Not L.A and Not the Bay..

Another amazing trip for the books. I do not go to California often enough, but every time I go it gets even more beautiful. This time I wanted to go to wine country. Not Napa Valley, but the other one many people overlook, Paso Robles! There are great wines in Paso Robles and if I HAD to choose which winery I had the best experience at, it would be Austin Hope. The staff was very friendly and very helpful. I was greeted with a glass of refreshing rosé and given a tour of the winery itself! Austin Hope had a warm and cozy atmosphere and is a great place to picnic.

The places I encountered on this trip are:

San Luis Obispo

Hearst Castle

Pismo Beach

Montaña de Oro State Park

DAOU Family Estates at Paso Robles, California

Wineries I went to in no particular order:

Daou Family Estates

Nicora Winery

JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery

Austin Hope Winery

Tobin James Cellars

Chamisal Vineyards

Babcock Winery & Vineyards

Baileyana, Tangent & True Myth Tasting Room

Rangeland Wines

and more!

I’m still in awe about how beautiful this place is. I’m adding it to the list of “places to retire” LOL.

I say not L.A and not the Bay because Pismo Beach is smack dab in the middle. Also because I bought the coolest sweatshirt from a shop called Esteem Surf Co. LOL. This cute town has a lot to offer including an easy drive to wineries and a beautiful state park.

My Jamaican Vacation, YA MON!

Last week I embarked on my Jamaican experience. I have not left the country since June 2017. Jamaica so far is one of my favorite places I’ve visited. The scenery is beautiful to say the least. When I arrived it was raining, but the rain came and went within an hour just enough for a nap. Just kidding, I was too excited to be there to nap. 

I challenged myself to do a lot of experiences. For example I jumped off of a cliff into the ocean at Rick’s Cafe. Rick’s cafe is like a cliff diving party. Everyone was either dressed to the nines (bikini style) or dressed to dive. I was shaking the entire time, but I leaped off and it felt like forever until I hit the water. SPLASH! I made it to the other side and when I got out of the water I was still shaking! The adrenaline rush from jumping was intense which called for a celebratory beer. Red Stripe is the popular beer in Jamaica so I walked up to the bartender, panting, and ordered my beer.

Along with cliff diving I went to this place called Jam West where I went horseback riding, ATVs, and zip-lining. All of my experiences I will remember for the rest of my life. 

During Covid, traveling is a little different. Before leaving I had to have a Covid test at least 3 days before leaving. On the way back the restrictions changed from 3 days to 24 hours so you can imagine me FRANTIC trying to figure out what to do. I only panicked when I heard the news and then 5 minutes later I was in the care facility on the resort getting my test. All of my tests from before I got there, while I was there, and when I got back were all NEGATIVE! Thank goodness. I’m gad to be back home, but I’m already planning my next adventure. Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay took amazing care of us and if I come back to Jamaica, I will be staying there.

Advice I would give before leaving for Jamaica:

1. There are a lot of mosquitoes so bring bug spray 

2. Bring sunscreen

3. It is very humid so… compensate for that 

4. Jump at Ricky’s Cafe!

GritByBrit

Brit, the founder of Grit Fitness in Dallas is an amazing woman. She not only helps women get stronger physically, but mentally as well. She is a great mentor to those around her creating a safe community for all types of women.

Grit Fitness is the #1 Women’s Fitness Spot! I’ve been taking photos of this group of women for almost a year now and nowhere else compares. 

Grit Fitness has been around for 6 years now. There are 3 different locations with over 16 different types of classes and a new boxing studio at the Design District location. Grit Fitness also offers virtual memberships for those who want to workout in the comfort of their own home. 

These women are strong and powerful role models who don’t just work out, they inspire.