sauce (and BTWs they are AMAZEBALLS AMAZEBALLS AMAZEBALLS!!!)<br />
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<b>Kat Thomas is the Editor in Chief of Edible Skinny, a site dedicated to making your life postcard worthy. She is also the CEO of the creative media company This Way Adventures. You can find more about both brands at <a href="http://www.thiswayadventures.com/">http://www.thiswayadventures.com</a></b>Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-32436502438231045012020-01-02T09:52:00.000-08:002020-01-02T09:52:35.399-08:00Celebrate the Kumquat in Style During Santa Monica Restaurant Week<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2M5tXNpIFK0FlDWHqSyPSO2WjnjP7xNLX8hIAoacIt3wcxA1QKwki8ejbFfQ_dvU1ym9w_uxYdQuQeG9lAOWvYkDOGMo2Z7oXvDglRxMIIP_InGFQlsoTWyOf_5c8fb1M96aJBIdymg4/s1600/Kat+Thomas+and+Mary+Sue+Milliken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2M5tXNpIFK0FlDWHqSyPSO2WjnjP7xNLX8hIAoacIt3wcxA1QKwki8ejbFfQ_dvU1ym9w_uxYdQuQeG9lAOWvYkDOGMo2Z7oXvDglRxMIIP_InGFQlsoTWyOf_5c8fb1M96aJBIdymg4/s640/Kat+Thomas+and+Mary+Sue+Milliken.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kat Thomas and Mary Sue Milliken</td></tr>
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<h3>
<b>Celebrate the Kumquat in Style During Santa Monica Restaurant Week</b></h3>
<b>Over 35 Restaurants Are Joining the 2020 Foodie Party</b><br />
<b>By Kat Thomas, Edible Skinny</b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtrN38691QpyFSvevtWddq6J9z2baQPEffa6CY_4N6C5dhsYnXyP3vVoMFh8BXLkX_W5zNyujr37O5HeoVT1EY7LU_SJ2QV6y1pFclrJB8eDLg15dhiRZ7ro0AoicK51NEOojCkx7G9s/s1600/Calabra%2527s+Kumquat+Quail+Dish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtrN38691QpyFSvevtWddq6J9z2baQPEffa6CY_4N6C5dhsYnXyP3vVoMFh8BXLkX_W5zNyujr37O5HeoVT1EY7LU_SJ2QV6y1pFclrJB8eDLg15dhiRZ7ro0AoicK51NEOojCkx7G9s/s320/Calabra%2527s+Kumquat+Quail+Dish.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calabra's Kumquat Quail Dish</td></tr>
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From January 6-12, 2020, Santa Monica Restaurant Week returns to <a href="https://www.santamonica.com/">Santa Monica </a>for a<br />
DELICIOUS week-long celebration of this beachside city’s award-wining dining scene. So let’s celebrate California Restaurant Month in STYLE by experiencing Santa Monica’s innovative culinary scene, one KUMQUAT-themed dish at a time!<br />
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Back for its eighth go around, the Santa Monica Travel & Tourism’s format is simple: every year the city of Santa Monica picks a fresh, local ingredients found at their four weekly Farmers Markets and then participating restaurants craft unique dishes based off it. It’s similar to what Pantone’s color council does with this season’s color (and in case you were wondering, 2020 Color of the Year is ”Classic Blue,” a shade “reminiscent of the sky at dusk”). And for SM restaurants, this year their ingredient is the Kumquat. And this year a record 37 restaurants in Santa Monica are getting in on the action!!!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggg8tCgApudM2KPGIy_dZz7Z9ovLxg5psx03xzW_Vi8VgcZyBDOsGjd_lVP-urGQW7jOAifgirlPHcYB30Fohxv-a5zptJo9elN25ecLz6UzLIl2zn5EEPkoqSEcafYVj1HOJ4NnE44ak/s1600/Mary+Sue+Milliken+and+Chef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggg8tCgApudM2KPGIy_dZz7Z9ovLxg5psx03xzW_Vi8VgcZyBDOsGjd_lVP-urGQW7jOAifgirlPHcYB30Fohxv-a5zptJo9elN25ecLz6UzLIl2zn5EEPkoqSEcafYVj1HOJ4NnE44ak/s320/Mary+Sue+Milliken+and+Chef.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Sue Milliken and Chef</td></tr>
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The Mighty Mini Orange! Originating from Asia and Sweet and Sour in the same punch, the Kumquat is a mighty citrus in a single bite. This grape-sized citrus is renowned for packing two flavors into its petite size: its edible peel is sweet, while the flesh is tart. Nutritional benefits also abound as the fruit is rich in vitamin C and fiber and also contains amounts of B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, magnesium and more, all offering a boost to your health.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUzxJfacXDa5VYZT8qsPduGqMDJcpvGpHOPtYZvBiP1fUgoP78aAijD4DIJDgy5nz_ZbtJe4c_L6jxB9Bu08mzLVHq6y4NvXT9NSV6qoXyt7Zp2NGrYFe3KD0kpUjJbmFH0owWFAwkeE/s1600/Michael%2527s+Kumquat+Dish+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUzxJfacXDa5VYZT8qsPduGqMDJcpvGpHOPtYZvBiP1fUgoP78aAijD4DIJDgy5nz_ZbtJe4c_L6jxB9Bu08mzLVHq6y4NvXT9NSV6qoXyt7Zp2NGrYFe3KD0kpUjJbmFH0owWFAwkeE/s320/Michael%2527s+Kumquat+Dish+.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael's Kumquat Dish</td></tr>
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But that’s all backstory to AMAZING dishes crafted for this unique citrus! Participating restaurants include <a href="https://littleprince.la/">Little Prince</a> on Main Street serving Pumpkin Toast with Burrata, Kumquats and Pumpkin Seed Crumble, Seasonal farmers market pumpkin, and notes of citrus on Clark Street Bread sourdough from the wood oven ($17), <a href="http://www.michaelssantamonica.com/">Michael’s Santa Monica</a> Baja Style Wild Yellowtail Crudo of diced, wild, Inada (Baby Yellowtail) set in an AguaChile Sauce made of market Chiles and Kumquats, garnished with sliced Kumquats, Radishes, and Cilantro ($13), and <a href="https://www.properhotel.com/hotels/santa-monica/eat-drink/calabra/">Calabra</a> at Santa Monica Proper’s dish of Koji Fried California Quail Kumquat and Calabrian Chile sweet and sour, Cilantro, and Mint ($18). This dish was my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE with the quail being marinated for 3 days before being cooked. Actually EVERYTHING that I sampled at Calabra was DIVINE from their AWESOME assortment of Signature Meza to their Orange, Olive Oil, Kumquat Cake with Winter Citrus. Swing by and check out the only rooftop hotel with a pool in West LA!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmSIEElcK04cbhFfXG6lh4i0UGZB1wHDqHYIhH-3vBDDpa-MzxuNdugSyjbIRUM02PjRirSn7DB8162Oqh8JA-dG2d6Il2tH2N7J8irhK1l5Y-couHfFXZp7SULZB1Xs4f0SHKybRZAc/s1600/Socalo%2527s+Corn+Esquite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmSIEElcK04cbhFfXG6lh4i0UGZB1wHDqHYIhH-3vBDDpa-MzxuNdugSyjbIRUM02PjRirSn7DB8162Oqh8JA-dG2d6Il2tH2N7J8irhK1l5Y-couHfFXZp7SULZB1Xs4f0SHKybRZAc/s320/Socalo%2527s+Corn+Esquite.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Socalo's Corn Esquite</td></tr>
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Along with previewing some FAB Kumquat dishes thanks to the Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, Edible Skinny was also able to take a peak in the kitchen of the newly opened Socalo, an all day California canteen and Mexican Pub (all the wines and beers are from Mexico) from Chef/Owners Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. Santa Monica stalwarts are more than familiar that the recently closed Border Grill was on 4th Street in Santa Monica for 26 years. Milliken and Feineger wanted to return to the beach (they still have locations in DTLA and Mandalay Bay in Vegas), so when the opportunity to create a space in the Gateway Hotel on the East side of SM, they took it!<br />
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Socalo is a mashup of SoCal and a Zócalo or Plaza del Zócalo, the common name of the main square in central Mexico City. All I have to say is that the food is AWESOME! From their AMAZEBALLS Salsa Matcha (Ancho and Arbol Chiles fried in Olive Oil and mixed into a paste of Sesame Seeds and Almonds) to their Corn Esquite with Chipotle Aioli, Tajin, Lime, and Cotija Cheese (this one was my FAV) to Socalo’s Santa Monica Restaurant Week dish of Salmon Poke Kumquat ponzu, serrano, cucumber, rice, fennel and sesame seeds ($16). After sampling Waaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy too much food in the front of the house, we then went into the kitchen to watch them make a Vampiro Taco IRL. These Skirt Steak and Shrimp Tacos were composed of Griddle Cheese, Blue Corn Tortillas, and the aforementioned Salsa Macha. Can we say Yummm with 3 Ms!!!<br />
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So here’s to life being delicious, all your moments being postcard worthy, and diving into the world of the Kumquat for Santa Monica Restaurant Week!<br />
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<b>Kat Thomas is the Editor in Chief of Edible Skinny, a site dedicated to making your life postcard worthy. She is also the CEO of the creative media company This Way Adventures. You can find more about both brands at<a href="https://www.thiswayadventures.com/"> http://www.thiswayadventures.com</a></b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-78379189003443417842019-12-19T11:45:00.000-08:002019-12-20T11:08:34.734-08:00Assessing Cannabis’ $15 Billion Dollar a Year Industry at the World’s Largest Marijuana Conference MJBizCon - From Products to Parties Weed Is Now Mainstream <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NVRpyHChkea5-cO3IMc_lukXror5WkWaIZesPAGYDOrXYQjw0ePVjla3PMRFoUwypkqpYybfBhUfUB70SYTp683Bx_BnGLoRqIM9JApUNh2fvfGjRj1xCFJF7ya1isXr1fIzFn0ZlFE/s1600/The+Green+Light+District+Feat.+Erin+Baltsar+-+Photo+Credit+by+Cova+Software.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NVRpyHChkea5-cO3IMc_lukXror5WkWaIZesPAGYDOrXYQjw0ePVjla3PMRFoUwypkqpYybfBhUfUB70SYTp683Bx_BnGLoRqIM9JApUNh2fvfGjRj1xCFJF7ya1isXr1fIzFn0ZlFE/s640/The+Green+Light+District+Feat.+Erin+Baltsar+-+Photo+Credit+by+Cova+Software.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erin Baltsar in The Green Light District<br />Photo by Cova Software</td></tr>
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<b>Assessing Cannabis’ $15 Billion Dollar a Year Industry at the World’s Largest Marijuana Conference MJBizCon - From Products to Parties Weed Is Now Mainstream </b><br />
<b>By Kat Thomas</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZNCok8BRoi3yaNAc1vs2NEyb6ZsbVDePjG5Z35CZZHBl2cqesyBgpGw7N5oTq-0PrZhNeq4T4sfcEt_ryfsv4PTfB5Hf3sO-GZfTx7b0lYvUjP2dlYfnNphp020hfSNhN3dDC4R6270/s1600/The+Prohibition+Party+-+Photo+Credit+by+Cova+Software.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZNCok8BRoi3yaNAc1vs2NEyb6ZsbVDePjG5Z35CZZHBl2cqesyBgpGw7N5oTq-0PrZhNeq4T4sfcEt_ryfsv4PTfB5Hf3sO-GZfTx7b0lYvUjP2dlYfnNphp020hfSNhN3dDC4R6270/s320/The+Prohibition+Party+-+Photo+Credit+by+Cova+Software.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Cova Software</td></tr>
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<b>I know you’re supposed to tell kids not to do drugs, but, kids, do it! Do Weed! Don’t do the other stuff, but Weed is good!</b><br />
<b>--Kevin Smith</b><br />
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The world of drugs is much different than it was even a decade ago. In 2012, Colorado legalized Recreational Marijuana. Eight years later, Cannabis is now legal in 11 states for adults over the age of 21, and legal for medical use in 33 states (which means we’re over the 50% tipping point). This makes the Cannabis industry is one of the fastest growing businesses in the history of our modern economy. The end of this decade found Marijuana to have reached $15 Billion dollars a year in the United States alone. It’s safe to say: the world of Green, has become mainstream. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHDmnjCcdIsxeSOBNKyeGcPJmPjC05BpaqXv-9Bv4SquFB0V_ru4uAa14Kao-GB_OY1W_5mEFmkH-l7ny_cqO9jPhKS6Z6uuK6yFiOodQTjAQaqpEwbcHJs8Dwyfuc9CjK56jL6vgURE/s1600/Tonya+Kay+-+Photo+Credit+Cova+Software.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHDmnjCcdIsxeSOBNKyeGcPJmPjC05BpaqXv-9Bv4SquFB0V_ru4uAa14Kao-GB_OY1W_5mEFmkH-l7ny_cqO9jPhKS6Z6uuK6yFiOodQTjAQaqpEwbcHJs8Dwyfuc9CjK56jL6vgURE/s320/Tonya+Kay+-+Photo+Credit+Cova+Software.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonya Kay Making a Splash<br />Photo by Cova Software</td></tr>
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So with all this in mind, last week Edible Skinny was lucky enough to experience the expansive growth of the Cannabis industry at <a href="https://mjbizconference.com/">MJBizCon</a>, sponsored by Marijuana Business Daily. Founded in early 2011, Marijuana Business Daily focuses solely on Cannabusiness and the investors who back them. Because this industry infinitely expands every year, a natural extension is the expansion of the largest Cannabis conference out there. When the conference began in 2012 there were 400 people in attendance; flash forward 7 years with 2019 seeing 35,000 Cannabis business leaders and investors from 75 plus countries represented.<br />
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While bouncing around MJBizCon this year, ES experienced some fun products such as Mary Natural’s Boost Bomb (which we reviewed in our Art Basel Product Review article) and the CBD brand <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=October+Biosciences&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8">October Biosciences</a>. October Biosciences’ patent-pending water-soluble formula absorbs more readily than most other CBD products in the market (their absorption rate is a whopping 80%!). The result, is the end consumer gaining a whole lot more CBD in their system. Which is AWESOME, because this means you can actually use less of October Biosciences to achieve your desired effect on muscular, nerve, or joint pain. All Hail Marijuana Technology!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSbVzQ4eB1pKkegaFAGKX8WIYAY2Ke7nZe1KZy2FWL7xzQGGfV5atPkHSM-zQ6xOdiKwkFO3Uy6X0t7IJqeTPMidgqDvoXZdrfNVqYwWgrTWnWcDNLZCAnAFHX0Cd7Uw1u-MAWqC1DEg/s1600/Faai+Steuer+and+Guest+-+Photo+Credit+by+Cova+Software.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1600" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSbVzQ4eB1pKkegaFAGKX8WIYAY2Ke7nZe1KZy2FWL7xzQGGfV5atPkHSM-zQ6xOdiKwkFO3Uy6X0t7IJqeTPMidgqDvoXZdrfNVqYwWgrTWnWcDNLZCAnAFHX0Cd7Uw1u-MAWqC1DEg/s320/Faai+Steuer+and+Guest+-+Photo+Credit+by+Cova+Software.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Faai Steuer and Guest<br />Photo By Cova Software<br /></span></td></tr>
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The majority of our MJBizCon conference experience was focused on <a href="https://www.covasoftware.com/">Cova Software’s</a> prohibition themed party where The Green Light District (of which yours truly is a Co-Creator) was the featured entertainment. This Gatsby inspired party was hosted by the Cova Software team, along with event partners UNOapp, Headset, Point7, SevenPoint Interiors, springbig, merrco, and media partner mg Magazine. Their prohibition party was planned and executed with Jay Gatsby perfection by Cova’s Vice President of Marketing Faai Steuer. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYHRnbRc0dLur-MImqM_Adb_75hlKgke3b7ncUHC7qJPinM83b3NTlY8-mEFC_Pg_C0UHN-9vOJOFfu80rVqq3NfhZH6V1dCbPjlpUvx8wVfaP3q-QxjHUE4pZJZQtWjUVSwRMSb49bU/s1600/Absinthe+Station+-+Photo+Credit+by+Cova+Software.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYHRnbRc0dLur-MImqM_Adb_75hlKgke3b7ncUHC7qJPinM83b3NTlY8-mEFC_Pg_C0UHN-9vOJOFfu80rVqq3NfhZH6V1dCbPjlpUvx8wVfaP3q-QxjHUE4pZJZQtWjUVSwRMSb49bU/s320/Absinthe+Station+-+Photo+Credit+by+Cova+Software.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Absinthe Station<br />Photo by Cova Software</span></td></tr>
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The Soiree featured <a href="https://www.thegldexperience.com/">The Green Light District</a> Band, which performs your favorite Cannabis songs covered in 1920s vintage style (think if Snoop Dogg was sung by Ella Fitzgerald). Fronted by Sultry Songstress Erin Baltsar and accompanied by musicians Kevin Stewart, Jay Yaskin, and Nate Yeasley, this cover band was accented by plucky tap dancer Becky Fullington in a fusion of percussive shoe rhythm and live music. Other delights including a pair of alpacas, roulette and craps gaming tables, and two Absinthe stations, one via a hand sculpted butterfly ice luge. The speakeasy effect of the night was crowned with a burlesque floor show featuring “the Most Dangerous Woman in Hollywood” <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonya_Kay">Tonya Kay</a> playful splashing around into a six-foot-tall martini glass. It was a party fit for Daisy Buchanan, if she smoked the Flower!<br />
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So here’s to life being delicious, all your moments being postcard worthy, and doing drugs (legally). <br />
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<b>Kat Thomas is the Editor in Chief of Edible Skinny, a site dedicated to making your life postcard worthy. She is also the CEO of the creative media company This Way Adventures. You can find more about both brands at</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.thiswayadventures.com/">http://www.thiswayadventures.com</a></b>Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-23831502410496407262019-12-05T12:17:00.004-08:002019-12-05T12:21:58.855-08:00Prepping for Art Basel in Style: A Miami Beach Product Review<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wbmYpndYmEjcrO6ax8HzAuetJNj9egS5BcuRa9Stq3tubLv-ROVeNYHg9MN90UWVFeddia-mK_qoNaoaa0RpTHnVVcSwuzSUXxiKQQhMUxtZJd_WcnWDO_IAD_ER6enaMYvFhru8Rc0/s1600/Art+Basel+in+Miami+Beach+2018+-+Courtesy+Art+Basel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wbmYpndYmEjcrO6ax8HzAuetJNj9egS5BcuRa9Stq3tubLv-ROVeNYHg9MN90UWVFeddia-mK_qoNaoaa0RpTHnVVcSwuzSUXxiKQQhMUxtZJd_WcnWDO_IAD_ER6enaMYvFhru8Rc0/s640/Art+Basel+in+Miami+Beach+2018+-+Courtesy+Art+Basel.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art Basel in Miami Beach 2018 - Courtesy Art Basel</td></tr>
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Prepping for Art Basel in Style: A Miami Beach Product Review</h3>
<b>By Letty Thomas and Kat Thomas</b><br />
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Edible Skinny is lucky enough to be hanging out in sunny <a href="https://www.artbasel.com/miami-beach"><b>Miami Beach</b> for </a><b><a href="https://www.artbasel.com/miami-beach">Art Basel in America</a> </b>this weekend (where our sister brand <b><a href="https://www.thezeldafitzgeralds.com/">The Zelda Fitzgeralds</a></b> will be creating on-demand typewritten poetry at the <b><a href="https://www.baselhouse.com/">Basel House</a></b>). Art Basel ranks as the premier art show in the U.S. of A., offering a colorfully neon platform for renowned artists and galleries. Along all that art pomp and circumstance, it’s also a FAB excuse for the New York City art world to get a tan at the beach when their hometown is usually drab, freezing, and covered in some level of sluzy gray ice (NYC snow stays white for the length of a New York minute)! Not to be outdone by their East Coast counterparts, the LA art world is usually ready to escape from the Santa Anas and whatever massive fire has overtaken the city reigning down fire and brimstone into their <b>Golden Turmeric Oat Milk Lattes.</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrevv9gy_4LqGYS2WXV_L2AgCvfRrepVn3sstZY-6ulFyYYkedDychUE7cdPy1NbMZmhQSd6jSZigajHDdJUu_1Kg96Q4FXR_Nxqk5lnl4RhOt2FoA5JDLyabk6kFYAaZgC0myiftNpzY/s1600/The+Zelda+Fitzgeralds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrevv9gy_4LqGYS2WXV_L2AgCvfRrepVn3sstZY-6ulFyYYkedDychUE7cdPy1NbMZmhQSd6jSZigajHDdJUu_1Kg96Q4FXR_Nxqk5lnl4RhOt2FoA5JDLyabk6kFYAaZgC0myiftNpzY/s320/The+Zelda+Fitzgeralds.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
So with that in mind Edible Skinny decided to hop a flight to Art Basel with its colorfully lit Art Deco architecture and "Fun in the Sun" shorelines. And in honor of this, we're product reviewing some AMAZING things we've thrown in our travel bags.<br />
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But to prep for this adventure, we first headed over to<a href="https://burkewilliamsspa.com/santa-monica-massage/"> <b>Burke Williams Santa Monica</b></a> for a <b>Salt and Sugar Glo</b> in their Wetroom. These exfoliating body treatments thoroughly and effectively removed all the dead surface skin cells (gross) leaving our skin simply sparkling. Normally the treatment is either Salt (the more aggressive of the two) or Sugar (gentler for those with more sensitive skin), but never one to make up our mind, we opted for a bit of both as we wanted our skin perfectly prepped for the beaches of MIA.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjL6a5C6jaXCmroTeQullVhWu99tqPYPmTIsEBB0D6nGstX-rWCt7T5kJeNIWnQJID81m9Xlv0oo8-3kEj7wdtAvu8_nKPaK22mKgCeJP6_W5_C6CxyW2sLmZ5Gb0olQXqBJh1aya0qOA/s1600/The+Sacred+Space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjL6a5C6jaXCmroTeQullVhWu99tqPYPmTIsEBB0D6nGstX-rWCt7T5kJeNIWnQJID81m9Xlv0oo8-3kEj7wdtAvu8_nKPaK22mKgCeJP6_W5_C6CxyW2sLmZ5Gb0olQXqBJh1aya0qOA/s320/The+Sacred+Space.jpg" width="240" /></a>So here's to life being delicious, all your moments being postcard worthy, and SPARKLING in style on the beaches of MIAMI!!!<br />
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<b><u>BLUE LAGOON ICELAND - HYDRATING CREAM</u></b><br />
It's like a Marine Layer for your skin! Formulated with mineral rich geothermal seawater this moisturizer gives your skin nourishment and sun protection (with Broad Spectrum SPF 30) all in one product. We found this moisturizer absorbed quickly and left the perfect amount of shimmer on your skin allowing you to look like your were glowing from within. The convenient 1.7 oz size can fit easily in a carry-on or beach bag. We recommend using every morning to start your day shining right!<br />
<b>https://shop-usa.bluelagoon.com</b><br />
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<b><u>BLOCK ISLAND ORGANICS - PURIFYING FACIAL CLEANSER</u></b><br />
Named for a remote island off the Rhode Island coast with crystal water, this lightly foaming cleanser goes on easily and clear. This daily wash features no harsh ingredients and is packed with antioxidant rich organic and natural botanicals to remove build-up. The result is a face that is fresh and happy to be clean. Packaged in a handy 4 oz size with pump applicator this product is great for travel or everyday. The perfect way to prep for a day on Block Island's crisp blue water or night on Ocean Drive!<br />
<b><a href="https://www.blockislandorganics.com/">https://www.blockislandorganics.com</a></b><br />
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<b><u>TYPE A DEODORANT - THE VISIONARY</u></b><br />
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Nobody likes to be smelly (seriously, like NOBODY!). So to prep for those crazy art adventures in one of the most humid climates in the country, we plan to be on our olfactory A-Game with our favorite award winning, aluminum-free deodorant: Type-A. This B.O. fighter gives you all the benefits, with none of the nasty chemically tradeoffs. Their sweat-activated technology mimics a time-release effect for long-lasting odor and wetness protection. Plus it's non-irritating consisting of a cream that glides on smoothly and won't drag your skin. Their ultra-sheer formula is clothing-friendly and absorbs instantly. Honestly, you'll forget it's there! Which is EXACTLY what you want when you're in the humid jungles of South Florida!<br />
<b><a href="https://typeadeodorant.com/">https://typeadeodorant.com</a></b><br />
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<b><u>ECRU - SILK NOURISHING SPRAY</u></b><br />
Nothing can fry your hair like "Sun and Fun" on the Beach (tragic, but true!). But to your frazzled strand's rescue is Ecru's Silk Nourishing Spray, a weightless, nutrient rich, leave-in conditioning mist that instantly conditions, protects, and detangles hair. This write up has been a long time coming, as we've been ABSOLUTELY in LOVE with this product since the summer!!! Just mist on damp hair and comb through for ultimate non-fried style. And with over a 100 applications per bottle, the longevity of this product doesn't hurt the bottom line either! ;-)<br />
<b><a href="https://www.ecrunewyork.com/">https://www.ecrunewyork.com</a></b><br />
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<b><u>EXFOLIMATE - MAGIC EXFOLIATING SHOWER CLOTH</u></b><br />
This simple lightweight exfoliator is the perfect solution for cracked skin after a day at the beach (and the lack of space in your carry-on bag)! Reveal that fresh glow with better than a loofah scrubbing power of the Magic Exfoliating Shower Cloth. The cloth's unique weave pattern feels soft on your skin, yet magically removes environmental build-up and dead skin that contributes to an uneven skin tone. Their foam-boosting loofah-loops increase lather, making your soap and body wash go the extra mile. And this uber long cloth will help you reach to touch to treat those pesky spots like back, butt, and shoulders for the perfect finish! ;-)<br />
<b><a href="https://www.greenheartlabs.com/">https://www.greenheartlabs.com</a></b><br />
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<b><u>MARY'S CBD - BOOST BOMB</u></b><br />
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Letty Thomas was born and raised in multiple towns in NJ. She attended college in Vermont and Connecticut. She dreamed of working for Vogue or Glamour magazine. Her love of salt water and boating got in the way. She happily managed a yacht club "down the shore" for almost 20 years before jumping into the world of beauty and travel writing. She has two grown daughters that make her smile.<br />
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Kat Thomas is the Editor in Chief of Edible Skinny, a site dedicated to making your life postcard worthy. She is also the CEO of the creative media company This Way Adventures. You can find more about both brands at<br />
<b><a href="http://www.thiswayadventures.com/">http://www.thiswayadventures.com</a></b><br />
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<br />Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-85217733886418553072019-10-30T06:04:00.002-07:002019-10-30T06:04:26.076-07:00Edible Skinny is Back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As much as we at Edible Skinny LOVE LOVE LOVE to explore this AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME world, sometimes a life event happens that makes a wandering soul pause for a moment. </div>
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For last four months, I've been living in Florida helping my StepMom, Carol Jertson, make her final transition due to cancer and connecting with my Dad, Tony Thomas, in the aftermath of this event. </div>
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It's been a nuanced and delightful hibernation from the world of travel, but it's time to hit the road again! So look for the return of ES articles in the coming weeks! Huzzah!!!!</div>
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Below is the online eulogy I wrote for Carol to keep you inspired to roam. As you will read, Carol, a world traveler through and through, will be visiting many places posthumously as her adventures spirit still lives on! </div>
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So here's to life being delicious, all your moments being postcard worthy, and hitting the road again! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtQZQarfaOP7ApdYamnVpKvRUFLFglD3Wc0MHx4wIrOtRxMeQEE_crMfybB_31lwFsO6pVuwkW-QTcvbZOgoPnj9PgQohrrQxuz9HfZEcV_utVPmCn-SjFXiAI5wN5Qve5EmbAEau_AQ/s1600/Carol+in+Bryce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtQZQarfaOP7ApdYamnVpKvRUFLFglD3Wc0MHx4wIrOtRxMeQEE_crMfybB_31lwFsO6pVuwkW-QTcvbZOgoPnj9PgQohrrQxuz9HfZEcV_utVPmCn-SjFXiAI5wN5Qve5EmbAEau_AQ/s640/Carol+in+Bryce.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">Carolyn (No Middle Name) Jertson </span></h3>
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Carolyn (No Middle Name) Jertson passed on Friday August 16, 2019. A patchouli-loving-free-spirit-at-heart human, this coincided with the 50th anniversary of Woodstock. </div>
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It was a total Carol move. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0A2rqA8sDTgqmTLMJvX5hg7VtbwZ23sgr8KSrGZc4FnqBb5saISe2sNJLv98d_AaKGDZeokiX-4mWstTIHzm-SVe3uKd_osYsOcw-BS9SvOqVuf0YufAiqZ3e2CYH2KIVXGSqGUPQlQ/s1600/Carol+Pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0A2rqA8sDTgqmTLMJvX5hg7VtbwZ23sgr8KSrGZc4FnqBb5saISe2sNJLv98d_AaKGDZeokiX-4mWstTIHzm-SVe3uKd_osYsOcw-BS9SvOqVuf0YufAiqZ3e2CYH2KIVXGSqGUPQlQ/s320/Carol+Pool.jpg" width="240" /></a>Carol passed in a room surrounded by friends and family all celebrating her greatness. The festivities included live ukulele music, tarot card readings, treasured photos, lavender and patchouli aromatherapy, and sparkly tiaras. Her last moments were holding her devoted husband Tony’s hand. </div>
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A fiery redhead with sparkly blue eyes, Carol was born on April 28, 1960. Although she was the baby of the family, she was the childhood protector of her 3 mentally disabled older brothers. Smart as a whip, during high school in Wayne, NJ, Carol would ditch class and hop a bus to Greenwich Village to be part of “The Scene.” She believed it was there, not in a classroom, she would truly learn life. These adventures included ballet classes, low level drug dealing, and accidentally attending The Stonewall Riots. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftloMx6NK9WAFIdXgtOhVGFlFiwbGFi4ttCnEXzHkVjXWGjfeVxx2zaD6vs8HBRbtB-hRDeDScopkiibxpUIEYb2Vv43RfQ7P0j8s30pUg6nuTPEaTzY-EM84vQJQfOXP5uOIV-q1Kpk/s1600/Carol+and+Tony+in+Bryce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftloMx6NK9WAFIdXgtOhVGFlFiwbGFi4ttCnEXzHkVjXWGjfeVxx2zaD6vs8HBRbtB-hRDeDScopkiibxpUIEYb2Vv43RfQ7P0j8s30pUg6nuTPEaTzY-EM84vQJQfOXP5uOIV-q1Kpk/s320/Carol+and+Tony+in+Bryce.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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A lover of words, Carol graduated college from West Virginia University with a degree in Journalism. She was a Cub Reporter for The Times Beacon, an Editor at The Atlantic City Press, and Co-Founder of The Jersey Shore Currents, all in New Jersey. When she moved to Florida, Carol was the Neighbors Editor of the Miami Herald and a Digital Editor at BioNews. She was an avid reader of books, moving those around her to find inspiration in the written word. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUkJSMPLiNSCqIhscLey2waMH-buLJdnaOhTh-zUf5wnOjFCDC65tS-Sa4kyFGIZa5G9-teRI70RAOYOgiF9SdmDn78PW5YBW2uxh_QHRF__HFG1qrWesrSffeBstFNMGEE_XpxdKO2I/s1600/Carol+and+Tony+Sailing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1242" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUkJSMPLiNSCqIhscLey2waMH-buLJdnaOhTh-zUf5wnOjFCDC65tS-Sa4kyFGIZa5G9-teRI70RAOYOgiF9SdmDn78PW5YBW2uxh_QHRF__HFG1qrWesrSffeBstFNMGEE_XpxdKO2I/s320/Carol+and+Tony+Sailing.jpg" width="248" /></a>A world traveler she visited Notre-Dame Cathedral in France, skied St. Anton in Austria, and hiked the Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coastline, and Dolomite Mountains in Italy. Carol strolled the canals of Venice, was spellbound by the Vatican in Rome, and snorkeled the deserted islands of the Abacos in The Bahamas. She adored America’s National Park System having visited Yosemite, Death Valley, Zion, Bryce, Arches, and Canyonlands with her husband and daughter Katie.</div>
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In the next year, Carol posthumously plans to travel to Montreal in Quebec, Alaska by cruise, the Camino de Santiago in France and Spain, and Burning Man. </div>
