WHERE TO NEXT?CATEGORIESBy Kenesha Hylton, Foodie
Today is a quick message to go check out 118 Degrees in Costa Mesa – it’s a true ode to health. Learn to cook raw food with Jenny Ross, owner of 118 Degrees, at the Art of Raw Living Food event on Saturday, July 24th. For more information check out the restaurant’s event calendar.
By Chrissy Gray, Event Planner
I love camping – late nights around the bonfire roasting smores, hiking through the wilderness, days without a real shower – but when my friends suggested going glamping for the weekend in Santa Barbara, I was totally game. I’d heard the term “glamping” thrown around before but I had yet to experience it for myself. I have to say, glamorous camping is pretty awesome!
Just past Santa Barbara on Highway 1 is El Capitan Canyon, a picturesque collection of log cabins and tents nestled in a valley across from the Pacific Ocean. During our weekend trip, we stayed in a secluded tent next to a small creek that ran through the resort. Inside the tent we had a bed, two chairs, a nightstand, and even electricity. So yes, we weren’t exactly roughing it, but with the beautiful scenery and private fire pits for your favorite camping activities, it definitely didn’t feel like the Four Seasons.
El Capitan Canyon has dozens of tents and cabins to choose from , so whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic weekend of seclusion, or you’re traveling with a large group, there’s a perfect spot for you. Around the area enjoy beautiful hiking trails, horseback riding, and the beach literally across the street. We chose to spend our Saturday at Refugio State Beach where I finally learned how to surf! The small waves that day made it perfect for the beginner, but advanced surfers looked like they were having a great time too. That evening we decided to take a drive into wine country for dinner at the Ballard Inn, a world renowned restaurant with dishes made with some of the freshest, local and organic ingredients I’ve ever had. (FYI: The Watercress Soup is to die for!) With a bottle of Pinot Noir bottled just around the corner from the Inn, our glamping adventure was definitely complete.
By Kenesha Hylton, Foodie
Call me funny but, I have a love/ hate relationship with shopping for food. First of all, I love to cook; but I hate running around the store looking for all the ingredients like I am on a scavenger hunt, then usually standing in line for at least 30 minutes… even in the “express” lane or self-check out (where there is always a new convert to self-service who doesn’t know how it works)! To make shopping even more hairy I use to get looks from the store check-out clerk when they would ask “Paper or Plastic” and no matter what choice I made I often would get a groan, especially since I shop at either Whole Foods or Henry’s both stores – both are big on being green. So finally last year in Orange County I started bringing my own shopping bags to the store.
Lots of stores try and push you to buy their logo shopping bag for $1.99 to $3.99 a bag, but if you like to be unique and you like stylish things I suggest getting your own bags that make a statement. My favorite shopping bag is one that I got from a friend that has really cute pink and green dragons on it. Since I believe we should all shop in style I am giving you a list of my favorite five stylish shopping bag websites: