Dream…What does this word ignite within you? Does dreaming feel like a fantasy; or does “dream” cultivate a spark of inspiration? For me dreaming feels open, fluid and expansive, which is why I chose DREAM to be my word of the year for 2018. It’s been 8 years since I started choosing a “Word of The Year” and I have experienced magnetic engagement inward and a direct positive impact in my life onward. By choosing one word to live by each year, I have found myself more consciously connected & guided by the intentional qualities of the word. Every year the words that I have chosen seem intrinsically to build on each other. The past year’s words work as essential building blocks to my ever-growing foundation. I have family and friends that join in and pick a Word of the Year for themselves as well. My husband, my Mom, my sister & a group of my girlfriends all participate; making our words engaging and alive for us all collectively. Whenever we gather, we check in with each other on how our words are showing up, what shifts in perspective have taken place. As the New Year is upon us, I wanted to write this post from the energetic thread of DREAM. I closed my eyes to feel into DREAM… instantly I was illuminated with memories from a beautiful journey last year to Napa Valley. This special place in Napa was curated and birthed by a true pioneer and close friend of mine who has always encouraged me to dream into the infinite possibilities. Which is why I feel this blog post is so in alignment, Somnium means “dream” in Latin…my girlfriend, Danica Patrick chose Somnium as the name for her vineyard/ winery located in St. Helena, California. Somnium Wine was born from Danica’s dream, her passion for wine, cooking and connection she felt when visiting Napa Valley.Inspiration, this is powerful energy that shines from Danica’s life journeys. Danica’s dream to own a vineyard brought her to a place of true connection within & beyond. To believe that anything is possible, her fierce drive, determination, vast knowledge, and intentional manifestation… Somnium has become her reality. Every year my girlfriends and I take a vacation together, Danica is a part of our sacred sister group. Traveling to new destinations together cultivates openness and conscious expansion. Last year Danica invited us to her vineyard, we were all so excited to see & experience Somnium. As we drove thru the winding roads in St. Helena all of us girls were filled with excitement & anticipation. We were about to witness and step foot onto the ground where Danica had literally planted seeds to create Somnium. It was late in the morning when we arrived at Danica’s vineyard, she said: “here we go girls”. We drove up the vineyard’s steep road, Danica shared with us about the vineyard, the grapes, her lot location and orientation on Howell Mountain. With just the right amount of sun exposure, the steep land provides for optimal rain drainage to the fertile soil that is nutrient dense all essential to produce succulent grape vines. Our car ride stopped, and we exited the vehicle to take in the majestic views. We were greeted by Somnuim’s manager, Tracy Smith. Tracy walked with us to the viewing area. Ahead you could see a beautiful table, surrounded by rows and rows of vibrant green vineyards, there was a soft breeze offering serine energy with an essence of awe & amazement. As we made our way to her outdoor dining pavilion, my heart was expanded with wonder and excitement. The sun was illuminating upon us, the ground felt saturated with intention full of growth. We had arrived, I believe I can speak for us all in the group that we couldn’t be prouder, and we are so deeply inspired by our soul sister.
“I named the vineyard Somnium, which means dream in Latin, because I thought owning my own winery was something that would just be a dream, but it became a reality. I can’t tell you how many times I have signed an autograph for a child and added the note —dream big! It is a life motto—it’s how I think, how I live and what I preach! My dreams never stop, and they continue to evolve” – Danica PatrickProprietor
I am not an experienced wine connoisseur what so ever, I’ve shared with Danica that I do love wine but have very little knowledge. As Danica always does, she said there’s only one way to learn and that is to open yourself up to experience. Our friendship is full of truth and reflection. She pushes to own my truth and to yes… to dream. So, in choosing DREAM as my word this year, it was certainly inspired by Danica, her ability to dream and manifest her reality.
Sending everyone blessings full of fearless inward & onward journeys entering 2019.
I’ve just journeyed back from one of my favorite places in Colorado… Telluride! I have been traveling with my husband Ben, to the beautiful mountain town for 14 years. Telluride is equally as magnetic and adventurous in the summer and the winter with amazing mountain terrain to explore in both seasons! There are two areas where you can stay while visiting Telluride, either in town or in the Mountain Village and personally, I really love both! With a complimentary gondola that connects the Village to the town, navigating to and from is not only convenient but also offers unparalleled views of the San Juan Mountains and historic town of Telluride. July 11th was my 38th birthday and I chose to celebrate with my hubby & stay in town at a relatively new boutique hotel called The Dunton Town House, located right in the center of the town of Telluride. The Dunton Town House is full of character and charm with lux amenities, I’m excited to share all that I fell in love with at this boutique property… let the Dunton Journey begin.
Cascading emerald green mountains, effervescent waterfalls, bountiful ocean adventures, luxury boutique property, a spa that will transport your body into peaceful tranquility, exquisite farm to fork cuisine & a new “Living Well Yoga Guru Series” initiating a fluid connection with the mind, body, and soul! I am honored to share my journey to the “Garden Island” a.k.a Kauai & The Lodge at Kukui`ula. With my heart full of the Aloha spirit, my intention in this post is to share the sacred Hawaiian Mana (Divine Power).