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All Carol wanted was a world full of love. And luckily, she knew it when she saw it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKJYA7ftf0AJh1fsseNGJXWJjIC4omw0UFBU591GLXMpUmpJURU5uNl1LVHDT2p4s8-edILBjv8s3DVBogmXU79AgSQS_lr5jjXUjcUqHNWeLOBQKNuiRztHh75FF1LYcLWyXw0Kylyw/s1600/Carol+in+Paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="507" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKJYA7ftf0AJh1fsseNGJXWJjIC4omw0UFBU591GLXMpUmpJURU5uNl1LVHDT2p4s8-edILBjv8s3DVBogmXU79AgSQS_lr5jjXUjcUqHNWeLOBQKNuiRztHh75FF1LYcLWyXw0Kylyw/s320/Carol+in+Paris.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
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Carol would always ferret out the perfect item at a flea market or second hand shop, something that was special, something that others had put their heart and soul into. Homemade quilts, victorian tea sets, vintage dishes, and bedazzled tiaras were all treasures to her. She was a historian of things made and loved with tenderness.</div>
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Carol is survived by numerous Friends and Colleagues, 2 Adorable Cats Bello, the Lover Hitman, and Mazey, the Feline Princess, her 3 Big-Hearted Brothers, Roy, Danny, and Bobby, her 2 Daughters, Katie and Kelly, who both inspired by Carol are Professional Writers, and her Loving Pirate of a Husband Tony.</div>
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We’re all glad you finally got to go Uptown Sunshine!</div>
Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-83541912974512000922019-07-16T23:12:00.002-07:002019-07-16T23:16:28.017-07:00A Night and a Day in Morro Bay, CA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>A Night and a Day in Morro Bay, CA</b><br />
<b>By Kathleen Berry, Lifestyle Editor, Edible Skinny</b><br />
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When faced with a Sunday drive from LA to Benicia, a minimum of five and a half hours, my sister and I decided to make it a three day weekend by stopping over in Morro Bay. Morro Bay is a waterfront city in San Luis Obispo County, California located along California State Route 1 on California's Central Coast.<br />
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The weather in LA was perfect so we had a leisurely brunch at Shutters - highly recommended - followed by a stroll on the beach at Santa Monica, and because of this we didn’t hit the freeway until four in the afternoon. We arrived after dark in <a href="https://www.morrobay.org/">Morro Bay</a> and went straight to our lodgings at <a href="https://www.innatmorrobay.com/">The Inn at Morro Bay</a>. The Inn is a sprawling complex of smaller buildings, each with parking. It was April, off season, so we went for a waterfront room at a great price. We arrived just in time to catch a late dinner at the restaurant in the main building. The menu was not large but had plenty of tempting choices. The service was good, the food was delicious, and the fire we sat in front of was perfect for a chilly evening.<br />
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We woke up to a foggy morning. In front of our room was a myriad of sailboats bobbing on their moorings and a view of the famous <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morro_Rock">Morro Rock</a>. As we ate breakfast in the lodge overlooking the water, the weather cleared and the enormity and majesty of the Rock was revealed. We packed quickly and proceeded through town to Morro Bay State Park. As we approached the Rock just seemed to get bigger and bigger until it appeared to tower over the entire town. It’s a very tall: 576 feet high. We first went to the north side of the park where surfers, people with their dogs and even horseback riders populated a beautiful long curve of white sand beach. The water sparkled in the sun and the surf was moderate with gently breaking waves. If it had been 80 degrees I would have gone for a swim.<br />
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After basking in the sun and enjoying the action taking place on the beach, we moved to the south side of the Rock. There a breakwater forms a protected entrance to the harbor that fronts the town. Here we were treated to the antics of several groups of sea otters and also a seal. The man parked next to us was spearfishing and having some success. Boats came and went. There was a sightseeing boat that carefully moved alongside the otters so the tourists could have a close-up view. We just sat on a bench and took in the sights. The park was peaceful and quiet as it was a Monday and the kids were still in school.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_xiohpEZDknETn2oKgjgJeS9TNItg56aIlllWMmxzBbrOZlZ9hw84XKdwInEcjORcR-6oJLd1FfmixVZZ0baKf4pSQ0_od6epusgHHMaiM87CvTg_l3IFd9h0qB3PRSmoEYNV_6T4FQ/s1600/Photo+Apr+29%252C+12+11+27+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_xiohpEZDknETn2oKgjgJeS9TNItg56aIlllWMmxzBbrOZlZ9hw84XKdwInEcjORcR-6oJLd1FfmixVZZ0baKf4pSQ0_od6epusgHHMaiM87CvTg_l3IFd9h0qB3PRSmoEYNV_6T4FQ/s320/Photo+Apr+29%252C+12+11+27+PM.jpg" width="240" /></a>We hated to leave but we were headed to <a href="https://visitsansimeonca.com/what-to-do/elephant-seals-san-simeon/">Elephant Seal Beach</a> further up the coast just past San Simeon and then to Monterey for a seafood dinner. The elephant seals are always a sight to see piled on top of one another, flinging sand on themselves to stay cool, and grunting and barking at each other if one of them decides he has to move. We didn’t arrive in Monterrey until the evening as we took the long and winding Big Sur coast road with its unparalleled views of cliffs, boulders, and ocean. It was well worth the trip. At Monterey we picked a restaurant at random and had dinner at Schooners Coastal Kitchen, which is well hidden inside the Monterey Plaza Hotel. It is on historic Cannery Row overlooking the bay. The salmon was outstanding and the swordfish, surprisingly cooked in a tomato sauce, had a great combination of flavors.<br />
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Our brief night and day stay was over and it was time to hit the road for the remainder of the ride back home to Benicia. We slid through San Jose at 9:30 p.m., avoiding the normal congestion and traffic, and it was an easy drive the rest of the way. We arrived home tired but refreshed by our day by the sea. Salt air, sunshine, the sound of the sea, without the crowds - that’s Morro Bay on a sunny April day. You can’t beat it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvvvw4cOG6kWs-i5XOrHmuW8ZlrfK8nIS5ZcGLGMLTsgaLRxTwRok1NKWVW1tyla_7m_aGGUTcKgmkIqs8sxoNlf6o2B6Bl7Y3QQPOrrz9JsVqC7Jh5HVSCJowMJzQ-Wiy808Y564Ubs/s1600/Photo+Apr+29%252C+12+36+21+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvvvw4cOG6kWs-i5XOrHmuW8ZlrfK8nIS5ZcGLGMLTsgaLRxTwRok1NKWVW1tyla_7m_aGGUTcKgmkIqs8sxoNlf6o2B6Bl7Y3QQPOrrz9JsVqC7Jh5HVSCJowMJzQ-Wiy808Y564Ubs/s320/Photo+Apr+29%252C+12+36+21+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>Kathleen Berry is an adventurous senior who loves to travel. She recently moved to the San Francisco Bay area from the Jersey Shore. She has traveled extensively on both shoestring budgets and go for broke grand scale. She is fond of cruising and has shipped out on various cruise lines from a variety of ports. She truly believes the way to find the best local food is to always ask a local.</b>Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-38965096681070344682019-07-11T04:48:00.001-07:002019-07-11T10:30:39.480-07:00Lab Tested for Purity: Specialty Curated Vino with Dry Farm Wines<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-w9VjaZIgb_8uYHfkabNxsAzX9jqxIWLILIJVRcgsWFywr3O_y46XpkzHFGfFHBOcrhI7iS672h4mTXwnE2WXpkY_10UuwvESftvMGV8ISl4TAIXquZY8s3PxMg6oRu-HmR7-wobOv1c/s1600/18DFW-FB-Ad-1x1-ImageOnly-v1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-w9VjaZIgb_8uYHfkabNxsAzX9jqxIWLILIJVRcgsWFywr3O_y46XpkzHFGfFHBOcrhI7iS672h4mTXwnE2WXpkY_10UuwvESftvMGV8ISl4TAIXquZY8s3PxMg6oRu-HmR7-wobOv1c/s640/18DFW-FB-Ad-1x1-ImageOnly-v1c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Lab Tested for Purity: Specialty Curated Vino with Dry Farm Wines</b><br />
<b>By Omid Vojdani, Health & Wellness Editor, Edible Skinny </b><br />
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Wine. Like most people, I hated it at first, unable to detect the subtle nuances in flavor. Notes of cherry and a hint of tobacco? More like alcohol forward rotten grape juice, right? But, with some exploration and experience, I started to be able to understand enough to know that I don't like fruity Cabs, but I do like a really dry Sauvignon Blanc (just like I like my beer).<br />
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But just like beer, there was always a problem: the inevitable sluggishness the next day. Someone once told me that drinking was akin to borrowing happiness from the next day; the more you drink, the more 'unhappy' you are the next morning. This was always a big problem for me, being a health nut. It always felt like I had to choose between health and one of my favorite vices.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZI9OSNsEfgrlMHSdvMhbbnA928UVsmT7rT6dfJptuPm9_wX5nL6zNPlW3mL92jncw32Xjj8dnLbVQgSqUDpK0h6a0uuIYG4bnfUg0UXa7aj6ByRbBchi0JjTivkssS41acseIC3nXQmw/s1600/18DFW-FB-Ad-1x1-ImageOnly-v1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZI9OSNsEfgrlMHSdvMhbbnA928UVsmT7rT6dfJptuPm9_wX5nL6zNPlW3mL92jncw32Xjj8dnLbVQgSqUDpK0h6a0uuIYG4bnfUg0UXa7aj6ByRbBchi0JjTivkssS41acseIC3nXQmw/s320/18DFW-FB-Ad-1x1-ImageOnly-v1a.jpg" width="320" /></a>Because the fact of the matter is if you want to be healthy, there's only two basic rules to follow: do less of the things that make you feel weak, and do more of the things that make you feel awesome. The challenge is that those rules are in order. You can't take supplements and undo a bad diet and no exercise. And no amount of water and activated charcoal is going to undo the inevitable hangover caused by drinking cheap wine.<br />
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Like I mentioned, this was a problem for me. Here's where the Napa based <a href="https://www.dryfarmwines.com/">Dry Farm Wines</a> comes in. Dry Farm Wines is a specially curated list of wines from around the world that are shipped directly to your home on a subscription basis. Todd White, the CEO, lab tests wines from around the world to make sure every bottle of wine sent out is as close to 'healthy' wine as we can get.<br />
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What makes a wine healthy? I won't list all of the criteria Todd goes for (find the whole list on their website), but things like: low alcohol and sulfites, less than 1g of sugar per liter, mold toxin free, no added chemicals to the wine making process, and of course <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2015/03/12/are-the-best-tasting-wines-dry-farmed/#3089046272a2">no irrigation (dry farms</a>, get it?). Combine wine like that with drinking low to moderate amounts, and you can enjoy your vice like me and borrow a LOT less happiness from tomorrow. How much less? Well, I put it to the test and had two bottles in the same night, and the next morning felt completely fine. Like I said, though, drink responsibly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcZSmICgWiOFkJ2l2ifCO-o0wRd7H6_p9db7n5-pa_nkokvuJHHEEs0IbG60c-GZ6P_CeNZa5slG5NcoLGayJYlOpPv17p9-oPcXgcxYlGn0gcIk4wk9c9KViv4oxYM5ewBbdMTbEsWE/s1600/18DFW-FB-Ad-16x9-ImageOnly-v1h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcZSmICgWiOFkJ2l2ifCO-o0wRd7H6_p9db7n5-pa_nkokvuJHHEEs0IbG60c-GZ6P_CeNZa5slG5NcoLGayJYlOpPv17p9-oPcXgcxYlGn0gcIk4wk9c9KViv4oxYM5ewBbdMTbEsWE/s320/18DFW-FB-Ad-16x9-ImageOnly-v1h.jpg" width="320" /></a>Why does all that lab testing and criteria matter? Well, I did some digging myself after feeling the difference, and was shocked to find just how poorly wine is regulated on the shelves in the states. Just one example: wine makers are allowed legally to add hundreds of different chemicals and other additives to the wine making process. Most of these are used in the cheaper wines to make the process faster and easier to mass produce, but the reality is this: don't be so quick to explain away a headache to too much wine, or the <a href="https://winefolly.com/tutorial/sulfites-in-wine/">sulfites</a>. There's a good chance that one or more of these additives could be causing you health problems that we feel as a hangover.<br />
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OK, healthy wine, I get it. Obvious next question: how do they taste? So far, I can safely say there is just as much variation in the taste with <a href="https://www.dryfarmwines.com/">Dry Farm</a> Wines as what you'd get from commercial wines at your local store. For example, one of the bottles in the box I received was a Rosé that was just unbelievable. But, there was also a bottle of a Sauvigon Blanc that I didn't care for much (didn't stop me from drinking the whole thing, just a little too sweet for my taste buds). The third bottle was a Bordeaux that I thought was pretty good, but my wife absolutely loved. To each their own, but I'm confident you'll find something you like in each box.<br />
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Now, the last point I'll make about Dry Farm Wines. This ain't your Two Buck Chuck wine, but nor is it the $500 bottle you save for a special occasion. With the subscription, the bottles will range between $15-25 each, some being less expensive and some being more. For my wife and I, we take our health quite seriously, and for us it's worth being able to enjoy a vice knowing we're following rule 1 of health.<br />
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In closing, Dry Farm Wines is curated healthy wine, lab tested and shipped to you each month, all for around $20 per bottle. This might not be for every wine drinker out there, but if you're like me and want to turn a vice into a healthy beverage, check out www.dryfarmwines.com for more info. Now if only they could do the same thing with beer…<br />
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<b>Omid Vojdani is a health and wellness expert with over 10 years of hands on experience focusing on injury rehabilitation, postural alignment therapy, relationship counseling, and spiritual growth. You can find more info at succeedwithomid.com</b>Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-23476592083615925372019-07-07T12:14:00.004-07:002019-07-07T12:14:43.735-07:00Soaking It Up: The Enchanting Healing Waters of Glen Ivy Hot Springs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCvbWumLK17AJcXRYD4K6wZlRrZZX3yUFeyFVCg3hUezpCVEcOrjyN1rqWI3tsA6Soo8vYVvNZeBo3YENYeien4mxdpsEuxhvsK_EnyR9NL6ShNNyC1UukheZVgVx2qeCaIfI9KHEAs8/s1600/IMG_0908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCvbWumLK17AJcXRYD4K6wZlRrZZX3yUFeyFVCg3hUezpCVEcOrjyN1rqWI3tsA6Soo8vYVvNZeBo3YENYeien4mxdpsEuxhvsK_EnyR9NL6ShNNyC1UukheZVgVx2qeCaIfI9KHEAs8/s640/IMG_0908.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>Soaking It Up: The Enchanting Healing Waters of Glen Ivy Hot Springs</b><br />
<b>By Kat Thomas, Edible Skinny</b><br />
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<b>“Work. Don't Think. Relax.” </b><br />
<b>― Ray Bradbury</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFi9ixQUc5Ul4wlbWooMOkRm33GkuRAoWyXfhAJGGKlsmWf9GajCvYoCu5fuYkzQkLkeEstEP2vB-o2hA9YgVqi4N9XyvdlhIfDao0sdnj3nCxw67tGB9rZTV3av6_mKQX_7Iq6mKHmoA/s1600/IMG_0894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFi9ixQUc5Ul4wlbWooMOkRm33GkuRAoWyXfhAJGGKlsmWf9GajCvYoCu5fuYkzQkLkeEstEP2vB-o2hA9YgVqi4N9XyvdlhIfDao0sdnj3nCxw67tGB9rZTV3av6_mKQX_7Iq6mKHmoA/s320/IMG_0894.jpg" width="240" /></a>A few weeks ago Edible Skinny was lucky enough to encounter the enchanting healing waters of <a href="https://www.glenivy.com/">Glen Ivy Hot Springs</a>, a world class spa retreat located in Corona, California (less than an hour away from Los Angeles… depending on traffic...). For generations people have flocked to this rare oasis of wellbeing in SoCal. A spa destination since 1860 (that’s right people, I said 1860!!!), it’s the ultimate co-ed place to connect, escape, and rejuvenate with 17 pools, healthy cuisine, and activities galore. There’s nothing quite like the Glen Ivy experience with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrotherapy">Hydrotherapy</a> including Mineral Baths, Hot and Cold Plunges, and Saline Pools; a famously fabulous Grotto where you’re painted head to toe in a Eucalyptus, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil Concoction, and Therapeutic Red Clay Mineral <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mud_bath">Mud Baths</a>.<br />
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Long long ago, the natural mineral springs and oaken forest at the foot of the Santa Ana Mountains served as a peaceful sanctuary for generations of indigenous people who gathered in search of healing and tranquility. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was campaigning for Highest Office in the Country the year that Glen Ivy Hot Springs was first advertised in the Los Angeles Star. The first country inn to carry the Glen Ivy Hot Springs (aka the Temescal Sulphur Springs, as Glen Ivy Hot Springs, was known prior to the 1880s) was constructed in 1870. At this time, the price of a swim in the mineral waters was just 25 Cents, which included a bathing suit and towel! ;-)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5oQlCZrg8_9LiRxeWlUPS4foPR9hAt0Un9Xq-lrdL250dqHnk5piNHg1ocDKNQSvdGohK8PLdSMqbpIzYzJK4-szud2NtB4bEftB8T_qIOtdbi-gc0E33hvSLmmHvWVBjCeZfm1d4iU/s1600/IMG_0937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5oQlCZrg8_9LiRxeWlUPS4foPR9hAt0Un9Xq-lrdL250dqHnk5piNHg1ocDKNQSvdGohK8PLdSMqbpIzYzJK4-szud2NtB4bEftB8T_qIOtdbi-gc0E33hvSLmmHvWVBjCeZfm1d4iU/s320/IMG_0937.jpg" width="240" /></a>A couple of details about modern day <a href="https://www.glenivy.com/">Glen Ivy</a> Hot Springs. The majority of the spa experience is outside, so you dress as if you’re going to the beach, pool, or spa. Prices run you between $55 (Weekdays) to $75 (Weekend and Holidays). Right now they’re in premium season so reservations are STRONGLY suggested! And Hello Thrifty; parking is FREE (take that Los Angeles!). Guests are encouraged to wear a dark colored or older bathing suit (as some of the treatments have a tendency to discolor fabrics) and sandals that can get wet. Also most of the spa is Co-Ed, so if you’re modest make sure to also pack a cover up! No outside food or drink is allowed on the grounds as there’s multiple restaurants and bars at Glen Ivy Hot Springs including: the Ivy Kitchen, the Starbucks based GoCo Cafe, the juice and smoothie based Chill Zone, and outdoor cabana bar The Lounge 1860. Water fountains are located throughout the space and utilized pure Glen Ivy well water! ;-) <br />
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And now on to the experience itself! Hydrotherapy is the name of the game at Glen Ivy Hot Springs with 17 different pool options. It’s nothing new as the therapeutic use of water has been recorded in ancient Egyptian, Greek (Hippocrates prescribed bathing in spring water for sickness), and Roman civilizations. Egyptian royalty bathed with essential oils and flowers, while Romans had communal public baths for their citizens. <br />
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And now that the history lesson is over with… First a foremost, Glen Ivy is known for their thermal mineral waters that are naturally heated by the earth’s core (Science!!!). Water travels through the depths of geological time, dissolving minerals, and emerging as a spring with a unique chemical composition that can hydrate and heal. With a naturally occurring temperature of 103 Degrees, warm mineral water open pores allowing minerals to absorb into the skin while imparting warmth to soothe joints and muscles. The sulphur scent is a sign of the inherent minerals such as sodium sulfate and sodium carbonate and the visible white particles are traces of calcium and magnesium.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWoYrtiPoBhXW3gKGRx60XO5X4CU8HrzN8WSVNa6JB9lBUP2mQHrzro8VqikbGtUE4G0187bHUPYc_LTx4dAhtLAb1nla_BD-aca5SYDNZECYOJKDH5U4Bx3rIxrVA9kkTSF5R-EPxbw/s1600/IMG_0942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWoYrtiPoBhXW3gKGRx60XO5X4CU8HrzN8WSVNa6JB9lBUP2mQHrzro8VqikbGtUE4G0187bHUPYc_LTx4dAhtLAb1nla_BD-aca5SYDNZECYOJKDH5U4Bx3rIxrVA9kkTSF5R-EPxbw/s320/IMG_0942.jpg" width="240" /></a>Along with the Mineral Baths, one of the other pool standouts of Glen Ivy Hot Springs is their Hot and Cold Plunges. Hot/Cold Hydrotherapy increases circulation, boosts the immune system, and leaves you feeling invigorated. Varying hot and cold temperatures can help dilute and constrict blood vessels to encourage blood flow and strengthens the immune system. Warm water soothes aching muscles while cold water increases circulation and contracts muscles to eliminate toxins. Additionally, cold water strengthens mucous membranes to help resist hay fever, allergies, coughs, and colds. Spend up to 5 minutes in the hot pool (102 Degrees), then move carefully to the cold pool (67 Degrees) for 45-60 seconds for a stimulating contrast. Repeat up to five times for maximum benefits! And then there’s the Saline Pool (with a temperature of 104 Degrees). Epsom salt, a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate is known to relax the nervous system, alleviate many skin problems, soothe back pain, and muscle strain, treat colds and congestion, all while drawing toxins from the body. Absorption of magnesium can reduce inflammation, aid in muscles and serve nerve functions, and prevent artery hardening. Sulfate aids in the absorption of nutrients can ease migraine headaches and helps to eliminate toxins.<br />
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Then it was off to Glen Ivy’s famously fabulous Grotto... Me and about seven other guests descended into the cave-like surroundings of The Grotto for a ritual that moisturizes and refreshes sun-drenched skin all for just a $30 Add-On. First discovered in ancient Rome, grottos were recognized as peaceful escapes from the outside world. The Italians used the abundance of natural moisture of grottos to create hydrating bath houses. Similarly the French, sought out these cool subterranean caves from the blazing summer heat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcxFelsdWZIV1HfVLFLBUdxwDVQ1eaWQ0i1RvdQ-6_EoEpebRsgw_Vmux0KO5Nf4ByJlAjsLEekkR-jWJ_AkuXPGV8w692U0scEKIGqyLVYqFiEk-joemIIgVfsWLrWZ3gzU3RkpA7Qk/s1600/IMG_E0897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcxFelsdWZIV1HfVLFLBUdxwDVQ1eaWQ0i1RvdQ-6_EoEpebRsgw_Vmux0KO5Nf4ByJlAjsLEekkR-jWJ_AkuXPGV8w692U0scEKIGqyLVYqFiEk-joemIIgVfsWLrWZ3gzU3RkpA7Qk/s320/IMG_E0897.jpg" width="240" /></a>Once below ground we were painted neck-to-toe with a warm aloe vera, coconut oil, eucalyptus, shea butter, and lavender masque. We then filed into the gently heated cavern where this silky formula soaked further into our skin as our body heated up (resulting in our pores opening up). Unlike most spa treatments, what makes the Grotto is that it can be enjoyed in a group or with friends. It is a spa treatment, and Glen Ivy expects you keep your voices to a whisper in the Grotto (something we definitely got an L on…). Twenty minutes later I was toasty enough to step into the next room to rinse off under cascading water before moving into the final, cooler grotto to relax with tea, water and green apples.<br />
