CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP

James and I had the best time on our road trip down the California coast.  We started in Monterey, passed through Carmel, Pebble Beach and Big Sur where we marveled at the stunning coast line and visited San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission.  Then, we stayed a night in San Luis Obispo.  In the morning, we headed to the Central Coast wine country where we went on a 20 mile bike ride through the countryside (lunch at the Los Olivos Cafe was fabulous).  Exhausted, we curled up for the night at The Ballard Inn.  Next we were off to Santa Barbara.   There we visited friends, and James attended his first yoga class.  Then we were off to Los Angeles which included stops at the Farmers Market, The Getty Center, a walk on the beach in Santa Monica, strolls down Abbott Kinney and Main Street, and burgers at Father's Office.  On our way home we had dinner at Buona Tavola in Paso Robles, and spent a night camping at Lake Nacimiento.  We had way too much fun!  Here are some photos from the trip...

{photos: Julia Ferguson}

CALIFORNIA SUMMER COTTAGES

Summer is on it's way, which means it's time to start planning.  Nothing means summer like the beach.  You don't have to spend the big bucks to hear the ocean waves crashing as you fall asleep.  Here are three options that are slightly unconventional, but no doubt will be wonderfully memorable time spent away.

Step back in time with the beautifully restored Crystal Cove Beach Cottages.  Located along the coast of Orange County in the Crystal Cove State Park, this seaside colony, built in the 1930's and 40's, is home to 21 cottages and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

I have always wanted to stay at El Capitan Canyon, just north of Santa Barbara in Southern California.  Their cedar cabins and canvas safari tents offer visitors a simple yet extremely comfortable experience.

I have had the fortunate opportunity to stay at Dawn Ranch Lodge in Northern California.  Although these cabins are not located on the beach, they are just off of the Russian River, and could not be more adorable.

{photos: Crystal Cove Beach Cottages, El Capitan Canyon, Sunset Magazine, Dawn Ranch Lodge}

HOLY GUACAMOLE - IT'S ALMOST CINCO DE MAYO

Earlier this month I spent a week in Mexico for one of my best friend's weddings.  We stayed in Tulum at Mezzanine, a lovely 9-room hotel on the beach, for the first three nights of our trip.  We then moved to the gorgeous Rosewood Mayakoba in Playa Del Carmen for the wedding and remainder of the week.  With my tan still in tact and Cinco de Mayo only a few weeks away, I started to get really excited about rounding up things for this posting.  Check out my delicious Guacamole recipe below, pics from my Mexico trip, and some items that will get you in the mood for the 5th of May (my favorite of these items: the Custom Wedding Paper Banners in the collage below).

GUACAMOLE RECIPE
Yields approx. 3 cups

2 large ripe avocados; pitted, peeled and chopped coarsely
1 ripe red tomato; seeds and pulp removed, chopped
1/3 yellow, white or sweet onion
1/4 cup serrano chillies; chopped and serve with seeds (hotness varies so it's ok to use sparingly)
1/3 cup fresh cilantro; chopped coarsely
1/3 cup water, plus more as needed
5 Tlbs. fresh lime juice (personally I like to add even more but start with this and add more as needed)
coarse salt and pepper to taste (more salt than pepper)

In a food processor (click here to find how to make it with a Molcajete if you have one), combine the avocado, onion, chillies and cilantro.  Puree until smooth.  Add the lime juice and water.  Combine until blended (add additional water if needed).

Note: If you don't have a food processor, don't worry.  In a large bowl, mash the avocado using a fork.  Then add in the chopped onion, chillies, cilantro and mix.  Mix in the lime juice first.  Then add water slowly and stop when you feel the dish is at the right consistency.

Transfer to a small bowl.  Add course salt and pepper to taste.  Also, I like a lot of lime juice so feel free to add more, if desired.  Just before serving, add the chopped red tomato to the guacamole and mix.

Note: Often times guacamole can turn brown hours after making it so a tip to help it last just a bit longer: put that giant avocado seed at the bottom of the serving bowl before pouring in the guacamole to help the avocados from browning.

Some more fiesta ideas to brighten up your day on Cinco de Mayo:

Miguel Margarita Glass ($7.95); Red Table Cloth ($5/foot); Cast Iron Tortilla Press ($19.95); Fiesta Dinnerware ($15 a plate); Orange Ranunculas; Paper Flowers ($9.92 for 6); Hand Painted Mexican Plate ($34.95); Frida Kahlo Market Bag ($25); Loteria Greeting Cards ($12 pack of 6); Hand Painted Soap Dispenser ($24.50); Milcajete ($49); Cholula Mexican Hot Sauce ($4.95); Tray (£6.99); Custom Wedding Paper Picado Banners ($63); Flecos Blanket (£89.90)

{photos: Julia Ferguson, Simply Recipes}

LOS ANGELES' UNDISCOVERED GEM: THE B&B

Los Angeles is one of my favorite cities in the world. Many people see it as just smog and traffic, but I know it as a truly unique metropolis with a lot to offer. Many cities are obvious, there is a downtown, the suburbs, the clearly trendy places to be. LA, however, is the opposite. Nothing is obvious. Neighborhoods, restaurants, boutiques, bars, farmers markets and parks and are spread throughout the urban sprawl like little gems waiting to be discovered. Once you unlock the secrets to Los Angeles, you will find a thriving city full of art, culture, charm, and amazing people.

Two of my favorite spots in LA are the Channel Road Inn and the Inn at Playa del Rey. Both are unique Bed & Breakfasts that offer a wonderful and memorable experience. The Channel Road Inn is located a block and a half from the beach in the Rustic Canyon portion of Santa Monica. With 15  individually decorated rooms, this property is as charming as they come. The Inn at Playa Del Rey is located in the sleepy beach town of, you guessed it, Playa del Rey. With stunning views of a bird sanctuary and a 10 minute walk to the beach, this Bed and Breakfast is a wonderful romantic getaway. Both Inns welcome you with chocolate chip cookies and tasty breakfasts, all freshly prepared onsite. To work off the cookies, they offer complimentary bikes to enjoy along the costal bike paths. Both inns are beautifully decorated with fine linens and tasteful furnishings, no doilies or Laura Ashley prints allowed. I was fortunate enough to work at these properties for two years. I can honestly say that both the staff and the guests are what made these a truly incredible places to work and stay.

{photos: Inn at Playa del Rey, Channel Road Inn,  Nicole Damato}