I had hoped to share this wintery journey back in late January… and I have to say 2018 has really been a whirlwind of unexpected detours. I always like to start the New Year with a fresh perspective full of goals, dreams and new beginnings, as I believe most of us do. All I can say is, though the seeds have been planted, boy has reality kicked me into the unknown! I continue to be shown that there is just so much that is out of our control. No matter how much we plan, sometimes we are tested to just let go and flow & trust the journey ahead. With 2018 already in full swing, I hope everyone is finding fluidity in this year full of transformation. As we let go of the old and make room for the new… I’m reminded to stay connected within, to stay present and just breathe… reminding myself all is unfolding just as it should.Continue Reading…
It’s been a while since I have written and shared a travel journey, 3 months to be exact! Yowzer how time flies!!! My travels have come to a halt while I’ve been immersed in my toffee business working side by side with my Mom…tis the season to give toffee! No worries, coming early 2018 I will be back traveling, writing and sharing some of my new-found discoveries. For now, I wanted to share a journey I took back in May of this year. I didn’t have to travel far, just 30 min south to Scottsdale…
May 7th, I had an awesome opportunity to sit down with the conscious and talented Thomas Brown, curator of Inner Monologue Podcast. Thomas has created a platform for people to share their inward journeys, he does an incredible job navigating each guest going back in time and then bringing it all back full circle to the present, to their awakened conscious state.
Oh, do I have a deep love for Colorado, it’s one of my favorite places to journey year-round! When my good friend, Dusti invited me to join her on a weekend trip to Colorado; without hesitation, I eagerly said yes! One of our favorite bands, Nahko & Medicine for the People were playing at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO. Though I have never been to the Red Rocks, there is a bespoken buzz about this outdoor venue; which is carved out of the red rocks & exposed to the moonlit, starry sky! Dusti took care of getting our concert tickets and it was up to me to find a place for us to stay. I came across this eclectic and charming Inn called Highland Haven, complete with a whimsical treehouse! I’m excited to share about our little playful adventure that offered big heart expansion.
Aromatic lavender fields, farm to fork organic cuisine and authentic New Mexico architecture by John Gaw Meem… I am so excited to share this special & truly one of a kind property located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I first discovered Los Poblanos Inn and Organic Farm 7 years ago when looking for places to stay in ABQ while visiting my husband’s family. During my internet search, I came across this charming Inn located in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque. With the Rio Grande River to the West and the Sandia Mountains to the East, Los Poblanos is surrounded by rich vegetation & beautiful views. When entering the Los Poblanos property, you drive down a road lined with giant, majestic cottonwood trees. I remember feeling enchantment and wonder… It was during my first visit to LP, that I started to dream into creating my travel blog. I thought, “unique places like this Inn have a story yearning to be experienced and shared”. Los Poblanos evokes a tranquil stillness and deep connection with the land. Once on the property, you can feel the heartbeat and soul connective thread of the owners & curators of Los Poblanos, The Rembe Family.
I am so excited to share one of my favorite mystical places to journey… Tulum, Mexico! I first experienced Tulum 3 years ago on a yoga retreat with my husband Ben, not only did we fall in love with the land and the Mayan culture, energetically we shifted and evolved. I recently went back to Tulum in February with my soul sister for some restorative vacation time. We stayed at the beautiful BE Tulum, a boutique hotel that has been on my dream list to experience. We arrived in the evening to check in and were enveloped with the calming and cleansing smoke of Copal, walking up the sand pathway with candle light glistening in the trees and the crisp smell of the ocean air. Yes, we had arrived in paradise.
Music…what does it invoke in you? What feelings & emotions awaken when listening, singing or playing a musical instrument? For me, music takes me inward to a place where my heart and soul reside. Music ignites joy, laughter, and a sense of playful freedom. Music also has been scientifically proven to assist in the healing of the mind & body through various musical modalities.
This blog post is on my recent journey to the opening of Sophie’s Place at Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa, AZ. Sophie’s Places are dedicated music therapy facilities built within children’s hospitals assisting in caring for young people suffering from pain, chronic illness, and serious injury.
Onward to Jackson Hole, WY winter wonderland! Jackson Hole with its rustic charm, embraced my heart, tantalized my taste buds and brought out the wildlife enthusiast in me! My husband Ben and I took a road trip from Big Sky, MT, thru Yellow Stone, into Idaho, then thru the breath-taking Teton Pass…ultimately ending at our destination, Jackson Hole. What a beautiful & adventurous 3 hour drive it was! Winter road conditions were present, though it was slow to go, the safe pace allowed us to really take our time and soak up the vast and mesmerizing landscape. In this post, I will introduce you to a new mountain luxury, “family owned” boutique hotel. Scrumptious local restaurants where “soul” is the common ingredient used. A journey to The National Elk Refuge & conservation, and lastly our experience down the steep and deep terrain of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Whether you are looking for the authentic vibe of the historic western town or deep connection in Mother Nature…I hope this post will guide you to the amazing local places found off the beaten path of tourism.
Inspiration, this is powerful energy that shines from Danica’s life journeys. Danica’s dream to own a vineyard brought her to a place of true connection within & beyond. To believe that anything is possible, her fierce drive, determination, vast knowledge, and intentional manifestation… Somnium has become her reality. Every year my girlfriends and I take a vacation together, Danica is a part of our sacred sister group. Traveling to new destinations together cultivates openness and conscious expansion. 