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The irony is that after being cleansed in the Grotto I headed straight back to being Dirty (TOTALLY the Kat Thomas way…)! “Club Mud” is California’s original therapeutic red clay mineral mud bath (perhaps you saw Tim Robbins do it in the movie “The Player”). This was by far my AB FAB FAVORITE part of Glen Ivy Hot Springs!!! The red clay mineral mud is formed using dry powder clay found in Temescal Valley and is mixed with Glen Ivy naturally occuring mineral water. The Mud Bath is filled with fresh thermal water every morning for cleanliness and guests’ health. Clay and mud masks have been used for centuries to remove impurities from the skin and leave it looking clearer and healthier. These simple formulas can help unclog pores, control oil, and improve skin’s overall appearance. Just note, due to the intense color of their red mud, Glen Ivy recommends using an older dark colored swimsuit. Also please take care with silver jewelry as it will tarnish! <br />
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So here’s to life being delicious, all your moments being postcardworthy, and getting fabulously dirty at Club Mud! ;-)<br />
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<b>Kat Thomas is the Editor in Chief of Edible Skinny, a site dedicated to making your life postcard worthy. She is also the CEO of the creative media company This Way Adventures. You can find more about both brands at: <a href="http://www.thiswayadventures.com/">http://www.thiswayadventures.com</a></b>Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3183205139040839565.post-33504370314049307792019-06-06T13:15:00.003-07:002019-06-06T13:16:19.806-07:00A Tale of Las Cruces, Visiting The City Twice on a Road Trip From Vegas to Houston and Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmghfj6WgyH9XuhjsLhkzo15VwYWDfzcgPfPjIigeB4E7FtytOjDTMEvf7Yuta670HJPzxo8hSBmDa16fd1Kp0AWUDMuJRCj8bqJdwpVpvdBGvmsR1jIaUGkh8jAUzmcgTXJwUlJ9t34/s1600/IMG_8885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmghfj6WgyH9XuhjsLhkzo15VwYWDfzcgPfPjIigeB4E7FtytOjDTMEvf7Yuta670HJPzxo8hSBmDa16fd1Kp0AWUDMuJRCj8bqJdwpVpvdBGvmsR1jIaUGkh8jAUzmcgTXJwUlJ9t34/s640/IMG_8885.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<h3>
A Tale of Las Cruces, Visiting The City Twice on a Road Trip From Vegas to Houston and Back</h3>
<b>By Kat Thomas </b><br />
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<b>“Elsewhere the sky is the roof of the world; but in New Mexico the earth was the floor of the sky.” </b><br />
<b>― Willa Cather</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxctnz0GYd-y3zl-uJaVm6XhoMnb28G_37eABYSCaiMlrOnRNlnPQyN2sy0wF2NzO2TZVQzIpGy8QEV7QvXoTTZwkDBnRtjqKtzV_y_X8Jupk3HjGIUr7YrOUA7vIXGTbPCZpF-3PAlk/s1600/IMG_8704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxctnz0GYd-y3zl-uJaVm6XhoMnb28G_37eABYSCaiMlrOnRNlnPQyN2sy0wF2NzO2TZVQzIpGy8QEV7QvXoTTZwkDBnRtjqKtzV_y_X8Jupk3HjGIUr7YrOUA7vIXGTbPCZpF-3PAlk/s320/IMG_8704.jpg" width="240" /></a>About a month ago Edible Skinny was lucky enough to visit the city of <a href="https://www.las-cruces.org/">Las Cruces in New Mexico.</a> The city, on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, is located at the junction of Interstate Highways 10 (which is how I ended up there on the way from Las Vegas to Houston and back..) and 25 (of which it is the southern terminus). Las Cruces is the state's second largest city, with a population of approximately 101,047 (2012 Census estimate in case you were wondering), and is the site of New Mexico State University. Oh and the city’s name means "the crosses" in Spanish! ;-)<br />
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<b><u>La Nueva Casita Cafe</u></b><br />
On a lark, while driving through Las Cruces on the way to Houston, I decided to forsake favorite Fast Casual restaurant Chipotle for the local Mexican joint with the best Yelp reviews in town. What I walked into was the best Fucking tacos of my life in Las Cruces at <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=La+Nueva+Casita+Cafe&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8">La Nueva Casita Cafe</a>!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBwqA0xTx95trYriBfqlPlpxIkzL4lbJ9iydyvCts9wklzim1trb9dyXfMONsSl09b7FtcDm6j7nw2tZts9knN3SYHYenuIKWcHyndiYt_COLZA2n1qId7tV_RjZGyfwovtCCevgdkz8/s1600/IMG_8708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBwqA0xTx95trYriBfqlPlpxIkzL4lbJ9iydyvCts9wklzim1trb9dyXfMONsSl09b7FtcDm6j7nw2tZts9knN3SYHYenuIKWcHyndiYt_COLZA2n1qId7tV_RjZGyfwovtCCevgdkz8/s320/IMG_8708.jpg" width="320" /></a>Fresh, fresh, fresh is all I can say. I started with homemade salsa that’s actually spicy (which usually never happens as most restaurants dumb down their spiciness levels for the lowest common denominator when it comes to HEAT...). The chips, also made in house, had all the nooks and crannies in all the right places.<br />
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This was an intro to the main dish: chicken tacos That BLEW MY MIND! The chicken, marinated in local New Mexico spices, was moist beyond compare. The guacamole balanced it perfectly with a creaminess interrupted by jalapeño and other spices of heat! So if you’re looking for Mexican food the way God intended it (sorry Chipotle), this is your place!<br />
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<b><u>Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces </u></b><br />
Ironically 4 days later I once again found myself in Las Cruces, NM. This time to spend a night at the FABULOUS (And Fabulously inexpensive) <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=La+Nueva+Casita+Cafe&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8">Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAID2FMZfR9URmn3x_uTEytDXt8iGVM7GZolJ7W_xMDKfvs9xy1My8nJTV9iOJhstLt1VaziMILWSWiafJLnEcK23l8v_uEoeMyfEgXwWKmScIWXkb3dSXrITkY-sphdPHKkyiTyGFrk/s1600/IMG_8883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAID2FMZfR9URmn3x_uTEytDXt8iGVM7GZolJ7W_xMDKfvs9xy1My8nJTV9iOJhstLt1VaziMILWSWiafJLnEcK23l8v_uEoeMyfEgXwWKmScIWXkb3dSXrITkY-sphdPHKkyiTyGFrk/s320/IMG_8883.jpg" width="320" /></a>Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces (also known as Hotel Las Cruces) is the premier Heritage Hotel & Resort in Southern New Mexico. A welcoming oasis, the hotel was recently named one of the best hotels to book in 2019 by Travel + Leisure. “The hotel’s earthy color palette, arched doorways, and tiled floors are quintessentially southwestern, while a lounge and outdoor pool offers visitors a place to wind down after a long day in the desert.”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEmcey-i8Z9_LoMrG7HtsB5T5m9sko08nZ6IYWuKchNAZKBZTqYvoR0kJU2CDYmY7zbbEHRAqpulQfexF6qYSDH2uZLgXaHYLjU_YDD7hZy5dNiUurnADnorAji03U6PBU96_tcRQo40/s1600/IMG_8874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEmcey-i8Z9_LoMrG7HtsB5T5m9sko08nZ6IYWuKchNAZKBZTqYvoR0kJU2CDYmY7zbbEHRAqpulQfexF6qYSDH2uZLgXaHYLjU_YDD7hZy5dNiUurnADnorAji03U6PBU96_tcRQo40/s320/IMG_8874.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The outside pool is absolutely stunning. I keep telling people it my hotel room would have been four times as much if it had been in LA and not the desert of New Mexico. Plus the hotel is located in downtown, but the outside vistas overlook the striking Mesilla Valley allowing you to get the best of both worlds.<br />
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And for you space nerds, this Las Cruces hotel is honored to be selected by Virgin Galactic as the official preferred hotel and resort in Doña Ana County to service the astronauts and their families who will be traveling to Spaceport America.<br />
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So here’s to life being delicious, all your moments being postcard worthy, and the best Fucking tacos of my life in Las Cruces!!!<br />
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<b>Kat Thomas is the Editor in Chief of Edible Skinny, a site dedicated to making your life postcard worthy. She is also the CEO of the creative media company This Way Adventures. You can find more about both brands at <a href="http://www.thiswayadventures.com/">http://www.thiswayadventures.com</a></b>Kat Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260988541679207179noreply@blogger.com0